The Welsh ICE 5-9 Club has contributed to the launch of Merthyr Tydfil’s first vintage tearooms!
Catherine Poole has opened Lunah Tearooms on the site of one of the most iconic old stores in the historic Pontmorlais section of the town, which has undergone a £3.7m regeneration joint-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and Cadw.
Catherine had long dreamed of owning her own business but had never had the confidence or knowledge of where to start to be able to ‘got for it’. However, the last two years in a career spanning over 27 years had been extremely unhappy. She was advised of the 5-9 club on the day the applications closed and took the chance and applied.
Upon completion of the 12 week course, Catherine said:
I cannot thank Welsh ICE and 5-9 club for the difference they have made to my confidence, the invaluable knowledge and contacts they have given me, and the wonderful friends I have made along the way.
Catherine also went on to describe the boost in confidence the scheme gave her, saying:
After thinking that I would never have the confidence to ‘pitch’ my business idea, I have now done it so many times during the 12 weeks of 9-5 that I have delivered it to council officials and landlords without giving it a second thought. They all comment that my passion is clear – and that is all thanks to 5-9 for giving me the confidence to believe in my idea by their belief in me and their encouragement.
Welsh ICE and particularly 5-9 club gave me my life back, has given me lifelong friends and a business that I am determined to make a success. Thanks to 5-9 club, I opened Lunah Tearooms in Merthyr Tydfil in December 2016 and ‘Thank you’ does not seem big enough.
I hope that the funding for 5-9 club can continue. Its value cannot be measured. It is beyond priceless.
We are thrilled for Catherine and can’t wait to visit. Lunah Tearooms is open from 8am-4pm from Monday to Friday; from 9am-4pm Saturday and closed Sunday. Visit the website or call 01685 373081 for more information.