A report by FYI Talgarth on the recent community meeting held 12th May 2018
A public meeting was held in the Town Hall on Saturday 12 of May, on what was arguably one of the brightest sunny days in Talgarth so far this year. Despite this, the hall was packed with residents, interested community members, Town, County and Community Councillors. All came to listen as proposals were unveiled for a 'new' type of learning facility here in the Black Mountains.
The meeting was Chaired and introduced by our local Brecon and Radnorshire Welsh Assembly representative Kirsty Williams AM. The aptly named 'Black Mountain College' (BMC) was the brainchild of Owen Sheers (Welsh writer and director) and British acclaimed Human Rights Watch Researcher and published author Ben Rawlence, both who live in the foothills of the mountains.
Owen Sheers saying "the idea was conceived, over a late night bottle of wine" went on to discuss what the BMC could bring to the community with regard to economics, diversity and a new way of learning for the regions young people.
Ben Rawlence expanded on how the BMC and its' forward-thinking approach to learning and education, would support the new Well-being of Future Generations Act. The BMC aims to explore innovative ways to learn and work around a vibrant rural community. Asking 'What does the community need, and what does the World need?'
The Well-being of Future Generations Act requires public bodies in Wales to think about the long-term impact of their decisions, to work better with people, communities and each other, and to prevent persistent problems such as poverty, health inequalities and climate change. The Act is unique to Wales attracting interest from countries across the world as it offers a huge opportunity to make a long-lasting, positive change to current and future generations. gives us the ambition, permission and legal obligation to improve our social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being.
Sophie Howe the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales is quoted as saying “We have big ambitions for protecting our environment and the future generations in Wales and are leading the way with our Environment Act and Well–being of Future Generations Act”
* Source: https://futuregenerations.wales/about-us/future-generations-act
The possibilities to harness local skills and expertise in ecology, literature, arts, crafts, biology and sustainability, which are found in massive abundance in the region would enable the BMC a chance to retaining young post-secondary students and offering them a different learning environment, this could ultimately put Talgarth on the map in a new and dynamic way. Not only 16+ education would be on offer, but also Under Graduate and Teacher Training. The model would not challenge the bigger and already recognised FE established institutions.
Ben went on to explain how the inspiration from other working academic offerings in both the USA and more notably at 'Quest' University in Canada, helped mould the strategy of the proposed BMC. Going forward a steering committee and group of Trustees has been established. The BMC Project is now seeking to gain Charitable status which should enable further funding efforts to gain momentum. Discussions have already been taking place with 'Partner' agencies such as the National Park Authority, University of Wales, Trinity St Davids and other established academic and interested groups such as the Hay Festival and Powys County Council.
The project is currently securing 'Seed Funding' whereby the BMC with the appointment of Ben Rawlence as Project Lead can now conduct a feasibility study on the proposal. The most pertinent of points was regarding the site of the proposed college. The audience was told several sites were being considered with one being the site of the old Mid Wales Hospital, at the moment a source of frustration in the Town as it still sits vacant and deteriorating. The site originally acquired by developer Phil Collins of Hereford has yet to see any progress on its future. And, although talks have been held with Mr Collins there have been no firm decisions made. Other areas of interest are said to be the future vacated Barracks in Brecon, as well as sites at the developing Bronllys Well Being Park along with other Brown Field sites in around the Town. Discussions have also be held with the Gwernyfed High School, who may also be in consideration for hosting part of the proposal as the new development plans take shape. Mr John Williams, Head of the school was in attendance and spoke positively of the project during the meeting.
Following on from the presentation, Kirsty Williams offered the audience a chance to ask Owen and Ben questions regarding the proposal. Many participants were enthusiastic regarding the possible "Crowd Funded" project, asking how they could support it. The main concerns raised were over access to the Mid Wales Hospital site should it be considered.
All in all, FYI's observations were that it was received positively by the community. Ben explained that following the meeting, the BMC Project will be communicating via newsletters and through its' website currently being generated.
For more inforation:
www.blackmountainscollege.uk
Facebook: BMC Wales
Twitter: @bmc_college
We will also post a copy of the presentation shortly
Kirsty William AM Brecon and Radnorshire, Chairs the Public Meeting
A massive community turnout to hear plans about the proposed Black Mountains College
Ben Rawlence takes questions from the audience
Author: Ann Seymour for FYI Talgarth. May 2018.
All Images ©Ann Seymour Photography
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