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Davies, the great and well loved Bryan Dabies’ daughter.
Songs from Francesco Paola Tosti were later followed by Bellini and at one point, he went down on his knees to sing Mamma to Mrs Mary Hodges, Alun’s mother. This brought tears to many an eye.
The finale was extra special because Luis joined the Gleemen for their last two items – Perhaps Love and Nessum Dorma, which raised the rafters, so great was the applause.
A rider to this was that, on the friday, the choir sang outside Spac Savers in Bridgend in aid of Ty Hafan and who suddenly joined them was Luis, singing Nesun Dorma!
This of course caused havoc as passers-by stopped on their tracks
Well Done: I wish to congratulate the pupils and staff of Maesteg school on achieving a fantastic set of A-level results. Our A* to A grades and our A to C grades show a rising trend of achievement. Our pupils leave Maesteg well prepared for the next phase of their careers and I am sure that many of them will continue to raise the profile of the Llynfi valley through their future achievements. Well done to you all and best wishes for the future.
On behalf of the governing body – Councillor Keith Edwards chair of governors.
Noteworthy Choir: This superb mixed choir will perform Faure’s Requiem on Sunday, September 18 at 7pm in St Michael’s Church, Maesteg.
The baritone solo will be sung by Welsh baritone Aled Powys Williams.
The soprano will be sung by Maesteg’s own, Sally Ann Kingsbury.
The performance will be conducted by Noteworthy’s founder director of music, Ryan Wood and accompanied by eminent Welsh musician, Jeffrey Howard. Tickets cost £5 on the door.
Charity Walk: Steve Jones is organising a walk for Ty Hafan this coming Sunday, September 18. Meet at the Garth Inn at 10.30am for a bus to take you up to top Llangynwyd.
From there you will walk down to the Cross Inn, turning left to walk through Llwydarth Road and on to Commercial, Street to Maesteg Town Centre.
Then along the bottom road through Castle Street and Bridgend Road, ending once more at Garth Inn.
There you will fing a free BBQ and plus, of course, a raffle. Sponsor forms are available from Garth Inn or Steve on 01656 734010.
Learn Welsh: Welsh classes are starting on the week beginning September 26.
Maesteg College Mondays, 6pm-8pm; Welsh for the Family.
Maesteg College, Wednesdays, 1pm-3pm.
For details visit www. southwales.ac.uk/ learwelsh or phone 01443 483600.
Charity Concert: Curtain Up Youth Theatre will perform in aid of Action for Children next week on Wednesday, September 28 at 7pm.
The concert will be at C C M () and the compere will be Rev Dr Jason Aaskew.
Curtain up is led by a talented trio – Sarah Thomas, Ruth Whelan and Richard Norton – who train the children and young people to a very high standard, as all who have seen and heard them perform know well.
Tickets are available from Curtain Up members, from myself (01656 733417), or you can pay at the door. Macmillan Coffee Event: The cancer charity’s Biggest Coffee Mornin’ will be held on Friday, September 30 from 10am12noon. As usual the venue is Central Church Maesteg (opposite bus station) and, it goes without saying, that there will also be raffles.
Tickets cost £2 and are available from church members, or pay at the door.
Eisteddfod Apel: Pwyllgor apel Maesteg Eisteddfod yr Urdd Penybont ar Ogwr, Taf ac Elai 2017.
Quiz Night at the Workmen’s Club, Temple Street, Maesteg, on Monday, October 3 at 7pm for 7.30pm start. Come and test your knowledge. There will be fun bingo and raffle.
Come and help raise funds to support the Eisteddfod being held in Pencoed in 2017.
Town Hall Events: Future events at our Town Hall are as follows:
Saturday, October 1 at 7.30pm, Bon Giovi, tribute to Bon Jovi. Tickets £10.50.
Friday, October 7 at 7.30pm, Aberystwyth Mon Amour – the new stage adaptation of the smashhit comedy crime fiction novel. Tickets cost £11.50.
Thursday, October 13 at 7.30pm – it’s Maesteg Comedy Club with three up and coming awardwinning comiedians. Ticxkets are £7.50.
Thursday, October 27 2pm-4pm, recommended for ages up to seven (who must be supervised by a responsible adult). Party fun through the medium of Welsh with a competition for the best costume. Tickets cost £2.50.
Friday, October 28 at 7.30pm. Steeleye Span in Concert – the folk rock pioneers are touring with a new live show, Moddy Prior – a mixture of new and classic material. Tickets are £22.
Wednesday, October 26 at 11am – Strictly Cinema film, buffet and bingo. Tickets £6.50.
Llynfi Surgery: Are you or someone you know going to University this year and were born between September 1, 1997 and August 31, 1998.
Please ring for your appointment to immunize yourself against Meningitis A, C, W& Y.
All young people born between September 1, 1996 and August 31, 1997 are also invited to be immunized.
Ring for appointment – immunizations are available for Tuesday of this week September 6 between 2pm and 3pm.
Flu injections are available every Tuesday in October no appointment necessary just come along between 1.30pm and 3pm Garth Senior Hall: Simple Sewing Workshop at Garth Hall, Bridgend Road, CF34 0NB, Christmas Star Table Centre, Saturday, October 22 from 2pm5pm.
Sewing machine workshop suitable for beginners and improvers.
You will learn basic sewing and patchwork techniques, a little machine quilting and have a beautiful table centre to take home ready for Christmas.
£10 per person, tea or coffee and cake included.
A list of requirements will be provided when you book.
Call Anne Wilkes on 0790 460 4049 or email: institches4@hotmail.com Harmony Concert: Harmony will be celebrating their 10th anniversary this year so they would love you to join them in the celebrations at Maesteg Town Hall, Saturday, October 8 at 7pm doors open at 6.30pm.
Tickets cost £10 from any chorister or contact the Town Hall box office 01656 815995 or www. maestegtownhall.com.
Special guests for the evening are Richard and Adam finalist’s from Britain’s Got Talent, the brother’s who are from Holywell are welsh classical singers.
Compere for the special evening is Maesteg’s very own Ross Thomas former Mayor of Maesteg. So please come and join us in this celebration. Côr Merched Cwm Llynfi: You may have noticed that Côr Merched Cwm Llynfi is not performing an annual concert in Maesteg Town Hall in September this year.
Since the musical calendar of Maesteg is very full in September and October, we have taken the decision to move the date of our annual concert to April each year.
Our next showcase concert in Maesteg Town Hall will be on April 7, 2017, put the date in your diaries now!
That isn’t to say that the choir is not busy rehearsing and performing.
On September 28 we will be entertaining those attending the Harvest supper at St Cyfelin’s Church, Caerau.
While on October 26 we will be performing at Shiloh Church, Llangynwyd.
We will be supporting the restoration fund of the Catholic Church of Our Lady and St Patrick by singing in a concert on Friday, November 25.
Online Help: Organised by Awen Cultural Trust in partnership with Bridgend Communities First, we can answer all your online, web and internet based questions and more.
From September 5 to December 16. Pop in for a chat on Tuesdays at Maesteg Library, 10am12noon or call us on 01656 754835. Healthy Cooking
Sessions: These free sessions are at Caerau Development Trust on Fridays September 30, October 7, 14 and 21 and November 4 and 11. All of them are from 10am- 12noon.
Enjoy finding out how to make easy to
cook recipes to keep you healthy! Free to all those living in Bridgend Communities First areas, advance booking required by contacting Jeremy on 01656 643518 or email: Jeremy. Dimond@ bridgend. gov. uk. Zumba Fitness Sessions: Free sessions are being held at Caerau Social Centre on Tuesdays September 13, 20, 27 and October 4, 11, and 18.
All of them are from from 10.30am- 11.30am.
Have great fun with your friends and family getting fit to music created with specific beats and tempo changes which targets every muscle group in the body!
Free to all those living in Bridgend Communities First areas, advance booking required by contacting Jeremy as above. Charity Concert: This will take place on Wednesday, September 28 at 7pm in Central Church, doors open at 6.30pm.
This year, Curtain Up Youth Theatre will perform in aid of Action for Children. Last year Maesteg Children’s Choir perfomed, and it’s good to know that young people are ready to support other young people less fortunate than themselves.
Tickets cost £ 3 and will soon be available from church members, or you can pay at the door.
MAOS Show: Advance notice of this year’s show at Maesteg Town Hall– Joan Littelwood’s musical comedy ‘Oh What a Lovely War!’
It’s on Friday and Saturday October 21 and 22. Tickets cost £ 12 or £ 10 cons from Maesteg library on 01656 815995 or maestegtownhall.com
Fright Night: Advance notice of the Llynfi Valley Amateur Dramatic Society’s Fright Night.
The date is October 28 and the venue Maesteg Harlequins, time 7.30pm. Admission £5. We will be providing a buffet and the bar will be open.
Alan Flay is wondering if any of you have personal experience of any ghosts, the paranormal, etc. If so, please contact him.
Two 2- Day Trips: The first is the Christmas Market in Birmingham on Wednesday, December 14, cost £ 109 and £ 42 extra for a
single room with a £ 35 deposit required when booking.
Then the following week, on Wednesday December 21, there is a trip to see the very talented Andre Rieu in concert in Birmingham £204 and £15 extra single room with a deposit of £108 required when booking.
Contact Eirwen Thomas on 01656 736379.
Our River: The Llynfi Valley Rivercare Group, who clean our river and plant flowers along its banks, have a ten year lease on a piece of land in Bridgend Road, Garth.
They intend creating a ‘wetland’ there and have already had the land for five years, waiting for BCBC’s planning permission.
At last it’s now in the hands of the Planning Department – so watch this space. 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.
Choir News: The following choirs are in the area if you would like to joing.
CÔr Meibion Maesteg a’r cylch/Maesteg Male Voice Choir rehearse at the Celtic club on Thursdays and every other Tuesday starting at 7pm-9pm on Thursday with a 15 minute break and 7pm-8.30pm Tuesday 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.
CôR Meibion: On Saturday, September 3. Maesteg Male voice choir made their first visit to Wellington in Somerset in aid of raising funds for the charity W.H.E.R.E. the aim of which is to assist adults in the local community who have physical or mental disabilities, long term health conditions or have become socially isolated due to age,health or bereavement.
The extremely talented musical team of Rhian Jenkins musical director and Ryan Wood accompanistdecided on a varied programme and started the concert with the powerful Men of Harlech which, with the excellent acousticts in the church, made the packed audience sit up with anticipation of what was to come.
The next item was an arrangement by Haydn James of Working Man and the soloist part was by second tenor Arthur Speidlhalter.
The first half also included an arrangement by the choirs accompanist Ryan of Tell my Father from the civil war which was well received by the audience. Baritone David Maybury sang two items in the first half and the choir finished the half with the very popular American Trilogy.
In the second half the choir started with the traditional Gwahoddiad and also included the fabulous Nella Fantasia which the choir have recently included into their repertoire.
Another choir baritone Kevan Lloyd then sang two pieces including Stars from Les Miserables, which was well received by the audience and the choir finished the concert with the ever popular Finlandia.
The organiser of the concert Barbara Ford, chief executive of the charity, was delighted with the evening as Maesteg was the first choir she had arranged to sing for the charity and she had made two visits to the town to see the choir performing before arranging the concert.
The concert was also the last time our compere Ben Fish would be with us as he is moving from the area and the choir would like to thank him for all his efforts over the last few years and wish him well for the future.
If any gentleman enjoys singing and socialising please contact our secretary Nigel Williams on 01656 746742 or join us at the Celtic Club, Maesteg, every Thursday and every other Tuesday at 7pm you will be assured of a warm welcome.
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 wit 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.
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 you can send an email to: bavo@bavo.org.uk.
New Exhibition: From September 1, a new exhibition, Chwyldro/ Revolution, is being held at the Futures Gallery, Cardiff Bay between September 6 and September 29.
It is jointly organised by the Welsh Political Archive at The National Library of Wales and the University of Wales Centre for Advanced Welsh and Celtic Studies, drawing on work from the AHRC-funded ‘Wales and the French Revolution’ project.
This exciting exhibition brings together a wealth of words and images exploring the story of public political discourse in Wales from the 1790s to the present day.
The exhibition explores Welsh responses to the French revolution, and witnesses key events through the eyes of some of the Welsh people who were in France at the time.
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 David’s Church holds weekly ‘seated yoga’ classes, on a Monday morning 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 Support: The Maesteg Parkinson’s Support Group meet at Maesteg Hospital on alternate Wednesdays at 2pm. They meet today.
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. 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. MHM Wales: Wellbeing Drop-in. Come and join us and increase your positive emotional wellbeing.
Every Thursday 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!
Every Wednesday 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 on 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.
You’ll find it at 15a Talbot Street from 9am1pm Monday to Saturday, call 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 6th August, Prosapio (Duet), club open from 7pm. Contact Lyndon Horrigan 07971 943284.
Saturday 20th August, Bad Reputation, club open from 7pm. Contact Lyndon Horrigan 07971 943284.
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 year-olds) meet Monday 5pm6.30pm 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-year-olds 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 MondayFriday.
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.
Llan Hall: The enjoyable, friendly monthly fundraising 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.llangynwydmiddlecommunitycouncil.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 Thursday morning, providing it’s fairly full – there’s a small fee for the bus and all the therapies are donations only.
Tudor is the transport manager, so, to go, just phone him on 01656 731 697. Sandville’s website is www.sandville.org where you can find out much more about this wonderful place – how it started, what it accomplishes – it even has its own beautiful chapel, or you can ring them on 01656 734433.
A number of events are held by various organisations to raise funds for this charity. Carers Outreach: Please note that the Maesteg Carers’ Outreach is by appointment only – ring Steve on 01656 658479 if you need help, advice, or support and he will meet you at the usual place Maesteg CAB – or, if it’s easier, he will meet you at your home.
Remember that, to get to the centre (87 Park Street, Bridgend, telephone 01656 658479, you can take the Town Rider Service, which is available to people resident within designated areas of