Gorsedh Kernow names nine new Bards for 2017

A deep feeling of pride in being honoured with Cornish bardship will be plain to see this year as 9 proud initiates, 2 of whom are from outside Cornwall, wait to take their place among the 500 or so existing members of the College of Bards of Gorsedh Kernow.

Gorsedh Kernow was established in 1928 with the aim of celebrating and promoting Cornwall’s distinctive Celtic culture and the border town of Launceston, Cornwall’s ancient capital and home to the famous 11th century castle, provides the setting for this year’s Gorsedh Kernow Esedhvos Festival which includes the main bardic ceremony on Saturday 2nd September.

“Being awarded a bardship is a great honour,” said Grand Bard of Cornwall Merv Davey, Telynyor an Weryn “especially as the ceremony is conducted in front of all the other blue robed bards, alongside representatives of our sister Celtic nations of Wales and Brittany, other Cornish organisations and friends and families that support Gorsedh Kernow and come together on this special occasion to celebrate our precious Cornish culture.”The high point of the ceremony, which starts at 2pm in the grounds of Launceston Castle, will be the inauguration of the nine new bards in recognition of their outstanding work in serving Cornwall and her distinctive Celtic identity.

Interest in and activity around the Cornish language, Kernewek is reflected once again in the number of people recognised this year for their work in this area.  The important world of publishing is also recognised as is the important work done for Cornwall by people overseas.

The new bards for 2017 are:

Clive Boutle, London for publishing services to Cornish culture and promotion of European minority languages.

John Buckingham, Padstow for promoting Cornish identity and culture through the history of Padstow and the wider environs.

Jon Cleave, Port Isaac, for promoting Cornish identity through song.

Dee Harris, Porkellis, Helston. By examination in the Cornish language and continuing service to Cornwall.

Martine Knight, Helston, for promoting the Cornish language and identity in a wide field across the community.

Jakki Love, Ludgvan Churchtown, Penzance. By examination in the Cornish language and continuing service to Cornwall.

Russell Pearce III, Orinda, California for promoting Cornish identity in the U.S.A.

Wendy Simpson, Retire, Nr. Withiel, Bodmin. By examination in the Cornish language and continuing service to Cornwall.

Shaun Toft, Falmouth. By examination in the Cornish language and continuing service to Cornwall.