Leighton Andrews

St David's Day and other things

The Presiding Officer held a reception to celebrate Welsh food at the Senedd. Meanwhile we launched the Welsh language strategy at the WRU Centre of Excellence with Rhys Priestland, Robin McBryde and pupils from Ysgol Melin Griffith.

Filmclub/Triple Crown

I attended a Filmclub event at the Millennium Stadium this morning. On the way in, I was presented with the Triple Crown won by Wales on Saturday! The Sports Minister is envious.

 

We formally launched Filmclub in Wales last May, following a pilot which had involved a number of schools including Treorchy Comprehensive.

I was delighted that writer Owen Sheers (Resistance), and film director Marc Evans (whose film Hunky Dory opens on Friday) have agreed to become Filmclub champions in Wales.

                            Owen Sheers

            Marc Evans

In the pictures you can see Michael Sheen as Brian Clough apparently admonishing Owen and Marc. Michael's promotion film for Filmclub Cymru is here. 

Video: Tylorstown Communities First

Tylorstown Communities First partnership has produced a short film to demonstrate the role that sport in the community has played in tackling anti-social behaviour.

 

Good Luck Chloe - Representing the Rhondda in the Commonwealth Youth Games

 
Last week, the eyes of Wales were quite rightly focussed on Dai Greene, winning gold in the 400m hurdles at the Athletics World Championships in Daegu. However, this week could be just as important for Welsh sport, in terms of developing tomorrow’s champions.

The Commonwealth Youth Games kick off tomorrow, and Wales has sent a team of 32 young athletes, all hoping to make their mark in their chosen field. The Games take place in the Isle of Man from 7^th-13^th September, with young people competing in the categories of aquatics, athletics, badminton, boxing, cycling and gymnastics. You can show your support for the team on Facebook or follow their progress on Twitter.

I found out about the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games after receiving a letter from Chris Jenkins, Director of the Commonwealth Games Council for Wales, who informed me that one of my constituents, Chloe Tutton from Ystrad, would be competing as part of ‘Team Wales’.

I was absolutely delighted to hear that one of my constituents is part of the Welsh team and very impressed at the number of events that she is competing in. Chloe will be taking part in the 100m freestyle, 200m individual medley, 4x100m freestyle relay, 400m individual medley, 50m breaststroke, 50m butterfly and 50m freestyle.

I am sure that Chloe will do the Rhondda proud and I wrote to her last week to wish her the best of luck during the Games. This is a great opportunity to celebrate these young people, who have shown fantastic commitment to their chosen sport and are proudly representing Wales in the Isle of Man over the next week. Pob lwc!

Rhondda Life - Regenerating the Rhondda

 
In June, I had the pleasure of speaking at the opening of the new Sir Stanley Baker Lounge, situated in the Rhondda Life building in Ferndale. Rhondda Life Ltd is a not-for-profit social enterprise, founded by three organisations (Ferndale Rugby Club, Blaenllechau Community Regeneration and Cor Meibion Morlais).

The Rhondda Life website communicates a vision of regenerating the Rhondda by adhering to the following objectives:

• Promoting community participation, cultural activities, health recreation and sport.
• The promotion and facilitation of both urban and rural regeneration through events and facilities within the Rhondda for the public benefit.
• Development of Skills and capacities of both individuals and communities within the Rhondda with a special regard to those who are economically or socially disadvantaged.

The website goes on to say that:

“In practice we believe this will provide local jobs for local people, with an eye to supporting those who have barriers to work or those who have been long term unemployed.”

Having supported this project since the planning stage, it is fantastic to see the facilities come to life, focussed on regeneration and community participation, as well as providing sustainable jobs for local people. Whether you’re interested in a quiz night, Sunday lunch, or a place to watch the rugby, Rhondda Life has all of this on offer, as well as an opportunity to contribute to the local economy.

Ferndale Rugby Club

Ferndale Rugby Club had its twentieth anniversary celebration game on Friday night. The club was in fact first formed in 1882, and disbanded in 1921. A gang of enthusiasts helped the club reform in 1989.

On Friday night, Chris Bryant MP kicked the game off and I helped with the presentations after the game. You can see Chris kicking off on Rhondda TV.