Continued hard work and perseverance is starting to pay off for the members of Cwmdulais Uchaf Communities First Partnership. As project plans become more developed, the implementation of major actions to address our priority issues is getting closer. Focus groups are being set up to take forward ideas that meet community needs. At the same time, we are continuing to work with residents to inform action and monitor change.

Working with the community more also allows us to make strong connections and networks with existing groups and projects. In partnership with the Mid and west Wales Fire Brigade, Communities First was able to help set up a Young Fire Fighters Scheme in Seven Sisters, the inaugural demonstration of which happened on 20th February.

Also working in partnership, Communities First organised a Midnight Ice Skating trip to Cardiff, which was part of Dulais Valley Partnership's Youth Project's holiday events. All events were successful and well attended, with over 150 young people enjoying the ice skating activity.

Dove Workshop, a Cwmdulais Uchaf Communities First partner, is in the process of developing a local history course whereby residents of the Dulais Valley can learn the legends, myths and facts of their area. Successful graduates of the course might then have the option to put their knowledge to use as welcome hosts for the valley. This was piloted on 16th March, where local historians, with an already comprehensive knowledge of the area, guided over 30 people (made of residents of the Neath, Dulais and Swansea valleys) on a tour of the wind-swept hillside of Banwen. This tour coincided with St. Patrick's Day, who was born in Banwen, as well as the Cwmdulais Uchaf Communities First Fun Day, held in Banwen RFC. As you can probably guess, it was a long day for everyone involved, but as those people would probably agree, well worth the effort, as over 70 people enjoyed a tremendous day.

All the events mentioned above have been publicised and promoted in the third edition of our community newsletter, Cwmdulais Uchaf. Edited with great skill by our newly promoted Development Worker, Denise Lewis, our newsletter has already received sterling acclaim from a number of community members.

And finally, Denise's old post as Administrative Assistant has been filled by Ms. Linzey Farthing. Linzey is ex-resident of Onllwyn, a village in the Upper Dulais Valley, who has spent the past ten years in Canada. Now back on home turf, Linzey is excited to be putting her international experience to good use, as part of the Cwmdulais Uchaf Communities First Team.