The Encyclopaedia of Wales

WALES’ BIGGEST BOOK HEADS FOR PATAGONIA WITH A SPECIAL MESSAGE

A message from First Minister Rhodri Morgan is to be included in a copy of Wales ’ biggest ever book, which is to be given to the people of Patagonia .

During a special ceremony held at the Senedd in Cardiff Bay yesterday [1 April 2008], the First Minister and Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones signed a copy of the Gwyddoniadur, the new Welsh language encyclopedia which was published earlier this year, which will be taken to Patagonia and displayed at the Welsh Library in the Gaiman in the province of Chubut.

Rhodri Morgan said: “The Encyclopaedia of Wales is an excellent source of knowledge for everyone who has an interest in Wales and the Welsh. It has been described as ‘the first and last great book of Wales, no home should be without one’ so it is appropriate that a copy should be given to the people of Patagonia, where a great interest in our culture and heritage is still enjoyed thousands of miles away in South America.”

Elin Jones said: “I really hope the people of Patagonia will enjoy learning about Wales from the Encyclopaedia. It's important we share our cultural heritage and this book brings together so much fascinating information in one place.”

The encyclopedia will be delivered to Patagonia by Rhobert ap Steffan from Llangadog, Carmarthenshire, who will be going to Argentina later this year to raise money for Mencap Cymru on a Trans-Andean trek and to conduct studies into the relationship between the Welsh pioneers in Patagonia and the indigenous Tehuelche Indians. Rhobert is Research Editor of Cambria Magazine based in Nantgaredig.

To support Mencap Cymru please visit: www.justgiving.com/rhobert