In front of a school hall full of children, youngsters, parents and supporters, Welsh tv presenter Heledd Cynwal announced that Sioned Page-Jones from Blaencoed, Carmarthenshire is this year’s winner of the John and Ceridwen Hughes Uwchaled Memorial Award.
Awarded annually at the Urdd Eisteddfod, the John and Ceridwen Hughes Uwchaled Memorial Award recognises and celebrates those who make a significant contribution to the lives of young people in Wales. Sioned will be honoured at a special ceremony at this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod in Llandovery, held 29 May – 3 June.
Sioned was nominated by members of Aelwyd Hafodwenog on behalf of all Carmarthenshire young people who have benefited from her support and voluntary youth work over the years. Sioned's work with young people spans 26 years, with her enthusiasm and commitment to her local community just as strong today
Starting her volunteering role at a young age, Sioned started training groups at Aelwyd Hafodwenog at 19 years old. As well as being leader of the Aelwyd, Sioned began coaching the under 15’s two-part singing party in 1997. It was a successful year for the Aelwyd for two reasons; the party came third nationally in the Urdd Eisteddfod and Sioned caught the ‘competing bug’, an experience that began her long journey in supporting many generations across the county.
Sioned became the Leader of Penybont Young Farmer’s club when it was re-established in 2004 and formed a Mixed Choir for the first time in its history. Eighteen years later, Sioned is still at the club leading and teaching the Mixed Choir who are renowned for their high standard on the YFC Eisteddfod National stage.
Sioned's passion for dance, namely Folk Dancing and Clog Dancing is contagious; she has trained tens of groups and individuals from Aelwyd Hafodwenog, Danswyr Talog and Cowin Clogs over the years.
Amongst a long list of people supporting Sioned’s nomination, Aelwyd Hafodwenog members Sioned, Daniel, Hannah and Gwennan had the following to say of their mentor:
“The Aelwyd, for many years, has been at the centre of the lives of many young people in the area. Sioned’s work from week to week ensures that the community goes from strength to strength. A crucial part of the Aelwyd is to inspire the next generation to succeed and to continue with the voluntary work. We have been so lucky to learn and develop under the leadership of someone as talented as Sioned.
“After moving away to University, some of us have taken on big roles in teaching and conducting choirs, and at times competing against Sioned and Aelwyd Hafodwenog’s choir on a national stage. Her standard is always so high, an aspect which influences us all as conductors of our own choirs. The biggest praise we can give Sioned is; when we are in a practice session and wondering what’s the best way of doing something, of expressing the meaning, the first thing that comes to mind is ‘how would Sioned do it?’.
“There is only one word to describe Sioned, inspiring.”
Siân Eirian, Eisteddfod yr Urdd and the Arts Director, said:
“On behalf of the Urdd, I’d like to congratulate Sioned Page-Jones on winning this prestigious award. Sioned has supported and given the children and young people of Carmarthenshire priceless opportunities for over a quarter of a century, and it will be a great privilege and our pleasure to honour her at this year’s Carmarthenshire Eisteddfod. The Urdd relies on the support of hard working and conscientious people such as Sioned who promote the organisation and show how valuable, and how much fun, it is to be a member of the Urdd.”
The John and Ceridwen Hughes Uwchaled Award is given by Dewi and Gerallt Hughes, in memory of their parents, John and Ceridwen Hughes, who were very involved in youth work within their community. Sioned will be presented with the Award on Thursday, 1 June at this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod in Llandovery.