Y Wladfa - (Patagonia)

Extracts from a documentary made in 1961 about the Welsh colony founded in the Chubut province of Argentina in 1865. The original Welsh settlers were looking for a "New Wales" where they could live free from the influences and domination of English. They were offered land in the still unconquered and unexplored area of the Chubut valley in Patagonia. After initial hardships they began to prosper and opened further settlements inland away from Porth Madryn right up to Cwm Hyfryd in the foothills of the Andes. Bonds have been strengthened in recent years between Wales and Y Wladfa with support from the Welsh Assembly Government. There is now a Welsh school and frequent visits between the 2 countries to compete in Eisteddfods and other cultural exchanges. On a recent visit to Argentina, the Welsh rugby team played one of their test matches in the "old colony" to highlight and strengthen this link. There are also links between the Welsh of Patagonia and the Welsh communities in the USA, Canada and Australia.
A lot has changed in the 50 years since this was made and this may be of particular interest to the peoples of the townships of Trelew, Gaiman etc. Especially the families of the people who were featured in the documentary.