On Thursday 07 July, Jeremy Miles MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language visited Aberystwyth for an introduction to the community work of Cered Menter Iaith, Ceredigion’s Welsh Language Initiative.
Upon arrival at the Bandstand in Aberystwyth, the Minister for Education and Welsh Language was greeted by Councillor Catrin M.S.Davies, Ceredigion County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Culture, Leisure and Customer Services; Meinir Ebbsworth, Chief Education Officer & Corporate Lead Officer for Schools & Culture and Non Davies, Corporate Manager for Culture.
The Minister was invited into the Bandstand where he had the opportunity to play the Ukulele and to meet members of the Iwcadwli Group. Iwcadwli was established at the end of 2018 as a Welsh-medium ukulele orchestra for the area. The intention was to build on the popularity of the Ukulele and create new social opportunities to use Welsh in a fun way and promote Welsh music.
Sam Thomas, Director of Radio Aber and Steff Rees, Cered Team Leader were present to give an overview of the partnership between Radio Aber and Cered with specific reference to the "Cefn y Rhwyd" programme, a weekly Welsh-language Sports Programme, and also the Commentary scheme.
Some members of 'Ar Gered', a new walking group for north Ceredigion, spoke about their experiences and the benefit of being a member. The tours provide an opportunity to present and discuss the nature and history of the area through the medium of Welsh and give fluent speakers and learners the opportunity to socialise in Welsh.
Also present were learners from the popular Forum Bore Coffi group, which was set up in partnership with Penparcau Community Forum following a request from the community for a regular opportunity to use the Welsh Language in the village.
Jeremy Miles MS, Minister for Education and Welsh Language, said: “Cymraeg belongs to us all. It’s been great to visit Ceredigion today to see how people here are using and celebrating our language. It’s so important that everyone has the opportunity to get involved with Welsh, no matter their ability.”
Councillor Catrin M.S.Davies presented a film outlining the 'Gorwel a Gwreiddiau' project which is a joint project between Cered and Theatr Felinfach part-funded through Leader Cynnal y Cardi funding. ‘Horizons and Roots’ is a community project that brings people of all ages and backgrounds together in a series of events and activities that look at heritage and inheritance and consider current aspects with the intention of unlocking the potential of the future.
Councillor Catrin M.S.Davies, Cabinet Member responsible for Culture, Leisure & Customer Services, said: "Being able to show the Minister the work of Cered was a pleasure and an opportunity to be proud of all the projects undertaken by the Welsh language initiative in offering diverse opportunities for learners and Welsh speakers in our communities."
08/07/2022