As it’s become quite a tradition of mine during the last few years, thought I’d better write an end of year report to my electorate within the Abersychan Ward.
Personally its been a bit of an emotional rollercoaster for me but hopefully not caused too many problems for me as a Councillor.
January saw the ward pantomime an annual event at the Millennium Hall for the families of the ward, this annual event started several years ago from an idea I had to allow families to enjoy a pantomime without the ridiculous price tags, the event is now sponsored by the ward Community Councillors and the next panto is on January 4th and will be Cinderella.
During January I took part in Charity Fundraisers for the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the opening of the Gents Barbershop in the Village.
February saw the first tickets go on sale for the Elvis Fundraiser within the ward which I hope to run at least twice a year to bring the community closer together in a family friendly environment, along with the annual walk to the Llanerch Memorial to pay my respects and to lay flowers.
March saw our community pull together during the snow storms and the community pulled together to clear snow from side roads and shops to allow deliveries.
March also saw residents I was involved with on a case receive the result they deserved and was one of the highlights at the start of the year, it also saw me attend the Lunch Club and judging of the Easter Bonnet Parade and a trip to Tesco for Easter Eggs for Noddfa Youth Clubs after a kind donation off Bronafon Housing Association.
March also saw a vacancy for a seat on Pontypool Community Council for the Abersychan Cwmavon part of the ward an unpaid role which I decided to throw my hat into the ring for.
April saw the amount I have personally donated to local causes via GoFundMe rise to £740 and money raised to £1213.00 excluding direct donations including £50 to Lincolns Legs and various other charities within the ward.
Gabbys Diner within the ward held their first Afternoon Tea to raise funds for the local branch of the MNDA which I was also elected Chair by the branch committee. Gabbys have been outstanding in their support of this Charity which has touched many including myself within the ward.
April also saw me cutting the first sod for the new development at Ty Rosser Gwyn, Garndiffaith along with attending the 100 years of RAF flag raising at Pontypool Civic Centre.
May saw the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulations, which caused a major headache for me within my role and led to extra safeguards put in place by myself and a log of evidence of permissions granted by residents and whether full or partial consent was given along with verbal, message or email consent and date time.
A real minefield , but the law is the law and I need to follow it, this can lead to some delays in dealing with complex issues.
May also saw a partnership working event with Noddfa Chuch – FREE TO A GOOD HOME which was a massive success and achieved the results I wanted along with attending the TRAC2 Evening of Thanks at Trevethin, were I’m always blown away with the amount of good they do within Torfaen for all those in need.
June was a sad month for me with the Open Morning at the now closed Brynteg Nursery where i was presented with a crystal glass engraved with a thank you message for my help and support.
I also received several items from Victoria Primary after calling in to see the staff.
The highlight of June was the Concert I organised at the Millennium Hall which was a sell out, thanks to Jen Rosser and her ticket pushing!
June also saw me gain a test result of 93% in the Cardinus Data Training to ensure I comply with residents data correctly – PASS!
I also met with the British Red Cross to provide their Friend Hub in the ward, unfortunately this was discontinued after a lack of take up by residents.
June also saw me invited to the Garndiffaith RFC Presentation Evening which I was honoured to attend and support.
July I rejoined the board at Garnsychan Partnership to work more closely with them to promote whats on offer within our ward and ensure that the Charity has a voice during times of austerity and cutbacks within Torfaen.
September I supported the Mic Morris 10K, handing out medals at the finish line and clapping in the runners, many raising funds for charity, along with helping out and supporting the Millennium Hall Afternoon Tea event for the the community in the ward.
October saw the grand unveiling of the Glansychan Lane Mural by Torfaen Play on the wall of the youth club after complaints I received of obscene graffiti, which was painted out.
I was also invited to a tree planting to commemorate 10 years of Bronafon along with a topping out ceremony at a new development at Garndiffaith.
We also started to plan Carols Under the Arch #3 at Noddfa.
November saw me become Community Councillor for Abersychan and Cwmavon after the election was cancelled which now leads to me being a dual hatted Councillor for the ward.
Along with attending Noddfa Remembrance Service and laying a wreath to remember the people from this ward who have lost their lives to give us freedom.
In partnership with Gabbys I held another Concert at the Millennium Hall for Charity.
December we held another FREE TO A GOOD HOME this time concentrating on Christmas and Toys, Thank You again Pastor John and Noddfa for your continued support.
I also attended a factory visit to Capital Valley Plastics within the ward to learn about their recycling process and attend several cheque presentations, and Christmas events in the ward.
I also spent time with Pastor John with the Homeless in Newport, providing them with donated clothes, tents and food.
The Year ended with Carols Under The Arch #3 which as always I am pleased to be part of.
This report is only a summary of my year, as I have attended events and meetings at Cwmavon Village Hall, Events throughout the ward and day to day casework, it’s been yet another busy year along with my main employment, but I hope it shows through that I am committed to this ward and its residents as always.
Thank You for your support during 2018 and can I take this opportunity to wish you all a very happy 2019!
Abersychan Ward 