recorded as having, with Quarter Bach, the highest levels of Welsh speakers in Carmarthenshire. According to the 2001 Census, 81.28% (1961:91% :1991:80.5%) of the population have one or more skills in Welsh with 60.83% able to speak, read and write it. In a survey conducted by Mori for Carmarthenshire County Council in 2000 people were asked how well they spoke Welsh. In the Gwendraeth valley 47% said very well, 17% said fairly well, 10% said not very well with 25% saying not at all. Menter Cwm Gwendraeth, the first community Welsh language initiative is based at Pontyberem. Menter Cwm Gwendraeth started in 1991 following the successful Urdd Gobaith Cymru and National Eisteddfod held in the Gwendraeth Valley. Both primary schools in Pontyberem, Pontyberem Primary School and Bancffosfelen Primary School, are Category A schools where the majority of the curriculum is taught through the medium of Welsh. Schools Ysgol Gynradd Pontyberem / Pontyberem Primary School Ysgol Gynradd Bancffosfelen / Bancffosfelen Primary School Sport Rugby union - Pontyberem Rugby Football Club : Pontyberem Recreational Park, Heol Y Parc, Pontyberem Football (soccer) - : Pontyberem Recreational Park, Heol Y Parc, Pontyberem Cricket - Pontyberem C.C. Notable people Arthur Daniels (1922–2001) – Wales and Great Britain rugby league international John Jones (Shoni Sguborfawr) (1811–1858) – Demolished the toll gates at Pontyberem during the Rebecca Riots Nigel Owens (1971– ) – International rugby union referee Dorothy Squires (1915–1998) – Singer Arthur "Waring" Bowen (1922–1980) – founder of Arthritis Care Rob Wainwright (civil servant) (1967– ) – Partner Deloitte Jonny Clayton (1974– ) – Professional Darts Player References External links Welsh Coal Mines Contains detailed information on Pontyberem, Glynhebog, Gwendraeth (Watney) and Pentremawr collieries. Pontyberem Miner's Lamp A vision of Pontyberem CP Contains information on Population, Housing,Historic Boundaries and Census Reports. Carmarthenshire County Council/Cyngor Sir Caerfyrddin website Contains census information regarding Pontyberem Rebecca Riots in Pontyberem Carmarthenshire www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Pontyberem and surrounding area Communities in Carmarthenshire Villages in Carmarthenshire