Please scroll down for information on local projects that have been delivered by Communities First

Stars In Their Eyes

Every year young people from all over the Borough enter Stars In Their Eyes, a fun competition created by Communities First to highlight the incredible talent we have in the area.  This years was the 7th consecutive year for it to run with over 100 people entering and over 1,000 people packing venues to see the future stars.

This year the amount of entries was so high the judges split them into 2 categories junior and senior. In the juniors Jade Croot left the audience open mouthed with her performance of 'Wouldn't It Be Lovley' to take first place and  Haylie Mumford scooped first place in the seniors singing 'All That Jazz.

 Previous winners 2004 Abbie Kidner, 2005 Jade Morgan, 2006 Kasey Bradfield, 2007 Kasey Bradfield, 2008 Ffion England, 2009 Ellie Owens and Hannah Phillips (dance) Ellie Jago (singing) 2010 Jade Croot (junior), Haylie Mumford (senior)

Salem Chapel Renovation Project –
The Salem Baptist Chapel is at the heart of the community in Bedlinog with a prominent position upon the village square and within the Cwm Felin Conservation Area. The building is currently in a state of serious decline and in no longer viable for use solely as a place of religious worship, as chapel patronage has declined rapidly in recent years. Nevertheless, the building retains much potential to be developed in the future as a hub for regeneration, focusing on tourism with the promotion heritage, environmental awareness and lifelong learning as core elements, whist at the same time retaining a proportion of the building for community and chapel religious use.

This will compliment the regeneration of the village square which is planned by MTCBC in 2010. This aims to improve the visual appearance of the square through improvements to the public realm, signage, and use of traditional natural stone to recapture the heritage of the area. 

The local community has identified safeguarding Salem Baptist Chapel as a priority for the village, and the Communities First Partnership and local interested parties are keen to ensure that this important local landmark is retained as a religious facility whilst developing it has a community hub.

There is scope for a distinctive Bedlinog based community heritage project which links into many other strands of activity that will provide training for local people and support local tourism initiatives.  Based on the experience of other areas, the project would probably move forward faster with some dedicated funding and staff support, but it is hoped to run the project with a team of dedicated volunteers long-term. 

A Feasibility Study enabled us to view many options for the continued use of the Chapel with key stake holders.  It has been proposed that the project supports the growth of the Welsh language in the village and develop bi-lingual projects, which are both arts and heritage based.  This would also support the development of the Bedrock Welsh Music Festival, Menter laith are keen to support this project to incorporate a centre in Bedlinog where performing art activities could take place, which would compliment their work and the Soar Chapel Project in Merthyr Tydfil. 

The design of the renovation would be to accommodate for a flexible space which can be used as a part time café, Welsh classes or meeting space.  The place for worship would be situated upstairs of the building allowing the original ceiling to compliment the chapel space and performance/rehearsal area.

Salem can be developed into a centre which provides services to visitors; for those passing through and those who want to learn more about the area’s heritage, it can also provide a unique service to the welsh language by demonstrating that it is alive and kicking in the valleys through a bi-lingual centre.  In doing this, all income generated will go into providing better facilities for local people within the Centre.

   As you can see from the above pictures the chapel is in much need of repair.

Bedlinog After School Club –
Bedlinog After School Club deliver an after school club provision within the Bedlinog Ward.  The club offers a warm and friendly environment for children aged between 3 - 11 years old.  We are based at Bedlinog Primary Community School and we are the only providers of After School Care within our rural and very isolated community.  The aim of the club is to create a safe environment for each child to interact with their peers and improve individual confidence and social skills.  through structure and free play, we aim to provide each child with the experience and activities that will stimulate their all round development.

We have over 60 children and young people registered with us, all living within the Bedlinog Ward Area however, children from neighbouring areas are welcome.  We offer activities such as All Round Sports, Yoga, Arts & Crafts, Homework Club, Wii Gaming, Scientific Experiments, quizzes and competitions, dodge ball, off sire trips like farm visit to feed new born lambs, trips to the theme park and cinema and loads loads more so what are you waiting for. 

When: Monday - Friday

Where: Spare classroom in Bedlinog Community Primary School

Time: 3.40pm – 5.30pm

Cost: £2.00 per child, £1.50 for any other siblings
For families with an annual income of less then £25,000 maybe able to receive free sessions for children, by completion of a simple form, please speak to staff about this, they will be happy to help.  

Taff Bargoed Communities First Lay Day Event: Tuesday 22^nd September 09 (if you like the sound of this event, please watch out for info on our 2010 event)

Project Aim: To promote healthy living, local businesses and provide locally accessible information to all age groups on the extensive range of existing and potential services in the area. This will only be possible with the full support of service providers of the Merthyr Tydfil Borough

Communities First work in partnership with the local Primary School in organising an health focus event aimed at helping individuals to improve the health and well being of themselves and their families.  The Lay Day event provides the opportunity for local residents to have personal contact with service providers allowing them direct access to information advice on a range of different health topics that can benefit the whole family.

The event gives opportunity to services providers to engage with their target audience and encourage further participation in outreach surgeries and support groups as well as gaining views on how the service could be delivered long-term throughout the Ward.

Physical activities such as Yoga, Belly dancing, Wii Consoles, Assault Course and Football were provided to encourage and give a taster in exercise.  Those who show interest are then sign posted to their nearest exercise class so that they can continue with such activities allowing them long term benefits.  BMI checks are also provided given people an accurate calculation of their body weight and advice on how they can improve this along with their health.

All services such as reflexology, alternative therapy and BMI checks are provided by local business, allowing them promotion and interest locally.

 The Wizard of OZ Pantomime December 2009 - organised by Little Cubs Playgroup - more information to follow

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