Fundraising event at Highgrove
The campaign to save Cardigan Castle is thousands of pounds better off thanks to a high-profile fundraising event at the country home of the Prince of Wales.
The Prince who takes a close interest in developments at the castle allowed Cadwgan Trust to use Highgrove for a Welsh cultural evening attended by around 100 people last Thursday.
Highlight of the night was an auction which raised around £10,000. Lots included a silver necklace engraved with an englyn by Archdruid Dic Jones and original paintings by Aneurin Jones and his son Meirion. The menu was devoted to Welsh food, the Prince’s harpist, Crymych girl Clare Jones, provided the entertainment along with local choir Cadw Gan and soloists Gwawr Edwards, accompanied by her sister Menna and flautist Jenny Doyne.
“It was an absolutely fantastic evening,” said Cadwgan chair Jann Tucker. “We are so grateful to the Prince for allowing us to use Highgrove. It is a wonderful setting and lent so much prestige to the event. It has enabled us to give Cardigan Castle the highest possible profile.”
The unique handmade silver torc by Welsh jeweller Mari Thomas which was auctioned at Highgrove. The silver necklace is imprinted with an englyn by Archdruid Dic Jones and the stone is polished quartz.
A close up of the torc on the neck of royal harpist Clare Jones
Cadwgan along with partners and castle owners Ceredigion County Council will hear if their £4.8m bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund is successful sometime in the New Year.
In the meantime the trust has to continue fundraising to reach its £50,000 target.
