Awards for Vale guiders

Guiders from the area have been presented with a series of awards at a special reception hosted by Vale of Glamorgan Mayor Cllr Emlyn Williams.

Paying tribute to the work of the movement, Cllr Williams said: "These awards recognise the tremendous achievements of the trained volunteers who do so much to deliver a stimulating and enjoyable programme for our enthusiastic youngsters."

The evening was organised in conjunction with Girlguiding Cardiff and East Glamorgan, and recipients of long service awards were: 50 years, Pat Edwards (South East Glamorgan Division), Norah Kendall (Penarth) and Fran Mitchell (Vale of Glamorgan); 30 years, Susan Leverton (Dinas Powys and Llandough); 20 years, Jane Rudd (Vale of Glamorgan), and 10 years, Amy Germon (Barry East) and Jane Prigg (Penarth). There was a Baden Powell Award for Rosemary Tuthill (Penarth).

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Deputy Minister congratulates Social Enterprise Awards winners

Deputy Minister for Regeneration, Leighton Andrews has presented prizes to the three winners of the inaugural Social Enterprise Awards Wales which were held at the Wales Millennium Centre to mark Social Enterprise Day.

The Centre for Alternative Technology, Machynlleth was victorious in the Best Social Enterprise (turnover of £1 million plus) while Cardiff based firms Pack-It Promotions, and Cycle Training Wales were named Best Social Enterprise (turnover of less than £1 million) and Best New Social Enterprise (operating for less than three years) respectively.

The Welsh winners will now represent the nation at the UK Social Enterprise Awards which will be held on December 3rd and decided by an online public vote.

The Deputy Minister said:

"I congratulate all three companies on their achievements today and those throughout the year that have led to their awards. They have beaten off very stiff competition, not least from the other finalists, and it is testament to the calibre of the Social Enterprise sector in Wales that we had such strong competition in all three categories. We have a long and successful history of social businesses in Wales and it gives me great pleasure to see that we also have a bright and promising future.

"Next year the Social Enterprise Sector’s main UK conference Voice 10 will be held in Cardiff for the first time and I am delighted that Wales will be able to showcase these and many other innovative and thriving Social Enterprises to the rest of the UK. It would give me even greater pleasure if we could showcase these organisations as winners of the UK Social Enterprise Awards and so I would like to wish them the very best of luck for the final next month."

The UK competition will be decided by a public online vote which will be open from November 20th - 30th on the Social Enterprise Awards website. In addition to the three categories there will also be an award for Social Enterprise of the Year.

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A whole Lotto change since November 1994

It’s hard to believe that The National Lottery is 15 years old this month. Since Noel Edmonds hosted the first live draw on BBC 1 on 19 November 1994, over 2,300 millionaires have been created and more than £35 billion paid out in prize money.

Around 70 per cent of the UK’s adult population regularly play Lottery games and some four million winners scoop a prize every week – from £1 to multi-million pound jackpots.

But they aren’t the only ones feeling the benefit, The National Lottery has become a force for social good unlike any other. In fact, it’s created the biggest programme of civic regeneration in the UK since the Victorian era.

Since 1994, Lottery players have raised over £23 billion for Good Causes, making The National Lottery and its players the world’s biggest philanthropists. Over 25,000 Lottery grants have been awarded in Wales alone to arts, sports, heritage, education, environment, health, charity and voluntary projects, making a huge difference to communities across the country.

As the Lottery turns 15 this week, here are 15 things you might not know:

1. Noel Edmonds hosted the first draw show on 19 November 1994 and over 21.5 million people tuned in
2. 38 is the most frequently drawn number – drawn 251 times since 1994. The unluckiest number is 13, having been drawn the least
3. A host of famous faces have presented the Lottery Draw Show through the years, including Gethin Jones, Jenni Falconer, Eamonn Holmes, Dale Winton, Myleene Klass, Denise Van Outen and the late Bob Monkhouse. The ‘voice of the balls’, Alan Dedicoat has been there from the start
4. The biggest Welsh Lottery winners are Les and Sam Scadding of Newport, who have just scooped £45.6m. In 2007 Jenny Southall won £8.3 million with a ticket from the same shop. Pat Griffiths from Abergavenny won £8,485,162 in January 2004, Mary Jones from Bala won £9,382,496 in January 2004 and John Stinchcombe and John Ackerman from Crumlin shared a £11,544,846 jackpot in July 2006
5. Queen Elizabeth I set up the first British National Lottery in 1566
6. Over £23 billion of Lottery funding has been raised for ‘Good Causes’, which equates to an average of £25 million a week. To put this into perspective, Children in Need, which has received Lottery funding, raised £38million in its 2008 annual appeal
7. Nearly half of all Lottery grants awarded are for less than £5,000
8. Every public library in the UK has been able to go online thanks to Lottery funding
9. Nearly £10 million Lottery funding has gone into redeveloping arts centres, galleries and theatres across Wales which has transformed and invigorated many Welsh communities
10. Thanks to Lottery funding, over £45 million has been invested in land and biodiversity projects in Wales, conserving an area the size of over 1,300 rugby pitches
11. More than £35 million of Lottery funding has been awarded to projects celebrating Wales’ industrial heritage such as Big Pit at Blaenavon
12. £50 million of Lottery funding has been invested in refurbishing and building PE and sports facilities for schools and communities across Wales
13. Lottery funding has enabled over 42,000 WWII veterans to revisit sites around the world where they served during the war
14. Lottery funding is pivotal to the UK’s sporting successes, aiding many of our sporting heroes of recent years, including Welsh gold medalist Cyclist Nicole Cooke. In fact, 437 Olympic and Paralympic medals have been won by British athletes since Lottery funding began, with the Beijing Olympics bringing home the best medal haul for 100 years
15. On average over 100 Lottery grants have been awarded in every single postcode district across the UK.

Some more Lottery facts and figures to consider…

There have been some bizarre requests for Lottery funding. Here’s the top 10 most unusual, all of which were turned down for failing to show any benefit to the wider community:

• A man requested funding so he could teach young people how to time travel
• A woman asked for money to buy a new toaster
• One enquirer asked for money for a reindeer to visit her local school. She wanted a grant quickly as “reindeer tend to be busy, especially at Christmas and therefore get booked up early”!
• One woman requested funding to make automatic ice cube dispensers
• A man wanted Lottery money to build a replica of Star Trek’s Starship Enterprise so that lonely people could meet in a "safe" environment
• A man requested £500 to re-spray his Ford Capri
• A woman wanted a grant to double glaze her house
• One hopeful wanted funding to run a dinosaur farm
• A woman wanted funding to give her garden a makeover. When advised that it had to be available to the wider community, she said that she would invite her friends round for a BBQ
• An elderly woman rang the Lottery helpline to suggest that the Lottery should fund toilets for dogs

Lottery funding has changed the face of Wales. Here are just 10 of the best known, and loved, iconic buildings, structures and natural landmarks to have received Lottery funding to date:

• Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
• National Botanic Gardens for Wales, Carmarthenshire
• Millennium Stadium, Cardiff
• Wales National Velodrome, Newport
• Welsh Highland Railway, Snowdonia National Park
• National Waterfront Museum, Swansea
• National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth
• Galeri, Caernarfon
• Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire
• Clwyd Theatre Cymru, Mold

Lottery winners have used some imaginative places to hide their winning tickets. Here’s the top 10 most unusual:

• inside a bra
• under a mattress
• under fax machine at work
• stapled to shirt pocket
• in the dog’s basket
• in the microwave
• under a flowerpot
• in a biscuit jar
• in a shoe or sock
• under a chessboard

Lottery funding is helping protect many of the UK’s endangered species from extinction, including:

• basking shark
• black grouse
• cornfield flowers
• great crested newts
• great yellow bumble bee
• horseshoe bat
• red kite
• red squirrel
• water vole

Finally, 1994 was a landmark year in many ways. Here are five of the most memorable moments…aside from the first National Lottery draw:

• Steven Spielberg's film, Schindler's List, won seven Oscars including Best Picture and Best Director
• The Channel Tunnel officially opened
• Nelson Mandela was inaugurated as South Africa's first black president
• Four Weddings and a Funeral was released to huge acclaim. Liz Hurley wore her infamous black Versace dress at the premiere
• Michael Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley

read more... “A whole Lotto change since November 1994”

Enter your project into the Monmouthshire’s Intergenerational Awards 2010

Monmouthshire projects that bring together older people with young people can now enter for the Intergenerational Awards 2010.

Angelina Patrick, Monmouthshire County Council’s Community Focused Schools Development Officer, said:

“We will present awards to organisations and groups who bring the generations together to help build relationships and understanding between young and older members of the community’’.

“If you have been involved in a project or activity in 2009 and you feel that it has helped unite the generations, you will be able to apply to win an Intergenerational award. “

Monmouthshire’s ‘Community Focused Schools’ in partnership with the Older People’s Strategic Partnership Group will be hosting the Intergenerational Awards scheme.

The awards will be presented at a celebration evening on the 25th February 2010.

Awards of £100 will be given to the best intergenerational projects within the 3 areas of Monmouthshire:

• Bryn Y Cwm,
• Mor Hafren (former Lower Wye & Severn Side)
• Central Monmouthshire

An additional £150 will be awarded to the overall best Intergenerational project or activity.

The closing date for entries is Friday 22nd January 2010. For a nomination form contact Angelina Patrick, Community Focused Schools on 01291 674615 or 07795603173, email: angelinapatrick@monmouthshire.gov.uk or visit www.monmouthshire.gov.uk and then Adult and Community Education Page, Community Focused Schools to down load a form.

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Ruthin choses children's play ship

By Spring time, children in Ruthin will be able to enjoy playing on a brand new Adventure Ship-Galleon - a ship shaped play facility with mast, rope, climbing nets, tower and slide as well as a new 20 metre zip wire after residents attended a special public meeting at Ysgol Brynhyfryd, Ruthin, to make a final decision on a new play facility for the park.

In the run up to the meeting, residents were given the opportunity to put forward their proposals as part of a new Participatory Budget (PB) process, which Denbighshire elected to use to enable residents to spend up to £25,000 of Denbighshire funds on the new facility. From an initial 30 proposals, these were short-listed down to ten favourites.

During the evening, the residents behind the ten bids had the opportunity to promote their idea with a three minute presentation – the bids were then scored by those at the meeting and the winners were announced on the night.

The total cost of both the ship and the zip wire comes to £28,013 which is being met by Denbighshire a further £1,000 pledged by Ruthin Town Council.

Far from being forgotten, the other eight proposals will be considered in future years as a Friends of Cae Ddol group has been set up to assist with the future planning and strategy for the park

Councillor Bobby Feeley, a member of the project working party, said: "It was a pleasure to be part of the meeting and experience the excitement and the buzz of interest, also the disappointment of those who's projects did not succeed, we hope some will succeed in future."

Jamie Groves, Denbighshire’s head of leisure services, compered the evening, and said afterwards: "It was a great success. The PB process was being used for the first time by Denbighshire - this really fits with our aim of bringing the council closer to the community.

"It was an excellent example of how members, officers and residents can work together collectively for the benefit of their communities.

"We are hoping this will be the start of a new process for Denbighshire and we hope to try this scheme with other communities throughout the county.

"Full credit goes to the people who worked on the bids, to the residents who attended the meeting and I would also like to thank Bill Ellis Jones of Together Creating Communities, which coordinates the participatory budget scheme, and his team for all their hard work throughout this process."

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Directories Updated

The 2010 editions of the Directory of Local Groups and Societies and the Directors of Speakers are now in production.

Published annually by the Haverfordwest Reference and Local Studies Library, the revised versions will be available to view at all Pembrokeshire County Council branch and mobile libraries.

They will also be available on Pembrokeshire County Council's library web pages, while copies will be available to buy for 10p.

If you are involved in a non-profit making group or society, inclusion in the Directory of Groups is an ideal opportunity to increase public awareness of its existence and activities and to attract new members.

If you are willing to give a talk or lecture to groups of people on a subject that interests you, please consider being included in the Directory of Speakers.

If you would like to be included in the Directories, either fill in a form available at any Pembrokeshire Library, e-mail haverfordwestlibrary@pembrokeshire.gov.uk or phone (01437) 775248.

For the Directory of Groups and Societies we will need to know the group's name, contact details (name, address, telephone, e-mail), number of members, venue, location and language medium.

For the Directory of Speakers we will need to know your name and contact details (address, telephone, e-mail), titles of talks or subjects you can offer and your language medium.

The closing date for entries in the 2010 editions is December 10th, 2009.

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Blackwood pupils organise a night out for the community

A group of primary school children from Blackwood are busy organising a show for their local community, with the assistance of local police officers and the Arts Council of Wales.

The Blackwood ‘Night Out’ Young Promoters are a group of 16 children, aged nine and ten who are in year five at Blackwood Primary School. They are currently putting in place plans to stage Beauty and the Beast for residents.

The show will be held on Tuesday 8th December at 7pm.

The group are attending weekly after-school workshops to put in place the preparations in the run-up to the show and are learning new skills along the way. This includes approaching local companies for sponsorship, inviting VIPs, marketing and selling the tickets, as well as arranging the refreshments.

On the night they will take charge in running events, helping the performers to set up, organising the front of house and welcoming the audience by making speeches.

They are set to visit the Maes Manor hotel in Blackwood next week to learn how they run events and to pick up some tips.

Special Constable Christine Smith and the Blackwood Neighbourhood Policing Team are assisting the pupils with the project, helping them to engage with young people in the area.

Christine said:

“The children are doing a fantastic job in arranging all of the preparations for the show and I have been very impressed with what they have done so far. They still have quite a lot of work to do over the next few weeks leading up to the show. It’s the first time that this project has been run in the Blackwood area, and I am sure that the local community will come out to support the pupils on the night.”

Fairgame Theatre will be presenting the Beauty and the Beast story, packed with music and action.

Tickets cost £4 for adults, £3 for concessions and a family ticket (two adults and two children) is available at £12 and can be purchased in advance from Blackwood Primary School.

For more information, please contact Senior Area Officer, Special Constable Christine Smith on 07855 539250.

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Rachel's still caring at 70

When many people are thinking of retiring, Flintshire Homecare Assistant Rachel Jones is still raring to go.

Rachel, 70, has spent 40 years with the Council caring for people in the community who need day-to-day assistance and support.

She visits around 12 service users in Treuddyn, Cymau, Llanfynydd, Hope and Leeswood performing duties such as personal care and making meals.

Rachel wishes to continue to work for as long as she can and has been thanked by her service users who have all expressed their thanks for the support and kindness she has shown them
over the years.

Service user Dilys Edwards describes Rachel as 'everybody’s favourite'. She has been visiting Mrs Edwards in Treuddyn for nine years.

Mrs Edwards said: “I’m very grateful to Rachel and all the other carers who have helped me to be at home. We’ve become good friends. She makes friends everywhere.”

Rachel said: “It’s a very satisfying job and I enjoy meeting everyone. I’d recommend this job as it’s really good to be in the community. I like to see young people come into the role.”

Councillor Carol Ellis, Executive Member for Social Services, said: "Rachel is an excellent role model for all of us, old and young. The difference Rachel has made to so many lives must
be immense and I am delighted to support her work with us."

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Paying the price of being poor

Low income households face extra costs for fuel, financial services and the costs of education according to a new report launched today.

Paying the Price of Being Poor looks at what should be done to help low income households who are penalised simply because they do not have buying power.

Director of the think tank, the Bevan Foundation, and author of the report, Victoria Winckler, said ‘More and more households are facing tough times in the recession. Managing on a low income is made harder because gas and electricity companies, as well as banks and other financial services, favour people who pay by direct debit or who are in regular jobs.’

The Bevan Foundation worked with Consumer Focus Wales, National Energy Action Cymru and Save the Children Cymru to come up with its recommendations. Key findings showed a need for the Welsh Assembly Government to:

• Reduce the cost of school uniforms
• Create guidance on fair debt collection
• Provide new ways to pay energy bills

The report is launched 12:30pm today (17 November) at the Senedd.

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Do you know a community or charitable organisation that is looking for IT equipment and wants to get online?

If so, they can apply for a BT Community Connections award today.

Groups can apply for a laptop and a year’s free broadband connection.

In brief, any organisation, working in any field of community benefit, located anywhere within the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland can apply. In the past voluntary projects, silver-surfers, conservation organisations, family support groups, sports teams and youth groups have been successful.

To find out more and see case studies from past winners simply visit www.btcommunityconnections.com. Remember the deadline to apply falls on 7 January 2010.

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Get to grips with gadgets

Anyone who needs a helping hand to get to grips with the latest technology are being invited to take part in a skills share workshop in Ammanford.

The workshop is being organised by Pantyffynnon Communities First, a Welsh Assembly funded initiative being led by Carmarthenshire County Council.

Young volunteers will be on hand to help older people learn how to send text and picture messages, upload pictures from a camera to a computer, or simply stay in touch with friends and family online.

The workshop is being held at Ammanford Library’s ICT Suite on Thursday, November 26, from 5.30pm-7pm, with light refreshments provided.

Emma Martin-Jewell, Pantyffynnon Communities First development officer, said:

“This will be a good workshop for anyone who is lacking confidence with new technology, but also for those who would like to use mobile phones and computers to stay in touch with friends and family.

“Places are limited, so early booking is essential.”

Pantyffynnon Communities First, based in New Road, Ammanford, is committed to promoting the skills of local people as part of its aim in regenerating the area through improving living conditions and prospects for people in the ward.

Cllr Kevin Madge, deputy council leader and executive board member with responsibility for community wellbeing, said: “Keeping in touch with friends is so important, and in this day and age it is so easy to socialise through the use of technology – but only if you know how.

“It is fantastic to see young people getting involved in this way, and passing on their skills to the older generation. It creates a fantastic bond between young and old in the town, and helps break down social barriers. They really are to be commended.”

To book a place on the workshop, or for further information, call Pantyffynnon Communities First on 01269 590255.

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Council urges public to vote for Morfa ‘Spray and Play’

Carmarthenshire County Council is urging people to throw their weight behind a Llanelli community as it competes to win funding for a new splash play area.

Morfa Residents and Tenants Association have been whittled down to the final eight of the ITV Peoples Millions, a Big Lottery competition which takes place annually.

They need people to vote for their project to support their bid to win £50,000 for the scheme.
If successful, the lottery funding would mean the ‘Morfa Spray and Play’ project could go ahead.

The project aims to regenerate Havelock Park with a bright, colourful water play area that would be open to all people, of all ages.

Impressive designs have been drawn up to illustrate the scheme, and now all the community needs is support to win the lottery funding.

Carmarthenshire County Council has supported the scheme through its leisure department, and has also supported the community through its Communities First initiative in the Glanymor and Tyisha ward.

Cllr Clive Scourfield, executive board member for regeneration and leisure, said: “The community has been inspirational in fighting for this scheme.

“They have involved everyone – young and old – and have worked tirelessly to consult with children about what they want, and fought through various funding rounds to come up with the cash.

“We would love the public to come out and support the project by voting for them on the day. It would only take the cost of a call, and could make all the difference to the whole of Llanelli, not just this small community.”

The project will appear on the ITV Wales News at 6pm on Tuesday, November 24. A telephone number will be publicised on the day which viewers can use to vote.

Voting lines will be open 9am until midnight on the 24th.

Calls will cost 10p from BT landlines – maximum of 10 votes from one phone.

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Anglesey supports White Ribbon Day

White Ribbon Day, held on the November 25th, is historically a day for men to show their support in ending violence against women.

The Ynys Môn Domestic Abuse Forum embraces this day, using it on a yearly basis as a means of raising awareness of domestic abuse and its effects on individuals and families.

Anglesey's Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator, Lowri Ann Roberts, explained, "Wearing a white ribbon is a personal pledge never to commit, condone or remain silent about violence against women."

"In order to raise awareness this year, the Ynys Môn Domestic Abuse Forum will also be selling White Ribbon Day Christmas Cards, designed by Anglesey school pupils and White Ribbon Day Luxury Chocolates, especially made by 'Strawberry Farm' based in Llangefni. These products will be on sale from November 25th from members of the Ynys Môn Domestic Abuse Forum with the Christmas Cards available at Oriel Môn."

The Ynys Môn Domestic Abuse Forum will also have a stall in Llangefni Town Hall on market day, November 26th, with staff on hand to distribute leaflets and further information to the public.

Local businesses are also supporting White Ribbon Day by donating prizes for a special raffle. Tickets are available from Forum members and will be on sale on November 26th.

All monies raised will go to the Ynys Môn Domestic Abuse Forum in order to fund new projects and initiatives to help those who are victims of domestic abuse.

To purchase White Ribbon Day cards or chocolates, or for further information, please contact Domestic Abuse Co-ordinator, Lowri Ann Roberts, on (01248) 751881.

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Community centres up for prestigious awards

Three Neath Port Talbot community centres have been short listed for prestigious awards.

The Council run Aberavon, Mozart Drive and Baglan community centres have been selected as finalists for the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) awards.

Aberavon Community Centre has been selected as a finalist for the Overall Best Performer and Overall Most Improved Performer awards with Mozart Drive Community Centre and Baglan Community Centre being nominated as finalists for the Overall Most Improved Performer

The community centres had to complete a stringent validation process, including user numbers and cost effectiveness, to qualify for the awards.

Leader of council Ali Thomas said Neath Port Talbot Council will compete against more than 90 community venues all over the UK.

He said: "It is a privilege to be recognised as finalists. The Community Development and Projects Section have been awarded these titles twice previously.

"I am excited at the prospect of the award being brought back to Neath Port Talbot for a third time whilst at the same time promoting the good work which goes on in our community centres throughout Neath Port Talbot."

The award ceremony will take place on the December 3rd and 4th at the Hilton Hotel, Blackpool.

read more... “Community centres up for prestigious awards”

'No cold calling zone' introduced in Ringland

The Safer Newport Partnership has launched a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ in an area of Ringland to put a stop to bogus callers.

Residents of the Treberth and Bishpool area will soon see an end to unwanted callers at their front doors after a ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ was authorised by the Safer Newport partnership with input from Gwent Police, Newport Housing Trust and Newport City Council. Action was taken after Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team listened to concerns from residents on the estate complaining about suspected rogue traders and distraction burglars.

Every resident of Treberth and Bishpool will now be given an information pack on the ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ and a window sticker to deter unwanted callers. Signs marking the zone will also be displayed on lampposts around the estate.

A Neighbourhood Watch group has recently been set up in the area and PCSOs have spoken to residents who are predominantly elderly and vulnerable to make them aware of how to deal with bogus callers on their doorsteps.

Pc Leanne Pole, of Newport East Neighbourhood Policing Team, said:
“Many of the residents in the area are elderly and vulnerable and this ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ gives them a clear authority to turn people away from their doorsteps. It’s not designed to stop legitimate callers such as the milkman or gas board representative - it’s to stop bogus callers. People should always check the identity of people who call at their home and if that means shutting the door on them while you call the company they work for, so be it. The zone is a result of residents calling us, reporting suspicious behaviour and expressing their concerns.”

Phil Toms, chief executive of Newport Housing Trust, said:
“We welcome and fully support the ‘No Cold Calling Zone’ idea. Our residents want to feel safe and secure in their own homes. We have worked with Gwent Police in the past to design out crime on our estates and this is an excellent extra step.”

read more... “'No cold calling zone' introduced in Ringland”

Inspire awards

The Cardiff Against Bullying team will host their annual Inspire Awards on November 18 at Cardiff Castle. Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Brian Griffiths and Executive Member for School and Lifelong Learning Cllr Freda Salway will be in attendance to award primary and secondary pupils, plus school staff and community representatives who have helped to tackle bullying.

Those nominated have assisted in making their school or community group a bullying free zone. Many of the pupils nominated have used their own initiative to help new or younger pupils and create a friendly environment. School staff and community representatives will also be praised for their work tackling bullying.

The nominations were judged by Cllr Freda Salway, Inspector Shane Ahmed from South Wales Police, Norman Cooke from Cardiff Council and health promotion practitioner Cerys Jones.

Executive Member for Schools and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway, said:” The Inspire Awards are a great way of thanking the school pupils, staff and community representatives who have gone the extra mile to help others. The nominees are an inspiration and I am looking forward to meeting them at the awards.”

Inspire Award Finalists

Primary School Pupil Category Finalists:

Connor Woodcock – Lansdowne Primary School
Connor helps everyone in school; giving a helping hand to new pupils and making them feel welcome. He helps pupils in the school yard who are facing problems and makes sure those pupils who feel left out by others are able to join in games. He helps the midday supervisors and helps to keep the school environment clean and safe for other pupils. Connor is committed to school; he is always punctual and has recently been elected by his peers as House Captain.

Chloe Uphill – Lansdowne Primary School
Chloe is a friend to pupils in her year group and across the school and is both generous and supportive towards others. She makes new pupils feel welcome and if they feel lost and lonely she will actively seek them out and explain how things work in school. She will make sure everyone who wants to participate in a game can and no one is left out. Chloe makes everyone feel better about themselves.

Sophie Hutchins – St Paul’s C.W Primary School
Sophie runs and organises the school Buddy group. She monitors the playground friendship stop and ensures that no one is lonely and has someone to play with. She supports and teaches younger children new games and how to use equipment. She can be relied upon every playtime and lunch time and has made play time a much happier time for pupils and staff. She is also extremely kind and caring towards any new pupils who enter the school.

Secondary School Pupil Category Finalists:

Shemeah Wilson – Cantonian High School
Shemeah plays an active role in school life, in and outside the classroom. She has played a huge part in helping to make Year 7 pupils feel welcome to the school by escorting them to their lessons and helping them out with any problems they have faced. She has done this using her own initiative and has since been chosen to take part in the peer mentoring scheme within the school. She has undertaken training with Cardiff against Bullying so she can be a peer mentor to Special Educational Needs pupils in the school. Shemeah is a pupil who will often stand up to other pupils if she sees that someone is being picked on or bullied. She is keen to make new and vulnerable pupils feel welcome in her class. She is an extremely kind and thoughtful pupil.

Iwan Matheson – Llanishen High School
Whilst in Year 10 Iwan trained as a Buddy and visited the local feeder primary schools and spoke at length to the Year 6 pupils to give them a honest viewpoint on transition and reassure them of the support available to them from older pupils. He visited the same group of pupils throughout their time in Year 7 to help those struggling to settle in and make friends, to mediate where relationships had broken down and to be a source of support where needed. He has given up countless breaks and lunch times and has organised the Buddies on schools open evening, meeting the parents and pupils from Years 5 and 6. Now in Year 12 Iwan has led a team of pupils to set up a new Senior Buddies System, mentoring not only the incoming Buddies team in Year 11 but also pupils further up the school who need someone to spend time with. Iwan never stops looking for ways to improve the school ethos and environment.

Shelby Murray – Willows High School
Shelby is often helping staff in school and teachers have commented on her willingness to help. She has been a school buddy since Year 10 and has helped many pupils who have been bullied. Shelby regularly helps her disabled aunt out of school hours and works hard in everything she attempts with regular success, often overcoming personal obstacles to achieve a successful outcome.

School Staff Category Finalists:

Sonia Price – Oakfield Primary School
Sonia provides outstanding support and guidance to pupils with social, emotional and behavioural challenges. She has enthusiastically initiated and delivered programmes to raise children’s self esteem and improve pupils’ anger management. Staff, pupils and parents recognise the commitment and effort she demonstrates on a daily basis. Pupils feel safe, secure and valued in her care which is reflected in the confidence with which pupils share their worries and concerns. Children actively seek her out if they feel upset, insecure or vulnerable at any time. Her sensitive and considered intervention, in situations of conflict, contribute significantly towards the success of the school’s positive behaviour management programme; effectively managing and resolving instances of bullying. Her contribution to the school reaches far beyond her job description.

Sue Curtis – Lansdowne Primary School
Sue has inspired staff with the implementation of a new scheme ‘R’ Time, organised school INSET and ensured its implementation and sustainability. She has supported the development of her school’s peer mentoring scheme and provided activities for those in need of assistance. She ensures the anti-bullying policy is embedded into the day-to-day life of the school and makes new pupils feel welcomed and valued. She has actively promoted transition arrangements between the primary phase and secondary phase to assist pupils with the move into High School. She has made every effort to ensure the school is a more respectful place to learn, work and play and continues to build on her skills, knowledge and understanding of issues to continually improve the ethos of the school.

Community Representative Category Finalists:

Linda James – Bullies Out
Linda founded BulliesOut in 2006, since then has tirelessly worked to develop and deliver workshops, presentations, peer mentoring training and organising fundraising events. Linda demonstrates real compassion to want to make a difference to the lives of those who are suffering from bullying. To date Linda and BulliesOut have helped and supported thousands of children and young people affected by bullying. Linda has achieved amazing results for BulliesOut, delivering the peer mentoring and hand of courage programmes to over 5000 children, most of which has been achieved whilst overcoming personal obstacles.

Steve Gunning – 2nd Rhiwbina Scout Group
Steve is enthusiastic and encourages all round him. He helps people young and old to feel good about themselves. He has made it clear to all members in his Scout group that bullying behaviour is unacceptable in Scouting and in wider society. He has supported sections to work with young people to develop a code of conduct and has established what acceptable behaviour is, and what is not. He has helped to create a respectful and friendly environment in the scouting sections where bullying isn’t welcome. He has developed activities which look at dealing with bullying and helping others who may have been bullied. He has helped to improve members’ self confidence and promoted good behaviour. Through his cheerfulness and acts of kindness he has consistently made a difference.

Jane Tariq – Splott Play Centre, Children’s Play Services
Jane works tirelessly with all children and young people in Splott and Tremorfa. She comes into work on her days off to support young people on the NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training) project and has even taken one young person to meetings to help with their addiction problems. She helps young people to respect themselves and each other and to understand that bullying behaviour is never acceptable. She makes a special effort with children and young people, who have difficulties making friends, to include them in as many activities in the community as possible, building their self esteem and confidence. Her can-do attitude and positivity make her a fantastic champion of children and young people.

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Denbighshire Council fights for closed rural post office

Denbighshire County Council is calling on the Post Office to re-open the Llanarmon yn Iâl branch at the earliest opportunity after being informed of its temporary closure.

In a letter to the council, the Post Office confirmed that the branch closed on October 20 on a temporary basis.

Councillor Sharon Frobisher, Cabinet Lead Member for Communities, said: "The village post office is invaluable in a rural area such as Llanarmon yn Iâl with the nearest post offices being approximately two miles away in Eryrys. Many people locally, such as the elderly, rely heavily on the services provided and the temporary closure will affect those living in the local community, albeit on a short term basis.

"The Post Office says that it is working to resume Post Office services at Llanarmon yn Iâl and we urge them to do so as soon as possible."

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Marshals have landed in West Rhyl

Last week saw the launch of West Rhyl Marshals, at the Hub, the Rhyl Youth Action Group building on Wellington Road.

The Marshals are a voluntary community group made up of children and their families.

The aim of the group is to address environmental issues and improve the area where they live around the West Rhyl Ward.

The group, who have all been issued with their own red high visibility jackets and matching baseball caps as part of the safety uniform, will take part in action days, which will include clearing away rubbish, formulating reports to local authorities to reduce litter and fly tipping, and supporting the elderly within the community with gardening projects.

Marshals will go patrol with local Police officers in a bid to identify areas that need crime prevention information.

Inspector Steve Williams explained: "The intention is that they will take part in leaflet drops and street surveys to identify local problems and issues."

Recently as part of the activities 35 children, young people and others took part in an action day to clean up the alleys between Sydenham Avenue, Balmoral Grove, Marlborough Grove and Osborne Grove.

With the support of local residents, four 10 ton skips were filled and all the alleys were cleared and cleaned. The local Fire Safety officer conducted approximately 12 safety checks and 30 appointments were made for them to return at later dates.

Other supporting groups on site were Clwyd Alyn housing, Denbighshire County Council, staff from RWCC and RYAG.

The group are also very grateful for the help and support they received from Liz and Ray from Brynwood print and design, Benny Sedgwick and Royston Ashmore.

The group will be working with the local Neighbourhood Policing Team and North Wales Fire and Reduce Service as well as other community groups including Rhyl Youth Action Group (RYAG) West Rhyl Community Company (RRCC) and the Arson Reduction Team.

The group intend to meet once every four or five weeks to tackle community projects.

If you fancy being a Marshal, why not contact the Rhyl Neighbourhood Policing Team on 01756 530052 or call PC Steve Edwards on 07896 171482 or PC Les Jones on 07890 525204.

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Communities' Voice guides Valleys Regeneration

The latest round of Western Valley Strategy meetings held last month has been hailed a huge success.

Over 100 people came to the evening events to give their views and opinions on how well the strategy is working and where they thought more work was needed.

Changing circumstances mean that the valleys strategy needs to be reviewed periodically and residents and other interested people have a chance to help guide and identify new projects to ensure valley communities continue to enjoy ' Positive Futures'.

The valleys strategy team went out and about in October meeting the public at consultation events in all Neath Port Talbot's valley communities. They encouraged people to work with the Council on developing new plans for the future and in making them relevant to people's everyday lives.

Councillor Ali Thomas, Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, said, "These meetings are a valuable way to keep in touch with communities. We recognise that lasting change can only happen with the continued help and support of many different organisations and the active support of valley residents.

"The information provided will now be used to develop additional project ideas for the Valleys Strategy Action Plan to help guide developments up to 2015."

The next step in the consultation will be in December when suggestions for projects can be seen on the Council's website.

Communities and organisations can once again have their say before a final list is added into the strategy in the new year.

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Debt and benefit advice event a success

A Communities First event to offer advice and support on debts and benefits has been well received by members of the public.

The event, held in Llanelli on October 19, brought together service providers offering employment support services, debt and benefit support and legal aid advice, with the aim of providing people with a network of support to help ease financial pressures.

The event was arranged as part of the Llanelli Communities First Debt and Benefit Volunteering Demonstration Project, which has been funded by the Welsh Assembly Governments Outcomes Fund and Carmarthenshire County Council to deliver debt and benefit support services run by volunteers throughout the Tyisha, Glanymor, Llwynhendy, Felinfoel and Bigyn 4 areas.

The project also supports general volunteering to up-skill and re-train residents of the wards with a view to finding employment.

Volunteers have been recruited over a number of months, and have received training to enable them to support and advise members of the public.

The volunteers were involved in the planning of the debt and benefit event and actively promoted the project on foot throughout the five Communities First wards in the two weeks before the event by delivering flyers and talking to residents about the event and the services the project offers.

On the day, nine of these volunteers helped to set up the event and supported it by meeting and helping members of the public who came in to find the help they were looking for, serving refreshments and undertaking benefits checks.

Bryony Wiffen, Communities First volunteer development worker, said: “Members of the public who came were very pleased with the event and the feedback left was very positive.

“One piece of feedback said that the event has been helpful for many people, with the hope that there would be similar events in the future.

“This is a true reflection of the hard work put in by volunteers on the project already.”

Service Providers were able to meet with each other to establish contacts with a view to building good working relationships in the future.

Cllr Kevin Madge, Carmarthenshire’s anti-poverty champion, said: “The importance of events like this should not be under estimated.

“Demonstrating to people that you have an open door and that you are offering help without prejudice is a major hurdle to overcome.

“The organisers of this event, including the volunteers, deserve to be congratulated for their efforts.”

Anyone from Glanymor, Tyisha, Llwynhendy, Bigyn 4 or Felinfoel who has an interest in volunteering or wants to talk about debt issues or needs more information about benefits can call Bryony or Chris on 01554 777850.

Photograph: Pictured at the Communities First debt and benefit advice event at Lakefield Hall, Llanelli, are debt and benefit volunteers Medi Williams, Julie Robinson, Simmer Sura, Kim Williams, Senait Mekonnen and Tracey Dunne, with Communities First volunteer development worker Bryony Wiffen. By Jeff Connell

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