Living In: Community News
Carmarthen
Ian Lewis
07790 591150 ian.lewis@mediawales.co.uk
Ebenezer Gospel Hall There will be a family service held at Ebenezer Gospel Hall, Blue Street, Carmarthen on Sunday. All family members are welcome to attend including children. Masks are still required to be worn within the building. The meeting will commence at 4.30pm and conclude at approximately 5.15pm.
Heol Awst Eglwys Annibynnol. Sul am 10 o’r gloch yn Festri Heol Awst, Oedfa Gymun yng ngofal y Parchedig Jeff Williams. Croeso cynnes i bawb.
English Congregational Church Our Joint Service for Sunday at 11am will be at the English Congregational Church, Lammas Street. Covid restrictions in place. We are delighted to say that this will be the usual Toy Service with the Salvation Army, donations of new toys for the Salvation Army to distribute to needy children in our town will be accepted. Everybody is welcome. Our Community Hall is now available for hire, please contact Heather on 07968 170219.
Y Priordy Eglwys Annibynnol Caerfyrddin. Gweinidog: Y Parchedig Beti-wyn James, BD, MTH. Yn y bore am 10: oedfa gyda’n gweinidog. Cynhelir yr Ysgol Sul. Casgliad rhydd at Ganolfan Galw-i-mewn Capel y Bedyddwyr Saesneg. Yn yr hwyr am 5: Oedfa dan olau cannwyll dan ofal Pobl Ifainc y Priordy (PIP). Oedfa rithiol yn ddiweddarach. Croeso i bawb.
Cwmffrwd, Idole a Croesyceiliog
Capel Penygraig Gweinidog: Parch Meirion Sewell. Oedfaon am 10.30yb. Rhagfyr 5, gweinidog, Cymundeb; Rhagfyr 12, oedfa aelodau; Rhagfyr 19, gweinidog; Rhagfyr 24, oedfa Noswyl Nadolig am 7yh, Cymundeb; Rhagfyr 26, dim oedfa. Ymholiadau i Geraint Roberts ar 01267 229047 neu geraintroberts@btinternet.com
Newchurch
St Michael’s Church There will be carol service at St Michael’s Church, Newchurch (near Carmarthen Golf Club), on Sunday at 7pm. Come along and enjoy Christmas poems and carols followed with mince pies and mulled wine, everyone welcome.
Bancyfelin
Capel Bancyfelin Dydd Sul, Oedfa Gymun a 1.30 yng ngofal ein gweiniog, Y Parchg Beti-wyn James. Croeso i bawb.
Capel Cana Dydd Sul, Oedfa Gymun a 3yp yng ngofal ein gweiniog, Y Parchg Beti-wyn James. Croeso i bawb.
Oedfa Ddigidol Oedfa Gymun ddigiol dros dudalennau Facebook a Sianel Youtube yr ofalaeth am 11 fore Sul, Rhagyfyr 5. Croeso i chi ymuno yn yr oedfa.
Brechfa Forest Caroline Evans
Gwylfa, Gwernogle.
01267 202305 cothivoice@yahoo.co.uk
2022 calendar Fantastic photos taken by locals and chosen by locals. Order your calendars now – £8 each. Phone/text Mari Mitchell on 07833 142889.
Coffee morning First Saturday in the month so next one is on December 4 at 10.30am in Brechfa Church Hall, entry £2, raffle and stalls, in aid of St Teilo Church.
Llanfihangel windows The decorated windows at St Michael’s, Llanfihangel Rhos y Corn, will be in place from Sunday for the service at 2.30pm. The church will be open in daylight hours for you to come and admire, please confirm to Covid guidlines. Info from churchwarden Caroline Evans on 01267 202305.
Brechfa Community Shop/bryn Stores Current opening hours weekdays and Saturdays 7am to 1pm, closed Sundays. Anyone self-isolating/ shielding locally can arrange for doorstep delivery or shop-door pick-up by ringing 01267 202333 between 10am and noon or by dropping in a list with their requirements and contact details.
Just Foot Care This toenail cutting service’s next session will be on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, in Brechfa Church Hall. Phone to book in on 07968 553 634. Full Covid precautions followed. Church in Wales services For St Teilo’s, Brechfa, Covid-regulated services normally will be at 11am on every Sunday. At St Michael’s, Llanfihangel Rhos y Corn, services at 2.30pm on the 1st Sunday and at 10am on the 3rd Sunday of the month, note the carol service will be on Sunday, December 19 at 2.30pm. The monthly Pilgrim service continues at Llanfihangel at 5pm on the 2nd Wednesday of the month so the next one is on December 8 both in the church and on Zoom. For info contact the Rev Roger Nock on 01267 202347 or 07796 761754 or roger.nock@talk21.com
Abergorlech
Bro Dyfri Local Ministry Area Services are “normally” as follows: St Sawyl’s, Llansawel – services on the first and third Sundays at 11am. St David’s, Abergorlech, 9.30am (Welsh) on the first and third Sundays (contact the Rev Patrick Mansel Lewis on 01558 822942). St Michael’s, Talley, services every Sunday at 11am with the second Sunday being a Children’s Ministry and the fourth a Youth Ministry. Caio on the first and third Sundays at 10am (contact the Rev Tim Nelson on 01558 685415). Saturdays, open-air tearooms from 2pm to 4pm at the Talley Church Hall. Note that the Talley Church is now open for visitors/pilgrims daily.
Llansawel Bill Davis
01558 685696 twmdavis@gmail.com
Post Office van on Friday from 10.30am to 11.30am and Monday from 2.15pm to 3.15pm in the village hall grounds.
Market The next monthly Llansawel Market will take place on Saturday from 10am to noon in Llansawel Hall. Welsh Black beef, fruit, vegetables, home baking, bread, gluten-free, more. Admission free. Refreshments. Track and trace register and hand sanitiser. Please observe social distancing. For more info phone Bill on 01558 685696. Christmas Market We will have an extra Christmas-themed market on Saturday, December 18, in the village hall from 10am to noon with an array of market stalls. Live music on the stage. Refreshments. Free glass of mulled wine and mince pie for each visitor. We are not able to have a Santa this year because of the gloomy government forecasts about Covid-19 and flu.
Llansteffan Kay Anthony
2 Ferry Point, Llansteffan. canthony225@ btinternet.com
01267 241677
Children in Need walk Well done to all who took part in the recent walk in aid of Children in Need at which £450 was raised for the charity. Many thanks to all who generously donated and especially to all who enjoyed the walk.
Hall fundraiser The ongoing sale of plants sited opposite the Village Stores has raised an incredible £1,800 over the past two seasons in aid of the Memorial Hall. This is mainly due to the time and effort devoted by Anthea Evans. A big thank you to Anthea and those who have donated cuttings, etc, and have purchased items.
Restarting of the Hub Plans are being made for the re-opening of the Hub in the Memorial Hall in the new year with a targeted date of Thursday, January 13. It will be an opportunity to make new friends, exchange ideas or simply sit and chat. Look out for publicity leaflets, posters and information on Pobl Llansteffan as the date approaches for further information. Last-minute shopping Don’t forget to call in at The Pound Gallery on the Square for the opportunity to purchase unique and locally made crafts. It is open each weekend until 5pm so do call and take a peep.
Looking ahead Trees and colourful lights are now going up in the village and considerable effort is need if we are to better last year’s display, which was outstanding. Prizes are awarded for the three best decorated properties and will be presented on the Square on Christmas Eve. Judging organised by Roger Davies, our Mock Mayor, will take place midweek prior to Christmas Eve.
Boxing Day swim This year the tide is most suitable for the big swim on Boxing Day at 3pm. Congregate in the main car park ready for the dash to the water – always enjoyable for the spectators and participants. A roaring fire and mulled wine will help you recover.
Retirement Many have appreciated the excellent local postal delivery service over several years thanks to our long-serving postie Stuart. He is retiring on December 4 and will be very much missed and he is wished a long and healthy retirement.
Penygroes
Calfaria Dydd Mercher am 10.15yb Cwrdd Gweddi. Bore dydd Sul am 11yb, oedfa Gymun ac Ysgol Sul, gyda’r gweinidog yn gwasanaethu. Gan fod yn rhaid bod 2 fetr rhwng cartrefi byddwn yn eich tywys i sedd addas, naill ai i lawr y grisiau neu yn yr oriel. Bydd jel dwylo ar gael wrth y fynedfa ac wrth yr allanfa. Rhaid gwisgo masgiau, oni bai bod gennych esgus rhesymol i beidio â gwisgo un. Os bydd ein cyngor swyddogol yn newid, bydd hwn yn cael ei ddiweddaru ar Facebook a’n gwefan, www. calfariapenygroes.cymru.
Ammanford
Byron Evans
25 Cwmamman Road, Ammanford. byronevans1@hotmail.com
Merched y Wawr Bydd Cinio Nadolig cangen Rhydaman a’r Cylch yn yr Hydd Gwyn, Llandeilo, brynhawn Gwener, Rhagfyr 3, y pris £20 (neu £25 am y cinio a’r bws). Ein gwestai fydd Jane Morgan, Talyllychau, swyddog datblygu hyrwyddo canghennau a chlybiau Caerfyrddin.
Junior bowls sessions are being held at Ammanford Stadium, Manor Road, every Saturday from 9.30am to 11.30am; the sessions are suitable for ages eight to 19 and cost £2, when coaching is provided.
Coffee advice morning The Labour Party is holding a coffee morning advice session on Saturday, December 11, from 10am to noon with Carmarthenshire county councillor Kevin Madge (Garnant ward) for any members thinking about becoming candidates in next year’s local elections, when we will be electing county, town and community councillors. The event is at the Labour Party Office, 13 Wind Street, Ammanford. Ammanford Pensioners’ Group meets at the Pensioners’ Hall, Ammanford, every Wednesday afternoon. Entry cost is £1, tea/coffee, biscuits, plus a raffle ticket is included. We start at 1.30pm, so it is advisable to be there for 1.15pm. Finishing time is around 3pm.
Table top sale Pantyffynnon Ward Action Group’s next table top and craft sale will be held at the Pensioners’ Hall, Ammanford, on Saturday. Set-up is from 9am, please message Paula on 07917 163241 to book a table.
Capel yr Hendre Rydym yn parhau gyda gwasanaethau yn y capel bob Sul am 10.30yb, ac mae ’na groeso i bawb i ddod i addoli gyda ni. A Sunday service is held every Sunday at Capel yr Hendre at 10.30am; non-welsh speakers who wish to join in the devotional Christian service will be sure of a warm welcome.
Betws volunteers meet up at Betws Park every Saturday morning to help maintain the area and give something back to the park, whether it be picking up litter or doing some general gardening work. For more information,contact Ffrindiau Betws/friends of Betws on Facebook.
Church’s celebration lunch There will be a celebration lunch for all Llandybie Church members at the Red Lion, Llandybie, at noon for 12.30pm tomorrow. For all enquiries, please contact Pat Jenkins on 01269 850357 or email patriciajenkins@btinternet.com
Virtual Pudsey! Pudsey Bear, for the second successive year, visited local schools in the area virtually amid the ongoing pandemic; Ammanford Lions’ Club came up with a cunning plan whereby Pudsey was filmed shopping for baking essentials for a video which was shown in schools, showing him baking cakes to sell for Children in Need. You can still view the video on Youtube by searching Ammanford Lions Pudsey Bear.
Côr Persain news Local choir Persain is once again meeting for rehearsals at Moriah Chapel; it has been 18 months since we last met together since Covid struck and it was so good to meet up with members old and new. Sadly, two of our members have passed away since we were last together, and we had a minute’s silence to remember them; Alison and Carole will be very much missed. The year 2020 was the 20th anniversary of the formation of Côr Persain and we had planned a celebration concert at All Saints’ Church to mark the occasion. This was sadly not to be, but we do hope to arrange a concert next year. We meet on Tuesdays at 7pm at Moriah Chapel vestry, Penygarn Road, Tycroes, and there is a warm welcome to everyone to join us. Bereavements Deepest sympathy is expressed to all the family following the sad passing away of of Mr Derrick Bailey, of Woodlands Park, Betws, who died suddenly but peacefully on November 6 at Cartref Annwyl Fan, Betws; the much-loved husband of Cynthia, devoted step-father of Adrian and his wife Sam, and a cherished grandfather of Tristan, he will be sadly missed. The funeral was on November 26 at Llanelli Crematorium. Condolences are also conveyed to the family of Yvonne Parry, of Tirydail Lane, Ammanford, who passed away, peacefully, on November 11 at her home. Yvonne was the dear sister of the late Lorna and a fond sister-in-law of Neville and will also be sorely missed by her family and friends. Sympathy is also expressed to the family of Rayma Cannon (née Davies), who died suddenly at her home at Parklands Road, Penybanc, on November 5; Rayma was the beloved wife of Gerald, a devoted mother of Thomas and Claudia, and will be sadly missed by Misty Grey. The funeral was at Llanelli Crematorium on November 29 when mourners were asked by the family to wear colourful clothing in Rayma’s memory.
Cwmaman Byron Evans
25 Cwmamman Road, Ammanford. byronevans1@hotmail.com
Cwmamman Senior Citizens The next meeting is tomorrow at the Community Centre, Glanaman, at 2pm, more new members always welcome. Community centre calendar of events The Community Centre, Glanaman, has issued an updated list of its various activities (in the Main Hall unless stated otherwise): Mondays: Cwmamman Crafters (11am-1pm, Artroom); The Rock Project (4-9pm); Mud Club for Adults (6-8pm, Artroom). Tuesdays: Toddler Group (9.30-11.30am); Access to Art (10-11am, Artroom); Tai Chi (noon-1pm, Boardroom); Bumps to Baby Language (1-3pm); Art Club for Kids (4.15-5.30pm, Artroom); Cartoon Club (6.30-8.30pm, Artroom, starts December 8); Kinetic Martial Arts (5-7pm). Wednesdays: Tai Chi (11am-noon); Côr Meibion Dyffryn Aman (8-9pm). Thursdays: Age is Just a Number (10.45-11.45am); Cwmamman OAP branch (2-4pm); Lleisiau’r Cwm Ladies’ Choir (7-8pm); Guides (6-8pm, Artroom). Fridays: Woodcarving (noon-3pm, Artroom); Kinetic Martial Arts (5.30-7.30pm). Sundays: Gaming (7.308.30pm, Main Hall). Additionally, at the Resource Centre: Youth Club on Mondays/wednesdays (6.30-8.30pm); Rainbows on Thursdays (4.30-5.30pm) and Brownies on Thursdays (6.30-8pm). Gardening Club on the second Friday of the month (7-8pm). Dog training (St Trainians) on Saturdays, 9-10am (tbc).
Y Pantri Gymunedol (The Community Shop) at the Community Centre, High Street, Glanamman, is now open on Fridays from noon to 3pm. For a small subscription and weekly cost, members will have access to low-cost food, both store cupboard and fresh fruit and veg. Membership is open to anyone in the Cwmamman community.
Christmas wreath workshop A Christmas wreath-making workshop is being held at the Community Centre, Glanaman, on Saturday, from 10am to 1pm. The cost is £20 per person but spaces are limited; book early to avoid disappointment, contact Marissa on 07776 241865.
Toybox Appeal Garnant Family Centre is taking part in Carmarthenshire Council’s Christmas Toybox Appeal. Lots of families are struggling presently due to rising costs and the impact of the pandemic, whether they are working or not. Please get in touch if you’re going to need toys for your child this year via the family centre’s Facebook Messenger or email tots.tyni@gmail.com
Online baby massage classes were started by Garnant Family Centre on November 10, a four-week course on Wednesdays (10.30am-11.10am); a warm welcome and welcoming group awaits you, email tots.tyni@ gmail.com or see our Facebook page for the required link.
Yn y capeli Bethel Newydd, Garnant: Dydd Sul: Mr Eifion Walters, Rhydyfro (bore); Calfaria, Garnant: Oedfa Gymundeb prynhawn Sul, Y Parchedig John Talfryn Jones i bregethu (cwrdd am 4 o’r gloch).
Good luck in their new home to Mr and Mrs Tony and Jean Mackey, who have just moved in to Ty Dyffryn, Rhodfa Frank, Ammanford, having resided at Maesyrhendre, Garnant, for numerous years; best wishes in your new abode. We also wish all the best to another Garnant resident, Mr Alan James, of Bishop Road, as he settles in to his new residence at Glanmarlais Care Home, Llandybie; his numerous friends wish Alan (“Bimbo” as he is fondly known by all) all the very best.
Hospital news Our very best wishes to Turea Foster, of Ceidrim Road, Glanaman, who is a patient at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli, at the time of writing.
British Legion meeting The next meeting of the Garnant branch of the Royal British Legion will be held at Garnant Club lounge on Thursday, December 9, at 7.30pm; new members are very welcome.
Sad loss His numerous friends were so sad to hear news of the passing away of a well-known and much-liked Glanaman gent, Mr Brian Evans, of Grenig Road, recently, at the age of 79. Born and bred in Tycroes, Brian worked in local collieries, including at Ammanford Colliery, and latterly at Betws Colliery, where he was a deputy fireman. Our deepest sympathy is expressed his dear wife Wynne and all the family on their sudden and sad