Geraint Jones, who has been associated with the Trefor Band in Gwynedd in North Wales throughout his life, is to be the 2023 recipient of the prestigious Sir T. H. Parry Williams Memorial Medal.

The award has been given at the annual National Eisteddfod of Wales since 1976 in honour of one of the nation's finest poets, authors and academics, and recognises outstanding voluntary and distinguished service given over many years to young people in their given area.

First person

Geraint Jones is the first person from the brass banding movement to receive the honour which marks his services to brass bands in North Wales and Trefor in particular. He was instrumental in its re-establishment in 1966 and in 1969 became its conductor.

Although currently a non-competing organisation it has enjoyed considerable success over the years, including victories under his baton at the Spring Festival Junior Cup (1972) and National Eisteddfod in 1987. He also led the band to the National Finals in 1994.

He continues to work with the band and has also been a teacher of brass instruments to children across Caernarfonshire for decades — inspiring countless youngsters in the process. His son Morgan is the President of Cory Band.

Hugely respected

A hugely respected teacher, historian, author and founder member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith, he told BBC Wales: "I consider it a tremendous privilege to receive the medal as an appreciation of my labour. It makes me very humble, believe me.

I hope that the things I have been involved in will continue and inspire others to live and fight for the preservation of our language and identity as Welsh people. Many thanks and well wishes to the LlÅ·n and Eifionydd Eisteddfod."

His influence and practical support has undoubtedly inspired generations of young people in his localeNational Eisteddfod of Wales

Influence

In its statement in announcing the award, the Eisteddfod said Mr Jones' community had, "benefited from his dedication, enthusiasm and energy for over half a century. His influence and practical support has undoubtedly inspired generations of young people in his locale.

His enthusiasm and contribution encapsulate the aims of the Sir T H Parry-Williams Memorial Fund, and as such, he fully deserves to receive the Medal to this year's credit."

Mr Jones will receive the medal on the Great Pavilion stage at this year's LlÅ·n ac Eifionydd National Eisteddfod on 7th August.