Gwenno Teifi (full name Gwenno Teifi Ffransis, born 1987) is a Welsh language activist from Llanfihangel-ar-Arth, Wales. In February 2006 she became the first member of Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (The Welsh Language Society) to serve a jail sentence for a language protest in 11 years.[1]
Radio Carmarthenshire protest and jailing
editGwenno was arrested along with four other language protestors on 24 July 2004 at the studios of Radio Carmarthenshire in Narberth and charged with criminal damage.[2] She was jailed after refusing to pay the £200 compensation to Radio Carmarthenshire ordered by Carmarthen Magistrates Court.[3] She was sentenced to five days beginning 13 February 2006 at Eastwood Park Prison in Gloucestershire but released after three days for good behaviour.
Brantano's protest and second jailing
editShe was jailed a second time in July 2007 for refusing to pay a fine in connection with a language protest at Brantano's shoe store in Aberystwyth in October 2006.[4]
Morrisons supermarket protest and arrest
editGwenno was arrested again in connection with a language protest at Morrisons supermarket in Bangor on 27 January 2007.[5] She was not jailed.
Education
editGwenno has a degree in Welsh and International Politics from Aberystwyth University.[1]
Post-graduation
editGwenno worked in a Christian Mission House in Amsterdam, and is currently a Youth Officer in the Presbyterian Church of Wales. [6]
Family background
editHer father is long-time Welsh language activist Ffred Ffransis, currently the education spokesperson for Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, and her mother is another well-known activist, Meinir Ffransis (nee Evans). Thus Gwenno's grandfather was Gwynfor Evans, the first member of Plaid Cymru elected to Parliament.[1]
References
edit- ^ a b c "First language protester locked up in 11 years". icNorthWales. 14 February 2006. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^ "Language society leader must pay out after protest". icNorthWales. 20 April 2005. Retrieved 30 October 2014.
- ^ "Gwenno sentenced to 5 days in prison". Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg. 13 February 2006. Retrieved 10 March 2008.
- ^ "Language campaigner jailed for second time". Daily Post. 30 October 2014. Retrieved 10 March 2008.
- ^ "3 protesters arrested at supermaket blockade". Indymedia. 27 January 2007. Retrieved 10 March 2008.
- ^ "John a Rachel yn cyfarfod Gwenno Teifi". 11 September 2009.