The past 15 years have been marked by many highlights and more recently by a few challenges for CRiC (The Crickhowell Resource & Information Centre).

The construction of a new building in the heart of Crickhowell 15 years ago resulted in what is now a vibrant community hub and visitor attraction in its own right and through September CRiC’s staff are celebrating 15 years in the community with volunteers, friends and supporters.

As well as welcoming visitors to the region who are seeking information and advice about what to do or where to go, eat or shop CRiC supports and promotes local businesses and artists and the recently re-vamped visitcrickhowell.wales website also boasts online shopping facilities for books, maps, gifts and art.

CRiC’s first floor meeting rooms, provision of Wi-Fi, office services, copying and printing facilities all support local small businesses and provide access for adult education. Together with the support agencies located within CRiC these facilities all add to the vibrancy of the centre which is currently open to the public six days a week.

Centre manager Jan Morgan expressed her belief that “CRiC’s growth and success is down to the staff and volunteer team’s continued enthusiasm in embracing CRiC’s objectives of supporting small businesses and individuals and promoting our area within the Brecon Beacons National Park to visitors who come from far and wide. We can not only look back and celebrate our successes, we can also look forward to celebrating future success and be positive about the charity’s future sustainability thanks to the resilience and loyalty shown by the team. We appreciate the support and help from the local community and many friends during and since the Covid-19 pandemic which has helped to secure the future of the Centre as a much valued facility for the town and the area.”

The oriel CRiC gallery has gone from strength to strength during the past fifteen years with a core of established and supportive artists who have contributed hugely to its success. The autumn exhibition will run from mid-September till early November and will include paintings in oil by Patricia Kenny, the winner of the Visitors’ Choice Prize in the 2019 Open Art exhibition. The celebratory and varied exhibition will also include powerful sculptures in wood by Abergavenny based, Harry Iles making this yet another exhibition which should not be missed.

Volunteering has many benefits and the support of volunteers over the years has been key to CRiC’s success. Whether you have an interest in art or wish to share your passion for walking; learn a new skill; give something back or integrate better into the community you might like to consider joining CRiC’s volunteer team. CRiC events that you can become involved in include The Walking Festival, Open Studios, Open Art Competition, Christmas Fair, Late night shopping and Father Christmas’ visit to Crickhowell.

To find out more about CRiC’s events, volunteering or to become a volunteer trustee please email [email protected]s or call 01873 811970. Current opening hours for CRiC are Monday to Saturday 9.30 to 4.30 Crickhowell Resource & Information Centre, Beaufort Street, Crickhowell, NP8 1BN