A LADY from Stratton was one of 19 new bards, initiated at the recent Gorsedh Kernow.

The high point of the ceremony, this year at St Keverne Church, was the inauguration of the new bards in recognition of their outstanding work in serving Cornwall and its distinctive Celtic identity.

Jacqueline was named a bard of Gorsedh Kernow ‘by examination in the Cornish language and continuing work for Cornwall’.

The grand bard of Cornwall, Merv Davey, said: “Being awarded a bardship is a great honour, especially as the ceremony is conducted in front of all the other blue robed bards, alongside representatives of other Cornish organisations and friends and families that support Gorsedh Kernow and come together on this special occasion to celebrate our precious Cornish culture.”

The increasing interest and activity around the Cornish language, Kernewek, is reflected in the number of people, almost a third of the new bards, recognised this year for their hard work in the area.

Industrial and musical heritage is also well represented, as is the important work undertaken for Cornwall by people overseas.