Today (Saturday, 3 August) at the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod, Cyril Jones from Pennant, Ceredigion was awarded this year's ‘Tlws y Tiwtor’ tutor award.
The award is given by the National Centre for Learning Welsh to a tutor who has made a notable contribution to the Learn Welsh sector.
Cyril began his career as a teacher in primary and secondary schools, at Ysgol Gymraeg Aberystwyth and Ysgol Uwchradd Bro Ddyfi, before starting work as a Learn Welsh tutor in 1971.
He worked as a Tutor/Organiser for the Workers' Education Association (W.E.A) in Montgomeryshire after leaving Ysgol Bro Ddyfi in 1982 and during that time he taught Welsh for Adults courses at the Gregynog Language Centre.
Cyril has worked for the University of South Wales since 2001, teaching creative writing courses and contributing to various Learn Welsh courses for adults, delivered by the Centre’s local provider, Learn Welsh Glamorgan. These courses include classes at Advanced and Gloywi (Proficiency) levels for university staff and in the community.
According to Catherine Stephens, Head of Learn Welsh Glamorgan, which is run by the University of South Wales, "On behalf of Learn Welsh Glamorgan, we would like to congratulate Cyril on receiving this honour and thank him for his special contribution to the sector.
"I know his students appreciate his careful planning based on contemporary literature which enables them to take advantage of their creativity in the Welsh language. Some of these learners have developed into confident creative writers and poets themselves.
"Cyril continues to inspire the learners to write in Welsh in his classes in Merthyr and Llantrisant and we look forward to seeing the fruits of their labour at the Eisteddfod!"
Dr Angharad Lewis, who is also a Learn Welsh tutor at the university, adds, "Cyril is a tutor who is prepared to go the extra mile for his learners. He is a natural tutor who believes that we need to create a bridge between our learners and Welsh culture.
"Cyril loves introducing contemporary Welsh literature and poetry to his learners and encouraging them to write creatively in their second language. It is a well-deserved award after over fifty years inspiring learners as a Learn Welsh tutor.”
Winner Cyril Jones said: “I consider it a great privilege to receive this award. It’s been an absolute pleasure to teach Welsh to the adults in my classes and I’ve learned a lot from them as well. I look forward to continuing to do this important work.”
Dona Lewis, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh, says, “Enthusiastic and inspiring tutors are at the heart of our work to support learners and create new Welsh speakers, and Cyril is an excellent tutor, fully deserving of this award.
“Llongyfarchiadau – congratulations, Cyril, and thank you for all your work.”
Images: Cyril Jones at the Eisteddfod and this year's trophy, which has been created by a local craftsman, Lewis Price. The book, crafted from wood, represents Cyril’s love of literature and the metal bridge in Pontypridd bridge.
