Members' Pages
This section is going to be developed by members.
It will become an online monthly newsletter for the members by the members.
As the computer club develops we will be showcasing web pages that the members have created themselves in this section.
Members' Forum Summer Trip
This years Members Forum Summer trip was an educational visit to the Brecon Mountain Railway and Cyfarthfa Castle.
A great time was had by all!
More OCN Success
Congratulations to the 29 individuals who passed their OCN courses at Dragon Arts and Learning and Cyrenians Community Centre during April and May. Pictured is Lawrence Williams receiving his certificate for "Introduction to Basic Ceramics".
Congratulations to Ryan Walsh
Port Talbot Library, based at the Aberavon Shopping Centre is currently displaying work from a member of Dragon Arts and Learning Centre. Outstanding artist and ceramicist Ryan Walsh's exhibition will run until the end of May 2008. We wish Ryan every success!
Congratulation also to David Colclough who has set up a site on wild mushrooms in the region - http://www.dragonarts.co.uk/fungi_site/ and yes, yes, we know, he is a "fun guy"!
Members' Forum
In December 2007 a members forum was launched in DAL for members to have a voice in the development of the service. The forum meets every 3 months in the centre and involves members coming together with staff to discuss ideas, suggestions and resolutions to overcome any issues that may arise.
Members Funding Group
As a result the forum has established a funding group whereby members are actively involved in fundraising activities and project development. The funding group has linked up with the Friends of Cyrenians and together they have developed an action plan for future events that will raise funds for the centre. The funding group meets every two weeks on a Monday at 1pm in the centre.
Chairperson: John Butler
Vice Chairperson David Colclough
Secretary Lawrence Williams
Treasurer Mark davies
Members interviewed
Below are interviews with some of the members of the forum.
Dai Meredith
Aged 52 years, I have been with Dragon Arts & Learning for approx 6 years. Since I started coming here to Dragon Arts, I have improved greatly, both in my private life and in my artwork. I have overcome many problems, the most troublesome being alcohol. I have overcome my addiction and am proud to say I have been dry for several months now. I feel I have grown as an artist since being involved with Dragon Arts where members and tutors' encouragement has given me the confidence, which continues to inspire me in my work. Some say that I have a definite quirky style all of my own and have crafted many attractive pieces. I hope so.
Craig Davies
Aged 24 years,has been attending Dragon Arts & Learning approximately 2 years. - I came to Dragon Arts after suffering a very long bout of clinical depression. Since attending Dragon Arts, I have grown in confidence. I enjoy photography and many say that I have produced some excellent work. I also enjoy creating cartoon drawings and have been told they are equal to any seen in the Daily Newspapers, which is very encouraging. I have accomplished an OCN in photography and I am planning to continue with this achievement. For me, Dragon Arts & Learning has been an inspiration and I can now cope with my illness much better and I feel I can achieve a lot in my time here.
Alex Mitchell
Aged 32 years, has been attending Dragon Arts for 2 years. - I joined Dragon Arts to find things to do and to meet new people. I have achieved an OCN in Photography. I have been told that since taking up photography, I have made my own mark in my own style and commitment. I have some ideas for the future as far as volunteering for the Cyrenians and also to follow my successful OCN with further qualification in photograph.
Dave Davies
Aged 52 years, has been with Dragon Arts & learning for 3 years. Bob Hardwick introduced me to Dragon as I had previously had an interest in Art and is a present studying an OCN. I am also progressing well with my pottery and I am also studying for OCN in pottery. I feel that since attending Dragon Arts & Learning, I have been encouraged and have been given confidence by the tutors to enable me to turn my interest/hobbies into something for which I will receive recognition.
Kevin Phillips
Has been with Dragon Arts & Learning for 15 months. I am very active in Dragon Arts. I am learning ceramics, computers and guitar and also sound engineering. I find the tutors patient and they fill me with confidence. I feel that Dragon is like the most intimate college I have ever bee to and with the biggest heart. I suggest it would be a good idea to link Dragon Arts with similar colleges both in this country and abroad.
Lawrence Williams
Aged 67 years and has been with Dragon Arts & Learning for 7 months. I joined Dragon Arts to give purpose to my life. I enjoy pottery and arts & craft. I am currently taking basic skills also. I like to be an active member of the Members Forum, attending meetings and taking an active part in everyday things I can. As one of the more elderly members of Dragon Arts & Learning, I really like to show other members how to do things.Lawrence is also the Secretary for the Members' Forum
Bernadette Conibeer
Aged 52 years and has been attending Dragon Arts & Learning for 2 years. - Previously to coming to Dragon Arts & Learning, I worked in the kitchen and dining room of a hotel in Fforestfach. Shortly after starting work, my husband passed away and this let me to suffer from depression. I came to Dragon Arts and now have many friends, who often meet for an evening out. I have achieved 3 OCNs in ceramics and plan to carry on with my achievements. I also help out with woodwork at Res-a-Rec as well as taking confidence building and relaxing courses. I take full advantage of all that Dragon Arts and Learning can offer as this helps fill my time and gives my life purpose. I am told that I am an inspiration to others and many have said they have learnt from my experiences and knowing this has helped me too.
Sadly Bernadette Conibeer passed away at New Year. Bernadette was a much loved member of Dragon Arts and all the staff and members would like to express their condolences to her family and friends.
Leighton Wilkins
Many thanks to Leighton for conducting and transcribing these interviews.
I've been coming to Dragon Arts for approx 5 years now. Before Dragon Arts i was suffering from a lack of confidence and depression. I find coming here, meeting people and doing photography very rewarding and my confidence has grown and is still growing day to day.
Coming Soon
For those of you who can't afford ££££s for various software we shall be publishing an up to date list of office, graphics, web design,video editing, email client, calendar and journal, and web browser software that is both legal and free (and work well to boot!) soon. So if you'd an get hold of a second hand or reconditioned PS
An OCN update!
Congratulations to all Dragon Arts & Learning Members that have successfully completed Open College Network Courses since Christmas.
At present date 142 individuals have enrolled on 380 Open College Network Units at Dragon Arts & Learning Centre of which 101 units are completed and 279 are on going.
Subjects currently on offer include Arts & Crafts, Ceramics, Digital Photography, General Computers, Guitar, Healthy Living, Retail, Sound Recording, Traditional Photography, Web Design and Word Processing.
There are Four Levels that relate to all learning achievement: Entry level, Level One, Level Two, Level Three. Open College Network Courses are tailored to each individual’s needs and abilities, allowing you to work and learn at your own pace towards a level you are comfortable with.