Oct
28
2009
A new Welsh language service for children of nursery age has been unveiled by broadcaster S4C.
The service, which was launched at the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Conwy, starts on 23 June on S4C’s digital channel, S4C Digidol.
There will be six-and-a-half hours of programmes for children of nursery age, compared to one hour currently.
It is the first stage of S4C’s plan to introduce a separate Welsh language channel for children and young people.
The new service – entitled Cyw, or Welsh for chick – is accompanied by a bilingual website which will feature games, activities and information for parents.
Many of the programmes will be available to watch online, with English subtitles available for most shows.
“The launch of Cyw is one of the most important developments in S4C’s history and reflects the channel’s commitment to the children of Wales and their families,” said S4C chief executive Iona Jones.
“I’m confident this significant expansion will reinforce the good name S4C and its independent producers have in the field of children’s programming, in Wales, the UK and internationally.”
Cyw, which replaces S4C’s former nursery brand Planed Plant Bach, will feature children’s presenters Rachael Solomon and Gareth Delve.
Programmes will include song and dance show Triongl, live-action series Pentre Bach and animated favourites Sam Tân and Sali Mali.
The programmes will be broadcast on weekdays, from 0700 to 1330.
S4C is due to become a stand-alone Welsh-language channel after digital switchover, with no programmes being re-broadcast from Channel 4.
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/1/hi/wales/north_west/7421720.stm
Published: 2008/05/27 12:44:32 GMT
Originally posted 2008-05-27 13:44:47. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
Aug
27
2009
Pic: wikimedia commons |
Fascinating discoveries are hoped for as archaeologists today start a dig on the site of Swansea’s 12th century Oystermouth Castle in Wales reports News Wales
Volunteers will work alongside experts as the group excavates outside the castle’s west tower, explores the knoll area and looks for the outer wall and ditch.
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Daily guided tours are being organised within a few days of starting the dig and everyone taking part will have the chance to learn about excavation techniques, how to record discoveries and how to deal with objects that are found.
Young people aged under 18 are also encouraged to make a visit to the dig and join in the analysis of what is found.
The event is being organised by the Glamorgan-Gwent Archaeological Trust in partnership with Swansea Council, the Friends of Oystermouth Castle and Swansea University.
Dr Edith Evans, of the Trust, said: "We received a lot of correspondence from people interested in volunteering and are delighted to have accommodated everyone who got their applications in before the deadline.
"Members of the public are welcome to come along for guided tours any day during the dig but I’d suggest people wait for a few days after it starts because the first phase of the project involves the removal of the topsoil."
Graham Thomas, Swansea Council Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, said: "Oystermouth Castle is one of the most historic landmarks in the area and this dig will allow people to the chance to discover its rich heritage for themselves.
"It will also offer volunteers a fascinating insight into the world of archaeology and will give visitors the chance to access expert tours and updates.
"Some fascinating discoveries may yet be weeks away and I look forward to keeping up with progress."
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Nov
03
2008
Pic: BBC |
An historic hill claimed as the place where King Arthur married his queen is for sale.
Part of Castle Hill at Knucklas, near Knighton in Powys, is being sold under action later in November.
According to legend, Guinevere, daughter of the Welsh giant Gorgyrfan Gawr, became betrothed to Arthur on hill’s grassy slopes. |
It was also the site of a Norman castle built in the 13th Century, before being destroyed by Owain Glyndwr’s forces. The castle was built by the Norman knight Roger Mortimer to help keep the Welsh population in check, but it was later overrun.
There are only traces of the castle left on the hill now. The land is being sold in two lots on 27 November. Estate agent Jenny Layton from McCartneys in Knighton said it was a “rare opportunity to purchase a site of historical importance”.
Legends and myths about Arthur have seen him cast as a king who held court in Wales, a Scottish politician and a Cornish warrior. It is generally believed however that the there was an actual historical figure, probably a Romano-British warrior leader, who battled to keep the Saxons out of Britain. Early Welsh texts do not refer to him as a king, but as an emperor or war leader.
Source
Details of the Land Auction can be found here
Aug
15
2008
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The Daily Post in Wales reports that the Welsh flag has been banned from official venues at the Beijing Olympics in a crackdown by Chinese authorities.
Supporters and competitors travelling to the Games face a strict ban on waving the Ddraig Goch in celebration.
Only the flags of the 205 Olympic nations, including Great Britain, can be taken into the showpiece arenas, according to “house rules” published by the organising committee for the Games. |
The rule, believed to be aimed at potential Tibetans, independence demonstrators, effectively vetoes the Welsh and Scottish flags., traditionally seen atinternational events.
Cathy Owens, Welsh director of Amnesty International, said:
It would be a terrible shame if the Welsh flag were banned from the Olympics, but with so many domestic activists silenced, I’m not surprised the Chinese authorities want to control what can be seen at venues.
To us, in Wales it’s absurd we can’t fly our flag at the Olympics. For people in China the repression of free speech is much more serious. Saying the wrong thing can land you in prison and many journalists and activists have been arrested.
The Beijing rules for spectators state: To avoid delays at security and to maintain an orderly flow, please DO NOT bring the following articles to any venue: flags of non-members of the Olympics or Paralympics; flags or banners larger than 2 m x 1 m; flagpoles; any banners, slogans, fliers, brochures or samples.
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Aug
13
2008
Pic: Alun Ffred Jones |
The Welsh Daily Post announced that the new heritage minister Alun Ffred Jones says he is looking forward to introducing new measures to safeguard the Welsh language later this year.
Caernarfon’s Plaid Cymru AM was appointed heritage minister following the dramatic resignation of Rhodri Glyn Thomas.
Speaking about the Welsh language he said his key task was to chart a bid to Westminster for legislative powers which could open the door to new rights for Welsh speakers in Wales.
He said: |
The proposals should be ready in the autumn and will give the right to Welsh speakers for services in the language, equal status to the language and establish the post of Welsh language commissioner.
Mr Jones, who took the oath of office yesterday, takes over from Rhodri Glyn Thomas, 55, who stood down from the Labour-Plaid coalition cabinet after it emerged he broke the smoking ban by walking into a Cardiff Bay pub with a lit cigar.
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