CHAIRMANS BLOG SEPTEMBER 2013

Well, it was a very successful week. A five day Road-show around Wales between 16 and the 20th of September to publicise Talking Books Wales. It all started in Llandudno as we were welcomed by Tristan and Llinos Lewis at their Welsh Book shop. We were joined by pupils from Ysgol y Creuddyn and they had the opportunity to quiz local poet, Myrddin ap Dafydd, owner of the publishing house, Gwasg Carreg Gwalch. Local MP, Guto Bebb and the local assembly member, Janet Finch-Saunders called in and we were also pleased to see councillor Dilwyn Roberts, leader of Conwy County Council. An excellent start.

The following day we were in Palas Print, Caernarfon with pupils from Syr Hugh Owen school. A very edifying discussion ensued between them and local author, Rhiannon Wyn. Local MP, Hywel Williams and others were very keen to learn more about us.

On to Aberystwyth and Siop Inc. There we were joined by Tegwen Morris of Merched y Wawr. It was announced that the March edition of their magazine, Y Wawr, will include a CD copy. It will be distributed to all 7,000 recipients as a means of publicising Talking Books Wales. It is a fantastic idea and we are sure it will have long term benefits for us.

In Crymych, four pupils from Ysgol y Preseli had the privilege to listen to local phenomenon, Alun Ifans, a retired headmaster who entertained them for an hour with stories from his books for children. Deputy leader of Pembrokeshire County council, Councillor Huw George and the local AM, Paul Davies also visited us and were very supportive.

Our journey ended in Swansea at Ty Tawe. Bryn Tawe pupils faced two guests, Book editor, Bethan Mair and local personality, Heini Gruffudd, winner of this year’s Welsh Book of the Year. A very interesting session ended too soon for everyone. Assembly member, Mike Hedges, pledged his support.

During the week we visited doctors, opticians, librarians and other related societies to spread the word further. I am convinced that the whole operation was worthwhile and that the number of recipients will increase in the following months.

Thank to everyone who supported us during the week and we hope to repeat the exercise next year as we visit more shops in other areas.