Latest news with #SharedProsperityFund
Western Telegraph
a day ago
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Pembrokeshire: Brynmyrnach Chapel to become heritage centre
Brynmyrnach Chapel in Hermon, Pembrokeshire, will now serve the community in a different way after its congregation gathered for the last time in September 2022, closing the doors on 134 years of worship. Following more than two years of fundraising and negotiations, volunteers have secured the building and plan to transform it into a heritage centre, pop-up cafe, and two-bedroom flats to help address housing needs for young people. Cris Tomos, who first proposed the idea at a public meeting, said: "The new Heritage and Housing Trust is a Community Benefit Society and limited company. "Local people are the shareholders in this cooperative housing venture that will have a local letting policy allowing affordable housing for local families and couples. "This could be a blueprint for other communities to take on the chapels and churches that are closing." A total of 20 community investors helped raise £40,000 to purchase the chapel. The social enterprise behind the project, CarTrefUn Ltd, has since secured funding from the Shared Prosperity Fund, administered by Pembrokeshire County Council. Plans are already in motion to convert the building into a self-sustaining, community-owned hub that celebrates the agricultural, industrial, Welsh language, and cultural heritage of Hermon and the wider Llanfyrnach parish. A public meeting will be held at Brynmyrnach Chapel on Wednesday, August 13, at 6pm. Attendees are invited to share ideas and help shape the future of the site, which leaders hope will remain rooted in community needs and values. Mr Tomos said: "People in the village have already come up with additional ideas of a pop-up cafe and even a community bread oven to bake local produce." Following the meeting, refreshments and a presentation will take place at Canolfan Hermon, the village hall. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact the team at cartrefun@ or call 01239 831968. Updates and information are also available on the project's Facebook page, Cartrefun.
Business News Wales
2 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Installer Celebrates Double Win at Energy Efficiency Awards 2025
Green Energy Solar is celebrating recognition for a solar project delivered with the support of Newport City Council. The firm took home the 'Small Project of the Year' award at the Energy Efficiency Awards for the delivery of the Cefn Mably Farm Park solar installation. The project was delivered with the support of Newport City Council Shared Prosperity Fund. The initiative involved the installation of 180 solar panels at tourist attraction Cefn Mably Farm Park, situated between Cardiff and Newport. Cardiff-based Green Energy Solar has been recognised for its outstanding delivery of a local energy-saving project under £250,000, demonstrating a strong commitment to sustainability and high-quality workmanship. 'The installation at Cefn Mably Farm Park has been a fantastic project from start to finish,' said John Bloomfield, Director and Co-Founder of Green Energy Solar. 'What's particularly rewarding is seeing how well the installation aligns with the park's values and how positively it's been received by the local community. For Cefn Mably Farm Park, this paves the way for a more sustainable future and we're proud to have played a role in that journey.' The Cefn Mably Farm Park project was supported by Newport City Council's Shared Prosperity Fund, a programme designed to drive local growth and sustainability. The opportunity for funding has now been extended until March 2026. Rhys Edwards, Owner of Cefn Mably Farm Park, said: 'Not only was the system delivered smoothly and on schedule by the team at Green Energy Solar, but it's already having a measurable impact, generating impressive daily yields and significantly cutting carbon emissions for Cefn Mably Farm Park.' The firm also won the 'Apprentice of the Year' award for team member Jordan Carr, along with a Highly Commended recognition in the prestigious 'Installer of the Year' category.
South Wales Argus
3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Green Energy Solar wins award for Cefn Mably Farm Park work
Green Energy Solar, based in Cardiff, won the Small Project of the Year award at the Energy Efficiency Awards 2025 for its solar installation at Cefn Mably Farm Park, which sits between Cardiff and Newport. The project, delivered in partnership with Newport City Council through the Shared Prosperity Fund, saw 180 solar panels installed at the popular family attraction. John Bloomfield, director and co-founder of Green Energy Solar, said: "The installation at Cefn Mably Farm Park has been a fantastic project from start to finish. "What's particularly rewarding is seeing how well the installation aligns with the park's values and how positively it's been received by the local community. "For Cefn Mably Farm Park, this paves the way for a more sustainable future and we're proud to have played a role in that journey." The solar system is already making a difference, generating clean energy and helping the park reduce its carbon footprint. Rhys Edwards, owner of Cefn Mably Farm Park, said: "Not only was the system delivered smoothly and on schedule by the team at Green Energy Solar, but it's already having a measurable impact, generating impressive daily yields and significantly cutting carbon emissions for Cefn Mably Farm Park." The project was delivered with support from Newport City Council's Shared Prosperity Fund, which has now been extended until March 2026 to support further sustainability and growth initiatives. Green Energy Solar didn't stop at just one award during the ceremony. The company also took home the Apprentice of the Year award for team member Jordan Carr and received a Highly Commended nod in the Installer of the Year category. The awards celebrate excellence in energy efficiency schemes and highlight the contributions of businesses working toward a more sustainable future.
Rhyl Journal
6 days ago
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
Denbighshire businesses offered free broadband advice
Councillor Emrys Wynne, lead member for Welsh language, culture and heritage, said: "Digital connectivity is essential for business growth and sustainability. "Through this service, we're making sure Denbighshire businesses aren't left behind and have access to the support they need to thrive in the digital age. "We understand the pressures local businesses face, and this service is one way we're helping to remove barriers and create opportunities for growth." The fully funded service, supported by the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, is available at no cost to all businesses in Denbighshire. A dedicated digital officer will provide tailored advice, investigate issues, engage with providers such as Openreach, and deliver detailed reports on existing connections and potential solutions. The scheme comes as Openreach continues its fibre network expansion across the region. It also aims to help businesses navigate the many government schemes currently available for improving digital infrastructure. Businesses can contact digital officer Philip Burrows for support at
South Wales Argus
02-08-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Urban Beach returns to Newport for 2025 for family fun
The month-long event, organised by Newport Now BID, sees John Frost Square transformed into a seaside extravaganza with a beach area, deck chairs, and buckets and spades all set up to entertain families throughout the holidays. Come rain or shine, the beach will be open daily throughout August from 9am to 5pm, with families being encouraged to come along and 'have fun in the sand'. (Image: Tom Ryan) 'Quiet hours' have also been designated in the first and last hours of every day so that the event is as inclusive as possible for children and families. The urban beach first took over the popular square last year, attracting nearly 9,500 children throughout August. Organisers will be hoping for similar success this summer as the beach returns. (Image: Tom Ryan) The event is all part of efforts led by the team behind Newport Now BID to drive people into the city over the summer in the hope to boost footfall for local businesses and services. Two of the 'Beach Buddies', who will be on hand throughout the month to ensure families have an enjoyable time, said that the beach's return had been met with positive feedback and 'lots of thank yous' from parents and children. Darcey and Oliver James were two of the children making the most of the beach on its opening day on Friday (August 1). With bucket and spade in hand, the siblings spent hours building what was almost a town of sandcastles – there were certainly plenty of smiles on faces. Darcey and Oliver James having fun (Image: Tom Ryan) Carys James, Darcey and Oliver's mother, said: 'It's really lovely to have this in Newport. My daughter Darcey has especially enjoyed it – and it's free.' Laura Rees was also at the beach with her family on Friday. She said: 'The beach is great, and it's nice to have something that's free and outdoors in Newport – especially for families who find getting to the seaside a faff. Laura Rees and her family (Image: Tom Ryan) 'We've been here for two hours, and it's really convenient – it's nice for the kids, and it's clean.' The beach joins a series of other family-friendly events in the city this summer. A giant chair trail along the riverfront and into the city centre will also run until September 10, and a monster trail – which will allow children to 'collect' monsters via the Newport Now app – will take place from August 11 to September 10. (Image: Tom Ryan) Kevin Ward, manager of Newport Now BID, said: 'We are really pleased to have secured funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund via the council to bring even more summer fun to the city centre. 'Our Urban Beach was used by almost 9,500 children last year and we are sure that, combined with the other events, many families will be attracted into the city centre over the school holidays – increasing footfall and trading opportunities for the business we represent.' Cllr James Clarke, Newport City Council Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Business Growth, also welcomed the family events, including the beach's return. He said: 'We work closely with Newport Now on initiatives for the city centre and the summer programme is going to be a lot of fun for all the ages.'
