Urdd chair honours late Archdruid Dic Jones

Glan Rees said he discussed the chair with Dic Jones just before his death

The major literary prize at this year's Urdd National Eisteddfod has been donated in memory of the late Archdruid Dic Jones by his family.

The retired farmer, who died last year aged 75, won the chair five times consecutively while in his 20s.

The 2010 chair has been made by family friend and carpenter Glan Rees.

It will be awarded to the writer of the best poem at the youth cultural festival which takes place in June in Mr Jones' home county of Ceredigion.

Mr Rees, of Newport, Pembrokeshire, said he had discussed the design of the chair with Mr Jones shortly before his death.

"At first glance this is a simple chair but if you take a closer look, you'll see the strong images," he said.

"These are the result of a conversation Dic, Jean, his wife and I had about a month before Dic died.

"The most obvious image is that of the window - made of stained glass - which looks to the future.

"In the glass you can see agricultural images, such an ear of corn as well as the Cardiganshire coast, which were so important to Dic.

"On the back of the chair, there's a couplet from one of Dic's poems, Y Gamp.

Mr Jones was described as one of the finest Welsh poets of the 20th Century.

"Dic insisted this be placed on the back of the chair and not the front."

Mr Jones' widow Jean said: "This chair has been created out of respect and love for Dic.

"It was fortunate that Glan came to see us when he did.

"Dic was in good spirits and we had a discussion about the style and imagery and I know Dic would be delighted with the finished product."

The chair is given as a prize for a poem, in strict measure or free verse, without being over 100 lines on the subject, Waves.

The ceremony will be held on 3 June 2010 at the event which this year takes place in Llanerchaeron.

Mr Jones was described as one of the finest Welsh poets of the 20th century.

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