The new chairman of the Llandrindod Wells Spa Town Trust is no stranger to its work – as her late father was a member from the very beginning.
Helen Edwards, took over the chairmanship of the trust from David Peter at the trust’s annual general meeting in December.
Her father Colin, a stalwart of the trust, a champion for Llandrindod Wells and chairman of the trust for three years before his death in February 2008, was keen for Helen to be involved in community work in the town.
And now Helen is very pleased to follow in her father’s footsteps and continue the important work of the Spa Town Trust.
“It is a bit daunting following in my dad’s footsteps but it is nice to have everyone’s support because they all knew him. My mum is really pleased and proud as she is an honorary member of the trust as well. Dad always wanted me to be involved in what went on in the town and so I know he would have been pleased too.”
Helen, a native of Llandrindod Wells has been a member of the trust since 2008, when she was asked if she would like to join by other members.
“I knew about all the projects they had undertaken and the work they want to do because of Dad and I think the other members thought it would be good and useful to have me on board because of that knowledge.” Helen has always taken a keen interest in Llandrindod’s future and especially the need to maintain and restore the historical buildings of the town.
It is for that reason, she says, that the Spa Town Trust is now concentrating its efforts on the Rock Park Spa buildings.
“When we took these on some 15 years ago they were in a very poor state. Ever since we have improved the buildings bit by bit with the old pump room or Heritage Centre, as we call it now, being completed under my father’s supervision about three years ago,” Helen said.
“We are now hoping to complete the work with the restoration of the canopy.
“We are working with Powys County Council on some future grant bids, which if successful would enable us to bring the canopy back to its former glory.”
The trust has been at the forefront of many of the positive developments within the town and Helen hopes to take the trust forward and welcomes new members to join the group.
Anyone who would like more information about the Spa Town Trust should contact Michiel Blees on (01597) 824102.
PICTURE: Helen is pictured being congratulated on her appointment by retiring chairman David Peter. Also in the photograph is Michiel Blees, manager of the Spa Town Trust. In the background is the Heritage Centre in the Rock Park, where the trust is situated.
Picture by: Ernie Husson