One of the greatest Welsh poets of the twentieth century is being celebrated in Pembrokeshire today in ‘Diwrnod Waldo’ (Waldo’s Day).
Born in Haverfordwest in 1904, Waldo Williams learnt Welsh when he was seven years old before going on to become a distinguished poet.
To celebrate the day, pupils at Waldo Williams School in Haverfordwest organised a series of events including reading poetry from Cerddi’r Plant (his collection of children’s poems) and designing and baking a celebratory cake.
Headteacher Mrs Cora O’Brien said Waldo provides the school community with a wonderful sense of belonging.
“As a school community we feel exceptionally privileged today to be able to celebrate Diwrnod Waldo,” she said. “A day doesn’t go by in our school without us considering what he stood for in terms of what he valued and in terms of what he contributed to our Welsh cultural heritage. He truly was an inspirational figure and continues to inspire each one of us.
“Today our pupils will enjoy celebrating his work as they study his poetry from Cerddi’r Plant. Next week our pupils will visit the Preseli Hills to walk in his footsteps.”
Diwrnod Waldo also marks the countdown to the annual Shwmae Day on 15th of October – a day to have fun and share the Welsh language.
‘Shwmae’ is an informal greeting in Welsh and the day also encourages learners and those who don’t speak much Welsh to start a conversation with ‘Shwmae!’
“The day is all about having fun and using Welsh,” said Cllr Cris Tomos, Cabinet Member for Environment, Public Protection and the Welsh Language.
“A considerable number of schools, clubs, organisations and workplaces will be celebrating the day and I am confident it will inspire us all to learn a little more about our language and culture!”
Schools will be dressing up at Welsh superheroes, taking part in online Welsh music gigs, quizzes and other in-school activities.
