THANKS TO ALL FOR THEIR HELP WITH PARTI PONTY
I’d like to thank everyone who helped with the arrangements for Parti Ponty 2005. Especially; Huw Thomas Davies who was responsible for doing the majority of the organisational work in the run up and during the festivities with the help of his daughter Becky who came to lend a hand for a week in May, building a solid foundation for the successful festival. Rhian James and Nicola Evans have also contributed greatly by organising the two evenings in the Muni on our behalf, namely the Noson Lawen and the Gig. The thrill of seeing the tickets selling like hot cakes, the attention of the local press and the image of the limo full of popstars visiting the schools in the area are unforgettable memories. Every member of staff - Lindsay Jones, Vicky Pugh, Rhian Powell, Helen John, Helen Davies, Mari Griffiths, Sali James and Eleri Griffiths worked extremely hard to ensure a successful festival which fully deserves to be at the centre of the regeneration of the Welsh language in the Valleys. Our thanks also to committee members for their work in organising such a big event – especially Lisa Morris, Nerys Humphries, Eric Jones, Dawn and Amy Williams – but there were others who contributed in their own way especially the learners who are the hub of the various new Welsh societies created as a result of Communities First.

With regards to organisations – many thanks to the Urdd once again, Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin, Twf, CYD as well as to the Welsh and English medium schools who performed in the park. I know that many teachers have worked overtime to prepare for the performances which we greatly appreciate as this is the foundation on which Parti Ponty as a community festival in based. Many thanks also to Y Cymro for once again including a supplement in the paper – apologies to all who didn’t have time to contribute due to the very, very tight timescale.

Many thanks to our usual supporters – Bwrdd yr Iaith and RCT Council for their support once again this year. Unfortunately, we didn’t receive as much financial support as we’d hoped. No, we didn’t receive the full cost of providing such a festival. It appears that we will have made a loss of £2,000 so the Chief Executive will be doing a sponsored walk up Pen-y-Fan on Saturday 6th August in order to reduce the deficit whilst, at the same time, enjoying the fresh air of the Brecon Beacons. If you would like to contribute speak to any member of staff, committee member or contact our Llantrisant office on 01443 226386 and make a contribution using your credit card.
CRIW COCH KEEPING CHILDREN ENTERTAINED
‘SPIDERMAN’S WAITING FOR YOU’
Our Playschemes will be open every day throughout the summer holidays between 25th July and 2nd September in Rhydfelen, Llanhari, Abercynon and Bronllwyn from 8.30am to 5.30pm. There will be a discount for the second child within the same family, various trips at reasonable prices and every Playscheme will have the opportunity to go swimming. There will be a bouncy castle in Llanhari and a climbing frame in Abercynon. There will be drumming sessions, sports, Foods of the World, various cartoon characters, Arts and Crafts, games and much more. Yes, you will have to book a place for your child asap and you can do this by telephoning 01443 226386 and paying by credit card.

CLWB CARCO PREPARING TO RE-OPEN
Yes, I’m referring to re-opening before we close for the summer. I believe that it is important that parents are aware that the service will be available to them in September and it is very important that we make preparations towards the activities for September. If you’d like to work in one of these clubs, especially if you already work in a school where we run a Clwb Carco and have Cache Level 3, NNEB or a similar qualification contact Helen Davies on 01443 226386 or Mari Griffiths on 01685 977183. There are always staff changes at this time of year and we are keen to ensure that we provide a high quality service at all times. We always strive to improve.

CIC CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER
Many CIC activities have already been arranged for the summer such as trips to Oakwood on 17/08/05, a West End trip to see Blood Brothers in London on 30/07/05 and also on 13/08/05 which suggests that there is great call for these arrangements, there will be Surfing off the Gower on 03/08/05 and Shopping in Bristol – Cribbs Causeway on 24/08/05. We expect to arrange a contemporary music workshop and another special trip. In case this isn’t enough, the Urdd have arranged a number of activities in conjunction with RCT Council, a partnership which is now bearing fruit. Full details of the trips are available by contacting 01685 882299 and you can book a place using your credit card.

LEARNERS TO HAVE THEIR SAY
Following the continued success of the committees in Aberdare – chaired by Lynda Spilsbury and Llantrisant – chaired by Colin Williams a new committee has been established in Maerdy, Rhondda Fach. The Rhondda meeting will be held at 10am on 18/07/05, Aberdare at 9.30am on 19/07/05 and Llantrisant at 9.30am on 22/07/05. If you would like to join one of these committees you are more than welcome and should contact Rhian James on 01685 877183

CELEBRATING THE ANTHEM & THE BRIDGE
It appears that there have been extensive discussions within the RCT council chamber with regards to this. I hope that there will be significant celebrations and that members of all political parties join in these celebrations. Menter Iaith has already got the wheels in motion by distributing a quiz to every Clwb Carco / Playscheme and all children who attend Parti Ponty will be able to have the logo “Ponty 2006” painted on their faces. On 03/07/05 some 30 learners from University of Wales, Cardiff will be visiting Menter Iaith and Pontypridd Museum to learn about the history and have a go at the quiz. Many thanks to Eleri Griffiths for preparing the materials – you can contact her on 01792 460906, the number for Menter Abertawe if you’re wondering.
WALKING IN THE MOUNTAINS


Many people have asked and, to confirm, yes, I did enjoy learning how to lead a trip in the mountains. The experience will be very useful during the sponsored walk on the 6th August in order to reduce the debts incurred by Parti Ponty. If you would like to sponsor me you can do so by contacting our Llantrisant office on 01443 226386 using your credit card. In the future, we hope to arrange more open air activities around the Brecon Beacons in particular and perhaps even further afield.
Steffan Webb
Chief Executive
Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf