University of Wales Trinity Saint David Branch appoints new officers

5 June 2024

The Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol creates training and study opportunities in the Welsh language through working with further education colleges, universities, apprenticeship providers and employers. University of Wales Trinity Saint David has an active branch of the Coleg Cymraeg which inspires and encourages everyone to use their Welsh language skills.

Members of Cangen y Drindod outside Yr Egin

Following a recent election process the Branch is very proud to have appointed three new officers to vital roles within the Branch for the next two years. The three also happen to be former students of the University.

Helen Griffiths was appointed as Chair. Helen is manager of the University’s Welsh Medium Education Studies programmes and is a lecturer on Education Studies courses on the Carmarthen and Swansea campuses. She said:

“I’m proud to be elected as Chair of the UWTSD Branch Committee of the Coleg Cymraeg. I’m looking forward to cooperating with Welsh medium staff and students to support and expand the provision and awareness of the opportunities and the support that are available to students and staff in accordance with one of the University’s strategic priorities.”

Also Alison Rees-Edwards and Caryl Jones were appointed as joint Vice-Chairs. Alison is manager of the BA Early Years Education and Care programmes and the Welsh Medium MA Gwasanaethau Plant, Pobl Ifanc a Chymunedau (Children’s, Young People’s and Community Services). She is also a senior lecturer on the Carmarthen, Swansea and Cardiff campuses, and is placement coordinator throughout Wales. Caryl is Promotion and Communications Manager for the University’s Welsh Language Services Centre. The Centre provides opportunities for people to practise, learn and use their Welsh. Caryl promotes the day-to-day activity of the Centre including Peniarth’s various resources and Welsh language provision offered by Rhagoriaith, and attends a number of events across Wales including the Eisteddfodau.

The three would like to thank Heddwen Davies for her notable work as Chair over the last three years and for her skilful guidance.

Ffion Hann Jones has been appointed as UWTSD Branch Officer during Sian Dickie’s maternity leave. Although its office is located on the Carmarthen campus, the UWTSD Branch of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol is active across all campuses of the University including Swansea, Lampeter, Cardiff and Coleg Sir Gâr campuses.

The Branch works diligently to increase the opportunities available for students to study university courses through the medium of Welsh and to support those students. A calendar of social events is also organized, from events for freshers and an annual dinner, to the social Choir and ‘cuppa and chat’. Also, the Branch offers linguistic and financial support to Welsh speaking students.

The Branch Dinner was held recently in Canolfan S4C yr Egin. It was a great opportunity for students and staff who speak or are learning Welsh to come together to enjoy and celebrate. As a result of the lockdown, the Branch has not held the Branch Dinner since 2019, and it was a special evening of socialising, great food, dancing and fantastic music!

Cegin yr Egin provided two tasty courses, and there were fun games such as the selfie challenge and limerick challenge and the band Dros Dro provided entertainment. Thanks to all who attended!