Mair Garnon
Mair Garnon | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1928 Saint Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire |
| Died | March 4, 2022 Bryn Iwan, Cynwyl Elfed, Carmarthenshire |
| Occupations | teacher, author |
Mair Garnon (also known as Mair Garnon James; 1928 – 4 March 2022) was a Welsh teacher, comedian, and author.[1] She was the leader of the "Noson Lawen" programme on S4C[1] and a public speaker.[2] She was heavily involved in the annual Eisteddfod festival and was the first woman ever named as compere in 1990 for the Gŵyl Fawr Aberteifi.[3]
Garnon contributed a volume to the "Cyfres Ti'n Jocan" comedy book series called "Hiwmor Sir Benfro" (translated: "Pembrokeshire Humor").[4] It includes jokes, light poems, and Garnon's personal memories.[5]
Personal life
[edit]Mair Garnon was brought up in Saint Dogmaels in Pembrokeshire near Cardigan. She was a teacher for many years before retiring in the early 1990s.[1] During the 1980s and 90s, she was the presiding magistrate for the local area.[6] As the deputy chairman for the South Ceredigion branch of the Gorsedd Cymru, in 1987, she received the bardic honours of the Green robed Ovate order.[7]
She married Jeff James, who died in 2008, and they had three children.[1] She died on 4th March 2022 at Pencaer Farm, Bryn Iwan, Cynwyl Elfed, Carmarthenshire at the age of 93. A public service was held at Blaenwaun Chapel, Saint Dogmaels on 12th March at 2022 at 11am.[8]
Legacy
[edit]The Tlws Coffa Mair Garnon James Memorial Award for best comedian and performer was established in May 2023 to be presented annually at the Eisteddfod Llandudoch.[9]
Bibliography
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "Y ddigrifwraig a'r athrawes Mair Garnon James wedi marw" [Comedian and teacher Mair Garnon James has died]. BBC News (in Welsh). March 5, 2022. Retrieved May 5, 2026.
- ^ "MAIR GARNON JAMES (COMEDIENNE)". Cardigan Castle.
- ^ "Mair - the first woman compere". Tivy-Side Advertiser. July 6, 1990. Retrieved May 6, 2026.
- ^ "Yr awdur Mair Garnon James wedi marw" [The author Mair Garnon James has died]. Newyddion (in Welsh). March 5, 2022. Retrieved May 6, 2026.
- ^ a b "Hiwmor Sir Benfro (9780862439323) | Mair Garnon | Y Lolfa". Y Lolfa.
- ^ "Venture 'began as a foolish prank'". Carmarthen Journal. November 21, 1986. Retrieved May 6, 2026.
- ^ Walsh, Barry (July 15, 1987). "County personalities to receive bardic honours". Western Telegraph. Retrieved May 6, 2026.
- ^ "Death notice Mair Garnon James". Western Mail. 9 March 2022.
- ^ "Mair remembered in new award". Tivy-Side Advertiser. May 16, 2023. Retrieved May 6, 2026.
- ^ "Ody'r Teid yn Mynd Mas? (9781848513617) | Mair Garnon James | Y Lolfa".
Further reading
[edit]- Jones, Alex (August 25, 2013). "Pennod 2 - Mair Garnon James" [Chapter 2 - Mair Garnon James]. BBC Radio Wales (in Welsh). Retrieved May 6, 2026.
- Jones, Jon Meirion (May 11, 2015). "Hunangofiant Mair Garnon - Odi'r teid yn mynd mas - Pennod 1" [Mair Garnon's Autobiography - Is Grandpa Going Away? - Chapter 1]. Bore Cothi (in Welsh). BBC Radio Cymru. Retrieved May 6, 2026.
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