The fourth annual Welsh Language ‘Shwmae’ awards took place at Pembrokeshire College’s Theatre Myrddin recently.

A partnership between Pembrokeshire County Council and Cronfa Ras yr Iaith, (The Welsh Language race Fund) the awards aim to celebrate the Welsh language, its culture within communities and the achievements of Welsh language learners.

“Throughout the summer, it was a real pleasure to meet and film the 33 people put forward for awards,” agreed Pembrokeshire County Council’s Welsh language advisors, Catrin Phillips and Llinos Penfold.

“Between individuals, groups, schools and societies, one thing was clear, each and every one of them was dedicated to the Welsh language and its culture and that was great to see.”

Compere for the evening was Llandissilio’s Sion Jenkins who presents S4C’s Hacio. He was joined by on film by Welsh Assembly member Alun Davies who offered words of encouragement, while Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member for the environment and Welsh language, Clr. Cris Tomos listed a number of county wide successes achieved throughout the year.

“The award night is a great way for people from all over the county to unite in their appreciation of the Welsh language and there is a feeling of unity between north and south,” he said.

Entertainment was provided by Maenclochog-based choir Harmo Ni before St. Francis School was presented with an audience award.

To finish the evening, a special prize was given to John Lloyd, of Pelcomb Cross, for his dedication to promoting the use of Welsh in his area.

To see a film of the nominations, visit @Shwmae Sir Benfro on Facebook.

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Award (award for promoting the Welsh language in the community): nominated - Coffee and chat group, Costa Haverfordwest, John and Nan George from St. Davids, editors of local paper Bro y Llien Gwyn. Winner - Y Llien Gwyn.

Pembrokeshire County Council second language award (an award for schools that are working towards their Welsh Language Charter and that has a positive attitude toward the Welsh Language): nominated - St. Francis School, Milford Haven, Holy Name School, Fishguard, Ysgol y Garn, Roch. Winner - Holy Name School, Fishguard.

Pembrokeshire College Award (an award for a student that has made an effort to use Welsh and promote the language in college or on work experience): nominated - Sioned Harries, Crymych, Gwenno Davies, Whitland, Scarlett Moar, Tenby. Winner - Sioned Harries.

Pembrokeshire Young Farmers Award (an award for members who have Welsh as a second language who make an effort to use it within YFC and the wider community): nominated - Alice James, Llawhaden YFC, Charles George, Fishguard YFC, Katie Davies, Llysyfran YFC. Winner - Katie Davies.

Merched y Wawr Award (an award given to Merched y Wawr clubs who have recorded activities): nominated -Ffynnongroes, Mynachlog-ddu, Bro Barti Ddu. Winner - Mynachlogddu.

Urdd Award (an award for individuals, leaders and coaches who have promoted the language over many years to young people in Pembrokeshire): nominated - Jane James, Llandeloy, Morwel Palmer, Haverfordwest, Marilyn Lewis, Letterston. Winner - Marilyn Lewis.

Youth Enterprise Pembrokeshire Award (an award for small to medium-sized businesses that promote the use of the Welsh language): nominated - Pritchard and company, Fishguard, Crwst, Blaenffos, Barn Cafe, Castell Henllys. Winner - Barn Cafe.

Hywel Dda University Health Board Award (award for an individual or department that has made an effort to use Welsh in the workplace): nominated - Costa Coffee, Withybush Hospital, Betsan Ifans and Welsh Services. Winner - Betsan Ifans.

Nursery organisations award (award for Cylch Meithrins who promote the language inside and outside of the classroom and who give the best possible opportunities to families): nominated -Cylch Maenclochog, Cylch Eglwyswrw, Cylch Fishguard. Winner - Cylch Eglwyswrw.

Pembrokeshire Welsh Learners Award (award for an individual who has made the best effort to learn Welsh and use it within their community): nominated - Claire Sommerville, Hook, Alan Thomas, Haverfordwest, Ross Williams, Milford Haven. Winner - Ross Williams.

Welsh language first language award (award for a school that has promoted the social use of Welsh within the school and has a positive impact on the attitude and Welshness of the school): nominations - Puncheston, Ysgol y Frenni, Crymych, Ysgol Bro Ingli, Newport. Winner - Ysgol y Frenni.