Events
Housing needs survey results
Carmarthenshire's Rural Housing Enabler launched a housing needs survey on 14 January 2010 in Bethlehem, Gwynfe, Myddfai, Llangadog and Llanddeusant. Some results of the survey, published at the end of May 2010: 889 surveys were sent out; 229 were returned (26%); 54% support (and 34% 'maybe' support) refurbishment of redundant buildings to provide affordable housing; 13 households are currently in need of affordable housing. For more information on the survey, contact ABC.
Public meeting, Llanddeusant
On 27 November 2009, ABC hosted a public meeting at Llanddeusant Community Hall. Joanie Speers spoke on ABC; Phil Roberts, CEO of Warm Wales, spoke on affordability; Lynne Beer, Carmarthenshire's Rural Housing Enabler, spoke on a housing needs survey. A survey for Bethlehem, Gwynfe, Myddfai, Llangadog and Llanddeusant will be sent out in January 2010.
Welsh Assembly Government and ABC
It is now recognised that the fundamental principles of ABC are in line with Welsh Assembly policy to improve and increase the delivery of affordable housing, especially in rural Wales. ABC is specifically fulfilling the recommendations of the June 2008 Joseph Rowntree Foundation Report on housing in rural in Wales: to use redundant buildings, to involve local communities and to adopt bold and innovative approaches.
Redundant Rural Buildings – an untapped resource
On 1 October 2009, ABC and The Prince's Regeneration Trust presented a seminar at The Prince of Wales' Welsh residence, Llwynywermod. Closing remarks were made by the Deputy Minister for Housing, Welsh Assembly Government, Jocelyn Davies. For notes on the proceedings, download pdf.
Affordable Homes & Sustainable Communities Workshop
ABC was involved in the Land for People workshop on Monday 20 July 2009 at the Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells.
ABC at Open Day on 21 May 2009
On 21 May ABC took part in the Twyi Afon yr Oesoedd Open Day at Dinefwr Home Farm, Llandeilo, to promote traditional buildings.
Website launch and Welsh translation
April 2009 sees the launch of the ABC website. Huge thanks to Andy Smith who has designed and created this site as a gift in kind to the charity, and to Andrew Goolding for hosting the site at no cost. Nia Harries is generously translating the ABC website into Welsh (with the proofreading support of the Welsh Language Board!). Pages started appearing in July 2009.