-NEWSLETTER NOVEMBER 2020 e LAG Appoints New Chair and Vice he Pembrokeshire LEADER Local Action In addition to a new Chair, the Pembrokeshire LAG also TGroup is delighted to announce the appointment welcomes a new Vice Chair, Tegryn Jones, who joins as of their new Chair, Councillor Tony Baron. current Chief Executive of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. A native of Lampeter and a fluent Welsh speaker, Tegryn is delighted to be joining the LAG and commented,

“I am very pleased to be taking on the role of Vice Chair of the Local Action Group.

The LAG has worked effectively to support a number of innovative projects that have contributed to improving the lives of people in Pembrokeshire, and I look forward Pic: Councillor Tony Baron to working with partners to continue this work.”

As a member of the Pembrokeshire LAG for many Chief Executive of PLANED, Iwan Thomas, welcomed years, as well as being the County Councillor for the both appointments, “As the legal administrative body Amroth district, Tony brings a wealth of , responsible for the overall LEADER programme in business and public sector experience to the role, in Pembrokeshire, PLANED is delighted to have the addition to a clear knowledge of how LEADER can calibre and knowledge of both Tony and Tegryn to fulfil effectively work to support projects. these key roles within the Local Action Group. They will bring a current and future looking suite of skills to the LEADER programme, with a greater transparency and “I am thrilled and honoured to be elected inclusiveness for all partners working together, to make by the dedicated volunteer members sure that as the Programme comes to an end in 2023, of Arwain Sir Benfro to be the Chair of its legacy and impact is intact, and will be evident for Pembrokeshire’s LAG. many years afterwards.”

I am also grateful for the support of the new Vice-Chair, The Chair and Vice Tegryn Jones, Chief Executive of PCNP, in guiding Chair provide invaluable the LAG. Under the previous Chair, Nic Wheeler, the guidance to the running LAG has supported more than 65 projects through and governance of the PLANED. The task now is to ensure those projects LEADER programme and are all completed with any remaining LEADER funding can be contacted via: allocated widely across the county to projects that [email protected] promote sustainable economic activity and benefit the well-being of Pembrokeshire residents. Longer term the objective must be to ensure Pembrokeshire benefits proportionately from any funding that replaces the EU LEADER funds.” Pic: Tegryn Jones Pic: Tegryn Jones PASSIONATE ABOUT SUPPORTING PEOPLE & IDEAS THAT CHANGE COMMUNITIES PAGE 2 PAGE 3 some of the concerns from across PLANED in its current structure A WORD Pembrokeshire and the wider West now has a more qualified team area, but particularly from with the appropriate experience to FROM OUR those individuals involved in our work with and support communities tourism and hospitality industry. across many different outlets, and is thankful to be working more CEO IWAN It was heartbreaking to be on a effectively in partnership with others zoom call with people from all over across the county and wider region, THOMAS the county last week, to hear directly to support those communities who from one of our most significant continue to be impacted by the employers within this industry in current climate. Working collectively the north of the county, describe within the county and wider region to through tears how devastating the support our tourism and hospitality lockdown has been for them as a sector, alongside all our other key team and to now have to cancel and growth sectors, is critical to all their bookings in what would supporting our communities, their have normally been a fully occupied people and businesses, as we go venue and establishment for half forward into what many will expect term week. That half term week to be a difficult and challenging was the last major opportunity winter, at least economically. for many in this key industry in Pembrokeshire to try and recoup The work across all something from this year to date, to our projects supports maintain staff, suppliers, and wider Iwan Thomas partners, before, hopefully, looking communities in many forward to a more positive future different ways – from well- in 2021. Yet, they, as others, have being and resilience, to riting my column for had to cancel all bookings, cancel all digital; from environmental, Wthis edition during orders for food and supplies, cancel to culture and heritage; from a second national lockdown all additional goods and services enterprise and business, Photo: Aled Rhys Jones pictured in the studio with John Ewart in Wales sees us all here for their guests, and, potentially, to community assets; and now have to review staffing levels at PLANED, working from from community housing, home full-time again, for this going into the winter based on ALED RHYS to funding. fortnight at least. considerable lost income, which would have, in someway, helped to JONES RECORDS All of our projects work across Whilst the reasons are clear from navigate the business through the boundaries to provide a suite of Government in that within Wales, ‘we predicted imminent harsh economic support for communities that is NEW PODCAST are all in this together’, and we need winter. clear and joined-up where needed, to protect the NHS and its capacity, living up to our mission statement there is growing disquiet amongst Many of our communities as an organisation that is passionate We were thrilled to welcome Aled many communities here in West across Pembrokeshire and about people, and ideas that help Wales where the rate of infections Rhys Jones into the studio this West Wales, as in other change communities. is considerably lower compared to morning to record a podcast with parts of Wales, rely heavily other areas the country. Many people John Ewart discussing the effects upon the success of the We are all in this together, and in our communities in West Wales whilst we know that we all face on farming and welsh agriculture have been increasingly vocal about tourism and hospitality challenges ahead, PLANED’s in rural communities throughout how and why this is fair, in an area sector. team, will continue to work openly, Pembrokeshire during the which has successfully managed to transparently, and positively, COVID-19 crisis. keep the infection rate very low, For those living in our communities, alongside others, to make sure that observed and implemented all rules the sector is often the major our communities have as much and guidance in order to maintain employer; it is often a key The podcast is now available support as is currently available some sort of normality within the promoter and supporter of skills to download from our website: to continue to thrive, survive, guidelines. and innovation; it is often a major and look forward post the current contributor to the local supply chains pandemic to better times and new https://planed.libsyn.com/ The PLANED team have been and other jobs and skills; it is often an anchor to lever not only visitors opportunities for us all. aled-rhys-jones-in-the- fortunate to continue to work planed-studio with communities, partners and to our communities, but also a way projects throughout the pandemic, of attracting further investment and and in recent weeks we have therefore adding to the existing been privileged to hear directly attractiveness of our communities. September Prize Goes To Llangynin

It’s hard to believe that we’re now Unfortunately, we have been unable to take in the last quarter of 2020: what a a picture of our lucky winners due to the year it has been! ongoing pandemic restrictions.

Cronfa Asedion Cymunedol / In other news, we would also like to thank Community Asset Fund continues to 4CG in Cardigan for their endorsement of support good local causes and charities as support. For those of you who may have not do all of the supporters and it was lovely to come across them, 4CG (or to use its full see some new faces winning the monthly name: “Cymdeithas Cynnal a Cefnogi Cefn lottery draw for September. Gwlad” or the “Society to Sustain and Support the Rural Countryside”) is a co-operative The recent draw took place in the PLANED organisation set up to “advance community office in Narberth with Councillor Cris Tomos development through the regeneration of present to record the event which can be Cardigan and the surrounding area”. We are viewed on YouTube: very much looking forward to working with their members in the near future. https://www.youtube.com watch?v=KOpsFgmg68w If you would like to become a member of the Asedion scheme then please visit the First prize of £100.00 went to Rhian website: www.asedion.cymru or contact Jason Retter at: White of Llangynin and the £30.00 [email protected] com second prize was scooped up by Bill and Eirlys Davies of .

Jason Retter

PAGE 4 PAGE 6 PAGE 9

T h e This includes the new PLANED Child CWBR Safeguarding Policy that is available for all Project to view on the PLANED website. has been running The policy now covers video conferencing webinars practices so we recommend that everyone and reviews their policies if they’ve also started online online sessions recently. meetings with young people and supporting community groups and organisations. With Please get in touch if you’d like to discuss your the increase in online sessions this year, comes safeguarding and/or online practices further the need to create and update safeguarding or if you think you would benefit from a Zoom measures and practices. meeting with the CWBR team.

With the assistance of Lee Hind from PAVS Please email the team: and our Trustee Liz Rawlings, CWBR created [email protected] or and shared useful and attractive documents [email protected] to ensure effective sessions.

Laura Lloyd

Abi Marriott Photograph by Jenjins Sophie

The Rise of Pembrokeshire’s Care PAGE 8 Casgliad y Werin Cymru PAGE 9 Entrepreneurs

he Catalysts for Care project has seen a recent influx of people interested in setting People’s Collection Wales up their own care or support enterprise. Micro-enterprise Catalyst, Lee James, explains: “People have been inspired by the amazing community response to the pandemic T There will hopefully be a number of follow-up in Pembrokeshire, and for many, the chance for reflection has led to them consider This FREE introductory session to the People’s sessions to help you develop the skills you need to different employment opportunities – including self-employment”. Collection Wales will be an opportunity to learn collect, digitise and publish your own material and more about how to discover stories, photographs, add your story to the fascinating tapestry of Welsh Examples of emerging enterprises include ‘Wildflowers’ (www.facebook.com/enrichwithwildflowers), oral histories and experiences of Wales and its history. a respite and enrichment service for people living with Dementia, set up by Claire Taylor; and people via the unique online platform. PJB Bespoke Home Help Services (www.facebook.com/PJB-Bespoke-Home-Help- This session will be facilitated by the Ein Cymdogaeth Services-101943144950507) set up by Paul Bamber, offering personal care, support and This session will demonstrate various archival Werin - Preseli Heartlands Communities companionship. techniques for discovering content, in addition to Project which is funded by the National Lottery sharing information about how you can get involved Heritage Fund and administered by PLANED. People are setting up their own care / support enterprises because they want to design and lead a with the project’s work. bespoke, personal service that supports people in their communities. Being small and local means For more information you can email: that these enterprises can offer the time and consistency to build a real understanding and genuine Please register here: [email protected] relationships with their customers. https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ https://www.peoplescollection.wales/ Very shortly, the Catalysts for Care project will be launching a directory for care and support introductory-session-to-peoples-collection- enterprises in Pembrokeshire. This will provide one place for people looking for a really personal, wales-tickets-126549377595 https://calonpreseli.planed.org.uk/ local care / support service. People can purchase services directly from these enterprises and use any funding they are eligible for such as Direct Payments.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO WORK FOR YOURSELF? ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT HELPING PEOPLE IN YOUR COMMUNITY? Pembrokeshire’s Catalysts for Care project offers FREE 1-1 SUPPORT to set up your own care / support enterprise

Lee James

Visit: planed.org.uk/projects/catalysts-for-care/ [email protected]/07535 810003

If you have a passion for helping others and are interested in setting up your own care or support enterprise, please get in touch with Lee James – [email protected] or call 07535 810003, or for more info, go to: www.planed.org.uk/projects/catalysts-for- care/ Sophie Jenkins PLANED MEETS SECRETARY OF PAGE 10 PAGE 11 STATE TO DISCUSS COMMUNITIES

This week, PLANED has been fortunate to have discussions with local MP and Secretary of State for Wales, Simon Hart, to discuss our work, and promote our projects on behalf of communities

“Being able to highlight to Simon Hart the skills that the team here has in supporting communities and their projects as part of the LEADER Programme is something Pembrokeshire cannot afford to lose”

Alice Coleman LEADER TEAM PRODUCE CASE STUDY FILM s the legal administrative much duplication in our support of is based on continued and detailed body for the LEADER fund communities and delivery of outputs. working within those localities, and FOR SPAN ARTS DIGIDOL ARTS PROJECT Ain Pembrokeshire, we also Iwan Thomas noted “It was really is not something that can be, or highlighted the work of the team in welcome to have this discussion should be lost, as we await details for supporting many of the 67 projects at this time, especially with the whatever new funding arrangements funded to date, during the recent considerable work and success of come into effect.” The video can be viewed on the PLANED months especially, as our expertise the whole PLANED team, which we YouTube channel: https://www. and commitment continued to process were able to highlight and promote Highlighting examples of clear youtube.com watch?v=O9b2vdyKGpc claims for 12 projects in excess of as best practice; particularly now outputs PLANED has delivered, from £100,000 over the summer alone with the appropriately qualified skills support to wider town and community during the pandemic. within the organisation to work councils, to bespoke community The film will also be screened online as part more effectively and positively with project support, to the Secretary of of PAVS Volunteer Awards on Thursday In addition to our Chief Executive our partner organisations, locally, State, Abi Marriot highlighted “In 12 November. Officer, Iwan Thomas, both our regionally, and nationally. Being able discussions today, it was useful to be Coordinators for LEADER and the to promote this to not only our MP, able to draw upon so many examples Community Well-Being & Resilience but also the Secretary of State for which we as a team have delivered, in projects, Alice Coleman and Abi Wales demonstrates how PLANED has the last two years particularly, using The LEADER team are currently in Marriott respectively, also joined the become in the last two years, more new modern engagement tools and The LEADER Comms team have recently discussions with Solva Care, LEAF and the call to update the Secretary of State open and able to work effectively with, practices with communities, which is begun case studying projects in the form Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum on creating on the work of our projects and the and for communities in an innovative an area around digital innovation, we of short video documentaries and the first more film case studies in the coming wider team. and forward looking way.” continue to develop.” one was launched last week. months. Discussions on the support for Reflecting on the success to date, but As a result of discussions today and communities post European funding impending closure of the LEADER the promotion of community needs was a significant theme through Programme in 2023, Alice Coleman alongside the work of PLANED Span Arts, who received funding of the meeting, with Simon Hart stated “Being able to highlight to generally, it was agreed to continue £62,000 for Span Digidol, were contacted confirming that he supported the Simon Hart the skills that the team to engage more routinely, to support by PLANED and were fortunate enough voice of communities and grassroots here has in supporting communities collective aims and ambitions for our to be able to interview Span Arts Director being clear in whatever the new and their projects as part of the rural, coastal and urban communities mechanism for future funding actually LEADER Programme is something across the region, and to share best Kathryn Lambert on the range of interative is. Recognising the work of PLANED Pembrokeshire cannot afford to practice with applicable partners and online projects achieved during the and other community focused lose. Working with the voluntary locally and nationally as required. lockdown period. organisations, he was very interested Local Action Group, the collective in how during recent months in knowledge, qualifications, and response to the COVID pandemic, we experience of the LEADER team have all worked together, and avoided in supporting those communities, PAGE 13 GET TO KNOW US PAGE 12 You Can’t BEAT A Good Bit Of News There was some good news to brighten up this dreary year Each month so you can find out a little more about us we feature a different member when PLANED’s Communication Coordinator, Karen Lewis, of the team. This month it’s Ben Davies’ turn to tell us more about himself was promoted to Special Sergeant with Dyfed-Powys Police. Karen has been serving in the Special Constabulary since 2014 and has been acting up as a temporary Sergeant BEN DAVIES for the past 4 years. Interviews were conducted last month PROJECT ASSISTANT and Karen is delighted to have passed, a fact which now makes her role a substansive post. Karen is based at Milford

Haven Police station but is currently working on secondment What do you do at PLANED? with with the Digital Policing Unit. My work mainly consists of digial work such as maintaining and updating the company websites. I also help and assist the Project Coordinators with a variety of tasks.

What do you enjoy most about the work you do? I enjoy working on the websites because it’s a skill I’ve developed during my time at PLANED.

What are the main challenges about your work? The main challenge is working with the websites, especially sussing out the various plugins as DATES FOR YOUR they can be very confusing at times. DIARY What skill would you most like to improve on? I’d like to improve my filming and editing skills as it’s something I’m interested in developing. Saturday 7 November Who inspires you? 10.00am-4.00pm My Grandad inspires me as he’s a patient, kind man. Pembrokeshire Coast Archaeology Day What are your favourite hobbies? My favourite hobbies are sports and I mainly play football. Tuesday 10 November Are you a morning person or a night owl? 6.00pm I’m definitely a night owl, I’m not keen on waking Heritage Forum Virtual Meeting up on a cold, early morning. Wednesday 11 November What’s your favourite film? 11.00am My favourite film is Legend. Rememberance 2 Minute Silence What’s your favourite food? Steak and chips. Sunday 15- Saturday 21 November Enterprise Week How do you think your friends would describe you? Monday 16 - Friday 20 November I think they would describe me as always up for laugh, rarely moody and hopefully a good friend. PAVS Virtual Funding Fair

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself Wednesday 18 November not captured above… 10.00am When I was five me and my family lived in Introductory session to Spain for a year. People’s Collection Wales PAGE 14 “The world does seem Finally the most important question There is a myriad of ways you can full of negativity at the about the most essential part of his fund or lend Gareth support in his preparation: “What about the playlist?’ adventure details of which can be moment so it’s nice to found on his website: be able to focus on such “So far it ranges from Metallica to a a positive thing, a big bit of classical and when it’s complete www.atlanticdragonrow.com it’ll have a nice mix …probably some adventure shared with Top Gun, Eye of the Tiger motivation- or his Atlantic Dragon Facebook page. family and friends while al stuff. But what I will say is when raising money for a good you see the final list on FB…don’t judge me!” You can also donate to his fundraising cause at the same time.” for the MS Society: PLANED, along with many others, That cause is one close to his heart: will be avidly following Gareth’s https://www.gofundme.com/f/ the Multiple Sclerosis Society. progress through both his live tracker solo-rowing-the-atlantic-ocean- “MS is the most common cause of and his social media updates at sea. for-the-ms-society disability in adults,” Gareth explains, But we are also looking forward to “and a couple of family members hearing all the stories once we know have been diagnosed with it along the Dale Sailing MD and PLANED with other people I know.” trustee is finally back safe and sound in Pembrokeshire. He is aiming to raise £100,000 for the charity and specifically their ‘Stop “It’s a solo row,” he adds, “but MS’ appeal which is itself aiming for a definitely not a solo effort as there are £100 million plus over a 5 year period. a lot of others behind the scenes who are fully invested, and it really feels “The guys at the appeal think they are like they’re doing it with me.’ ONE BOAT. ONE OCEAN. ONE GARETH REYNOLDS very close to finding a cure which, of course, is very exciting, but the whole “A few people have said, ‘what if you ‘Alone, alone, all, all alone, Alone on a wide wide sea…’ coronavirus thing has chucked a few don’t make it across,’ but,” Gareth spanners in the works when it’s come The Rime of the Ancient Mariner laughs again, ‘I don’t think I’ve ever to raising money and, unfortunately, considered that as an option.” I’ve had to cancel the fundraising ore people have made it into dream of, having completed a solo row Of course most people would be happy events I had planned this year. But the outer space. More people have of the Atlantic as part of the Talisker with the challenge of a marathon or a GoFundMe page is up and running reached the summit of Mount Whisky Atlantic Challenge. sponsored walk, but not Gareth. M so I’m on track, and the plan is now to Everest. Just two of the reasons it’s hold events when I’m back.” considered to be the most brutal In the latest PLANED podcast.... “I have always wanted to do something physical and mental challenge known to really push myself, to test both my to mankind. And, what’s more, this https://planed.libsyn.com/ physical and mental limits, and find year only one person attempting website/gareth-reynolds-from- out what I am truly capable of. As this particular challenge, one person dale-sailing someone who’s life and passions are on the entire planet will be able centred around the ocean and the to say they spent their Christmas ...PLANED CEO Iwan Thomas asks outdoors, a solo ocean row seems the Day birthday closer to the orbiting Gareth the one question that, given ultimate way to achieve that.” International Space Station than to the chance, we’d surely all like to ask any human being on dry land. him: It was a few months before he signed up for the row but he has now spent That person is Gareth Reynolds, a “You’re rowing 3000 the last two years in intensive training trustee of PLANED, and on the 25th for it, preparation that has included a December 2020, when he could have miles unaided across the 24 hour rowing event in Henley. been blowing out the candles on his Atlantic…why?” 32nd birthday cake, the boy from Yet, apart from the lack of regular Dale in Pembrokeshire will, instead, “I came across an expression recently,’ quality sleep, he is fully aware that be found bobbing up and down out Gareth laughs, ‘happy people don’t hardest aspect of the whole adventure in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. climb mountains.’ A couple of winters is the isolation. Alone. Alone with his thoughts. Alone ago I was feeling a bit bored, a bit with his blisters. Alone under the stars down perhaps, looking for something “Physically I am ready, but the physical in his rowing boat. in life and felt I needed a focus, a side of it is only 20% to be honest, goal. I happened to see these guys on and I don’t know if there is any way to Incredibly, 13 days earlier Gareth will YouTube in the Caribbean somewhere, properly prepare for the mental side have set out from La Gomera in the lighting their flares up in the air, of it, the 45-60 days of total isolation. Canary Islands hoping that 60 days, cheering, spraying beer everywhere But I also do genuinely believe that 3000 miles and 1.5 million oar strokes having just rowed the Atlantic, and you can do anything if you put your later he’ll be clambering out of his the mad idea of trying it myself stuck mind to it.” boat in Antigua with a tan and a sense in my head.” PAGE 15 of achievement most of us could only For more details go to: https://www. PAGE 16 PLANED PIX Archaeology Day pembrokeshirecoast.wales/event/ archaeology-day-2020/ October Through The Lens 2020 Or go straight to the YouTube channel: This year’s Pembrokeshire Coast National https://www.youtube.com/channel/ Park Archaeology Day event, which takes UCmyDlzMF-5-pTebMDX8GoYQ place every November, is going virtual!

Alternatively, search YouTube for “Diwrnod The day’s presentations will be live streamed Archaeoleg - Archaeology Day”. on YouTube from 10.00am on Saturday 7 November, but if you aren’t able to watch it on the day, every session will be available on the channel after the event.

However, if you want to participate in the Live Q&A, you will only be able to do so on the day.

Next Tourism Generation

This year, PLANED is delighted to be working with the Next Tourism Generation (NTG) Project on a competition aimed at young people who are looking for a career in the tourism sector.

This will be the second year that the competition has been run, and our team have been working with colleagues from NTG Wales, who are based at Cardiff Metropolitan University, to make the competition open to a broader range of entrants, with new categories.

The competition will ask entrants to submit a ‘digital response’ to a question about the future of tourism in Wales, and all shortlisted entries will be given the chance to attend a tourism skills symposium and award ceremony, and the opportunity to be recognised by top employers.