I was brought up in Llanfrothen - arguably, the area of the slate’s journey between the quarries and
the Dwyryd. After a period of traveling to other countries learning languages, I have been rooted
back in my childhood home of Penrhyndeudraeth for the past six years, and teach languages to
people from all over the world over Skype. I have also produced films about the quarrying villages
which are a stone's throw from my home, in Croesor, Cwmorthin and also Dolwyddelan, through my
company, Gwefus.
With Welsh being the main language in this area of Wales, for me it is essential to teach people
about the language and culture of our villages. I also offer Welsh for Visitors sessions so that they get
an introduction to the language of the area.
In my spare time, I walk as much as I can along the Dwyryd at Penrhyndeudraeth, where the slates
from the area would have started their journey around the world. Sometimes I walk up in the local
mountains and quarries - no doubt, this landscape and thinking of those who would have walked the
land, living and working in the area has deepened my passion for my culture and language. Putting
these stories on film as well as teaching Welsh to as many people as possible to raise awareness of
my mother tongue and our everyday language goes hand in hand.
www.gwefus.com / www.byw-bod.cymru
Picture: Lara Usherwood