Community

Local I.T. businessman launches global charity

Published

10 years ago

March 3, 2015

Tom Sinclair

TechAid: An international charity based in Wales.

TECHAID founder Gareth Scott spoke to us at the Herald this week about his international charity, which aims to help the poverty sector in Cambodia through ICT. TechAid is a non-profit organisation, which aims to distribute donated laptops to deprived schools in South East Asia. The current focus is on Cambodia, but TechAid hope to expand once a stronghold is established in Cambodia. The idea is to gather donated laptops from the UK and the USA and put them in public sector schools in South East Asia in order to fight against the poverty there. Cambodian children only get four hours of education a day in the public sector of study and they lack educational sources.

TechAid aims to bring laptops over in order to bring more information and knowledge to the schools of Cambodia. When Gareth went to Cambodia on holiday, without any idea that he would soon be setting up a charity, he was sat in a street one day, eating street food, when he noticed a child watching him from the other side of the road. There was a lot of poverty on the streets where he holidayed; there were orphans begging and children on the street. Gareth was worried by the fact that the poverty had not affected him straight away. So, he took it upon himself to look into the poverty problem in Cambodia, beginning with the schools.

It was clear that there was a lack of educational resources and his immediate thought, as an IT businessman, was to get laptops out there and set up an internet connection. This would give the schools in Cambodia unlimited education. Gareth talked about the fact that we take the internet for granted in the UK; we underestimate the power of the internet and do not use it to its full potential. The children in Cambodia want to learn and will be able to do so with the laptops that TechAid provide them.

TechAid want to use technology as a window and a resource for Cambodia. Many of the people in Cambodia have never even seen a laptop and by giving the schools the technology, they will be educated in so many things. Education is the tool to improve the poverty in South East Asia, according to Gareth. Education will teach children that helmets would stop the many people from dying through bike accidents, that prostitution is damaging, and that STDs can be prevented. This is just a small factor of what education can achieve.

A year ago, TechAid applied to be a registered charity, and were approved. They went over to Cambodia in November 2014 and have only just come back to the UK. Their time in Cambodia was a massive success; they were on the national news and were given full support from the Battambang Provence Governor. They got full permission to help the public primary schools, which teach 6 to 9 year olds in Battambang. Gareth is slowly shutting down his business in Thornton in order to completely focus on TechAid as a career path.

They aim to get funding from private donations, large corporations and voluntary work. Gareth commented that everyone has an old laptop in the cupboard that they could donate. Many companies have to pay to have laptops destroyed, whereas the only thing that needs to be destroyed when sending laptops to Cambodia through TechAid is the hard drive. The laptop will not be sent to Cambodia with the hard drive in as a guarantee that the data will not leave the country.

If you would like to help TechAid by donating a laptop, you could take the hard drive out yourself or they could do it for you. TechAid have connections all over the world despite being based in Wales, with graphic designers in Germany, project managers in London, photographers from the USA and translators from Norway, Germany, France and Cambodia. TechAid are going back to Cambodia in October 2015 and aim to have one hundred laptop donations by then. If you would like to help the charity, you can find them on Facebook at www.facebook.co.uk/techaidcharity or call on 01646 699 351 for more information. There website will be up and running in the next few weeks too.

Community

Community supports Barry Jones’ fight against motor neurone disease

Published

20 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

BARRY JONES and his wife Holly only tied the knot in May 2024, celebrating their newfound happiness together. But their joy turned to heartbreak just months later when Barry was diagnosed with motor neurone disease (MND) in early November 2024.

Faced with this devastating diagnosis, the couple has been met with an outpouring of support from friends, family, and the local community, all coming together to help maintain Barry’s quality of life and support the couple during this challenging time.

Fundraising day brings community together

Staff from Roxanne’s Hair & Beauty Salon have rallied behind Barry and Holly, organising a special fundraising day on Sunday, January 12, 2025. The salon team has given up their family time to make this event possible, driven by their desire to make a difference for the Jones family.

The event has garnered overwhelming support, with many local businesses stepping forward to donate raffle prizes. From vouchers to hampers, the generosity has been remarkable, showcasing the strength of community spirit.

“We’ve been completely overwhelmed by how many people have come forward to help,” said Roxanne, owner of the salon. “It’s heartwarming to see the community come together for such an important cause.”

How to support Barry’s journey

For those who cannot attend the fundraiser but still want to contribute, a GoFundMe page has been set up to raise funds for Barry and Holly. The funds will go towards ensuring Barry receives the care he needs and supporting the family as they navigate the challenges ahead.

The fundraising page can be found here: Maintain Barry’s Quality of Life. Every donation, no matter the size, helps make a difference.

United by hope

Motor neurone disease is a life-changing diagnosis, but Barry and Holly are not facing it alone. With the unwavering support of their community, they are finding strength and hope amid adversity.

The Herald will provide updates on Barry’s journey and the outcome of the fundraising efforts. For now, it’s clear that the people of this community are determined to stand by Barry and Holly every step of the way.

Photo Caption: Barry and Holly: Newlyweds facing challenges together (Pic: Provided).

Community

Engineering work to bring major disruptions across local rail network

Published

20 hours ago

January 11, 2025

Tom Sinclair

TRANSPORT FOR WALES, in partnership with Network Rail, has announced a comprehensive programme of engineering works across the South West Wales rail network. The upgrades will modernize outdated signalling systems, telecoms, and power distribution equipment, improving the reliability of train services for passengers traveling in and out of the region.

Service disruptions and replacement buses

The works, scheduled over several weeks, will primarily take place overnight, but extended closures are also planned. Replacement bus services will operate during affected periods, ensuring passengers can still complete their journeys. The key disruptions and bus replacement schedules are as follows:

Dates and Affected Routes

January 14–17 (Tuesday to Friday):
- Overnight works will cause evening and morning disruptions across the network.
January 25 – February 9 (Saturday to Sunday):
- Significant closures will impact routes between Swansea, Carmarthen, Milford Haven, Pembroke Dock, and Fishguard Harbour.
February 11–14 (Tuesday to Friday):
- Continued works with disruptions to evening and morning services.
February 17 (Monday):
- Daytime service interruptions as work nears completion.

Replacement Bus Services by Route

Swansea – Carmarthen

Sunday, January 12 & 19
Saturday and Sunday, February 15–16
- Replacement buses will run between Swansea and Carmarthen, with stops at key stations.

Fishguard Harbour – Carmarthen

Monday to Friday, January 27–31
- Daytime closures with bus services covering Fishguard Harbour, Fishguard & Goodwick, Haverfordwest, and Carmarthen.

Fishguard Harbour – Haverfordwest

Saturday, January 25
Saturday, February 1
Monday to Saturday, February 3–8
- Replacement buses will serve local stops during the closures.

Milford Haven – Carmarthen

Monday to Thursday, January 27–30
- Early afternoon closures daily; buses will operate between Milford Haven and Carmarthen with stops at Johnston, Haverfordwest, and Clarbeston Road.

Pembroke Dock – Carmarthen

Saturday, February 1 – Friday, February 14
- Long-term closures will be in place, with buses covering the route, including Tenby, Saundersfoot, and Kilgetty.

Key Replacement Bus Pick-Up Points

Fishguard Harbour: Station entrance.
Haverfordwest: Station front.
Milford Haven: Station entrance.
Tenby: Coach stop at the Upper Park Road car park.
Pembroke Dock: Station entrance.

Passengers are advised to refer to local signage at stations for detailed bus stop locations.

Advice for Passengers TfW encourages all travellers to check their journeys in advance, as last-minute changes may occur. The latest updates can be accessed via the JourneyCheck website, the TfW app, or by contacting their customer service team at 0333 3211 202.

Travel Tips

Purchase tickets in advance of boarding replacement buses.
Allow extra time for journeys and confirm onward connections.
Note that bicycles, non-foldable prams, and large luggage cannot be accommodated on replacement buses.

Assistance for Passengers with Accessibility Needs

Special assistance can be booked up to two hours before travel via TfW’s Assisted Travel team at 033 300 50 501. Alternatively, passengers can use the “turn-up-and-go” service.

For Further Information TfW’s Stakeholder Manager for Mid and West Wales, Alexander Bryant-Evans, is available to answer questions regarding the planned works. He can be reached via email at [email protected] or phone at 07398 622223.

These engineering upgrades aim to ensure safer, more reliable rail services for South West Wales, providing passengers with long-term benefits despite the temporary disruptions. TfW appreciates the public’s patience and cooperation during this vital improvement work.

Community

St Clears: A vibrant transformation under the Ten Towns Programme

Published

2 days ago

January 10, 2025

Tom Sinclair

ST CLEARS has undergone remarkable changes through the Ten Towns Programme, delivered by Carmarthenshire County Council and supported by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF). These projects aim to bring vibrancy and economic benefits to the town while preserving its rich heritage.

A town steeped in history

Located just eight miles from Carmarthen, St Clears is deeply rooted in Welsh history, famously linked to the Rebecca Riots of the 1800s. Today, it boasts a thriving community of independent shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it an appealing destination for visitors and locals alike. More information on St Clears as a destination can be found on the Discover Carmarthenshire website.

Y Gât: A revitalized hub

As part of the programme, Y Gât, an anchor building in the heart of St Clears, has been transformed to meet the town’s economic and social needs. Following an asset transfer from Carmarthenshire County Council, the town council secured funding to reconfigure the downstairs area, improving accessibility and functionality. The refurbished café space now hosts a new local business, providing a welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

The centre is managed by a coordinator tasked with facilitating its services, which include small business workshop units, a library, and meeting spaces for hire.

Enhanced digital communication

Consultations with local stakeholders highlighted the need for improved digital communication. Digital screens have been installed at Y Gât and Pentre Road car park to display local activities, business news, and community updates, enhancing the town’s digital presence.

Supporting local businesses

The Revitalising Rural Town Centre Fund has provided grants to several businesses in St Clears. The funding supported improvements such as refreshed exteriors, new signage, and artistic enhancements. Notably, local artist Steve Jenkins, known as Jenks Art, has created two murals showcasing the town’s historical landmarks, which have been warmly received by the community.

High street enhancements

High street improvements on Pentre Road are nearing completion, featuring inclusive street furniture, refreshed pathways, and riverbank seating. New bus shelters are also set for installation this spring.

Tŷ Croeso: A community hub

Another beneficiary of the UKSPF is Tŷ Croeso at Bethlehem Newydd Chapel in Pwll Trap. The project aims to promote the Welsh language and support social, leisure, and well-being activities for the community. More details on Tŷ Croeso’s activities can be found online.

Art with a purpose

An innovative project is raising awareness of the circular economy through a commissioned sculpture by local artist Lisa Evans. The installation, made from recycled aluminium, involves contributions from local schoolchildren and community groups. A drop-off point for aluminium donations has been set up at Y Gât.

Rural outreach and support

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Hwb Bach y Wlad initiative offers advice and services to rural communities. Residents can meet Hwb advisors at Y Gât on the third Tuesday of every month from 10:30am to 3:00pm for help with council enquiries, waste and recycling supplies, and more.

Business and tourism roadshow

St Clears Leisure Centre will host a Tourism and Business Roadshow on Thursday, January 23. Businesses and community groups can access expert advice on licensing, planning, funding, and marketing opportunities.

A Message from Cllr Carys Jones

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Rural Affairs, Community Cohesion and Planning Policy, Cllr Carys Jones, praised the programme’s success:
“With thanks to the Ten Towns Programme and funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, St Clears has benefitted from numerous initiatives that enhance life for residents and visitors alike. As a local member, I encourage everyone to explore the town’s rich history and vibrant atmosphere.”

St Clears stands as a testament to how well-planned projects can breathe new life into rural towns, ensuring a thriving future while celebrating its historical roots.