THIS year’s Urdd Eisteddfod will be the first to include Makaton translation.

Makaton is a communication tool with speech, signs and symbols which is used to help people with disabilities to communicate.

The Urdd Eisteddfod in Llandovery, which begins on Monday, May 29, has partnered with Makaton translator Ceri Bostock, who will translate and perform Makaton translations during choir or group competitions.

The Eisteddfod organisers felt it was important to show Makaton translators as part of the festival’s mainstream competitions to encourage the use of the language and to help young competitors with communication, particularly after it was found that the effects of covid-19 on speech and language skills in children has been impacted.

It has also been found that Makaton is extremely beneficial for Welsh learners, and as well as helping children with learning and speech difficulties, Ceri will be helping Welsh learners understand the meaning of words or poems.

Ashmle & Co, the accountancy firm with offices in Ammanford, Llandovery, Llandeilo and Pontarddulais, is also the auditor of Cwmni Urdd Gobaith Cymru, and will be sponsoring the Makaton translations.

Ceri Llwyd, partner in Ashmole & Co’s Llandovery and Llandeilo office, said: “The Urdd Eisteddfod means a lot to me personally having competed since I was aged six. Now as a mum, I encourage my children to get involved and compete.

“As well as Cwmni Utff Gobaith Cymru, I am the partner at Ashmole & Co responsible for the accounts, and audit where applicable, for Eisteddfod Enedlaethol Cymru, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, Mentrau Iaith Cymru, Menter Dinefwr, Menter Gorrlewin Sir Gâr.

“When I was invited to tender for the audit services of Cwmni Urdd Gobaith Cymru I had no hesitation in wanting to work with this client given the importance of the organisation in Wales, even though it was during the middle of the pandemic! We have developed an excellent working relationship and I very much hope that this will continue for years to come.”

She continued: “My client portfolio in the Welsh sector has grown significantly over the years and being able to provide a service where the accounts are prepared in Welsh as well as undertaking the work and general conversation in Welsh is somewhat of a niche area.

“All the staff in the Llandovery office are very excited about the prospect of having this major event on our doorstep. It’s such a fantastic opportunity for our small rural town.”

The Urdd Eisteddfod takes place in Llandovery from May 29 until June 3 in Llandovery. For full details visit the website: https://www.urdd.cymru/en/eisteddfod/20231/