A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE TIRC

In the late 1990's Talgarth Trust was started by a small group of volunteers to help revitalise the town following the traumatic winding down and closure of the mid Wales Hospital, one of the town's main employers. Talgarth Tourist Information Centre was set up as part of the Trust which had ceased by 2000, but the Centre continued as a Community Association. By 2004 the organisation had grown to encompass many new ventures and was renamed Talgarth Information and Resource Centre.

Originating with tourist information, the centre has gone from strength to strength now catering for many local people who require information such as train/bus timetables, doctors, library, church, theatre programmes etc. The Centre is a valuable source of information in a town with few facilities and infrequent bus services which finish at 6.00 p.m. Young people and those of limited means find it difficult to make use of facilities in neighbouring towns. We are also used as a facilitating point by local organisations e.g. selling programmes for Talgarth Festival, tickets for concerts etc. We hold collection boxes for flag days and are a drop off point for deliveries when other places are closed! We also look after the key to St. Gwendoline's Church and the RADAR key for the public toilets.

FACILITIES

Owing to the lack of published information about Talgarth and the surrounding area, volunteers have produced many information leaflets which are now in great demand. This is an ongoing project. Other services are:-

Scanning & Copying Service
Poster Lamination to A3
Fax
Wi-Fi
Computers for public use
Jobsearch on the internet
Help with CVs
Printing from computer
Help & advice on basic computer use and problem solving
Short courses on various computer uses
Downloading photos from digital cameras
Research point for local schools etc.
Collection point for old specs. & mobiles for Oxfam & Lions
Activities & Amenities leaflets & information (walks, talks, events).
Postcards, Greeting cards and Calendars with local scenes.
Maps & books

The Centre is also involved in providing work experience for students from local schools.
We also sell an extensive range of gifts, many by local artists, and greetings cards. The attractive displays inside the centre
and in the windows are changed frequently.

TOURISM

As well as the services provided for local people, the centre offers a free accommodation and booking service to tourists. Enquiries are received from visitors in person, by telephone, letter or email. Many of these requests can be dealt with simply by referring the person to our web site or the accommodation guide which is produced in house.

We have links with other TIC's and organisations and believe that our efforts have helped to increase visitor numbers in the area. Of course, our other facilities are also available to visitors.

TELECENTRE

Also located at our Tower Shop premises, the telecentre currently has five workstations, with which we can provide a wide range of computer related facilities for the general public, including broadband internet access, email and Wi-Fi connection at a reasonable cost.
We can provide an outreach service for those wishing to learn at home on their own computer.
The Telecentre is open for community use and friendly help and advice during normal TIRC opening hours, or other times by arrangement. Please drop in or call us on 01874 712226.