LLYNFI VALLEY

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

Garth WI: This has newly been formed and was set up last Wednesday. They will be holding their meetings on the 2nd Wednesday of every month at” Maesteg Celtic Club” in the room downstairs. Meetings are 7pm - 9pm. The next meeting is on Wednesday, February 14, so why not come along and wear something red. You would be very welcome.

Cor Meibion: The male voice choir, Cor Meibion Maesteg a’r cylch, have their concerts planned for the fist half of the year. The first is on Saturday, February 17 at Maesteg Celtic in aid of the Mayor’s fund. Then Saturday, March 3 at Bethel Church for the St. David’s concert (see below). Again in March 23 - 25, they will be on tour in Letchworth.

Choirs Combined: This year for the St David’s Concert, Cor Meibion Maesteg a’r cylch and Cor Merched Cwm Llynfi are once again together in a concert on Saturday, March 3 in the Bethel Community Church, Castle Street. The concert will start at 7pm.

River Care: There are now two groups, who sometimes work separately and sometimes together, One group is responsible for the community garden in Garth, the other with Resources Wales, the three year plan to get rid of Japanese Knotweed. Both work to clear the rubbish still being dumped along the banks of our River Llynfi and are planting more bulbs in readiness for Spring.

Town Hall Events: All tickets are available from the hall on 01656 815915 or maestegtownhall.com.

Friday, January 26 - Between the Crosses - a professional play.

Saturday, January 27 - Paul Sinha “Shout Out To My Ex” Critically acclaimed international stand up comedian and one of the regular “Chasers” on ITV’s award-winning quiz show The Chase. Tickets £12.50

Wednesday, January 31 - Strictly Cinema – the film for this month. The musical comedy Thoroughly Modern Millie’ – Tickets cost £5.50. Tea and coffee are served throughout and there is often a singalong

1pm - Lunchtime Theare: ‘Frieda’ - An Hour-Long Professional Play presented by Fluellen Theatre. Friday, February 16 - 8pm - Let’s Dance: Paul Roberts, former Lead Singer of The Stranglers sings David Bowie. Tuesday, February 20 - 11am & 2pm - Monstersaurus Children’s Theatre. Wednesday, February 21 - 7pm - Superstars of Welsh Wrestling Thursday, February 22 - 10am - Circus Workshop Ages 6 - 11. Spaces Limited.

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. in the town/ valley.

Maesteg Gleemen: They were in St David’s Hall Cardiff on Saturday, January 13 for the Classic Elvis concert, with an 80 piece orchestra backing band and The Gleemen on stage for the finale which was reputed to be the largest ensemble for an Elvis concert ever staged in the world, including concerts by Elvis himself. The closing number was the American Trilogy which was kept secret from the huge audience, who thought the concert had finished with Suspicious Minds. But they were secreted on in the darkened hall to give an ending they will never forget of The Trilogy, with 100 people on stage. It was spectacular to say the least. At he end they did a rousing Welsh National anthem with all present - the orchestra backing band plus backing singers and the audience bringing the house down. They all then went to the Owen Glydwr pub for an after glow with the crew where of course a few Elvis numbers were sung by by the Gleemen for the packed crowd. A memorable night to say the least.

MAWS Maesteg Animal Welfare: wish to thank all who gave donations and help during last year. They are very grateful to you all. Unfortunately, people are leaving their bags outside the shop when it’s closed and the contdens are so wet that they are ruined. So they are asking that, in future, could you please wait to deliver when the shop is open.

Thank You: The Christmas Parade, Switching-on of Lights and Firework Display gave joy to so many people, especially the children. This event could not happen without the commitment and help given by our volunteers.

The Mayor, Cllr I Williams, and Members of Maesteg Town Council sincerely thank all the volunteers who helped make the Christmas Festivities so successful again this year.

Thanks also to the companies who provided the lorries for the Parade and who gave cash/gift donations towards the event.

Rotary: On Monday, January 8 , the Rotary club of Maesteg received an excellent presentation from Tesni Morgan who has been chosen to be part of the 2018 Urdd’s international volunteering project in Patagonia, Argentina. Each volunteer has been asked to raise funds towards the expense of the project and the Rotary club were very happy to make a donation to this worthwhile cause.

Council Minutes: The November and December minutes are in Maesteg Library. Points of interest:- Member showed concerns re anti-social behaviour and parking issues in Caerau; Maesteg British Legion gave an account of “Jeremiah Cosgrave, Royal Dublin Fusiliers” who had enlisted at the Council Chambers and who sadly died at the Battle. Links had been made with his family in Eire who had recently visited Maesteg Town and were welcomed by the Mayor at the Council Chambers; The Mayor, Councillor Idris Williams, on behalf of Maesteg Town Council commended the work and support given to “The Most in Need” by Community Furniture Aid; test drilling in Caerau; fly-tipping.

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 243589 and Lyndon Horrigan 07971 943284.

Ramblers: Maesteg Ramblers will meet at 9am on Sunday for the 8-mile C T A walk. Contact 07977 831317. Remember that you walk at your. own risk and take sandwiches and a drink with you.

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

Local History: Llynfi Valley Historical Society meets on the first Tuesday of the month in St David’s’ Church at 7pm.

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 meets 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

Parkinson’s Support: Maesteg Parkinson’s Support Group will arrange a new meeting in the new year. Your partner is welcome to attend with you to join this cheerful group

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.

Spirit of Llynfi: The Llynfi Woodland group meets on the first Saturday of the month.

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 7.30pm - 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.

Scouts, Community Based: The 3rd Maesteg Group meets at the building in Llwydarth Road.

Beavers (6-8 year-olds) meet Monda,y 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.

Activities include helping in the community; activity badges; camping; learning and investigating; fun days.

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.

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, 12noon - 3pm.

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, 10am - 12noon. Open to all.

Term time Saturday activity at Maesteg Sports Centre, from 12noon - 2pm, members only.

Contact Claire Edmunds on 07588 460796 or find Special Families Maesteg on Facebook.

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 9am-1pm, 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 Paul Bulmer on 07757 016572 or paul. bulmer@gmail.com or 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.

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 614459 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