The doors of Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Castell-nedd and Pontardawe were opened to Menter Iaith once again this summer for Play Schemes, thanks to head teachers Mr Tudur Jones, Mrs Myfanwy Rees and their school governors.

The play schemes ran for six days from 24 July – 2 August 2007 under the leadership of Rhys Evans, Andrew Lewis and Emily Cole at Neath and Lowri James, Rhodri Pugh and Rhodri Phillips at Pontardawe with invaluable assistance from volunteers Catrin Heledd Richards, Rhodri Ross, Steffan Pugh and Rhian and Sian Jones. This year the response was excellent with up to 50 children attending the scheme on a daily basis at Neath and up to 35 at Pontardawe.

During the six days the children had the opportunity to take part in numerous activities including traditional games and of course the very popular Cyber Café. The children also had the opportunity to visit our art and craft room, where a few master pieces were created, some good enough to hang on the wall of any art gallery in the world!

Thanks to the vision of our National Assembly, the children were able to swim at Dyfed Road, Neath and Pontardawe Swimming Pools free of charge on Thursdays during the two weeks.

Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot would like to thank the children and parents of both schools for their support once again. Thanks also must go to the staff and volunteers for being so professional in their work and for giving the children the best possible care and enjoyment during the summer holidays.

February of this year saw a group of young people come together to enjoy and interact through the medium of Welsh. It was time once again for Menter Iaith Castell Nedd Port Talbot to run one of its successful play schemes during half term. This time saw a partnership between Menter Iaith Castell Nedd and Menter Dyffryn Aman running the play scheme in the Cwmtawe area.

The holiday play scheme was held at Neuadd Cwmllynfell Hall. Besides holding the play scheme over half term, this multi-functional building runs many activities, various classes and hosts numerous events. The Menter’s staff were delighted with the hall and its excellent facilities. Menter Iaith would like to offer a big thanks to Martin Harris (Hall Manager) and the Hall’s committee for their generosity and support during the half term.

A lovely cross section of young people attended the play scheme from the villages of Cwmllynfell, Rhiwfawr, Cefn Bryn Brain, Ystradowen and even Cwmtwrch. The play scheme leaders were delighted to see young people from different schools and different villages working, having fun and interacting so well with each other.

There were numerous fun activities held during the three days of the play scheme. They played plenty of indoor games, football and touch rugby. Arts and crafts sessions were held, they had numerous competitions from pool competitions, dance competitions and various playstation games competitions. The young people were lucky enough to have an illustration workshop from Sarah Jones who has graduated in illustration. To close the play scheme they watched a film of their choice on a big screen in the hall.

Rhys and Lisa (play scheme leaders) were delighted to see several familiar faces returning to the play scheme once again and were equally happy to see new faces and new friends. They would like to thank everyone who attended and all who supported the play scheme.

SUMMER HOLIDAY FUN AND GAMES! SUMMER 2007
for children age 8-12
at Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Pontardawe and
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Castell-nedd

Sport, Art & Craft, Swimming

Tuesday – Thursday 9.00a.m. – 3.30p.m.
The children will be supervised lunch times
£6 a day (£5 more than one child)
or £15 paid in advance

24 – 26 July
31 July – 2 August

To register or for further information
01792 864949

Children from Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tyle'r Ynn visiting the S4C Grotto in Neath on Monday evening, 5th December.