Members of Fforwm Iaith Ynys Môn (Anglesey Welsh Language Forum) have expressed their thanks to the outgoing chair and deputy chair.
In a recent meeting at Llangefni Town Hall, Dr Haydn Edwards and Dr Ifor Gruffydd both expressed their wishes to step back from their roles following almost five years of service.
During Dr Haydn Edwards’ time in the chair the Fforwm Iaith’s work has evolved and now includes over 25 leading public and third sector organisations, each contributing to the development of the Welsh language on Anglesey.
The Fforwm Iaith was established in 2014 by the Isle of Anglesey County Council, Menter Iaith Môn and other key partners. Under Dr Edwards leadership, its emphasis has been on encouraging collaboration between members for the good of the language locally.
Isle of Anglesey County Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi said: ‘We are extremely grateful to Dr Haydn Edwards and Dr Ifor Gruffydd. The Fforwm Iaith has become an influential authority not only locally, but nationally, and an example to others of the importance of working together to strengthen the Welsh language. Its presence on Anglesey is a constant strength to us as a Council. I wish them both well.’
Dr Edwards, and advocate for the Welsh language, has contributed extensively to public life on Anglesey and beyond. After completing his doctorate at the University of Salford, he worked at universities in Britain and the United States, before becoming Chief Executive of Coleg Menai, Llangefni. Earlier this year he was honoured by the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol (Wales’ Welsh Language College) for his contribution to education and training in Wales.
Also with strong links to the island, Dr Ifor Gruffydd has contributed to developing the language through his research into Welsh language learning and training and his work with Bangor University’s Canolfan Bedwyr. He is the director of Learn Welsh North-West and will continue to represent the organisation on the Fforwm Iaith following his resignation as vice-chairman.
Following Dr Edwards’ departure, the Fforwm Iaith is looking to appoint a new independent chair.
Elen Hughes, Chief Officer of Menter Iaith Môn, said: “This is an opportunity for someone with strong connections to the area and who is passionate about the Welsh language and its development on Anglesey to lead the Fforwm Iaith’s work. I encourage anyone who is interested to contact us.”
