This scheme provides businesses with a standard mark which shows their support for the Welsh
language. The Investing in Welsh Mark can be used by any business which confirms to the Welsh
Language Board that it meets the ten Investing in Welsh Commitments.

For further information:-

www.byig-wlb.org.uk (Latest Publications)

A special quiz night for Welsh speakers and learners will be held on Friday 14 November at Dylan's, Cwmafan.

The AGM of Menter Iaith Castell Nedd Port Talbot was held on 8 October in Pontardawe. The guest speaker was Heddyr Gregory, Tinopolis Television. The Chairman, Dyfrig Harris, detailed the background and strategy of the Menter and the Chief Oficer, Alun Pugh, gave a presentation on the many projects and successes achieved during the year.

It’s a great privilege to contribute to The Ospreys programme today, not least as it gives me the opportunity to pay tribute to my late father, Glyn Ellis, and his tireless and unpaid work of compiling the matchday programme for Swansea RFC for many years. The transition of loyalty came slowly for my dad and me from The Whites to The Ospreys (what a relief that the name Ospreys has so quickly attained familiarity and dignity; thank heaven that the powers that be resisted the clamour for the bar-room favourite at the time – The Blackjacks!) but in time we both were very proud that our region was the only oe which truly embraced the concept of regional rugby, putting selfish historical club associations to one side for the greater good.
Some of my earliest memories as a child are as a supporter of The Whites. I can remember clearly being taken to see the visiting Fijians in our centenary year 1972; and can stll remember the disappointment at seeing the tourists in their regulation rugby boots having been teased by my godfather, former chairman Horace Phillips, that they were sure to play barefoot! Many more happy memories were to come, from St.Helens and across the country following my heroes’ fortunes. Those that stand out still are the occasions of winning the first League title at Rodney Parade, the several cup victories in Cardiff, the merciless battles with the “Pooler” in the 80’s and, of course, the inevitable derbies with our bitterest rivals Llanelli and Neath (school or work could be heaven or hell for the week following one of these!) But perhaps the memory that warms the hearts of those of us from the western part of our region most is of that misty November Wednesday afternoon in 1992 when the mighty Australians, world champions at the time, came calling at St.Helens and were sent packing with their tails between their legs. That day remains the only time I ever “ pulled a sicky” from work, and it was more than worth the risk!
To my son, Cellan, who comes with me to watch the Ospreys now, the names Tiatia, Bennet, Hook and Henson raise the same anticapation and excitement that the names Moriarty, Titley, Gibbs or Wheel once did for me. And thank goodness for that. To me, the biggest success of the regional concept has been to broaden our horizons. The Celtic and European competitions have given us the oppurtunity to see Europe and the World’s best players right on our doorstep. Work and family commitments restrict now how much I can follow the Ospreys away from home, but I manage to see the odd game nearby in England and, most memorably, travelled to Paris a couple of years ago to witness the crushing defeat by Stade. Despite the result, it was quite a weekend!
The renewed commitment of the Irish regions to The Celtic League is crucial to its success and Ulster and the others deserve every credit for this. I’ve enjoyed a warm welcome on several visits to Belfast, and I’m sure we’ll extend the same welcome to our visitors from Ulster today.