Posted on 29 July 2010
The University of Wales's stand will be hosting a range of activities this year
The University of Wales welcomes all to the 2010 National Eisteddfod in Ebbw Vale and we hope you can call at our on-site stand and take part in our many activities. We are also pleased to be the main sponsor to the Eisteddfod’s Pabell Len (Literature Stand) once again this year.
Between 31 July and 7 August the University’s stand, located opposite the Pabell Len, will be bustling with enterprise and activities of all kinds that cater for people all ages. Welsh and non-Welsh speakers alike will be invited to attend and engage in our workshops, quizzes, lectures and book launches – which will be taking place in the University of Wales’s stand and at various locations around the Eisteddfod site, formerly home to a steelworks.
Beginning at 12 noon on Thursday, August 5, at Cardiff University’s stand will be the launch of the new University of Wales Press publication, ‘The Fight for Paradise?’ by Huw Thomas. This pioneering volume examines the numerous influences on the growth of Welsh medium schools of South-East Wales. Back at the University of Wales’s own stand, Sarah Down will talk about the work of the University’s Dictionary Unit – those familiar with the Welsh language will appreciate what a mammoth task completing (and revising) Geiriadur Prifysgol Cymru has been for the team.
At S4C’s stand at 6pm on Thursday, August 5, Dr Jamie Medhurst of Aberystwyth University will launch his new book, ‘A History of Independent Television in Wales’ also published by the University of Wales Press. For the first time, this book highlights the contributions ITV has made to Welsh and British cultural history. Dr Medhurst informs us that: The Rolling Stones made their television debut on ITV Wales during the first week of transmitting in January 1958; the first ITV Welsh-language programme was broadcast in September 1957 from Manchester, and ITV Wales were the first news crew on the scene at the Aberfan disaster in 1966.
Friday, August 6, brings the annual University of Wales Lecture, in the Pabell Len (Literature Pavilion) at 12.45pm. This year we are fortunate to be able to welcome the renowned young poet, Hywel Griffiths, shortlisted for this year’s Welsh language Book of the Year Award and an University of Wales alumni member. Hywel poses the question: ‘Is there a place for the poet in modern Wales?’ Given the calibre of bygone Welsh poets celebrated in previous days, this promises to be a thought-provoking talk.
We hope that you are able to join us for some of the events listed above; however, even if you are unable to, we will welcome you to our stand where our members of staff will be more than happy to answer any queries you might have about the University. A daily children’s quiz – with 2 versions available at primary and Secondary level – will also be available to keep young minds occupied.
The Blaenau Gwent and Heads of the Valleys National Eisteddfod will be held in The Works, Ebbw Vale from 31 July – 7 August 2010.
Remember to visit our website daily and check our Facebook and Twitter feeds to receive our daily news bulletins from the Eisteddfod field.
/Ends
For more information about the National Eisteddfod of Wales, please visit: http://www.eisteddfod.org.uk/
To access our Facebook and Twitter pages please visit: www.wales.ac.uk
For more information, please contact Tom Barrett, Communications Officer, University of Wales: t.barrett@wales.ac.uk