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.