A brand new community kitchen has opened in Llanwrtyd Wells which will help encourage interaction and combat isolation in rural communities.

Llanwrtyd Wells Community Centre’s new kitchen has undergone a makeover worth thousands of pounds. It was opened at a ceremony held on Thursday, April 18, where Mayor of Llanwrtyd Wells, Cllr Lynda Pace-Avery cut the ribbon in front of around 35 people.

The centre is used regularly for social events such as the Heart of Wales Coffee Club for people of all age groups to combat loneliness in rural communities such as Llanwrtyd Wells.

A grant of £12,000 was received by Llanwrtyd Wells Community Transport (LWTC) from the Welsh Assembly Integrated Care Fund to renovate the old kitchen and bring it up to Health and Safety standards.

County Times:

Sue Williams presenting Cllr Lynda Pace-Avery with flowers. Photo: Chris Prichard

Cllr Pace-Avery said that the renovation of the kitchen would reflect a new phase in the life of the building. She thanked Brecon and Radnorshire AM Kirsty Williams, Dominique Jones, from Powys County Council, Sue Williams and Ella Mountford, from the Heart of Wales Coffee Club, and all the other volunteers and drivers who give their time generously and enthusiastically.

Visitors were invited to take a tour around the new facility and view a display of artwork by Ysgol Dôlafon pupils especially for the event.

The old station buildings have been completely renovated to house the community centre, by courtesy of Network Rail. The community centre has meeting rooms, high-speed broadband, printing facilities and toilets. There is a small garden area, free parking and full access to the Heart of Wales Railway Line.

A minute’s silence was held at the opening ceremony in memory of John Price who had recently passed away. John had worked on the railway both in Llanwrtyd and Llandovery in varying capacities over the years, and was the last signalman at Llanwrtyd before the line became automated.

A LWCT spokesperson said it “would like to offer sincere thanks to everyone involved in whatever capacity with the centre and opening day, not least Lynda Pace-Avery, Kirsty Williams AM, Dominique Jones, Network Rail and all our wonderful volunteers”