Assoc. Organisations
ASSOCIATED ORGANISATIONS
On this page we will give details of groups affiliated to CYTUN in Penarth and District. These will have originated as official subgroups of CYTUN but have now widened their membership to include the wider public in the area. CYTUN continue membership of such groups and hear regular reports on progress within.
1) GWYRDDIO PENARTH GREENING. gpgpenarth.org.uk
GPG was started as a part of Penarth and District Cytun Churches Together. From small beginnings indeed, GPG has evolved from infancy as Ecology group, into childhood as Help our Planet to the now young adult form as now named. It now operates independently and has attracted many members from the community who
are not part of any of tne churches. However they still present regular reports to the Council and we are pleased with the way that they have grown in numbers and
influence.
Well done!
GPG is on informal organisation and many people just dip in and out according
to time and inclination— so do take the plunge and find out about us — on the
web www.gpgpenarth.org.uk
Meetings are held monthly at The Windsor Public House on Windsor Rd. Full details are available on its dedicated website shown above.
Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG) Report for November 2011 – January 2012
Overview:
Those of us closely involved with GPG regularly remind ourselves that our main aim is to raise awareness about climate change and peak oil, and in doing so help prepare people locally for the changes that lie ahead. We try not to be diverted by various other ‘green avenues’ down which we are sometimes attracted. We could all too easily become involved in international campaigns, or engage in scientific debates and economic arguments. But, we are too thin on the ground for such excitements, and know that we must concentrate on where we believe we are beginning to make some progress – here in Penarth with our projects and awareness-raising meetings and events. These issues cross my mind as I come to the end of three years of chairing GPG and I wonder, in the urgency of a changing climate, if our small efforts are worthwhile. On balance, I think that all individual action, however small, is vitally important in helping us become more responsible about the way we use the earth’s precious resources. Individual and community action is empowering, and can replace that sense of fear and helplessness that many feel in the face of forces that are unimaginable. It is my hope that GPG will continue to work quietly and persuasively within this community to help it move towards a more sustainable and self-reliant future. And now to what GPG has been doing over the last three months.
Awareness Raising: Two meetings – one on public transport and cycling for all, and one at which we watched ‘The Power of Community’, an interesting account of how Cuba survived after losing access to Soviet oil in the l990s. Both meetings were well attended and created a lot of discussion and interest. We had a small presence at the Christmas Tree light switching on ceremony in December, to highlight the use of ‘green’ decorations and renewable energy. GPG had a simple tree in the Christmas Tree Festival and Shop in Penarth also had a tree.
GPG Local Food Festival: Date: Sunday, 15th July 11am – 4pm in the Kymin. Plans are underway for a repeat of last year’s event, but with more emphasis on the ‘local’. Many people commented last year on the fact that this was a ‘real Penarth event of the old kind’! It was also an opportunity to make the connection between supporting local production, air miles, the local economy etc. – so worth the effort, talking of which…if anyone has a few hours to spare that day, do let us know!
Community Gardens: After months of patient behind the scenes work & negotiation, real progress has been made on all three of the proposed sites. Bute Lane Nursery is now at the planning stage and a grant application will be submitted over the next few weeks. Arriva Trains have agreed to GPG creating raised beds on part of the platform and working on part of the bank alongside the station. A full report onWordsworthPark was submitted to the Vale of Glamorgan Council before Christmas and a summary of the proposals will be put forward for consideration by councillors shortly. Rome, and community gardens weren’t built in a day – or even a year!
Shop in Penarth (SiP): After a lot of input from local artists, copywriters, computer experts etc., SiP was re-launched with a brand new leaflet (with an interesting map) and a new voucher scheme. SiP remains one of our flagship projects as it not only supports the local economy and encourages people to shop locally, it is also a very useful vehicle through which to promote environmental issues. NB – do remember that at the beginning of every month 5 £10 vouchers are out in SiP shops to be won – if your card is the first to be produced.
Orchard: Anthony and his faithful band of enthusiasts planted 5 new trees during January, just before the hard weather set in. The orchard inCosmestonPark is becoming well-established, and we hope to get a sign up soon indicating what it is.
The future… AGM on Thursday, 8th March, 6pm in the Windsor Arms, followed by an ‘Any Questions on the Environment’. So far we have 3 Assembly members of different parties taking part and hope to have a further 2. This is yet another way for us to not only voice our concerns about the environment and climate change, but also to hear the views of our politicians, and hopefully influence at least some of them. Do come along.
We are beginning to plan for the Car Free Day in September, and also hope to have another event around the general issues of recycling (possibly in April), with particular reference to the proposed incineration system.
Again, our thanks to all the Churches who so helpfully put up our posters and support us in various ways.
Tricia Griffiths (Chair)
Phone: 029 2070 7828
Email: gwyrddio.penarth.greening@googlemail.com Web site: www.gpgpenarth.org.uk
—————————————————————————————————————————————————
Report for September – October 2011
The most significant event for GPG over the last 2 months was Apple Day on 16th October. The weather was good and many people visited the various displays and activities in Belle Vue Park where we were made very welcome by the Friends of Belle Vue. Apples were identified, pressed and toffee apples eaten. Apple products were sold and apple games played. It was all good ‘old fashioned’ fun, but more importantly, it was a real opportunity to involve people with a common food which many of us take for granted, and to learn about its culture and uses. And we had many questions about GPG and what we are all about which was good. Apple Day was the culmination of lots of apple picking by several volunteers. It has been a good year for apples, and many that would otherwise have gone to waste have been distributed to good causes. The Abundance Scheme on which our project was based, is one we believe will work well in Penarth but we will need more volunteers, ladders and storage!
We were disappointed to learn that the Government is reducing the feed-in-tariff for people investing in solar panels. We had hoped that a Solar Co-op group would help reduce Penarth’s carbon footprint, but this has put a stop to progress on that front, at least for time being. Another small disappointment was having to give up the Christmas Food Festival. We were unable to find an indoor venue and the complications of arranging a street market event were just too complicated. We are looking into this for the future.
Plans are now well ahead for the re-launch of the Shop in Penarth scheme. It continues to operate but we are developing new publicity material and a leaflet which we hope will encourage people to shop locally, because it not only helps the local economy and cuts carbon, but it also plays an important part in keeping the community together during difficult times.
Our involvement in the Bute Cottage Nursery community garden is progressing well. The public opinion survey of Wordsworth Park was completed in August and a public meeting was held in early October to hear the results. The survey of 1100 homes showed a majority in favour of improvements to the park and a report is to be sent to the Vale of Glamorgan Council asking for permission to take the idea of creating better facilities and a modest garden area forward.
.
Our next general meeting on Thursday, 10th November is focusing on transport. Speakers from Sustrans, Pedal Power and the Bike Club will in different ways highlight the importance of thinking more carefully about how we get around, and whether better use can be made of public transport. GPG intends to take part in the national ‘No Car Day’ next September.
As we come towards the end of a very busy year for GPG, we are beginning to think about plans for next year. We definitely intend to continue with all our local projects. On a wider front it is likely that GPG will begin to concentrate on some of the more serious aspects of climate change, and how we can tackle them here in Penarth…watch this space!
GPG contact details:
Tricia Griffiths (Chair) 029 20 707828
Email: gwyrddio.penarth.greening@googlemail.com
Website: www.gpgpenarth.org.uk See us also on Face book
Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG) – quarterly update for March – May 2011
Overview: Another hectic three months. On the general PR front we took part in the National Pier Event in March and several stalwarts ‘set up shop’ on the pier, sold the new GPG bags and distributed leaflets. Two of us have been out and about giving talks – to the WI, All Saints Church, the Men’s Group, the Horticultural Society & the Rotary Club. A recycling surgery in April, organised jointly by GPG and the Vale of Glamorgan Council, was appreciated by people trying to getting a grasp on the complexities of sorting rubbish for recycling. We were delighted to be able to support a group of post-graduate students from the Welsh School of Architecture whose research has been on sustainability in Penarth. They are about to report their findings on a) current domestic energy use (how to reduce) b) the potential of self-sufficiency in Penarth c) mapping demand and supply of energy and looking at alternatives and d) the Pier Pavilion development. GPG hopes to be able to work in depth on at least one of their proposals in relation to either self-sufficiency or energy. We continue to use our small projects as vehicles through which to convey serious messages about climate change. Progress is reported below.
SHOP IN PENARTH (SiP) Loyalty Card Scheme: This has been subject to its first independent evaluation and results are mixed. Food shops were used for this early review. Most retailers appreciate the scheme, and over 30% of shoppers in Penarth know about SiP. The main problem is about promotion. Where offers are clearly advertised and are attractive, people use their cards. This scheme will be reviewed in depth in August. If it is to continue we shall need make use of facebook and better ways of advertising generally. SiP bags, designed by a local primary school pupil, were distributed free to all the participating schools and are selling well in many SiP businesses.To date over 1500 cards have been sold & we have 49 businesses in the scheme.
FOOD GROUP This small band of enthusiasts is punching well above its weight at the moment with ambitious plans for Penarth’s first local food festival on 17th July in the Kymin. They are hoping to get 20 stands with food coming from within a 50 mile radius of Penarth. Stalls will include bread, honey, organic produce, cakes, preserves, meat, eggs and more… As always with GPG projects, this event has a strong ‘green’ agenda – e.g. locally produced food which is bought in Penarth means less carbon emissions. The group is also supporting an initiative to start another food co-op in Penarth whereby bags of vegetables can be purchased cheaply. The GPG bi-monthly meeting in April was on food and enjoyed an excellent talk by Steve Garrett on the Riverside Market.
ORCHARD AND PENARTH HARVEST Much to our delight, trees in the community orchard in Cosmeston blossomed in April (nothing had been expected in this first year). Sadly two trees have died (rabbits & the weather) – these will be replaced in October when we hold an Apple Day. ‘Harvest Penarth’ is the next venture for this group. If you hate to see fruit rotting because no one has time or energy to pick it, this is for you! We hope to get a number of people with fruit trees together with volunteers prepared to pick the fruit and a) distribute it to local groups/organisations where it would be appreciated b) demonstrate what can be made out of the harvested crop and c) ensure that tree owners get their fair share. Anyone unable to harvest their fruit, or who wants to get involved as a volunteer contact: 07810334762 or email: as.penarth@gmail.com
COMMUNITY GARDENS After considerable background work, three projects are now on the drawing board: the station; Bute Nursery (in collaboration with the school) and the Rec (Wordsworth Park). Wordsworth Park is potentially the project which will involve most local people. Following an initial public meeting, 2 groups have emerged wanting to make more use of the space – one interested in gardening and the other in improving play areas for children and young people. It is very early days, and the group is working on a questionnaire-based survey which will give a better idea of what local people want – & don’t want. While waiting for the survey to be carried out, a picnic is planned to take place on the Rec on Sunday, 5th June 12 – 4pm. Picnic in the Park is part of the national Eden Project’s Big Lunch idea. It is an event for all ages – More details on 07773949485 or go to www.gpgpenarth.org.uk
FINANCE: For general administration, GPG raises money through voluntary contributions and occasional raffles etc. We are also helped by grants for specific projects and are delighted to report that we have recently been given £300 by Penarth Town Council and £2,480 by the Co-operative Group – both for the Community Garden projects.
Future Events: Sunday, 5th June 12 – 4pm Picnic in the Park (The Rec, Wordsworth Ave)
Thursday, 2nd June 7pm in the Windsor Arms, Windsor Road – Green Drinks (just to chat)
Sunday, 17th July 11am – 3pm GPG Local Food Festival – The Kymin
Thursday, July, 6pm in The Windsor Arms – Is solar energy for you and me?
Good News! We are delighted to hear that the P1 Bus service is back – let’s use it and keep it!
Want to help? Help is always needed with our projects – particularly at the moment with the Food Festival
and the Penarth Harvest. Ideas about making the SiP scheme work better? Venues to
put the Sip leaflets? Please let us know.
Questions/offers of help: 029 2070 7828/ email:gwyrddio.penarth.greening@googlemail.com
Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG) – Quarterly update for June – August 2011
Overview: The quarter started with hectic preparations for the Big Picnic and the Local Food
Festival and ended with an excellent presentation on solar power and the launch of an Abundance Scheme.. The big events certainly stretched our small project groups, but our long-term projects have survived. We are still on that learning curve experienced by new organisations in relation to curbing enthusiasm for new enterprises, in the interests of putting down firm foundations. Our awareness of this problem has stopped us getting involved in national campaigns, and in becoming too drawn into the wider ‘green industry’. Our focus remains simple: to raise awareness about climate change and develop ideas that will help Penarth become a more resilient and sustainable community. It is a serious business, but along the way we are enjoying working together with more people from different parts of the community to make Penarth a greener town.
Projects: Food: Undoubtedly, the organisation of the Local Food Festival was a major undertaking which gave us a few worrying moments. It all came good on the day which dawned dark and grey, but gradually lightened. In all, over 30 food stalls filled the Kymin with many others providing information, food to eat and things to do. Hundreds came and feedback from both stall-holders and the public was very positive. We were particularly pleased by the number of people who referred to the event as a real ‘old Penarth occasion’. It was all about local food and sustainability, but it was a real opportunity for GPG to takes its message to a wider audience. We hope to have a smaller event before Christmas – date and venue yet to be agreed.
Community Gardens: We are waiting on Arriva Trains to give us final permission before taking the station project forward.. The Bute Lane Nursery Project is progressing gradually with GPG in a supportive, advisory role. The Wordsworth Park initiative is waiting on the results of a survey delivered to 1100 houses. This has been a large piece of work, but no planning can take place without knowing what local people want. Before embarking on the survey, this group, with much help from local residents, arranged a very enjoyable ‘Picnic in the Park’.
Shop in Penarth (SiP) Loyalty Card Scheme: SiP was independently evaluated in June and, like the curate’s egg, it was found to be ‘good in parts’. Most of the retailers appreciate the scheme, want it to continue, and value it for helping to highlight the need for support for local shops; some found the publicity poor and some had some quite exciting ideas about future developments – including a £50 monthly prize for SiP card holders. We are now looking at the evaluation and recommendations carefully, and are plan to re-launch the scheme shortly.
Orchard and Harvest Penarth (Abundance) The orchard continues to grow and we were delighted by the amount of blossom in the Spring. We are aware of the amount of undergrowth, but this is for a purpose (details on request), and the council does cut the area periodically. GPG people clear the ground immediately beneath the trees regularly. We have launched a small abundance scheme (similar to the first one started in Sheffield). 9 adults and 4 children picked many bags of apples this week in the garden of someone overwhelmed with fruit. The aim is to prevent waste, make good use of the fruit and help people become aware of where our food comes from. We have deliberately started small, but anyone wanting to join in is very welcome. Look out for details of GPG’s first Apple Day on Sunday, 16th October when we shall be doing interesting things with fruit and having a get together. .
Solar Power: Several of our members have been researching the whole issue of solar electricity – both for domestic use and in relation to creating a Solar Coop. A presentation given recently will shortly be on our web site: www.gpgpenarth.org.uk Quite apart from providing an objective view with the pros and cons for individuals, there is a lot about how one can get involved in the Coop idea. This will enable large public buildings to generate their own electricity by use of photvoltaic panels, which would be a modest but useful step towards reducing Penarth’s carbon footprint. GPG will not be running the Coop, but is very happy to have acted as a catalyst and we shall continue to support
and promote the scheme.
Future Events: Apple Day, Sunday, 16th October – time and venue to be arranged.
Food Coop starts on Friday, 9th September. Call in at the Art Department, Tennyson Road between 3.15 and 3.45pm to place an order for a mixed bag of fruit, veg, choice of salad or stir-fry. Cost £2.50 per bag. Orders to be collected following week. Heather Giles is running this scheme and would welcome volunteers: 07990 758752. This is not a GPG scheme, but we are very supportive.
Next GPG meeting: Thursday, 10th November – 6pm at the Windsor Arms
GPG Contact details: Tricia Griffiths (GPG chair) 029 2070 7828
email: gwyrddio.penarth.greening@googlemail.com Website: www.gpgpenarth.org.uk Facebook: Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG)
Gwyrddio Penarth Greening (GPG) report Cytun Council for February 2011
Overview: Sometimes we worry that we are not working hard enough at getting our message across, but looking back over the last 3 months does show that at least we have been trying! Probably most effort has gone into establishing the community orchard, making plans for getting at least one community garden going in the near future and ensuring that we have a steady flow of events that highlight the climate change issue. Like many small organisations, our greatest threat is that we can be tempted into doing too much too soon, and this is not helped by knowing that we are working in area where time, as they say, ‘is of the essence’. We could do more if we had more people involved. Our faithful band of hard-core support mostly comes from people who are working full time and there is a great need for more input. This is an unashamed plea for help – we are not looking for environmental experts, but people who believe in what we are doing and want to lead the way to a more sustainable, slower, environmentally friendly way of life. GPG is informal and friendly and commitment can be small or great – according to time and inclination, and age is no barrier. Whatever you bring, you will be welcome. Now to the projects:
ORCHARD: The trees were brought down from Llandeilo just before the great freeze and planted at the beginning of January in Cosmeston Park by some real enthusiasts. So Penarth now has its own orchard which will shortly be enclosed by hedging plants that will encourage wild life.
COMMUNITY GARDENS: This group has made real strides and is working on three potential projects: Bute Lane Nursery, where we would be supporting an existing group; Wordsworth Park where we are hoping to get enough local support to get a really useful garden going (PUBLIC MEETING – Wed, 9th March, 7.30pm at Tennyson Road Arts Centre) and a small venture on Penarth Station, given approval by Arriva Trains.
SHOP IN PENARTH (SiP) LOYALTY CARD SCHEME: This is at the halfway point of the pilot and we are looking at new ways of keeping interest going. Some shops are very good at advertising their offers and involvement, others haven’t quite got the idea yet. The monthly awards to specific shops which have been particularly green seem to be popular and are well covered by the Penarth Times which is helpful. The latest offers are now out and lists are available in the participating businesses, on line: www.gpgpenarth.co.uk and in the Glebe Street Post Office, Fourways, Morgan Wilson Monumental Masons in Cornerswell Road. Above all, we are asking people with cards to use them!
FOOD GROUP: Their big event will be a GPG Local Food Festival to be held at the end of the Penarth Festival in the Kymin. They are also organising a picnic on 5th June on the Cliff Top – more details on both events later.
THE PENARTH BAG: Prizes for the three winning entries for this project were awarded by the Mayor of Penarth, Cllr. Paul Church in November. We are having slight problems in transferring the design to an affordable bag, but hopefully these will soon be overcome and the bags should be available in March.
SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT: No progress on this at the moment.
RAISING AWARENESS: Our bi-monthly meetings in the Windsor Arms continue and apart from our usual updating session, we had an informative talk from the Energy Saving Trust in January. We took part in the Christmas Tree Festival and, although not prize winners, we were proud of the fact that our entry was carbon neutral in that the tree was growing, decorations were recycled and it had no lights. Someone commented “A humble tree” which was in a funny way appropriate and pleasing. We have given talks to the Men’s Fellowship and the Horticultural Society, and are always happy to come along to any groups to explain what we are doing in general or on any of the specific projects. We are particularly pleased with the progress made by the MSc students from the Welsh School of Architecture, who have chosen to work on sustainability in Penarth. . They made their first presentation at the end of January and it was good to see how much research they had already done on a whole range of issues that are central to our concerns (it is the kind of background information we need, but would never have the resources to achieve). They are keen that their projects should help GPG and in due course they will be making a further presentation with some recommendations which we look forward to hearing.
FUTURE EVENTS: AGM – Monday, 7th March, 6pm in the Windsor Arms. This is also one of our bi-monthly information exchange events. Recycling Event in Windsor Road, in conjunction with the Vale of Glamorgan Council – late April – date to be confirmed. This is help us find out exactly what we should be recycling and how. Big Picnic – 5th June, Cliff Top. GPG Local Food Festival, July – details later.
Tricia Griffiths (chair GPG) , February, 2011
Contact: www.gpgpenarth.org.uk Tel: 029 2070 7828
————- ———————————————————————————-
2) PENARTH & DISTRICT LESOTHO TRUST (PADLT) www.pdlt.btck.co.uk
Chairman. Rev. Peter Cox. EM: peterallard.cox@ntlworld.com
Hon.Secretary and Contact person.
Mr Jeremy Dix. EM: dan1im2arch3@yahoo.co.uk
Penarth and District Lesotho Trust AGM 2011
LESOTHO VISIT 2013
If you have already visited Lesotho or are considering coming for the first time, the 2013 trip will be an exciting one to remember.
The primary reason for the visit will be to develop friendship links , many of which have been established over the 10 year period we have been associated withLesotho. We believe that the relationships that have developed during this time have enhanced the lives of adults and children both in Penarth and area and in TY and area.
Both communities have something of value to offer to each other, and the best way of understanding that is by visiting.
To go toLesotho and experience their hospitality, friendliness and generosity is a truly heart warming, life changing and emotional experience. Challenging, but joyful.
Dates of Visit An 18 day trip during Feb, 2013
Cost of Visit £1950 ( Approx.) Depends on exchange rate.
Purpose of Visit To make friends, provide practical support, form new links and develop existing links.
Outline Itinerary Day 1 Fly from Cardiff to Jo’Berg
Day 2 Drive toLesotho
Days 3-10 Activities inLesotho
Day 11 Drive SaniPass to S Africa
Day 12 Drive North – world heritage sites
Days 13-14 Battlesites ( Rourke’s Drift, etc.)
Days15-17.IthalaGamePark
Day 17 Jo’Berg – fly home
Day18 ArriveCardiff
—————————————————————————————–
I should like to be considered for the 2013 visit to Lesotho
NAME ADDRESS
TEL. NUMBER E MAIL
My interest in the visit is :
Sign. Date
Please return to Jeremy Dix,Norwood,Sully Road, Penarth. CF642TQ
Tel.. 02920707036 E Mail dan1im2arch3@yahoo.co.uk
Report by PADLT to Penarth Cytun Executive Feb. 2012
The news of the moment is that Nigel is no more. He has been killed and eaten. Nigel is one of Godfrey’s pigs and was much appreciated and enjoyed by the pupils of TY Junior Academy.
PADLT has been awarded a £10,000 grant by the British Humane Association to train medical staff inLesothoand this should kickstart TYPDWT into opening a bank account. This will make it easier and more accountable re. the use of funding.
Several shops now have goblets into which 5p bag money can be put.
Lesley has been working hard to put an Anniversary Book together and this will shortly be available to mark the first 10 years of our work inLesotho.
CCCO are performing a concert in All Saints on 7th Feb. at 8.0pm and our AGM is to be on 8th Feb., also in All Saints at 7.30pm. Everyone is welcome to come to both events.
Lesley is taking a group of 11 toLesothoin March and Sara is going with a Stanwell Youth team in August.
Another concert with singers from the WNO is planned for May, plus our FunRun and Plant Sale.
Trustees continue to advertise the work of the Trust and we have a number of appointments to speak in schools.
PADLT continues to be grateful to the members of Cytun for their encouragement and support and believes that the quality of life of our 2 communities has been enhanced by this work and the forging of lasting relationships.
Ps. Late news. Godfrey hopes to visit Wales in June.
—————————————————————————————————————————————————-
PADLT happenings… report Nov 2011
1) Anniversary book. Lesley Cox had received articles and pictures from a number of people and the project was worthwhile, but there was still time for more contributions- Rosemary would circulate the membership. Through a contact, Prince Harry would be asked to write a foreward.
2) Lesotho Youth Garden Party. This had been a lot of fun in the Flynne’s garden and £300 had been raised.. This was an initiative of the Stanwell School students.
3) Website. www.padlt.btck.co.uk This is now up and running thanks to Sara Jones. She can be provided with information, articles, pictures, etc. for the site.
It is hoped that this will be linked with the Penarth Cytun web – site.
4) Keith, Rosemary and Jeremy had visited Ashgrove School and Chris Britten, the Head, had expressed a wish for the school to have links with Lesotho. Lesley Cox knew of a Special Needs teacher in Lesotho who might be interested in linking.
5) Lesley Cox will take another group of students from Ystrad Mynach College in March which has almost become an annual event. Stanwell School are also planning a visit in the summer of 2012.
6) The PADLT AGM will be on Wednesday 8th February 2012 in All Saints Church.
REPORT BY PADLT TO PENARTH AND DISTRICT CYTUN SEPT.2011
A number of activities associated with Lesotho have taken place since the last meeting. Stanwell school pupils are due to visit Lesotho next August and several trustees from PADLT visited the school in July and discussed with some 70 pupils how links could develop in the future. The new Head, Derek Jones, is enthusiastic to deepen and formalise the link with Rantuba Secondary School and 2 members of staff are planning to go with the young people next August. However, the young people still have ownership of the visit and will formulate their own programme. Other schools in Penarth are continuing to develop their own links and exchange letters. The young people( Lesotho Youth ) held a Garden Party in August and raised £300. Lesotho Youth are also a nominated charity supported by Sainsbury’s for the year.In July, PADLT trustees were visited by Mr Duncan Cantley of the Humane Society,an organisation which is sympathetic to the aims of PADLT and may be able to help with resourcing, especially for the training of Health personnel.
Lesley Cox is planning an anniversary booklet to celebrate 10 years of friendship with Lesotho and would welcome contributions of personal memories from any who have visited the country.
We are anticipating the formalisation of the TY and Peka Districts Wales Trust( TYPDWT ) which is due its AGM shortly and it will then be much easier to work with a committee representative of the community as a whole and with its own Bank account, rather than isolated individuals.Our intention is to be as transparent and accountable as possible with all financial arrangements. We are continuing to support Godfrey and the TY Junior Academy and have recently sent £4,500 to help with the construction of their latest school block. Our Treasurer also has links with a company which may be able to help with water pipe installation.There are outline plans for a future visit to Wales by Basothan friends.This would need funding and would be helpful and informative to both communities.
A local film group is interested in making a documentary about the work of PADLT and if successful would provide useful publicity.
Peter and Lesley recently attended Dinas Powis Village Show. They were having a sponsored Bobble Hat making competition for Lesotho and an award was made to the winner.
Future activities are talks to Victoria, Ashgrove and Fairfield schools, a table top sale on Saturday 12 November and an entry in St Augustine’s Christmas Tree festival.
We consider ourselves to be an offspring of Cytun and continue to be grateful for the ongoing support of member churches.
Jeremy Dix ( Secretary PADLT ) Sept. 2011
REPORT BY PENARTH AND DISTRICT LESOTHO TRUST JUNE 2011
This year so far has been a busy one for PADLT. Two visits have been made to Lesotho, the first by a party of 11 adults, mostly retired teachers,who stayed in TY at Ka Pitseng. They visited a number of schools, churches, the local hospital, the area government representative,a Skills Center, and generally formed friendships with local people.The second visit was by a group of students from Ystrad Mynach College, led by Lesley Cox, to develop their pre school teaching experience and form friendships of their own. The members of both groups were much moved by the warmth and hospitality of those they met and both visitors and those visited benefited from these new relationships.
Many from the groups are already thinking about their next visit and sharing with and learning from those living in a quite different culture.
Should you wish a member of the group to tell of their experiences in your church , please contact Jeremy on 20707036 or Peter on 20708952.
PADLT is hoping that it might assist in a number of visits from Lesotho in 2012. Apart from visiting, we have been busy fund raising.
A barn dance was organised by Sara on 9th April, a Mayor’s coffee morning on 11th, Keith arranged a Fun Run on 7th May and Howard a Plant Sale on 21st May. There have been various other Fund Raisers such as a very successful Fashion Show run by Stanwell Pupils and St Fagin’s school made a generous donation.
We are grateful to all those who support the work of PADLT and we are able to assist in a number of initiatives in Lesotho, particularly TY and Peka.
Whilst our primary role is that of friendship development which benefits communities in both Lesotho and Wales, resources are always needed in Lesotho to develop their infrastructure.
We believe that the work is growing as a wider network forms within Penarth and district and more people develop a heart for Lesotho.
We were encouraged that Lesotho was high profile at the Royal Wedding, people being asked, if they wished to present gifts, that these go to Prince Harry’s Lesotho Charity.
As the profile of Lesotho is strengthened, those there will benefit and lives will be changed because people care. Please continue to support us.
Jeremy Dix ( Sec. PADLT ) June 2011
SECRETARY’S REPORT January 2011
PADLT has continued to develop its links with the people of Lesotho, particularly with the people in TY and Peka.
Two visits were made last year by associated groups. A party of young adults led by Sara Jones went in March/April and spent time in Leribe and TY, working in schools and setting up the TY and Peka District Wales Link ( TYPDWL ), the Lesotho equivalent of PADLT. TYPDWL will allow us to work with a group of people, rather than only individuals.We were grateful to receive a grant from Gold Star to enable this development.
The group also visited TY Junior Academy and were able to see the progress made by the school, ‘though much still needs doing.
We are happy to report that the school now has an electricity supply, also a ready supply of fresh meat and vegetables.
The second visit was by a group of students from Stanwell school, with Lesley and Peter Cox as drivers. After a somewhat difficult start, the trip was a great success. In one school there was evidence of real deprivation and the young people responded magnificiently as their cooking skills subsequently demonstrated. Of concern was that there seemed to be no progress in the way that Gap and Levi Strauss factories were dealing with their waste products, a matter we had protested about previously.
To assist with travel, we purchased a Sat Nav system.
The following is a brief diary for the year :
FEBRUARY Africa/Wales link conference. Cardiff Health Board are now members and may encourage personnel to visit Lesotho. We also held a very successful Quiz. Thank you Alun.
MARCH/APRIL Visit to Lesotho by Sara’s group
MAY Fun Run around Cosmeston. Thank you Keith
A stall in the Plant Sale. We are responsible for organising this event this year. Thank you Howard. Volunteers please.
JULY. Cambrensis Concert in Stanwell Baptist. Thank you Kelvin.
Lesotho Exhibition in Stanwell Baptist, supported by schools and the public.
AUGUST Visit to Lesotho by Stanwell School young people
OCTOBER Sponsored Leaf pick. We collected 80 bags. Thank you Peter
DECEMBER. Concert in All Saints by Ardwyn Singers
Tree in St Augustine’s Christmas Tree Festival. Thank you Howard
Our plans for the future are more fund raising events, a Barn Dance on 9th April, a Fun Run on 7th May and a Plant Sale on 21st May and various events in the Autumn.
We continue to encourage school twinning, local government and health links and in March/April, two groups are visiting Lesotho. One is a party of 11 adults, mostly retired teachers , and the second a group of students from Ystrad Mynach College.
We are grateful for your support in the past .The importance of the links is as great as ever and we would welcome any fresh input as to how we can more effectively develop the friendships between our two communities.
Thank you Keith for publicity and please see Rosemary if you wish to become a member of PADLT.
Jeremy Dix ( Secretary PADLT ) January 2011
Report by Penarth and District Lesotho Trust to Penarth and District Cytun on 20th November 2010
Links between Penarth and TY continue and regular updates are received from TY Junior Academy. We are glad to report that they now have a variety of livestock on the site which provide nourishment for staff and scholars. Funding is required for the ongoing development of the fabric of the school; and £1000 was recently sent for this purpose.Wiring of some of the buildings is underway and an electrical supply would be a great advance.
We were concerned to hear that Mark West’s home had been broken into, Mark briefly held hostage and many items of value stolen. Fortunately none of the family was hurt during what was a very frightening experience. PADLT agreed to consider helping Mark cover some of his losses.
Plans are in hand for a visit by a party of eleven at the end of March 2011, eight of whom are teachers and much emphasis will be on developing the links with schools.
Fourteen are going from Coleg Ystrad Mynach in April 2011 and they have plans to work with young children.
Stanwell School’s young people are already planning their visit in 2012 and such is their enthusiasm that they have formed a Stanwell Lesotho support group.
We continue to fund raise and activities in the near future are, an entry to the Christmas Tree Festival at Saint Augustines in December and a Christmas concert by the Ardwyn Singers on Sat. 11th December. A sponsored leaf-pick in All Saints Square on Friday and Saturday 5th and 6th November was very successful and 72 bags of leaves were collected and will be removed and composted by the Council.
We were very pleased to hear that Keith’s Fun Run had raised over £900 for PADLT – well done Keith.
The new Cardiff Health Board has signed up to the Wales/Africa Link , possibly with a view to sending people to Lesotho in the future. One of out trustees , Nigel Gibbs, has been appointed to this committee.
PADLT is grateful to all those who support their work and continue to involve as many people as possible .
PADLT’s AGM is on 2nd Feb., 7.30 pm in Stanwell Road’s Lecture Room and apart from the business, we hope to hear from young people who visited Lesotho this year. All are welcome to attend this meeting.
J C Dix ( Sec. PADLT )