Since 2016, Cynnal y Cardi has supported 43 rural community led ideas, totalling £1.2m. These have been funded through the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014 - 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.
The Cynnal y Cardi LAG, which is administered by Ceredigion County Council, has helped to make ideas become a reality through supporting project development, evaluation, feasibility studies, facilitation, training, mentoring, consultations and pilot projects.
In May this year, after the Upland Regeneration Study highlighted the need for more events in the Uplands region to attract visitors and increase spend in the area, Pentir Pumlumon worked with the Hafod Trust to put on a music event, and spring fair in the Walled Garden of the Hafod Estate. Whilst the music event which featured the Hornets and The Hicksters was attended by over 200 people, the spring fair (also known as the Foxglove fair) was also a huge success with hundreds of people in attendance. Following the success of this years' event, it's likely this will become an annual event.
June saw the approval of Coleg Ceredigion’s project ‘The Academy of Tomorrow.’ The project will pilot workshops in a number of priority sector areas; Food Sector, Performing Arts Sector, Art Sector and Film or Graphics Sector. The intention is to deliver two sets of workshops over a period of 8 weeks across a number of sectors, with the aim of developing innovation and creativity, promoting entrepreneurship, passion and purpose, and cultivating confidence and resilience. The first set of workshops will be aimed at a cohort of school learners aged 14-16 with no specific career pathway in mind. The second set of workshops will be aimed at a cohort of learners aged 16+ who are dis-engaged from learning and employment.
With a focus on the natural assets of Ceredigion, Gweithgor Dyffryn Aeron’s ongoing project, ‘Pweru’r Dyffryn’ (Powering the Valley), is in the next stage of their project, with a publication of a comprehensive report of the local consultation and its findings for future potential developments due imminently. The consultation's early findings include support for further research as to the potential of waterways and solar power for the generation of local, sustainable energy.
Cynnal y Cardi would like to hear from individuals, groups, organisations or businesses with innovative community led ideas. The next closing date for expressions of interest is Monday, 9 September 2019.