A YEAR ago Helena Jones made history as one of the oldest people ever to appear on stage at the National Eisteddfod and at this year’s event she received one of its top honours.
The retired teacher from Brecon, who will celebrate her 101st birthday next week, was made an honorary druid by the Gorsedd of the Bards for her services to the nation.
Helena, who is thought to be the oldest person to ever compete on the stage at the National Eisteddfod of Wales after she took part in a poetry recital at last year’s festival in Abergavenny, received the honour at the Anglesey eisteddfod earlier this month.
Helena was presented with the blue robes that recognise those who have succeeded in the fields of law, science, sports, journalism, media, local and and national activities, at the ceremony on the Eisteddfod Maes.
“I never thought it would happen to me,” said Helena, who learnt Welsh at the age of 90, of the honour. “I’ve been going to the Eisteddfod all my life and have competed in eisteddfods since I was five-years old and I also started Trallong Eisteddfod, which is still going.”
Helena, who was notified of the honour earlier this year, said: “It was something I didn’t have time to think about. I had a letter to say they wanted me to be a member of the Gorsedd. It was quite exciting to go up there and hold the sword. The Archdruid spoke to us. He seemed to know all about me and gave a little speech about what I’d done. It was very exciting and something quite new to me.
“I enjoy everything about the Eisteddfod. You meet people you’ve competed with over the years and people you know.”
Helena stayed all week in Beaumaris with daughter Elaine and flew back from Anglesey to Cardiff.
Last Saturday Helena fulfilled her usual duties with the committee members from Trallong Eisteddfod who sell Welsh cakes at the Brecon Jazz Festival to raise funds.
Helena is due to celebrate her 101st birthday on Monday (August 28) and has already held a party with members of Defynnog and Sennybridge WI.