The Place to Learn Welsh by Helen Davies
With the New Year the Welsh classes at the
Canolfan have moved into their new home in the vestry.
Heartfelt thanks to all who have helped with the refurbishment
of the room, which is now much improved.
At present around 60 students are registered
on courses with over 30 attending the first year flexible
course twice a week. This is the first time we have run this
type of course; lesson 1 is available on Monday morning in
Merthyr, Monday afternoon in Aberdare and Tuesday evening
in Merthyr, and lesson 2 in Merthyr on Wednesday morning,
Thursday evening and in Aberdare on Friday afternoon.
A number of people who work shifts or who
have problems attending courses at the same time each week
have benefited from this arrangement. It lifts my heart to
see so many people turning up for each lesson and their love
for the language is obvious even though some of them have
only been learning since September.
A Christmas sketch was performed at the Poems
and Pints evening in December by learners from Years 1 and
2. Here is a picture of some of them enjoying singing "Aderyn
Melyn"!
They all say how important the opportunity
of speaking the language is to enable them to cross the bridge
to become "Speakers" rather than "Learners".
It is a big help to see people wearing "Welsh Speaker'
badges, so if you don't already wear one, contact Lis and
Ian to get yours.
Many of the students will be sitting the "Use
of Welsh" examination in March. They are also looking
forward to competing in the Learner's Eisteddfod this year.
At the mention of a possible pantomime in the winter some
students have already offered to paint, sew etc.We should
be very proud of them. I am sure they will have much to contribute
in the future.
The class also had its first baby. Congratulations
to Kristin Jones on the birth of her baby Boy in December.
We look forward to seeing Kristin back
in class soon.
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