Language centre 'fitting tribute'

Tutor/organiser Meiria Evans at the centre in Llanrwst, which will open in the autumn

The widow of a language campaigner said a planned new centre for Welsh learners in his home town will be a "fitting tribute" to his work.

Popeth Cymraeg (Welsh Unlimited) was the "vision" of the late David Jones, who was born in Llanrwst, Conwy.

Family and friends said they were thrilled his idea for the centre had been finalised at a former cafe in the Old Tannery in the town.

Mr Jones, a retired TV engineer, died of cancer last year aged 66.

Popeth Cymraeg has another language centre in the town of Denbigh, and has been running Welsh adult learner courses for 15 years.

Latin America

A former mayor of Denbigh, Mr Jones was well-known for organising seminars and festivals of music and dance linking Wales with Latin America.

"Popeth Cymraeg was David's vision," said the chairman of the new centre, Dyfrig Berry.

"He was involved in the early stages of setting up the Llanrwst centre, but sadly died of cancer last year.

"The Conwy valley desperately needs a Welsh language centre and it will be a fitting legacy to David who campaigned so hard to promote the language."

The organisation said it was also keen to sub-let the cafe area of the building for when it opens in the autumn.

'Passionate'

Popeth Cymraeg, which is financed by the Welsh Assembly's Welsh For Adults programme, hopes the network of centres will grow.

Mr Jones' widow, Vesi, said she was delighted.

"David was very committed and passionate about the importance of the Welsh language and culture," she said.

"There is undoubtedly a great need for a new centre in Llanrwst and a great deal of enthusiasm from local Welsh learners who are champing at the bit.

"It would be such a fitting tribute to David's hard work and dedication."

Mr Jones' efforts in promoting the link between Wales and Latin America earned a tribute from the Cuban Embassy.

Howard Edwards, tutor organiser for Popeth Cymraeg in the county of Conwy said: "David was such a special man. He made a massive impression on the people he met.

"He was the driving engine behind the language centre set up in Denbigh where he made his home and it's a fitting legacy to a very kind and generous man that a similar centre be established in the town he was from."