The cover of the National Eisteddfod Programme hones in on the part of Meirion Jones’ commissioned work which features Waldo. Prints of the original work are available.

There will be three dedicated sessions to Waldo Williams at this year’s Eisteddfod y Garreg Las near Aberteifi/Cardigan during the first week of August. Details are available on the Welsh language home page. Translation services may be provided.

The Annual Lecture will be held at Capel Bethel, Mynachlog-ddu on Friday, September 25. Artist Meirion Jones will also exhibit some of his relevant paintings.

It is worth noting that Alun G. Rees dedicates his recent publication STONEHENGE DECIPHERED: Astonishing Secrets of the Iconic Henge to Waldo Williams. He refers to him as the “poet champion of the sacred landscape of Preseli” and quotes from the poem Cofio – Remembrance in his preface. See the thread ‘What they have said’ for further reference.

SOLVA PLAQUE

Through the efforts of local author, Matthew Raggett and with the aid of Solva Community Council, a plaque was placed in memory of the short spell Waldo spent as a teacher at the old school. It was unveiled by Archdruid Mererid. As you go up the steep hill towards Upper Solva and past the war memorial a road turns to the left, and the plaque can be seen on the tall wall on the right.

New publication  
Waldo Williams Society Lectures  2010 and 2024  
This is a collection of lectures and talks organised by the Waldo Williams Society between 2010 and 2024. There are a variety of contributions, including analyses of some of the poems of the poet and pacifist as well as insights into his character through the stories and memories of those who knew him.
It is an entertaining and valuable volume for anyone who wants to understand more about Waldo Williams and his work and a key volume in bringing a country’s attention to one of our nation’s greatest figures.
A riveting, beautiful and rich volume of probing thoughts and analyses of Waldo’s poetry, life and locale.  
Darlithiau Cymdeithas Waldo 2010 – 2024
Waldo Williams Society Lectures 2010 – 2024
£30.00
(Free postage)
Cheque payable to
Y Faner Newydd
Send your order to
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Sir Benfro
SA66 7LB  

Waldo Williams
Waldo Williams

1904 – 1971

Waldo Goronwy Williams is regarded as a mythical figure. No one who knew him bore a grudge towards him. Whoever spent time in his company would embrace him and treasure every meeting. Young children were always fond of him when he taught them.

Some would insist that he possessed the attributes of a saint. Indeed, he had strong convictions and an impish humour. Someone once said it had taken two thousand years of Welsh civilization to create a man such as Waldo. He had immersed himself in the history of his nation. On one occasion he stood as a Plaid Cymru parliamentary candidate.

Although he lost his deposit he won many admirers. To many Waldo was the greatest Welsh poet of the twentieth century. To others he was a pacifist who happened to be a poet. He was much admired for his insistence on serving two prison sentences for his refusal to pay income tax in protest against war and compulsory military service.

In his mid-fifties he joined the Quakers. He relished the inner stillness he would experience in the Meeting House. He dedicated his only volume of poetry Dail Pren (Tree Leaves) as a source of healing for his nation. We do not know of any other poet who made a similar gesture to his nation.

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