Which organisation do you work for?
Urdd Gobaith Cymru

What sort of voluntary work do you do, and where?
I'm the main steward at this year's Urdd Eisteddfod, Anglesey. I've been a steward in numerous local and regional eisteddfods, but this is my first national one.

A steward at the Urdd Eisteddfod can do a variety of jobs. They're needed to man the welcome tent, sell tickets, ensure the doors of the pavilion are shut and everyone keeps quiet during performances on stage - and lots more.

How did you get started?
As a school teacher, I've been working with the Urdd for years and I came to realise that it really does rely on volunteers. If people don't give their time then things don't happen.

How long have you been a volunteer?
For about 40 years - a long time!

Are there any special skills you need to be a volunteer?
You've got to be good with people - that really is the main skill you need. You've got to be able to deal with people in a panic or who need assistance. Sometimes, some people can be quite unpleasant but I've developed quite thick skin over the years, and generally everyone is polite.

How many hours a week/month do you give?
I will be giving lots of hours during the week of the eisteddfod. But we'd ask others to work an average of three or four shifts of about four hours each. Some people work two shifts, others ten, and hopefully it will all balance out.

We need to fill 1,000 shifts, so we're looking for about 300 volunteers to help make sure everything runs smoothly.

What are the best, and worst things about being a volunteer?
The best thing is to know that the event has gone ahead without any real problems and that any difficulties have been dealt with. People enjoy themselves because everything has been well organised.

Sometimes individuals can be difficult and of course the rain can always be a problem at eisteddfods, but usually things turn out fine.

How can others get involved?
They can contact the Urdd office (see website link right).