26th September 2025 – An Exploration and Celebration of Memories and Contemporary Practice in Wales

This second event provides space to explore and celebrate the memories and contemporary practice of adult education in Wales.

Contributors:

• Dr Cilla Ross reflected on Coleg Harlech, the place and value of arts related interdisciplinary adult political education and poetry, photography and creative writing. Cilla is a work sociologist, historian and radical education practitioner with a diverse developmental, ‘teaching and learning’, editorial, writing, and research background. She studied at Coleg Harlech between 1978 and 1980. 
  
  
• Dr Nick Mahony’s provided a presentation entitled: The Raymond Williams Foundation and adult learning projects embedded in community development activities. His contribution focused on his work with the Raymond Williams Foundation and Cwmni Bro Ffestinigog. The presentation covered adult learning projects embedded in community development, activism and community building- geared to bringing about social justice, greater local democracy and alternatives to the rise of the Right. Nick reviewed recent projects that RWF has funded, including work with Arts Council of Wales and various grassroots groups on the ‘Culture is Ordinary’ film (see below). Nick also highlighted work with Adult Learning Wales and Cwmni Bro – the grant that has supported a recent project led by Leanne Wood and Beth Winter – inspired by Cwmni Bro’s pioneering work, as well as various other small projects that the RWF has funded in recent years. The idea overall is that the RWF contributes to the grassroots development of a contemporary culture of adult learning via supporting community development and local collective projects, which respond to current problems and community aspirations. 
  
  ‘Culture in Ordinary’ on Youtube -This 17 minute film focuses on ways that culture is interpreted and practiced by groups of young people in contemporary Wales. Directed by Colin Thomas and created by Cardiff-based artist Tom Goddard with new music by Cardiff musician Kiddus Murrell, currently working at Tŷ Cerdd. The film is available here in English and Welsh.
  
  Collaboration Between Cwmni Bro Ffestiniog, and The Raymond Williams Foundation on Youtube – This video highlights the collaboration between Adult Learning Wales, Cwmni Bro Ffestiniog, and The Raymond Williams Foundation. Together, they have been engaging in discussions about the future relationship between Community Development and adult education in Wales.
  
  Cymunedoli Cymoedd: A Valleys Story – Report from Sept 2025 on RWF Funded project led by Leanne Wood and Beth Winter.
  
  
• Jeremy Clancy – Film and The Valleys: ‘The Coal Beneath Our Feet, The Wind Above Our Heads‘ His documentary film is available on Youtube and featured during the event, where Jeremy talked about how he made the film. Jeremy is an award-winning filmmaker, editor and writer working for unions, charities and progressive organisations and businesses around the world. With years of experience working for clients, such as the TUC, Amnesty International, the Labour Party, New Democratic Party, and the World Health Organisation, his work brings a creative and strategic approach to campaigns; making sure that digital content tells the most compelling human stories with the tone and message designed to engage and persuade the audiences they want to reach.