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Blueprint Cymru

Blueprint Cymru

por New Wales

Temporada 2

Welsh Patagonia: the demise of Y Wladfa

Sebastian Eduardo Pèrez Parry discusses the history, legacy and future of the Welsh in South America and, of course, Y Wladfa in Patagonia — Sebastian’s homeland. Bruce Chatwin wrote beautifully about Y Wladfa in his travelog, 'In Patagonia'. Beyond Chatwin’s wonderfully eccentric search for the origins of a mysterious object believed to be dinosaur skin, his writing captured something far deeper: the impassioned search by our Welsh ancestors for a place to live freely and preserve their language, culture and identity — far from the Anglicising pressures and conformity of the British Empire. Established in 1865, Y Wladfa — the Welsh settlement of Patagonia, such as Port Madryn — became one of the most remarkable chapters in the modern Welsh story. Centred around communities such as Gaiman, Trelew and Trevelin, the Welsh-Patagonian community remains a living bridge between Cymru and South America, But as Sebastian explains, the Welsh heritage and the effort to preserve the Welsh language across Patagonia is falling short. With most of the younger members of 'The Colony' now setting their sights on North America, their Welsh language, culture and connection to Cymru is in rapid demise. Watch the episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube channel. For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales ‬ Episode 46 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 17 May 2026. Music licenced from Envato Executive Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson The New Wales team is growing. It includes: Nigel Cousins, Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith, Simon Hobson, Ena Lloyd and Iestyn ap Rhobert. If you want to help break the status quo mindset in Wales, get in touch, join the team. email: simon@new.wales Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales Ltd.)‬

New Wales: future Cymru

This is a new series in which, Gwern Gwynfil and Simon Hobson dive into the first First Minister’s Questions of the new Senedd term — and what it reveals about the personalities, performances and political theatre now shaping Welsh politics. From the increasingly existential predicament facing the Welsh Liberal Democrats to speculation that some Green Party MSs appear better suited to a Will Ferrell political comedy than the Siambr, the pair dissect a bruising and often surreal opening week in Welsh democracy. They also examine the growing row over H.M. Treasury pushing back against Transport for Wales’ ambition to run direct services between Caerdydd and Bristol — asking once again whether Wales is permitted to think and act like a serious nation when it comes to infrastructure and economic ambition. And finally, Simon and Gwern explore an unexpected political question: could Wales actually benefit from an Andy Burnham premiership in Westminster? Sharp, irreverent and unapologetically pro-Wales, this is a conversation about power, confidence and whether the new Senedd is ready for the future Cymru needs. Watch the episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube channel. For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales ‬ Episode 45 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 19 May 2026. Music licenced from Envato Executive Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson The New Wales team is growing. It includes: Nigel Cousins, Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith, Simon Hobson, Ena Lloyd and Iestyn ap Rhobert. If you want to help break the status quo mindset in Wales, get in touch, join the team. email: simon@new.wales Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales Ltd.)‬

Senedd election 2026: Results - changing the status quo?

In this episode of Blueprint Cymru, Simon Hobson argues that the new Welsh Government, led by Rhun ap Iorwerth's Plaid Cymru, must assert itself from the outset if it is to secure — or at least lay the foundations for — devolved power parity with Scotland by the end of this Senedd term in April 2030. Simon highlights the need for the government to create a clear national narrative so the world better understands what Cymru is, while inviting the Welsh diaspora to help shape that story. He also explores the opportunity for Wales to strengthen its democracy through digital democracy and the adoption of the STV voting system before the next Senedd election. Finally, New Wales continues to champion a national conversation on the design of a constitution for Cymru — a Welsh Bill of Rights. Watch the episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube channel. For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales ‬ Episode 44 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 12 May 2026. Music licenced from Envato Executive Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson The New Wales team is growing. It includes: Nigel Cousins, Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith, Simon Hobson, Ena Lloyd and Iestyn ap Rhobert. If you want to help break the status quo mindset in Wales, get in touch, join the team. email: simon@new.wales Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales Ltd.)‬

Senedd election 2026: Philip Owen - Gwlad

Philip Owen is the Gwlad candidate in the constituency of Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd. Formerly a lifelong Liberal, having stood as a Westminster candidate for the Liberal Alliance in 1983, Philip says, 'Wales has had socialist rule for 100 years. Red-Green parties promise more socialism. Statist Reform UK even plans to return to the industrial policies of Tony Benn. Wales is a net exporter of goods. Our services exports such as education, tourism and software are more like goods than financial services. They are just as suppressed by exchange and interest rates designed for London to invest overseas. We will prosper when independent. I joined Gwlad as Brexit made it clear that the UK economy was going to be managed for the benefit of the City of London.' Watch the episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube channel. For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales ‬ Episode 43 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 5 May 2026. Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson Assistance producers: Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith Graphic designer: Nigel Cousins Head of content: Gwern Gwynfil Executive Producer: Simon Hobson Music licenced from Envato Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales Ltd.)‬

Senedd election 2026: Brendan Roberts - Welsh Liberal Democrats

Brendan Roberts, a dedicated community councillor in Torfaen, has worked in the civil service, local government and the third sector. His career and activism give him a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing Welsh communities. At the Welsh Government’s 2022 'Radical reform summit', he drew on his personal experience in the child social care system to help shape a declaration advancing Wales’ landmark laws protecting children and young adults from mistreatment and violence. Brenden is second on the list for the Welsh Liberal Democrats as their candidate in the constituency of Sir Fynwy Torfaen. He is championing progressive change and empowering people in Wales. Watch the episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube channel. For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales ‬ Episode 42 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 29 June 2025. Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson Assistance producers: Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith Graphic designer: Nigel Cousins Head of content: Gwern Gwynfil Executive Producer: Simon Hobson Music licenced from Envato Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales Ltd.)‬

Wild law - Elspeth Jones

Elspeth Jones is a former London barrister turned leadership coach and adviser. In 2025 she worked with the National Infrastructure Commission for Wales as their Nature Guardian in an innovate pilot - acting as a voice for Nature within the Commission’s governance structure. With over 20 years’ experience in the legal world –including as an environmental activist and leader at the global environmental law NGO ClientEarth - she understands both the challenges and the huge opportunities for driving change through innovative and impactful law and governance. Her approach isn’t about easy answers, but about building resilience, confidence and clarity in those doing the hard work (something sorely needed in Wales). With nature in Wales in long-term decline, this is a conversation about the need to be bold, innovative and shift mindsets in law and governance to deliver real-world impact. Elspeth was born and grew up Wales and is a Welsh speaker. She now lives in Wales with her family, where she enjoys going on adventures and exploring the outdoors. Simon Hobson is a co-founder of New Wales and an active member of the Welsh diaspora from his home in Québec. Full episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube channel. For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales ‬ Episode 41 of Blueprint Cymru. Recorded on 21 April 2026. Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson Assistance producers: Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith Graphic designer: Nigel Cousins Head of content: Gwern Gwynfil Executive Producer: Simon Hobson Music licenced from Envato Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales Ltd.)‬

Senedd election 2026: A manifesto for the bold - New Wales

A manifesto to fire-up your little grey cells. The New Wales manifesto published in the run up to the 2026 Senedd election was written to provoke. You can read it here: Gwern Gwynfil and Simon Hobson discuss the New Wales manifesto's sexy "six Es", and explore the possibility that the next Senedd will be dominated by parties with a long-term commitment to self-determination for Cymru/Wales. The New Wales manifesto is not a list of dry promises or a set of polished soundbites designed for an election cycle. Instead, it is a discursive journey - a series of reflections rooted in the lived experience of being Welsh in the twenty-first century. It is an invitation to a national conversation. Watch the episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube channel. For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales ‬ Episode 40 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 11 April 2026. Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson Assistance producers: Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith Graphic designer: Nigel Cousins Head of content: Gwern Gwynfil Executive Producer: Simon Hobson Music licenced from Envato Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales Ltd.)‬

Senedd election 2026: Justna Muhith - Open Party

Justna Muhith is a mother of two, raised in Newport and Cardiff. From working in Woolworths, she now has a doctorate, a law degree, an MBA, has served as a magistrate and is a school governor. She says, “I want to modernise democracy - rebuild trust by making government truly accountable to the people it serves.” Justna is the lead candidate for the Open Party in the Senedd constituency of Casnewydd Islwyn, Cymru/Wales. The elections take place on 7th May 2026. If you are 16 years-of-age or older you are entitled to vote in Senedd elections. Open Party supports experienced members of the public to step forward and represent you. Independent and free of any party agenda, they can genuinely listen and represent your wishes. Simon Hobson is a co-founder of New Wales and an active member of the Welsh diaspora from his home in Québec. Watch the episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube channel. For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales ‬ Episode 39 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 7 April 2026. Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson Assistance producers: Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith Graphic designer: Nigel Cousins Head of content: Gwern Gwynfil Executive Producer: Simon Hobson Music licenced from Envato Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales Ltd.)‬

Madog Center for Welsh studies - Dan Rowbotham

Dan Rowbotham is originally from Ceredigion and has been a Welsh language tutor since 2018. He now serves as Director of the Madog Centre for Welsh Studies at the University of Rio Grande / Rio Grande Community College in Ohio: North America’s only dedicated centre for Welsh studies. During his time as a Davis Intern at the Centre, while completing his Masters in education, Dan began his teaching career and has since expanded the Centres’ educational and cultural offerings. Through the Madog Centre, Dan teaches multiple Welsh language classes both online and in person, and he organizes a wide range of programmes that promote Welsh language and culture across the continent of North America. He leads a weekly online Welsh conversation hour that welcomes both new learners and fluent speakers seeking opportunities to use Welsh in North America. Dan has also been a part of the team that organizes the North American Festival of Wales (NAFOW) since 2023. Before returning to Ohio, Dan oversaw extra-curricular Welsh language programming at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) and served as Coordinator of the university’s Community Welsh Learning Centre, Yr Atom. He is a former President of the Urdd and was awarded the prestigious Merêd Memorial Award at the National Eisteddfod in 2016. Simon Hobson is a co-founder of New Wales and an active member of the Welsh diaspora from his home in Québec. Full episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube channel. For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales ‬ Episode 38 of Blueprint Cymru. Recorded on 17 March 2026. Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson Assistance producers: Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith Graphic designer: Nigel Cousins Head of content: Gwern Gwynfil Executive Producer: Simon Hobson Music licenced from Envato Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales Ltd.)‬

Senedd election 2026: Mair Rowlands - Plaid Cymru

Mair Rowlands was born and raised in Cardiff before moving to north Wales to study at Bangor University. She lives in Bangor with her partner and young child. Mair is number two on the closed list for Plaid Cymru in the constituency of Bangor Conwy Môn, behind her party’s leader Rhun ap Iorwerth. In this episode of Blueprint Cymru, Mair discusses her passion for the Welsh language, community and door knocking. She speaks of her parents with fondness and talks about her journey from interested student to deputy leader of Cyngor Gwynedd Council to Plaid Cymru candidate for the 7 May 2026 Senedd election. Simon Hobson is a co-founder of New Wales and an active member of the Welsh diaspora from his home in Québec. Full episode on the @Cymru Newydd YouTube channel. For more information, head to: new.wales Instagram: @new_wales Bluesky: @newwales.bsky.social LinkedIn: @https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-wales ‬ Episode 37 of Blueprint Cymru: Senedd 2026. Recorded on 24 March 2026. Producer and Editor: Simon Hobson Assistance producers: Gwern Gwynfil, David Hannington-Smith Graphic designer: Nigel Cousins Head of content: Gwern Gwynfil Executive Producer: Simon Hobson Music licenced from Envato Cymru Newydd Cyf. (New Wales Ltd.)‬

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