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: Miriam Williams
Miriam joined the Tŷ Newydd team in June 2016, and she’s responsible for organising all aspects of your stay here at Tŷ Newydd. Her favourite element of the job is meeting people from all four corners of the world and helping to ensure their stay at Tŷ Newydd is as comfortable and rewarding as possible. Miriam also administrates Literature Wales’ Writers on Tour funding scheme. In her spare time she loves nothing more than travelling to watch Wales’ National Football team play, and regularly follows the team to international away games, as well as helping out with the local community pub in Llanystumdwy, Tafarn Y Plu. Miriam is currently Literature Wales’ acting Communications Manager.
Tŷ Newydd Catering and Hospitality Coordinator: Anthony Cannon
Born across the border in Liverpool, Tony has lived in Wales for 30 years. A chef for 35 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.
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.
Community Officer: Gwen Lasarus James
Gwen is our Community Officer, 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!
