Need funding for your project or a business idea?

Are you a local business, local farmer or involved in the agricultural sector, social enterprise or voluntary and community organisation that is looking for funding for your project in the Vaynor, Aberfan and Merthyr Vale, Cyfarthfa, Bedlinog or Plymouth Ward?

The Rural Development Team will be holding a grant surgery in the Butchers Arms in Pontsticill on the 7th March 2012 between 16:00 – 19.00. Please come along and discuss your project with a member of the team. For more information, please contact Jared Green on 01685 724919

Grants of up to £15,000 are available and the team can also refer to other funders.

Areas which will be considered for funding are:
1) Diversification into non-agricultural activities:
To support members of the farm household who diversify in non-agricultural activities:
• Service activities (B&B’s, education and social activities on the farm)
• Craft activities (pottery, production of local products)
• Trade activities (creation of a store attached to a farm where self made products are sold
to customers)

2) Support for Business Creation and Development
To support: (excluding tourism or direct agricultural activity)
• The set-up or growth of micro-enterprises, addressing main factors such as skills and
advice.
• Broadening the sources of entrepreneurship and developing higher value business
opportunities to deliver a better range of well-paid employment opportunities
• Enhancing and providing additional support and services for the rural economy, including
the environment
• Addressing gaps in skill provision and non-mainstream training to develop personal and
community level confidence to take action and meet needs.

3) Encouragement of Tourism Activities:
To Support:
• Small scale infrastructure as information and sign posting of tourism sites
• Recreational infrastructure as that offering access to natural areas.
• The development and/or marketing of tourism services related to rural tourism.

4) Improve the Quality of Life in Rural Areas (Basic Services for the Rural Economy and
Population)
To support:
• Leisure, Sport, Cultural and environment activities including Welsh language promotion
• Improving Childcare Facilities
• Developing skills and the use of ITC
• Promoting Local Transport Services

5) Village Renewal and Development
To Support:
• Renovation of buildings
• Environmental upgrading eg. parks, roadsides

6) Conservation and Upgrading of Rural Heritage
To Support: Natural and Cultural Heritage
• Environmental awareness actions
• Investments associated with the maintenance, restoration and upgrading of natural
heritage.
• Studies and investments associated with maintenance, restoration and upgrading of
cultural heritage.

7) Training and Information Measure for Economic Actors
To Support:
• Providing local provision of general life skills, business skills, key trade skills, transfer of
traditional land skills and ICT skills etc.
• The training must not overlap with any ESF projects delivering within the area.
• Economic actors to benefit include CICs, communities of interest, proprietors of microenterprises,
women, young people, people of working age who are currently unable to
work and the elderly.

Cant make the date? There will also be surgeries held at the following venues:
• HEOLGERRIG SOCIAL CLUB – 08/03/2012 between 16:00 – 19:00
• THE COLLIERS ARMS – 15/03/2012 between 16:00 – 19:00
• MOUNT PLEASANT INN - 21/03/2012 between 16:00 – 19:00
• BEDLINOG RESOURCE CENTRE – 22/03/2012 between 16:00 – 19:00

Trefechan Credit Union Collection Point - Closure Dates

Please note that the Trefechan Credit Union Collection Point will be closed on Friday 17th and 24th February. During this time you can make payments at Cefn Community Centre on Tuesday from 10am to 12noon or at the main Credit Union Office at 139 High Street Merthyr Tydfil Monday to friday

Trefechan Job Club/ Back to work support day Tuesday 21st February Cancelled

Trefechan Job Club / Back to work Support Day Tuesday 21st february - cancelled.
Due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to cancel the back to work support day on the 21st february. Please accept our apologies for any incovenience this may cause. The next back to work support day will be held on Tuesday 6th March at Trefechan Community Centre from 10am to 2pm. Please note that you may still use the computers in the Trefechan Cafe if you wish to search for jobs.

Bee Keeping Course

Course Starts Sunday 15th April 2012
Running every 2nd Sunday of each month until October 2012
at FEDW HIR ECO CENTRE, Fedw Hir, Llwydcoed, Aberdare
£55.00 Waged
£25.00 Unwaged
Course will run between 10:30am - 4:00pm
Telephone: Rebecca Broome on 01685 883880
or
Email: rebecca.broome@groundworkmerthyrrct.org.uk
Spaces are limited so please book ASAP to avoid disappointment

Keep Well This Winter

Age Cymru is today reminding older people in Wales about how to stay warmer during cold weather. This follows a Met Office severe weather warning for large parts of the country, and a dip in night-time temperatures which is expected later this week.

Keep Well this Winter coordinator Joanne Bass says:
“Older people need to look after their health during the winter months because the cold can have a detrimental effect on their health.
“Cold weather can lead to respiratory illnesses and increase the risk of older people suffering hypothermia, a stroke or a heart attack.
“Age Cymru has prepared a list of cold weather tips for older people, which are some of the best ways to keep your home warm, keep on top of your bills, and keep healthy.
“Some of these tips may seem obvious, but they could make all the difference by helping you to stay warmer throughout the winter.”
1. Heat your home well
Keep your rooms heated to a temperature between 18º - 21º C (64º - 70º F). Switch your heating to come on just before you get up and switch off after you’ve gone to bed. If it’s very cold, set your heating to come on earlier and turn off later rather than turning the thermostat up. If you feel cold at night, use a hot water bottle or electric blanket – but never use both together.
2. Dress well for warmth
Several thin layers of clothing will keep you warmer than one thick layer. Clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy synthetic fabrics are best. If you can, stay indoors when it’s very cold, but if you have to go out, wrap up warmly and remember to wear a hat as you can lose a lot of heat through your head.
3. Get financial support
There are grants and sources of advice available to make your home more energy efficient, such as Nest – the Welsh Government’s fuel poverty scheme which aims to help people in Wales reduce the impact of their fuel bills (call 0800 512 012). It’s worthwhile claiming all of the benefits you are eligible to claim. Your local Age Cymru may be able to help you identify and apply for any extra money that you are entitled to. Age UK Advice –which you can contact on 0800 169 65 65, can also provide information about extra money you might be able to claim.
4. Eat well
Food is a vital source of energy, which helps to keep your body warm. Try to make sure you have hot meals and drinks regularly throughout the day.
5. Get a flu jab
You can get a free flu jab from your GP if you are over 65, have a long-term health condition, or are the main carer for an older or disabled person.
Age Cymru is committed to making the winter a better time for older people.