This article is about the particular significance of the year 1968 to Wales and its people. Incumbents Secretary of State for Wales – Cledwyn Hughes (until 5 April); George Thomas (from 6 April) Archbishop of Wales – Glyn Simon, Bishop of Llandaff Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod of Wales – E. Gwyndaf Evans Events 9 May – County borough and district elections take place, with the Labour Party losing its majority on Newport Borough Council after 16 years. 10 August – Gulf Oil's new refinery at Milford Haven is officially opened by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. September – In response to the news that Harold Wilson's government has proposed to use part of the disaster fund set up to help the people of Aberfan to meet the costs of removing the tip that caused the Aberfan disaster, Merthyr MP S. O. Davies says: "I have never known a prime minister to behave so disgracefully in all my 34 years in the House of Commons". October – Trawsfynydd nuclear power station, the only nuclear power station to be located in a national park, is opened. November – In the referendum on the Sunday opening of public houses, the counties of Anglesey, Caernarfon, Cardigan, Carmarthen and Merioneth vote to stay "dry". 17 December – Official opening of first phase of the Royal Mint's new Llantrisant plant. The Welsh Office acquires responsibility for historic monuments, and for the water supply in Wales. The first bilingual (Welsh/English) postage stamp is issued, in recognition of the Prince of Wales's forthcoming investiture. Hugh Cudlipp becomes Chairman of the International Publishing Corporation. Arts and literature Welsh National Opera acquires a professional chorus. Cefn Cwrt Farm, Llangrannog, is purchased for use by the Urdd Gobaith Cymru. The Drama Tent is introduced to the Eisteddfod field. Cwmni Theatr Cymru is formed in Bangor. Rachel Thomas is awarded the OBE for services to Wales. Teenager Mary Hopkin rises to stardom after her appearance on Opportunity Knocks. In His Own Write, by John Lennon, makes its stage debut at the National Theatre in a version co-authored by and directed by Victor Spinetti. Awards National Eisteddfod of Wales (held in Barry) National Eisteddfod of Wales: Chair – Bryn Williams, "Awdl Foliant i'r Morwr" National Eisteddfod of Wales: Crown – Haydn Lewis, "Meini" National Eisteddfod of Wales: Prose Medal – Eigra Lewis Roberts, Y Drych Creulon New books English language