As part of our ‘Leaving a Legacy’ Programme to support local community groups at our Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s Porth Transportation Hub project, we have made community donations to 4 local charities: The Factory, Men’s Shed, Trealaw Village Trust and Champions of Ynyshir. We were delighted to be able to have the opportunity to welcome the local charities to site and showcase the construction progress; alongside welcoming Cllr. Bob Harris (Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities) and local members Cllr. Davis and Cllr. Hickman.
Champions of Ynyshir are a charity located in Ynyshir. The charity raises money for the community and they are currently raising money to buy St. Annes Church! The group host a variety of activities every day such as gardening club, walking groups, knitting circle, guitar group and children’s table tennis.
The Factory, a former fizzy drinks factory, was acquired by Valleys Kids and transformed into a cultural hive of community activity with businesses located within the building, meeting rooms, multi-functional venue, art gallery, studio and café. Resident artist, Anne Culverhouse Evans holds regular art classes in the vibrant, bright and airy attic studio above the office space of The Factory; received our donation to further support the art classes with the purchase of supplies.
Trealaw Village Trust was founded in 2009 by volunteers and has been successful in providing activities and events for local people since then. They work with many vulnerable and disadvantaged families and individuals of all ages and abilities and our donation has assisted in purchasing a sewing machine/s for the arts and craft group to use. The group sell what they make in a small shop in Chepstow which further supports the Trust.
Men’s Shed known as ‘Porth Men’s Shed – The Woodpeckers’, have been in The Factory for about 3 years since moving premises and they have created a warm and welcoming space where men can meet, have a cuppa, chat, and take part in woodwork activities. The “shed” has members who have suffered from strokes, bereavement, mental health issues and more.