A UNIQUE project to discuss the future of Llandysul has been launched by Community Interest Company in the town.

Llandysul’s own ‘arts 4 wellbeing’ has established a reputation for innovative ways of getting the community talking.

Last year, as part of National Lottery Community Fund’s Rural Futures project, it designed a whispering campaign in Llandysul, launching its ‘inside out Christmas tree’ among a range of activities to get the town talking about its wishes for future generations living and working in the town.

This year, it has launched an exciting new scheme to build on the findings of last year’s event, with residents invited to 'take a seat' over a cuppa and cake to hold cafe conversations to discuss their ideas.

‘We wanted to get people who don’t usually have reasons to get together, to meet and hold conversations about what they would want to do to improve Llandysul for future generations,” said A4W director Mike Hotson.

“It is based on a project in Europe where people travelled to meet, discuss and understand the political viewpoints of complete strangers. We have adapted this to consider community issues in Llandysul. So many folks in the town are just friends that you haven’t met yet

“It is a first, very exciting and we’re providing coffee and cake along with it for free."

Anyone interested in taking part can do so at any one of three venues in town - The Porth Hotel, Buon Apetito and The Lunch Box. There are posters and flyers explaining the process; simply turn up, find a conversation partner, discuss Llandysul’s future, fill in the conversation card and claim your coffee and cake.

Mike said: “In the European project, many people stated that they would have been prepared to pay to take part.

“We have been successful in our application for a Rural Futures micro grant which means that we can pay for a total of 120 people, which is 40 people at each host place to take part, for free, between now and January 7.

“We ask people, if they have enjoyed the process of the conversation and if they wish to ‘pay forward’ – donating £5 for someone else to participate.”

Rural Futures will hold another gathering at the Porth Hotel on January 23 (7pm), inviting people who have taken part to get together to discuss potential initiatives for Llandysul’s future. For more information or to register, contact Victoria Bancroft: VictoriaB@severnwye.org.uk or call 07814 969822