LLYNFI VALLEY

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

One Hundred: Congratulations to Miss Mair Jones on her 100th birthday last week. Miss Jones was head of Nantyffyllon Infants School, later head of the primary school. She now resides in Bryn Celyn Care Home.

Cor Meibion: Let us entertain you – a funfilled musical evening Cor Meibion Maesteg a’r cylch, on Saturday, February 17 at 7pm at Maesteg Celtic RFC in aid of the Mayor’s fund (see below). There will also be a quiz and a buffet. Tickets cost £8 and are available from the council offices in Talbot Street, telephone 01656 732631.

Choirs Combined: This year for the St David’s Concert, Cor Meibion Maesteg a’r cylch and Cor Merched Cwm Llynfi have their concert on Saturday, March 3 in the Bethel Community Church, Castle Street. Huw Thomas, BBC Arts and Media correspondent, will be the compere. The concert will start at 7pm. Entrance by programme is £5 and can be obtained from choristers and from Bethel Church, Castle Street, Maesteg, or Cor Meibion@talktalk.net or pay at the door.

Maesteg Miners: The newly formed Llynfi Valley Ex-miners Group meets fortnightly commencing Tuesday, February 6 at 6.30pm in Maesteg Rugby Club. All ex-miners who worked on top or underground are welcome. For more information contact Chris Davies on 07521906796 or see the Facebook page: Llynfi Valley Exminers.

Mayor’s Fund: The Mayor of Maesteg’s Fund has arranged a number of fundraising events to raise funds for the Mayor, Coun Idris Williams’ nominated charities: Diabetes UK Cymru and Cefn Yr Afon Community Rehabilitation Unit. Saturday, February 17 – Let Us Entertain You (see above).

Friday, March 23 – Murder with a Twist (of Lemon), a Murder Mystery evening at Maesteg Workmen’s Club. Tickets £8 (including buffet).

Sunday, April 15 – The Mayor’s Garden Party, at Maesteg Welfare Park Saturday, April 20.

Noteworthy in Concert at St David’s Church, Maesteg.

Saturday, May 5 – The Mayor’s Annual Ball at Maesteg Town Hall

Tickets for all events will be available from the council offices in Maesteg.

For further information on all events consult the Facebook page: Mayor of Maesteg.

Parkinson’s: The Maesteg Parkinson’s support group has unfortunately disbanded and are now meeting as ‘Friends of Pendre’. The reason being Pendre is the Parkinson’s ward in Bridgend general hospital. We meet at friends’ houses for a chat and still enjoy our meals out. We will try and continue our trips but that will depend on how many book. Price will be paid in full beforehand with no refund on cancellation. Inquiries to Bernard Franks tel 01656 733560.

Lastly we enclose a “ditty” by one of our friends – Mr Keith Dixon. ‘Our support days are over, But we meet now and again, Keeping our friendship going, To part would be such a pain. Today we are at Margaret’s, But not for friendship’s sake, We have to go where Bernie is, For he makes such scrumptious cake.’

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

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.

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.

River Care: There are 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.

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 9.5-mile Bridgend Circular (Public Transport). 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

Booth’s Befrienders: This is a drop-in centre at the Salvation Army and they meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of the month – open to all with refreshments, wifi and more.

Parkinson’s Support: The Maesteg Parkinson’s support group has unfortunately disbanded and are now meeting as ‘Friends of Pendre’. The reason being Pendre is the Parkinson’s ward in Bridgend general hospital. We meet at friends’ houses for a chat and still enjoy our meals out. We will try and continue our trips but that will depend on how many book. Price will be paid in full beforehand with no refund on cancellation. Inquiries to Bernard Franks on 01656 733560. Your partner is welcome to attend with you to join this cheerful group.

Maesteg WI: Maesteg WI will be holding an open meeting at 7pm next week on Thursday, February 15 in Maesteg Rugby Club. The speaker will be the Allotment Guru Terry Walton. This meeting will be open to all (including men) and the entry cost will be £2 for visitors. Maesteg WI look forward to seeing you at our open meeting.

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.

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 - noon 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.

Plus there are dance groups of various styles – ballet with Miss Sian, based in Church Street, Maesteg, (near the bus station); plus UDC from Caerau, Funk Force and Contagious from Maesteg.

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, noon - 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 - noon. Open to all.

Term-time Saturday activity at Maesteg Sports Centre, from noon - 2pm, members only. Out of school activities during holiday time 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 - noon.

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 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).