Past Chairman Keith Harrison is elected a Cornish Bard
On Saturday 2nd Sept 2023, at Prideaux Place near Padstow, Cornwall, Keith Harrison FMAA was elected a Bard of Honour by Gorsedh Kernow (Cornish Gorsedh) in recognition of his extensive work promoting Cornish Culture and Identity. Keith has lived in St. Buryan, West Cornwall with his wife Fiona for the past 20 years.
A person who is considered worthy of bardship must be proposed by an existing bard, who is required to submit a citation to the Gorsedh in support of his or her candidate. Citations must be presented without the knowledge of the person being nominated. Each nominee is in turn considered by the Gorsedh Council and, if found satisfactory, she or he is duly invited to become a bard. Bards choose a Bardic name in Cornish, which is generally relevant to their place of birth, their particular vocation or the work which has led them to be invited into the Gorsedh.
Gorsedh Kernow exists to maintain the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall. The tradition of preserving Celtic history and culture through poetry, song, dance, music, art and spoken word stretches back to the story tellers – the Bards of ancient Celtic countries.
The bards of Gorsedh Kernow, who have each sworn allegiance to Cornwall as a Celtic nation, help maintain the national Celtic spirit of Cornwall by studying their own Cornish history and the Cornish language and literature, art, music, dance and sport. They actively promote strong links between Cornwall, other Celtic countries and the wider diaspora, and help promote a spirit of peace and co-operation among those who love Cornwall.
Keslowena (Congratulations) to Keith for this wonderful achievement!
