Wales Archives - Gillian Monks

We all had a terrific time last week at the Saint David’s Day Festival and Book Fair down by Bangor Pier. The weather was amazing – clear skies and warm sunshine (I even ended up with a touch of sunburn!), with lots of people out to celebrate our country’s patron saint and well-known son, and our joy and unity in living in Wales.

There were lots of activities and stands, but the main focus was on the central stage where a stream of performers kept us entertained throughout the day, including choirs, musicians, singers and Indian dancers. I was particularly struck by the poignancy of the small Ukrainian choir (dressed in their gorgeously colourful costumes) who sang their hearts out for their beloved homeland to their host nation who were also particularly focused on celebrating their much loved home country that day.

At the end of their performance, I simply couldn’t stop myself from going over to thank them. I tapped one lady on the shoulder and thanked her – she looked bewildered, didn’t speak any English – so I hugged her instead. Words so frequently get in the way of true communication. As we gazed into each other’s eyes we exchanged a look of deep and complete mutual understanding. Perhaps some of these international conferences should abolish speaking and simply have the delegates go around hugging each other, sitting holding hands and gazing into each other’s eyes. We might all be amazed at what we learn about each other and what we can agree on.

Personally, I was delighted to finally meet fellow author, Patricia Wynne, who’s first book, ‘To Light a Penny Candle’ I have adored since I first read it at the pre-publication editing stage. It is a story about a journey to find oneself – quite literally – and the people the main character comes across who heart-warmingly provide the support and directions she requires – I can thoroughly recommend it!

And then there was the opportunity to meet some of my readers and hear their first hand opinions of my work so far – all complimentary, I hasten to add – but very humbling and heartening to a solitary author!

Later in the afternoon, I decided to take a break and have a walk down the 1500 foot long pier. The sea breezes were refreshing and the view of the snow-capped Gwynedd mountains against a deep blue sky were quite breath-taking. How lucky I am to live in such a beautiful place – but then the whole Earth is simply stunning and we all quite rightly feel that we live in the best bit of it!

Lastly, I looked at my stall displaying five of my six books published to date, and felt totally amazed that I had written them all. It is quite besides the point that I currently have five more books in various stages of completion! (Yes, I owe you all a newsletter and have much to share with you!!!)

For now, all I can say is that my health is better than it was in the winter and I am happily been twirled along by my various excitable muses and cannot work fast enough!

Watch this space!

Daffodils, a leek, a plate of home made Welsh Cakes… and butter… the Welsh love their butter! There is nothing so delicious as a Welsh Cake hot off the planc, smothered in butter which melts into the fragrant fruit and nutmeg. All emblems of my beloved Wales.

The 1st March was Saint David’s Day, but today, the 3rd of the month, it is the turn of his mother, Saint Non, to be celebrated.

Born in the 5th Century in Pembrokeshire, Non was the daughter of Lord Cynyr Ceinfarf of Dyfed. She grew up to be a devout holy woman but was violated by lustful Prince Sandde of Ceredigion. Non became pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy at Caerfai, just south of Saint David’s, in the middle of a violent thunder storm. Various versions of this tale recount how in her extreme birth pains, Non pressed her fingers into a boulder with such force that she left their impression in the rock.

When David was born, a brilliant light appeared, the rock was split asunder by a mighty bolt of lightning… and a spring gushed forth out of the ground. This beautiful clear water became know as Saint Non’s well and is reputed to heal those with mental illness.

Non brought Dewi up at Henfeynyw near Aberaeron and later they founded a nunnery at nearby Llanon together. We are all familiar with what happened to Saint David, but much less is known of his blessed mother. Later in life, Non moved on to Cornwall founding another nunnery at Alternon, where an ancient and beautiful church still stands today. However, Non ended her life in Brittany where she founded a third nunnery at Dirinon in Finistere. (Note the ‘non’ element in all these place names.)

Non means ‘nun’, and my middle name is Nonita, which is one of the Latin forms of ‘nun’. Therefore I have a double reason to celebrate today, for not only is it special to the mother of our patron saint here in Wales, but it is also my name day. People have long celebrated their name day across Europe, for they might not know the date – or even the year – of their birth, but they certainly knew their name and the protection and patronage of which Christian saint they were entitled to.

I am very lucky, for I have both birthday and name day… and my darling husband has just walked in bearing a box of chocolates for me!

Whatever your beliefs or genetic origins, I wish you all a very happy Saint Non’s Day – may she bring the nurture and support of a truly good woman and good mother to you all!