"Croeso i Sir Fynwy!" and "Dwi'n dysgu Cymraeg" have proved very useful expressions for me (a humble Welsh learner!) over the last couple of weeks as Monmouthshire welcomed the Eisteddfod to Abergavenny for the first time in a hundred years.

Any doubts there may have been about the wisdom of bringing this celebration of Welsh language and culture to arguably the most anglicised corner of Wales soon evaporated as English and Welsh -speaking crowds alike descended upon the Castle Meadows to enjoy the entertainment and (for the most part!) glorious sunshine.

Monmouthshire is renowned for its friendliness and hospitality and she certainly did not disappoint!

If I felt one sadness at the special, bilingual service in the beautiful St Mary's Priory Church it was that the late Father Jeremy Winston was not with us to see this chapter in Abergavenny's rich history.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales had, only a few weeks before, attended St Mary's for the unveiling of the beautiful, new stained glass window dedicated to the former priest of Abergavenny.

I'm pleased to have been able to play my own small part in raising the funds by hosting a pub quiz in the Priory Centre - can I take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped with fundraising to make this fitting memorial to Father Jeremy a reality.

Anyone wishing to see the window can find it at the eastern end of the David Lewis Chapel, named after the first Principal of Oxford's Jesus College, who was born in the town and is interred in the church.

The important contribution to Welsh education made by this 16th Century Welsh-speaking son of Y-Fenni and founder of the "friendly college" has been too often overlooked and hopefully a new plaque (not too distant from the new window as it happens) commemorating his life and work will help redress the balance.

Finally, it's an honour to have been elected chairman of the crucial Public Accounts Committee - charged with overseeing the spending of the assembly's substantial £15 billion budget - in the first ever set of elections to the Assembly's all-important scrutiny committees.

I have long campaigned for Assembly scrutiny to be beefed-up and I firmly believe that the creation of committee chairs that are independent of their political parties - and their leaders - represents an important step forward in the maturing of Welsh democracy.

Tan tro nesa!