Cadwgan Trust
Cadwgan Building Preservation Trust was set up in 2001 by four locals – Jann Tucker, Gareth Davies, the late Trevor Griffiths and Richard Thomas. Their aim was to save two 300-year old cottages in the centre of Cardigan, by the entrance to the historic Cardigan castle. These cottages have been fully restored and Cadwgan BPT, in partnership with Ceredigion County Council, is now looking to develop the 2-acre castle site.
Five others have since become Trustees: Gary Cooper, former Ceredigion County Council Conservation Officer; Sue Lewis, the deputy editor of the local paper the Tivyside; Dr Hedydd Parry Jones, a recently retired local GP; Denise Poulton, a management and marketing consultant based in London but regularly returning to West Wales; Cllr Keith Evans leader of Ceredigion County Council.
The trust has local members and works closely with supporters of Cardigan Castle. Cadwgan has formed advisory partnerships with the Prince’s Regeneration Trust, the Cymric Trust, the Architectural Heritage Fund and various experts in the financial and funding field.
2010 is a key year for the Trust as they have just a few months until September when they submit their Round 2 bid to Heritage Lottery Fund (further details about current activity can be found on the home page).
Jann Tucker (Chair) A successful businesswoman who runs a five star self catering accommodation complex in Aberporth. Jann is actively involved in promoting tourism and was a board member of both Mid Wales Tourism and the Wales Association of Self Catering Operators. Jann is also a long standing Community Councillor and was one of the founder members of Aberporth Youth Club.
Sue Lewis Editor of the local newspaper The Tivyside Advertiser. Sue has been in journalism for over 20 years. She orchestrated the Tivyside’s ‘Castle in Crisis’ campaign which put pressure on the County Council to bring the Castle into public ownership. Sue also helped co-ordinate the Castle’s BBC Restoration campaign. Sue has contacts with many local groups and organisations, as well as the media world, and is very active in the local community. She is helping arrange Cardigan’s 900th anniversary celebrations this year.
Richard Thomas A retired vet and a bord and bred ‘Cardi’. He excels as a raconteur and has written several books in Welsh and English. Well known on the after dinner circuit he is involved in many local projects including the creation of an agricultural and maritime museum for Cardigan. Dick has a vested and passionate interest in Welsh culture and is well known and respected in Welsh media circles. He is an excellent fundraiser and, as well as raising funds for the Castle, has also helped the local swimming pool, Malawi fund and the purchase of traditional Cardiganshire farming implements which were on the verge of being lost to the community.
Gareth Davies One of the most successful businessmen in West Wales with a chain of 40 clothing shops that stretch throughout Wales and into England. He employs 270 people and built up his business from market stalls opening his first shop in Cardigan 20 years ago. His valuable business and financial advice has been a huge asset for the Trust. A born and bred Welsh speaking ‘Cardi’ he is one of the original Cadwgan Trustees.
Sandra Davies Sandra spent her formative employment years as an MOD Civil Servant at RAE Aberporth followed by a few years as a Finance Officer with DERA finally ending her career as a Management Accountant with Qinetiq Aberporth. After taking early retirement she took up a new career in the Health Service and spent nearly seven years as the Practice Manager of Cardigan Health Centre. Born in Cardigan she has lived in Cardigan and Aberporth for most of her life apart from short periods abroad and in North Wales. Sandra joined Cadwgan as a volunteer two years ago and is proud to have been invited to become a Trustee.
Councillor Keith Evans A successful local businessman with vast experience of working with the third sector and within statutory and regulatory frameworks. Keith has been a Director of Fedwen Tentage Ltd a marquee hire company for the past 38 years. Keith has been involved in local politics for the last 23 years, and is the Leader of Ceredigion County Council. A former High Sheriff of Dyfed, he has also served on many local, regional, and national bodies like the DBRW, ( Development Board of Rural Wales), SCW ( Sports Council of Wales) Ryder Cup Wales, to mention but a few.
Dr Hedydd Jones A recently retired local GP, a fluent Welsh Speak and a champion of the Welsh Culture and Language.
Denise Poulton Lived locally for many years and returns to Ceredigion on a regular basis. Denise is based in London and provides management and marketing consultancy. In partnership has launched the new internet based business website ‘Blodwen’ promoting Welsh produce and crafts.
