John Clifford, presented the Rotary Peace Prize that was awarded in July at the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod, at Gary’s offices, Butters John Bee Estate Agents in Nantwich, Cheshire last week, with Beth Murray, District Governor of Rotary District 1180.

Westminster Stone has been proud to share our involvement in promoting peace and cultural exchange at the prestigious Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod for 7 years now, and this year, we had the distinct honour of presenting the Rotary Peace Prize to deserving fundraiser Gary Fear, who embodied the spirit of the festival with his charitable work in Ukraine.

Celebrating Peace Through Music

The Llangollen Eisteddfod, meaning "a gathering of talents" in Welsh, boasts a rich history. Founded shortly after the devastation of World War II, the festival aimed to promote international harmony through music. Over the years, it has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting performers and audiences from all corners of the world.

The Llangollen Eisteddfod is held annually in the idyllic Welsh town of Llangollen, is more than just a music competition. Founded in 1947, it's a celebration of international friendship and a powerful message of unity through music. Each year, over 4,000 performers from across the globe gather to compete, share cultural experiences, and promote peace.

The Eisteddfod offers something for everyone. Competitive events feature choirs, soloists, dance groups, and instrumental ensembles. Beyond the competition, there are daily concerts, workshops, cultural exhibitions, and a vibrant international food court.

The Rotary Peace Prize

Rotary International is one of the largest humanitarian organisations in the world and is made up of 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide who work in their local, national and international communities to help those in need.  The Rotary Peace Prize is awarded to individuals or organizations making significant contributions to fostering peace and understanding. The prize serves as a public recognition of their efforts and inspires others to follow in their footsteps. The first Rotary Peace Award was awarded in 2016 to Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and the Eisteddfod now provides the platform for the presentation of the prize

The selection process for the Rotary Peace Prize is rigorous and impartial. A distinguished panel of judges, including prominent figures in the field of peacebuilding, evaluates nominations based on the candidate's impact, innovation, and potential for sustained peacebuilding efforts. Including Terry Waite CBE who was himself working to free hostages in war-torn areas when he was captured in Beirut and spent almost 5 years in solitary confinement.

It is within this framework of global peacebuilding that the Rotary Peace Prize was presented at the Llangollen Eisteddfod. The Eisteddfod's own commitment to fostering international harmony through music aligned perfectly with Rotary's mission. By presenting the prize at this prestigious event, Rotary and Westminster Stone aimed to amplify the message of peace and inspire a new generation of peacebuilders.

Awarding the Rotary Peace Prize

Westminster Stone, a company built on values of community and connection, felt a strong alignment with the goals of the Llangollen Eisteddfod. We partnered with the Rotary Club of Llangollen to present a special Rotary Peace Prize to Gary Fear in recognition for his aid work in Ukraine, over the last 2 years.

John Clifford, the Managing Director of Westminster Stone presented the award which was accepted by Nick Gidney in July and later presented to Gary outside his office in Nantwich.

Gary's Journey

Gary first visited Ukraine in April 2022 with a suitcase of children's clothes and a £7000 debit card to spend on food and essentials. Since then he has visited a further 8 times, has purchased over £75,000 worth of food and delivered around 23.4 tonnes of food to people in need. Gary is now fund-raising for his ninth trip on 17th September.

Read Gary's full story and donate using the link below:

JustGiving Page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/gfukraine]

Westminster Stone: Building a Stronger Community

At Westminster Stone, we believe that strong communities create a stronger world. We are committed to supporting events that foster peace, cultural exchange, and a sense of belonging. Our involvement in the Llangollen Eisteddfod reflects this commitment.

We encourage our readers to consider attending the Llangollen Eisteddfod next year. It's a unique experience that will touch your heart and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the power of music to unite people across borders.

About the Author

Sian McHugh

'Sian has been working with us at Westminster Stone for over 5 years and has developed expertise in garden design and landscaping. Her passion for nature extends to tending her own garden, teaching yoga and hiking during her free time.'