Booking Clerk 2023
Our booking clerk is Jan Gibbings on bookingderi@gmail.com/07944650007
Please contact Jan for your hiring needs.
Telephone number-our telephone number has now changed to 01443548010-however this line is not manned and will therefore be answered only if a committee member is present in the Centre at the time of your call – please leave a message .
NEXT MEETING-Our next meeting will take place on Tues May 14th at 7pm at the Community Centre. Please note the change of day and time for this meeting.
All are welcome to attend.
Easter Disco
Our Children’s Easter disco this year was held on Thursday March 28th 2024.This was quite well attended with approx 30 children plus their accompanying adult. Hot Dogs and soft drinks plus tea and coffee were sold on the night. A few even wore their Easter bonnets. Many thanks to Claire Roberts- Lloyd for her help with the party games and Easter Egg Hunt and to Teigan who was wonderful as our “Easter Bunny”. A good night was had by all.
Visit from Santa.
The children’s Christmas party took place on Saturday December 16th 2023 where there was a free buffet and a bouncy castle. This was followed by Santa’s arrival at 730pm on a fire engine who gave the children of Primary School age a selection box.
Many thanks to Rhymney Fire and Rescue Service and to Councillor Robert Chapman and the members of Darran Valley Community Council for arranging Santa’s visit.
We hope to see again next year.
Pantomime 2023
This year’s pantomime was “Jack and the Beanstalk” and took place on Thursday December 28th at the Centre.
This was a free event – sponsored by Darran Valley Community Council and was exceptionally well attended and enjoyed by more than 80 well behaved adults and children.
Many thanks to Councillor Robert Chapman and the members of Darran Valley Community Council for arranging the pantomime.
Grant Success
We have had recent success with obtaining grants this year (2023) from Welsh Water – £400 to repair vandalism to the boundary wall in the Memorial Garden which has been completed,£1000 from the Wind Turbine Fund – to update the heating system in the Centre, and from Darran Valley Community Council £150 to help fund a forthcoming event- to be arranged.
Our external lighting to the Centre has been updated and is now remotely operated along with the heating system- paid for by grant funding from the Wind Turbine fund.
Our latest project has been to upgrade the floodlights in the MUGA which has changed to a motion activated system which will operate until 2200hrs. This will improve our utility bills, save energy and improve our carbon footprint.
Unfortunately we will be unable to hold a Halloween event this year due to lack of volunteers.
Relief Caretaker
We are pleased to welcome Mr Clive Pullen as our Relief Caretaker .
Vandalism
Unfortunately the vandalism continues. The bicycle stand outside of the Centre has been intentionally and deliberately damaged along with several paving stones surrounding the stand.This has all been captured very clearly on CCTV and is now in the hands of the police.
CCBC Children’s Summer Sports Scheme 2023
This took place this year on Thursday and Friday 17th and 18th August from 10am -2pm
and again on Thursday 31st August and Friday Sept 1st from 10 am -2pm in the Community Centre.
The children attending were 7-12 yrs of age and were supervised by James, Noah and Nia.
Sports events were held in the MUGA – 5 a side football and inside with snooker, table tennis, skittles etc when the weather was unsuitable for outdoor activities.
Falconry UK
Via CCBC Library Services and Caerphilly Cares , the Community Centre hosted an hour of Falconry Fun as Falconry UK attended with a selection of birds for everyone to enjoy.
The event was free of charge and the falconer-Jason – kept everyone’s attention whilst he spoke about the birds, their habitat and their lifestyle.
There was ample opportunity for all to have a photograph with the birds on their arm whilst he chatted about the owls, falcon and kookaburra.
The event was well attended with over 25 children (plus the adults) in attendance.
Food Safety for Catering Awards
Several members of the Deri Regeneration Group have recently been successful in obtaining the Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering.This study day took place on Saturday April 22nd 2023 at the Community Centre.
Covid Pandemic 2022
The Community Centre is now open as per CCBC and the Welsh Assembly Government Guidelines allow.
However now that we are open we need to ensure that we are as COVID -safe as possible.
The Committee therefore ;
- Advise you to return home if you are unwell or have symptoms suggestive of coronavirus.
- Recommend frequent washing of your hands or use a sanitising gel.
- Suggest the wearing of a face covering to protect yourself and others -if you wish to do so.
Grants/projects
We have been successful in obtaining a grant via the Wind Turbine fund to partly finance the supply and installation of full CCTV monitoring at the Centre in March 2020.
This has been installed and is now fully functional- Thank You.
We have been secured a grant for small businesses via CCBC during the COVID pandemic- this will help to replace/subsidise funds lost through enforced closure of the Centre due to the pandemic-Thank You
We have received a small grant via Darran Valley Community Council in October 2022 to help with the cost of running the Centre-Thank You.
We have recently secured a grant from Nominet Givehub (September 2021) which has allowed us to fully upgrade our computer suite -Thank You- this has now been completed.
Sound and Light System
Our most recent project has been the installation of a new Sound and Light System-provided and installed by Zelma Services of Pengam in 2022.
This has provided a state of the art system with various lasers, colour changing and mode changing lights and has certainly enhanced the ambience in the main hall.
Award
Deri Regeneration Group – the Management Committee of the Centre- have received a Volunteer Award for their work.
The award was presented at an annual ceremony- “Caerphilly Voluntary Sector Achievement Awards” and was held at Ty Penallta in 2013. The Group had been nominated by Gill Rogers of GAVO. The “Practical Service Volunteer (Group)” award was presented by the Mayor of CCBC, Cllr Michael Gray.The award was in conjunction with CCBC and GAVO, and was sponsored by Gwent Police, Groundwork Caerphilly and the Campaign.
Youth Club Award
Congratulations to Deri Youth Club who have won first prize for raising funds and items for St Gwladys’ Food Bank which helps our local community-this was the HPAD’s Community Challenge Cup Competition which the group will hold for 12 months 2022-2023 and is a new initiative.
Caerphilly’s Youth Work Projects and Clubs had the opportunity to take part in a Community Citizenship Competition, where young people designed activities to raise awareness and to collect food for their local food bank.Young people created social media posts,contacted local and national shops and made posters encouraging their local community to donate food.
Well Done to you all!
Their award winning cup has been on display in the main hall of the Centre for the past 12 months but has now been returned as the competition will recommence for 2023/24 year.
Food Hygiene Standards
Deri Community Centre has been awarded Food Hygiene Standard 5 by CCBC Food Business Alternative Enforcement.
Caretaker
We are please to announce the appointment of our new Caretaker – Mr Keith Horrell. Keith commenced his duties in June 2021 following appropriate training by CCBC.
Remembrance Sunday 2022
The Remembrance Service 2022 took place on Friday 11th November at 1045 hrs in the Memorial Garden followed by light refreshments at Deri Community Centre. Many people attended and some placed wreaths and poppies around the Memorial Stone. Many thanks to Mary Button and former members of St Peter’s Church for organising this annual event. It was , yet again, very well attended.
Library Services
Due to the storm damage to Deri Library ,the Library Services will continue to be based at the Community Centre.
Deri Regeneration Group would like to wish Mrs Julie Thomas a long and happy retirement and to welcome Mrs Karen Smith as the new librarian.
The relocating is on a temporary basis whilst repairs are being undertaken to the damaged building.
The amended library services will be available every Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-1pm and 2 -6pm.
Spring Disco
Our Spring Disco was held on Sat 9th April and was very well attended with 70 people enjoying the afternoon.
The children had a busy afternoon with games and dancing and were presented with a chocolate bunny by our visiting “Fluffy the Bunny ” Easter rabbit.
Many thanks to Adele Horrell, Jacqueline Horrell and Claire Roberts -Lloyd for their help.
Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations 2022
Deri Regeneration Group presented three events to celebrate the Queens Platinum Jubilee this year- all of these events were free to attend with buffet and entertainment.
Friday June 3rd-A teenage disco for those who attended comprehensive school was held with approximately 30 young people attending.They danced and sang to a selection of music whilst tucking in to a free supper of burger/hot dogs and canned drinks.All were very grateful for the opportunity to spend time with their friends.
Saturday June 4th – A Puppet Mania Show with Balloon Wizardry- for pre and Primary School children was held in the main hall. Approximately 50 people – children and adults- attended and were entertained for over an hour by Kelly and Debbie – Children’s Entertainers of Crynant. Children watched a puppet pantomime and singing whilst shouting when the caterpillar appeared!
All photographs were taken with parental consent.
A fabulous children’s buffet was supplied by Sue and her team from the Lakeside Cafe at Parc Cwm Darran-many thanks Sue.This was partly funded by the Windturbine grant -thank you.
Saturday June 4th – Live band “The Breakfast Club” provided a musical throwback to the 80’s as the 5 piece band played in the main hall.The atmosphere was enhanced by the recently installed light and music system and there were approximately 90 people in attendance. The Mobile bar was supplied by Deri RFC-Very many thanks to Alex Forest and her sister Andrea who stepped in at the last moment to help us provide the service – without which the event would have undoubtedly been cancelled. Thanks also to Liz for organising the bar.
Again the evening buffet was supplied by Sue and her team from the Lakeside Cafe at Parc Cwm Darran- a truly splendid selection of sweet and savoury food. Many thanks Sue.
Defibrillator
Deri Regeneration Group have purchased an Automated External Defibrillator for use by anyone who uses the Centre. It can be found wall mounted in the entrance hall next to the office door.The defibrillator is housed within an unlocked but alarmed cabinet and all Group User main contacts have been sent a link with which to access the 9 minute training video .
The purchase of the defibrillator was made possible by successfully obtaining grant funding through the Wind Turbine Grant system via GAVO in 2022.
Many thanks for allowing us to purchase this potentially life saving device.
New Groups
Deri Regeneration Group would like to welcome 3 new groups to the Centre:
Dementia Care and Support Group
Commencing in September -Dementia Care and Support Group will be holding their weekly session in the Centre from 10 til 12 noon every Tuesday. An opportunity to involve all in craftwork, entertainment and a game of Bingo will be possible plus help and advice will be available.
For further information contact Sue on 07873369768 .Members and their carers can attend and new members are welcomed.
New Art Class
This will recommence on Wednesday January 4th 2023 at 6-8pm. The initial session is free of charge and will cost £4 thereafter .Tuition is provided by Elizabeth Millington and materials are provided free of charge.
Darran Valley History Group.
The history group will meet the first Wednesday of every month( except August and December) commencing Wednesday 4 th January 2023 from 630-830pm. Subscriptions are £2 per meeting (to cover the hire cost).
Further details from Mary Button- Chairperson 01443 831163/07966229975
marybutton08@aol.com
Brian Jarrett- Treasurer 07836539031
brian@bipwales.co.uk
Vandalism
It gives us great sadness to report another episode of mindless vandalism in the village.
This time it is in the Memorial Garden where approximately 80 of the stones making up the floor of the Memorial path have been removed and thrown throughout the Garden.This has happened over a course of approx. a 2 week period during August and September 2022.
Several of the shrubs and large trees have also been damaged and many youths have been seen gathering in the Garden riding their bicycles over the grassed areas.
Sadly the vandalism continues through 2023 where further stones have been removed from the boundary wall, poppies have been intentionally removed from the Memorial Wreaths and several shrubs have been stamped upon.The police have been informed and the area is now being monitored by CCTV- courtesy of DVCC/CCBC.
A huge amount of alcohol cans and soft drinks cans plus general litter is a frequent greeting when the Memorial Garden has been visited this Spring and all of the incidents have been reported to the police.
Another incidence of vandalism involves ripping off the cladding from the storage container behind the Multi Use Games Area and throwing the wood on to the roof of the Community Centre- next time you chose to do this remember to smile as you are all on CCTV – this has also been reported to the police.
Could members of the public also report any untoward behaviour to the police please?
Halloween Family Night
Our Halloween Event – family event for all -“Spooktacular”- took place on October 29th. 7pm-9pm.
The entertainment was provided by Kelly and Debbie who entertained us with their spooky games, magic and antics for our families.
The bar was provided by Deri RFC – many thanks and hot dogs were available for all.
There were many spooky outfits and a good time was had by all.
Dementia Care and Support Group
This new group held a Christmas Table Top Sale on Saturday 19th Nove 2022 and proved to be a great success – please contact Sue on 07873369768 if you have any questions.
The event included the sale of gifts, refreshments, raffle, etc. and was very well attended with very many stalls
Al proceeds to the Dementia Care and Support Group- thank you.
Octopus Energy Event- November 21st
Octopus Energy screened the first World Cup football match between Wales and USA on Monday 21st November in the Community Centre Hall. Fun and games started at 6pm Kick off was at 7pm – refreshments and food were provided by Octopus Energy and The Welsh Italian Pizza Company from Tonypandy .
The attendees were given a special treat by the appearance of Matthew Morgan and Ellis Jenkins of Cardiff RFC who spent some time having their photos and autographs taken.Four lucky people won a pair of tickets each to see Cardiff RFC playing. The hall was decorated with Welsh flags and bunting and a good time was had by all especially when Gareth Bale scored from the penalty spot to give Wales a 1-1 draw with the USA.
Many thanks to Renata and her team- Kelsa, Kate and Matt- for organising the event.
Musical Event in December
Musical Theatre production of “West End to Broadway” in aid of Velindre Cancer Centre took place Sunday Dec 4th at 7pm .The event included live music, special guests and Charity Auction. A bar was available thanks to Deri Ladies RFC.
This event was well attended with all tickets sold and to date has raised £1150.
Christmas Pantomime
Christmas pantomime -“Sleeping Beauty”provided by Darran Valley Community Council on Wednesday 28th December @ 130pm.
All of the ticket allocation were given to families but sadly on the day there were 40 empty seats.
The entertainment was very appropriate for the audience with fun, laughter ,singing and dancing for the children- an afternoon enjoyed by all with popcorn, soft drinks and selection boxes for the children
Many thanks to DVCC for supplying the theatricals and the selection boxes.
Christmas Party
Santa arrived at Deri Community Centre on Saturday Dec 10th on a fire engine followed by the annual Christmas Party in the Centre with bouncy castle, ball pit and refreshments. A wonderful evening with bounces galore and selection boxes for the children provided by DVCC- Many thanks.
Coronation Celebrations
Deri Regeneration Group celebrated the coronation of King Charles 111 holding an event on Sunday May 7th 2023.
This was in the form of a bouncy castle for the children, background music and a free buffet presented by Sue and her team from the Lakeside Cafe at Parc Cwm Darran. There was a limited bar where drinks were sold.
The event was very well attended with lots of children enjoying themselves on the bouncy castle – giving Mam and Dad a well deserved rest .The buffet – as usual – was outstanding- thank you Sue.
Many thanks to Darran Valley Community County for their funding donation towards the event.
Vacancy
We have a vacancy for a Relief Caretaker/Cleaner at the Community Centre.
Salary Scale 3 – £10-79 per hour.
The employer is Caerphilly County Borough Council and the post holder will be required to work for the voluntary management committee – Deri Regeneration Group – a registered charity-which manage the day to day running of the Centre.
For an informal discussion about the post please contact Kevin Lodge ,Community Centre Services Manager on – 01443 864857/07720338111
Please apply online -or alternatively to request a paper application pack please contact The Recruitment team on 01443 866522
Next Meeting
Our next meeting will take place on Wednesday Sept 13th 2023 at 630pm at the Centre-all are welcome.
Do you have a spare hour ?
Want to improve community spirit?
What about joining our group?
We are an informal group of volunteers who are looking for members to join us.We are looking for anyone who wishes to help the Community via our facilities in the Community Centre and the Memorial Garden. We are Deri Regeneration Group – a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
If you enjoy gardening- basic weeding and planting in the village Memorial Garden- or are keen to make a difference and can offer any services- tea and coffee making, basic food preparation, putting up seasonal decorations, selling raffle tickets – anything really- please join us at our next meeting or contact us through our website details- It would be great to see you !