Hwb Caergwrle Charitable Incorporated Organisation – Charity No: 1197424
Annual Report for 2023-2024
Aim and Purpose
Hwb Caergwrle CIO was created in the aftermath of the Covid-19 Pandemic and associated ‘Lockdown’. The CIO’s Founding Trustees had also been involved in the Hope, Caergwrle & District Action Group which had been established by volunteers to deliver food and pharmacy supplies to vulnerable residents.
Having witnessed the impact of loneliness and isolation on the well-being of members of the local community those who had played significant roles in the Hope, Caergwrle & District Action Group resolved that they would do all they could to help to breathe new life into the local community to help with the recovery of community life.
Objectives and Activities
The objects of the CIO are
(1) to promote to the benefit of the community of Caergwrle and the surrounding districts (hereinafter called the “area of benefit”) by associating together the residents, local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure time activities with the purpose of improving the quality of life;
(2) to establish a Community Centre and to maintain and manage it (whether alone or in co-operation with the local authority or other organisation or individual) in furtherance of these Objects.
Caergwrle is one of the few communities which lacks a village hall and the newly-established CIO did all that it could to try to secure funding to purchase a closed Presbyterian Chapel and Schoolroom in the centre of the village. It was the intention that this would serve as a community ‘Hwb’ and play a central role in the revival of the community following the Pandemic.
Unfortunately, in spite of extensive efforts, the CIO failed to secure the necessary funds to purchase this building and was unable to, immediately fulfil the second Objective of establishing a community centre within the village.
That being the case the CIO concentrated on the first Objective which involved providing recreational and leisure activities within the existing buildings in and around Caergwrle. It adopted an approach known as Asset Based Community Development (ABCD) and established a ‘virtual’ Hwb but one which makes use of existing spaces for a range of community activities.
Achievements and Performance
Hwb Caergwrle is extremely grateful to The National Lottery Fund for the grant which has enabled the CIO to take steps to address these issues within the existing locations within the local communiuty.
The Activities Provided as a Result of TNFL funding:
Hwb Caergwrle CIO booked Caergwrle Methodist Church for a circle of creative activities run by local providers. These were provided simultaneously in different spaces within the same large hall. The CIO provided refreshments, which included gluten-free and dairy-free options for those with special dietary requirements. The responses showed that residents welcomed these activities as part of the health and well-being as well as for the specific skills which they gained.
“My daughter has been enthusiastically joining in with crafting groups at the Hwb and this is a huge step in the right direction for her as someone who has struggled with mental health problems since her teenage years and she doesn’t really feel comfortable and accepted in social situations. We have lived in Caergwrle for 15 years and she has never met with anyone locally until these groups started which is why they are so important and she is enjoying them so much.” – Anonymous feedback from Caergwrle Resident.
These activities are becoming increasingly self-sufficient in terms of support although Hwb Caergwrle does pay for the venue and refreshments. The chairperson attends these evenings in order to open and close the venue and provide refreshments.
Macramé
“I have really enjoyed this activity. The tutor explained and demonstrated everything very clearly over the six weeks. I made several items which I will enjoy using and am keen to continue in my own time.”
“Excellent tuition and very enjoyable meeting new people and being part of a group. Also seeing other participants was interesting as they were doing other classes.”
Needle Felting
“I found the felting very enjoyable and the instructor was very helpful. We did a variety of tasks. I find coming to the Hwb very helpful for my mental health and my anxiety. I feel welcome and included. Thank you.”
“this has been a fantastic opportunity for the community to come together. It is so much more than the activity itself. It gives people chance to come together, talk and relax. I always leave with a warm, fuzzy feeling!”
Art Therapy
“Excellent, relaxing, informative and definitely therapy. Alex was so patient and enthusiastic, challenging us and bringing out skills we didn’t think we had. Fabulous Mondays that I will miss.”
“This has been an excellent and inspiring 6 weeks. The choice of art available is so good that we were spoilt for choice.
Creative Writing
“I found the course very interesting and meeting new people with their own take on life and experiences was an added bonus. We all seemed to gel and Eileen kept any stalling to a minimum with quick interjections (see what I did there) would have looked for the minutest word before this enlightened course.”
First Friday Speakers
Hwb Caergwrle also supported a series of evening talks on the First Friday of the Month in Hope Community Library.
The responses showed that local people were enthusiastic about the sessions and wanted them to continue. There is limited space available within the Library but audiences did reach 50 or over on some occasions. The Treasurer of Hwb Caergwrle facilitates these sessions by ensuring that the sessions run smoothly and welcoming and introducing the presenters.
“Very interesting and varied talks. Helps to bring the local community together and invariably lots of conversations take place initiating shared interests.”
“Talks have been excellent. Different subjects but all interesting in their own way.”
“I have attended the great majority of the talks and have found all very interesting and informative, ranging from a single building to a whole river basin. I do hope more talks are planned.”
Welsh Conversation
Wherever possible Hwb Caergwrle CIO used bilingual material to publicise events. The CIO also secured the use of a facilitator to initiate Welsh Conversation sessions in Hope Community Library. They were well attended with positive feedback. After an initial start this group has become largely self-sufficient and is able to organise itself with a little support for refreshments.
“In a predominantly English-speaking area (Wrecsam / Sir y Flint) the session allows me to practice my Welsh with a group of all degrees of fluency – this encourages several beginners to chat and explore other resources e.g. Duolingo, Coleg Cambria courses and for more Welsh speakers to pass on their knowledge. Hwb Caergwrle funds hot drinks and biscuits to aid the conversation.”
“I help with organising each session through What’s App after the original volunteer /organiser sought other employment. I set out the room before and after the session (as the Library is also used as a classroom), greet members and introduce them to the group. Over the entire atmosphere I hope is welcoming.”
Information Technology
Hwb Caergwrle CIO supported a number of Information Technology sessions in Caergwrle sessions Boys’ Brigade Hall which is the only available facility with a Wi-Fi connection. The sessions were attended by 10 people who became more confident in the use of Information Technology.
Floristry Course
An introductory Floristry course was run, initially in the Boys’ Brigade Hall, and later in the Methodist Church Hall.
This was an initial 6 week ‘taster’ course to give people a flavour of the art of flower arranging. It was attended by 12 people who are now attending a 10 week course. There will be a further 12 week follow on course which will be accredited by Adult Learning Wales.
‘Hwb Caergwrle has been a really inclusive organisation - opening their sessions to anyone in the local vicinity. They advertised in a manner than allowed me to find out about the flower arranging and made me feel very welcome to join. They have brought people together and make people’s lives better as a result of the activities they run. They seem to be constantly inviting the wider community to participate in events, talks and classes which are fab, informative, friendly environment. The sessions help bring different characters/generations together which in turn helps people understand others and connect better. They also provide a great chance to better oneself by learning new skills and understanding of different subjects in the talks etc. Hwb Caergwrle really does bring the community together and as someone who has recently moved into the area this has been super important for me and helped me meet new people.”
Halloween Craft Activities
Halloween family craft activities run by Groundworks in the BB Hall were attended by 7 adults and 17 children
Groundworks reported that it was a larger number of adults than usual at this event.
With the help of TNLF funding support Hwb Caergwrle CIO has been able to deliver a positive transformative experience within the local community.
Easter Egg Hunt and Litter Pick
Hwb Caergwrle organised an Easter Egg Hunt coupled with a litter pick within the community for families. Several young people and adults attended. Whilst litter picking those taking part looked for pebbles with an Easter Bunny painted on them. These were hidden
along the route. Children who found a pebble were able to claim a small Easter Egg as a reward.
In addition the children also looked out for dog dirt along the route. When they spotted some they placed another painted pebble by the dog dirt. The illustration showed a dog defecating and urged dog owners to pick up after their dogs.
Financial Review
Total receipts on unrestricted funds were £978. Restricted funds were £9705 which is what remained from the TNLF funding received in 2022.
Hwb Caergwrle carefully budgeted expenditure on planned activities in the course of the year.
Reserves Policy
It is Hwb Caergwrle policy to hold some unrestricted funds in reserve to allow for contingencies.
Volunteers
Hwb Caergwrle would like to express thanks to those who have assisted with refreshments at craft activities in Caergwrle Methodist Church, those who make a monthly commitment to assist with room preparation and refreshments at the First Friday events in Hope Community Library and those who helped to supervise and steward the Easter Egg Hunt and Litter Pick.
Structure, governance and management
Hwb Caergwrle is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with four Trustees.
Administrative information
The correspondence address for Hwb Caergwrle is
‘Avalon’
7 Mountain Close,
Hope,
Flintshire
LL12 9SE
The CIO has four Trustees:
Mrs Gill Pearson (Chair)
Mrs Lindsay J Perkins
Mrs Lindsey J Ankers
Mr David Healey (Secretary and Treasurer)
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT 1[st] April 2023 – 31[st] March 2024