Four Ceredigion learners were awarded for the standard of their written Welsh at Merched y Wawr Summer Festival in Machynlleth on Saturday, May 19.
For many years, Welsh language writing competitions are held nationally by Merched y Wawr, for both male and female learners. The competitions are held at three levels - Foundation, Intermediate and Advanced level. This year, 4 of the 9 awards came to Ceredigion for learners attending Welsh classes at Ysgol Rhos Helyg, Llangeitho Campus every Tuesday evening and Ysgol Bro Pedr, Lampeter every Wednesday with tutor Carol Thomas of Llanwnnen.
Shelagh Yeomans from Tregaron was awarded the first prize and Graham Parker from Penuwch was awarded the second prize at the Foundation level for writing a postcard from the seafront. At Intermediate level, two from Llwyn-y-groes were awarded with Ann Owen receiving the first prize and Jane Unitt the second prize for writing a week diary ‘On the seaside’. At a ceremony on the Festival stage in Machynlleth, they were presented with slate awards, certificates and a book token each.
When hearing about their success, Carol Thomas, their tutor, said: “I’m extremely proud of the learners, not only for the rewards they have won, but also for their dedication and strength to master the language and use it daily in their lives”.
Graham Parker responded by saying, “Learning Welsh in the Llangeitho class is a great experience. The other learners are so friendly and supportive and Carol is a special tutor who always encourages us to enjoy the language, to take every opportunity to speak, write, socialize and compete at a local and national level.”
Shelagh Yeomans and Graham Parker from the Llangeitho class also competed in the recent Ceredigion, Carmarthen and Powys Learners Eisteddfod. Shelagh won the third prize for a series of four photographs and Graham won the third prize in the Chair competition for a poem on the title ‘Distance’.
Councillor Catherine Hughes, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Community Learning and Culture, said “It’s wonderful to see our Welsh language learners competing in various competitions to learn, develop and enjoy, and coming out on top. Congratulations and keep at it!”
The Lifelong Learning and Culture Services offer both day and evening Welsh courses ranging from a few hours to full day courses. If you would like to know more about Welsh classes in your local area, contact Meryl Evans on 01545 572715 or e-mail Meryl.Evans@ceredigion.gov.uk.
Image: Jane Unitt, Graham Parker, Carol Thomas, Shelagh Yeomans and Ann Owen
19/06/2018