There are so many fabulous, creative, and innovative business and organisations in our town centre, we want to shout about them from the rooftops. But rather than receive a noise complaint, we have decided to give them a shoutout on the world wide web instead. So, on that note, welcome to our town centre business showcase. Every few days we will feature a different business – providing you with updates, stories, offers, and anything else in between!

Merthyr Tydfil Credit Union Members Receive National Awards For Their Services.

Credit Union are delighted to announce Samantha Birrell-Roberts, and Meryl Cullen has received prestigious awards from the Credit Union of Wales!

Samantha Birrell-Roberts, a Legal Secretary at JNP Legal, won the Workplace Champion category in this year’s Credit Unions of Wales Awards.

She said: “I was absolutely ecstatic to learn that I’d been nominated for the award, let alone winning it. So I’m very honoured and grateful for being recognised in this way. Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union are wonderful to work with, and thanks to their range of services many of my colleagues save for special events – especially Christmas – while others take advantage of the affordable loans they provide.”

When JNP Legal first became a payroll partner with Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union, Samantha was quick to be nominated by fellow employees as their ‘payroll patron’. She is always quick to help new employees become members and ensures that every person has information about the credit union when they join the organisation. Many activities have been organised from information days to welcome packs to boost credit union membership.

Volunteer Meryl Cullen has also received a national award from the Credit Union of Wales for promoting the ethical savings and loans movement after being a victim of payday lenders.

Meryl is considered the “lifeblood” of Merthyr Tydfil Borough Credit Union for singlehandedly running a collection point for members over the past ten years. She said: “I used doorstep lenders many years ago, and their interest rates were astronomical. I didn’t want people in my area, also becoming victims because payday lenders destroy you. Credit Unions are a much better and fairer option, and we’ve seen our collection point in Quaker’s Yard grow and grow with every year. I am so delighted to be recognised in playing my part in that story.”

Meryl engaged an entire community to benefit from credit union membership because she has seen her collection point in Quakers Yard became one of the busiest in the county. For several years, Meryl was based in a small porter cabin where she would run the collection point on behalf of the financial cooperative. By working with the wider community, they raised £500,000 to build a community centre where she currently volunteers.

Ann’s Flowers

Happy Anniversary to Ann’s Flowers. Congratulations on 32 years of business in Merthyr town centre.

A few words from Ann:

Ann’s Flowers opened on 31 Oct, 32 years ago. After a year of opening, a fire caused severe damage and we had to close for about 13 -14 months. The building was repaired, with a lot of hard work, and we opened again.

I was very fortunate to have great customers who came back, and I thank them all. At the time Midlands Bank was opposite, which helped as many people came over to see the new shop and this brought me more customers.

I have always bought the very best flowers from a local supplier. They are great and have always looked after all their customers.

I love what I do, and I’ll be doing it for a long time to come regardless of my age – as fortunately, I’m fit and well.

Thanks to all of my customers for their wonderful support, and too many friends to name. I couldn’t have lasted so long without you all. My family have been with me every step of the way. Through laughter, tears, and worries, but we always found a way. As for the future, I will succeed. God Bless you all and keep safe.

To John and my children, thank you, Mam.

Ann is now offering 10% off all bouquets costing £25 and over.

Ann’s Flowers is situated at 13 Glebeland Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8AU. For enquiries and telephone orders, call 01685 382823.