Ar Agor!

What a twelve months it has been for Penparcau Community Forum!

The state of euphoria and pleasure in finding out that our successful application for major funding from the Welsh Government soon turned into a year long journey of highs and lows to build and complete our new Community Hub. However, we’ve done it!

A small local community based Charity has finally delivered for the people of Penparcau a shiny new Community Hub…….what an achievement and I feel very proud to have played a part in the rollercoaster journey it turned out to be.

We need to thank our Architects (Catalina Architecture), Contractors (HD Construction) Trustees, Staff, Volunteers, our Elected Representatives and our Funders who have all helped to make our dream and vision a reality……diolch yn fawr iawn!

Got to keep your hand in!

Rhydian the apprentice

That initial journey all started with funding from the Peoples Health Trust to enable us to have those ‘local conversations’ within Penparcau.

The ‘local conversations’ highlighted the need for new, accessible and modern facilities for all to benefit from.

We’ve come a long way since those initial conversations and by building social capital with our Trustees, Volunteers and our residents we are creating a truly resilient community. We always believed that Penparcau is a resilient community. However, delivering a new facility such as the Community Hub creates a focus for our residents to access and capitalise on all the opportunities the Hub brings to our community.

 

Level 2 Food Hygiene course

Moreover, we’ve already seen a huge increase in people seeking volunteering opportunities with the Forum and especially within the community cafe development. In addition, we’ve seen a marked increase in partnership working with individuals and institutions charged with working in Penparcau. All of which bodes well for the future of Penparcau Community Forum and for Penparcau in general.

Dot Griffiths (one of our Volunteers) switching the Christmas lights on..

Nadolig Llawen pawb!

Finally, a big thank you to Alun Davies AM, Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services for doing the honours on the day.

Bryn Jones

Penparcau Forum Co-ordinator