Why did you decide to learn Welsh?

I began to learn Welsh about four years ago when we moved to Wales from Dorset. I thought; 'we're living in Wales, so I want to learn the language'.

How have you chosen to learn Welsh?

I began after seeing a poster in one of the shops in Llanrwst. I rang up the organiser and there was a class going above the Welsh bookshop, Bys a Bawd, so I started going for two hours twice a week. Since we've moved to Colwyn Bay, I've been going to the classes at Ysgol Bodalaw.

I don't speak any other languages so I found it exciting and interesting to start learning another. I like languages and I wish I could have learnt more at school but I didn't get the chance.

How much Welsh are you able to use on a day to day basis?

I didn't have much chance to practice before but over the past few months I've been going to Sgwrs Sadwrn - Saturday chats organised by Menter Iaith. You sit down and have a chat for an hour or so with other Welsh learners and fluent Welsh speakers and it's a great way of meeting new people and practicing your Welsh.

Learning Welsh makes living here much more interesting and Welsh people appreciate the fact that you're trying to learn. I'll never give it up!

Paula Challenor

It does mean travelling around a bit - they're held in different locations each week. So one week I go to Blod's Café in Colwyn Bay, then to Llanrwst, Llansannan and Llanfairfechan. But I don't mind travelling. The accents are slightly different so it helps to learn to recognise different accents and words.

When living in England were you aware of the Welsh language?

I didn't know much about Wales before I moved here. I knew Welsh people had their own language because I'd heard it spoken when we came across the border from Shropshire to visit friends. I was always interested, but never really had the chance to do anything about it until we moved to Wales and I thought it would be nice to learn the language and speak to Welsh people.

If you could offer one piece of advice to a learner, what would it be?

I would encourage anyone to learn, especially if you move here to live. You're never too old to get started.

It's a beautiful language and Wales has such fantastic history. I love the culture here, like the Eisteddfods, especially in Llangollen. I'd advise anyone to go to Llangollen and experience the International Eisteddfod.

What are the benefits for you to learn Welsh?

Learning Welsh makes living here much more interesting and Welsh people appreciate the fact that you're trying to learn. I'll never give it up!"