1. Biodiversity
The Taff Bargoed Development Trust has supported Nant Llwynog Park at Bedlinog by affording the cost of talks and events. These will explain the natural biodiversity the Park has to offer, which already has over 250 recorded species of plants and ferns. The talks will help to expand and record the flora present and educate and enthuse people in the process.
Three local parks are supported through the Trusts Helen Thomas Community Fund.
2. A Dragon at Treharris Park
“The Taff Bargoed Development Trust has funded the carving of a dragon at Treharris Park. The dragon follows other carvings including a squirrel, wood face, kestrel, and two owls that have attracted much interest. The dragon will encourage local people to visit the Park, and to become more active, which is so badly needed within the community.”
3. Carbon Footprint
The Trust has supported a valuable project at Millennium Park. The Trust has afforded the cost of tools and materials required to teach school children, cubs, scouts, girl guides, and collages the importance of the local environment and reducing the carbon footprint. The various groups will take this forward into adult life to help safeguard the climate which is certainly required.
4. Bandstand
The Taff Bargoed Development Trust has recently painted the Bandstand at Treharris Park in order to bring it back to life and it has made a telling difference. Indeed the work has resulted in many Park users providing encouraging comments in the process.
The Bandstand has been in a very poor condition for many years and the work undertaken, with the valued help of the Probation Service, has helped to transform the Bandstand back to its former glory days. A plaque has also been placed in recognition of the work undertaken by TBDT.
The Trust also used the Bandstand’s original colours of gold and green to ensure it retained its true identity. The work has attracted more users and will have helped to increase activity levels, which can only be beneficial to the local community.
5. Tree Planting
The Taff Bargoed Development Trust has planted over 20 mature trees on the land below the former Mozell’s Club and Treharris Library, and also around the main car park.
The trees will provide much colour and yellow, red, and orange varieties have been planted on the grass triangle, and blue and purple trees around the car park.
The planting was done with the aid of the Probation Service. It is envisaged the project will help to encourage more use of the car park and benefit local shops in the process.
It may also encourage the reopening of some of the large derelict buildings that are located nearby and create local employment that is so urgently required.
6. Dangerous Trees – Community Initiative
The Taff Bargoed Development Trust instigated the removal of a very dangerous asset located near Treharris Park.
The building commonly known as ‘The Red Brick House’ had fallen into disrepair and the brickwork was visibly loose and about to fall. This could have proven extremely dangerous to passers by.
However, the Trust worked closely with Building Control and the hazard has been removed by the appropriate people, who done this by reducing the building.
This is a relief to the users of the nearby road and pathway.
7. Children’s Activities
Taff Bargoed Development Trust recently engaged with Bedlinog and Trelewis Primary Schools.
The school children participated in climbing and archery at the Trusts centre (Summit Centre) and had a marvellous time.
The Trust believes that partaking in activities, keeping fit and adopting new interests is very important and this is also recognised by the Welsh government.
It is envisaged some of the children will continue to utilise the facilities in the future. This will help to improve their skill set, self-esteem, and activity levels in the process.”
8. Supporting local football clubs through our Helen Thomas Community Awards grant
TREHARRIS ATHLETIC
The Grant helped Treharris Athletic Western & Mini & Junior Football Club supporting the former Treharris Athletic ground to become fit for purpose and to adhere to Welsh League standards. The senior team had used the ground for over 100 years and it is of historic, community integration and wellbeing importance to ensure football can once again be located in the heart of Treharris.
BEDLINOG FOOTBALL CLUB
The Trust awarded £1,000 to Bedlinog Football Club in order to enable them to install new posts and improve the grounds. The award will allow the Club to continue within the community of Bedlinog and to help build a lasting relationship with the community going forward.
TRELEWIS WELFARE
The Trust awarded £1,000 to Trelewis Welfare AFC. The funding will be used to purchase a large array of items and gear due their 1st and reserve teams having both entered the league. The funding will enable the Club to continue into the future and provide an interest and activity to the people of Trelewis.
9. Supporting the Community further.
Taff Bargoed FoodBank
The Trust have donated £100 of food to the food bank every months and will continue to do so through 2023.
The fund will help continue to support to 100s of people in the community who are in need of basic essentials.
To donate online please visit The Taff Bargoed Foodbank website, or to donate in person please visit anyone of their drop off destinations which can be found through their Facebook page or website.