Future's bright at Black Mountain Centre - press release

IT’S something of a ‘Wordsworth moment’ for Mair Thomas every time she walks through the front door of The Black Mountain Centre in Brynaman. “Quite simply, my heart leaps up when I behold what we have achieved here,” a smiling Mrs Thomas admitted as she admired the facilities at the centre. “We have created a new living, breathing heart for the village of Brynaman. This is where it all happens. This is what makes the community spirit of Brynaman tick.” The centre, formerly known as the Brynaman Community Centre, is now well into a rebranding exercise which sees it take on a name which reflects its position at the western gateway to the Brecon Beacons National Park. “The Black Mountain Centre accurately reflects where we are and broadens the appeal for a building which is so much more than a community centre,” Mrs Thomas said. The changes to the former infants school building have been dramatic. The latest developments, including a two-storey extension, have been funded by £296,152 from CFAP – the Welsh Assembly Government’s Community Facilities and Activities Programme. “That grant has made a significant difference to the way we operate,” Mrs Thomas said. “We have, of course, received other funding and raised money ourselves, but the end result is that it all helps us move towards the point where the centre can become more sustainable in the future. “We are mindful of the fact that we cannot always hope to benefit from grants and we have to make this place tick as a business, generating revenue so that we can provide the services that the public ask for. “Currently, we are striving very hard to promote our business facilities as we have scope here to host conferences and seminars. Achieving sustainability for the centre is very important as we can then move any profit we make back into community activities.” The centre already boasts a tourist information centre and a 50-seat Black Mountain restaurant. It also has a doctor’s surgery, public library and an ever-changing art gallery and exhibition space. In addition, there are regular advice and drop-in clinics for everything from police advice to help in job-hunting. Classes and activities in the centre include family history classes, Welsh lessons, keep fit, art, gardening, line dancing and website development. “There is something for everyone here at the centre and we are always consulting the people of Brynaman about what they want from their centre,” said Mrs Thomas. “There are creative writing and heritage groups that meet here and we have local produce markets, job fairs and special workshop days on topics such as health and well-being. “We are investing in the future of Brynaman by making people aware of the need to stay fit and healthy, how they can eat properly and exercise safely and effectively. “There is also plenty here for the youth of Brynaman and chances to take part in youth groups and theatre experiences.” Mrs Thomas added: “Now that we have rebranded as The Black Mountain Centre we are hoping even more people will sit up and take notice of the fact that we are more than just a community centre. “This is the beating heart of Brynaman and it is a delight for everyone of us to appreciate the improvements we have made thanks to the Welsh Assembly Government.” CFAP - The Community Facilities and Activities Programme is a grant scheme operated by the Welsh Assembly Government to help community or voluntary organisations provide facilities or carry out activities which will promote the regeneration of communities. Since its launch in 2002 CFAP has proved to be a highly successful grant programme. A total of £64 million has been awarded to 660 projects across the length and breadth of Wales. Projects have included the refurbishment of church and village halls, work to make community properties accessible to the disabled, buying part of a former airfield for community use and restoring historic buildings for community use. The CFAP is run from The Welsh Assembly Government’s Merthyr Tydfil office - Communities Facilities and Activities Programme (CFAP), Communities Directorate, Welsh Assembly Government, Merthyr Tydfil Office, Rhydycar, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 1UZ. Weblink: http://www.brynaman.org.uk

Admiring the art: The Black Mountain Centre vice-chairman Mair Thomas admires the displays which grace the walls of the centre. Press release issued by Robert Lloyd on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.