Project Overview
Dolbenmaen Community Council set out to modernise five rural community halls to support more flexible and accessible hybrid meetings. With a wide range of user groups - from council members to local clubs and community organisations - the priority was a straightforward, consistent solution that could be used confidently by everyone, regardless of technical experience. The Community Council was provided with a grant by Cyngor Gwynedd through the UK Government SPF Scheme.
The Challenge
Each community hall had a different layout and was used by a variety of local groups, many with limited confidence using technology. As a rural community, the council also needed to support residents who could not always attend meetings in person.
The challenge was to introduce a simple, reliable hybrid meeting setup that would work consistently across all locations, require minimal explanation, and support bilingual use, social inclusion and community engagement, whilst also encouraging sustainable opportunities. The system needed to be easily wheeled between rooms or stored securely when not in use, and delivered within budget and to a tight timeframe, while fitting smoothly around existing community activity.
Our Approach
During an initial virtual meeting with Iddon Edwards, we reviewed the requirements across all five halls in detail. Rather than supplying different systems for each location, Pugh proposed a single, standardised hybrid meeting space solution that could be deployed consistently everywhere.
Using the same equipment and layout in every hall gives users familiar controls and a predictable experience wherever they meet. This helps people feel comfortable using the technology and encourages wider participation. For the council, it also provides a practical solution that is straightforward to manage and support.
The Solution
Pugh delivered and installed a consistent hybrid meeting setup across all five community halls, including:
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SMART Interactive Board – an intuitive interactive display for presentations, collaboration and hybrid meetings
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Mobile Display Trolley – allowing the system to be wheeled easily between rooms or stored securely when not in use
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Logitech Webcam – a cost‑effective camera providing dependable video quality for remote participants
The solution was deployed at:
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Neuadd Goffa Penmorfa a’r Cylch
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Canolfan Gymdeithasol Golan
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Neuadd Garndolbenmaen
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Y Ganolfan Pentrefelin
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Canolfan Prenteg
Our technical team completed all installations within a single day, working closely with local representatives so each hall was ready for use as planned.
To support a smooth introduction, Pugh also delivered a bilingual evening training session at Ganolfan Prenteg, bringing together users from all five halls. The session focused on everyday use, key controls and practical tips to help groups make the most of the new technology from the outset.
The Impact
The council and local community now benefit from:
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A consistent and accessible hybrid meeting experience across all five halls, enabling residents to attend in person or join remotely when needed
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Greater participation and connection, including the ability to host remote guest speakers, work with groups elsewhere in Wales or further afield, and run meetings with both in‑person and online attendees
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More flexible use of community spaces, supported by intuitive technology that can be easily moved between rooms and used for different activities
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A standardised, future‑ready solution, offering practical tools such as digital whiteboarding, video playback and PowerPoint presentations, and designed to be easy to support and build on over time
Through careful planning, rapid delivery and inclusive bilingual training, Pugh supported Dolbenmaen Community Council in transforming five rural community halls into modern, hybrid‑ready meeting spaces.
The result is a practical, consistent and welcoming meeting environment that strengthens community connection and makes it easier for local groups to meet, collaborate and stay involved, whether in the room or joining remotely.
