14 April 2008

Caroline Mitchell (winner of the beginners category), Catrin Parri (tutor) and Simon Brown (winner of the Crossing the Bridge category)

Dafydd Orwig Memorial Award 2008 – Gwynedd’s Welsh Learners of the Year

Gwynedd Council has recognised the excellent work of members of staff who have worked hard to learn Welsh, by presenting the Dafydd Orwig Memorial Award Prize.

The award was established in 1999 in memory of the late Councillor Dafydd Orwig. Its aim is to acknowledge the efforts made by Gwynedd Council staff, and partnerships associated with the Council, who attend Welsh lessons in order to be able to use Welsh in their work.

Two prizes were awarded, one for more experienced learners who have ‘crossed the bridge’ during the last year, and one for beginners who have made the most progress during the past twelve months.

Simon Brown, the Council’s Senior IT and Communications Manager won this year’s “Crossing the Bridge” category of the Dafydd Orwig Learner of the Year award. Simon, who was appointed to his post in 2005, is originally from Manchester. He attended university in Sheffield, and he now lives in Conwy with his two sons.

He has only been learning Welsh for two-and-a-half-years, but he has certainly “crossed the bridge” as he now takes part in Gwynedd Council life through the medium of Welsh.

A number of small things have helped Simon to reach this stage, for example, he no longer uses a translator in meetings, he uses less of the electronic language checking “Cysgair” system, he emails in Welsh more often and he is more confident to contribute in meetings in Welsh.

“All of these things together make a big difference,” he said.

“I have nothing but praise for Gwynedd Council’s support for Welsh learners. It makes a huge difference. The important thing is to get co-workers to remember to speak Welsh with me. They still remember me as a new Welsh learner, without noticing that I’ve moved on. But I must admit that they, like my family have been very supportive.”

The awards also recognise less experienced Welsh learners, and the winner in the beginners’ category this year is Caroline Mitchell, Support Worker in the Council’s Care Directorate.

Caroline was born in Somerset, and she studied Geophysics at Exeter University. Having work as a geologist, she gained an MSc in Geological Engineering in London. She then went to South Africa and Mozambique to work for 13 years.

She came to Wales in 2004, to Blaenau Ffestiniog, and decided to learn Welsh. Learning new languages was not a new thing to her as she had learnt Zulu and a little Portuguese in Africa. She went on to learn Welsh herself with the help of books rather than in a class.

After being appointed as a Support Officer for Gwynedd Council’s Care Directorate she joined a Welsh class for the first time, attending classes in Tanygrisiau near her home.

“I speak Welsh every day now. It’s important not to be afraid to take a risk – and to ask every time. Having the ‘little handbook’ close to hand is always handy!”

Caroline has a number of talents. She plays the piano, and you can hear her play in the background if you visit Castell Deudraeth for a meal on Saturday night or Sunday. She is also keen on photography, and since June 2006 she has a craft shop in Maentwrog called Oriel Twrog.

Catrin Parri, Gwynedd Council’s Workforce Development Officer said:

“Many congratulations to all the winners and to everyone of the Council workers who have worked so hard to learn Welsh. Those who really want to learn the language are the ones who succeed, and we are very proud here in Gwynedd that so many members of staff are so enthusiastically learning the Welsh language.

“We must also pay tribute to the mentors who have supported everyone of the Welsh learners – their constant interest and support is a great help to the Welsh learners’ success.”

Second in the Crossing the Bridge category was Deborah Stammers, who is a Social Worker with the Youth Justice Service.

Deborah comes from Leicester originally, but she came to complete her DIPSW certificate in Bangor in 2004. She’s married and now lives in Bangor and works with the Youth Justice Service in Felinheli.

She takes every opportunity to use the Welsh language officially and unofficially.

Deborah said:

“It is so important to practice – with everyone, be them colleagues or clients. At the moment I small-talk in Welsh with clients, and try to add to this when I can. Listening to Welsh radio also helps a lot.”

The Council Chair has this year decided to present an additional prize in the award to the learner who shows the most promise, and that award goes to Deborah.

Joint second in the beginners category were Valmai Edwards and Jackie Hodgson who work in the Council’s Care Directorate. Valmai is originally from Yorkshire, and she now lives in Porthmadog, whilst Jackie lives in Talysarn and is originally from Saddleworth, Lancashire.