On Wednesday, the 31st of May 2017, a booklet celebrating the place names of Bridgend County Borough was launched at the Eisteddfod in Pencoed.
The Eisteddfod was last held at the same place in 1991 and following that a crew of volunteers came together to establish two Mentrau Iaith locally, Menter Bro Ogwr and Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf.
Menter Bro Ogwr was determined to celebrate with a memorable and exciting project for our county and the Welsh language so they developed the Place Names in Bridgend County Borough Booklet. The aim of the project was to work across the rural county with children, young people and adults to develop this booklet on the history and heritage of local place names in Bridgend County Borough.
The Rural Community Development Fund funded the project. The European funded program helps people who live or work in rural areas. Through national and local schemes it provides funding and support to farming communities, businesses, community organizations and local groups in rural areas.
The Rt Hon Carwyn Jones AM First Minister for Wales was welcomed to the stall on Friday in order to formally present him with his own pocket book.
The project offered the opportunity to work in partnership within local communities in Bridgend County Borough, with the local people to learn about local heritage. Consultations were held to get local groups’ input to the design and content of the booklets. Through participating in the project, inhabitants have taken ownership of the project and as a result have given the language a boost across the county.
Menter Bro Ogwr thanks everyone who has been a part of the project, thanks to Reach for funding and to Cwmni2 for working in partnership to make the project possible.