Communities First
March 2003 Update
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Communities First
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Become a member of ecodyfi We want everybody in the Valley to join, so it only costs £1. Drop into Ty Bro Dyfi or send some stamps. The information centre is open Monday to Friday between 10.00 and 3.00. You might even like to get involved in staffing it or in helping to run a project. Please come and see us!
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In the Communities First section |
The Dyfi Valley Communities First Programme has made steady progress during January and February.
The Facilitator, Cyril Evans, is arranging meetings and events with some of the identified interest groups as the Community consultation process continues to try and find out the needs, views and interests of the community.
Cyril said, "This programme is new and exiting and different, in that the Welsh Assembly Government want to know what you want, and how you want to make it happen. I would welcome the opportunity to listen to anybody's views, suggestions and ideas regarding the future of the Dyfi Valley because probably for the first time, the people that matter - you, yourselves, now have a real opportunity to determine the sustainable regeneration of this beautiful valley of ours".
If you would like to find out more about Communities First then drop in for a chat as an individual, or if you would like Cyril to address your group or organisation, then please contact the office to make arrangements.
The Communities First office has now moved to permanent premises at Ty Bro Ddyfi, which is a 'Community Enterprise Centre' managed by Ecodyfi, and shared with other community organisations.
The new contact details and address being: Cymunedau'n Gyntaf - Bro Ddyfi - Communities First, Ty Bro Ddyfi, 52 Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth, Powys, SY20 8DT. Tel: 01654 700315 E-Mail: Cyril@powys.gov.uk.
The
Steering group recently elected a young and enthusiastic Chairperson in
Iona Sawtell.
Iona came to live in the Machynlleth area in 1995 with the intention of staying and working in the area for a period of six months, but in her own words, she said " I loved it so much that I have lived here ever since".
During her eight years in the area, Iona has had a variety of jobs, with a common theme of working with groups, these include working at Ysgol Bro Ddyfi, the Centre for Alternative Technology, as a labourer on building projects, as well as being a child minder.
When asked about her current employment, Iona said " I am currently a member of a team working all over Powys for 'Powys Mediation' on a programme that helps school children learn to resolve their own conflicts. I also work part-time at 'Celtica' and am part of a new local organisation 'Fideo I Bawb', carrying out participatory video workshops".
With an obvious enthusiasm and a love of the area, Iona, who has learnt the language and is able to work through the medium of Welsh. said "I feel that Communities First is a positive initiative, and I also believe strongly in the ethos of taking time and using a variety of methods to involve the people of Bro Ddyfi in deciding the best way forward for the Valley's future".
Despite enjoying the variety of work that she does, Iona says that she is more interested in living than working, and that she devotes a lot of her time to knowing and enjoying the Dyfi Valley.
The Facilitator, Cyril Evans explained that "whilst Iona represents Cadfarch on the steering group along with Sioned Pughe, Machynlleth is represented by both Andy Rowland and Myra Francis, with the Glantwymyn representatives being Gwilym Fychan and Ann Williams.
Hedd Bleddyn Williams is the only representative for Llanbrynmair for the time being, but the steering group is shortly to be expanded, not only with the addition of another geographical representative for Llanbrynmair, but also others, so that the considerable experience, skills and knowledge of the area that the group already posses are both complimented and even extended upon as the need arises".
Cyril is concerned that as many people put forward their ideas and suggestions as possible and said "it is really important in order to ensure the success of this programme that anyone who wants to, has an input, and if someone has no wish to attend any meetings or events, then please approach any member of the group or myself to put forward any views you may have on the future needs of the Dyfi Valley"
The Bro Ddyfi Communities First Facilitator and Steering Group are also supported by both Sarah Deaves, who is the Principal Community Planning and Regeneration Officer with Powys County Council, and John Harrington of PAVO, who can be contacted by telephone on 01686 626220.
