We recognise that this past year has been hard for many, so with this in mind, we’d like to promote some other incredible initiatives working to create stronger, cleaner, and more sustainable communities. Each month we will be promoting a location that is home to one of our repair cafés, celebrating the many other inspirational, forward thinking organisations that strive to make Wales, and the world, a better place.

This month we are showcasing Beaumaris, the stunning seaside town on the island of Anglesey. Steeped in history, this town is the site of one of the ‘iron ring’ of castles constructed by Edward I to control the Welsh. Whilst that concept didn’t quite work out, the people of Beaumaris are now busy constructing their own ‘iron ring’ – one that instead, works to create community cohesion whilst protecting and prioritising their local environment.

 

Menter Môn’s Cwlwm Seiriol Project

 

Menter Môn is a not-for-profit social enterprise that works to enhance the quality of local resources for residents living in the north west of Wales. Directing the first green prescribing project on the island of Anglesey, this organisation has been working together with the Beaumaris GP surgery to encourage people who suffer from mental health issues or physical inactivity, to explore their local green spaces and use nature as a form of therapy. The green prescription entails a weekly session in a local nature reserve for eight weeks, where people can learn and develop skills, building confidence and gently instilling the self-belief required to have a go, and try new things. This scheme has had some incredible feedback, confirming the tremendous benefits of nature and outdoor activities for both physical and mental wellbeing. The success of Cwlwm Seriol has proved an exciting prospect, and the promotion of this offering is key, ensuring people are aware of, and able to access this incredible resource. Having piloted their green prescribing project, Menter Môn are now looking to expand the scheme across the island of Anglesey.

 

To find out more about Cwlwm Seriol, you can visit Menter Môn’s website here.

 

Beaumaris Maker’s Market

 

Beaumaris Maker’s Market was founded in 2019 in an effort to bring together local makers, producers and small businesses, and give them a platform to showcase their talents. The market, held on Castle Square in Beaumaris, aims to provide a welcoming and inclusive environment for both stall holders and customers, whilst offering local, handmade goods and even raising money for local charities along the way. The organisers of Beaumaris Maker’s Market ensure that all stall holder fees are donated to local charities, the 2020 season raising a fantastic £5,500, a total split between Canolfan Beaumaris, Alaw Ward at Ysbyty Gwynedd and the WVS. The 2021 season is on target to be another incredible year, having already raised in excess of £4,000. One example of a regular stall at the Beaumaris Maker’s Market is Lief Reclaimed, a small Welsh business focussed on reclaiming natural, luxury and unique textiles and giving them a new lease of life. Creating luxurious cashmere garments and accessories Lief Reclaimed are passionate about achieving a greener planet by recycling, reusing and selling their products. With many more brilliant stalls to explore, a trip to Beaumaris Maker’s Market is definitely on our Christmas list.

 

To find out more about Beaumaris Maker’s Market, you can visit their website here.

 

Canolfan Beaumaris

Following an announcement from Anglesey County Council in 2013 that the Canolfan would no longer be supported, a group of local residents including staff from the Canolfan, volunteers and local business people, rallied together to save this community venue. Establishing a not-for-profit social enterprise business and becoming a registered charity, both the ongoing support of local residents and the hard work invested to save the Canolfan, have succeeded in making it a valuable community asset. Hosting a variety of events including film nights and concerts, the Canolfan also offers a leisure and sports schedule, gym facilities and classes, encouraging an active lifestyle that enhances both the physical and mental wellbeing of the local community. The Canolfan reinvests all profits back into the services it offers, and into the maintenance and development of the venue, ensuring it can serve not only this generation, but the many generations to come.

 

To find out more about Canolfan Beaumaris, and how you can support them, you can visit their website here.

 

The Bulkeley Hotel

 

Situated in the centre of Beaumaris, The Bulkeley Hotel was built in 1832 to accommodate Queen Victoria’s royal visit to Anglesey. These days, the hotel serves a larger audience offering numerous events, workshops and courses. The hotel hosts lessons in watercolour painting, crochet, glass and silk painting, whilst also hosting a regular antiques fair. Encouraging the local community to develop new skills, meet new people, and to reuse items instead of buying new, this hotel has created an incredible ethos prioritising their community and engaging with environmental issues. Working closely with H’Artworks, a local gallery and workshop run by Anne Snaith who paints in a wide range of media specialising in silk and glass painting, watercolours and textile art, the hotel has embraced Anne’s passion to enable individuals to discover their own creativity, whilst tackling the social and environmental issues of the present day.

 

To find out more about The Bulkeley Hotel, their services, or their collaboration with H’Artworks, you can visit their Facebook page here.