Thanks to all who came along to the Pontneddfechan Walking Trip on January 21. They had a lovely walk, and a well deserved meal in the pub afterwards! The next walking trip will be held on March 24 - details to be confirmed.

The Menter's Childrens' Christmas Party was held in Tŷ Tawe on 17 December.

Parti 'Dolig y Plant (Kids' Christmas Party) was an outstanding success yet again this year, with over 25 children attending. We had an afternoon full of fun with games, arts and crafts and a piece of Christmas cake! The highlight of the day was a visit from the man himself - Father Christmas, and he had a present for each of the children, fair play to him. The children were over the moon!

Due to the success of the ‘Your Welsh is Wonderful course last year in Clydach a second course began this year in Moriston. This time the Group have been lucky to receive the help and support of Catrin Jones, the new head of Tan y Lan School in Moriston, who encouraged the parents to come together.
The 10 week course encourages local parents to come together and practice their Welsh skills. Eight parents participate regularly.
The course started with a simple Welsh quiz, a cake decorating workshop, making gift bags and Christmas and birthday card making.
Since the beginning of the course two of the parents have gone on to assist in the morning pre-school sessions at Ysgol Tan y Lan because their Welsh skills and confidence have increased.

Recently a socialising session was held in a pub in Moriston. Many of the members bought their children along. It was a lovely opportunity for the parents and their children to socialise through the medium of Welsh.


For more information contact Menter Iaith Abertawe on 01792 460 906

From the beginning of October until December 2011 there were 13 enthusiastic young people from Gŵyr and Bryntawe schools initiated and participated on a course for Young people known as the GIBI. The project which extends the horizons of Young people in Swansea on the concepts of Youth work and allows them to work with young people.

Menter Iaith Abertawe have worked closely with the Swansea Youth Service and the City and County of Swansea to provide the course of ten weeks at Canoldre Youth Centre on Monday evenings.

During the course the Young people learn about a variety of attitudes to do with youth work such as ‘the ideal youth worker’, theories associated with the work, considerations about equal opportunities and opportunities to work in the community.

As part of the course there is an opportunity also for young people to attend weekend residentials in Rhosili, on the Gower Peninsula to concentrate on aspects such as Health and Safety, Globalisation and preparing to introduce and delivering micro-sessions on subjects such as the dangers of the misuse of drugs and alcohol

A specific thank you goes to Angharad Jenkins for co-ordinating the course in 2011 and to Dai Bryer from the Urdd and Paul Worsfold from the Swansea Youth Service for taking specific sessions during the course.

A big congratulations to the 13 for passing the course this year.

The course opens doors for Young people to be qualified and be employed by Menter Iaith Abertawe as a youth worker in our weekly clubs or voluntarily in our frequent activities.

There is an opportunity for 15 young people between 16 and 26 to participate in the course which is held annually. If you are interested in registering in September 2012 for the next course then contact Menter Iaith Abertawe on 01792 460906 or e-mail menter@menterabertawe.org

Picture: Angharad Jenkins: main co-ordinator of the GIBI course

We had an excellent night in Ty Tawe on Friday December 16, with Dewi Pws and Radwm performing live. It was great to see so many new faces there, and even better to see so many people dancing along to old favourites like Mynd Nôl i Flaenau Ffestiniog and Lleucu Llwyd! Thanks to everyone who have supported our gigs over the past year, and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2012!

This year's Parti 'Dolig y Dysgwyr was held on Tuesday, 20 December. We had an excellent response to the party, with over fifty Welsh learners attending. The party was an excellent opportunity for the learners to socialise with other Welsh learners, as well as getting in to the festive spirit!

On the 18th of November – Menter Iaith Abertawe’s netball team played its first game against Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr’s year 7 team which was held at Penyrheol Leisure Centre. Taking tips from former PE teacher and coach Sue Leyshon and the PE teacher Sara Thomas, the keen team put their hard work into practice and played an exciting game against Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr’s year 7 team. Several skilful goals were scored by both teams during the game with the supporters taking pride in the success of both sides. The final score was a victory to Menter Iaith Abertawe, 13 goals to 8 and it’s certainly an excellent preparation for Menter Abertawe’s game against Menter Iaith Castell Nedd Port Talbot on November the 25th, and for the school’s matches ahead.
The Menter Iaith netball club meet every Friday evening between 17:00 and 18:00 at Penyrheol Leisure Centre and has members from local schools including Ysgol Gyfun Gŵyr, Ysgol Gyfun Bryntawe and Ysgol Gynradd Login Fach and we always welcome new members.
A massive thank you to the keen coaches Sue Leyshon and Sara Thomas with best wishes to both teams for the rest of the season!