LLYTHYR RHAGOROL SYDD WEDI EI YRRU AT Y PWYLLGOR DEISEBAU GAN PETER EVANS I GEFNOGI'R DDEISEB. A GREAT LETTER SENT TO THE PETITION COMMITTEE BY PETER EVANS TO SUPPORT THE PETITION.

 Mae Peter yn Gymro Di-Gymreig a bu'n fyfyriwr yng Ngholeg Harlech rhwng 1978-80 ac ers i'r ddeiseb gael ei lawnsio'r adeg yma llynedd, bu'n weithgar iawn yn ei hyrwyddo gyda fi a Padi Phillips, cyn fyfyriwr arall o'r Coleg. Fel modd o roi un hwb fawr arall i'r ddeiseb cyn iddi gael ei thrafod ar y 1af o Dachwedd eleni, rydym, fel grŵp bychan wedi bod yn gofyn i gefnogwyr y ddeiseb i llythyru at y Pwyllgor deisebau i leisio barn ar y pwysicrwydd o sicrhau bod y Coleg yn cael ei ddefnyddio fel Coleg addysgu a hyfforddi sgiliau yn y blynyddoedd sydd i ddod. I'r diben hyn, mae Peter wedi cyfansoddi'r llythyr isod sy'n lythyr rhagorol yn fy marn i ac un sy'n wir werth ei rhannu i ddangos i bawb beth ellir ei wneud â'r Coleg er budd y diwaith a'r economi lleol a chenedlaethol.

DARLLENNWCH LLYTHYR PETER:

Peter is a non Cymric speaking Cymro and was a student in Coleg Harlech in the years 1978-80 and since the petition was launched last winter, he has been very active in promoting the petition along with myself and Padi Phillips another ex student of the Coleg. As a means of giving the petition a final big push of support before it is discussed by the Petition Committee on the 1st of November, we, as a group, have been requesting supporters to write to the Petition Committee to view their opinions in regards to how important they consider it to be to assure that the Coleg continues to be used as an educational and skill teaching establishment in the future. Towards this end, Peter has penned the letter below which, in my view is brilliant  and well worth sharing as it clearly shows how the Coleg, if used as an educational and skill training establishment, can be of great value in regards to tackling unemployment and in boosting the local and national economy.

PLEASE READ PETER'S LETTER :  

Dear Committee Secretary

I write in support of the petition to regenerate Coleg Harlech and the staggering 6665 other signatures that also support this aim. 

Please provide my views to all members of the petitions committee.. I voice my support for the following 'non pecuniary' interests and I would be delighted to speak to the committee if they thought that my story or opinion was worthwhile hearing in person.. 

1.. Loss of this 'Institution' to the landscape, history and Labour movement of Wales.

Coleg Harlech, like Ruskin in England, is a unique educational place, which gave many people a second chance at education and learning. Times move on, but if this was Eton or Harrow, a purpose would be found that was worthwhile for the place in a vibrant 21st century Wales. I went there at 21 and it changed my life. I have spent a lifetime in public service and believe I have repaid what the public purse gave me. Because a Tory government in England changed the funding rules years ago, it shouldn't mean that a Welsh Labour government are unable to value the history, vision and purpose of this wonderful place. 

Since starting my working life after CH and Cardiff University I have spent a lifetime in economic development and regeneration. I can see what can be done at Harlech and know probably how much it would cost. For the sake of these millions cannot a message of hope and vision be achieved by today's politicians. 

2. There is no getting around the story of the way that the place was closed and its assets sold off into the private market. This despite best efforts of local stakeholders and former staff over years to find a dignified future. 

Surely as a people and as leaders within our community we are better than this. What actual right did the WG have to support the WEA to shut the doors of this once thriving institute and put its paintings, books and building assets on the market to be disputed by people who only see the opportunity to make a buck. The stain of this needs to be removed from the public conscience. I am overwhelmed that nearly 7000 other people feel as I do, from x students, to people who love architecture to the recently elected AM who proposed a real vision for a new CH to be created that would give back again to Wales and the wider world. 

3. Current options for creating an imaginative and radical alternative centre of learning, fit for a vision of a proud, outward looking Wales.

Speak to the AM for the region, here what he thinks might be achieved, better open the conversation up to public consultation, or be really brave and earmark £20m of WG, GCC and Heritage lottery funding to recreate a powerhouse that drives culture, education and ambition forward from this place. Think of this place as you would the AMRC C at Broughton, an investment in the future of Wales. 

4. Opportunity for regenerative impact on region, town and local people and creation of a place that creates a better, greener future Wales. 

Ardudwy and the town are in desperate conditions. People cannot live through tourism alone. When I lived in Harlech the High Street thrived and there were 4 pubs, a magnificent hotel and a cultural centre. That was with 120 people. Just imagine what could be achieved if there were 400 students or post grads doing 30 weeks a year and a Coleg that employed 120 local people ?

Clearly in the near future there is going to be an amazing technology opportunity associated with the Llanbedr airfield and Trawsfynydd Nuclear reactor centre. Capitalise on this, make Harlech the centre of development for the people who will work in these technologies. Take a proactive and remarkable decision about and for this part of Wales. Give it hope as well as beautiful views. 

5. The positives that can be gained from working with the current owner of the Theatre and Wern Fawr. 

There is a new owner of the Theatre and Wern Fawr, we wish him well and we would like to work with him. Imagine the backing that 7000 interested people could provide for imputus. Please make sure that the relatively small current inputs don't become a 'planning gain' game or future trojan horse for a future upmarket hotel complex. Whilst in recent weeks we have seen positive if slow progress, following on a couple of months ago, witnessing the heartbreaking and unacceptable position of the Theatre having been given into the hands of an obvious charlatan. This is not who the public sector should support and not what the public purse should want to support. Be bold, take initiative, lead.

By all means, work with the new owner and I hope his philanthropy is credible, but don't hide behind a spurious hope that this place of learning, this centre of culture, this place of transformation will be delivered for you by people with their eyes on doing a good deal and picking up an asset for a song.  .

My best wishes and I am open to discussion at any point. 

Peter Evans

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