Today, (1 March) the 2022 Ceredigion Eisteddfod Welsh Learner of the Year competition has been launched at a virtual St David’s Day coffee morning in the company of David Thomas, the 2021 winner, and fellow Welsh language enthusiasts.
According to David, the popular competition, held by the National Eisteddfod in partnership with the National Centre for Learning Welsh, is a great way of honouring those who learn Welsh and of inspiring others to take up the baton.
The competition is open to learners age 18 and above who are confident using the language in their everyday lives. Individuals can nominate themselves, or a relative, friend, colleague or tutor can make a nomination. The application form is on the Eisteddfod’s website and the closing date is 1 May.
The initial round will be held virtually during June, with the final round held at the Ceredigion Eisteddfod on Wednesday, 3 August, with the judges: Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Welsh Books Council: Radio Cymru presenter, Geraint Lloyd; and chaired poet, Cyril Jones.
The winner will be announced in a ceremony at the Eisteddfod on the evening of Wednesday, 3 August.
David Thomas, who lives in Carmarthenshire and who runs ‘Jin Talog’ distillery with his husband, Anthony, has enjoyed a busy year as an ambassador for the Welsh language. David has attended events as a guest speaker and has been interviewed on numerous occasions about his experiences learning Welsh.
Winning the award meant so much to me personally. I love that I can speak Welsh, and it was an honour to be nominated, let alone win the award. I’ve been inspired by other winners over the years, who helped ‘show the way’, and I was determined to make sure my time as ‘Learner of the Year’ counted. I’ve enjoyed taking part in virtual events in every part of Wales. I’ve made new friends and connections, which echo the positive experiences I’ve had learning the language. “I encourage other learners, who, like me, have had tremendous fun in transforming their lives by learning Cymraeg, to go for it with this year’s competition. Good luck to everyone – pob lwc!
David Thomas
The Learner of the Year competition is being launched at a special St David’s Day coffee morning, which is part of the National Centre’s Amdani Reading Festival.
