By Alan Evans

A revolutionary new online network has taken off in West Wales. The network named Deheubarth after the old name for the kingdom ruled over by Hywel Da in West Wales has been set up to promote community, business, culture, history, art and music within the area. It has received a warm welcome from businesses artists, musicians and community organisations. Within the first month the site has topped 6,000 views. The site can be translated into almost any language in the world at a click of a button. It is the brainchild of professional photographer Alan Evans. Alan said All I am doing is using the latest free software and applications to empower people and allow communities to take ownership of marketing themselves. It is entirely free and anyone over thirteen years of age can join. The site allows people to add their events, create online groups, promote their business, upload and share all types of files and listen to music by any artist. Alan said, People are looking for real alternatives and I am simply providing them with a platform free of bureaucracy. My title is simply, administrator. There is no doubt that this is the future for enabling communities to consolidate the best they have to offer. Similar networks are being used across the world but this is a first for Wales and it will revolutionize the way people connect with each other. It has been set up so that anyone can access the multi functional site and reach a worldwide audience. This is not a static brochure site we see so much of where nothing changes. The community has taken ownership of the site and the community has the say in what goes on there. Best of all, it is FREE.

With 100 members joining within the first month of being launched Alan is optimistic that more will follow. The 100th member Sascha Pearce Narbett received a free bottle of champagne. There is a slap up meal for two at one of Carmarthenshires best restaurants on offer for the 200th member. Laugharne County Councillor Jane Tremlett and Simon Morris, chairman of Pendine Community Council attended a presentation of the network at Gilberts caf last Wednesday.

Councillor Tremlett said "The Deheubarth Network presentation impressed everyone with its quality and the opportunity it gives to individuals, community groups and businesses to share their interests, events and showcase this outstanding landscape to the world. We need to use everything we can to develop economic growth in our communities. Tourism is a necessary part of our economy. We all have our unique personalities. Pendine has a beach that compares with the best in the world. Laugharne has its literary heritage in Dylan Thomas's Boathouse Museum, its Castle and estuary. We need to attract tourists to the area and this website has the potential to reach those prospective visitors. I hope this presentation will soon be given to the various community organisations and businesses in Laugharne." Businesses already signed up include Morfa Bay Adventure, Gilberts, Elaichi, Sarnau Design, 24 Carrot Promotions, Castle Stores amongst others. Alan wishes to thank Ceri Shaw for his help and inspiration in setting up the network. Ceri is administrator for a similar network in America set up for the ex pat Welsh community. Americymru is extremeley successful at promoting all things Welsh and is open to anyone, wherever they may be in the world.The website for West Wales can be found at www.sanclertimes.ning.com