This is the first of a monthly item we are doing for you to get to know the team at Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund CIC.
We will feature all of the Board of Directors and staff.
First up Glenn Bowen – Board Director
Who are you?
Glenn Bowen
Position at Pen y Cymoedd Wind Farm Community Fund CIC?
Director
Tell us a bit about your job history?
I have worked for the Wales Co-operative Centre for over 20 years. We have helped to set up co-operatives and social enterprises across Wales, from credit unions to Tower Colliery. I also did a secondment to Bridgend County Borough Council’s Economic Development Unit and helped to set up the Llynfi Valley Youth & Community Enterprise Centre in Maesteg. During my student years I also did placements with the Rhondda Heritage Park, Airtours, working in France and as a Bluecoat with Pontins.
A bit about you?
Apart from my student years in Swansea and Bristol I have lived in the Rhondda all my life. I grew up in Tynewydd but moved south to Treherbert. I love walking the mountains (when I have time), I also enjoy singing and acting and have been a member of Selsig Operatic Society since the age of 14.
What made you want to apply to the PyC Board?
This investment in to our communities is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I wanted to make sure that this investment makes a real difference. I am really passionate about the need for new jobs and businesses within our area of benefit so that we don’t have to travel to Cardiff or Swansea to get work.
What skills do you think you offer to the PyC Board?
Governance and an understanding of social businesses. Grant and loan giving as I have sat on a number of different panels across Wales and I’d like to think I understand the communities in our area of benefit.
What most excites you about the PyC Community Fund?
I am hoping to see lots of innovative ideas on how we can create economic value in our communities, new projects and businesses creating local jobs.
What do you think are the threats or risks to the success of this fund?
There is a risk that we could do lots of good things but that they don’t have a long lasting economic value. For example we could fund the roof of a community centre but in 20 years-time it is going to need a new roof again. We need to get more money in to people’s pockets so that they can pay to use the community centre and the centre can afford to put on a new roof in 20 years.
If you woke up tomorrow as an animal, what animal would you choose to be and why?
That’s easy a dog, as long as I was owned by Kate or Barbara as I’m sure they spoil their dogs rotten.
If you were stranded on a desert island, what three items would you want to have with you?
A photo album of family and friends, a talking parrot and a fishing rod.