Celebrating Welsh heritage
439. Dilwyn Price
An Old Colwyn volunteer has encouraged thousands of young people to learn and socialise in the Welsh language.
Dilwyn’s work with the Urdd organisation included him leading the Urdd’s first ever Jamboris in 1988, when he led 1,000 singing children. The Jambori festival grew to be an annual week long festival in different venues across the area. Over the years approximately 60,000 children sang and danced with Dilwyn and the team. In 1997, Dilwyn led 12,000 children in Cardiff Bay to celebrate Urdd’s 75th birthday.
For the last 40 years, Dilwyn Price has been an Urdd Gobaith Cymru volunteer, an organisation aimed at helping young people develop their personal and social skills through the medium of Welsh. Dilwyn has held a variety of roles, from running various Urdd junior and senior youth clubs to being the Chair of the Urdd Executive Committee of the 2008 Urdd National Eisteddfod held in Conwy.
After taking part in Urdd activities as a young child, Dilwyn was inspired to volunteer and give back to the organisation. During the 1960s, Dilwyn competed in the Urdd National Eisteddfod, one of Europe’s largest annual touring youth festivals.
The competitive festival sees over 15,000 children compete in various competitions like singing, dancing and performing. This festival attracts 90,000 visitors and Dilwyn believes that this experience was critical in developing his confidence.
This year, Dilwyn’s hard work and commitment was recognised with the John and Ceridwen Memorial Award at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Caerphilly. This award recognises significant contributions to helping the lives of young people in Wales.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Dilwyn has given a huge amount of his time to helping generations of children gain the confidence and skills he learnt through the Urdd when he was younger. With the Urdd Jamboree, he has given thousands of young people the opportunity to take part in a fantastic musical experience. I am delighted to recognise Dilwyn’s long service by making him the UK’s 439th Point of Light.”
Dilwyn Price said:
“It is an honour to receive this unexpected recognition. As volunteers we strongly believe in the work and values of Urdd Gobaith Cymru and it is a pleasure to ensure that these experiences continue to be available and enhanced for the children and young people. Diolch yn fawr iawn. Thank you.”
Wales Office Minister Alun Cairns said:
“The Urdd and its army of volunteers have provided generations of young people with the opportunity to engage in a range of artistic and creative activities in Welsh. Over 40 years, Dilwyn has worked tirelessly for the organisation, promoting the Welsh language to thousands of people, and ensuring that the legacy of the Urdd lives on. I would like to congratulate Dilwyn for his hard work and dedication. This Point of Light award is worthy recognition of his tireless efforts and the important impact his work has had right across Wales.”