Madam,

There have been more than a few occasions in Dolgellau recently, the bus interchange and women’s cycle tour to name but two, where it has sometimes seemed as if the argument has been more between the local ‘born and bred’ population and a group of English-speaking ‘incomers’.

I confess that not only have I been a part of this, but also that my letters and writing have added fuel to the fire; although I do stand by my frustrations over the cycle tour.

However, it has never been my intention to suggest that there is a divide in the town between what might be termed ‘old and new’ nor that the incoming, English-speaking group, knows better. I unreservedly apologise if my writing has somehow inferred any bias or prejudice against local Welsh people.

Furthermore, and speaking on behalf of many, I would like to say that the perception that there is a group of English (although I would rather say ‘British’) people within the town who are trying to ‘take over’ running things is entirely false. Whilst it is true that many of the organisers of, for example, Hwyl Nadolig and the Scarf for Idris Gawr are English, they haven’t ‘taken over’ but rather they have stepped into the breach when there was a need for them to do so.

Many of us have made a deliberate and conscious choice to move to Dolgellau because of family or past connections to the area, and most of us are actively trying (and it isn’t easy!) to learn Welsh. We have a lot to offer and simply want to play our part and to be part of the community.

In the near future we, my wife and I, plus some ‘incomer’ friends, are hoping to host a social evening for interested and leading people of the town to meet and talk about building bridges and moving forward. We sincerely hope that people will come and join us. Alternatively, of course, we would be delighted to attend an event if the town council were to decide to host one.

Yours etc,

Peter Barnes, Cader Road, Dolgellau.

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