“Welsh language, heritage, arts, and enjoyment” are the three words to describe Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych’s contribution to this year’s Denbigh Open Doors weekend.
Over 100 people and children attended Lego workshops at Dolbelydr, Trefnant, and the one-man performances about Thomas Pennant in the Evan Pierce Gardens, near Vale Street, Denbigh.
Thanks to the successful collaboration with the Landmark Trust, the Mewn Cymeriad production company, and Denbigh Town Council; Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych is proud to offer Welsh-language events rooted in the area’s historic heritage.
“Marking the 300th anniversary of the birth of Thomas Pennant; one of 18th-century Wales’ most notable figures; was a wonderful way to attract people to Denbigh,” explains Ruth Williams, Chief Officer of Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych.
“As a partner, it is great to be able to promote and collaborate with the ‘Open Doors’ volunteer group to support and strengthen the Welsh-language provision available to local residents and visitors to the town’s Open Doors weekend.
Dolbelydr, the 16th-century historic house in Trefnant, where Henry Salesbury wrote the first ever Welsh grammatical book; was full of fun and excitement over the weekend. Children had the opportunity to see the building, learn more about Dolbelydr’s significance as the birthplace of the modern Welsh language, and recreate the house using Lego.
“It was my first time visiting Dolbelydr,” explained Erin Aled, Community Development Officer for Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych.
“For me as an adult, it was a privilege to be in a location so important to our country’s Welsh identity. Sharing that enthusiasm in Denbighshire with the children during the Lego workshop was a highly effective way of sharing important historical knowledge with the next generation in a fun pro-active way.”