Flooding misery for residents

I WAS very saddened and concerned to hear of the flooding that affected houses in Maesteg and Garth this week as a consequence of Storm Angus lashing South Wales.

Monday was a particularly miserable day, and the effects of such heavy rain and bad weather seemed to be felt everywhere. It was hard getting from one place to another, and nobody could have blamed any parent for deciding that the school run was best done using a car.

In Maesteg, the local authority said culverts had been cleared in anticipation of the poor weather, but became repeatedly blocked by debris as rivers rose and council staff battled to keep them working.

The flooding resulted in some houses being flooded. Anyone who has ever been in a flooded home will know what a heartbreaking experience it is.

Even when a family is fortunate not to lose its precious possessions, such as photographs and heirlooms, the effects of flooding can be felt for months afterwards. For example, water washed into homes can contain sewage and other waste. The water will find its way into every nook and cranny and will take a great deal of work to get rid of.

Experiences of insurance companies varies widely, too. Most are first class and provide a vital service. However, I have had to deal with some which drag their feet and add to the agony.

We should all hope that no one in Bridgend or anywhere else has to go through the same kind of misery we saw in parts of England last year, and that the worst of the weather is behind us.

Lunchtime Theatre: The next lunchtime theatre event is Game of Bones, a new comedy play by Mumbles-based playwright Mike Witchell.

It will be performed at Maesteg Town Hall on Wednesday, November 23, at 2pm.

Tickets cost £6.50 from Maesteg Library on 01656 815995 or from www. maesteg townhall.com.

Choir Concert: On Thursday, November 24 at 7.30pm, the popular Pelynna Male Voice Choir will perform a concert in St David’s Church (opposite Asda).

Tickets cost £5 with proceeds to Christian Aid.

Christmas Fair: At St Cynfelyn’s Church hall on Saturday, November 26 at 12noon. There’ll be a cake stall, tombola, books, white elephant, toys, games and, of course, refreshments.

Maesteg Mayor’s Fund: On Saturday, November 26, there is a coach trip to Worcester’s famous Christmas Market. Tickets cost £17 (coach only). Leaving Blaen Caerau at 7.45am, Caerau Square at 7.50am, Maesteg Bus Station at 8.05am. Pick ups en-route to M4 by request.

For tickets for both events contact Michael Banks on 07584 177 456; or Margaret Buckley 01656 732 631, or Jen Terry: 07817 501 999, or Lizzy’s Candy (Talbot Street). More d etails on Facebook: Mayor of Maesteg.

Art Society: If you feel that you have a talent for drawing or painting and would like to join the society. They meet at Maesteg College on Mondays from 4pm-6pm.

Rambling Along : Maesteg Ramblers will meet at 9am at Maesteg free car park. Call 07977 831 317 or 01656 738079 for more information or visit the website at www. maestegramblers.

Nanty Sport: Llynfi Valley Table Tennis is open every Friday evening from (note change of time) 6.30pm9pm, 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. Contact Peter Williams on 07956 608 581.

Garth Hall: Garth OAP Club meet in their hall on Bridgend Road every Wednesday from 5.30pm7pm. New members are needed to secure the future of the club and hall. Membership £2, weekly subs £1.

Phone Anne on 0790 460 4049 or 737323 for details.

Christmas Craft Fayre – On Saturday, November 26, from 12noon-4pm, we are holding a proper Christmas Craft Fayre at Garth Hall. Excellent local crafters have already booked their sales tables.

Social Session – Chat over tea and coffee, bingo, card games, day trips, dining out and the occasional speaker. Call Anne on 737323 or 07904 604 049 or Ethel on 735571 for details.

Remembrance Services: The Maesteg Branch of the Royal British Legion’s annual concert and Service of Remembrance was held at Maesteg Town Hall on Friday, November 11.

This year’s choir was Maesteg Gleemen with their musical director Alun Hodges and accompanist Suzanne Hodges.

Also featuring was the Ogmore Silver Band and compere for the evening was Anthony Bwye, who did an excellent job.

The Ogmore Silver Band played welcome music as the audience took their seats and took part at times throughout the evening.

The band was outstanding and their conductor was very entertaining as she interacted with the audience. The Gleemen’s items were appropriate songs from their extensive repertoire and included O Gynru, How Great Thou Art and Mansions of the Lord all well received.

EOS, a harpist and two singers – Bethan, Angharad and Meinir – performed their version of Benedictus, which was much appreciated by the audience.

The service was, as always, moving. First, led by the Piper Anthony Beauchamp, came the procession of standards followed by the clergy with laments played by the piper.

Letters from soldiers to their loved ones back home were read by pupils of Maesteg Comprehensive; a poem was read by Philip Jenkins.

Then, the well known act of Remembrance, always emotional, led by The Exhortation, the Last Post, a two-minute silence when the poppies rustled onto the stage, the Reveille and The Epitaph from the Kohima War Memorial.

Finally the hymn He Who Would Valiant Be the Blessing followed by the Queen, the Welsh national anthem and then the standards march-off.

Remembrance Sunday: The service was held at St Michael’s Church and then the procession through town, ending at the cenotaph, our memorial to all who fell in both world wars and other conflicts.

The turn out in Maesteg was really well attended by old and young and there was much to see – including police horses, bikers and a tank.

Now that it’s all over, it makes one pause to stare and contemplate when passing the display of poppies and wreaths surrounding the cenotaph. up there over the next few months. Latest events are: Saturday, November 26 – Jason Simons comedy hypnotist/ walk around magician/ mindreading show.

Thursday, December 1 – Jack and The Beanstalk. Panto with Garry Sage. Tickets £5 each and will be available soon.

Thursday, December 15 – Christmas Shopping – free event, so keep a look out for posters.

Saturday, December 17 – The Big Lick with Debbie Morgan also a free entry night.

Monday, December 19 – Children’s Christmas Disco (more detils to follow) free entry.

Blaenogwr, Nantymoel: Wales v South Africa on Saturday on the big screens with all pints £2.50 during the game only.

Wyndham Arms: Rugby on Saturday with Wales v South Africa on the big screens and all pints £2 while the game is on only.

Saturday, December 3 – Christmas charity fundraising day from 12noon-4pm in aid of Y Bont and Bridgend Down’s Syndrome Group.

Sunday, December 9 – live music from the Satellites, 6pm.

Thursdays, 9pm is our Quiz Night and Play Your Cards Right where you could win £100.

Congratulations: Well done to Sophie Hoyle, of Ogmore Vale ,who won a big UK pageant on Sunday, November 13, at Bedwas.

She won Miss Glamorous Beauty UK and also some side awards of Best Poise and Elegance, Best Catwalk and Best in Interview.

From all your family and friends.

Nantymoel RFC Youth Reunion: There will be a Nantymoel RFC Youth reunion at the clubhouse on Friday, November 25, from 7pm.

Entertainment will be provided and this promises to be an enjoyable evening for all.

If anyone has any old photographs relating to the Youth team that they are willing to share to add to the evening, please contact or forward these to David Thomas via email at: david. thomas2@live.com.

Admission is free but by ticket only from the club beforehand.

Get Well Wishes: Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Mike Woodland, our Thursday night quizmaster at the Non-Pol, following his heart attack. Your quizzers are thinking of you.

Valley Ravens Mini/Junior Rugby: History was made on Sunday, November 13, at Lawrence Park, Pontycymer, when the Valley Ravens mini/junior section played all full programme of fixtures, against Kenfig Hill mini/ junior section.

More than 250 people were there to enjoy this exciting new collaboration, fully supported by the WRU, the aim being to keep children’s rugby alive and kicking in both the Garw and Ogmore Valleys.

All age groups concerned – under 7s, 8s, 9s and 10s – showed exceptional rugby skills, to entertain the large crowd and all the players showed their mark of respect for our war heroes, by holding a twominute silence, before the kick off.

The results are as follows:

Under 7s – Valley Ravens 13 Kenfig Hill 12. Player of match Josh Turner.

Under 8s – Valley Ravens 17 Kenfig Hill 8. Player of match Will Kerslake.

Under 9s – Valley Ravens 3 Kenfig Hill 4. Player of match Kai Parry.

Under 10s – Valley Ravens 6 Kenfig Hill 6. Player of march Loan Molumby.

The Valley Ravens will play again at Lawrence Park, on Sunday, December 11, when the visitors will be Tonyrefail mini/junior section.

For more info go to the Valley Ravens Facebook page.

Blackmill Over 50s: Blackmill Over 50s meet at The Local Community Centre on Wednesdays at 7pm, and are always glad to welcome new members.

Coffee Morning: Christchurch Chapel Corbett Street, Ogmore Vale, hold a coffee morning on Thursday, November 24, from 9.30am-10.45am.

There will be a cake stall, book stall, china and clothes stalls and not forgetting a raffle, etc. Free admission, with proceeds to charity.

Nantymoel Knitters Class: We meet twice a week at Dinam Close every Tuesday and Friday at 10am-12noon.