National Lottery Grants for Heritage – £10,000 to £250,000
Following Menter Dinefwr’s success in transforming Hengwrt into a multi-purpose community centre, the project was extended in 2022 to include a focus on the area's heritage.
The project is reviving interest in the history and culture of the local communities and visitors to the area.
Activities so far have included an exhibition at the heritage centre giving the public the opportunity to explore a range of heritage sites in the Dinefwr area. The Llandeilo History Hello Festival saw the whole town take part in events from art and craft sessions to music.
The centre also holds weekly drop-in sessions discussing the history of the area in the Welsh language.
Maintaining and promoting the Welsh language is a key part of the project, as the language itself is a type of heritage that needs to be protected.
Elen Jones, Executive Manager of Hengwrt Heritage Centre, said:
"Thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we have established an innovative heritage centre where visitors can enjoy interactive bilingual exhibitions on the history of the Dinefwr area and beyond. The Welsh language is central and visible in every element of the project – from our exhibitions and events, to our conversations and workshops.
"In 1891 over 95% of Llandeilo's population spoke Welsh and the story of the language is a key part of local heritage. We look forward to continuing to celebrate our history and heritage through the medium of Welsh."
