Celebrating “most remarkable Welshman”

David Davies, from Llandinam, described as "one of the most remarkable Welshmen who has ever lived" will be the focus of a special event at the Institute, Llanfair Caereinion on May 3.

Dr David Jenkins, from Swansea University, a world-leading expert on the Davies family will be the guest speaker at a Cheese and Wine event to raise money for the Powys Eisteddfod which is taking place in Llanfair Caereinion on July 19 and 20.

Glandon Lewis, Chairman of the Powys Eisteddfod 2013 committee says it is a great pleasure to welcome Dr Jenkins to Llanfair Caereinion:

“We are delighted that Dr David Jenkins, who is internationally recognised for his work on the Davies family is able to attend this important event to raise funds for the Eisteddfod 2013. I would urge anyone who has an interest in the heritage of Montgomeryshire and the remarkable life of David Davies and his family to attend this unique event.”

The evening event will also include musical entertainment from local talented harp players; ‘Triawd Telynnau Llanerfyl’ and will be conducted in Welsh and English. Tickets to the event are £12, please contact Glandon on 01938 810 643/07774 224 999 or email tremafon2@tiscali.co.uk

David Davies was born in 1818 in a small Llandinam cottage. Although from humble beginnings he became a leading industrialist and millionaire who made his fortune in railways, coal and construction.  His engineering feats included the construction of the new iron bridge across the Severn; establishing a rail network in Wales including the Llanidloes to Newtown line and building the Barry Docks. A statue of him holding the plans for Barry Docks still stands in the middle of the village.

David Davies was also closely associated with the campaign to establish the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and he built Broneiron which was his family’s home. His grandson David was the Liberal MP for Montgomeryshire from 1906 - 1929 and was made Baron Davies of Llandinam in 1932.

His grand-daughters, Margaret and Gwendoline Davies, also made their mark. They established the Gregynog Festival which attracts some of the finest musicians in the world to perform at their former home, Gregynog Hall. The Festival is celebrating its 80th Anniversary this year and continues the tradition of its founders to bring together some of the finest artists in the world to perform. The Festival takes place at Gregynog Hall between 20-30 June, to view the programme visit www.gregynogfestival.org or call 01686 207 100.