Review of community needs was a boost to Dolwyddelan

Dec 24 2008 by Samantha Castle, North Wales Weekly News

Dolwyddelan

A REVIEW of community needs five years ago has paid enormous dividends for a Conwy Valley village.

Working alongside Dolwyddelan Community Council, community group Menter Siabod helped draw up an action plan after an appraisal in October 2003 to identify the social and environmental needs of residents.

Menter Siabod’s Helen McAteer explained how the appraisal has benefited the village: “The first project was to build an adventure playground in the village. An anonymous donation helped create what is now a great asset to the young community members.

“Menter Siabod also worked with Conwy Key Fund, the community council, primary school children and local Army base personnel and residents to create a sensory and historical garden in remembrance and gratitude to the fallen of the two World Wars. Commemorative trees have been planted which are central to the attractive garden and two interpretation panels have also been erected relating to the history of the site,” she added.

“Major grants have restored the old football pavilion which had fallen into disrepair and is now available for community use. Slates were gifted anonymously for the roof and further grants will provide a veranda.”

The pavilion houses the youth club which runs weekly and is a great success with up to 26 members attending. Volunteers run a table-top sale on Fridays which helps toward the running costs of the building with 50% of the profit donated back to the pavilion and 50% to St David’s Hospice.

Other achievements gained from the community working together include Dolwyddelan in Bloom, and Cylch yr Ifanc being awarded the Best Station Award by Arriva Trains Wales in 2008 after restoring it to an award-winning kaleidoscope of colour.

Menter Siabod also worked with Forestry Commission Wales, Conwy County Council, Menter Bro Machno and Menter Nant Conwy to produce a walking leaflet for the Dolwyddelan and Penmachno area.

Funding was also secured to build www.dolwyddelan.org. The bilingual website holds information of businesses, walks, events, news and photographs plus activities within the community.

“A golf project is being developed between Menter Siabod and Ysgol Dolwyddelan. Funding has been secured via the Ryder Cup Legacy Fund and provided by the Sports Council for Wales,” said Helen.

To discuss projects in Dolwyddelan, contact Helen on 01690 750490 or email mentersiabod@directsave.net

samantha.castle