Tag: Community

Launch of the Pencaer Connected Community, Dec ’23

Following the successful grant bid to help create a more ‘connected community’ across the Pencaer area, and the appointment of ‘Purple Sue’ as the Community Link Officer, working alongside me, the Llanrhian Connected Community and Pencaer Community Council, we held a community meeting in St Nicholas Village Hall in December 23 to launch the Pencaer Connected Community and ask local people to help map the area.

Mapping the assets

With around 40 people there, and lots of mulled wine, we asked people to think about the assets across the area, both physical and people, the gaps, and ideas. This is what we came up with:

Physical Assets

  • St Nicholas Village Hall
  • Bird Observatory – Strumble
  • Climbing Cliffs – Strumble
  • Dinas Mawr Iron Age Fort
  • Garn Fawr
  • Coastal Path
  • Footpaths and bridleways
  • Lighthouse
  • YHA Pwllderi
  • Tregwynt Mansion
  • Tregwynt Woollen Mill and Cafe
  • Holy Springs – St Nicholas, Harmony, Llanwnda
  • Beaches – Abermawr, Aberbach, Pwllcrochan,
  • Churches  and Chapels– St Nicholas, Grantston, Llanwnda
  • Llangloffan Fen, Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales
  • Pontiago Garage
  • National Trust
  • Noticeboards – St Nicholas, Pontiago
  • Campsites – Strumble Camping, Trefechan Wen Camping, Hillfort Camping and Yurts, Treseisyllt Farm Camping, campsite at Trehilyn Farm, Tent and Camping St Nicholas. (Others?)
  • Yoga Studio Llanwnda
  • French Invasion Sites – Garn Gelli, Trehowell Farm

People and Groups

  • Pencaer Community Council
  • Pencaer Community Link Officer – Purple Sue
  • St Nicholas Village Hall Committee
  • Henner Womens Institute
  • Pembrokeshire Park Ranger
  • Local Historians and storytellers
  • Church and chapel congregations – St Nicholas, Harmony, Llanwnda
  • Fishguard Arts Society
  • Home Educators Group
  • Bluetits Swimming Group
  • Pilgrims
  • Sea Trust
One of the completed maps

Where are the gaps?

  • Directional sign to St Nicholas Village Hall
  • More noticeboards throughout Pencaer
  • Local names on relevant sites e.g. Afon Gleithegoch, Cnwc y Llygod etc.
  • Bus shelter in St Nicholas
  • More benches throughout Pencaer
  • Planters at village signs and around St Nicholas Village Hall
  • Return of Strumble Shuttle bus
  • Defibrillator needs updating and phone box needs painting in St Nicholas
  • Footpaths – better signposting for and improved general maintenance of public footpath network to include improved access and the creation of new rights of way
  • Regular Pencaer newsletter to include local tradespeople advertising
  • Community allotments
  • Community orchard
  • Churches need to be unlocked
  • Regular community gatherings in St Nicholas Village Hall
  • Address flooding issues and water drainage
  • Improve water quality
  • Central point for excess garden waste
  • Community dog walking group
  • Local tradespeople advertise on noticeboards

Ideas for Activities

  • Community garden
  • Community lunches
  • Groups in St Nicholas Village Hall – art and craft workshops, yoga, cooking group, bazaars, plant and food produce market, art exhibitions, open studios, Welsh learners group, knitting, children’s activities/parties
  • Whats -app community notification group
  • Tree planting
  • Walking group – e.g. U3A Ramblers, Pembs. Coastal Path Friends
  • Litter picking group
  • Nature/wildlife interest group
  • Celebration events
  • Music events – e.g. local bands
  • Regular seasonal café at St Nicholas Village Hall
  • Rhos- y-Caerau Chapel 300 year anniversary celebration

From this, Sue has been busy enlisting local volunteers to help, and a number of the ideas are in progress, including the knitting group, new benches, and the community lunch to name just a few. If you’d like to get involved, please get in touch!

Community Renewable Energy

Those who came to the recent event at Ysgol Croesgoch will know that a small group of residents have been exploring the possibilities of a community energy scheme. Managed by Llanrhian Community Council and supported by Gwelliant Trefin Improvement, the three-month project, funded by a grant of £10,600 from Cwmpas has completed a feasibility study into launching a community-led renewable energy project. Initially concentrating on Trefin, the objective was to explore ways of harnessing local energy sources aiming in the longer term, to reduce energy bills, create a community benefit fund, contribute to energy security and to reduce carbon emissions, preferably through a locally-led enterprise. 

A community engagement event discussing renewable energy options

 
A tender exercise was undertaken inviting other community energy groups or consultancies with relevant experience to bid for parts, or all aspects, of the feasibility study work. Cwm Arian Renewable Energy Ltd (CARE), as an established community renewable energy organisation, were awarded the tender in April, and completed the work by the end of June 2023. The comprehensive feasibility report outlines the renewable energy project possibilities given the areas resources, and which of these the community may be most supportive of. It also gives us a platform for future opportunities for community energy schemes across the wider Llanrhian ward. You can read a copy of the report here:

care-egni-trefin-feasibility-report-reva2-10072023Download

Pulse Survey Winter 2022/23

Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent Connected Community Pulse Survey. Intended to be a brief check-in to ‘take the pulse’ of the community, the below provides a brief summary of the responses and outlines the action plan based on the survey findings.

Respondents were asked to rate both the importance and their current satisfaction with community life in our area. They were also asked for unprompted feedback on what changes/additions would improve their quality of life.

Summary of Survey Findings

· Of the 56 responses received, 80% rated community life as important/very important to them.

· Over two-thirds of respondents (68%) are currently satisfied/very satisfied with community life in our area.

· More community events/activities was identified as a key theme to help improve quality of life in our neighbourhood. Broader participation from all age groups/locations was also mentioned.

· A focal point for community gatherings was highlighted, with local pubs having a key role to play here.

· Protecting the environment and living sustainably were also recognised as important areas for improving quality of life. Increasing biodiversity, reducing litter and finding ways to share/recycle resources were the principal themes.

· Improving access and maintenance of local footpaths was also desired. Linked to this, there was interest in establishing a local walking group with social and/or environmental activities.

· Respondents felt that having a local shop/post office would enhance their quality of life.

· A better, regular public transport service was also a common theme.

· Road safety was an area of concern with speed limits and enforcement mentioned by several respondents.

· Improved communication would also underpin all of the above areas – raising awareness and encouraging participation from all sectors of our community.

People gathering to celebrate the Jubilee in 2022

Action Plan

· The Connected Community team will continue to work on an improved communication framework using both online and non-digital means – expanding the reach of our current channels (social media, e-Bulletin, Llais Rhian) and exploring other routes (online Community Calendar, physical noticeboards).

· Enhanced communication will raise awareness of current community activities. Connected Community can help launch new activities by connecting interested people and sharing information on local venues. Email croeso@connectedcommunity.wales to support your project ideas.

· This survey identified establishing a neighbourhood walking group and maintaining local footpaths as specific project ideas. Connected Community will research options to progress these ideas. Please email croeso@connectedcommunity.wales to get involved.

· Infrastructure improvements are longer-term and involve multiple stakeholders. Connected Community will continue to work with partners across the county to raise awareness and share opportunities for the community to get involved.

Expanding the Community Link Officer role

Funded through Pembrokeshire County Council’s ‘Enhancing Pembrokeshire’ Grant, and supported by Llanrhian Community Council, the Llanrhian Connected Community project has been awarded £14,520 of funding to build on the progress made in 2021.

The project started in Jan 2021, with some modifications to the school hall at Ysgol Croesgoch to enable it to be used more frequently as a community venue, and also had an allocation of 240 hours for the year to employ a Community Link Officer. Following a recruitment process the role was awarded to Nia Jenkins in January 2021, and she has put in place the building blocks and been a key part of the team, which has also included a handful of volunteers who have been active in the community, organised events, and helped set the direction of travel for 2022.

It’s therefore good news that I’ve been successful in securing further funding for 2022 from the Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant, supported by Llanrhian Community Council, which means that the community link officer hours can be increased from the 240 hours allocated in 2021 to 540 hours in 2022. As Nia has indicated that she’d like to continue, I will be proposing to Llanrhian Community Council that we retain her services. However, I’d like to see if we can find someone in the community who might have the time and expertise to work alongside Nia as a second Community Link Officer, so if that’s you then read on.

Funded for one from January 2022 year, the Community Link Officer role is essential to the cohesion of the project with responsibility for a number of activities. The role is remunerated and will report to  Llanrhian Community Council.

The Community Link Officer(s) will:

  • Be responsible for the development and coordination of programs and events;
  • Develop and implement marketing plans to create awareness of and engagement with the project within the community;
  • Ensure the successful sharing of information and coordination of events;
  • Take bookings for the community hub at Ysgol Croesgoch;
  • Develop and maintain close relationships with community groups, key members of the community and local government agencies;
  • Remain aware of potential volunteer and financial opportunities that may help maintain the project in the future;
  • Report progress to Llanrhian Community Council,
  • Have the opportunity to shape the role to ensure that the project meets its objectives.

The Community Link Officer(s) role will be ideally suited to someone who:

  • Lives in the Llanrhian Community Council area;
  • Is an active and engaged member of the community;
  • Is a Welsh speaker;
  • Has experience of and can evidence community engagement;
  • Has marketing experience, including online marketing;
  • Is able to work with community groups and local government agencies;
  • Can work flexible hours when required (including evenings and weekends);
  • Is digitally competent and comfortable using video-conferencing technology;
  • Is reliable, diligent and passionate about the area we live in.

The funding allocation is for a total of 540 hours, and will be allocated between the link officers depending on expertise and available time to commit to the project. At a rate of £18 per hour, it will be paid by Llanrhian Community Council as gross, not PAYE, so the individuals appointed will need to take responsibility for their own tax and National Insurance contributions.

If you’d like a refresher on what the project is all about, you can visit the connected community website here or read a brief explainer here.

If you’d like to consider yourself for the role, please get in touch for an informal conversation or send an email to neilprior@outlook.com explaining why you’d be suitable for the role by Jan 5th 2022.

The Connected Community – an explainer

Our Connected Community project will be hosting the first ‘This is Your Community’ Day at Ysgol Gymunedol Croesgoch on 30th Oct 2021. If you’re not sure what it is, here’s an explainer of what the project is all about.

This is Your Community

What is it?

The Connected Community project is a ‘pathfinder’ project that is working to create a stronger and more resilient local community across the Llanrhian ward. It’s funded by the Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant and Llanrhian Community Council.

What is it doing?

A small team of local residents, including myself and Nia Jenkins, Community Link Officer, are working to help support and promote existing local community groups, understand the current and future needs of the community, and create a long-term vision for the betterment of our area.

The project has also enabled the school hall at Ysgol Croesgoch to be modified for wider community use, set up a website here, and is building a directory of voluntary, sporting and community groups, as well as a directory of local businesses to connect people and enterprise across our area.

We’ve also been working with Nesta who have chosen us as one of three pilots across Wales to generate insights, impact and learning which can help policy makers understand how national strategy can support communities to thrive. (We’re very excited about this!)

What does it mean for people in our area?

We’d like to be able to help ‘connect’ people to their community. That might be through small acts of everyday kindness, by introducing them to a community group that enables them to feel that they can make a contribution, by helping to combat loneliness and isolation, by networking between individuals and groups to generate ideas and projects, to promote our local businesses, and by running events that help raise aspirations and achievements. What we plan for the future will be based upon understanding the needs of people in our area, and may include tackling big topics such as housing, climate and tourism.

How will we know if we’re successful?

Working with communities can be complex, and to achieve big changes can take time. But, by taking it step by step, by building relationships across our area, and from the small acts of everyday kindness through to creating a long-term plan, we can strengthen people’s sense of belonging, and create a more resilient and connected community for all of us.

Who can get involved?

Anyone from across our area can get involved, whether you’re a full time resident or second-home owner. You might have a specific idea or skill, you might be able to volunteer, and even if you only have a little time to offer, we’d love to hear from you. This is about trying to strengthen what we already have and create change for the better, one step at a time, so get in touch with me or niajenkins@hotmail.com if you’d like to be a part of it.

Community Link Officer

Llanrhian Connected Community – Community Link Officer Job Description

Funded through Pembrokeshire County Council’s ‘Enhancing Pembrokeshire’ Grant, and supported by Llanrhian Community Council, the Llanrhian Connected Community project has been awarded £11,536 of funding to facilitate the establishment of a community hub utilising Ysgol Croesgoch’s School hall, the appointment of a Community Link Officer for one year, and provide funding for two print-runs of the Llais Rhian newsletter whilst developing its digital presence. The project will be supported by ‘in-kind’ voluntary contributions from local residents in the areas of business mentoring, environmental services and wellbeing and volunteering. The project will also consider establishing a Steering Board to help create momentum, provide direction and foster a sense of community ownership.

There a number of aims of the project, which are to promote:

  • Community cohesion – a community that is characterised by a common community identity and sense of belonging to the area for all residents;
  • Community resilience – to take collective action to increase the community’s resilience, to come together to identify and support vulnerable individuals,  and to take responsibility for the promotion of individual resilience;
  • Raising overall standards of achievement – through the business and professional mentoring scheme that we plan to run, supporting local people and by helping people to contribute to protecting our environment.

Funded for one year, the Community Link Officer is essential to the cohesion of the project with responsibility for a number of activities. The role is remunerated and will report to  Llanrhian Community Council.

The Community Link Officer will:

  • Be responsible for the development and coordination of programs and events;
  • Develop and implement a marketing plan to create awareness of and engagement with the project within the community;
  • Ensure the successful sharing of information and coordination of events;
  • Research and implement a community calendar to share projects and events with the community via every accessible method;
  • Take bookings for the community hub at Ysgol Croesgoch;
  • Develop and maintain close relationships with community groups, key members of the community and local government agencies;
  • Remain aware of potential volunteer and financial opportunities that may help maintain the project in the future;
  • Report progress to Llanrhian Community Council, and the Llanrhian Connected Community Steering Board (once established);
  • Have the opportunity to shape the role to ensure that the project meets its objectives.

The Community Link Officer role will be ideally suited to someone who:

  • Lives in the Llanrhian Community Council area;
  • Is an active and engaged member of the community;
  • Is a Welsh speaker;
  • Has experience of and can evidence community engagement;
  • Has marketing experience, including online marketing;
  • Is able to work with community groups and local government agencies;
  • Can work flexible hours when required (including evenings and weekends);
  • Is digitally competent and comfortable using video-conferencing technology;
  • Is reliable, diligent and passionate about the area we live in.

This role is for an initial period of one year to prove the concept, and will offer a salary of £4,320 for 240 hours work (20 hours per month). It will be paid by Llanrhian Community Council as gross, not PAYE, so the individual appointed will need to take responsibility for their own tax and National Insurance contributions.

If you are interested in applying for the role, please send your CV and covering letter explaining why you would be the ideal candidate to the Clerk of Llanrhian Community Council, Vanessa Walker, via email to vanessa.walker@outlook.com by 5pm, Friday 27th November 2020. Interviews will be conducted via Zoom following submissions and shortlisting, with a decision being made by Friday 11th December.

The starting date will be agreed with the successful individual following their appointment, but this is likely to be January 2021.

For an informal conversation and to find out more, please contact Neil Prior on cllr.neil.prior@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or 07834 093181.

Community Response to Coronavirus

From the arrival of COVID-19 in the UK, to the dreadful first wave that saw us move into a national lockdown, through the gradual unlocking over the summer months, and at the time of writing about to enter a second national ‘firebreak’ lockdown, our community response has been nothing short of incredible. Over the next few paragraphs I’d like to revisit the community response from my perspective as the County Councillor for the Llanrhian ward.

I learnt from the ‘Beast from the East’ water shortage in 2018 that there is an important local leadership role in being a Councillor. When the situation started to become very real and threatening in March of this year, it was clear to me that I needed to make sure that I was available and present for those who might need help, so my approach has been to:

  • Help lead a co-ordinated approach, but not tread on other’s toes
  • Communicate regularly and effectively
  • Offer help and support

On the 16th March I posted via my Facebook page and email newsletter a call for volunteers. Within a matter of days nearly 70 people had responded offering to help – in addition to all the ‘silent’ helpers who were already caring for loved ones, friends and neighbours across our community.

As the national picture got worse and worse, with an increasing death toll and giant field-hospitals being built in a matter of weeks, there was a real sense of fear and uncertainty, especially for older people and those with what the government described as ‘underlying health conditions’. By the time the UK had moved into lockdown on 23rd March though, our community was already supporting itself. We had volunteers doing shopping, our local shop and others from St Davids and Fishguard had set up systems for local deliveries (especially valuable as it was taking weeks to get a delivery slot from the big supermarkets), we had a process for prescription collections from St Davids and Solva, our local businesses had set up take-away operations, ‘Hello I can help…’ leaflets had been delivered across the area, and establishing a network of key contacts from Abereiddi to Castlemorris, it felt like a ‘connected community’ that was ready and able to deal with whatever was coming.

Tom’s thumb – an outstanding volunteer and individual

The community spirit didn’t end there: we had a ‘guide to zoom’ written and a number of zoom socials, a ‘Connected Community’ App built and a facebook page established, and a magnificent effort from local residents making facemasks free of charge for those in the community and key workers, along with the PATCH and St Davids Food Pod volunteer efforts to help those less fortunate than others. We also had people making friendly phone-calls, taking out neighbours bins, and supporting those who were later instructed to ‘shield’ themselves.

From that initial flurry of activity, things settled down, people established routines, our local shops and establishments adapted, and the amazing community spirit saw friends, family, neighbours and volunteers all helping each other out. On the flip side, there were some community tensions, especially around the visitor economy and interpretation of the rules and guidelines, but thankfully, most people followed the regulations, and where there were genuine concerns these were directed through the correct channels.

Cleo’s mass production of face masks

We then started to see a gradual ‘unlocking’, with new initiatives like booking systems for the Waste & Recycling Centres, schools reopening before the summer holidays, boats back in the water, the ‘stay local’ restrictions being lifted, and of course unlocking tourism from early July.

The visitor economy is worth £585m p/a to Pembrokeshire, and supports over 11,500 full time equivalent jobs with 80% of tourism operations being micro-businesses. It’s hugely important to our local economy and the council prepared for the unlocking by putting many new initiatives in place. When we did reopen the doors though, Pembrokeshire felt like the busiest place on earth. Throughout that time I was able to support individuals and help local communities, but there were some things that really stretched us across the whole of the county and put a huge strain on council resources. So whilst the council didn’t get everything right, I am encouraged for the future in that the ‘zero to 100’ arrival of tourism highlighted, with a fresh view, the impact of tourism on our communities. It’s something that we definitely need to heed for the future.

Over the past seven months, I’ve never been busier as a County Councillor. I’ve been privileged to be able to support many people and communities, I’ve enjoyed writing a regular email newsletter that now reaches around 250 people, and I remain committed to the principles I outlined above as we enter what might be a long and difficult winter. Looking ahead it’s important that we hold on to that community spirit and continue to support one another through the turbulent times still to come. The last word, however, goes to a Croesgoch resident who sums up our community at its best:

We have never been ones to go out and meet lots of people but we have known that over these last months we have so many ‘friends’ that are there if we needed anything. We have a genuine  support system in Croesgoch which we hope never diminishes.

Croesgoch Resident

Community Consultation

At Llanrhian Community Council, we’ve been thinking about what to do with the playpark and pavilion in Trefin. You might not even know it’s there, but some years ago the field was transformed into a multi-sports court, a pavilion, a playpark, a small astro-turf area and an open community space. If you know it, you’ll also know that it’s now looking very sorry for itself.

That’s why we want to get the community involved to offer some ideas for what it could be used for again, and so there’s a ‘Community Consultation’ event on Saturday March 14th from 10am to 1pm at Trefin Village Hall, where you can say your piece or just find out more. Even if you can only pop in for 10 minutes, it would be great to see people there to contribute. The event is being supported by PLANED, and whilst it’s a starting point, it’s an important starting point to see how we can take things forward.

Finally, and really importantly, this is not just for Trefin! We would love to see people coming from elsewhere in our locality, as it’s a facility that could be of great benefit to all. Please get involved!

Newsletter: December 2019

In this brief update on what’s been going on across our area recently I’ll touch upon:

  • Abereiddi
  • Highways (Square & Compass and Croesgoch)
  • Transport (Castlemorris)
  • The ‘Connected Community’ project
  • Waste changes
  • Broadband survey
  • Climate change working group
  • And a general round up…

Abereiddi has been an ongoing issues for some time, and the intensification of commercial activity has been something that many people have expressed a view on. My own view is that we need a long term solution, and whatever your opinion might be, some clarity has been offered following the Planning Inspectorate’s public inquiry recently. You can read the report here under the ‘Decision and Outcome‘ heading. In a nutshell, the Inspector has dismissed the appeal against enforcement, ruling in favour of Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority.

Turning to Highways (or roads for those not accustomed to council speak), the speed of motorists in Croesgoch and Square & Compass continues to concern many people. I’m pleased that we have some new ‘lines and signs’ in Square & Compass, following the repainting of lines and rumble-strips in Croesgoch earlier in the year. I’ve now asked the highways department to do a ‘before and after’ assessment of speeds, so that we can compare the actual data to see if they’ve made any difference. I’ll keep you posted.

New signs and road markings to remind motorists that there is a speed limit of 50 mph.

On a related subject, I’d like to thank a resident who contacted me to discuss the public transport provision for Castlemorris. This is a difficult one to manage, as there is now an improved T11 service with increased frequency, but some less frequently used routes have been cut. There is, however, an ‘on-demand’ service through Bwcabus, but it isn’t really being used. I’m planning to hold an awareness / Q&A session in early 2020, so please let me know if you’d like to attend, or just want some more information.

Thinking about our wider community, there was a great turnout for the Connected Community project meeting recently. Working alongside some very community minded people and local leaders, we’re looking at how we can connect more people and projects across our region. We’re holding another event in February, so please take a look at the notes from the meeting and get involved if you’d like to.

On a County-wide level, the recycling changes kicked in during November. The Council has had a bit of stick for the roll-out, but when you consider that this is for around 60,000 households across Pembrokeshire, on the whole it’s bedded in well, although I did have to personally deliver a number of boxes and bags for the new system and I’ve had a few teething problems to sort (pun intended). As the collections have changed, did you know that you can sign up for free text and email reminders? It’s a very handy service and you can subscribe quickly and easily, and never forget a bin day again.

Never miss a bin day again by subscribing to the free text message / email reminder service

On a related note, I’m really pleased to be a member of the Council’s Carbon Net Zero working group. In no way am I an expert in this, but I put myself forward as I’m keen to learn more and also find ways to influence behaviour change. Alongside the chair of the working group and a council officer, we held a really good debate in the council chamber recently to ask residents what their views were. It was well attended and I’m hopeful that we’ll hold more in the future. In the meantime, I’m interested in ‘expert citizen’ views, so please, get in touch if you have ideas or suggestions on how we can get to carbon net zero by 2030.

Something that I was pleased to have an early part to play in was the work with the UK government on rural broadband. In essence, Pembrokeshire County Council has secured funding to assist in the roll out of broadband in rural areas: something that is very relevant to our community. Can I please urge you to register an interest through the website here as the more people who complete this brief survey means the greater our chances of being prioritised.

If you’re interested in getting better broadband, please complete the survey here

On a final note, there’s much more that I’ve been involved in, from helping to resolve the sewerage issues in Porthgain, to representing residents in front of the Council’s Planning Committee. It really is a privilege to serve, and I couldn’t do it without people picking up the phone, or emailing, or getting in touch through my facebook page with a query. Some issues are easier to resolve than others, and some can take some patience and figuring out, and although I won’t always get it right, I will do my best to understand the issue and see how we can take it forward.

About to address the Council’s Planning Committee

Thanks for taking the time to read this brief update, and please do get in touch if there’s anything I can help with.