Ask Sue Hyland

Sue Hyland was born and raised in England, but has been living near Llanidloes since 2012. Sue has learned Welsh, and is now following an Advanced level course with Learn Welsh Ceredigion, Powys and Carmarthenshire.  Sue enjoys writing, and won the Learners’ Chair at the 2024 National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd.

Why did you start learning Welsh?
I started learning Welsh after moving to Wales.  I wanted to know how to read road signs, and village names.  After the first lesson, I was hooked!  If you live in Wales, you should try to learn the language.  Welsh is valuable, and we all need to do our best to keep it alive.

What’s the best thing about learning Welsh?
I’ve met so many wonderful people, and made lots of new friends.  I’ve also been to the Nant Gwrtheyrn residential centre in Gwynedd 11 times to learn about Welsh culture and history.

Where did your interest in poetry come from?
During lockdown, I attended a creative writing workshop with Mared Lewis.  I wrote a short story, and in 2022, the story was published in Y Daith, a book from the Amdani series, that included stories by learners.

How did it feel to win the Chair?
I was so happy!  The Chair sits on the cupboard in the living room, where I can see it every day.

Have you won other literary competitions before?
I’ve won many things over the years, including awards in local and national Eisteddfodau, as well as Merched y Wawr (an organisation for women in Wales) competitions.

Can you tell us a bit about the winning poem?
I was inspired to write the poem after living in such a beautiful place.  The poem was about an elderly woman in hospital, longing for her home.

Do you want to write more?
Welsh is my second language, so it takes me a lot of time to write in Welsh.  I’ve started learning to play the harp, and really enjoy it.  I’ll write in the future, but I want to focus on my harp playing for now.

What do you do to promote Welsh in your local area?
In 2023, I started a conversation club in Llanidloes.  Clwb y Dderwen is going from strength to strength, and is held every Monday.  We talk about everything under the sun, and it’s suitable for learners at all levels.