Warm Welsh welcome in Bridgend
THE conflict in Syria is the worst humanitarian crisis in a generation.
The country has been decimated by war and terrorism; the lives of its citizens transformed beyond recognition.
Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Egypt host 4.5 million refugees fleeing daily barrel and suicide bombing, starvation and death.
The UK has provided financial aid to these countries and now finally is to also offer refuge to families devastated by the conflict.
Here in Bridgend we will be participating in the Syrian refugee resettlement programmes.
Over five years 10 to 12 Syrian families should be received into the county borough and given the support they need to rebuild their lives.
The Syrian conflict has demonstrated a sadistic targeting of civilians, schools and hospitals by both the Assad regime, its supporters and IS.
Tragic pictures of Syrians dying trying to flee the war or as a result of attacks on communities have filled our papers and screens night after night.
Now the resettlement programme bringing families to Bridgend will prioritise those who have survived torture and violence, women and children at risk, and those who are in need of medical care.
Refugee status means that the families will be able to live, work and contribute to life locally.
In Bridgend we have been given the opportunity to do more than be passive observers of horror and destruction.
We can extend the hand of friendship and share our lives.
These families have lived a life dictated by fear, death and disease.
We can offer a Welsh welcome, safety, security and rebuild faith in common humanity.
Parkinson’s Support: The Maesteg Parkinson’s Support Group meet at Maesteg Hospital on alternate Wednesdays at 2pm. They meet next week on August 31 when Huw Irranca Davies AM will be the speaker.
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.
MHM Wales: Wellbeing Drop-in. Come and join us and increase your positive emotional wellbeing. Every Thursday 12.30pm4.30pm at Central Ecumenical Church, Church Street, Maesteg.
Then there’s the Over 50s Coffee Group. 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 children under 10 years of age.
From 5.30pm-7.30pm for children aged over 10 years of age.
Special Families Maesteg offer weekly coffee mornings at the Court House during term time, Wednesday from 10am-12noon.
Saturday activities at Maesteg Sports Centre 12noon-1.30pm.
Contact: Claire Edmunds 07588 460796 or find Special Families Maesteg on Facebook.
Credit Union: These banks are to help people to escape crippling debts by 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 6 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, telephone 731392; or 177 Caerau Rd, also 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 and Lyndon Horrigan 07971 94328
Latest events at the club include:
Saturday 27th August, Sunshine Cab Company, club open from 7pm. Contact Lyndon Horrigan 07971 943284.
Sunday 28th August (Bank Holiday), Brass Monkeys, club open from 5pm.
Contact Lyndon Horrigan on 07971 943284.
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 to 12 noon and pay only £2 a week.
Then there’s Curtain Up Youth Theatre which meets every Tuesday at Maesteg Town Hall from 4.15pm 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 yearolds) meet Monday 5pm-6.30pm Cubs (8-10) meet Thursday 5.30pm-7pm and Scouts (10-14) meet Thursday 7.15pm- 9.15pm, 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- yearolds to go, where they could just sit around and chat, or do various activities on offer.
Nanty M I: 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 Development Trst: On September 3rd – there’ll be Fun Day with a difference at CDT – more details nearer the date 11am-4pm.
Daily cooked meals from wide menu Monday-Friday.
Free food available Monday-Saturday mornings.
Charity Shop open Monday-Saturday; Library, Computer suite with computer use – help available.
Craft sessions Thursday 6pm onwards; Keep fit – two sessions according to ability – Wednesdays;
Ring for more details (01656 810 225).
Music and story recording sessions Tuesdays. Volunteers welcome in all fields.
Craft group for jewellery and card making; computer suite; various courses.
All suggestions and people welcome! Tel: 01656 810225; 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.
NODDFA Community Project – Caerau A timetable of what’s on:- Monday 5pm-8pm UDC Dance; 6pm-8pm Fitness Class.
Tuesday 10am-12noon Caerau Foodbank – Vouchers Only ( Vouchers can sort on Monday and Thursday 1pm-3pm from Noddfa); 1pm-3pm Bingo Club; 4pm-6pm Caerau Boxing Club; 4pm-5.30pm Kids Club (Homework and Drop In – Primary School); 6.30pm-8.30pm Youth Club (11 – 25 year old). Both Kids/Youth Club link with Caerau Growers – Market Garden.
Wednesday PM: Job Club and Adult Art/Crafts; 5pm-8pm UDC Dance; 6pm-8pm Fitness Class.
Thursday 11am-3pm Sewing Class; 4pm-5.30pm Kids Club (Homework and Drop In – Primary Schools); 6.30pm -8.30pm Youth Club (11- 25 year old).
Friday 4pm-5.30pm Youth Drop In; 6pm-8pm Fitness Club.
Saturday free for bookings.
Sunday UDC Dance Noddfa Community Project, which is run by a group of volunteers who are on the board of directors and has a very experienced and qualified manager at the helm.
Both the Kids Club and Youth Club have qualified and experienced youth workers.
The local PCSO and Fire Service are providing support to a variety of projects within Noddfa.
Noddfa Community Project can be hired at very reasonable rates for birthdays, parties, seminars, training, meetings by telephoning 01656 738866.
GARTH HALL: Garth Over 50s Group meet Wednesdays from 5.30pm -7pm at the Hall in Bridgend Road.
We are in need of new members and any ideas are welcome. £2 to join, then £1 a week.Don’t stay at home on your own! Come and meet new and old friends.
Social session with chat over tea/coffee, bingo, card games, day trips, dining out and the occasional speaker. Phone Anne on 737323 or 07904 604 049 or Ethel on 735571. We are now on Facebook.
We will also be holding a Coffee Morning for MacMillan on Saturday September 10, from 10am-12noon. Everyone is welcome. Volunteers to help out in the kitchen, donate cakes/tea/coffee. Please let us know if you are able to help. Call Anne Wilkes on the above numbers
Llan Hall: The enjoyable, friendly monthly fund- raising lunches ( plus raffles, etc) continue on the third Wednesday of each month at 12.30pm for 1pm, alternating between the pubs in the village.
Llangynwyd Village Hall has lots to offer the community and surrounding areas. Sessions are available for regular hire on Mondays and Fridays between 9am and 5pm.
Current activities at the hall are:
Monday & Tuesday evenings - Sewing Group Mondays 6pm-9pm and Tuesday 7pm-9pm for beginners.
Tuesday morning - Tai Chi;
Wednesday morning – 50+ Keep Fit – there is a new tutor - 10.30am11.30;
Thursday morning - Parent & Toddlers, Table Tennis at 5pm, Girl Guides in the evening; Friday evening Yoga.
We also serve Coffee/ Tea and light refreshments Tues, Wed & Thursday 10am-1pm.
Availability for weekend hire: children/ family parties and fundraising events.
We have new sessions of Tai Chi, as well as our established activities.
Details of groups and hire availability are on our website: www. llanvillage hall. org and facebook plus ring the booking line on 07936 524 553.
Llangynwyd Middle Community Council hold their meetings at the hall on the second Monday of the months (except Bank Holidays) in the coffee room at 6.30pm –members of the press and public are able to observe proceedings and may address council with community issues.
Please see LMCC website for full details www. llangynwyd middlecommunity council. co. uk.
Macmillan Match 4: Macmillan is a new fundraising initiative aimed at anyone, any age or ability to raise vital funds for people affected by cancer.
It can be any kind of activity – all you have to do is decide on your activity, choose a date, register on line at www. macmillan.org.uk/ match or register by calling 0300 1000 200
We’ll be with you will every step of the way to ensure you have a great event – if you need help with fundraising, tips on organising your event, or just want to know more about Macmillan, we’re here for you.
Sandville Court: There is a door to door bus service, taking people from the Llynfi valley to the lovely Sandville Court, a charitable organisation, where they can have therapy - reflexology, relaxation, hydrotherapy and much more.
The bus leaves every