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 Caerphilly, the town in south Wales famous for its castle and delicious crumbly cheese! Whilst the Caerphilly cheese may crumble, the people of Caerphilly have united in their effort to reduce waste, enhance their environment, and strengthen their community.
Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community
The Caerphilly Miners Centre is a building steeped in history as a symbol of solidarity and resilience in the Caerphilly community. Starting life as a mansion owned by a wealthy mining contractor, in 1919, it was collectively bought by mine workers from 29 local pits who reimagined the space as a hospital for local people. The hospital became known as ‘The Miners’ and nourished the health of the community for 90 years, and whilst it is no longer serving that particular purpose, it has now developed to nurture the well-being of the Caerphilly community, tackling both social and environmental issues with their programme of activities, groups and projects. During the pandemic, the doors to this historic building have had to remain closed, but far from pausing their efforts to create a better environment for their members, Caerphilly Miners Centre have continued to provide numerous online services, including exercise classes for their Elderberries group, aged 60+, and offering advice on utilising technology to connect with friends and family. As Spanish, French and Art classes will continue to benefit the local community when restrictions lift, the Climate Change Garden for the Future project promises to bring young and old together to teach gardening skills, enhance their environment and contribute to the resilience of Caerphilly community.
To find out more about Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community, you can find their website here.
The Old Library
The Old Library is a coffee shop in Caerphilly, but this coffee shop runs on its love for the local community and the environment they inhabit. Having to close throughout the pandemic has been tough for this wonderful community hub, but as restrictions lift, Caerphilly will once again be able to enjoy the delicious array of artisan coffee, fresh sandwiches, tasty cakes and hot meals it offers. Whilst purchasing these culinary delights, every penny you spend is donated to their independently governed charitable trust and promised to be invested back into the local community, creating an environment enhanced for the people of Caerphilly. Once back up and running, the café is sure to resume popular community groups such as their Toddler Play group, Knit and Natter, and events for board game enthusiasts, whilst they have also been known to host one off events such as comedy nights, live music, craft fairs and collaborations with pop up restaurants.
For more information about when The Old Library can reopen and how you can support their endeavour, keep an eye on their website here.
Transition Caerphilly
Transition Caerphilly is a grassroots community project, building local resilience in the face of the ever increasing climate emergency. Championing community networking, permaculture, re-economy, and growing your own food, this group is busy creating positive change for the members of their community. A quick browse over their Facebook page will give you a good idea of all the wonderful work these people are doing, litter picking, campaigning, promoting like-minded local organisations, and highlighting their own projects such as Caerphilly’s Grow a Tree Challenge, a project organised by Transition Caerphilly with the support of Caerphilly Friends of the Earth. Challenging the people of Caerphilly to grow a tree fro m seed, Transition Caerphilly promise prizes for successful growth and offer to rehome your tree to somewhere more suitable, unless you have a space in mind to nurture your ‘baby giant’ yourself. Promoting a fun and educational route into building back better, Transition Caerphilly are most definitely worth a look if you’re looking for something to do with the kids over the Easter break.
To find out more about Transition Caerphilly, you can join their Facebook page here, or to get involved in Caerphilly’s Grow a Tree Challenge, you can find details here.
Plant2plate Catering and Zerowaste Refill Shop
Plant2plate Catering and Zerowaste Refill Shop in Caerphilly are providing the community with local produce, sustainably sourced, with an emphasis on the zero waste, refill, reuse, and recycle ethos. Already an established caterer in Caerphilly offering healthy, additive free, and locally produced food, Plant2plate expanded to accommodate their zero waste refill shop in 2018, from their premises on Cardiff Road. Catering for all dietary requirements, Plant2plate have provided cold buffets for a royal visit and hot meals for a film crew, whilst continuing to serve the local community for bigger events, or simply for those days where cooking becomes a bit of a chore. The zero waste refill shop offers an array of sustainable products ranging from loose spices and refill washing up liquid to bamboo toothbrushes and shampoo bars. Free range eggs can be bought from the shop also, whilst the most recent addition is a fresh fish box offering, with each fillet or portion wrapped in paper rather than plastic. Handmade occasion cards can be found at the shop, and it even acts as a collection point for Terracycle recycling, hygiene bank and local homeless charities.
To find out more about Plant2plate Catering and Zerowaste Refill Shop, you can visit their website here.
