The Women’s Institute have become famous for their calendar girls but the WI in Talybont-on-Usk are going the extra mile for people moving to the pretty village in the Brecon Beacons National Park and offering them a welcome hamper to help them join in the local community from the word 'go'.

Supported by Brecon Beacons National Park Authority’s Rural Alliances project and organised by the Talybont-on-Usk Women’s Institute is offering a Welcome Hamper that will look to include a variety of seasonal local produce, a welcome card and vouchers for discounted meals at the local pubs and village shop.

Last week, two members of the WI visited Belgium to see a similar project that had been successfully implemented in a number of communities there.

Andrew Williams, Sustainable Tourism Officer for Brecon Beacons National Park Authority said: “When moving to a new area it can be intimidating trying to meet new people and find out what is going on in the community around you. This project offers  local residents and businesses the opportunity to engage with newcomers, making them feel welcome and part of community as soon as possible and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to help fund this new project through Rural Alliances. We think the hamper idea is a wonderful gift that gives newcomers a real flavour and sense of place of what Talybont has to offer. ” 

Sue Thorne, Talybont-on-Usk Women’s Institute said:  “The WI is already famous for its calendar girls and its cakes and we can’t wait to put the new welcome hamper scheme into action.” 

Cllr Jane Ward, Member for Brecon Beacons National Park Authority said:  “The Rural Alliances project has enabled them to learn from one of our Belgium partners and it’s a prime example of one of the many benefits of partnership working across Europe, sharing innovative ideas and then adapting them to meet the needs of our own area.”