Latest news with #Cymraeg
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Extra support for areas with lots of Welsh speakers
This comes after ministers accepted recommendations from a report by the Commission for Welsh Speaking Communities, led by Dr Simon Brooks. The two-year study proposed several measures to protect Welsh as a community language. Welsh Language Secretary Mark Drakeford announced the plans at the Urdd Eisteddfod. The government will provide targeted support to areas with higher concentrations of Welsh speakers, ensure access to Welsh-medium education, and offer more guidance about the language across various policy areas. Recommendations were accepted in several areas, including the economy, housing, community development, and education. The government will work with local authorities and partners to discuss and implement these recommendations. Mr Drakeford said: "Cymraeg belongs to us all, and to every community across Wales. "I am grateful for the commission's hard work on this report, and I hope that by accepting their recommendations, we can strengthen Welsh in all our communities." "We agree in principle that areas of linguistic significance should be designated and will now progress this by working with partners to create tailored policies that respond to the specific needs of Welsh-speaking communities."
Cambrian News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Cambrian News
Welsh-speaking communities to get targeted support to strengthen Cymraeg
Mark Drakeford said: "Cymraeg belongs to us all, and to every community across Wales. I am grateful for the Commission's hard work on this report, and I hope that by accepting their recommendations, we can strengthen Welsh in all our communities.'
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Sport
- Leader Live
Emotional end of year, a World Record holder and much more
If you would like to feature anything from your school, you can share with us direct here or email Ysgol Castell Alun, Hope Three of the school's Year 13 Welsh students have made it to the final round in the competition Medal y Dysgwyr (Welsh Learners' Medal) at the Eisteddfod yr Urdd. Joshua Williamson, Natasha Boleyn and Georgia Jones. Josh Williamson, Natasha Boleyn and Georgia Jones, all studying A-level Cymraeg, have been selected to compete in the grand final at Margam Park, Port Talbot on May 28. In the final round they will be interviewed by a panel of judges along with the musician Bronwen Lewis. They will be asked to answer a variety of questions about their success and connections with the Welsh language. All three of these students, who can now be considered fluent Welsh speakers, began their studies at Castell Alun in 2018 and have since progressed throughout their time studying Cymraeg. Helen Wareing, Castell Alun bilingualism coordinator said: "Our students are very dedicated and it is wonderful to see so many staff and students sharing in and embracing our national language. "We wish Natasha, Georgia and Josh pob lwc in Port Talbot and we eagerly await seeing further achievements with the Welsh language." Golftyn CP School, Connah's Quay Swimming gala champions Golftyn CP School. Pupils at the school won the area swimming gala competition last week (May 20). They came top out of the four schools in their area, making it their third year in a row. St Mary's School, Brymbo Matti Hemmings, from Fusion Extreme, and Hannah Meulman, Sustrans' Active Journeys officer, with pupils from St Mary's Brymbo. The Wrexham primary school has been working with Sustrans, a walking, wheeling and cycling charity, on promoting sustainable travel to school through the Active Travel Award. As a reward for the children's dedication they received a prize from Wrexham Council of a visit from BMX British Champion and three times Guinness World Record holder, Matti Hemmings. Matti Hemmings in action at St Mary's Brymbo. Matti, from Fusion Extreme, performed his amazing flat land stunt and trick show to the whole school. The children were amazed, and the school hope this will encourage even more children to choose to ride their bike or scooter to school instead of travelling by car. Ysgol Ty Ffynnon, Shotton Year 3/4 teacher at the school, Hana Halliwell, was honoured to attend the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace for her contribution to Education and Skills. Ysgol Ty Ffynnon teacher Hana Halliwell was an invited guest at a Royal Garden party. Hana, who was awarded Outstanding New Teacher of the Year at the Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2024, described being invited to the traditional ceremony as "a day to remember" and "such a surreal moment". The outdoor event earlier this month was hosted by the King and Queen, who took time to meet and congratulate many of the guests. Everyone enjoyed refreshments, sandwiches, pastries and ice cream in the sunshine, whilst being entertained by the Royal Bands and ballet. Guests were also invited to explore the gardens before the national anthem played, marking the end of the ceremony. • Children throughout the school took part in sports day, participated in a range of different races, including obstacle, running, bean bag, skipping and the classic egg and spoon. Sports day at Ysgol Ty Ffynnon. Sports day at Ysgol Ty Ffynnon. Parents and grandparents came along for support and this helped to boost the children and make an extra special effort in their races. Everyone who took part had a great time and fortunately the weather was good too. Sports day at Ysgol Ty Ffynnon. Sports day at Ysgol Ty Ffynnon. Sports day at Ysgol Ty Ffynnon. Ysgol Rhiwabon, Wrexham Year 11 students had their leaving assembly and shirt signing day. Ice cream van as part of the leaving assembly and shirt signing day at Ysgol Rhiwabon. Drinks, snacks and an ice cream van all contributed to an excellent finish. The school wishes good luck to all Year 11 in their remaining examinations. Ysgol Bryn Alyn, Gwersyllt Pupils were treated to an unforgettable BMX Flatland Show on the MUGA this week by Matti Hemmings, from Fusion Extreme, a professional BMX Flatland Rider, British BMX Flatland Champion 2023, and triple Guinness World Record holder. Matti Hemmings displays his BMX skills to Ysgol Bryn Alyn pupils. Thanks to Sustrans and the school's Active Journeys officer, Hannah Meluman, Matti wowed the crowd with his incredible skills, mind-blowing tricks, and energetic performance. The pupils were captivated and had lots of questions - from how Matti got started, to his favourite tricks, and how they can get into BMX themselves. This exciting opportunity was made possible thanks to the ongoing work of YBA's School Council Health and Wellbeing Committee, who partnered with Sustrans to focus on safe bike routes in Wrexham. The committee will continue working with Hannah to help pupils build bike confidence and explore even more active travel opportunities. The Ysgol Bryn Alyn Year 8 athletics squad. • Year 8 pupils from YBA's athletics squad were down at Queensway Stadium for the annual Wrexham interschools competition. There were some fantastic individual performances and a huge well done to the squad for their honour in representing YBA so well and effort in their performances. Ysgol Bryn Alyn headteacher Adele Slinn presented Duke of Edinburgh awards to pupils Charlie Griffiths and Joseph Williams. There was also a presentation of the Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) Bronze certificates and badges to two outstanding students, Charlie Griffiths and Joseph Williams. Headteacher Adele Slinn awarded the certificates, recognising the dedication and effort these pupils put into completing their DofE journey. • On Friday, the school hosted a heartfelt leavers' ceremony to celebrate the achievements of Year 11 pupils. The event marked the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance, as students prepared to move on to new academic and personal challenges. The ceremony was attended by staff, pupils, and form tutors, all gathered to recognise the significant milestones reached by the students. Shirt signing for Year 11 pupils' end of year celebrations at Ysgol Bryn Alyn. The atmosphere was one of pride, excitement, and a sense of achievement, as each student's journey was acknowledged. Will Beddoes, head of Year 11, praised their resilience and commitment throughout their time at the school, highlighting their growth both academically and personally. He said: "It has been a privilege to watch you develop into confident and capable young individuals. "Today is a celebration of your hard work and the bright futures that await you." Mrs Slinn commended pupils for their dedication and encouraged them to embrace the opportunities ahead. She added: "You have all shown determination and a positive attitude, which will serve you well in your next steps." Following the formal ceremony, students gathered with their friends and teachers for a special tradition of shirt signing. Castell Alun High School, Hope The school may be witnessing a historic first for a school in Wales - two students from the same year group, and the same village, captaining their country in two of the nation's most widely played sports, all while sitting their A-levels. Thomas Cottle, a gifted rugby player, has already made a name for himself on the international stage. Thomas Cottle. Photo: Welsh Rugby Union Earlier this year, he represented Wales U20s in the prestigious Six Nations tournament - an extraordinary achievement given he was a year young for the age group. He went on to feature in two U19 fixtures against Ireland and captaining the side in an impressive victory against Italy, and now, while preparing for his final exams, he is also training in Welsh camp in the hope of making the squad for this summer's U20 Rugby World Cup in Italy. Thomas has recently signed a professional contract with Cardiff Rugby and will continue his studies at the renowned Cardiff Metropolitan University in September. Ruby Ellis. Photo: Wales Netball Ruby Ellis has been equally impressive on the netball court. She has represented the elite Manchester Thunder franchise at U17 and U19 level, competing against top sides across the UK. She has also worn the Welsh vest at the same age groups and recently captained Wales to victory against Scotland. Ruby is now preparing for potential selection in the Wales U21 squad ahead of the World Cup in Gibraltar later this year, despite only just turning 18. She has already secured scholarship offers from two universities and plans to study at either Manchester, Leeds, or Cardiff from September. Headteacher Colin Ellis said: "Incredibly, both Thomas and Ruby live in the small village of Higher Kinnerton - a place that has produced not one but two national sporting captains in the same school year. Their ability to combine academic and sporting excellence is nothing short of remarkable. "Everyone at Castell Alun High School is immensely proud of Thomas and Ruby. Their dedication, work ethic, and passion over many years have been an inspiration to others. We wish them the very best in their upcoming exams - and in what promise to be hugely exciting sporting careers."
Business Mayor
19-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Owners of second homes in Wales are having to sell up. That's no disaster: it's a godsend
Just over two years ago, Wales gave councils the powers to massively increase council tax on second homes. If you were to read recent headlines, you would think this was a disaster. 'Fury,' said the Express. A 'botched' policy that is 'in tatters' after '£30k off house prices' lamented the Telegraph. Indeed, these publications are correct: the changes have led to something of an exodus of some second-home owners. What the titles seem to have missed, however, was that this was the point. Due to the indisputable fact that our country is bloody fantastic, people love to visit and to buy second homes here. In some parts of Cymru, this has become a major problem. In the county of Gwynedd, the figures were astronomical. In 2021 of all the properties in Beddgelert, 23% were second homes. It was 25% in Aberdaron and up to 40% in Llanengan. This has several knock-on effects. House prices soar, so local young people can't get on the ladder where they grew up. Many of them are first-language Welsh speakers, which means the language is under threat in these rural areas that have safeguarded Cymraeg – the Welsh language – for centuries. Photograph: The Telegraph The high rates of second-home ownership also mean that, unless the weather is forecast to be good (which in Wales is about as often as an eclipse), these towns and villages are half empty. This causes pubs to close. There are fewer children, so schools close. It erodes the heart of our communities. To try to tackle this, the Welsh Labour government, alongside Plaid Cymru, introduced measures to curb second-home ownership. This included giving councils the ability to push council tax on second homes to 300% the usual rate. They also closed a loophole whereby second-home owners could register as a business in order to pay the much lower business rates. Gwynedd council used these powers to hike council tax to 150% in April 2023. By the end of 2024, house prices had fallen by 12.4% as second-home owners tried to sell up. In Pembrokeshire, house prices fell by 8.9% after the council increased the council tax to 200% on second homes (though this was reduced to 150% recently). As is so often the case in the age of the culture war, some elements of the media lost their minds. The Mail reported an 'anti-English attack', and the fall in house prices was widely reported as a negative. First things first: let's put aside this 'anti-English' rubbish. About two-thirds of those with holiday homes in Pembrokeshire live in Wales, predominantly South Wales. Being English isn't the issue here. Second, just the summer before, the very same Daily Mail was reporting how tourists were 'flocking in their droves to top locations in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park', so it can't be hitting tourism that hard. Finally, it is hard to see the house-price drop as anything other than a positive. So often it feels like policy changes do little to directly help ordinary people and often do active harm (disability benefit changes, for example). What we have here is the pushing-through of a controversial policy because it will directly help communities negatively affected by the decisions of those who have more money. Not that the policy is perfect. The closing of the business-rates loophole means that to register as a business, a property has to be let for 50% of the year (182 days). Therefore even if your property is let for every weekend and all of July and August, you won't qualify as a business. This has punished many perfectly legitimate businesses, and even Plaid Cymru has admitted it will need to lower that if it is in power after 2026. However, the impact of tourism isn't just on second homes. It also causes problems for communities in terms of traffic, infrastructure and parking. To try to mitigate this, the Welsh government is introducing a tourist tax. This visitor levy is similar to the one you pay when you go to places like Barcelona on holiday. Anyone who reads this column regularly knows that I am deeply disdainful of how Wales has been governed since devolution and feel the Welsh government has shown an almost crass lack of ambition for the country. But when it comes to the tourist tax, I think they've got it right. The new law allows councils to charge a fixed fee of £1.25 per person per night for Airbnbs, hotels and self-catered lets and 75p per night for campsites (pitches) and stays in hostels. Children are exempt from being charged the visitor levy, meaning that if two parents took their kids away for a week it would add £17.50 to their stay. This money is kept by local authorities and must be used to maintain and promote the Welsh language or the sustainable economic growth of tourism, or improve infrastructure, facilities and services used by visitors. Read More There's No Place Like A Fairly Taxed Home—Even If It's A Trailer Frankly, an extra £1.25 to stay a night in Wales is the bargain of the century. In the same way that when you visit a free museum you chuck them a few quid in thanks, this is an investment in the place you are visiting. It is thoughtful policymaking. The fee is refunded if you are a disabled person with a carer, a homeless person placed by the council or having to stay because of an emergency like a health issue or flooding. You also don't have to pay if you are there for more than 31 days (they don't want to punish hotel residents). I am not for a moment saying that tourism is not a vital industry for Cymru – it absolutely is. I am also not saying that it doesn't have its challenges, though data suggests that poor weather is easily our biggest one. If you've spent some of the recent warm weather and bank holidays in Wales, I salute your impeccable taste. If you didn't, you should know you are truly welcome. Please come to Wales. We are delighted to have you. But tip your host, and leave it how you found it.
The Guardian
19-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Owners of second homes in Wales are having to sell up. That's no disaster: it's a godsend
Just over two years ago, Wales gave councils the powers to massively increase council tax on second homes. If you were to read recent headlines, you would think this was a disaster. 'Fury,' said the Express. A 'botched' policy that is 'in tatters' after '£30k off house prices' lamented the Telegraph. Indeed, these publications are correct: the changes have led to something of an exodus of some second-home owners. What the titles seem to have missed, however, was that this was the point. Due to the indisputable fact that our country is bloody fantastic, people love to visit and to buy second homes here. In some parts of Cymru, this has become a major problem. In the county of Gwynedd, the figures were astronomical. In 2021 of all the properties in Beddgelert, 23% were second homes. It was 25% in Aberdaron and up to 40% in Llanengan. This has several knock-on effects. House prices soar, so local young people can't get on the ladder where they grew up. Many of them are first-language Welsh speakers, which means the language is under threat in these rural areas that have safeguarded Cymraeg – the Welsh language – for centuries. The high rates of second-home ownership also mean that, unless the weather is forecast to be good (which in Wales is about as often as an eclipse), these towns and villages are half empty. This causes pubs to close. There are fewer children, so schools close. It erodes the heart of our communities. To try to tackle this, the Welsh Labour government, alongside Plaid Cymru, introduced measures to curb second-home ownership. This included giving councils the ability to push council tax on second homes to 300% the usual rate. They also closed a loophole whereby second-home owners could register as a business in order to pay the much lower business rates. Gwynedd council used these powers to hike council tax to 150% in April 2023. By the end of 2024, house prices had fallen by 12.4% as second-home owners tried to sell up. In Pembrokeshire, house prices fell by 8.9% after the council increased the council tax to 200% on second homes (though this was reduced to 150% recently). As is so often the case in the age of the culture war, some elements of the media lost their minds. The Mail reported an 'anti-English attack', and the fall in house prices was widely reported as a negative. First things first: let's put aside this 'anti-English' rubbish. About two-thirds of those with holiday homes in Pembrokeshire live in Wales, predominantly South Wales. Being English isn't the issue here. Second, just the summer before, the very same Daily Mail was reporting how tourists were 'flocking in their droves to top locations in Bannau Brycheiniog National Park', so it can't be hitting tourism that hard. Finally, it is hard to see the house-price drop as anything other than a positive. So often it feels like policy changes do little to directly help ordinary people and often do active harm (disability benefit changes, for example). What we have here is the pushing-through of a controversial policy because it will directly help communities negatively affected by the decisions of those who have more money. Not that the policy is perfect. The closing of the business-rates loophole means that to register as a business, a property has to be let for 50% of the year (182 days). Therefore even if your property is let for every weekend and all of July and August, you won't qualify as a business. This has punished many perfectly legitimate businesses, and even Plaid Cymru has admitted it will need to lower that if it is in power after 2026. However, the impact of tourism isn't just on second homes. It also causes problems for communities in terms of traffic, infrastructure and parking. To try to mitigate this, the Welsh government is introducing a tourist tax. This visitor levy is similar to the one you pay when you go to places like Barcelona on holiday. Anyone who reads this column regularly knows that I am deeply disdainful of how Wales has been governed since devolution and feel the Welsh government has shown an almost crass lack of ambition for the country. But when it comes to the tourist tax, I think they've got it right. The new law allows councils to charge a fixed fee of £1.25 per person per night for Airbnbs, hotels and self-catered lets and 75p per night for campsites (pitches) and stays in hostels. Children are exempt from being charged the visitor levy, meaning that if two parents took their kids away for a week it would add £17.50 to their stay. This money is kept by local authorities and must be used to maintain and promote the Welsh language or the sustainable economic growth of tourism, or improve infrastructure, facilities and services used by visitors. Frankly, an extra £1.25 to stay a night in Wales is the bargain of the century. In the same way that when you visit a free museum you chuck them a few quid in thanks, this is an investment in the place you are visiting. It is thoughtful policymaking. The fee is refunded if you are a disabled person with a carer, a homeless person placed by the council or having to stay because of an emergency like a health issue or flooding. You also don't have to pay if you are there for more than 31 days (they don't want to punish hotel residents). I am not for a moment saying that tourism is not a vital industry for Cymru – it absolutely is. I am also not saying that it doesn't have its challenges, though data suggests that poor weather is easily our biggest one. If you've spent some of the recent warm weather and bank holidays in Wales, I salute your impeccable taste. If you didn't, you should know you are truly welcome. Please come to Wales. We are delighted to have you. But tip your host, and leave it how you found it. Will Hayward is a Guardian columnist
