THE literary dreams of two women have provided Gwynedd with one of Britain's highly respected writers' retreats. Ty Newydd at Criccieth is, of course, famed for being the home and final resting place of North Wales' only Prime Minister, David Lloyd George. But over the last 10 years this historic building has become a centre for literature in both Welsh and English where novice or experienced scribes can come together to attend courses which help to develop their creative writing skills. Some of the biggest names in literature from both sides of the linguistic divide share their expertise in specially designed courses in all disciplines from poetry, novel writing and short stories to script writing for film, television or radio. One of the people involved in the day to day running of the centre is marketing officer Caryl Lewis. "We offer courses here in both Welsh and English and both are proving to be very popular with writers from all over the world," she said. "I think what attracts them to Ty Newydd is the opportunity to interact with other writers and the chance for some peace and tranquillity. "Writing can be a lonely business and Ty Newydd offers the rare chance for writers and those interested in writing to interact and swap ideas as well as develop their skills into new directions." The centre came about thanks to the determination of internationally renowned Welsh poet Gillian Clarke who saw back in 1988 that there was a need for a writing centre for Wales because of the nation's great literary tradition. "There were two existing centres in Devon and Yorkshire but there was nothing for writers in Wales," said Gillian. "The arts council was very keen to set up a writing centre but as is always the case there was a lack of money and they asked me if I would raise it. "Although I am no longer the director I still take an interest because of the work and time I put into the place. "We needed £25,000 but many writers from all over the country were ready to support the cause and gave anything between £5 to £7,000 from their own pockets and we soon came up with the cash. It took two years until we could open our doors to writers. "Then came the two most important additions to the venture the acquirement of Ty Newydd and the appointment of Sally Baker as director." The day to day running of the centre has been the responsibility of Sally Baker since 1990. "Ty Newydd was chosen partly because it was felt that there was a need for the centre to be in North Wales to help show people in the South that a vibrant Welsh language literary scene did exist and of course because the location is perfectly suited to provide a tranquil location." Both Sally and Gillian have very definite ideas about the role the centre has to play in Welsh literary life. "We have strong roots in the community and we work very closely with local schools. "There are also poetry nights we arrange and A level students and students from Coleg Meirion Dwyfor have access to the centre's resources," said Sally. "But Ty Newydd has a strong national role which projects Gwynedd and the local literature to the rest of the country," she added. "I think that this centre is essential to the future of literature in Wales," said Gillian. The centre's reputation rests on the quality of the courses it has on offer for prospective scribes. One of the numerous writers who have taught at the centre is local poet Twm Morys. "I think it's very important to have a literary centre at the heart of a Welsh speaking region with so many creative people at it's heart," said Twm. "It's important that writers have places like Ty Newydd where they can find like-minded people and of course the freedom to compose their material without hindrance." One course available is in the less familiar discipline of story telling run by Fiona Collins who believes that literature is at the very heart of the Welsh national identity. "There is a great oral tradition of storytelling in Wales which stretches back thousands and thousands of years to the days before books were invented. "Being an outsider and a Welsh learner I have seen how closely writing is tied into the culture of Wales and this course and this centre is a way of perpetuating that. "It's wonderful to see this because unlike in England literature in Wales is not the domain of academics, it is something that everyone seems to enjoy." The idea of literature as something for everyone to appreciate is also close to the heart of director Sally Baker. "People worry that they have to have a pile of qualifications to attend courses at Ty Newydd. "This is not the case, anoyone can come here and if they are worried about the cost then there are bursaries available. "But I would recommend people to phone us for a chat before committing to a course to make sure that we have something to offer their creativity." Details on 01766 522811. | 
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