Welsh Journals

Colwyn Bay and the National Eisteddfod, 1910-1941-1947 By D. R. HUGHES WHEN the National Eisteddfod of Wales visited Colwyn Bay in 1910 the town, although even then attracting thousands of visitors, was only half its present size. My recollection of it goes still further to those days when I was a schoolboy at Llandudno and played football and cricket and enjoyed sumptuous teas at Rydal Mount and Dingle Wood Schools, and it may be mentioned that the National Eisteddfod of 1910 was actually held on the spacious grounds which formed part of the Dingle Wood playing fields. Probably no town in North Wales has developed so rapidly as Colwyn Bay. It now comprises Llysfaen, Old Colwyn, Colwyn Bay, Rhos and Mochdre. The Rev. Ishmael Evans in his giving recollections of John Evans, Eglwysbach, refers to the first visit of that celebrated preacher to Colwyn in 1859, and makes the following remarks Mr. Evans was to preach in the evening at Bronynant-a place about three miles from Colwyn-Colwyn Bay was not in existence at that time, and there were scarcely a dozen houses between Colwyn and Bronynant." The following figures speak for themselves. The population in 1910 was 12,630 the present population is estimated at 23,000. The area now covered by the Borough is 6,157 acres as compared with 5,541 acres in 1910, while the rateable valne has risen from £ 83,175 to £ 126,880. The growth of the town has not been haphazard, but according to well defined plans, and in becoming the premier seaside resort of North Wales its beauty and amenities have not been destroyed. To this beautiful and enterprising town the National Eisteddfod of Wales this year pays its second visit, and a warm welcome by all the citizens-Welsh and English-is heartily assured. Looking back to the National Eisteddfod of 1910, the two principal officers are happily still with us-the President, Sir J. Herbert Roberts Bart., M.P. (now Lord Clwyd), and the Vice-President, Alderman D. O. Williams, J.P., of Old Colwyn-but of the Executive Committee of over 120 members, not more than about half-a-dozen are still alive. The Eisteddfod was made memorable by the Chair Poem-" Yr Haf," by R. Williams Parry, a beautiful composition, and a landmark in the history of the National Eisteddfod. In the Musical Section the Choral Contests provided great excitement, and the chief events were won by English Choirs-North Staffordshire (Chief Choral), and Manchester Orpheus (Male Choirs). It is interesting to note that in the forthcoming Eisteddfod Welsh and English Choirs will again compete for the premier honours. At Denbigh, in 1939, the National Eisteddfod Council accepted the application of Colwyn Bay to welcome the National Eisteddfod of 1941, and the work of preparation was taken in hand at once. The Eisteddfod was duly proclaimed a year in advance and the List of Subjects was