‘Bodedern’s musical success

During the National Eisteddfod of Wales’s hymn-singing festival in Bodedern (Anglesey) broadcast on Sunday evening, August 6^th, a former Bangor University School of Music doctoral researchers gained a resounding success.

Dr Godfrey Wyn Williams from Pontcysyllte (nr. Llangollen) was awarded the Eisteddfod’s prize for composing an original hymn tune. Following several successes in local and regional festivals throughout Wales (inc. Eisteddfod Llandegfan, Llanrwst, Treuddyn, Mynytho, Bancffosfelen, Powys & Lampeter), Godfrey’s talent was given national recognition and a truly memorable performance during the televised cymanfa ganu.    

A native of Pentre Broughton (near Brymbo) and one of seven children, Dr Williams has gained considerable experience as a talented hymn-tune writer. His prize-winning tune, aptly named ‘Bodedern’, is a setting of a hymn text by Dr Cen Williams, at one time Director of Canolfan Bedwyr, Bangor University.

Following retirement, Dr Godfrey Williams embarked on his career as a researcher and studied the Non-conformist musical tradition in north-east Wales and Liverpool, gaining his doctorate in 2013. He is an experienced organist and an active member of several community choirs in the Wrexham locality.

Many congratulations. 

Publication date: 7 August 2017