Ours is one of the finest Victorian workhouses in Britain: a handsome stone building in a beautiful setting, listed Grade II*. It stood empty and abandoned when our local trust acquired it in 2004 with the aim of preserving it for the community and the nation. Today, thanks to the efforts of local volunteers, a town with only 1,500 people is home to one of the biggest heritage projects in Wales and to a vibrant, multi-faceted  community enterprise.  There's a gallery; a venue and cafe-bar; workshops and studios; a 24-bed bunkhouse; a history centre; a bookshop; four courtyards; a community garden and six acres of meadow.  But whilst much of the building is in active use, parts remain empty and unrestored. Areas of roof still urgently need repair, posing a threat to the enterprises below.  This is the challenge the Trust has set itself to meet.  All donations through localgiving will go to our fabric fund. 
 

Why the community needs us
The Workhouse, known locally as Y Dolydd, has become a focus for the community.  We provide work space for 20 local enterprises: mostly artists and craftspeople. People come for craft markets, art exhibitions, music festivals, weddings, rallies, food fairs and horse and pony shows. Musicians, singers and poets find spaces to perform. Walkers, rowers and cyclists stay in our bunkhouse. Families attend holiday activities. School groups and visitors from home and abroad come to see the Workhouse History Centre: the only workhouse museum in Wales, which highlights issues of poverty and deprivation.

Our impact on the community
Y Dolydd has helped put the small town of Llanfyllin on the map, and people who used to pass through now stop to explore. A prominent historic building that was once a derelict eyesore is now used and cared for: serving the community, attracting visitors and generating pride in our heritage. Last year we repaired the roof of the Master's House, restored its imposing cupola and made the historic building more visible as well as more secure. Now we're looking to restore the Women's Wing, improve our facilities and offer new opportunities for people from the locality and elsewhere.