Sweden Resident Rik Wins New Speakers Contest at Dyffryn Conwy Eisteddfod

Delyth and Rik at the Eisteddfod

A man living in Sweden won a competition for new Welsh speakers at a local eisteddfod in North Wales over the weekend.

Rik Rwmefin has only been learning Welsh since September, using online lessons.

Delyth Roberts is his Welsh tutor, and she challenged her group to compete in the Dyffryn Conwy Eisteddfod.

Nia Clwyd Owen, chair of the Eisteddfod, said it was "essential to ensure we create more opportunities for them [new speakers] to contribute within Welsh culture."

'We couldn't believe it'

The Dyffryn Conwy Eisteddfod committee decided to form a competition for new speakers last year and, following its success, included it again this year.

"We were quite surprised this year when we found out who had won the competition.

"I noticed Delyth [Roberts] in the audience and saw a man sitting next to her, someone I had never seen before.

"Then to find out it was him who had won and that he had come all the way from Sweden was completely amazing; we couldn't believe it," she added.

There was considerable competition in Dyffryn Conwy over the weekend.

Rik is a linguist, with Welsh being his twelfth language.

He has read several Welsh novels, enjoys listening to Radio Cymru 2, and his favourite programmes on S4C are Rownd a Rownd and Sgwrs dan y Lloer.

Nia Clwyd Owen said the Eisteddfod team could hardly believe it.

"He was passionate about learning Welsh and enjoyed the experience of being in North Wales.

"We think he was absolutely wonderful, and the thanks for that go to Delyth, his tutor."

Speaking about the importance of offering opportunities and competitions for learners, Nia added:

"As chair of the eisteddfod, this is something I would like to develop further and attract more learners to us.

"We must ensure we create more opportunities for them to contribute within Welsh culture."

'It was incredible'

"It all started when I set a challenge for the learners; they are a very good group and have only been learning Welsh since September," said Delyth Roberts, Rik's Welsh tutor.

"So I said, 'How about you compete in my local eisteddfod? I thought it would be fun for them, and they have enough Welsh to meet the competition's requirements.'"

Soon after the suggestion, she received work from her student Rik - which was impressive.

"I couldn't believe it; it was incredible!"

He said he had written a piece recalling memories of his late cousin introducing him to Wales and the Welsh language.

Rik came to the eisteddfod to get a taste of the language and culture, and without knowing it, he had won the competition.

Delyth tried to explain to him that this was a local eisteddfod and not to expect stalls like the National Eisteddfod.

"He arrived on Friday, and we met for the first time and became friends immediately, and he spoke Welsh with me through Friday night."

Speaking about the moment he received the award, he said he "hurried to the stage" and was "delighted."

Having had the opportunity to live in North Wales, Rik is already planning his next trip here.

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Rik said he decided to compete after Delyth "said in class that the Eisteddfod was open to everyone."

"When I read that I needed to write a piece about a conversation on the beach or a chat on a trip, I knew I would write about a conversation with Peter, my English cousin.

"He invited me to go walking in North Wales for the first time in 2011, so I owe him my love for Wales.

"Unfortunately, he passed away in 2015," he added.

"It was wonderful to visit Llanrwst (and Trefriw!) and very interesting to compete in the eisteddfod.

"Everyone knows Delyth, and the people were kind and welcoming, especially when I said I had competed in the local eisteddfod as a new speaker.

"The experience showed me once again that Welsh society is open to everyone who wants to try learning the language."

Rik added that "people have told me: 'You are Welsh now,' and I treasure that."

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