FEBRUARY 2007
FAREWELL, THANK YOU & BEST WISHES

It’s a little strange to be writing this because, after years of bidding farewell to various members of staff for various reasons, this time it’s my turn to bid you farewell as I’ve accepted a post as Welsh for Adults Quality and Training Manager within Coleg Gwent based in Abergavenny. Therefore this is the final article I’ll be writing for the papurau bro of Rhondda Cynon Taf. Wow!

Firstly, I’d like to thank Penri Williams and Eric Jones Editors of Tafod Elai and Clochdar and former Chairs of Menter Iaith. Both have been a great help to me over the years and the papers have given both myself and other Menter Iaith members of staff the opportunity to report on our work and request support from the public in order to fulfil our work in the community. I’m also indebted to John Ll Thomas who continues as Chair of Menter Iaith Trustees. My sincere thanks to every former Chair, Treasurer and Secretary of Menter Iaith and Menter Taf-Elai as was, in addition to every member of the various committees.

I’d also like to thank all partners of Menter Iaith - Dyfrig Morgan, Urdd, Jim Price, Ron Jones, Chris Ashman, Paul Dear, Caroline Mortimer and Vivian Lloyd, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, all members of staff at Interlink, GTFM and the University of Glamorgan, especially Aled and Afryl, BBC – where would Parti Ponty be without Radio Cymru? Who else? Y Cymro, Golwg, the schools throughout the county, the Welsh Language Board as funders and also practical supporters. Apologies to the bodies and individuals to whom I haven’t referred.

I’d also like to thank every member of staff who has worked with me over the years perhaps especially Huw T Davies, Rhian James, Vicki Pugh and Helen John who formed a very solid little unit to support myself and the rest of the staff over the years. As there are approximately 100 people working for Menter Iaith at any one time I won’t attempt to thank them all by name but I remember a fair few of them and have benefited from their efforts.

WELCOME TO A NEW MEMBER OF STAFF

I’m sure Alun Cowles won’t want me to use this old photograph of him winning the Popio competition a few years ago but it’s come in handy to introduce Alun as the new Menter Iaith member of staff working on the Sbardun project from the Urdd Centre in Aberdare. Alun will be working with Nicola Evans and pupils of Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun, who assisted with the interview process, in order to provide relevant opportunities and training for the pupils of the school.



Many years ago Dawn Williams was the first CIC Youth Officer working from the Urdd offices in Aberdare and was responsible for arranging the competition won by a young Alun Cowles. Nowadays, Dawn is Chair of Menter Iaith and curses me for leaving her with the challenge of developing a new chief officer entering a new era in the history of Menter Iaith. I’m sure she’ll do well.

PRAISED BY WELSH LANGUAGE BOARD

As it happens, these are very timely changes as the Welsh Language Board has just completed its review of Menter Iaith and given a positive and complimentary presentation to Menter Iaith committee members. They were very pleased with our creativity in developing a wide range of effective work, our ability to attract various and effective partners and our emphasis on staff development through thorough, regular training.

TRAINING AT HEART OF SUCCESS

During the next month the Welsh Language Board’s point will be proved by the array of courses on offer. Menter Iaith staff and other supporters receive training including First Aid, Food Hygiene, Netball and Translation in addition to the usual monthly training sessions for core staff which includes funding, risk assessment and planning. We also have staff following courses including MA Translation, Accountancy course, Community Development, Teacher Training, Cache courses at various levels and youth work courses.

KIDS SOAK IT UP AGAIN THIS YEAR

Welsh medium education is extremely important for the future of the Welsh language in Rhondda Cynon Taf and we’re all aware of the contributions made by Welsh medium schools. It’s heartening to learn that the number of children attending Welsh medium schools has increased once again. Considering that this means 30% of children in the area are already in receipt of Welsh medium education this bodes very well. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council will shortly put forward their Welsh Medium Education Policy for consideration and it’s possible that there’ll be a number of very interesting and positive developments. Staff of Menter Iaith, Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin and Twf will be visiting hospitals, shops and factories during February in order to raise awareness as part of a Welsh Language Board campaign. Going back to training – all members of staff from the Mentrau Iaith within the area recently received training on promoting Welsh medium education during a session held in Model House.



EXHIBITION OF HISTORY OF THE BRIDGE & ANTHEM

An exhibition will open in Pontypridd Museum on 05/02/2007 which charts the history of the anthem and the bridge with guest speakers and local dignitaries showing their support and appreciation of our culture and heritage. The exhibition has been arranged by Geraint Morgan, Welsh Heritage Officer based in Menter Abertawe with the event funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

FINAL PIECE OF ADVICE …..

It’s time to go. I’ll be leaving post on 15th February and hope to celebrate in Alfreds, Pontypridd early on that evening. It would be lovely to have old friends pop in if possible. I warn Menter Iaith staff and committee members to keep an eye on finances – without funding there wouldn’t be Menter Iaith, work or half as much of a future for the Welsh language. Be brave when locating partnerships – people in the area want to ensure a future for the Welsh language. I wish everyone within Menter Iaith well – as I did when interviewed for the only post within Menter Iaith 13 years ago – and I still believe that the Mentrau Iaith have a very important contribution to make in ensuring the future of the Welsh language.

STEFFAN WEBB
CHIEF EXECUTIVE MENTER IAITH
FEBRUARY 2007