27/08/2020
A new initiative is set to transform Caldicot, offering residents a fantastic opportunity to engage in sustainable practices, learn new skills, and foster a stronger sense of community. Work has commenced on a state-of-the-art community wellbeing centre, poised to become a vibrant hub for local collaboration. This innovative project, located at the site of Monmouthshire County Council’s existing ‘One Stop Shop’ Community Hub at Woodstock Way, is expected to open its doors this summer, promising a wealth of opportunities for residents of all ages.
The vision behind this centre is clear: to be run by the community, for the community. It aims to provide a welcoming space for volunteering, skill exchange, and connecting with wellbeing organisations that offer vital support services. More than just a place for practical activities, it’s designed as a social hub where people can meet, chat over a coffee, and access a diverse range of engaging activities. This exciting development has been made possible through capital funding awarded by the Welsh Government’s Circular Economy Fund, a testament to its commitment to reducing waste, encouraging recycling, and supporting green enterprise.
At the core of the Caldicot centre’s ethos is the reduce, reuse, and recycle message, manifesting in several key components:
The Library of Things
In partnership with Benthyg Cymru, whose empowering slogan is ‘Borrow Don’t Buy’, the Library of Things will revolutionise how residents access items they may only need occasionally. This initiative encourages a shift away from a disposable culture, promoting sharing and community reliance. Residents will be able to borrow a wide array of items, from gardening equipment and power tools to entertainment systems, kitchen essentials, and camping gear. Conversely, those with items they no longer need can donate them, extending their lifespan and usefulness. The Library of Things will also serve as a valuable platform for people to connect, share knowledge, and impart skills within the community. Imagine needing a specific tool for a one-off DIY project or a particular piece of equipment for a special occasion; instead of purchasing it and letting it gather dust, you can simply borrow it, saving money and reducing consumption.
Caldicot's Repair Café
Affiliated with Repair Café Wales, Caldicot’s Repair Café will operate as a regular fixture within the centre’s main activity area. This is where the magic of restoration happens. Local residents are invited to bring their broken household items – be it a beloved piece of clothing with a ripped seam, a temperamental piece of technology, a wobbly piece of furniture, or even a child’s beloved toy – and have them expertly repaired, free of charge, by a team of dedicated volunteers. The range of items that can be tackled is extensive, including clothes, household electrics, technology, woodwork, children’s toys, furniture, and bicycles. This initiative not only diverts waste from landfill but also preserves cherished items and fosters a culture of repair over replacement. It’s a practical demonstration of how skills and a little bit of care can breathe new life into everyday objects.
The Community Fridge
A crucial element in the fight against food waste, the Community Fridge is a collaboration with Wye Gymnastics. This project aims to redistribute surplus food that is still perfectly good to eat but may be past its ‘sell by’ date. Supermarkets and other food outlets often have perfectly edible food that would otherwise be discarded. The Community Fridge provides a channel for this food to reach those who need it, operating on the principle that good food should not go to waste. By offering this food for free, the project directly addresses food poverty and promotes responsible consumption, ensuring that edible items find a home and are enjoyed.
The Makers’ Space
Housed within a stylish, wooden-clad shipping container, the Makers’ Space is a testament to innovation and creativity. In partnership with the Men’s Shed organisation and the recycling initiative Precious Plastics, this space is designed to be a collaborative environment where individuals can come together to create new products. Using materials such as wood, recycled plastic, and various other resources, participants can learn new making skills, share their talents, and draw inspiration from a burgeoning community of makers. The space boasts a fully equipped carpentry workshop and features cutting-edge technology like a laser cutter and plastic recycling machinery. This machinery is capable of granulating single-use plastics, transforming them into raw material that can then be shaped into entirely new, useful products. It’s a hub for upcycling and a place where imagination meets sustainability.
Beyond the Core Hub
The centre’s commitment to wellbeing extends further. Later in the year, older residents and those with mobility difficulties will have the opportunity to enjoy trishaw bike trips. This initiative, run in partnership with Bridges Community Centre and Cycling Without Age, offers a wonderful way for individuals to get out, enjoy the fresh air, and explore their local surroundings. For more information on how to get involved with the trishaw trips, residents can contact Marianne Piper at the Volunteering for Wellbeing Project via [email protected] or by calling 07980 941946.
Get Involved and Name the Centre!
Monmouthshire County Council is actively seeking community input. Over the coming months, a competition will be launched to name the new centre, and residents are encouraged to share their ideas. Furthermore, the council is keen to hear suggestions for additional activities and features that people would like to see incorporated into the centre. To contribute your ideas or to get involved in shaping the future of this community asset, please contact Fred Weston at [email protected] or call 07890 559 566. The deadline for submitting suggestions for the centre’s name is 4pm on Monday, 31st May.
Residents can stay updated on the progress of Caldicot’s wellbeing centre by visiting the council’s website at Monmouthshire.gov.uk.
This new centre represents a significant step forward for Caldicot, fostering a culture of sustainability, community spirit, and lifelong learning. It’s a place where broken items can be mended, resources can be shared, and creativity can flourish, all while reducing our environmental impact. The emphasis on circular economy principles is strong, creating a model for other communities to follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When will the new community wellbeing centre in Caldicot open?
A1: The centre is expected to open its doors this summer.
Q2: What kind of items can be repaired at the Repair Café?
A2: The Repair Café can handle a variety of items including clothes, household electrics, technology, woodwork, children’s toys, furniture, and bicycles.
Q3: How does the Library of Things work?
A3: The Library of Things allows residents to borrow items they don't need to own, donate items they don't use, and connect with others to share skills and knowledge. It operates on a ‘Borrow Don’t Buy’ principle.
Q4: What is the purpose of the Community Fridge?
A4: The Community Fridge aims to reduce food waste by distributing free food from supermarkets and food outlets that is still fresh and within its use-by date.
Q5: What can I do in the Makers’ Space?
A5: In the Makers’ Space, you can collaborate with others to create new products from wood, recycled plastic, and other materials. It offers a carpentry workshop, laser cutter, and plastic recycling machinery, providing opportunities to learn and share making skills.
Q6: How can I suggest a name for the new centre or get involved?
A6: You can submit your name suggestions and ideas for the centre by contacting Fred Weston at [email protected] or 07890 559 566. The deadline for name suggestions is 4pm on Monday, 31st May.
Q7: Are there any initiatives for older residents or those with mobility issues?
A7: Yes, trishaw bike trips will be available later in the year for older residents and those with mobility difficulties, in partnership with Bridges Community Centre and Cycling Without Age. Contact Marianne Piper at [email protected] or 07980 941946 for more information.
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