Head of Tŷ Newydd: Leusa Llewelyn
Leusa took up the post of Acting Head of Tŷ Newydd in July 2015, after relocating to Llanystumdwy from Cardiff, where she worked as an Events and Projects Officer for Literature Wales for four years. She is now the Head of the centre, and responsible for the smooth running of Tŷ Newydd’s operations. Her main responsibilities are organising the annual programme of courses, creating partnerships, and ensuring that each participant’s experience of Tŷ Newydd is enjoyable and rewarding. Leusa has published two novels for young people in the Welsh language, and enjoys cycling and going on local and far away adventures in her spare time.
Tŷ Newydd Venue Manager: Ceri Collins
Ceri has been working at Tŷ Newydd since January 2014, after returning home to Eifionydd from Canada, where she worked for two years in the Rockies and Whistler. She enjoys meeting people from all over the world as part of her job. Ceri is responsible for organising course attendees’ visits and ensuring that their stay at Tŷ Newydd is comfortable and enjoyable, and also organising school visits and private retreats at the Centre. She finds that no week – and indeed no day! – at Tŷ Newydd is the same, and that is what she loves most about her role. Ceri is also responsible for the Writers on Tour scheme, which is administered from Tŷ Newydd. When she isn’t at work, she enjoys relaxing with a glass of red wine in front of soap operas, and spending time relaxing with her husband and daughter.
Tŷ Newydd Marketing and Programming Officer: Miriam Williams
Miriam joined the Tŷ Newydd team in June 2016 as our Marketing and Programming Officer after relocating from Aberystwyth. Now back on home turf, Miriam is responsible for marketing the centre as well as helping to organise the programme of courses and events here at Tŷ Newydd. She likes nothing better than receiving blog posts from past participants (be sure to send one over). In her spare time she’s a keen supporter of Wales’ National Football team, following the team to all four corners, often performs and competes with a local choir as well as being an active member of the local Young Farmers Club.
Tŷ Newydd Catering and Hospitality Coordinator: Anthony Cannon
Born across the border in Liverpool, Tony has lived in Wales for 25 years. A chef for 33 years, he has worked in a huge variety of kitchens during his career – from a British Gas factory to a Michelin-starred restaurant. He now works at Tŷ Newydd, catering for and looking after groups and their particular dietary needs, guiding volunteers in the kitchen, and sharing a few of his culinary secrets. Tony is a Welsh learner and specialises in specialist diet catering (e.g. gluten free, vegetarian, vegan etc.) A fun fact about Tony: he has competed internationally for Wales and Great Britain in Gallery Rifle Shooting.
Literature Wales Community Officer: Gwen Lasarus James
Gwen works as the Community Officer for Gwynedd and Anglesey, and her work takes her to wonderful places – from Cwm Pennant to Din Lligwy. Her responsibilities include developing local partnerships, organising literary tours, running a Young People’s Writing Squad in Gwynedd, and overseeing the Literature for Health and Wellbeing project. Gwen has written many novels and plays for young people, she is also a yoga teacher, and tutors Welsh for adults. Gwen enjoys hiking, and has walked most of the Anglesey coastal path. She likes swimming in the sea, but not without her wetsuit!
Community Participation Manager: Mared Roberts
Mared joined Literature Wales in September 2016; she’s responsible for health and wellbeing projects for north Wales as well as the National Poet of Wales project, literary events and other various projects. Mared now lives in Arfon following periods of living in Ceredigion and Cardiff. She enjoys reading, going for a walk and spending time with friends and family whilst juggling it all with helping in her local community and running a taxi service for her busy children.
Lit Reach Project Officer: Elan Rhys
Elan joined the team in November 2017. She’s responsible for working with all our partners across north Wales to provide literature activities in health and wellbeing for specific community groups. Elan lives in Caernarfon and has a keen interest in visual art as well as composing, recording and performing original music.
