Madam,

In August 2015 I travelled outside of the United States for the first time in my life, where I lived in New York City. When I arrived in the UK, my intentions were to visit Aberystwyth for a weekend and then spend my remaining holiday time in London, but I ended up spending the whole month in Aberystwyth. This is because the Penparcau Community Forum became a personal inspiration and reminded me of why I wanted to leave the hustle and bustle of the city. I was greeted there by very sincere and kind volunteers, not even having to make an appointment. The door stood open when I arrived and I received a great welcome. They took their time to go over the forum’s main objectives to help and support the community in Penparcau in so many ways, from family meetings to health care awareness and tackling problems that arise among young people. Behind that door is a non-judgmental zone and a place where anyone can express their concerns. In particular the community are benefiting from the forum’s history and heritage group, who are currently working on several projects including archeology, so the community can discover and learn more about the history of Pen Dinas and develop a sense of pride and place in Penparcau. The forum has also been able to purchase a minibus and its purpose is to reach out to those who cannot move around freely to access services and visit places of interest. There are also environmental projects where people of ages and all walks of life can come and learn about Penparcau’s ecological environment. The most exciting current project is the Community Centre (Boxing Club) building extension. This will provide extensive services for the community; for single mothers learning how to cook or for anyone who would want to learn healthy cooking habits. It is also a place where local young people and families can meet, make friends and participate in activities which expand their skills and developmental needs. This expanded Community Centre will enhance the status of Penparcau as the gateway to Aberystwyth and those who are currently seeking to undermine the progress of this development should think twice and instead support the great work being done in Penparcau by the Forum. The Penparcau Community Forum inspired me enough to want to return to university and become a nurse and I am returning to Wales in the new year to begin my course and fulfil my ambition.

Yours etc

Beth Wilson

Pittsburgh

USA.