Welsh language learning in Wrexham sees record increase
Jonathan Lloyd, a staff member at Wrexham University, said: "I use Welsh a lot at work.
"For me, it's great because it's important to use the language every day, even if that's for five or ten minutes.
"Competing at the Eisteddfod will be such a proud moment for me, not only as a new Welsh speaker, but as a Welshman celebrating our language and culture.
"I can't wait to put the Welsh I've learnt over the past year into practice and speak with people on the Maes."
Mr Lloyd will compete at the Eisteddfod in Wrexham as part of a recital group, supported by his Dysgu Cymraeg tutors.
A new partnership between the Welsh Government, the National Eisteddfod, and the National Centre for Learning Welsh has expanded Maes D, the Eisteddfod's dedicated space for learners.
Visitors can stop by Caffi Maes D for a paned a sgwrs (cuppa and chat) in Welsh with fellow learners and volunteers.
The Welsh Government's Welsh Communities Commission is exploring how to support the growth of Cymraeg in areas where it is less widely spoken, including Wrexham.
READ MORE:
Flintshire heating engineer in running to be named top tradesperson in UK and Ireland
Welsh Language Secretary Mark Drakeford said: "Welsh is our national language and every community has an important role in its future.
"The research we are doing will inform future policy development and ensure that communities like Wrexham receive support.
"Cymraeg belongs to us all, which is exactly what we're seeing through the growing enthusiasm here.
"It's fantastic to see the Eisteddfod celebrated in Wrexham and lots of learners participating in it."
The Eisteddfod, which continues until Saturday, offers a wide range of events and activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy and take part in.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Leader Live
11 hours ago
- Leader Live
The ongoing cost of looking after Groves School, Wrexham
Groves School closed back in 2003, with demolition of the newer science tower taking place later in 2012. The school was also earmarked for demolition by Wrexham Council, but was then listed by the Welsh Government in 2016, following a community campaign to protect it. Several proposals to redevelop the building have been brought forward over the years, including plans to convert it into a new primary school or medical training facility, but none have successfully moved forward. Last year, the council was urged by the Save Our Heritage Wrexham group to take action to revive the old school amid claims it has been left to rot. In a recent update, Wrexham Council said that the building's future 'remains under consideration', with any proposed decision to be 'reported through Executive Board'. With delays ongoing, the Leader recently submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Wrexham Council. In that, we asked; "How much has it cost Wrexham Council financially year on year to look after Grove's School site since it closed in 2003?' In their reply, they said: "The headline summary costs since closure are for the Groves site are £821,255." In a further response, the council called the situation surrounding the school 'frustrating'. They added that they have 'worked tirelessly' to find a solution. Alwyn Jones, Wrexham Council's Interim Chief Executive, said: 'We have worked tirelessly to find a solution for the Groves, and will continue to do so. We did originally hope to build two new schools on the site, but the building was listed by Welsh Government and we were unable to progress these plans. Read more "We've been close to finding other solutions on a number of occasions, but these didn't come to fruition, which has been frustrating. 'In the meantime, we're faced with the ongoing cost of insurance and security to keep the Groves safe from issues like vandalism and adverse weather, so we want to find a use for the site more than anyone. "It's a complex and challenging situation, but we'll keep working hard with partners to explore different options and find a way forward.'
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
There is just one place in Wales where the population is falling, and it's one of our most beautiful spots
There is just one place in Wales where the population is falling, and it's one of our most beautiful spots There were 8,112 fewer births than deaths in Wales last year There was one area where the population fell in Wales last year (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne) There is just one part of Wales where the population fell last year, while the largest growth was in a south Wales city. On Ynys Mon there was a population drop of 141, data shows, a figure almost entirely driven by far fewer births than deaths last year. Only 532 babies were born in Anglesey, compared to 989 deaths, a difference of 457. Looking forward, data has suggested that the population of Wales is due to increase to 3.32m by mid-2032, previous data has shown. The population was boosted by 251 more people who moved to Anglesey from other parts of the UK than those who left, and by 72 more people arriving from overseas, but that was not enough to replace the number of people who died. Newport saw the biggest population jump, rising by 1.7%, or 2,787 people. That was mainly driven by a gain of 2,121 people from net international migration. However, Newport also gained 330 new residents from other parts of the UK, and there were 332 more births than deaths. After Newport, Cardiff saw the biggest population increase, of 1.1%, or 4,180 people, followed by Wrexham (1.0% or 1,355 people). Using our interactive map, you can see how the population has changed where you live and how that has been affected by births, deaths, and internal and international migration. The map can be accessed here: This widget requires javascript to work. Population change in England and Wales How births, deaths, internal and international migration changed the population in 2024 Search your postcode Some error occured, please try refreshing the page. Search Click on an area on the map to see the statistics in that location. Birmingham London Manchester Newcastle upon Tyne Cardiff +- Key Population change -2.75% 11.06% Leaflet | © OpenStreetMap contributors To pan and zoom, use two fingers. To select an area of the map, single tap. Tap anywhere on the shaded area to continue using the map. Hide Sign up for the Wales Online - Politics Newsletter Politics, education, health and other Welsh issues We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to (e.g. email) and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Subscribe No thanks, I just want the results Data shows there were an estimated 61.8 million people living in England and Wales in mid-2024, up 706,881 from 61.1 million in mid-2023, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). That was the second-biggest year-on-year numerical jump in population since at least 1949, the earliest comparable ONS data. In England, the population increased by 1.2%, which was twice as high as Wales (0.6%). In Wales, that translated to an increase of 19,250 people in the resident population. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here That was mainly due to net international migration—the difference between the number of people immigrating and emigrating. Last year, 36,397 international migrants arrived in Wales from overseas, compared to 13,717 who left the UK, a difference of 22,680. Another 74,870 people moved to Wales from other parts of the UK, while 70,073 moved out to England, Scotland, or Ireland, a population boost of 4,797. Combined, international and internal migration more than cancelled out the population loss of 8,112 fewer births than deaths in Wales last year. However, while the population increased across the vast majority of England and Wales, 12 council areas saw a decline in the number of residents. Article continues below
Wales Online
a day ago
- Wales Online
50-foot whale found off Welsh coast as coastguard helicopter deployed
50-foot whale found off Welsh coast as coastguard helicopter deployed A coastguard helicopter, a lifeboat and a cruise ship were all diverted after a mystery object was spotted floating in the sea - and what was found was a 'definite first' for teams Coastal view near Cemaes Bay, Anglesey (Image: Google) A Coastguard helicopter was diverted when a cruise ship spotted what appeared to be an overturned boat in deep waters north of Anglesey. Upon closer examination, the 'Unidentified Floating Object' was identified as the carcass of a massive whale. Upon receiving the initial report, Moelfre's RNLI lifeboat was put on standby, ready for immediate launch. The cruise ship was requested by HM Coastguard Holyhead to make a U-turn and investigate the sighting some 30 miles off the north Anglesey coast. A Coastguard helicopter from Caernarfon, which was on a training exercise, was also dispatched to the location. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here Between them they discovered not a boat, but the remains of a 15 metre-long (50ft) whale. In the end, the Moelfre all-weather lifeboat wasn't required, but its coxswain Vince Jones stated: "It's a main shipping lane and we regularly get call-outs there to reports of unidentified floating objects. "Usually they turn out to be floating jetsam – fishing gear and debris from derelict vessels", reports North Wales Live. "A decomposing whale carcass was definitely a first for us! "As the carcass was so far off shore, it wouldn't have posed an immediate danger to smaller vessels. So its position was noted and nature was left to take its course." Article continues below Get daily breaking news updates on your phone by joining our WhatsApp community here . We occasionally treat members to special offers, promotions and ads from us and our partners. See our Privacy Notice
