At the heart of our communities in Aberconwy are incredible organisations and groups - and at their heart, people doing remarkable things. It's probably why so many of you said "stronger communities" should be a priority in Our Plan.
(And it's also one of the reasons I love being in Aberconwy in August - without the distraction of going to London each week - because it gives time to really talk and get to know a few more of those people.)
Yesterday I was back at Blind Veterans in Craig y Don at the invitation of Kathy Boardman and her team.
I first visited during the pandemic to find out how they were coping and see how I could help. This time it was to hear from volunteers, meet staff and listen to members.
Over a hundred staff provide specific services, respite support, outreach into the community and week long activity retreats for members from across the UK (you may know the Community Liaison Manager, Rosie for her work with the Royal Navy Reserves, or as the Macebearer for Conwy Town Council!)
Together with the extraordinary team of volunteers they make a real difference in the lives of members.
We heard inspiring, moving and fascinating stories in the two and a half hours we talked. At times there was laughter (lots!) but also quieter, respectful moments.
We heard stories of terrible injury during military service in Northern Ireland. And of dramatic loss - like losing sight, in later years, over the course of a weekend. And we heard of inspiring accomplishments, like walking 100km in 24 hours.
And we heard the joy and surprise (from members and volunteers) of discovering this unique, supportive community. Help they didn't think they were eligible for. Help they didn't they needed - or didn't think they could give.
Words like resilience, camaraderie and purpose kept coming up in these accounts.
But the word going through my mind as I finally left, was "discovery".
For members, it was discovering life after sight loss. Of purpose after tragedy. Of confidence despite challenge and uncertainty. And of help, where it wasn't expected. But also amongst the volunteers, discovering the value and the impact they bring to others.
And I hope it will be true for the wider community here in Llandudno, over the coming months and years. I'm sure there will be many, like me, who had not discovered the role and work of Blind Veterans. They are keen to change that as they continue to develop here amongst us and as a part of us.
I look forward to helping them.