News
Charity Shop Refit 24/1/12
Our Charity Shop is closed for a refit until Thursday, 2nd February 2012
PCSN Job Opportunity 12/1/12
Job opportunity for an
Information & Feasibility Study Coordinator.
Primarily the Project brief is to produce an in depth report on the services 12 independent Community Supports (PCSN) offer throughout Powys as well as promoting and investigating the benefits a structured network could provide. Closing date 30/1/12
Full advert (pdf)
PCSN website
Wyeside Need Volunteers 27/12/11
Wyeside Arts Centre need more Volunteers;
Ushers & Bar staff.
If you are interested, we have application forms in the office or you can contact Wyeside direct on 553668.
Coffee Morning in March 27/12/11
Our Annual Coffee Morning
will be on Friday 23rd March 2012 at Wesley Church centre.
Grant Application Success 24/12/11
We have been successful with our application for a grant from Awards for All to refit our shop.
After 4 years, the fixtures are starting to look worn & shabby and with its increasing success we need to have a better design & layout; this will happen at the end of January so the shop will be closed from 21st January until 2nd February.
We have also received a Continuing health care grant to increase capacity of the organisation, part of which will fund additional admin time & from 4th January, the office will be open to the public from 9a.m. –1p.m.
Administration Assistant Required 7/12/11
We require an Administration Assistant:
25 hours per week
at £6.85 per hour (NJC SCP8).
Must be computer literate
& have a good knowledge of office procedures.
12 month contract initially.
For job description & application form
please telephone 01982 553004
or email info@builthcs.co.uk
Closing date for applications 6th January 2012.
Powys Community Support Network 1/11/11
The 12 Powys Community Supports/Volunteer Bureaux have come together
to form the
Powys Community Support Network (PCSN).
There are 12 Community Supports/Volunteer Bureaux in Powys, covering between them, the whole of the County.
PowysCommunitySupport.org.uk
Monthly Outings this Summer 30/8/11
The outings over the summer months were to very different destinations. In June we went to the seaside, on what started as a dull and drizzly day but, as we drove down into Aberystwyth, turned into a glorious summer's day. After a good lunch at the Belle Vue Royal Hotel most of us took advantage of the warm sunshine to either sit on or stroll along the front, and perhaps enjoy an ice cream. Then it was back to the Hotel for a cuppa before setting off home -nothing could have been nicer than a warm sunny day at the seaside!
The July outing was to Hampton Court Castle near Leominster. Again the sun shone on us and made walking round the gorgeous gardens very pleasant indeed. The vegetable garden is just amazing, and the produce is used in the cafe which is housed in the renovated orangery. After a good afternoon tea we were content to just sit in the garden soaking up the sunshine. The ride home through lovely scenery rounded off a very enjoyable afternoon.
At the end of August we visited Coleg Trefecca, near Talgarth, where the first Presbyterian commune was set up. It is now run as a retreat and events centre, and is situated in lovely landscaped gardens. After being greeted with tea and cake, we were taken on a guided tour by Brian Reardon, who explained the fascinating history of the place. Plans to then walk round the gardens were then abandoned due to a sudden downpour, but it didn't dampen our enjoyment of the afternoon.
New Committee for 2011 19/7/11
This year saw us lose two very important people who have made a huge contribution to BWCS' success; Roger Harriss has retired from his role as President, and Mena Sneade has retired from management committee after serving 17 years, during which she was treasurer, vice chair & chair. They both remain as Volunteers with us.
The new management committee from June are:
Chairman, Yvette Bridgeman; Vice Chair, Ann Gardiner;
Treasurer, Ian Phillips; Secretary, Diana Davies.
Committee members are Johnathan Beagley, Sue Seed, Hugh Garner, Judy Davies , John Seed.
About Us
BACH to Meet Over Bed Cuts 6/7/11
BACH (Builth Against Closing Hospitals) will be holding a meeting next week to discuss Project bed concerns.
BACH advises members to get in touch via the usual channels.
Builth GPs Meet Over Bed Cuts 23/6/11
Yesterday, invited representatives of the Builth & Llanwrtyd communities met with doctors at the Practice to discuss concerns at the proposed cut of 6 acute GP beds from the new Builth Project. Further meetings are planned.
The Practice gave a joint presentation detailing both their concerns and vision for the Project. This was followed by a question and answer session.
Builth Rural Access Hub 16/6/11
Builth Rural Access Hub
Monday 20th June
3pm - 4.30pm at the
Strand Hall,
Builth Wells.
Open to the public
and please call in to find out about local services. Displays from British Red Cross, RNID, Radnor Healthy Friendships, Bracken Trust, Crossroads Care, Energy Savings Trust, PAVO.
May Outing 15/6/11
The outing in May was to Machinations in Llanbrynmair, a new venue for us, and the furthest we have been for a long time. It was well worth it, though, as we received a very warm welcome, and we immediately sat down in the cafe to a delicious home-made lunch and welcome cuppa. From there could be seen the collecion of rabbits and guinea-pigs running around on the grass but, unfortunately, it was too wet for us to sit outside.
The name of the place comes from the many mechanical models on display, from Heath-Robinson-like constructions to tableaux to music-hall-type acts, and they could be activated by slotting in tokens and pushing buttons. They were fascinating and enchanting, and quite different to anything we had seen before.
The weather was not kind to us that day (certainly not drought-like!), but it did not spoil the magnificent views on the mountain road past Llyn Clywedog, and even brightened up a little on the way home. Many thanks to Sarah Reast and her staff for being so friendly and attentive, helping to ensure everyone had a very enjoyable afternoon.
Community Tea Room at The Strand Hall 1/6/11
Builth Wells Community Support will be opening a community tea room in the Strand Hall commencing on 10th June 2011.
This will be open every Friday morning 10am - 12.30pm.
BWCS Volunteers will provide a place that everyone in the community can pop into for a cup of tea or coffee and a chat.
A directory of local organisations & useful contacts is being produced and will be available from this tea room and also from BWCS Office at 14 High Street, Builth Wells.
If you would like more information about the Tea room or any of the other services offered by BWCS then please call in to the office or telephone 01982 553004.
Update 18/11/11
Due to insufficient attendance to cover the cost of room hire
the community tea room will no longer be open.
Last day will be Friday 18th November 2011.
Many thanks to those who supported us
Community Car Scheme Travel Costs 19/5/11
From 1st April 2011, the charge for all journeys will be 25p per mile, minimum charge is £2.50.
The charge is based on the return journey from the passengers home (irrespective of whether the passenger returns in the car).
| Journey | Miles | Example Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Local journeys | 1 - 10 | £2.50 |
| Builth to Llandrindod | 16 | £4.00 |
| Builth to Hereford | 86 | £21.50 |
| Builth to Brecon | 42 | £10.50 |
| Llanwrtyd to Builth | 26 | £6.50 |
| Llanwrtyd to Hereford | 110 | £27.50 |
| Llangammarch to Hereford | 102 | £25.50 |
February and March Outings 14/4/11
In February we went to the village hall in Cilmery, to hear two very different presentations of ways to use recycled goods. Ann Groves uses bits of wool, plastic, rags and fabrics to craft fantastic items such as soft toys, cakes, boxes of chocolates, little islands with animals on them, bags, pictures, and many more, all beautifully made and vibrantly coloured. Everyone was fascinated by how she made them, and she happily answered all the questions she was bombarded with! Then David Brown talked about how glass he has collected is recycled into all sorts of objects such as garden ornaments, decorative chippings, wall tiles, and more. Sandwiches, tea and cakes, provided by the volunteers, were by then very welcome, and rounded off an interesting and informative afternoon.
By way of contrast, the Wyeside Arts Centre was the destination for the outing in March, to see archive films of Builth Carnivals from the early fifties. These were memory-provoking for many people, as well as causing laughter and cries of, "That's old Mrs. so-and-so" or "Look how thin he was then!" Tea and biscuits were then served in the foyer, with more recollections being discussed. It was an enjoyable time, and many thanks to the staff of Wyeside for their help with using the lift and stairs.
"Dod Diary" coming to Builth Wells - 12/4/11
Dod Diary will be coming to letterboxes in Builth Wells, starting with the May 2011 Edition. This is in association with Builth Wells Community Support.
Dod Diary is provided as a community service to Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells: the printing, production and distribution costs are covered by business sponsorship and low cost business advertising
The on line diary of Builth Wells and Llandrindod Wells Events. It is also published monthly and delivered to every household in town (that is approx 3000 copies) as well as to public access points within the town and nearby villages between Rhayader and Builth Wells. The aim of the diary is to connect your event with your community for free. Whatever Builth Wells or Llandrindod Wells event you are holding make sure that every house in the town knows about it by claiming your FREE EVENT LISTING: Copy and Payment deadline 09:00 10th preceding month. Please note advertising space is very popular, you are advised to book early to avoid disappointment.
Volunteers needed to deliver the Diary in Builth Wells, could you help by delivering to your street? Please contact Community Support if you can.
Dod Diary on Twitter
GPs Express Bed Number Concerns - 7/4/11
Builth GP statement:
"Builth and Llanwrtyd Medical Practice continues to be involved in the development of the new Integrated Health & Social Care Centre at Builth Wells and appreciates the progress made by the Board.
However, we do have major concerns with regard to the proposed reduction in GP beds from twelve (at Builth Cottage Hospital now) to six at the new unit. This concern was highlighted at the recent Stakeholder meeting of March 22nd.
The Practice considers this large reduction in beds questions the worth and viability of the new centre as a replacement for facilities at Builth Cottage Hospital which are considered to be no longer fit for purpose in the long term.
At Builth Cottage Hospital a number of beds are occupied by patients who have no prospect of early discharge because of a variety of medical and social problems. Effectively only a small number of beds are ever available for acute admissions, unfortunately meaning more patients are admitted to Hereford or Abergavenny. Reducing bed numbers from twelve to six would compound this further and it would be unlikely that a local, acute bed would be available when actually needed. In particular we would regret not having a bed readily available should one be required for the palliative care of a patient and to allow closer access for their loved ones at such an important time.
The Local Health Board aware of our concerns and we will update the information that we have as matters progress".
Coffee Morning Friday 25th March - 18/2/11
Our annual coffee morning will be held on Friday 25th March, 2011, in the newly-refurbished Strand Hall, opening at 10.30 am.
Admission is £1 to include tea or coffee and biscuits. There will be a Spring Draw, Chinese Auction, Produce Stall, our Charity Shop will have a stall, and many more.
This is one of our major fundraising events, helping to provide transport services to local people, so please come along and support us.
January Outing - 14/2/11
The first outing of 2011 was only as far as the Wesley Chapel in Builth, but a long way from anything we had seen before - story-telling! Cat Weatherill enthralled everyone with her amazing stories, which she basically makes up as she goes along. Then followed a bingo session, with Clive Brookes calling the numbers in his own inimitable style. It was a surprise to Clive when everyone burst into a rendering of "Happy Birthday" to him for his upcoming 80th birthday. Many more of them Clive! By then everyone was ready for the scrumptious afternoon tea provided, as so often, by Miriam Jones. Thanks to Cat, Clive and Miriam for ensuring a full and happy afternoon.
December Outing - 30/1/11
The last outing of 2010 was to the Caer Beris Manor Hotel in Builth, for a delicious Christmas afternoon tea. The surroundings were warm and comfortable, very welcome after the wintry conditions outside.
Entertainment was provided by Parlour Consort, whose beautiful singing was appreciated by all. They sang Christmas songs and old-time melodies, which everyone joined in with enthusiastically.
Many thanks to Mary Green of Parlour Consort, and to the staff of Caer Beris, for helping to make the afternoon so enjoyable.
Builth Project Gets the Go-ahead - 6/1/11
Health Minister Edwina Hart has approved the case for a new integrated health and social care centre in Builth Wells. This will mean closure for Builth Hospital.
See more at Builth Surgery's Facebook page.
Builth Wells CS Quilt Raffle - 20/12/10
Pictured is Nyree Williams (and her mother Pam) the lucky winner of a beautiful quilt, handmade by Maggie Hogan one of our Volunteers. Maggie very kindly donated this quilt to raise funds for Builth Wells Community Support and £129 was raised from selling raffle tickets.
Maggie will also be donating another quilt for our annual fundraising event in March.
Builth & Llanwrtyd Medical Practice - 18/12/10
Closed Saturday 25/12/10 to Tuesday 28/12/10 inclusive.
Closed Saturday 1/1/11 to Monday 3/1/11 inclusive.
"Shropdoc" will provide cover at these times.
November Outing - 1/12/10
Builth Wells Community Support continues with its monthly outings, with visits over the last few months to Cilgwyn, Coed y Dinas and the Elan Valley.
Most recently we went to Oakchurch, fortunately on the day before the snow arrived! In fact, it was a bright, crisp day, which made the ride there and back very enjoyable. Lunch in the café was followed by Christmas shopping for some, just browsing for others, amongst the wide variety of goods on offer. Then there was time for a welcome cuppa before heading home.
These outings are for elderly people who cannot otherwise get out and about much. They have a chance to visit places of interest and, more importantly, to meet and chat with other people over tea and cakes.
The funding for these outings is provided by Builth Wells Charity Shop, situated on the High Street in Builth, next to Barclays Bank. We are always in need of good quality items to sell, so next time you have a clear-out please think about us. We can arrange to collect goods, just ring the Shop on 01982 552814.
Remember, we are a local charity providing services for local people.
September Outing - 29/10/10
Our September outing was to Charlies Garden, Home & Country Centre, Coed-y-Dinas near Welshpool for lunch & some shopping and a chance to meet some new friends in the pet department!
Coed-y-Dinas
Retail Manager for our Charity Shop - 11/10/10
We have appointed Mrs Lynn Ball as part time manager for the shop.
Lynn will work closely with Cathy Warlow, who remains as manager of Builth Wells Community Support, to ensure the shop continues to be a success.
One of her first initiatives will be to open the shop until 5p.m. every Thursday, commencing 14th October 2010.
Annual General Meeting 2010 - 1/4/10
Our Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th June 2010 2pm at Wesley Church Centre.
March Outing - 1/4/10
The March outing was to Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. Mr Jeremy Stevenson arranged a most interesting sequence of archive recordings of early C20 radio clips with an accomanying quiz, followed by selected video excerpts from "My Fair Lady" performed at London's Albert Hall. Miriam Jones completed the afternoon by providing a delicious tea.
www.wyeside.co.uk
February Outing - 22/3/10
The National Cycle Collection at the Automobile Palace in Llandrindod was the destination of the February outing. It is much bigger inside than it looks from the outside, with a comprehensive selection of pedal and motor cycles. We were given a guided tour, with interesting tales about some of the items, several of which brought back happy memories for quite a few of us! We then made our way to the Lake Cafe for afternoon tea, with the reasonable weather allowing a walk round the lake for those with the energy! It was a packed afternoon, but an enjoyable one.
January Outing - 19/2/10
For our January outing we remained in Builth, going to the Wesley Chapel for games and afternoon tea. It was a gloomy and damp winter's day, but inside the Chapel it was warm and comfortable, perfect for catching up on everyone's news!
The fun started with a quiz to test general knowledge and memory, followed by various games such as table-top skittles, quoits, basket-bean-bag, and several more. All this activity worked up an appetite which was satisfied by a delicious and substantial afternoon tea.
Many thanks to Miriam Jones for the tea, and to Roger Harriss for devising the quiz. An enjoyable afternoon was had by all.
Coffee morning Monday 1st March - 8/2/10
Our annual coffee morning
will take place on Monday 1st March
at St Mary's Church Hall
10.30a.m. -12noon
£1 admission.
All welcome
Christmas Outing - 11/1/10
Our Christmas outing, on the 17th December, was to the Lake Country House Hotel in Llangammarch for a Festive High Tea. The flurries of snow earlier in the day didn't put anybody off, and we all met up in the grand lounge overlooking the garden.
We were welcomed with a cup of tea, and there was time for a chat and to catch up with news before tucking in to a delicious afternoon tea. This was followed by entertainment from magician Thomas Edwin, whose comedy magic act was much appreciated, except, perhaps, by the person whose £10 note he caused to burn to ashes, before producing it intact, of course! How do they do that?
It was a very enjoyable afternoon in warm and comfortable surroundings, and our thanks go to the staff, who were helpful and efficient, and to Thomas Edwin and his lovely assisstant for making us laugh.
Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!
Snowfall, Keep warm Keep well - 5/1/10
Check out this government website for keeping well during the current cold spell:
Keep Warm Keep Well
Christmas Opening Hours - 21/12/09
Office will be closed from 1p.m. Wednesday 23 December until 10a.m. Monday 4 January
Shop will be closed from 4p.m. Wednesday 23 December until 9.30a.m. Friday 2 January
999 - When to call? - 19/12/09
A poster has been produced that gives advice on when to call 999.
Click on the image or here to view (pdf).
Builth Project - 4/11/09
Plans for a new healthcare facility in Builth Wells are progressing. The preferred site is at Love Lane.
Builth & Llanwrtyd Medical Practice can confirm that there are no plans for medical services at Builth Wells Surgery
to relocate. Whatever happens the Surgery will stay put.
Additionally there has been no change in Powys LHBs view that there are too few minor injuries in Builth to be able to sustain a safe injury service. Hence there will be no minor injury unit in the new healthcare facility. Patients with new injuries will still need to be assessed at a hospital outside the Practice area such as Brecon or Llandrindod.
Monthly Outings - September 2009
The September outing was to Coed Trallwm, the Forest Cafe and Mountain Bike Centre on the road between Beulah and Abergwesyn. A fine day made the lovely ride there a pleasurable one, notwithstanding confrontations with log lorries! A wander round the Centre was followed by a scrumptious homemade afternoon tea, and an interesting and humorous talk from George on their life and work in the forest. Many thanks to Christine and George for their warm welcome and for making it an enjoyable afternoon.
Monthly Outings - Summer 2009
Our high summer outings were to two very different venues, one an old favourite and the other a new destination for us.
In July we made a return visit to the Belle Vue Royal Hotel on the seafront in Aberystwyth. It was one of the few fine days this summer, and after a lovely drive down through the wonderful scenery we gathered for lunch which, as usual, was superb. Afterwards a stroll along the front beckoned to the more energetic of us, whilst some were content to sit in the hotel and watch the world go by, and some were determined on a little retail therapy! Many thanks to the hotel staff who were very helpful and obliging, reminding us of why we keep returning there. A last cuppa before setting off home rounded off a very enjoyable day.
The August outing was our first to the Bwlch Nant yr Arian Forest Centre, set in spectacular countryside a few miles inland from Aberystwyth. There is a modern, eco-friendly visitor centre, from where we watched the feeding of the red kites, always a sight to see. The Centre is situated on a hillside, but a few of us managed a short walk to the lake and back, working up enough of an appetite to do justice to the delicious afternoon tea laid out for us! Although the weather was cool and overcast it did not spoil anyone's day, and all agreed it was worth a return visit.
What date do you switch to digital? 17/7/09
To find out which transmitter you receive your TV signal from and when it’s going to switch from a terrestrial to a digital signal go to: http://www.digitaluk.co.uk/postcodechecker/
Read the latest Digital UK newsletter here (pdf file)
Drop in sessions at the Builth Community Support Office are being held to answer any queries you may have. Dates are as follows:
Wednesday 26th August
Thursday 27th August
Wednesday 23rd September
Thursday 24th September
(10am to 4pm)
Get Set For Digital 30/6/09
To help with the Switchover to Digital TV, Community Support will be holding drop in sessions for help and advice. Dates to follow.
Switchover here (Carmel Transmitter) starts August 26th
See the Digital Wales website for further information.
Annual Report & Accounts 26/6/09
Our Annual Report & Accounts 1/4/2008 to 31/3/2009 have now been published.
A pdf copy is available for download below:
Annual Report (large pdf file -
6.5MB)
(May take a few minutes to download!)
Builth Welcomes New Doctor 31/5/09
Dr Jane Jansen-Bowen joined Builth & Llanwrtyd Medical Practice in April taking over Dr Riley's patient list.
Dr Jansen-Bowen qualified in Birmingham and has been working as a GP in the Leominster area.
She is very experienced in General Practice and enjoys being able to provide patient centred, family orientated, co-ordinated care and support.
She and her family will be moving to this area in the near future.
Check out the Builth & Llanwrtyd Medical Practice website.
Happy Birthday to Our Charity Shop 1/5/09
Builth Wells Community Support Charity Shop
celebrates its second year in business
on Tuesday 6th May.
As a thank you to all our customers we will be giving 20% off all purchases between:
Tuesday 5th May & Saturday 9th May.
The success of our shop is due to the hard work of the Volunteers,
but of course without the donations from the local community there would not be any stock to sell.
Local people have been incredibly generous with their donations and the shop has become an important asset to the town.
Taxi Card Scheme 30/4/09
From April 2009 members of the Taxi card scheme will receive £75 tokens
Annual General Meeting 29/4/09
Builth Community Support's Annual General Meeting will be held on Wednesday 10th June at 2p.m. Wesley Church Centre, Builth Wells.
Charity Shop Helpers Required 28/4/09
As the shop is so successful we now need more Volunteers. Could you help us?
The shop is open
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday
9.30a.m. - 4p.m. (Closed Wednesday & Sunday)
Day is divided into 2 shifts:
9.30a.m. - 12.45p.m. & 12.45p.m. – 4p.m.
If you are interested, please contact Cathy on 553004 or shop supervisors;
Ann, Betty, Mary, Gill or Sylvia on 552814.
"Carols and Candles" at Builth Hospital 6/12/08
The Friends of Builth Wells Hospital have announced that the annual "Carols and Candles" event will take place on Saturday, December 13th at Builth Hospital.
This is a celebration of Christmas and also an excellent opportunity to show support for our precious Cottage Hospital.
It starts at 3pm and refreshments will be available at the Primary School afterwards. If the weather is poor the whole event will be held inside the school.
Friends of Builth Hospital
Builth GP Dr Martin Riley Retiring 28/11/08
Builth & Llanwrtyd Medical Practice has announced that senior partner Dr Martin Riley will be retiring in April 2009. He joined the Practice back in 1978 taking over from Dr Venn Pugh. His colleagues at that time were Roger Harriss, Vivian Davies and Terry Watson. We wish him a happy, healthy and active retirement.
Builth & Llanwrtyd Medical Practice
Community Support Eco Bag Launch 11/11/08
Eco bags made by our Volunteers using donated material will be available from our shop from Tuesday 11 November.
Bags will cost £1 each
Builth Wells Community Support Shop
What is the problem with plastic bags?