LLYNFI VALLEY
Send Your News To: Marion Rogers 01656 733417 llynficolumn@sky.com
Maesteg Christmas: From Monday, December 11 to December 23, Father Christmas will be in his Grotto at the Town Council Offices, Monday to Friday, from 3pm-6pm and Saturdays, from10am -4pm.
Harmony Concert: The Charity Christmas Concert at St David’s Church, Maesteg, takes place on Friday December 8 at 7pm, with doors open 6.30pm.
Tickets cost £5 from any chorister or ring Wendy Murphy 07983 571 578 or you can pay at the door.
So to get you in the Christmas spirit, please come along to celebrate with Harmony along with carols and popular Christmas songs.
Town Hall Events: All tickets are available from the hall on 01656 815915 or maestegtownhall.com.
Friday, December 8 – Three-course Christmas meal with Bridgend Swing Band, 7pm for 7.30pm. Tickets £25. £10 deposit to secure booking.
Saturday, December 16 – Christmas Comedy Club. Featuring three up-and-coming and award winning comics from South Wales and beyond. Admission £7.50 in advance, £9 on the door.
Saturday, December 27 – Paul Sinha – Shout Out To My Ex. Enjoy a night of laughs from this critically acclaimed international stand up comedian and one of the regular Chasers on ITV’s award-winning quiz show The Chase. Tickets £12.50.
Events Diary: There is a town events diary in the council offices, accessible during office hours.
All organisations in the valley are urged to enter individual events in that diary to avoid overlap or clashing of dinners/ concerts, etc.
Concert: The Concert at the Church of Our Lady and St Patrick to celebrate their 110th Anniversary was a tremendous success. It was a lovely evening with Bridgend Male Voice Choir, lead by the talented Ryan Wood, sounded fabulous. Both soprano Angharad Morgan and young Nathan Isaac on clarinet were wonderful. Indeed, Nathan never fails to impress. The music team of Stephanie Bailey, pianist, and Scott Williams, organist, really did a fabulous job for the choir. To conclude, all present agreed that it was an absolutely brilliant evening Said organiser Michael Banks,” A proud and very entertaining evening at Our Lady & St Patrick’s commemorating 110 years. Here’s to the future! Items included
Urgent Request: Maesteg Maws are desperate for volunteers to help at their church Street shop. Interested?
Please ring 01656 737 827 or 732 766. Many thanks.
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.
Maesteg CC: 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 at 9am this Sunday for the 8 mile Blue Pool walk . For more information contact 07977831317. Remember that you walk at your. own risk and take sandwiches and a drink with you.
Art Society: The society meets at Maesteg College Mondays, from 4pm-6pm and work is created in a variety of media.
Local History: Llynfi Valley Historical Society on the first Tuesday of the month in St David’s’ Church at 7pm. The next meeting is on Tuesday, January 9 2018.
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 10.30am11.30am (except Bank Holidays). Cost £5 per session.
Ukelele Club: The Maesteg Ukulele Club meets every Monday (except bank holidays) at 7pm in the Cross Inn, Cwmfelin/Maesteg.
For all levels of players – new members are welcome.
Maesteg U3A: Maesteg U3A meet at Central Church on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 2pm.
As well as monthly meetings, there are interest groups which are set up by members – walking (striders, sight seekers and strollers), art appreciation, music appreciation, Family History, French Interludes, book club, gardening and the occasional quiz teams, plus regular monthly lunches, a quiz group and a theatre group when appropriate.
For more information on what’s on during the month please visit our web site at: www. maestegu3a.org
Booth’s Befrienders: This is a new drop-in centre at the Salvation Army and they meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month – open to all with refreshments, Wi-Fi and more.
Parkinson’s Support: Maesteg Parkinson’s Support Group meet at Maesteg Hospital one Wednesday a month at 2pm. Contact Bernard Franks for details on 733560.
Your partner is welcome to attend 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.
Spirit of Llynfi: The Llynfi Woodland group meets on the first Saturday of the month from September.
The group has been busy installing picnic benches for families to enjoy their visit to the site.
New volunteers are welcome – contact llynfi woodlandgroup@gmail. com for details.
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 Mondays 7.30-9pm at Nanty Rugby Club
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 year-olds) meet Monday 5pm6.30pm; Cubs (8-10) meet Thursdays 5.30pm7pm and Scouts (10-14) meet Thursday 7.15pm9.15pm, 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: Wellbeing and emotional wellbeing Drop-in – increase your positive emotional wellbeing. Wellbeing Hub at Masonic Hall, Castle Street, Maesteg, CF34 9YL on Thursdays 12noon3pm.
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, 10am12noon. 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 9am-1pm, 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.
Free Courses: With Bridgend Communities First.
Computers: Bryn Community Centre, Bryn, Tuesdays, from 10.30am-12noon.
To get people to feel comfortable and confident when using a computer.
Contact Mr Paul Bulmer on 07757 016 572 or paul.bulmer@ gmail.com or Mrs Gaynor Jones, on 07989 130 933 or gaynorj1@hotmail. co.uk.
Bring your phone, tablet or laptop.
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 608581.
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.
Carols: Thursday, December 7 at 4.30pm Lantern Parade from Noddfa, Christmas carols around the tree and hanging of Christmas Wishes from the fencing, 5.20pm - 5.30pm. Lighting of the tree followed by refreshments at Noddfa.
Invest Local Caerau: This lottery funded group has been awarded £1m to improve Caerau over the next 10 years.
Caerau Men’s Shed: Every Friday from 1pm3pm. Based at Noddfa Community Project, Caerau. Every man welcome over the age of 18 years.
For more information please call or email Phil John Secretary on 07966 614 459 or you can email: jen4phil4ever@talktalk. net
Dementia Support: Are you very forgetful? Are you looking after someone who is very forgetful or has been diagnosed with dementia?
Come and meet people in a similar situation at Dyffryn Chapel, Bedw Street, Caerau and there enjoy a cup of tea and a chance to talk with members of the Dementia Friends Group.
Our meetings are every Thursday from 1pm-4pm and are open to any carers, not just for Dementia – everyone is welcome.
Contact Eirwen Thomas 736379 or John Hughes 731392 (Maesteg Credit Union).
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 810225 for details);
Music and story recording sessions Tuesdays – volunteers welcome; craft group – jewellery & 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 738866.
OAP Club: Garth OAP Club meet in their hall on Bridgend Road every Wednesday, from