Allotments.
The community allotment runs to promote healthy eating and living and therefore well being. The Duffryn Landladies, as they are known, now meet each Thursday at Forest Children's Centre at 9.30am and support growing activities their.
We now have a mixed group of volunteers looking after the allotment for us. We will continue to develop the allotment further, possibly for use by the Dad's group. We now hope to use some organically grown produce at Cafe Coed.
Bob would like to say a Big "Thank You" to the volunteers who have supported this project so consistently. If you would like to have a chat about joining the group please give us a call on 01633 816916, they are a great bunch and you will be made welcome. Give us a call.
Bike Club.
The Bike Club continues to run and is particularly mindful of the health benefits of cycling, in addition to today's environmental issues. Various activities are run including bike trips throughout the local area.
The club has evolved and moved slightly away from a repair facility and now offers regular ride-outs in the grounds of Tredegar House. Thanks are due to International Rectifier and Newport Local Health Board for their support of this facility. More recently we have to thank Atkins for a major refurbishment of the facilities; thanks also to all our volunteers who worked so hard to make it happen.
We now have volunteers, men and women from the Duffryn Estate, who are helping to deliver this project consistently. Terry and Sam Williams and Nathan and Nicky Bennett have been major driving forces at the club and are now qualified to British Cycling Association Silver and Silver Plus Standard and are currently looking to deliver cycle maintenance training in local schools. If you can spare just a couple of hours once a week and would like to be involved and undertake some training please contact Bob Barry or Geraint Hughes on 01633 816916. The club meets on Thursdays 4-6pm.
Our volunteers also deliver cycling proficiency level 1 at Duffryn Junior School. Many thanks to Mr John Jackson for the instruction and to Headmaster Mr Kelland for supporting this initiative. A very special mention to 3Ms for donating more Hi-visibility vests which will be given to the children on completion of training. It's really good to see 'giants' such as 3Ms supporting local efforts to keep our children safe.
Cafe Coed.
The cafe is located at Forest Children's Centre in the grounds of Duffryn Infant and Junior Schools at Partridge Way. The Cafe is run by one paid worker and further staffed by community volunteers. The aim of the Cafe is to educate and inform, while providing healthy eating options.
The cafe also provides buffets to meet in-house requirements. Prices are very reasonable, I suspect that we are the cheapest in Newport! Once again, this project is supported by Forest Children's Centre, who have been fantastic partners in this initiative.
Each Wednesday our older residents, can enjoy a healthy cooked lunch just £2.00. Ideally we would like to open this up to all of our older residents, but space and time prevents this. We have piloted this scheme at Nightingale Court, as generally speaking the residents are more independent than those at Aneurin Bevan Court. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide transport and this can limit uptake from people with mobility problems, however the scheme is open to all, and if you would like to know more please give us a call.
I'd like to say a big thank you to our lady volunteers who provide this service, It can be very hard work, in difficult working conditions; their contribution is enormous and, as with all our volunteers, they are valued greatly.
The original concept of Cafe Coed was that it would become a social enterprise possibly towards the end of 2007 or early 2008. The credit crunch has undoubtedly had an impact on peoples finances and efficient partnership working helps us keep the project afloat. If you require further information please call 01633 816916.
LATE NEWS!! We are now able to offer Healthy Lunch Boxes at very reasonable prices. This is offered through local lady Tammy Sheehan; if you would like to know more call us on 01633 816916 or contact Forest Children's Centre on 01633 816774 for more details.
Help the Aged.
In 2007 and 2008 we were able to secure small funding opportunities for Duffryn Community Church, Duffryn Tea Dancers, for a Summer Picnic which took place at Nightingale Court. Thanks to our fantastic volunteers Margaret Jones and Elsie Foley two delightful buffets have been enjoyed by about 100 people, entertainment has been provided by vocalist Jake King and Father and daughter duo Donna and Jim. In 2008 we were able to tie in with the presentations for Duffryn in Bloom. Thanks also to Betty, who hasprepared and donated two delicious 'Sweets' which were eaten with relish. Help the Aged? I think as Development Officer, I need their help more than they need mine!
Thanks also to the staff at Nightingale Court, who always make a great effort to accommodate such events and very special thanks to HELP THE AGED for funding this event. December 2007 also saw us secure financial support from HELP THE AGED for the residents at Anuerin Bevan Court. HELP THE AGED were also asking for older people who may be alone at Christmas to think about inviting a neighbour or friend along, as so many older people can feel very alone at that time of year. It's a brilliant idea, and one that should not just be saved for Christmas! Think about someone that you know who may be alone, get together and extend it throughout the year. Remember a stranger is just a friend that you haven't yet met!
Food Co-op.
Duffryn Food Co-op has run for just over four years now, it runs from The Den, 7, Sandpiper Way every Wednesday between 9am-12noon. We offer seasonal produce and bags of vegetables, fruit or salad can be had for £2.50 per bag. Orders are placed and paid for a week in advance. This again, is run by volunteers at no cost to the community. The whole amount is spent on produce. Diet is so important to enjoying good health and this gives an opportunity to be part of something which is an aid to good health. Again; brilliant volunteers for this project, which in October will celebrate it's 5th anniversary!
A group of young people that come together to discuss issues of the estate. They recently produced a film called 'Branded' which was premiered at The Riverfront in October 2007. This film examined the stereotyping of young people in the area. The group are currently working on a show for Christmas. We are always looking for new members, so if you are interested, we'd love to hear from you. Call Sally Wild on 01633 816916
The Youth Forum at Work
Belly Dancing.
A new initiative by our community centre manager Jo Charlton. Meets each week on Thursday evenings. Great fun and a good way to lose some calories! Interested? Call us on 01633 816916.
Computer Classes.
Terrified? then this course for you. 'Computers for the Terrified' runs weekly from the computer suite and is delivered by Jo Charlton at a pace which suits you! So don't be deterred, you can take as much time as you need. Give us a call on 01633 816916