Community

Conversation helps to shape legislation

Published

10 years ago

July 24, 2014

COMMISSIONER for Sustainable Futures, Peter Davies, this week launched his interim report on behalf of future generations in which he paid tribute to people from all walks of life, right across the country, who got involved in the National Conversation on The Wales We Want. Four months into this yearlong pilot initiative, the National Conversation has ‘informed and shaped’ the long-term goals included in the Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Bill, which this week begins its legislative passage in the National Assembly for Wales. As part of this work, the Commissioner for Sustainable Futures was tasked with holding a national conversation with the people of Wales, which will trial approaches on how best to involve communities, businesses and the public sector on the sort of ‘Wales We Want’ by 2050 and beyond. The Conversation is now entering the next phase, where the Commissioner will be focusing on the “measures that matter” to help achieve the long term goals for Wales. The subsequent National Conversation, which was launched in February 2014, with the support of acclaimed actor and UNICEF ambassador, Michael Sheen, has seen ideas and suggestions flooding in from thousands of people across Wales, through online surveys, twitter and facebook and a radio competition, right through to good old-fashioned pen-and-paper and village-hall events. The Commissioner for Sustainable Futures, Peter Davies, said: “Our daily lives are increasingly driven by short term pressures, and we tend to forget that decisions made today will shape the world for future generations. In a very short space of time, the National Conversation struck a chord with people across the country who grasped this opportunity to focus on their aspirations for ‘The Wales We Want’ for the benefit of our children and grandchildren. “We have been asking people to look beyond the immediate shortterm pressures and challenges, and to consider the long-term, looking ahead to 2050 and beyond, and emphasising that we all have a responsibility in making our country a better place. The Well-Being of Future Generations (Wales) Bill will be a better piece of legislation as a result of this work. We now move to the next phase of the Conversation, where we are inviting people to share their views on the measures that matter to them that will help us with meeting the goals for Wales.” The Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty, Jeff Cuthbert AM, will also address the audience which includes youth groups and National Conversation Futures Champions, who have been instrumental in promoting dialogue within their organisations and communities about The Wales We Want. The Minister said: “The Wellbeing of Future Generations (Wales) Bill will set ambitious, long-term economic, social and environmental goals to reflect the Wales we want to see, both now and in the future. This unique Bill is all about our generation taking responsibility for improving the well-being of Wales and providing a sustainable Wales now and for decades to come. “We are setting goals for the long-term well-being of Wales. This includes people and communities, our economy and the environment in which live.” The Interim report from the Pilot National Conversation on The Wales We Want is available to download from thewaleswant.co.uk

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.

A heartfelt ‘Well done’ to everyone involved for making this Christmas lunch a resounding success and spreading joy to so many.

Community

Milford Haven’s heartwarming ‘Christmas Together’ event another success

Published

14 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

MILFORD HAVEN came together once again on Christmas Day for the annual ‘Christmas Together’ event, a cherished tradition that has been running since December 2012.

Organised by Mayor Cllr William Elliott and his consort Lloyd Jones, alongside Cllr Colin Sharp and the dedicated Christmas Together Committee, the event provided warmth, community spirit, and festive cheer to those who might otherwise spend the day alone.

Volunteers played an essential role, with special thanks extended to Claire and her kitchen team, who prepared and served a delicious Christmas meal for all attendees. Milford Haven Town Band added a festive soundtrack to the day, while support from Milford Haven Fire Station and numerous volunteers ensured everything ran smoothly.

The event, which aims to combat loneliness during what can be a difficult time of year for many, was described as a resounding success. The organisers expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those who donated money, items, and their time to make the day special.

A spokesperson for the event said: “As another year closes, we would like to thank all those that made Christmas Together 2024 so amazing. Great day, great company, and so good to see the community working together.”

Special recognition was also given to Marble Hall Mini Market for their kind donation of a festive hamper.

The Christmas Together raffle added an extra layer of excitement to the day, with generous donations from supporters.

A special thank you was extended to Mariam Dalziel and the team from South Hook for kindly donating an Amazon Fire HD 8 tablet as one of the raffle prizes. Other prizes included a hamper of wine, a tower of temptation (chocolates and Prosecco), chocolate tub hampers, and many more.

Preparations for the event began well in advance, with invitations being posted on Saturday, 26th October 2024. The dedicated team behind this effort included Leanne from Milford Haven Post Office, Mayor Cllr William Elliott, Cllr Guy Woodham (Founder and Chair of Christmas Together), and Cllr Colin Sharp (Committee Member and Chair of the Pill Social Centre).

The event once again highlighted the strong sense of community spirit in Milford Haven, with attendees leaving with full hearts and warm smiles.

Merry Christmas to all from the Christmas Together team!

Community

Heartfelt Christmas message from Tenby’s Mayor

Published

14 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE MAYOR of Tenby, Councillor Dai Morgan, has delivered a warm and heartfelt Christmas message to the community.

Cllr Morgan praised the town’s ‘resilient and united’ spirit, reflecting on the ‘kindness and generosity’ that have defined Tenby throughout the year. He expressed deep gratitude for the unwavering community support that continues to make the town ‘a truly special place to call home.’

Acknowledging the challenges many families face this year, including the ongoing cost-of-living pressures and rising energy costs, Cllr Morgan encouraged residents to embrace the core values of the festive season: peace, compassion, and hope.

“Christmas is a time to come together, to reflect on what truly matters, and to share moments of joy and hope for a brighter tomorrow,” he said.

The mayor extended his heartfelt thanks to those who work tirelessly to keep the community safe and supported over the festive season. This included the police, RNLI, health services, fire crews, HM Coastguard, carers, and all frontline workers.

He also highlighted the vital contributions of Tenby’s voluntary organisations, who continue to bring comfort and joy to those who may feel isolated or face hardship during the holidays.

“Without the dedication and compassion of our voluntary groups, our town would lose so much of its heart. Their efforts make a real difference, and they deserve our gratitude and support every single day,” Cllr Morgan added.

Reflecting on the year gone by, he shared how humbled he felt meeting so many inspiring individuals who contribute to the town’s rich tapestry of community life. Looking ahead to 2025, he expressed optimism and a renewed sense of gratitude for his family, friends, and colleagues.

Cllr Morgan concluded his message with warm wishes for the season:

“May this Christmas bring you moments of happiness, peace, and togetherness. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful Christmas and a hopeful New Year.”