THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING PARTI PONTY 2006
A big thank you to everyone who contributed to Parti Ponty by having a stall, appearing on the stage, working as a steward or presenter, selling tickets or promoting our variety evenings or numerous other contributions. It’s great to recognise the contributions of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, the Welsh Language Board, CYD, the Welsh for Adults Consortium, Sonig, the Arts Council for Wales, BBC, Radio Cymru, S4C, GTFM, Tonfedd Eryri, Ciwdod, Red Dragon Radio and Y Cymro amongst others.

I would especially like to thank the Menter Iaith staff for organising the festivities once again this year - Huw Thomas Davies who was responsible for the health and safety perspective, Leanne Powell and Rebecca Ellis for co-ordinating the activities with the schools and other bodies, Nicola Evans and Vicki Pugh for the youth perspective, Rhian James, Lindsay Jones, Leah Coles and Helen Cotter from our Communities First team, Helen Davies from our Children’s Services department for providing children with the opportunity to have their photograph taken and Rhian Powell who launched a new series of Welsh children’s books which she’d translated. Quite a contribution and I’m grateful to all of them for putting in the extra hours without a word of complaint.



By the way, we intend to hold the first meeting for Parti Ponty 2007 in early September in order to build on this year’s work so, if you’d like to be part of developing Parti Ponty get in touch.


SUMMER PLAYSCHEMES
Some good and bad news. Firstly, it’s a disappointment for those who rely on us to provide a childcare service throughout the summer holidays. We’ve asked on countless occasions but nobody is willing to contribute to the running costs of this service which amount to tens of thousands of pounds per year therefore there won’t be any playschemes or childcare services during the summer holidays.

On the other hand, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has commissioned us to provide open access playschemes between 9.30am and 12.30pm every weekday in Rhydywaun, Abercynon and Bronllwyn and, hopefully, Llynyforwyn, Y Dolau and for a fortnight in Evan James. We’re still in discussions with the three latter schools therefore these are to be confirmed. Even better news is that these playschemes will only cost £1 per child per day which should mean that cost shouldn’t prevent anyone from attending. Contact Helen Davies on 01443 226386 for further details.

SUMMER CLYBIAU CYMRAEG FOR YOUNG PEOPLE 12-14YRS
As part of the playschemes, for the first time we will be running Clybiau Cymaeg for young people aged 12 – 14yrs offering various activities in the same venues as the open access playschemes. CIC officers will be on hand to assist with this element of the work in order to meet the differing needs of both age groups. There will be a bridging scheme within the playscheme in Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun which will help the pupils who are about to leave primary school settle in their new secondary school.

CIC TRIPS FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
Would you like to go to Alton Towers on 25/07/06? Would you like to go Spain with the Urdd? Would you like to have a trip on a speedboat around Cardiff Bay? Would you like to go on a trip to the National Eisteddfod in Swansea? Would you like to have a go at water sports on Gower? Would you like to go on a trip to Oakwood Park? Would you like to go to the theatre? Would you like to take part in the Aberdare Carnival? There’s plenty of choice for you and that’s without the activities which will be offered by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council. Full details are available from Nicola and Vicki on 01685 882299 or Helen Cotter on 01685 877183.

OPEN SESSIONS & OUR AGM
Once again this Autumn the Menter Iaith staff and committee members will be out in the community meeting members of the public and inviting them to our AGM and encouraging them to join our executive committee. The AGM will be held on 19th October, 7-9pm in Ysgol Uwchradd Gymraeg Rhydfelen with guest speakers Peter Griffiths, Headteacher and Wendy Edwards, Manager of the Lifelong Learning Centre. Former pupils of Rhydfelen are most welcome to attend and we hope to arrange some entertainment in order to show the centre at work. The open sessions vary greatly every year – we’ve held them in schools, arts centres, after school clubs and a number of other venues. At present, we’re considering working with businesses during the week beginning 18th September, there’ll be a buffet in Model House on 29th September, we’ll be visiting the Welsh learners in the Sadwrn Siarad on 07/10/2006 and the Welsh learners in Hirwaun Football Club on the evening of Tuesday 10th October. If you’d like to invite us to your school or club let us know by contacting us on 01443 226386.

WELSH FOR ADULTS
Menter Iaith, TWF and Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin staff will also be promoting Welsh medium education and Welsh for Adults outside Tesco stores in Llantrisant and Aberdare as well as the Lidl store in the Rhondda on 7th and 8th September by distributing information leaflets on Welsh for Adults and information on Welsh medium education. As a result of our coffee mornings we’ve established Welsh societies in Penrhiwceiber, Llwynypia, Maerdy and Tŷ Dewi with other coffee mornings held in the Muni, Pontypridd, Llantrisant, Mountain Ash, Aberdare and Abercwmboi. Come and join us we’d really appreciate the support of all Welsh speakers.

WHAT’S WELSH WORTH TO YOU?
Our new finance officer has posed a simple question to you – What’s Welsh worth to you? £5 a month, £10 a month or nothing? If we expect to receive grants and financial support from the public sector we also need to show that we have the financial backing of the community and that the community is willing to invest in the work of Menter Iaith. At present, looking at the monthly contributions we receive, this doesn’t appear to be the case. If you value the Welsh language and the work of Menter Iaith, calculate a monthly amount on it and please donate this sum to the work of Menter Iaith. Forms are available from Geraint Bowen on 01443 226386 and remember that as we’re a registered charity we can claim back 25% of the tax annually.

FULL DETAILS & E-NEWS ON www.menteriaith.org

Steffan Webb
Chief Executive
Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf