pontypriddbid

Your Pontypridd Eisteddfod Week Business Opening Hours

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 09:51:03 GMT

AUGUST 3RD - 11TH 2024 BUSINESS OPENING HOURS / ORIAU AGOR

Please note - some of these hours are subject to change during the Eisteddfod week.

TAFF STREET / LLYS CADWYN

HOPE RESCUE - 9AM TO 5.30PM WEEKDAYS, 10AM - 4PM SUNDAYS

BOOTS - 8.30AM TO 5.30PM FOR THE SHOP, 9AM - 5.30PM FOR THE PHARMACY, MONDAY TO SATURDAY

GREGGS - 6AM - 9PM ALL WEEK APART FROM SUNDAYS 7AM - 9PM

BRADLEYS COFFEE - OPEN 8.30AM - 8.30PM FROM THE 3RD - 10TH AUGUST

WARREN JAMES - 9.15AM TO 5.30PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 10AM - 4PM (SUNDAY THE 3RD ONLY)

THE PATRIOT BAR - 10AM TO 12.30AM ALL WEEK

MAX SPIELMANN - 9AM TO 5.30PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, CLOSED SUNDAYS

B&M BARGAINS - 8AM TO 6PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, 10AM - 4PM SUNDAY

RAMSDENS - 9AM TO 5PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 9.30AM - 4PM SATURDAY, CLOSED SUNDAYS

PLANET H - 9AM TO 7.30PM ALL WEEK

MO'S KITCHEN - MONDAYS 9AM-3PM & 5-11PM, CLOSED TUESDAY'S, WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY 9AM-3PM & 5PM-11PM

SUPERDRUG - MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM TO 5.30PM, SUNDAYS 10AM - 4PM

SAVERS - 8.30AM TO 5.30PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, SUNDAYS 10AM - 4PM

ST VINCENT'S - 9.15AM - 7PM, MONDAY TO SATURDAY, CLOSED SUNDAYS

SPAWN POINT - 10AM TO 5PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, CLOSED SUNDAYS

THREE - 9AM TO 5.30PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, 11AM TO 4PM SUNDAYS

BUSH HEALTHCARE - 9AM TO 5PM, MONDAY TO SATURDAY

BETFRED - 8AM TO 10PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, 9AM UNTIL 9PM SUNDAYS

COSTA - 7AM TO 6PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 7.30AM - 6PM SATURDAY, 8.30AM - 5.30PM SUNDAY

ENERGIE FITNESS - 24 HOURS FOR MEMBERS, 6AM - 9PM WEEKDAYS / 8AM - 4PM WEEKENDS FOR NON-MEMBERS

VPZ - 8.30AM TO 5.30PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, 10AM TO 4PM SUNDAYS

TUI - 9.30AM TO 5.30PM MONDAY TO THURSDAY, 9AM - 5.30PM FRIDAY, 10AM - 4PM SUNDAYS

PEACOCKS - 9AM TO 5PM, MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 9AM TO 5.30PM SATURDAYS, 10AM - 4PM SUNDAYS

FASHION OUTLET - MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM TO 5PM, SUNDAY 10AM - 4PM (WILL BE REVIEWED DAILY)

CARD FACTORY - MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM TO 5.30PM, SUNDAY 10AM - 4PM (MAY EXTEND BY HOUR ON WEEKDAYS TO 6.30PM)

BON MARCHE - 9AM TO 5.30PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, 10AM - 4PM SUNDAYS

GLODEN TANNING - 9AM TO 6.30PM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 9AM TO 6.30PM SATURDAY, SUNDAYS 9AM - 4.30PM

MARKET STREET

PETS CORNER - 8.30AM - 4.30PM ALL WEEK

MILL STREET

CHURCH STREET

TOETAL FOOTCARE - MONDAY TO SATURDAY, 9AM - 5PM. SUNDAYS CLOSED.

PURPLE SHOOTS - OPEN FROM 3RD - 10TH OF AUGUST, 10AM - 5PM.

THE MARKET QUARTER

SUGAR AND SPICE - 7.30AM - 6PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, 10AM TO 4PM ON SUNDAYS

THE SALAD BAR - 7AM TO 6PM ALL WEEK

THE WATCH STOP/KEY POINT - 9AM TO 6PM TUESDAY TO SATURDAY

NICK AND IZZY'S - 9AM TO 6PM ALL WEEK APART FROM SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST 10AM - 4PM.

TUCKERS BAKERY - 8.30AM - 3PM TUESDAY TO SATURDAY, 10AM - 4PM (4TH AUGUST), CLOSED ON 5TH AND 11TH OF AUGUST

THE WELSH CAKE SHOP - 9AM TO 6PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, SUNDAYS 10AM - 4PM

MARGE'S CARDS AND BALLOONS - 9AM - 3PM MON, TUES AND THURSDAY. 9AM-4PM WEDNESDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY.

CAFE PENUEL - 8.30AM - 3PM (3/8) 4TH (CLOSED), 5TH - 10TH OPEN 9AM - 4PM

KMG POULTRY - 7AM TO 3PM (3RD, 7TH, 9TH, 10TH), 8AM - 3PM (5TH, 6TH, 8TH). CLOSED ON SUNDAYS.

INTERBOOKS AND SWEET MEMORIES - 8.30AM - 6PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, 10AM - 4PM SUNDAY.

FRATERNAL PARADE

CARD CENTRE - 9AM TO 5PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY

IMPERIAL DESSERTS - 9.30AM - 11PM MONDAY TO SATURDAY, 11AM - 11PM SUNDAYS

ISTANBUL KEBAB - 12PM TO 11PM ALL WEEK

HIGH STREET / BROADWAY

GELLIWASTAD ROAD

PONTYPRIDD OSTEOPATHIC CLINIC - MONDAY TO SATURDAY 9AM - 7PM, SATURDAY 9AM - 5PM, SUNDAYS CLOSED.

THE DRESS AND I - 9.30AM - 5PM TUESDAY TO FRIDAY, 9AM TO 4.30PM SATURDAY (APPOINTMENT ONLY)

PENUEL LANE

BERW ROAD

BRIDGE STREET / LLANOVER STREET / OTHER PLACES OF INTEREST

THE GROGG SHOP - MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9AM - 5PM, SATURDAY 10AM - 5PM, SUNDAYS CLOSED

All the family activities in Your Pontypridd this Halloween and half term!

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Fri, 27 Oct 2023 14:26:24 GMT

Take a look at everything happening in Your Pontypridd this Halloween and half-term break!

Lets kick off with all the activities for families!

Information on each event underneath each poster!

Gweithdy Dewinilol / Wizarding Workshop at Pontypridd Museum

THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT

Halloween Party at Zucco's

Trick or Treat? We've got Halloween covered with face painting, pumpkin carving, toffee apples, and, of course, delicious coffee and food to keep the entire family happy and well-fed!

Storyville Books are hosting a Halloween mask making workshop this Halloween! From 10AM to 2PM!
As Halloween falls over Half-Term we are excited to announce we will be running a fun filled mask making workshop for children of all ages. Use some fun craft supplies to turn a paper plate into an amazing Halloween mask! All are welcome and it's free to take part.

Other activities will also be available on the day.

Halloween at Yma Pontypridd!

Gwnewch yn siŵr eich bod chi'n ymuno â ni am ychydig o hwyl arswydus yr wythnos hon!

Make sure to join us for some spooky fun this week!

Halloween family party Wednesday 1 November 10:30-12:00 at Pontypridd Library

Fun while learning with songs, signs and sensory activity. Sit back and relax during story and social time. Finger buffet.

Fancy dress competition.

Pontypridd Library large community room.

Book your ticket today to save your place: contact 07787 563 184 rebekahs@tinytalk.co.uk

More info: www.tinytalk.co.uk/RebekahS

Autumn stories and crafts at Pontypridd Library, Friday 3rd of November 11am - 12 noon.

Children under 8 must be accompanied by a parent/carer.

The Crate Escape, Pontypridd Market Quarter, 11am - 2pm, Thursday 2nd November

FREE EVENT from the stalls of The Market Quarter Pontypridd and the Pontypridd Community Police team.
One of the Halloween Pumpkins has escaped! Can you help the police track down and catch the trickster Pumpkin in the ‘The Crate Escape’

Don't miss a trick and make sure to pick up your clue sheet from the Police Pop Up Stall on Market Street between 11am and 2pm Complete the challenges set by the stall holders along the trail to earn some treats before returning to the police to claim a prize!

The cancelled 'Funtastic Friday' date in August has been rescheduled to Friday 3rd of November in the Mill St Quarter Pontypridd there's lots to enjoy including face painting, balloon modelling, crafts, music and games!

All activities are FREE!!

Ponty Big Bang organised by the Pontypridd & Rhondda Round Table

Tickets here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ponty-big-bang-fireworks-event-tickets-465648927477?aff=oddtdtcreator

Saturday 4th November

5pm - 8pm

Following the success from last years event, we can't wait to see you all again this year. Money raised at the event goes towards supporting local good causes. This year we supported the following organisations, our thanks for all of their hard work and dedication to the community....

Aspire

Challenge Wales

Cor Y Bryn Choir

Manage Money Wales

Pontypridd Armed Forces and Veterans Breakfast Club

Pontypridd FC Under 6s

Signposted Cymru

The Behaviour Support Hub

World of Words

Ystrad OAP Association

Taff Neighbourhood Policing Team secures two awards at annual South Wales Police Awards

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 11:19:08 GMT

Bravery, innovation, leadership, selflessness: just some of the attributes that were celebrated last night with the return of the annual South Wales Police Awards last night. The awards, held at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea, recognised officers, staff, volunteers and partners who have gone above and beyond for the force and the communities served by South Wales Police.

The Taff Neighbourhood Policing Team which serves the community of Pontypridd, were nominated for two awards - the Police Community Support Officer of the Year Award & the Police and Crime Commissioner Exceptional Problem Solving in Partnership Award. The Taff team were successful in securing both awards, a major achievement for the town's local Policing team.

The first award for the Taff Neighbourhood Policing Team went to PCSO Hannah Lowe who was described as the "Heart and soul of Pontypridd town" - Hannah Lowe, who is committed to tackling crime and disorder and is an integral part of initiatives including Pontypridd Outreach, a Halloween trail and a building painting project. Please see the video below from South Wales Police Twitter page showing Hannah's reaction to receiving the award:

The second award received by the Taff Neighborhood Policing Team was the Police and Crime Commissioner Exceptional Problem Solving in Partnership Award - the team has been instrumental in forming the multi-agency Outreach Project to address homelessness in Pontypridd, and reducing anti-social behaviour. The award was accepted by multiple agencies involved in the Outreach project including Taff NPT, Dyfodol, Kaleidoscope, Community Wardens (RCTCBC), Probation, Pobl and British Transport Police.

PC Liam Noyce gives his reaction to winning the award on behalf of the Outreach team on the video below:

A huge congratulations to the Taff Neighbourhood Policing Team on their achievements from staff, directors and members of Your Pontypridd BID.

New Careers Wales centre opening in Pontypridd

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Mon, 26 Jun 2023 08:19:46 GMT

New Careers Wales centre opening in Pontypridd

On Monday 3 July, Careers Wales will be opening the doors to a new careers centre in Pontypridd.

A team of experts will be on hand to provide free and impartial careers guidance and coaching, from support with sourcing jobs or apprenticeships, developing CVs and applications or identifying training and education opportunities, through to changing careers and redundancy.

Based on site will be five careers advisers and an employability coach from Working Wales, the Welsh Government’s employability gateway for age 16 plus support, delivered by Careers Wales.

Anyone in the area looking to further their career, increase their employability or seek access to employment and training opportunities is encouraged to book an appointment or drop-in to speak to the team.

The centre will be open on a Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9am to 4.30pm and on Fridays from 9am to 4pm.

It is located in the newly renovated YMa building (formally YMCA) on Taff Street and is equipped with two soundproof interview rooms to ensure confidentiality and privacy.

Mandy Ifans, head of employment advice, said: “I am delighted to announce the opening of our new centre in Pontypridd.

“Located in a prime position in the newly developed town centre, our service will provide accessible careers guidance and coaching.

“Whilst our support can be accessed online and via telephone, it’s vital we continue to offer an inclusive local face-to-face service.

“Based in the thriving hub of Pontypridd, the service will be beneficial not only to locals, but to people in the surrounding areas.”

For more information or to book an appointment, visit the Careers Wales contact page . Find a full list of all Careers Wales centres here .

Careers Wales provides an all-age, inclusive and impartial careers guidance and coaching service to the people of Wales.

With a team of more than 570 careers advisers, business engagement advisers and employability coaches, our service starts with supporting young people with important choices and transition points during school years as well as providing high-quality work-related experiences. The Welsh Government funded Working Wales service provides tailored support to young people aged over 16 and adults with their employability needs including paid employment, training opportunities and redundancy support.

Our Brighter Futures vision for 2021 - 2026 aims to deliver a bilingual, personalised service around the needs of our customers, ensuring we are there for the moments that matter in people’s lives and that our services are accessible to all, leaving no one behind.

Pontypridd Community organisations raise funds to bring three new defibrillators to Pontypridd Town Centre

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Fri, 23 Jun 2023 11:40:27 GMT

Pontypridd town centre is now home to three new defibrillators thanks to the Welsh Government, Your Pontypridd BID, Pontypridd Town Council, Pontypridd Neighbourhood Watch and Pontypridd Neighbourhood Policing Team.

After being inspired the by Pontypridd Neighbourhood Watch grab bags project, which involves twelve bags situated across the town ready to grab and use in response to accidents in the town centre; Save a Life Cymru Community Co-ordinator Haden Tipples contacted the Pontypridd Neighbourhood Policing Team. They facilitated a walkaround the town centre to identify the defibrillators in place to support the grab bags, Your Pontypridd BID and Pontypridd Neighbourhood Watch were invited and learned about the importance of having defibrillators at regular points throughout the town.

There were a number of gaps identified on the walkaround and three locations were chosen to increase better coverage of defibrillators in the town centre. The Your Pontypridd BID Board agreed to fund the costs of two new defibrillator cabinets through their ‘A Safer Pontypridd’ budget, to be placed at Specsavers on Taff Street and next to Westmore Insurance on Mill Street. Save a Life Cymru provided two new defibrillators for the town centre, and thanks to funding from Your Pontypridd BID, Pontypridd Town Council and Pontypridd Neighbourhood Watch, the BID arranged with a local electrician, Electraplus Contracting Ltd to install new defibrillator cabinets to house two new defibrillators. The cabinet which was in place at the now former HSBC building has also been re-located to The Skinny Dog on Broadway to house the third defibrillator. All three defibrillators are now in place and ready to use in case of emergencies in Pontypridd town centre.

Professor Len Nokes, Chair of Save a Life Cymru said : “ Save a Life Cymru is delighted to have been involved in securing two new defibrillators for Pontypridd Town Centre. We know that a person’s only chance of surviving a cardiac arrest depends on a bystander acting quickly, by calling 999, starting CPR and using a defibrillator. A cardiac arrest can happen suddenly, to anyone, at any age, at any time, and having defibrillators located in central areas can be lifesaving.

“You don’t need any training to use a defibrillator, but you can build-up your confidence by taking a few minutes to watch our CPR and defibrillation awareness film, just search for the Save a Life Cymru website.

“These defibrillators are important to everyone in your community, so look after them, respect them, they could one day save the life of someone you know and love.”

James Payne, BID Manager at Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District, said: “We are extremely proud as an organisation representing the businesses in the town to have helped to bring three new defibrillators to Pontypridd town centre as part of this amazing collaboration with other community organisations, we are committed to making Pontypridd a safe town for visitors, residents and our levy payers and having more defibrillators in the town centre will enable our town centre businesses and emergency services to respond to urgent situations”

Pontypridd Neighbourhood Policing Team has been involved in the project since the beginning. PCSO Lisa Banfield said: “We are incredibly fortunate to be part of this journey and the new defibrillators will be a great asset to the local community. The placement of new defibrillators in the town now empowers the whole community to deal with medical situations more competently and confidently. Having that quick access to defibrillators can make a significant difference to a person’s chances of survival in an emergency situation.”

The new defibrillators were placed in their new cabinets by Pontypridd Town Mayor, Cllr. Desmond Paul who said: “I am delighted with the amount of support there has been from the BID, South Wales Police, Pontypridd Neighbourhood Watch, Save a Life Cymru and Pontypridd Town Council for this project of installing three defibrillators in the town centre”

“It’s great to see everybody join to benefit the community in this way. Early use of defibrillators and effective CPR can make the difference between life and death, if someone is in cardiac arrest, this is a major achievement for the town and for everyone involved”.

Gemma Jones, Secretary of Pontypridd Neighbourhood Watch who have delivered first aid training for residents and workers in the town, ICE Cards and supplied emergency grab bags in Pontypridd said: “Pontypridd Town Centre Neighbourhood Watch are delighted to see additional public access defibrillators now available in the town centre. We are proud to have contributed to making Pontypridd a safer place to visit. We would like to thank the businesses and community of Pontypridd for their continued support”.

For more information contact:

Your Pontypridd BID: www.yourpontypridd.co.uk

Save a Life Cymru: https://executive.nhs.uk/SaLC

Pontypridd Town Council: https://www.pontypriddtowncouncil.gov.uk/

Pontypridd Town Centre Neighbourhood Watch: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071600869920&locale=hi_IN

Pontypridd Neighbourhood Policing Team:

https://www.south-wales.police.uk/area/your-area/south-wales/mid-glamorgan/pontypridd-town/stations-contact-points-and-offices/top-reported-crimes-in-this-area

Your Pontypridd Shopfront Improvement Grant

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Fri, 03 Mar 2023 11:41:25 GMT

The Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District is looking to assist shops and businesses to improve the appearance of their shop fronts. Grants of up to: £250 excluding VAT (£300 including VAT), £500 excluding VAT (£600 including VAT) & £1,000 excluding VAT (£1,200 including VAT) are available.

The scheme is open to all Your Pontypridd BID levy payers and the aim is to help local businesses to upgrade the frontage of their shops, thereby providing a more welcoming and accessible town centre to visit.

There is currently a budget of £10,000 available for the scheme, the application process is very simple, click HERE to download the application form and scheme guidelines. Ideally, you should seek a minimum of 2 quotations for the work. The deadline for applications is 4pm on the 31 ^st of March 2023. Please send the application form along with the required information to james@yourpontypridd.co.uk or you can drop in your application form or send by post to Your Pontypridd Ltd, Pontypridd Museum, Bridge Street, Pontypridd, CF37 4PE.

You can apply if your business:

· Is a levy payer/voluntary member of Your Pontypridd BID and is up to date with its BID levy payments. This includes owners of vacant units.

· Please note applications are limited to one per business/owners of vacant units.

You can apply for a grant for:

· Improvements to the physical appearance of the front of your business premises such as redecoration in suitable colours, renewed signage (fixed to the building), outside lighting, awnings, new windows/doors, disabled access, external security shutters, etc

We will provide you with a decision within 14 days of the application deadline . Payment of the grant will be made on completion of the work and within 14 days of the submission of your invoice to the BID. Works must be carried out within 6 months of the grant award.

If you have any questions about the scheme or need more information, please contact us at james@yourpontypridd.co.uk or on 07771 670212.

‘The gift card is something we have to do for the future of our town’ – traders welcome the arrival of the Pontypridd Gift Card

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Fri, 09 Dec 2022 10:30:51 GMT

Pontypridd has launched its local gift card in time for Christmas – the card can be spent with a variety of shops, restaurants, venues and attractions.

Boosting footfall and encouraging people to discover local businesses are two of the aims of a new gift card program for Pontypridd.

Led by Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District, the Pontypridd Gift Card is now available to buy from £5 online, as either a physical gift card, or a digital card (cards will be sent from the 12 ^th December 2022). The gift card can be spent with over 35 local businesses in the South Wales town, including national and independent businesses!

Martha’s Homestore is one of the independent businesses where the gift card can be spent. Owner Jayne Coleman said:

“My shop is stocked with products from UK based companies and local artists. From ceramics and cards made locally to candles, plant pots and vintage furniture, it’s a celebration of sustainable living.

“People want to give gifts that are wanted and needed, rather than ones that will end up in landfill. And that’s why I think the Pontypridd Gift Card is such a good idea, as it can be spent with lots of businesses in our town. I love the eco side too, instead of plastic, the Pontypridd Gift Card is made from strong paper. Or you can gift the digital version that goes into a digital wallet, lots of people like to pay using their phone now.

“The gift card is something we have to do for the future of our town. Historically, Pontypridd was a market town filled with independents and we’re returning to our roots with a modern gift card that will drive footfall and encourage people to discover what’s on their doorstep. Every customer is precious. Nothing beats shopping small, supporting local makers, and playing our part to make sure our businesses are still here next Christmas.”

Another business where customers can spend the Pontypridd Gift Card is Millies Smelly Melts, a local handmade business offering bath bombs, wax melts, cosmetics and home fragrances. Owner Alice Smith said:

“The gift card is a really nice idea to bring Pontypridd together. Pontypridd has changed a lot. It will bring more people to the town and I think they’d be surprised by what we have here, there are lots of hidden treasures.

“It has been really tough for businesses. The cost of supplies has doubled but it’s hard to put your prices up knowing that customers are having a tough time too. I’ve seen a lot of new faces recently, people wanting to support local businesses. Every sale is still a pinch me moment.

“Like for most small business owners, I took a risk opening Millies Smelly Melts. My sister and I make everything ourselves at the office opposite our shop in Pontypridd. Every Pontypridd Gift Card purchased is an investment in a local business that is contributing to the strength and vibrancy of our town. It makes a massive difference when people choose local and we appreciate it so much.”

The Pontypridd Gift Card can also be spent with a range of high street favourites, such as Warren James, the UK’s largest independently owned jewellers. Store manager Becky Christopher said:

“Warren James has been in Pontypridd since 2003, and we’re proud to still be here almost 20 years later with many regular customers from across the Valleys. We’ve joined the Pontypridd Gift Card because we need to keep our high street thriving. Pontypridd is in a good place and the gift card will bring customers back to the town, and bring others here for the first time.

“I think the digital card will be especially appealing. Sometimes you get given a gift card and when you get to the till at a store you realise it’s at home. That won’t happen with the digital version of the Pontypridd Gift Card as it will be there in your phone.

“Jewellery is a very personal gift and we’re regularly asked by customers if we sell gift cards. Warren James doesn’t have its own gift card and we don’t accept high street vouchers so being a part of the Pontypridd Gift Card is a no-brainer for us and will be welcomed by our customers.

“Some gift cards are just for national businesses, and it’s good that the Pontypridd Gift Card is for both high street favourites and independents. It’s better for the customer, as they have more choice, and that’s better for the town because more people will buy and spend the card here in Pontypridd. With Christmas coming up, lots of people will be stuck wondering what to get someone. The Pontypridd Gift Card is ideal.”

James Payne, projects officer at Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District, said:

“We’ve all had single-store gift cards in the past where you wonder what to spend it on. The great thing about the Pontypridd Gift Card is the choice that is on offer. It can be spent on the weekly shop or new furniture, a meal out to pampering treats. The gift card is a massive boost for Pontypridd, and I encourage everyone, locals, visitors and organisations to choose the Pontypridd Gift Card this Christmas and throughout the year.”

The Pontypridd Gift Card is part of the award-winning Town & City Gift Card initiative active across Wales, including in Swansea, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil and Newport.

Colin Munro, managing director of Miconex, said that the desire to support local is as strong as ever: “Our research shows that 90% of people want to support local this Christmas, 67% would prefer a multi-store gift card to single retailer alternatives, and 27% converted to digital gift cards in 2021. The Pontypridd Gift Card wraps up these customer requirements into a future proofed gift card that can be utilised by the town for many years to come.”

www.yourpontypriddgiftcard.co.uk

For press queries please contact: James Payne (Projects Officer), Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District: james@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Your Pontypridd Ltd is a non-profit organisation that is responsible for investing in improvements for Pontypridd town.

The BID is currently in the second year of its second five-year term following a successful ballot result in February 2021. It is a Business Improvement District (BID), a business led and funded initiative which generates approximately £80,000 in funding per annum, which is spent on improving the town centre the way that businesses choose.

Parti Ponty Town Trail / Taith Tref Parti Ponty

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Tue, 28 Jun 2022 12:13:43 GMT

Parti Ponty Town Trail / Taith Tref Parti Ponty:

START DATE: 28 ^TH JUNE - 2 ^ND JULY

DYDDIAD DECHRAU: 28ain O FEHEFIN – 2il O ORFFENNAF

There are ten clues to help find the hidden letters in shops across Your Pontypridd – find them to complete the Parti Ponty Town Trail and receive a Certificate of Achievement and a chance to win a £20 voucher for The Market Quarter in Pontypridd!

Mae yna ddeg cliw i ddod o hyd i lythrennau cudd mewn siopau ar hyd Eich Pontypridd – dewch o hyd iddyn nhw er mwyn cwblhau Taith Tref Parti Ponty gan dderbyn Tystysgrif Llwyddiant a chyfle i ennill taleb gwerth £20 i’w wario ym Marchnad Pontypridd

Your Pontypridd BID and Menter Iaith Rhondda Cynon Taf have received an investment from A&B Cymru’s CultureStep to strengthen and develop their creative partnership.

Your Pontypridd BID AGM 2022

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Tue, 10 May 2022 10:28:16 GMT

BID levy payers are invited to attend the Your Pontypridd BID Annual General Meeting (AGM), taking place on Tuesday, 24th of May 2022, 5-6pm at Pontypridd Museum.

If you would like to attend the AGM please RSVP to james@yourpontypridd.co.uk with your full name and business name .

The AGM will include:

Consideration and approval of 2021/2022 accounts
Retirement, re-election and election of new directors
Election of Chair and Treasurer
Annual report of BID activities between 2021-2022
BID activities in 2022/2023
Opportunity to meet the BID staff and Board of Directors

If you would like to vote at the AGM, you will need to formally join Your Pontypridd BID as a company member by simply completing a company membership form. We treat all levy payers as members in effect, but formally joining the company allows you to vote at the AGM.

If you are a company member and unable to attend the AGM, you are entitled to appoint a proxy to attend and vote instead. Proxy forms are to be returned to the BID team 48 hours before the meeting.

Get involved!

All Board Directors volunteer to help make Pontypridd a better place and are business owners like you. A Board member is expected to attend meetings which are held every six weeks and be either a business owner within the BID area or be an employee of a BID levy paying business, we also have opportunities for Community representatives to join the board.

If you would like to put yourself forward to join the Board then please contact BID Projects Officer James Payne with a paragraph outlining why you would like to be involved to james@yourpontypridd.co.uk

The Agenda for the AGM can be downloaded HERE , the Annual Report will be given out to those attending the AGM and it will be published on the Your Pontypridd website the day after the AGM.

Bra-vellous Effort at Library Court

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Thu, 21 Apr 2022 14:32:27 GMT

Residents of Rhydyfelin have had their hands full collecting unwanted bras for Against Breast Cancer, a cancer research charity.

Tenants of Library Court, a Trivallis sheltered scheme in the Taff Valley, came together to raise awareness for breast cancer in January. Scheme Co-ordinator Suzanne Rees and Trivallis tenants rallied in the community, putting posters up in Rhydyfelin Community Centre, the library and the post office to promote the campaign, and have since surpassed 500 donations.

The bra recycling project, run by charity Against Breast Cancer, takes unwanted bras to raise funds for pioneering breast cancer research. The textile recovery project stops the bras being sent to landfill, and instead sends them to Africa, where such items are normally very expensive.

Donations among Library Court residents initially reached around 40 items, but Suzanne realised that to post the haul would cost around £14, so she contacted Breast Cancer Awareness who were able to provide a number of donation boxes, or Bra Banks. They promised free collection of items if the number surpassed 300 – so the challenge to collect bras began.

Library Court tenants set about spreading the word at the local bingo, with local councillor Maureen Webber announcing to attendees how they can get involved with donating bras. They saw an influx of donations the following week. One of the tenants enlisted her daughter to share the campaign on Facebook and spread the word among the wider community.

Suzanne, who is a relief worker across the Trivallis sheltered schemes, also received donations from Blaengwawr Close in Aberaman, Trem-y-Cwm in Beddau and Church View Close in Brynna, after she placed Bra Banks in the sheltered accommodation.

Suzanne Rees, Scheme Co-ordinator said: “People around here are very good at supporting the tenants. They have been dropping donations off at the library, the post office, the community centre and the sheltered scheme. We aimed for 300 but we have over 500 now.”

“This is a massive achievement, and actually, a huge community achievement too. I am really chuffed. If the charity can do something with the bras, then let’s help them.”

According to the charity, for every tonne of bras collected, Against Breast Cancer receives £700 to fund further research.

Library Court and the Rhydyfelin community are going to continue to collect bras. The Bra Banks will be stationed at the sheltered scheme, community centre, post office and library.

For more information, please contact Annabel Wilford at Annabel.wilford@trivallis.co.uk

Notes to editors:

· Our sheltered housing schemes are available to individuals over the age of 60 throughout Rhondda Cynon Taff. They are managed day to day by a Scheme Coordinator, who offers advice and support to residents. The sheltered schemes offer a service which ensures that an ethos of independence and respect is maintained.

· Trivallis is one of Wales’ largest registered social landlords. At Trivallis we are proud to provide homes for thousands of families in Rhondda Cynon Taff. We offer support to help people manage their tenancies. We invest in communities to make them more attractive and we work hard to create training, volunteering and employment opportunities for local people. It is our vision 'to be trusted as an open and inspiring organisation that changes people’s lives and communities for the better.'

· For more information on Trivallis, visit the website at www.trivallis.co.uk

The Mab Comes to Pontypridd - Walk with Wales’ Myths and Legends This May

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Tue, 01 Mar 2022 09:50:23 GMT

A new interactive literary art trail based on Wales’ oldest myths and legends is being launched in Pontypridd this May.

The Mab Trail will see a series of permanent story stones and story boards placed in locations across Pontypridd depicting the tales of The Mab, a new bilingual book for children, which reimagines the ancient stories of the Mabinogi for today’s young readers.

Edited by the inaugural Children’s Laureate for Wales, Eloise Williams and author and broadcaster Matt Brown, The Mab will feature the 11 stories of the Mabinogi re-told by 11 of Wales’ finest children’s writers. The stories have been translated into Welsh by Bethan Gwanas and the foreword to the collection is written by Michael Sheen.

The Mab Trail is sponsored by Pontypridd Town Council in partnership with Pontypridd Children’s Book Festival and aims to promote a love of reading and encourage creativity, inspire new storytellers and artists and nurture a love of Wales’ landscape, literature and traditions.

Avid story-hunters will be able to discover all 11 stories of The Mab, which will be rooted in Pontypridd’s soil with interactive pieces of public art in the form of story stones, with images from The Mab by illustrator Max Low. Trail-goers are able to take rubbings of the stones, encouraging them to walk the stories of Wales and to create some new ones of their own, inspired by Pontypridd.

The Mab Trail will be launched with local schools on May 12th 2022, and will be open to the public from Saturday May 14th 2022 to coincide with Pontypridd Children’s Book Festival.

The Mab Trail will start and finish in Pontypridd Museum. It will take in 3 other sites:

Ynysangharad Park, Berw Road Field and Pontypridd Common.

Pontypridd Museum will house information on The Mab Trail, along with copies of The Mab. From there, story-hunters can follow the trail to Ynysangharad Park, where 4 story stones depicting the women of The Mab can be found. On Berw Road Field, 3 story-stones show the magic of The Mab and on Pontypridd Common, trail-goers will find 4 story stones containing the legends of the animals of The Mab.

Tony Graham, Chief Executive and Clerk of Pontypridd Town Council said,

“We can’t wait to introduce you to The Mab Trail, and to the stories of The Mab, which have been peppered around Pontypridd waiting to be discovered. These important and legendary stories belong to all of us in Wales, and we’re proud to give them a new home in Pontypridd, and hope that The Mab Trail will ensure that they continue to be enjoyed in new and exciting ways for generations to come.”

Cerith Mathias, Director of Pontypridd Children’s Book Festival said,

“We’re thrilled to add The Mab Trail to Pontypridd’s already rich literary and cultural offering. By encouraging children (and grown-ups too!) really to get involved with the stories of The Mab Trail, literally to walk through them and connect them with the Welsh landscapes from which they were created, we’re certain that the trail will provide creative inspiration for a whole new generation of storytellers and artists.”

Matt Brown, Co-Editor of The Mab said,

“I'm thrilled that Pontypridd locals and visitors will be able to experience the stories from The Mab. These magical tales are rooted in Welsh landscapes so it seems perfect that people will be able to go on their own journeys of adventure, around Ponty, to discover them for themselves."

Eloise Williams, Co- Editor of The Mab said,

“I’m absolutely delighted that The Mab Trail has found its home in Pontypridd. I spent a lot of time in the town as a child and know that my younger self would have been as thrilled to follow the tales around the park, common and fields, as my older self is. It’s joyful to think of people, young and old, connecting with the myths and celebrating these ancient Welsh legends. I am certain it will inspire new voices to carry the stories into the future, and that is truly exciting.”

For more information, contact Cerith Mathias: pontykidsbookfestdirector@gmail.com / M: 07971638840

ENDS

________________________________________________________________________

Note to Editors

Images included: Artwork from The Mab, illustration by Max Low and a digital design for one of the 11 The Mab Trail story stones by Stonesign Co, using Max Low’s illustration from The Mab.

The Mab Trail is sponsored by Pontypridd Town Council in partnership with Pontypridd Children’s Book Festival.

The Mab Trail is based on The Mab, published by Unbound in May 2022.

The Mab Trail story stones are provided by Stonesign Co.

Information on The Mab:

These stories make the wall between worlds thrillingly thin. Their enchantment calls to us ever from the other side of the door' Michael Sheen, foreword to The Mab

If you think you've heard all the fairy tales out there, think again. Inside this book you will find eleven epic Welsh tales from long ago, but not so far away, that are bound to enchant you. The Mab is a collection full to the brim with brand new versions of really, really old stories from the Mabinogi - maybe the oldest written-down stories in the history of Britain.

But as well as being really, really old, the stories in The Mab are strange and funny and thrilling. Alive with mystery and magic, they speak of a time when the gates between the Real World and the Otherworld were occasionally left open. And sometimes, just sometimes, it was possible to step through.

The Mab is edited by Eloise Williams and Matt Brown, translated into Welsh by Bethan Gwanas with illustrations by Max Low and contributions from Sophie Anderson, Nicola Davies, Darren Chetty, Alex Wharton, Zillah Bethel, Rhian ivory, P.G. Bell, Hanan Issa and Claire Fayers.

Your Pontypridd - A Transforming Town

Thu, 03 Feb 2022 14:20:48 GMT

Almost two years ago the community of Pontypridd suffered its biggest blow with record breaking floods devastating many homes in the area and forcing tens of businesses to close in town centre due to the severe damage caused. Just as the town was beginning to recover and after a long period where the business community came together to help each other and bring the town back to life, the nation was put into lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The pandemic had an immediate impact on the town with well-known brands such as Carphone Warehouse and River Island closing as these companies were forced to make changes up and down Wales and in the United Kingdom. This in addition to all the vacant properties still recovering from the February floods, the future for businesses in Pontypridd looked bleak. However, with the town seemingly on its knees, an exciting group of new and existing entrepreneurs and businesses grabbed the opportunity to build and continue their ideas in Pontypridd and build on what was already such a strong business community.

As a business led organisation, we at Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District have been at the heart of the business community throughout the highs and lows of the past two years. With support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund we are developing a video series with two local businesses Artifact Multimedia and Plaingraffic, to document the transformation of the town in the past twelve to eighteen months and to dive into all the buzz and excitement around major regeneration projects coming to Pontypridd in the near future.

Our first film (above) sees us speaking to many of the new independent businesses who have moved into the town centre, the exciting Gatto Lounge, a new restaurant at the recently opened Llys Cadwyn development, and we speak to those businesses who have survived and thrived following the devastating floods.

If you would like to know any more about the Project or have any questions about Your Pontypriddd BID please contact us at info@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Your Pontypridd Christmas Competition 2021 - Winners

Tue, 21 Dec 2021 10:48:39 GMT

Congratulations to this year's winners - Storyville Books

And a very well done to Elyn Boutique, Bizzie Lizzie, Closet of Style and Millie's Smelly Melts on making the top five.

Take a look at their fantastic displays below.

1ST PLACE - Storyville Books (Mill Street)

2ND PLACE - Elyn Boutique (Church Street)

3RD PLACE - Bizzie Lizzie (Church Street)

4th Place - Closet of Style (Market Street)

5th Place - Millie's Smelly Melts (Church Street)

Your Pontypridd Christmas Prize Draw 2021

Mon, 13 Dec 2021 10:16:27 GMT

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE FINAL FIVE WINNERS OF £200 OF VOUCHERS TO SPEND IN #YOURPONTYPRIDD

Ryan Robinson, from Mountain Ash who spent £10 in Warren James

Nadia Emblin, from Abercynon who spent £10 in Millie's Smelly Melts

Lowri Davies, from Porth who spent £10 in Valley Sports

Terry Bishop, from Llanharan who spent £10 in Elyn Boutique

Ron Eveleigh, from Rhydyfelin who spent £10 in Mo's Kitchen

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE WEEK ONE WINNERS OF THE CHRISTMAS PRIZE DRAW!

Daisy Lewis, from Porth who spent £10 in Stay and Play Coffee Shop

Jayne Watkins, from Pontypridd who spent £10 in Card Factory

Ken Neville, from Pontypridd who spent £10 in Bush Healthcare

Lauren Williams-Jones, from Trehafod who spent £10 in Soul Spice

Ellie Evans, from Beddau who spent £10 in Heavenly Brows

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It's a Yes - Your Pontypridd Bid secures new 5 year term!

Mon, 04 Oct 2021 10:02:41 GMT

IT’S A YES!

Your Pontypridd BID secure new five year term after positive ballot result

View the Your Pontypridd Term 2 Business Plan >

Pontypridd Town Council Announces Partnership with Your Pontypridd BID

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Wed, 11 Aug 2021 08:46:06 GMT

Lynda Davies, Chair of Pontypridd Town Council’s Regeneration and Museum Committee and James Payne, Your Pontypridd BID Projects Officer

Pontypridd Town Council has added to its growing list of partnerships, with Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District (BID) becoming the latest local organisation to collaborate with the body on projects to develop and improve the area for residents and visitors alike.

The partnership is part of the Town Council’s ambitious plans to create a Community Hub in the newly redeveloped basement of Pontypridd Museum, which was badly damaged during the flooding in February 2020.

The Community Hub will house several key organisations working across a variety of sectors in Pontypridd, including the Your Pontypridd BID and Pontypridd Children’s Book Festival and will provide a space for community groups and individuals to meet and conduct activities.

Lynda Davies, Chair of Pontypridd Town Council’s Regeneration and Museum Committee said,

"We’re pleased to continue to grow and develop our relationships with local organisations, and we’re delighted to collaborate with the Your Pontypridd BID team at such a crucial point in Pontypridd town centre’s history. With major redevelopment work taking place in the town currently, this is a tremendously exciting time for the area. We’re looking forward to working together to harness Pontypridd’s potential and deliver long lasting improvements for businesses, residents and visitors .”

Your Pontypridd BID will work with the Town Council on continuing to improve the town centre, with the input of local businesses at the heart of the decisions taken. The partnership will bolster the work already being undertaken by Your Pontypridd BID, who are focussing on working toward a safer, more accessible and attractive Pontypridd town centre and greater say for business in the area on the decisions that affect them.

Following the successful outcome of a ballot process at the beginning of 2021, the Your Pontypridd BID’s second five year term of work began back in April.

Your Pontypridd BID Projects Officer James Payne said, ‘The partnership with Pontypridd Town Council gives us a fresh start, and a new home with the relocation of our office to the town’s new Community Hub. This will allow us to focus on the next five years and to work closely with the Town Council to improve Pontypridd. We’re glad to be working with such a forward thinking team.”

A business born in the pandemic: the story of the Crafty Card Shack!

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Wed, 21 Jul 2021 13:07:34 GMT

Projects Officer James Payne talked with Jan and Tristan, the owners of the recently opened Crafty Card Shack in Pontypridd Market Quarter, a quirky craft, card and balloon shop bought by Jan after a traumatic few years, Jan recently recovered after a battle with cancer and her husband Tristan was made redundant due to the Covid-19 pandemic shortly after being furloughed. In an inspiring story, the couple have opened one of only a few independent shops in Pontypridd that sell craft goods, cards and balloons. I asked them about their experiences so far!

Good morning Jan and Tristan, firstly can you tell me about Crafty Card Shack, what you specialise in and how the idea came about?

Jan: We specialise mainly in cards and balloons, I am also an avid crafter and after seeing Churchills recently close, we spotted a gap in the market in Pontypridd, and we decided to open a craft shop. We stock a great range of craft goods here too.

Tristan: We are one of very few craft shops in the area, we also make things to order such as pre-ordered cards, personalised gifts such as gin glasses and we are also looking to do personalised mugs.

Jan: We are also looking to introduce personalised balloons, if people need them for occasions such as birthdays, christenings etc.

Continues below

What attracted you to set up in the Market Quarter area of the town?

Jan: I’ve both always had a soft spot for the market!

Tristan: It is great to be a part of and see the regeneration of the Market and the town, we remember the days when you couldn’t walk through the market because it was so busy. I used to come regularly from Cardiff and Jan also has great memories of the market and the theatre.

Jan & Tristan: What Nigel and the team are doing in the Market is fantastic, they have a great vision.

What challenges have you faced as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic and how have you adapted?

Jan: We actually bought the shop during the pandemic back in August last year!

Tristan: I was unfortunately made redundant from my job in Cardiff after being furloughed.

Jan: I invested money into the shop so that we could have our own business, it has been incredibly challenging we just hope people can go back to normal soon. We’ve used our online presence throughout the pandemic to reach out to customers and we will continue to build on this, if people make a purchase of balloons over £5, we offer local delivery.

Is there a big crafting community in Pontypridd?

Jan: There is quite a large crafting community both here in Pontypridd and it remains a popular hobby worldwide, we are focused on getting our name out there so people know that our shop is on their doorstep. We can be the go-to place for crafters in the area!

What potential do you see for yourselves and other businesses going forward in a town like Pontypridd?

Jan: Pontypridd went downhill for a while, but I can see the town bouncing back. There are much more niche and independent shops here now, I think people are not that fussed on needing big chains and brands but are looking to shop in and support smaller businesses, so hopefully it will build back up again.

Tristan: Hopefully we will see a mix of both the older well-established independents and new exciting small businesses.

Are there any improvements you would like to see in the town centre in addition to ongoing developments?

Jan: I would like to see some nice flower baskets and better visitor signage, to tell people how good our market is and let them know that it is here, you see flower displays in other town centres so it would be nice to have them here.

Tristan: I would like to see better lighting, especially during the winter months as it gets darker in the evening. It can be intimidating for staff and members of the public, so improved lighting both on the side roads and main roads.

How do you think the BID should play a role in improving the town and supporting its members?

Jan: I think the BID do a very good job in supporting the businesses. It would be nice if they would consider flowers and making the town more attractive to visitors.

Tristan: It was a good idea for the BID to invest in the Covid-19 signs, not only did it help us adhere to rules but it also helps to brand the town and the BID. People take an interest in the colour and the logo and it may encourage them to look at what the BID is. I also like the Your Pontypridd Shop Local bags which were to given to us which promotes a great message.

Jan: It would be great to see more events in town too to increase footfall. A more attractive town with events going on would encourage people to visit the town. We need to work on changing the perception and the build the town back up again.

How does it feel opening a shop after Jan, you overcame illness and Tristan, you are in a new environment after working in a hotel?

Tristan: It’s just really nice to be part of this Market environment, it’s so nice to spend time with different people. There’s an elderly woman who eats in Pam’s Diner (opposite the shop) and comes into the shop and it’s just nice to help her if there’s a step or if the door needs holding. We set the business up to give that service with a smile!

Tristan: It is nice to be in a place where a lot of the architecture remains the same, it would be great to see the town hall developed and see if anything could be done to improve or remove the concrete facia which can be an eyesore. Jan’s told me lots of stories about the Old Theatre and it would be great to see it put back to use.

How can customers find out more about the shop as well visiting you in the Market?

Jan: You can give search for us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram and we also have a website where people can ‘Click and Collect’ and see the range of items we stock!

Many thanks for your time today both, we wish you the very best of luck with your new business!

Visit their website: https://craftycardshack.co.uk/

Visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/craftycardshackpontypridd

Visit their Instagram page: https://instagram.com/craftycardshack

Trivallis Launches Community Investment Fund in a Bid to Build on Community Spirit

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Thu, 13 May 2021 14:27:45 GMT

Trivallis, a registered social landlord with over 10,000 homes across South Wales, has launched a Community Investment Fund to support groups and projects in the communities where its tenants live.

The Trivallis Community Investment Fund, which is managed and promoted by independent charity Community Foundation Wales, is split into two streams; a fast track grant for up to £1,000 and a larger grant from £1,001 to £5,000.

Trivallis’ Community Investment Fund grants are designed for use by constituted community groups and voluntary organisations on projects that meet at least one of the following themes: social inclusion, health and wellbeing, learning and employability, or sustainable environmental improvements.

Tracey Cooke, senior manager of partnerships at Trivallis, said: “The COVID-19 pandemic has really highlighted the importance of communities working together to support one another and keep each other safe. At Trivallis we are passionate about being more than a landlord and work hard to give back to our communities. We want to build on the incredible community spirit we have in South Wales and support people to live happy and prosperous lives.

“In the past, we have supported groups and organisations such as Rhondda Radio, Lee Gardens Pool and All Stars Gymnastics with grants and have seen them achieve great things. Now, working in partnership with Community Foundation Wales, we are delighted to offer the Trivallis Community Investment Fund, which will allow us to continue to support great projects in the communities where our tenants live.”

Anyone interested in applying for the Trivallis Community Investment Fund should visit https://communityfoundationwales.org.uk/grants/trivallis-community-investment-fund and schedule a conversation with a Grants Officer to discuss their project idea and check for eligibility. There is also an online application form available on the site.

Andrea Powell, director of programmes at Community Foundation Wales said: “We are very excited to be partnering with Trivallis to manage and promote the Trivallis Community Investment Fund.

“We look forward to working with groups in Rhondda Cynon Taf to better understand the opportunities and challenges they face and to help them improve the lives of local people and solve problems that are important to their communities.”

For more information on the eligibility criteria for the Trivallis Community Investment Fund, visit: https://communityfoundationwales.org.uk/grants/trivallis-community-investment-fund/

Barbers and Hair Salons re-opening Monday 15th March

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 15:37:19 GMT

Following the First Minister's announcement on the 12th of March, hairdressers and barbers can reopen for appointments only from Monday 15th March.

Please find details of hairdressers and barbers taking bookings in Pontypridd below.

Downtown Barbers, 14 Market Street

You can call, text or WhatsApp on 07907 072000 or use the book now button on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/downtownbarbersponty

Diamond Fadez Barbershop, 108 Taff Street

Call 07473 857552 to make appointment.

The Hair Centre, 3 Church Street

Bookings being taken after 9am on Monday, salon will re-open on Tuesday 16th of March. Call 01443 480421 to book.

Ghekko Rags Lost Boys Barbers, 7 Taff Street

Book via the link HERE

Lazarou Hair and Beauty Salon, 9 Market Street

Call them 01443492711 to book an appointment or you can message them via their app, Facebook or Instagram

Georges Grooming Room, 8 High Street

Call them on 07956867379 or message them via their Facebook page

La Chop, 5c Market Street

Call on 01443 405055. The salon owner will also be in the salon Saturday 13th of March between 10am-2pm to book appointments or answer queries.

Legends Hair and Beauty, 1 Crossbrook Street

Call 07450881888 after 12.30pm to make an appointment.

IT’S A YES! YOUR PONTYPRIDD BID SECURES NEW FIVE YEAR TERM AFTER POSITIVE BALLOT RESULT!

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Fri, 26 Feb 2021 16:26:34 GMT

Businesses in Pontypridd Town Centre have voted in favour of plans to renew the Business Improvement District (BID), securing £387,000 to be spent on further improving the area over the new five-year term.

The positive result follows 12 months of planning and consultation with businesses to review the current initiatives of the BID and collate new ideas for the next five years. The suggestions were all considered to form a new Business Plan which led to a month-long ballot in which businesses in the area were asked to vote on the proposals.

83% of businesses by number and 81% by aggregate rateable value voted in favour of the BID (overall turnout was 42%). As a result of the yes vote the renewed Business Improvement District plan will come into effect on 1st April 2021.

Businesses with a rateable value of £5000 or above will pay a levy based upon their rateable value, creating a collective fund of more than £380,000 to spend over the next five years.

The plans were spearheaded and driven by a steering group of business representatives from across the area, supported by The Means, who specialise in Place Making Consultancy and have helped develop and deliver Business Improvement Districts across the UK.

Projects Officer for Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District James Payne said:

“We are delighted with this result and the support we’ve received from our local business community during what will be one of the most difficult periods businesses will ever have to face, we are determined to work with our members and invest in initiatives to welcome back all staff, visitors and residents to a town which has so much potential moving forward.”

Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn MS said:

“Transforming towns across Wales and making them fit for the 21st century is a priority for the Welsh Government. BIDs can play a key part in regenerating areas by providing businesses with a collective single voice, supporting economic growth and strengthening communities. It is great to see businesses in Pontypridd supporting Your Pontypridd BID for a further term, as effective BIDS have a proven track record of driving local change and managing high streets and town centres.”

The vision and objectives for Your Pontypridd Term 2 will be delivered through four themes:

A safer Pontypridd

A more accessible and attractive Pontypridd

A better promoted Pontypridd

A stronger voice to support Pontypridd businesses.

A SAFER PONTYPRIDD

Working towards a safe and secure environment which will benefit businesses, residents, workers and visitors. We will work with agencies and partners to create a pleasant environment.

A MORE ACCESSIBLE AND ATTRACTIVE PONTYPRIDD

Creating a more accessible and attractive Pontypridd through parking initiatives, better signage, tackling empty shops, adding colour to the town, promoting a café culture, and making the BID area more inclusive.

A BETTER PROMOTED PONTYPRIDD

Build on successful promotions by working with partners to bring more events to the town centre, better promotion of independent businesses and joint-up marketing of the BID area & developing loyalty schemes to encourage spend in members’ businesses.

A STRONGER VOICE TO SUPPORT PONTYPRIDD BUSINESSES

Continue to represent levy payers on local and national issues affecting the BID area, have a say on major developments such as the YMCA, former Bingo Hall site and South Wales Metro, and continue to be the main point of contact when businesses need support with business rates, grants, funding, and other issues affecting them.

The BID will deliver the new objectives of the business plan over the next five years as a result of the yes vote.

Our business plan for the new five-year term is available to read and download here: https://www.yourpontypridd.co.uk/back-the-bid

For any questions or further information please email info@yourpontypridd.co.uk

RENEWAL BALLOT NOTICES DISPATCHED

neil@websitesorted.com (Neil Kinnerly) — Mon, 11 Jan 2021 11:00:17 GMT

Preparations continue for the Your Pontypridd BID Renewal Ballot which takes place from Wednesday the 27th of January. Ballot Papers will be sent to all eligible properties on the 21st of January and will need to be returned by post before the ballot closes at 5.00pm on Thursday 25th February 2021.

A formal ‘Notice of Ballot’ was posted on Thursday the 7th of January to all hereditaments eligible to vote in the ballot along with a copy of our five year business plan. This provides detailed information about the ballot process and is for information only so no action is required. The English and Welsh versions of the Notice of Ballot letter can also be seen below.

If you expect a vote in the ballot and have not received a Notice of Ballot, please email info@yourpontypridd.co.uk as soon as possible so we can check details and confirm the address that your ballot information should be sent to. Also contact us immediately when you receive the Notice of Ballot if you would like the ballot paper for your property to be sent to an alternative address.

Amendments to the ballot mailing list can only be made before Thursday 14th January.

New restrictions for hospitality businesses and financial support

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Mon, 30 Nov 2020 13:55:17 GMT

Welsh Government have announced today that from Friday (December 4) pubs, restaurants and cafes will not be allowed to serve alcohol and must close at 6pm.

Takeaway services will be allowed after 6pm.

Cinemas, bowling alleys, bingo halls, museums and other indoor entertainment and galleries must close completely from 6pm on Friday.

The measures will be reviewed on December 17 and every three weeks after that.

First Minister Mark Drakeford also announced a £340m support package for affected businesses.

The money will be available through the Economic Resilience Fund to support businesses affected by the new changes to the regulations. It will include a specific fund to support hospitality and tourism businesses.

The new support is split into two funds: a £160m Restrictions Business Fund and a £180m sector-specific Economic Resilience Fund grant scheme.

The Restrictions Business Fund will enable eligible businesses in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors which pay non-domestic rates (NDR) to access grants of up to £5,000.

Businesses not on the NDR system, will be able to continue to apply to local authorities for the Lockdown Discretionary Grant of up to £2,000.

The sector-specific Economic Resilience Fund grant scheme will provide grants of up to £100,000 to small and medium sized businesses, and up to £150,000 for larger businesses.

The grants will be available for businesses in the hospitality, tourism and leisure sectors 'materially affected' by the new restrictions. Funding will be based on employee numbers and operating costs.

More information about the funding and how it can be accessed will be published on the Business Wales website in the coming days.

If you are a hospitality business in the Pontypridd BID area and would like to be informed when grants are open please contact info@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Covid-19 Update: Shops in Pontypridd where face masks are available

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Fri, 11 Sep 2020 11:23:36 GMT

People in Wales must wear face masks in shops and other indoor public spaces from Monday, the first minister has announced.

To make sure your prepared for the new rules there are a number of shops in Pontypridd where various types of face mask are available to purchase:

Iceland - 50/53 Taff Street

Pontypridd Convenience Store - 34 Taff Street

Dorothy Perkins - 97/99a Taff Street

Euro Gallery - 7/8 Fraternal Parade

Card Centre - 3 Fraternal Parade

Card Factory - 81 Taff Street

Debbie's Sew'n'Sew - Pontypridd Market Quarter

Savers - 11/13 Taff Street

B&M Bargains - 92 Taff Street

Tesco Express (packs of 10) - Taff Street

Poundland - 4/5 Taff Street

Shaws - 22 Taff Street

Pep & Co - 56 Taff Street

WH Smith - 1/2 Taff Street

Your Pontypridd BID commits funding to RCT Business Crime Reduction Partnership

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Tue, 18 Aug 2020 14:57:44 GMT

Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District have responded to levy payers calls for a business crime reduction scheme by committing funding to the RCT Business Crime and Reduction Partnership.

Projects Officer James Payne said: “Local businesses will be reassured to know that the BID is supporting the Business Crime Reduction Partnership (BCRP), and will encourage businesses to make use of the exclusion scheme which bans repeat offenders from entering all members’ premises for a minimum three month period. This will help businesses report crime and strengthen our relationship with the Pontypridd Neighbourhood Policing Team”

The funding from Your Pontypridd will give levy payers free membership of the current Pubwatch and Shopwatch schemes in place for 2020/2021. The Pontypridd Pubwatch was recognised as 'highly commended' at the National Pubwatch Awards in 2019 at the prestigious award ceremony & dinner in the House of Lords in Westminster. O nce members have signed to the BCRP they will recieve access to the ‘ Litorallis Disc app ’ and will be able to attend meetings to record and report incidents which need to be logged on the DISC system. Dates, times and locations of these meetings will be sent to BCRP members after they sign up.

Businesses wishing to sign up to the BCRP can email RCT BCRP Co-Ordinator Mike Jacklin on co-ordinator@rct-mtbcrp.com or contact Your Pontypridd BID Projects Officer James Payne - james@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Please note that membership of the BCRP is not open to the general public and free membership of the BCRP will be given to BID businesses who have paid their levy bills. The BCRP does not replace South Wales Police. Always report emergencies to the relevant emergency services.

There will be a drop in session this Thursday at The Blueberry Inn between 3pm and 5pm if businesses wish to collect and fill in a form to sign up to BCRP. There will be a chance to raise any issues you have regarding town centre crime with representatives from South Wales Police, the BID and RCT BCRP. The Neighborhood Policing Team will be in attendance to discuss the opportunity of setting up and joining a Neighborhood Watch.

If businesses have any questions about any of the points above please contact james@yourpontypridd.co.uk

pART of Ponty Art Trail 2020

Wed, 01 Jul 2020 10:08:08 GMT

Your Pontypridd supported the pART of Ponty Art Trail 2020 - due to the pandemic, the art trail this year was all held online.

You can still take part in the trail here

It Takes a Town. The Princes

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Mon, 15 Jun 2020 10:29:15 GMT

PRESS RELEASE
It Takes a Town. The Princes

As part of National Theatre Wales’ Located Residencies programme, Pontypridd-based designer and artist, Becky Davies, initially began work on her project, entitled The Bridge, in December of 2019. The project aimed to capture residents’ places of significance in Pontypridd and celebrate them in a way that was truly accessible and collaborative in process. Creative activities were planned, predominantly in the form of workshops and participatory activity.

Becky has reworked her project in response to both the unprecedented Storm Dennis floods and the Covid 19 outbreak. The project, now named It Takes a Town, looks to celebrate the beauty of coming together in a time where unfortunately we cannot. Through Becky’s eyes, we explore a local café, The Princes, via illustration, poetry and sound. The Princes is one of the places in Pontypridd which strongly represents and fosters community bonds in times when we can share space together.

Image Description

A poster, designed in the style of a classic, simple, faded red and crisp white Princes Cafe receipt. The receipt is much larger than a usual cafe receipt, including lists of all the freshly baked goods or refreshments you would typically order at this popular cafe in the town of Pontypridd in a series of small boxes. Circled in scribbled, hurried biro pen are 2 pots of tea and 2 pancakes. However, Becky has adapted the receipt for the sake of the poster to also include one of her own, nostalgic illustrations of what she once would have ordered at the Princes Cafe as a child. The illustration depicts a 1-person steel teapot, ornate chunky china tea cup and a small, square green cake decorated to look like a frog with a crown on its head, sat on a plate which matches the teacup. The tea time treats sit as a collection on a circular bronze tray, and in the background of the illustration is a tea-stained wash.

The following information is provided, written in one of the receipt columns instead of where a usual list of cakes would be. It states:

An NTW Located Residency in Pontypridd. Local Artist Becky Davies will be hand-illustrating a downloadable, sensory guide for re-creating the atmosphere of beloved cafe, The Princes. With a cuppa in hand, Becky will provide you with soundscapes, original poetry, and a bake-along that will help you to bring this local gem into your home. In addition, you will be invited to share the sights, smells, sounds and textures of your favourite places in Pontypridd to inspire Becky’s next editions of sensory guides.

Becky is currently curating the work in the form of a book with the support of her collaborators, Elise Davison, Rufus Mufasa and Tic Ashfield. The book will be available online with a further 100 copies printed and distributed to ensure as many people as possible have the opportunity to embark on this sensory experience of The Princes.

Becky has said of the project: “The recent flooding and the coronavirus outbreak has raised significant challenges for me as a Participatory Artist in terms of how to work responsively, but more importantly than that, appropriately. However, I feel as if my project has transformed into something it was always meant to end up being - it’s just been fast-tracked by the circumstances! I hope to produce a book full of multi-sensory experiences that the public can simply take in and enjoy, feeling re-connected with their town. The book will be an object that the public can re-visit as part of lockdown life and beyond. I hope this will be the first of several editions, shining the spotlight on my beloved town of Pontypridd, my relationship with it and its people. This exploration and my development as an artist feels so rich right now, and I am so grateful to National Theatre Wales and my collaborators on this project for supporting me at what feel like an important juncture in my creative career."

Participant Call-Out – A chance to be a part of this edition.

As part of the Located Residency in Pontypridd with National Theatre Wales, Becky will be making a soundscape, which will help recreate the atmosphere of popular café, The Princes, for the public at home.

As we are currently in lockdown, Becky is inviting people of different ages, with a Pontypridd or Rhondda Cynon Taff accent, to record the sound of themselves having a chat over a cuppa at home using their mobile phones. The more voices collected, the fuller The Princes will sound! 2-5 minutes will do, and once completed, please send your recording to the e-mail address below:

beckydavies85@icloud.com

No conversations in their entirety will be used, the sounds collected will be part of an overall soundscape.

More information regarding National Theatre Wales Located Residences can be found here https://www.nationaltheatrewales.org/ntw-projects/located-residencies-2020/#becky_davies

Becky Davies’s work here beckydavies-theatredesigner-artist.com

If you would like to discuss the project further or have any questions regarding It Takes a Town please email Chantal Williams at chantal.s.wiliams@gmail.com.

The Welsh Version of this press release can be downloaded here

Update on levy payments for 2020/2021

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Thu, 26 Mar 2020 12:53:08 GMT

ADVICE ON LEVY BILLS FOR 2020/2021

Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District is aware that a result of the government support of rates relief due to COVID-19, many businesses will have questions relating to their levy payments.

We appreciate that this a very uncertain time for your business, therefore we are freezing the enforcement period specified in the Demand Notices due to the outbreak of Covid-19 to allow a 3 month delay of payment, after three months we will review the situation to see if the enforcement period needs to be delayed further before returning to the standard collection procedure.

We are continuing to work closely with BID industry bodies and Welsh Government to request further support for levy payers over the coming weeks and months.

Since the ballot in 2016, Your Pontypridd has worked in partnership with it's levy payers, to promote and protect the BID area for the benefit of all business owners and visitors. Now, more than ever, the BID's role is vital to ensure this work continues. If you a national/large business please pass this statement on to your Area Managers or Head Office contacts so that they are aware of this.

For any queries please contact Projects Officer James Payne by email - james@yourpontypridd.co.uk or by phone on 07872307676.

Supporting Your Pontypridd businesses during the Covid-19 pandemic

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Wed, 18 Mar 2020 10:24:16 GMT

Pontypridd town centre and particularly our BID businesses have suffered in recent weeks firstly with the floods which impacted over fifty businesses and now the threat of Covid-19 is having a significant impact on the town especially for our small businesses.

Here are a few things you can do to support our businesses during this difficult period! If you have more ideas contact us on our social media pages or write something in the comments/tweet us/mention us!

Vouchers available in businesses!

Some customers have understandably cancelled bookings at restaurants and at professional services businesses, however why not consider asking if they have gift vouchers available so you can consider coming back in the future, the smaller businesses in particular are reliant on their loyal customers and purchasing a voucher would go a long way to helping the business pay their bills, their staff and help look after their business which is essential to their livelihood!

These places are currently selling vouchers:

Alfreds Bar and Grill, Bon Marche, Burton/Dorothy Perkins, Cafe Royale (High Street - 20% off takeaway orders), GAME, Gloden, Heavenly Brows, Holland and Barrett, Hollywood Nails Bar, JD Wetherspoons, Lazarou Hair and Beauty, Lextan, Peacocks, Performance Physiotherapy, Pontypridd Osteopathic Clinic, Pontypridd Market Quarter, (River Island, Specsavers ( https://giftvouchers.specsavers.co.uk/giftvouchers.co.uk/index.html ), The Blueberry Inn, The Hair Centre, Trattoria.

Like & Share social media posts and notices

Many of the businesses in the town centre are on social media, so why not help them out and share their posts/notices or give them a like/follow on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram which every you like to use! Follow the Your Pontypridd BID & Pontypridd Town Centre pages for all the latest deals, discounts and notices in the town!

Get a home delivery?

Order from Dragon Pizza, Wok in a Box, BBQ Station via Just Eat or order from Trattoria on Deliveroo !

What businesses are open?

A number of businesses remain open as normal in Pontypridd, visit the link here - https://www.yourpontypridd.co.uk/update-on-businesses-that-are-open-and-those-closed-until-further-notice to get goods or use services that are absolutely essential to you.

"Thank you for all your support during what have been such a challenging few weeks and what will be even a more difficult few months ahead, we will continue to update businesses on support available for Covid-19 as we get it from Welsh Government please find the office number below if you have any queries and I will try my best to answer"

James Payne, Projects Officer

Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District

01443 244190

If you are a business - the latest support letter from Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales is available to download HERE.

UPDATE ON BUSINESSES THAT ARE OPEN AND THOSE CLOSED - (COVID 19 UPDATE 18TH MARCH 2020)

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 09:53:37 GMT

This page was last updated, 18th March 2020.

BUSINESSES OPEN (Opening hours may vary due to impact of Covid-19)

3 Mobile

Addo Studio

Adref Ltd

Alan Newland & Co

Alfreds Bar and Grill

Amplified Studio

Apex Estate Agents

Ashgrove Surgery

B&M Bargains

Baker Ashley Ltd

BAROD/Drink Wise Age Well

BBQ Station

Barclays Bank (limited services)

Barnardos

Betfred

Boots (Prescription service only)

Bizzie Lizzie

Blizz Clothing

Bon Marche

Bright House

Burton/Dorothy Perkins

Bush Healthcare Ltd

Café Fresco (Limited menu)

Café Royale

Café Royale (Bus Station)

Card Centre

Carinis

Carousel Amusements

CEX

C&K Evans Jewellers

The Cetlic Club

Club Ice

Com Wales

Co-op Funeral Care

Creation Nails

David W Harris & Co

Davies Homes Ltd

Darlows Ltd ( branch is currently closed , but staff still operating out of Tonypandy Store - 01443 436445)

Dharmakala

Downtown Barbers

Dragon Pizza

Elite Accommodation & Services

Energie Fitness Pontypridd

Flair Boutique

Fone Solutions

Game

Gelliwastad Club

Georges Barbers

Glendale Ffresh Produce

Gloden

Gwynns Opticians

Soulsby Opticians

Superior Vapour

Specsavers (with limited services)

St David’s Foundation

Subway

H Samuel

Harries Watkins & Jones

Harvest Books and Crafts

Hays Travel

Health Assessment Advisory Service

Heavenly Brows

Holland and Barrett

Hollywood Nails Bar (please enter at the back entrance on Market Street)

Hoskins Johnson (If you have an appointment booked with them and you have any flu like symptoms please call or message them to cancel your appointment - 01443 404093)

HSBC

Huw John & Co Ltd

Iceland Foods

J D Wetherspoons

James Douglas Sales and Lettings

JCP Solicitors

Kenneth Lewis Partnership

Kip McGrath Education Centre

KTP Solicitors

La Chop

Ladbrokes (Taff Street)

Lancasters Solicitors

Lazarou Hair & Beauty

Le Crazy Croissant

Leek and Weston

Lextan

Lidl

Lloyds Bank

Lloyds Pharmacy

Lucky Strike Amusements

Mid Glamorgan Goldsmiths

Mobile Master

Money Line

Morgan Vowles Funeral Services

National Offender Management

Nationwide

Natwest

NCP Car Parks

Pontypridd Market Quarter

Pams Diner

Park View Dental Practice

Passport to Employment

Peacocks

Pep & Co

PeoplePlus Cymru

Performance Physiotherapy

Peter Alan Estate Agents

Pets Corner

Pinnacle Lettings

Plaingraffic

Players Bar

Podges Tattoo

Pontypridd Carpets

Pontypridd Convenience Store

Pontypridd Library

Pontypridd Osteopathic Clinic

Post Office

Poundland

Princes Café (limited menu)

Principality Building Society

Public Defender Service

Ramsdens

Regenerate It

RH Jeffs and Rowe

Rhi’s Café

River Island

Rowan Tree Cancer Care

Santander

Sardis House (RCTCBC)

Savers

Shaws

Shoe Zone

Shogun Grill

South Wales Police

Spicketts Battrick Law

St Vincent

Sugar and Spice

Sullivans Associates

Superdrug

Tailor Made Travel

Tenovus

Tesco Express

The Blueberry Inn

The British Heart Foundation

The Hair Centre

The Patriot Bar

The Skinny Dog

The Soul Suite

The Vapour Den

The Works

Thomas Recruitment

Timpson Ltd

Toetal Footcare Ltd

Trattoria

Trivallis

Ty Hafan

Unison Cwm Taf

Valley Sports

Vodafone

Warren James

Welsh Air Ambulance

WH Smith (Open with limited services)

Wok in A BOX

CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE

Age Connects (Mill Street office)

Age Cymru

Bella Ciao Restaurant (Closed for 4-6 weeks)

Brent Thomas Toys and Gifts

Card Factory (re-opening on March 23rd)

Carphone Warehouse

Clwb y Bont

Costa

Eglwys Bach Group

Euro Gallery

Flowers by Design

Get Connected

Greggs

Harrys

Halifax

Hope Rescue

Janets Chinese Restaurant (Closed for 2-3 weeks)

James Mobility and Furniture Ltd

KooKoo Madame

Ladbrokes (Mill Street)

Max Spielmann

Organic Wholefoods and Homebrew

Panache

Pinnacle Lettings

Plowmans

Pontypridd Museum

Pontypridd Dental Laboratory Ltd

Scott and Rachel Photography

Trivallis - https://www.trivallis.co.uk/en/2020/03/11/coronavirus-important-information/

TUI UK Ltd

Ynysangharad War Memorial Park remains closed at this time.

Flood guidance for flooded business premises

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Sun, 16 Feb 2020 09:35:07 GMT

Many businesses have been devastated overnight with the floods in the town centre. Our thoughts are with all the wonderful hard working businesses and staff that have been affected by the floods overnight. Please see a guide below based on information from Floodguidance.co.uk on the steps to take next.

What to do if your business premises have flooded

Flood water is often dangerous, due to its speed, depth, hidden obstacles or contamination in the water.

The most important thing to do is to make sure that you and your employees remain safe!

Either move to upper parts of the property and call for assistance, or leave the property by a safe, dry route. If anyone remains in the flooded property and the mains electricity supply was not turned off before the flood, do not touch any electrical appliances until you are told it is safe to do so.

Call 999 if there is any threat to life.

When everyone is safe follow these principles below to recover from this flood damage:

First Steps
When can I return to my business?
How do i repair my business?
Further support

First Steps

Notify your insurance company that the property has been flooded!

Although you cannot yet identify the damage caused, you can establish whether they will provide alternative work space and emergency funding which may enable your business to continue running.

Implement your business recovery plan

Notify customers - If applicable, notify customers of the temporary disruption.

Speak to your insurer - If your insurance company will not cover an alternative work space for you and your employees, you could consider:

Moving to a new office
Employees working from home
Renting another property in the area (as a short term solution)
Do not return to the property until you are told it is safe to do so.

When can I return to my business?

Make your own record of the flood damage
Contact your insurance company again, if you have one. You may have done this already, to advise them that the property has been flooded and to arrange a temporary alternative workplace. Once you regain access to the property, you will need to contact them again to arrange for a loss adjuster to visit. They should also be able to explain to you how the claims process works.
If the property is rented, it may be the landlords insurer (and loss adjuster) who will be involved in assessing the damage to the building whilst your own insurer will assess the loss of contents, stock, equipment and business interruption. To complete the process you will need to liaise with both insurers.

How do I repair my business?

If you own the property, start to organise the process of drying out and eventual repair/replacement
If you are a tenant of the property, or only lease part of the building, it is likely to be your landlord who organises this process.
Where an insurer is covering part or all of the cost, their loss adjuster will be the main point of contact between you and the insurance company. Although decisions on the claim are the sole responsibility of the insurance company, who will usually still remain in contact with you or the landlord, it is the loss adjuster who you will deal with on a regular basis. So do not commission works until the insurer has agreed. If you are not insured (and own the property), you may start work immediately.

Consider installing property flood resilience measures

If the property is likely to be flooded again, they may want to do the repair work in a way that helps to reduce the damage that the next flood causes. This can be done by installing Property Flood Resilience (PFR) measures. Sometimes the insurer will be willing to fund all or part of the cost of that work.

Get consent from your landlord (if you have one)

You may need your lender’s consent, or consent from your landlord or a superior landlord, for any repairs or replacement of parts of the property, so check your mortgage deed and lease, or call the lender. It is prudent to wait until you have that consent before starting work.

More information available at: https://www.floodguidance.co.uk/flood-guidance/business-premises-flooded/

Welsh Language Music Day / Dydd Miwsig Cymru - the Story of Clwb y Bont

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Fri, 07 Feb 2020 18:33:24 GMT

Welsh Language Music Day celebrates all forms of Welsh Language music. Whether you’re into indie, rock, punk, funk, folk, electronica, hip hop or anything else, there’s incredible music being made in the Welsh language for you to discover. Projects Officer James Payne caught up with Terry from Clwb y Bont's events team and Honorary Secretary Helen to find out more about Pontypridd's famous Welsh language club and what Dydd Miwsig Cymru means to them.

Can you tell me the meaning behind the name of Clwb y Bont and how the club was formed?

(Helen)

Clwb y Bont meaning club of the bridge. The club was formed in 1983 by a group of people who spoke Welsh and wanted a centre to socialise through the medium of Welsh and at the same time promote Welsh language and culture to others in the area. It was modelled on other community pubs around the country who saw the need to keep hold of the Welsh language and ensure its survival.

What role does Clwb y Bont play in promoting Welsh Language Music in Pontypridd and across South Wales?

(Helen)

Some of the biggest names in Welsh language pop and rock have played in Clwb including Dafydd Iwan, Fflur Dafydd, Steve Eaves, Gwilym, Bob Delyn a’r Ebillion. We promote new talent too and this year hosted Bandiau Mei – an amazing event - bringing together rock bands from Welsh schools in the area.

Clwb has been part of wider events such as Parti Ponty in the past – how important are these events to promote Welsh Language music in the area?

(Helen)

The amazing thing about Parti Ponty is that it harnesses the young people of the area by showcasing school groups and young bands and performers. Whole families join in with enthusiasm whether they speak English or Welsh at home they come and enjoy the range of music, dance, poetry , debate and food that the day has to offer. Because of the large numbers of young people coming through Welsh medium education there is massive enthusiasm for them to perform and to socialise and spend leisure time through the Welsh language.

What are the opportunities and challenges of operating a grassroots music venue?

(Terry)

For the past two Clwb y Bont has been part of the campaign led Music Venues Alliance, which gives recognition to Grassroots music venues who have brought so much to the culture of towns and cities often without support to keep them running and try to protect venues from developers who are unfortunately threatening closure the venues across South Wales.

In Clwb Y Bont we now have a focus for collaboration and support with Menter Iaith RCT, Young Promoters Network, PYST, Your Pontypridd BID & The Arts Council of Wales night out scheme. We have been more adventurous because of this support particularly with new and established Welsh language bands. W e have a Welsh language playlist in the bar and event room where most of the music is from bands who have played in the Clwb, Our Mari Llwyd in the new year was such a powerful evening with the singing and musicianship from the audience and performers bring a great community feel to the Clwb.

How will Clwb y Bont be celebrating Welsh Language Music Day today and over the weekend?

(Helen)

We celebrate Welsh language music every Friday through our singalong in the bar which features Welsh folk songs, and every other genre from blues to pop to country.

We are committed to one Welsh language performance per month, that didn’t fall on Welsh language day unfortunately!

(Terry)

Tonight we are Hosting an acoustic Gig to support Mind mental healthy charity with original songs from local young artists.

On Thursday there is a special performance from Owen Shiers who will perform Welsh Folk songs and give the stories behind the music and the places they came from.

Which Welsh language artists would yourself and members of Clwb’s committee recommend listening to?

(Helen)

For folky rootsy – Meinir Gwilym, Bob Delyn, Al Lewis, Meic Stevens

For ‘out there’ pop - Super Furry Animals, Gruff Rhys, Gwenno

For pop and rock – Gwilym, Big Leaves, Euros Childs

Why should people visit Clwb y Bont?

(Terry)

Our Clwb hosts a community choir every Monday who perform bilingually, we also have a Quiz night every Tuesday which is also Bilingual. Wednesdays we have monthly Folk Jazz and Blues nights and on Fridays we have a traditional Singalong in the Bar!

To hear about future events and learn more about Clwb y Bont visit their Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/clwbybont/

Pontypridd visual artist and set designer Becky Davies will develop community-based project On the Bridge in February-April 2020, with support from National Theatre Wales.

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Fri, 31 Jan 2020 09:25:25 GMT

Pontypridd visual artist and set designer Becky Davies will develop community-based project On the Bridge in February-April 2020, with support from National Theatre Wales.

Through a series of workshops, research for the project will engage local people in creating a multi-sensory journey of exploration, with the aim of unearthing communities’ everyday stories in response to the changing face of Pontypridd. The people of the town will be invited to share their own off-the-beaten-track places of significance, against the backdrop of a major redevelopment project, which Becky and her collaborators will re-animate, through creative exploration.

With the support of Elise Davison, Artistic Director of Taking Flight Theatre, the project aims in the long-term to provide a truly accessible experience co-authored by Pontypridd’s communities, and created with input from their stories and voices. The Bridge aims to reinforce and celebrate Pontypridd communities’ connections to place and to one another, and the changes the area has seen over the ages.

Seeking to be as inclusive as possible, workshops will run over seven weeks from February to April, with a sharing session at the end of this research period. The Bridge‘s aim is to spark conversation, and Becky truly believes in the value of this project in re-building essential relationships between Pontypridd’s residents, local organisations, businesses and community groups, at this seismic time in its history.

Between February and June 2020, Becky will be leading a series of workshops where you are invited to share in this process of discovery.

If you would like to be involved, please get in touch by 15th February 2020 by e-mailing us at:

chantal.s.williams@gmail.com

First Workshop to be held Friday 21st February 10am - 5pm Clwb Y Bont. Pontypridd

Follow Becky at @beckykempdavies.

Press contact:

Chantal Williams

chantal.s.williams@gmail.com

07553104984

Located Residencies are at the centre of NTW’s Creative Development programme. Throughout 2020, eight artists selected in an open call – from designers to poets to artist-activists – are developing early-stage performance projects on location across Wales, with Emerging Producers, Chantal Williams and Shane Nickels.

Refurbishment of Pontypridd YMCA given go ahead after securing funding

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Thu, 16 Jan 2020 10:15:19 GMT

The refurbishment of the Pontypridd YMCA has been given the final go-ahead after Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council's Cabinet approved funding for the project, the project will also have the backing of the Arts Council of Arts who will invest £2 million pounds.

Cabinet has agreed for the Council to take ownership of the YMCA building and invest an extra £383,000 into its redevelopment to help secure £4m external funding, including £2.28m by the Arts Council of Wales with work then set to begin early in 2020.

A report to Cabinet on Tuesday, December 17, recommended that Cabinet Members agree the additional investment, which would complete the £4.48m funding package for the project. It also recommended that Cabinet Members authorise the Council taking ownership of the Taff Street building, and lease it back to the YMCA over a period of 99 years – with a review of the arrangements in 25 years.

Benefiting from £2.28m Arts Council of Wales investment, the ambitious redevelopment plans will bring the historic 1910 local venue back into use for the benefit of the community. The project will see a complete refurbishment of the building, with the much-loved Shelley Hall at the heart of the development. A number of community spaces will also be provided for the availability of local groups.

Cabinet agreed with the recommendations of the report, and work is now anticipated to get underway next month. The scheme is due for completion in mid-2021, with Knox & Wells the appointed contractor and the plans drawn up by Capita. The completed building will be run by Artis Community on behalf of Pontypridd YMCA.

Councillor Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Enterprise, Development and Housing, said: “I’m very pleased that Cabinet has agreed for the Council to take ownership of the Pontypridd YMCA building, and further invest £383,000 to make this £4.48m project a reality. It is a very ambitious project that will revitalise the YMCA building, which holds such a prominent and important place within the history of Pontypridd.

“The new-look YMCA will focus on promoting the arts, while continuing its traditional role in bringing people together, as it has for many generations in the past. It is very exciting that works will begin on site during the New Year.

“Pontypridd is one of the Council’s five Strategic Opportunity Areas, identified for its huge potential for economic growth. These are exciting times for the town, with the YMCA project a stone’s throw from the office-led mixed use development, Llys Cadwyn, on the Taff Vale site – due for completion in 2020.

“I’m looking forward to seeing the YMCA making similar progress throughout next year, and for the Council to work closely with Arts Council of Wales and the Pontypridd YMCA to make this ambitious project a reality.”

Nick Capaldi, Chief Executive of Arts Council of Wales, added: “Arts Council of Wales is delighted to be supporting the important redevelopment of this historic building. The goal of this project is to make a difference to people’s lives through taking part in high quality arts experiences, and given the synergies with Artis Community’s objectives, this project will enable the organisation to offer even more than it does now.

“The YM is a special place for many people in Pontypridd and we look forward to seeing this tradition continue as a new generation enjoys a wide range of activity.”

Chair of Pontypridd YMCA, Kay Walters, said: “We’re so grateful to both Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and the Arts Council of Wales for breathing new life into Pontypridd’s historic YMCA building. This huge investment will enable us to reopen a building which has played an important part in Pontypridd’s rich social and cultural history, and we know the YM has an important place in people’s hearts.

“As we renew Pontypridd YMCA, we’ll build on the values it has historically upheld. It will be a place where social, creative and educational opportunities are available to people of all ages. It will provide a stage for smaller-scale events as we reopen Shelley Hall, complementing other provision in the area.

“Our plans for the Pontypridd YMCA are based on partnership, and we will look to work with other organisations in the area to give them a wonderful and modern platform for their work. We will continue to engage with all parts of our community about how this facility can meet their needs and wishes.”

More information and contact details can be found on the YMCA website - https://pontypriddymca.co.uk/

Your Pontypridd BID AGM Notice 2020

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Wed, 15 Jan 2020 09:24:16 GMT

Our AGM will take place on Tuesday 28th January 2020. This is the opportunity for BID levy payers to hear about what we have achieved over the last 12 months.

There will also be an opportunity to meet our Chair, Projects Officer and our Board of Directors.

Board Directors – opportunity for you to apply

If you are a BID levy payer, are passionate about the town as a trading environment, and willing to freely provide your expertise and opinions, you are invited to apply to become a director of the BID board. Contact james@yourpontypridd.co.uk for an application form.

RSVP

We would appreciate it if you could provide notice of your intention to join the AGM so that we can ensure an appropriate number of seats are provided. Refreshments and an opportunity to network with other businesses will follow the conclusion of the meeting at 12pm.

Please RSVP to james@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Hope Rescue receives 'Best Dressed BID Christmas Window 2019' Award

Mon, 09 Dec 2019 15:35:39 GMT

Hope Rescue Pontypridd has won the Annual Christmas Window Competition organised by the Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District for a third year running. Hope Rescue faced strong competition with many new businesses taking part in the competition, and many wonderful displays across the town. Hope Rescue came out on top once again with another fantastic festive display created by their volunteers. Staff at Hope Rescue were given their award and a bouquet of flowers by Your Pontypridd Projects Officer James Payne, Hope Rescue will also receive one month's worth of advertising on the digital billboard owned by the Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District at the Turning Circle in the town.

The volunteers were delighted to win the award again and added that ' The Window is very important for the shop, it's great for visitors coming in to see all the festive displays and gets everyone in the Christmas sprit, we are delighted to be recognised with this award.' Hope Rescue also came out top of the public vote with fantastic support from all their friends and customers voting for them on the Your Pontypridd Facebook page. The competition was once again very popular on social media with hundreds voting in an effort to get their favourite into the top 5 for judging.

The top five windows - Hope Rescue, Leek and Weston, Georges Barbers, Gwynns Opticians and St Vincents all made it into the exciting judging process where the windows were judged by Gavin Powell ( Promotions Manager of GTFM), Loretta Tomkinson (Pontypridd Town Council Mayor), Becky Davies (Lecturer in Creative and Therapeutic Arts at University of South Wales), Alan Humphreys (Chair of Your Pontypridd Marketing Committee) & Ann Hayes (Creative Industries & Arts Manager at Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council). The judges were impressed with the standard and each of the windows had their own highlights. Pontypridd Town Mayor Lorettta Tomkinson said that the 'Hope Rescue display had the wow factor and would definitely make people stop and look' there was also high praise for Leek and Weston's display who were very worthy of their runners up spot, Alan Humphreys calling the display 'incredibly innovative.'

Your Pontypridd would like to thank everyone involved in this year's competition, Your Pontypridd Projects Manager James Payne said "Congratulations to Hope Rescue on winning the competition for the third year in a row, a fantastic achievement as the standard rises every year. Thank you to everyone who voted for their favourite business, and to the judges for taking time to visit the wonderful displays in the town, the Window competition is always fun to organise and encourages visitors to look for the displays in the town, we look forward to next year when hopefully even more businesses enter and we can continue to create a festive look in the town centre"

The full result of the competition can be seen at https://www.yourpontypridd.co.uk/yourpontyxmaswindow

NAT Group to run free coach journeys to London

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Thu, 21 Nov 2019 13:18:41 GMT

A south Wales bus company has joined forces with a national intercity technology platform to launch a new Cardiff to London coach service, and passengers are invited to travel absolutely free during its launch period.

NAT Group will begin operating the new service, which begins its journey in Pontypridd and Treforest, stopping at Cardiff and Newport, before travelling direct to London, on Friday 29th November. The service will initially operate on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays.

Until Sunday 1st December, trips on the first two days of travel will be bookable for free at www.getasnap.com .

In October, Snap – a premium technology platform for coach operators – asked south Wales residents to nominate suggested new services that NAT Group would then operate.

Overwhelmingly, the public voted for routes from Cardiff, Pontypridd and Newport to the UK capital. Out of the thousands of people that voted, Cardiff was the most popular originating location and London the most popular destination.

Managing Director of NAT Group, Adam Keen, said: “We’re very excited to launch this new service connecting South Wales with London. Initially, we will run the service up to three times a day and, based on Snap’s technology, can respond to demand adding additional services if needed utilising our modern fleet of vehicles and large pool of coach drivers. Cardiff and Newport needs higher quality, cheaper travel and we’re pleased to be providing the only direct connection between Pontypridd, Treforest and London.”

Snap Chief Executive, Thomas Ableman, said: “Snap works with the very best local coach companies to provide services that people would like. We use technology to ensure that services run at the times people want, from the places people want and to ensure that prices are kept as low as possible. We also make sure the journeys are simple and stress-free with live tracking and dynamic ETA updates, and convenient local pick-ups in places currently underserved.”

To take advantage of the launch offer and travel to London absolutely free visit www.getasnap.com and book a trip before Sunday 1st December.

For more information, contact Natalie Thomas at Effective Communication, nthomas@effcom.co.uk / 029 2083 8310.

Everything you need to know about the Pontypridd Christmas Lights Switch on event!

Fri, 15 Nov 2019 14:57:20 GMT

Pontypridd Town Council 's Christmas Lights Switch On event takes tomorrow, here's all the information you need ahead of what will be a great day with lots of festive fun for the family!

Fountain Area

Come along and see Santa in his Grotto between 12.30pm and 5.30pm near the Fountain on Taff Street Pontypridd! (50p donation to the Mayor's Charity Appeal) There's lots more to enjoy in the Fountain Area

Santa's Grotto - opens 12-5.30pm - 50p donation to the Mayor's Charity Appeal
Synethic skating rink (Free admission)
Large Snow-globe (Free admission)
GTFM roadshow
Face painting
Childen's entertainers /characters
Skating Snowmen/Snowlady
Stilt Walkers (Ice Prince/Princess)

Stage Area (Opposite Tesco Express) Taff Street - be entertained by GTFM and local artists and of course a very special guest will be joining us at 5.00pm on the stage!

2.00pm - Games & entertainment with the presenters of GTFM
3.00pm - Kaci - (local artist)
3:30pm - Pontypridd Community Choir
4.00pm - Welcome from Pontypridd Town Mayor
4.05pm - Laura Power (local artist)
4:30pm - Ella Thomas - Voice Kids Runner up
5.00pm - Father Christmas will arrive
5:10pm - Sarah Brown (local artist)
5:30pm - Christmas Card Winners presentation
5:45pm - Switch on the Christmas lights
5.50pm - Pyrotechnic Show
6.00pm - The event ends!

Mill Street Turning Circle:

4.00pm - Outside cinema this year we are showing the Christmas film "Arthur Christmas" so bring your own seats and wrap up warm- limited to 300 spaces! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Strictly no alcohol.

The winners of this year's Christmas Card Competition will be switching on the Christmas Lights at approximately 5.45pm (depending on the weather!)

There will be a Mobiloo sited by Iceland for the duration of the event

There will be no Stagecoach '99' bus service through the Town Centre for the duration of the event

Photographs of the event will be taken to be used on the Town Council website and social media pages

No alcohol

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ORDER - Pontypridd Town Centre

A temporary road closure is expected to operative from 9am - 8pm on 16th November 2019.

Taff Street - from it's junction with Crossbrook Street through to High Street and its junction with Sardis Road (including Penuel Lane, Gas Road, Temperance Place, Market Street, Church Street and Mill Street)

Alternative route - From the northern side of the closure, proceed via Crossbrook Street, Gelliwastad Road, Catherine Street, Sardis Road Gyratory and Sardis Road to the southern end of closure.

Businesses opening late

St Vincent open until 7pm
KooKoo Madame open until 6pm

If you're business is opening late tomorrow please let us know so we can share on Your Pontypridd social media - contact james@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Parking in Pontypridd

Long Stay Car Parks

All long stay Council owned car parks in Pontypridd will be £1 for all day parking tomorrow. These car parks include Berw Road, Sardis Road, Millfield & Goods Yard!

Gas Lane Car Park

Gas Lane is a short-stay car park, primarily used by shoppers and visitors, and as such have higher charges to try and deter long term parking in these locations. Maximum stay of 4 hours

Charging hours 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday - Saturday except bank holidays.

Up to an hour	Up to two hours	Up to three hours	Up to four hours
50p	£1.00	£1.50	£2.00

NCP Car Parks

Pontypridd Catherine Street car park will be open from 7am - 7pm

1 hour	£1.00
1 to 2 hours	£2.00
2 to 3 hours	£3.00
3 to 4 hours	£4.00
4 to 5 hours	£5.00
5 to 24 hours	£8.00

Early bird entry 7am - 9am £3.10

(NCP's Early Bird price is available when you park between 07.00 - 09.00 and exit before 18:30 on the same day. For shorter stays between 07:00 - 09:00 our standard tariff is still available. Please press the assistance button at a pay station so we can adjust the cost of your stay)

NCP Goods Yard Car Park is a 24 hour car park, prices are as follows:

Up to 30 mins - £0.50p
1 hour - £1
1 hour 30 minutes - £1.50
2 hours - £2
2 hours 30 minutes - £2.50
3 hours - £3
3 hours 30 minutes - £3.50
4 hours - £4

Public Toilets

Pontypridd Bus Station - The Public Toilets are open Saturday from 09:00 to 17:00, disabled toilets are open 24/7 to anyone with a Radar Key.

We hope everyone has a fantastic day, for updates during the event check the Pontypridd Town Council Facebook page. Tag us into your photos @YourPontypridd

First Time Buyers events at Santander Pontypridd

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 14:50:17 GMT

Dream of buying your first home but not sure where to start? Take the first steps in your journey at Santander's first time buyer event.

They will take you through all the key parts of purchasing your first home, and trained colleagues are on hand to answer any questions you might have along the way.

Buying a home for the first time can be a daunting experience, so we break your journey down into three manageable stages:

1. Planning your route

Here you’ll learn how to get your finances in order, your buying options and understanding your position. Find out how much you can borrow and learn how to use a mortgage calculator to explore your best options.

2. Finding your destination

Then we look more specifically at what kind of home you want and your preferred locations.

You’ll also learn how and where to get your mortgage - including other banks, building societies, brokers or estate agents. We’ll explain all your options so you can make the best decision for you.

3. Arriving at your home

Finally, we explore the process of moving into your first home. This covers everything from the valuation and survey to the exchange of contracts and the legal work involved with your purchase.

There will be time after the session for you to ask trained colleagues any questions you might have about the process.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

All applications are subject to status and lending criteria.

Dates for the events are:

8th of November, 3-5pm - https://www.santanderevents.co.uk/event/first-time-buyers-2244

16th of November, 9.30 - 11.30am (SOLD OUT) - https://www.santanderevents.co.uk/event/first-time-buyers-1557

23rd of November, 2 - 4pm - https://www.santanderevents.co.uk/event/first-time-buyers-2253

29th of November, 3-5pm - https://www.santanderevents.co.uk/event/first-time-buyers-2254

6th of December, 3-5pm - https://www.santanderevents.co.uk/event/first-time-buyers-2256

14th of December, 2-4pm - https://www.santanderevents.co.uk/event/first-time-buyers-1785

23rd of December, 3-5pm - https://www.santanderevents.co.uk/event/first-time-buyers-2257

30th of December, 3-5pm - https://www.santanderevents.co.uk/event/first-time-buyers-2258

Pontypridd Pubwatch recognised as 'highly commended' at National Pubwatch Awards in the House of Lords

Fri, 25 Oct 2019 14:52:06 GMT

Pontypridd Pubwatch has been recognised as 'highly commended' at the National Pubwatch Awards at the prestigious award ceremony & dinner in the House of Lords in Westminster on the 16th October. Now in its seventh year, the National Pubwatch Awards, champion the work of local Pubwatch schemes throughout the UK and their efforts to provide safe drinking environments for customers and staff in all licensed premises. Entrants are judged by a panel of National Pubwatch Committee members and industry experts who identify the scheme which made the greatest contribution to its community.

Each local Pubwatch works in partnership with local police to reduce alcohol-related crime, while providing local pubs with information and guidance on how to ensure a safe drinking environment in their community. Pontypridd Pubwatch was the first Pubwatch in Rhondda Cynon Taf to enter the National Pubwatch Awards, Sian John (Chair of Your Pontypridd BID & Pontypridd Pubwatch) and Victoria Walker (vice chair of Pontypridd Pubwatch) represented the Pontypridd Pubwatch at the awards, where the judges highlighted Pontypridd for its work around safeguarding vulnerable people and its supporting relationship with the Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District.

Mike Jacklin, co-ordinator of the RCT & Merthyr Tydfil BCRP, ' congratulated the Pubwatch for the dedication & enthusiasm they had put into achieving this award. It is proof that Pubwatch makes an enormous contribution to delivering Pontypridd as a successful & safe town centre for everyone to visit, work, & enjoy. That Partnership working does deliver success'

Pontypridd Pubwatch is a member of the Rhondda-Cynon-Taf & Merthyr Tydfil Business Crime Reduction Partnership, & the National Pubwatch.

Victoria Walker, who also manages Pontypridd's Wetherspoons pub The Tumble Inn said that 'Pontypridd Pubwatch has been an integral part of the night time economy for some time. The scheme runs primarily to reduce crime and disorder and to promote a safe night time economy. Working together with licensees, the police, licensing authorities, the local BID and other parties the scheme provides safe guarding, training and promotes local initiatives.

The National Pubwatch awards, I felt was a brilliant way to promote the work we do within the town and the night time economy and the relationships we have with the local authorities. As a community we have the ability to come together and promote change and we feel we have a voice as licensed premises.

It was an absolute pleasure to be one of three finalists from the UK, and an even bigger pleasure to be invited to the House of Lords to receive our ‘highly commended’ award. As a scheme we would like to thank all the parties that contribute to our very successful running and for all the support we receive from within the town.'

Your Pontypridd BID Secretary James Payne said ' this is hugely deserved, the Pontypridd Pubwatch provides a platform for the BID to engage with levy payers in the night time economy and we have built an excellent relationship with the businesses and representatives from the local authorities, which has led to Pontypridd Pubwatch being recognised nationally as highly commended, all the organisations and businesses involved can be proud that they are creating a safer night time economy and hopefully we can build on this success to continue to make Pontypridd a great place to visit.'

To see the results of the National Pubwatch Awards 2019 visit www.nationalpubwatch.org.uk/pubwatch-awards/

Why people should come to #YourPontypridd

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 15:42:09 GMT

Our former intern and fashion blogger Arthur Mburu - http://www.lifestylespread.com tells us why people should come to #YourPontypridd - check out the video below.

Amplified Studio through to judging stage of Master Photography Awards

Thu, 19 Sep 2019 09:40:48 GMT

Amplified Studio is a Multi Award Winning specialist and bespoke newborn and baby photography studio based in Pontypridd town centre, they create fine art portraiture in a professional studio, designed specifically for the needs of new babies and are home to Wales’s only Associate in Newborn Portraiture with the Master Photographers Association - and one of just five in the UK.

This year the studio have eight images through to the print round of the 2019 Master Photography Awards, having got through the first round of judging where images are viewed digitally, the eight images will now be produced as fine art prints before judging commences in November and Amplified will wait to see if the images are awarded.

The Master Photography Awards is an annual ceremony run by the Master Photographers Association, where Jordan Gillard, director of Amplified Studio was the first in Wales, and the fourth in the UK to receive an associate level qualification in newborn portraiture (still only one of 2, and just 8 in the UK). The awards ceremony is held in Coventry. The competition is international, with photographers all over the world competing.

The image of the mum in the blue dress holding the baby (above) has also recently been awarded as a finalist in the RISE international photography awards in Australia - meaning it scored in the top 20 in the category worldwide. It then went to live judging which was streamed internationally online, and was awarded a silver award (score above 80).

Your Pontypridd would like to wish the Studio the very best for the award ceremony in November, if you are interested in using their services visit their Facebook page or visit their website at https://www.amplifiedwales.co.uk/booking to book a session with them.

Free Tap Water Refills in Pontypridd

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 09:29:53 GMT

Pontypridd Refill Scheme

Refill Pontypridd is on a mission to make refilling your water bottle as easy, convenient and cheap as possible, by introducing Refill Stations on every street!

An exciting Refill Scheme has launched in Pontypridd which encourages participating cafes, bars, restaurants, banks, museums and other businesses to sign up to the free Refill app.

Check out your local filling stations below!

Pontypridd Pubwatch makes it to the final of the National Pubwatch Awards

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 09:05:10 GMT

PONTYPRIDD PUBWATCH MAKES IT TO THE FINAL OF THE 2019 NATIONAL PUBWATCH. Pontypridd Pubwatch, part of the RCT & Merthyr Tydfil Business Crime Reduction Partnership, has made it to the final three of this National Pubwatch competition.

Sian John (chair) & Victoria Walker (vice chair) will represent PONTYPRIDD PUBWATCH at the prestigious award ceremony & dinner in the House of Lords in Westminster on the 16th October next month.

This is the first time a Rhondda-Cynon-Taf Pubwatch has entered the National Pubwatch Awards & this recognition is testimony to the enthusiasm & dedication that the members have put in with the support of South Wales Police, Rhondda-Cynon-Taf Council licensing team, & other agencies.

Activities over the last year that were submitted include:

Regular monthly minuted meetings
28 persons put on Pubwatch exclusions in past year
strict exclusion criteria
all members active participants of the RCT Nightnet radio scheme
Working closely with RCT CCTV team
all members signed up to Disc secure website for reporting, & monitoring offenders
Regular campaigns to cover the busy periods of Christmas, & Six Nations & Autumn International rugby.
Members & their teams have attended seminars covering Safeguarding of vulnerable adults & children, drug & substance abuse, & doorstaff development.
Working closely with the enforcement authorities.
Active members of the Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District.
Committed over the year to reducing crime in & around their premises plus making Pontypridd a welcoming & safe night time destination.

CONGRATULATIONS TO Victoria Walker of Wetherspoon's & the Pontypridd Pubwatch team for a winning submission.

Pontypridd Pubwatch is a member of the Rhondda-Cynon-Taf & Merthyr Tydfil Business Crime Reduction Partnership, & the National Pubwatch.

Offers for BID Levy Payers

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 09:20:59 GMT

Check out some of the exclusive offers available to BID levy payers.

Janets Authentic Northern Chinese Restaurant - open now in Pontypridd Market

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Fri, 19 Jul 2019 14:41:37 GMT

Janet's Authentic Northern Chinese Restaurant has recently opened in Pontypridd Market, we're delighted that Janets has now joined the Business Improvement District as a voluntary member.

I recently sat down with Janet to talk about her journey and eventually ending up in Pontypridd. Janet saw Pontypridd as the gateway to the Valleys and noticed straight away the strong local communities surrounding Pontypridd. Janet's inspiration for her recipes comes from the North China/Korea border and also from Japan, Janets Restaurant brings a fusion of Asian flavours to Pontypridd Market with many of her customers already enjoying her unique recipes.

Janet first visited the Market two years ago, and she was inspired when she saw the exciting new businesses that were opening regenerating the Indoor Market. Janet now brings her love of cooking to the heart of Pontypridd, her most popular dish so far has been the Korean Bibimbap (see picture below), the term “bibim” means mixing various ingredients, while the “bap” noun refers to rice, this has been a huge hit with customers. The restaurant will also be launching a lunch option soon perfect for workers in the town looking for a nutritious healthy meal.

Visit Janets at Pontypridd Market, open 10am - 4pm Tuesday to Sunday

Like them on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Janetspontypridd/

Follow them on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/janetschinesepontypridd/

Your Pontypridd Summer Events Guide!

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 10:56:29 GMT

There are lots of events to enjoy this summer in Your Pontypridd, have a look at our guide below to some of the most exciting things to do in July and August including the annual Big Welsh Bite & Vintage Transport Day. There's also a chance to create a new library story and end the summer with a bang with the return of Pontypridd's Big Weekend!

Pop-up Planetarium at Pontypridd Museum
13th July
10.30am - 1.30pm

To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the #apollo11 #moonlandings we're teaming up with Dark Sky Wales to host their pop-up planetarium! Tickets available now at the Museum or on the door, along with free craft sessions!

Parti Ponty at Clwb y Bont

13th July 2019

5pm - 11pm

After the day's activities, come along to Clwb y Bont, Pontypridd, to see some of 2019's most popular Welsh language young bands. - GWILYM - ALFFA - Glain Rhys - Denielle Lewis - Aelwyd y Rhondda - Bandiau Mei - 17:00 – 23:00 - £3.

Create a new Library story at Pontypridd Library

24th July, 31st July and 7th of August

10am – 11am

Join us for our FREE creative writing, arts and crafts, building and storytelling workshops. Help us create a storybook for the Taff Vale Redevelopment and Pontypridd's Magical River Taff.

The stories and illustrations we create will be transformed into storybook for our new library.

Workshops are suitable for toddlers to children aged 8 years old. No need to book, just turn up! Children must be supervised by parents & guardians at all times.

Our last session is on Wednesday 7th August at 10am in Pontypridd Library and with a focus on what our new library will look like!

Friends of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park activities

Family Gardening Session, 23rd July. 10am - 12pm

Come along and join us in planting seeds and see how easy it is to grow food in small spaces. Meet at the First Aid (opposite play area) before going to Greenhouses. No booking required.

https://www.facebook.com/events/659512531229879/

Master Mappers, 31st July. 11am - 1pm

Are you a family of wannabe explorers? Come and learn basic mapping skills including compass points. Put your new skills to the test by taking on the challenge of our orienteering course. This activity is FREE but spaces are limited. Bookings can be made by emailing friends@ywmp.org

The Stoned Roses are a South Wales based tribute to the iconic band The Stone Roses. Formed in January 2017 and comprising of - Andrew Pompa (vocals), Mark Edwards (drums, vocals), Paul Milton (guitar) and Julian Johnston (bass) the band have swiftly become regarded as the most authentic sounding tribute to the Manchester band. With a growing reputation both locally and throughout the UK, The Stoned Roses create a dynamic live set of all the Roses hits.

26th July, 6-9pm

https://www.facebook.com/events/2284751678520140/

The Big Welsh Bite at Ynysangharad Park – 3rd & 4th of August, 11am – 5pm

The hugely popular two-day food festival returns for a weekend of entertainment and taste bud tantalising temptations!

Contact: 01443 424123 or events@rctcbc.gov.uk

https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Events/Archive/2019/August/BigWelshBite.aspx

Pontypridd Vintage Transport Day

10th August

11am

The Vintage Transport Day takes place in August including a parade through the town centre of Pontypridd. There will also be static vehicles include cars, buses, tractors, bikes, steam engines, stationary engines and military vehicles at the Park.

Sugar and Spice & Salad Bar present Super Fun at Pontypridd Market

8th August

4-6pm

Purchase tickets for this one off superhero themed event from either Sugar and Spice or the Salad Bar. This will be a fun holiday time event - become a superhero and save the zoo animals and take away your very own comic book adventure.

PONTY'S BIG WEEEKEND at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park

17th August

3pm - 11pm

Ponty's Big Weekend is back for the first time since 2014.

Multi-million record selling artists Ocean Colour Scene will headline a day of live music which will also feature fellow Britpop icons The Bluetones, South Wales’ very own Goldie Lookin Chain - who will bring their legends set, and up-and-coming Welsh bands Buzzard Buzzard Buzzard, The Pitchforks, Al Moses and Young Garbo complete the line up.

Tickets can be purchased from Pontypridd Lido.

Age Connects Morgannwg celebrates 42 years of supporting older people in the local community

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Thu, 04 Jul 2019 13:20:05 GMT

Age Connects Morgannwg celebrates 42 years of supporting older people in the local community

Age Connects Morgannwg (ACM) is celebrating 42 years as an independent local charity which provides advice and support to older people who need it the most.

Celebrations took place in Cynon Linc - an intergenerational community hub in Aberdare - where guests were invited to eat cake and have photos with members of the ACM team.

Since 1977, Age Connects Morgannwg has supported people over the age of 50 across Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend through some of the most difficult times of their life. They offer practical help, professional advice, dependability and a continuity of service like no other. They care about the challenges older people face and they offer a listening ear and support when it feels like there is no where else to turn.

The charity offers a range of services to help people live independently for as long as possible. You can drop in or book an appointment at their Information and Advice hubs in Pontypridd or Aberdare. There you can get advice on a range of issues affecting older people such as welfare benefits, maximising income, will writing, funeral plans, equity release, Blue Badge applications, adaptations to your home, housing and tenancy.

If you need help getting your nails clipped you can take advantage of the Simply Nails service which offers home visits or clinic appointments to keep people on their feet and comfortable for as long as possible.

For many years, ACM has provided services to help get older people home from hospital and support them in their home following their discharge. Their Independent Advocacy Service is also available as extra support for people to speak up and be listened to when decisions are being made about their lives. For those who are feeling lonely or isolated, the Befriending Service is available to provide a listening ear and support from volunteers.

Chief Executive, Rachel Rowlands says, “ Every day, our staff and volunteers brighten someone’s day with a smile, a helping hand, time to chat or practical support on the road to recovery. Celebrating 42 years of making that kind of difference is testament to the hard work of the Charity, the dedication and loyalty of its people and the undeniable impact it has on the lives of thousands of older people each year. We couldn’t do it without the support of our funders and local people who donate and fundraise for us. Our birthday gives us the opportunity to say thank you. We have a strong history and with their support, we have a bright future. ”

To find out more about the services Age Connects Morgannwg offers, please call 01443 490650 or email information@acmorgannwg.org.uk

You can also donate online via the Local Giving page which will help us to support older people: https://localgiving.org/charity/age-connects-morgannwg/

Notes to editors:

· Age Connects Morgannwg is the operating title of Age Concern Morgannwg and is a local independent charity.

· For more information about Age Connects Morgannwg, you can visit our website www.acmorgannwg.org.uk or contact Giuliana Kinnerly, Communications Officer on 07741 898686.

· Photo below is of Chief Executive, Rachel Rowlands along with ACM staff and members of the public at Cynon Linc, Aberdare

Pontypridd becomes official Bee Friendly town

Mon, 01 Jul 2019 10:22:51 GMT

This week Natural Resources Wales have granted Pontypridd the status of official Bee Friendly town. This is part of a scheme devised by Welsh Government and Friends of the Earth Cymru to incentivise towns, counties and businesses to take action to help reverse the decline of pollinators, bees in particular, which are an important keystone species who’s numbers are declining rapidly.

In order to gain this accreditation the Friends of the Earth Pontypridd group had to help bees in 4 ways: By providing habitat, providing food (in the form of flowers), getting the community involved and taking action to reduce pesticide and herbicide use.

The group would like to thank Pontypridd Town Council who have been very supportive of their efforts from the start, creating an environment and land use committee. They are currently working with local allotment associations to create a Bee Friendly strategy for allotments and are bringing the land they manage open to use by community groups and opening up their land management policy for public input. They stagger mowing on a large field they manage called ‘Tommy’s Field’ to allow the native wildflowers to bloom.

Ynysanghard War Memorial Park has also made changes to make itself more Bee Friendly, allowing patches of the park to flower instead of mowing, building bug ‘hotels’ and prioritising hand weeding over herbicide use. The ‘Friends of Ynysangharad Park’ volunteer group has been established which is a voluntary community group that has brought the abandoned greenhouses back in to use and has established a community garden, using permaculture techniques to grow food and flowers.

Schools have gotten involved in planting bee friendly flowers and establishing wildflower areas. This includes St Michael’ Primary School (which won an RCT ‘Love where you live award for their efforts), Coed-y-Lan and Coedpenmaen. A group of local residents called ‘Friends of Graigwen Woods’ got together to buy and conserve a large piece of woodland above Graigwen in order to bring it into community ownership and prevent it being developed. This has preserved an important piece of natural habitat.

With help from the Your Pontypridd BID and the Town Council, a number of planters have been put around town and planted with bee friendly flowers. In addition to this there has been numerous events and workshops where people have been making bee hotels, planting flowers and learning about bees and other pollinators, and a lot of little community gardens and guerrilla gardens have popped up around Pontypridd where locals have taken it into their own hands to make their community look nicer and help wildlife.

Pontypridd has managed to achieve the status of Bee Friendly Town by building on it’s strong community and by different groups working together towards a common goal. Congratulations to everyone involved, find out more about your local community groups on the links below.

Friends of the Earth Pontypridd - https://www.facebook.com/FOEPontypridd/

Friends of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park - https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfYWMP/

Pontypridd Town Council - https://www.facebook.com/PontypriddTownCouncil/

Friends of Graigwen Woods - https://www.facebook.com/friendsofgraigwenwoods/

The Wonky Bar celebrates 10th anniversary!

Fri, 31 May 2019 10:00:56 GMT

Pontypridd's famous and much loved Wonky Bar is turning 10 years old on Saturday 1st June 2019. Also known as 'The Patriot' the Rhymney Brewery bar has been serving the finest Rhymney Brewery ales and drinks for the last ten years on Taff Street, ideally located just a few minutes walk from Pontypridd Bus Station.

To celebrate this anniversary and to reward their loyal customers, for one weekend only the prices have been changed back to their original price when the bar opened back in 2009. Visit them this weekend for a great atmosphere and friendly welcome. If you fancy listening to some music their jukebox has a range of genres and songs dating back as far as 1953.

Opening times:

Friday & Saturday 11am - Midnight
Sunday 10am-10pm

Age Cymru hosting Future Planning event this week

Mon, 20 May 2019 08:43:38 GMT

Age Cymru Enterprises is holding a Future Planning event to offer people help with putting their affairs in order. The week-long event will take place from Monday, 20th May to Friday, 24th May between 10am-2pm at 89b-90 Taff Street (Next to Barclays), Pontypridd CF37 4SL.

Guests at the Future Planning event will have the opportunity to find out more about remaining independent and putting their affairs in order to help avoid unnecessary difficulty, worry and stress in later life. There will also be an Equity Release adviser from HUB Financial Solutions and a Legal representative from Irwin Mitchell available on certain days to help talk guests through their options. We encourage those planning to attend to book a free consultation today. Family and friends are also welcome and free refreshments will be available on the day.

Everyone attending on the day will also benefit from a free LifeBook. The LifeBook is a useful tool to record important details and contacts, and can be invaluable to a family member or a friend if they need to find important information in an emergency. Age Cymru Enterprises offers a range of products and services to help those in later life, such as Funeral Plans, an Equity Release Advice Service, and Wills and Legal Services.

Age UK

For media enquiries relating to Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland please contact the appropriate national office: Age Scotland on 0131 668 8055, Age Cymru on 029 2043 1562 and Age NI on 028 9024 5729.

We provide free information, advice and support to over five million people, commercial products and services to over one million customers, and research and campaign on the issues that matter to people in later life. Our work focuses on five key areas: money matters, health and well-being, home and care, work and training, and leisure and lifestyle. We work with our national partners, Age Scotland, Age Cymru and Age NI (together the Age UK Family), our local Age UK partners in England and local Age Concerns. We also work internationally for people in later life as a member of the DEC and with our sister charity Help Age International.

Age UK is a charitable company limited by guarantee and registered in England (registered charity number 1128267 and company number 6825798). Charitable services are offered through Age UK and commercial products are offered by the Charity’s Community Interest Company, which donate their net profits to Age UK (the Charity).

Age Co

To fund its charitable activities, Age UK needs a constant flow of independent income. It seeks to achieve this through a balance of traditional fund raising and trading activities.

The trading activities, through Age Co, enable it to meet the needs of older people, through offering quality products, such as general insurance. Age Co is part of Age UK’s Community Interest Company (CIC).

Age UK Trading CIC and Age UK Enterprises Limited trade under the trading name Age Co. Age UK Trading CIC (registered in England and Wales no. 1102972) and Age UK Enterprises Limited (registered in England and Wales no. 3156159) are trading subsidiary companies of Age UK (registered charity, no.1128267) and donate their net profits to Age UK. Registered office: Tavis House, 1-6 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9NA. Age UK Enterprises Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FS Register number: 311438.

For more information about the products and services offered by Age Co please visit our website by logging on to

https://www.ageco.co.uk/about-us/

Trattoria thank customers leading up to 10 year anniversary celebrations

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Wed, 15 May 2019 13:25:55 GMT

Trattoria Pontypridd will be celebrating their 10th anniversary on the 2nd of June 2019. The owners wanted to bring 'little Italy' to Pontypridd and did just that ten years ago, opening their second restaurant in the heart of the town's high street. Trattoria is now famous in the town for their a la carte and Early bird menus giving visitors the true taste of authentic Italian food, in a relaxed friendly atmosphere.

To celebrate their 10th anniversary, and as a thank you to their loyal customers over the last ten years the restaurant are giving you vouchers which can be used in the restaurant (see image below) - simply download and print the e-voucher and show it to a member of staff to scan and receive £10 off your total bill when eating from their a la carte menu only (terms and conditions apply) this offer will be valid for June, July & August. Famiglia Florimonte would like thank their customers for their great support given in the last ten years.

Visit the Trattoria Group's website here . Like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter !

SOUTH WALES FINALISTS REVEALED FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHING AWARDS

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 11:49:32 GMT

17 education professionals from South Wales have been announced as finalists for the national awards

SOUTH WALES FINALISTS REVEALED FOR PROFESSIONAL TEACHING AWARDS

17 education professionals from South Wales have been announced as finalists for the national awards

Today (8th April), 29 education professionals from across Wales have been revealed as finalists of the third Professional Teaching Awards Cymru.

The awards were created to celebrate the commitment, dedication and hard work of teachers across Wales. Over a hundred nominations came in from pupils, colleagues and parents and now the best of the best has been shortlisted for an award.

The winners from each of the ten categories will be announced at a special ceremony at Soughton Hall in May. Nominees in South Wales include Cadoxton Primary School for the Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relations with the Community award, and Robert Aldridge (Mary Immaculate High School) for the Teacher of the Year award.

The Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relations with the Community award is awarded to schools who demonstrate leadership in collaborative ventures, sharing excellence across all sectors to improve pupils’ learning and well-being.

The Teacher of the Year award is awarded to an individual that displays the qualities of an exceptional teacher, providing evidence of care, compassion and passion for their subject.

Last year’s School Business Manager/Bursar winner from South Wales, Jonathan Caple from Bishop Hedley Catholic High School said: “The school community were very supportive of my nomination and were delighted that I was chosen to be the recipient of the award.

Upon returning to school after winning the award it was fantastic to receive so many congratulations from both pupils and staff, with everyone interested in seeing the trophy and asking about the event.

The award that I received has also been welcomed by the Local Authority, ESTYN, press and parents and has provided positive publicity for the school as well as personal recognition for myself. I was delighted to have been part of the process and I wish good luck to all those who are finalists in 2019.”

Education Minister Kirsty Williams said: “As ever, the calibre of nominations is astounding, and it is truly humbling to see yet another group of inspiring finalists.

“Part of our national mission is to raise standards of education and make everyone proud to study in Wales. At the heart of the system are the teaching professionals.

“Every day teachers, support and business staff are all making a real difference to the lives of our young people and it’s vital that we recognise them for their contributions.

“The finalists are a credit to the profession. They should all be exceptionally proud of themselves and I am very much looking forward to meeting them all in May to celebrate their hard work.”

To be the first to find out the winner on Sunday 19 May watch on Facebook ‘Live’ www.facebook.com/educationwales and visit gov.wales/teachingawardscymru and keep an eye on the Education Wales social channels @WG_Education

Join the conversation with #TeachingAwardsCymru

The Professional Teaching Awards Cymru 2019 finalists:

Supporting Teachers and Learners

Jack Branford, St. Helen’s Primary, Swansea

Emma Gray, Bassaleg School, Newport

Shaun Pearson, Ysgol John Bright, Llandudno

Best Use of Digital Learning

Matt James, Lewis Girls Schools, Caerphilly

Phil Meredith, Caerleon Comprehensive School, Caerleon

Inspirational Use of the Welsh Language

Nia Williams, Alun School, Flintshire

Catrin Phillips – Pembrokeshire County Council, Haverfordwest

Mark Morgan, Pen Y Dre High School, Merthyr Tydfil

Promoting Collaboration to Improve Learning Opportunities

Richard Watkins, GWE, Conwy

Leanne Pownall, Llantwit Major Comprehensive School, Llantwit Major

Gemma Carr Evans, Bridgend College, Bridgend

Promoting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Relations with the Community

Fiona Thomas, Dwr y Felin Comprehensive School, Neath

Pembroke Dock Community School, Pembroke

Cadoxton Primary School, Barry

Headteacher of the Year

Tracy Jones, Ysgol Merllyn, Flintshire

Rhian Morgan Ellis, Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhondda, Porth

Ceri Parry, Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd, Newport

Outstanding New Teacher

Lucio Nocivelli, Eveswell Primary School, Newport

Hannah Cogbill, Cadoxton Primary School, Barry

Gruff Arfon, Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor

School Business Manager/Bursar

Gillian Stevenson, Elfed High School, Flintshire

Anna Hughes, Rhayader Church in Wales Primary, Rhayader

Gwyn Jones, Ysgol Eirias, Conwy

Teacher of the Year

Robert Aldridge, Mary Immaculate High School, Cardiff

Allison Pope, Cwm Primary School, Ebbw Vale

Cheryl Roberts, Ysgol Tryfan, Bangor

Youth Work in Schools

David Charles, Caldicot School, Monmouthshire

Amy Bolderson, Pontypridd High School, Pontypridd

Blaenau Gwent Youth Service Youth Workers, Ebbw Vale

For more information, please contact:

Cowshed

awards@wearecowshed.co.uk / 02920 789321

Activities in #YourPontypridd this Easter Holidays

Thu, 11 Apr 2019 11:18:05 GMT

Easter Tea and Create and Take Easter Craft at The Salad Bar/Sugar and Spice Pontypridd

Book your tickets soon with the Salad Bar or Sugar and Spice. A great event for the kids, an Easter Tea followed by a make and take craft session on Thursday the 18th April starting at 4pm - Tickets are £8.00. Why not make a day of it and join the Easter Hunt taking part earlier in the day in Ponty park - tickets available at YWMP@rctcbc.gov.uk. All in all a great day in Pontypridd to keep the kids amused in the Easter Holidays!

https://www.facebook.com/events/2059504364348585/

Historical Easter Egg Hunt

Ynysangharad War Memorial Park & Town Centre

April 18

11am- 2pm

Meet at the Lido Ponty Visitor Centre

It's an Easter Treasure hunt with a difference! Pick up your map and join the Friends of Ynysangharad Park group on an historical egg hunt in the park and around the town. Collect the clues to claim your prize and enjoy an adventure in the park.

The event is free but places are limited so please book in advance by emailing YWMP@rctcbc.gov.uk or telephone 01443 492475.

FREE Easter Crafts at Pontypridd Museum

Come and enjoy a crafty hour or so with the kids at Pontypridd Museum's free Easter activity sessions!

17th April & 24th April. 11am - 3pm!

https://www.facebook.com/events/671247343292765/

New season at the Pontypridd Lido

Get set for 2019 season at the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, with a PRICE FREEZE for adults and activity sessions and FREE SWIM for all children under the age of 16! The Lido reopens on the 13th of April, bookings available HERE

Free colouring session at WH Smith Pontypridd

WH Smith Pontypridd will be setting up tables for children to enjoy some colouring on the 20th April between 11am and 2pm! The WH Smith staff will also be making cupcakes, giving away free books and there's a chance to find some tickets for the Children's Book Festival in Pontypridd in May!

Activities at Pontypridd Library in half term

Grow a sunflower session at Pontypridd Library
16th April
10am - 11.30am

Stories and Crafts
Tuesday 23rd April
10.30am - 11.30am

Pontypridd Parkrun

Keep fit and join in the fun with the Pontypridd parkrun which takes place every Saturday at 9:00am in Ynysangharad Park!

http://www.parkrun.org.uk/pontypridd/

Top ten gifts for Mothers Day at H Samuel Pontypridd!

Thu, 14 Mar 2019 12:37:24 GMT

H Samuel Pontypridd have put together ten of their best value gifts for Mothers Day this year. Visit them at 78a Taff Street in Pontypridd.

1. Chamilia Box Set

Crafted in sterling silver with a chic oval snap fastener with hummingbird motif, this elegant bracelet is the perfect starting step to begin your collection. Complete with your first charm, a heart and leaf motif graces the silver charm. Discover all the ways to express yourself with one of a kind jewellery that reflects your life and experience. Inspired by your personal sense of style, Chamilia jewellery is as unique as you are.

Discover your unique style with Chamilia jewellery.

Price: £40

2. Chamilia I Heart Mum Daisy Charm

Chamilia present this cute and charming 'I Heart Mum' sterling silver charm, detailed with orange and black enamel and intricately designed flowers, the perfect gift this Mother's Day. Discover all the ways to express yourself with one of a kind jewellery that reflects your life and experience. Inspired by your personal sense of style, Chamilia jewellery is as unique as you are.

Discover your unique style with Chamilia jewellery.

Price: £40

3. Clogau Silver & 9ct Rose Gold Daffodil Pendant

Celebrating the Welsh Saint David's signature emblem, this simple daffodil pendant is a beautiful addition to any outfit. Made from fresh silver with a precious Clogau 9ct rose gold centre, this is a charming pendant with a touch of Welsh heritage.

Each item of Clogau jewellery contains a touch of rare Welsh gold.

Normally available in sizes H to Z

Price: £129

4. Seksy Ladies' 2-Piece Swarovski Crystal Rose Gold Plated Set

This elegant Seksy 2-piece gift set would be perfect for that special someone in your life. The watch features a rose gold plated stone set case and bracelet, beautifully embellished with Swarovski® crystals. The timepiece is flawlessly finished with a rose stone set sunray dial. This feminine set comes with a matching heart-shaped pendant to add another touch of sparkle and sentiment to your look. This set comes in a perfectly presented Seksy gift box, ready for surprising a loved one with the shimmering Swarovski® crystals.

Seksy offers innovative designs showcasing captivating sparkle to create beautiful timepieces with a unique edge.

Exclusive to H.Samuel

Price: £69.99

5. Together Bonded Silver & 9ct Gold Crystal Wedding Earrings

Made from a precious combination of bonded silver and 9ct yellow gold, these elegant Together wedding earrings are perfect for your Big Day, with a subtle two colour finish and sparkling crystal embellishment.

Price: £49.99

6. Willow Tree for Always Figurine

A humble figurine which captures the sentiment of maternal love perfectly. A delightful piece for the family home, or an ideal gift for your own mother.

Price: £29.99

7. Sterling Silver Tree Of Life Design Pendant

An eye-catching pair of halo earrings set with glimmering cubic zirconia for a splash of sparkle. Styled in sleek sterling silver for a fresh, contemporary feel. Perfect teamed with a matching pendant for a coordinated look.

Price: £29.99

8. Sterling Silver Cubic Zirconia Halo Earrings

9. Said With Sentiment Love You Mum Tea Light Candle Holder

Said with Sentiment by Arora Design

Love You Mum - Tea light holder
Inscription: Love You Mum - All that I am or ever hope to be, is because of you. I love you Mum.

Approx. Dimensions: 6cm high, 9cm diameter
Gift Boxed

Price: £9.99

10. 9ct Gold Filigree 'Mum' Heart 18" Locket

Give your mum a thoughtful gift that's sure to be treasured, with this elegant 9ct gold filigree heart locket. Finished with a fine 18" chain.

All lengths stated are minimums.

Price: £229

Whats on in #YourPontypridd this February half term!

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 09:54:59 GMT

There are lots of activities, fun and offers to enjoy this half term in Your Pontypridd, find out more below!

Join Friends of the Earth and Friends of Ynysangharad Park at 10.30 AM on Saturday the 23rd of February by the park bridge to pick litter alongside the river. This event is in partnership with Your Pontypridd BID and supported by Keep Wales Tidy!

https://www.facebook.com/events/240715700188461/

Six Nations live in Your Pontypridd

Watch the grudge match between Wales and England, live across venues in Pontypridd from 4.45pm!

GTFM will be building up to the game at The Skinny Dog, 1 Broadway Pontypridd from 2pm!

https://www.facebook.com/events/1972933746076445/

Celebrate St Davids Day at Pontypridd Museum , music and entertainment for all as well as an exciting FREE craft fayre!

2nd March 2019
10am - 3pm
FREE entry

Stories and Crafts at Pontypridd Library

Youngsters can enjoy great stories and get creative with Pontypridd Library's half term 'Stories and Crafts'
10.30am - 11.30am
28th February 2019

St Catherines Church offers sessions of craft, play and music for babies, toddlers and their family & carers. It is a relaxed and safe place for the children to enjoy and adults to learn alongside and make friendships. Just turn up or contact the children’s worker Trish for details on 07581285454. cost is £1 per session per family

Monday February 25th, 9.30 – 11, St Catherine’s Connect Cafe

Mini-Kidz Craft for colouring, making, sticking and messy fun

Monday February 25th, 11am St Catherine’s Connect Cafe

Half an hour of worship for young children and the adults with them

HALF TERM MOVIE MORNING – ST CATHERINES CHURCH – 10AM – 2PM – FEBRUARY 26th!

Tuesday February 26th, 9.30 – 11am, St Catherine’s Connect Cafe

Mini-Kidz Play a baby and toddler session for them to develop with other children and adults to relax. Refreshments are provided for all.

Wednesday February 27th, 9.45am - 10.45am, St Catherine’s Connect Cafe

Mini-Kidz Music. This operates during term time for singing children’s songs, using instruments, developing our voices with action songs, dancing songs and quiet songs. There is a break for refreshments to give everyone a chance to cool down.

Enjoy 3 for 2 on Kids Books at WH Smith + new David Walliams book!

Don’t forget kids eat free at Trattoria Pontypridd this half term!

�� 01443 404443
(1child per 1 paying adult)

For all the latest updates from the Your Pontypridd BID, check out our social media!

https://www.facebook.com/YourPontypriddBID/
https://twitter.com/YourPontypridd
https://www.instagram.com/yourpontypridd/

Your Pontypridd BID launches ‘Fairer Business Rates’ Petition

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Mon, 18 Feb 2019 15:48:11 GMT

Your Pontypridd BID has launched an online Welsh Assembly petition calling on the Welsh Government to look at introducing a fairer tax system for business.

The petition is calling on the Welsh Government to take the lead by recognising the changes in business, particularly in retail that have occurred over the past decade and help reflect that better in its tax system, by taxing the high street, out of town retail parks and online shopping companies more equally.

Your Pontypridd BID Manger Victoria Pulman said ‘Business rates has been the number one issue raised with me by since I took up my post in summer 2017 and following on from the successful lobbying from all Welsh BIDS to extend the High Street Relief Scheme to Wales we decided to launch this petition on behalf of our businesses to show we’re listening to them and keeping the future of the high street on the Welsh Government’s agenda.

The petition is running for six months and can be signed by anyone in Wales and the UK and we’d encourage anyone who shares the BIDs aims for a thriving high street and a fairer tax system to sign and share it to show the Welsh Government the strength of feeling on the issue.

Businesses in Pontypridd will also be collecting signatures from shoppers, residents and visitors in support of the petition.

The petition link is here https://www.assembly.wales/en/gethome/e-petitions/Pages/petitiondetail.aspx?PetitionID=1484

Notes to Editors

Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District (BID) is May 2016, following a successful ballot process in February 2016. The BID is a business funded and business led investment, lobby and campaign group, focusing on improving trade and footfall and awareness of local business in Pontypridd.

More info can be found on our website at https://www.yourpontypridd.co.uk/

The petition states ‘ We call on the Welsh Government to recognise the changing nature of retail in Wales over the past decade and look at exploring ways of introducing a fairer business rates as part of more progressive Welsh tax system for large and small businesses in our town centres, retail parks and online to fully represent these changes.

Vibrant and sustainable towns and cities are important to everyone who lives and work in them and the Scottish Government have recognised this by looking at raising taxes for retail parks and UK Labour Party has called for annual business rates valuations have partly recognised the need to look at sharing the tax burden more evenly.

This is an opportunity for the Welsh Government to take the lead on fairer business rates and taxes and we at Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District (BID) encourage you to grasp the opportunity to show our local business that you understand their current and future needs’.

Competition winners enjoy weekend experience for two in #YourPontypridd

Mon, 18 Feb 2019 15:16:55 GMT

Our New Years competition Winners Tracy and Jonathan Griffiths took some photos of their 'Experience for two' showing the best of whats available in Pontypridd. The competition was a huge success on Your Pontypridd's social media platforms reaching over 30,000 people across Facebook, Twitter & Instagram. Over five hundred people entered the competition, Tracy and Jonathan were announced as winners on the Your Pontypridd digital advertising screen in the town centre.

Mrs Griffiths said the following after her weekend experience in Pontypridd:

"This was a fantastic prize to win and to be honest, I hadn’t realised what you could do in a Pontypridd over a weekend. The room in the hotel was amazing and so was the breakfast. The meal in Alfred’s was fantastic and our waitress Toni was lovely, in fact Jon said his steak was the best he has ever had and will be going back again and taking our son. The tour of the museum was really interesting and our guide was lovely. Afternoon tea in Princes was delicious unfortunately we couldn’t eat it all but had a “doggy bag” for later. We spent ages in KooKoo Madame as I was literally spoilt for choice in what to buy! We really enjoyed the gin tasting in the evening in Wetherspoons and our second night in the hotel. Unfortunately we weren’t able to make the Sunday lunch in the Chain House due to other commitments but I did pop in and explain and I am sure it would have been as lovely as everything else we were given.

Thank you to Your Pontypridd BID for an amazing prize!"

BID Manager Victoria Pulman said "Im really pleased Tracy and her husband had a great time, it's good to see other people recognising the range of things that we have to offer as the main destination in Rhondda Cynon Taff. It was our most entered competition and biggest reach so far for a social media competition, our winner was one of the people who recently discovered Your Pontypridd's social media, further proof of the impact that the BID has had in promoting the businesses and the town of Pontypridd."

Keep an eye out on Your Pontypridd's social media for more competitions and the latest developments of the Your Pontypridd BID.

Follow us on Facebook Twitter and Instagram

The Refill Revolution comes to Pontypridd

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 10:12:33 GMT

Your Pontypridd BID to head brand new refill scheme in town centre

Refill Pontypridd is on a mission to make refilling your water bottle as easy, convenient and cheap as possible, by introducing Refill Stations on every street.

An exciting Refill Scheme has launched in Pontypridd which encourages participating cafes, bars, restaurants, banks, museums and other businesses to sign up to the free Refill app and put a sticker in their window alerting passers-by to the fact they’re welcome to fill up their bottle for free.

The launch will be on Friday 22nd February 2019 at 10.15am at Cafe Royale. 4 High Street, Pontypridd with 10 businesses already signed up and more in the pipeline. All are welcome to attend and more details are HERE

The average adult buys more than 3 plastic water bottles every week* - a startling 175 bottles every year per person. In total, some 7.7 billion plastic bottles are bought across the UK each year, resulting in substantial amounts of single-use plastic waste ending up in our oceans.

City to Sea, a not-for-profit organisation headed by entrepreneur Natalie Fee, launched the award-winning Refill Scheme in 2015. Now being rolled out nationwide with full support of Welsh Government and water companies Dŵr Cymru and Hafren Dyfrdwy, Refill will substantially increase the availability of high quality drinking water. It has never been easier to swap a single use plastic bottle for a free taste of the rolling Welsh mountains.

Local Champion Victoria Pulman from Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District, who is launching Refill Pontpyridd, explains why both businesses and their customers should get involved:

“Here in Pontypridd we’re rightly proud of the area’s stunning landscapes and countryside. Plastics, including single-use plastic bottles, are now the most frequently found type of litter on UK beaches and you don’t have to look far to find them littering our towns and green spaces too.”

Victoria added, “Refill Pontypridd gives us all the opportunity to help make this type of litter a thing of the past at the same time as saving money. It’s good business sense as well, as customers view businesses that provide free water refills more favourably and are more likely to return to them to make future purchases.”

Refill Pontypridd builds on the success of Refill around the UK, which now boasts a network of over 16,000 Refill Stations. Hannah Osman, Refill Regional Coordinator, says " We know lots of businesses already offer this simple service, but find customers often feel embarrassed or cheeky for asking. By letting people know they can look for Refill stickers or posters and be confident they can refill for free where they find one, Refill Pontypridd is encouraging more people to take one small step away from relying on single use plastic bottles. It’s a really simple concept with a really big potential result.”

Lesley Griffiths, Environment Minister, explains why the Welsh Government is supporting Refill Pontypridd: "More water Refill Stations in our villages, towns and cities will help cut down on the amount of single-use plastics we use. This is another step towards my ambition of Wales becoming the World's first 'Refill Nation'.”

Find out more about Refill Pontypridd and how you can take part at www.yourpontypridd.co.uk and on their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the Refill website at www.refill.org.uk to download the free Refill app and find out more about the Refill movement.

Notes to editors

More info can be found on our website at https://www.yourpontypridd.co.uk/

* Our Local Water Company is Dwr Cymru

* Refill is one of several campaigns from City to Sea, the not-for-profit organisation running campaigns to prevent marine plastic pollution.

* Refill launched in Bristol in 2015, and there are now over 13,000 Refill Stations around the UK registered on the free Refill app which shows you where you can refill your water bottle for free.

Web: www.refill.org.uk www.citytosea.org.uk Twitter: @refillwales

Six meals for the Six Nations at The Tumble Inn

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 10:02:51 GMT

With the Six Nations approaching fast, we've created a guide with The Tumble Inn (Wetherspoons) with six meals to enjoy when watching all the games at the pub!

1. Welsh Dragon Sausages and Mash

As part of their recently introduced Welsh menu, this dish consists of three UK pork, leek & chilli sausages, a smooth Caerphilly cheese & leek mash, peas and gravy! 1015 kcal (Vegetarian option available) Ⓥ 816kcal

Price: £7.25

2. Triple Chicken Feast

This popular choice is a feast of chicken cooked three ways - cooked chicken breast, tangy & spicy chicken wings and delicious southern-fried strips. The dish is complete with chips, a char-grilled mini corn-on-the-cob, BBQ sauce and coleslaw!

Price: £8.79

3. Gourmet Vegetable Burger

A recent addition on Wetherspoons new Gourmet Burger Range, the Gourmet Vegetable burger, suitable for vegetarians features a vegetable patty, guacamole, houmous, pico de gallo & rocket with a unique combination of flavours. The burger is also served with chips & six onion rings.

Price £6.65 with soft drink/£7.65 with alcoholic drink

4. Sweet Potato, chickpea & spinach curry

Fourth on the list is The Tumble Inn's fragrant and wholesome sweet potato, chickpea and spinach curry. Curries are served with basmati pilau rice, plain naan bread, poppadums.

Price: £7.40

5. Small plates any 3 for £10

Halloumi fries

Soup of the day with Bread and Lupark spreadable

Houmous and tortilla chips

Half rack of BBQ pork ribs and six onion rings

Chicken breast bites (Battered chicken with sticky soy sauce)

Small nachos with Cheese, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, sliced chillies.

Southern-fried chicken strips with smoky chipotle mayo.

Ten spicy chicken wings, Sriracha hot sauce, blue cheese dip

Spicy coated king prawns with Sweet chilli sauce.

Topped Chips with:

BBQ pulled chicken & Cheese

British beef chilli with Sour cream

Five – bean chilli

Loaded (Cheese, maple-cured bacon, sour cream)

Chip shop-style curry sauce Ⓥ 1057 kcal £3.75

6. Freshly battered Fish and Chips

A foodie favourite at Wetherspoons, our guide ends with their Freshly Battered Fish & Chips which is served with chips and your choice of garden peas or mushy peas, and includes a drink of your choice*.

Wetherpsoons have served around 10 million fish-and-chip meals in our pubs across the UK. since 2013. Soon to celebrate its 155th birthday, fish and chips has long been a classic culinary double act whose popularity never ceases, whether enjoyed as a take-away or as a warm pub meal.

Price £7.25

Keep an eye out on the BID's Facebook page for the latest Tumble Inn news and offers!

University of South Wales Intern starts at Your Pontypridd BID

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Mon, 14 Jan 2019 16:11:37 GMT

Your Pontypridd BID is pleased to welcome Arthur Mburu to the BID for the next 10 weeks, starting today (14th January 2019).

Arthur is a second year University of South Wales Business Management student is interning with us to provide social media, advertising and marketing support to BID businesses and learn about the day to day running of small businesses and what it take to run and manage a national retail store in the Valleys.

Arthur moved to Pontypridd from Nairobi a year ago where he has created a very successful fashion blog and has 24,500 Instagram followers and knows how to create maximum impact, knowledge he is keen to share.

We at the BID team (Manager Victoria Pulman and Projects Officer James Payne) are looking forward to working with him to enhance and develop our local businesses social media, populate our brand new App and sharing stories from BID business as part of the ongoing ‘Your Interviews’ series.

If you’d like Arthur to come and visit your business to help with your social media or if you have a story to share please contact him on 01443 244190 or email arthur@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Welsh Government extends High Street Rates Relief Scheme in 2019-2020 following Welsh BID lobbying

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Thu, 03 Jan 2019 11:38:54 GMT

The Welsh Government launched the high street rates relief scheme in April 2017 to provide targeted support for business affected by the independent revaluation and by the growth of internet sales. Following lobbying from 12 Welsh BIDS led by Your Pontypridd, and following the support given by the UK Government to English retailers in the October 2018 budget, new First Minister Mark Drakeford who was previously Welsh Finance Minister made the following announcement thanks to pressure from Welsh BIDS.

I am today extending the scheme for a further year and extending the relief available through the scheme to businesses. The enhanced scheme will go significantly further than in previous years, providing support to all retailers in Wales with a rateable value of up to £50,000.

We will make an extra £23.6m of support available in 2019-20 through the high street rates relief scheme to support Welsh businesses – this is in addition to the more than £210m we provide through our other sources of support to help businesses pay their rates bills.

The enhanced high street rates relief scheme will provide support to around 15,000 small and medium-sized businesses in 2019-20. It will be fully funded by the Welsh Government and will provide support of up to £2,500 towards non-domestic rates bills for retail properties with a rateable value of up to £50,000.

It will reduce rates bills to zero for retail properties with a rateable value up to £9,100 and reduce bills by £2,500 for properties with a higher rateable value.

As well as increasing the level of support for retailers on the high street, the enhanced scheme will support retailers in other locations. Ratepayers who will benefit from the relief include those with occupied retail premises, such as shops, restaurants, cafes, pubs and wine bars.

We estimate that around 15,000 ratepayers will be helped by the scheme, which will operate in addition to our existing relief schemes.

A further £2.4m will be allocated to local authorities to provide additional discretionary rates relief for local businesses and other ratepayers to respond to specific local issues.

This funding will be provided to local authorities through the revenue support grant in 2019-20.

This extension to the high street rates relief scheme and the additional funding for discretionary rates relief, together with the permanent small business rates relief scheme, which has been in place since April 2018 and other bespoke reliefs, combine to offer timely and targeted support for ratepayers across Wales.

This approach makes full use of the consequential we received in the UK Autumn Budget. We have designed a scheme which fits the needs and circumstances of small businesses in Wales.

The eligibility criteria for qualifying businesses for the enhanced high street and retail rates relief scheme are as follows.

Hereditaments that are being used wholly or mainly for the sale of goods to visiting members of the public.
Hereditaments that are being used wholly or mainly for the provision of the retail services to visiting members of the public
Hereditaments that are being used wholly or mainly for the sale of food and/or drink to visiting members of the public.

The relief will exclude:

Hereditaments with a valuation of more than £50,000.
Hereditaments not reasonably accessible to visiting members of the public.
Hereditaments that are not occupied.
Hereditaments that are in receipt of mandatory charitable rates relief.

Your Pontypridd BID invests in town’s future with Digital Advertising Screen

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 09:42:26 GMT

Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District (BID) is delighted to announce the installation of a large Digital Advertising & Information screen in Taff Street Pontypridd.

The almost 4 metre by 2 metre screen will be the first digital screen in Rhondda Cynon Taf and will be proudly located about the EE Phone shop at 110 Taff Street in Pontypridd.

The screen will mainly offer advertising, but will also be used to promote the Business Improvement Districts work and the wide range of events that happen in Pontypridd through the year. The long term goal is to make the screen interactive for those visiting Pontypridd town centre.

And with Pontypridd lying at the heart of the Capital City Region and the opportunities this will bring to the town in the next decade was one of several reasons that the screen was approved.

Victoria Pulman, BID Manager said ‘ We’re excited that the screen will soon be live and we’re really pleased to be the first Welsh BID to install a Digital Advertising Screen and lead the way in Wales in such an important sector.

The screen is a signature project for us at the BID to showcase the fantastic range of new and long standing businesses our BID Area has to offer and provide premium exposure at affordable prices to all businesses while also complimenting Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council’s investment and belief in Pontypridd’s future as a key place to live, work and socialise.

Business Improvement Districts were introduced to help improve the local business environment, increase footfall and promote events in the towns and cities and a digital advertising screen ticks all of these boxes and fits into our aims of raising the profile of the town and increasing the number of people who come to Pontypridd by showing the range of businesses, products and services that are here.’

Your Pontypridd has worked with SSC Europe Limited, a Swansea company who are dedicated to technological innovation in a wide range of Digital Signage and LED Lighting applicatons. Their mission is to provide affordable state-of-the-art LED technology and Pontypridd are the first to adopt such digital technology outside of Cardiff.

An SSC Europe spokesperson said, "SSC Europe Limited are delighted to be working with Your Pontypridd BID to install the first digital signage outlet in their town centre. The digital screen will have tremendous benefits for the community. As well as advertising local events, the screen will generate revenue from advertising which will then be reinvested back into the community. Pontypridd have embraced this innovative initiative and we are extremely excited to be working with such a forward thinking BID company."

With Digital Advertising becoming increasingly important and popular for Welsh businesses the BID recognised the importance for Pontypridd and Rhondda Cynon Taf to make sure both are well placed to fully take advantage of these opportunities and the digital screen is the first step.

The Digital Screen will be installed by SSC Europe and tested in early January and officially launched by the Your Pontypridd BID at the end of January of 2019. BID levy payers in Pontypridd Town Centre will also be placed into a monthly draw, two businesses will be selected each month and will receive two weeks of free advertising giving their business maximum exposure in the centre of the town.

If you are interested in advertising with us please contact media@yourpontypridd.co.uk for prices, availability and terms and conditions.

Hope Rescue win Your Pontypridd 'Best Dressed Christmas Window' 2018 for second year running

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Mon, 10 Dec 2018 09:36:37 GMT

Hope Rescue Charity Shop successfully defended their title as Your Pontypridd's 'Best Dressed Christmas Window' winning both the hearts of the public and the judges in a resounding victory. Hope Rescue faced strong competition this year with twenty one businesses participating in the public vote compared to six last year but Hope Rescue came out on top once again with another fantastic display created by their extremely dedicated group of volunteers.

Store Manager Stuart Burnell was delighted to win the competition again and said;

“To win this competition for the second year running is a special achievement. The volunteers worked so hard to make the window as Christmassy as possible and I am very proud of the results. We have had so many positive comments from our customers, and it has made all the effort that we put in, worthwhile.

One of the main purposes of the charity shop is to raise awareness of Hope Rescue, and the work we do to care for the stray dogs of South Wales. Competitions like these can only help as more people become aware of our wonderful charity. We would just like to thank Your Pontypridd BID and everyone who voted for our window this year, we really appreciate it. It was great this year to see more shops taking part and all the windows looked amazing. Hopefully the competition will continue to grow and we’re looking forward to taking part again next year"

The competition yet again proved to be a major success on social media reaching over 20,000 people across all Your Pontypridd platforms, hundreds voted for their favourite window and encouraged their family and friends to join in the fun. The twenty one businesses were shortlisted to six after two weeks of an exciting public vote - Hope Rescue, Leek and Weston, Gwynns Opticians, Amplified Studio, Vodafone & Hoskins Johnson each came up with very creative and innovative displays which would be later judged by Gavin Powell ( Promotions Manager of GTFM), Lynda Davies (Pontypridd Town Council Mayor), Becky Davies & Heloise Godfrey-Talbot (Lecturers in Creative and Therapeutic Arts at University of South Wales), Margaret Hughes (Chair of Your Pontypridd BID) & Alan Humphreys (Chair of Your Pontypridd Marketing Commitee).

Becky Davies & Heloise Godfrey-Talbot (Lecturers in Creative and Therapeutic Arts at University of South Wales) were impressed by the eventual winners Hope Rescue and said "This display utilised the whole window space (in both windows) to create impact when viewed at a distance. Upon closer inspection, we enjoyed the innovative and resourceful use of materials, particularly the dog bone wreath and extensive use of recycled / upcycled / second-hand items. This is a quintessential Christmas morning scene which, despite its resourceful approach, does not compromise on aesthetic quality and its cohesive concept. Equally, we would like to applaud the seamless integration of the shoebox charity scheme for dogs. The effort of the volunteers is evident throughout this ‘feelgood’ display"

The BID would like to thank everyone invovled in making the competition possible, Your Pontypridd BID Manager said "Congratulations to Hope Rescue on winning the competition for the second year in a row, and well done to all the businessses who participated and made Pontypridd sparkle this Christmas, we would look forward to running the competition again next year"

Sunday shopping in Your Pontypridd

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Fri, 07 Dec 2018 14:38:10 GMT

Remember there's free parking in RCT Council owned car parks in December. If you prefer to shop on a chilled Sunday morning or afternoon check out what will be open on Sundays below over the festive period!

Retail

Vodafone 10am – 4pm

Pep & Co 10am-4pm

Three 10.30am – 4pm

B&M Bargains 10am-4pm

Hope Rescue 10am-2pm

Bon Marche 10am-4pm

Flavour Vapour 10am-4pm

EE 10am-4pm

GAME 10am - 4pm

KooKoo Madame 10am - 3pm

Shoe Zone 11am-3pm

The Works 10am-4pm

Superdrug 10am-4pm

Card Factory 10am - 4pm

Sugar and Spice 11am-3pm

The Vapour Den 10.30am - 4pm

WH Smith 10am-4pm

Poundstretcher 10am-4pm

Savers 10am-5pm

Specsavers 10am-3pm

Poundland 10am-4pm

Barnardo’s 10am-4pm

Holland and Barrett 10am-4pm

Food and Drink

Costa 8.30am – 5.30pm
Alfreds Bar and Grill 12pm – 7pm

The Blueberry Inn 8am – 9pm

Wetherspoons 8am-12am

The Chain House 9am-5pm

Wok in a Box 12pm-10pm

Shogun Kebab House 5.30pm-12.30am

Milano Fish & Chips 4pm-11pm

Food shopping

Tesco Express 6am-11pm

Pontypridd Convenience Store 8am-5pm

Iceland 10am-4pm

Lidl 8am-10pm (Sunday 23rd December only)

Warm #YourPontypridd welcome for the Small Business Saturday Bus Tour

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Fri, 30 Nov 2018 14:59:04 GMT

Left to right Tom Flynn, Small Business Saturday Tour Director, Victoria Pulman, Your Pontypridd BID Manger, Yusuf Behardien, Business Wales, Robin James, James Mobility & Furniture, James Payne, Projects Officer, Your Pontypridd BID, Casper Harris, Organic Wholefoods & Homebrew, Rez Jamal, Kookoo Madame, Claire Thomas, Brent Thomas Toys & Gifts, Scott Griffiths, Scott & Rachel Photography

On 15th November 2018) the Small Business Saturday UK bus tour arrived in Pontypridd and Tom, Pete the Seat and rest of the Small Business Saturday tour team met and showcased Mill Street’s small businesses to the rest of the UK for over an hour.

Your Pontypridd BID secured a short stop, one of only three Welsh towns cities to do so, (Carmarthen and Cardiff were the other stops) to promote the wide range of small businesses Pontypridd had, to give the hard working business owners a chance to share their business stories, highlight the importance of the small business to the town and promote Small Business Saturday on 1st December.

Five small businesses, KooKoo Madame, Brent Thomas Toys & Gifts, Organic Wholefoods and Homebrew, James Mobility & Furniture and Scott and Rachel Photography were interviewed by the famous Pete the Seat on his Sofa for Facebook live and spoke about why they set up their businesses, the ups and down of running a small business in Pontypridd and how they are adapting to the ever changing retail environment.

The video are here KooKoo Madame Brent Thomas Toys & Gifts and James Mobility & Furniture Organic Wholefoods and Homebrew and Scott and Rachel Photography

Along with BID Manager Victoria Pulman who also chatted to Pete to highlight the range of work the Business Improvement District to raise the profile of the town’s business and increase footfall.

Victoria went on to say ‘Im delighted that the Small Business Saturday tour Bus came and to thank them for showcasing Pontypridd and specifically Mill Street where more than 75% of the retailers are small businesses offering everything from fish and chips and great coffee to photography, flowers, candles, toys, newspapers, sweets, women’s fashion and organic, world foods and fresh local produce, proving Mill Street and Pontypridd has something for everyone’

Your Pontypridd BID would like to thank the other small business, Business Wales and Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council for attending and supporting the event as well.

James Payne, Projects Officer at the BID said 'We’re delighted to give the businesses this fantastic opportunity and glad to see such a good turn out and we're looking forward to doing it all over again next year, hopefully with a full day stop and to more small businesses sharing their stories.

And remember to come and shop in Pontypridd’s fantastic small businesses on Small business Saturday 1st December and keep support them all year round.

KooKoo Madame featured in VISA's Christmas campaign, supporting small businessses across the UK

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 16:08:48 GMT

KooKoo Madame, owned and run by Rez & Emma Jamal on Mill Street have been selected as one of only three businesses in Wales as part of VISA UK's Christmas campaign which aims to support high street businesses throughout the UK. Mrs Jamal said "I spent many years working for high street retailers and it was always a dream to set up my own boutique. I'm lucky to be part of a thriving business community in Pontypridd from which I've managed to build a very loyal customer base."

VISA UK also run the 'Great British High Street' campaign which Your Pontypridd BID entered, the campaign gave High Streets across the chance to be named the best in their indiviudal country and in the UK. VISA's Christmas campaign created by advertising agency Saatchi & Saatchi pays homage to the UK's nation of shopkeepers . KooKoo Madame were selected as one of 100 independent retailers nationwide, the campaign includes personalised adverts on billboards in prime locations and geo-targeted ads on social media (see above) putting businesses in the spotlight leading up to Christmas.

The BID would like to congraulate KooKoo Madame on being selected as part of VISA UK's campaign, earlier this year Emma Jamal gave an inspiring interview as part of the BID's 'Our Past, Our Future, Your Pontypridd ' campaign, you can read all about Emma's journey here!

To find out more about KooKoo Madame visit - https://www.facebook.com/kookoomadame/

FREE parking returns to Your Pontypridd this December

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 15:25:18 GMT

FREE parking returns to Pontypridd Town Centre throughout December – for the fifth year in a row!

All Council-owned car parks in Pontypridd will once again be FREE to use for residents and visitors from 10am on Saturday, December 1, to encourage more people to enjoy our Town Centres over the Christmas period. This coincides with the Council’s Shop Local campaign, which encourages residents to support local Town Centre traders this Christmas.

Car parks in Pontypridd will be free from 10am each day, throughout the whole month, up until December 31. In Pontypridd, free parking will apply at Gas Road, Goods Yard (Council owned section only), Millfield, Berw Road and Sardis Road car parks.

Councillor Andrew Morgan, Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highays said: "I'm very pleased that free parking is once again returning to our Town Centres in December, as the Council encourages residents to shop local this Christmas."

Following lobbying from the Pontypridd Business Improvement District, the Cabinet agreed to reduce parking charges in Pontypridd Town Centre in April last year, as well as reducing parking in Aberdare and introducing free parking in Tonypandy, Porth and Mountain Ash.

Your Pontypridd BID Manager Victoria Pulman said " We welcome this as an extension of our current parking partnership with RCT Council, we encourage visitors to come discover the delights of Pontypridd in the run up to Christmas. Visitors can look forward to entering our Christmas Prize Draw, seeing Santa on the 1st, 12th and 15th of December and having a final chance to vote for their favourite Christmas Window Competiton this Saturday!

Pontypridd has a lot to offer, and free parking allows visitors the opportunity to discover new businesses that have made Pontypridd their home in the last twelve months"

https://www.yourpontypridd.co.uk/visit-pontypridd

Your Pontypridd: an interview with Ben Searle of Performance Physiotherapy

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Wed, 28 Nov 2018 09:15:53 GMT

Performance Physiotherapy Ltd was formed in Pontypridd in 2003 and are celebrating their 15th anniversary as a Physiotherapy/Sports Injury Clinic in the centre of the town. The BID spoke with Director/Senior Physiotherapist Ben Searle about the business, the challenges of his work and the future of Pontypridd.

Good afternoon Ben, can you tell me about your range of work and clients at Performance Physiotherapy and how long the business has been going?

I started the business in 2003 as a sole trader, having previously worked as a physiotherapist in the NHS. Initially the clinic was a single room practice with me as the only member of staff! Since then we have grown and I now have a team of around 6 physiotherapists and a full time practice manager. As well as our clinic in Pontypridd we also provide physiotherapy services to local GP clinics and occupational health physiotherapy services to a number of local organisations.

Why did you decide to set up the clinic in Pontypridd and what are the advantages and of being a small business in the heart of the town centre?

As someone born and bred in the Rhondda I know Pontypridd very well and felt that its location within the Valleys was ideal for my business. The main advantage of being within the town centre is that is central for many patients and that we also get a lot of passing trade from people who were in town for other reasons but passed the clinic and decided to pop in!

What advice would you give to young people looking to explore a career in physiotherapy and what are challenges of setting up a clinic?

The best advice I would give for younger people trying to explore a career in physiotherapy would be to try and get some work experience/shadowing done before you apply for courses as it will improve your chances in what is a very competitive process. Local NHS physiotherapy departments are often the best place to enquire about this. If you want to work as a Chartered Physiotherapist (vital for many jobs) you will need to ensure that the course you apply for gives you this qualification and so it is important you consider this.

The Your Pontypridd BID is currently in its third year, how important has this been in supporting your business?

The BID provides a good local network of businesses and allows for owners to work together to help facilitate business activity within the town. It is good to have a central voice that can be used to share ideas or concerns.

Shockwave therapy is one of the treatments the clinic provides and has been described as ‘a highly effective way of treating pain without the need for surgery’ how important is it for the business to have this unique selling point?

Shockwave therapy is a relatively new treatment that has shown to be effective as part of the overall management of tendon related injuries such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendonitis. We invested in a machine about 18months ago and are one of the few private clinics in the area to be able to offer this service. We’ve had some great results using the treatment with some of our patients who have reported significant improvements after a course of treatment.

On your website it states that you have a special interest in sports injuries and have worked with numerous clubs including the Dragons, Cardiff Blues and Pontypridd RFC – how have these experiences influenced you and helped you grow as a physiotherapist?

I’ve been lucky enough to have worked in professional rugby with some great clubs/organisations over the past 15 years and have had some amazing experiences. Due to the recent expansion of the clinic/business I have had to devote more time to this and so unfortunately am no longer involved in professional sport anymore. However, I think that my time working in professional rugby has helped me develop enormously as a physiotherapist. I am now able to transfer the experiences and knowledge gained from this time for the benefit of the patients that I we see in the practice- helping us give them the best possible care.

What hopes do you have for the business with the ongoing redevelopments in the town centre such as Taff Vale and the YMCA?

I think it’s a really exciting time and will be a big boost for Pontypridd when everything is completed. Hopefully the developments will provide a lift for the economy and also help improve the image of Pontypridd to those not from the area.

The business is part of the BID’s student discount card scheme, how important do you think the students are to the future of Pontypridd?

I think that the student population are important to the economy and local businesses of any town, for many reasons, and Pontypridd is no different to this. We often see students at the clinic or patients who were ex-students but have set up home in the Pontypridd area.

What other ways would you like to see the BID and Performance Physiotherapy working together in the future?

I think the BID has come up with some excellent ideas in terms of helping stimulating business activity in Pontypridd since its inception. I look forward to seeing the BID grow and working alongside the other businesses in Pontypridd for the benefit of everyone.

Many thanks for time today Ben, we look forward to seeing the clinic continue to grow on Gelliwastad Road and continuing to support your business.

To find out more about Performance Physiotherapy visit www.performance-physiotherapy.co.uk/

To see the rest of our interview series visit www.yourpontypridd.co.uk/your-interviews

Seren Funeral Services achieve top spot in Three Best Rated's Best Funeral Directors in Rhondda Cynon Taff

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Thu, 22 Nov 2018 10:35:16 GMT

Seren Funeral Services have been rated as one of the top 3 Funeral Directors in Rhondda Cynon Taff, and are now top of Three Best Rated's top three funeral directors in RCT.

Seren Funeral Services are an independent, family run business based on Gelliwastad Road, with professional and knowledgeable staff. With over 30 Years experience supporting loved ones and local communities when they need it most, they take pride in serving you and your families funeral needs with compassion, dignity and respect. The business would like to thank all the families that have chosen them in their time of need, and everyone who has helped them achieved this award.The BID would like to congratulate Rhys and the team on this excellent achievement.

To find out more about Seren Funeral Services visit their website at http://www.serenfunerals.co.uk/ or visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/rhyswilliamsfuneraldirectors/

Everything you need to know about the Pontypridd Christmas Lights Switch On event

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Fri, 16 Nov 2018 10:07:21 GMT

Pontypridd Town Council 's Christmas Lights Switch On event takes place this Saturday, here's all the information you need ahead of what will be a great day with lots of festive fun for the family!

Santa's Grotto

Come along and see Santa in his Grotto between 12.30pm and 5.30pm near the Fountain on Taff Street Pontypridd! Theres lots more to enjoy during the day including the return of the Snow Globe, ice rink and plenty of childrens rides! There will also be plenty of stalls to look at including Cortile Coffee.

Main Stage

Pontypridd Town Council will be joined by GTFM on the main stage from 2pm along with the Phoenix Singers, More than a Song Community Choir, Sarah Brown, Akeem runner up of this year’s Big Brother and Daniel the winner of this year’s Kids Voice! The Christmas Lights are expected to be switched on at 5.45pm followed by a pyrotechnic display!

The Polar Express live on Mill Street

Dark Skies Cinema in association with Pontypridd Town Council will be showing an all family Christmas Movie 'The Polar Express' on their mammoth 35ft x 18ft screen as part of the Christmas Lights Ceremony and Fireworks in Pontypridd! https://www.facebook.com/events/1578373488931524/?ti=ia

This is a Free show in Mill Street Pontypridd on a first come basis, bring your own seats to enjoy this great movie under the stars!

Direct Questions to Pontypridd Town Council https://m.facebook.com/PontypriddTownCouncil/

The film begins at 4.15pm so get yourself there early to ensure you have space to sit and enjoy the screening!

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE ORDER - Pontypridd Town Centre

A temporary road closure is expected to operative from 9am - 8pm on 17th November 2018.

Alternative route - From the northern side of the closure, proceed via Crossbrook Street, Gelliwastad Road, Catherine Street, Sardis Road Gyratory and Sardis Road to the southern end of closure.

Businesses opening late

Costa Coffee Pontypridd will be open till 8pm on Taff Street, check out their new range of Christmas drinks & cakes!

Vodafone Pontypridd will be open until approximately 7pm, check out their great deals on mobiles, home broadband & business broadband plus more!

Hope Rescue Charity Shop & Dog Friendly Cafe will be open late, check out their Facebook page for more details.

If you're business is opening late tomorrow please let us know so we can share on Your Pontypridd social media - contact james@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Parking in Pontypridd

Long Stay Car Parks

All long stay car parks in Pontypridd will be £1 all day tomorrow. These car parks include Berw Road, Sardis Road, Millfield & Goods Yard!

Gas Lane Car Park

Gas Lane is a short-stay car park, primarily used by shoppers and visitors, and as such have higher charges to try and deter long term parking in these locations. Maximum stay of 4 hours

Charging hours 8:00am to 6:00pm Monday - Saturday except bank holidays.

Up to an hour	Up to two hours	Up to three hours	Up to four hours
50p	£1.00	£1.50	£2.00

Pontypridd Catherine Street car park will be open from 7am - 7pm

1 hour	£0.80
1 to 2 hours	£1.20
2 to 4 hours	£2.50
4 to 6 hours	£5.00
6 to 12 hours	£8.00
Earlybird	£3.00

(NCP's Early Bird price is available when you park between 07.00 - 09.00 and exit before 18:30 on the same day. For shorter stays between 07:00 - 09:00 our standard tariff is still available. Please press the assistance button at a pay station so we can adjust the cost of your stay)

NCP Goods Yard Car Park is a 24 hour car park, prices are as follows:

1 hour	£0.80
1 to 2 hours	£1.20
2 to 4 hours	£1.80
4 to 24 hours	£3.00

We hope everyone has a fantastic day, for updates during the event check the Pontypridd Town Council Facebook page and our Facebook page! Tag us into your photos from the event with the hashtag #PontySwitchOn

Roll out of Universal Credit in Rhondda Cynon Taf and issues affecting your business

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Wed, 14 Nov 2018 14:40:35 GMT

Universal Credit (UC) is the new ‘all in one benefit’ introduced by the UK Government's Department of Work and Pensions and is made up of Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Working Tax Credits.

If anyone claims one of more of these benefits they will be in receipt of Universal Credit and on top of rolling the six benefits/tax credits into one this money will now be paid to those claiming them monthly, not fortnightly as is the case currently.

Universal Credit (UC) has been piloted in Wales with lots of financial problems arising for claimants, including rent areas and lack of money for weekly food shopping.

Universal Credit is being rolled out across Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council area in the coming weeks and will have an impact on those currently claiming any of those tax credits or benefits and your business in the following ways.

Slowing of Demand

It won’t affect all business, but it will be one of the issues facing you in the run up to Christmas and into the New Year. Many of Pontypridd's shoppers, workers and residents will be affected by the roll out, Universal Credit claims across the UK have a long back log and take up to twelve weeks to be processed and during the pilot schemes run in Wales, people in Rhondda Cynon Taf could well be forced to rely on emergency loans, good will of family and friends and use of foodbanks to help them get through the difficult period until the claims are approved.

It’s worth thinking about any additional deals, offers, promotions and discounts that you could put in place in the run up to Christmas to encourage people to spend, the BID as always is happy to promote them via our website and social media to the public.

Possible Increase in Shoplifting and Thefts

As part of your usual preparation for Christmas its worth making your staff aware of the roll out of Universal Credit in Rhondda Cynon Taf in the coming weeks and month and raising awareness of the additional issues this raises for you, your staff and your stores.

Increase in Foodbank Use

Another big issue in the pilot schemes was a significant increase in Foodbank use for claimants, for the food business it worth thinking about donating your end of day spare food at the end of the day to local foodbanks and charities to ease the hardship that those on the new Universal Credit will face in the coming weeks and months. Your local foodbank is Pontypridd Foodbank - based at St Lukes Church in Rhydyfelin, find out more on their website including how to give help - https://pontypridd.foodbank.org.uk/

The BID are happy to help co-ordinate this and publicise any business willing to give donations as well.

If you have any queries or ideas of how the BID can help you or the local community though the period of Universal Credit roll out in Rhondda Cynon Taf please get in touch with Victoria Pulman, BID Manager at Victoria@yourpontypridd.co.uk or 01443 244190

This week at GAME Pontypridd!

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Mon, 12 Nov 2018 15:14:26 GMT

Theres lots of new releases this week at GAME Pontypridd, visit them at 70 Taff Street!

Spyro Reignited Trilogy is released tomorrow. The First 3 Spyro games remastered in full HD available on the PS4 and Xbox One!

Fallout 76! Midnight Launch Tuesday 13th November at 11pm. Doors open at 11pm and GAME Pontypridd are open right through until 1 am. There will be free giveaways of Fallout merchandise for people attending!

GAME Pontypridd also have an exclusive midnight release this Thursday night, doors open at 11pm for the new Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu & Let's Go Evee. Pontypridd GAME will be the only store in Wales with a midnight release!

Order the brand new Let's Go Pikachu edition console, plus the game with the Pokeball plus! The GAME Pontypridd team will also be playing Pokémon Go with customers all night and again giving away some collector cards to customers on the night!

'Battlefield V' is released on the 20th of November, however GAME Pontypridd are giving you the chance to get your copy early. The store will have the Deluxe edition five days early! Pick up your copy from Thursday the 15th of November!

Christmas 2018 in Your Pontypridd

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Wed, 07 Nov 2018 09:50:13 GMT

To encourage people to shop in Your Pontypridd this festival season, the BID Christmas begins on 24th November as we launch the #SelfieswithSanta give away, come and see Santa in our shops, get a selfie and pick up a FREE goody bag on the dates/times at the following shops below:

24th November – Soulsby Opticians 11-2pm

1st December – Valley Sports 10am-12pm

12th December – The Tumble Inn 4pm-6pm

15th December – Get Connected 10am-12pm

£1000 Prize Draw returns with #PresentsinPonty competition

The £1000 Prize Draw return with an new twist #PresentsinPonty, all you have to do is spend £10 take a picture of your presents and gifts post them on Facebook , Twitter and Instagram with the hashtag #PresentsInPonty and be in with a chance of winning great prizes between the following dates!

19th of November and 1st of December - Win a Nintendo Switch & Pokemon Let's Go edition bundle courtesy of Your Pontypridd and GAME (Winner annnounced on the 3rd of December)

3rd and 15th of December – Win a break courtesy of Signature or a gifts bundle courtesy of Warren James, H Samuel & Boots (Winner announced on the 17th of December)

There are some great independent and national retailers in Pontypridd with great gifts for all the family and all you need to do is pick up a leaflet in participating retailers.

Christmas Window Competition

We’re also running the Christmas Window competition for the second year running to find the best dressed window in Pontypridd this Christmas and there will some great windows to choose from.

We’re launching the long list on 19th November and asking the BIDs social media followers to vote for the top 5 and then we’re inviting three teams of two judges to spending an evening visiting each buisnes taking part and picking the best window. The winner will be announced the week beginning the 10th December and presentation of the trophy will follow.

Black Friday & Small Business Saturday

Black Friday is on 23rd November this year and you find all the great sales on www.yourpontypridd.co.uk

That’s followed on 1st December by Small Business Saturday and we’re asking you to pledge to spend £10 in any independent businesses in Pontypridd on #SmallBizSatUK to show your support for local shops, café’s and restaurants

Also taking place this Christmas in Your Pontypridd

Pontypridd Christmas Lights Switch On 17th November 2018

Pontypridd Town Council’s Annual Christmas Lights switch on is taking place from 2.00pm – 6.00pm and Santa will be in his Grotto from 12pm – 5.30pm!

There’s lots going on including Santa in his Grotto, Synthetic Ice-rink, aSnow Globe to play and get a FREE photo!! Ice Prince and Ice Princess Stilt Walkers, Reindeer and Mobile Screen showing “The Polar Express plus GTFM roadshow.

Full details here http://pontypriddtowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas-switching-on-6/

If you have any questions or would like to participate in any of the events above please contact info@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Welsh Business Improvement Districts urge adoption of Business Rates cut in Wales

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Mon, 05 Nov 2018 15:13:10 GMT

Business Improvement Districts in Wales today urge the Welsh Government to adopt the cut in business rates announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in last Monday’s Budget.

Philip Hammond announced a one-third cut in business rates for smaller retail firms to boost the high street.

Business rates are a devolved matter and it will be for the Welsh Government to decide whether the discount to be applied in England will also be offered to businesses in Wales with a rateable value of £51,000 and under.

In last Monday’s Budget, Mr Hammond estimated the two-year discount, which comes into force in England next April, could save small retail businesses £900 million.

Today Welsh BIDs are calling on the Welsh Government to adopt the cut at the same level and at the same time as England.

There are currently 12 BIDs operating in Wales, and the Welsh Government recently approved funding to explore the feasibility of establishing a further 10.

A spokesman for Welsh BIDs said: “The Chancellor’s cut, while having no effect on the large chains facing trading difficulties, has the potential to be a lifeline for many smaller retailers – particularly independents who make up the majority of BID memberships.

“It is vital the Welsh Government adopts the measures announced by the Chancellor on Monday and implements the rate cut in full next April.

“Anything less will put smaller retailer in Wales at a huge disadvantage compared to their competitors and counterparts in England.

“High streets across Wales are facing incredibly difficult times and we urge the Welsh Government to take this opportunity to ease the cost pressures on smaller retailers.

“We are also calling on the Welsh Government to look at establishing a similar Future High Street Fund, as proposed in the Budget, for Welsh retailers. This would signal the Welsh Government’s longer-term support for Welsh high streets and the vital role they play in our towns and cities.”

For further comment, please contact Victoria Pulman, Manager Your Pontypridd BID Victoria@yourpontypridd.co.uk or 01443 244190, or your local BID.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Business Improvement Districts bring together businesses in a defined geographical area, so they can develop projects and activities which drive economic regeneration.

Businesses within BID areas vote on whether they pay an additional levy to fund activities and projects outlined in their Business Plan. If they vote ‘yes’, a BID is created to deliver those agreed projects. The BID term is up to five years, after which a ‘Renewal Ballot’ is held.

The current 12 BIDs in Wales cover the following areas: Swansea, Merthyr Tydfil, Newport, Bangor, Caernarfon, Colwyn Bay, Neath, Bridgend, Pontypridd, Aberystwyth, Cardiff and Llanelli.

Things to do this Halloween in Your Pontypridd

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Mon, 22 Oct 2018 14:47:00 GMT

Halloween is right around the corner and there's plenty to enjoy here in Your Pontypridd!

Kids Halloween Party at The Tumble Inn (Wetherspoons)

Sunday 28th October

12pm till 3pm

FREE Entry!

Soft play, colouring corner, face painting and lots more!

Join Clwb y Bont for a Gaudy Halloween Party on the 27th of October 2018!

FREE entry in to the bar, enjoy the brilliant Gaudy Orde in the event room for just £5!

The music band Gaudy Orde reside in Old South Wales and play original toe-tapping quirky music that is fun and flippant. If you're looking for a genre then you might try 'skiffle' or 'vaudeville' although neither of those trousers are a perfect fit. However you decide to describe Gaudy Orde, one thing is certain, they are a thoroughly entertaining live act.

8pm - 1am

The Temple Baptist Church on Gelliwastad Road will be hosting a pumpkin party on the 31st of October ! There's lots of activities to enjoy including pumpkin carving, seasonal games, food & drink and more!

October 31st 2018, 6pm-7.30pm

FREE Entry!

Fundraiser for GTFM October 26th at 8pm Halloween Theme Open Mic Event for singers and musicians there is a prize for best fancy dress however fancy dress is optional, Free entry suggested donation £2!

The Bar and beer garden will stay open until 1am after the open mic event.

Halloween stories and crafts at Pontypridd Library

Thursday 1st November

10:30am - 11:30am

(Children under 8 years must be accompnaied by a parent/carer)

Pumpkins in the Park! Join us in the bowls pavilion, Ynysangharad War Memorial Park # Pontypridd from 11am-1pm on Tuesday, Oct 30 for FREE pumpkin carving - using pumpkins that were grown in the park. Book now via 01443 492475 or ywmp@rctcbc.gov.uk

Unleash your creative side with Pontypridd Museum's half term crafts, open to all ages!

Children must be supervised by a parent or guardian whilst doing the crafts.

31st October, 11am-3pm! FREE Entry!

Live music at Alfreds Bar and Grill Friday night!

The 4th Kind!

26th October 2018

9:30pm.

Free entry before 8pm and £3 there after!

Pimp Up Your Pumpkin with Positively Ponty!

A fun and free event for the community to create pumpkin lanterns and friends, bring a pumpkin...but if you can't there will be some here ready for you to pimp!

Wednesday 24th October, 6.30-8.30pm!

https://www.facebook.com/events/905419703001368/

The Muni Arts Centre & Stand up for Comedy presents: Dan Mitchell

Saturday 27th October

Tickets £8 adv. £10 on the door.

8pm start time!

https://choicetickets.co.uk/upcomingevents?PageId=121124

If you are a BID levy payer and you have an exclusive deal or event for halloween which you would like to promote contact james@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Your Pontypridd AGM 2018 and Annual Reports

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Fri, 19 Oct 2018 14:24:10 GMT

The Your Pontpridd BID Annual General Meeting took place at Pontypridd Museum today with BID's directors and representatives from lots of the BID businesses in the town centre. Chair Margaret Hughes introduced herself and gave her thoughts on the past twelve months, highlighting how important the BID's role is moving forward especially with the difficult climate facing businesses in the town centre not just locally but nationally.

The chair (Maggie Hughes) then thanked everyone for coming before handing over to Robert Thomas of Jeffs and Rowe who presented the accounts for 2017/2018.

This was followed by BID Manager Victoria Pulman who outline the main achievement from her Managers report detailing the progress and achievements of the BID since the last AGM in October 2017 the report is available from the Resources section on the Your Pontypridd website.

Projects Officer James Payne presented a Digital Report detailing the progression of the BID website, social media and MailChimp account over the past year, this report can be seen on the resources section on the website. Directors and BID businesses were also given an update by PCSO Lisa Banfield who discussed the role of the Police helping the businesses stay safe by establishing the new Shopwatch scheme and working with the Police via RadioNet to identify shoplifters in the town.

We would like to thank all those who attended and we look forward to making even more progress over the next twelve months, minutes of the meeting will be published early next week on the website, if you any queries regarding the meeting or reports contact info@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Commercial Burglaries - What can you do about it?

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Tue, 16 Oct 2018 08:11:59 GMT

Following a spate of recent commercial burglaries in South Wales the Police have issued the following general advice for businesses

Slow Them Down

Time is a key factor in most burglaries. Burglars will put themselves at risk of being caught for as little time as possible. For them the risks are highest when they are conspicuous to passers-by or in the short time they have to complete their burglary after a burglar alarm has gone off. To prevent burglaries effectively, you should delay burglars at these times for as long as possible in order to make the risk seem unacceptable. The best way to do this is to put your resources into more than one of the types or levels of physical protection– the more barriers you create, the more you will slow them down.

Train Your Staff

You need full support from your staff. Teach them about the burglary prevention measures you have taken, and the correct use of any equipment you have installed.

Reporting suspicious circumstances
Explain to staff the importance, for example, of keeping a watchful eye for suspicious people or vehicles to prevent people ‘casing’your premises.
Get them involved
You can develop their commitment to crime prevention by asking their opinions and ideas about the measures you are taking or propose to take.
Key security
Above all, you should build key security into your staff training programme. Ensure that only specially selected staff have access to certain keys or combination locks, and that keys to secure areas are not left within the shop. Selected staff or managers must thoroughly understand their responsibilities for locking and securing fastenings on windows and doors, cabinets, internal offices where cash may be held, safes, rooflights and any other exits.

Look after Stock and Cash

Removing high value goods from window displays
You can protect portable high value goods such as jewellery or camcorders by removing them from display windows overnight, and locking them in a safe, or a secure room or cage. But be aware of the drawbacks – the extra workload on you and your staff, and the likelihood that empty windows will attract less window shopping and therefore less ‘informal’ policing. (Having more people around increases the chance of there being witnesses who can call the police.)
Hiding stock
Burglars will be less likely to break into your stock room if you hide what is in it boarding or whitewashing over the windows.
Leave the till open
By leaving the till visible, open and clearly empty, any burglars seeking cash are likely to lose interest.
Reducing stock
The less you have in stock to attract the thief, the less can be taken. By coordinating with suppliers you can introduce ‘just in time’ deliveries, use catalogue deliveries or home deliveries to reduce stock levels. But while such methods may minimise stock taken in a burglary, they are unlikely to deter a burglar unless he or she knows stock levels are low.
Bank your cash
If you do not leave cash in the store overnight it cannot be stolen in a burglary. Night safe facilities are available after opening hours. If you do not use a specialist cash collection agency be sure you vary the route you take to the bank and the times you leave the shop.
Dummy goods
In some cases, using dummy goods, (such as coloured water in wine bottles in off-licence displays, or empty CDs and cassette tapes) will deter some opportunistic burglars who only seek display goods, but you have to make it clear that the goods are fake. This approach will not deter burglars seeking high value stock from inside the shop.

Physically Protect the Target

Strengthening Potential Entrances
Use high quality (hardwood) door frames and doors, steel reinforcing and anti-thrust bolts on vulnerable doors, and bars on vulnerable windows. Glass panels in doors are particularly vulnerable to attack and ideally they should be avoided or boarded up. Ask for materials that comply at least to BS8220 for the construction industry as a minimum standard of strength. And the locks on doors should be at least up to the quality of a five lever mortice lock conforming to BS3621.
Grilles and Shutters
These can be an excellent way of deterring burglars, but externally fitted varieties will need planning permission. There are three main types:

· Internal grilles are usually a thin lattice mesh that is lowered just behind the window. (Note that these do not protect the window and glass replacement is often the greatest cost in a burglary)

· External metal grilles are usually of the ‘tube and link’ design

· External roller shutters (made from solid aluminium or steel strips or laths which can have ‘windows’ punched into them to allow window shoppers a glimpse of your wares)

External grilles and shutters usually roll up into a housing behind the fascia while the shop is trading; some are taken down in sections and stored inside the shop.
External shutters are strongly resisted by some planning authorities. Firstly, badly designed or solid shutters prevent window shopping and create a fortress – like hostile environment, reducing the numbers of passers-by at night. Which in turn may increase the level of crime. Secondly, their horizontal design and projecting housings seldom fit aesthetically with the design of a building, (and this is of particular importance in the case of listed buildings and conservation areas).

Fit grilles inside
You can protect high value goods within the shop floor area by securing high risk display cabinets, such as for tobacco displays, with protective grilles and shutters.
Glass ‘film’
A reasonably cheap way of improving the strength of glass windows against smash and grab attacks is by applying a plastic film, available in various grades, to the rear of the window. This is a good deterrent but filmed glass windows are slightly less clear than non-filmed windows. Mirror-finished film on rear windows will both increase the strength of the glass and fully restrict a burglar’s view into rear storage areas.
Laminated glass
This is very difficult to break through in a ‘smash and grab’ attack because it is made by bonding a layer of tough plastic between sheets of glass, and this will hold the window together even after the glass has broken. However, to be effective you must ensure that window frames and fixings are equally strong, and bear in mind that you will often have to pay to replace the glass, even if the burglars were not able to take your stock.
Safes
A good quality safe will protect cash and valuable items overnight but you should take the added precaution of bolting it in place and positioning it discreetly. If you have, or are fitting a burglar alarm, you can include sensors inside the safe that will set the alarm off if the safe is opened. But beware buying a fire safe that doesn’t necessarily protect against theft, and vice versa. Your insurers will be able to help you choose a suitable safe and suggest minimum standards of specification.
Secure cages
Secure cages in the stock room can provide additional security for high value stock. They can be constructed using expanded metal sections or created by increasing the protection within an existing internal room.
Vehicle traps
Fixing bollards into the ground around your premises will protect against ram raiders, but you will need to consult your local planning authority and your landlord. Some designs of bollard can be removed during trading hours. Large concrete plant containers can be used as an alternative to bollards. ‘Road blocker’ devices can be used to close off vehicle entrance overnight. Much depends on your location and circumstances.
The overall design
If you are planning a move to a new building or intend making major refurbishments, you have an excellent opportunity to build preventive measures into the design of your premises. For example, you can build stall risers, put in multi-pane windows, ensure telephone lines are hidden and protect vehicle approaches. The Secured by Design scheme has been developed to help identify builders who have consulted the police and have incorporated specific crime prevention measures.
And if it happens…
Remember that if you have been unfortunate enough to have been burgled, the statistics show that your risk of being burgled again is much higher. So you will need to upgrade your defences and not merely put things back the way they were before the burglary. Obviously if an attack takes place you will have very little time to liaise with planning authorities and so on – so make contingency plans now, and arrange what you will do if the worst happens.

Watching and Deterring Intruders

Intruder alarms
You may deter some potential burglars if you display evidence that you have fitted an intruder alarm. Others may be scared off if they are breaking in and hear alarm bells go off. Read about different types of burglar alarms and how to buy one.
Video surveillance
Burglars are deterred by closed circuit television cameras monitoring the outside or inside of the building at night and they can also help police to detect the burglars. Stringent codes of practice need to be followed – including ensuring the date and time are incorporated into the recording – before video evidence can be successfully used in prosecution.
Controlling vehicle access
If a burglar cannot bring a vehicle close to your premises because his access is barred you eliminate the ram raider and become less attractive proposition to burglars who depend on vehicles to drive stock away.
Locking escape routes
Commercial burglars often plan to use exit routes that are different from their entry routes. In view of this, you need to make it as difficult to get out as it is to get in. Make sure windows, doors, panic escape bars and internal doors are well locked overnight, and shut off the power supply for loading bay shutters. Make sure rear windows, doors, escape routes, and internal doors are well locked, and isolate the power supply for loading bay shutters.
Lighting
If you install lights that are activated by someone approaching your shop you may deter some potential burglars. Where your shop is overlooked by passers-by you will increase the chances of an intruder being noticed if you simply increase the level of lighting both inside and outside the building. But take care: if your shop is never overlooked at night (say because it is in an out-of-town shopping park) then increased lighting may simply make it easier for burglars to work.

Pontypridd Osteopathic Clinic celebrates 30th anniversary

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Fri, 12 Oct 2018 12:18:45 GMT

Pontypridd Osteopathic Clinic are celebrating their 30th anniversary since they were established in 1988, the clinic have always strived to provide a caring professional approach and their excellent customer service has made them one of the most reliable and trusted businesses in Pontypridd. The Clinic are registered with the General Osteopathic Council and can help with a number of conditions and pains, details of their services can be found at http://www.pontypriddosteopaths.co.uk/

Principal Osteopath Angela Cavil is already looking towards the next three decades and said ‘I’m proud to say we’ve been treating the people of Pontypridd and the Rhondda Valleys for 30 years and what a journey it has been. We would like to thank all our patients for being part of the journey and look forward to easing those pains for another 30 years.’

The 30th anniversary also marks a start of a new era for Pontypridd Osteopathic Clinic as they launch their new rebrand of the clinic, including a new logo, and new website coming very soon. The Clinic will be celebrating their 30th anniversary this evening with a get together at 9 Gelliwastad Road, enjoy a cake and a glass of prosseco between 4pm and 7pm. All are welcome to attend, and the BID would like to pass on their congratulations to Angela and the team.

Musical talent in Pontypridd celebrated at LINK Fest 2018

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Tue, 09 Oct 2018 15:19:29 GMT

The annual LINK Fest, organised by the Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District took part this past weekend featuring eleven of Pontypridd's finest venues. The festival celebrated music from the 50's all the way up modern trance music in a weekend packed full of live artists, a unique film screening and poetry.

The festival kicked off on Friday afternoon in the unusual setting of a coffee shop at Costa Pontypridd, curated by Young Promoters Network the line up featured young upcoming artists from South Wales - Christian Punter, Casual Overload and Diggs who each brought their unique style to Costa whilst customers enjoyed their coffees and each act was warmly applauded throughout their sets.

The entertainment for Pontypridd's residents and visitors continued on a busy Friday night with the brilliant Little Folk putting on a great performance of americana music at The Tumble Inn, getting people to their feet and dancing to classic country numbers. Young Promoters Network second show of the weekend took place at a packed out Clwb y Bont, a venue famous for showcasing young talent as the crowd were treated to perfromances from Jack Mason, Angri Kidd, The Rivers and sssnakes who will definitely a band to watch our for in the near future.

Your Pontypridd also offered ska music on the Firday night at The Muni Arts Centre with 2 Rude performing all the classics, with free entry attracting a good crowd. The first evening of the Staylittle Music weekender took place with an excellent line up of Tom Jenkins (Straight Lines), The Devil in Virginia and local favourites The People the Poet at the wonderful setting of Globetrotters Bar, finally Platform 11 offered a unique night out with the talented Paul Skelton playing trance classics on a Piano amazing the crowd who enjoyed a night full of classic dance tunes to see out Day 1 of LINK Fest.

The Saturday of LINK Fest saw music performed across six venues in Pontypridd, starting with the special offering of the South Wales Pipers at Pontypridd Train Station. Pontypridd Museum was taken back to the 50's with Howard from GTFM playing some of the best chart songs from 1956, followed by a mesmerising performance by Cheryl Roberts, the afternoon concluded with a special screening of 'Rock Around the Clock' which was warmly applauded at the end, with many of the audience when the sequel will be coming to the Museum!

Saturday evening featured a variety of music, Oll an Gwella wowed the audience at Clwb y Bont with their traditional acapella vocals filling out the room. Alfreds played host to party band The Strip Lights who played to a packed dancefloor all night. The Bar Hounds came to Soul Suite for the very first time and manager Jason Frost said "The band were great and everyone had a really good time."

Globetrotters hosted their second event of the weekend with the wonderful Ofelia playing in an intimate setting, with great support from James Bower and Colenso Jones on another busy night at the venue. The final day of LINK Fest began back at Globetrotters with an amazing line up - many of South Wales finest poets performed from 2pm at the venue, followed by five live acts including Matthew Frederick of Climbing Trees, Aled Rheon, Toby Hay, Jim Ghedi and Bella & Gareth. Owner of Globetrotters Dan Jones said "the bar had an excellent weekend, we were full every night and had lots of great feedback from visitors ." A very successful weekend concluded at The Skinny Dog with local band The Acoustix - a unique duo entertaining the crowd with a range of covers from the 1960's all the way up to modern classics!

A special thank you to everyone involved in LINK Fest and we look forward to seeing you all in 2018! For all the best footage and photos from the weekend visit https://www.yourpontypridd.co.uk/LINKFEST18

Small Business Saturday bus to visit Pontypridd town centre

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 14:54:32 GMT

Pontypridd to be featured on Small Business Saturday's bus tour - one of only three stops in Wales

The Small Business Saturday team will be visiting Pontypridd Town Centre on a short stop, following a request from the Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District. Small Business Saturday will be visiting on the 15th of November between 3.30 and 4.30pm, giving small businesses in Pontypridd a chance to have an interview with their team on the Blue Sofa which will be shared on their Facebook page with an audience of 34,000 and Twitter with an audience of 43,000.

If you are a small business in the Pontypridd BID area and would like to have a chat with the Small Business Saturday team, please contact james@yourpontypridd.co.uk

Small Business Saturday's website also offers small businesses the opportunity to register to their portal, simply follow the details on this link - https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/my-small-business and add your businesses' details to their 'Small Business Finder' map helping customers and visitors discover the many small businesses in Pontypridd town centre.

For more information regarding how to get involved in 'Small Business Saturday, visit the website at https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/

Your Pontypridd AGM Announcement 2018

info@yourpontypridd.co.uk (Your Pontypridd) — Tue, 02 Oct 2018 09:17:03 GMT

Your Pontypridd Business Improvement District is pleased to announce our second Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on Friday 19th October 2018 from 11am to 12pm at Pontypridd Museum, Bridge Street with lunch and networking to follow.

All Business Improvement District Members are invited to attend and, indeed, to become a Your Pontypridd BID Board and Theme Groups if they wish to do so.

We’re looking forward to updating you on all the great projects, events, lobbying and more that we’ve undertaken to support your business and the town over the past 12 months and sharing our plans for the next 12 months.

To confirm your attendance please contact Victoria Pulman, BID Manager on 01443 244190 or Victoria@yourpontypridd.co.uk and also if you would like details of how to join the Board of Director and Theme Groups.

An interview with Sarah Pace of Addo Creative

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Mon, 01 Oct 2018 10:02:09 GMT

Our latest interview is with Sarah from Addo Creative, who has started up a new co-working space in Gelliwastad Road for social and creative freelancers & enterprises. Sarah talks to us about why they set up the new venture, what Addo Creative is, how they became interested in the arts and the future of Pontypridd.

Hi Sarah, thanks for chatting with us, this is a really exciting addition to Pontypridd. Can you tell us where the name comes from, how the idea for Addo Studio came about and what you’re aiming to achieve?

Thanks for the opportunity to share our story.

Addo Creative have been based in Pontypridd since 2011 and have benefitted greatly from Pontypridd’s relatively central location within South Wales, the support of the Arts Development Team at RCT Council and the network of creative professionals in the area. Therefore, we have a vested interest in and are hopeful for the future of the town. As a small creative organisation, we also understand the challenges facing small businesses and sole traders in finding suitable and affordable workspace, staying the isolation that comes from independent or home-based working, and establishing a presence within the arts, cultural and voluntary sectors.

And so in September 2018 we opened a co-working space called ‘Addo Studio – Creative Hub’ at 26 Gelliwastad Road, Pontypridd. Addo Studio aims to provide desk and meeting spaces within which a creative, collaborative and supportive community may grow and in doing so to contribute to developing the social and cultural ecology of Pontypridd, as well as the practice, profile, connections and well-being of its members.

Membership of Addo Studio is aimed at those working in or connected to the creative industries and businesses with a social ethos. Membership of Addo Studio includes: Dedicated desk space & locker, Wi-Fi, Use of a shared meeting room; a communal area for lunch, coffee or informal meetings; kitchen and toilet facilities; a small courtyard for outdoor working; All utilities; Registered business address; and 24/7 access.

Our meeting room is also open for hire to non-members. We’re also flexible and open to developing bespoke packages and collaborations and would encourage people to get in touch to discuss their business or organisational needs.

As someone who has grown up locally and whose father worked on Gelliwastad Road until his recent retirement, I hope that this venture will benefit the town centre and tap into the potential of the town as a hub for creative businesses, especially given the development of the Cardiff City Region and Metro and Pontypridd’s position as a gateway to the valleys.

The ethos behind the co-working space and how we hope it will operate is echoed in o ur name. ‘Addo’ means ‘to give, bring, place, inspire, cause, add, join’ in Latin and ‘to promise’ in Welsh and reflects our strong collaborative ethos and commitment to providing opportunities for others to make and experience art in the public realm and to enhancing the wider cultural and social ecology of places and communities.

The new Addo Studio is part of Addo Creative; can you tell us how the business started, what it does and how you came to work together and how you became involved with the arts scene in Wales?

Tracy and I decided to set up Addo Creative in 2011 after working together at Safle, the [former] strategic agency for public art in Wales, at which point we had both been working in the arts in Wales for over 10 years in various roles (our biographies are available on our website: http://www.addocreative.com/who-we-are/ ).

We founded Addo Creative as a not-for-profit arts organisation specialising in developing and commissioning contemporary art projects in the public realm, usually within community, urban and rural regeneration contexts.

What are the priorities for the company and the Addo brand in the next twelve months?

Our focus over the next twelve months is on growing and ensuring the sustainability of Addo Studio – Creative Hub and on continuing to develop Addo Creative’s portfolio of work, which has to date included working locally, nationally and internationally, with and on behalf of artists, community groups, voluntary organisations, and private and public sectors partners, to deliver a broad spectrum of projects including: permanent and temporary public artworks and programmes; artist residencies; strategy & framework documents; research, evaluation and feasibility studies; and a variety of exhibitions and events in both art and non-art spaces.

What was the attraction of setting up the Studio in the town, specifically Gelliwasted Road that’s associated with Professional Services?

Being based in Pontypridd means Addo Studio is w ithin easy reach of Cardiff and the Heads of the Valleys region. Gelliwastad Road is only a short walk from Pontypridd Railway and Bus Stations and there are several cheap car-parking options nearby. This means that we’re in a central location in the town that’s easily accessible for potential Addo Studio members, as well as their clients/customers.

In addition, as you say, Gelliwastad Road has long been associated with Professional Services, which is of benefit to the Addo brand and members of Addo Studio.

What do you know about Pontypridd’s Business Improvement District and are you a member of or attend any other networks?

Victoria and James at Your Pontypridd BID have been incredibly supportive of our new venture by helping us to connect with potential collaborators and members for Addo Studio and helping to promote and showcase our services locally. As a result, we’ve started to attend some of the BID meetings and made contact with other networks in the town, such as the Jigsaw Business Women network that invite women across all business sectors to connect with fellow business women on the first Wednesday of every month, 12:30 – 14:00 at Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd.

We also regularly attend the What Next? Valleys meetings that are often held at The Muni and are focussed on enabling people involved in the arts and cultural sector to actively advocate the value of the work they do and make connections with people from other sectors in the Valleys area. What Next? Valleys is part of a national movement called What Next? that seeks to bring together arts and cultural organisations from across the UK, to articulate, champion and strengthen the role of culture in our society.

We’d recommend the What Next? Valleys meetings to anyone interested in how arts & culture benefits the Valleys. Dates of meetings are posted on the What Next? Valleys Facebook Group Page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/214049045673241/

How supportive is the local business community in embracing the changing nature of business you represent?

The local business community on Gelliwastad Road has been supportive, with some of our neighbours popping in to Open House events we held in September to enable people to visit the space and see what we have to offer and others sharing information about Addo Studio with their networks.

I think people recognise that the town needs to adapt to accommodate the Creative Industries Sector (including: advertising & marketing; architecture; crafts; product design, graphic design & fashion design; film, TV, video, radio & photography; IT, software & computer services; publishing; museums, galleries & libraries; music, performing arts and visual art), especially since government statistics suggest that employment within this sector is growing at four times the rate of the UK workforce as a whole and could be worth £128.4billion to the UK economy by 2025, helping to create up to one million jobs by 2030 ( https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/creative-industries-economic-estimates-january-2016 ).

How do you see the current redevelopments in the town centre and future regeneration projects affecting Addo Studio?

I think the current redevelopments and proposed future regeneration projects can only be of benefit to Addo Studio, by attracting more people to live and work in the area and use the town centre.

And the final question what ways would you like to see Your Pontypridd BID and Addo Studios/Creative working together in the future?

There is a very positive vibe in Pontypridd at the moment and the BID is helping to make the breadth of services and facilities available in the town more visible and connected to each other. We are open to finding ways to support this, both through Addo Studio and Addo Creative.

Thank you for your time today, we're excited by this new venture and to have the Addo team on board and we look forward to working with them in the future.

For more information on what space is available, booking and prices email hello@addostudio.com , visit http://addostudio.com and follow them on Twitter https://twitter.com/AddoStudio .

Trivallis appoint new Director of Development and Regeneration

james@yourpontypridd.co.uk (James Payne) — Wed, 26 Sep 2018 08:16:32 GMT

Trivallis, a registered social landlord based in Rhondda Cynon Taff, has appointed Michelle Thomas to the role of Director of Development and Regeneration.

Michelle joins Trivallis with over thirty years’ experience in social housing and brings with her extensive knowledge of the sector including her previous role as Director of her own development consultancy, Riverside, based in the South of England.

Michelle said : “I’m absolutely delighted to have been announced as the new Director of Development and Regeneration at Trivallis.

“I’ve been tremendously impressed by the work that’s already being done across Rhondda Cynon Taff and I look forward to working with colleagues and partners across the organisation and beyond, to build on this great work and increase the number of much needed affordable new homes in our communities. It signals a new chapter in the story of Trivallis and I’m proud to be a part of it. ”

While at Riverside, Michelle worked with numerous housing associations including Stonewater and Greensquare. Before this, she was Head of Development at Merlin Housing, a similar large scale voluntary transfer (LSVT) organisation to Trivallis, in terms of its customer size.

As a specialist in new build development and regeneration, Michelle has worked on a number of high profile projects; most recently leading on a £35 million pound scheme to bring 145 affordable homes to a former factory site in Sussex and delivering a project to deliver 48 new homes on two Southampton City Council owned sites.

At Trivallis, Michelle will be responsible for identifying the requirements for building sustainable communities as well as working in partnership with the Local Authority, Welsh Government and other key stakeholders to maximise investment in Rhondda Cynon Taff.

Speaking on the appointment, Trivallis’ chief executive Ian Thomas added : “We are very pleased to be welcoming Michelle to Trivallis. Not only does her appointment fill a vital seat in our Executive Leadership Team but her experience and vision for how we can regenerate the area is really exciting.

“Bringing in someone of Michelle’s calibre is testament to the growing external reputation of Trivallis and gives us the level of expertise we need to help us achieve our ambitions.”

Trivallis is currently working towards developing a new vision and strategic priorities following the appointment of Michelle as well as new Board members including Jonathan Huish who is taking up the role of Chair. The new vision aims to put the customer right at the heart of everything Trivallis does and will look at ways in which Michelle’s role can help influence regeneration in the area.

For more information, please contact Communications Officer, Sadye Baker on 01443 494443 or email sadye.baker@trivallis.co.uk .

Trivallis is one of Wales’ largest registered social landlords. It was set up as Wales’ first housing community mutual in December 2007, following a stock transfer of over 10,000 homes from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.

Trivallis is currently involved in developing 30 new homes in Aberdare town centre comprising of 12 one and two bedroom apartments in The former Boot Hotel and 18 one and two bedroom apartments in The Black Lion and The Exchange. These developments aim to connect customers with links to employment in the area, as well as bringing derelict buildings back to public use in the heart of the town centre. Following similar schemes in Pontypridd, Trivallis has become an expert in working with partners to convert listed buildings and re-purposing them in a way that will benefit our communities and future generations. Both of these projects have been funded using Social Housing Grant and constructed by TEDs Developments.

For more information on Trivallis, visit the website at www.trivallis.co.uk

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