The debate about whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 in the UK has been around for a while now.

Three passionate young campaigners recently starred in a new TV documentary backed by the The Co-operative, and the Votes at 16 coalition, exploring whether the voting age should be lowered to 16 in the UK.

The full documentary - 'Britain's Lost Ballot', - is available to watch online here: http://www.communitychannel.org/content/view/3787/75/

A preview of the documentary is available below.

If you're a young person aged 11-25 living in the Gower constituency, then Gower News would love to hear your views about votes at 16. Maybe you would like to complete a short questionnaire? If so, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for a copy.

Whatever your age, Gower News would love to hear your views. Simply visit our Twitter page at www.twitter.com/gowernews and send us you comments by mentioning us @gowernews followed by your comments. You can also complete our online poll located on the right side of this page >>>

On Sunday September 12th 2010, between 1-4pm, Down to Earth Project in Murton is opening its doors to the public for the Swansea Open House event, part of Wales’s biggest celebration of architecture and heritage - *Open Doors.

The ‘architecture’ on view at Down to Earth Project consists of an array of eco-built structures made from locally sourced natural materials, such as timber from Gower, Swansea and Neath-Port Talbot, stone from Pontarddulais and cob (earth) from the site – all built using traditional and sustainable methods.  Director Mark McKenna says “all of the structures have a low carbon footprint; they are built from local materials that have not been through industrial processes; and they are biodegradable.  The site itself is carbon negative in terms of electricity use, as we have our own PV solar electric array which generates more power than we need - and we have our own solar hot water.”

Perhaps most interesting about the Down to Earth Project site is that all of the structures have been built by the people who learn there, ensuring that the specialist skills, taught by experienced craftspeople, are passed on and that the site is developed by the very people who use it.

Down to Earth Project is a not-for-profit social enterprise working with “hard to reach” groups from all over South Wales. As well as site-based programmes for groups, the company provides school grounds projects and training in traditional and sustainable building skills, wilderness therapy, adventurous activities and Education for Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship.  Mark says “we often have requests from the public about coming to visit the site and - because of the nature of our work - it’s not often possible…..so we’re really pleased to be part of Swansea Open House.”

Down to Earth Project will have its doors open between 1pm and 4pm on Sunday September 12th.  If you would like to book for a guided tours at 2pm or 3pm, please email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or phone 01792 346566. Further information about the *Open House event is at www.swanseaopenhouse.com.  You can find out more about Down to Earth Project from www.downtoearthproject.org.uk.

*Open Doors is organised by the Civic Trust for Wales.

Information produced and supplied by: Teresa Walters, Down to Earth Development Officer.

Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Commonly referred to "The Gower" - Gower is a geographical location situated within The City and County of Swansea. In 1956, parts of Gower were designated an 'Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty' (AONB) - the first area in Britain to be given this accolade. Gower is probably most famous for its narrow peninsula situated to the west of Swansea, which is referred to and know as "the Gower Peninsula."

Diversity

The Gower peninsula has a wide variety of stunning landscapes: dramatic cliffs; long sandy beaches; rocky coves and bays; ancient woodlands; medieval castles; open countryside; nature reserves; marshes and farm/agricultural - all of which entwine with many picturesque villages, making Gower one of the most beautiful places to live, work and visit.

Community

Currently home to some 10,000 inhabitants, people have lived on Gower for over 26,000 years, signs of which remain all over Gower today. People come to Gower for many reasons; whatever your reason, be sure to take some time to soak up a little of Gower's fascinating historical past.

Conservation

Since 1933, the National Trust has been committed to caring for Gower for everyone to enjoy, and today it owns and protects three-quarters of the Gower coastline. Access to National Trust land on Gower is free, and together with volunteers, footpaths are maintained alongside Swansea Council's Rights of Way team to enable everyone to enjoy Gower.

Protection

In 1948, The Gower Society was formed to protect the environment of the old Lordship of Gower and especially the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The Gower Society publish an annual journal which includes articles on all aspects of Gower, past and present - they even arrange a programme of more that 100 events a year, including: walks, talks, coach trips and folk dancing!

Discover Gower

Gower has something for everyone: stunning award-winning beaches, coves and bays along the Gower coastline; quality visitor and tourist attractions; a range of places to eat and drink including... restaurants, pubs, cafés and coffee shops; a selection of accommodation from...hotels, guest houses and bed and breakfast, to cottages, holiday lets and camping and caravanning sites; Gower has a diverse history with at least 1200 archaeological sites including caves, prehistoric burial mounds, Iron Age forts, medieval castles and churches.

Please Take Care

• Drive with care and caution - watch out for children and animals
• Keep Gower clean - take all litter home or use bins where provided
• Keep dogs under control - use dog-waste bins where available
• Respect the Gower environment and wildlife - act responsibly