Grangetown Community Concern

Grangetown Library, Havelock Place, Grangetown, Cardiff CF11

Tel: (029) 20 377 010

E-mail: grangetowncardiff@yahoo.co.uk
Office hours: Mon-Fri 10.30am-12.30pm
www.grangetowncardiff.co.uk
Registered as a charity. Established in 1977.

Joan Gallagher	Ken Barker	Yun Yun Herbert	Brian Drew
John Smith	Hazel Ball	J Chris Lomax	Christine Davies, administrator

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE 2008-2009:

Chairman: J Chris Lomax
Administrator: Christine Davies
Secretary: Joan Gallagher MBE
Treasurer: Brian Drew
Vice chair: Hazel Ball
Publicity officer/Website: Steve Duffy
Executive committee: Yun Yun Herbert, Ken Barker, Mohammed Saeed, Tariq Awan, Joyce Martin, David Collins, Ifty Khan, John Smith, Jason Toby. Advisers: Coun Asghar Ali, Lorraine Barrett AM, plus schools representatives. Other groups in the community are welcome to volunteer for co-option.

Contact us if you or your organisation would like to be represented. Our executive committee meetings are usually held at the Buzz information shop.

Thanks to J R Freeman and the Rotary Club of Cardiff Bay for their kind support.

DATE/TIME:	30th GRANGETOWN FESTIVAL WEEK - JUNE 2008:
Sun 15th, 3pm	Open-air service and strawberry tea, St Samson's Church
Mon 16th, 10.30am	Teddy Bear's Picnic for Under Fives, Grangetown Library
Tuesday 17th, from 1pm	Inter-School Sports Day, The Marl
Thurs 19th, 7pm	Schools Concert, St Paul's Church
Friday 20th	Coffee Morning, Grangetown Library in aid of Breast Cancer Care charity
Sat 21st	Carnival Parade and Day Parade starts at Courtmead Gardens at 12 noon, then via Cornwall St, Clare Rd and Corporation Rd, onto Grange Gardens for fete - displays, mega-slide, rides, raffle, stalls and music

Praise for festival success

Cardiff South and Penarth AM Lorraine Barrett passed on her congratulations for 30th annual Grangetown Carnival, "which was again a huge success thanks to the unstinting work of the Grangetown Community Concern executive committee."

She passed on her thanks in person to Joan Gallagher and Chris Lomax on the day at Grange Gardens, pictured with her purchase from the Grangetown Nursery School stall of a magnificent sunflower grown by the children.

GCC annual general meeting 2008

Tributes at Concern AGM

Grangetown Community Concern chairman Chris Lomax paid tributes to community stalwarts, as well as welcoming the 30th anniversary of the festival and Grange News paper at the organisation's annual general meeting on May 21st.

Sadly, the meeting began on a solemn note with a minute's silence in memory of Eileen Breslin, GCC's former administrator, who died on 20th May after a long illness. Mr Lomax later paid tribute to Mrs Breslin, 65, who he said was "actively involved in community issues," including a period on the GCC committee.

Mrs Breslin was well known in the area as chairman of Grangetown History Society, where she will be sadly missed. She campaigned to try to preserve some of Grangetown's most loved buildings and to maintain its heritage, including in recent years the Red House pub - which was eventually demolished - and, successfully, the old library building.

Mr Lomax looked back on the year's activities, including the "great success" of the annual festival week and carnival. "The sun shone on us again and Grange Gardens was full of people enjoying the parade, demonstrations, rides and stalls, where everyone made some money for their favourite organisations," the meeting was told in his annual report.

He also welcomed the start of work in the Communities First programme in south Grangetown, which Concern has been involved in established, although it was decided to discuss this further at the next GCC meeting. A new project worker is being appointed to work in the area.

Meanwhile, Mr Lomax thanked the "dedicated few people" who worked towards activities, running the office and newspaper. "We need to bring in new people to help us maintain what we have already achieved and to strengthen our links with many more organisations in Grangetown".

He also paid a special tribute and vote of thanks for the "hard work" of Joan Gallagher MBE, who at 83 is stepping down as editor of the Grange News, after many years. "Not only does Joan find articles for each edition, but also selling advertising space and organising distribution to over 6,000 homes and businesses in Grangetown," added Mr Lomax.

An editorial committee will take over but Joan was re-elected to serve as GCC secretary. The rest of the committee were also re-elected unopposed at the meeting, at St Samson's church hall.

Anyone else or any local organisation who would like to be considered for co-option should contact Christine Davies in the GCC office.

Meanwhile, treasurer Brian Drew in his report said GCC was "extremely grateful" for the donation of £18,000 from Gallahers Tobacco in Grangetown, which had been invested as a bond and would go in some way to securing the future of the organisation. The idea is that it will serve as an endowment yielding a return far into the future. However, general funding remains a problem, as charitable trusts tended to be project-centered and not pay for running costs.

The money had already been able to give GCC's part-time worker the first real pay rise in 10 years. Cardiff Council was also thanked for its annual grant and for use of the library faciltiies. The newspaper was also showing a small profit, but still relies on advertising revenue. To increase revenue from the carnival day, stall and gazebo hire costs are rising this year.

There is a look back at 30 years of Grange News and the festival on our features page.

GCC called to order

No, we didn't quite make it to Downing Street - even though this picture might make you think otherwise! But Grangetown Community Concern certainly enjoyed its trip to London and the Houses of Parliament.

This photo was not outside No 10, but rather inside the historic Westminster Hall - the 11th century seat of councils and where King Charles I and Sir Thomas More were tried before their executions.

The hall, adjoining the parliamentary lobby, had a display highlighting how Westminster works, including a mock-up of that famous black door. Committee members were given a very informative tour around both Houses, including the famous chambers, by Dan and Owen from Alun Michael MP's office. And then there was an hour in the gallery watching ministers' questions on crime and justice.

Pensioners' May Day trip

The annual Pensioners' Lunch and May Day trip this year, organised by Grangetown Community Concern, ended up in Hereford. More than 30 pensioners enjoyed a couple of hours in the cathedral city on what was a bright afternoon. Before the coach arrived, there was a lunch at the Bayden Scout Hall. Volunteers also organised a raffle on the way home.

More places to meet needed in Grangetown, say residents

More things are needed for young people to do, as well as community facilities where residents can socialise - according to a survey in Grangetown organised by Communties First.

More than 100 residents responded to a questionnaire sent out to homes in a first step of getting Communities First projects off the ground in Grangetown.

While most people liked living in Grangetown, and being close to shops and good transport, issues ranging from traffic to anti-social behaviour were raised as problems. Lack of services and facilities for young and old were also identified.

A part of south Grangetown has been identified as eligible for Communities First initiatives, although it is hoped the spin-off can be of benefit to the whole area.

Organisers are delighted with the numbers who replied to the survey late last year - and the results have now been published here and in the winter 2007 edition of Grange News.

There was "good news" and "bad news" in the main findings, which are:

• There are plenty of things for young people to do in my area - 69% disagreed
• There are plenty of places to socialise and meet people - 69% disagreed.
• I am happy with the level of policing in my area - 59% disagreed.
• There is good access to the local shops in the area - 86% agreed.
• Public transport is regular in my area - 77% agreed.
• My area is a nice place to live - 71% agreed.
• There is easy access to registered childcare - 69% agreed.
• The quality of my housing is good. - 62% agreed.

OTHER PROBLEMS/ISSUES IDENTIFIED:

Traffic

Litter

Anti-social behaviour

Lack of services for young and older people

Bad state of repair of some of the pavements

Poor relationship with the police

Lack of training opportunities

A steering group has been set up and one of the first tasks was to ask local people how they feel about the area and what they would like to see happen, in particular projects which can benefit different ages.

The high number of returns was very pleasing.

The questionnaire was sent out to designated streets - about 500 homes - and was available at other places, including Grangetown Library. It asked local people to list their concerns, on subjects ranging from local facilities, services, transport, policing, anti-social behaviour to shops, housing and traffic. The steering group has met with special focus groups representing people across the area to build up a picture of what is needed and wanted. This included a very well attended session involving young people. It is still looking for representation from interested individuals, local organisations, youth clubs, churches, mosques and temples.

The survey findings will help the steering group build a case to present to the Welsh Assembly Government. The group is hoping they will fund a full-time worker who will start to get to work on the problems aided by a committee of local people.

The streets involved in the survey were: Amherst Street, Beecher Avenue, Channel View, Clive Street, Earl Street and Earl Lane, Hewell Street, bottom end of Holmesdale Street, Kent Street, Ludlow Close, South Clive Street, Worcester Street, York Place. But surrounding streets could also benefit if the project starts.

For more details please call Julie Muldoon or Sheryl Gumbly on 029 20485722 email Julie.@vacardiff.org.uk. Also see the Grangetown Community Concern page or write to: Christine Davies, administrator, GCC, c/o Grangetown Library, Havelock Place, Cardiff. Email here or call 029 20 377010 (Mon-Fri, 10am-12pm)

Christmas/New Year meal for local OAPs - 2007 Turkey and tinsel The Grangetown Community Concern annual Christmas lunch was attended by local pensioners on December 29th. Organised by GCC volunteers and supported by a council grant and Age Concern Cymru, this year's roast turkey dinner, with all the trimmings, glasses of wine and a few surprises, was held at the Bayden scout hall in Ferry Road. Thanks to all the volunteers. The lunch was appreciated by all who attended. The Grangetown Community Concern carol concert was well attended at St Patrick's RC Church on Friday 7th December. There were some lively performances from the children of Grangetown, Ninian Park, St Patrick's and St Paul's primary schools, while all the children joined together in a choir for two songs at the end. The event was well supported by parents and friends and a collection was held towards the GCC's pensioners' Christmas lunch. Thanks to Father Fahy, the schools and all who attended.

Get the ball rolling to help youth of Grangetown Communities First is an organisation set up and funded by the Welsh Assembly Government. Its job is to ty to help parts of Wales where there is a distinct lack of facilities, or amenities to get them. A part of south Grangetown has been identified as such an area. Technical and financial help is available to carry out improvements to remedy these shortcomings. But nothing will happen unless people in Grangetown do something to get the project going. Grangetown Community Concern is attempting to get the ball rolling. We're looking for representation from interested individuals, local organisations, youth clubs, churches, mosques and temples to join a steering committee. The job of this committee would be the following: To raise awareness of the fact that Welsh assembly help is available. To see what projects are available by looking at other schemes. To agree on a suitable community project. To write and submit a bid for the chosen project. To be involved in monitoring and supervising the project. To support the key paid workers involved. One of the main conditions of Communities First is that the project should benefit people living in, and adjoining, the identified area. For example, if it were decided that we needed a club for our young people, it would be open to those living in the adjoining area too. We need motivated people to come forward and join the steering committee. They should be prepared to work hard in a cooperative manner to get a project off the ground. If you or your organisation supports this venture, please register your interest with: Grangetown Community Concern. Write to: Christine Davies, administrator, GCC, c/o Grangetown Library, Havelock Place, Cardiff. Email here or call 029 20 377010 (Mon-Fri, 10am-12pm) The streets lying in the core area are identified as being ranked as being 11th in deprived wards in Cardiff - and 60th in the whole of Wales. They are: Amherst Street, Beecher Avenue, Channel View, Clive Street, Earl Street and Earl Lane, Hewell Street, bottom end of Holmesdale Street, Kent Street, Ludlow Close, South Clive Street, Worcester Street, York Place. But surrounding streets could also benefit. BRIAN DREW

Photos from past Grange festivals

New home for GCC

New home for GCC

After a while in "temporary accommodation", Grangetown Community Concern moved into its new office at the £1.2m Grangetown Library.

The move over the road from the Buzz Cafe follows a frustrating couple of years after leaving the old Clydach Street centre.

Administrator Christine Davies was back behind her desk in Havelock Place, with the office keeping its old telephone number. Office hours are between 10am-1pm, Monday to Friday.

Tesco mark opening with donation Tesco presented Grangetown Community Concern with £500, to mark the opening of its new Express store in Corporation Road. The store, near the Penarth Road junction, opened on 23rd January 2006. "We would like to thank the new Tesco Express store for its generous gift," said Christine Davies, administrator, from Grangetown Community Concern. "This donation, along with others, is vital in allowing us to offer valuable support to the local community".

About us Grangetown Community Concern was set up in 1977 to act as an umbrella group for other voluntary organisations in the area. Its aims and objectives are to provide and encourage services for all age groups, with a particular focus on the elderly. The organisation was based from 1985 in the Clydach Street day centre before it had a temporary home in the Buzz Café in Penarth Road. It move to the new Grangetown library in 2006. The office is open on weekdays 10.30am-1.30pm. GCC organises a popular May Day lunch and coach trip is also organised for the elderly- as well as a Boxing Day meal with all the trimmings. We organise the week-long Grangetown Carnival in June, including an open-air service, a schools sports afternoon at Leckwith stadium, culminating in a parade through Grangetown and a carnival and fete at Grange Gardens. We encourage local groups and schools to participate during the week. In association with the Butetown/Grangetown Healthy Living project, we compiled a directory of local services. We are also looking to play a leading steering role in attracting Communites First projects to Grangetown. The organisation also awards annually Community Cups to a child from each of the four local primary schools who has shown community spirit. The event started in 1978 as a one-off carnival day but expanded to a week-long series of activities in 1983. An old shot of a carnival day, when it was held at St Patrick's At the start of December, the GCC organises a carol service at a local church. Pupils at local primary schools take part. GCC is also continuing to develop this community website, www.grangetowncardiff.co.uk which is already in its early stages. We are also hoping that the new library, which opened off Havelock Place in 2006, can be developed as a community facility for use by community groups and we can play a leading role in encouraging this. We hope the new centre will be the hub for helping to revitalise and bring together the community in the north and south areas of Grangetown and we aim to play a part. Every quarter, Grangetown Community Concern produces a local newspaper, which is delivered to thousands of homes in Grangetown and neighbouring Butetown. This has been produced since 1978. It contains local news articles about the community, from local schools, churches and other organisations. The long-running publication is dependent on funding from advertising by supportive local businesses to keep going. ….and at your finger-tips As an off-shoot, a community website has also been set up, www.grangetowncardiff.co.uk, which includes news and an online directory of local organisations and businesses. The organisation also runs a "meals on legs" lunch service for elderly people in their homes, which has been in operation since April 1986. Grangetown Community Concern was the first group in Cardiff to receive the prestigious Queen's Golden Jubilee Award. The group was one of only 12 across Wales and 200 in the UK to be honoured in this way, as part of the celebrations of the Queen's 50 years on the throne. Group chairman Chris Lomax and administrator Christine Davies were invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party in July 2003 to mark the award. "It's a great honour for the whole area, we're delighted," said Mrs Davies, who said the group can use the crown symbol on all its publicity. The award, presented by the Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, highlights community-focused voluntary activities "of a very high quality, that have generated a high level of goodwill and respect amongst those they serve."

The annual Grangetown Festival Week in June is organised by Grangetown Community Concern. It relies on volunteers and fund-raising to keep it going.

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