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Dawn Bowden is the Labour Senedd Member for the Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney constituency.

Well done St John’s Ambulance 

It was my great pleasure to join a wide range of guests including the Lord Lieutenant of Gwent, the Prior, Ysgol Idris Davies and members of St John’s Ambulance in Lower Rhymney Community Centre for the presentation of certificates to young members . It was a lovely event and great to see young people receiving recognition for their time and the essential skills they are learning. Thank you also to the local councillors for attending. 

St John’s now runs the centre, so I hope this will encourage more people to get involved in this important service. My thanks to all involved. 

Local Elections 

While I am referring to our local councillors can I congratulate Carl Cuss (Twyn Carno), Dai Harse (Moriah and Pontlottyn) Eluned Stenner and Mark Evans (New Tredegar) on their re-election in May’s council elections and a very warm welcome to Councillor Mansel Powell (Moriah and Pontlottyn) and Councillor Rob Chapman (Darran Valley) on their election to Caerphilly County Borough Council. Congratulations to community councillors as well. 

I also congratulate Councillor Eluned Stenner on her appointment to the cabinet at Caerphilly County Borough Council as the Cabinet Member for Finance and Performance.  

Convatec 

I made a recent visit to Convatec, which is an important employer in the Upper Rhymney Valley. It was good to be shown the manufacturing process and to recognise the world leading products manufactured at this site in the constituency. I was told about future investment plans which is always good news from any employer in our area. 

Rhymney library to receive more investment 

I was pleased that the Welsh Government has been able to join Caerphilly County Borough Council in announcing a further £280,000 investment in Rhymney library. This will strengthen the role of the library as a local hub, provide a children’s space and facilities for partners like the local police. This is vey welcome and it is great to see people working in partnership for the benefit of the local community.   

Jubilee Weekend  

I know that a number of events are happening across the Upper Rhymney Valley for the extended Jubilee bank holiday. I hope the weather is kind and you all have a good time. Thanks to those who volunteer to help with local events.