Technology entrepreneur John Thompson has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by Aberystwyth University as part of this year’s Graduation celebrations.

John Thompson graduated in Computer Science from Aberystwyth in 1992, and started his career intechnical research working for the UK Ministry of Defence.

In 2001, he co-founded Commerce Decisions Ltd where as CEO he worked closely with his brother Ian (an Aberystwyth Business Studies graduate) to create software that supported global customers undertaking complex procurement projects. The software has been used on 12,000 projects worth a combined £265bn.

John sold the company to QinetiQ plc in October 2008 in a deal worth £12m.

In 2012 he created UserReplay Limited; a technology to assist website owners to understand and resolve issues causing frustration to consumers.

He is now chairman and advisor to a number of early entrepreneurial technology companies.

John Thompson was presented by Professor Qiang Shen, Director of the Institute of Mathematics, Physics and Computer Science at Aberystwyth University on Thursday 19 July 2018.The full presentation is available below, in the language in which it was delivered.

Presentation of John Thompson by Professor Qiang Shen:

Ganghellor, Is-Ganghellor, darpar raddedigion, gyfeillion.  Pleser o’r mwyaf yw cyflwyno John Thompson am radd Doethur er Anrhydedd, Prifysgol Aberystwyth.

Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, prospective graduates and supporters.  It is an honour and a privilege to present John Thompson for an Honorary Doctorate Degree at Aberystwyth University.

John is a leading player in the software industry, with strong connections to Aberystwyth, coming to study in the Department of Computer Science in 1989. He recalls being given 4 megabytes of storage per student to last for 3 years, and I doubt the department’s graduands sitting here today would have been impressed had we given them a similar allocation. But back in the early nineties, 4 megabytes represented a huge amount of storage for an undergraduate used to dealing in just kilobytes.

John graduated with the top 1st for his class of 1992 and went on to do four years research into Requirements Engineering for Software and Systems for the Ministry of Defence.

In 2001 John co-founded Commerce Decisions Ltd and working with his brother Ian Thompson – himself an Aberystwyth alumnus – built a software company that supported customers in 12,000 complex procurement projects, with a combined value of $350bn. Clients included London 2012, the Home Office, the Ministry of Defence and the Australian Government. Indeed, the first University to become a customer of the software was Aberystwyth, after the software was adopted by the Welsh Government in 2006.  According to John, this was sheer coincidence but it may reflect the fact that Aber is an innovative University and an early adopter of new technologies. John eventually sold the company to QinetiQ plc in a deal worth £12m in 2008, and was delighted to learn that the executive put in to run the company by QinetiQ was also an Aberystwyth alumnus.

In 2012 John started his second business project – User Replay Limited. UserReplay is a technology for improving eCommerce sites by enabling website owners to understand and resolve issues causing frustration to consumers.

In 2015 John commenced investigating Machine Learning techniques which could potentially bring a step change to the field of eCommerce analytics, and returned to Aberystwyth to discuss ideas with Prof Chris Price, Dr Richard Jensen and myself. This resulted in a successful joint Aberystwyth/UserReplay project, funded by InnovateUK, which led to a new UserReplay software system that is now used by leading global eCommerce companies throughout the USA and Europe.

In January this year John stepped down after 17 years in CEO positions to start a portfolio career with multiple business interests. He is now a non-executive Chairman at two software companies with multi-million pound turnovers, retained as an advisor to a number of London based tech start-ups, and by a leading UK Venture Capital company.

John has made a substantial and important contribution to society. His efforts have created over one hundred jobs, and the software he created at Commerce Decisions has added value to major Government projects with total budgets of $350bn around the world. John always says his Computer Science degree from Aberystwyth was pivotal in helping develop his business career.

Aber has always been very important to John and he has enjoyed returning to the Department to speak as a guest lecturer on a number of occasions over the last 26 years, and we look forward to further inspiring visits in the future.

It is not only John who has strong connections to Aberystwyth. His son Joe is currently studying for a degree in Computer Science and we believe that this is the first father/son combination for the Department. His daughter Susie will be coming to Aber this September to study International Politics. Both John’s sister (Susie) and brother (Ian) are Aber Alumni, with Susie graduating from the History department in 1998 and Ian from the Business School in 2001.

The connections of John’s extended family with Aber are just as strong. Both John’s brother-in-laws are also graduates of the Computer Science department – and his sister-in-law graduated in Law in 2000. John’s family is indeed steeped in Aber’s history.

Ganghellor, mae’n bleser gen i gyflwyno John Thompson i chi am radd Doethur er Anrhydedd.

Chancellor, it is my absolute pleasure to present John Thompson to you for an Honorary Doctorate Degree.

Aberystwyth University Honours 2018

Nine individuals are being honoured by Aberystwyth University during the 2018 graduation ceremonies, which take place at the University’s Arts Centre from Tuesday 17 July until Friday 20 July.

Six Honorary Fellowships are being presented to individuals who have, or have had a connection with Aberystwyth or Wales, and who have made an outstanding contribution to their chosen field.

One Honorary Doctorate is being presented; recognising an individual who has been outstandingly successful in their field, or who has a long record of renowned research and publication.

Two Honorary Bachelor degrees are being presented. These are presented to individuals who are members of Aberystwyth University staff without an entry-level degree in recognition of long-service, contribution and dedication to the Institution; and members of the local community who have made a significant contribution to Aberystwyth and the area.

Honorary Fellowships:

Honorary Fellowships are being presented to:

• Professor Ann Sumner – art historian, exhibition curator and museum director
• Bonamy Grimes MBE – web entrepreneur and co-founder of flight price comparison website Skyyscanner
• Euryn Ogwen Williams – broadcaster and seminal figure in Welsh media
• John Dawes OBE – former international rugby union player and coach
• Professor Menna Elfyn – award-winning poet and playwright
• His Honour Judge Milwyn Jarman QC – leading judge.

Author and scholar the late Professor Meic Stephens was presented with an Honorary Fellowship of Aberystwyth University on Thursday 3 May 2018 at a special ceremony in Cardiff. Sadly, Professor Stephens died on Tuesday 3 July 2018.

Honorary Doctorate

• John Thompson – technology entrepreneur and software designer.

Honorary Bachelor Degrees:

• Eric Harries – retired Station Manager of Aberystwyth Fire Station, who organised and led 50 humanitarian missions to Eastern Europe to help the innocent victims of war.
• Sue Jones-Davies – actor, singer, town councillor and former Mayor of Aberystwyth.

Photo: John Thompson, who received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Aberystwyth University at Graduation 2018.

Links:
Graduation 2018
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/graduation/

Scarlets, in conjunction with Macron, have today (Friday 20^th July) launched the home kit for the forthcoming Guinness PRO14 and Heineken Champions Cup campaign.

The region’s kit sponsors were given an exclusive preview of the kit at Parc y Scarlets before the kit was unveiled to the public across Scarlets’ social media channels.

Juno Moneta Group were unveiled as the new main kit sponsor in a lucrative commercial deal that will see the company emblazoned on the chest of both home and away jerseys for the next three seasons.

The Juno Moneta Group of companies was founded in 2014, by Chairman and Founder Louise O’Halloran.

The firm is based on a client centric culture providing standardized and consistent service that is built around the needs clients, first class service and performance without the premier price tag.

Juno Moneta Group is a proud Welsh based firm with offices in South and West Wales as well as throughout England and encompasses not only financial services led businesses but solicitors, accountancy and real estate agencies.

Juno Moneta’s vision, like the Scarlets, is to uphold successful partnerships whilst building strong ties with the wider community.

As such, Juno Moneta Group will be donating their table of 10 in the Quinnell Lounge, at every home game, to the region’s community enabling charities, schools, fundraising organisations and more to enjoy first class matchday hospitality.

Louise O’Halloran, Chairman and Founder of Juno Moneta Group said; “Our clients are at the heart of everything we do as a company and from the very first meetings with the Scarlets we felt that their vision closely aligns with ours.

“This new venture, as Scarlets’ main kit sponsor, is one that we are particularly proud of and excited by. They are a club and region that have their community at the core of everything; the Scarlets family is something very tangible and we’re proud members.

“We will work closely with the Scarlets over the next few years to ensure that we make a personal contribution to the region’s wider communities. Scarlets inspire so many and bring family, friends and colleagues together and we’re looking forward to being a part of the family.”

The home kit for 2018-19, in scarlet colours, proudly displays a modern design with the Scarlets dragon adorning the chest, whilst combining a traditional white collar to give the shirt a sharp finish.

Nathan Brew, Scarlets Head of Commercial said; “Today’s showcase event at Parc y Scarlets has been an opportunity for us not only to reveal the new home kit for the forthcoming season but also to welcome new sponsors to the family.

“We are pleased to officially welcome Juno Moneta Group to the Scarlets and we’re looking forward to seeing the partnership flourish over the next few years.

“As well as Juno Moneta we welcome logistical partners Owens Group, Ronnie S. Evans and Pencnwc Holiday Park as new shirt sponsors for the forthcoming season alongside the existing sponsors.

“I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you, on behalf of the Scarlets, to each and every sponsor that continues to support us. The continued support from local and national companies is the lifeblood of the region’s success and we’re very much looking forward to another successful season both on and off the field.”

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Aberystwyth University is looking forward to welcoming visitors to the Royal Welsh Show in Llanelwedd next week (23-26 July 2018) with a packed programme of activities and events.

The University has two stands on the showground, at the Education Pavilion near the Main Ring, and the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) marquee which is located in the Countryside Care area.

Amongst the exhibits at the Education Pavilion stand (G446) will be ‘Idris’, IBERS’ rigid hulled inflatable boat (RIB) which is used widely by marine biology students to study the waters of Cardigan Bay.

Geography lecturers will show the Augmented Reality Sand Box which projects contours and elevation data in real-time as you modify the sandy-landscape; and a Little River so visitors can see for themselves the power of fluvial systems with this physical river model.

Events during the week include a showcase of industry relevant research.

‘Innovation for Brexit’, which features the new Future Foods Programme, takes place at 3:30pm on Monday 23 July and is already fully booked.

The popular annual Old Students’ Association takes place at 11:30am on Tuesday 24 July with GM expert Professor Huw Dylan Jones.

This is followed at 1:30pm on Tuesday afternoon by the NRN–LCEE Sêr Cymru sessions on ‘Building The Future with Plants’.

The week’s final session, ‘Back from the Brink – addressing tipping points in Welsh grasslands’, takes place in the Education Pavilion at 1:00 on Wednesday 25 July.

Also at the Education Pavilion, IBERS scientists will exhibit a wide range of parasites in jars, explain how Aberystwyth students are learning about this threat to agriculture at home and worldwide, and how we are working with the industry to control them, whilst telling some gruesome tales of how some of these ended up in jars.

There will also be an opportunity to handle some real brains, and to guess which animal they belonged to – all safely contained in boxes of course.

If that’s sent your pulse racing, then check it out with IBERS’ sports scientists who can test your blood pressure on site; along with other free on the spot tests on grip strength, leg strength, jump height and lung function.

Forages for The Future will be the theme for the Aberystwyth University IBERS marquee (CCA767) in the Countryside Care Area.

Showcasing the Institute’s award winning world renowned grasses and clovers, plant breeding experts will be on hand to discuss how new varieties fit for the future and climate change are being developed.

There will also be an opportunity to learn about the brand new Welsh Government funded distance learning programme BioInnovation Wales.

Part of a £7.3m EU-backed initiative announced by Cabinet Secretary for Energy, Planning and Rural Affairs, Lesley Griffiths on Thursday 19 July 2018, BioInnovation Wales makes IBERS science accessible to more Wales agri food businesses, and strengthening the skills of the workforce.

The work of our unique in the UK BBSRC funded National Plant Phenomics Centre on root systems and their increasing importance for agriculture will feature too.

Links:
Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/ibers/

A retired fire officer who organised and led 50 humanitarian missions to Eastern Europe for almost two decades has been awarded an Honorary Bachelor of Science Degree by Aberystwyth University.

Eric Harries, former Station Manager at Aberystwyth Fire Station, coordinated the missions from Aberystwyth to Bosnia, Croatia, Belarus and Romania between 1994-2013.

Compelled to help the innocent victims of war, he started a campaign engaging with the local community and the media to raise awareness of the vital need for humanitarian assistance and supplies, and co-ordinated collections and fundraising across Ceredigion.

He then used his annual leave to drive his van on the 3,500 mile journey to take food, toiletries and medical supplies to the areas affected by war.

Eric Harris’ humanitarian efforts benefitted the lives of countless people.

He was presented for an Honorary Bachelor of Science Degree by Dr Elin Royles from the Department of International Politics on Friday 20 July 2018.  The full presentation is available below, in the language in which it was delivered.

Presentation of Eric Harries by Dr Elin Royles:

Ganghellor, Diprwy Is-Ganghellor, ddarpar raddedigion, gyfeillion.  Pleser o’r mwyaf yw cyflwyno Eric Harries am radd Baglor er Anrhydedd yn y Gwyddorau Prifysgol Aberystwyth.

Chancellor, Pro-Vice Chancellor, prospective graduates and supporters.  It is an honour and a privilege to present Eric Harries for an Honorary Bachelor of Science Degree of Aberystwyth University.

During the war in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1992 to 1995 over a million Bosnian Muslims and Croats were driven from their homes in ethnic cleansing, and over 100,000 died. Many graduating from the Department of Inernational Politics  today may have studied aspects of this inter-ethnic conflict.  Tragically, we see images in the media of civilians, often women and children, at the frontline in conflicts of this sort and feel a deep sense of helplessness. In Bosina, Western states failed to intervene and there were substantial questions regarding the effectiveness of UN peacekeeping. What on earth could ordinary citizens do?

Mae’r sefyllfa yng nghân Dafydd Iwan ‘Hawl i Fyw’ yn rhy gyfarwydd – rydyn edrych ar y llun mewn cydymdeimlad. Rydyn ni’n gofyn pam fod hyn yn gorfod bod, weithiau’n colli ambell ddeigryn o dosturi gan feddwl beth mewn difrif allwn ni fel pobl gyffredin ei wneud i gynorthwyo.

In response to the most atrocious war in Europe since the WWII, Eric Harries was compelled to help the innocent victims of war. Station Manager of Aberystwyth Fire Station at the time, he used his annual leave each year to organise trips in liaison with the Red Cross to take food, toiletries and medical supplies to areas affected by war. A 3,500 mile round trip in his van each time. Indeed, he organised and led 50 humanitarian missions from Aberystwyth to Bosnia, Croatia, Belarus and Romania over an 18 year period from 1994 onwards. This substantial effort involved gaining the support of local communities in Ceredigion and beyond and is quite a feat of organisation and logistics.

Mae’r gwaith sydd yn mynd y tu ôl drefnu, cydlynnu a chasglu bwyd a nwyddau i lenwi fan 7.5 tunell i fod yn orlawn ar gyfer tripiau o’r fath yn aruthrol. Anogwyd ystod o gymunedau i gyfrannu i’r ymdrechion dyngarol. Wedi dychwelyd o yrru’r fan draw a dosbarthu newyddau, byddai Eric yn codi ymwybyddiaeth yn lleol a thrwy’r wasg am y sefyllfa yn Bosnia a’r angen am gefnogaeth ddyngarol.

Eric also managed to develop a huge amount of local interest and involvement in the missions and raised awareness through media outlets and by speaking to local groups to demonstrate how their collections had a positive impact. Eric has seen the tragic and profound implications of the horrors of war. His philanthropic activities have benefitted many hundreds of lives. He has had a positive impact on Aberystwyth, its image and its contribution to the Bosnian humanitarian war effort. Mae cyfraniad Eric yn esiampl wych o ymdrechion o ardal Aberystwyth a’r tu hwnt i geisio cynorthwyo dioddefwyr rhyfeloedd a gwrthdaro, ymdrechion sydd yn parhau heddiw wrth gynorthwyo teuluoedd o Syria.

Mae’n fraint fawr i ni fel Prifysgol i gael y cyfle i gydnabod a dathlu cyfraniad Eric i waith dyngarol.

It is a great honour for the University to be able to recognise and celebrate Eric’s services to the humanitarian effort.

We seek to inspire our students to make a contribution of whatever size to making the world a better place. Eric is a fantastic example of how this can be put into action. As you move onto the next chapter in your lives, I’d encourage you to consider Eric’s example and think deeply about how best to use your skills, education and commitment to contribute to a better world.

Canghellor/Dirprwy Is-Ganghellor, mae’n bleser gen i gyflwyno Eric Harries i chi am radd Baglor er Anrhydedd yn y Gwyddorau.  

Chancellor / Pro Vice-Chancellor, it is my absolute pleasure to present Eric Harries to you for an Honorary Bachelor of Science Degree.

Aberystwyth University Honours 2018

Nine individuals are being honoured by Aberystwyth University during the 2018 graduation ceremonies, which take place at the University’s Arts Centre from Tuesday 17 July until Friday 20 July.

Six Honorary Fellowships are being presented to individuals who have, or have had a connection with Aberystwyth or Wales, and who have made an outstanding contribution to their chosen field.

One Honorary Doctorate is being presented; recognising an individual who has been outstandingly successful in their field, or who has a long record of renowned research and publication.

Two Honorary Bachelor degrees are being presented. These are presented to individuals who are members of Aberystwyth University staff without an entry-level degree in recognition of long-service, contribution and dedication to the Institution; and members of the local community who have made a significant contribution to Aberystwyth and the area.

Honorary Fellowships:

Honorary Fellowships are being presented to:

• Professor Ann Sumner – art historian, exhibition curator and museum director
• Bonamy Grimes MBE – web entrepreneur and co-founder of flight price comparison website Skyyscanner
• Euryn Ogwen Williams – broadcaster and seminal figure in Welsh media
• John Dawes OBE – former international rugby union player and coach
• Professor Menna Elfyn – award-winning poet and playwright
• His Honour Judge Milwyn Jarman QC – leading judge.

Author and scholar the late Professor Meic Stephens was presented with an Honorary Fellowship of Aberystwyth University on Thursday 3 May 2018 at a special ceremony in Cardiff. Sadly, Professor Stephens died on Tuesday 3 July 2018.

Honorary Doctorate

• John Thompson – technology entrepreneur and software designer.

Honorary Bachelor Degrees:

• Eric Harries – retired Station Manager of Aberystwyth Fire Station, who organised and led 50 humanitarian missions to Eastern Europe to help the innocent victims of war.
• Sue Jones-Davies – actor, singer, town councillor and former Mayor of Aberystwyth.

Photo: For selfless humanitarian work, Eric Harries was presented with an Honorary Bachelor of Science degree from Aberystwyth University at Graduation 2018.

Links:
Graduation 2018
https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/graduation/

Former international rugby union player and coach, John Dawes OBE, has been honoured as Fellow of Aberystwyth University.

An Aberystwyth alumnus (Chemistry, 1962), John Dawes won his first Wales cap in 1964 aged 23.

He went on to win a further 21 caps for Wales over the subsequent decade – six as captain, including the Grand Slam winning side of 1971.

John Dawes captained the 1971 British Lions tour of New Zealand, where they became the first and only team to date to win a series in New Zealand. He also coached the British Lions tour to New Zealand in 1977.

After retiring as a player, he was the coach of the Wales national side from 1974-1979, winning the Five Nations Triple Crown four times in five seasons as well as two Grand Slams.

He was made an OBE in the 1972 New Year’s Honours List for services to sport.

John Dawes OBE was presented by Dr Rhys Thatcher from the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences on Wednesday 18 July 2018.  The full conferral presentation is available below, in the language in which it was delivered.

Presentation of John Dawes OBE by Dr Rhys Thatcher:

Is-Ganghellor, darpar raddedigion, gyfeillion.  Pleser o’r mwyaf yw cyflwyno John Dawes yn Gymrawd Prifysgol Aberystwyth.

Vice-Chancellor, prospective graduates and supporters.  It is an honour and a privilege to present Sydney John Dawes as a Fellow of Aberystwyth University.

John Dawes enrolled at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth (as Aberystwyth University was known then) in 1959, graduating three years later with a degree in Chemistry. Following graduation he moved to Loughborough to complete a Post Graduate Certificate in Education. During his university years John managed to balance his studies and playing rugby, achieving success in both.

Following his year at Loughborough College, and at the age of 23, John won his first cap for Wales; the match was against Ireland and the result was a 15-5 win for Wales. This was the start of an illustrious career resulting in 22 caps for his country including six as captain.

In 1971, John was appointed captain of the British and Irish Lions side for the tour to New Zealand. This side, coached by Carwyn James(a name which is familiar with the sport and exercise science graduands in the audience), became the first and so far the only Lions team to win a series in New Zealand. He also captained the Barbarians side that beat New Zealand in Cardiff, 23-11, in 1973.

Today John holds a proud record for any Welshman; as both a player and a coach he has never lost to an England side.

After retiring as a player, he became coach of the Welsh national side in 1974, a post he held until 1979. During his time as coach, Wales won the Five Nations Triple Crown on four occasions, including two grand slams. In 1977 he returned to New Zealand as coach of the British Lions, unfortunately on this occasion the Lions were unable to repeat their 1971 success.

The list of awards and honours John has received in recognition of his contribution to Rugby is as impressive as his playing and coaching record.

• He received an OBE for services to sport in the 1972 New Year’s Honours List
• In 2006 he was named the greatest ever Welsh Coach and inducted to the Welsh rugby international players Hall of Fame
• In 2010 John’s tribute dinner in Llandovery was attended by his HRH The Prince of Wales
• In 2013 Lewis School, where John studied from 1951 – 1959 and started his rugby career, named their sporting facilities ‘The John Dawes Centre for Sporting Excellence’
• In the same year he was inducted into the Loughborough Sporting Club Hall of Fame, followed in 2016 by his induction into the World Rugby Hall of Fame

He can now add Fellow of Aberystwyth University to this list.

Is-Ganghellor, mae’n bleser gennyf gyflwyno Sydney John Dawes i chi yn Gymrawd Prifysgol Aberystwyth.

Vice-Chancellor, it is my absolute pleasure to present Sydney John Dawes to you as a Fellow of Aberystwyth University.

Aberystwyth University Honours 2018

Nine individuals are being honoured by Aberystwyth University during the 2018 graduation ceremonies, which take place at the University’s Arts Centre from Tuesday 17 July until Friday 20 July.

Six Honorary Fellowships will be presented to individuals who have, or have had a connection with Aberystwyth or Wales, and who have made an outstanding contribution to their chosen field.

One Honorary Doctorate will also be presented; recognising an individual who has been outstandingly successful in their field, or who has a long record of renowned research and publication.

Two Honorary Bachelor degrees will be presented. These are presented to individuals who are members of Aberystwyth University staff without an entry-level degree in recognition of long-service, contribution and dedication to the Institution; and members of the local community who have made a significant contribution to Aberystwyth and the area.

His Honour Judge Milwyn Jarman QC has been presented with an Honorary Fellowship of Aberystwyth University.

Born into a farming family at Llanllwchaearn near Newtown, Powys, His Honour Judge Jarman QC attended Newtown High School and Montgomery College of Further Education.

He studied law at Aberystwyth, took a Masters at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, before reading for the Bar exams at Gray’s Inn.

He then became a pupil barrister in Chambers at 34 Park Place (later 9 Park Place), Cardiff, from where he would practise for the next 27 years, developing a speciality for business and property, planning and public law cases, and eventually becoming Head of the Chambers.

He became a Recorder of the Crown Court in 2000 assigned to the Wales and Chester Circuit, and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2001.

He was appointed as the Specialist Chancery Judge for Wales in 2007, and sits as a judge of the High Court in the Queen’s Bench Division, Administrative Court and as an Upper Tribunal Judge.

His Honour Judge Milwyn Jarman QC was presented by Gwerfyl Pierce Jones, Pro Chancellor of Aberystwyth University on Thursday 19 July 2018.  The full conferral presentation is available below, in the language in which it was delivered.

Presentation of His Honour Judge Milwyn Jarman QC by Gwerfyl Pierce Jones:

Ganghellor, Is-Ganghellor, a chyfeillion y mae’n bleser o’r mwyaf gennyf gyflwyno’r Anrhydeddus Farnwr, Milwyn Jarman CF, i’w urddo’n Gymrawd ym Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth.

Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor and friends it is a great pleasure for me to introduce His Honour, Judge Milwyn Jarman QC, as a Fellow of Aberystwyth University.

Brodor o Lanllwchaearn ger y Drenewydd yw Milwyn Jarman. Fe’i magwyd ar fferm, yr ieuengaf  o bump o frodyr. Nid oedd modd i’r pump ymarfer crefft hynaf dynol ryw, ac yn achos Milwyn roedd hynny’n fendith gan iddo roi’i fryd erioed ar fod yn fargyfreithiwr. Roedd Aberystwyth yn ddewis amlwg iddo ac yma y daeth ym 1975 i astudio dan rai o fawrion y cyfnod: John Andrews, Hywel Moseley a Dafydd Jenkins (y Gyfraith) ymhlith eraill. Aeth ymlaen i Gaer-grawnt i astudio ar gyfer gradd Meistr ac yna i wneud arholiadau ar gyfer y Bar cyn symud i Gaerdydd fel disgybl fargyfreithiwr o dan adain Winston Roddick CF, Cymrawd o’r Brifysgol hon a chyn Is-Lywydd.

Milwyn Jarman is a native of Llanllwchaearn, near Newtown, the youngest of five sons of farmers. His two eldest brothers farmed with their parents but the remaining three had to find alternative paths. And in Milwyn’s case this enabled him to fulfil his lifelong ambition of becoming a barrister. The Aberystwyth Law Department was for him the obvious choice and he graduated in 1978. He pays tribute to many of his teachers at that time: John Andrews, Hywel Moseley, Dafydd Jenkins, John Trice, as well as some of the younger lecturers at the time: including John Williams, Chris Harding and Richard Ireland who has just retired.

After graduating he read for a Master of Law at Sidney Sussex, Cambridge and then for the bar exams, becoming a member of Gray’s Inn where he has since become a Bencher. He proceeded to Cardiff as a pupil barrister in Chambers in Park Place. His pupil master was Winston Roddick QC, also a Fellow of Aberystwyth University and a former Vice-President.

Milwyn practised from his Chambers in Park Place for the next 27 years, eventually becoming Head of Chambers.  He specialised in business and property, planning and public law cases. He became a Recorder of the Crown Court in 2000 and a QC in 2001. He was appointed to the panel of counsel for the Welsh Assembly Government.  He became a full-time judge as the Specialist Chancery Judge for Wales in 2007; he is also authorised to sit in the Technology and Construction Court, and the Commercial Court, now part of the Business and Property Courts in Wales. He also sits as a judge of the High Court in the Queen’s Bench Division, Administrative Court, also as an Upper Tribunal Judge. He is a Diversity and Community Relations Judge, and a tutor judge for the Judicial College; he is the Welsh Judge Member of the Civil Procedure Rules Committee and an advisory editor of Sweet and Maxwell’s Civil Procedure. He serves on the editorial board of the University of Wales Press Public Law of Wales series. He also chairs the Legal Wales Foundation Board, which organises the annual Legal Wales Conference.

Ar nodyn mwy personol rwyf am ychwanegu i Milwyn Jarman gael ei benodi’n Gwnsler Mygedol Cyngor Llyfrau Cymru pan oeddwn i’n Bennaeth a bu’n hael ei gyngor a’i arweiniad i’r sefydliad hwnnw am nifer o flynyddoedd. Pan ddois i i’w adnabod gyntaf nid oedd yn rhugl yn y Gymraeg er ei fod yn ymddiddori’n fawr yn yr iaith a’i diwylliant. Erbyn heddiw mae ganddo’r hyder i wrando ar achosion trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Ac roedd yn arbennig o falch o’r gwahoddiad i draddodi Darlith Flynyddol Cymdeithas y Cyfreithwyr yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Maldwyn a’r Gororau 2015, ei sir enedigol.

He served as Honorary Counsel to the Welsh Books Council for several years during my time at the helm and it was during this period that he began to learn Welsh in earnest. His commitment was never in doubt and it was really just a matter of confidence. The Books Council is just one of a number of organisations which have benefited from his sound advice and support. He is also a governor of Christ College Brecon.

He once quipped that he opted for law rather than farming as ‘it seemed like less work’ (his words). I suppose that’s a matter of opinion! However, he does find the time to enjoy sport, and is a keen follower of Wales rugby and football teams, and especially Cardiff City FC which hasn’t done too badly in recent months! He enjoys walking and cycling and has a passion for skiing. In April he and a number of his fellow judges cycled from Brecon to Cardiff to raise money for a charity known as PSU which gives help to litigants who cannot afford legal representation.

But the Law is all around him! His partner Nicola is also a judge, and he has three children: Rebecca, Thomas, and David. David graduated in Aberystwyth in Criminology and Psychology.

Nid oes unrhyw amheuaeth nad yw Milwyn Jarman wedi gwireddu ei freuddwyd i gyrraedd yr uchelfannau ym myd y gyfraith.

Ganghellor: Y mae’n bleser ac yn fraint i gyflwyno’r anrhydeddus Farnwr Milwyn Jarman i chi i’w urddo’n Gymrawd ym Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth.

Chancellor: It is indeed an honour and a pleasure to present to you His Honour, Judge Milwyn Jarman as a Fellow of Aberystwyth University.

Aberystwyth University Honours 2018

Nine individuals are being honoured by Aberystwyth University during the 2018 graduation ceremonies, which take place at the University’s Arts Centre from Tuesday 17 July until Friday 20 July.

Six Honorary Fellowships are being presented to individuals who have, or have had a connection with Aberystwyth or Wales, and who have made an outstanding contribution to their chosen field.

One Honorary Doctorate is being presented; recognising an individual who has been outstandingly successful in their field, or who has a long record of renowned research and publication.

Two Honorary Bachelor degrees are being presented. These are presented to individuals who are members of Aberystwyth University staff without an entry-level degree in recognition of long-service, contribution and dedication to the Institution; and members of the local community who have made a significant contribution to Aberystwyth and the area.