Social networking bilingually

Welsh speakers in Wrexham can now follow tweets bilingually after Wrexham Council launched Twitter pages in both English and Welsh.

The pages offer residents the opportunity to keep up to date with information including the latest job vacancies and news. Residents can also keep an eye on food hygiene inspections by being informed about the latest scores.

They have also launched bilingual Council Facebook pages alongside their latest campaign for this year's Christmas events giving everyone a chance to see what’s on in the lead up to Christmas.

The council also has a presence on Flickr, and is encouraging everyone to post their snaps of Wrexham County Borough.

There's already quite a selection of photographs of local scenes and officers have been so impressed they are considering using the site to choose a photo for either the Council's Christmas card or even the front page of the residents magazine Connect.

The council started using social networking sites in July when it promoted its summer events on Facebook. The page proved popular and it was decided to increase the information available and, of course, give Welsh speakers the opportunity to access the information in Welsh in line with the Council's Welsh Language Policy.

Councillor Rodney Skelland, Lead Member for Regeneration and Corporate Governance, said:

"Wrexham Council is committed to promoting the Welsh language and to improving access to its services. We have to look at all possible means of communicating and use all avenues available to us. The move to social networking shows how we are willing to use less traditional routes to ensure we reach as many people as possible.

Dave Hylands, Chief Information Systems Officer, said:

"We have a duty to ensure that all residents can access our services. Our presence on Facebook and Twitter compliments our web site and allows a bigger audience to find out what's going on in Wrexham. We are also looking at using the images from Flickr in future Council publications and the website."

For more information about Social Networking at Wrexham Council, please see wrexham.gov.uk/socialnetworking.

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Welsh learners shine

Dedicated administration assistant Anne Wilkins has been named Welsh Language Learner of the Year at the force’s first ever Welsh Language Awards Ceremony.

The force began its in-house Welsh language training in September 2008 as part of its commitment to building even stronger relationships with its bilingual residents.

Now more than 70 staff and officers of all ranks have completed varying levels of Welsh language training which they will use in their roles.

These first graduates received certificates at a ceremony hosted by Chief Constable Barbara Wilding and John Griffiths, Welsh Assembly Government Deputy Skills Minister.

And student Anne, a Learning and Development Services administration assistant, who is blind, was crowned Welsh Language Learner of the Year.

Anne, who has been with the force since 1972, said: “I’m delighted – it was a real shock.

“I learned Welsh Braille and it was hard work, but I hope it will show other people who are blind that they can achieve the same things as everyone else.

“I grew up in Glynneath and spoke some Welsh when I was a little girl but stopped when I was five.

“I couldn’t remember any of it, so it was all learning from scratch.

“There are more Welsh speakers in the force area now and it’s important to be able to speak to people in Welsh to build up relationships.”

Anne was one of 29 staff and officers who completed the intensive Welsh language training programme, attending classes three days a month, for six months, before passing the external WJEC beginners’ exam.

They will now be able to ask for and give basic information in Welsh, and conduct basic conversations.

A further 42 staff and officers also passed Level 1 Basic Linguistic Courtesy Welsh, enabling them to use Welsh pronunciation correctly and say basic Welsh greetings, names and places as well as have an awareness of Welsh police terminology.

Chief Constable Barbara Wilding said: “Level 1 Welsh is very basic but it will ensure our staff and officers can use Welsh pronunciation correctly and say basic Welsh greetings, while the intensive training allows students to conduct basic Welsh language conversations.

“During the last 20 years South Wales has seen a revival of the Welsh Language, and we now have over 170,000 Welsh speakers within our force communities.

“The 2001 Census showed that 40.8% of young people between the ages of 5 – 15 speak Welsh, with research suggesting that this figure will increase dramatically at the next Census.

“The students who have passed include all ranks, including neighbourhood officers, a roads policing officer and front desk clerks.

“This initial Welsh training is at a basic level but it will help our officers and staff build even stronger relationships with our bilingual residents for the future.

“We recognise we need more officers and staff who are fluent and many of the students will now progress to further training to become more proficient.”

Deputy Minister for Skills John Griffiths said:

“It is fantastic to see so many employees within South Wales Police achieving a Welsh Language Award which recognises their commitment and hard work in developing their Welsh Language skills.

“This is an excellent example of an organisation’s commitment to the continued training and development of its workforce, congratulations to Anne and all the Welsh learners on their achievements.”

Roads Policing motorcyclist PC Simon Brisco-Richards who passed the intensive Welsh training, said: “Being able to use Welsh helps you set up a rapport with people.

“We are coming across a lot more Welsh speakers now, not just in the West of the force, but right across.

“I’ve stopped drivers during stop checks and said “Bore da” and asked how they are in Welsh.

“Immediately you’ve started up a mini conversation, they feel they can relate to you and there’s more respect there from the start.

“My Welsh level is only very basic but it really does help break down barriers and build a relationship.”

The Force’s senior command team, including Deputy Chief Constable Peter Vaughan, Assistant Chief Constable David Morris, Director of Finance Umar Hussain and also Assistant Chief Constable Colette Paul and Assistant Chief Constable Nick Croft both English-born, also showed their commitment to Welsh, by passing Level 1 Basic Linguistic Courtesy Welsh.

Priority for training is given to individuals who have regular contact with the public.

19 per cent of the South Wales Police force is currently Welsh speaking.

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Carwyn says 'time to get real - on Wales' natural assets

Welsh Labour Leadership candidate, Carwyn Jones, will say later today set out his vision on a range of policies including rural affairs, heritage, sport and language, saying that Wales can be proud that it has some of the finest natural assets, in the world.

Speaking on a visit to Conwy Castle, at which he unveiled his policies on the countryside, environment and food, Carwyn said:

“Having served as Minister for many years in this area, I have developed good relationships with rural communities across Wales and I know that our countryside policies will become increasingly important in response to the climate change agenda. Wales has some wonderful natural assets which we need to cherish and preserve.

“As First Minister, I will pledge to maintain my commitment to our GM-free status and continue support for the development of organic farming.

“I want to continue schemes that enable farmers to diversify and ensure that quality Welsh food products receive full marketing support abroad. I will also spread co-operative best practice in rural communities and incentives for farmers and others to move into activity-based tourism.

“In recent years, there has been a need to open up more land for allotments. In the future, I will work with local authorities to make this happen.

“I will also respond to the need to promote local food sourcing through the procurement system and I will seek to open up local school and hospital meals to more Welsh products and by supporting the Slow Food and Transition Towns movements.

“Wales has led the way in supporting the Fair Trade movement and the Wales for Africa programme. I will maintain that backing as First Minister.

“We must also take every opportunity under new legislation, to conserve our marine environment for future generations.”

Today, Carwyn will also reveal his policies on culture, sport and the Welsh Language, saying:

“Culture and community development go hand in hand for socialists. Small and large projects across Wales have benefited from our targeted investment programmes, and I will want to ensure we continue to invest in the highest quality projects that will strengthen and reinvigorate our communities. “

In these specific policy areas, Carwyn will pledge to:

continue to invest in the widest range of arts and sporting facilities;

• champion the production of original digital content by and for the people of Wales on online, alongside support for community radio and television initiatives, and protect the plurality of the most diverse range of Welsh programming on ITV, including news and current affairs;
• build on the now universal reach of credit unions, working alongside institutions like the Post Office and housing associations who wish to provide proper financial services for their tenants;
• support the economic development of Welsh Language communities through our regeneration budgets;
• encourage people in Welsh-speaking communities to see their Welsh language skills as a skill for employment, building on the language brokers already being employed to work with people in the community; and
• encourage a wider day to day use of Welsh in our communities and more support for those who wish to learn the language.

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Welsh language blueprint a step nearer to adoption

A blueprint which sets out Denbighshire's commitment to promoting the Welsh language and bilingualism has been given a seal of approval from the Council's Cabinet.

Now the council will be consulting on the draft scheme and asking for views before the document is discussed by the Full Council on December 1st.

The scheme explains how the council will plan and provide Welsh medium services on a basis of equality with provision in English. The Welsh Language Act 1993 places a statutory duty on every public body providing services to the public in Wales to produce a Welsh Language Scheme.

Leader, Councillor Hugh Evans, said: "Our aim is to provide an inclusive and relevant Welsh Language service that meets the needs of our residents whether they are fluent Welsh speakers or who are learning the language.

"This scheme sets out the next steps that the council will take in building on the work already undertaken and demonstrates Denbighshire's on-going commitment to Welsh language issues to its residents, councillors, staff and all visitors to the county.

"It also includes the quality standards of service that people can expect from the council and we now look forward to receiving comments from the public before the draft document is taken to Full Council for final approval.”

The draft scheme can be found at www.denbighshire.gov.uk/policyandperformance and hard copies will be made available at libraries and council offices. Comments should be forwarded to policyunit@denbighshire.gov.uk or by post to the Strategic Policy Unit, County Hall, Wynnstay Road, Ruthin, LL15 1YN, no later than Monday, November 23.

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All the ingredients for a great night

Aprons and whisks will be at the ready next week as Llandeilo prepares for its very own version of Ready Steady Cook.

A team from the town’s Young Farmers group will compete against a team from the local Clwb Gwawr group in a cookery competition being organised by Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd – a Carmarthenshire County Council-led regeneration scheme, and Menter Bro Dinefwr.

The ‘Ar y Fwydlen’ event, being held at Llandeilo Civic Hall on Thursday, October 29, is being hosted by celebrity chef Anthony Evans, of S4C’s Stwffio.

Anthony will kickstart the evening with a cookery demonstration using local produce.

The teams will then have to create their own version using the same basic ingredients.
Following the ‘cook off’ a panel of judges including Carmarthen Journal Editor Cathryn Ings and ‘Teulu’ star Rhian Jones will decide which team produced the best dish.

The audience will also have an opportunity to vote for their favourite.

The winning team will go through to the next round whilst the unsuccessful team will be subjected to Anthony’s very own bush tucker trial.

The evening is the first of a series of ‘Ar y Fwydlen’ evenings, and will culminate in a grand final in September 2010.

Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd officer Helena Burke said: “The aim of the evening is to celebrate the wonderful produce from within the Tywi Valley and to create a collection of new recipes which will be available on the Tywi Afon yr Oesoedd website.

“People will also be invited to contribute any old, traditional recipes that they have that reflect the produce of the valley.

“We’d welcome any members of the public to come along and enjoy this social occasion, which I’m sure will provide plenty of entertainment.”

Tywi Afon Yr Oesoedd (Tywi A River Through Time) is a regeneration project which is aimed at conserving the area’s history and creating a legacy for future generations.

The project has received £1.5 million from the Heritage Lottery Fund, £557,378 from the Rural Development Plan and support from the Countryside Council for Wales and the National Trust.

Cllr Clive Scourfield, executive board member for regeneration, said: “This is going to be a great event which will celebrate the fantastic produce available locally, and bring the community together for a night of entertainment.”

There will be no charge for entry to the Llandeilo Civic Club, and the Llandeilo Young Farmers Club will be selling refreshments on the evening.

The evening will be held through the medium of Welsh.

If you would like any further details or think that your group would like to get involved please contact Helena Burke on (01558) 824271 or email hburke@sirgar.gov.uk

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Learn Welsh with free online flashcards

PROPROFS is a free knowledge-sharing and online education website and you can use their tools to create your own flashcards to help you learn Welsh.

They've got 13 sets of Welsh cards for you to download and print out, including the all important how to order a pint set.

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Welsh Learner of the year named

ORIGINALLY from Ohio in the United States of America this year's Eisteddfod Welsh Learner of the Year Meggan Lloyd Prys is already working in her adopted language.

Meggan's husband Cynog, who she met at the University of Ohio, first inspired her interest in his native tongue. Now, just two-and-a-half years after starting to learn, the day after arriving in Wales, she has been married in a Welsh ceremony and works as a Welsh medium classroom assistant in Ysgol Llanfairpwll, Anglesey.

Meggan was awarded the Prize in memory of Marged Jones after judges Elin Williams, Haydn Hughes and Clive Wolfendale managed the difficult task of separating a strong field.

Shortlisted and taking £100 prizes were John Burton, originally from Crewe, but now living in Penmachno,; Zoe Morag Pettinger from Fareham, but now living in Trisant, Aberystwyth and Dominic Gilbert, originally from Manchester but living in Biwmares.

Meggan's £300 prize was also donated by Eagles Tavern, Llanuwchllyn.

Picture Chris McKenna creative commons

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Txt Cmrg with first Welsh language mobile phone

THE world’s first Welsh language phone has been unveiled at the Eisteddfod by Samsung and Orange.

The phone features a 44,000 word Welsh dictionary to run its menus and predictive texts.

Alun Ffred Jones, the Welsh Assembly Government's heritage minsiter said: "It’s important to be able to have services and technology available in the language so that people can live their lives through the medium of Welsh."
Chair of the Welsh Language Board, Meri Huws, saw the phone as a, 'big step forward for Welsh and for mobile phones'. Menna Machreth of Cymdeithas yr Iaith wants to see other manufacturers following suit.

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