GRANT APPLICATION

NEWS ITEM

MUDIAD CYMDEITHASOL GLANYFFERI / FERRYSIDE SOCIAL ENTERPRISE GROUP

Following a successful meeting on July29th, The Ferryside Social Enterprise Group has now submitted an application to Carmarthen County Council for a Rural Development Grant to undertake the Detailed Design Phase for the future development of the Education Centre at Ferryside.

                If successful the “pump priming” grant of £13,646 will enable the group to verify the Structural, Electrical and Mechanical integrity of the building, carry out  architectural and structural design work and obtain the necessary planning permissions. After full consultation with the local community, these will then form the basis for applications for major grants to carry out the work from The Big Lottery (People and Places) and the Welsh Government ( Community Facilities and Activities Programme).

                 It is FSEG’s intention to aquire and develop the site, converting it from a public liability and eyesore into and attractive community asset supporting a wide range of activities for residents and visitors and creating local employment.

                 At its core the facilities will include a high grade hostel-type accommodation for costal path walkers, birdwatchers ( with RSPB support), visiting sports teams and residential workshops. A specialist day centre is envisaged for frail adults and carers alongside the continuing current Medical Centre and Pharmacy. Foot care, and other quasi-medical services could also be provided. Youth club and changing room facilities will be provided adjacent to the current Multi Use Games Area. There will be exhibition spaces for the RSPB, local artists and local heritage projects, indeed, it is intended to provide Arts and Crafts workshops and classrooms. Office space for small business start ups will also be provided in the main building.

                  Associated projects, subject to separate funding, will also hopefully be establish such as community gardens, convenient for the current outdoor market and studio plus office space for “Broadside”, a young start-up independent film company. Space will also be separately provided for Carmarthenshire “Men’s Sheds” which may develop as part of an additional  Heritage  Lottery bid to save the ex-RAF huts.

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 Mudiad Cymdeithasol Glanyfferi/Ferryside Social Enterprise Group

News Item

The secretary, Mr Les Jones gave a progress report on a meeting with Carmarthen County Council  who stressed the need for FSEG to demonstrate charity status, fundraising ability and community involvement. The County were agreeable for FSEG to sub-let once the site is leased. As a non-profit making organisation, FSEG could be eligible for a discount of 80% in the business rate.

The Village Forum are discussing with the County who are the current landlord on the use of a grassed area as a possible venue for their Market.

The Sports Group are currently negotiating with the County for the use of the current Hall at the Education Centre.

Broadside Films are interested in the possibility of using  one of  the Ex-RAF huts and “Mens Sheds” have expressed an interest in the other hut.

Meanwhile, FSEG are to be kept informed of all potential uses.

Mens Sheds

Mr Robert Taylor presented a detailed resume of the activities of Mens Sheds who have established an organisation in Carmarthen. They are affiliated with Mens Sheds Cymru who are the umbrella organisation, helping to fight retirement based depression, isolation, and any stigma of disability by providing small scale practical workshops promoting the well being of men. They are currently looking for larger premises to establish a workshop and base to make bee-hives and coracles and are interested in utilizing one wing of the ex-RAF huts on the current Education Centre . They hope to expand and evolve a Ferryside Shed.

Tenders for Design of Future Programme

Three tenders were received for the design study of the proposed new  education centre, two were largely non-compliant and did not fill the requirements requested. The details were discussed and it was decided to go ahead with the tender submitted by David Darkin. Officers of the committee have arranged to meet with Jonathan Handcock from the County to discuss  the funding of the Design stage at the Education Centre. They have been advised that a grant application would require a credible outline business plan showing the best estimates of revenue and expenditure for the first 3 to 5years.

Business Plan

Elements of the business plan would address the following projects:

• Accommodation for Doctor’s surgery (existing arrangements)
• Changing room facilities and adjacent Multi Use Games Area
• Specialist Day Centre for physically and mentally frail adults and carers.
• Foot care, other quasi-medical services and alternative therapies.
• Arts and crafts workshops.
• High grade hostel-type accommodation for coastal path walkers, bird-watchers, visiting sports teams and residential workshops.
• Studio and office space for Broadside, a start-up youth film company.
• Youth club facilities.
• Exhibition space for, local artists and local heritage projects.
• Allotments and outdoor market.
• Space for small business start-ups. 

Individual project leaders are to contact participants and contributors to identify probable income and expenditure in order to draft a full business case.