DO YOU know someone who has made a great contribution locally or nationally? Would you like to see someone honoured by the Gorsedd of the Bards at the Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod?

29 February is the closing date for this year’s nominations and the details are all on the Eisteddfod website, www.eisteddfod.wales/nominations

Gorsedd Recorder, Penri Tanat, says, “The Gorsedd of the Bards annually honours individuals who have made a significant contribution in a wide range of areas. In Wales, this is our way of showing our appreciation of their commitment to the country and our culture, wherever they may live.

“The names of those nominated will be discussed by the Gorsedd and the announcement for this year will be made at the beginning of May. The successful individuals will be honoured by the Gorsedd on the Eisteddfod Maes at the Monmouthshire and District festival in August.

“So, if you know of someone who has made a great contribution to Welsh culture locally or nationally, why not consider nominating them for the Gorsedd this year? Individuals have to be nominated and seconded by a member of the Gorsedd. They must also be Welsh speakers.”

In line with the Gorsedd of the Bards’ arrangements for honouring new members, all new members enter the Gorsedd on the same level, irrespective of whether they are honoured into the Blue or Green robes.

Those who have succeeded in the fields of law, science, sports, journalism, media, local / national activities become honorary druids – blue robes for their services to the nation.

The Gorsedd also honours new members to the green robes for their contribution to the arts. Those who have succeeded in the Gorsedd examination or are eligible because of their degree in literature, music, drama or art, also receive the Green robes, as will the winner of the Osborne Roberts Memorial Prize every year and the winners of the Urdd crown and chair.

Only the winners of the main competitions at the National Eisteddfod are honoured with white robes.

The nomination form is available to download from the eisteddfod website, where there is also the syllabus for the Gorsedd examinations. The closing date for registering for the examinations is 1 March.

The Monmouthshire and District National Eisteddfod is held on Castle Meadows, Abergavenny from 29 July – 6 August. For more information go online.