Following the success of the Big Brother Experience 2009 which saw Rhodri Morgan of Neath Port Talbot taking the title, the Swansea Youth Service in partnership with Menter Iaith Abertawe and Menter Iaith Castell Nedd Port Talbot are glad to announce that the Big Brother Experience 2010 will happen again this year. The Welsh challenge which is a 3 day, 2 night challenge will take place from Monday, 23rd August to Wednesday 25th August.

6 young people from this county have been chosen to take part in this unique experience. Menter Iaith would like to wish all of the contestants taking part the very best of luck, and hope to see the first prize of £100 being won by a young person from Neath Port Talbot once again.

Thanks to Menter Iaith Castell Nedd Port Talbot 40 young people from the county were fortunate enough to be a part of the audience of the popular television programme ‘Jonathan’ filmed in the Pop Factory in Porth, Rhondda.

Jonathan Davies of course presented the programme along with his usual co-presenters Rowland Phillips, Nigel Owens and Alex Jones. The guests for this episode was the ex referee, author and commentator Alun Wyn Bevan and the presenter Gethin Jones. Gethin being one of the most prominent presenters on British television at the moment. The women in the audience were more than happy to have Gethin as one of the guests for obvious reasons….but the men were far from disappointed thanks to the presence of Alex Jones!

A good time was had by all on the trip, many succeeded in having photos taken with the stars and even having a rugby ball souvenir from the game ‘On the Pyst’! Even though it was a long night due to the filming, there was not one complaint and there was a lovely patriotic atmosphere felt until the end. As a result of the trip and participation in the programme everyone was looking forward to supporting and getting behind the Welsh team against Scotland on the weekend.

Menter Iaith took 12 young people to Oakwood during the Easter Holidays. There was some concern about the weather as it was pouring down with rain on the way there. Luckily after they arrived the rain ceased and it remained dry. The young people actually benefited from the early morning downpour as it kept most visitors away. They took full advantage of this and enjoyed the rides and the day very much. Menter would like to thank Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera very much for allowing us to use their mini bus.

In February we took a group from Radio Gwifren Ysgol Ystalyfera to the BBC studios in Cardiff to meet the stars of Radio Cymru’s youth programe C2, Glyn Wise and Maggi Dodd. Every pupil had a chance to talk on the radio with some reading the news bulletin and the C2 Chart and others being interviewed live on air. We had a very warm welcome from everyone at the studio. Maggi Dodd admitted that she feared loosing her job after seeing how talented all the crew were!
Our intention with trip was to give the pupils a taste of being in a professional radio station and to give the pupils a well deserved treat for all their hard work. Ysgol Ystalyfera received a grant from The Welsh Language Board as a part of their project aimed at persuading young people to use the Welsh language socially. Ysgol Ystalyfera pupils decided to use the grant to establish a radio station at the school. The radio station (Radio Gwifren) broadcasts Welsh language programes for two hours a day to the canteen and the sixth form’s common room. The radio station has introduced Welsh music to many pupils and has also given the Welsh language’s status a boost.

On the 04/03/10 a bus full of young people thoroughly enjoyed Menter Iaith’s trip to 'Tenpin' in Swansea where they had a fantastic time bowling, eating burger and chips, enjoying the arcade…let alone the sweets and candyfloss!! Congratulations to Oliver who achieved the highest score of the night. Menter Iaith has been hounded to arrange the trip again, as such a good time was had by all. Therefore check this space for details of the next trip ten pin bowling!

Menter Iaith arranged a performance of Stones by Arad Goch Theatre Company at Ysgol Gyfun Ystalyfera on Monday evening, 5 October 2009. It was great to see over 130 young people present on the night.

Stones is the story of two ordinary boys, but the result of a foolish thoughtless act finds them in a less than ordinary situation - facing manslaughter charges.
Since its premiere in 1996 Stones has been performed in schools, theatres and festivals throughout Australia, Europe, North America and Asia. An energized combination of narrative, dialogue, music and movement this award winning play takes you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion.

High energy physical theatre with multi-skilled storytelling and suitable for teenagers and adults this is a show not to be missed. A chance for Welsh audiences to experience firsthand the dangerous rush of teenage rebellion, frustration and tears when life drastically changes as the result of no more than a stones throw.

Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot is very glad to see that its performance school “Ysgol Berfformio TAN” is going from strength to strength. Loads of young people meet up every Saturday to act, improvise, script, stage, gain confidence at to be creative. The young people are in their element at the moment preparing for an original show they have created. Keep an eye out for the show and to see the future of Welsh talent. Menter would like to thank Hazel, Sali and Loti very much for their devotion and hard work.

Winner - Design a St Dwynwen Card
Megan Ware, Year 7