#Her100Cerdd is back to celebrate National Poetry Day
Literature Wales is proud to announce that Her 100 Cerdd will return this October for the seventh year in a row. Four poets have been challenged to compose a total of 100 original poems in just 24 hours as part of the National Poetry Day celebrations.
The four brave poets undertaking this year’s challenge are Beth Celyn, Dyfan Lewis, Elinor Wyn Reynolds and Matthew Tucker.
All four poets will need to write at least one poem per hour in order to complete Her 100 Cerdd on time. In the past, the teams of poets managed to reachthe finish-line with only seconds to spare. Will the 2019 crew succeed in completing the greatest poetic challenge of the year?
Since its inception in 2012, Her100Cerdd has offered a unique snapshot of Wales for one day – its politics, its interests, its news and culture. The public are invited to join the challenge by suggesting subjects for on-the-spot poems, and sending words of encouragement over social media.
Among the 500 poems published over the years are verses of love and satire, poems written as a group, poems about music, about pork pies, new arrivals, notable birthdays and even a fictional fight between cult Welsh singers John and Alun and the Gregory Brothers.
During the 24 hours the poets will be based at Tŷ Newydd Writing Centre, run by Literature Wales, where the muse can be found in every nook and cranny.
The team will start their challenge at noon on Wednesday 2 October, and the final poem must be finished by noon on Thursday 3 October. National Poetry Day, held on Thursday 3 October, is an annual celebration of poetry taking place across the UK each year. The poems will be published online at www.literaturewales.org throughout the 24 hours, so that the public can follow their progress.
Join in with Her 100 Cerdd with messages of support or requests by using the #Her100Cerdd hashtag on Twitter, or sending a message to Literature Wales on Facebook or by email to post@literaturewales.org. A link to the poems will be posted individually on the Twitter account @LlenCymru and on our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/LlenCymruLitWales
The Poets
Beth Celyn
Beth Celyn is a creative artist originally from Denbigh and is now developing her career as a poet and musician in Cardiff. Beth is a graduate from King’s College, London where she read English Literature, and recently completed an MA in Creative Writing at Bangor University. She released an EP called Troi in December 2017 and has collaborated on a number of projects with BBC Horizons, recorded with the folk band Vrï, and wrote an original musical for the theatre company Sbarc-Galeri. Beth travels extensively across Wales as part of the poetic collective, Cywion Cranogwen. She was BBC Radio Cymru’s Poet of the Month in November 2018, and was commissioned to write poems inspired by the Gold Medal for Architecture winners at the Llanrwst National Eisteddfod in 2019 which were exhibited at Y Lle Celf.
Dyfan Lewis
Dyfan Lewis was brought up in Craig-cefn-parc, Swansea. He went to Cardiff University to study Welsh and has now made his home in the city. Dyfan is a recipient of a Literature Wales New Writer’s Bursary 2019, and with this support aims to develop a series of essays based on his time in South-east Asia, discussing his experiences there, and ‘travelling’ as a phenomenon amongst his generation. He published a pamphlet of poems, Mawr, in 2019.
Elinor Wyn Reynolds
Elinor Wyn Reynolds is a poet, author, playwright and book editor who hails from Carmarthen. She performs her work regularly and over the years has been involved in several poetry tours: Dal Clêr, Taith Glyndwr and Lliwiau Rhyddid and was one of many poets taking part in the Siwpyr Stomp at the National Eisteddfod in 2018. Elinor has extensive experience of working as an editor for Welsh books for children and adults alike, and she also runs poetry workshops for children and adults.
Matthew Tucker
Matthew Tucker hails from Pontarddulais but now lives in Burry Port. He graduated in Welsh from Swansea University and is now studying an MA in Literature and Creative Writing as well as embarking on a PGCE course at Trinity Saint David University. Matthew attended one of the Cynghaneddu courses at Tŷ Newydd thanks to the support of Cronfa Gerallt (Barddas).
Rily Publications is about to publish an innovative Welsh-language book for children that introduces the basics of various underlying emotions, including anger, happiness, jealousy, fear and anxiety.
As recent statistics suggest that the number of young children suffering from anxiety is on the increase, it is clear that there is a real need for suitable resources and literature to try to help children understand and cope with their feelings, for the benefit of their mental health.
Rily Publications is about to publish an innovative Welsh-language book for children that introduces the basics of various underlying emotions, including anger, happiness, jealousy, fear and anxiety. It deals with events that occur in children’s lives that can trigger intense emotions, such as a marriage or relationship breakup, the start of a new school and the death of a favourite pet.
Elin Meek, responsible for adapting the book, says, ‘We very much hope that children will benefit from this simple and accessible introduction to emotions. What is also important here is the encouragement and guidance given to children to accept their feelings; there is no criticism at all, and no emotion that is ‘not right’ or ‘inappropriate’ to feel. The anger section explains how anger can be healthy if properly channelled; it can be a catalyst for standing up for principles and acting for justice.’
‘We felt there was a great need for this kind of book,’ says Lynda Tunnicliffe, Chief Executive of Rily Publications. ‘Most of the staff at Rily are parents, and they were all excited and eager that we publish this Welsh adaptation of My Mixed Emotions, to provide an important resource for a generation that really needs it. About a month ago we announced on our social media sites that this book was in progress, and the response has been extremely encouraging.’
The book contains practical advice and tips, for example how to overcome anger, breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, and practicing gratitude. The content of the book can be the foundation for discussion with an adult, carer or teacher at school, or a child can read alone, and process the content independently.
Literature Wales has announced that popular Pembrokeshire-based children’s author Eloise Williams is the first Children’s Laureate Wales. This new national ambassadorial post aims to engage and inspire the children of Wales through literature, and to promote a child’s right to have their stories and voices heard.
The announcement was made on Wednesday 18 September in front of 150 pupils at Jubilee Park Primary School in Newport. Eloise is currently the school’s Patron of Reading and following the announcement she officially opened their new school library. In an open letter addressed to the children of Wales, Eloise emphasised how excited and honoured she was to be their Laureate; how she will do her very best to help them find the right stories for them; will push for them to see themselves well represented in literature; and most importantly, that their voices matter. You can read her letter in full on the Literature Wales website.
Eloise Williams worked as a touring actor and creative practitioner for over a decade before becoming a children’s writer. Her novel, Gaslight (Firefly Press, 2017) – which was written with the support of a Literature Wales New Writer’s Bursary – won the Wales Arts Review Young People’s Book of the Year 2017, the YBB Book Awards 2018, and was shortlisted for the Tir na nOg Awards 2018. Her latest novel for young people, Seaglass (Firefly Press, 2018), was also shortlisted for the Tir na nOg Awards in 2019, and the North East Book Awards 2019.
A regular speaker at festivals and events, she uses her drama skills to engage young people in children’s literature and now finds herself onstage more than she ever did as a professional actor.
Eloise said:“I’ve always loved stories. The joy of losing yourself in a good story is simply magical. Stories connect us, give us empathy and understanding, exercise our brains and imaginations, let us travel the world and experience the greatest wonders.
“Children’s literature is thriving and there couldn’t be a more exciting time to be involved in its growth in Wales. I feel passionately that there is a connection between children’s books and the hope I feel every time I walk into a classroom. I truly believe that young readers will make our futures bright and I’m honoured to be a part of that.”
Announced in May 2019 as part of Literature Wales’ new Strategic Plan (2019-22), the Children’s Laureate Wales will work alongside the Welsh-language equivalent, Bardd Plant Cymru, primarily working with children between the ages of 5-13. Eloise was appointed following a public call-out for writers to express their interest in the role.
Lleucu Siencyn, Chief Executive of Literature Wales, said about the announcement: “We’re delighted not only to launch this brand-new initiative, but to announce such a passionate, popular and engaging person to the role of Children’s Laureate Wales. Our vision is a Wales where literature empowers, improves and brightens lives. This role will increase the accessibility and impact of creative writing for our children and young people and make a significant contribution to their well-being.”
“Eloise will be a terrific advocate for creative reading and writing for pleasure, and for representation within children’s literature, and I look forward immensely to following her journey over the next two years.”
The Children’s Laureate Wales will visit a number of schools, clubs, festivals and events across Wales during their two-year tenure, as well as devising and delivering bespoke activity with Literature Wales’ target client groups.
To arrange a Children’s Laureate Wales school visit, or to discuss other activity, email Literature Wales on: childrenslaureate@literaturewales.org.
Rygbi; the book that contains everything you need to know about the world of rugby, from how to play, iconic players, the World Cup, legendary teams as well as all the facts and figures to make us all excited about this wonderful and all-consuming game!
Rygbi; the book that contains everything you need to know about the world of rugby, from how to play, iconic players, the World Cup, legendary teams as well as all the facts and figures to make us all excited about this wonderful and all-consuming game!
This stunning new hardback book, published by the award winning Rily Publications, is launched in time for the Rugby World Cup 2019 in Japan, and includes a wealth of facts, statistics and information, illustrations and photographs relating to all aspects of the game both past and present. There are even sections explaining exactly how to play the game, player positions, moves and the scoring system, making this a comprehensive and accessible handbook suitable for all ages.
The 64-page book, originally published by Dorling Kindersley, has been adapted into Welsh by Sioned Lleinau, a keen rugby supporter herself, and includes particular reference to Welsh players and games, as well as referring to the international scene and iconic teams such as the New Zealand All Blacks and Silver Ferns, not to mention world-famous players such as Jonathan Davies, Jonah Lomu, Francois Peinaar to name but a few.
“You don’t need to be a rugby fan to be able to enjoy this wonderful presentation of the rugby world in all its glory,” explains Sioned Lleinau. “With such a wide variety of facts and information relating to the game, from it’s origins and invention in 1823 up to the present day and the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, you cannot fail to be drawn into the exciting and colourful world of rugby.”
A powerhouse of rugby facts, with all you need to know about how to play, plus rugby legends past and present.
A perfect buy for the Rugby World Cup! This thrilling introduction to rugby helps kids get to grips with the rules of rugby, learn rugby skills, and gen up on rugby world records. The book looks at the history of the game, and touches on the main types or rugby, including Rugby Union, Rugby League, Rugby Sevens and Tag Rugby.
The Books Council of Wales is aware of Gomer Press’s decision to stop commissioning new titles.
Gomer has made a considerable contribution to Welsh publishing. It is home to some of our most distinguished authors and our most noteworthy titles. Whilst we are very disappointed with this development, we’re pleased that Gomer will continue to take care of the thousands of titles and important authors which comprise their backlist and ensure that popular titles remain in print. We will continue to work with Gomer Press over the coming months to ensure that the books which received a grant are published or reassigned. Meanwhile the Distribution Centre will continue to act as Gomer Press’s distributor and fulfil any orders as usual.
The publishing sector in Wales is constantly evolving and we have every faith in the talent and drive publishers offer; the exciting new developments in the magazine sector, books for learners (Amdani), children and young people and self-help books (Reading Well) are all testament to that.
We will be looking at the opportunities this development offers to other publishers, new and old, and we will continue to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the publishing offered in Wales goes on to be as vibrant as it has been over the last few years.
The Books Council of Wales are launching a new competition with the Urdd for the 2020 Eisteddfod.
This is a golden opportunity for illustrators aged between 18 and 25 to compete for the chance to see their work in print, along side a brand new original story by author Manon Steffan Ros.
Helen Jones, Head of Children’s Books explained ‘The task is to create a ‘dummy’ book that will including rough sketches for a children’s picture book as well as finished artwork for at least four double-page spreads. Manon’s words will form one part of the story with the illustrations adding another dimension to the narrative.’
She added ‘ We will naturally be looking for a visually creative talent that will appeal to a young audience as well as to the adult who will be sharing the story. We will also be assessing the artistic skill of the applicants to use text with imagery, their interpretation of narrative, storytelling and characterisation.’
Arwel ‘Rocet’ Jones, Head of the Grants Department at the Books Council of Wales said ‘Many of our most iconic children’s books in Welsh are picture books, from the Sali Mali series to Rala Rwdins, and developing illustrators who can tell original stories for younger readers is as important as developing authors. I truly hope that this competition will help to nurture new talent in this field.’
Text for the story will be supplied by contacting the Urdd or the Books Council. Details of the competition can be found on page 57 of the Competition Schedule on the Urdd’s website. Closing date for entries is March 1 2020.
For further information, contact Helen Jones, Head of the Children’s Books and Reading Promotion Department, Books Council of Wales, Castell Brychan, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 2JB 01970 624151 helen.jones@books.wales(Photo – Keith Morris)
Rhiannon Ifans has been awarded the Literary Medal at the 2019 National Eisteddfod for her novel, ‘Ingrid’.
Rhiannon Ifans has been awarded the Literary Medal at the 2019 National Eisteddfod for her novel, ‘Ingrid’.
This year’s medal is presented for a volume of creative prose of no more than 40,000 words, on the theme of ‘Cylchoedd ‘ (‘Circles’). The adjudicators were Mererid Hopwood, Alun Cob and Aled Islwyn.
The winner of the Daniel Owen Memorial Prize for 2018 is Guto Dafydd for his novel, Carafanio.
Guto Dafydd, a native of Drefor, has won the Daniel Owen Memorial Prize for 2019 at the National Eisteddfod at Llanrwst, for his novel Carafanio.
This literary prize is awarded for an unpublished novel with a strong story line, and this year’s adjudicators were Haf Llewelyn, Dyfed Edwards and Llwyd Owen.
Get ready to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Summer Reading Challenge with Space Chase, a very special reading mission.
The Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, launched the challenge in Newtown Library on Friday, 12 July 2019, and was joined by popular author and illustrator Max Low.
This year’s Summer Reading Challenge is Space Chase, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the moon landings. Endorsed by parents, teachers, the Welsh Books Council and Welsh Government, the Summer Reading Challenge reaches children and young people of all ages, with over 40,000 children taking part last year in Wales.
Helgard Krause, Chief Executive of the Welsh Books Council, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is an important and exciting initiative encouraging children to make time during the school summer holidays to read their favourite books. What is so fantastic is that you can take part in this challenge wherever you are – on holiday by the pool, in your bedroom or whilst you are sitting in your garden. I can’t wait to hear about what books you choose to read during the holidays and you can post your Summer Reading Challenge pictures on social media using the hashtag #SummerReadingChallenge.”
To take part in the Space Chase challenge, children can sign up for free at their local library, where they will be given their very own Space Chase mission folder to get them started. Those taking part must read at least six library books over the school summer holidays and collect stickers which will help them find aliens and complete the challenge.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, said: “The Summer Reading Challenge is a key event for the summer holidays and I know libraries, schools and children all over Wales look forward to it every year because we all know how important it is for children to keep reading over the summer holidays. I’m delighted that the Welsh Government can support libraries to run the Challenge and this year’s theme of space chase will certainly capture the imagination of children across Wales and encourage them to join in for an out of this world adventure.”
Children are encouraged to use the Summer Reading Challenge website to create a profile, chat about books, and get information on what books to read next, via the digital Book Sorter, which offers over 600,000 peer-to-peer children’s book recommendations in child-friendly categories.
Helen Jones, Head of Children’s Books and Reading Promotion at the Welsh Books Council and former primary school teacher, said: “We find that when children return to school after the summer holidays, some have taken a step back and have not come into contact with books for six weeks, which can have a detrimental impact on their development. Reading can impact how children discuss their emotions, as well as their ability to share ideas and to understand the world around them. My advice would be to make time every day for reading with your children, whether it be five minutes or an hour, and to make this part of a daily routine. This will have a positive impact all round and I urge families across Wales to take part in this fun Summer Reading Challenge.”
The challenge also offers volunteering opportunities for young people, including placements at libraries to inspire them to think about their futures and gain useful life skills. Last year, 134 young people aged between 12 and 24 chose to take part in volunteering opportunities.
The Summer Reading Challenge is the UK’s biggest annual reading promotion for children aged 4–11. Its aim is to encourage children to visit their local libraries and inspire them to read for pleasure. During last year’s challenge 663,851 children’s books were issued in libraries across Wales and over 3,000 children joined the library as new members.
On 25 and 26 June, scores of children from 34 schools across Wales took over the Arts Centre in Aberystwyth for two days of keen competition. It was the national round of Darllen Dros Gymru, the Welsh Books Council’s Welsh-language books competition for primary schools.
All pupils were competing for the prestigious title of Darllen Dros Gymru 2019 Champions. The national round is the culmination of reading activities across Wales, with the regional winners making it through to the final in Aberystwyth. The challenge involves discussing books and performing short dramatic presentations based on titles they have read, and this year’s eagle-eyed judges were Mair Heulyn Rees and Rhian Cadwaladr. As part of the day’s activities, the children and teachers had the opportunity to enjoy sessions in the company of actor and author Meilyr Siôn who inspired the avid readers with a presentation based on his latest novel, Hufen Afiach (Atebol). Rob Kenyon, a teacher at Ysgol Sant Baruc, Vale of Glamorgan, said “The pupils really enjoyed the whole experience of discussing and performing the books. It gives us the opportunity to develop literacy in a relevant and fun way. The chance to meet the author was the icing on the cake.” The competition for Years 3 and 4 took place on Tuesday, 25 June, and Ysgol Llannon, Carmarthenshire were crowned national champions as well as taking the trophy for the best presentation with their interpretation of Llanast by Mari Lovgreen (Gomer). Ysgol y Garnedd, Gwynedd, came second and also took home the award for best discussion group, with Ysgol y Wern, Cardiff, in third place. On Wednesday, 26 June, it was the turn of pupils from Years 5 and 6 to compete, with Ysgol Gymraeg Rhydaman, Carmarthenshire as overall champions as well as discussion award winners. Ysgol Pen Barras, Denbighshire, took second place as well as the trophy for best performace for their interpretation of Pren a Chansen by Myrddin ap Dafydd (Carreg Gwalch), with Ysgol Sant Baruc, Vale of Glamorgan in third position. Helen Jones, Head of the Children’s Books and Reading Promotion Department at the Welsh Books Council, said: “Darllen Dros Gymru is a great opportunity for children to reach for a book, read it and really enjoy its content. Children can use their imagination, dissect the book’s themes and discuss what’s happening in the story. Special thanks go to the dedicated organisers for their hard work in the county rounds, and to the teachers and supporters for ensuring the success of this event.” Thanks to the support of Gomer, Carreg Gwalch, Y Lolfa, and Rily Publications, every child who took part was invited to choose a free book to take home.
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