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Tŷ Newydd visit inspires students

A-level learners enjoyed sessions with some of Wales’ leading writers including Mererid Hopwood and Rhys Iorwerth

Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor students recently spent a day at the Tŷ Newydd National Writing Centre.

A-level Welsh learners from the Pwllheli and Dolgellau campuses took part in workshops with some of Wales’ leading literary talents at the retreat in Llanystumdwy, near Cricieth.

Writers included poets Mererid Hopwood, who will be the next Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod, and Rhys Iorwerth, who won the Crown in last year’s Eisteddfod.

A-level lecturer Marged Tudur said: “There were various sessions which were a real asset to the learners’ studies.

“Thanks to Mererid Hopwood, Manon Williams, Eurig Salisbury, Angharad Price and Rhys Iorwerth for inspiration, and to Tŷ Newydd’s Miriam Williams for the warm welcome and for facilitating the arrangements.”

Learners were inspired by the experience, as well as finding it useful for their studies.

Lois Erin Jones said: "Our visit to Tŷ Newydd was certainly a valuable experience. We had different sessions with Eurig Salisbury, Angharad Price and Rhys Iorwerth on Dafydd ap Gwilym, appreciating literature and the cynghanedd.

"All the information will be of great help when studying for the exams. I'm very grateful to the College for the opportunity."

Gwenith Mallt Jones said: "Our visit to Tŷ Newydd was interesting, we spent an afternoon in the company of Rhys Iorwerth, Angharad Price and Eurig Salisbury.

"Since the visit my understanding of the cynghanedd has improved and it was lovely to have sessions in such a homely setting. I would encourage anyone who is interested in writing or poetry to visit Tŷ Newydd."

Ela Rhys said: "As students, the opportunity we had to visit Tŷ Newydd, Llanystumdwy recently was very valuable - from the warm welcome by staff to the presentations.

"We had really useful presentations that not only equipped for the exam, but, opened our eyes to the importance of reading in general and the art of cynganeddu. We had a very interesting afternoon which will certainly benefit us greatly."

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