16 March 2011
An original bronze plaque from the 1950 Eisteddfod donated by a local family has taken pride of place on Caerphilly's magnificent Eisteddfod Gates.
Mrs Christine Phillips was sorting through her husband's belongings after he sadly passed away when she came across the impressive bronze plaque.
Not knowing exactly what it was, although understanding it had some relevance to the 1950 Eisteddfod that took place in Caerphilly, Mrs Phillips took the plaque to the Visit Caerphilly Centre to see if it could be of any use.
By chance, the Mayor, Cllr James Fussell happened to be at the Visit Caerphilly Centre at the time and was therefore able to personally receive the kind donation.
It transpired that the plaque is an original bronze plaque from the 1950 Eisteddfod, which would have been awarded to the winners of the event as a certificate or trophy to mark the occasion.
Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council, Cllr James Fussell met Mrs Phillips again recently to thank her for her kind donation of the plaque.
Cllr Fussell said, "To have an original plaque from the 1950 Eisteddfod to complement our impressive set of Eisteddfod Gates is an astonishing twist of fate".
He continued, "I would like to say a very big thank you to Mrs Phillips and her family for their kind donation, which means that Caerphilly residents will be able to admire the Eisteddfod Gates in their full glory and our towns rich heritage for many years to come".
In 1950, the Eisteddfod was held in Caerphilly, and it was a particularly important occasion because it was the first time that the 'All Welsh Rule came into use.
To mark the occasion at the time, the Headmistress of Caerphilly's girls grammar school, Miss LR Grant opened a set of ceremonial gates.
These gates have been carefully reconstructed on their original site on Crescent Road, using locally salvaged pennant sandstone as a reminder of the historic occasion. The Eisteddfod Gates were officially unveiled in February 2010 as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations to mark the occasion.
The site of the 1950 Eisteddfod will this year also be the location for the BBC Proms in the Park music event. This special occasion takes place on Saturday 10th September.
Were you involved in the 1950 Eisteddfod in Caerphilly? If you were, we'd like to hear from you! Records show that a G.R. Tilsley, Euros Bowen, A.O. Thomas and R Ifor Parry were winners of some of the prizes.
If you were involved, please let us know by calling 01443 864380.
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