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Cath volunteers at Caban Guto and has written this piece about its opening and also her thoughts about volunteering. All photographs were also taken by Cath.
From left to right Beth Winter MP, Louisa Addiscott (YRP), Barbara Castle (Chair YRP), Amanda Ellis, Wynford Price (volunteer), Coun. Sue Pickering, Elaine Hicks (volunteer), Jill Price (volunteer)
Caban Guto is the new visitor centre in the forest, it's next to Daerwynno Outdoor Activity Centre, in St Gwynno forestry Ynysybwl CF37 3PH, it's open on a Wednesday and Saturday 10.30am-2pm for snacks and light refreshments.
It was Caban Guto’s grand opening on Saturday 10th July 2021, a speech was given by Barbara Castle, chair of Ynysybwl Regeneration Partnership, and the Caban was officially opened by Brian Arnold by cutting the ribbon, thank you Brian it was great to meet you today. Because of Covid restrictions guests were invited to wish the Caban well, there were representatives from local outdoor groups along with Beth Winter MP and Local Councillor Sue Pickering.
I volunteer at Caban Guto on a Wednesday, and I really enjoy being there, it’s a great place to be. My parents Pamela and John were very proud of me, to be offered a volunteer placement at the Caban, as they knew I would be in my element there - in the forest with the reservoir and Pistyll Goleu waterfall close by, they say they are both very proud of me, making a good go of things. I’m glad my parents were able to come along to the opening to see it all happen and to see where I volunteer.
I love going to the reservoir, sitting there watching the water and eating my lunch, I hope Caban Guto will do lunch boxes and then maybe you can take a walk up there - sit, relax and have your lunch made by Caban Guto, it’s so lovely there I highly recommend it and it’s well worth a visit. I also love the waterfall – Pistyll Goleu – I really love the sound of water. I first came to the forest with Debbie Hopkins who knows I love water, I find listening to the water calms me, so when I found out I could volunteer at Caban Guto I was excited to be able to volunteer in a place close to the places I love.
I enjoy volunteering at Caban Guto, meeting new people and learning new skills, I have been volunteering at the Caban on a Wednesday and started on the Caban’s first day. I get on very well with everyone and I’m pleased my parents have now seen where I work and the location it’s in so when I talk about it they know now where it is and what happens there.
Here is a photo of the inside of Cabin Guto were it all happens, the right-hand photo is of the view I see on my way home, it is really worth coming to this place, having a walk in the forest and then stop off at Caban Guto for refreshments. I was glad I was introduced to this place and slowly getting used to being there, it gives me new experiences and I’m learning new things as well.
I would like to see Caban Guto grow and be open more days (as the Caban is run by volunteers this will depend on the number of volunteers that can be recruited). The Caban is in a lovely location with forestry landmarks and trails close by.
So please come along and join us here at Caban Guto for a Tea, Coffee or soft drink you will be be very welcome.
If you need any further information about Caban Guto you can contact Hayley Fidler at YRP hayley@yrp.wales; mobile: 07508 708857.
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