VOLUNTEERS have joined forces to support Welsh learners in their community, by running monthly conversational sessions in the village pub.

The sessions, which are held on the last Thursday of each month at Ty’n Llan in Llandwrog, near Caernarfon, have proven very popular, and began shortly after the pub was bought by more than 1000 people and turned into a thriving community hub last year.

Ty’n Llan now holds a wide variety of community events, including coffee mornings, walking and gardening clubs, a youth project called ‘Ty’n Llan Ni’ and the club for Welsh learners, which gives local learners a chance to practise their Welsh outside the classroom.

Ann Jenkins, who is learning Welsh and attends the club on a regular basis, said: “‘I’ve been learning Welsh for the past two years, and I’m so glad to have the opportunity to practise speaking Welsh on my doorstep.

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“I love chatting to the villagers and making new friends.

“Thanks to the sessions, I now feel more confident when speaking Welsh with my family.

“The club is informal and great fun and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the volunteers who attend and support us on a monthly basis.’’

Marnel Pritchard, a volunteer who attends the club to support the learners, added: “‘I love socialising with the learners as they are so passionate about the Welsh language.

“It’s wonderful to see their confidence grow as the months go by.

“They all come from different backgrounds and spending time in their company is a real pleasure.

“We are always looking for more volunteers so if you would like to get involved then do get in touch!’’

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