Welsh language radio presenters Tommo Thomas and Terwyn Davies were blown away by the achievements of Welsh learners at a cabaret-style evening recently.

Dozens of Welsh learners overcame their nerves to perform songs, sketches and stand up jokes in the Noson Lawen held at The Plas Hyfryd Hotel in Narberth that was arranged through Learning Pembrokeshire and Menter Iaith Sir Benfro.

Tommo and Terwyn were guest comperes for the evening and were full of praise for the Welsh learners of all ages, trying this activity for the first time.

“Standing in front of strangers to perform is nerve racking at the best of times and if you have ever learned a second language you will appreciate how much courage it takes to stand on a stage and use it to entertain others,” said Tommo at the end of the evening.

“Having worked on Radio Pembrokeshire and Radio Cymru all these years, I’ve never been so moved by the way people are taking to the language. You are terrific.”

There were sketches, songs and stories from groups of Welsh learners and an unforgettable flash mob performance of ‘Sosban Fach’ by Roch family learners.

Two learners took to the stage alone to tell their stories in ‘stand-up’ style. Both Wendy Thomas from Haverfordwest and Dave Thomas from Haverfordwest received rapturous applause for their sketches, while for seven-year-old Emily Garnault from Maenclochog, there was a special chance to practice the poem she was to recite the next day at the Urdd Eisteddfod.

Themes for the action songs included Pembrokeshire weather by the Narberth Entry Level singers, the joy of Welsh mutations and homework from a combined choir of two Crymych classes, and ‘Dai Bach y Sowldiwr’ from the shambolic tutors.

Welsh learner David Blackmore, who is a member of Tenby Male Voice Choir, sang a wonderful solo as did tutor Tomos Hopkins-Rees was accompanied by violinist Jayne O’Hara from Pembroke Dock.

Pembrokeshire’s Welsh Learner of the Year, Michelle Buist, performed a captivating sketch with fellow learner Diane Davies, set in a dogs’ rescue home.

Humour played a huge part in the evening, not least in the sketch from the Advanced class in Narberth, who performed a University Challenge, Crymych v Doc Penfro, with Doc Penfro winning after some memorable squabbling!

In the final part of the evening, the learners sat back and relaxed as Maenclochog choir Harmo-ni performed an uplifting programme of songs, finishing with a composition by Robat Arwyn and poet Ceri Wyn Jones which looks to a future when we raise our voices together.

Seasoned learner Anne Garside from Fishguard summed up the experience: “The atmosphere was so joyful, and we all felt that the Welsh language is alive and well.”

New learner Delyth Bebb from Whitland added, “A thoroughly enjoyable evening had by all - proud to be Welsh and learning to speak our native language.”

Tutor Rhian Owen, who co-ordinates learning opportunities outside the classroom, considers enjoyment as the best catalyst for learning.

“When you hear an audience laugh that loudly at a corny joke, you know they are happy and relaxed and feel a part of this culture. That’s what learning a language is all about.

“The National Centre for Learning Welsh which was established in 2016 conducted research across Wales into the reasons why people learn Welsh.

“In West Wales, Beaufort Research discovered that people wished to connect with their roots or identity and they also wished to take part in the Welsh community.

“There is no doubt that the Noson Lawen provided that special opportunity and it was clear to all concerned that the contribution Welsh learners make is one to treasure.”

For more information about learning Welsh, contact Rhian Owen at Preseli Community Learning Centre, Ysgol y Preseli, Crymych. 01437 770180/01239 831455 or [email protected]

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