ABERKENFIG & COYTRAHEN

Send Your News To: Old Police House, Maesteg Road, Tondu Cf32 9dw 01656 725911 07779 870137 G_j_lewis2002@Yahoo.Co.Uk BAVO: Staff from the Big Lottery Fund are offering one-to-one appointments to local voluntary groups and organisations to discuss funding opportunities when they visit Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) on Wednesday 10 January 2018 in their office in Maesteg from 9.30am – 3pm. 30 minute meetings are available by appointment only. Every year the Big Lottery Fund distributes millions of pounds of National Lottery funding to good causes. It funds not for profit and voluntary organisations to deliver projects that improve health, education, environment and improve the lives of people and communities most in need.It can fund capital or revenue projects and has two grants available, Awards for All Wales which distributes grants from £300 to £10,000 and People and Places which distributes grants from £10,001 to £500,000 for projects lasting up to five years.

If you’re interested in booking a time slot, you must register your interest by contacting BAVO, T: 01656 810400 or E: bavo@bavo.org.uk by Friday 5 January 2018. TADAS: Tondu and District Art Society (Tadas) opened their recent exhibition with another very enjoyable and highly successful preview evening with the hall full to capacity with members and invited guests. Tadas were pleased to have the company of the Deputy Mayor of the County Borough, Councillor John McCarthy and Mrs McCarthy, as well as County Councillors Tim Thomas and David Lewis, together with Community Councillor Elaine Jones. The competition on this occasion was a “Winter Theme” which was judged earlier in the day by Dr Jeffrey Jones. We are grateful to Mr Chris Elmore, MP for Ogmore for his attendance and who presented the certificates and the winner’s cup to the three successful winners of this competition. They were:- 1st- Graham Anderson, 2nd – Colin Rees, 3rd –Tricia Simon. It was also a pleasure to see the winning pupils from Tondu Primary School who had participated in a competition that Tadas had arranged for them and thanks to Councillor McCarthy for presenting the children with their individual prizes. The exhibition was open for 5 days during which there were 150 framed paintings on display as well as a range of unframed paintings and greetings cards. The painting voted “Best in Show” was “Pip, The Pit Pony” by Gwyn Haines. Clairvoyance Evening: There will be a night of clairvoyance on Tuesday, December 12 at the Ynysawdre Community Centre. Doors open at 6.30pm. For more tickets (£5) or more information phone Mrs Bryant on 01656 657463 or 07890 234235. Nazareth Chapel: Nazareth Baptist Chapel Bryncethin offers a Service 4pm each Sunday. For information regarding weddings and funerals please contact Andrew Davies on 01656 663652. Smyrna Penyfai: The Sunday school would like to invite the children of the surrounding area who are aged 4 and over to join them on Sunday morning between 10.30am and 12 noon for stories, singing and fun with arts and craft work. The Sunday service is held at 6pm and is led by Smyrna’s Minister Revd. Alwyn Evans.. All are very welcome to the service and to join for refreshments in the vestry afterwards

Coffee morning is held on Tuesday between 10am and 12noon with good company and a raffle is also held in aid of local charities. Bible study takes place on Thursday evening at 7.15pm and is led in turn by Mrs Marlyn James and Miss Dorithy Evans. For more information contact Mr Peter David on 01656659856 Church Update: A message herewith from Anthony Beer - Priest in Charge -the Advent compline services on 7th, 14th and 21st December - these are lovely opportunities for people just to step out of all the rush around Christmas and come and share either in a short service with us (at 7pm) or afterwards (any time after about 7.45) to drop in for a cuppa and a mince pie (or similar) and to maybe sit in candlelight and listen to some carols - it’s just a chance for folk to catch a breath at such a busy time, and the “First Communion of Christmas” service in St David’s Laleston on Sunday 24th December at 7.30pm - this is the first time we’ve tried anything like this and it’s specifically timed for young parents who might not want to come out later - and probably couldn’t come out on Christmas morning - and also for the elderly who might not want to come out late for a midnight mass. Items: This column is pleased to publish all items by community groups and societies - please send any items to the address at the head of the column by the Wednesday evening for publication the following week. If churches wish to advise of the time of their Christmas services please me as soon as possible.

Coytrahen AGM: The AGM of the Coytrahen Community Association will be held on Wednesday, December 6, at 6.30pm, at the Philip Squires Community Centre Coytrahen.

Please submit items for consideration to the Secretary Mrs Hill on 720840 as soon as possible.

All those with an interest in the running of the Community Centre are welcome to attend.

Clairvoyance Evening: On Tuesday, December 12, at Ynysawdre Community Centre. Doors open 6.30pm. Tickets cost £5 from Mrs Bryant on 01656 657 463 or 07890 234 235.

Spiritual Healing: Tuesdays, 6pm-7.30pm at the Ynysawdre Community Centre (at the junction of Bryn Road and Heol-yr-Ysgol). Call Mrs Bryant on 01656 657 463 or 07890 234 235.

Your News: Please send items to the address at the head of the column by Wednesday evening for the following week. Santa Claus: arrived in Bridgend on November 25th in a blaze of sunshine glory. Santa was brought in his sleigh by his worthy reindeer’s and many elves, arriving at Carnegie House just before 12 noon. Santa will welcome children at Carnegie House (former Library) next Saturday December 9 and December 16th between 10am and 4pm. It is advisable to book, not to cause disappointment, bookings can be made in advance at www. carnegiehouse.co.uk or call at Carnegie House (former Library) Wyndham Street from 10am to 4pm each Saturday. In partnership with CF31 BID Ltd. Coffee Mornings: The popular coffee mornings at Bridgend United Church Tondu Road continue on Friday and Saturdays between 10am and 12 noon. All are very welcome, perhaps you can listen into the choir practice White Christmas: There will be a ‘White Christmas’ in Bridgend on Saturday December 9th . Join us on Saturday between 11am and 2pm for a snow filled day. Get inside a giant snow globe and have your photo taken, watch as the magical ice sculpture is carved, enjoy snowy street entertainment and play in the snow flurries on the hour, Free for all the family. Come along to the town and enjoy a fun packed day. Concert: Local choir Cor Tabernacl will present their Christmas Concert on Friday December 15th at 7pm. The concert will be held in Tabernacl Chapel Derwen Road and tickets are priced at £10. Do you enjoy singing? Why not come and join Tabernacl Music Society, they meet every Tuesday at 7pm in Tabernacl Chapel Derwen Road. There is no formal audition. Prospective members will be expected to attend choir rehearsals for a trial period of 8 weeks before being offered full membership of the choir. There is no need to pay any subscription during the first three months of joining. If you would like more information please contact the secretary, Tanneke Berwick, on 07976 749224 or e-mail at enquiries@cor-tabernaclchoir.co.uk Christmas Tree Festival: has already started and will continue until Saturday 9th December Nolton Church. The time each day is between 11am and 6pm, entrance is £2, Primary school children and younger are free. The week concludes with a ‘Day of Live Music’ on Saturday, then a Festival Concert at 7pm, featuring ‘Bridgend Big Band’ and other guests. Tickets are priced at £7 (conc. £5) from the Parish Office or on the door. All profits to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity. Bridgend Carers Centre: support people caring for family members, partners, friends or neighbours. They can help with information, support and social events. For more information about Carers Rights and entitlement www. carersuk.org/newsandcampaigns/carersrights-day/find-outabout-your-rights Bridgend Christmas Nativity: Performances of the Nativity will take place in Tabernacl, Derwen Road, from Saturday December 9th to Saturday 16th , each day (except Sunday) 10am, 11am and 1pm. Saturday 11am performance in Welsh, Additional 6pm performance Thursday 14th.

Santa’s Grotto: Santa Claus is now settled into his Grotto at Carnegie House (former Library) Wyndham Street, all is well and Santa and his merry helpers are now looking forward to meeting all local children.

Santa will be in his Grotto this Saturday, December 9, from 10am4pm, and December 16.

Bookings to see Santa can be made in advance at: www.carnegiehouse. co.uk or at Carnegie House, Wyndham Street, from 10am-4pm.

All proceeds of the Christmas Grotto will be distributed to local charities by the Bridgend Lions Club.

Advent Lunches: The lunches are held in Nolton Church Hall, from 11.30am-1pm on Fridays.

You can enjoy a lovely bowl of soup, fresh bread roll and a nice cup of coffee or tea all this for £2 50. All are welcome.

Christmas Tree Festival: The festival at Nolton Church is taking place until December 9 and on the final day (Saturday) the concert will feature the Bridgend Big Band. Tickets cost £7 (£5 cons).

Hospital Service: A Christmas Carol Service will be held on December 13 at the Princess of Wales Hospital Chapel at 6.30pm.

Members will then adjourn to the home of President Lily for fish and chips, raising funds for the International Water Aid Appeal.

Local History: The next meeting of Bridgend and District Local History Society will be on Wednesday, December 13, at 7pm in Carnegie House (Old Library) Wyndham Street.

The guest speaker will be Paul Frame who will give members a talk on the subject of Richard Price. After the talk members will be offered Christmas refreshments. Visitors are welcome at £2 and if you wish to join the fee is £7.

Bridgend Male Choir: New members can attend rehearsals on Thursdays from 7.30pm-9.30pm at Oldcastle School, South Street, Bridgend. Contact Gareth Reese on 01656 862 037 or 07773 170 373

Healthy Hearts: Bridgend Communities First is organising a Heart Disease is Heartless morning. This special morning will take place on Monday, December 11 from 10am-1pm at Carnegie House, (former Library) Wyndham Street.

Advance booking required for health checks by contacting Jeremy 01656 643518 / 07815527124 or email jeremy.dimond@ bridgend.gov.uk.

Free to all those living in Bridgend Communities First postcode areas.

Christmas Shows: Performances of Christmas – The Story live shows take place in Tabernacl Chapel, Derwen Road from Saturday, December 9 to Saturday, December 16 (excluding Sundays) at 10am, 11am, and 1pm.

There will be a show in Welsh on both Saturdays, at 11am.

Indoor Bowls: New and experienced bowlers of all ages are welcome at Ogwr Indoor Bowls Club, Bridgend Life Centre, Newbridge Fields.

Free coaching Saturdays, from 10am12noon and Sundays, from 4pm-6pm. Just turn up or email: bridgendindoorbowls@ gmail.com.

Pilates Classes: Held Thursdays at Litchard Mission Church, from 6pm. Contact Ruth Thomas on 07786 627 335. new group of dedicated residents have come together to buy and re-open the Three Horse Shoes as a community pub. Now you can help too in the restoration and re-opening of the pub by buying your own horse shoe for display in the pub when it is open again.

If you are interested in buying a shoe to support the development of Cefn’s first community pub please get in touch via the page on Facebook or email: bethanjelfs@sky. com.

The cost is £50 per shoe. The shoes will make ideal and unique Cefn Christmas presents!

School Christmas Fete: Cefn School’s Christmas Fete will be held this Saturday, December 9. The PTA are looking for stall holders who would like to participate. Share and contact them via their Facebook page @ Cefncribwrpfaevents.