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Glyntraian Community Council Appoints Community Engagement Consultant

Public Meeting on Future of Ysgol Pontfadog Site First Task

Glyntraian Community Council (GCC) in partnership with Rural Development Agency, Cadwyn Clwyd, has confirmed the appointment of Marc Roberts from Cynlas Cyf to run a community engagement programme to determine the preferred potential use of the Ysgol Pontfadog site following the school’s closure in July.

“We look forward to working closely with Marc, Cadwyn Clwyd, Wrexham Council and most importantly, members of our community to explore options for a viable and sustainable future for this key site in the village,” said GCC Chairman, Cllr Graham Barrow.

The first of three informal drop-in sessions, at which all residents of Glyntraian ward and the wider Ceiriog Valley community are welcome, will take place on Wednesday 9th October at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall in Dolywern between 5:30pm – 9pm. Marc Roberts will present his findings to Glyntraian Community Council in February 2020.

“The initial drop in session for the entire community in October is just one of several face to face community engagement and stakeholder sessions Marc will be holding throughout the engagement process,” said GCC’s Chair of Communications Committee, Jools Payne. “Now the consultant is in place, we expect to release details of the full consultation programme of events as soon as possible.” Anyone wishing to learn more about the Cadwyn Clwyd consultation on the Ysgol Pontfadog site is invited to contact the Glyntraian Community Council Clerk in the first instance by emailing clerk@glyntraian.org.uk or call 07948 214079. Details of further updates will be posted on the GCC Facebook page and website www.glyntraian.org.uk.

Funding

Cyllidwyd y prosiect hwn drwy Cymunedau Gwledig Llywodraeth Cymru – Rhaglen Datblygu Gwledig Cymru 2014-2020, a ariennir gan Lywodraeth Cymru a’r Gronfa Amaethyddol Ewrop ar gyfer Datblygu Gwledig.

This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

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Deadline for Cadwyn Clwyd Consultation Tender

The deadline for tender submissions for the Cadwyn Clwyd-led Community Consultation Project on the future use of the Ysgol Pontfadog site is this coming Friday 6th September. Submissions must be received by 1pm. The tender details can be found on the Sell to Wales public procurement site https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=AUG305526

The 110-year-old village primary closed on Friday 19th July 2019. The Community Council will consult with the local community on a preferred use for the school site.
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Vacancy

Due to the resignation of Cllr Ralph Bennett a second vacancy now exists. Copies of this notice can also be found on the Council noticeboards at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, Pontfadog Post Office and the Council’s Facebook page. This notice can be viewed and downloaded below. A downloadable version is available by clicking the download button below.

Councillor-Vacancy-Public-Notice 6th March 2020Download

Due to the resignation of Cllr Mike Ingle a single vacancy now exists. Copies of this notice can also be found on the Council’s noticeboards at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, Dolywern, Pontfadog Post Office and on the Council’s Facebook page. A downloadable version is available by clicking the download button below.

CC-UNWARDED-SINGLE-VACANCY-NOTICE-BILINGUALDownload
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Cadwyn Clwyd Agree Consultation Funding

Rural Development Agency, Cadwyn Clwyd, has confirmed Glyntraian Community Council’s bid for grant funding to run a public consultation exercise on the future use of the Ysgol Pontfadog site following the school’s closure on Friday has been agreed.

Councillors have arranged to meet with representatives from Cadwyn Clwyd to kick off the process of inviting tenders from professional community engagement consultants via the Sell to Wales procurement site.

“This is very positive news on what was a poignant day for our community,” said GCC Chairman, Cllr Chris Futcher. “With grant funding in place, the community council is now positioned to support Glyntraian residents in determining the future of this historic building. We are keen to hit the ground running and look forward to working closely with Cadwyn Clwyd, Wrexham Council and members of our community in developing ideas and consensus around a new chapter for a key site in the village,” he added.

Anyone who wants to learn more about the Cadwyn Clwyd consultation on Ysgol Pontfadog is invited to contact the Glyntraian Community Council Clerk in the first instance by emailing clerk@glyntraian.org.uk or call 07948 214079. Details of further updates will be posted on the GCC Facebook page and website.

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Council Applies for Public Consultation Funding

Glyntraian Community Council Bids for Grant Funding to Run Public Consultation on the Future of Pontfadog Primary School Site After Closure

Glyntraian Community Council (GCC) agreed at its June meeting to bid for grant funding in order to run a wide-ranging public consultation exercise to seek opinion on the most favoured use of the Ysgol Pontfadog site. The 110-year-old village primary closes its doors for the final time on Friday 19th July at 3:15pm.

The 110-year-old village primary will close on Friday 19th July 2019.

The Community Council voted by an 8-1 majority to sanction the 30 percent contribution cost of £3k to run a professional consultation and feasibility study through Cadwyn Clwyd. The Denbighshire-based Rural Development Agency provides guidance and support to communities across the region to help develop the rural economy in North Wales.

Grant funding has now been applied for and Cadwyn Clwyd’s decision on whether it will agree to fund the remaining 70 percent from ERDF monies is expected in mid-July. If approved, Cadwyn Clwyd will begin the process of inviting tenders from professional community engagement consultants via the Sell to Wales procurement site. It is hoped an appointment will be made, in collaboration with Glyntraian Community Council, by August with the consultation commencing in September.

“Wrexham Council Leader, Cllr Mark Pritchard has publicly declared the Local Authority is willing to transfer the whole site into the stewardship of Glyntraian Community Council once the school closes if a suitable use is agreed. GCC will become responsible for the repairs and maintenance of the entire site thereafter,” said GCC Chairman, Cllr Chris Futcher. “We wish to consult widely on the options for future use of the site, which will need to dovetail with our place plan and Wrexham Council’s own strategic priorities. We fully expect a robust, well-managed consultation process will reveal how most residents would prefer to see the asset used in the long-term. It will then be up to this Council, in close collaboration with the appointed consultant, to decide the best option to put forward to Wrexham Council. It is they who will ultimately make the final decision based on whether the chosen proposal is financially viable, sustainable and meets the needs of the community as a whole,” added Cllr Futcher.

“A professionally executed community engagement consultation is vital to ensure as many local people as possible have their chance to contribute to the process,” said Cllr Jools Payne, who chairs the GCC Communications Committee. “We anticipate the consultation may take up to five months. We will employ a wide range of online and offline tools and techniques, including digital as well as paper surveys, focus groups and public meetings to reach out to as many age groups, residents, visitors and businesses as possible.”

Anyone who wants to learn more about the Cadwyn Clwyd consultation on Ysgol Pontfadog is invited to contact the Glyntraian Community Council Clerk in the first instance by emailing clerk@glyntraian.org.uk or call 07948 214079. Details of further updates will be posted on the GCC Facebook page and this website.

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Ceiriog Connects Ceilidh Supported by Council

Happy Feet Project is Strictly for All

We have been pleased to lend support through the efforts of Cllr Robin Boston and our Community Agent, Davena Davies, to the Ceiriog Connects dance project. Funded by a Wrexham Council Inclusion Grant, Ceiriog Connects has been running a series of affordable ballroom dance classes followed by soup supper at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall (OJMH) in Dolywern, over the past six months. The classes are led by professional ballroom dance instructor Denise Sides from Dens Dance Academy in Wrexham.

The project will host its second major dance event of 2019 on Saturday 4th May. The Ceiriog Connects Ceilidh stars the well-known 5-piece Ceilidh band, Shave the Donkey, from Cheshire.

“The band play a mix of English folk dances with a few Celtic tunes thrown in for good measure,” said Glyntraian Councillor, Robin Boston, who is leading the Ceiriog Connects project in conjunction with Davena.

Cllr Boston added: “Various scientific studies have shown dancing increases physical strength, reduces the risk of osteoporosis, improves mental awareness, helps with balance and spatial awareness, reduces stress and increases confidence. Ballroom and other contact dancing has the added advantage of physical touch, which is shown to have the positive effect of releasing oxytocin, a naturally occurring hormone with incredibly powerful health giving properties. Dancing is also good fun and a great way to meet friends new and old.

“We are very fortunate that the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall boasts an excellent large dance floor and brilliant acoustics. It’s the perfect village hall for a Ceilidh or barn dance.”

The overall aim of the programme is more than just getting healthier. The Welsh Government set out a series of objectives in its 2017 Wellbeing Statement that includes ‘creating united and connected communities which are inclusive and cohesive’.

We hope that by making our dance classes and our dance events community occasions we will go some way towards achieving the Welsh Government’s objective. We want, through this programme, to contribute to a happy, united and above all inclusive community.

Anyone wishing to be part of the group’s sessions can contact Davena Davies on 07496 597894 or email communityagentGT@glyntraian.org.uk or message through the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall Events Facebook page.

Tickets are affordably priced at £5, which includes a light supper. Book online through Eventbrite.com and searching Ceiriog Connects Ceilidh. Tickets are also available from Pontfadog Post Office and the Oswestry Ticket Office at Rowanthorn in Oswestry.

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Future of Ysgol Pontfadog School Site

Residents Given Chance to Decide Future of Pontfadog Primary School Site

Glyntraian Community Council will host a public meeting on Thursday 11th April at 7:30pm at Ysgol Pontfadog to explore with members of the local community the potential future use of the school site after the 110-year-old village primary closes its gates for the final time in July this year.

The public consultation event follows a meeting between the Council and Wrexham County Borough Council Leader, Cllr Mark Pritchard, and education portfolio holder Cllr Phil Wynn in December 2018, at which the Local Authority leadership indicated it may consider gifting the site to the community in the long-term providing a financially viable and sustainable use can be determined.

“This is just the first in a series of community engagement events that will take place over the comings months,” said Glyntraian Community Council Chairman, Cllr Chris Futcher.

“This initial meeting is purely to kick-start the process of ideas gathering, present to residents some suggestions we’ve already received and take all comments forward into the next stage of the consultation. 

“It’s important we ensure local people understand the Community Council is only the facilitator of this process and that the community has to take responsibility for any projects.” 

Anyone who cannot attend the meeting can forward comments and suggestions to the Glyntraian Community Council Clerk by emailing clerk@glyntraian.org.uk or call 07948 214079. Details of further public consultation meetings will be posted on the GCC Facebook page and this website.

Despite a valiant battle and over 1,300 letters of objection, the school will close in July 2019.
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OJ Film Club Success

A great success in bringing residents of the Ceiriog Valley together over the winter months came in the form of an affordable community film screening project, which saw over £1,000 donated to the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall.

The pilot project, co-financed by the Glyntraian Community Council and the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall management committee, in partnership with Arts Alive/Flicks in the Sticks, saw over 160 people aged from 11-90 years enjoy three big screen movies between December – March. Ticket prices ranged from just £3 – £5 per movie.

The project was part of the Council’s efforts to tackle rural isolation and loneliness over the winter months and develop a strong cohesive community as part of our commitment to the Welsh government’s Wellbeing agenda. It was led by Cllr Jools Payne and enthusiastically supported by a young journalist from Dolywern, the Double.LL Magazine editor, Holly Payne. Holly devoted over 40 volunteering hours in organising and promoting all three screening events.

The feedback from those who came was overwhelmingly excellent. Good attendance figures over the three screenings, and solid support from several local volunteers who ran the bar and catering, provided ample evidence of a clear appetite for a sustainable film club at this venue going forward.

Thanks also go to our Community Agent, Davena Davies, who along with Cllr Graham Barrow put on a superb Welsh Cawl Supper for the final St David’s Day screening on 1st March, which attracted 40 diners before the movie and 70 film goers.

It is hoped the hall’s management committee will use the profits donated to the OJMH to support a potential bid to Arts Council Wales for the hall to purchase its own digital screening and projection equipment. The item will be included on the Agenda at the management committee’s meeting on Monday 13th May after the AGM.

Members of the public can attend the meeting and voice their opinion on whether the Oliver Jones Film Club has a future. Updates can be found on the Oliver Jones Film Club Facebook page. 

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Monday Coffee Club

Glyntraian Community Council’s Community Agent, Davena Davies, can often be found at the Council’s inclusive Monday Coffee Club. The club runs from 10:00 – 12noon at the Oliver Jones Memorial Hall, Dolywern. It is a lovely, friendly club where you can connect with other members of the community and enjoy a delicious light breakfast or snack for just a modest donation towards the cost.

Scrumptious scrambled eggs from local happy hens, hot buttered crumpets or a couple of rounds of toast and jam, enjoyable conversation and a lovely cuppa. There’s no better way to start the week than in the company of our friendly volunteers.

The Monday Coffee Club is an important tool in the Council’s bid to look after the wellbeing of our older residents and tackle loneliness and isolation.