Tag Archives: cadwyn clwyd

Transformative North Wales community projects benefit from significant funding

TRANSFORMATIVE projects benefited from significant funding that will have a positive impact on two Denbighshire communities.   

Rhyl and District Rugby Football Club (RFC) and the Ruthin Dendrochronology project were among 14 initiatives to secure financial support from Community Innovation Denbighshire via the UK Community Renewal Fund, matched by Clocaenog Forest Windfarm Fund and led by Cadwyn Clwyd.

The Ruthin scheme will focus on tourism and is a £24,999 project to commission a dendrochronology expert to date the timbers of ancient homes, and for drawings of a selection of buildings and interiors.

Archaeologist Fiona Gale, former conservation architect Carol Smith and historian Gareth Evans joined forces to organise the study – which identifies dates via tree rings – with the view to producing a route for visitors and residents to enjoy.

Carol said: “Ruthin has such an impressive range of old buildings, and this project will allow us to see how medieval and later craftsmen built them and how well they have survived the test of time.”

Gareth added: “This is a ground-breaking project for the area combining conservation technology and interpretation for tourists.

“The work will be developed into visitor literature, possibly as heritage trails and for digital promotion to help market the town – we are thankful to Community Innovation Denbighshire for their support in helping us bring this to reality.”

Meanwhile, at Rhyl and District RFC, their £20,000 scheme enabled board members to commission a feasibility study for an 800 square metre indoor ‘training barn’ with added shower and changing rooms, and subsequent architect’s drawings.

Director Dai Roberts thanked Denbighshire County Council, Cadwyn Clwyd and partner organisations for helping them to realise their vision.

“It’s a big project that will have a huge impact on the club and allow us to train in all weathers,” said Dai.

“We have more than 400 players – including 350 children – but also a lot of charities and third sector partners who use the facilities here so it will be of benefit to them as well.

“We have been on Tynewydd Road now for almost four years and desperately need to extend our footprint as we are having to turn people away and are creaking at the seams.

“This proposal is the perfect answer and allows us to increase our capacity, which will enable us to do even more for our customers and our local community long-term.”

Fellow director David Jones added: “We can now put together a plan, apply for further funding and seek planning permission for the building.

“There are no other facilities like these in the town so it will make a huge difference to our community for many years to come.”

For more information, email admin@cadwynclwyd.co.uk or visit the Cadwyn Clwyd website: www.cadwynclwyd.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01490 340500.

New Splash Pad and Mini Golf part of £500k vision to transform landmark

A £500,000 vision to transform facilities at a much-loved park has received a boost from a scheme driving post-pandemic economic recovery in Denbighshire.

The Enhance Llangollen Riverside Project is one of 14 initiatives to secure funding from Community Innovation Denbighshire via the UK Community Renewal Fund, matched by Clocaenog Forest Windfarm Fund and led by Cadwyn Clwyd.

Chair of Llangollen Parks Community Group Jessica Evans says the money will be used to commission a feasibility study centred on proposals including a new ‘splash pad’, landscaping, mini golf, renovations to the bandstand, interpretation boards and E-bike charging points.

She thanked Cadwyn Clwyd for their support and said the grant will go a long way to helping them realise their vision.

“As a group of parents and members of the community we became frustrated with the condition of the park and its facilities, some of which are tired and dated,” said Jessica.

“The feasibility study will allow us to look at different options, primarily new play equipment and what options are available, such as the costs and benefits of a splash pad.

“We no longer have any water play or a swimming pool in the area so that will form a big part of our proposals, which will be inclusive and environmentally friendly.”

She added: “The park has a high level of footfall and is a pivotal attraction in dire need of some TLC.

“The splash pad could cost up to £300,000 and the rest of the improvements more than £200,000 so this is a huge project, but very much needed.

“Our ultimate goal is to achieve funding so we can develop the park for the many people who come here every day, and to make it more worthy of its beautiful location.

“A huge thank you to Active Travel, Llangollen Town Council and the group members for their help throughout.”

Cadwyn Clwyd Manager Lowri Owain is delighted they’ve been able to help Llangollen Parks Community Group.

“This is a project that will future-proof the park and its facilities, attracting visitors and providing families with a sustainable, welcoming environment,” she said.

Cadwyn Clwyd’s Natural Resource Officer Sarah Jones added: “We have been able to support some brilliant community organisations and businesses with their ideas, and this is definitely one of them.

“I’m sure the study will support their fantastic plans and have a positive impact for years to come – we wish them every success.”

Community groups and social enterprises can also apply for funding support up to £20,000 for feasibility studies and pilot projects which could form the basis of bids needing further support from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity fund when it launches later this year.

These can be centred around sustainability, green growth and innovations that help the local economy bounce back from the challenges of the Coronavirus.

Community Innovation Denbighshire also provides grants of up to £5,000 to enable businesses to innovate and trial new products, processes, and service delivery. 

For more information, email admin@cadwynclwyd.co.uk or visit the Cadwyn Clwyd website: www.cadwynclwyd.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01490 340500.

Follow the hashtag #UKCOMMUNITYRENEWALFUND on social media.

Innovators and entrepreneurs urged to go for grants supporting post-Covid recovery

INNOVATORS and entrepreneurs with sustainable project ideas are being urged to apply for grants that will drive post-Covid economic recovery in Denbighshire.

Led by Cadwyn Clwyd and Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC), the £600,000 Community Innovation Denbighshire project will focus on encouraging micro firms, community groups and social enterprises in rural and urban areas to put forward proposals that will deliver regional and environmental benefits.

Supported by Denbighshire County Council and part-funded by the UK Government through the £220m UK Community Renewal Fund, support is available for 25 organisations or individuals who can apply for a £5,000 grant they will match-fund to trial new products, systems, and services.

Business Wales will also be on hand with guidance and advice throughout the process.

Cadwyn Clwyd Manager Lowri Owain said this is a “fantastic opportunity” to capitalise on financial aid that will develop skills and systems while laying the foundation for prosperity and jobs.

“Our primary aim is to work in partnership with Denbighshire entrepreneurs and community groups to test the viability of their business concepts in a supportive, managed environment while evaluating the positive impact they could have on the local economy,” said Lowri.

“Ultimately, given the challenges of the Coronavirus pandemic there is a need for this kind of support, but also for a platform to demonstrate and showcase the incredible innovations which have taken place in lockdown, ideas which could lead to sustainable, high-quality products and services.

“We are not limited to a particularly industry or sector, we want to hear from people across the county and help them make a difference for years to come, whether that be through tourism, food and drink, retail, leisure or a whole host of other arenas.”

Community groups and social enterprises can also apply for funding support up to £20,000 for feasibility studies and pilot projects which could form the basis of bids needing further support from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity fund when it launches later this year.

These can be centred around sustainability, green growth and innovations that help the local economy bounce back from the challenges of the Coronavirus.

Cadwyn Clwyd’s Business Partnerships Officer Donna Hughes said they would like to see new technologies come to the fore which will provide wider environmental and community benefits.

“We hope to hear from organisations in coastal areas as well as rural locations as the scheme is targeting all areas of Denbighshire,” said Donna.

“As well as having an impact locally the funding and guidance available will add value for the selected organisations and community groups as they look to the future – it is a huge opportunity for them.”

Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies backed the initiative and said: “It’s important that micro and small businesses in the region are given support and a platform to demonstrate and showcase their innovation.

“The UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund is enabling them to do that through Community Innovation Denbighshire. Some SMEs will have started in the extreme pressures of Covid, and it is particularly good to see them being given an opportunity to flourish.

“I would encourage all such businesses with the potential to improve their existing services or develop new sustainable products that can have an impact on the local community and economy, to apply for a grant.”

For more information, email admin@cadwynclwyd.co.uk or visit the Cadwyn Clwyd website: www.cadwynclwyd.co.uk. Alternatively, call 01490 340500.

Follow the hashtag #UKCOMMUNITYRENEWALFUND on social media.

NOTES TO EDITORS: The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewal-fund-prospectus

Search is on for ‘Bari-Star’ to lead wellbeing and business partnership at historic market

THE search is on for a talented ‘Bari-Star’ to lead an exciting new business partnership.

Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC) and Cadwyn Clwyd are stirring up interest in an exciting collaboration – focused on sustainable coffee, health and wellbeing – with a unique recruitment drive over the coming weeks.

The successful entrepreneur will receive six months start-up funding, a fully equipped space at Ruthin’s revamped Market Hall, a collaboration with a sustainable coffee roaster and marketing as part of the Community Innovation Denbighshire campaign, supported by Denbighshire County Council.

Advanced barista skills training is also featured in the offer, along with mentoring, guidance and advice and inclusion in Ruthin Market Hall’s new film series.

Ali Carter, Enterprise and Investment Manager for DVSC, said: “We’re looking for someone with barista, creative and entrepreneurial skills, experience working in coffee retail and with a passion for independent, speciality coffee retail.

“This is a fantastic project in one of the most exciting, boutique venues in the region, a space which brings together like-minded artisan traders and individuals with exciting and innovative ideas that support local industry and give back to the community.”

She added: “We look forward to hearing from those who meet the above criteria in the weeks ahead; it’s a brilliant way to start the year, so we hope people wake up and smell the opportunity!”

To apply, send a three-minute video pitch to Ali and the team explaining why you would make a great ‘coffee entrepreneur’.

Include ideas on how to reinforce DVSC’s vision to embrace, attract and encourage contemporary sustainable businesses to join the Market Hall.

The initiative is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund. Follow the hashtag #UKCOMMUNITYRENEWALFUND.

For more information on the barista application process, email ali@dvsc.co.uk. Closing date is Saturday January 22. Visit https://www.ruthinmarkethall.com/bari-star-search

Visit www.dvsc.co.uk for more on the DVSC. Alternatively, follow them on Facebook at @DVSCDenbighshire, Instagram @DVSC_Denbighshire and Twitter @DVSC_Wales.