LLYNFI VALLEY

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

Charity Trek: In September, Jane and Rhodri Jones, of Yr Ysfa, Maesteg, will be trekking the Inca Trail in Peru to Machu Picchu to raise money for Alzheimer's Society.

They will be paying all their own expenses for the trek so every penny they raise will go direct to the charity.

The 1st event was an auction, which raised £600 – a great start.

You can also support their efforts by visiting their page at JustGiving. com (just type ‘Jane and Rhodri's Peruvian Adventure' into the ‘Search for a charity, friend...').

Gwyl Maesteg Festival: This year's event will be held throughout the month of June.

The Cory Band will be entertaining us this Friday, June 2 at 7.45pm. £8.50. The guest artist is Katy Treharne, who played Christine in Phantom of the Opera.

This Saturday, June 3– Dance Collaboration. Three dance groups come together to celebrate their love of dance. A high-impct and energetic evening is promised. 5.30pm. £5.50.

Monday, June 5 – Maesteg Art Society. The Preview will be on the Monday at 7pm but paintings will stay in the hall until Thursday, June 22, for the public to view and buy. The hall will be open during the day for public viewing and the staff will deal with any purchases.

Wednesday, June 7 – Senior Citizens’ Tea, 1pm. £3.50.

Friday, June 9 - Stereophonish – tribute act, 7.30pm. £3.50 or £5 on the door.

Wednesday, June 14 to Friday, June 16 – Llynfi Valley Dramatic Society presents the hilarious comedy Up Pompeii, 7.30pm. £6 or £7 on door or from members.

Saturday June 17 – Dolly Parton Experience. Fancy dress and line dancing optional. 7.30pm. £12.50.

Saturday June 24 – Star Search Talent Show Grand Finale with £1,000 prize money. With guest Darren Altman (Britain's Got Talent 2016), 7pm. £6.50.

Friday June 30 – Maesteg Children’s Choir 31st Annual Concert.

The choir has been led by Enid Sian Hughes from the very beginning – it was her dream. Guests include Take Note.

Tickets for all events at Maesteg Town Hall are available from the hall box office on 01656 815995 or www.maesteg townhall.com and from Maesteg Library.

Events in the market Square include:

Saturday, June10 – Family Fun Day.

Saturday, June 17 – The 55th Annual Maesteg Hospital Fete. With entertainment from Daley Bee, plus bouncy castle, face painting, stalls and games, refreshments and much more.

The theme this year is Wild West, so dig out those cowboy boots, dress up and join in the fun. The Hospital League of Friends wh organise the fete are now collecting items for the Hospital Bring & Buy Stall.

If you have any items you would like to donate, you can either drop them off at the hospital or ring 01656 735988 to arrange a collection.

Events Diary: There is a Town Events Diary at the Council Offices. All organizations are urged to enter events to avoid overlapping or clashing events, etc.

MAOS Concert: I spent just over a wonderful hour at St Michael's Church, washed in lovely music, beautifully sung, led by MD Sue Heffey and guest accompanist Ryan Wood.

It was the Rodgers & Hammerstein night by Maesteg Amateur Operatic Society – producer Sarah Thomas and rehearsal accompanists Mair Hawley and Richard Norton – and it brought back so memories for so many people.

It was a showcase for the society's chorus and soloists as they flawlessly flowed through that hour.

It's a Grand Night for Singing was the apt title of the opening medley. Then, among others, were South Pacific, Oklahoma, The King and I and, for the finale, Carousel ending with that marvellous When You Walk Through a Storm to end a truly memorable evening.

Their next production is in The Snow Queen in October.

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. Or even a card from the Queen.

Maesteg C C: The club is available for hire for parties, christenings, etc. Contact Ryan Parry 07712 243589 and Lyndon Horrigan 07971 943284.

Ramblers: Maesteg Ramblers will meet this coming Sunday at 9am – contact 07977 831 317. Remember that you walk at your own risk.

Art Society: The society meets at Maesteg College every Monday from 4pm6pm and work is created in a variety of media.

Yoga (seated): For people with mobility difficulties – gentle exercise aims to help the release of tension from the body.

At St David's Church (opposite Asda) Mondays 10.30 am-11.30am (except Bank Holidays). Cost £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 – new members are welcome to join.

Parkinson’s Support: Maesteg Parkinson's Support Group meet at Maesteg Hospital one Wednesday a month at 2pm. Contact Bernard Barns for details on 733560.

Your partner is welcome to attend with you to join this cheerful group, with speakers, trips and lunches.

Men’s Shed: The Men's Shed Maesteg Headquarters is open at the Court House every Thursday from 11am1.30pm.

They have been producing a monthly podcast which goes out live on Celtica Radio on the last Wednesday of the month at 8pm, and podcasts are available on the Shedquarters website (https://maesteg shedquarters.wordpress. com).

All are welcome, and a hot meal is cooked every week by our resident chef .

Murder: There's a Murder Mystery Book Club which is held at the library in Maesteg Sports Centre. A book for the month is given, you read to a specified page, ring Martyn to say who you think is the murderer, then meet to discuss the book on a Saturday morning. Interested? Contact Martyn at the library.

Choir News: If you like to sing then join our friendly choristers who come from all over the borough.

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 on 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, from 7pm-9pm.

Maesteg Gleemen Male Voice Choir rehearse at the British Legion Club, from 7pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

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

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 – 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.

Curtain Up Youth Theatre – 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. Fee is £6 with an offer of £10 for 2 in the family.

Scouts, community based – the 3rd Maesteg Group meets at the building in Llwydarth Road. Beavers (6-8 year-olds) meet Monday 5pm-6.30pm; Cubs (8-10) meet Thursdays 5.30pm-7pm and Scouts (10-14) meet Thursday 7.15pm-9.15pm, all cost £3 each week

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 in Station Street Maesteg is 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); plus Contagious; and Funk Force.

MHM Wales: Emotional Wellbeing Drop-in. Thursdays 12.30pm4.30pm at Central Ecumenical Church, Church Street, Maesteg. Plus... Over 50s Coffee Group 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.

Term Time Support Group Coffee Morning at Maesteg Sports centre Wednesdays, from1012noon – open to all. Term Time Saturday Activity at Maesteg Sports Centre, from 12noon2pm, members only.

Out of school activities during holiday time members only.

Contact Claire Edmunds on 07588 460 796 or find Special Families Maesteg on Facebook.

Credit Union: 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 Road, also from 9am-1pm, Monday to Friday, call 736267.

Doggy Bags: Maesteg CounciL Offiices on Monday to Friday between 10am-1pm have free doggy bags for dog owners to clear up the mess their animals make.

Pet Care: Holidays away, not got enough hours in the day? Llynfi Pet Care, in Maesteg area – dog walking, pet sitting and house visits throughout the day. Contact Leah Powell on 07966 351 244 or email: info@llynfipetcare, or find them on Facebook.

Food Bank: The service is kept stocked by generous people and stores in the community. When you go shopping, spare a thought for this service. You can deliver them to Noddfa in Caerau, Peniel in Maesteg, or Caerau Development Trust via Dr Jill.

Check if you're entitled to use the Food Bank – you need a note from your doctor, the Social Services, the Job Centre or Citizens' Advice Bureau, then take it with you and hand it in. NANTY WEEKLY

Nanty Sport: Llynfi Valley Table Tennis every Friday evening from 6.30pm9pm, at Maesteg Sports Centre. Admission is £3 for adults and £1 for children. Call Peter Williams on 07956 608 581.

Nanty MI: Bingo Night with refreshments at Nanty Miners' Institute on a Monday and Thursday from 7.15pm. Nanty Library has two large halls available with vacant slots throughout the week and weekends. Call Bernard Aylward 01656 739898. CAERAU WEEKLY:

Caerau Men’s Shed: Every Friday from 1pm3pm. Based at Noddfa Community Project, Caerau. Every man welcome over the age of 18 years.

More information please call or email Phil John Secretary on 07966 614 459 or you can email: jen4phil4ever@talk talk. net.

Development Trust: 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 on Wednesdays (call 01656 810 225 for details); Music and story recording sessions Tuesdays – volunteers welcome; Craft group-jewellery & card making; computer suite; various courses.

Call 01656 810225 or email caeraudevelopmenttrust @gmail.com for more information.

NODDFA Community Project Caerau:

Mondays: 5pm-8pm UDC Dance; 6pm-8pm Fitness Class.

Tuesdays: 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.

Wednesdays: Job Club and Adult Art/Crafts; 5pm-8pm UDC Dance; 6pm-8pm Fitness Class.

Thursdays: 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).

Fridays: Youth Drop In, from 4pm-5.30pm. Fitness Club, from 6pm-8pm.

Saturdays: Free for bookings.

Sundays: UDC Dance Noddfa Community Project. Noddfa Community Project can be hired by calling 01656 738 866. GARTH WEEKLY

OAP Club: Garth OAP Club meet in their hall on Bridgend Road every Wednesday, from 5.30pm7pm.

New members warmly welcome. Member's fee £2 then weekly subs £1.

Available for hire, except Wednesday evenings, with easily accessible, toilets, kitchen and hall all on one level. Ideal for meetings, family parties and most groups at just £10 per hour.

Call Anne on 0790 460 4049 or 737323.

Social sessions: Chat over tea/coffee, bingo, card games, day trips, dining out and the occasional speaker. Call Anne on 737323 or 0790 460 4049 or Ethel on 735571. We are also now on Facebook. LLANGYNWYD WEEKLY

Llan Hall: The fundraising lunches are on the third Wednesday of each month at 12.30pm for 1pm, at the Corner House.

Llangynwyd Village Hall Activities:

Mondays: Simple Sewing Group, from 6pm-9pm for beginners to intermediate. No sessions during August. Call Anne on 0790 460 4049.

Tuesdays: Singing for Pleasure group 7.30pm-9pm. First week free. No audition or experience required. Friendly atmosphere.

Wednesdays: 50+ Keep Fit, 10.30am-11.30.

Thursdays: Parent & Toddlers in the mornings; Table Tennis at 5pm, Girl Guides in the evening;

Fridays: Evening Yoga. Coffee/Tea and light refreshments served Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursdays 10am-1pm, call Colin 07733 592 713 or Linda 01656 857 233.

Also available for weekend hire, details at: www llanvillagehall.org or Facebook or call 07936 524 553.

Llangynwyd Middle Community Council: The council hold their meetings at the hall on the second Monday of the months (except bank holidays) in the coffee room at 6.30pm.See website for full details www.llan gynwydmiddle communitycouncil.co.uk.

Shiloh: Shiloh Church Llangynwyd offers activities for children and young people of school age on Mondays 6pm7pm (Warrior Club ages 5-11 Fun, games craft and much more) Fridays 7pm-8.30pm (Youth ages 11-16 games, refreshments and topical discussion Admission 50p).

Computer Class: At Bryn Community Centre, Bryn, held on Tuesdays, from 10.30am-12noon. Contact Paul Bulmer, on 07757 016 572 or paul.bulmer@ gmail.com or Gaynor Jones, on 07989 130 933 or gaynorj1@hotmail.co.uk. Bring your phone, tablet or laptop.

Sandville: The centre is open from Monday to Friday – call 01656 743 344. On Thursdays a bus picks up from Maesteg to take those who feel that they need treatment – call Tudor on 01656 731697.

Carers: Maesteg Carers now contact the centre to arrange a visit at their home, or another suitable place. The centre is at Bridgend Carers, call 01656 658479.