Press release: Welsh Ministers celebrate 50th anniversary of Merched y Wawr

UK Government Ministers will host members of Merched y Wawr at an event in London today to mark the 50th anniversary of the women’s organisation (22 November).

Members will join the Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns and Guto Bebb at a drinks reception at Gwydyr House where the achievements of the Welsh language social movement will be celebrated.

Merched y Wawr has over 270 branches and clubs across Wales, giving women of all ages the opportunity to get together and socialise in Welsh, with learners welcome too.

The movement was first formed by women from the small rural village of Parc by Bala in 1967, as a Welsh-speaking organisation that quickly grew to become a Wales-wide organisation.

This year, Merched y Wawr embarked on a national tour to mark five decades of social gatherings – visiting the Urdd and National Eisteddfodau, Royal Welsh Show, National Library of Wales, The Pierhead and other venues across the country.

Secretary of State for Wales Alun Cairns said:

Merched y Wawr is a pillar of Welsh culture and society, welcoming women from across the country to take part in a wide variety of activities through the medium of Welsh.

As the movement marks its 50th anniversary, I’m delighted to have the opportunity to host members at Gwydyr House today and to celebrate the hard work and dedication of members who volunteer tirelessly to make the organisation as successful as it is.

The UK Government remains committed to ensuring the Welsh language and culture continues to thrive and the contribution Merched Y Wawr makes to that effort is invaluable. I extend my warmest congratulations to them as they reach this important milestone. Here’s to another 50 years.

National director of Merched y Wawr, Tegwen Morris said:

It is a great honour to be in London representing the Merched y Wawr members, as so much has been achieved over the past fifty years.

We still organise over 3,000 events in Wales on an annual basis. This year we have succesfully completed a heritage project that has managed to capture so many memories, collect thousands of articles and has renewed our enthusiasm for the future.

We thank you for the privilege and opportunity to come to Gwydyr House to celebrate our Golden Anniversary – an experience that we truly appreciate.

ENDS