A historic house near Capel Dewi, Llandysul will soon be a valuable community venue thanks to Objective 1 funding.
The beautiful house and grounds are known as Waunifor and belong to The Template Foundation, a registered charity and limited company who run creative and educational holidays and courses. They are swiftly outgrowing the space, and European Objective 1 funding to develop the facilities was granted in January.
Two years ago, a large army tent being used for events blew down in strong winds, depriving the organisation of even that basic facility. Such incidents will now be a thing of the past, thanks to a European Objective 1 grant of £100,000, towards the new buildings. An 80ft multi purpose building, also assisted by £80,000 from the County Council’s Local Regeneration Fund, will house local functions, and national and international events. It will allow the Foundation to develop its provision of holidays and workshops, whatever surprises the weather may bring.
The existing spaces can already be hired for parties and receptions and have played host to an amazing variety of courses and workshops – from stress management to story telling, and from Outward Bound to pottery and painting. A gift shop selling high quality locally produced crafts, and an appealing Victorian walled garden add to the attractions.
“This is an excellent example of the difference being made by the Objective 1 programme in Ceredigion,” stated Cllr Ray Quant, County Council Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Tourism and Training. “At least three new jobs are being directly created by this development, and a niche tourism market is being developed. None of it would be able to go ahead without Objective 1 support.”
Diane Cook manages Waunifor with her husband Colin, and says “We are thrilled to have our funding approved. We currently get around 1500 visitors a year to Waunifor and hope to significantly increase that over the next few years. The new building, along with a catering facility and crafts workshop, plus improvements to the landscaping will make Waunifor a wonderful location for a wide variety of activities.”
Cecilia
Barton, Chairperson of the Ceredigion Partnership Management Board for Objective
1, stressed the significance of the venture. “This project meets our aims
of developing rural areas through skills and knowledge. Not only will Waunifor’s
facilities attract visitors from far and wide, but will be available for the
local community to enjoy, providing activities which would not otherwise be
available in the Capel Dewi area.”