Gwerin y Coed

LAST summer, a small group of parents and children that were interested in starting a local Gwerin y Coed (woodcraft folk) group came together for a meeting on the shores of Bala Lake. Since that event, some of the parents and children have attended other groups meetings, residential weekends and public events run by Gwerin y Coed, which is gaining its presence in north Wales with several new groups established and starting within the year.

Gwerin y Coed is the Welsh section of the woodcraft folk, a British youth education charity. The Woodcraft Folk was established in 1925, and is a progressive educational movement for children and young people, designed to develop self-confidence and activity in society, with the aim of building a world based on equality, peace, social justice and co-operation. Through its activities, Woodcraft Folk tries to give its members an understanding of important issues such as the environment, conflict and poverty with a key focus in recent years being sustainable development.

Gwerin groups usually meet weekly, enjoying a varied programme including games, drama, discussion, projects, crafts, singing and other activities, as well as following an educational programme based on awareness of issues both local and global. They also organise outdoor activities and do lots of hostelling and camping. Opportunities for international camps and exchanges are also open to young people.The Gwerin y Coed group in Bala will be meeting on the first and third Sunday of the month at 10.30am until midday. The first meeting will be on the 17 January. For more information, call 01678 521348.

Garden Club

THE CLUB’S AGM will be held on 21 January at the Canolfan Bro Tegid at 7pm.If anyone has ideas for nights, speakers or gardens to visit, or any-one wanting to contribute to the organisation of the annual show is welcome to come along.