25 Year Celebrations in full swing!
Written by Tir Coed / Sunday 10 November 2024
We are thrilled to share that Tir Coed has officially kicked off our 25th Anniversary celebrations! Our first event took place in Coed Tyllwyd Ceredigion, where we gathered to honour this milestone with trainees and tutors, past and present, as well as staff members from Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the landowners of this much-loved woodland site and the local community.
The event began with a tour of the woodland, showcasing the incredible work that Tir Coed trainees have accomplished over the years through various projects. It was an opportunity to revisit the legacies of these past projects and celebrate the transformative impact they’ve had on the woodland and the communities we work with.
Following the tour, Co-CEOs Cath Seymour and Helen Gethin took to the stage. In their heartfelt speeches, they thanked everyone who has been part of Tir Coed’s story, from our hard-working trainees and tutors to our supportive partners. They shared inspiring stories of our past successes and emphasised the importance of securing future funding to continue our vital work in Ceredigion and beyond.
“Coed Tyllwyd is our most established site, and our relationship with NRW has been incredibly rewarding. We are deeply grateful for their ongoing support, which has enabled us to manage the woodland for the community, improving access and connection to nature. The continued support from so many past trainees, who still follow our journey, speaks volumes about the lasting impact Tir Coed has had on their lives. We’ve had the privilege of seeing countless individuals progress into further training, employment and personal development – outcomes that wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our incredible team and the commitment of our trainees.”
Cath Seymour, Head of Operations and Co-CEO
“As we celebrate 25 years of Tir Coed, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. Our achievements over the years have only been possible thanks to the dedication and passion of our staff, trainees, tutors, trustees and partners. Looking to the future, we’re excited about the possibilities ahead and are committed to continuing this legacy. With the right support and funding, we can ensure that our good work continues, helping more communities connect with the outdoors and develop valuable skills for years to come.”
Helen Gethin, Head of Finance and Co-CEO
A highlight of the day was two beautiful cakes baked by past trainee Hina, which were enjoyed by all. The cakes were not just a delightful treat, but a testament to the skills and confidence Hina gained during her time with Tir Coed. Over a delicious slice of cake and a cup of tea, many attendees shared their stories from Tir Coed, reminiscing about their experiences and the impact the charity has had on their lives. These heartfelt conversations highlighted the strong sense of community and connection that Tir Coed trainees feel about their time with us. As we look to the future, these stories continue to inspire and motivate us to strive for even greater achievements, ensuring that our efforts will benefit many more people and communities in the years to come.
We have two more special events lined up to mark this milestone: in Pembrokeshire on the 19th November and Carmarthenshire on 20th November.
The events will include an opportunity to take part in an outdoor activity, hands-on demonstrations of sustainable woodland skills and crafts and the chance to meet some of the team behind Tir Coed’s inspiring work. It will also be a wonderful opportunity for partners, supporters and the wider community to come together to celebrate a shared passion for the potential of the outdoors to create change and to look ahead to the next chapter of Tir Coed’s journey.
We hope you can join us in commemorating this significant achievement and look forward to celebrating the incredible impact we've made over the past 25 years.
