Trinity College Alumni

Alumni Reunion 2008

The Venerable Alun Evans, Dr Medwin Hughes, Revd Ainsley Griffiths, Gareth Morgan, Mrs Selina Jones, Peter Hughes Griffiths, and Revd Lyn Rees A stained glass window has been installed at Trinity’s College in memory Norah Isaac, one of the most renowned mentors of Welsh education and culture. The window, designed and built by Carmarthen artist Gareth Morgan, depicts the history of the Christian faith in Wales and focuses upon some of the key individuals linked to that history. “The College was keen to note Norah Isaac’s remarkable contribution not only to Trinity College but also to Wales” said Principal Dr Medwin Hughes. “The window is a fitting tribute to her as it portrays those people who were important to her and whose contribution to the Christian faith in Wales defined Norah’s life”.

Picture: The Venerable Alun Evans, Dr Medwin Hughes, Revd Ainsley Griffiths, Gareth Morgan, Mrs Selina Jones, Peter Hughes Griffiths, and Revd Lyn Rees.

Artist Gareth Morgan was chosen to design and make the window in the same style as his previous work to commemorating the famous Black Book of Carmarthen, which can be seen in the College’s chapel. He said “. . . I chose to deal with the theme by devising a ‘collage’ of symbolic elements together with significant figures connected with the rise of Christianity in Wales. I have created a contrast between detailed painted surfaces with ‘clear’ ones, between translucent pieces that have been sandblasted and antique glass that glimmers in its transparency.

He said “As a decorative element to unite the panels, I have used patterns that have been inspired by the rood screens that typify early abbeys and churches of Wales that have survived in many places. It was also my intention that elements of the window could imply growth as they reach out from a narrow tree trunk from the bottom. The transparent surfaces allow us to glimpse at nature outside and draw them into the window. These surfaces also allow present College people, as well as future ones, to ‘reside’ in the window and share its message.”

The window was consecrated in the College’s Ante-chapel during the former students’ reunion weekend by the Venerable Alun Evans, Archdeacon of Carmarthen.

Norah Isaac was famous as an author, drama producer and was also the first head teacher at Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth in 1939. As well as one of the most eminent figures in Wales’ drama and literary world, she was an important figure in the Eisteddfod and was awarded an Honorary Fellowship of the National Eisteddfod in tribute to her life long service. She established the first ever Welsh Drama Department in Wales at Trinity, setting the foundations for a flourish tradition in the performing arts at the College. Amongst her former students are Cefin Roberts, Artistic Director of ‘Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’, who can also be seen conducting Ysgol Glanaethwy in the BBC’s Last Choir Standing Competition, and Peter Hughes Griffiths, a former member of staff and who is an Honorary Fellow of the College.

During the evening meal, the Revd Eldon Phillips talked about Trinity’s rugby history with special mention to our greats, amongst whom are the late Dewi Bebb who came to College as a student fifty years ago, and Barry John - quite possibly one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. Both won their first caps for Wales whilst studying at Trinity College. Lynn 'Cowboy' Davies and Horace Phillips were two of the greats that managed to be present during the evening. Dewi Bebb's widow, Morwen and her two sons, Gareth and Siôn, were also present. Eldon, a former student and member of staff, is currently the Scarlets RFC chaplain and press officer for the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon. Peter Hughes Griffiths spoke on behalf of the Principal who could not attend. He talked about Dewi Bebb and how Norah Isaac thought of him as a favourite due to his great literary father Ambrose Bebb. He also said that even though that she didn't like rugby, when Dewi won his first cap for Wales, she attended with great pride.

Picture: Dewi Bebb

It was a splendid evening where many great memories were shared between all present.

The date for the reunion weekend next year is 11-13 September.