Cornwall in Focus NewsBard for Life
Published 06 Sep 09 07:28
BBC News reports that fifteen people were initiated into the bardic circle in Cornwall yesterday at a special ceremony in Saltash.
The Cornish Gorsedd, called Gorseth Kernow in Cornish, was set up to uphold the county's Celtic traditions. Its aim is also to honour men and women who have made outstanding contributions to Cornwall and its ancient culture, history and language.
The Open Gorseth held at Longstone Park on 5 September also saw a new Grand and Deputy Grand Bard installed. The ceremony, which began with a procession at 2pm, featured traditional dances, a presentation of Cornish flowers by the Lady of Cornwall and an allegiance sworn to the county by the bards. There was also a presentation of awards, trophies and competition prizes to people who have excelled in some way.
Yachtsman Pete Goss, who lives in Cornwall and recently sailed to Australia in a wooden fishing boat, was among a number of people to be presented with an award in the ceremony. Four-year-old Ellie Libby from Looe, who is the inspiration for Ellie's Haven - a charity to build a holiday home for sick children, was also a recipient.
The bards who were initiated into the Gorsedd have earned the honour in recognition of their services to Cornwall or for succeeding in their Grade Four examination set by the Cornish Language Board. There are believed to be about 450 Cornish bards across the world.
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