Mentrau Iaith y Gogledd

Heritage Art Project
As part of Menter Iaith’s Language and Heritage project 5 artists were commissioned to work with 5 primary schools in rural Flintshire, to create art work which would reflect local history and heritage.

The art workshops were funded by their Language and Heritage project with the aid of the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013 which is funded by the Welsh Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.

Ysgol Gwenffrwd
If you go to Ysgol Gwenffrwd in Holywell, you’ll see a princess with an umbrella, two children at sea (in a frying pan), two little dogs searching for their shoes and a black bird with wooden legs! The wall pictures are part of an art project where the school’s infants classes worked with Welsh artist Rhian Haf to interpret traditional Welsh nursery rhymes. The children drew scenes from old favourites ‘Mi welais jac y do’, ‘Dau gi bach’ , ‘Tŷ bach twt’ , ‘Bwrw Glaw’ and ‘Fuoch erioed yn morio?’ (trans. ‘I saw a black bird’, ‘Two little dogs’, ‘Tidy little house’ and ‘Pouring with rain’ and ‘Have you ever been sailing?’) The pictures were then magnified to ten times their original size, so that they could be painted onto wood.

Headmistress Iola Owen said, ‘The wall murals make Ysgol Gwenffrwd’s main entrance look so colourful and welcoming, and the children are overjoyed at seeing their handiwork on display. The project has been a chance for them to interpret age-old nursery rhymes which are completely unique to the Welsh language.”

Ysgol Trelogan
Pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Trelogan have been working with artist Tricia Jones to create a mural reflecting the history of their area.

The mural is a Roman mosaic, Tricia’s specialist medium, made out of vitreous glass tiles and recycled crockery. The featured pictures were all drawn by the children, and they chose important people and objects from Trelogan and Berthengam’s history as their theme.
Artist Tricia Jones said “It has been wonderful working with the year 5 and 6 pupils. They know so much about the history of their area, and obviously are very proud of their village and its heritage.”

The mural depicts author Emlyn Williams and tenor David Lloyd; and as well as famous former inhabitants, the children chose to include some current residents of Berthengam – the ducks who dwell in the pond just down the road from the school. A Davy lamp and canary are also featured, in reference to those who worked at the nearby mines, and a ration book and pictures of two evacuees have been included in memory of those who came to Trelogan during World War 2.

Ysgol Perth Y Terfyn
Students at Ysgol Perth y Terfyn visited St Winifred’s well to learn more about the fascinating Welsh legend of Santes Gwenffrewi, and to research the well’s history for their art project. In addition to touring the well and adjoining museum, they spent the afternoon at the Holywell Arts and Crafts Mill, working with local artists Dee Rivaz and Clarrie Flavell to gather ideas for their art work. Following the trip the pupils have been working with the artists to create two wall hangings interpreting their experience of the well. They have experimented with art techniques such as jewellery setting, weaving, printing and map making – all traditional techniques which were used during St Winifred’s lifetime.

Artist Dee Rivaz said “The children have gained so many new skills during this project and have produced some beautiful work; but more than that we hope that workshops have also enhanced their appreciation of spirituality and taught them about traditions such as pilgrimages and prayer. St Winifred’s well is a wonderful place to visit, and we hope that this project will give the children a deeper understanding of what makes it so special.”

Ysgol Bro Carmel
Pupils from Ysgol Bro Carmel have been working with ceramic artist Wendy Lawrence to create an eight foot long landscape, depicting the school, striking buildings in Carmel village, nearby industries and the view across the river Dee. The mural is bordered by tiles showing the area’s flora and fauna. Such a large mural needed a lot of tiles – so everybody, from infants to teachers were drafted in to carve and colour clay tiles. The clay was then painted with vivid colours and fired to create a dramatic panorama of Carmel’s countryside. The finished mural adorns the base of the school’s stage.

Ysgol Rhos Helyg
If you happen to pass Ysgol Rhos Helyg in Berth Ddu you might spot a dragon staring out at you from the school yard! The gigantic dragon was made out of willow as part of Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint’s heritage art project by school pupils and artist Sarah Gallagher. A knight and his horse stand next to the dragon – not to fight the monster but to remind people of a legend from Halkyn Common, ‘Naid y March’ (trans. The horse’s jump). The story dates back to the 15th century and tells how Thomas ap Harri and his horse jumped an incredible 22 feet across a mine shaft!

Rebecca Davies, Menter Iaith Sir Y Fflint’s Language and Heritage Officer said, “The aim of the heritage art project was to make Flintshire primary school pupils more aware of local histories and famous Flintshire inhabitants. But having seen the sheer size of Ysgol Rhos Helyg’s sculptures, I’m sure they’ll provoke the interest of anybody who passes the school – it’s impossible not to notice them!”

Throughout June Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint organised a series of activities for families, including Martyn Geraint shows, song and story sessions with Fiona Collins and a ‘pushy mothers’ buggy workout. The aim of the project was to raise awareness of the advantages of bilingualism, and to create opportunities for families to meet and socialise in Welsh.

Rebecca, the Menter’s Language and Heritage Officer, worked with mothers from Gronant, Holywell and Treuddyn. She said, “I’m hopeful that this project has succeeded in getting our message across – speaking Welsh as a family is so important if you want to help your children to be bilingual. There is a wide range of services and resources to support parents in doing this, such as TWF, Mudiad Meithrin, the homework helpline etc. I really enjoyed meeting so many families, and received such a warm welcome from the Ti a Fi Groups. I’m pleased to be able to announce that Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint has received a grant from the Welsh Language Board to enable us to extend the project and arrange even more family activities!”

Daniel Owen Film Project 2011
For the second year running, students from Ysgol Maes Garmon and Alun School, Mold, John Summers High School, Queensferry and Flint High School worked with Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint and Camalz Media to create short films based upon interpretations of contemporary Welsh poems and songs.
The three-day workshops were an introduction to the intensive world of television and film production. The pupils had to work as a production company in order to create a film of professional standards, visiting waterfalls, supermarkets, garages and even rubbish dumps in pursuit of the perfect shot!
During the project the students also obtained their OCN qualification in Level 1 Digital Film Production. Awen Llwyd, FfliC Officer and the qualification administrator, explained that the workshops were “a great opportunity for the pupils to gain qualifications for the future and an unforgetable experience for them all.”

Thank you to the Welsh Language Board, Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint, Urdd Gobaith Cymru and Flintshire County Council for making this project possible. Congratulations and thanks to everybody who participated in the workshops.
The films are available for viewing at www.gwobrdanielowen.co.uk

Y Ffin
The best of Welsh and anglo-Welsh culture and music will be displayed at the Y Ffin music festival, in Flintshire. The new music festival, held in July will see the best rock and pop bands from across Wales perform, including headliners Sibrydion, Mr Phormula and Derwyddon Dr Gonzo.
In 2009 Y Ffin came to the Rec in Mold, with performers including Sibrydion, Derwyddon Dr Gonzo, Mr Phormula, Racehorses, Lupin Thieves, JKLMNO, Mechanical Owl and Drip Dry Man. Over 1000 people turned out to enjoy the live music on offer.
In 2010, on July 25th, Y Ffin will be coming to Tower Gardens in Holywell to showcase famous bands such as Racehorses, Yucatan, Brigyn, Masters in France, and many others.
“We are so pleased that we’ve been able to secure some of the best rock and pop bands currently on the music circuit,” explains Gwawr Cordiner, Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint Managing Director, who, together with Urdd Gobaith Cymru are organising the event. “The big names have all agreed to attend, and we are so grateful to our sponsors, Cadwyn Clwyd, the Welsh Assembly Government, The European Agriculture Fund and Mold Town Council. Their support means we will be able to offer these fantastic bands from Wales to youngsters, adults and children absolutely FREE!”

Daniel Owen Film Workshop
On May 20th 2010 Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint hosted the Daniel Owen Film Awards Evening, showcasing Welsh-language films produced by talented students from Flintshire high schools. The young people worked with a production company to create short films based upon interpretations of contemporary Welsh poems.

The evening was a well-deserved celebration and a fitting end to the Flintshire film project. Pupils from Ysgol Maes Garmon, Alun School, Castell Alun School, Saint Richard Gwyn Catholic High, Holywell High School and Flint High School came together for the premier, to enjoy an evening of entertainment and to thank the producers, directors and organisers of the project.
The award for best film was presented by the judges; Huw Garmon, an actor famous for his roles in popular Welsh soap opera ‘Pobl y Cwm’ and the Oscar-nominated, film ‘Hedd Wyn’’; also Gwenno Eleri Jones, Arts, Culture and Events Manager for Flintshire County Council, and Cath Aran, a prize-winning professional storyteller and author who has performed across Britain and Ireland.

As well as exhibiting the films, the event was a celebration of Welsh culture with performances from young local talent; harpist Chloe Roberts, singer Seren Sandham Davies and comedian Lloyd Antrobus.

Saint Dwynwen's Day Fashion Show
An exciting event which raised awareness about the Welsh patron saint of love! Clwyd Theatr Cymru were commissioned to provide workshops supporting pupils from Ysgol Maes Garmon, Alun School, Saint Richard Gwyn Catholic High School and the Welsh College of Horticulture as they set about creating outfits entirely out of recycled materials. Their fun fashions were displayed on the catwalk at a fashion show held in Alun School’s drama studio. The young people had the opportunity to ‘strut their stuff’ on the catwalk, and the award for best outfit was chosen by judges Huw Rees from Wedi3, Sian Alaw from C2 and Sioned Rowlands from the Welsh College of Horticulture. Nic Pari hosted the evening, which was broadcast on S4C!

Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint's Language and Heritage Project
Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint received approval from Flintshire’s Rural Partnership and the Welsh Assembly Government to develop a Language and Heritage Project for the Rural Development programme in Flintshire in July 2008. The project is partly funded by the Flintshire Language Forum, the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint is delivering the project on behalf of the Flintshire Language Forum.
The project provides a Language and Heritage Officer who develops and supports specific projects, in order to raise awareness and understanding of local Flintshire residents and visitors of the Welsh and Anglo-Welsh Culture.
Some of the projects organised by Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint include:

Community story telling events.
Heritage and craft workshops.
Visits to local museums and cultural locations.
Community workshops including dance and music events.
Awareness sessions on the Welsh language, culture and heritage.

Here are some of the activities organised by Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint as part of their Language and Heritage project:

Buckley Pottery Mural
A group of enthusiastic Welsh learners came together to work with community artist Mari Gwent came to Flintshire to create a mural based on Buckley’s famous pottery.
The workshops, held January 30th, February 6th and 13th and organised by Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint, were an opportunity for the county’s residents to learn more about one of the area’s oldest industries, create a work of art and practise their Welsh in a relaxed atmosphere.

Storytelling sessions with Cath Aran
On October 20st a’r 21st the nationally-famous storyteller Cath Aran came to Mold to entertain the residents of Flintshire with traditional Welsh stories and fables.
On the 20th Cath went to Bryn Coch and Glanrafon primary schools to relate Welsh stories to pupils and their parents. The following day was the turn of Mold’s secondary schools, Maes Garmon and Alun School, to hear Cath’s interpretation of one of Wales’s oldest legends, that of Blodeuwedd.
The senior classes witnessed Cath’s ‘darker side’ when the lights were dimmed and she related the story of a young girl who lost her head following an encounter with a ghost at a hotel in Rhyl!
Pete Bryon, head of Welsh at Alun School, said “Year 10 enjoyed listening to Blodeuwedd’s tale, and I’m sure they enjoyed the ghost story too, even if a few of them will be sleeping with the lights on for a while!”
On the evening of the 20th, a party of brave adults gathered at Nercwys Tower to hear Cath’s rendition of various ghost stories from across North Wales. They head the story of the Caerwys Witch, the Black Knight with the Red Plume, the haunting of Bryn yr Ellyllon, Rhyl’s haunted hotel; and of course, the history of Rheinallt ap Bleddyn ap Gruffudd who, by all accounts, hung the Mayor of Chester in the same banqueting hall the group were sitting in!

Fun for the Family in Gronant
On September 15th 2009, Gronant Family Centre, Flintshire Menter Iaith and Deeside College held a Fun and Games For The Family afternoon for residents of Gronant, Talacre, Picton, Pen y Ffordd, Ffynnongroyw and Mostyn. Amongst the activities were face painting, nail art, a treasure hunt, Rimbojam karaoke with the Urdd mascots Cadi and Dai, arts and crafts, clay modelling and fun Welsh song and story sessions. All activities were free of charge and there was also an opportunity to sign up for Deeside College’s Fun For the Family Welsh course.

Wild Workshops
During the autumn half term holidays 2009 Menter Iaith Sir y Fflint worked with local companies and societies to hold a number of Welsh-language ‘wild workshops’ to help local children learn more about the natural world. There was a Wild Art session at the Northop Campus of Deeside College, a Survival in the Wild Workshop with the Flintshire Forest School and a Wild Woodlands walk through the through Whitford woods with Iwan Roberts of Cymdeithas Edward Llwyd.

Oakenholt Mural
Throughout March 2009 the popular artist Cefyn Burgess worked with the pupils of Ysgol Croes Atti and members of the community to produce a textile wall hanging for the school hall that will represent the Flint / Oakenholt area. Cefyn Burgess’s work is not only well known in this country but also in the USA where his unique techniques of using textiles to create beautiful murals amaze many people. The mural is on display at Ysgol Croes Atti in Flint.

Puppet workshop
Cwmni Cortyn puppet company visited five primary schools in Flintshire including Ysgol Terrig, Glanrafon, Croes Atti, Gwenffrwd and Mornant to facilitate a puppet making workshop for children under the age of seven. The theme - “Heroes of Wales” gave the children an opportunity to explore their own Welsh identity, history and language. The puppets they created were then displayed at the Gallery at Clwyd Theatr Cymru in December.

Writing workshops
Throughout the Language and Heritage Project Menter Iaith has offered creative writing workshops with famous Welsh authors and poets, including: Mei Mac, Twm Morys, Sian Northey, Iwan Llwyd and Ifor ap Glyn and an Evening with the Taeogion.

Projects