Welsh learners will be able to support the Urdd by making voluntary contributions towards the Welsh youth movement’s work during virtual events organised by the National Centre for Learning Welsh.
On 19-20 February, a virtual sleepover called ‘Llangrannog Dros Nos’ will be held for Welsh learners and their families. The event replaces the popular ‘Welsh for the Family’ weekend, which is usually held at the Urdd residential centre in Llangrannog, Ceredigion.
Various activities will be on offer, including arts and crafts, cookery, a quiz, entertainment and a drama workshop with the Welsh-language national theatre, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. The event is for free – but learners taking part will have an opportunity to contribute to the Urdd via a special Just Giving page.
The National Centre is also holding a virtual coffee morning for learners on St David’s Day at 10.00am. There will be a presentation on the Urdd’s work at the beginning of this free event, with an opportunity for learners to make a voluntary contribution. TV presenter Nia Parry is the special guest.
Helen Prosser, Director of Teaching and Learning at the National Centre for Learning Welsh, said:
“The Centre works closely with the Urdd to hold informal learner events at the Urdd’s residential centres in Llangrannog and Glan-llyn, Bala. These popular activities give learners an opportunity to enjoy using their Welsh outside the classroom. As a result of the public health crisis, it isn’t possible to hold them this year, however we’re pleased to offer virtual alternatives, which we hope will embody the informal and fun spirit of the ‘real’ events.
“We’re aware that the Urdd is facing major challenges due to the pandemic, and as our learners have greatly benefited from the partnership between the Centre and the Urdd, we wanted to give them an opportunity to support the organisation at this time.”
Ross McFarlane from Pembrokeshire, who regularly attends the ‘Welsh for the Family’ weekends at Llangrannog, with his wife, Meg, and their three children, said:
“We’ve been to Llangrannog with our children three times. As a family, we all look forward to going each time. There’s something for everyone there and it feels far from everywhere, safe and homely. We’re missing it this year! We’re glad of the opportunity to support the Urdd.”
Like so many other organisations and charities across the country, we’ve been hit hard by the effects of the pandemic. I would like to thank the National Centre for Learning Welsh, its learners and their families for showing such support to the Urdd. We’ve worked together on various projects and events for many years and we appreciate their friendship now more than ever.
Siân Lewis, Chief Executive of the Urdd
