The nation lost a giant of a man who had a devoting passion for Wales and the Welsh language when Meredydd ‘Merêd’ Evans died on the 21st of February 2015.

Now, in Merêd: Dyn ar Dân , the enormous contribution Merêd made to Welsh culture and politics is remembered -  as well as the man himself - the loving figure who had a deep love for his square mile. 

The diversity of the contributors found in the volume is a testament to the popularity Merêd had amongst people of all ages. Authors include Angharad Tomos, Gai Toms, Lyn Ebenezer and Cynog Dafis - each paying tribute to Merêd, to his genius and his tenacity, his vision and his affection.

There is also an article by the late Professor Gwyn Thomas, who died on the 13th of April this year.

There are also many poems paying tribute to Merêd, and the last poem written by Merêd himself, along with a host of pictures from all of the periods in his life.

'One of the greatest tributes of this volume is unwritten – that is to say that it features authors ranging from their twenties to their nineties have all contributed. Each, in their own area of expertise and each in their own style want to acknowlede their gratitude to Merêd,' said Rocet Arwel Jones.

The volume acknowledges Merêd’s contribution as a broadcaster, philosopher, performer, researcher, and educator; to the establishment of community newspapers, S4C and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, among many other things. He made large and lasting contributions to Wales during a life that spanned nearly a century.

‘He was an activist in everything he did – from earning a living as a lecturer and television product to campaigns in education, broadcasting and language acts’ added Rocet Arwel.

The volume has been edited by Eluned Evans, Merêd’s daughter, assisted Rocet Arwel Jones.

'He was a man of national and international platforms, yet nothing was more important to him than his square mile. Tanygrisiau was always there with him as he travelled to Bangor, Cardiff, America and eventually to Cwmystwyth, where he planted deep roots’ said Rocet Arwel Jones.

Rocet Arwel Jones was born in Rhos-y-bol, Anglesey and was educated at the Young Farmers Club in Rhos-y-bol, Amlwch Secondary School and the University of Wales in Aberystwyth. He has already published two books about his experiences in a humorous tour of Africa and Kenya, a volume of interviews with Emyr Humphreys and a book of oral history at the turn of the millennium. He is a familiar voice on Radio Cymru and S4C and has published poems and essays in Taliesin, Tu Chwith, Barn, Golwg, Y Traethodydd and on the internet. He is married to Sharon and is the father of three boys.

A Merêd memorial concert to celebrate the Welsh folk singing tradition will be held at Pontrhydfendigaid Pavilion on Sunday May 1st.

Merêd: Dyn ar Dân (£9.99, Y Lolfa) is available now.