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Community Reporter - Mark Barnes

Mark Barnes

Last updated: 26 June 2007

Mark Barnes is one of BBC Radio Wales' community reporters for the Newtown area. In June 2007 he answered a few questions about himself. If you want Mark to cover any stories in the Newtown area contact The Roy Noble Show at roy.noble@bbc.co.uk



Describe your job or how you spend your days:

I am the Managing Director of The Pool Card Ltd a local, independent loyalty card scheme and producer of a monthly publication called the Update.

I spend my days looking for opportunities for my business and the member businesses, recruiting new businesses, writing and finding content for the Update, organising meetings and promotional events.

How do you spend your spare time:

Family time is in short supply and very precious so enjoying the company of my wife and two children is my top priority. I also enjoying watching Formula One racing, reading, cooking and my vegetable garden.

Briefly describe the area/town in which you live:

I live in Newtown, Powys which is a relatively small town in Mid Wales. It is a great town in which to live especially if you have a young family. Everything you need is here you just sometimes have to look a little harder to find it. The people are friendly but perhaps lacking in a sense of community, in my experience.

The town itself is perhaps not the most picturesque but the beautiful River Severn flowing through the centre of town helps to remedy this as does the scenery in the near vicinity. I just like the area as it ticks all the boxes for me at this stage of my life/career.

Describe your family life:

As mentioned not enough time is spent enjoying family life but we make the most of every opportunity. As my Wife Nicola teaches maths at a local secondary school and then like myself has work to complete when the children have gone to bed it can be very intense.

We work hard at enjoying our 4 year old daughter and nearly 2 year old son before they go to bed and at the weekends when we take them to their swimming and her drama classes. I am very proud of my family and home and hope that as my business becomes more established I can give them more of my time.

Which groups, associations and/or organisations do you or your family belong too:

I am a member of the Rotary Club.

In 5 words how would you describe yourself to a stranger:

Motivated, passionate, caring, dedicated and honest.

Questions and Answers with Mark Barnes.

  • Read about Newtown community reporter David Pugh...
  • Robyn Benbow's community reports...

  • your comments

    Liz Morgan, Contact the Elderly
    Dear Mark, I am working to establish a Contact the Elderly group in Newtown, and would be very grateful for any help you would give in publicising this charity. The idea is very simple - A group of volunteer drivers use their cars to collect the same elderly people once a month on a Sunday afternoon and together they visit a volunteer host family for tea and an informal social afternoon. The group visits a different host each month, one Sunday afternoon a monthThe elderly members of Contact groups are usually well into their 70s, live alone without family nearby and have very little opportunity to get out of their homes.I am looking for volunteer hosts who can spare one Sunday afternoon a year, volunteers with cars who can spare one Sunday afternoon a month, and elderly people who would most benefit. Any help you can give would be most welcome. I have more information if you would like, or I could come and speak to a group. Many thanks, Liz Morgan
    Thu Aug 23 15:27:49 2007

    What do you think of Newtown? Have you any story ideas for Mark? Add your comments here:

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