The broadcaster and seminal figure in Welsh media, Euryn Ogwen Williams, has been honoured as a Fellow of Aberystwyth University in recognition of his contribution to the cultural life of Wales.

Brought up in Leeswood near Mold in Flintshire, Euryn Ogwen Williams graduated from the University of Wales Bangor in Philosophy and Psychology.

From 1964-1981, he produced and directed a wide range of programmes for BBC, ITV company Television Wales and the West (TWW) and HTV as well as the independent sector.

When Welsh language broadcaster S4C was set up in 1982, he became its first Director of Programmes, and was the channel’s deputy Chief Executive Officer from 1988 until 1991.

In March 2018 he led an independent review of S4C for the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

He has published two volumes of poetry and a series of papers on the changing media scene. He lectures and advises on media and is a regular contributor to television and radio programmes.

Euryn Ogwen Williams was presented by Dr Jamie Medhurst from Aberystwyth University’s Department of Theatre, Film and Television Studies on Wednesday 18 July 2018. The full conferral presentation is available below.

Presentation of Euryn Ogwen Williams by Dr Jamie Medhurst:

Dirprwy Ganghellor, Is-Ganghellor, darpar raddedigion, gyfeillion. Pleser o’r mwyaf yw cyflwyno Euryn Ogwen Williams yn Gymrawd Prifysgol Aberystwyth.

Pro Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, prospective graduates and supporters.  It is an honour and a privilege to present Euryn Ogwen Williams as a Fellow of Aberystwyth University.

In his biography, Euryn describes himself as a ‘media consultant’. But the man you see before you is much more than this. He is a giant of the media industry in Wales, with a career in broadcasting which spans over fifty years.

Fe’i ganed ym Mhenmachno yng Ngwynedd a’i fagu yn Leeswood, ger Yr Wyddgrug yn Sir y Fflint.And when the time came to fly the nest he attended what was then the University College of North Wales Bangor (but we’ll forgive him for that) and graduated with a degree in Philosophy and Psychology.

He began his illustrious career as a presenter with the ITV company Television Wales and the West, TWW, based in Cardiff – I could sing you the TWW station ident – or maybe we could duet – or maybe not … see me after, maybe. He went on to produce and direct a wide range of programmes for TWW, Harlech Television/HTV, BBC and the independent sector.

Euryn oedd Cyfarwyddwr Rhaglenni cyntaf S4C cyn symud i swydd y Dirprwy Brif Weithredwr ym 1988. Mae hefyd wedi gweithredu fel ymgynghorydd arbennig ar deledu Gaeleg yn Yr Alban, ar deledu yn yr iaith Wyddeleg ac fel ymghynghorydd i Bwyllgor Diwylliant Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru yn ystod yr adolygiad i’r iaith Gymraeg.

In March 2018 he completed and published an independent review of S4C for the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport in the UK government and was giving evidence on the report to the Welsh Affairs Committee a fortnight ago.

Mae Euryn wedi cyhoeddi dwy gyfrol o farddoniaeth yn ogystal â chyhoeddi nifer o bapurau a phamffledi ar y byd cyfryngol. In addition to publishing two volumes of poetry he was the president of the Vale of Glamorgan National Eisteddfod in 2012 and he and his wife Jenny live in Barry and have two children and three grandchildren – plenty to keep him busy!

Wedi cyfraniad oes i’r byd darlledu, mae’n gwbl briodol i Euryn dderbyn Tlws Cyfraniad Oes yng Ngŵyl Ffilm Bae Caerfyrddin yn 2016.

His contribution to the world of broadcasting was acknowledged in 2016 when he was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Carmarthen Bay Film Festival. And if you’re planning to attend the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff this year, BAFTA Cymru have an evening to pay tribute to Euryn for his remarkable contribution to Welsh broadcasting – or as BAFTA say, to pay tribute to his ‘influential career’.

Ond dyma’n cyfle ni i dalu teyrnged am gyfraniad Euryn i fywyd diwylliannol Cymru.Today, however, we have an opportunity to thanks Euryn and to honour him for his contribution to the cultural life of Wales.

Dirprwy Ganghellor, mae’n bleser gen i gyflwyno Euryn Ogwen Williams i chi yn Gymrawd. 

Pro Chancellor, it is my absolute pleasure to present Euryn Ogwen Williams 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.

Schoolchildren are being asked to design a cycling jersey as part of Carmarthenshire’s OVO Energy Tour of Britain celebrations.

Anyone under 16 can enter and the winning design will be created into a jersey and presented to all Welsh riders as they kick off the first leg of Britain’s biggest professional cycle race at Pembrey Country Park on September 2.

The drawing must be on A4 paper and be in landscape orientation.

The winner will also meet the Welsh riders before they make their grand depart on the Sunday.

Closing date for entries is Friday, August 3 and drawing is by post only to: Design a Jersey competition, Carmarthen Leisure Centre, Llansteffan Road, Johnstown, Carmarthen, SA31 3NQ.

It will be the first time that Britain’s biggest professional cycle race has visited the county.

The race sees 120 riders from some of the world’s best teams compete, including Olympic and World Champions and Tour de France stage winners.

Riders will leave Pembrey Country Park and then continue throughout the county passing through Kidwelly, Carmarthen, Ffairfach and Llandovery as it continues into the Brecon Beacons through to its stage finish in Newport city centre.

The media spotlight will shine on the event with daily live coverage screened on ITV4 and Eurosport in the UK, and around the world.

Councillor Peter Hughes Griffiths, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board Member for Culture, Sport and Tourism, said: “This is a great chance for children to get creative and at the same time be involved in the celebrations. The lucky winner will have the chance to meet and greet the Welsh riders ahead of the race on the day which is a fantastic opportunity.”

For all information and up-to-date news in Carmarthenshire on the OVO Energy Tour of Britain visit Discover Carmarthenshire

Carmarthenshire County Council is to undertake a £100,000 culvert replacement under the B4297 in Llangennech to address a problem which has caused flooding to properties and to the highway in the past.

The works will start on Monday, July 23, and will involve the removal of an old culvert which is being replaced with a new box culvert to improve the capacity and flow of the Nant Mwrwg Brook as it passes under the B4297 by the Old Bridge Inn.

The work has been planned to take place during the school holidays to minimise disruption and at a time of the year when the flows in the watercourse tends to be lower.

The works will require the closure of the B4297 at Llangennech for approximately four weeks and a signed diversion for traffic will be in place along the A4138.

Businesses in the area will be open as usual.

Cllr Hazel Evans, Executive Board Member for Environment, said: “These culvert works are a key investment in preventing future flooding in the area and we thank local residents in advance for their patience while we undertake these important works.”

The latest podcast from Phil Evans and Robert Lloyd.

The Big Cwtsh (Episode 23) is now on Soundcloud.

The redevelopment of an iconic building in Ammanford has been completed.

The former courthouse has been brought back into use after undergoing a major refurbishment for office accommodation.

Carmarthenshire County Council purchased the derelict courthouse after it closed in 2011 as part of the Ministry of Justice reforms.

The project was delivered by Aspect Developments and part funded through the council’s Carmarthenshire Transformational Commercial Property Development Fund.

The building, which was officially opened last week, provides 3560sqft of commercial space and will accommodate 17 new jobs.

New businesses are set to move into the offices shortly.

Carmarthenshire Council leader, Cllr Emlyn Dole said: “I’m delighted that this building has now been completed. It’s a key gateway site to Ammanford and complements our aspirations to regenerate the town. We we were thrilled to be able to support Aspect Development and strengthening our local economy is a key aim of the executive board’s Moving Forward in Carmarthenshire plan. As part of our ongoing commitment to economic development and supporting businesses, we offer a number of funding support schemes to businesses of all scales and at all stages in their development.  These opportunities, I hope, will energise the county and help us build a more prosperous future.”

Former Wales Sevens Captain, Barbarian and Wales U21s star Chris Davies has been named as the new U18s head coach for the upcoming season.

Davies first joined the Ospreys U18s last season as forwards coach after spending the previous two years with the U16s sides. The flanker hung up his playing boots at the end of the 2016/17 season after spending the last ten years at Aberavon RFC, where he notched up 228 appearances and 43 tries for the club as well as captaining the side.  

Speaking after being appointed new coach, Davies said: “Having the opportunity to head up the U18s team this season is a fantastic opportunity and I cannot wait to get training started and begin the campaign. I feel privileged to be able to help develop the next generation of potential Osprey players. Working with elite athletes is a passion of mine and if I can offer any of my experience and knowledge to these players on and off the field then I hope that will help them in their future.”

The Aberavon legend takes over the head coach role from Kevin James, who steered the age-grade side to two RAG championship victories in his time as a coach.

Davies praised his predecessor, saying: “In terms of taking over from Kevin, he has left us in a good place. I have played with him and against him as a player and it was great to work with him as a coach. Kevin gave a lot of time to the Ospreys Regional Age Grade teams and I want to apply the same work ethic.”

Looking ahead to the new season, the new coach has a clear focus and spoke of his goals going forward: “The main aim this season is to develop the players within the squad. Development in the sense of increasing their tactical knowledge of the game and increasing their technical ability. Ultimately assisting in creating better players for the next stage of their rugby careers. However, winning is important. We need to create winners in rugby. Not just winning in the vision of results, but winning everything in that 70 minutes of rugby, that tackle contest, that kick compete, that bouncing loose ball. Winning everything.”

He added: “The imaginary line called the ‘gain line’ is everything in rugby and how can we compete to win there. So, dealing with the intrinsic and extrinsic motivation of winning is vital. Wanting to win as a team is important, so I hope, along with the other coaches, that we can create a positive and confident team culture. Whatever we face, we will grow as a team. Together.”

Joining Davies on the coaching front and taking over as forwards coach, is fellow Aberavon player and former Osprey youngster Sam Williams.

“Sam Williams will look after the forwards and he is the right man for that role. His experience and knowledge at the set piece, especially the lineout, is invaluable. The forwards in the squad will thrive off his knowledge and technical ability which can only benefit the players and the team. Sam is still playing making him very current.”

Former Osprey youngster, Nathan Edwards completes the coaching setup as backs coach, Davies added:

“Likewise, with the backs, Nathan will head that up and he is also currently playing. I am looking forward to working with Nathan as he shares the same ideas and philosophies as I do. That should form a great partnership. His attention to detail and delivery will surely benefit these elite players.”

With the initial training squad already announced, the new coach is looking forward to the new season ahead with the young squad: “The squad has a very good look and feel to it, with a decent blend of first year U18s and second year U18s players. We have some experience in the squad in the shape of players like Morgan Strong, Travis Huntley and Bradley Roderick. I will be looking to those players to help develop the younger players in the squad. I have known the older U18 boys having worked with them for two seasons and have strong expectations of them and for them. I watched all of the U16 games from last season and there is some serious talent coming through. As a coaching group we just need to channel their skill set, blend as a team and hopefully watch them all grow into mature players.”

The Ospreys U18s will begin their season with a friendly against the Scarlets U18s on Wednesday 15th August, K.O venue and time TBC.