What a memorable evening for the VSC!
Club Secretary and CEO Colin Francis CBE gave a warm welcome to singer, songwriter, and now filmmaker John Parr at the VSC. John was later joined by the cast of his BAFTA Cymru–winning short film A Pack of Five. Also in attendance was Elsa Davies, in support of the Hedd Wyn charity.
The evening, and the film itself, were inspired by the life, work and enduring legacy of Ellis Humphrey Evans, better known by his bardic name Hedd Wyn (“Blessed Peace”). Elsa Davies, widow of Gerald Williams, nephew of the poet, continues the work her husband began—honouring a lifelong commitment to preserving and sharing Hedd Wyn’s story.
The evening featured powerful recitals of Hedd Wyn’s poetry by Elsa and the cast, bringing the beauty and lyricism of the Welsh language vividly to life—even for those unfamiliar with it. Through these performances, the audience gained a deeper understanding of Hedd Wyn’s legacy and the profound impact of his short life.
Hedd Wyn was posthumously awarded the bard’s chair at the 1917 National Eisteddfod—one of Wales’s highest cultural honours. That year’s festival became known as “Eisteddfod y Gadair Ddu” (“The Eisteddfod of the Black Chair”).
Inspired by war poetry, John Parr has long sought to tell stories of resilience and human struggle. Deeply moved by Hedd Wyn’s life and work, he wrote and directed A Pack of Five, a beautifully crafted and poignant film exploring the emotional aftermath of First World War battle.
The film follows five soldiers who meet and share a cigarette from a pack of five. As their conversation unfolds, it becomes clear their lives are connected through encounters with Hedd Wyn—a truly beautiful and powerful narrative.
The cast—featuring Rhodri Evan, Simon Nehan, Scott Gutteridge, Rhodri Lewis, and Ddraig Williams—were present at the evening, and generously shared with the VSC audience insights into their experience of filming, which took place entirely on location in Tegryn, Pembrokeshire. Despite challenging conditions—including a storm across the Welsh hills—the production achieved stunning results. Parr noted that whenever Hedd Wyn’s words were spoken, the weather seemed to lift, with sunlight breaking through—a phenomenon reflected in the film’s remarkable cinematography.
It was a special event for the VSC, and we extend our sincere thanks to Elsa Davies and John Parr for their dedication in bringing Hedd Wyn’s legacy to our VSC audience. Funds raised will go to support the VSC Respite & Welfare Breaks, and the Hedd Wyn charity.
Coverage of the event appeared on BBC iPlayer as a feature on Welsh-language programme, Heno (23rd April 2026). Click the link below to view full coverage of the programme (much of which is in Welsh). The feature on A Pack of Five at the VSC begins at about 17 minutes into the programme.
Click here: Heno (Welsh Language) on BBC iPlayer
HEDD WYN & THE BLACK CHAIR
In September 1917, the Chairing of the Bard ceremony took place at the National Eisteddfod in Birkenhead Park. Among those present was the Welsh-speaking British Prime Minister, David Lloyd George. When the adjudicators announced that the poem submitted under the pseudonym Fleur de Lys had won, the traditional trumpets sounded to summon the poet forward.
After three calls went unanswered, Archdruid Dyfed rose and solemnly revealed that the winner had been killed in action six weeks earlier. The bardic chair was then draped in black cloth. The moment was profoundly moving—reports noted that there was “hardly a dry eye in the pavilion.” As the Archdruid expressed it, it was “the festival in tears and the poet in his grave.” The chair was later delivered to the poet’s parents in that same draped condition.
Today, the Black Chair—now undraped and preserved—remains a powerful symbol of loss and remembrance.
The chair of Hedd Wyn is now permanently displayed at his family’s hill farm, Yr Ysgwrn, near Trawsfynydd. The property was carefully maintained in its 1917 condition by the poet’s family, particularly his nephew Gerald Williams and his wife Elsa Davies. Gerald continued farming the surrounding land for many years, acting as custodian of both Yr Ysgwrn and Hedd Wyn’s legacy, welcoming visitors and preserving the poet’s story. He passed away in 2021.
In 2012, Gerald entrusted the future of Yr Ysgwrn to the Snowdonia National Park Authority. With support from the Welsh Government and National Lottery funding, the Authority announced on St David’s Day that it had acquired the Grade II-listed farmstead and surrounding land for the nation. Its mission is to protect and preserve the site while enhancing public access and understanding of Hedd Wyn’s life and work.
That same year, Gerald Williams was awarded an MBE in recognition of his exceptional contribution to preserving his uncle’s heritage.
