Polish girl in Ruthin falls in love with Wales at Llangollen

Aug 7 2008 By David Simister

A POLISH pupil in Ruthin says she has been won over by the Welsh way of life after volunteering at last month’s Llangollen Eisteddfod.

Patricia Sot, 15, moved to the Vale recently after growing up in her native Poland and said she had never heard of Llangollen or the International Eisteddfod, where she volunteered to do work experience between July 8 and July 13.

"Llangollen is a small town with a huge purpose. This festival helps remind you that the world is not divided by race. Art and music bring people together and the Eisteddfod makes this happen" she said.

"You just have to feel the atmosphere and the enthusiasm grows in you."

Patricia, who studies at Ysgol Brynhyfryd, spent the week working as a volunteer at the Competitors’ Club, and was so pleased with her time there that she is hoping to return as a worker at next year’s Eisteddfod.

In a heartfelt letter thanking staff at the Eisteddfod, Patricia said that Llangollen was a perfect place for everyone and that the Eisteddfod had been a hugely important time in her life.

"Before my work experience, I had wondered about going back to Poland because I felt like a stranger from another planet here in Wales - but I changed my mind after the Eisteddfod" she said.

This year’s International Eisteddfod, held at the town’s Royal International Pavilion, saw over 45,000 people attend to watch musicians and artists from 50 different countries performing.