Llandeilo carpenter wins Most Welsh in the World award

Geraint Edwards from Llandeilo completed a degree in Welsh and Welsh Literature at Aberystwyth University.

He decided to swap his office job for Literature Wales in Cardiff and become a carpenter instead.

Geraint decided to become a carpenter and began using the Welsh language to his advantage. (Image: Phil Blagg Photography)

Geraint said: “I had always enjoyed woodwork with my grandfather and then in school. But I decided to go down the academic route and spent nearly ten frustrating years in an office job.

“The highlight of my year was that time around the Eisteddfod when I’d spent three weeks putting up our stand, fixing it all and then dismantling it before heading back to the office so I finally decided to break free and become a cabinet maker.

“I had drifted away from what I really enjoyed doing for 15 years but the Welsh language is still part of me, and my story and it definitely helps with my work.”

Using the Welsh language proved to be a huge benefit when Geraint changed his career.

He continued: “I was still living in Cardiff and in the building trade I was different from most builders because I spoke Welsh. Even here in Carmarthenshire not many have their name and what they do in Welsh on their vans.

“I think customers really appreciate it and like to use a Welsh speaker particularly those who are first language Welsh themselves and who can talk to me in the language they are most comfortable in.

“The Welsh language is part of who I am – just like my red hair. It’s a constant in my life. I was born and bred speaking Welsh, I did my work in school in Welsh, my degree in Welsh and now I’m a carpenter and cabinet maker.”

Geraint moved from Dolgellau to Llandeilo to be closer to his girlfriend Carys and the couple have two daughters together.

He was given the award at Tan Y Graig near Aberystwyth which was organised by Lafan as part of the Bwrlwm ARFOR project.

The project aims to promote the economic benefit of Welsh in business in the four country strongholds of the language, including Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire.

Geraint Hughes from Lafan added: “Everyone has a different story but what brings them together is not only their passion for Cymraeg but going beyond the emotion is that it’s a useful and often essential tool to have in their business.”