Ben Lake MP has tabled an Early Day Motion at Westminster to congratulate Cwmni Cletwr on its fifth anniversary.
Cwmni Cymunedol Cletwr is a community-owned business which opened its doors in 2013, a couple of years after the original family-owned garage and village shop closed. The business has since grown from strength to strength; in 2017 the shop and cafe moved to a new purpose-built premises, and has developed into a vital community hub providing a varied programme of events, talks, and classes all-year round.
The business is run by a combination of paid staff and a large pool of volunteers, and the project is constantly responding to new opportunities and listening to the needs of the local community. The business plays a vital role in tackling the growing problem of rural poverty and social isolation, whilst also providing local employment and volunteering opportunities for young people.
The Early Day Motion (EDM 1279) tabled by Ben Lake MP for Ceredigion reads as follows:
That this House congratulates Cwmni Cletwr a community-owned project in Tre'r Ddol, on celebrating its fifth anniversary; recognises the positive impact the not-for-profit, community-run shop, café and hub has had on the local community since its opening in 2013; acknowledges the tireless work carried out by volunteers who give up their free time to provide a vital service to the local community; notes the quality of the local produce available at the shop and café alongside the wide range of activities and information services provided by the community hub; further acknowledges the dedication and the efforts of the Cwmni Cletwr team in tackling the problems of rural poverty and social isolation in the local area; and commends Cwmni Cletwr as a shining example of community enterprise at its very best.
Ben Lake MP said:
“It was a pleasure to table this motion in Parliament, recognising the far-reaching impact Cwmni Cletwr has had on the local community over the past five years.
“This community hub is a focal point in the north of the county that successfully brings together residents of all ages, local businesses, and smaller organisations with the aim of improving quality of life.
“Congratulations to every volunteer, member of staff, and supporter of Cwmni Cletwr on reaching this significant 5-year anniversary. I hope that their experience and success can be of benefit, and inspiration, to other communities who have an interest in pursuing a similar venture in their own areas.”