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A message from John Good:-

Hello everyone, John Good dw i, I am Sioni Dda and will be leading the newydd spon danlli /brand-spanking new flame-colored interactive, on-line Welsh course on AmeriCymru, to be known as Ameri Cymraeg .

Let me tell you a little about myself so that we can understand each other better from the dechrau. I was born in South Wales in the Afan Valley and Welsh/Y Gymraeg and English were spoken in the house. By the time I left school, I knew less Welsh than when I started I had little interest in a dying language , and anyway the Beatles sang in English and all of my friends spoke it. Fast forward 25 years, having moved to San Francisco, LA then Phoenix all of a sudden I realized I had robbed myself of a major part of my cultural identity and I set about re-learning Yr Hen Iaith/the Old Language so that I could talk to my aging mother in the language of her youth. I achieved that and, in the last 15 years or so, have taught a surprising number of desert dwellers and others, among other things, how to pronounce popty-ping [popty /oven--that goes--ping] or microwave.

The language is now a passion of mine and I look forward to the opportunity to pass on what I cherish: The truly healthiest dying language in the world.

Y Driniaeth/The Approach

Ive assembled my approach to teaching from a number of sources over the years: John Albert Evans, Rhodri Jones, Heini Gruffudd, and Gareth King to name but a few, but have also assembled a fairly large dossier on how not to teach Welsh. Ill be working from my own play book, illustrated with the borrowings from the best teachers I know. As a musician I am attracted to the by ear method: Language as sound, much like a melody with meaning. After all young children dont use grammar books (although for adults they have their place), they associate repeated sounds with objects and people.

Adnoddau ar-lein/On Line Resources

We are very lucky these days that there are a myriad of on-line resources that I would have killed for when I was first looking to revive my heritage. Ill go through these in detail later on, as they all have special strong points, but for now.

Geiriaduron/Dictionaries

http://techiaith.bangor.ac.uk/GeiriadurAcademi/?lang=en

English to Welsh only but an incredible bargain am rad ac yn ddim /for free! The hard copy is $84 from Amazon!!

http://www.cs.cf.ac.uk/fun/welsh/LexiconForms.html

The first -- to my knowledge -- on line Welsh/English/Welsh dictionary; written by a Welsh learner. Theres inspiration for you.

http://www.geiriadur.net/

Another great free dictionary, with search features Ill tell you about later.

http://www.cysgliad.com/cysill/arlein/Default.aspx

Free spell-checker/Sillafydd

Well, I hope this has sparked your interest. I got pumped up just writing it! I look forward to seeing you on Google Hangout (Also free!).

Hwyl am y tro/Bye for now, Sioni Dda/John Good.

Welsh Gold

Welsh gold is prized because of its quality. It is found in two areas of Wales; an area around Dolgellau and in Dolaucothi in Carmarthenshire, where it is known to have been mined by the Romans.

* In Welsh legend, King Arthur's sword, known as Caledfwlch, had a hilt crafted of Welsh gold.

* Welsh gold became fashionable when the Queen Mother chose it for her wedding ring in 1923, which was fashioned from a gift of Clogau gold with enough left over for the wedding rings of the Queen, Princess Margaret, the Princess Royal and Princess Diana.

* On 29th April 2011 Prince William and Kate Middleton were married, their wedding rings being of Welsh gold.

* 1kg of Welsh gold from the Gwynfynydd mine was presented to the Queen on her 60th birthday in 1986.

* Commercial extraction of Welsh Gold ceased with the closure of Clogau near Dolgellau in 1911.

Born this day 1917 in Neath,

William Squire , a stage, film and television actor whose most famous role was Thomas More in the 1969 film "Anne of the Thousand Days." He is also remembered for being the voice of Gandalf in the 1978 animated version of "The Lord of the Rings" and as Hunter, the superior of secret agent David Callan in the spy series Callan of the early 1970s.

Ann of Swansea (Ann Julia Hatton) (29 April 1764 – 26 December 1838,) , was a popular novelist in Britain in the early 19th century. She was the daughter of strolling player Roger Kemble and a sister of actress Sarah Siddons. She married a bigamist, worked in a London brothel and attempted suicide in Westminster Abbey before travelling to America with her legitimate husband, William Hatton, where she found Broadway success with her libretto Tammany: The Indian Chief.

Ann and William returned to Britain and settled in Swansea, where Ann became a well-known writer. She wrote poetry and fourteen gothic novels using the pseudonym of "Ann of Swansea".

On 29th April 1941, the village of Cwmparc in the Rhondda Valley was subjected to a bombing raid from the Luftwaffe, killing 27 people.

It is believed that anti-aircraft fire had forced the German pilots to divert from their planned target at Swansea and had dropped their bombs randomly.

Among the fatalities were three evacuees from London, the Jameson family, two boys and two girls, who had been staying at 14 Treharne Street which was one of the houses hit.

Born on this day 1888 in Cardiff,

Fred Dyer, a Welsh boxing champion and baritone singer . His voice trained by Ivor Novello's mother, Clara Novello Davies, Dyer was renowned for singing to his audience after a fight and was nicknamed 'The Singing Boxer'.

PUTTING YOUR TALENT TO THE TEST

The Eistdeddfod has long been a storied tradition in Wales and, since 1994, at the North American Festival of Wales as well. Thus, every year we run competitions in singing and (poetic) recitation, mostly with a focus on the language of heaven, i.e., Welsh, and offer cash prizes and trophies to the winners. At the same time, simply competing has proven to be an award in itself as experienced, professional-caliber adjudicators offer a very meaningful,personal critique to each competitor to help them in continuing to cultivate their innate and developing talents. This year, we are lucky to have among our adjudicators the Three Welsh Tenors, who already are performing on Thursday, August 29, at the NAFOW Opening Concert but also have graciously offered their time and wealth of experience - for our two Solo Voice competitions (see below).

The recitation competitions include Youth Recitation (with a set piece in English), Learners' Recitation (for adults relatively new to Welsh, with a set piece in Welsh) and Adult Recitation
(for adults with some demonstrated Welsh proficiency, also with a set piece in Welsh). The Learners' category is new for 2013, as we aim to draw on a burgeoning interest shown by people learning the language through the online resource, Say Something in Welsh, as well as other learners.

On offer for the singing competitions are Hymn Singing, Solo Voice and Solo Voice/Semi- professional. Hymn Singing involves a single piece in Welsh, while the others involve two pieces each where at least one must be in Welsh. The Solo Voice/Semi-professional competition is distinct in offering the David Morris Memorial Award, which includes a cash prize to send the winner to compete where it all began... at the next National Eisteddfod in Wales ! Several Morris winners have gone on to great success in Wales, including Catrin Rowenna Davies, who won first prize in Mezzo-soprano at the National in Vale of Glamorgan just last year.

We would love to see you come and compete... you never know where it might lead ! It is certainly as much fun as it is rewarding. As is the custom, our winners will also perform at an
Eisteddfod Concert on Saturday, August 31, which is normally very well-attended and well-received.

For more information, see NAFOW Program Eisteddfod

or send an email to Alan Upshall or Ian Samways at eisteddfod@nafow.org.

Ian K. Samways

The Fairmount Royal York Hotel Toronto,

venue of the North American Festival of Wales 2013

Died this day 1197

Rhys ap Gruffydd (The Lord Rhys) Ruler of the kingdom of Deheubarth from 1155 to 1197

1155 Rhys became ruler of Deheubarth after the death of his brother Maredudd and married Gwenllian ferch Madog, daughter of the prince of Powys

1158 Rhys met with King Henry II of England to discuss peace terms, which resulted in Rhys being dispossessed of most of his land.

1159 With Henry II away in France, Rhys attacked Dyfed, laid siege to Carmarthen and captured Llandovery castle.

1163 Henry II returned from France and invaded Deheubarth, stripped Rhys of his lands and took him prisoner.Later he was released and given back a small part of his holdings.

1164 Rhys and Owain Gwynedd united in an uprising. Henry invaded Wales again but torrential rain forced Henry's army to retreat in disorder and Rhys won back most of his lands. Henry had Rhys's son Maredudd blinded and in reprisal Rhys burned down Cardigan Castle

1167 Rhys and Owain attacked southern Powys and besieged the Norman castle of Rhuddlan, also destroying the Norman Castle at Builth.

1170 The death of Owain Gwynedd left Rhys as the acknowledged leader of all the Welsh princes.

1171 Henry II now wished to make peace with Rhys. Rhys was to pay a tribute of 300 horses and 4,000 head of cattle but was confirmed in possession of all the lands he had taken from Norman lords.

1172 Henry and Rhys met once more at Laugharne, and Henry appointed Rhys "Justiciar for South Wales". From then on Rhys and Henry maintained good relations.

1176 Rhys held a festival of poetry and song at his court at Cardigan which is generally regarded as the first recorded Eisteddfod.

1189 Henry II died and was succeeded by Richard I. Rhys considered that he was no longer bound by the agreement with Henry and attacked the Norman lordships in Pembroke, Haverfordwest and Gower, also capturing the castles of St Clears, Laugharne and Llansteffan.

1196 Rhys launched his last campaign against the Normans and captured the castles at Carmarthen, Colwyn, Radnor and Painscastle.

1197 Rhys died and was buried in St David's Cathedral.

Rhys had been the dominant ruling prince in Wales for more than forty years. He built Cardigan Castle, which was the earliest recorded native-built stone castle in Wales, as well as castles at Carreg Cennen near Llandeilo and Aberdyfi. He founded the religious houses of Talley Abbey and Llanyr nunnery and was the patron of the abbeys of Whitland and Strata Florida.

Born this day 1758 in Westmoreland county, Virginia ( his mother, Elizabeth Jones, was Welsh)

James Monroe - the fourth President of the United States. He was elected president in 1817 and is remembered for the Monroe Doctrine, as well as for acquiring Florida from Spain. He died on Independence Day 4th July 1831 .

The Monroe Doctrine, introduced in 1823, prohibited European nations from colonising land in America.

Born this day 1831 in Ruperra Castle, Glamorganshire,

Godfrey Charles Morgan, 1st Viscount Tredegar.

During the Crimean War, he took part in the famous Charge of the Light Brigade that rode into the 'Valley of Death' at the Battle of Balaclava, which both he and his horse 'Sir Briggs' survived. He became a benefactor to the people of Newport, donating large tracts of land to the Corporation for the benefit of the public. A statue of Viscount Tredegar was unveiled in 1909 in Gorsedd Gardens, Cardiff.

Born this day 1959 in Newbridge, near Caerphilly,

Steve Strange (born Steven John Harrington) pop singer, best known as the lead singer and frontman of the 1980s pop group Visage.

Born this day 1899 in Splott, Cardiff.

Len Davies, former Wales international soccer international. He remains the record goalscorer for Cardiff City, with 128 goals and was a member of the 1927 FA Cup winning side.

Died on this day 1584,

David Lewis , born in Abergavenny in 1520 was a lawyer and personal advisor to Queen Elizabeth I. He was also Member of Parliament for Monmouthshire, and a Judge of the High Court of Admiralty. He was one of the founding members of Jesus College, Oxford and, on 27th June 1571, became its first Principal.

On this day in 1997, the SWALEC Cup final between Cardiff and Swansea was the last ever match to be played at the National Stadium in Cardiff.

* The National Stadium was often mistakenly referred to as Cardiff Arms Park, which is the smaller ground next door where Cardiff Rugby Club play .

* Work commenced in July 1968 and it was officially opened on 7 April 1984 .

* It holds the world record for a rugby union club match when a crowd of 56,000 watched the 1988 Schweppes Cup final between Llanelli and Neath.

* It held the first evening game to be played under floodlights on 4 September 1991 between Wales and France.

On this day in 1930, Dylan Thomas made the first entry into his poetry notebooks while he was still a pupil at Swansea Grammar School. The first poem, dated 27 April, is entitled "Osiris, come to Isis."

Born this day 1947 in Swansea,

Pete Ham , who was a rock singer, songwriter and guitarist, best remembered as lead singer of the 70's rock group Badfinger. He also co-wrote the ballad "I Can't Live (If Living Is Without You)" a worldwide Number One hit for Harry Nilsson for which he won two Ivor Novello Awards.

Born this day 1963 in Swansea,

Stephen Russell Davies OBE , better known as Russell T Davies, a television producer and screenwriter whose credits include Queer as Folk, Torchwood, Casanova and the 2005 revival of Doctor Who.

Born on this day 1928 in Fochriw near Caerphilly,

Selwyn Hughes , a Welsh Christian minister who was well know for producing the daily devotional 'Every Day with Jesus'. George Carey, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, described Hughes as a "giant in the faith".

THE DRAMATIC STORY OF THE TYNEWYDD MINING DISASTER 1877 TOLD IN WORDS, SOUNDS AND ORIGINAL MUSIC

Diolch to Lawrence Evans for bringing this to our attention. I dont know if it is still available for purchase but If I discover that it is I will post here. There is a selection of tracks from the CD on the YouTube channel linked below. For more detail about the Tynewydd Disaster go here and here .

BLACK WATER YOU TUBE CHANNEL

This channel showcases a few tracks from the CD "BLACK WATER" about the Tynewydd Mining Disaster 1877 written by Elliot Williams.

On this day  1717  the  pirate ship Whydah was shipwrecked, with Welshman Thomas Davis one of only two survivors

Originally a slave ship, the Wydah was captured by the pirate "Black Sam" Bellamy for use as his flagship. Equipped with its 28 cannons and a crew of 146 as his pirate flagship, Bellamy and his crew raided from coast to coast, until a violent storm off Cape Cod blew it on to a sandbar, where it broke apart and sank with nearly four and a half tons of gold, gold dust, silver and jewellery on board.

Only two men survived, carpenter Thomas Davis, a Welshman, and  a Miskito Indian called John Julian.

The wreck   was  discovered in 1984  and more than 200,000 individual pieces have since been retrieved, including the ship's bell.  

Born this day 1957 in Cardiff

John Sloman rock artist , best remembered as lead vocalist for Uriah Heep between 1979–1981.   

Born this day 1937 in Brecon,

Gareth Gwenlan , television producer, who is best known for his work on comedy series such as To The Manor Born, The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin and Only Fools and Horses. In 1983 he was appointed BBC Head of of Comedy.

Died on this day 2011,

Islwyn Morris , who was born in Swansea in 1920, was an actor and director, best remembered for his roles in Welsh-language television, especially Pobol Y Cwm.  He also appeared in English-language programmes, with roles in The District Nurse, Z Cars and High Hopes.

Having been in Toronto for the mid-year board meeting of the Welsh North American Association, I can tell you first hand what a fantastic hotel the Fairmont Royal York is. We are so lucky to have it as the location of this years North American Festival of Wales. The historic hotel, right in downtown, is world-class. Each year our festival is held in a different location and this year, both the hotel and the city set it apart from previous festivals. The group rate is fantastic and it is an opportunity not to be missed.

While there, we were able to tour the hotel and the meeting space and the festival will be held in magnificent function rooms with painted ceilings, where kings, queens and dignitaries often attend events. This years entertainment includes an Opening Concert with the Three Welsh Tenors, a Grand Banquet with National Eisteddfod winner Catrin Davies and a Grand Concert with the most celebrated Welsh Male Voice choir, Cor Meibion Pontarddulais. A festival not to be missed!

http://www.nafow.org

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Fairmont Royal Oak Hotel - Toronto Canada

Fairmont Royal Oak Hotel - Toronto Canada ( Lobby )

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