CV
Martin Davis
Is-y-coed
Tre Taliesin
Machynlleth
Powys SY20 8JG
Tel 01970 832230
Date of Birth:
08:08:57
Born:
Llanrwst, Cymru (Wales)
Education 18+
BA University of Wales Aberystwyth: Irish Language and Welsh History
MA University of Wales Aberystwyth: Welsh History (written in Welsh) –
A Social History of Meirionnydd: 1750-1859 – this thesis was awarded the Llywelyn ap Gruffydd Memorial Prize by the University of Wales.
1982-1988
Various administrative posts (library, archives, teachers’ union) – working primarily through the medium of Welsh. Translation and bilingual copywriting were an integral aspect of all these posts.
1988 – to present
In 1988 Ibecame freelance and established Afiaith – an English/Welsh Welsh/English translation service. During the 28 years it has been in existence,Afiaith has built up an excellent reputation as a professional, prompt and user-friendly service and it includes among its clients some of Wales’ leading public, private and voluntary sector organisations and agencies some of whom are listed below.
Education:
WJEC, Aberystwyth University, Cardiff University, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Urdd Gobaith Cymru, National Museum of Wales, Pembrokeshire Education Services, Powys County Council Education Department, Centre for Alternative Technology, UCAC, Coleg Meirion Dwyfor, The Open University
Local Authorities/Public Bodies and Organisations:
Ceredigion County Council, Cardiff City and County Council, Powys County Council, Welsh Government, Welsh Water, Welsh Tourist Board, Food Standards Agency
Agriculture/Ecology/Rural Affairs/The Environment:
ADAS, Organic Centre Wales, Centre for Alternative Technology, Dyfi Woodlands, Denmark Farm, Edible Mach, Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Soil Association, Sustrans,Wildlife Trust, Cycling UK
Arts and Culture:
Artes Mundi, Welsh Arts Council, Wales Arts International, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, MOMA Machynlleth,Creu Cymru, Fieldwork, Welsh Books Council, Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, Vale of Glamorgan Music Festival, Dyfed Young Musicians, Arts&Business Wales
Faith organisations:
Quakers, Church of Wales
Law and Order:
Dyfed Powys Police Authority (latterly Police Commissioner), UPSI
Broadcasting:
S4C, BBC, numerous independent television companies, Champion FM
Health and Social Services:
Powys Teaching Health Board, Prospects Aberystwyth, Human Tissue Authority
Heritage:
Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Countryscape (Peaceful Places, Ceredigion, Gower Landscape Partnership), Creu-ad, Owain Glyndŵr Centre Machynlleth, National Library of Wales, Gwynedd Archaeological Trust
I am a full member of Cymdeithas Cyfieithwyr Cymru (Association of Welsh Translators), Membership No. 298.
Publications
I am also a published author writing in Welsh for both adults and children. I have twice been awarded a coveted writer’s bursary from the Welsh Arts Council for the completion of adult novels. I have some ten original titles and over a score of translations among my credits. I have also been a regular contributor to the leading Welsh language periodicals as a reviewer. I am member of the Welsh Academy.
A synopsis of some of my works can be found on the Welsh Literature Exchange Website
Further details of many ofmy publications can be found on the Lolfa website at
I adapted my children’s books Plismon Puwfor television and they have become a successful series on S4C (See below).
Most recently in April 2016 I received a scholarship grant from Literature Wales to complete my latest novel.
Television & Radio
Between 1993-99 I was co-director of the Welsh language television company Sianco which specialised in the production of children’s and educational programmes and I was directly involved with the following credits:
1993
- Iasau (S4C/Sianco) Adaptation and translation of scripts by Andy Bradshaw for this series (12 episodes x 15’) of horror stories for 10-13 yearolds
1994
- Iasau (S4C/Sianco) A second series of above. Scripting of Andy Bradshaw’s storylines.
- Marc (S4C/Sianco/EBU) Original script for 15’ film for 7-9 yearolds
- Dan Oed (S4C/Sianco) Member of scripting and storyline team for children’s soap. Sianco’s bid for this series was one of 4 out of 14 who were given an opportunity to make a 15’ pilot.
1995
Plismon Puw (S4C/FiTi TiFi) 16x15’ scripts as original author of Plismon Puwbooks for children of nursery age.
Gwenno (S4C/Sianco/EBU) Original script for 15’ film for 7-9 yearolds.
1996
- Tafarn y Gŵr Drwg (S4C/Sianco) Script editor for 6 x 30’ drama series for 10-13 year olds. This series subsequently received a BAFTA Cymru award for best children’s programme in 1999.
- Maesyronnen(BBC/Sianco) Radio Soap for adults.
- Iaith ar Daith (BBC/Sianco) 8x15’ BBC Education KS2 Welsh – format subsequently adapted for radio.