THE 2022 Denbighshire Urdd Eisteddfod Chair unveiled last week was designed and created by carpenter Rhodri Owen, with the help of specialist laser engravers at the Ffiws centre in Porthmadog.

Having created the chair at his workshop in Ysbyty Ifan, Rhodri then took it along to Ffiws for the finishing touches.

He used specialist tools to engrave images and designs to reflect Denbighshire and its people.

READ MORE:

Anglesey man to avoid alcohol after stealing drinks and damaging vehicle

Man, 62, walks North Wales coastline in 3,500-mile charity challenge

Holyhead man ordered to pay more than £400 after fare-dodging

Ffiws is a collaborative “maker space”, run by Menter Môn under the Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig banner with equipment, and technology available for community use at different locations across Gwynedd and Anglesey.

It started as a pilot in an empty shop in Porthmadog, but has proved such a hit that there are now eight sites across both counties.

Rhys Gwilym, responsible for the project at Menter Môn, said: “It was our pleasure to welcome Rhodri to Ffiws and to see him create elements of this year’s stunning Eisteddfod Chair, seeing the finished piece he’s created makes us feel very proud.

“The space in Porthmadog like all the other Ffiws locations, is a place where people can come and be creative using specialist tools such as 3D printers, vinyl, and laser cutters.

“We also encourage people to recycle and reuse, as we try to change attitudes to repairing broken items and belongings.

“The aim is to improve people's skills and give people access to equipment that they wouldn’t otherwise have.”

According to Rhodri, creating the chair for the Eisteddfod in the Urdd’s centenary year was a real privilege.

It was important for him to able to reflect the region of the Eisteddfod this year as well as its young people in the design.

He said: “I wanted to note the Urdd’s centenary in a subtle way that was relevant to the area, so I used the laser machine at Porthmadog to create some of the chair’s markings and letters spelling out ’Sir Ddinbych’ on both sides.

“The laser was also used to create some of the shapes that represent the hills of the Vale of Clwyd and the colourful mark on the largest panel denotes the area’s vibrant youth in the shape of a river flow. It is great to have a creative community space like this available locally, and thanks to Wyn, the technician at Ffiws for his help with the machine.”

Rhys is keen to encourage anyone who may be interested in using any of the Ffiws sties to get in touch.

Further information and links to make an appointment are available at: mentermon.simplybook.it/v2/.