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A grand way to learn about Wales and the Welsh...
11/15/2011 1:28:30 PM
Welsh lessons with experienced teacher John Coombs entail much more than “book learning.”
As our pictures show, a Saturday afternoon session at the Sydney Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) with John can involve adventures in music and culture, as well as learning more about the fastest-growing language in Europe.
Self-taught harpist Chris Ridgeway, for example, proudly brought along his Welsh instrument - the pibgorn – to entertain his fellow students as they prepared for a special concert performance.
In addition, Welsh music lover Emyr Evans, membership secretary of Cymdeithas Cymry Sydney, backed up the instrumentals and singing of Welsh favourites like Ar Hyd a Nos and Calon Lan with his keyboard.
John, who is Australian-born, gained a BA (Hons) from the University of Wales in Welsh language and Classical studies. As well as his long-serving role as Cymdeithas Cymry Sydney’s honorary treasurer, he has taught Latin and Celtic studies at Sydney University’s Centre for Continuing Education.
FOOTNOTE: WEA Sydney will be advertising a Welsh course for advanced learners starting in February next year, involving six 3-hour sessions on Saturday afternoons. More details will appear on the WEA website by late November.