Category Archive: Community

1. Warming Up to a Greener Future at EVI

   23rd June 2025 5:34 pm Comments Off on Warming Up to a Greener Future at EVI

   We’re excited to share that Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI) has received £132,000 from the Welsh Government’s Community Facilities Programme (CFP) to help make our historic building more energy efficient, environmentally friendly, and ready for a greener future.

   This funding means we can move forward with important work to reduce our energy bills and carbon footprint — including installing a new heating system and other upgrades to make the building warmer, greener, and more cost-effective to run.

   EVI has been at the heart of Blaenau Gwent for over 170 years, and we want to make sure it continues to be a welcoming and sustainable place for years to come.

   

   

   Building on Past Improvements

   This latest support builds on the success of our 2021 refurbishment. We received £250,000 in CFP funding for improvements across the building — including better accessibility, safety upgrades, and the creation of our beautiful community garden.

   “Our aim is to make this 173-year-old building fit for the future — reducing our carbon footprint and securing EVI as a sustainable, welcoming space for the community for years to come. Thanks to this funding, we can continue our journey to protect our heritage while embracing a greener future.”
   – Tim Carter, Centre Manager

   

   

   Projects That Make a Difference

   EVI is home to a wide range of community projects, including the EVI Pantry and monthly Repair Café. In the past two years, the Repair Café has saved over 600kg of waste from going to landfill and prevented more than 11,000kg of CO₂ from entering the atmosphere. Together, the Pantry and Repair Café have saved local people over £117,000 in food and repair costs. To find out more about What’s On at EVI, head here!

   Thank you to the Welsh Government for helping us keep EVI moving forward. Protecting the past, supporting the present, and building a greener future for all.

   ---

   ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.

   

   ---

2. Open Week 1st – 5th August 

   20th July 2022 3:32 pm Comments Off on Open Week 1st – 5th August 

   Darllenwch yn Gymraeg yma

   Join us for a week full of free activities and food to celebrate EVI opening its doors again! 

   Family crafting and wildlife activities, cultural exhibition, wellbeing classes, business/ digital support workshops, afternoon tea, creative writing and singing, and the opening of our new ‘Café at EVI’ – we have a week full of free and fun activities planned for all ages in Blaenau Gwent!

   To celebrate our Open Week and the new ‘Café at EVI’, all children will be provided with a free, healthy lunchbox to eat in or takeaway throughout the week. Keep checking this page for daily updates, and don’t hesitate to get in touch with any queries by emailing megan@promo.cymru, ringing 01495708022 or popping in.  

   Some events will require pre-booking, others are available for anyone to pop in. See below for our full programme of activities – click the links to find out more. Come and join us! 

   This Open Week is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund*

   Programme of Events:

   

   ‘Let Paul Robeson Sing’ Exhibition

   Throughout our Open Week, EVI will host an inspirational exhibition about the life of actor, singer, and civil rights activist Paul Robeson. This exhibition chronicles Robeson’s struggle against prejudice and intolerance, his connection with the miners of South Wales, and his work to promote diversity and racial equality. One of his first appearances was at the Ebbw Vale National Eisteddfod in August 1958. 64 years on, Robeson’s story returns to Ebbw Vale. All ages can pop in any day during our opening hours for free to learn about Robeson’s fascinating life and important impact in Wales. Grab a cuppa and cake from our new ‘Café at EVI’ while you’re here!

   “There is no place in the world I like more than Wales.” – Paul Robeson  

   ---

   Monday 1st

   

   Digital Skills Drop In Support and Q&A

   11am – 1pm

   Learn how to effectively use social media to get seen and heard in Blaenau Gwent, with digital communications expert Andrew Collins from ProMo Cymru. Pop in and receive one to one advice and training, tailored just for you! Learn how to promote your work and events on social media, or just come along to generally improve your digital skills in a friendly, informal atmosphere. We can help you get to grips with a particular social media platform, setting up a page, creating engaging content, short form video, paid advertising, basic websites, algorithms, trends and more. Pop in for 10 minutes or the whole session, it’s up to you!

   Email megan@promo.cymru to register your interest and let us know what we can do for you. There will also be free refreshments. Business in Focus will also be on hand to support you with any business questions you may have.

   

   Singing For Beginners

   1.30- 2.30pm (For all ages) BOOKING REQUIRED

   This singing class introduces techniques to support best singing practice, like scales, tongue twisters, breathing and enunciation. Jonathon’s class will both elevate and encourage participants with their confidence, working through vocal exercises on projection, breath control, diction and enunciation. The sessions help develop a ‘tool kit’ which can be implemented in group singing. 

   Facilitated by Inside Out Cymru.

   Book here.

   

   Afternoon Tea and Film

   2.30pm

   Join us at EVI for free Afternoon Tea from the new Café at EVI, and a film showing of ‘The Proud Valley’ (1940) starring Paul Robeson to celebrate our ‘Let Paul Robeson Sing’ Exhibition. The exhibition chronicles Robeson’s struggle against prejudice and intolerance and his connection with the miners of South Wales. Pop in!

   ---

   Tuesday 2nd

   

   Driftwood Craft, Pyrography, Pebble Art & Seed Bomb Making

   11am – 4pm BOOKING REQUIRED

   A day full of free and fun natural crafts for the whole family in the EVI garden, with EggSeeds, “Bringing Education to Life”. There will be two different sessions, a morning and afternoon session. Come along for the day!

   Free lunch for children.
   Adult supervision is required.

   Limited spaces – book here.

   Session 1: 11am – 1pm
   Driftwood Craft (suitable for all ages) – Pick your driftwood biscuits and make cool decorative pieces to take away.
   Pyrography (Suitable for 4+) – Lend your hand to the art of wood burning – simple, fun and relaxing! From patterns, words or pictures create your own personal pieces to take away.

   Session 2: 2pm – 4pm
   Pebble Craft & Painting (suitable for all ages) – Help make some nature themed or inspiring stones to find in our garden or have a go at pebble art to take away.
   Seed bombs (suitable for all ages) – Help bring some colour and wildlife to our garden, providing wildlife places to eat, hide and look amazing for us to all come back and see. Take some home to enjoy! 

   

   EVI Official Reopening with Ebbw Vale Male Voice Choir

   12pm

   Join us for our official reopening event! EVI will be officially reopened by Alun Davies, MS for Blaenau Gwent. Free food and refreshments and a short performance from the Ebbw Vale Male Voice Choir.

   

   Youth Entrepreneur Session

   1.30pm – 3.30pm (25 years and under)

   Join Big Ideas Wales Youth Entrepreneur Session, where young people will leave with ideas on how to turn their hobbies, interests and passions into side hustles and businesses. Mental health and wellbeing advice will also be incorporated.

   Business in Focus will also be on hand to support you with your business questions (for all ages). Email megan@promo.cymru to register your interest.

   ---

   Wednesday 3rd

   

   Wellbeing Classes for 16+

   Free taster sessions for a variety of wellbeing classes for 16+. Prioritise your wellbeing and come and relax at EVI!

   11am – 12pm – Mindfulness – Andrew

   Mindfulness techniques can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, by helping you; understand your emotions better, cope better with difficult thoughts, feel calmer, boost your attention and concentration, and improve your relationships.

   
   12.15pm – 1pm – Yoga Relaxation – Clare

   
   2pm – 3pm Tai Chi / Qigong – Keith

   Come along for the day and grab lunch in the new Café at EVI , or pop in for whichever class you fancy.

   For more information and to register your interest, email megan@promo.cymru, ring 01495708022 or pop in!

   ---

   Thursday 4th

   

   MORNING SESSION FULLY BOOKED: Silk-Painting for Families

   10am – 12pm / 1pm – 3pm BOOKING REQUIRED (suitable for 5+)

   Come along to a fun, creative and vibrant family silk-painting session with talented artist Nina Morgan. This relaxing session is perfect for families to spend quality time together. Join us for either the morning session (10am-12pm) or afternoon session (1pm-3pm).

   All children will be provided with a free, healthy lunchbox.

   Limited spaces – book here.

   ---

   Friday 5th

   

   FULLY BOOKED: Perfect Pollinators: Bug Home Making

   10am – 12.30pm BOOKING REQUIRED (suitable for all ages)

   Fun and educational wildlife activities with Gwent Wildlife Trust. Join Rob Magee to learn about pollinating insects like bees, butterflies, moths and beetles. There will be moth identification at 10am followed by a fun bug home making session. There is also the opportunity to learn how to identify butterflies and bees and how to help in your garden. Join us for this educational and exciting workshop for all the family!

   Free lunch is provided for children.
   Adult supervision required.

   The bug home making has limited spaces – book here.

   

   Creative Writing Workshop

   11am – 12pm (suitable for 14+ – we look forward to welcoming a wide range of ages to this workshop!) BOOKING REQUIRED

   Art practitioner Jonathon Rowland-Beer will provide interesting and inspiring creative writing prompts as the participants are encouraged to draft their own short stories, poems, memories or just word play. The group share their writing before giving each other tips and inspiration. Jonathon can also include poetry, dialogue, and the concept of ‘show don’t tell’. Everyone has the chance to listen as well as quiet time to ignite that spark of creativity. 

   Facilitated by Inside Out Cymru.

   Book here

   

   Owl Sanctuary Visit

   1pm – 2pm

   We look forward to welcoming the Ebbw Vale Owl Sanctuary to EVI. Interact with owls and birds of prey from The Owl Sanctuary while learning all about them. No need to book, just pop in! All ages welcome. 

   ---

   *The  UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewal-fundprospectus

   

3. Wythnos Agored 1af – 5ed Awst

   3:31 pm Comments Off on Wythnos Agored 1af – 5ed Awst

   Read English here

   Ymunwch â ni am wythnos llawn gweithgareddau a bwyd am ddim i ddathlu drysau’r EVI yn agor unwaith eto!

   Gweithgareddau crefft a bywyd gwyllt i’r teulu, arddangosfa ddiwylliannol, dosbarthiadau lles, gweithdai cefnogi busnes / digidol, te prynhawn, ysgrifennu creadigol a chanu, ac agoriad ein caffi newydd ‘Café at EVI’ – mae gennym wythnos lawn o weithgareddau hwyl ac am ddim wedi’u cynllunio ar gyfer pob oedran ym Mlaenau Gwent!

   I ddathlu ein Hwythnos Agored a’r ‘Café at EVI’ newydd, bydd pob plentyn yn derbyn bocs bwyd iach am ddim i fwyta mewn neu i fynd allan bob dydd yn ystod yr wythnos. Cadwch olwg ar y dudalen hon am ddiweddariadau dyddiol, a chofiwch gysylltu gydag unrhyw ymholiadau wrth e-bostio megan@promo.cymru neu ffonio 01495 708022 neu galwch draw.

   Bydd angen archebu lle (am ddim) i rai o’r digwyddiadau, tra bod eraill yn agored i bawb galw draw. Edrychwch isod am y rhaglen lawn o weithgareddau – cliciwch ar y dolenni i ddarganfod mwy. Dewch draw ac ymuno gyda ni!

   Mae’r Wythnos Agored yn cael ei ariannu gan Gronfa Adfywio Cymunedol y DU*

   Rhaglen y Digwyddiadau:

   

   Arddangosfa ‘Let Paul Robeson Sing’

   Trwy gydol yr Wythnos Agored, bydd yr EVI yn cynnal arddangosfa ysbrydoledig am fywyd yr actor, canwr a gweithredwr hawliau sifil Paul Robeson. Mae’r arddangosfa yn gronicl o ymdrechion Robeson yn erbyn rhagfarn ac anoddefgarwch, ei gysylltiad gyda glowyr De Cymru, a’i waith yn hyrwyddo amrywiaeth a chydraddoldeb hiliol. Un o’i ymddangosiadau cyntaf oedd yn Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Glynebwy yn fis Awst 1958. Nawr, 64 mlynedd yn ddiweddarach, mae stori Robeson yn dychwelyd i Lynebwy. Mae croeso i bob oedran alw draw, am ddim, yn ystod ein horiau agored i ddysgu am fywyd diddorol Robeson a’r effaith pwysig y cafodd yng Nghymru. A thra bod chi yma, helpwch eich hunain i baned a chacen am ddim!

   “There is no place in the world I like more than Wales.” – Paul Robeson  

   ---

   Dydd Llun 1af

   

   Cefnogaeth Sgiliau Digidol a Sesiwn Cwestiwn ac Ateb ‘Galw Draw’

   11yb – 1yp

   Dysgwch sut i ddefnyddio cyfryngau cymdeithasol yn effeithiol i gael eich gweld a’ch clywed ym Mlaenau Gwent, gydag arbenigwr cyfathrebiadau digidol o ProMo-Cymru, Andrew Collins. Galwch draw a derbyn cyngor a hyfforddiant un i un, wedi’i deilwro yn arbennig i chi! Dysgwch sut i hyrwyddo eich gwaith a’ch digwyddiadau ar gyfryngau cymdeithasol, neu galwch draw i wella eich sgiliau digidol yn gyffredinol mewn awyrgylch cyfeillgar, anffurfiol. Gallem eich helpu i ddeall sut i greu tudalen, creu cynnwys diddorol, fideo ffurf fer, talu am hysbysebu, gwefannau syml, algorithmau, tueddiadau a mwy!

   E-bostiwch megan@promo.cymru i gofrestru’ch diddordeb a rhowch wybod beth allem ei wneud i chi. Bydd yna luniaeth am ddim hefyd. Bydd Busnes Mewn Ffocws yno hefyd i’ch cefnogi gydag unrhyw gwestiynau busnes sydd gennych chi.

   

   Canu i Gychwynwyr

   1:30-2:30yp (Ar gyfer pob oedran) RHAID CADW LLE

   Mae’r dosbarth canu yma yn cyflwyno technegau i gefnogi ymarfer canu gorau, fel graddfa, cylymau tafod (tounge twister), anadlu ac ynganu. Bydd dosbarth Jonathon yn codi ac yn annog hyder y rhai sydd yn cymryd rhan, yn gweithio ar daflu’r llais, rheoli anadlu, geirio ac ynganu. Bydd y sesiynau yma yn helpu i ddatblygu ‘pecyn cymorth’ fydd yn gallu cael ei ddefnyddio gyda chanu grŵp.

   Yn cael ei hwyluso gan Inside Out Cymru.

   

   Te Prynhawn a Ffilm

   2.30pm

   ---

   Dydd Mawrth 2il

   

   Crefftau Broc Môr, Pyrograffeg, Celf Cerrig Bychan a Chreu Bomiau Hadau

   11yb – 4yp RHAID CADW LLE

   Diwrnod llawn crefftau naturiol, hwyl, ac am ddim i’r teulu oll yn ardd yr EVI, gyda EggSeeds, “Yn Dod ag Addysg yn Fyw”. Bydd dau sesiwn gwahanol, un bore ac un prynhawn. Dewch draw am y dydd!

   Cinio am ddim i blant.
   Mae’n rhaid i oedolyn fod yn bresennol.

   Llefydd yn brin – hawliwch eich lle yma.

   Sesiwn 1: 11yb – 1yp
   Crefftau Broc Môr (addas ar gyfer pob oedran) – Dewiswch eich bisgedi broc môr a chreu darnau addurniadol cŵl i fynd adref gyda chi.
   Pyrograffeg (addas ar gyfer oedran 4+) – Rhowch dro ar y gelf o losgi pren – syml, hwyl ac ymlaciol! O batrymau, geiriau neu luniau, gallwch greu darnau personol eich hun i fynd adref gyda chi.

   Sesiwn 2: 2yp – 4yp
   Crefft a Pheintio Cerrig Bychan (addas ar gyfer pob oedran) – Helpwch i greu cerrig ysbrydoledig neu thema natur i’w darganfod yn ein gardd, neu creu celf cerrig bychan i fynd adref gyda chi. Bomiau Hadau (addas ar gyfer pob oedran) – Helpwch i gyflwyno lliw a bywyd gwyllt i’n gardd, yn rhoi lle i fywyd gwyllt fwyta, cuddio ac edrych yn anhygoel i bawb ddod yn ôl i’w weld. Ewch â rhai adref i fwynhau!

   

   Lansiad Swyddogol gyda Chôr Meibion Glynebwy

   12yp

   Ymunwch â ni ar gyfer ein lansiad swyddogol! Bydd EVI yn cael ei ailagor yn swyddogol gan AS Blaenau Gwent, Alun Davies. Bwyd a lluniaeth am ddim a Chôr Meibion Glynebwy yn canu.

   

   Sesiwn Entrepreneuriaid Ifanc

   1.30yp – 3.30yp

   Ymunwch â Sesiwn Entrepreneuriaid Ifanc Syniadau Mawr Cymru, ble fydd pobl ifanc yn gadael gyda syniadau am sut i droi hobi, diddordebau ac angerdd yn weithred ar yr ochr a busnes. Bydd cyngor iechyd meddwl a lles yn cael ei gynnwys hefyd.

   Bydd Busnes Mewn Ffocws yno i’ch cefnogi gydag unrhyw gwestiynau busnes.

   ---

   Dydd Mercher 3ydd

   

   Dosbarthiadau Lles i 16+

   Sesiynau blasu am ddim ar gyfer amrywiaeth o ddosbarthiadau lles i rai 16+.

   11yb -12yp – Meddylgarwch – Andrew
   12:15yp – 1yp – Ymlacio gydag Yoga – Clare
   2pm – 3pm – Tai Chi / Qigong – Keith

   Am wybodaeth bellach ac i gofrestru eich diddordeb, e-bostiwch megan@promo.cymru, ffoniwch ar 01495 708022 neu galwch draw!

   ---

   Dydd Iau 4ydd

   

   Peintio Sidan i Deuluoedd

   10yb – 12yp / 1yp – 3yp RHAID CADW LLE (addas i oedran 5+)

   Galwch draw i sesiwn peintio sidan hwyl, creadigol a bywiog gyda’r artist talentog Nina Morgan. Mae’r sesiwn ymlaciol yma yn berffaith ar gyfer teuluoedd i dreulio amser â’i gilydd. Ymunwch am y sesiwn bore (10yb – 12yp) neu’r sesiwn prynhawn (1yp-3yp).

   Bydd pob plentyn yn derbyn bocs bwyd iach am ddim.

   Llefydd yn brin – hawliwch eich lle yma.

   ---

   Dydd Gwener 5ed

   

   Peillwyr Perffaith: Creu Cartref Pryfed

   10yb – 12.30yp RHAID CADW LLE (addas ar gyfer pob oedran)

   Gweithgareddau bywyd gwyllt hwyl ac addysgiadol gydag Ymddiriedolaeth Natur Gwent. Ymunwch â Rob Magee i ddysgu am bryfaid peillio fel gwenyn, pili-pala, gwyfynod a chwilod. Byddant yn dod i adnabod gwyfynod (moths) am 10yb, a dilynir hyn gyda sesiwn hwyl yn creu cartrefi i bryfed. Bydd cyfle hefyd i ddysgu sut i adnabod gwahanol bili-pala a gwenyn a sut gallech chi helpu yn eich gardd. Ymunwch â ni am y gweithdy addysgiadol a chyffroes yma i’r teulu oll!

   Darparir cinio am ddim i’r plant. Mae’n rhaid i oedolyn fod yn bresennol.

   Mae llefydd yn brin ar gyfer y sesiwn creu cartref pryfed – hawliwch eich lle yma.

   

   Gweithdy Ysgrifennu Creadigol

   11yb – 12yp (addas ar gyfer 14+) RHAID CADW LEE

   Bydd yr ymarferydd celf Jonathan Rowland-Beer yn cynnig awgrymiadau ysgrifennu creadigol diddorol ac ysbrydoledig wrth annog y rhai sydd yn cymryd rhan i ddrafftio stori fer, barddoniaeth, atgofion neu chwarae ar eiriau eu hunain. Bydd y grŵp yn rhannu’r hyn maent wedi ysgrifennu cyn rhoi cyngor ac ysbrydoli ei gilydd. Gall Jonathan hefyd gynnwys barddoniaeth, dialog, a’r cysyniad o ‘dangos paid dweud’. Mae pawb yn cael cyfle i wrando yn ogystal ag amser distaw i sbarduno’r creadigrwydd.

   Hwylusir gan Inside Out Cymru.

   

   Ymweliad y Warchodfa Tylluanod

   1yp – 2yp

   Edrychwn ymlaen at groesawu Gwarchodfa Tylluanod Glynebwy i EVI. Cysylltwch gyda’r tylluanod ac adar ysglyfaethus o’r Warchodfa Tylluanod wrth i chi ddysgu amdanynt. Nid oes angen cadw lle, dewch draw! Croeso i bob oedran.

   ---

   *Mae Cronfa Adfywio Cymunedol y DU yn rhaglen Llywodraeth y DU ar gyfer 2021/22. Nod hwn yw cefnogi pobl a chymunedau sydd fwyaf mewn angen ledled y DU i dreialu rhaglenni a dulliau newydd i baratoi argyfer Cronfa Ffyniant Cyffredinol y DU. Mae’n buddsoddi mewn sgiliau, cymuned a lleoedd, busnes lleol, a chefnogi pobl i mewn i gyflogaeth. Am ragor o wybodaeth, ewch i: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewalfund-prospectus

   

4. Great Things Are Coming At EVI

   22nd February 2022 2:50 pm Comments Off on Great Things Are Coming At EVI

   We are pleased to announce that Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI) has successfully been awarded a grant from the UK Community Renewal Fund. This means that the oldest institute in Wales, restored and refurbished by ProMo-Cymru, can reopen after the pandemic with some exciting new developments.

   This funding will allow EVI to develop opportunities with young people and support cultural and economic recovery in Ebbw Vale and Blaenau Gwent. We have lots of exciting plans and ideas for the centre this spring.

   ·  Creating opportunities and pathways into employment for young people involving our café and digital skills training

   ·  Promoting healthy living skills and socialising through our café and garden

   ·  Working with local artists and community groups, hosting cultural events for the community

   ·  Running environmental activities and workshops, increasing positive environmental behaviour both in and outside the building

   Centre of community life

   Although our partner support services have remained open and continue to operate, the centre has been closed to the public during the pandemic. We are so happy to be reopening our community cultural centre in the heart of Ebbw Vale with the launch of this exciting new project. Environmental innovation, sustainability, community and local culture are at the heart of this renewal project, aiming to make Blaenau Gwent a more attractive place to live, work, and visit.

   EVI has been at the centre of community life in Ebbw Vale for 173 years, and this project means it will continue to do so for generations to come

   Find out more

   What do you want to see EVI bring to your community? If you would like to discuss this project or work with us, get in touch with sam@evi.cymru. Follow or like us on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook to keep up to date with what’s happening and join us on our inspiring and exciting journey this spring. 

   Welsh translation of this article is available here

   This project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Community Renewal Fund.

   The UK Community Renewal Fund is a UK Government programme for 2021/22. This aims to support people and communities most in need across the UK to pilot programmes and new approaches to prepare for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It invests in skills, community and place, local business, and supporting people into employment. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-community-renewal-fund-prospectus

   

5. Adnewyddiad £250,000 Adeilad Hanesyddol EVI

   18th August 2021 5:04 pm Comments Off on Adnewyddiad £250,000 Adeilad Hanesyddol EVI

   Mae Canolfan Cymunedol a Diwylliannol Institiwt Glynebwy (EVI) wedi bod yn cynnal gwaith adnewyddu ac atgyweirio ar raddfa fawr yn yr adeilad Gradd 2 hanesyddol ar ôl derbyn £250,000 trwy Raglen Cyfleusterau Cymunedol Llywodraeth Cymru, yn diogelu ei gynaladwyedd er mwynhad cenhedloedd y dyfodol.

   Cynhaliwyd ymgynghoriad gyda defnyddwyr rheolaidd Canolfan EVI, yr institiwt hynaf yng Nghymru, ac mae’r grant yma wedi caniatáu i ni gyflawni llawer o’r gofynion o’r ymgynghoriad yma. Roedd dros 57% eisiau gofod gardd hamddenol i ddysgu a chyfarfod pobl ac roedd 45% eisiau gofod ar gyfer arddangosfeydd celf a ffotograffiaeth.

   Gofod gardd newydd

   Roedd gardd yr EVI yn ardal nad oedd yn cael ei ddefnyddio, gyda gordyfiant a ffensys anniogel, Roedd y gwaith tirwedd a llawrwaith yn ymdrech logistaidd enfawr gyda sawl her. Ar ôl cwblhau’r gwaith adeiladol yn yr ardd, roedd yr ardal, na ellir ei ddefnyddio cynt, wedi cael ei drawsffurfio’n ofod tawel ar gyfer dysgu, gweithgareddau, cyfarfodydd a llesiant.

   

   

   

   Yn dilyn gorffen yr holl lawrwaith, gosodwyd llefydd eistedd, meinciau picnic a phlanwyr trwy Grantiau Adferiad COVID-19 Canol Trefi Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Blaenau Gwent.

   

   

   

   

   

   Roedd prosiect amgylcheddol Arian i Bawb y Loteri Genedlaethol yn caniatáu i wirfoddolwyr yr EVI i greu gofod llesiant yn yr ardd wrth blannu blodau sydd yn gyfeillgar i wenyn, perlysiau, ffrwythau a llysiau yn ardd yr EVI.

   Gosodwyd mesuriadau diogelwch newydd gan osod grisiau tân a ffensys diogelwch newydd yn yr ardd.

   

   

   

   Gosod to newydd

   Roedd to newydd yn hanfodol i gynaladwyedd adeilad EVI. Yn dilyn sawl achos o ddŵr yn gollwng, teils yn llithro o hyd, ac angen newid y landeri gan ei fod yn achosi difrod dŵr i’r adeilad.

   

   

   

   

   Datblygiadau pellach

   Mae’r rhaglen Cyfleusterau Cymunedol wedi ariannu sawl cyfleuster arall yn yr EVI, gan gynnwys:

   • – Taflunydd ansawdd sinema a sgrin 4m o led
   • – Cyfleusterau arddangos i artistiaid a ffotograffwyr
   • – Cyfleusterau newid babanod
   • – Dau ‘llwybr mynedfa/allanfa unffordd’ COVID ddiogel i ddysgwyr a chleientiaid.
   • – Atgyweiriadau hanfodol ac adferiad y grisiau
   • – System intercom a CCTV newydd
   • – Uwchraddio gwres
   • – Gofod swyddfa/storio mewn ardaloedd annefnyddadwy cynt
   • – Mynedfa newydd i Hyfforddiant ACT
   • – System intercom newydd

   

   

   

   Adnewyddu grisiau’r EVI

   Mae Cronfa Rhaglen Cyfleusterau Cymunedol Llywodraeth Cymru wedi diogelu’r adeilad cymunedol yma. Mae atgyweiriadau hanfodol wedi’u cwblhau, diogelwch COVID wedi ei fwyhau, gofodau annefnyddadwy bellach yn cael eu defnyddio a chyfleusterau ychwanegol ar gael i’r gymuned.

   Rydym yn falch o gyhoeddi bod yr adnewyddiad a’r atgyweiriadau hanfodol wedi’u cwblhau, ac edrychwn ymlaen at gael agor ein drysau i’r gymuned eto yn y dyfodol. Ar hyn o bryd, mae’r EVI yn agored i wasanaethau apwyntiad yn unig. I gael gwybod y diweddaraf am yr EVI dilynwch ar gyfryngau cymdeithasol. Bydd unrhyw newyddion am ail-agor yn cael ei bostio ar wefan yr EVI ac ar ein tudalennau Facebook a Twitter.

   

6. £250,000 Refurbishment at the Historic EVI

   8:57 am Comments Off on £250,000 Refurbishment at the Historic EVI

   The Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI) Community and Cultural Centre has been carrying out extensive refurbishment and essential repairs at the historic Grade 2 listed building after being awarded £250,000 through the Welsh Government Communities Facilities Programme, securing its sustainability for future generations to enjoy.

   We carried out a consultation with regular users of the EVI Centre, the oldest institute in Wales, and this grant has enabled us to fulfil many of the requests. Over 57% wanted a garden space for recreation, learning and meeting people and 45% wanted space for art and photography exhibitions.

   A new garden space

   The EVI garden was a disused area for many years, overgrown with unsafe fencing. The landscaping and ground works was a huge logistical endeavour with many challenges. With the garden structural works completed, this formally unusable area has been transformed into a tranquil space for learning, activities, meetings, and wellbeing.

   • 

   • 

   • 

   With all the groundworks completed new seating, picnic benches and planters were placed via the BGCBC Town Centre COVID recovery scheme.

   • 

   • 

   • 

   • 

   • 

   The Big Lottery Awards for All Environmental project enabled EVI volunteers to create a wellbeing space in the garden by planting bee friendly flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables in the EVI garden.

   New safety measures were put in place with a new fire escape staircase and safety fencing being installed in the garden.

   • 

   • 

   • 

   Placing a new roof

   A new roof was essential to the sustainability of the EVI building. There had been several leaks, tiles were continuously slipping, and the guttering needed replacing as it was causing water damage to the fabric of the building.

   • 

   • 

   • 

   • 

   Further developments

   The Communities Facilities programme funded several other facilities at the EVI, including:

   • – A cinema quality projector and 4m wide screen
   • – Exhibition facilities for artists and photographers
   • – Baby changing facilities
   • – Two new COVID secure ‘one way entrance / exit routes’ for learners and clients
   • – Essential repairs and restoration of the staircase
   • – Intercom and CCTV system
   • – Heating upgrades
   • – Office / storage space from previously unusable areas

   • 

   • 

   • 

   The Welsh Government Communities Facilities Programme Fund has secured the fabric of this community building. Essential repairs have been made, COVID safety enhanced, formally disused spaces are now in use and additional facilities are now on offer to the community.

   We are pleased to announce that the refurbishment and essential repairs are now complete, and we look forward to fully opening our doors again to the community at a future date. We are currently only open for appointment-based services. To keep updated on EVI developments follow us on our social media pages. Any news about reopening will be posted on the EVI website and on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

   Welsh translation of this article is available here

   

7. ‘Awards for All’ Volunteers create homes for garden wildlife

   16th August 2021 11:46 am Comments Off on ‘Awards for All’ Volunteers create homes for garden wildlife

   Awards for All Volunteers take local environmental action by creating wildlife habitats for birds, bats, hedgehogs and pollinating insects in the EVI garden …

   The next stage of our Big Lottery Community Fund Awards for All project was to create wildlife habitat, to help attract nesting birds and bats to the EVI garden and create homes for hedgehogs.

   Everyone had a task and were challenged to use tools and techniques that had not been used before.

   • 

   • 

   • 

   Supporting our garden wildlife

   Awards for All Volunteers from Llamau, ACT Training, Barod Gwent N-Gage and Cyfannol Women’s Aid, have created several bird and bat boxes to help attract nesting birds and bats to the EVI garden.
   Visit Gwent Wildlife Trust for more ways you can get involved locally and support garden wildlife.

   We also have a hedgehog home that will be relocated where it is most needed. If you find a hedgehog out in the day or injured, please visit hedgehoghelplinecymru.org.uk for information and advice on what to do next.

   • 

   • 

   • 

   • 

   Spreading the Seeds…

   Some of our younger volunteers made seed bombs and had great fun spreading them throughout the garden. We also relocated our pollinator bee and bug hotel and talked about how over a third of our food depends on pollinating insects.

   • 

   • 

   Wellbeing in Nature …

   Volunteers also created colourful images and words to remind people to spend more time in nature and how we can increase our wellbeing when spending time outdoors – over 18 posts were painted.

   • 

   • 

   • 

   Keeping up the great work

   ‘Awards for All’ Volunteers will continue taking care of the EVI garden throughout the seasons and utilise the wellbeing space for learning, meetings and activities.

   Organisations based at EVI, (Llamau, ACT Training, Cyfannol, Barod and BGCBC Youth Services) will also undertake further environmental and wellbeing projects in the EVI garden.

   Special thanks

   Thanks to Sam Holt, Eggseeds for leading the environmental workshops, MallowArt for the painting workshop and Promo Cymru (the charity that runs EVI) for providing the ‘graphic design with canva’ and ‘Film making on your mobile’ online workshops to support the volunteers in increasing their skills in digital communications.

   A special thank you to all our volunteers for creating a wellbeing space at the EVI garden. Everyone worked together with staff and clients from other organisations, with children and families; many new skills were learned along the way and so much has been accomplished to support our local wildlife.
   

   

8. Volunteers Create a Wellbeing Garden at EVI

   19th July 2021 4:15 pm Comments Off on Volunteers Create a Wellbeing Garden at EVI

   An environmental project at EVI, made possible by the National Lottery Community Fund Awards For All programme, has brought organisations and volunteers together to create a wellbeing space in the garden.

   What did we do?

   The first step was to plant bee friendly flowers, herbs, fruits, and vegetables that will be looked after by the volunteers throughout the seasons.

   • 

   • 

   • 

   Over the two sessions, facilitated by Eggseeds‘ Sam Holt, the volunteers and staff from ACT Training and Llamau prepared the soil and planted flowers, herbs (like rosemary and chives), fruit trees (like raspberry and gooseberry) and vegetables (chard, sprouts, peas). Everyone worked really hard and for many, this was a new experience.

   • 

   • 

   • 

   • 

   • 

   Some of the volunteers spent time creating wellbeing posts, painting vibrant colours and wellbeing quotes onto the old fencing posts, so that everyone is reminded of the benefits of spending time in nature.

   • 

   • 

   Providing new experiences for young people

   For many of the young people aged between 16 and 18 that were taking part, gardening was a totally new experience for them. Here’s what some of them had to say:

   “It’s my first time gardening I am usually an indoor person”

   “It feels nice being outdoors”

   “With lockdown, people could have got more into gardening”

   “I am enjoying it more than I thought I would”

   ACT Training – EVI Volunteers

   ---

   “It’s quite peaceful, relaxing”

   “I like to cook with a lot of these herbs so I am looking forward to planting them”

   “I like building computers so this is being creative in a different environment”

   “It feels nice being outdoors”

   Llamau – EVI Volunteers

   • 

   • 

   • 

   • 

   • 

   • 

   • 

   What are the next steps?

   The next step in this environmental project is to carry out the ‘local environmental and wellbeing in nature’ actions that were raised during a focus group with Llamau. These included displaying QR codes around EVI that linked to wellbeing information.

   EVI volunteers will create wildlife habitats, facilitated by Eggseeds, such as bird and bat boxes, hedgehog homes, and homes for pollinating insects. This workshop will be held on Tuesday 3rd August 2021.

   

   Home » Community

   
   

9. Awards for All Environmental Project at EVI

   8th June 2021 11:54 am Comments Off on Awards for All Environmental Project at EVI

   Thanks to The National Lottery Community Fund – Awards for All, ProMo Cymru will be delivering environmental activities in our new EVI garden, with volunteers learning new skills and raising awareness of how we can all take LOCAL environmental action and increase our wellbeing in Nature

   The EVI (Ebbw Vale Institute) is a community hub offering support, learning and cultural activities to young people and families, with a cafe, venue and conference/training facility, cinema quality screen and exhibition facilities available to the community.

   We are working on this exciting project with the organisations based at EVI, Llamau, Cyfannol Women’s Aid, Blaenau Gwent CBC Youth Services, ACT Training and Barod Gwent N-Gage.

   To start the project, Llamau, Learning 4 Life volunteers held a focus group, discussing different ways we can all take local environmental action and increase our wellbeing in nature. Volunteers suggested planting bee friendly flowers, fruit, vegetables, herbs and installing a water capture barrel in the EVI garden. Other suggestions included joining the BGCBC Litter Champion scheme and making wildlife habitat such as bird boxes, hedgehog homes and bug hotels for pollinating insects. A mood board was created to help present their ideas.

   • 

   • 

   During the focus group, volunteers discussed how we can increase our wellbeing in nature and what they would like to see in the EVI garden. Some of their wellbeing ideas included tending to plants, listening to the birds, meeting and learning outdoors, getting vitamin D and time for reflection and sitting quietly.

   
   
   The learners engaged really well in the focus group session and wanted to continue the mood board and the discussion into the following week. The moodboard activity really focussed one of our harder to engage learners, and the whole group are excited about being able to create a space outside that will help them improve their moods

   Laura Wheeler, LLamau Learning 4 Life Tutor

   Llamau volunteers also came up with many wellbeing words that could be displayed as a mural on the garden wall, and a fantastic idea to display QR code linking to nature videos, sounds and relaxation music to help remind everyone to spend more time in nature.

   • 

   • 

   In response to the ideas generated by the volunteers, ProMo Cymru will tailor environmental workshops to support ways we can all take local environmental action and increase our wellbeing in nature. We will also deliver digital communication training to help support the volunteers in their work.

   • 

10. EVI’s plan over the next 12 months…

    21st August 2020 9:43 am Comments Off on EVI’s plan over the next 12 months…

    We have a busy 12 months ahead; we’d like to share our plans with you and keep you up to date with our progress.

    Where we’re at now…

    For the time being, EVI will remain closed to the general public. Our venue, café and room hire facilities will also remain closed until further notice. This means that our program of classes and events will restart September 2021 – we apologise for the inconvenience and very much look forward to welcoming you back next year.

    EVI tenant services are open and will continue to provide essential support for young people and families. From 1st September 2020, these services can be accessed 5 days a week (9am-5pm).
    When visiting EVI (by appointment) please follow our safety guidelines.

    EVI’s refurbishment plans

    

    Following a community consultation and with financial support from the Welsh Government Communities Facilities Fund, we will be carrying out a major refurbishment, which includes the creation of a community garden, re-roofing our building and undertaking other essential restorations.
    

    • 

    • 

    Welcoming you back, September 2021

    We look forward to creating a vibrant program of activities and welcoming everyone back to EVI next September (2021).

    A big thank you to all our visitors, hirers, staff and volunteers for your continued support.

11. Dathliadau Nadolig a Chynaladwyedd

    12th December 2019 3:10 pm Comments Off on Dathliadau Nadolig a Chynaladwyedd

    English article here

    Gwahoddwyd teuluoedd Glynebwy i ddigwyddiad Dathlu Nadoligaidd yn yr EVI yn ddiweddar. Roeddem yn nodi diwedd prosiect cynaladwyedd blwyddyn o hyd, yn gwella effeithlonrwydd ynni yn yr adeilad hanesyddol ac yn hyfforddi gwirfoddolwyr o’r gymuned.

    Yn fis Rhagfyr 2019 derbyniodd yr EVI £32.523 o Gynllun Cymunedau’r Dreth Gwarediadau Tirlenwi, rhaglen Llywodraeth Cymru sydd yn cael ei reoli gan CGGC. Dros y flwyddyn rydym wedi gwella’r gwresogi a’r goleuadau yn yr EVI, wedi cynnal gweithdy Llygredd Plastig gyda phobl ifanc, creu paradwys trychfilod yn yr ardd o flaen yr adeilad yn ystod gweithdy garddio bywyd gwyllt, wedi hyfforddi gwirfoddolwyr mewn ysgrifennu blogiau a chreu fideos gan greu banc o erthyglau ar ein gwefan, ac yn olaf, dathliad Nadolig mawr gyda thwist cynaliadwy.

    

    Gwahoddiad i ddathlu

    Ymestynnwyd gwahoddiad i bobl y gymuned i ddod i ymuno gyda ni ar ddiwedd mis Tachwedd i ddathlu Nadolig cynaliadwy gyda bwyd a disgo pŵer pedal i’r plant, gwin poeth a mins pei i’r rhieni, a gweithdai yn creu nwyddau Nadolig o ddefnyddiau wedi’u hailgylchu.

    Roedd 100 o lefydd ar gael, a llenwyd y rhain yn sydyn iawn. Darparwyd adloniant gan U3A (University of the Third Age) fu’n canu ac yn cynnal gweithgareddau canu i’r plant. Roedd y bwyd yn llwyddiant mawr, a phob briwsyn wedi’i fwyta, dim gwastraff o gwbl!

    

    Pweru parti

    Roedd pawb wedi gwirioni gyda’r disgo pŵer pedal, a’r dyn eira, gyda’r plant yn cadw’r gerddoriaeth i fynd, y dyn eira llawn aer a goleuadau’r goeden Nadolig i fflachio drwy’r nos. Pŵer y bobl!

    Roedd y gweithdai yn boblogaidd iawn, gyda phawb yn cymryd rhan. Roedd pobl wrth eu boddau yn cael creu’r coed Nadolig a’r bôbls allan o froc môr a hen baledi, dysgu ychydig o pyrograffeg a chael mynd â’r rhain gartref gyda nhw.

    Daeth dau o’r gwirfoddolwyr fu’n rhan o’n hyfforddiant ysgrifennu blog draw i helpu. Roedd Jamie Lee a Victoria yn gymorth mawr gyda’r gweithdai ac roeddem wrth ein boddau cael clywed sut roedd erthygl Jamie Lee, Plannu Coed i Achub y Byd, wedi’u hysbrydoli i blannu coed mewn coedwig gwarchodfa.

    

    Addewid i fod yn wyrddach

    Daeth adran ailgylchu a gwastraff Cyngor Blaenau Gwent draw i roi gwybodaeth a chyngor am gasgliadau ailgylchu wythnosol.

    Daeth dysgwyr Llamau (fu’n cymryd rhan yn rhai o’n gweithdai) draw hefyd gydag arddangosfa ryngweithiol. Roeddent yn gofyn i bobl i wneud addewidion ar gyfer Nadolig cynaliadwy ac i helpu’r amgylchedd.

    “Cafodd y dysgwyr amser da iawn yn gweithio â’i gilydd i greu’r byrddau arddangos, a dysgodd pawb rywbeth newydd am gynaladwyedd, a gobeithio bydd y negeseuon yma yn cael eu rhannu.” meddai tiwtor Learning 4 Life Llamau.

    Cafwyd addewidion gwych ar y goeden addewidion. Dyma ychydig ohonynt:

    • – Defnyddio bagiau cotwm i siopa
    • – Addo ceisio defnyddio’r swm lleiaf o blastig bosib
    • – Lapio anrhegion Nadolig mewn papur newydd!
    • – Ailgylchu cymaint ag sy’n bosib
    • – Clirio plastig oddi ar y traeth

    Roedd Llamau yn cymryd archebion am glecars ‘Dolig di-blastig ac yn cynnig awgrymiadau defnyddiol am ffyrdd cyfeillgar i’r amgylchedd i lapio anrhegion.

    

    Nid dyma’r diwedd

    Roedd Samantha James, Cydlynydd Gweithrediadau’r EVI, wrth ei bodd gyda llwyddiant y digwyddiad ac yn meddwl mai dyma oedd y ffordd berffaith i gloi’r prosiect blwyddyn.

    “Rydym wedi cyrraedd pen taith y prosiect hwn, ac wedi cyflawni cymaint yma yn yr EVI,” meddai.

    “Rydym wedi helpu codi ymwybyddiaeth o fioamrywiaeth a materion amgylcheddol ac mae’r gwirfoddolwyr wedi bod yn integrol i hyn. Maent wedi helpu gyda’r ymgyrch cyfathrebu. Ar ôl derbyn hyfforddiant mae rhai ohonynt wedi symud ymlaen i helpu prosiectau amgylcheddol eraill. Roedd y digwyddiad Nadolig yn ffordd berffaith i derfyn pethau, wrth gynnwys y gymuned gyfan yn yr hyn sydd wedi bod yn digwydd yma.”

    Ac nid dyma ddiwedd y daith i’r gwaith cynaladwyedd yn yr EVI meddai Sam.

    “Dim ond megis cychwyn mae’r gwaith i greu EVI mwy cynaliadwy a gwyrddach. Rydym wedi dysgu llawer o wybodaeth a  sgiliau newydd ar hyd y daith ac yn awyddus i barhau’r gwaith yma”.

12. Christmas & Sustainability Celebrations

    3:08 pm Comments Off on Christmas & Sustainability Celebrations

    Erthygl Gymraeg yma

    Ebbw Vale families were invited to a Christmas Celebration event at the EVI recently. We were marking the end of a yearlong sustainability project, improving energy efficiency at the historic building and involving and training volunteers from the community.

    In December 2018 the EVI received £32,523 from the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme, a Welsh Government Programme managed by the WCVA. Over the year we’ve made improvements to the heating and lighting at the EVI, held a Plastic Pollution workshop with young people, created a bug paradise in the front of our building during a wildlife gardening workshop, trained volunteers in blog writing and creating videos creating a bank of sustainability articles on our website, and lastly a huge Christmas celebration with a sustainable twist.

    

    An invitation to celebrate

    We invited people in the community to join us at the end of November to celebrate a sustainable Christmas with festive food and a pedal powered disco for the children, mulled wine and a mince pie for the parents, and workshops making Christmas goods from recycled materials.

    The 100 spaces we had on offer for the event filled up quickly. Entertainment was provided by the U3A (University of the Third Age) singing group, who sang and held singing activities for the children. The food went down very well, and every scrap was eaten, no wastage here!

    

    Powering a party

    Everyone loved the pedal powered disco, and the snowman, with the children keeping the music playing, the snowman inflated and the Christmas tree lights powered all night. People power!

    The workshops proved popular with everyone taking part, people loved taking home the Christmas trees and baubles they had made using driftwood and old pallets and learning a bit of pyrography.

    Two of the volunteers who had been part of our blog writing training came to help out. Jamie Lee and Victoria helped with the workshops and we loved hearing how Jamie Lee’s Planting Trees to Save the World article inspired them to plant trees in a woodland sanctuary.

    

    Pledging to be greener

    Blaenau Gwent Council’s waste and recycling department also came along to give information and advice about weekly recycling collections.

    Llamau learners (who also took part in some of our previous workshops) came along with an interactive display. They asked people to make pledges for a sustainable Christmas and help the environment.

    “The learners had a really good time working together to make the display boards up, and they all learned something new about sustainability, and we hope these messages will be passed on,” said a Llamau Learning 4 Life tutor.

    There were some great pledges made and stuck onto the pledge tree. Here are just some of them:

    • – Use cotton carrier bags for my shopping
    • – I promise to us as less plastic as I possibly can
    • – Wrap all my Christmas presents in newspaper!
    • – I will recycle as much as I can
    • – Pick up the plastic at the beach

    People could also put in orders with Llamau for plastic free Christmas crackers and were given handy tips on environmentally friendly ways to wrap presents.

    

    This is not the end

    Samantha James, Operations Coordinator at the EVi, was overjoyed with the success of the event and thought it was a perfect end to the yearlong project.

    “We’ve come to the end of this project and we’ve achieved so much here at the EVI,” she said.

    “We’ve helped raise awareness of biodiversity and environmental issues and our volunteers have been integral to this. They’ve helped us with our communication campaign. After receiving training with us some of them have gone on to help other environmental projects. The Christmas event was great to cap it all off by involving the whole community in what we’ve been doing here.“

    And this is not the end for the EVI’s sustainability drive says Sam.

    “This has just been the beginning of the EVI becoming more sustainable and greener. We have learnt lots of new skills and information along the way and strive to keep up this good work”.

13. Ymunwch â Ni i Ddathlu Nadolig Cynaliadwy

    8th November 2019 2:15 pm Comments Off on Ymunwch â Ni i Ddathlu Nadolig Cynaliadwy

    English article here
    

    Dros yr ychydig fisoedd diwethaf mae yna lawer wedi bod yn digwydd yn yr EVI i wella cynaladwyedd yr adeilad a’r ardal gyfagos. Wrth i ni gyrraedd diwedd y cyfnod yma o’n gyriad cynaladwyedd arbennig rydym yn gwahodd trigolion Glynebwy i ymuno â ni mewn dathliad Nadoligaidd a chreu addurniadau sydd yn gyfeillgar i’r amgylchedd.

    Ar ddydd Mercher, 27 Tachwedd rydym yn gwahodd holl aelodau ein cymuned i ymuno gyda ni rhwng 4yp a 7yh ar gyfer ein digwyddiad Hwyl yr Ŵyl i’r teulu. Bydd yna ddisgo pŵer pedal, bwffe i’r plant a gwydriad o win poeth a mins pei i’r rhieni. Byddem hefyd yn cynnal gweithdai ailgylchu hwyl yn creu coed Nadolig o froc môr a bôbls Nadolig… a hyn i gyd AM DDIM.

    

    Mae’r digwyddiad yn cael ei gynnal i ddathlu diwedd ein prosiect cynaliadwy sydd wedi bod yn rhedeg dros yr ychydig fisoedd nesaf gyda £32,523 o ariannu gan Gynllun Cymunedau’r Dreth Gwarediadau Tirlenwi trwy’r WCVA. Mae’r EVI wedi bod yn fwrlwm o weithgareddau fel rhan o’r prosiect hwn.

    

    Goleuadau Godidog

    Y peth cyntaf i’w wneud oedd ceisio lleihau’r defnydd o ynni yn yr EVI. Roedd adolygiad ynni’r EVI eisoes wedi’i gyflawni ac yn amlygu’r ardaloedd yn yr adeilad oedd yn gwastraffu ynni fwyaf. Roedd yr arian derbyniodd yr EVI yn caniatáu i ni gyflawni’r gwelliannau awgrymwyd yn yr adroddiad adolygiad ynni. Roedd goleuadau yn wastraff ynni mawr, felly defnyddiwyd peth o’r arian i newid y goleuadau i gyd i rai LED, sydd yn defnyddio 90% llai o ynni. Gosodwyd sychwyr dwylo eco newydd yn y toiledau hefyd, sydd yn defnyddio aer oer yn hytrach na phoeth.

    Roedd drafftiau a gwres yn broblem yn yr adeilad mawr, hanesyddol yma. Rhai o’r problemau mwyaf oedd drysau’n cael eu cadw’n agored, gwresogi ystafelloedd gwag a defnyddio gwresogyddion trydan drud. Cafodd hyn ei ddatrys wrth osod dyfais cau drws awtomatig ar y drysau i gyd, rheolyddion awtomatig ar y rheiddiaduron a mesurwyr ynni. Cafwyd gwared ar y gwresogyddion trydan cludadwy a gosod gwresogyddion wal ynni effeithlon newydd gydag amserydd 10 munud. Roedd y pympiau gwres o’r awyr, gosodwyd pan adferwyd yr adeilad dros ddegawd yn ôl, angen eu trwsio gan am eu bod yn aneffeithlon bellach. Yn y gaeaf roedd rhaid defnyddio’r boeler nwy wrth gefn i gynhesu’r adeilad. Caniataodd yr ariannu yma i ni drwsio’r pympiau, ac felly gallem unwaith eto wresogi’r EVI gyda’r pympiau ynni effeithlon ran amlaf.

    

    Ysbrydoli’r Gymuned

    Fel rhan o’n prosiect cynaladwyedd roeddem yn awyddus i gynnwys y gymuned wrth gynnig cyfleoedd gwirfoddoli a hyfforddiant. Y bwriad oedd dysgu sgiliau a hysbysu’r cyhoedd am gynaladwyedd a’r hyn gallant ei wneud. Yn fis Ebrill cynhaliwyd gweithdy llygredd plastig yn yr EVI ar gyfer Diwrnod y Ddaear. Rhannom wybodaeth am gyffredinrwydd plastig yn ein bywydau a’r hyn gellir ei wneud i leihau hyn.

    Yn fis Mehefin cynhaliwyd gweithdy garddio bywyd gwyllt gyda Eggseeds i gynyddu bioamrywiaeth yr ardal. Bu’r gwirfoddolwyr ifanc yn adeiladu sawl gwesty trychfilod a bomiau hadau. Mae’r gwestai trychfilod lliwgar yn sefyll yn falch o flaen yr EVI.

    Grym mewn Gwybodaeth

    Rhan bwysig o’r prosiect i ni ydy annog pobl yn yr ardal i’n helpu i rannu’r neges cynaladwyedd. Rhoddwyd gwahoddiad i’r rhai oedd â diddordeb helpu rhannu’r neges i fynychu dwy sesiwn hyfforddiant gwahanol. Roedd y cyntaf yn weithdy blogio a chreu fideo. Dysgwyd sgiliau cynllunio a chreu fideo eu hunain. Er mai dim ond diwrnod oedd ganddynt i wneud popeth, llwyddwyd i greu’r fideo canlynol hefyd, yn dangos yr holl waith oedd wedi bod yn digwydd yn yr EVI hyd yma.

    Roedd yr ail sesiwn yn weithdy ysgrifennu blogiau. Dewisodd y mynychwyr bwnc oedd o ddiddordeb iddynt a chreu sawl erthygl yn hyrwyddo’r neges cynaladwyedd ac effeithiolrwydd ynni. Roedd yr erthyglau yn cynnwys sut i leihau’n defnydd o garbon, plannu coed, te cynaliadwy a mwy. Mae’r erthyglau yma i gyd wedi cael eu cyhoeddi ar y wefan yr EVI. Mae’r rhestr lawn i’w weld yn yr Erthyglau Perthnasol isod.

    Ymunwch â ni

    Mae’r digwyddiad Hwyl yr Ŵyl yn ffordd o ddathlu’r holl waith sydd wedi’i gyflawni ac i barhau i rannu’r neges cynaladwyedd mewn ffordd hwyl wrth greu addurniadau Nadolig i fynd adref gyda chi. Felly i ailadrodd – disgo pŵer pedal, bwffe, gwin poeth a mins peis – a glywsoch chi ei fod yn rhad ac AM DDIM? Ymunwch â ni i ddathlu a chreu gan gofrestru’ch diddordeb yma:

    https://evi.cymru/classes/hwyl-nadoligaidd-am-ddim-ir-teulu/

    Erthyglau perthnasol:

    5 Cam i Fyw Bywyd Mwy Cynaliadwy

    5 Peth Gallech Chi Ei Wneud i Helpu’r Ddaear

    Trafod Cynaladwyedd Dros Baned o De

    Plannu Coed i Achub y Byd?

    Ffyrdd Hawdd i Leihau Carbon i’r Amgylchedd

    
    

14. Join Us To Celebrate A Sustainable Christmas

    1:53 pm Comments Off on Join Us To Celebrate A Sustainable Christmas

    Erthygl Gymraeg yma

    Over the last few months the EVI has been doing lots to improve the sustainability of the building and the surrounding area. As we come to the end of this period of our special sustainability drive we’re inviting the residents of Ebbw Vale to join us in a Christmas Celebration and create some environmentally friendly decorations.

    On Wednesday, 27th November we invite all members of the community to join us between 4pm and 7pm for our Festive Family Fun event. There will be a pedal powered disco, a buffet for the kids and a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie for the parents. We’ll also have some fun recycling workshops turning driftwood into fun Christmas trees and creating Christmas baubles… and we’ll be doing all this for FREE.

    

    The event is being held to celebrate the end of our sustainability project that has been running for the past few months with £32,523 funding from the Landfill Disposals Tax Communities Scheme through WCVA. A load has been going on at the EVI as a part of this project.

    

    The Light Fantastic

    The first thing we did was attempted to reduce energy consumption at the EVI. An energy review that had been carried out previously at the EVI highlighted where energy was being wasted the most in the building. The funding the EVI received allowed us to carry out improvements based on recommendations made in the energy review report. Lighting was a huge energy waster therefore some of the funding was used to convert all the lighting to LED, which uses 90% less energy. New eco driers that use cold air rather than cold air were also fitted in the bathrooms.

    Drafts and heating were also an issue in this large, historic building. Doors being left open, heating empty rooms and expensive electric heaters being used was a big issue. This was solved by fitting automatic door closers on all the doors, automatic controls were fitted on radiators and energy meters were installed. The portable electric heaters were banished as new energy efficient wall heaters were fitted with 10-minute timers. The air source heat pumps that were installed when the EVI underwent restoration over a decade ago were in dire need of repair works as they had become inefficient meaning that in the winter we had to rely on heating the building with a back up gas boiler. The fund allowed the repairs to take place meaning the EVI was once again being heated primarily through the energy efficient pumps.

    

    Community Spirit

    As a part of our sustainability project we wanted to involve the community by offering volunteering and training opportunities. The aim was to teach skills and inform the public about sustainability and what they could do. In April we ran a plastic pollution workshop at the EVI for Earth Day. Here we shared information about the prevalence of plastics in our lives and what we could do to cut down on this.

    In June we held a wildlife gardening workshop with Eggseeds to increase the biodiversity of the area. Young volunteers built bug hotels and made seed bombs. The colourful bug hotels take pride of place at the front of the EVI.

    Knowledge is Power

    An important part of the project for us is that we encourage people in the area to help us share the sustainability message. We invited those that were interested in helping us spread the word to attend two separate training sessions. The first was a blogging and video creation workshop. Attendees learnt skills on how to plan and create their own videos. They also, despite only having a day to fit in everything, managed to create the following video detailing all the work that had gone on at the EVI so far.

    The second session was a blog writing workshop. Attendees chose a subject that interested them and created a number of articles to promote the sustainability and energy efficiency message.  Articles included how to cut down on carbon, planting trees, sustainable tea and more. All these articles have been published on the EVI website. Check them out in the related articles below.

    Join us

    This Festive Fun event is our way of celebrating all the work that has been done and to keep spreading the sustainability message in a fun way by creating some Christmas goodies to take home. To reiterate – a pedal powered disco, buffet, mulled wine and mince pies – and did we mention it was FREE? Join us to celebrate and make by registering your interest here:

    https://evi.cymru/classes/free-festive-family-fun/

    Related articles:

    5 Steps To Live A More Sustainable Life

    5 Things You Can Do To Help The Earth

    The Ultimate Guide To Sustainabili-TEA

    Planting Trees To Save The World

    Easy Ways To Cut Carbon For The Environment

15. Lighting EVI in purple to mark World Polio Day

    8th October 2019 3:12 pm Comments Off on Lighting EVI in purple to mark World Polio Day

    On the 24th October, World Polio Day, thousands of Rotary clubs around the world will hold events and fundraisers to recognise the progress in the global fight to end polio.

    International Rotary members have contributed $1.9 billion and countless volunteer hours to protect more than 2.5 billion children in 122 countries from this paralysing disease. Rotary’s advocacy efforts have played a role in decisions by governments to contribute more than $8 billion to the effort.

    As part of Rotary International in Great Britain and Ireland’s Purple4Polio campaign, Ebbw Vale Rotary Club is marking historic progress towards a polio-free world by lighting up local landmarks.  

    The plan locally is to light up Ebbw Vale Institute in purple. Purple is chosen to represent the children who in many countries, have their little finger painted with a purple dye so it is clear they have been immunised.

    The Rotary Club of Ebbw Vale work tirelessly to raise funds for local good causes, placing them right at the heart of their local communities.

    Recent & upcoming rotary activities include:

    Donation to EVI defibrillator Unit, enabling local people to access this life saving equipment

    Planting Purple Crocus bulbs for World Polio Day at several schools, EVI & Ebbw Vale Hospital, planted by local children

    Selling Poppies at Tesco for British Legion, with 3 wreaths by be laid at Ebbw Vale

    Inviting Young Carers to a show at the Motorpoint, Cardiff

    Providing chocolates for Ebbw Vale Hospital for Christmas

    
    
    If you would like more information about Ebbw Vale Rotary Club or would like to be considered for membership of this prestigious organisation, which has been in existence worldwide since 1905, please contact:

    Fred Prosser, President Elect, Ebbw Vale Rotary Club  tel:01495 306072    

    

Foundation Funders:

Current Funders:

© 2025 EVI | Ebbw Vale Institute. All rights reserved. Site by Glue Studio