Tal y coed Pub Tackles Isolation with New Village Store and Events

The Halfway pub is central in Tal-y-coed. About 730 people live there, many working alone. Social time is rare due to no shops or transport. Rhiannon Metters and Jason James run the pub.

They got a grant from Pub is The Hub to help them offer more services and activities, addressing the lack of local amenities. The grant aided a village store and helped put up a community marquee.

The store sells bread, milk, and cheese, as well as bacon, honey, and ham. They plan to expand the store later to hold even more local goods.

The marquee hosts events and a market, promoting community and good health. It’s a social place for the village. The Halfway also has a craft box supplied by Pub is The Hub and Creative Lives.

The box contains art supplies for drawing, painting, or origami. Clay crafting is also an option. Metters says the pub combats isolation and wants it inclusive for all.

The store and marquee aid the local economy. Farmers and crafters can sell goods there, and they want to teach kids about local goods. They will partner with schools and youth groups.

Metters says the store aids the community, and the marquee allows more events. The craft box sparks conversations. Creativity helps bring people together. Roger Belle praises The Halfway, saying they made the pub a vital hub.

Belle said that they help people avoid loneliness, and that these services are a lifeline in Wales.