Mid Valleys East Newsletter Photo competition winners We have had some beautiful entries for the photo competition from our last newsletter, where we asked you to send us photos of your area to be used in the newsletters. The winners have both received a ÂŁ5 high street voucher as thanks for sharing these beautiful images!
Fishing - Trinant Sally Cook
Autumn - Winter
Sunrise & Village - Trinant Royston Harris
Useful information Your Communities First Team
Rachael Clarke CF Co-ordinator clarkrl@caerphilly.gov.uk
David Napier Health and Wellbeing Officer napied@caerphilly.gov.uk
Lynne John CF Support Officer johnl@caerphilly.gov.uk
Community Environmental Network Officer 01495 233144
Jan Munson Health and Wellbeing Officer munsoj@caerphilly.co.uk
GAVO Community Development Officer Neil Jones 01443 863540
Kara lee CF Admin Officer leek@caerphilly.gov.uk
What Communities First do?
CF Youth Worker Victoria McCann 01495 230067
What Groundwork do?
Contact the team if you would like advice or information on:
Groundwork Caerphilly is a charity which helps people and organisations make changes in order to Funding for community activities & create better neighbourhoods, to events, training, submitting articles for the newsletter. And how to get involved build skills and job prospects, and to live and work in a greener way. and support your community.
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What do GAVO do? GAVO works with individuals and community groups, as well as the public and private sector, GAVO supports the community by: Providing information, advocacy and support to communities and groups. Recruiting Volunteers. And providing community training for both individuals and groups .
It’s your newsletter - Let us know what you want in it! If you have any information you would like to see in the next newsletter such as a birthday, new birth, anniversary, achievements, events, poems, funny stories or jokes or any information you would like to share with your local community. Please contact Kara from the Communities First Team on: 01443 863345 or email leek@caerphilly.gov.uk with your info.
Cefn Fforest Eco Park Come and visit Cefn Fforest’s beautiful Eco-Park, run by the community for the community! There are lot’s of ways that you can get involved from volunteering at the park, becoming a Friend of the Eco-Park by donating £5 a year, to attending the parks board meetings to find out what goes on behind the scenes and how you can help For further information and meeting dates please check our notice board in the park. If you are interested in volunteering or finding out more please e-mail caerphilly@groundwork.org.uk.
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Digital Technology Update Create a community website If you would be interested in helping to create a community website or you would like further information on any of the items above, please contact Deb Whitty on 07919 415 425 or email ITTD@CAERPHILLY.GOV.UK
Whether you are a complete beginner or addicted to new technologies, Come Surf With Me can help you! Free Informal sessions Free advice and support Volunteering opportunities Learn how to do more online Stay safe when surfing the internet Work together to find solutions to Improve broadband access To get involved or find out more contact us at: WHITTD@CAERPHILLY.GOV.UK Tel: 07919415425
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Communities First Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to be have your say and be kept up to date on what activities are going on in your area.
Trinant and Pentwyn Community News Cefn Fforest Community News @CommunityRegen
Volunteering opportunities If you are interested in volunteering with Get Caerphilly online please contact Matthew Lloyd on the details below:
Matthew Lloyd Caerphilly ICT Broker, Communities 2.0 Matthew.Lloyd@walescooperative.org 02920 556192
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Unemployed and looking for work? Would you like some help? Come along to‌‌.
for informal and friendly advice and support on: Online job applications Access to training Online Job Search
Day
CV Writing
Confidence Building
Setting up an email account
Volunteering Opportunities
Interview Techniques
Help with application forms and covering letters
Venue
Times
Monday
Cefn Fforest Community Centre
9.30am ~ 12.00pm
Tuesday
Abertysswg Community Centre
10.00am ~ 12.00pm
Newbridge Library
10.30am ~ 12.30pm
Cefn Hengoed Youth Centre
1.00pm ~
3.00pm
Trinant Community Centre
1.00pm ~
3.00pm
Whiterose Information Centre
10.00am ~ 12.00pm
Phillipstown Community House
1.00pm ~
Angel Community House, Britannia
10.00am ~ 12.00pm
Bargoed YMCA
9.30am ~ 12.00pm
Fochriw Community Centre
10.00am ~ 12.00pm
Pontlottyn Boys and Girls Club
1.00pm ~
Van Community Centre
10.00am ~ 12.00pm
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Supporting your return to employment
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3.00pm
3.00pm
Job hunting Planning your job hunting To find the job you want you need to look at your skills and the type of job you want to do. You then need to plan how you will go about looking for it.
What you have to offer Start by asking yourself honestly what skills and experience you have. Think about the skills you have developed in the jobs you have had before, and in your life outside of work. Employment skills and experience Ask yourself the following questions to think about skills you have developed, including those built up in jobs you have had before: Did you develop any skills that will be useful in the job you're looking for? Have you worked as part of a team? Did you need to share information with others? Did you follow or give instructions well? Are you a good timekeeper? Do you have IT skills? Did you get any qualifications? Were you praised for any part of your role? Personal and social skills Ask yourself the following questions about life outside work: Do you get on well with people? Are you on a local committee or a member of a community organisation? are you part of a team, (for example, a sports or quiz team)? do you have skills from caring for your family, (for example, organisational skills)? have you done any voluntary work? have you been to any evening classes or training? Where to look for jobs There are a number of ways you can search for jobs: through Jobcentre Plus through newspapers on the internet by registering with recruitment agencies in trade journals through friends and other people you know
If you would like to find out more please visit Direct Gov at www.directgov.uk 7
Writing a CV A CV (curriculum vitae) is a short list of facts about you and your work history, skills and experience. A good CV is essential when looking for work and it is worth spending time getting it right so it sells you to an employer.
What is your CV? Your CV should:
Be neat, typed if possible and to the best standard you can achieve in content and layout Be short, two sides of a sheet of A4 paper is normally enough Be positive, it should emphasise your achievements, strengths, successes and how you have contributed to your employers making a profit (add figures to support facts whenever you can and use positive action words, for example: ‘consulting’, ‘negotiating’, ‘managing’ and so on) Make a good impression, this means presenting the facts about yourself in a clear and positive way
How to use your CV Applying to companies to see if they have any vacancies You can send your CV with a covering letter or email asking if they have any current or future vacancies in your trade. You can find names and addresses of companies in newspapers or in trade or telephone directories. To remind you what you’ve done You can use your CV to help you remember all the dates and information each time you have to fill in a different application form. To help with applications by phone Having your CV handy when applying for jobs by phone can help if you are asked to give more information about previous jobs. If you use textphone or Typetalk, having a copy of your CV can cut down the time you spend making a call. At interviews Having your CV with you while you’re waiting to be called in can help you refresh your memory. It is also handy to leave a copy with the interviewer if they do not already have one. Registering with recruitment agencies Agencies may sometimes ask to see your CV before you can register with them.
What to include There is no set format. How you present your CV is up to you. However, you should include at least the following: Your name Your address Your phone number Your email address (if you have one) Your career history If you would like to find out more please visit Direct Gov at www.directgov.uk 8
Writing a CV Put your most recent job first and include dates. Employers will be more interested in what you have done recently. Don’t leave gaps between dates, because employers will want to know what you did during those periods. If you don’t have much work experience, you could include temporary, holiday, part-time or voluntary jobs too. If you’ve had many different jobs, emphasise the skills and experience you have across those jobs (for example, dealing with customers or communication skills). You don't need to include your date of birth New laws on age discrimination mean that you do not need to put your date of birth, or your age, on your CV. Here are some examples you may want to include: A personal profile This is a short statement at the beginning of your CV to sell yourself, to show your skills, experience and personal qualities. You could include positive words such as ‘competent’, ‘adaptable’, and ‘conscientious’. Tailor the statement to the requirements of each job that you apply for. Make it clear to the employer that you’re the right person for the job. Achievements Mention things you did well in your past jobs which could be relevant to the job you’re applying for. Qualifications and training Include any qualifications and training from previous jobs (for example, training in health and safety or a certificate in food hygiene). Put the most recent first, and include qualifications you got from school or college. Interests These can support your application if your hobbies and leisure activities highlight responsibilities and skills that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Perhaps you belong to a club or society which you organise activities for, or you use leadership skills or teamwork as part of the activity. Other information It is up to you whether to include this, but it can be helpful if there are gaps in your CV. If you had a career break because you were caring for children or elderly relatives, make this a positive thing. Think about the skills you used doing this. If the job you're applying for is different from what you've done in the past, explain why you're interested in the new type of work. References It’s good to have two or more people who can provide a work or personal reference. Ideally, one should be your most recent employer. If you haven’t worked for a while it could be someone who has known you for a long time. It should be someone who can comment on your qualities in relation to the job. You should ask the person to agree to this beforehand. Ask a friend or relative to read through your CV to make sure it's accurate and shows your skills in a positive way.
If you would like to find out more please visit Direct Gov at www.directgov.uk 9
Welsh Water Assist, provides financial assistance to low income households with either large families or a sewerage. Communities First, CCBC and Jobmatch are working in partnership to help raise awareness of s * Get free financial and debt advice * See if you can increase the money you have coming in * Find better energy and utility deals * Access affordable credit and other financial services
Call or email us using the contact details below to arrange a time and place convenient for us to pop in and 10
medical condition requiring high water usage. It caps your charges at ÂŁ120 for water and ÂŁ120 for services and organisations that could help residents mange their money. We are here to help you:
Kara Lee 01443 86 33 45 leek@caerphilly.gov.uk
d see you or if you would like us to send you information in the post. 11
Winter Warmers Spicy Burgers Ingredients 25g of bread, weighed without crusts 500g of lean steak mince 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 clove of garlic, crushed 4tsp of Worcestershire sauce 1 red chilli deseeded and finely chopped 1 level tsp of Dijon mustard 1 egg yolk 4 burger buns Lettuce leaves 1 beef tomato, sliced 4tbsp tomato and chilli chutney 1/2 a red onion, finely sliced Method 1. Whizz the bread in a processor to make crumbs. Put in a bowl with the mince, shallot , garlic, Worcestershire sauce, chilli, mustard and egg yolk. Season. 2. Mix together with your hands, then shape into 4 burgers. Put on a tray lined with cling film. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to cook.
Cheese and onion whirls Ingredients 150g self raising flour or 5 dessert spoons of flour 50g of margarine or 1 dessert spon 100g cheese or 1 handful 1 spring onion and 1 red pepper or mushrooms or sweetcorn Milk or egg to make a dough Method Light oven, gas 5/200°C. Grease a baking sheet. Put flour into a bowl and rub in the margarine Add the milk to form a soft dough that you can handle Roll or press into a square of about 25cm x 25cm Chop the onion and grate the cheese. Put these ingredients into layers on top of the dough. Add any other vegetables of your choice. Brush the far side of the dough with water, then roll it up like a swiss roll. Cut these into slices and place them on a baking tray—cut side facing up and bake for about 20mins. Good hot or cold. 12
Winter Warmers Fruit Cake Ingredients 250g / 8oz Self– raising flour (use wholemeal as a healthier option or half and half) 1/2 Teaspoon ground mixed spice 1/2 Teaspoon ground cinnamon 125g / oz low fat margarine 125g / 4 oz Soft brown sugar 125g / 4oz Currants/sultanas/mixed fruit 50g / 2 oz Glacè cherries, quartered 1 Large egg 5 Tablespoons of milk
Method Line and grease a shallow 8 inch cake tin Put the self-raising flour, mixed spice and cinnamon into a mixing bowl, add the margarine and rub in with the finger tips until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs Stir in the sugar, currents and glacè cherries. Add the egg and milk to the mixture and beat thoroughly Put the mixture into the prepared tin and bake in a preheated oven, 180°C (350°F), gas mark 4, for 30 mins. Leave the cake in the tin for a few minutes, then turn it out on to a wire rack to cool.
Chocolate Delight To make a deliciously chocolate dessert make up some Chocolate Angel Delight and then pour into four wine glasses and leave in the fridge to chill. Melt some plain chocolate and allow to cool and then pour over the Angel Delight so that it covers the delight then return to the fridge until the chocolate sets. Just before serving complete the dessert with a scoop of ice cream, a swirl of chocolate sauce and a flake. Serves 4 What you need 1 sachet Chocolate Angel Delight 300ml cold milk 100g plain chocolate 4 scoops of chocolate ice cream for decoration – chocolate sauce and 4 pieces of flake 4 wine glasses
How to make it Make up some Chocolate Angel Delight with cold milk as directed and then pour into four wine glasses and leave in the fridge to chill for 10 minutes. Meanwhile melt some plain chocolate and allow to cool and then pour over the Angel Delight so that it covers the delight then return to the fridge until the chocolate sets. Just before serving complete the dessert with a scoop of ice cream, a swirl of chocolate sauce and a flake.
Hints and tips Try using Strawberry Angel delight and decorate with chocolate dipped strawberries.
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Change for life Tips for a night out
Drinking socially in a large group can be tricky if you're trying to cut back. Here are some suggestions to help out: Make a plan Before you start drinking, set yourself a limit on how much you're going to drink. Set yourself a budget Only take out a set amount of money to spend on alcohol. Start later Turn up later and you can drink less. But don't drink at home before you go out. Take your time Don’t feel pressured to keep up with others. Give it a miss If someone's getting a round, don't feel like you have to have a drink. Sit one out Buy yourself a soft drink when it’s your round. Replace your usual Try a smaller glass or a lower-strength drink or add a mixer. A ready-made excuse You can always tell your mates that your cutting back on drinking to watch your weight. Stay hydrated Drink a pint of water before you start drinking and avoid using alcohol to quench your thirst. A soft drink or a glass of water Take a break between drinks and have a low-calorie soft drink or glass of water in between, which will also help you stay hydrated.
Change for life Top tips to get your 5 a day Open one Canned fruit and veg count too. Choose canned fruit in unsweetened natural juice and vegetables in water. Defrost one Frozen fruit and veg count, it only takes a couple of minutes to microwave some frozen peas for your omelette. Drink one One 150ml glass of 100% unsweetened fruit or vegetable juice can count as a portion (but remember only 1 glass counts). Sprinkle one Try sprinkling pepper, onion, mushroom, sweetcorn or pineapple chunks on top of a thin-based pizza.
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Breakfast one Add fruit to cereal, porridge or lower fat yoghurt – a handful of berries or a chopped banana is lovely. Lunch one Add some crunch to your sandwiches with cucumber, grated carrot or tomato, and have a piece of fruit. Pulse one Add beans, lentils and pulses to stews, bakes and salads – remember, only 1 of your 5 A DAY can come from pulses. Side-dish one Have a salad or veg with your main meal. If it’s roast dinner make sure you’ve got some carrots or broccoli on your plate. Dip one Dunk veg in lower fat dip, lower fat cheese spread or salsa - sticks of cucumber, peppers, carrots or even cauliflower are delicious.
Trinant - Triple C Pop in and see us for a cooked breakfast, sandwich, jacket potato and much more!
The Money Advice Service gives you the information you need to make the most of the money you have, without trying to sell you anything. From insurance to pensions, mortgages to borrowing, if you need help putting together a budget or understanding tax and welfare benefits, our trained Money Advisers will go through your options. Helpline: 0300 500 5000 www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk 15
Fire work safety code Watching fireworks can be great fun for children. But figures show that, more often than not, it’s children rather than adults who get hurt by fireworks. Over the past five years over 350 pre-school children, some as young as one year old, were treated in hospital for firework injuries. So don’t put your family at risk. Follow our easy checklist for a safe home firework display. Before the display: Only buy fireworks from a legitimate retailer Inform neighbours and be aware of their concerns Check the fireworks you buy are suitable for the size of garden and conform to British Standards (BS 7114) Read the instructions in daylight One person – clearly identified – should be responsible for fireworks Things you will need on the night Torch for checking instructions Bucket of water Eye protection and gloves Bucket of soft earth to stick fireworks in Suitable supports for Catherine wheels, proper launchers for rockets During the display Don’t set off noisy fireworks late at night and never after 11pm Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks Light fireworks at arm's length with a taper Stand well back and keep others back Never go back to a lit firework Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them Always supervise children Store fireworks in a metal box, kept closed between use Keep pets indoors After the display Use tongs or gloves to collect spent fireworks Sparklers Unsuitable for children under five Light one at a time Wear gloves when holding sparklers Put used sparklers hot end down into a bucket of sand or water 16
After the display Use tongs or gloves to collect spent fireworks Bonfires Should be at least 18 metres (60ft) away from houses, trees, hedges, fences or sheds Use domestic firelighters Never use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids
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Pumpkin Carving Patterns Materials:
Pumpkin Spoon or pumpkin scoop Small nail or pumpkin poker Serrated knife or pumpkin saw (the more complicated the pattern, the more you’re going to want a pumpkin saw)
Instructions: Prepare
your pumpkin by:
Cut a hole in the top for the lid. Make sure you angle the saw inwards so your lid sits on top of the pumpkin and doesn’t just fall through
Scoop out the seeds and strings with a spoon
Scrape some of the flesh from the inside so your pumpkin is about an inch thick all the way around (or at least wherever you’ll be carving).
You can either create your own design by drawing straight onto the pumpkin to mark the areas you will need to cut out or use the pattern on the next page.
If you use the printed paper pattern, trim off the excess paper and use tape to stick the pattern to the pumpkin and cut around just the grey areas of the picture. Use a sawing motion to cut out your design, using very light pressure. Take your time and allow the sawing to do the work rather than applying pressure and forcing it.
When making curves, just slightly turn the saw. When making sharp corners, remove the saw and re-insert it at an angle.
Remove the paper copy if using one and carefully poke through the areas.
To remove pieces, push them out from the inside. For larger pieces, you may want to cut them into smaller bits when removing.
Once your pumpkin is all set, use a candle holder designed for pumpkins to light it up (safer than a candle).
Light the candle and place it on a piece of tinfoil inside the pumpkin. Put the lid on. Let it sit a minute.
Remove the lid and there should be a smoke mark on it, cut a vent in the lid where the smoke mark shows.
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Activities in you area! USV – Markham - Markham Community House & Fit Smart Monday
Tuesday
Credit union 9:30am - 11:00am
Boot camp 10:00am
Roller Skating 7-14 yr olds 4:15pm - 5:15pm
Boot camp 10:00am
Zumba 6:30pm - 7:30pm
Boot camp 7:00pm
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Computer Classes 9:30am -11:10am
Roller Skating Family 6:00pm -7:30pm
Friday
Toddler Time 10:00am-11:00am Credit union 11:00am - 12:30pm
USV – Markham – Markham Congregational Church Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Cross-stitch 6:00 - 8:00
JCS Children Club 5:30 - 6:50
Knit & Natter 1:00 - 3:00
USV – Hollybush – Hollybush Hall Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Coffee Morning 10:30 - 12:30
Line dancing Partner optional
Friday
Trinant – Trinant Community Centre Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Sunday
Art Class
Playgroup
Play group
Bingo
1:30pm
10:00am
Parent & Toddler group
10:00am
7:00pm
Trinant Brownies
Youth Club
4:30pm
6:30pm
10:00am
Computer class 1:00pm, 4:30pm & 6:30pm
Bingo 7:00pm
Cefn Fforest – Cefn Fforest Community Centre Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Work Club 9:30am
Computer Club 12:00pm
Cefn Crafters 9:30am
Coffee Morning 10:00am
Citizens Advice Bureau 9:00am
Commuting for beginners 2:00pm
Slimming World 5:00pm
Art Society 2:30pm
Cefn Fforest & District Family history Society 2:00pm
Youth Group 4:30pm Zumba 6:30pm 20
Open Art Exhibition The innovative Art Society was established almost directly after the Argoed Baptist Chapel Harvest fete in 2011. Classes started at Argoed Baptist Chapel 2-4pm on Mondays in December 2011 and continue to meet at this venue for 24 weeks per year. An additional venue was established at Argoed Village Hall on Wednesdays 6:30pm - 8:30pm in March 2012 after receipt of funding from WCVA. The second group allows members who work, to attend in the evening. The society includes the entire Argoed Ward and members to date come from Hollybush, Markham and Argoed. Inclusivity is the buzzword for this very unusual art society. The society boasts 20 full time members but is still accepting new members. Inspirational and creative are terms used not only for works produced by both groups but also in the methodology of the tuition. Tutorials and demonstrations are mainly in house and practical's are hands on. Professional artists are available at all times and covering all media by a library of DVD’s which members can book out weekly, to view at their leisure, at home during the week. Initially art equipment and materials are provided free of charge until the members finds a medium to which they are best suited. The society is a member of the SAA and as such is able to afford each of its members substantial discounts on any art materials they choose to purchase for themselves. Currently each 2 hour session costs £1.50 and is paid weekly to a maximum of £36 per annum. In this jubilee/Olympiad year, a very special year, Mid Valleys East Art Society was proud to host an “Open Art Exhibition” on October 4th, 5th and 6th 2012. The exhibition was held on split sites at Argoed Baptist Chapel and Argoed Village Hall. Being central to Argoed Ward, they were perfect venues to house their art exhibition. Also allowing facilities for parking and disabled access. Allowing external entrants from within Caerphilly Borough and our neighbouring boroughs, thus actively forging new bonds with our art contemporaries and fellow Art Societies. Mid Valleys East (Argoed Ward) Art Society is also intent on showcasing the stunningly beautiful Sirhowy Valley to be an incredible asset to Caerphilly Borough and South Wales.
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Open Art Exhibition The society has chose a theme entitled “The Valley Floor” as its internal competition theme this year. 5 internal trophies are awarded on a yearly basis—this year in house was held on Saturday 6th October 2012. The work produced by both groups were fantastic, yielding a wealth of talents till now untapped. Members inspired each other to create; using the God given talents they all have an are only just discovering. As a facilitator of this society , I am proud to have helped establish its setting up with my committee. Works have been created in pen/ink, pastels, water colours, acrylics, oils and internal stained glass. Next year we hope to add encaustic waxes, slates, charcoals and other media from this years array.
Unlock your artistic potential Want to join an art group? Beginner and Accomplished classes running in USV contact Carol Carrdew for more details on: 01495 223 425
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Poetry & prose page A pensioners lament Why this depressing weathers Of this month of flaming June, This rain and this cold and dampness, To which my old bones are not immune, Where has all the sunshine gone, There must be a reason why, When we gaze up at the heavens, We no more see blue sky No more smiling faces, When you greet friends in the street, No more happy laughter, When little children meet, If our weathermen are so clever, Would they please give me the reason Why this month of flaming June, Is so completely out of season
Denzil Moore
Winter comes Clear frosty moonlight nights, Slowly disappeared with the dawn, A violet carpet of fleecy clouds become visible in the east The early morning with birth of east Rises above lightly covered fields, And as is climbs towards the heavens, Icy crystals glisten in its weak winter rays, Like millions of shaking diamonds, The valley below Bedwellty church Looks like a majestic white ice flow Beautiful in appearance, But hostile to all that suffer the cold. Winter in all its cold white beauty has arrived
Denzil Moore 23
Poetry & prose page The River From the Bridge
As the gleaming summer sun shines directly overhead I stand in the middle of the bridge gazing into the river. The sun striking the leaves of birch, green sorbus, beech and acer converts the bank to a brilliant white Below, the shaded reddish acer appear to almost tip into the water from each river bank. Rocks and stones spill out into the river to form a cosseting, sloping boundary to shield the rivers edge. Fish swim against the waters flow, darting to hide in dark, algal covered rock crevices. The flow of the water distorts any reflection. The warm and gentle summer breeze somehow feels cooler near the river. I gaze at the distant water, watching the river rush away from me. The ripples are lost in the distance. No rusty water, blackened rocks and stones now that the mine has gone. The water is clear, almost blue from the reflection of the summer sky. What life can now emerge from the re-vitalised haven? I hope that in years to come, our children will aspire to keep her (the Sirhowy river) clean and save her for “new fry�
Carol Carrdew
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YOUNG PEOPLES PAGE GUESS THE CELEBRITY‌..
Answers: Cheryl Cole, Adam Levine, Tinchy Stryder, Robert Pattinson, Will Smith, Amanda Seyfried, Wayne Rooney, Taylor Swift, Joe Calzaghe, Jessie J, Nina Dobrev, Ryan Reynolds Looking for information about young people’s leisure activities or help and advice about services in Caerphilly county borough, but don't know where to start? You can e-mail us at: yis@caerphilly.gov.uk or log onto fis@caerphilly.gov.uk the Youth information Service provides free information for young people looking for leisure activities like youth clubs and fitness classes. We also have contact details for support services throughout 25 the borough.
Cefn Fforset Over the summer the Hub team met with 46 young people who engaged with the hub team. We have had young people Participated in lots of different actives like 26 young people participated in sports activities on the showfields. Young people participated in a football skills session with Game On coaches and participated in Spots and Stripes activities. 5 young people have participating a 5 weeks of fishing sessions at Parc Cwm Darren, the young people have learnt a range of skills including threading the fishing rod with line, attaching weights and hooks and putting bate on the rod to attract the fish. The young people have been responsible for their rods and also safely removing hooks from the fish and placing them back into the lake. 8 young people have participated in a Horse Riding session on. The young people have learnt how to ride and control a horse safely and experience a fun physical activity 3 young people took part in kayaking activity. The young people learnt how to use paddles to steer a kayak and control the speed. The young people also develop skill in teamwork through fun activities. 5 young people participated in swimming activity. The session provided young people with an opportunity to participate in physical activity in a fun way. 3 young people and 2 older members of the Cefn Fforest community participated in a trip to St Fagans along with older and younger people from Mid Valleys East. The trip was aimed for younger and older people to enjoy an activity of shared interest, to improve relationships and break negative stereotypes.
Markham USV Over the summer the Hub team met with 42 young people who engaged with the hub team. We have had young people Participated in lots of different actives like 4 young people took part in Zumba and Hula Hooping. Providing an opportunity for young people to explore different physical activity using different dance styles 8 young people participated in swimming session at newbridge sports centre, learning how to swimming better, using the pool for physical activities. 09.08.12 4 young people participated in sexual health workshop, looking at safe sex, how to us a condom correctly. Were to go for advice and support. What dangers could happen if they had unprotected sex. Also young people learnt about the law around sex. 8 young people took part in sport in the MUGA, playing rounder's, helping young people build new friendship group, teamwork skills. Participating in a sport. 4 young people participated in sexual health workshop, looking at safe sex, how to use a condom correctly. Were to go for advice and support. What dangers could happen if they had unprotected sex. Also young people learnt about the law around sex. 8 young people took part in sport in the MUGA, playing rounder's, helping young people build new friendship group, teamwork skills. Participating in a sport. 26
1 young person from the USV area represented the young people from USV at the Youth Forum Borough Wide Meeting. 8 young people participated in a roller disco session. Young people were introduced to a new form of physical activity, which is fun and exciting. 3 young people and one family of the USV community participated in a trip to St Fagans along with older and younger people from Mid Valleys East. The trip was aimed for younger and older people to enjoy an activity of shared interest, to improve relationships and break negative stereotypes. Really good turn out for Markham family day, we had over 10 different family turn up and engaged with all the staff. 27 young people signed up for the hub session. Young people got to see different animals with tropical ink. Young people faced their fear of snakes and held a snake with staff support. Many people took up the free health checks. Really good relationship build with new young people.
Trinant Over the summer the Hub team met with 60 young people who engaged with the hub team. We have had young people Participated in lots of different actives like 5 young people took part in Disability Awareness and peer mentoring qualification. Waiting to finish course. 5 young people took part in PACT meeting talking with the police around issues they have in Trinant 15 young people done workshop with local police and Psco around staying safe on the street, giving them information about what they should do if they needed any help from Police. 37 young people and families and community member took part in the Police day, community getting to met their local police and Pscos. Young people got to see the Police van and what the police do when they arrest any one. Polic3e spoke to young people about the Laws. Really great turn out from the whole community and a great day. 15 young people and 6 members of the Trinant community cafe participated in a trip to St Fagan's along with older and younger people from Mid Valleys East. The trip was aimed for younger and older people to enjoy an activity of shared interest, to improve relationships and break negative stereotypes. 1 young person from the Trinant area represented the young people from Trinant at the Youth Forum Borough Wide Meeting. 8 young people took part in kayaking activity. The young people learnt how to use paddles to steer a kayak and control the speed. The young people also develop skill in teamwork through fun activities. 15 young took part in taste bubbies session. During the session the young people looked through the ingredients on the shopping list and how to cook healthy. 9 Young people participated in a session of Zumba. Providing an opportunity for young people to explore different physical activity using different dance styles 7 young people took part in fishing session They learned new skills such as, plumbing up. Casting and how to use a fishing rod correctly. 9 young people took part in hula hooping session, learning how to move the hoop correctly, how hula hooping help loss weight, and having fun at the same time with friends.
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Q What did the big flower say to the little flower?
Q What do ducks have with soup?
Q Why was the dog jealous of the tree?
A Quackers A How are you bud?
A Because it had a better bark 28
Natural nibbles Look outside the window. Are your bird tables and feeders full of birds and bird food? Good! Now what do you think the birds would eat if we didn't feed them? Have a guess then look below to see if you were right. Next time you watch the birds in your garden, don't just look at the ones queuing up for the birdfeeders. You'll see that different birds find natural foods in quite different ways.
Stop, look and listen Blackbirds feed mainly on the ground. They run and pause, run and pause, run and pause. Each time they stop, they scan the ground for prey. If they see a worm, they search more thoroughly before moving on. This is because worms tend to live in small groups, so if a blackbird has found one another won't be far away. As well as feeding on lawns, blackbirds love fallen leaves. They toss leaves away to find small edible creatures underneath. They will even do the same with snow! But how do they know to dig under that particular bit of snow or to look under a certain leaf? They listen, with very sensitive ears.
Which way up? A blue tit's beak is short and thin, just right for picking up insects and spiders. At this time of year, most insects are hidden in bark, on the undersides of leaves or safe inside seed heads, perhaps as grubs. Blue tits, however, examine everything very closely - just in case they can eat it. They spend only half their time on a branch the right way up. Often, they hang upside down, peering under leaves and into cracks in bark. It can take a blue tit half an hour to search through a whole tree, examining each branch and leaf as it goes.
Seed hopper Have you seen a dunnock hopping forward, pecking all day under bushes without apparently picking up anything. You'd think it would struggle to survive. Dunnocks mostly eat insects, but will eat nettle, grass and weed seeds in the winter. A dunnock has to spend nearly all its time in winter feeding, just to survive the long, cold nights. And if you don't think there are enough seeds to keep a dunnock alive, just think where the weeds in your garden come from - all from seeds that dunnocks and other birds missed!
Gaining grain House sparrows mainly eat plants, whatever the time of year. Sparrows have chunky, seedeater's beaks, and they will tackle all manner of seeds and grain. They either separate the seed from its husk with their beak or they pull the seed apart to get to the good bit - the starch that the seed would have used when it was time to grow. We use this same starch to make flour for bread. This is why many birds are happy to eat scraps of bread from your bird table. For more information and fun activities please visit the RSPB website at www.rspb.org.uk/youth/ 29
Make a speedy bird cake Make this quick and easy cake to keep the birds happy.
Stuff you need: Good quality bird seed; raisins; peanuts; grated cheese; suet or lard; yoghurt pots; string; mixing bowl; scissors.
Important notes Not suitable for children with nut allergies. Note that bird seed, including peanuts bought for birds, is not suitable for human consumption.
Steps Carefully make a small hole in the bottom of a yoghurt pot. Thread string through the hole and tie a knot on the inside. Leave enough string so that you can tie the pot to a tree or your bird table.
Allow the lard to warm up to room temperature, but don’t melt it. Then cut it up into small pieces and put it in the mixing bowl.
Add the other ingredients to the bowl and mix them together with your finger tips. Keep adding the seed/raisin/cheese mixture and squidging it until the fat holds it all together.
Fill your yoghurt pots with bird cake mixture and put them in the fridge to set for an hour or so.
For more information and fun activities please visit the RSPB website at www.rspb.org.uk/youth/
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We all need a helping hand sometimes….. and to live up to expectations of families within Caerphilly County this one-stop-website offers a complete range of information for families. Whether you are a parent, child, young person or a professional working with families in Caerphilly there is a Zone packed with information just for you. Main features of the Family Information Service Directory are:
Family Zone is for Parents and Carers and has information about childcare, parenting, health and family support services
Youth Zone is for 11–25’s and has information about local clubs, activities and services for young people
Kidz Zone is for 5–10’s and has information about local clubs and activities and things to do
Professional Zone is for Teachers, Childcare workers, people working with families and has contact details and information about services for families The combination of the simple to use features and the “click for more info” range has provided a really useful new resource. It will surely make the Caerphilly Family Information Service Directory the first choice for all the family to search and find local information. Are you looking for information, help or advice on childcare, leisure activities, family support services and organisations but don't know where to start? We can help contact us on: 01443 86 32 32 or drop us an email at fis@caerphilly.gov.uk
fis@caerphilly.gov.uk 31
Your local Neighbourhood Policing Team Upper Sirhowy Valley Check the Gewnt Police Website for the date of the next pack meeting Online Watch Link, or OWL, gives residents the chance to sign up to crime alerts and messages from your local police. Are you interested in being a street warden or member for your community OWL?
Police Community Support Officer PCSO 56 - Jeff Dugmore
Neighborhood Officer PC 1059 - Alison Perry
Get in touch with Jeff Dugmore your PCSO on 01495 233966 Email: blackwood@gwent.pnn.police.uk
Trinant Check the Gewnt Police Website for the date of the next pack meeting Online Watch Link, or OWL, gives residents the chance to sign up to crime alerts and messages from your local police. Are you interested in being a street warden or member for your community OWL?
Police Community Support Officer PCSO 36 - Jason Harris jason.harris@gwent.pnn.police.uk
Your Neighborhood Officer PC 2049—Clare Hoare clare.hoare@gwent.pnn.police.uk
Get in touch with Jason Harris your PCSO on 01633 838 or emailrisca@gwent.pnn.police.uk
Cefn Fforest Check the Gewnt Police Website for the date of the next pack meeting Online Watch Link, or OWL, gives residents the chance to sign up to crime alerts and messages from your local police. Are you interested in being a street warden or member for your community OWL? Get in touch with us at blackwood@gwent.pnn.police.uk
Your Neighbourhood Officer PC 1344 - Dave Abrams
Your Community Support Officer CSO 110 - Kelly Sweetman
Your Community Support Officer CSO 88 - Michael Withers
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