THE latest community news from Tywyn

Rotary Club

ON 1 February, members of the Rotary Club of Tywyn were pleased to welcome Nick Aitkin to give a presentation to the club describing the work that he has been doing with the heart charity Welsh Hearts to install defibrillators in all schools and other strategic areas across Wales.

The charity also actively encourages volunteers to learn the techniques required to perform Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR).

Every year, over 8,000 people in Wales suffer from some form of cardiac arrest when the heart suddenly stops beating. Without help, only three per cent of people who suffer a cardiac arrest survive.

Rapid action by trained bystanders giving CPR or using a defibrillator can increase the survival rate to 50 per cent.

Welsh Hearts are raising funds to install at least one defibrillator in every local community.

Nick gave a fascinating practical demonstration of CPR using ‘ANNIE’, a mannequin designed to mimic an unconscious patient.

Members of the Rotary Club were also invited to practice the techniques that Nick had described on ‘Annie’ and learn how to use the defibrillators that have been installed in Tywyn and throughout Wales.

Nick also encouraged everyone to install a CPR aid application on their mobile phones (iResus) that gives very useful step by step advice for basic life support.

As is the custom with all our guest speakers President Nancy Clarke thanked Nick for his interesting demonstration and presented him with a cheque for £200 made out to Welsh Hearts.

History Society

THERE will be a meeting to explore the setting up of a Tywyn area history society on Monday, 12 February, in the back room of the Baptist Church on High Street starting at 7.30pm.

All welcome.

If you’re a member of a club, society or group, send your news to [email protected]