Meet the team of volunteer directors who set up and run Ymddiriedolaeth Tir Cymunedol 4 Llan Community Land Trust. Interested in volunteering to support our projects? Then get in touch.
Wayne Lewis
I live in the centre of Caerwedros and have done for the bigger part of my life, although originally from a small village near Abergavenny.
I have recently retired from a career as a social worker and then latterly as a Policy Manager in the charitable sector.
My first interest in housing emerged when tasked with developing specialist housing for people with learning disabilities when I was working here in Ceredigion and moving people from larger institutional accommodation back into their communities. However, in all my work, housing and otherwise, I have always believed that whatever you are trying to develop it is best achieved close to, and with the involvement of, the people affected by that development. The CLT’s intention to develop affordable housing within and alongside our own community feels like a natural extension of this.
Alongside my interest in housing, I have always had a personal commitment to environmental issues with an interest in renewable power having increased in later years, especially following a period spent in New Zealand where the concept of self-reliance forms much of the national character.
What do I do in my spare time? Gardening, working in our woodland and spending time with our grandson rank up there amongst my favourites.
What should I do more of? Without doubt I need to invest more time in improving my Welsh language skills.
Ioan Lewis
I’m Ioan, and I’m honoured to serve as the Treasurer of 4Llan Community Land Trust.
I grew up in Caerwedros, where I lived from birth until my early 20s, and the experiences I had there have shaped my strong connection to the area and community.
Although I no longer live in Caerwedros, my roots in this area run deep with my parents still living in the area, and I am passionate about supporting the communities of 4Llan.
In my role as Treasurer, I bring my background in financial management to help guide the Trust with transparency and responsibility, ensuring we stay true to our mission of sustainability, affordability, and community empowerment.
I am deeply committed to 4Llan’s work in developing local and affordable housing for local people, renewable energy and fostering a thriving, inclusive community.
It’s a privilege to contribute to a cause that means so much to me, and I look forward to continuing to help the area and its people as much as possible.
Gareth Ioan
Gareth’s professional background is in policy and language planning. He was Chief Executive of consultancy IAITH Ltd. for 20 years and remains Chairman of the company. Prior to that he had a career in youth and community work for over fifteen years, as a youth worker and national administrator. Gareth is a leading member of the community in Caerwedros and Llanllwchaearn. Gareth has been the Secretary of Caerwedros Memorial Hall since 2007. He has been a community councillor with Llanllwchaearn CC for three decades and is is a Minister at Nanternis Independent Chapel.
Alun Rees
I was born at Cross Hands. After moving to live in Aberaeron that’s where I received my secondary education. Cyncoed College of Education prepared me to become a teacher in Porth, Rhondda and Llanhari before returning as a teacher to Ysgol Gyfun Aberaeron and Ysgol Gyfun Llanbed.
My subject was Physical Education but I ended my career as an Assistant Headteacher in charge of Wellbeing, Attendance, Discipline and Buildings.
I have lived in Synod Inn for 44 years and during that time as well as teaching my wife and I ran a restaurant and petrol station at the crossroads. After retiring from my role as Assistant Headteacher I was fortunate to get a part time job with a Housing Rental Business. This is one of the reasons I’m interested to develop the ideas of 4LLAN as I know the difficulties local people have to find rental property.
My interests include watching rugby and I’ve been a member of Clwb Rygbi Aberaeron RFC as a player and coach. In the past, I’ve also been Chairman and member of the committee for 45-years. Golf and growing vegetables in my polytunnel are other interests that I have.
I have two sons, two grandsons and two granddaughters who keep my wife and I pretty busy but they also give us a lot of pleasure.
Teresa Walters
Teresa is 4 Llan’s Facilitator (freelance). She has worked on a wide range of sustainable community development projects including in the heritage, transport, food, outdoor activities, wellbeing, volunteering, training and economic sectors. She is currently working as an Engagement Officer at Parc yr Esgob (Bishop’s Park), in Carmarthen, and as a Mentor with Development Trusts Association Wales.
Kat Dawes
I live in Llangrannog, five minutes from the beach. My interest in community housing and energy projects stems from living on the Capel Crannog site, which is owned in trust for the community. In 2023-24 a team from Llangrannog came together to research ways to redevelop the site in line with the community’s needs. We looked at creating affordable housing and workshops, as well as a community centre. Hopefully, we will be able to realise this dream in the near future. During this time I met others in the area with similar aims, and am pleased to join 4Llan to further these.
As Secretary of the Llangrannog Welfare Committee I am also involved in lots of local projects, and we are keen to liaise with 4Llan to all our mutual benefit. I am also a member of the Llangrannog Community Council.
I am a keen surfer and sailor, and manage the Cardigan Bay Watersports Centre in New Quay, which is a charity organisation looking to get more people on the water and enjoying our wonderful coastline. I am also a writer and silversmith, with my own website at www.surfergrl.co.uk. Dw i’n hapus i siarad Cymraeg neu Saesneg!
Silyn Roberts
I have lived in Ceredigion with my family since 1996 and in Pentre Bryn since 2003. I worked in education as a teacher, headteacher and then as an advisor for 38 years, but I’m now retired.
I have been a Community Councillor with Llanllwchaearn Community Council for around 20 years. With a little more time on my hands, I try to contribute to the local area by supporting different organisations.
I am very aware of the housing situation in this part of West Wales and see 4 Llan as a means of trying to solve some of the urgent needs that exist for affordable housing available to the young, so that they can raise their children here and contribute to linguistic viability. I am also very interested in the ability of communities to create and manage renewable energy for the benefit of the community. The aim that 4 Llan has towards this, excites me.
In my spare time, I enjoy walking the coastal path, travelling, doing DIY work, reading and listening to music, watching the occasional rugby game and looking after a new granddaughter!
Gareth Lloyd
Gareth lives and farms on the family farm of 227 acres in Talgarreg. The family keeps around 400 sheep (Texel, Llanwenog, Speckle and Welsh).
Gareth has been the Chair of the Farmers’ Union of Wales in Ceredigion since 2023 and an Independent County Councillor in Ceredigion since 2008.
He has been on the planning committee since 2008 and is the former chair of that committee. Gareth sits on several local committees, for example; community council, hall, chapel and Llanwenog Sheep Society.
He enjoys (with the help of the children) showing Llanwenog sheep at the Royal Welsh Show and Llanwenog and Texel sheep at several local shows over the summer.