Cylch Meithrin Hywel Dda enjoyed a fantastic morning at Whitland Cricket Club on Saturday, September 11 celebrating the playgroup turning 50 years old.

Over the past half-century, the Welsh-medium playgroup has supported the education and development of countless pre-school children from Whitland and the surrounding areas and there was a fantastic turn out to celebrate this milestone.

This included families from the area, the town’s Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Jenny Davies-Scourfield, Councillor Sue Allen, along with staff past and present, including Mrs. Margarette Hughes herself, who the committee presented with a special gift to commemorate her founding the Cylch back in 1971.

The plaque, designed by Lucy Rocks, included the englyn written by Aled Gwyn: Anadlodd sawl cenhedlaeth - yma run ym mro eu magwraeth; iaith eu gwlad a’u treftadaeth, roddwyd yn fwyd ac yn faeth.

Mrs. Jayne Williams and Mrs. Christine Evans, the current leader and assistant have themselves recently celebrated being in their posts for over 20 years and the committee felt that due to their efforts in driving the success of the Cylch that they should also be presented with a small gift to remember the occasion.

There were opportunities to reminisce with photo displays featuring previous staff members and children who have attended over the years.

“Siani Sionc was our special guest, and some children were very starstruck to see her in person,” said Jayne.

“The children enjoyed singing and dancing and were rewarded for their efforts with some cupcakes, stickers and balloons.

“We also invited Llawn Cariad from St Clears, stockists of local Welsh gifts to bring their stand to the event and showcase their lovely children’s range.

“It was a successful day and the committee and staff are overwhelmed by the continued support from the local community. We recognise that without this the doors to Cylch would be closed.

“We are especially grateful to Ed John, Clunderwen Pharmacy who sponsored the event, Whitland Cricket Club and Valero for providing the marquee.

“Happy Birthday and now on to the next half century!” she added.