Rhodri Morgan, a reflection

Our founder, Robert Davies has taken some time to reflect on the news of Rhodri Morgan’s passing.

Rhodri Morgan who was Vice-President of Voluntary Community Service from 1997 has died.

At a local, national and international level he was known and admired by many. Great people are praised by the great for their great work But many ordinary folk will also be aware of his closeness to their everyday concerns. Typical of this was his involvement with VCS and many similar organisations.

His first contact with our work was in 1966 shortly after VCS was founded. It was to plan the construction (by a UNA International workcamp) of an adventure playground at the former Ely Hospital School for Handicapped. Together we discussed the proposal with the Headteacher, Grace Edwards and her daughter Julie ( who he was to marry soon after). This happened to be the year when George Thomas, MP, became Pesident of VCS Cymru. Rhodri became Honorary Vice-President in 1997 at the death of George Thomas (with Robert Davies as Hon. President).

VCS Cymru now runs Radio Cardiff, which Rhodri officially opened in 2007. Subsequently he was a frequent guest for broadcast interviews until his retirement.

He attended the VCS Cymru 50th Anniversary although not “officially” and his wife Julie Morgan, AM, gave an address at the main celebration meeting.

Over the years of our organisation’s long history we are grateful for the significant and continuous support and influence of such a person.

Our thoughts are with those closest to him at this time.