New centre puts spotlight on Hywel Dda
A state-of-the art centre is educating people about the ancient laws of Hywel Dda and his links with Carmarthenshire.
Residents, schoolchildren and visitors are learning about the native Welsh ruler and the development of his Welsh laws.
Canolfan Hywel Dda in Whitland has been transformed into a hi-tech attraction, in a bid to encourage more visitors.
The site was set up by volunteers 25 years ago but has struggled to reach a large audience because of a lack of facilities.
Now with grant funding and the support of Carmarthenshire County Council it has seen a steady rise in visitor numbers, and strong links have been forged with other attractions in the area.
The centre has secured grants of £15,370 from the Sustainable Communities Developing Identity and Distinctiveness Project, as part of the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
Regeneration chiefs have visited the site to congratulate volunteers on their vision.
A DVD has been produced in partnership with students from Trinity College for use in the centre, and for presentations to organisations and schools.
A new website has been developed with gifts sold online to generate extra income.
Blue-ray players, interactive stations and multi touch screens have been installed to improve the experience for visitors.
Information leaflets have been widely distributed and educational booklets have been produced for schools.
The council's Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: "Hywel Dda has a very important role to play in the history of Carmarthenshire.
"It is vital that the history of this Welsh ruler and his links with Whitland are celebrated and remembered.
"The volunteers at Canolfan Hywel Dda have created a real legacy for generations to come."
The centre is the only one in existence that is dedicated to the Hywel Dda laws.
It features a permanent exhibition about Hywel and the law, prepared by historians Malcolm and Cyril Jones.
Exact prints of the original laws donated by the National Library of Wales are on display.
Behind the centre are six gardens, each one designed to reflect one of the six themes of the laws.
Council Chief Executive Mark James said: "The volunteers have worked tirelessly to promote the history of Hywel Dda.
"The centre is an important feature of the county's tourist appeal and is helping to maximise Whitland's potential for attract visitors.
"We are very pleased to have supported such a deserving scheme."
Celebrating success: From left to right RDP Development Officer Sara Evans, cllr Sue Ellen, Community Regeneration Officer Emyr John, Council Chief Executive Mark James, Hywel Dda Secretary Ken Rees, Community Regeneration Officer Sally Doughton and Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson.
Residents, schoolchildren and visitors are learning about the native Welsh ruler and the development of his Welsh laws.
Canolfan Hywel Dda in Whitland has been transformed into a hi-tech attraction, in a bid to encourage more visitors.
The site was set up by volunteers 25 years ago but has struggled to reach a large audience because of a lack of facilities.
Now with grant funding and the support of Carmarthenshire County Council it has seen a steady rise in visitor numbers, and strong links have been forged with other attractions in the area.
The centre has secured grants of £15,370 from the Sustainable Communities Developing Identity and Distinctiveness Project, as part of the Rural Development Plan for Wales 2007-2013, which is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.
Regeneration chiefs have visited the site to congratulate volunteers on their vision.
A DVD has been produced in partnership with students from Trinity College for use in the centre, and for presentations to organisations and schools.
A new website has been developed with gifts sold online to generate extra income.
Blue-ray players, interactive stations and multi touch screens have been installed to improve the experience for visitors.
Information leaflets have been widely distributed and educational booklets have been produced for schools.
The council's Regeneration Executive Board Member cllr Clive Scourfield said: "Hywel Dda has a very important role to play in the history of Carmarthenshire.
"It is vital that the history of this Welsh ruler and his links with Whitland are celebrated and remembered.
"The volunteers at Canolfan Hywel Dda have created a real legacy for generations to come."
The centre is the only one in existence that is dedicated to the Hywel Dda laws.
It features a permanent exhibition about Hywel and the law, prepared by historians Malcolm and Cyril Jones.
Exact prints of the original laws donated by the National Library of Wales are on display.
Behind the centre are six gardens, each one designed to reflect one of the six themes of the laws.
Council Chief Executive Mark James said: "The volunteers have worked tirelessly to promote the history of Hywel Dda.
"The centre is an important feature of the county's tourist appeal and is helping to maximise Whitland's potential for attract visitors.
"We are very pleased to have supported such a deserving scheme."
Celebrating success: From left to right RDP Development Officer Sara Evans, cllr Sue Ellen, Community Regeneration Officer Emyr John, Council Chief Executive Mark James, Hywel Dda Secretary Ken Rees, Community Regeneration Officer Sally Doughton and Community Regeneration Manager John Wilson.
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