The aim of Menter Bro Ogwr is to widen the use of the . Welsh language across the Borough. It is a Community Initiative that reflects the desire of the residents in the Borough of Bridgend to revive the Welsh language. We receive financial assistance from the Welsh Language Board.

learners
The Menter has received a generous grant from the HSBC Bank to operate a small grants scheme for learners. Through this scheme there is a means for individuals to receive financial support towards the cost of learning Welsh up to 50%af the full cost of the course or resources.

welsh forum
In October the first meeting of the Bridgend Borough Welsh Forum will be held. The purpose of the Forum is to bring different organisations that represent a cross-section of sectors and communities together to discuss matters involving the Welsh larguage. If you would like to come to the Forum call Iwan on the number below.

child care
We have been successful with a grant from the New Opportunities Fund and have opened one after school club in Maesteg and are opening another one in Pontycymmer later in the year There are more applications to the fund afoot so that there will be an after school care club at every school in the Borough by the Summer of 2002.

It is the Initiative who is also part funding the play schemes at Bridgend and Maesteg. At present we are in discussion with the Borough Council to establish another one next year at Comelly and Kenfig Hill.

appeal for committee members
The Initiative is looking for new members to join our Working Committee. If you have an opinion about the way forward for the Welsh language in the Borough then what better way to voice it than on our committee? We meet every 6 weeks and are very eager to hear from anyone who would have interest in giving of their free time, voluntarily for about 2 hours every 6 weeks. Please contact us if you have any interest.

the menter's staff
Iwan Williams is the Development Officer for Menter Bro Ogwr. Originally from Swansea he has come to Bridgend to see for himself if their Rugby team is a patch on his beloved scarlets of Llanelli! Oh and to promote the Welsh language of course!

Julie Davies hasjust started as an Administration Assistant for Menter Bro Ogwr; formerly she was a Welsh tutor for adults and a part-time translatoc Julie nearly had to delay her start date for the job because she was on holiday in Florida during the time of World Trade Centre attacks, it is heard that Iwan is very grateful that she did start in time because the coffee is tasting better already!

Amanda Knill will be the new Youth Development Officer at Menter Bro Ogwr from the October half-term. From Mynydd Cynffig she enjoys going to the gym every morning at 7.30! Somehow we don't think the youth of the county will cotton on to that one Amanda! Or will they...

Welsh contact line

useful websites
www.cilmeri.com - useful web-site as a link to other Welsh Ianguage sites and connections to many Welsh language learning sites too.
www.mentrau-iaith.com - a chance to view what your local language initiative is doing including a profile of your area and useful contacts and a "what's on" guide
www.bwrdd-yr-iaith.org.uk - the Welsh language boards website welsh.cd/index2.htm - an opportunity for Welsh learners to hone the sgills on the web
www.cymuned.org.uk - a website that promotes community languages