Penygroes Community News

Present

NE Cole Jones, Malcolm Rees, Colyn Whitelaw, P Gully, Llinos Lindley, Nicola Davies, A Howells, M Durdin, Janet Evans, Edania Davies, Yvonne Watkins, Mair Griffiths, B Atkinson. V Davies, John Davies, Phil Owen, Yvonne Kelly (Treasurer), Marie Hughes Jones (Secretary), Mark Waygood (Vice-secretary), Alun Lewis (Chair), Rhian Dawson, Dolen Iechyd/Healthlink, Huw Evans, Menter Cwm Gwendraeth

Apologies

Siân Thomas, Julie Tandy, Julie Owen, Eleri Davies

Guest Speaker

The Chair introduced Rhian Dawson from the Dolen Iechyd (Health Link) Project.
Her job is to liaise with local communities (currently 60 groups, national & voluntary) and be an interface between these communities and the Health Authority.  This is the first project of its kind in the UK.

Objectives

To improve the health and wellbeing of local communities by initiating programs to educate (all age groups) the importance of exercise, a good diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Particular Areas of Concern:

•    M.S.
•    Substance abuse
•    Testicular Cancer and Breast problems (16-25’s most affected)
•    Young smokers (particularly girls)
•    Long Term Unemployed.  Incapacity & Disability benefits are currently under review.
•    Teenage pregnancies.  There are currently four ‘reality babies’ available.

Local Groups that can help:

•    Youth workers
•    G.P.s
•    Expert Patients (support for people with long term health problems)
•    Health Visitors
•    Residents Associations etc.

The Way Forward:

•    Re-training (criminals, substance abuse etc.)
•    Green Gyms (gardening clubs, walking clubs etc), as land is available.
•    Inform about projects that are available (problems in the past with poor communication.

This is a three-year project and Rhian wants to have a good relationship with the community but will need a list of all local groups so she can make contact with them (Marie and Alun to supply).

Matters Arising From Last Months Minutes

Christmas Fayre

•    Raised £249.89, a reasonable turnout considering all the other events that were on.

Training

•    No news at the moment, there are only a limited number of laptops available so evening courses are difficult.  We will have to try for morning courses.

Emlyn Site Progress Report

•    A separate report will be submitted from the Emlyn Site Sub Committee.

Youth Project.

•    After a meeting last week, children to the age of 11 will be able to use the hall up to 7pm every night.
•    Enough children want to go but there will be staffing problems.  There are now Police checks for every task, these checks cost money and then there are other costs (public liability insurance, solicitors etc.).
•    Many people do not want the Police checking on them.
•    No work going on in the park until the appeal is completed.
•    The pavilion would be perfect but we need to speak to the Cricket and Rugby club plus the County Council.
•    Siân Thomas what grants are available for these projects but is not a member of the group.  Table tennis & Darts shouldn’t be a problem as there is £2,000 in the bank.
•    Young people are a priority, Sports Aid have given money to others.  A pool table has already been offered.
•    There is concern about the damage 33 children could do as the hall is probably not the best place to hold a club.  
•    There are six computers that could be sent to the Pavilion for the children to play games on.
•    It seems that some members of the rugby club are keen to help but it depends on who you speak to as the story changes.
•    Whilst the Rugby season is on there will be a place for the children to go and practice as the lights will be on.  It’s better that they are off the streets.

Walking Club

•    Boxing Day walk to Caerbryn then Carmel and back was a great success.  Twenty five people took part (young and old) and it took 2 hours (with plenty of breaks).
•    Request have been made to make this more regular and there should be one around Easter (2-3 hours).  A message will be in the next newsletter.
•    There are other clubs around but we don’t want to become like the Ramblers Assocciation.
•    Let John Davis know, who can run it.  A car can be taken to stop along the way for emergencies.
•    We can organise a picnic in the summer.  Better for children to be out mixing with adults and learning about nature than sitting at home doing nothing.

Fund Raising

•    Still need ideas for fund raising.  The money is for the community.  The last Fun Day raised £800.
•    Do we want a Fun Day in the Park, let the ‘Chair’ know.
•    The Flower Show was originally laughed at but was a great success.
•    Ideas – Childrens competitions, a Fete, perhaps Majorettes, Cheese and Wine Party.
•    Wine in the price of a ticket can be for own use only and cannot be given to someone else.
•    Need to have this clarified as people expect alcohol to be available at these type of events and some are less likely to attend if alcohol is not present.

A.O.B.

•    Could the forum send a letter on behalf of the village about the new from Tregib that the swimming pool is not going ahead.  Make known that it is a necessity and not a luxury.
•    £3,000 was raised last time but assured from head teacher that raising money would not be necessary.
•    The Children of Penygroes would benefit, Llandybie raised £12,000 towards it.
•    Chair suggested calling a public meeting but would not chair it.
•    Dog fouling has become a serious issue in the village, in some places you have to walk in the road if you have a pram.
•    Suggestions for naming and shaming, taking photos of owners allowing it and having someone prosecuted as a warning to others.  Posters / signs to be placed.
•    AGM for Menter Cwm Gwendraeth 7pm, 1st February in Tumble hall, with refreshments.

Meeting Closed

PLEASE NOTE  - Next Meeting – 7th February 2006 –  CALFARIA CHAPEL VESTRY
Emlyn Sub Committee Meeting 2nd February 2006