Brecon's loved and respected Helena Jones has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in this years New years Honours list.
Helena is a retired teacher and is well known locally for her poetry writing and her performances in local eisteddfodau, particularly the Trallong Eisteddfod which she started.
Helena is 101 and she learnt Welsh at the age of 90. Her accomplishments were recognised when she was made an honorary druid by the Gorsedd of the Bards at this year’s National Eisteddfod in Anglesey and Helena made headlines last year when she gave a poetry recital at the National Eisteddfod in Abergavenny. She is thought to have been the oldest person to appear on stage in a competition at the festival.
(photo credit Brecon & Radnor Express)
The BEM was awarded to Helena for services to young people and the community in Wales.
To hear Helena reading one of her own poems (in English) follow this link http://brecon.fyinetwork.co.uk/search%20helena,6703-96-yr-old-Brecon-poet-loves-the-Silence
Fyi:Brecon Note
We'd like to send our personal congratulations to Helena. This award is hugely deserved and she is an inspiration to all and a champion for the Welsh language in our local community.
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