Latest news with #WrexhamNationalEisteddfod
Leader Live
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Welsh Learner of the Year named at Wrexham Eisteddfod
Lucy Cowley, who lives in Llangollen but is originally from Is-y-Coed, Wrexham, received the honour during a ceremony on the Pavilion stage on Wednesday, August 6. Ms Cowley said: "I'm very proud. "I never thought I'd win and to do that in Is-y-Coed is fantastic. "I'm very emotional, there's no word to describe how I feel. "Winning this means the world to me. "I live locally and work locally but I didn't feel like I fit in. "I speak with an English accent and I didn't speak Welsh. "People didn't understand why I was learning Welsh but I'm so glad I did." Her grandfather was a refugee from Poland, and her grandmother from Ukraine. Though she had some exposure to Welsh at school, she did not feel confident using it until later in life. A teacher at Holt School, Ms Cowley rediscovered her passion for the language through her work with children. She enrolled in Welsh courses and began incorporating the language into her teaching, eventually using Welsh resources in the classroom. She said she plans to continue her studies and hopes to start offering jewellery-making classes in Welsh. Ms Cowley said: "And we will have something to discuss in the next discussion group." She also set up a Welsh discussion group in Llangollen, which brings together people from diverse backgrounds—some new to the language, others hoping to regain confidence in speaking Welsh. The Learner of the Year Trophy was donated by Spencer and Jeni Harris, and Ms Cowley also received a £300 prize from Ann Aubrey. READ MORE: Montgomeryshire sisters win at Wrexham National Eisteddfod folk band competition The other three finalists were Rachel Bedwin from Bangor, Hammad Hassan Rind from Cardiff, and Leanne Parry from Prestatyn. The three other finalists received £100 in recognition of their achievements. The judges for this year's competition were Steve Morris, Francesca Sciarrillo, and Ian Gwyn Hughes. In addition to her work in education, Ms Cowley also designs jewellery and previously ran a stall at the Llŷn and Eifionydd Eisteddfod.
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Rob McElhenney sings 'Yma o Hyd' and everyone says the same thing
Rob McElhenney sings 'Yma o Hyd' and everyone says the same thing Many were left hugely impressed by his efforts Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney (Image:) Wrexham co-owner Rob McElhenney has shown off his Welsh language skills this week as part of the Wrexham National Eisteddfod festivities this week. Appearing on S4C, the 'Always Sunny in Philadelphia' star rattled through a number of Welsh phrases with the help of translator Maxine Hughes, who many will recognise from the hit documentary Welcome to Wrexham. Most of the phrases were relevant to the event, which runs until August 9, but McElhenney also gave a short rendition of the iconic anthem 'Yma o Hyd', which has now become synonymous with Welsh football. You can watch the clip below: Content cannot be displayed without consent Unsurprisingly, his efforts were hugely appreciated by may fans online. Article continues below "Love this man for all his does for us," one said on social media. "Absolutely incredible human." Another wrote: "What a guy. He shames me just by existing." Even fans of other Welsh clubs appeared to show their appreciation. "I dislike Wrexham and have done since I became a Swans fan in 2001," said one Swansea City fan. "Fair play to Rob McElhenney though for this. Impressive." The Swans are set to face Wrexham this season follow in the Dragons' third straight promotion last term, which sealed their return to the second tier for the first time since 1982. They are also set to face old League One foes Birmingham City, who like Wrexham have recently released a behind-the-scenes documentary capturing the fortunes of the club. Some feel this latest example from McElhenney has set a possible example for City to follow. "A lot of mixed reviews for the Birmingham City documentary and Tom Brady," on fan wrote. Article continues below "But maybe his team and the programme makers have yet to appreciate that as well as cash, it is important that owners invest in the community and culture."
North Wales Live
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Woman left 'completely speechless' after being honoured at the National Eisteddfod
The Sir T.H. Parry-Williams Memorial Medal was presented at the Wrexham National Eisteddfod to a woman who has inspired generations of young people in her community. The award is given annually to an individual who has made a genuine contribution to their local area, with a special emphasis on working with young people. Eilyr Thomas, from Llandissilio, Pembrokeshire, was a teacher and headteacher in primary schools in the Maenclochog and Mynachlog-ddu area for most of her working life. Beyond her career in education, she has been active in music and singing from a very young age. She enjoyed great success on the stages of both small and large eisteddfodau as a soloist and as a member of choirs and parties. Through her expertise and dedication many young people have blossomed and grown to become professional singers. Seven of them came on stage during the ceremony to greet their teacher. She said: "I was fine until I saw them come on stage. I wasn't expecting them. Some had said they weren't coming to the Eisteddfod but it was nice to see them and hear them sing." She was informed a few weeks ago that she would be honoured with the Medal this year. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox "When I found out, I was completely speechless – I couldn't think of any words at all. I'm not someone who wins competitions or anything like that, but this – I just couldn't believe it. Of course, it's an honour, and I'm very proud to accept it," she said. Through Eilyr Thomas's expertise and dedication, many young people have flourished – not only by developing their vocal abilities – but also by growing into confident performers. "The family was musical, and I suppose I showed some kind of desire to sing, even though I was incredibly shy. Every time someone came to the house and asked me to sing, I'd go behind the curtains – I could never face them," she said. Eilyr Thomas's voluntary contributions to the community are also significant. She has been the conductor of Cantorion Cleddau and is a dedicated member of Nebo Chapel, Efailwen. She was honoured with the White Robe in Gorsedd Cymru and is a former member of the Eisteddfod Council. Sir T.H. Parry-Williams was a passionate supporter of the National Eisteddfod, and in August 1975, following his death a few months earlier, a fund was established to commemorate his valuable contribution to the Eisteddfod's activities. The fund is administered by the Sir Thomas Parry-Williams Trust.
