GLYNNEATH + DISTRICT ALLOTMENT SOCIETY
SEPTEMBER 9th 2019
MICRO FUND GRANT – £4998
“We built an Allotment Academy for use by plot holders to store equipment but also for wider community including schools and Glynneath Training centre to hold classes and workshops. The building structure is now complete, and we have used building for partnership meetings and the local volunteers have used the building to make hanging baskets for the community.
The process was not without difficulty due to issues with weather and planning department that led to delays in completion. However, we have ended up with a beautifully completed building with good quality workmanship and the first few events have been very encouraging.
We are now developing a timetable and schedule with the schools in area to hold art and gardening activities for 2019-20 academic year. The project is in its infancy however many different events have already taken place in conjunction with Glynneath Training Centre, schools and allotment holders and hopefully this is just the start of many more community groups benefitting from the Allotment Academy.” – Ian Rhys Williams
The Micro Fund grant of £4998 from Pen y Cymoedd was used for initial stages of planning and structural engineers’ reports. This was a vital step that the group needed help funding before they were then able to successfully submit applications for £54,000 from other funders serving the Neath Valley. We were happy to support this initial stage to open door on further funding.
The Society had been developing and planning this proposal for some time, consulting with local organisations and the wider community. It links well with the Glynneath Training Centre wider community growing project and this facility and site will be a key venue for activities and learning. We wish them continued success.
How this project met the fund’s priorities:
More outdoor living / fit for purpose buildings and spaces / a sustainable network of well used community buildings
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.