Prince's eisteddfod poem gift

Grahame Davies has written four poems in English and Welsh

A north Wales poet has been chosen to write poetry for Prince Charles to celebrate the international music eisteddfod at Llangollen.

Grahame Davies, an executive producer with BBC Wales, was approached by members of The Academi - an agency which promotes literature in Wales.

Prince Charles asked the Academi to commission a poet to write a piece of literature which he could give as a present to the eisteddfod.

The prince will hand over the gift during his visit to the annual festival on 7 July.

Mr Davies' series of four poems draws upon his memories of the eisteddfod and the local history which connects his home village of Coedpoeth near Wrexham with the world-renowned festival.

It meant a great deal to write about something which has so many connections for me

Grahame Davies

During his research Mr Davies discovered that Harold Tudor - who came up with the idea of forming the eisteddfod - had lived in the same village as him.

The competition was formed in 1947 to foster international co-operation following the hostilities of World War II.

However, Mr Tudor actually came up with the idea two years earlier.

"He heard a delivery boy singing as he delivered milk," said Mr Davies.

"The whole idea of reconciling divisions came to him in a flash.

Princes Charles and William visiting north Wales

"He then went ahead to promote that vision.

"The first of the poems is a rendition of that experience."

The second poem, written in English, is about the boy who was Mr Tudor's inspiration - Lawrence Roberts.

The third poem, which is written in Welsh, draws on the experiences of Hywel Roberts, a compère at the eisteddfod whose brother was killed on the last day of World War II.

Mr Davies said people were worried about how he would introduce a choir from Germany so soon after his brother's death.

Harry Tudor and Grahame Davies are from Coedpoeth

"He asked the audience to welcome their friends from West Germany and there wasn't a dry eye in the house," he said.

"The last poem says what Llangollen means to me .

"I was born and brought up in Coedpoeth and I attended the eisteddfod from a small child.

"As an adult it probably means more because I appreciate the event.

"It meant a great deal to write about something which has so many connections for me," he said.

Mr Davies will read his poems in front of an audience which will include Prince Charles on 7 July.

From his royal commission, the poet has paid for a plaque dedicated to Harold Tudor which will be displayed in Coedpoeth.

The Llangollen International Eisteddfod runs from the 7-13 July 2003.