As the bunting comes down and decorations are packed away, we can all reflect on how incredibly special and memorable the Jubilee weekend was. For over 70 years, Her Majesty has been the most special symbol of our Nation – an enduring reminder of service, devotion and selflessness. We were both thrilled to see so many communities involved and thank everyone who worked tirelessly to ensure celebrations ran smoothly from decorating and baking to building the magnificent Beacons which lit up the sky. If you are now looking to rehome any decorations, Dementia Matters in Powys are holding a jubilee Games in August and they are looking for jubilee themed items. Please send them a message. ([email protected]) The weekend’s celebrations were topped with the joy of Wales qualifying for the World Cup, joining USA, Iran and England in Qatar….not an easy group but every reason to hope we’ll make it to the knockout stages!
In Powys, the National Garden Scheme kicked off for the 2022 season back in March. A scheme close to both our hearts, funds raised for entry and the sale of refreshments are donated to nursing and health charities with over £63 million raised since 1927. Please do visit the website page Home - National Garden Scheme (ngs.org.uk) to learn how you can support, get involved or to find your local garden. Many gardens are open by appointment only so please do check out in advance opening times.
The decision to increase politicians in Cardiff Bay at a significant cost to the taxpayer couldn’t be less welcome in Brecon and Radnorshire. We have no A&E in Powys, there is an overwhelming shortage of doctors, nurses and teachers across Wales and our public transport is nonexistent. Earlier this week, reports told us that Wales has the largest waiting lists with patients staying in hospital for 60% longer than in England and cancer treatment times much slower. None of these problems are solved by 36 more politicians in Cardiff Bay.
We both attended the recent meeting in Henderson Hall, Talybont, regarding the purchase of Gilestone Farm. We have been inundated with letters from the surrounding community and farmers concerned about the disappearance of yet more farmland. With no business plan put forward to date, it is curious how this decision came about and how it will be implemented. We listened carefully to community concerns at the meeting and are keen to ensure the community is consulted and fully engaged with as the sale goes through.
The trilogy of bad news from the Welsh Labour Government is complete with the announcement that second homes must now pay up to 300% council tax, unless rented out for 180 days a year or more. While nobody is happy with the challenge of housing in rural areas, this decision will only harm our communities while continuing to prevent young people from getting on the property ladder.
Our diaries are both filling up with events over the summer, not only The Royal Welsh Show, but the return of our smaller village and town shows are also very much welcomed. Committees are working hard finalising events, many of them responsible for the excellent events this last weekend.
We are both running summer surgeries and before our diaries clog up please let us know if your community is planning an event, we would both be delighted to attend. In the mean time if we can help at all please get in touch.
