Mary Silyn, Syniad am Stori

The University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies will host the Sir Thomas Parry-Williams Memorial Lecture on Thursday, 10 April 2025. 

Angharad Tomos has always lived in Dyffryn Nantlle, attending Ysgol Dyffryn Nantlle, Aberystwyth and Bangor universities and the Normal College, Bangor. She has a degree in Welsh and Sociology and an M.Phil in History. She is a professional writer and has contributed a column to the Herald for 30 years. She has twice won the Prose Medal at the National Eisteddfod, and has published half a dozen novels. In 2009 she was awarded the Mary Vaughan Jones Memorial Prize for her work with Cyfres Rwdlan, which has spanned forty years. She has campaigned extensively with Cymdeithas yr Iaith, and is active with the community enterprise Yr Orsaf in Pen-y-groes – where she lives with her husband and son.

Her lecture, ‘Mary Silyn, Syniad am Stori’, is based on her latest novel, Arlwy’r Sêr which relates the love story of Mary and Silyn Roberts, pioneers of the movement for the education of workers (WEA). Her grandfather, David Thomas, is also a character in the novel, appearing as a Socialist and teacher.

Professor Elin Haf Gruffydd Jones, Director of the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies, said, ‘It is a privilege to invite Angharad Tomos to deliver the Sir Thomas Parry-Williams Memorial Lecture this year. The significance of Angharad’s contribution as a prominent writer and activist with Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg spans over five decades. Her work has an impact in her local community, across Wales and further afield. We very much look forward to welcoming her and to the lecture.’

The lecture will be held live in the Drwm, National Library of Wales, and online via Zoom, at 5.00pm on 10 April. 

This is a free event. Guests are requested to book in advance if they wish to attend the lecture in the Library. Tea will be served at 4.30pm. Email cawcs@wales.ac.uk to register. 

A warm welcome to all!