Is this the first singing Welsh baby toy?
INTERNATIONAL ORDERS FOR ANGLESEY COUPLE’S PRODUCT
AN Anglesey couple have created a toy that sings in Welsh which is being shipped across the world.
Awena and Baron Walkden believe they have designed and created the “world’s first Welsh singing toy” after the birth of their daughter Cari Mon.
When Cari Mon, now two, was born, the couple couldn’t find any toys that could sing in Welsh so they decided to make one themselves.
Awena said: “When I was on maternity leave, I realised there was a real lack of Welsh products on the market and, after Cari was born, we felt it was a shame she didn’t have anything in her own language.
“When we came up with the idea there was a lot of interest from family and friends.”
The couple, who live in Llangefni, started their own company, Si-lwli Cymru, and created a colourful, singing star called Y Seren Swynol which sings Welsh nursery rhymes.
Y Seren Swynol took two years to develop and the couple preordered 1,000 to sell.
The star features five nursery rhymes from Cwm Rhyd Y Rho- syn by Dafydd Iwan and Edward and is aimed at 0-3 year olds.
Awena, 32, said: “It has been a massive risk for us. It is something we have become passionate about and the Welsh language needs something like this.
“We ordered 1,000 stars because we weren’t sure how many we would need but now we only have 160 left. We’ve had orders from Australia, New Zealand, Asia and Europe.”
It has been a busy year for the couple, who also welcomed their son Mabon into the world four months ago.
Awena, who works part-time as a solicitor, added: “Welsh children and learners love it, it means parents can sing-a-long with their children. We are trying to make learning the Welsh language fun.
“We feel we have hit a bit of a niche with it so we are going to be doing another product. It is all going to be Welsh toys because we want to increase Welsh toys on the market.”
The company will be selling the star at Llandudno Christmas Fayre. The toy is on offer at an introductory price of £19.95.
For more information visit: www.silwlicymru.co.uk