Ever wanted to learn Welsh? Now is your chance as Learn Welsh Pembrokeshire are offering new online classes for complete beginners starting in January.

One mother from Wolfscastle who has embraced learning Welsh is Liz Backen (pictured). After moving to Pembrokeshire in 2016 and having her third child she joined ‘Cymraeg i’r Teulu’ a Welsh course tailor made for parents in September 2017.

‘‘I wanted to learn to speak Welsh to help my children initially,” said Liz.

“I knew that moving to Wales would mean that the children would be taught the language in school and I wanted to be able to support them as much as possible.”

Liz soon started to speak Welsh with her children every day and found it particularly useful during the lockdown period when the children were being home schooled.

During the lockdown period Liz also took advantage of the Pembrokeshire countryside and enjoyed walking with her children and found it a great way to learn new words:

“While we were walking I’d often get asked what where the names of different plants and trees in Welsh so I decided to set up an Instagram account Dysgu Cymraeg Wrth Gerdded (Learn Welsh while walking) to document what we had seen and learnt and share them with other learners.”

As well as embracing the language, Welsh culture has become a big part of Liz’s life.

Liz enjoyed presenting a Welsh language music show ‘Gwlad y Gân’ on the radio and shared some of her favourite Welsh language songs, including Adre by her favourite singer Gwyneth Glyn.

In October 2021 Liz competed in a quiz for Welsh learners’ on BBC Radio Cymru. After going through the first round she went on to win the competition.

Currently Liz is following an Advanced level course for experienced learners with Learn Welsh Pembrokeshire, run by Pembrokeshire County Council on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh.

Liz is looking forward to continuing her learning journey: ‘‘I am no longer learning Welsh just for my children - it has become my passion and such a huge part of my life. It’s opened so many fun and exciting opportunities. I would like to say ‘Diolch yn fawr’ to my tutors for their continued support.

“To anyone considering learning Welsh don’t think about it, just do it! You won’t regret it!”

Clr. Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member for Environment, Public Protection and Welsh Language said: “Well done to Liz for her excellent efforts in learning Welsh and setting up the Instagram account Dysgu Cymraeg Wrth Gerdded (Learn Welsh while walking).

“With the New Year now starting, it would be great to see additional people declaring a New Year’s resolution to start on the journey to learn Welsh.

“There are now so many interactive apps and online support to ensure that people are helped in addition to having traditional Welsh classes.

“2022 can be the year to learn Welsh and understand about the varied and unique dialects of Welsh that we have in Pembrokeshire.”