Well since writing the action statement some time ago I've been very busy programming the all new FOC website, which is now live.

The important point of it is to address the fact we've never really had a proper membership system, it's all been very ad-hoc. Similarly, lots of discussion and ideas happen on the various forums on the Internet whereas I think it would be better addressed centrally.

For example, if members on this forum decided to take it upon themselves to commence some project or other, people from other forums would be rightly miffed they were not asked for opinion or help etc.

So, what I'm hoping is that anyone who has a particular interest in Cwmorthin, will register as a Friend of Cwmorthin on www.cwmorthin.co.uk and participate in discussion and ideas with the other members.

The website does have a simple discussion forum intended to facilitate this discussion, but it is not a general mine-exploration forum, there is no need for yet another one. It's for talking about Cwmorthin.

On the flip side, if someone is unwilling to sign up and be involved, we'll not be interested in listening to the complaints that comes later if things happen in there they decide they don't like.

We've opted to be an online community group rather than a more traditional and formal affair. It's just what we know, it's simple for us to manage, and gives people all over the country (and outside) the chance to have a say who wouldn't have if we just had AGM's.

I hope this fresh new start for Cwmorthin and the FOC will be embraced and supported. If Cwmorthin is somewhere that means something to you - please do sign up.

Thanks

Miles, on behalf of the FOC.