SPRING 2010

2010 has started on a positive note for the Partnership. We are delighted to introduce Gwen Thirsk from Waunfawr as our new Co-ordinator.

Gwen has a background working with communities across Wales, and her experience and enthusiasm are exactly what we need in Talysarn and Nantlle. She has already settled in as a member of the team with our Development Officer, Glenys and Administrator, Wena. Only one vacancy remains – a replacement for Nick to work with the young people. (Anyone interested should contact the office.)

A community event is being planned to celebrate this rebirth of opportunity – watch out for announcements. With the active support of local residents there is now a real prospect of developing projects that will bring lasting benefit to the community.

The Energy Project is already underway (more inside) and very timely, too! Struggling to keep warm in the recent cold weather has added urgency and reinforced the need for action in this area.

All suggestions to the Partnership deserve proper consideration. To ensure this, full details of any proposals/requests should be submitted on paper to the office 14 days before the next meeting (dates below). These will be circulated to members with the minutes and agenda, following time for an informed decision to be made.

Deadline for the summer Newsletter is 14th May (earlier if translation needed). Articles, 200 words max, should include a contact number (and jpg photo if appropriate.)

Clwb Silyn

Most members came to the Christmas dinner at the Ganolfan and thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

In February we had a lovely afternoon with some of the children and their teachers from Ysgol Talysarn when we had pancakes and a panad.

Afterwards, we were privileged to hear a talk given by Janice Hughes describing her trip to Buckingham Palance to be presented with her OBE from Princess Anne for her services to nursing.

Next meeting in March is to be a New Year buffet and unwanted gift swap – looking forward to it!

Celebration Day

A Date for your Diary: 24th March 2010 - Following quite an uncertain year for the Partnership we are now out at the other end and in a much stronger position than we were. To celebrate this, we have decided to hold a celebration day on the 24th March 2010 where there’ll be lots of activities for everyone to get involved in. For this to happen we need you to get involved so any ideas for what you would like to see happening, and what you can help us with, please get in touch and let us know! The event will be held from 1pm right through til 7pm therefore giving everyone a chance to attend.

The Future of Gloddfa Glai

Many of you have enquired what’s happening as a result of the consultation day we held last year to look at the future of Gloddfa Glai. I’m pleased to let you know, following the appointment of a new Co-ordiantor, we are now in a position to carry on with the work and we’ll be organising activity days very soon to look at different species that can be found there. Following this we are hoping to train local people to carry out a species audit on the site before we can develop anything there. Therefore, keep your eyes peeled for these events in the near future. If you have any queries in the meantime, contact us at the office.

Help for Haiti at Llys Llywelyn, Nantlle

One Friday at the coffee morning in Llys Llywelyn everyone was talking about raising money for the Haiti disaster. Everyone talking but not doing anything!

But before the end of the morning, before the cup of coffee was finished, things were moving – a fair was on the go!

Every group that uses Llys Llywelyn arranged a stall. Raffle prizes were promised and refreshment would be arranged and prepared at a very reasonable price.

Publicity for the fair was raised through Radio Wales, Heart FM, posters and flyers.

On the morning of the fair Llys Llywelyn was full to the rafters, with everyone buying anything from raffles, cakes, a cuppa and soft toys.

At the end of the afternoon a total of around £804.82 was raised for Haiti.

Thanks to everyone, stallhalders, refreshment providers, raffle sellers and publicity organizers who gave their time and energy to the day.

A really fantastic day!

The Big Energy Project

Energy bills are going to increase over the next few years. There can be little doubt about that. The cost of keeping warm can only go up – unless we take action to change the picture. The Partnership set up the Energy Project with the aim of making a real difference to what we all have to pay for our energy.

The Partnership appointed the North Wales Energy Advice Centre to carry out the initial work. They have written to every household explaining what they are doing and are carrying out an energy survey on a number of individual properties. This will enable them to make solid recommendations on how to save energy and how to generate energy locally.

During March there will be visits to other energy projects that have already achieved a lot in their areas, so we can see what can be done.

The next stage of the project will be to find the funding for improvements to homes and community buildings.

The government wants to support community energy initiatives. Talysarn and Nantlle can benefit from this but only if you, the reader, want things to change and are willing to lend a hand. Look out for the visits and local meetings.

More information from the Partnership Office 01286 881103.