Jan 16, 2025
Iwan talks to John Ewart about Prosiect Cadarnhad and its sister project, Puffin Learning. Midway through the cuurent term of this National Lottery Funded project, John talks about its beginning stages and then discusses future hopes for continuing Agored Cymru accreditation within PLANED.
Aug 19, 2024
John talks to Lee, Lucy and Sue about the Catalysts for Care project running across the counties of Pembrokeshire, Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. One of the Micro-Enterprise leaders, Janette, is mentioned in this episode
Feb 22, 2024
Dr Edward Jones from Bangor University talks to Iwan from PLANED about the event he will be hosting and facilitating on community enterprises and local regeneration, but also reflecting on the wider movement of local economic innovation across Wales, with examples including Wrexham, Y Felinheli, Llanelli, and Crymych all highlighted.
Feb 21, 2024
Iwan talks to John about the PLANED project that focuses on recognising the skills and experience of people in South West Wales and awarding Agored Cymru certificates to promote self-confidence and improve wellbeing.
In this episode John mentions the commercial aspect of the project: Puffin Learning which has its own website https://puffinlearning.com.
Dec 10, 2023
Professor Phil Kloer is the Executive Medical Director and also soon to become the Chief Executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board, covering the counties of Ceredigion, Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire. I met Phil at Hywel Dda’s administrative headquarters in Carmarthen at the beginning of December 2023.
Dec 3, 2023
Want to know more about Pembrokeshire Fresh Community Vending and our exciting news for west Wales?
Beef and lamb specialist Paul Oeppen of Hazelwell Farm, who manages 350 acres of farmland, producing organic, native breed beef and lamb talks to Abi and John about supplying the Llanteg vending machine.
Nov 2, 2023
Mae PLANED, PAVS a Chyngor Sir Benfro yn cydweithio i ddod â Phartneriaeth Bwyd Lleol i chi i Sir Benfro. Yr amcanion yw adeiladu gwydnwch mewn rhwydweithiau bwyd lleol trwygydgysylltu gweithgareddau sy’n ymwneud â bwyd yn well, gan greu system leolfwy cynaliadwy a cheisio mynd i’r afael ag achosion sylfaenol…
Sep 15, 2023
Iwan talks to John about a new PLANED project called Cadarnhad. John and Hafren work with communities throughout South West Wales, promoting wellbeing and self-esteem through recognising and awarding skills and expertise with Agored Cymru certification.
May 10, 2023
Pembrokeshire Fresh
PLANED team members Sophie and Rich met with Lois from the Hengwrt, Llandeilo to talk about their new food hub, how the hub works and what else is happening at the centre.
Sir Benfro Ffres – Canolfan Gymunedol a Gwybodaeth – Llandeilo
Apr 17, 2023
PLANED team members Alex and Rich met with Staci from the Gwenllian Centre to talk about their new food hub, how the hub works and what else is happening at the Gwenllian Centre.
Sir Benfro Ffres – Canolfan Gwenllian – Cydweli
Mar 24, 2023
At the end of March 2023 I spoke to the photographer David Wilson at his kichen table in Llangwm. We talked about the photographs that he takes and the way in which he creates his images … and he even let me take his photo!
You can find out more about David and his photographs on his website:
Mar 7, 2023
A new pilgrim route will forge connections between Pembrokeshire and Wexford. David Pepper, the new Pilgrimage Officer for the Wales side of the project, encourages community and local businesses to get involved. This exciting new route aims to build on and strengthen historic links between St Davids, Pembrokeshire,…
Feb 21, 2023
With this episode I begin a short series of conversations with people who live in the Pembrokeshire town of Newport. I’m speaking today with two residents of the town who have lived and brought up families in this vibrant coastal community.
Jan 12, 2023
Rich from PLANED’s food team speaks with Russell, owner of Fairfield Caterers about healthy meals, how to keep your microwavable veggies tasting top and the ready-meals that he will be supplying to the vending machine.
Jan 12, 2023
Rich from PLANED’s food team speaks with Sam, one-half of the team behind Little Croft Chocolate about their bars, starting a business during Covid and why you’ll love banana and cinnamon!
Jan 10, 2023
Rich from PLANED’s food team speaks with Phil Smith of Capital Roasters and the Pembrokeshire Coffee Company about Clifftop Coffee and his journey through the world of coffee, from London to West Wales.
Nov 11, 2022
I talk to Mark Lewis, the Curator of Tenby Museum, in November 2022 about the pressures and joys facing an independent museum and the effects of coming out of lockdown. Tenby Museum & Art Gallery stands as the oldest independent museum in Wales. Established in 1878 it continues to develop its collections and displays to…
Oct 28, 2022
I speak to Fran Murphy from Dyfed Archaeological Trust about the recent excavation, and now conservation, of the former Ocky Whites department store in the middle of Haverfordwest. In this episode Fran mentions the Trust’s website: https://www.dyfedarchaeology.org.uk/wp/ and Facebook page:
Sep 8, 2022
I have another chat with Jeremy Wadia from EcoDewi but this time, in the community garden in St Davids Acre, Erw Dewi. It was a wet morning sitting in the garden just between the Cathedral and the ruins of the Bishop’s Palace but it was peaceful. The rain started to come down quite steadily at the end but it was…
Sep 7, 2022
The DATRIS Project has been running for just over four and a half years and in this episode myself and Iwan talk about the achievements of the original project and I outline the project that is set to follow on … and which is actually in a pilot study phase.
If you want to contact me about the new project then you…
Aug 12, 2022
Lee Hind talks about the ways in which the Hub team will always try to find the right solution for the individual, irrespective of things like age, health conditions, finances or eligibility to other services, and if needed they will stay alongside that individual until a solution has been sourced and implemented. The…
Aug 2, 2022
This is the WCFD podcast down at The Foundry House food hub in Pembroke, Pembrokeshire. We discuss the activities offered at The Foundry House and the food hub offered here! We recorded the podcast with food hub volunteers Peter & Nina that are trustees of The Foundry House and Rich from our team at PLANED. The Foundry…
Jul 29, 2022
I speak to Cris Tomos about an exciting way to raise money to support local assets. If you would like to join the scheme, or just find out more, then you can find all the information that you need on their excellent website https://asedion.cymru
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community…
Jul 14, 2022
I talk to Dan Lewis from Câr y Môr at their Clehyr Uchaf site just outside of St Davids. He discusses the aims of the farm and how it works in harmony with both the marine ecosystem as well as the local community. You can find out more about this wonderful group on their website, https://www.carymor.wales.
from the…
Jun 30, 2022
I spoke to Tom over zoom about the new CWBR Youth Project within PLANED. Tom mentioned a number of ways to contact the project:
- Main website: https://planed.org.uk/projects/cwbr-youth/
- email: tom.moses@planed.org.uk
- phone: 07810 228526
- Instagram:…
Jun 14, 2022
Wales Community Food Distribution, led by PLANED, is thrilled to launch its first food hub in June. The project facilitates volunteers to link with food producers and suppliers to have easy access to healthy and great value food.
May 27, 2022
Alex Mills is an internationally renowned composer who was brought up in Pembrokeshire. You can listen to some of Alex’s music on his website alexmills.info as well as finding out about both previously published and upcoming works. I enjoyed chatting to Alex over a zoom call towards the of May 2022.
from the DATRIS…
May 19, 2022
I spoke to Hannah Wilcox Brooke who is the Project Manager for the Ramblers Cymru Paths to Wellbeing project. We met in Ffynone woods (where, incidentally, the Mabinogion tells us is an entrance to Annwn, the Otherworld). Hannah told me about how the project is working with volunteers to design new routes as well as…
May 13, 2022
Lee offers free support to help people to set up their own care or support business – as part of the new ‘Catalysts for Care’ project (supported by PAVS, PLANED and Pembrokeshire County Council).
Our ultimate aim is to develop more small, local services that can provide really personal and flexible care and…
May 12, 2022
I spoke to Jeremy Wadia in his beautiful garden in Roch. He is part of the team running the EcoDewi Project based in and around the St Davids Peninsula. We only had time to discuss one of the aspects of the project in detail so I am sure we will have a follow-up chat sometime later in the year. In the meantime you…
Apr 26, 2022
As part of our WCVA and Lottery funded CWBR Youth project here within PLANED, Iwan Thomas talks to Emyr John from One Voice Wales about the work they are doing across Pembrokeshire to support engagement with our Town & Community Councils, and working in partnership with other organisations to promote local…
Apr 26, 2022
As part of our CWBR Youth project funded by the WCVA and the Lottery, Iwan from PLANED talks to Ella from the Electoral Commission and Cat from Democracy Box about the work both organisations are doing to support the promotion of engagement by young people in both registering and voting within local elections. For more…
Apr 7, 2022
Iwan Thomas talks to Alice, Abi and Laura-Cait in the busy visitors’ centre at Dŵr Cymru’s Llys y Frân reservoir about the new Wales Community Food Distribution Project hosted at PLANED.
Apr 4, 2022
This episode is a joint CWBR Youth and One Voice Wales interview to raise the profile of the work that Pembrokeshire Community and Town Councils do to get more young people interested in voting and standing for election as a Community or Town Councillor; as well as encouraging younger people, particularly 16 and 17 year…
Mar 28, 2022
Earlier in the year I spoke to the Principal of Pembrokeshire College, Dr Barry Walters. We discussed the role of the College in the County and touched on some of the exciting new developments on site.
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community…
Mar 21, 2022
Lansiad prosiect Dosbarthu Bwyd Cymunedol Cymru – YMUNWCH Â NI!
Mae rhaglen Dosbarthu Bwyd Cymunedol Cymru, dan arweiniad PLANED, yn falch iawn o lansio’r alwad agored am geisiadau am hybiau bwyd cymunedol ledled Sir Gaerfyrddin, Sir Benfro a Cheredigion.
I gael gwybod mwy a siarad â’r tîm ewch i wefan Bwyd…
Mar 14, 2022
Stephen Varney is playing for Italy in the Six Nations Championship but he grew up in Pembrokeshire. I speak on the phone to his father, Adrian, about rugby and raising sons in the North of the County.
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Mar 7, 2022
Daniel Esteve has a great deal of experience in delivering and coordinating education within the United Kingdom. He has lived in the Preselis for many years although he originates from France. We talk about the similarities and differences in teaching and learning in Wales, in the UK and abroad.
from the DATRIS…
Feb 22, 2022
I speak to Will Bramble CBE about the challenges and opportunities facing Pembrokeshire County Council at the beginning of 2022. We talk about his focus for the Council and his passion for the county of Pembrokeshire.
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Feb 7, 2022
Rona is a singer, songwriter and instrumentalist who lives in Pembrokeshire. Rona (and Gannet, the dog) talk to me about writing songs and starting to gig again as we come out of lockdown. She tells me about her Scottish roots and we hear a snippet from her lovely, lyrical new song, “Smoke” which is due to be…
Jan 31, 2022
I speak to Siobhan McGovern about the Ancient Connections project as we walk with her dog, Nellie, along the Irish Sea coast at Goodwick Harbour. We talk about a number of the events associated with her project, you can find out more on their excellent website.
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery…
Jan 24, 2022
At the commencement of the Arwain Sir Benfro programme, Wavehill were commissioned for the evaluation of LEADER in Pembrokeshire. Endaf Griffiths, the Director of Wavehill speaks to John about the recent evaluation findings as we reach the end of the programme.
Ar ddechrau’r rhaglen Arwain Sir Benfro, comisiynwyd…
Dec 3, 2021
The Ein Cymdogaeth Werin – Preseli Heartlands Communities project, led by PLANED is exploring how connecting with heritage creatively can contribute to health and wellbeing and provide opportunities for young people through ‘hands-on’ heritage experience. The Ein Cymdogaeth Werin – Preseli Heartlands Communities…
Nov 15, 2021
Listen to Abi talking to Luke Conlon about the LEADER funded Compassionate Communities Project. You can learn more about the project here: https://www.arwainsirbenfro.cymru/en/leader-projects/list-of-projects/theme-3-exploring-new-ways-of-providing-non-statutory-local-services/compassionate-communities-pembrokeshire/
Sustainable Logistic Models of Food Distribution in South West Wales
Nov 9, 2021
In 2021, LEADER commissioned a study on Sustainable Logistic Models of Food Distribution in South West Wales. Led by Ceredigion, the cooperation project with Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire brought together key regional stakeholders. Miller carried out the feasibility study and have produced a regional report which is now available at https://www.arwainsirbenfro.cymru/en/leader-funding/resources/ Nick Miller and Tom Bajjada from Miller Research joined Abi from PLANED to talk about the Feasibility Study. Tune in to the podcast to hear about the studies methodologies, challenges faced by the food distribution and the opportunities it highlighted for South West Wales and beyond.
Silbers CIC at Temple Druid
Nov 3, 2021
Iwan talks to James Silbers of Silbers CIC in the Roundhouse on the Temple Druid estate just outside of Maenclochog, deep in rural Pembrokeshire.
You can find out more about Silbers CIC from their website: silberscic.org.uk
Oct 18, 2021
Abi spoke to Peter Davies from the LEAF Project at Wiseman’s Bridge in South Pembrokeshire. LEAF is a LEADER-funded project that has been running since October 2018. You can find out more on the Arwain Sir Benfro website, here.
Sep 28, 2021
Abi Marriott talks to Dilys Burrell in a breezy bit of parkland in Pembroke Dock. Dilys discusses the LEADER-funded regeneration project and talks about the positive impact that it has had on the local community.
You can find out more about this and other projects on the website www.arwainsirbenfro.cymru
The Excavation at Caerfai Bay
Sep 20, 2021
Once again I meet up with archaeologist Tomos Jones at an excavation, this time at Caerfai just outside St David’s. The excavation was being run by DigVentures, a project that brings the archaeological experience to all. You can find out more on their website: digventures.com.
Tomos is a native Welsh speaker and you’ll hear that I’m not but I do ask him some questions in Welsh anyway, even though most of our conversation is in English.
Aug 30, 2021
Gemma is an artist and speaks openly about her mental health in this episode, talking about childhood trauma and the issues that have been brought about by it.
She has been attanding the VC Gallery for five years. The paintings and poetry that she has created have both helped her to resolve some issues but, she hopes, they will also reach out to others who may need to experience them.
You can see Gemma’s exhibition at The VC Gallery, Haverfordwest, from 2nd September, 2021.
Aug 17, 2021
I talk to Tomos Jones, the Community Archaeologist for the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park about heritage and archaeology in and around the county. We met at St Govan’s Chapel on a blustery morning and you can hear the wind and the crashing waves as we chat.
Tomos mentioned a number of useful websites, the links are here:
Aug 2, 2021
I went to Porth y Rhaw, just outside of Solva, to visit Fran Murphy and her team from Dyfed Archaeological Trust as they excavated an Iron Age promontory fort. It’s an impressive place, you can hear visitors being shown around the site at one point and, of course, the wind and waves crashing below us all the way through
Jul 12, 2021
A short episode this week.
I called at a blustery Whitesands Bay in St Davids to talk to Dyfed Archaeological Trust who were running an excavation of St Patrick’s Chapel. Well, I just happened to have my recording equipment with me so I asked archaeologist Jenna Smith to tell me what they were doing
Jul 1, 2021
Gareth successfully completed the Talisker Whisky Challenge and rowed, unaided, for 3000 miles across the Atlantic Ocean raising money for the MS Society along the way. After a bit of a lie down, he came to PLANED to speak to Iwan Thomas about the adventure.
You can find out more, and donate, via his website: https://www.atlanticdragonrow.com
Barry John MBE of the VC Gallery
June 14 2021
I visited Barry John MBE in Pembroke Dock in one of the VC Gallery sites. We spoke about the work that he does and its impact on mental health and wellbeing within the county.
In this episode Barry talked about both the VC Gallery’s website (https://thevcgallery.com) and Youtube channel (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0MYwtX1-SzPXlzd5ZU5y1g)
Community Heritage at PLANED
May 24 2021
In the lead up to PLANED’s Community Heritage Week (31st May to 4th June) I talk to Stuart Berry about all things heritage. The details of this year’s Community Heritage Week can be found on his website, here: http://www.echoeswales.cymru/projects/pembrokeshire-community-heritage-week/
In this episode Stuart mentions his own Echoes Podcast, https://anchor.fm/pembs-echoes which is a fascinating exploration of local histories.
Tir Coed in Pembrokeshire
April 19, 2021
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
I took my portable recorder and sat in a beautiful piece of woodland with Nancy, Emily, Jerry and Beth one Spring morning in 2021 to talk about the organisation Tir Coed.
They told me about Tir Coed’s mission to unlock the potential of woodlands to provide a community facility, educational and health activities, and to create job opportunities for disadvantaged individuals in rural Wales. With the aim to make positive lasting change.
You can read more, as well as contacting them through their website: http://tircoed.org.uk
March 24, 2021
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Gareth ‘Gaz’ Owens is well known in Haverfordwest for being one of the founder members of that excellent coffee and clothing shop: Get The Boys A Lift. Well now he’s started a new venture called ‘Second Chance Caravan’ and in this episode he talks about mental health, positivity and how he hopes to use the caravan as a chance for people who have fallen out of the employment loop to get back into work.
You can read more here: http://linktr.ee/secondchancecaravan/
Hwb Narberth
March 15, 2021
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
put on a hard hat to talk to Andrew Rees and Donna Harding about the renovation of the old school in the centre of Narberth working with Pembrokeshire County Council (PCC).
They are building a food hub for the centre of the town, you can find out more from their website: https://hwbnarberth.com
The Dean of St Davids Cathedral
February 8, 2021
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
talk to the Dean of St Davids Cathedral, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones LVO OBE over a zoom link. We talk about what a cathedral is, what a Dean does and how lockdown has affected the work of St Davids Cathedral.
You can find out more by linking to their website: https://www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk
You can follow the Cathedral on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/stdavidscathedral/); on Twitter (@StDavidsCath); on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/stdavidscathedral/) and on YouTube (St Davids Cathedral – YouTube)
You can also listen to the excellent Sackcloth & Coffee podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sackcloth-coffee/) hosted by Revd Sophie, Assistant Curate and Minor Canon for St Davids Cathedral
Gary Nicholas, Leisure Services Manager for Pembrokeshire County Council
January 19, 2021
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Gary talks about the existing Leisure Services within Pembrokeshire as well as an exciting new venture called Pembs Leisure Live. With this facility, Pembrokeshire County Council customers will be able to access fitness classes from their own homes during lockdown. It is the aim of Pembrokeshire Leisure Services to provide access to this resource in village halls and community venues across the county once lockdown restrictions are eased.
Tir Dewi: supporting farmers in Wales
January 11, 2021
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
I spoke to Gareth Davies, the CEO of Tir Dewi at the end of December 2020. In this episode, Gareth describes how his organisation helps people working on farms within Wales. From signposting other organisations to simply being a sympathetic ear to those who need it.
Tir Dewi can be reached via their website: https://www.tirdewi.co.uk/ or by phoning them on: 0800 121 4722
Pembrokeshire Care Share and Give
January 4, 2021
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Towards the end of December 2020, I spoke to Amanda Absalom-Lowe, from Pembrokeshire Care Share and Give about her work recycling the waste that we produce and using the results to help to support other charities and people in need within our County.
The ethos of the project is to promote recycling and sustainable waste management in Pembrokeshire; to support people in need within our County; and to contribute to local animal welfare charities.
Fio Theatre Company, Cardiff and Summer 2020
November 9, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Back in May of this year I spoke to Rhys Bugler about the Pen2Paper Challenge that they were running. We also talked about lockdown and how it was affecting people in the Arts. At the end of the podcast I asked Rhys if he would come on again and tell us about the project … and here he is. We discuss the Pen2Paper Challenge but talk about many more of the events that have happened since we last spoke.
Gareth Reynolds from Dale Sailing
November 2 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Gareth Reynolds whilst being the Managing Director for Dale Sailing in Neyland, and a Trustee with PLANED, is also embarking on a life changing challenge by rowing 3,000 miles solo, across the Atlantic this December. He talks to Iwan Thomas from PLANED about the impact of COVID on his business, his motivation behind the challenge, the charity he is supporting, as well as his playlist for the 45 days in the middle of the ocean!
To find out more about the challenge and to donate, please go to: www.atlanticdragonrow.com
Aled Rhys Jones in the PLANED Studio
October 26 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Aled Jones has a unique standpoint within farming in Wales. He talks with experience and clarity about the issues affecting farming during this pandemic as well as drawing comparisons with other epidemics to hit farming over the past few years. Aled muses over the interesting few months ahead and how they will affect agricultural businesses.
Bruce Sanderson, owner of Newsurf
October 19 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Bruce talks about the effect that lockdown has had on his business, www.newsurf.co.uk , this year.
We spoke just days before the Wales-wide ‘firebreak’ lockdown was announced on the 19th October 2020.
Returning to Rugby Fixtures with the Scarlets
September 3, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Josh Helps was raised in West Wales and his rugby skills have enabled him to play Lock for the Scarlets (https://www.scarlets.wales) in Llanelli. He talks about his career so far and about the effect that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the game.
Men’s Sheds Cymru
July 14, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Robert Visintainer, the Project Manager for Men’s Sheds Cymru (www.mensshedscymru.co.uk), talks about the Men’s Shed movement. We hear how it started in Australia and has traveled across the globe to support positive mental health and tackle isolation. Men’s Sheds Cymru is a Hafan Cymru project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.
Patrick Nash on social enterprises, charities and values-driven businesses
June 26 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
In 2016 Patrick started Connect Assist, a specialist contact centre which provides potentially life-saving support and advice to charity users 365 days a year, in many cases 24/7. As CEO, Patrick Nash has made a significant contribution to the lives of both Connect Assist’s users and its staff. He established Connect Assist to make a positive improvement to people’s lives. The social business provides dedicated helplines and digital services to public and third sector organisations, including the Royal British Legion and Barnardo’s.
PATCH: Pembrokeshire Action To Combat Hardship
June 16, 2020
Since June 2008 PATCH has been giving free food parcels, clothing and household items to those in a financial crisis in Pembrokeshire. They work closely with referral agencies to help those that are experiencing hardship through perhaps a delay in benefits, fire, theft and escaping emergency situations.
Website: http://patchcharity.org.uk
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PatchCharityPembs/
Park Rangers at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
June 8, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is split into four parts, each one with its own quirks and qualities and although nowhere in the National Park is more than ten miles from the sea, there’s far more to explore than you may think. The coastline is backed by hills, estuaries, valleys and woodlands that allow you to discover something different.
The Park Rangers are the face of the National Park Authority. They have an intimate knowledge of the areas that they are linked to and can help both locals and visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the National Park.
Libby Taylor is the Ranger Service Manager at the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and she talks about the role of a Park Ranger and the effect of lockdown on the National Park.
You can volunteer with PCNPA: https://www.pembrokeshirecoast.wales/get-involved/volunteering/
Mentors at POINT during Volunteers Week
June 1, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
It’s Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June 2020) and it’s a strange one because we’re still in lockdown here in Wales. I speak to three people who volunteer at POINT, the Young Persons’ Trust in Fishguard, about their work mentoring the young people. This was recorded at home and you can hear the sparrows outside conducting their own podcast.
You can find out more about Volunteers’ Week here: https://volunteersweek.org
And about POINT here: https://www.pointypt.org.uk
Fio’s Pen2Paper Challenge During the COVID-19 Lockdown
May 18, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Fio is a theatre company working across the UK and internationally to make interesting, political and provocative work that brings about social change. Fio’s vision is a world where everyone has a voice to tell their story. They focus on those who are currently under-represented or misrepresented in society. Rhys Bugler is the Project Coordinator for Fio.
Instagram:
@wearefio
Website:
https://www.wearefio.co.uk
Post:
FIO
The Old Library,
Singleton Rd,
Splott,
Cardiff CF24 2ET
Tenby Museum during the COVID-19 Restrictions
May 26, 2020
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Tenby Museum & Art Gallery (www.tenbymuseum.org.uk) stands as the oldest independent museum in Wales. Established in 1878 it continues to develop its collections and displays to preserve and promote the history of the town, giving a sense of place and heritage to both the local person and the visitor.
Mark Lewis is the curator of Tenby museum, he takes time out to talk on the phone about the current lockdown restrictions.
Hywel Dda University Health Board’s Response to COVID-19
May 11, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Hywel Dda University Health Board provides healthcare services throughout Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire. It provides Acute, Primary, Community, Mental Health and Learning Disabilities services via General and Community Hospitals, Health Centres, GP’s, Dentists, Pharmacists and Optometrists and other sites.
We hear from Elaine Lorton, the County Director for the Hywel Dda University Health Board in Pembrokeshire, about their response to the COVID-19 situation. This was recorded in mid-April 2020.
Jamie Owen talks to PLANED about the COVID-19 Pandemic
May 5, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Jamie Owen is the face and voice of some of BBC Wales’ most popular television and radio programmes. He’s best known to UK television viewers as the anchorman of the nightly news show BBC Wales Today. He has worked extensively abroad for the BBC World Service Trust, advising broadcasters in Ramallah, Jordan, Libya and Egypt. After leaving the BBC, Jamie worked for the Turkish broadcaster TRT World and he currently works for CGTN.
COVID-19 in the Preseli Heartlands
May 1, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Sophie Jenkins spoke on the phone in the middle of April 2020 about the effects of lockdown on the community of Brynberian. Sophie comes from a farming family and still farms in the Preselis. She is also the coordinator for the newly refurbished village hall in Brynberian … and in her spare time she runs the Preseli Heartlands project at PLANED https://www.planed.org.uk/projects/preseli-heartlands-communities/
How ateb is dealing with the COVID-19 situation
April 27, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
I speak to David Tovey, the Customer Services Manager at ateb, about how his organisation is supporting its clients under the new restrictions. In the podcast David mentions a recent article in the magazine Welsh Housing Quarterly, https://whq.org.uk
This is the second conversation with David, in Podcast 6 he spoke along with his colleague Tom Waters in their Haverfordwest offices.
Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority
April 20, 2020
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
I speak to James Parkin, the Director of Countryside, Community and Visitor Services with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority
The Park is a unique environment made up of many things – wildlife, habitats, farming, history, tourism, business and local communities. James discusses how the Authority works to achieve a happy balance for all those with an interest in the Park.
County Councillor Neil Prior
April 15, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
I speak to Neil Prior, County Councillor (Independent) for the Llanrhian Electoral Division in Pembrokeshire, serving the communities and surrounding areas of Llanrhian, Mathry, Trefin, Croesgoch, Penparc, Castlemorris, Porthgain, Abereiddi, Abercastle and Square & Compass. Neil has additional responsibility as a member of Pembrokeshire County Council‘s political executive with Cabinet responsibility for Transformation.
His website can be found here: https://neilprior.co.uk
Life in London During the COVID-19 Lockdown
April 10, 2020
rom the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
I talk to Katie Bingham, over a crackly phone line, about moving away from Pembrokeshire; living in London; and how the lockdown is affecting the entertainment industry.
Podcast Fact: Katie’s mum was in episode 3 of this current series talking about POINT in Fishguard.
The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys Police
April 8, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Dyfed-Powys Police safeguard people living, working and visiting the Counties of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Powys, an area with a population of over 488,000, that is significantly boosted with tourists each year, and covers a land mass of over half of Wales.
The Commissioner talks about the general aspects of his role as well as the changes affecting the region during this lockdown period.
How POINT is Adapting to the COVID-19 Situation
April 2, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
John talks on the phone to Zoe Davies the General Manager of Fishguard and Goodwick Young Person’s Trust … otherwise known as POINT. She talks about the vital services that the organisation normally provides for young people and how they are adapting to continue to provide support during this time of lockdown.
Pembrokeshire Communities Combatting the Coronavirus
March 25, 2020
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
I speak to members of two rural Pembrokeshire communities and ask them about how they are supporting each other during the time of the coronavirus pandemic. We discuss the parcticalities of lockdown and issues relating to isolation and worry and the impact on community wellbeing.
The first conversation is with Liz Rawlings from Llangwm in South Pembrokeshire then I speak to Cris Tomos in the North.
The discussions for this podcast were conducted over the phone.
PLANED’s Response to the COVID-19 Situation
March 18, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
It’s early 2020 and the effects of Covid-19 pandemic brought about by the spread of the coronavirus are being felt everywhere. In this podcast John asks Iwan Thomas, the CEO, and Julie Davies, PLANED’s HR Officer, how the virus is affecting us and what we are doing to manage the potential disruption.
Pembrokeshire Artist Raul Speek
March 12, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
John met Raul in his studio in Solva where he talks about his life in rural Cuba. Raul discusses the similarities between life in South West Wales and his childhood in South East Cuba.
You can see his work on his website, http://raulspeek.co.uk
Women of West Wales
March 8, 2020
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Women of West Wales (WOWW) is a three-year project led by Narberth Museum to research and collate the diverse histories of local women and to make them as accessible to as many people as possible. This patchwork of diverse and fascinating stories is supported by talks, workshops, exhibitions and events that celebrate women’s contribution to shaping the culture of West Wales.
You can find out more at their website: Women of West Wales
Haverfordwest Town Council
Febuary 10, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
I met Cllr Stella Hooper in the cafe of the smart new Library in the centre of Haverfordwest. We had a chat about the work of the council while enjoying a very nice cup of coffee.
You may hear one of the younger residents of Haverfordwest deciding to have a minor tantrum at the other side of the cafe later in the podcast. But, I suppose, she was just expressing her democratic right.
John Meets David and Tom from the Ateb Group
Febuary 5, 2020
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
The aim of Ateb is to create better living solutions for the people of West Wales.
They find creative ways of:
- Responding to housing need.
- Helping people to maintain their tenancy.
- Support communities to build capacity and be self-sufficient.
- Regenerate communities through social, economic, environmental and physical programmes.
- Help older and vulnerable people to stay in their homes and communities where their lifestyles change.
David Tovey is the Customer Services Manager at Ateb and Tom Waters is the Digital Support Officer
The Narberth Community Fridge
Febuary 4, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
Vicki came into the podcast room at PLANED in Narberth to talk about the community fridge based in the Bloomfield Centre … also in Narberth
In the podcast we talk about the webcam:
- The Bloomfield Centre webcam
https://bloomfieldcommunitycentre.org/community-fridge
The fridge and Vicki’s post are funded by:
- The Bluestone Foundation
https://www.bluestonewales.com/bluestone-foundation - and LEADER
https://www.arwainsirbenfro.cymru/projects/narberth-community-fridge/
She also mentions the community fridge charity:
John meets the CWBR Project
January 28, 2020
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
The CWBR Project is a two-year pilot, funded by the Arwain Sir Benfro LEADER programme. It will explore how town and community councils can build community well-being and resilience, by engaging their communities to develop local well-being assessments, plans and project activities. These will feed into and inform the county-wide Well-Being Assessment and Plan undertaken by the Public Services Board (PSB), as required by the Well-Being of Future Generations Act (2015). It will also look at how Community and Town Councils can support the delivery of the Pembrokeshire Well-Being Plan.
POINT, The Young Person’s Trust
January 22, 2020
From the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
POINT, based in Fishguard, provides opportunities for young people aged 11 to 25 years living in North Pembrokeshire to acquire the confidence, self esteem and skills to overcome the obstacles they may encounter on their journey from childhood to adulthood.
Kate Mitchell and Helen Bingham are part of a team of youth workers based with the organisation. They took time out to tell us about their work and experiences.
You can find out more by visiting their website: https://www.pointypt.org.uk
The Prince’s Trust at PLANED
January 15, 2020
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
John meets Michael Botzaropoulos, an Operations Executive with The Prince’s Trust Cymru on a stormy day in January.
The website mentioned in this episode is www.princes-trust.org.uk which will give you all the information you need on registering on a course or for volunteering.
John meets Gitti from HaverHub
December 7th 2019
from the DATRIS Project supported by the National Lottery Community Fund
I’m John Ewart and I work on a National Lottery Community Funded project called DATRIS which is a small part of PLANED, a Third Sector organisation based in South West Wales.
For our first podcast I’m going to be talking to Gitti Coats, the driving force behind HaverHub which is situated in Haverfordwest. This is a venture that has been supported by PLANED since its inception in 2017.
