As a result of the Covid-19 restrictions, the organisers of the annual ‘Ar Eich Marciau’ quiz were forced to make very different plans for this year’s competition.
Instead of meeting face to face, ten teams came together virtually to compete for the annual ‘Ar Eich Marciau’ shield.
‘Ar Eich Marciau’ was established in 2019 by Cered: Menter Iaith Ceredigion and Ceredigion Actif as a Welsh Language quiz competition for the county’s sport clubs. Inviting clubs to create teams to compete face to face in the same location was not possible this year, therefore it was decided to adapt the competition to be a virtual one on Zoom.
In addition to changing the format of the quiz, the competition was expanded to individuals, families and households instead of only sport clubs and it was expanded geographically by hosting the quiz in partnership with Menter Iaith Sir Benfro. Since the start of Lockdown the Welsh Language initiatives in Ceredigion (Cered) and Pembrokeshire (Menter Iaith Sir Benfro) have been working together on Cica Corona, a popular scheme bringing daily Welsh Language entertainment digitally on Facebook to the people of the two counties.
Ten teams competed on the night with the teams coming from Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and further afield. After two hours of fun and head scratching Arwel Jones and his family from Tregaron came out top. Arwel happened to be the captain of last year’s winning side Tregaron Turfs FC, therefore the shield will remain in Tregaron for another year.
Steffan Rees, Cered’s Community Development Officer and the quizmaster on the night said: “Whereas the Coronavirus has meant postponing and cancelling so many activities, it’s often possible to hold the event in an alternative way that will provide a valuable and different social opportunity for people.”
If anyone would like to receive advice and support to organise a virtual Welsh Language event, contact Cered for a chat on cered@ceredigion.gov.uk.
18/11/2020