June 1993

Introduction

As secretary to the Trust in a voluntary capacity, and architect carrying out the Economic Feasibility Study in a professional capacity, I sometimes feel that I am too closely identified with the project, and lack feedback. But I receive good support from the Steering Committee, who wisely converted my request for another Public Meeting, for which we are not yet ready, into a number of ''Liaison''
activities.

Thus we have initiated a joint project with Ysgol y Gorlan; we have met with Tremadog Memorial Hall Trustees; and we invite you to respond to the ideas put forward for the possible uses of the Tannery Workshops. So, letters please, by early September!

HISTORY PROJECT WITH YSGOL Y GORLAN

The appointment of Mr Rhys G yn as Head at Ysgol y Gorlan, Tremadog from Easter 1993 has given us the chance to work with the school on a project that will be of benefit to both. Happily, we have learned of a grant from CADW to pay 50% of the cost of projects to raise the awareness of a community to its built heritage, and will be applying for this soon. The project is planned for the Autumn Term. Under the National Curriculum, the children have to study history, using their locality as the source material. All aspects of history - social, cultural as well as physicalmay be covered. The Trust has discussed using the built environment of Tremadog to raise awareness and appreciation of the very special qualities of the village. The end product will be an Exhibitions which the school can keep as a resource, and the Trust can use for the production of a leaflet, postcards or similar. The main benefit to the Trust
Will be in drawing the whole community into a consideration of Tremadog, through the children. We hope that learning about the changes in the village, for better and worse, since the childhood of the older residents, will alert people to its qualities, and to the threats to those qualities. We hope also to gather some valuable memories. Look out for a special exhibition around Christmas/New Year!

UPDATE ON DWYFOR AND THE TRUST'S ACTIVITIES

DWYFOR is moving SLOWLY, but it is moving; the specialist report they commissioned into dealing with the dereliction  and contamination, from Parkmans of Sutton Coldfield, has just been presented to the Planning Committee (15/7/93) The Planning committee has agreed to apply for the WDA grant, but was not asked to authorise calling for tenders until the grant is allocated. (Why not?)

The purpose of Parkman's report was to assess the scope and cost of the works that could be covered by a WDA Derelict
Land Reclamation Grant. If Dwyfor acquires the site, then they would be eligible for a 100% grant from the WDA. (Private owners are eligible for only 80% grants.) The good news, gleaned from the Gwynedd Archaeological Trust is that WDA Derelict Land Reclamation Grants, sometimes extend to quite considerable works to buildings to be retained, under the term ''stabilisation''.

THE TRUST has recently written to written to Dafydd Wigley, MP, to ask his help in speeding up the process. We have also written to Dwyfor to suggest a joint meeting between them, the WDA and the Trust, to speed things up. We suggested that the brief for the Reclamation work be prepared and tenders obtained WHILE the acquisition of the site is being negotiated. We also asked if it would be possible to carry out Emergency Works to the two Listed buildings before the rest of the site is dealt with. We have received no response as yet. 

MEMORIAL HALL TRUSTEES

Dewi Williams, the chairman of the Trust, and I attended a meeting of the Memorial Hall Trustees in Tremadog to tell them of the progress since the July 1991 Public Meeting. We were well received, and the large majority was in favour of the Trust's proposals. The only reservation was that the repaired building should not become a financial burden to the community.

TREASURER

David Cowper has served as Treasurer since the inauguration of the Trust. For some time, he has asked to be released from the job. We are very happy to have found a new Treasurer, very experienced in such matters, and a keen local historian: Mr David Jones of Tremadog. We welcome Mr Jones, and we thank David Cowper for his work.

OPEN GARDEN

Lastly, Jean Entwistle, a supporter of the project from the very beginning, has offered to open her garden in Nantmor to the public on 29 & 30 August, all proceeds to go to the Trust. We will need help with parking, tickets, and refreshments. If you could help, please contact Pat Roach, Ty Gwyn, Tremadog Tel. 512292.

POSSIBLE USES OF THE TANNERY

The Economic Feasibility Study has shown that the end-use of the building is quite as important as the historic fabric when it comes to fund-raising. Many grant-giving Trusts, as well as various governmental agencies, are interested in the social advantages of the end-use eg providing employment, training or education, specially to disadvantaged groups. Commercial sponsors are interested if their products or services can be displayed, or used for training. There are also grants from European Funds which can now be received in addition to grants from within the UK - the Regional Development Fund and the European Social Fund in particular,
for which we would be eligible if the end-use included new technologies appropriate to the region; diversification; training, specially to disadvantaged groups; & tourism.

The mixture of Educational Tourism and Employment that is envisaged looks suitable, particularly if we can ensure by the management and tenancy agreements to provide training.

IDEA 1: ELECTRICAL

In the Economic Feasibility Study I have begun to examine the potential of the site once again to use water for power. It looks as though about 1OKW could be generated; enough for lighting, demonstration and training in the installation and maintenance of switchgear for water-powered electrical supplies. This would appear an appropriate technology, with abundant wind and water in this region suitable for smallscale generation.

IDEA 2: INSULATION

The Tannery faces full south, but because it is Listed it would be unsuitable to place solar collectors on its elevation! Passive heat gain via the windows is possible, and with good internal insulation would greatly reduce the need for space heating. I have been in contact with Warmcel, a firm in South Wales that produces insulation from waste newsprint. They would be happy to train installers, and to supply insulation for the Tannery at a reduced rate as a demonstration in order to establish their product in this
area. The trained installers could then work from a workshop in the Tannery, installing Warmcel in the area.

These two ideas are being explored as tests of possible uses that are of social, environmental and economic benefit, and would attract grant.

PLEASE let us know what you think of them, and any suggestions of other uses, or people to contact for advice or support.