Powys Localities Initiative / Menter Ardaloedd Powys

Why? / Pam?

To create a Library of Things in Llanidloes which will enable people to share tools and household goods across the community.

What? / Beth?

The Library of Things is a store of useful tools and equipment to borrow - like a carpet cleaner, wall paper stripper, hedge trimmer, stairgate, camping equipment. It saves us all from having lots of stuff in our cupboards that we rarely use and it means those who can't afford to buy can still get access to things they need. It helps supports a more sustainable lifestyle and better community resilience by reducing waste, increasing community cohesion and supporting those struggling with the cost of living increase. Since we received the Localities Initiative funding, we have surveyed the local community via social media to see what kind of things they would like to borrow and whether they had any tool and equipment to offer - and found that there was huge enthusiasm for the project. We have found premises, appointed a 1 day per week project officer, secured insurance and begun receiving donated tools and equipment. We organised a volunteer work day to check, PAT test, clean, photograph and catalogue all the items. We have joined the national Benthyg organisation which has been invaluable - they have templates and suggestions for all the policies, procedures, membership forms etc and it also gives us access to Lend Engine, the website to enable online booking of our items. We are aiming to go live by the end of September and are currently looking for ongoing funding.

Where? / Ble?

Llanidloes - though the Library of Things is available to those living in the surrounding area as well

Who? / Pwy?

Zero Carbon Llanidloes; The Hanging Gardens/ The Wilderness Trust; Benthyg. To find out more, please contact Maya Bimson (mayabimson@hotmail.com) or Sammy Pilpel (llani.libraryofthings@outlook.com) Llanidloes Library of Things Facebook Group

Why? / Pam?

To move the existing collection of 5000 heritage model cars from Montgomery to Llanfair Caereinion. To install these with promotional signage and electrical connections and services in to premises licensed to us from the Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway Preservation Society.

What? / Beth?

To achieve wider recognition and increase visitor numbers for an attraction/collection unique in Wales.

To set up a group of experienced stewards and guides who can explain the display and provide information on an important motoring heritage collection, to car clubs, motor enthusiasts, schools and the wider public.

Moving and enhancing the collection with additional lighting, cases etc has taken several trustees of the charity and others interested, several months. It is an evolving process, the museum is unique and supporting documentation is constantly being added.

Cloverlands has excellent parking, disabled access and it's popularity is being promoted by leaflets and social media.

Where? / Ble?

Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway, SY21 0SF

Who? / Pwy?

The five trustees plus friends and supporters. We have a Facebook presence https://www.facebook.com/cloverlandsmuseum and have distributed 4000 leaflets. A new website is being developed. The railway station office is advised of all our opening days (www.wllr.org.uk)

Why? / Pam?

• Bring different individuals and groups together to talk about a range of issues relevant to the area - connecting local community members, volunteers & statutory agencies
• Celebrate what works and is great about the area
• Get a clearer understanding of what works, what barriers exist and what the community needs
• Create more awareness of local groups etc. and opportunities for volunteers to get involved in different initiatives that they’re interested in and thus identifying local individuals and groups that have skills
• Kick start a plan and new projects – an action plan for afterwards

What? / Beth?

Activities

We will deliver a series of workshops, events and meetings to gather thoughts and ideas from the Llanfyllin Locality on: the environment (climate change), services, asset mapping, social and other issues – from lighting, community access to spaces, playgrounds and leisure areas, transport and much more.

We will use creative consultation methods to engage with individuals and groups across the locality. We are particularly keen to reach people who would not usually get involved or share their views through traditional surveys. We intend to have initial conversations across the locality which will then inform more in-depth conversations around certain topics.

We have attended existing events, such as Llanfyllin Show and Llanfyllin Food Fair, to start some initial conversations and deliver workshops with smaller groups that will take place in different areas across the locality. These will include:

• Open access sessions in local venues, e.g. community hall, outdoor spaces. These will include a creative activity and the opportunity to make food together and have lunch
• Open access sessions within spaces that are frequented by local people, for example the local café or pub
• Targeted sessions – working with already existing groups, for example young carers or a knit & knatter group and with local primary schools

Topics to explore:

• Environmental - low carbon / climate change – what would help local people and services achieve this (Partners for delivery – BRACE (https://www.brace.cymru/), any others?)
• Services – playgrounds / community halls / child care / transport / libraries – e.g. opening up and / or identifying safe routes – walking, cycling - through villages / towns, existing services – do they need updating / relocating, services not available that should be (Partners for delivery - community halls, schools, Tanat Valley coaches)
• Digital – what works / what doesn’t / what do we need – from car charging to broadband (Partners - ? – poss other communities that have already undertaken projects that may be replicable?)
• Social – access to spaces / things for people to do that support health & wellbeing, linking existing events across the locality (Crefft Cymru etc.) (Partners for delivery - PAVO Community Connectors, Community halls and other groups)
• Open – what other things do people want to raise / bring that may or not be broadly covered by the above (e.g. volunteers, employment – particularly young people, suitable office space, community fridges)

We are keen to use this as an opportunity to engage with possible volunteers for different groups and we will be asking people what skills that have, what their interests are and try to link people and groups together.

Service Mapping

Asset map using aDoddle - https://adoddle.org/

Where? / Ble?

Cain, Tanat & surrounding Valleys

Who? / Pwy?

Sian Walters or Barbara Carbon - helo@artsconnection.org.uk | 01691 648 929 or for more info https://artsconnection.org.uk/futuredesigns/

Why? / Pam?

To expand and develop the Visit Brecon design concept for businesses, festivals and attractions to all use on new and revised signage and welcome material for the town and on their own messaging.

What? / Beth?

In early 2022 Brecon Buzz concluded a review of the Signage, Welcome & Walking information for Brecon. Many of the desired outcomes required partners in the town (Brecon Town Council, Powys, y Gaer, Theatr Brycheiniog, the Cathedral, The Regimental Museum, the Brecon Story Network, businesses and festivals to agree to some agreed messaging and a shared look and feel.

We were given the agreement of Brecon Town Council to expand and develop the Visit Brecon concept for all to use on new and revised signage and welcome material. This required a workshop with a designer and a facilitator to reach a consensus.

The funding has allowed us to hold this workshop with partners in the town and we are now awaiting the design suggestions from the designer who is responding to the design brief that the facilitator created for us following the workshop.

Our next steps are to get agreement from those that attended the workshop and begin to use the branding on the banners, maps and way-marking assets that we are sourcing for the town.

Where? / Ble?

Brecon

Who? / Pwy?

Attendees at the workshop were the Town Clerk, 3 Town Councillors, 3 Brecon Buzz Directors (all business owners in the town), 2 representatives from The Regimental Museum, the Director of Theatr Brycheiniog, tourism manager at Powys CC, 2 representatives from Brecon Story, the owner of The Muse and volunteer for Brecon Frazz Parade, 1 representative from Brecon cathedral plus the designer and a workshop facilitator. All enquiries to Punch Maughan, Brecon Buzz Director via planning@breconbuzz.co.uk

Why? / Pam?

To reduce the club’s water bill and conserve a precious natural resource. Talgarth Bowling Club is fortunate to have a band of dedicated volunteers who care and maintain the bowling green throughout the year. A necessary part of this is the irrigation system which uses mains water. However, our volunteer gardeners also need water to maintain the floral displays which have multiplied since the club first got involved with the Grow for Talgarth Project three years ago.

What? / Beth?

In an effort to benefit the environment and reduce the strain on mains water, the club has upgraded its rainwater harvesting system. Two 1000 litre tanks are in place, together with piping and tap fittings. The aim is to collect rainwater from the club house roof throughout the autumn and winter months and use the water for the floral displays in the bowling season. Once we have some significant rainfall, the siting of the down pipes will be reviewed to maximise rainwater harvesting from the roof of the club house.

Where? / Ble?

Talgarth Bowling Green, King George V Playing Fields, Talgarth

Who? / Pwy?

Talgarth Bowling Club Trustees, Committee and Members, Grow for Talgarth, On the Verge, Talgarth Town Council, Old Railway Line Nursery

https://www.facebook.com/talgarthbowls/

Why? / Pam?

The Josef Herman Art Foundation Cymru is a charitable company working across communities and targeting young & disadvantaged people, increasing access & participation in the arts. We work in the upper Swansea Valley & SW Wales, particularly Ystradgynlais, with our collection presently hosted by The Welfare. The Foundation is dedicated to supporting human rights, education and improving access to and promoting an appreciation of Herman’s life and work and supporting wider participation in the arts.

The Covid lockdown has showed that we need to establish new inclusive and flexible ways of working, as people have not been able to socialise in person for over a year. This proposal enables us to work in partnership with the Friends of Diamond Park to develop an educational learning & workshop programme that families, young people, groups & individuals can participate in & the further development of an Ystradgynlais Heritage trail, including conducted walks highlighting the rich natural and heritage environment, referencing green connectors and developing a sense of place, especially for families and young people. This will also include supporting our digital and app development, with heritage trails available online for people to enjoy either virtually or physically.

The proposal will also support our longer term aims of applying for museum status for our collection of original artwork, and our long term vision of developing our own heritage and educational centre. The aim of the proposal is to support cultural and tourism development benefiting the local economy & bring much needed tourism to the area.

What? / Beth?

Our project supports the development of an educational programme of workshops and conducted walks including our new Josef Herman in Ystradgynlais Heritage Trail and the development of a programme of conducted nature and heritage walks in the local area, including Diamond Park. To date, we have worked with a collection of local schools in our catchment area, including Ysgol Bryn Tawe, Ysgol Gellionnen and Ysgol Bro Myrddin in June and July and we intend to welcome a further 3 schools from the Brecon and Abergavenny areas in late September and early October. Our schools programme includes engaging local artists in short residencies and bringing schools to Ystradgynlais to see our art collection and then taking part in a heritage trail. Resultant artwork produced by children during each visit has also resulted in temporary exhibitions at The Welfare in Ystradgynlais.

The project also includes several heritage walks, in partnership with Friends of Diamond Park and our first event, on 29th August included a BioBliz with specialist mycologist Emma Williams looking at coalspoil fungi in Diamond Park and on the two local nature reserves. Emma is undertaking a more general fungi walk around the park in September and is undertaking a fungi survey of the area. Other walks planned include a bat walk with Neil Price, a walk on natural park management with David Evans and a walk on the history on mining with Gerwaint Roberts. All walks will be advertised locally and in our social media Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JHAFCymru/.

Work is also underway on improved signage for our Josef Herman Heritage Trail, with the erection of 3 large heritage plaques marking the different sites of residence of the Herman family whilst living in Ystradgynlais and a further 7 smaller plaques marking locations of specific interest to the artist. This also includes the development and printing of a new heritage trail booklet to accompany our first Josef Herman trail, but this one concentrating on the industrial and natural heritage of the area of Diamond Park, and the Werm Plemys and Ystradfawr Nature Reserves. The new booklet and map trail will encourage people to participate in more walks, increasing their local knowledge and their interest in the industrial heritage and natural history of the area.

Finally, we are also commissioning a series of 7 pop-up banners of miner’s panels by Josef Herman for use in major events such as the National Eisteddfod, which will assist us in promoting Ystradgynlais and the surrounding area.

Where? / Ble?

All workshop and conducted walks will take place in Ystradgynlais, and especially in both the Welfare and in Diamond Park, increasing a sense of place in an area with a rich natural, cultural and industrial heritage.

Who? / Pwy?

The project has involve a wide range of people to date, including several local schools, artists, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Friends of Diamond Park, Swansea University of the Third Age, Blodau (Ystradgynlais), the Big Skill, Action for Elders, Brecknock Wildlife Trust and Credu (Thursday club, primarily for carers). All activities are free and people are warmly invited to take part in walks and talks being organised.

For more information, please visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/JHAFCymru/ or please contact Pete Bryan on 01269 826942 or email pbryan5294@aol.com.

Why? / Pam?

To work with groups of people from three different communities in order to determine if there is enough interest to justify having a shared car.

What? / Beth?

Llandrindod Wells: We had one meeting with about 10 interested people. We then had a stand at the Carnival which brought in a few more people. We currently have expressions of interest from 12 people. We are planning on having another meeting in September to bring all those who are interested together and work on the details

Ceinws: 25 people expressed an interest via their local WhatsApp group, only 5 turned up to the initial meeting, but these 5 were enthusiastic and promised to spread the word. We are planning another meeting in September to find out where they are at and to go from there.

Carno: We attended the Carno Show with a car. We are having our first meeting at the end of September in the community centre.

The challenge is knowing how serious people are about their likely use of the car and in keeping the momentum going and people interested.

Where? / Ble?

Llandrindod Wells, Ceinws and Carno

Who? / Pwy?

https://www.tripto.org.uk/

To express interest in the Ceinws Car Club: https://forms.gle/4yJaTDAnPu7rTixt5

To express interest in the Llandrindod Car Club: https://forms.gle/WuCWGgxtFofrRn9y5

Why? / Pam?

Dolydd Gobaith is a recently acquired 30 acre community forest farm run for the benefit of the local community and the environment. We have been successful in raising over £200,000 from the local community and from grant giving agencies to purchase this land and to make significant improvements in terms of public access, increasing biodiversity and in providing volunteer opportunities and training.

We have identified a need to be more sustainable in our operations by raising external income and reducing our need on public grants. We wished to engage the services of a suitably qualified specialist to work with us in producing a long term sustainable plan which will focus on business opportunities as well as increasing our reach within our local community.

What? / Beth?

We have already identified a need for the CIC to be more financially sustainable whilst providing the maximum benefit to the environment and to the local community. In addition to this, our volunteer feedback surveys and evaluations have identified the need for more heritage based courses, workshops and activities in our locality. These surveys have been formal in nature and are ongoing. Surveys have been completed by all demographic groups including young families, single parents, young people, older people and people experiencing mental or physical challenges.

Through our Planning for Sustainability Report, the local community will benefit from more opportunities to connect with nature through a wide range of heritage based paid courses, workshops and activities. These could include hedge laying, plant and animal ID, woodworking, environmental art, nature based photography courses, dark sky events, family based courses, bee keeping, growing organic veg, orchard management etc. Participants will be able to learn new skills and take an enhanced role in our ongoing sustainable development. We are hoping that the Report will also identify areas in which we can partner with local business and entrepreneurs in providing local employment and opportunities for them to expand in to environmental services too (for example tree nursery, wild camping, yoga retreats etc).

Where? / Ble?

Our project is taking place at our small community farm - Dolydd Gobaith (Fferm Goedwig Gymunedol Dyffryn Tanat Valley Community Forest Farm) Hafotty Ganol, Pen-Y-Garnedd, Llanrhaeadr Ym Mochnant, Oswestry, Powys, SY10 0AW

Who? / Pwy?

Our website is https://dolydd-gobaith.cymru/about/ and our facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/dolyddgobaith

Why? / Pam?

Our aim is to formally evaluate our outside learning and wellbeing project

What? / Beth?

Working with ER Arts we have completed the first stage of the project and designed a comprehensive and creative evaluation framework for our autumn sessions. School groups are ready to come and we are very excited about the children's learning and what we will learn from the process.

Where? / Ble?

In the Nature classroom at Nature-Child, Talgarth

Who? / Pwy?

People can contact us through our website https://nature-child.org/

or email office@nature-child.org