YOUR COMMUNITY
ABERKENFIG & COYTRAHEN
Send Your News To: Gerry Lewis Old Police House, Maesteg Road, Tondu Cf32 9dw 01656 725911 07779 870137 G_j_lewis2002@yahoo.co.uk
● Spiritual Healing: Spiritual healing is offered each Tuesday from 6pm7.30pm at the Ynysawdre Community Centre (at the junction of Bryn Road and Heol-yr-Ysgol).
There is no charge for the service but a small donation to help defray expenses is appreciated.
● Christian Spiritualist Church: Meet Sundays at 6.30pm at the Ynysawdre Community Centre.
● Nazareth Chapel: Nazareth Baptist Chapel Bryncethin offers a service at 4pm each Sunday. For more informations, call Andrew Davies on 01656 663 652.
● Items: Please send items to the address at the head of the column by the Wednesday evening for publication the following week.
BRACKLA
Send Your News To: Hannah May hannahlouisemay@gmail.com
● Brackla Community Centre: Is available to hire Saturday and Sunday afternoons 2.30pm5.30pm at £60.
Please contact Brackla Community Council to book on 01656 767 072 (weekdays 10am-4pm) or email: clerk@bracklacommunitycouncil.gov.uk. Where possible please book around six months ahead.
● Election: Brackla Community Council has an election called for Thursday, January 3, 2019 to replace a seat on the council.
BRIDGEND TOWN
Send Your News To: John Dunkley-Williams 16 Nant Yr Adar, Bridgend, CF31 4TY john.dunkley-williams@outlook.com
● Cymdeithas Hanes Bro Ogwr/ Bridgend and District Welsh History Society: Nos Lun, 14 Ionawr, 7 30yh yn y Clwb Criced Tondu. Bydd Richard Gammon yn siarad am “Streic Cyfuniad Y Cambrian a Therfysgoedd Tonypandy”. Bydd croeso cynnes i ddysgwyr (o leia Lefel Canolradd) a siaradwyr. £3 yr un neu am ddim i aelodau. Mae aelodaeth 2019 yn dechrau ym mis Ionawr - £12 yr un. Am ragor o fanylion, cysylltwch â Pat JonesJenkins, 01656 741622, patjonesjenkins@googlemail.com
Monday evening, 14 January, 7 30pm in the Tondu Cricket Club. Richard Gammon will be talking about The Cambrian Combine Strike and the Tonypandy Riots.
There will be a warm welcome to learners (at least Canolradd Level) and Welsh speakers. £3 each or free to members. 2019 membership starts in January at £12 each. For further details, contact Pat Jones-Jenkins as above.
● Bridgend Writers Circle: December’s meeting saw the presentation of trophies, cups and certificates to this year’s successful competition winners.
The Saviker Shield being won by John Bowdidge, for his poem Little One and memoir Memories of Wartime; Claudette Evans, received the runner-up Shield for her story The Great Gnome Mystery and collected the Endeavour Shield for her journalistic effort Your Starter for Ten.
Other winners receiving their trophies were; Bridie Branwell – the Keith Cole Shield and Michael Hayes for his Monologue. Unfortunately, Liz Mahoney was unavailable to collect her Railton Shield, and she also won the annual short play competition, with her farce What a Shower.
Entries being read and judged on the evening, by Alex Marshall. Members and guests were also treated to a buffet and readings from the Ogmore Valley Local History Society’s Anthology Wartime Memories.
The Bridgend Writers Circle will take a break until February, when they meet again at 7pm, on the first Thursday of the month at Carnegie House, Wyndham Street, Bridgend, where new members are always welcome.
The Circle’s annual short story competition for this year is 1500-1800 words on a theme of your choice. Entry is £5 for a single story, £7.50 for two stories; closing date is Friday, March 1, 2019.
Prizes are £100, £50, £30 and publication on the Circle’s website.
The judge is Colum Sanson-Regan.
Rules, conditions of entry and entry form can be viewed at: http://bridgendwriters.webplus.net/. Contact: fenos51@hotmail.co.uk
● Lions Club of Bridgend: Bridgend Lions are now collecting books in readiness for their 2019 spring Book Fair, as well as DVDs, CDs, Jigsaws and Computer Games.
All donations can be handed in at the Westward Community Centre on Sundays between 10.30am and 11.30am. (Please do not deliver books outside of these hours.)
Books can also be delivered to Aberkenfig Welfare Hall on weekday mornings from 11am.
Alternatively, call 0845 833 9582 to arrange a collection.
● Hospital Christian Fellowship: The next service to be held in the Princess of Wales Hospital Chapel, is at 3pm on Friday, December 28.
CEFN CRIBWR
Send Your News To: Jill Goudge 01656 740026 jgoudge@sky.com
● Extra Bin Bag This Christmas: While residents are usually restricted to filling two bin bags each fortnight, each home will be permitted to put out one extra bin bag for their first refuse collection after Christmas Day to help accommodate all of the additional rubbish accumulated over the festive season.
Bridgend County Borough Council have also confirmed there will be collections on Christmas Eve but there won’t be any collections on Christmas Day or Boxing Day, so everything will be picked up two days later than normal for the rest of the week.
Collections will be made as usual on New Year’s Eve, but there won’t be any collection on New Year’s Day so everything will be one day later up until Saturday, January 5.
Collections will be back to normal from Monday, January 7.
The main festive item that can’t be recycled is wrapping paper, while certain types of packaging can’t either, such as black plastic, cellophane wrap and polystyrene.
Rather than using one of their allocation of blue bin bags, residents are recommended to use a black plastic bin bag should they need to use the extra allowance for their first refuse collection following Christmas Day.
GARW VALLEY
Send Your News To: Liz Streatfield 01656 513416 Liz.streatfield@gmail.com
● Jimmy Walker Memorial Match: Pontycymer R.F.C. 24 - Llangeinor A.F.C 24
Now in its 17th year, the annual Boxing Day Jimmy Walker memorial match, between Pontycymer Rugby Club and Llangeinor Football Club, proved to be another Christmas cracker.
The game is played in memory of Jimmy Walker-Halstead, who became a Llangeinor F. C. stalwart, not only on the field but off the field as well when for many years he was involved in the day to day running of the club. Before he turned to football, a teenage Jimmy played a few times for Pontycymer rugby.
The match this year lived up to its big billing, with a fantastically entertaining game. Points on the days for Llangeinor came from tries by Josh Tame, Jake Lewis, Kai Lewis, and Lee Abraham, with Jake Lewis and Brian Tame firing over a conversion each. Eye catching displays for the visitors came from Colin ‘Chow’ Lewis, Nathan Hawkins, Geraint Halstead and pacey wing John Lewis, whilst huge games for Pontycymer came from father and son Steve and Ellis Major, Zack James, Scott Hampton and Ethan ‘Sidestep’ Stead.
The two clubs have enjoyed a very good relationship with one another over the decades, due to the fact that they played side by side at Llangeinor Park until the construction of Llangeinor swimming pool in 1967. A large part of the playing area had to be demolished to provide an access road, and so the council built Lawrence Park, which to this day is the home of Pontycymer rugby.
The Jimmy Walker memorial match has forged friendships between the clubs, and it has become the highlight for many over the yuletide period, with large crowds braving the weather to enjoy the Boxing Day fixture, and this year proved to be no exception. Thank you to all who turned out to watch.
● Carol Service: The residents of Darren Bungalows and King Edward Street showed the true spirit of Christmas when, on Christmas Eve, they gathered in the grounds of Darren Bungalows to sing traditional carols around the Christmas tree. The evening was another great success, and a huge thank to those who attended, and to everybody who supplied refreshments. It was great to see so many people enjoying a traditional yuletide concert. Plans are already in place to make next year’s event bigger and better, if at all possible.
● Rugby Fixture: On Saturday, January 5, Pontycymer Rugby Club will play their first game of 2019 when they welcome local rivals Bryncethin to Lawrence Park.
LLYNFI VALLEY
Send Your News To: Marion Rogers 01656 733417 llyngazmvr@hotmail.co.uk
● Pantomime: Come to see our pantomime Beauty and the Beast.
There is free transport on request, starring Owen Money, at Maesteg Town Hall on Friday, January 20, 7pmSaturday 21 & Sunday 22, 2pm.
Tickets available from Maesteg Library, 01656 815 995 and maestegtownhall.com. Adults £12.50, children £10.50, Family of Four £42
● Spirit Of Llynfi: The Llynfi Woodland Group Notice of First Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 6.30pm-8pm at Y Llynfi Library, Maesteg CF34 9EB with Guest Talk Biodiversity on coal spoil sites.
The AGM is open to all interested in supporting the work of this newly established community group and to receive its first annual report and accounts. Members with voting rights may be required to vote on current issues such as appointments to the board of trustees.
Nominations for new trustees should be emailed by 31/12/18 to: llynfiwoodlandgroup@gmail.com.
Hysbysiad o Gyfarfod Cyffredinol Blynyddol Dydd Mercher 16 Ionawr 2019 6.30yh– 8.00yh yn Y Llynfi Library, Maesteg CF34 9EB
‘Bioamrywiaeth ar hen safleoedd glo’
Mae’r cyfarfod cyffredinol blynyddol yn agored i bawb sydd â diddordeb mewn cefnogi gwaith y grwp cymunedol hwn ac i dderbyn ei adroddiad a’i gyfrifon blynyddol cyntaf. Efallai y bydd angen i aelodau sydd â hawliau pleidleisio NTSbleidleisio ar faterion cyfredol fel penodiadau i fwrdd yr Ymddiriedolwyr
Dylai enwebiadau ar gyfer Ymddiriedolwyr newydd gael eu ebostio erbyn 31/12/18 at: llynfiwoodlandgroup@gmail.com.
Edrychwn ymlaen at eich croesawu!
● Town Hall Events: All tickets are available from the hall on 01656 815 915 or from www.maestegtownhall.com.
■ January - Peter Pan: A Swashbuckling family pantomime starring Owen Money running for two weekends – Saturday, January 12 and Sunday, January 13 at 2pm. Friday, January 18 7pm; Saturday, January 19 at 2pm & 5.30pm and Sunday, January 20 at 2pm & 5.30pm.
Tickets cost £13.50, (£10.50 cons) and, for a family of four, £43.
■ Thursday, February 7- Lunchtime Theatre - Desk Job. A New Comedy £6.50. 1pm.
■ Friday, February 22 - Murder She Didn’t Write. An Improvised Comedy Murder Mystery.£13. 7.30pm.
■ Saturday, February 23 - Queen: Champions of Rock. £21.50. 7.30pm.
■ Monday, February 25 – Kev F’s Comic Art Masterclass. £6.50. 10am, 12.30pm & 1.30pm & 4pm.
● More Dates in 2019: Maesteg and District Male voice choir, Cor Meibion Maesteg a’r cylch, on Saturday, March 2, 2019 are featuring a brilliant concert at Maesteg Town Hall with international Tenor Wynne Evans. Tickets are only £10
● Drama: Llynfi Valley Amateur Drama Society are now rehearsing A Streetcar Named Desire for the festival in June. Sarah Thomas is Blanche, James Owen is Stanley, Paul Skye is Mitch, Sally Richards is Stella, Sian Rees is Eunice, Andrew Morgan is Steve, Aled Williams is Pablo and Bethan Skye is a common woman.
We hope Maesteg will support us in great numbers so we can continue to bring quality drama to the town. Look out for more details in this new year. Look out for more in the following weeks
● 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.
● 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 WEEKLY
● Golf Club: At Maesteg Golf Club – the Boxing Night Extravaganza Live Music provided by The Decades. Tickets cost £10 – bring your own party food. Call 734106. Sunday Lunch at Mount Pleasant Restaurant, booking advisable.
● The Quins: More bands will be at Maesteg Harlequins:
■ Saturday, January 5 – Alex John.
■ Saturday, February 16 – Sweaty Fingers Rock and Blues Band.
● 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 programs we offer please contact claregriffiths@ aol.com.
● Clwb Maesteg: Clwb Cymraeg Maesteg / Maesteg Welsh Club Mae’r Clwb yn rhoi gyfle
i Siaradwyr Cymraeg gyfarfod yn gymdeithasol a chynnal neu wella eu sgiliau Iaith Gymraeg.
Mae’r clwb yn cyfarfod bob pythefnos am 7 og 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 e-mail: Psycho1283@ hotmail.com.
● Milk: 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 6pm-7.30pm. 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. There is now room for two people who’d like to join, so give them a ring.
● Cwlwm Cwm Llynfi: The group continue to meet every second Tuesday of the month at 7pm in the Council Offices Talbot St Maesteg. Anyone wishing to join us is welcome.
The purpose is still to promote and enhance the awareness and use of Welsh culture and language in particular to the benefit of residents of Maesteg and surrounding areas.
● 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 01656 711 078.
● Maesteg WI: Maesteg WI have their first meeting of the New Year on Thursday, January 24. We have an exciting program planned for the year, and will meet on the Third Thursday of each month at 7pm in Maesteg Rugby Club every other month.
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.
● Ramblers: Maesteg Ramblers will meet at 9am on Sunday for the 7-mile Baglan Circular walk, for details contact 01656 731598.
All are welcome to join and wear sensible clothing and walking boots/shoes are advised and bring a packed lunch and a drink.
● Art Society: The society meets at Maesteg College on Mondays, from 4pm-6pm, and work is created in a variety of media.
● History: Change of venue – Llynfi Valley Historical Society on the first Tuesday of the month upstairs in Maesteg Council Ofices at 7pm. So on Tuesday January 8th Ciaran Gibbons will be there, with subjsct Israeli/ Palestine Border.
● Maesteg U3A: meet at Central Church Maesteg on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
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 as well as 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 at www.maestegu3a.org.
● 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.
● 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 more information 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: The Maesteg Ukulele Club meets every Monday (except bank holidays) at 7pm in the Cross Inn, Cwmfelin/ Maesteg.
It is suitable for all levels of players – and new members are welcome.
● 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, enquiries to Bernard Franks on 01656 733 560.
● Men’s Shed: The Men’s Shed Maesteg headquarters is open at the Court House every Thursday from 11am-1.30pm.
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 (maestegshedquarters.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: Do you fancy being a detective? 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. The group is now involved in creating a book – Murder and detective of course.
● 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 with a 15 minute break and 7pm-8.30pm, Tuesday with no break.
■ Côr Merched Cwm Llynfi, the Llynfi Valley Ladies Choir rehearse at the Celtic Club – on Wednesdays 7pm-9pm.
■ Maesteg Gleemen Male Voice Choir rehearse at 7pm at the British Legion Club on Mondays and Thursdays.
■ Harmony Ladies Choir, rehearse Mondays 7.30pm-9pm at Nanty Rugby Club.
■ 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.
● Taking To The Stage: The Llynfi Valley Amateur Dramatic Society meet at 7.30pm at the Quins on a Thursday.
They are now rehearsing for The Graduate, which will be performed in June.
New members are always welcome.
● MAOS: Singing and acting combined – the award-winning Maesteg Amateur Operatic Society meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at 7pm. They are now busy rehearsing for their next show, which will be Sister Act.
● Children/Youth: We have two children’s and young people’s cultural activities in our valley plus Scouts, air cadets and the Courthouse.
● 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. ● 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 two in the family.
Curtain Up are now able to confirm that our younger members will be performing Disney’s Alice in Wonderland at Maesteg Town Hall on Saturday, June 1.
There will be just 2 performances. Look out for further details over the coming months.
■ 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, 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.
Out of school activities during holiday time members only.
Contact Claire Edmunds on 07588 460 796 or find Special Families Maesteg 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 731 392; or 177 Caerau Road, also from 9am-1pm, Monday to Friday, call 736 267.
● 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. Check if you’re entitled to use the foodbank – you need a note from your doctor, the Social Services, the Job Centre or Citizens’ Advice Bureau, then take it with you and hand it in.
NANTY WEEKLY
● Nanty Sport: Llynfi Valley Table Tennis every Friday, 6.30-9pm, 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 608 581.
● 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 739 898.
A good evening with a great atmosphere is assured when you go to Nanty Miners’ Institute for a Bingo Night with refreshments on a Monday and Thursday from 7.15pm.
CAERAU WEEKLY
● Befriending: Are you lonely and want a bit of company or need a break from your four walls?
If your answer is yes, visit our Befriending Cafe at Caerau Development Trust – Caerau Community Centre, Woodland Terrace, Maesteg CF34 0SR every Monday from 12noon-2pm. Starting Monday, September 10.
Come along and have a cup of tea and a chat with us and meet new friends!If you haven’t got transport, no need to worry! Please get in touch and we can arrange the town rider service to collect you from your home and return. For further information contact: Laura (Community coordinator), on 07815 579082 or Tracy at BAVO on 01656 810400.
● Tai-Chi: At St Cynfelyn’s Church Hall every Thursday from 11am to 12noon at £2 per session. Tea /coffee available.
● BMX Track: The Llynfi Valley BMX Racing Club is thrilled to share in the community projects funding.
With an expanded car park and resurfaced and enhanced race track, the club was able to host a South West Regional race meeting in August and the Welsh BMX Championship for the first time, which brought more than 600 visitors into the area from Wales and England.
They must have appreciated the lovely views from the hills.
For more information about Invest Local Caerau, see the Facebook page. ● Caerau Men’s Shed: Caerau Men’s Shed meet every Friday at 1pm at Caerau Development Trust Woodlands Terrace. Every man is welcome over the age of 18 years of age. For more information contact Phil John sec 0796 661 459 or chairman Chris Davies on 07521 906 796.
● 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.
Contact Eirwen Thomas, 736 379, or John Hughes, 731 392, (Maesteg Credit Union) for more information.
● 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 810 225 for details.
■ Music and story recording sessions Tuesdays – volunteers welcome.
■ Craft group – jewellery & card-making; computer suite; various courses.
Call 01656 810 225 or email caeraudevelopmenttrust@gmail.com for more information.
● Noddfa Community Project Caerau:
■ Mondays: 5-8pm UDC Dance; 6-8pm Fitness Class. ■
Tuesdays: 10am-12noon 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; 5-8pm UDC Dance; 6-8pm Fitness Class.
■ Thursdays: 11am-3pm Sewing Class; 4pm-5.30pm Kids Club (homework and dropin – 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.
Call 01656 738 866.
GARTH WEEKLY
● Garth WI: They will be holding their meetings on the second Wednesday of every month at Maesteg Celtic Club in the room downstairs.
Meetings will start at 7pm and finish at 9pm.
● OAP Club: Garth OAP Club meet in their hall on Bridgend Road every Wednesday, from 5.30pm7pm.
A new craft group is starting on Tuesdays from 10am-12noon. Cost £3 and any type of craft is suitable. New members warmly welcome. Membership fee £2, then weekly subs £1.
Call Anne on 07904 604 049 or 737 323 or Ethel on 735 571. We are now on Facebook.
● Social Sessions: Chat over tea or coffee, bingo, card games, day trips, dining out and the occasional speaker.
For more information, call Anne or Ethel as above.
LLANGYNWYD WEEKLY
● Lunch: The fund-raising lunches on the third Wednesday of each month are at 12.30pm for 1pm, at the Corner House.
● Tir Iarll WI: Members meet on the first Tuesday of the month at Llangynwyd Primary School.
● Llan Hall: Llangynwyd Village Hall Events - Contact details for all events are available via our website www. llanvillagehall.org by contacting our booking line 07936 524 553 or emailingllanvillagehall@gmail.com.
At the hall:
■ Mondays – 10.15am–12noon - Parent & Toddler Group. 6pm-9pm - Material Girls Sewing Group. 6.30pm-9pm - Llangynwyd Middle Community Council (2nd Monday not August).
■ Tuesdays – 10am-2pm Coffee Shop Open; 12.30pm-1.30pm Tai Chi. 1pm-3pm - Tir Iarll Craft Club (except first Tuesday). 7pm-8.30pm - Singing For Pleasure. 7pm-9pm - Llangynwyd Community Association (3rd Tuesday).
■ Wednesday - 10am-2pm - Coffee Shop Open, 10.30am-11.30am - Pilates. 2pm-4pm - Prize Bingo. 6pm-8pm - USW Welsh Class (from September 2018). 6pm-8pm - Table Tennis
■ Thursday - 10am-2pm - Coffee Shop Open. 10.15am-12noon - Parent & Toddler Group. 6.30pm-7.30pm - Pilates
■ Friday - 7.15pm-9.30pm - Monthly Supper Club (on Last Friday).
■ Saturday - 8.30am-10.30am - Pilates
■ Sunday - 6.15pm-8.15pm - Meditation Group (first Sunday).
● Shiloh Church: Shiloh Church, Llangynwyd, offers activities for children and young people of school age on Mondays, 6pm-7pm, (Warrior Club ages five-11, fun, games, craft and much more).
Fridays, 7pm-8.30pm, (youth, ages 11-16, games, refreshments and topical discussion). Cost 50p.
● Bryn Valley: Computers at Bryn Community Centre, Bryn every Tuesday 10.30am-noon.
To get people to feel comfortable and confident when using a computer.
Contact Paul Bulmer on 07757 016 572 or email: paul.bulmer@gmail.com or Gaynor Jones, on 07989 130 933 or email: gaynorj1@hotmail.co.uk.
Interested parties are asked to bring your phone, tablet or laptop to the community centre.
● Sandville: The centre is open from Monday to Friday – ring 01656 743 344. Occasionally Lee the chiropodist is there.
On Thursdays a bus picks up from Maesteg to take those who feel that they need a variety of treatments for their pain.
Ring Tudor on 01656 731 697.Treatments are on various days from Tuesday to Thursday.
They are self hypnosis, reflexology, pool therapy, form therapy, homeopathy, hairdressing, Indian head massage, bowens therapy hand and foot massage – ring sandville to find out when they are on.
Friday is specialist day/ multiple sclerosis.
● Carers: Maesteg Carers now contact the centre to arrange a visit at their home, or at another suitable place.
The centre is at Bridgend Carers, call 01656 658 479.
Open Monday to Friday with activities and advice. Legal surgery on occasions.
OGMORE VALLEY
Send Your News To: Owen Sendell 1 Cardiff Street, Ogmore Vale, Bridgend. CF32 7EW. 01656 840914 gazette@ogmore-vale.co.uk
● The Inn, Nantymoel:
■ Saturday, December 29 – Fair Warning.
■ Saturday, December 31 (New Year’s Eve) – The Pretty Feckless.
● The Wyndham Pub: Join us on a Tuesday night for poker from 8pm.
Every Thursday night 9pm is our quiz and Play Your Cards Right where you could have a chance to win £100.
● Coffee Mornings: There is no coffee morning at the end of the month at Christchurch Chapel Corbett Street, Ogmore Vale. We will restart them the end of January.
We would like to wish everyone from us all at Christchurch a Merry Christmas & Happy New year.
● Charity Work: Would like to update you on what Brent & Theresa Edwards of Edwards 3JJJs of Ogmore Vale have done over the last year.
They have given boxes each month to Christchurch Chapel Corbett Street Ogmore Vale, raffle prizes to Wyndham Boys & Girls Club, School’s & to the whole community, too many to mansion for different things but one charity is Cancer Research which they have given over six times on the last count. One of the best things that they have done so far is getting t-shirt’s printed & signed by the Most Haunted crew and selling them for raffle prizes for our local charity’s.
Brent has just won an award for South Wales Voluntary Work but not forgetting Trigger and Snowdrop the horses that does so much with them to. They both would like to say a Big Thank You to Bridgend Embroidery Store, Tim & Owen all the fans and customers who buy raffles, etc, because without you we couldn’t do what we do. Thank you all.
● Blackmill Over 50s: Blackmill Over 50s meet at The Local Community Centre on Wednesday evenings at 7pm, always glad to welcome new members. This is a social gathering and occasionally a trip to the theatre or a meal out is arranged.
● Nantymoel Knitters Class: We are members of a Knitting Club who live in Nantymoel. We meet twice a week at Dinam Close every Tuesday and Friday from 10am-12noon.
We are always looking for new members and all our efforts are to make things for charity’s.
If there is anyone who has any spare wool they do not want, we would be very grateful to receive it.
Many thanks from all the knitting club members.
PENYFAI
Send your news to: Meryl Wilkins 1 Pen-yr-Heol, Penyfai CF31 4ND 01656 724794
● Sunday Services: All Saints Church Penyfai:
■ First Sunday of the month – Morning prayer and Holy Eucharist at 10.30am.
■ Second Sunday of the month – Shared Benefice Eucharist, 10.30am.
■ Third Sunday of the month – Said Holy Eucharist 8.30am, followed by Morning Prayer, 10.30am
■ Fourth Sunday of the month – Holy Eucharist, 10.30am.
■ Fifth Sunday of the month – Benefice Eucharist at 10.30am, followed by lunch. Call the Rev Anthony Beer on 01656 859 487.
● Smyrna Chapel Services: A traditional Sunday school service in Smyrna Chapel, Penyfai, always starts at 10.30am and the evening services take place in Smyrna Chapel starting at 6pm. There is a coffee morning every Tuesday in the Smyrna Chapel vestry from 10am-12noon where stalls of produce are also on offer.
Bible studies take place on Thursdays at 7.15pm and are led by Marlyn James and Dorothy Evans. Newcomers to the village of Penyfai are always welcome. ● Community Council: The first meeting of the new year 2019 for the Newcastle Higher Community Council will be on Tuesday, January 8 at 7pm in the Westly Centre Tondu.
● Penyfai Guide Group: Scout and Guide Hall, Court Coleman Road, Penyfai (except summer) as follows:
■ Rainbows (ages 5 to 7) meet Wednesdays from 5.30pm-6.45pm.
■ Brownies (age 7 to 10) meet Mondays from 5.30pm-7pm.
Call Pippa O’Neill on 07480 825 532 for more information.
● 1st Penyfai Scout Group: Scout and Guide Hall, Court Coleman Road, Penyfai (except summer):
■ Beavers (ages 6 to 8), meet Thursdays from 5pm-6.15pm.
■ Cubs (ages 8 to 10) meet Thursdays from 6.30pm-8pm.
■ Scouts (ages 10 to 14) meet Thursdays, 6.30pm-8pm.
■ Call Christine Jordan on 01656 860 831.
● Play and Community Playgroup: For families of newcomers to the village of Penyfai with children from two years to four years looking to join a play group, there is the Play and Community play group held in the Scout hall on Court Coleman Road, Penyfai.
The play group is open 9.15am-3pm Monday to Friday during term time.
Call 07813 392 464 for more information.
PORTHCAWL
Send your news to: David Newton-Williams 42 Suffolk Place, Porthcawl, CF36 3EB. 01656 451844 davidn-w@homecall.co.uk
● Happy New Year: May I wish you all an extremely Happy and Healthy New Year with many more to come.
● Porthcawl Lions Burn’s Night: Porthcawl lions are holding their Annual Burn’s Night on Friday, January 26 in the Hi-Tide in Mackworth Road Porthcawl at 7.30pm prompt.
Entry is by ticket only and tickets at £27 can be obtained from Porthcawl Museum, Porthcawl YMCA or from individual Lions. The Haggis will be piped in by piper John Campbell and there will be a raffle in aid of Porthcawl Museum. Dress code is lounge suit and black tie or tartan.
● Porthcawl Farmers Market: The next Farmers Market will be held in Griffin Park Hall on Saturday, January 26 between 9.30am and 12.30 pm. All the usual stalls will be there and refreshments will be available.
● Porthcawl Weekly Table Top Sale: This is a weekly event and is held every Friday at griffin Park Hall with doors open between 8.30am and 12.30pm. If you want a table to sell things yourself then tables are available at £5.00 per event.
● Porthcawl Christmas Morning Swim: This year saw the Biggest and Bestest Christmas Morning Swim with nearly 1500 swimmers and thousands more wrapped up warm viewers. Well done to the organisers and to all those who braved the elements on the day.
● Porthcawl Lions Fun Run: This again was well attended and again may I congratulate the organisers and to all those who braved the elements on the day.
● Porthcawl RNLI Fundraising Events Diary 2018: Those of us who braved the cold weather to attend the RNLI Carol Service last Wednesday had a most enjoyable time. There were readings by the Rector and by members of the RNLI as well as performances by West Park Primary School and the Porthcawl Male Voice and then the public carols when we all had a chance to sing our hearts out and all this in the ongoing atmosphere of the Rotary Christmas Tree Festival which seems to be growing bigger and better year by year.
● Porthcawl Rotary Club Christmas Events: The Christmas Tree Festival in All Saints Church has lived up to expectations and has again been a great success and a credit to the work put into it by Porthcawl Rotary and the Organisations and individuals who providing trees.
● Cabin Bar Coney Beach: The management and staff of the Cabin Bar at the entrance to Coney Beach Amusement Park put on a Christmas lunch for their many senior citizen customers last week: and what an event it was.
About 150 people sat down to a superb Christmas Lunch with all the trimmings and I mean all the trimmings!
The staff rose to the task with military precision and there were free raffle tickets for all as well as ‘bingo’ cards (’HousyHousy’ as it used to be known in the Army) with extremely generous cash prizes and then a visit from Santa during which everyone received a present.
While all this was going on Carl carried out a running commentary, acted as Bingo caller and then went into ‘Quick Change’ Cabaret mode and performed as everyone from Elvis to Elton John.
Nothing was too much effort and both Carl and his staff deserve a great big ‘Thank you!’
ST BRIDES MAJOR LLANTWIT MAJOR
Send your news to: Dawn Lewis 01656 880418
● Garden Green Waste: The fortnightly collection of green-bag garden waste for our area by the Vale Council has now ceased until the spring and the ring and request service has recommenced. Call 01446 700 111.