On Saturday 24th March a Family Fun Day was held at the Welfare Hall, Ystradgynlais. The event was one of the Upper Cwm Tawe Committee's projects, held in conjunction with the Mentrau Iaith. It was a very successful day, with a variety of activities available including circus skills, face painting, crafts, a lucky dip, a visit from Fireman Sam and Sali Mali, games and lots more! It was a pleasure to see so many children (and adults) enjoying themselves. We would like to thank everyone who was involved in the organisation of the event, as well as those who came with stands. Thank you to everyone for your support and we look forward to the upcoming events.

A crowded room of people came together at Brynaman’s Black Mountain Centre on Monday evening 13 June in order to launch and establish four Welsh Language Power Hubs in the area as part of the Aman Tawe Welsh Language Action Scheme.

This new scheme is being promoted and facilitated by officers of the Welsh Language Board and by officers of Menter Bro Dinefwr, Menter Castell-nedd Port Talbot and Menter Brycheiniog a Maesyfed. The aim of the scheme is to increase the use and awareness of the Welsh language throughout the communities of Aman Tawe and to ignite and energise linguistic and cultural activities across the area.

Welcoming people to the launch was Meirion Prys Jones, Chief Executive of the Welsh Language Board who said:

“The land of anthracite coal, home to rugby players like Gareth Edwards and Shane Williams and entertainers such as Ryan Davies and Huw Chiswell...the Aman Tawe area is one of the wealthiest areas in terms of the Welsh language. By now the language is in danger of losing significant ground. Launching these local Welsh Language Power Hubs is an opportunity to discuss the next practical steps with regards to protecting the Welsh language for future generations in this area”.

There will be a warm welcome for all who have an interest in the future of the Welsh language to contribute to this new exciting scheme. For further details contact Rhys Davies, on 01269 825790 / rhys.davies@byig-wlb.org.uk or
Lisa Williams on 01792 864949 / ifanc@micnpt.org both Development Officers Aman Tawe Welsh Language Action Scheme.

The first Gigs y Gwach of 2011 was held on Friday the 21st of January. Andrew Lewis & Gai Toms were meant to perform, but unfortunately Gai Toms was unable to make it on the night, so Andrew performed 2 sets for us. Despite the disappointment that Gai was unable to be there, everyone thoroughly enjoyed Andrews’ music. We’d like to thank Andrew for performing 2 sets on short notice, as well as the audience for being so understanding.

Gigs y Gwach to come:
February 18: Breichiau Hir + Nos Sadwrn Bach
March 18: Gwibdaith Hen Fran + Y Cyfoes

Menter Iaith is working alongside TWF for a new project by Cwmni Iaith: Mae Dy Gymraeg Di’n Grêt (Your Welsh Is Great). It’s a project aimed to raise the confidence of parents in the Welsh Language. A crew of mothers, with children under 6 years old meet at the Waun School every Thursday morning to chat and to do various activities through the medium of Welsh. It’s a great opportunity for them to practise their Welsh within the group & for them all to gain confidence by doing so. So far our activities include: plate painting, pyrography, Christmas flower arrangements & Jewellery making. We will be starting back after the New Year & anyone is welcome to join us.

Balchder Bro DVD Launch
Over the last few months, the four language hubs which
were set up as part of the Aman Tawe Welsh language
action scheme have been working on a project called
"Balchder Bro" (Pride of Place. The project has given local
people the chance to create a DVD to promote their own
areas so that local pride and enthusiasm regarding the
Welsh language can be developed.
The four separate language hubs will present their own
short films to the locality at Brynaman Rugby Club on
Wednesday 7 December at 7pm.
The four language hubs were established under the Aman
Tawe Welsh language action plan back in June and the
members have been working hard since then on this
project. We look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour
on what should be a fun and sociable evening on the 7th.
Admission to the event is free and everyone is welcome to
attend. Local folk group Jac y Do will also be performing at
the event.

My name is Lisa Williams and I currently live in Rhos, Pontardawe. I have recently moved home after completing a Welsh degree in Cardiff University. In 2009 I completed my work experience placement with Menter Iaith, but I now work with the team full-time as part of a new plan to promote the Welsh Language in the Aman Tawe area.

I originally learnt Welsh through the education system, as I do not come from a Welsh speaking background. I was a pupil at Rhos Primary School, Cwmtawe Comprehensive School and then studied A-Level Welsh at Neath-Port Talbot College before moving on to Cardiff as a student. I spent three years studying Welsh as a first language in the city and have now come back home a fluent Welsh speaker.

In my spare time I like to socialise, shop, travel and read Welsh language novels.

I am very much looking forward to being a part of this exciting new project which will include raising awareness and promoting the Welsh Language in the valleys of Aman Tawe. I am passionate in promoting the language not only to first language Welsh speakers but to those with an interest in learning it and those who consider Welsh as their second language.

Menter Iaiths’ Christmas quiz was held on Wednesday the 29th of December at Alltwen Rugby Club. It was decided that the profit from the night would go towards Tŷ Hafan. We were fortunate that Alun Wyn Bevan & Cennydd Davies were our quiz masters.
About 80 people attended the quiz this year & it was lovely to see so many learners & young people there. We had 4 rounds of questions on events of 2010. After completing the rounds, ‘Merched Machlud’ were the victorious team!
Meter Iaiths’ Chairman, Dyfrig Harris, brought the night to a close by thanking everyone for attending & to Alun Wyn Bevan & Cennydd Davies for leading the night. A prize of £20 was awarded to Dr John Thomas, the captain of the winning team, but he decided to give the winnings to Tŷ Hafan. We managed to raise £150 on the night towards a very good cause.

Congratulations and thank you once again to ‘Merched Machlud’ for their generosity, and thank you to all the teams that took part, to Alltwen Rugby Club or the welcome & to Alun Wyn Bevan & Cennydd Davies for a brilliant night.

On Thursday the 2nd of December, we organised a trip to go Ice Skating for the Waun netball team. A group of 14 girls under 16 years old went to Swansea Winter Wonderland to enjoy the festive season! They enjoyed trying to Ice Skate as well as going on the Big Wheel & the other rides! It was a wonderful night, & was lovely to see the young people enjoying themselves.