Present:     P. Maugham, William Powell, Carol Williams, Elaine Starling, Marian Meredith, K.J. Parkinson, Lynne Greaves, Rob Hughes

Apologies:   J. Wake, D Perks, J, Shaw, M. Cunningham, O. Sims,  Pip and Jan Ellis, Dee Perks,           , Rita Roger

We welcome Helen Jones from Trefeca Farm to the meeting.

1.     Walking Route  Project

Carol Williams reported on the progress.   6 Walks have been designated in and around Talgarth.   The walks are being followed by a walking Journalist who is also a photographer.  Historical refs associated with each of the walks are to be written up.  Punch has asked for historical guide writer to put this together, a lady named Sue Gwyn.   She asked if one or two people from the meeting would proof read.  It was pointed out that without knowing the walks, it was impossible for any member of the group to make any comment.

Bilingual Text also has to be provided.

It won’t be completed in time for the Christmas Market.  It was suggested that one evening in December from 5p.m. to 7 p.m. we had a meeting to launch the Walks Programme.   Date and venue to be confirmed.  Invitations will be extended to Business’s etc in the area.

2.    Tourism Action Plan

There is funding for an Action Plan.   The plan which has to be owned by the Community could be written to cover 3+years.   The Upper Swansea Valley Colabor8 group have used a consultant supplied by funding from Collabor8.   The idea is to promote “Sustainable Tourism”.

The point was made that it had to be owned by those involved in promoting tourism in Talgarth including the TIC.  So therefore, they should be involved.

3.    Talgarth TIC

William Powell stated that he had no authority to report on this group, but the following points needed to be stated:

1)    The TIC is open 7 days per week.

2)    It had extended hours

3)    There is a team atmosphere about the place.

There has been an influx of volunteers and they have various projects under consideration including working with Youth Groups.

Punch Maugham said she had paid a visit to the TIC before this meeting and was impressed with what she had observed.

4.    Web 4U Website

Barbara Christopher and Tony James are attending a training programme in November. 

Jan and Pip have had a training session, Steve has had an update.  There should be more to report at next meeting.

5.    See attached report on the Collabor8 Transitional Meeting.

6.    AOB

1)    M Jenkins spent time on the Plinth in Trafalgar Square celebrating the virtues of Talgarth.

2)    Broad endorsement of sign produced to say that Talgarth is the “Ancient Capital of Brycheiniog” But a lot of work still needs to be done on this concept.

3)    Rod Gilbert, a Welsh comedian is using Talgarth for a programme.

4)    Mill Project- Applied for Village SOS. We will know in the next ten days.

The Mill project has received £25000 to create River Walks associated with the Mill.

5)    Car Parking Charges- a Lot of opposition.

Date of next meeting will be 16th November, venue to be announced.  Time 10.30 a.m.

The Collabor8 Group would like to thank Catherine Parkinson for her hospitality in the Castle Hotel.