The names of the four finalists for the coveted 2010 Welsh Learner of the Year award will be announced at a special event held in Glyncoed School, Ebbw Vale, on Saturday 8 May.
Twenty-nine individuals have competed in this year’s competition, and organisers are delighted with this total, which includes people from all over Wales – and beyond.
Amongst the contestants is one from Patagonia, one from Belgium, and a number from across England, and most of them will come together on Saturday for a day of activities, entertainment – and the vital interview – to whittle the twenty-nine down to the four-strong shortlist, who will take part in the final round during this year’s Eisteddfod.
Geraint Wilson-Price, Chair of the 2010 Blaenau Gwent and Heads of the Valleys National Eisteddfod’s Learners Committee, said:
“We are looking forward to an enjoyable day in Ysgol Glyncoed on Saturday. With a number of activities organised for the day and so many entries for the Welsh Learner of the Year competition, it’s sure to be a day to remember at the end of this week.
“The response and commitment of those learning Welsh has been excellent, and we are delighted with the number of entries, and I’m certain that we’ve got a real competition on our hands this year! We’re also grateful to the judges to their time and commitment, and we look forward to announcing the names of the finalists at the end of the day.”
Saturday’s judges are Robat Powell, Donna Edwards and Gillian Elisa, with broadcaster Roy Noble, taking Gillian’s place for the final round.
The winner, whose name will be announced at the Eisteddfod, and the finalists will all receive a beautiful plaque designed and produced by artist, Angelina Hall, who works with glass, as part of the prize.
Angelina was also commissioned to create a special panel for the winner of this year’s prose competition. This panel will be presented in memory of Elen Rhys, who passed away in October 2009, and who worked tirelessly for many years to promote the use of Welsh in aspects of life.
Speaking about the honour of being commissioned to design and produce thus year’s trophies, Angelina said:
“Creating the trophies for the National Eisteddfod has been a great honour. I wanted to recreate the buzz and the cultural heritage of the area, combining the industrial past with the regeneration in the area. It’s been a very exciting commission which I’ve thoroughly enjoyed.”
