LLYNFI VALLEY

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Funds: Raising funds for Dyffryn Dementia Group and Special Families, The Mayor of Maesteg’s Fund is proud to present It’s a Party! – raising a glass to celebrate 138 years of Maesteg Town Hall, her past and her exciting new future - Saturday, October 12, from 7.30pm -midnight, at Maesteg Town Hall.

Dancing to The Ghost Train Band, ticket price £15, includes buffet.

Tickets available from Michael Banks, Paula Torrence, Sue at Anturio Gifts.

Look for a Book Maesteg: This started on Monday, August 19. The idea is to create a community book hunt around the valley hiding and finding not only children, but adult books too.

The idea started in Cumbria (I believe) and has steadily moved from area to area.

A friend of mine found a book in Princess of Wales A&E and posted on her Facebook and I explained it to my eight year old daughter.

She loved the idea and asked if we could do it in Maesteg, so of course mammy had to help.

Within 48 hours we have close to 400 members and currently have seven books around the area.

We bag the books in waterproof sealable food bags with a little note explaining the book hunt (this can be found on the group description) and then hide the book, take a clue photo - not giving too much away, and people find it, they also like to post a photo to say they found it.

Then once they have enjoyed it, whether they read it once, twice or 10 times, they then re-hide it and hunt for another.

New books are encouraged so please join in.

I have plenty of printed notes ready to be placed with the books if anyone would like any or you can hand write it!

Due to popular demand the idea is now being started in the Bridgend area as well.

Panto: This years Panto at the Town Hall will be Aladdin – staged by our very own MMTS (formally known as MAOS).

Between the Thursday, October 24 and Saturday, October 26 at Maesteg Town Hall.

It’s my absolute pleasure to be able to announce the cast for our upcoming panto:Aladdin - Jack Allen. Jasmine - Charlotte Lenehan.

Widow Twankey - Ross Donoghue.

Spirit of the Ring - Lisa Howells.

The Genie - Emily Jones & Katie Pritchard.

So-Shy - Olivia Castle, Ella Powys & Ellie Sykes.

Abanaza - Tony Kingsbury.

The Emperor - Tony Mullins

The Chinese Policewomen - Bethan Skye & Sian Rees.

Wishee Washie - Nia Scourfield.

There are two Genies and three So Shys who are playing alternate performances.

Tickets available via the town hall and the MMTS Facebook page.

Fashion: The President of Inner Wheel club of Maesteg is organising a fashion show by Samantha B in the Masonic Hall, Maesteg on Wednesday, September 4 at 7pm in aid of Llamau.

Entrance is £8 to include supper.

Quilt and Craft Festival: to be held at St Michaels Church, Maesteg between Thursday, September 12 and Saturday, September 14, from 10am-4pm.

Refreshments are available and admission is just £3.

Ramblers: Maesteg Ramblers will meet on Sunday, September 8.

The walk will be Sarn Helen, meeting at Maesteg car park at 9am.

It will be a 8 mile walk if interested please contact Trudy Davies on 07983 970179.

All are welcome to join and wear sensible clothing and walking boots/shoes are advised and bring a packed lunch and a drink.

Curtain Up Theatre: Tickets now on sale for a fabulous production given by our very own Curtain Up Theatre, this year they are performing the Wedding Singer (the musical comedy) at the Town Hall.

The main role of Robbie Hart is shared by Ross Donoghue (who played Edna in Hairspray Jr last year) and Jordan Francis in his first show with Curtain Up.

His band members Sammy and George are played by Elliot Phipps and Liam Stevenson.

Julia, the girl Robbie falls in love with, is played by Evie Boydell and Charlotte Lenehan ( both played Amber in Hairspray Jr last year).

Robbie’s fiancée is played by Ellie Sykes and Ella Powys.

Emily Jones and Grace Davies take on the part of Robbie’s gran Rosie.

Niamh Davies and Eryn Rees play Julia’s mum Angie.

The show is coming together well and we really look forward to show week when Curtain Up get to perform with a live band for the first time since Grease five years ago!

They will be at the town hall entertaining you all between Thursday, September 5 and Saturday, September 7. Performance starts at 7.15pm and 2.30pm (Saturday Matanee). Tickets are on sale now at £12 and there is also cabaret seating available www.maestegtownhall. com.

Town Hall Events: There is lots going on this coming month for the children of the valley.

All tickets are available from the hall on 01656 815 995 or from www. maesteg townhall.com.

Friday, August 30 - Gweithdy Cymraeg i blant oed 5+. Welsh Language Workshop for kids aged 5+ 10am.

Events Diary: This is for organisations of the valley, asking them to check at the Council Office’s Diary before arranging an event, so that you won’t clash with anyone else.

The diary is in the office purely for that purpose.

MHM Wales New Wellbeing: They now meet at Maesteg Sports Centre on Thursdays from 10am to noon.

We have changed our Maesteg Hub venue and how we deliver the new service.

We are now working in collaboration with Halo Leisure.

It is an advice, support and information session open to anyone in the community to access or call in for any help around general wellbeing and mental health.

We also run short courses too.

Sewing: Do you want to learn to sew or improve your sewing skills? Classes available: Tuesday afternoons at 1pm-3pm - Sprinkles and stitches.

Tuesday evenings at 6pm-8pm - CwmCalon.

Wednesdays at 6.45pm-7.45pm - Florries.

Call Julie on 01656 810 097 or Babs on 01656 7356 22 if you wish to join.

Experienced and novice needleworkers welcome. Machine or hand sewing taught. Knitting and crotchet guidance also.

Therapy Dogs: Therapy Dogs Nationwide have a South Wales representative in Ben the Poochon. TDN is a national charity.

Our volunteers have their own pet dog, temperament tested, and always focused on caring for people in the community, so our volunteers will go to nursing homes, schools, special needs schools, hospitals, hospices, care centres and prisons, or local groups plus we offer help by working with the professional medical sector.

For more information on joining TDN or the programmes we offer please contact claregriffiths@aol.com

Clwb Maesteg: Clwb Cymraeg Maesteg / Maesteg Welsh Club. Mae’r Clwb yn rhoi cyfle i siaradwyr Cymraeg gyfarfod yn gymdeithasol a chynnal neu wella eu sgiliau iaith Gymraeg.

Mae’r clwb yn cyfarfod bob pythefnos am 7yh nos Fercher yng Nghlwb y Gweithwyr yn Stryd y Teml.

Mae rhagor o fanylion ar gael gan Lloyd Evans 07856 553 777 e-bost: Psycho1283@hotmail. com.

The club provides an opportunity for Welsh speakers to meet socially and maintain or improve their Welsh language skills.

The club meets every fortnight at 7pm on Wednesday evening in the Workingmen’s Club in Temple Street.

Further details are available from Lloyd Evans on 07856 553 777; or email: Psycho1283@ hotmail.com

Milk Deliveries: Delivered to your door in glass bottles instead of plastic, contact Steve Simmomds (delivery Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday) – call 01656 712 858 or 07807 282 790.

Sewing Class: At Cwm Calon Community Hub (opposite Asda) every Tuesday from 6pm7.30pm.

Beginners and experienced sewers welcome.

Dressmaking, soft furnishing, soft toys, patchwork, quilting, embroidery, cross stitch, cushions, all expertly taught by a fully qualified instructor.

Call 01656 735 622 for more details.

This group is full at present.

Cwlwm Cwm Llynfi: The group are again eager to organise events to enhance the awareness and use of the Welsh culture, language and traditions in the area.

It is also hoped that it gives people the opportunity to use the language while socialising and enjoying the events.

The group meet every second Tuesday of the month in the Council offices, Talbot Street, Maesteg and a warm welcome awaits anyone interested in joining us.

For further information contact Rhian Sterio on 07861 660 970.

Rotary Club: The 70-plus year old Maesteg Rotary Club meet every fortnight on a Monday at 1pm in the Cross Inn Maesteg/ Cwmfelin.

The purpose is to discuss projects to benefit others (often in the valley) and to socialise.

They are looking for new members so they can continue to be able to help local charities as well as internationally.

Anyone, male or female, who is able to spare an hour each fortnight and would like to help in the benefit of others is welcome.

So contact Tal Harries on 01656 711 078 or 07999 8861.

Maesteg WI: Maesteg WI have an exciting programme planned for the year, and will meet on the third Thursday of each month at 7pm in Maesteg Rugby Club.

We are busy planning this year’s summer mystery trip, along with theatre trips.

This month we are going to be swishing – doing our bit to recycle clothes by swopping them with others.

We have lots planned, and welcome visitors or potential new members.

Come along and see for yourself – we welcome visitors, who can see if they fancy joining us, we’re a friendly bunch who love having a good time.

Contact us on maestegwi@gmail.com for further information.

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 planting bulbs.

Maesteg CC: The club is available to hire for parties, Christenings, etc – contact Ryan Parry 07712 243 589 and Lyndon Horrigan 07971 943 284.

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

History Society: Change of venue – Llynfi Valley Historical Society on the first Tuesday of the month upstairs in Maesteg Council Offices 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, from 10.30am11.30am (except bank holidays). Cost £5 per session.

Maesteg Miners: The newly formed Llynfi Valley Ex-miners Group meets fortnightly on a Tuesday at 6.30pm in Maesteg Rugby Club.

All ex-miners who worked on top or underground are welcome.

For details contact Chris Davies on 07521 906 796 or see the Facebook page: Llynfi Valley Ex-miners.

Miners’ Wives meet on Thursdays at Central Church.

Ukelele Club: Formed in April 2015 by Shaun Keddy.

Maesteg Ukulele Club is a community group of ukulele players who get together every Monday to play songs, learn new skills, have a drink and most of all have fun.

For those players who feel they can, we also perform for local charities and fetes. Everybody’s welcome! We always encourage anyone with a ukulele to come along and join us.

You will have a great time and learn a new skill that will impress and entertain your friends and family for years to come.

All levels of players more than welcome.

We meet every Monday at The Cross Inn, Maesteg from 7pm-10pm.

Thursday from 6pm8pm for beginners at Cwm Calon.

Contact 07747 425 035 or email: info@ maestegukulele.club

Cwm Calon: CF34 9UN, now offers a drop in therapy session every Friday from 6pm-8pm, massage, reflexology, Indian head massage also available at £10 per session. Everyone welcome.

Maesteg U3A: meet at Central Church on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 2pm.

As well as monthly meetings, there are special 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 website www. maestegu3a.org.

Parkinson’s Support: The Maesteg Parkinson’s support group now meet as Friends of Pendre, which is the Parkinson’s ward in Bridgend general hospital. If you wish to join them, inquiries to Bernard Franks on 01656 733 560.

Your partner is welcome to attend.

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: Do you fancy being a detective? There’s a Murder Mystery Book Club which is held at the