Report for the Year 2023/24

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Treflys Community Council is a rural parish in Southern Powys, situated between the towns of Builth Wells and Llanwrtyd Wells. It is represented by eight members: five from the Beulah area and three from the Garth area. Sadly, Mr. Tom Evans (Beulah area) passed away in December 2023. Notice to fill the casual vacancy was displayed on the notice board. An appointment will be made at the AGM in May 2024.

The Community Council covers the village of Beulah, part of Garth, and surrounding farms, consisting of upland and arable land and woodland which comprises 6161.99 hectares, with a population of approximately 450. This equates to a population density of 0.07 persons per hectare. Meetings are held in The Reading Room, Beulah. The local County Councillor for Treflys and the County Councillor representing Llanafanfawr with Garth regularly attend as guests to support and advise the Community Council as required.

Within the Community Council area, there are three religious edifices rich in history:

  • Llanlleonfel Church: Rebuilt in 1876, associated with the Gwynne and Wesley families.

  • Eglwys Oen Duw: Built in 1865/6 due to the generosity of Clara Thomas, Llwynmadoc.

  • Beulah Congregational Chapel: Built in 1821, connected with the musician John Price, known as “Ioan Buallt” (1857-1930).

General

Coronation of King Charles III The Coronation of The King and The Queen took place at Westminster Abbey on Saturday, 6 May 2023. The service, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury, reflected the monarch’s role today and looked forward to the future while being rooted in longstanding traditions and pageantry.

To commemorate the Coronation:

  • A BBQ and Quiz were held at The Trout Inn, along with a Best Dressed Crown competition.

  • On 7 May, Garth Village celebrated with games, fun, and competitions for Best Dressed King/Queen, Homemade Crown, and Hand-drawn Picture of the King, followed by a picnic and BBQ.

Throughout the year, committees of The Reading Room and Garth Village Hall continued to organize a range of events well attended by residents.

Community Council’s Finance

The Community Council’s income is provided by a precept, part of the council tax paid by each household and collected by Powys County Council. The precept is paid to the Community Council in three parts during the months of April, August, and December. Expenses include the Clerk’s Salary, Insurance, Internal and External Audit Fees, and membership to One Voice Wales. The precept for 2023/24 was £5,000.00.

Audit

The Community Council administered its own affairs effectively, which will be subject to internal and external audits to ensure good governance.

Audit of Functions

  • The Community Council is a member of One Voice Wales, providing a wealth of information and available for advice and training.

  • Communication between Councillors and the Clerk is via e-mail, telephone, and post.

  • Financial support was provided for the Coronation Celebrations in Beulah and Garth and other charities.

  • Responded appropriately to all planning issues requiring their consideration.

  • Addressed road matters of concern to residents, notably in respect of highways issues including potholes, blocked drains, speeding traffic, cutting of grass verges, and overhanging branches to improve visibility, reported to Powys County Council via our County Councillor.

  • All members opted out of the proposed allowance of £156.00 and notified the Proper Officer.

Aims and Objectives

  • To act as a link between public sector organizations and the community on a range of subjects such as the environment, planning issues, community events, and safety.

  • To represent the views of the community.

  • Identify concerns and issues and seek to develop solutions from other bodies.

  • Support, if needed, community projects and groups.

  • The impact of climate change remains an ongoing priority.