Agenda and minutes

Councillor Maldwyn Lewis together with Mr Steffan Jones, Address Management Officer apologised for his inability to attend the meeting.

None.

It It was RESOLVED to confirm as a true record the minutes of the meeting held on the 17 May 2021.

None.

Firstly, an update was provided on the draft Welsh in Education Strategic Plan. It was reported that the consultation had ended mid November and the comments and recommendations were now been collated to present as a report for consideration to the Learning communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee on the 15 December 2021. However, a document was due to be published on categorising schools according to language in mid December. The timetable to proceed with the plan through the democratic process would now need to be amended to the start of the new year, to reflect that the Welsh Government document was not available until mid December.

However, to date a consultation report was awaited from the Welsh

In relation to the Language immersion it was reported that following virtual learning, the teaching had now returned to the classroom following the autumn half term in Felinfach (12 pupils were attending), Cardigan (10 pupils were attending and Aberystwyth (8 pupils were attending)with classes being held five days a week instead of four to alleviate issues with covid regulations for the pupils. There was also a waiting list of 10 to attend the Cardigan facility. Confirmation was also waited on the Language Immersion grant from WG to assist Year 7, Year 2 with their Welsh Language skills and to increase the virtual provision within the County on the Hwb service nationally.

Following questions from the floor, it was agreed to congratulate the service on their work during this difficult time and to congratulate the Welsh Language Support Team Leader on her work being renowned by ESTYN.

An update was provided on the Welsh Language Charter, celebrations and Facebook work.  The Officer provided information on a vast amount of activities and events that had been held to promote the Welsh language in our schools.

Following questions from the floor, the Welsh Language Support Officer was congratulated on her work and enthusiasm.

Consideration was given to the Report upon the Welsh Language Training of Staff during lockdown. The following information was outlined:-

•           Background

•           Formal Learning

•           Additional Formal Learning

•           Informal Learning

•           National Recognition

•           Work Welsh 2021/22

Following questions from the floor, it was AGREED to congratulate the Officer and staff on the Welsh Language Training and achievements.

Consideration was given to the Theatr Felinfach Annual Report on the work of the Theatr during  2020/21 which had focused on developing creative, digital activities to ensure that there are opportunities for residents of all ages in Ceredigion and beyond to hear, use and celebrate the Welsh language and its culture. A list of these digital activities were provided to include the Dychmygus platform, Gwyl yr Enfys, Bore da Drama, Cadw Cyswllt projects.

Members were also informed of the Lessons learnt from digital action, Now and the future and Challenges for the theatr.

Following questions from the floor, it was AGREED to accept Theatr Felinfach’s annual report and to note the theatre's work as a specialist community arts provider that promotes the Welsh language and bilingualism and focuses on restoring and re-establishing Welsh-medium and bilingual social activities for the residents of Ceredigion. Members also congratulated the Theatr on their work during this difficult time.

Consideration was given to the Cered Annual Report. It was reported that there had been changes to the Initiative’s management structures during the period. The Initiative was part of the Schools and Culture Service's Culture Division under the leadership of Corporate Lead Officer, Meinir Ebbsworth. In November 2020 Cered Manager was appointed Corporate Manager – Culture, some of the Cered Manager's duties and responsibilities are part of that role. A new Cered Team Leader had also been appointed.

The following information was provided:-

• The Aim of the Initiative 
• The Initiative’s Contribution to Broader Strategies
• Funding
• Structure and Staffing
• Partners
• Cered Activities 2020-2021
• Cered Priorities for 2021/22

Following questions from the floor, it was AGREED to accept the annual report as a record of Cered's work during the period in question and to note the work of the Initiative in promoting and developing the use of the Welsh language in Ceredigion. Members congratulated Cered on their work during this difficult time.

Consideration was given to the report upon the Ceredigion place names  As the report had been discussed at previous meetings over a period of time, it was AGREED to recommend the submissions to Cabinet for final approval.

-       Self-assessment questionnaire

-       Welsh Language Commissioner's 5-year reports

The Position of the Welsh Language 2016–20: Welsh Language Commissioner’s 5-year Report

Welsh Government sets out the next five years for Cymraeg 2050 | GOV.WALES

-       Assurance report 2020-21 – ‘Stepping forward’

https://comisiynyddygymraeg.cymru/media/e14hbj2y/20210922-dg-s-stepping-forward-adroddiad-sicrwydd-2020-21-final.pdf

A summary of the following reports was provided and it was AGREED to note their content:-

·         Self-assessment questionnaire

·         Welsh Language Commissioner's 5-year reports

·         Assurance report 2020-21 – ‘Stepping forward’

Confirmation was sought if it was now possible to prevent homeowners changing the original Welsh name of their dwelling to an English one. It was reported, that unfortunately this was not possible; and that the only process the Council current had was to encourage them to retain the Welsh Name was by a letter being sent to the homeowner from the Address Management Officer. Legal advice would also be sought if it was possible for a property once built to contain a covenant in its deed that stated that the Welsh name of the dwelling should remain.  These questions would also be raised at the Town and Community Council meeting that evening on behalf of Llanllwchaearn and Llandysiliogogo Community Councils by Councillor Gareth Lloyd.