In his latest blog for Caerphilly Observer, Caerphilly AM Hefin David discusses Christmas, Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall and the new First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford.
Happy New Year
As the dust settles on the busy Christmas period and before our thoughts turn to 2019, I thought I would mention some of the great things that happened in our area in December.
I was invited to attend the Bedwas Trethomas and Machen (BTM) Brass Band performance at Bedwas Workmens’ Hall. The award winning Band always put on a magnificent Christmas concert and also hold performances throughout the year. They are well worth seeing in 2019.
It was a pleasure to visit the Santa’s Grotto at Graig-y-Rhacca Resource Centre with my children. It really was incredible – it was all run by volunteers (apart from Santa) and you felt like you were transported to Lapland. The Graig-y-Rhacca committee run events there all year round.
I’m a member of Glifach Workmens’ Club and so myself and my children attended their Christmas Party. The committee had pulled out all the stops and provided the children with a lovely buffet, followed by a magician and another chance to see Santa (he was especially busy this year).
I’m delighted that the volunteer-led Caerphilly Miners Centre for the Community hit its £925,000 fundraising target in December with a final grant from the Big Lottery Fund. This successful bid will ensure that necessary improvements are made to improve the building, and the building grounds.
I’m also pleased Caerphilly Workmens’ Hall will also be receiving a small, but welcome amount of funding from the Council to help them realise their dream of equipping the Hall for future events. Having met with the committee recently, I’ve no doubt the committed volunteers will make good use of it to benefit local people.
New First Minister
Last month, Mark Drakeford became the new First Minister of Wales. Mark will naturally face challenges over the next few years. Chief among them will be how to minimise the disastrous effects on Wales of the UK Government’s ever changing Brexit proposals.
Mark will also be responsible for the decision on whether to press ahead with the M4 relief road.
Regarding the leadership campaign, I’m delighted with the friendly way in which the three candidates conducted themselves during a strong debate on policy.
Mark Drakeford has my full support and I look forward to continuing to be a critical friend to the Welsh Government as I make sure your views are heard.