LLYNFI VALLEY

Send Your News To: Marion Rogers 01656 733417 llynficolumn@sky.com

Maesteg WI: We meet on the third Thursday of the month, except in August, at Maesteg RFC at 7pm.

Last month our speaker Sally Mabey gave an interesting talk and slide show on her daughter’s wedding in Istanbul.

Our next meeting is this coming Thursday, July 21, when we have a demonstration and talk from Fruity Bouquet.

Any new member’s welcome, why not come along and see if it is for you.

For further information please contact Linda Lewis on 07714 649 724.

Diamond Wedding: Mr and Mrs Victor and Margaret Tew of Meadow St Maesteg celbrated their Diamond Wedding on June 30.

Sixty years ago the couple were married at Tabernacle Chapel and the reception was held in the vestry.

They then went to Bournemouth on their honeymoon.

Mr Tew worked at the Post Office and then at the Paper Mill, while Mrs Tew was employed at the Bridgend Arsenal and, later, at Revlon.

Thrilled by a letter from the Queen, Mr Tew was also pleased to say that two mayors visited – Maesteg Mayor Coun Jen Terry with her consort Coun Phil John and Bridgend Mayor.

The couple have two sons – their daughter passed away at an early age – and they have two grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.

Due to Mrs Tew’s ill health, the celebrations will continue later, when they will have a belated holiday.

MAOS: The next fundraising event for Maestegamateur Operatic Society is at Maesteg Workman’s Club this coming Friday, July 22, a murder mystery will be performed at 7pm for 7.30pm and a buffet.

Thus you are invited as friends to enjoy Lord and Lady Totty and again to be detectives when ’Oh, What a Performance is performed.

If you haven’t yet had them, tickets costing £8, can be bought from. Jane Mullins at Maesteg Library; M Banks 07584 177 456; Lizzy’s Candy or Sian Rees 07960 105 917.

The cast include Ralph Lightfoot, Producer/ Director, Michael Banks; Anita Finish, Village Hall Cleaner, Jane Mullins; Penny Less, Playing Cinderella (Barmaid at Dartingford Dangler), Katie Bickle; Andy Fastener, Playing Buttons (Horse Jockey), Ryan Penhale; Bobby Dazzler, Playing Prince Charming (Dressmaker), Bethan Thomas; Helena Handcart, Playing Baroness Hardup (Lord Totty’s Secretary), Sally Ann Kingsbury; Arthur Sixpence, Playing Baron Hardup (Racehorse Trainer), Tony Mullins; Ed Ache, Playing Excrutia – Ugly Sister (Footman at Darlington Hall), Ross Thomas; Robin Blind, Playing Extortia – Ugly Sister, (Landlord of Dartingford Dangler), Tony Kingsbury; Ginger Vitis, Playing Fairy Godmother (Dance Teacher), Sian Rees. Ms Marbles will probably make another appearance.

Summer Fete: St Cynfelyn’s Church Fete will be held on this coming Saturday, July 23 in the church hall. As usual there will be a number of stalls as well as their famously delicious refreshments.

Strictly Cinema: At Maesteg Town Hall on Wednesday, July 27, at 11am, followed by a splendid buffet and Dance/Bingo- all for £6.

Booking is essential for numbers for the buffet – tickets are form Maesteg Library, ring 01656 or visit www.maestegtownhall.com.

Hail, Caesar! is our July film, and stars Josh Brolin, George Clooney, Alden Ehrenreich, Ralph Fiennes, Jonah Hill and Scarlett Johansson.

Church Exhibition: St Cynwyd’s Church, Llangynwyd, is holding a quilting festival on the August 4, 5, and 6. The display will include other crafts as well as quilts. Tickets cost £3 and will be valid for the duration of the festival. Opening hours will be 10am to 3pm.

There will be refreshments served in the schoolroom which will cost £1.50 for tea/ coffee and a cake. Top ups will be free. Everyone is welcome to join us and have a lovely day.

Strawberry Tea: A very successful Strawberry Tea was held by Tir Iarll W I at Llangynwyd Village Hall on June 25.

It was also the launch of the Valley and Vale Tithes project Up and Over.

Two wall hangings had been made and were on display depicting life in the Llynfi and Garw valleys.

The craft group of Tir Iarll had made one looking at life in the Llynfi valley with craft work of many of its famous buildings and also personal memories of the group.

The ladies of Dan Y Mynydd created the Garw wall hanging.

After an excellent tea the ladies were entertained firstly by The Valley and Vale Community Choir who are based at Bettws and then Anthony Bye and friends with a visit from the Mari Llwyd.

These wall hangings will be on display in Aberystwyth library during August before being returned to Llangynwyd Village Hall and Dan Y Mynydd for all to see.

Tir Iarll WI: At the July meeting Susan Hughes welcomed four new members. Susan thanked all members who had helped with the Strawberry Tea. Secretary Ann Rees gave a report on the Womens Institute AGM at Brighton.

The ramblers reported on their walk at the Parc Slip. The book clubs gave their reports and members were reminded about the Glamorgan Show in North Connelly on July 23.

Speaker for the evening was Raynor Rees. Her topic was “My travels as a Soroptomist”.

The talk included slides about the aim of the group and where Raynor had travelled.

This is an international global volunteer group working together to transform the lives of women and girls by educating, empowering and enabling oppurtunities for women and girls.

Next meeting is on Tuesday September 6th where there will be a Harvest Supper.

Two 2-Day Trips: The first is the Christmas Market in Birmingham on December 14, for £109 and £42 extra for a single room with a £35 deposit required when booking.

Then on December 21 we have Andre Rieu in concert in Birmingham for £204 and £15 extra single room with a deposit of £108 required when booking.

Contact Eirwen Thomas on 01656 736379.

Council Meeting: Points of interest from the June Minutes of Maesteg Town Council, which were passed as correct at the July meeting included:

Financial Assistance – donations for support have been made to Open Spaces Society; HomeStart; Dyffryn Chapel; Shelter Cymru. Letters of thanks were received from organizations already granted support.

Dog Fouling – a number of complaints have been made by residents in a few areas of the valley.

Ladies’ Toilets – the issue has been resolved, but the Council will continue to monitor the situation.

Footpaths 3 and 4 Maesteg – works on the Llynfi Afan Renewable Energy Park will continue for another 6 months, so the footpaths will be closed.

Maesteg Welfare Park – concerns that there is a lack of toilet facilities. Planning permission is at the last pages of the minutes. If you wish to see more, they are in Maesteg Library.

Special Dates: Do you have a 100th birthday coming up, or a Golden or Diamond Wedding and live in the Maesteg Town Council area? You, or your relatives, can inform the council. Then you can expect a special visit from the Mayor and consort bearing gifts. Befriending Scheme: The Big Lottery funded Community Companions befriending scheme for over 50s is looking for volunteer voluntary befrienders in the Maesteg area.

Imagine going days or weeks without seeing somebody or not being able to get out of the house?

An hour of your time to visit someone or help them participate in community activities can make a huge difference to their day.

Led by Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) and delivered by BAVO and its partners, the project is free of charge, confidential and nonjudgemental, providing volunteer befrienders and community cafés for socially isolated people aged over 50 throughout Bridgend County Borough.

By becoming a befriender you can experience first hand the difference that you can make to people’s lives.

You can help older people meet others, improve their access to local services and improve their overall health and wellbeing.

An hour of your day will really go a long way! For further details call BAVO, on 01656 810400 or email: bavo@bavo.org.uk

Choirs: Do you like music? Do you like to sing? Do you like making new friends? Then one of these choirs is for you – in alphabetical order.

Each has choristers from all over the borough, has their own style in making music and all are friendly, with a warm welcome waiting for new members.

CÔr Meibion Maesteg a’r cylch/Maesteg Male Voice Choir rehearse at the Celtic club on Thursdays and every other Tuesday from 7pm-9pm on Thursday with a 15 minute break and from 7pm-8.30pm Tuesdays with no break.

CÔr Merched Cwm Llynfi, the Llynfi Valley Ladies Choir rehearse at the Catholic Church – St Mary’s and St Patrick’s – on Wednesdays 7pm-9pm.

The Gleemen – Maesteg Gleemen Male Voice Choir rehearse at the British Legion Club.

Harmony Ladies Choir, rehearse Mondays 7.30pm-9pm at Nanty Rugby Club.

Rotary: At a meeting held in the Cross Inn Cwmfelin maesteg on Monday, July 11, Mr Gwynfor Phillips was installed as president for the year 2016/17.

He gave a breakdown of his intentions for the year which included a number of youth activities involving youth speaks, young musician, young photographer, etc.

Maesteg Rotary club has been going for more than 70 years and in that time has raised many thousands of pounds for local and international charities.

However, like a lot of societies is suffering from a lack of membership and appeal to anyone, male or female, who can spare an hour each fortnight and would like to become a member and enjoy the fellowship and help charity they can contact Gwynfor Phillips on 07815 511 697.

At the same meeting Talfyn Harries was installed as President elect.

Doggy Bags: Maesteg Council Offices always have free doggy bags for dog owners to clear up the mess their animals make.

There’s no need to make an appointment, you can just call into the offices any time between 10am and 1pm from Monday to Friday.

Let’s try to keep all our valley as clean and as tidy as we possibly can.

Pet Care: Anyone thinking of holidays away, or feel like they haven’t got enough hours in the day? Llynfi Pet Care has been set up for anyone who is in need of a little help with pet care within the Maesteg area.

They offer dog walking, pet sitting and house visits throughout the day.

For more information please contact Leah Powell on 07966 351 244, email info@llynfipetcare, or find them on Facebook.

Maesteg Ramblers: The Maesteg Ramblers will meet at Maesteg car park this coming Saturday at 9am for the 6-mile Gelligaer Common walk – Royal Commission.

Ring 07977 831317for more details. All are welcome to join us on our walks but please remember that you walk at your own risk.

Yoga class: Are you less than able bodied, with mobility difficulties? Or would you just like to do some gentle exercise, or meet friends?

This aims to help the release of tension from the body.

St Davids Church holds weekly ‘seated yoga’ classes, on a Monday from 10.30am-11.30am (except bank holidays). The cost is £4 per session.

Ukelele Club: The Maesteg Ukulele Club meet every Monday (except bank holidays) at 7pm in the Cross Inn, Cwmfelin/Maesteg.

For all levels of players from beginners to experienced and they are looking for new members to join.

Parkinson’s Group: The Maesteg Parkinson’s Support Group meet at Maesteg Hospital on alternate Wednesdays at 2pm.

They meet today, when Bingo will be part of the afternoon’s entertainment.

If anyone has this illness, you and your partner are welcome to attend to join this cheerful group, who, as well as speakers, arrange trips and lunches as well as free Wednesdays when they enjoy a chat, or bingo, and always have delicious cakes with tea or coffee.

Mens’ Shed: The Shed is at the Court House, 4 Station Street, Maesteg and the men meet on Thursdays from 11.30am1.30pm with lunch included for a donation.

John Gates makes an appeal for all men that are crafters in the Llynfi Valley to join us every Thursday at The Court House.

More information can be found on the website www.shedquarters.wales

Mystery Book Club: A Murder Mystery Book Club Is held at the library in Maesteg Sports Centre on a Saturday each month (the Saturday to be decided each month). If anyone is interested, please contact Martyn at the library.

MHMwales: Wellbeing Drop-in. Come and join us and increase your positive emotional wellbeing. Thursdays from, 12.30pm-4.30pm at Central Ecumenical Church, Church Street, Maesteg.

Then there’s the Over 50s Coffee Group.

Are you over 50? Come along and make new friends and check out other opportunities which are out there just for you!

Wednesdays, from 2pm-4pm at Lloyds Café, Maesteg

Special Families: This is a family support group in Maesteg for families that have children with disabilities.

There is now a Youth Club for Special Needs children and their siblings at the Court House.

It is on a Thursday. From 3.30pm-5.30pm for under 10 years of age.

From 5.30pm -7.30pm for over 10 years of age.

Special Families Maesteg offer weekly coffee mornings at the Court House during term time, Wednesdays 10am12noon.

Saturday activities at Maesteg Sports Centre 12noon-1.30pm.

Contact Claire Edmunds on 07588 460796 or facebook Special Families Maesteg.

Credit Union: Credit unions are here to help people escape crippling debts from borrowing from rogue firms and loan sharks.

The long-established Llynfi Valley Credit Union is open for business for just £1 membership joining fee.

Then you can save as much or as little as you wish (from 50p upwards) and, after six weeks of regular saving, you can take out a loan (there is a maximum amount) for twice as much as you have saved at only 2% interest per month – lower than any other lenders.

You’ll find it at 15a Talbot Street from 9am- 1pm, Monday to Saturday, call 731392.

Also at 177 Caerau Road, from 9am-1pm Monday to Friday, call 736267.

Food Bank: This is an essential service and is kept stocked by generous people and stores within the community.

The next time you go shopping, please spare a thought for this service.

For those who wish to contribute, baked beans are good, but, for variety, dry goods or other tins are most acceptable.

You can either deliver them to Noddfa in Caerau,, or Peniel in Maesteg, or Caerau Development Trust via Dr Jill.

Those of you who believe that you are entitled to use the Food Bank at Peniel Chapel Maesteg or at Bridgend, please note that you can’t just go along to get food there.

You must check – you need a note from your doctor, the Social Services, the Job Centre or Citizens’ Advice Bureau, which you then take with you and hand it in.

Nanty Sport: Llynfi Valley Table Tennis is open every Friday evening from (note change of time) 6.30pm till 9pm, at Maesteg Sports Centre.

All equipment is provided for use, with qualified coaches to help and assist from absolute beginners to the more experienced player.

Admission is £3 for adults and £1 for children.

For any more details or information contact Peter Williams on 07956 608 581.

Maesteg C C: The club is available for hire for parties, christenings, etc.

If you wish to hire Maesteg Cricket Club, the contacts are Ryan Parry 07712 243589 or Dean 07929 620816.

Children/Youth: We have two children’s and young people’s cultural activities in our valley plus scouts, air cadets and the Courthouse:

Maesteg Children’s Choir have exciting plans for this year, when the choir will be celebrating 30 years, so they say, ‘Why not come along and join the celebrations’.

The children are guaranteed a great time learning new songs. They meet every Saturday in the Crypt of St Michael’s Church from 10am -12 noon and pay only £2 a week.

Then there’s Curtain Up Youth Theatre which meets every Tuesday at Maesteg Town Hall from 4.15 for primary school age children and 6pm for those of comprehensive school age up to 18.

They are trained to a high standard in all aspects of stage-craft – acting, mime and movement.

There is a weekly fee of £6 with an offer of £10 for 2 in the family.

Community based, the 3rd Maesteg Scout Group, began in 1959 and still going strong, meeting at the building in Llwydarth Road:

Beavers (6-8 year-olds) meet Monday 5-6.30 Cubs (8-10) meet Thursday 5.30-7 and Scouts (10-14) meet Thursday 7.15-9.15, all at £3 each week.

Activities include helping in the community; activity badges; camping; learning and investigating; fun days.

We are doing lots of fundraising at present for the group.

The 631 (Maesteg) Squadron meet on Tuesday and Friday evenings at their Upper Street HQ and welcome boys and girls aged 13 and over.

The Courthouse is in Station Street Maesteg and was started as a place for 16-25-year-olds to go, where they could just sit around and chat, or do various activities on offer. Now the age-limit has been lowered.

It’s open every Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5.30pm-7.30pm..

Plus there are dance groups of various styles – ballet with Miss Sian, based in Church Street Maesteg (near the bus station); Contagious and Funk Force.

If any other child/youth group would like to be included in this section of the column, please contact me.

Nanty MI: Need a location for your activities or events Why not try Nanty Library with two large halls available with vacant slots throughout the week and weekends.

For further information contact Bernard Aylward 01656 739898.

Already, a good evening with a great atmosphere is assured when you go to Nanty Miners’ Institute for a Bingo Night on a Monday and Thursday from 7.15pm (the Saturday Bingo has been suspended).

As well as bingo, there are refreshments

Caerau: The Charity Shop is thriving and is enjoying the Summer.

It has lots of new/ nearly new items for sale at bargain prices - Jeans galore (many with designer labels!); shoes; children’s clothes; variety of goods etc.

Cafe open daily for tasty snacks and a two-course meal available on Fridays usually only £4.(Booking helpful for this but not essential);

Also craft group, jewellery & card making; computer suite; various courses.

All suggestions and people welcome! Call 01656 810225 or email caeraudevelopmenttrust @gmail.com.

They also have rooms available for hire for parties and other functions.

For more details please contact the Trust on the above number/email address.