Key organisers of the Hay Festival, which this year celebrated its 30th anniversary, have been recognised in the New Year Honours list.
Peter Florence, the festival’s co-founder and director, has been made a CBE, while former chairwoman Revel Guest receives an OBE for services to literature.
Mr Florence was previously awarded an MBE in 2005 for his work in arts and culture after founding the annual festival in 1988.
Presteigne novelist Deborah Moggach, whose novel These Foolish Things was adapted into the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel starring Maggie Smith, has been awarded an OBE for services to literature and drama.Helena Jones, a retired teacher from Brecon, who was made an honorary druid by the Gorsedd of the Bards at this year's National Eisteddfod in Anglesey, has been awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to young people and the community in Wales.Helena, aged 101, made the headlines in the Brecon & Radnor Express when she gave a poetry recital at last year's National Eisteddfod in Abergavenny. She is thought to have been the oldest person to appear on stage in a competition at the festival.Alistair McInnes, from Brecon, a civilian assistant for Gwent and Powys Army Cadet Force, has also received a BEM for voluntary service to young people.Lynnette Thomas, also from Brecon, is another BEM recipient for her services to music, education and the Welsh language in Powys. Lynnette is the musical director for the Brecon Male Voice Choir.Arwyn Watkins, from Llanwrtyd Wells, who served in the Armed Forces and is now managing director of an education company in Welshpool has been awarded an OBE.Other award winners:MVOIan John Miles, Senior Manager Specialist Operations, Dyfed Powys Police.Mrs Audrey Williams. For services to the Lieutenancy of Dyfed.
More details and reaction to follow in this week’s Brecon & Radnor Express.