Welsh Government Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden has welcomed the appointment of two commissioners to the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.
HM The Queen has appointed Timothy Darvill OBE and Sarah Perons to serve as members of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (RCAHMW) for an initial five year term, with effect from 1 June 2021.
Professor Darvill and Ms Perons join seven existing Commissioners on the board that supervises the work of the RCAHMW, the body based at the National Library in Aberystwyth dedicated to the authoritative recording and interpretation of Wales’s archaeological and architectural heritage.
Each member of the board is appointed for their specialist expertise in an area of relevance to the Commission’s work.
Ms Perons, who works for the Diocese of Llandaff as Churches Development Officer, will guide the Commission’s project to record places of worship in Wales, which are closing at an accelerating rate.
Professor Darvill, author of the recently published book on Historic Landscapes and Mental Well-being, will guide the Commission’s work to support Welsh Government policies on culture, health and learning. Well-known for his work in the Preseli Hills on the origins of the Stonehenge bluestones, he also brings extensive knowledge of Welsh archaeology.
Professor Nancy Edwards, who chairs the Commission, welcomed the appointments, saying that:
"Sarah and Tim will bring invaluable experience to our vital work of helping people explore and enjoy the rich and varied historic environment of Wales. I look forward to their playing a full role in setting the strategic direction of the Commission and to the contributions they will make to our work as we face the challenges of the future.
Christopher Catling, Chief Executive of the Royal Commission, said:
"Professor Darvill and Sarah Perons join us at an exciting time for the Royal Commission as we await the outcome of the north Wales Slate Industry bid for World Heritage status, undertake innovative research into the impacts of climate change on Wales's coastal archaeology, work with young people to explore contemporary ideas of heritage and continue with our project to record 20th century schools, offices and places of worship in Wales.
Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, Dawn Bowden, said:
“I’d like to congratulate Professor Darvill and Sarah Perons on their appointments as they join a specialist and committed group of commissioners, and a dedicated, highly skilled team of staff. I wish them and the Royal Commission every success in the valuable work they undertake to safeguard the rich and varied historic environment of Wales.