Clwb Rotari Pwllheli Rotary Club
Writing Course
Funded Places for Local Students
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Nurturing creativity, confidence & ambition in the next generation of writers
Since 2009, the Rotary Club of Pwllheli has supported local students to attend the annual creative writing course at the Welsh National Writing Centre, held at TÅ· Newydd.
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Pwllheli Rotary sponsors young writers because we recognise the educational value of the programme, in fact we've funded two local students to attend every year since the inaugural in 2009.
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What's the course about?
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The 5-day residential course provides students with expert tuition in creative writing whilst enabling them to work alongside like-minded young people who are selected from local schools across Gwynedd. They not only benefit from developing their writing skills but also from building confidence, creativity and lasting connections.
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The course is held annually at the beautiful TÅ· Newydd in Llanystumdwy.
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What young people gain
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The Writing Course helps young people to:
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Develop their creative writing skills through expert guidance and constructive feedback
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Build confidence in expressing their ideas and sharing their voice
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Explore their creativity in a focused, inspiring environment away from everyday pressures
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Connect with like-minded peers who share a passion for writing
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Grow in self-belief and ambition, supporting their future educational and career aspiration
What parents can expect
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We know that sending a young person away on a residential course is a big step. The Writing Course is:
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Fully supervised by experienced instructors
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Delivered by Rotary in partnership with the team at the Welsh National Writing Centre at TÅ· Newydd
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Designed to be inclusive, supportive and development-focused
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A balance of challenge, care, reflection and enjoyment
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The long-term impact of the programme is reflected in the success of former participants. One of the first students sponsored by Pwllheli Rotary is now Head of English at Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor and actively encourages students to apply for the course!
2026 Course
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The 2026 course took place in February at TÅ· Newydd, Llanystumdwy.
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This year we support three students from Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor. Students competed for places by submitting a piece of creative writing, with the top three entries selected to attend.
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Sharing the Experience
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Following the course, sponsored students will attend a Rotary meeting to share their experiences and read examples of their work. These evenings are always inspiring and provide members with an opportunity to see firsthand the value of their support.
Welsh National Writing Centre
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The Welsh National Writing Centre, TÅ· Newydd, is Wales’s national centre for creative writing.
Based in Llanystumdwy, near Criccieth in North Wales, it serves as the country’s principal residential venue for writers’ development, training, and literary engagement, hosting courses, retreats, and cultural programmes.
Our Rotary commitment
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As a Rotary Club, we believe deeply in investing in young people. Each year, we sponsor two places (sometimes three) on the Writing Course course, covering the cost so that financial barriers do not prevent someone from taking part.
If you know a young person who would benefit from this opportunity — or if you’re a young person ready to challenge yourself and grow — we’d love to hear from you.
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The Writing Course doesn’t just teach creative writing, it empowers young people to find their voice and use it with confidence.