There was an outcry when Canolfan y Bont closed at the end of the academic year in 2009. We knew we couldn’t just stand by and let it happen! In 2010 Pontarddulais Partnership signed the lease of Canolfan y Bont to run it on behalf of the community, resulting in the return of an essential community facility for the Town.
We have coordinated with a whole range of training providers to run courses and informal training sessions. With plans to expand on this provision, we need to know from YOU what you would like to see at the Centre, so please help us make this exciting venture a success by contacting us. You’re welcome any time to pop in and have a chat about it too! Your input and support is vital, both as a learner at the Centre but equally importantly, in using your skills to help us run it!
In September 2011 a Centre Development Manager was appointed along with a Receptionist/Adminsitrator and courses in Spanish, Digital Photography, Information Technology (IT), Cake Decorating, Meditation/Relaxation, and Creative Writing are already underway. Courses that will start in the New Year include an Introduction to Astronomy, a more advanced Digital Photography course, and Welsh. Between November 2011 and March 2012 Age Concern will hold weekly help and advice sessions for older people on Wednesday afternoons between 2pm – 4pm. We have also partnered with Swansea Youth Service to develop a room dedicated to Young People and have been encouraged by the work that the young people have put into this project to develop the space. The Youth Service currently provide sessions for young people on Mondays between 6pm – 9pm and a DJ music session on Thursdays from 3.30pm- 5pm.
During 2012 we will expand on our programme of activities and plan to hold various events throughout the year. Our first event, a Craft Fair, was very successful and our next event will be held on Friday 16th December between 2pm-4pm and we would invite you to join us to reminisce about past Christmases in the area over a cup of tea/coffee and a mince pie. In January we will hold a tabletop sale and further details will be posted soon.
All this is only the starting point. Canolfan y Bont will have to be self supporting if it is to survive in the long run. We need the full support of the local community if Canolfan y Bont is to survive.
Our grateful thanks go to the Town Council which has gave us £2,000 towards the start-up costs of Canolfan y Bont.