This year has seen the Partnership go through a very sad and difficult time with the passing of Ann Henderson who was a dedicated volunteer worker and chairwoman of the Graig-y-Rhacca Communities First Partnership. Ann dedicated many years of her life to the residents of Graig-y-Rhacca and the wider community.

Since moving to Graig-y-Rhacca in 1990, Ann worked tirelessly to improve the life in the village, earning herself and the community she loved respect from far and wide. Last year she was named Supreme Volunteer at the local authority’s Voluntary Sector Achievement Awards in recognition of her dedication and enthusiasm for helping others over the years. This came on top of an award the year before given to her by then First Minister Rhodri Morgan for her contribution to voluntary work. Due to her illness Ann could not attend The Queens Garden Party at Buckingham Palace.

She was a pivotal member of the local community and achieved so much through her work with various local forums and groups. Ann will be greatly missed by the whole village.

A tribute was paid to Ann at a recent council cabinet meeting. One of the items on the agenda related to the creation of new allotments in Graig-y-Rhacca, a project Ann, the envicon group and the Partnership have been closely involved with.

Ann was a very kind woman and no matter how busy she was she always had time for you. Ann’s office became a drop-in centre for people who had problems. She was an ambassador for Communities First, and is going to be sadly missed by all. We will all miss Ann, she worked tirelessly for the good of the community, and was a great Chair, and for those that knew her personally she was also a great friend and mentor.

During the past year we have seen a number of arrivals & departures of members of staff. We said Goodbye to Amy Jones our Support Officer with Communities First, Sarah Barrett our Communities First Admin officer, who I would like to say thanks Amy and Sarah for all your hard work and we wish you well and good luck in your new jobs.

I would also like to say a big Hello and welcome to Mark Davies and Rhian Evans who are covering for Amy Jones and Jane Patterson. Hello and welcome to Stephen Thomas the new GAVO Officer, Goodbye to Jo Windebank. Hello and welcome to Rebecca Gallie the new Groundwork Officer, Goodbye to Andrew Griffiths and Emma Griffiths youth Officers for the area.

Last but not least I would like to say a GOODBYE AND A BIG THANK YOU to Sharon Peters our Communities First Coordinator who for the past 5 years who has played a pivotal role in helping the Partnership achieve its goals.

Having dealt with this difficult time the Partnership has strived to continue in reaching its targets for the year. With the fantastic support of the Regeneration team who have been there with us both professionally and personally, offering guidance and even a shoulder to cry on, we have still achieved so much.

Some of the projects and events that have the Partnership successfully ran this year include: -

• Cheese & Crime
• Adult Learners Week
• Launch of Come Dine With Me
  
• Several allotment events
• Skills Cymru event
• Sports sessions
• Newport Gwent Dragons
• Business Summer Garden Party
• Depression Busting
• Football in the community
• Worcester Xmas Market
• Xmas fayre

Over 100 children from Graig-y-Rhacca came to see Santa in his Grotto which was the best-decorated grotto in Caerphilly designed & decorated by Kerry Williams and Cameron Wilshire.

A mention has to go to our local Police Officers, PCSO’s and Community Safety Officers who have untiringly supported our Partnership.

Special thanks go to PC Stuart Lewis and Sian Lloyd and PCSO Chris and Steve and not forgetting Anthony Moore who went on to become a PC and the Sarge Gareth Jones. Their commitment to the partnership has meant that we have taken new and exciting projects forward that have benefited everyone including the Trump card scheme and back on track to name but a few.

I would also like to thank all the groups including Golden Years, Activity Group, Envicon, Connections Church & Istvan Racz the Centre Manager who has worked tirelessly throughout the year.

Finally and most importantly a massive thank you to YOU all the hard working volunteers without whom none of this would be possible

Some more events which have taken place this year are: -

One Stop Money Shop

On Tuesday 15th March 2011 the Resource Centre hosted an event where local agencies came to Graig-y-Rhacca to give help and support to the community giving advice on their financial situations and how to budget efficiently.  Many locals attended and gave great feedback.

Spray Day!

On Saturday 19th of March many local kids and adults went to the skate park to meet with Deb Greenway and had fun spray painting the skate ramps.

Ray of Sunshine

On Thursday 24th March Graig-y-Rhacca Resource centre launched the Ray of Sunshine event .  Locals attended and were pampered with massages and Reiki.  Over all it was a great success. If anyone is interested in taking part in the Ray of sunshine weekly meeting, it is every Thursday from 10am-11am.

St Fagans

On Monday 16th May Members of the Ray of Sunshine club, along with staff from the Resource Centre and Staff from CCBC attended a trip to St Fagans National History Museum Wales. A good day was had by all, at least the rain held off!

Presentation Event

The Graig-y-Rhacca Communities First Partnership held a presentation event to celebrate your achievements and to celebrate the re-opening of Bedwas Workmen’s Hall. It was held at Bedwas Workmen’s Hall, followed by a celebratory buffet at Bedwas High School which was provided by Bedwas High students. Ruth Wignall from ITV Wales kindly agreed to present the awards for us. We had a glowing response from everyone and a good turn out on the day. The food was delicious and the entertainment superb!!