This year is a special one in the history of Menter Iaith Sir Benfro (the Welsh Language Initiative here in Pembrokeshire) as it celebrates 25 years since its establishment in 1998. We will celebrate this milestone later in the year and we look forward to the various events and activities we have planned across the county.

The Menter works across the whole of Pembrokeshire, and this in itself is a challenge as we are only a very small team, but it’s made possible by our working partners and we hope that our work will leave its mark in the county. We primarily work with children and young people in the community and work with Welsh adult learners, but we can help anyone, whether it's an individual or an organisation needing advice with the Welsh language. We host regular events and annual ones such as the St. David's Parade in Haverfordwest, the Learners' Festival and the Fel 'Na Mai Festival in Crymych.

Last year, it was a pleasure for us to be able to collaborate with the Torch Theatre when Shan Cothi's programme on BBC Radio Cymru was broadcast live from the Theatre. There was a buzz in the room and a good number of Welsh speakers from the area came to join the fun. Some of the Johnston School children came over as well as a number of local people who discussed Pembrokeshire’s history and the area. The radio programme was well received and it was a great experience for the Welsh speakers and Welsh learners of Milford Haven. It was certainly an event to be remembered.

Part of our work, as I mentioned above, is to work closely with Welsh learners by collaborating regularly with Dysgu Cymraeg Sir Benfro. Last year we took part in the local round of The Big Quiz, organised by Mentrau Iaith Cymru and the Canolfan Ddysgu Cymraeg Cenedlaethol. A fun night was had by all at Narberth Rugby Club. The winning team of the night then went on to the optional round on the grounds of the National Eisteddfod in Tregaron and did very well, even though the trophy didn’t come back to Pembrokeshire – but no matter, the fun and the experiences that were had were great.

This year's Cwis Mawr (Big Quiz) will be held on Thursday, 13 July at the Torch Theatre and we look forward to having a chance to visit the Torch once again. The evening will be suitable for learners and the winning group will go to Pen Llyn for the National Eisteddfod in August. The important thing is to firstly have a good night together in Milford Haven! There will be plenty of fun, laughter and a warm welcome at the Theatre. Come over by 7pm in order to join us for the quiz and have a chance to speak or practice the Welsh language - you will be very welcome.