A MONTGOMERY bookshop owner has been named Welsh Learner of the Year at an Aberystwyth University awards ceremony.

Barry Lord, who is originally from Lancashire, was inspired to learn Welsh on his first visit to the National Eisteddfod. He has owned a bookstore in Montgomery since 2018 and takes every opportunity to speak Welsh with his customers. He is also an active member of a Welsh reading club in Montgomery and enjoys supporting other learners.

Reacting to his success, Barry said: “I think that starting to learn Welsh has been the most valuable decision I have made since I moved to Wales, so I feel so proud to receive this award.

“I would like to say how grateful I am to everyone who has supported me over the last five-and-a-half years, including our excellent tutors and other people I have come to know who speak Welsh as a first language.

“The whole experience of learning the language has been immensely enjoyable and has opened up a variety of new and sometimes unexpected opportunities for me. For example, I have become confident enough speaking the language to greet and socialise with customers in our bookstore and take part in meetings with one of our book suppliers through the medium of Welsh.

“I have also developed a strong interest in Welsh music as a direct result of attending musical events such as competitions during the National Eisteddfod as well as entertainment evenings, concerts and traditional Christmas services singing in Montgomeryshire and beyond. I would encourage anyone who is thinking of starting to learn Welsh to give it a try. I've never regretted it.”

The award was one of six to be announced at the online ceremony. Clwb Hwb Maldwyn was also awarded the Welsh Group of the Year prize. The club used to meet up regularly in Newtown prior to the pandemic, but since the lockdown, up to 30 members now meet on Zoom.

During the ceremony certificates for the WJEC’s entry, foundation, intermediate and advanced Welsh language examinations were presented to successful students, along with the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol's certificate of language skills.

Congratulating everyone on their success, professor Elizabeth Treasure, vice chancellor of Aberystwyth University, said: “Very many congratulations to everyone on their success in learning Welsh.

“As a Welsh learner myself, I know how much effort is needed to learn a new language. I would like to thank everyone for making that effort, and for being so enthusiastic in their efforts. Wales’ unique language is a special national treasure, and a gift to everyone who lives here.”

Aberystwyth University's learn welsh centre provides courses in Powys, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire with specific provision for learning Welsh in the workplace and for families.

More information is available by visiting https://learnwelsh.cymru/.