Alarm at lack of learners in contests; EISTEDDFOTA.

Byline: EMYR WILLIAMS

THERE is much emphasis these days on encouraging Welsh learners to become involved with local eisteddfodau, with many of these events including competitions especially for learners of the language.

Browsing through the lists of competitions right across North and mid Wales brings to light the fact that some eisteddfodau do not provide such opportunities for learners, which is a pity.

But the most alarming aspect of all this is the fact that even when such competitions are included, Welsh learners are slow in coming forward.

Last Saturday, for instance, there was not a single learner of the language competing at Eisteddfod Trawsfynydd, despite such a competition being included.

Unfortunately this is nothing new, leading me to pose the question why?

Learners' competitions are also included in next Saturday's Eisteddfod Abergynolwyn, but the fears are that yet again there will be a lack of competitors, following the pattern in previous years.

While both the National Eisteddfod and the Urdd do include competitions for learners, there is a similar commitment by both the Powys and Ynys Mon eisteddfodau, and competitors do come forward, but never in large numbers.

As far as the smaller eisteddfodau are concerned, maybe not enough is being done to promote the fact that learners of the language are welcome to take part, something that the Association of Eisteddfodau may wish to take on board.

On a more positive note however Welsh learners in north-east Wales (Maelor, Flintshire and Denbighshire) have their own Eisteddfod, this year to be staged at Theatr John Ambrose in Ruthin on Friday evening, February 27, an event that normally attracts around 100 learners.

This popular event is jointly sponsored by Mentrau Iaith in the three counties.

Learner's support officer Ellie Pritchard said that support for this year's event was most encouraging, with homework entries well above expectations.

This year's event includes a new competition, sponsored by the Dafydd ap Llywelyn Committee, formed at a public meeting at the Flintshire National Eisteddfod in 2007, the aim being to erect a monument to Dafydd in Flintshire.

The Dafydd ap Llywelyn Medal is being offered for the best essay on the history of north-east Wales written by a Welsh learner.

The winner will also receive a glass jug engraved with Dafydd's coats of arms by local engraver Elfyn Pierce-Jones.

Stressing that the aim is to erect a monument in Flintshire, committee chairman Dr Craig Owen Jones said "As Dafydd is the only prince of Wales born in Flintshire, we felt that establishing this prize in north-east Wales in his honour would be a fitting tribute."

Eisteddfod Flynyddol Abergynolwyn (01654 782270) takes place this Saturday commencing at 11am.