St David and
Cymraeg – kids soak it up
 The Welsh Language Board’s campaign “Cymraeg – kids soak it up” visited Neath Port Talbot this year and Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot held a promotional stand at the Aberafan Shopping Centre, Port Talbot on Friday, February 29th and Saturday, March 1st. A sponge was one of the items handed out to young parents, which was used to convey how easily a young child’s brain absorbs language – just like the sponge absorbs water.
Many young parents were interviewed during the two days and most of them stated that they’d either decided to have their child educated in Welsh, or were seriously considering it. Those working on the stand on Thursday were the Menter Iaith’s employed officers, along with the county’s development officers for TWF and Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin and the Welsh Language Board’s development officer.
Rosfa the magician came to entertain the children both on the Friday morning and Saturday, St.David’s Day. Angharad Evans, a former pupil of Rhosafan Welsh Primary School, and Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr, and is a trained harpist, played the harp as well on the Saturday.
The centre was again full of shoppers, many of whom were young parents, and everyone on the stand was kept extremely busy trying to speak to them and to persuade them of the advantages of introducing a second language to their children.
The menter iaith looks forward to organising a similar event on St David’s Day 2008. All those who were part of the campaign wish to thank the staff of the Aberafan Shopping Centre for making it possible for the campaign to be part of its activities on both days.
15/03/2008
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OSPREYS RUGBY CONTINUE TO COMMIT TO THE WELSH LANGUAGE  Ospreys Rugby have committed to the Welsh Language by working in partnership with Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot to produce bilingual programmes for their home games.
This is the forth year in succession for Menter Iaith to work with the Ospreys. Menter Iaith was responsible for arranging bilingual articles for last seasons programmes.
Menter Iaith is extemely grateful to the Chief Executive and his management team, especially Kevin Lock, Commercial Manager and Carly Mathews, Marketing Manager for their support and patience over the last year.
We wish Ospreys Rugby every success for the future, on and off the field of play.
16/12/2007
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The Language, Rugby and Me  It was unusual for me to be asked to write an article for the match day programme as a player because im used to reading it before the match. I jumped at the chance however, it’s a strange feeling as I haven’t written anything in Welsh since my days in Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr, so please excuse any spelling mistakes.
The Welsh language has always been a big part of my life even before picking up my first rugby ball. With the influence of my dad, who was raised in Brynamman, it was hard to escape the Welsh language and especially rugby while growing up. To me, they went hand in hand. Schooled in Bryn y Mor and Gwyr I learnt to play rugby through the medium of Welsh in various school teams and I believe that by playing rugby in Welsh it has varied my experience. Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr was the only Welsh school in a large catchment area and thus, I mixed with many different people from different backgrounds. There is no better way of bonding with people than through sport and particularly for me, rugby.
Not only have my rugby experiences been enhanced but my experiences in general. By learning the Welsh language it has opened a different world to me, for instance being able to mix with a wide variety of people and communicating in different languages, and experiencing events such as the national Eisteddfod and the ability to watch Welsh language programmes on S4C which I believe is important to have a channel solely dedicated to Wales and its language. I also recognise the fact that my rugby career will not last for ever and being able to speak Welsh will be advantageous as I attempt to find a niche after rugby.
I feel privileged to be able to speak Welsh in general and not only in rugby circles, I also feel that my opportunities have increased because of it both on and off the field, with the recent increase in Welsh media coverage it’s exciting to think about the potential opportunities that lay in front of me and the doors that are open because I can speak the language. It is always liberating to speak Welsh to fans, coaches and fellow players even if it is just to make fun of one of the boys during training in front of them with them being clueless.
I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Connaught to the Liberty, and to wish the Ospreys all the best with today’s match. Hope you all enjoy the game.
Ben Lewis, Ospreys.
28/02/2008
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New Field Officer for Menter Iaith  Hello, My name is Angharad and I’ve just been appointed the job of Field Officer in Menter Iaith Castell-nedd Port Talbot. I have been studying and working in Aberystwyth for the last five years, where I obtained a degree in Welsh and Welsh History and am currently undertaking a part time Masters degree in History whilst working in the National Library of Wales. My interests include following all kinds of sports, especially rugby and football, as well as listening to both Welsh and English music. I was brought up in Pontarddulais, on the other side of Swansea and have many connections with the area, which is why I have decided to move home to try and help with the integration of the Welsh language into the communities around Neath and Port Talbot. I look forward to meeting many of you in the New Year!
06/12/2007
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