Posted on 30 July 2019
Gregynog Hall
University of Wales safeguards Gregynog Hall for future generations .
The University of Wales is pleased to announce that it has established a trust to safeguard the legacy of one of Wales’s landmark country estates for future generations.
2012 marked a commitment by the University of Wales to secure the future of Gregynog Hall in Powys and ensure its cultural legacy would continue to serve the needs of Wales as a national asset to be treasured.
The University of Wales Council created Adduned Cymru – The Wales Pledge to ensure that the assets it holds will continue to benefit the whole of Wales. This included a range of strategic arrangements and the establishment of independent trusts to safeguard the traditional services associated with the University. Through the University of Wales’ support for the Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies (CAWCS), Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru (The Welsh Dictionary), Gregynog Hall and the University of Wales Press, it has helped to promote and celebrate the language, heritage and culture of Wales.
Gregynog Hall’s historic house and country estate was given in trust to the University of Wales by the Davies sisters of Llandinam in 1960, and has been primarily used by University staff and students across Wales, playing an important role in facilitating collaborative work. The Gregynog Trust Ltd has been established as a charitable trust and is preparing for the next phase of securing a successful future for Gregynog. The Trust shares the aim of the University in its desire to safeguard Gregynog Hall and Estate for the nation, under the leadership of the Trust’s Chair, Carole-Anne Davies and the Board of Trustees.
As a result of the University’s detailed discussion to secure a sustainable future for the Hall, it has been agreed by the Davies family that the Hall should be transferred to the custody of the Gregynog Trust. The University has honoured all of its commitment to Gregynog Hall within the Adduned Cymru - Wales Pledge.
Professor Medwin Hughes, Vice-Chancellor of the University said: “Adduned Cymru - The Wales Pledge made a firm commitment to safeguarding the legacy of Gregynog Hall for future generations. By establishing the Trust, under the careful directorship of Carole-Anne Davies, Gregynog will continue to serve the needs of Wales as a national asset to be treasured.”
The Venerable Randolph Thomas, Chair of the University Council said: “I am pleased that the future of Gregynog Hall has been secured through the creation of the Gregynog Trust. The University Council extends its best wishes to the Trust as they continue to develop the work of Gregynog Hall in the future.”
Carole-Anne Davies, Chair of Gregynog Trust said: “Gregynog estate is among the most important economic, social and cultural assets in Wales, loved and valued for generations. The Sudeley, Blayney and Davies families have all at various times made it their home and placed it at the core of political, social and cultural activity. Most recently and perhaps most vividly in public memory, it was home to sisters Gwendoline and Margaret Davies, remarkable women who made such a huge contribution to enriching the lives of the people of Wales, through the arts, education and cultural inclusion. Building on this foundation, it is a considerable privilege for the Gregynog Trustees, to accept the baton of stewardship from the University, with the support of the Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Trust. We are determined that Gregynog’s future will be a vibrant and successful one.”
Daniel Davies, Chair of the Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Charity said: “At Gregynog, Gwendoline and Margaret Davies created a place of refuge and artistic inspiration for a wide range of people, as well as an important centre for debate and discussion. We are delighted that the Gregynog Trust is taking forward this legacy so that current future generations continue to benefit from their vision and generosity.”