The National Library of Wales
Librarian honoured by National Eisteddfod
Thu, 06 Aug 09 10:44:00
The National Librarian, Andrew Green, was among those honoured by the Gorsedd of Bards at the National Eisteddfod today. He was honoured with the white bardic robes, the highest honour bestowed, for his contribution to the nation, its language and culture. His chosen bardic name is 'Gwallter bach', a nod to the great blues player, Little Walter (Marion Walter Jacobs, 1 May 1930 - 15 February 1968).
Andrew Green has been Chief Executive and Librarian at the National Library since 1996 having previously been head of Swansea University Library. Born in Lincolnshire and raised in Hoylandswaine in Yorkshire, Andrew set about learning Welsh and is a fluent Welsh speaker.
The National Eisteddfod is being held in Bala until Sunday and is one of Europe’s biggest cultural events. Among those previously honoured by the Gorsedd are the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams and actors Matthew Rhys and Ioan Gruffudd. Recipients this year include Dame Tanni Grey-Thompson and West End star Connie Fisher, who were robed on Monday.
According to Andrew Green, ‘ This is a great honour, and so unexpected - one of the biggest honours for anyone living in Wales. But this is mainly an acknowledgement for The National Library of Wales, how the institution has grown in the last few years, as an important resource for Wales and the world, as innovators in our field of work and as a national institution that Wales can be proud of.'
The Gorsedd of Bards was created in the 19th Century by scholar Iolo Morganwg. The head of the Gorsedd of Bards is the Archdruid, who is elected for a term of three years, and is responsible for conducting the Gorsedd ceremonies during eisteddfod week.
More information on Little Walter can be found on Wikipedia
Video
Video of the Librarian's acceptance into the Gorsedd
Transcript of the fideo
Usher: Honourable Archdruid let me introduce Andrew Green, Wales’
National Librarian, an extraordinarily intelligent Englishman who learnt Welsh
to recite and use fluently until he became an inspiration to others in his field.
In an era, which sees a lot of revolutionary changes in Libraries it’s good for
Wales that we have an adopted Welshman of such stature at the helm. His
Gorsedd name is Gwallter Bach (Little Walter).
Archdruid: A warm welcome Gwallter Bach, a warm welcome
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