Pontyberem

Your Pontyberem correspondent is Keith Evans, 43 Brandyway, Pontyberem. 01269 871955. keithevans806@ btinternet.com

Songs and bar night This Friday from 7pm until late the Memorial Hall ground floor bar lounge is the focus for live music entertainment with John Baker. Further details on 01269 871075.

Green Flag park win Pontyberem has won a prestigious Green Flag community award; one of only four winners in Carmarthenshire which includes Pembrey coastal park. The award to the hard-working and dedicated volunteers for environmental excellence was given by the charity Keep Wales Tidy with support from the Welsh Government. The superb efforts of the Pontyberem’s community park team have rightly been nationally recognised.

£4m investment Pontyberem Primary School held a special day for invited guests to witness the official launch of its £4m public spend on new buildings and facilities. Leader of Carmarthenshire Council, Emlyn Dole, flanked by Deris Williams, chair of governors, and his county education chairman, unveiled a plaque to mark the event. Local firm Lloyd & Gravell, which won the construction contract, were thanked for their work in providing pupils and staff with a state-of-the-art educational facility.

Church services St John’s Sunday Prayers 9.30am. Eglwys Y Groes Sunday Mass 8.30am; Friday Mass 9.30am.

Over 50s’ Club Members met in the Memorial Hall on Tuesday, July 9. The proceedings were opened by Brenda Stubbs, chairman, with the Lord’s Prayer in Welsh. On behalf of the membership condolences had been conveyed to the family of the late Mary Morris, a former committee member, who died on June 25. Birthday greetings went to Maureen Jones, June Thomas, Doreen Hawthorne, Jill Davies, Margaret Elias and Yvonne Bradley. The treasurer, Eirlys Morgan, gave details for the July 17 trip to St David’s Cathedral, sightseeing and concluding with dinner at the Fox and Hounds, Bacyfelin. The guest speaker was Mohammed Mohammed, a graduate of the University of Alexandria, Egypt, who is Pontyberem CKs supermarket baker. He addressed his audience on the power of one woman, Hatshepsut, who ruled as pharaoh 3,500 years ago. The daughter of Pharaoh Thutmuse I, she married her step brother, Thutmuse II, giving birth to their son who became Thutmuse III. When her husband died and her son still an infant she boldly claimed the title and powers of Pharaoh or King. As ruler she firstly conquered Egypt’s enemies, built up the wealth and strength of her kingdom amid a period of peace lasting 20 years. Remarkably she created much of the cultural and religious significance of Ancient Egypt, notably the Temple of Karnak. At Luxor she had constructed 75ft-high dual granite obelisks, weighing 300 tons each; one of them re-erected in 1833 and still dominates the Place de la Concorde in Paris. After her death in 1458 BC her resentful son tried to obliterate all references to her; destroying many statues and wall paintings. But thanks to archaeological excavations Sheepshank’s reputation has been reborn as one of the greatest female leaders in world history. The chairman thanked Mohammed as he received rapturous applause. After the raffle was drawn and light refreshments partaken the secretary, Keith Evans, announced the next meeting would be at 1.30pm, Tuesday, September 10, in the Memorial Hall lounge. To join the club or find out more please contact Brenda on 870211.

Carnival Saturday, September 7 is the date for the Pontyberem Carnival in the park. Events will commence from noon. Thanks to all volunteers preparing for the re-set fun event. Pontyberem Camera Club Members meet on Mondays, 6.45pm to 8.45pm, in the Memorial Hall. New members always welcome.

Food item donations To assist local residents in need of support a food donations bank has been placed in the foyer of the Memorial Hall. Contributions gratefully received during opening hours.

Cymdeithas Hanes Cwm

Gwendraeth To join the Welsh local history society or to find out more please phone Rhian on 01269 871209. Environmental Group To find out more please contact Yvonne on 01269 870494.