LLYNFI VALLEY

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

Diamond Wedding: Mr and Mrs Elwyn and Ray Williams were married at on August 3 1957 at Zion Baptist Chapel, where the presiding minister was Rev Alwyn Evans (performing his first marriage ceremony) assisted by Rev Baden Protheroe (father of the Best man Alan Protheroe).

Both Elwyn and Ray were teachers, Elwyn’s teaching career started at Croydon, moving to Pontypridd and finally to Ynysawdre Comprehensive school, where he eventually became Headteacher. He retired in 1994.

Ray’s teaching career began in Croydon and then Plasnewydd Junior School (later Primary School), from where she retired in 1989.

It was strange that they both attended Maesteg Grammar School, but met when Elwyn was home on leave from Trieste, doing his National Service, and called on his close friend who was going out with Ray’s best friend. In those days meeting places were Maesteg Town Hall’s dance or the various cafes.

The couple have one son, Ian, who is married, lives in Harrogate and has two daughters – lovely grandchildren for the couple. After retirement Mr and Mrs Williams moved to Fairmeadows in Cwmfelin.

Town Hall Events: All tickets are available from the hall on 01656 815 915 or maestegtownhall.com

Matinee Theatre – The Wednesday plays are now a regular at the hall. The next one – The Other Jolson – is on August 31 and tickets cost £5.50.

Johnny Cash Road Show – Saturday, September 9. Awardwinning singer/ songwriter Clive John presents the show, which has sold out wherever it plays.

Rich Hall’s Hoedown – Thursday, September 28. Tickets cost £17.50.

MAWS: Maesteg Animal Welfare will be opening a shop in the outside market. They are looking for male and female help for September. Call 01639 894178 or 01656 732766.

Spirit of Llynfi: TheLlynfi Woodland group meets on the first Saturday of the month from September.

New volunteers are welcome – contact llynfi

It’s Summer and time for festive fun!

ShedQuarters Maesteg, in an effort to encourage more practical groups for men to start by teaming up with like minded groups from across the borough, aim to bring the people of the Ogmore Valley the first ever #ShedFest that promises to be a community fun day for the whole family.

The idea for #ShedFest was inspired by a very successful and enjoyable open day held recently by Squirrels Nest in Tondu.

The event will take place Saturday, September 2 at Ogmore Life Centre, from 10am3pm with jam packed activities for younger and older people in both the car park with wet weather cover and also indoors.

Activities on offer including: multi sports and games, bouncy castle, children’s entertainment, BBQ, craft stalls, live take part music activity (bring your instrument along or just sing), history, arts exhibition, archery, radio recording (you can be on the radio!) and much more to come.

It’s a free event, but please note that some activity, products and refreshments will be for sale at reasonable prices.

After the event some of the men will make their way to Ogmore Vale Bar and Restaurant for some more musical fun for all patrons to join in with.

Also, if you pick up a festival flyer from any of the shops in the Ogmore Valley and take it along to this particular curry house on Sunday, September 3, you will get 10% off your meal!

Rangers U12 Football Team: Llangynwyd Rangers BGCW FC, based in Maesteg, are recruiting for an additional team of U12 players for 2017-18 season. This age group is for current Year 6 primary pupils. If anyone would like details please contact safeguarding officer Maria 07854 416 132.

Events Diary: There is a Town Events Diary in the Council Offices, accessible during office hours. All organizations in the valley are urged to enter individual events in that diary to avoid overlap or clashing of dinners/ concerts, etc.

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.

If you live in the Llangynwyd Middle Council area, then you contact their Clerk of the Council.

Concert: Noteworthy mixed voice choir will perform at St David’s Church Maesteg on Friday, September 15, at 7pm, together with their MD, Ryan Wood.

Ryan is the founder Director of Music for Noteworthy and the choir has become well known for the high standard of their performances and variety of their repertoire and was recently described as ‘one of the best mixed choirs in Wales.’

The choir are raising funds for the Llynfi Valley Council of Churches’ appeal.

Each year the LVCC donate Christmas Vouchers.

Future plans include Vivladi’s Gloria’ concerts with Cantare and in Majorca with Bridgend Male Choir.

Maesteg C C: The club is available for hire for parties, christenings, etc. Contact Ryan Parry 07712 243 589 and Lyndon Horrigan 07971 943 284.

Ramblers: Maesteg Ramblers will meet this coming Sunday at 9am for the for the 6 mile Ancient Briton (Gravy walk ). Contact 07977 831 317 for details. 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 am11.30am (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.

Maesteg U3A: Meet at Central Church on the fourth Tuesday of the month – they next meet on September 26 at 2pm.

For more information on what’s on during the month please visit the web site. www. maestegu3a.org.

U3A is a self-help organisation for people no longer in full time employment providing educational, creative and leisure opportunities in a friendly environment.

Local U3As are social cooperatives which draw upon the knowledge, experience and skills of their own members to organise and provide interest groups.

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 (maesteg shedquarters. wordpress.com).

Regular activities include a music group, woodwork, guest speakers, painting and other activities and community events.

All welcome, and a hot meal is cooked every week.

The Men’s Shed is part of a national movement aimed at bringing men together in a social environment to get involved in activities that interest them.

Free Tai-Chi: There are sessions of tai chi movements in the Maesteg Welfare Park, every Friday at 10am for four weeks started July 21.

There is no charge and it is suitable for all ages regardless of experience.

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.

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-12noon and pay only £2 a week.

Curtain Up Youth Theatre: 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.

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 yearolds) meet Monday 5pm6.30pm; 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 5.30pm7.30pm.

MHM Wales: Emotional Wellbeing Drop-in. Thursdays 12.30pm4.30pm at Central Ecumenical Church, Church Street, Maesteg. Over-50s Coffee Group every Wednesday 2pm4pm 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 12noon-2pm, members only.

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

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.

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 9am1pm, Monday to Friday, call 736267.

Food Bank: The service is kept stocked by generous people and stores in the community. You can deliver items to Noddfa in Caerau, Peniel in Maesteg, or Caerau Development Trust via Dr Jill.

Nanty Sport: Llynfi Valley Table Tennis every Friday, 6.30pm-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. 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 also has two large halls available with vacant slots throughout the week and weekends.

Call Bernard Aylward 01656 739898.

Caerau Men’s Shed: Every Friday from 1pm-3pm. 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@talktalk. net.

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

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

Noddfa Community Project Caerau:

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

Tuesdays: 10am-noon 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 to 25-year-olds). 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 to 25-year-olds) Fridays: Youth Drop In, from 4pm-5.30pm. Fitness Club, from 6pm-8pm.

Saturdays: Free for bookings.

Sundays: UDC Dance Noddfa Community Project, run by a group of volunteers who are very experienced and a qualified manager at the helm.

Both Kids Club and Youth Club have qualified and experienced youth workers.

The local PCSO and Fire Service provide support to a variety of projects within Noddfa.

Noddfa Community Project can be hired by calling 01656 738 866.