Hendy, Carmarthenshire – July 2025 – Canolfan Gwili is thrilled to celebrate its first anniversary—marking a year of transformation, activity, and meaningful impact in the heart of Hendy. Since opening its doors in July 2024, the centre has grown into a thriving community hub, welcoming residents of all ages and backgrounds to connect, learn, and take part in a vibrant programme of events and services.

A Hub of Community Life

Canolfan Gwili has played host to an impressive range of community groups such as Cuppa and a Chat, sewing clubs, Bingo & Quiz Nights and other regular activities run from the centre. Cegin Beca, the on-site community café which has quickly become a popular local meeting spot, it has had many great reviews for its coffee, atmosphere and their wide-ranging menu.

Health & Wellbeing

Adults across the community and further afield have benefited from a wide range of accessible and inclusive fitness and wellbeing classes, including:

• Virtual Exercise classes
• Yin Yoga
• Salsa
• Gentle Yoga
• Boxercise
• 60+ Class
• & our onsite Ladies Gym -Fitter Body LadiesThese sessions have supported both physical health and social wellbeing, with many residents attending regularly.Family & Children’s ActivitiesThe centre has delivered an incredible calendar of family and children’s activities, including:

• Ti a Fi / Mwnci Menter (toddler group) now
• TinyToes Ballet
• Art Club
• Street Play
• Bat Walks
• Autumn Crafts
• Halloween and Christmas Events
• School Holiday Activities
• St David’s Day Crafts
• Easter Trails and Kids Zone
• Garden Club
• Outdoor Kids Club
• Board (games) ClubCommunity Garden Official LaunchMost recently, the community came together for the official opening of Hendy’s Community Garden on Saturday 28th June 2025. Located just behind Canolfan Gwili along the Nature Trail, the Grand Opening was a free, family-friendly celebration full of delicious treats, creative nature-based activities, garden tours, and more.The day marked not just the launch of a green space, but the beginning of a community growing movement. Hendy School’s Eco-Council, children helped prepare raised beds in the garden’s polytunnel and planted sunflowers—exploring the value of community gardening for health and sustainability.Partnerships and Community EventsCanolfan Gwili continues to collaborate with local businesses and groups to deliver:

• Craft Fayres
• Business Bootcamps
• Coffee & Connections Networking
• Welsh Young Bands Night
• VE Day and Climate Conversations
• Christmas Lights Switch-On
• Memorial Events (including the Terry Price Memorial Hall Dedication and Harri WilliamsMemorial Bench Unveiling)
• Actif Open Day (August 2024)Looking to the FutureWith an exciting year behind it, Canolfan Gwili is now focused on building its future. Plans are underway to expand its offering of bookable packages for parties, conferences, and meetings— providing individuals, organisations, and businesses with a modern, flexible venue right at the heart of the community and beyond. Conveniently located just off the M4, it’s the perfect location for local and regional events. In-house buffets, provided by the popular on-site café Cegin Beca, are also a favourite choice for catered gatherings.“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved together in just one year and even more excited about what’s to come. Whether you’re planning a party, looking to host a workshop, or simply want to meet friends for a cuppa, Canolfan Gwili is the place to come.”

About Canolfan Gwili

Canolfan Gwili is a multi-purpose, bilingual community hub located in Hendy, Carmarthenshire. It is dedicated to improving wellbeing, promoting inclusion, and creating opportunities through accessible events, services, and partnerships.

Keep up to date via our Facebook page @canolfangwilicentre.