• View current and past issues online at www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk •
THE GRAPEVINE
The local newsletter for Llangorse, Bwlch and surrounding communities Llangorse • Llanfihangel Talyllyn • Talyllyn • Llanywern • Pennorth • Llangasty • Cathedine • Bwlch November 2016
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Please... this newsletter after you have finished with it.
T: 01874 730929 WWW.beaconsfarmshop.CO.UK
CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS Published by Discover Llangorse & Bwlch November 2016
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Give the gift of adventure this Christmas! Llangorse Multi Activity Centre have a range of Gift Vouchers available for rock climbing, indoor activities, horse riding, Sky Trek and much more! See back cover for details...
Home grown & organic produce Visit our Kitchen Garden & Shop 9-5 Wednesday - Sunday, or order online at www.thekitchengarden.co.uk NOW AVAILABLE: Home grown seasonal produce Garden flowers Certified organic produce from additional suppliers Homemade syrups, cordials & preserves Fruit, vegetables, salad & herb boxes made to order Specials including Welsh roasted coffee & Welsh rapeseed oil Tea, coffee, garden tours, art days and more Call Rae on 07949 396589 to place an order or email: Rae.Gervis@lime.org.uk Tŷ-Mawr Farm | Llangasty | LD3 7PJ The-Kitchen-Garden249194615447072
The Gate Shop Cafe is now open! The Cafe is under new management and currently open every day. We will be serving light lunches, homemade cakes, fresh coffee & bacon rolls. Also selling frozen homemade ready meals to take away.
Current opening hours:
Monday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:00pm Saturday - 9:30am - 4:00pm Sunday - 11:00am - 3:00pm Facebook: Y Gwyllt Website: www.ygwyllt.co.uk Phone: 07580 087 630
@tymawrgarden
Kirsty Williams AM Assembly Member for Brecon & Radnorshire
English & Drama Tuition English Language & English Literature from KS2 up to A Level 20 years experience teaching Current examiner for GCSE English Language & Literature Bespoke tuition for the individual learner Exam & Revision technique Revision strategies DBS checked Free taster session www.ravendrama.com www.facebook.com/ravendramawales lynn.clausen@btinternet.com
Tel 07949 329 561 “My daughter is very happy with the style of teaching and appreciates Lynn’s in-depth knowledge of the subjects she teaches” Parent of A level student
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Advice Surgery
Llangorse Village Hall Monday 9th January 12pm-1pm In the new year I have an advice surgery in Llangorse Village Hall, after the coffee morning. Please come along if you have an issue you’d like to bring up with me. In the meantime, you can always get in touch at kirsty.williams@assembly.wales, on 01874 625739, or at facebook.com/kirstywilliams.cymru. The Grapevine - November 2016
Llangorse Community Council News
Colin Preece, Chairman
Public Access Defibrillators: Defibrillators are now in place and available on external walls at Llangasty Village Hall, Pennorth Chapel, Llanfihangel Talyllyn and Llanwern Village Hall and Llangors Youth & Community Centre. Successful and well attended overviews and CPR training have been carried out at Llangasty, Pennorth, Llanfihangel Talyllyn and Llangors. Our thanks go to those who arranged and facilitated the training. The next training at Llangors will take place on December 6th. Call Melrose East on 658 335 for details.
BT Kiosks: The BT kiosks in our area will shortly be removed, however local charities and recognised groups can purchase them
from BT for £1. Llangors Youth & Community Centre have nearly finalised the purchase of the Llangors kiosk, with ideas of use being tourist information or a free library where books can be donated and borrowed (see page 9). A group is currently looking at the purchase of Llanwern kiosk. Talyllyn and Pennorth kiosks will be removed in due course unless a local charity or group is interested in taking ownership together with future maintenance. Further details can be found at www.payphones.bt.com
Llangors New Church in Wales School: Llangors Community Council welcomes and supports the proposals for a new school
at Llangors. After the planning application was submitted to Brecon Beacons National Park the Community Council were involved in discussion with Powys, Llangors Community Centre and School Governors regarding the proposals. The Community Council as statutory consultees have responded to the park planning committee with observations regarding the proposals. It is hoped that planning will be gained soon to allow a proposed build start of early 2017.
Gwernyfed High School: Following the U turn by Powys regarding the proposed closure of Gwenyfed High School, the Welsh Government has now approved Powys County Council’s outline business case to invest £6 million in the Gwernyfed High School campus. Gwernyfed HS has also been designated as a “pioneer school” to help other schools in Powys implement the “Donaldson Report” which is being implemented to improve secondary education. Together with our County Councillor Mel Davies, the Community Council has always supported Gwenyfed High School and we were actively involved with the consultation, with a well attended drop in session held at Llangors Community Centre in May. John Williams (Head Gweryfed HS) attended the drop in session and he recently thanked the Community Council and Community Council Clerk Judith Phillips for the extensive work that was carried out in support of Gwernyfed HS. Recycling facilities at Llangors Community Centre: Due to financial constraints combined with the kerbside recycling collection, Powys will be closing various recycling facilities and they are proposing to remove the facility at Llangors Community Centre. Currently the facilities in Llangors collect approx. 14 ton of various recycling and the Community Council is keen to see the facility remain.
Powys Local Development Plan: Powys are proposing further focused changes to the deposit draft LDP which is open for public consultation and comment 10/10/16 to 21/11/16. Further details: www.powys.gov.uk/en/planning-building-control/localdevelopment-plan Brecon Beacons National Park Local Development Plan: Affordable Housing Strategy: BBNP have a consultation draft on
their Affordable Housing Strategy. This is for public consultation and comment 6/1016 to 1/12/16. Further details: www.beacons-npa.gov.uk
Welsh Government - Stamp Duty in Wales is about to change…
In 2018, Wales will introduce the first Welsh Tax for 800 years! The Welsh Government will take responsibility for Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT), which is paid when somebody buys or leases a property or land over a certain price in Wales. SDLT will be replaced by Land Transaction Tax in Wales and will affect a range of parties such as home buyers and businesses located in Wales. The Bill to pass Land Transaction Tax into Welsh law will be examined over the coming months in the Assembly. To get a better understand of the views of the people of Wales, the WG want to hear as many views as possible from across Wales. In order for you to share your opinions Welsh Government have launched an online discussion here: https://senedd.dialogue-app.com/stampduty Llangors Community Council can be contacted via Judith Phillips (Clerk) email clerk@llangors.org.uk or 01874 658 869
Service for people with dementia in the Llangors area - We need your help We are looking for volunteer befrienders in the Llangors area to support local people with dementia to continue to enjoy various social activities and hobbies which they may otherwise find impossible to do unsupported. The primary role is to offer support by providing social contact to help reduce the social isolation often experienced by people with dementia. No special or specific skills are required and experience is not necessary. If you are willing and interested in learning about dementia, are caring and have good communication skills we would be delighted to hear from you. All volunteers get ongoing support and training as well as an initial induction to the role. You will meet a wonderful group of people with many different stories and experiences to share. You will get the opportunity to see things from a different perspective and gain new life experiences. You will improve your knowledge and understanding of dementia. You will gain a real sense of achievement and ‘feel good factor’ when you see the positive impact you have on the person you are befriending. You will get the opportunity to step outside your normal day by day routine and try something different. You can make a real, positive difference to the lives of people living with dementia. You will play an invaluable role by offering friendship and support, reducing isolation, providing stimulation and building confidence. If you would like to find out more please contact Kate West, Befriending Manager, Alzheimer’s Society on 01874 712 059 or 07725223901 or email kate.west@alzheimers.org.uk Note: Would the person who contacted Kate following the article in the last issue please try again. Thank you.
www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk
Kate West
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Llangorse Big Swim 2016
Nicola Goodwin
More than 200 swimmers from across the UK descended on Llangorse Lake this September for the third annual Big Swim. Traveling from as far afield as Essex, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Cambridge, the swimmers ranged in age from 16 to 81 and from complete beginners to internationals. We even had swimmers celebrating their wedding anniversary and 70th birthday! The weekend is only possible thanks to the on-going generosity and help of the Blackham family, the Davies family, Llangorse Sailing Club and the lake users group, the community council plus the local residents and business-owners. This year it was fantastic to see so many local people taking part including a number of current and former villagers including David Blackham. Next year’s swim will be taking place on Saturday September 30th and once again we will be helping to raise funds for Llangorse Sailing Club. We were pleased to be able to make donations to Brecon Canoe Club, Hereford Kayak Club and Brecon Cricket Club this year as a thank you for their help with marshalling during the weekend and we’re delighted that all three plus Llangorse Judo Club have already signed up to help out next year. Llangorse Big Swim 2016
Entries will open for the 2017 event in November and we’ll be offering a discount to residents of Llangorse and the surrounding villages. For more information please email Nicola at llangorsetri@hotmail.co.uk
Bwlch, the Beacons Way & “Weatherman Walking”
Emma Harrison
There have been a couple of Beacons Way related events recently, both of which centred on Bwlch. Firstly, a number of Bwlch and Cathedine residents have signed up as volunteers with the Brecon Beacons National Park. Alan & Jackie Baker, Mark Davis, Emma & Peter Harrison and Steve Haslam have all volunteered to help the National Park Authority meet some of its corporate objectives: to manage the Park’s landscapes for the public benefit, and to ensure that locals and visitors alike have opportunities for outdoor access and recreation. In short, they are helping by keeping the public rights of way clear in and around Bwlch. Work so far has benefitted Bwlch in the following ways: • The Beacons Way is being kept clear on the north side of Penuel Chapel, making it easier for walkers (especially DofE participants) to spot and walk Emma Harrison & Derek Brockway along safely • The old track from the eastern side of Bwlch to the New Inn has been cleared to allow residents to walk to the pub, avoiding the busy A40 • Trailing branches have been cut back on the B4560 near the Gate Shop • New stiles and way marking posts have been installed due to closer links with the National Park’s wardens Secondly, Bwlch is going to be famous! Earlier this year Emma Harrison from The Star Bunkhouse filmed with Derek (‘the Weather’) Brockway for series 10 of “Weatherman Walking”. The programme has just gone through its final edits and is due to be broadcast on BBC1 Wales in January 2017. Emma & Derek followed a circular route from Bwlch to Cwmdu, and back to Bwlch along the Beacons Way. If anyone would like a guided walk along the route, Emma will be leading at both the Crickhowell Walking Festival in March 2017 and the Talgarth Walking Festival in May 2017.
Update from Llanfihangel Ladies
Angela Boxhall
One of our group, Margaret Williams, once again opened her home for the annual MacMillan Coffee event which took place on 1st October 2016. This year Margaret raised nearly £800 and she would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support. She is very grateful to all for their attendance, contributions, donations of cakes, raffle and Chinese auction prizes. She looks forward to seeing you all again next year! We will be holding a Halloween Party at the Black Cock Inn on Sunday 30th October 2016. This party is open to all children and will take place between 5.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. Our annual auction will take place on 11th November 2016 at the Black Cock Inn. Funds raised this year will be donated to the CLIC Sargent Cancer support for the young. CLIC Sargent is the UK’s leading cancer charity for children and young people and their families. They provide clinical, practical and emotional support to help young people cope with cancer and get the most out of life. We would be grateful for any items for auctioning and also hope you can join us on the night. The Ebbw Vale Male Voice Choir will be at the Black Cock Inn on 13th December 2016, 8.00 p.m. They will be joined by CÔr Safaddon (the local ladies choir) to sing carols and partake of mulled wine and mince pies.
Llangynidr Farmers’ Markets will be held on Oct 30, Nov 27, Dec 18, Jan 29, Feb 26, April 26. Page 4
The Grapevine - November 2016
Llyn Syfaddan History Group
Roger Reese, Chairman (658 726)
Chairmans Report: I am pleased to report that our membership continues to be healthy and that our programme of talks for 2016 has been very well attended. The programme for 2017 has now been planned and whilst we are trying to cover a broad range of themes, we are keen to enlist new speakers and welcome suggestions and offers!
The highlight of this year was the 200th anniversary celebration of the opening of the Talyllyn Tunnel and the Hay to Brecon Tramway. Thanks to the initial efforts of Adrian Humpage and the support of local landowners, over 120 of us had a “once in a lifetime experience”. It was a day never to be forgotten and it was pleasing to see so many young people enjoying the experience. To help us remember the event, Mark Young and Adrian have put together an A5 commemorative booklet which is now available. The booklet contains photos, historical information and other illustrations. The booklet costs only £3, excellent value, and is available from Roger Young (658205). Progress on the railway archive project is steady. We are building up a diverse range of material. More recently we have been focussing on gathering information on Cobbstown Cottages. We are grateful to the residents of Cobbstown who have been helpful in allowing access for surveying, photographing and providing historical information which will allow us to build up an accurate picture of the interior of the cottages when they were first built. We now have accurate drawings of the signal boxes, old engine shed and exterior of Cobbstown Cottages, which have been produced by Roger Walker. A recent donation is a full scale replica of a tramwheel made in wood, produced by Lance Potter which is perfect in every detail. We also have photographs of the last landlord and lady of the Refresh. The big challenge for us now is to begin the process of archiving all our material. To achieve this, we need assistance and guidance from volunteers who have the skills and experience. If you can help, please get in touch – we need you! On the wider front, our group continues to participate in the Brecknock History Forum. At the launch of the Brecknock History Open Week in early September, we organised a display of material based on “Legends of Llangors Lake” which was accompanied by a booklet produced by Linda Kells for the inauguration of the Llangors Youth and Community Centre. The booklet describes a variety of legends set around the lake (I hadn’t realised there were so many!). Over 30 of the booklets were sold at the launch and they are currently available at the price of £2.50 from Roger Young. We are also represented on one of the consultation groups set up to support the new developments at the Brecknock Museum. This major development promises to be an exciting transformation of the museum complex and reflect the rich heritage of this beautiful part of Wales. We are fortunate in having an active and enthusiastic committee who are looking forward to another productive year. We are keen to see our membership grow and welcome volunteers to join the committee. So, if you wish to join the group, join the committee, run a project, have ideas for future events or speakers or can help with our archiving then we would like to hear from you.
Next Event: Thursday 19th January 2017, 7.30p.m at Llangors Youth and Community Centre
Steve Morris - Powys War Memorial Project and Ann Reese - Never Forget Your Welsh Heroes Project
Bwlch Village Hall Reinvented
Lesley Doggett
Since replacing the roof on our Village Hall it seems that all the “cobwebs” have been blown away! New, modern and fresh refurbishment through grants and many very generous donations have encouraged even more events to be held at this increasingly popular venue. With the continued support of our dedicated Hall Committee, loyal villagers, The Gate Shop, The New Inn, The Star Bunkhouse and the wider community, the Village of Bwlch is back on the map! In the last year we have continued to host regular events such as Bwlch & Cathedine WI meetings, Bwlch Gardening Association meetings, Bwlch Choir practises, The Mother and Toddler Group, The Stitch and Bitch Crafting Class, a yoga and a dance class. Linked to these are Village Hall and Garden Club Coffee Mornings and The WI Harvest Supper. “Bwlchfest 2016” was a great success and we will be adding extra events to our 2017 Programme including Bwlch with Altitude, a Mini Foodfest and an even wider range of entertainment to compliment 2016’s hugely popular bands, Tramsmash, Hired Gun, The Ukomanics and Abertillery Ladies Orpheus Choir. Leading up to Christmas and beyond Bwlch Village Hall is hosting: • 7th October, Bingo Evening • 15th October, Bwlch & Cathedine WI Harvest Supper • 21st October, Talybont Gardening Club at Henderson Hall, Talybont-on-Usk • 1st November, Bwlch Gardening Association AGM • 7th November, WI AGM / curling evening • 12th November, Bwlch War Memorial Fundraising Coffee Morning • 18th November, Bwlch Gardening Association talk - Head Gardener Aberglasney at Henderson Hall, Talybont-on-Usk • 27th November, Drumming event (2-4 p.m.) • 6th December, WI / Garden Club – Christmas Event • 10th December, Christmas Bring & Share Party • 10th December, BwlchFestive 2016 - Tramsmash • 17th December, Festive Coffee Morning • 17th December, BwlchFestive 2016 - Hired Gun • 26th December, Boxing Day Walk with refreshments at The Village Hall! The Hall is available for Private Event hire and we are now licensed to sell alcohol. We welcome new ideas for events and any help you can offer. Our aim is to provide something for everyone in our Village and local community and there is always a warm welcome waiting! For Bookings and Information please contact Marion Heaffey on 07541 236243.
Keep up to date with Bwlch news and events - ‘Like’ Bwlch Village Hall on Facebook!
www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk
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Llangors Youth & Community Centre Regular Events: Post Office Services Mondays 10 am - 12 noon Thursdays 9.30 am - 11.30 am Coffee, Tea & Biscuits Monday & Thursdays All Welcome! from 10 am in the Hall Cub Scouts Mondays 6 pm - 7.30 pm Maureen Lowe - 658 453 Llyn Safaddan Art Group Mondays 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Myra Morris - 611 868 Welsh Class Tuesday mornings from 9.15 am Susan Jevons - 658 298 Junior Dance Tuesday afternoon 4 pm to 4.45 pm Rowan Kennedy-Brown 07494 433 531 Dog Training Tuesday evenings Tracy - 07833 439446 Badminton Wednesday Under 11 - 6.30 - 7.30 pm Dave Hope - 658 106 Over 11 - 7.30 - 8.30 pm Mike Scruby - 658 410 Junior Dance Thursday afternoon 4 pm to 4.45 pm Rowan Kennedy-Brown 07494 433 531 Junior Drama Group Thursdays 5 pm - 6.30 pm Lynn Clausen 07949 329561 Parkinson’s Keep Fit Programme Saturdays 10 am - 11 am Val Morgans Judo Classes Saturdays Juniors - 11.30 am - 12.30 pm Seniors - 12.30 - 1.30 pm Phil - 07854279957
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Llangasty Parish Hall - update
Roger Reese
It is amazing to think that our harvest supper was over a month ago. A full house enjoyed a locally sourced and produced supper followed by our local choir under their official name of “Cor Syfaddan”, led by choirmaster David Jones. This was the first formal performance by the choir who sang a range of popular songs from around the UK, which meant that the audience was able to join in and enjoy ourselves. It was obvious that the choir had been practising very hard and so delivered a polished “a cappella” performance, the perfect accompaniment to our evening. The evening raised approximately £400 towards our Stage Curtains Appeal. Our target is to raise £2000 to cover the purchase and installation of stage curtains which is one of the key aims of our hall improvement plan. If any of you know of a (reasonably priced) supplier of new or second hand hall curtains, please let us know on 658726. Over the last 6 months, we have upgraded all heating in the hall, installed additional external lighting, upgraded and certified our electrics, repainted the interior walls and revarnished the internal wooden panelling and doors. By the time you read this, we should have our new fire exit doors fitted to replace the current set of doors which are badly warped beyond repair. This programme of continual improvement is possible because the usage of the hall has increased over the past couple of years. Thank you all for your continued support. The committee is determined to use any additional income to make the hall more comfortable, welcoming and attractive so that it is suitable for a wider range of community and private users. Our defibrillator has been in place for 6 months and we have run CPR and defibrillator training sessions which have been well attended. David Jones has co-ordinated these sessions between Pennorth, Llangasty and Llanfihangel Talyllyn. We are grateful to David for giving up his time to help kickstart the training. We are keen to see our training material used as much as possible and whilst we will plan sessions through the year, we would be happy for the material to be used by local groups, either to practice at the hall or at outside locations. The training kits are very well equipped and simply require the use of a DVD player or laptop to play the DVD which guides you step-by-step through the techniques of CPR and how to use a defibrillator. Next event at the hall is our popular Festive Walk up the Allt, then back to the hall for a warming bowl of soup and crusty bread. The walk is on 27th December, starting at 10.30, so please do make a note of it in your diary. All dogs are reminded that they are welcome to bring their owners with them on the walk! For bookings and all enquiries, please phone 01874 658726.
Llanfihangel Talyllyn and Llanwern Village Hall Our A.G.M. will take place on Monday 14th November at 8 p.m. Over the years the hall has been a fantastic asset to the village, for private functions, regular bookings for classes, band practices, clubs and societies; plus, a host of events arranged by the hall committee. In the past we have put on pantomimes, variety shows, discos, and murder mystery evenings as well as being the focal point for organising the summer fete. Come to the A.G.M. and see how you can get involved. If there is nothing on at the hall that you would enjoy, then come and tell us. Maybe you could help to arrange just that one event, or become part of the regular group. Either way, there is no pressure to attend boring committee meetings, although they aren’t that bad and only happen one evening a month (second Monday in the month at 8 p.m.). Please come along to the A.G.M. on Monday 14th November – everyone is welcome.
Christmas Church Services
Esther Davies
Revd Kelvin Richards
Sunday 18th December: 11-00am Holy Communion at Llangors Church, 3-00pm Carol Service at Bwlch Church, 5-30pm Carol Service at Llanfihangel Church. Thursday 22nd December: 7-00pm Carol Service at Llangors Church. Christmas Eve Saturday 24th December: 4-00pm Crib Service at Llanfihangel Church, 11-30pm Midnight Communion at Llangors Church. Christmas Day Sunday 25th December: 9-00am Holy Communion at Bwlch Church, 10-30am Family Service at Llanywern Church. All welcome!
The Grapevine - November 2016
Monthly Coffee Morning
Susan Jevons
Coinciding with the Post Office in the hall on Monday and Thursday mornings there is also a coffee morning. Once a month on a Monday the funds raised will go to an organisation or charity which local people use or support. There are notice boards in St Paulinus’ Church with information about the month’s organisation - so do go and have a look. The Church is always open. The boards will re-appear at the coffee morning, and sometimes a representative will be there to answer questions and chat with anyone interested. People from congregations all around the lake will take responsibility for these coffee mornings, but welcome anybody’s help, and ideas. (Contacts: Julie Pugh - Crickie Farm; Susan Jevons - Llangors Vicarage.) The next monthly coffee mornings are 10am - 12noon on: • 14th November - British Red Cross • 12th December - Brecknock Play Network • 9th January 2017 - Parkinson’s U.K • 13th February - Brecon Food Bank • 13 March - Riding for the Disabled : S.E.Wales We have several more requests. If you have a suggestion, let us know. Amounts raised monthly are displayed on the community and church notice boards. For those who missed this, the following amounts have been raised : • May - Christian Aid Week - £150.00 • June - Llangors Defibrilator Fund • July - MIND, Brecon - £65.00 • August - Cancer Research Wales - £121.20 • September - Brecknock Wildlife Trust - £89.15 • October - RIBA Wales - £56 (+ lots of Christmas cards!) Come and enjoy the company - and try multi-tasking ... use the Post Office at the same time!
A Tea Towel for Christmas
John Payne
Llangors Youth & Community Centre Llangors hall is available to book hourly for table tennis, badminton and short tennis. Hall facilities include a meeting room and main hall. Screens, copier, kitchen, stage, lighting, piano, tables and chairs. Suitable for Wedding receptions. Bookings: 01874 658 645 www.llangorshall.co.uk
Llanfihangel Talyllyn & Llanywern Hall Bookings: Dave Jones - 658 477 Sheena Walker-Roberts Tel - 01874 711 584
Regular Events: Chair Pilates
The parish of Llyn Safaddan is producing a very attractive tea towel, designed by local artist Marieanne Griffiths, which would make a highly acceptable Christmas present. The design consists of line drawings of all five churches – Bwlch, Llanfihangel Talyllyn, Llangasty, Llangorse and Llanywern – surrounding Llangorse Lake and with the Beacons in the background.
Standing & seated work only
The tea towel, dark blue on a white base , should be ready soon after mid-November, will cost £5.50, and will be available from all the churches – please contact any of the church wardens - or from Beacons Craft in Bethel Square.
Tuesdays 6 pm – 7 pm
Christmas Rag Wreath Making
Avril Guinan
Mondays 12 pm – 12.45 pm Pilates Using weighted soft balls.
Pilates Thursdays 6.15pm-7.15pm S. Walker-Roberts - 711 584 Facebook - “Pilates for U”
Join us for a fun evening at Llangors village hall on Friday December 2nd, 6 pm until 9 pm. Bring plenty of old fabric, ribbons, lace and a pair of scissors, we will pool and share. Wreath frames will be available on the evening and that is all you need!
Llangasty Hall
You may bring wine or soft drinks and tea and coffee will be available. There is no entry fee but there will be an opportunity for donations to the Alzheimer’s association on the evening and we hope you will give generously for Christmas.
Ann Reese - 658 726
Any queries, contact Avril Guinan on 01874 658 396 or Linda Kells on 01874 658 377.
Pennorth Chapel - update
Roger Young
Our Annual Christmas Carol service will take place on December 11th at 10.30am, followed by Teas Coffee and mince pies a very warm welcome to everyone. We held a very successful and enjoyable CPR training and Defibrillator familiarisation session on the 29th September attended by 26 people and facilitated by David and Mathew Jones. It is intended to run follow up training on a regular basis. The Chapel will be holding a Coffee Morning in the new year for the benefit of The British Heart Foundation, in recognition of the enormous assistance received from them in providing this life saving equipment. We would also like to express our grateful thanks to The Brecon Rotary Club and Gareth Griffiths for their kind donation towards the purchase of the equipment, and also Llangors Community Council for organising, advising, providing and installing the weather proof cabinets.
www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk
Bookings: Regular Events: Pilates Tuesdays - 10.30 - 11.30am Thursdays - 10 am - 11 am S. Walker-Roberts - 711 584 Women’s Institute 1st Wednesday - 7 pm Hire of hall for family and social events, receptions and meetings charged at £7 an hour with reduced rates for local and extended use.
llangastyvillagehall.co.uk
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Pennorth Chapel Pennorth with Llanfilo URC, part of the Brecon Beacons Group Pastorate Minister Rev Michael Hodgson Services every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 10.30am - families welcome
Loop system fitted Small comfortable meeting room (up to 20 people) Food preparation area & disabled facilities Available for Hire
Roger Young - 658 205
Bwlch Village Hall Bookings: Marion Heaffey Tel - 07541 236 243
Regular Events:
Have you forgotten yet?
Tony Harries
Watching the television coverage of the 100th anniversary of the start of the battle of the Somme back in July brought back memories of driving home from a family holiday in the South of France. As we drove towards the town of Albert we came across a number of war cemeteries, immaculately attended where battles took place, including the one at Mametz Wood involving the Welsh battalions. Dominating the landscape however was the massive monument on the slight rise at Thiepval. The names of 72,000 men killed and whose bodies were never found are engraved on this huge structure. The monument has been restored recently and its cost was reportedly over several million Euros. Unlike Thiepval, the monument in Bwlch contains fewer names, fifteen from the First World War and one from the Second World War. All were researched over the years by a Bwlch resident, “Scotty” Pope. Copies of Scotty’s findings can be seen in the Bwlch Village Hall and from the Cwmdu and District Community Council. The Bwlch Memorial Cross was unveiled on 20 March 1921. Its cost was reported to be over £200 and the money for the Memorial was collected from subscription, sales of work, concerts and dances. (How much would £200 be worth 95 years later!?). During the unveiling ceremony an “eloquent “address was given by Lord Glanusk. He referred to the siting of the monument, that “it had been placed there at the cross roads for all to see”. 95 years later the monument is still there at the junction of the A40 and the B4560 Llangorse Road outside the Gate Shop. I doubt Lord Glanusk would have envisaged the volume of traffic, with cars and lorries emitting large quantities of carbon and various gases, such as Nitrogen Oxides. All have taken their toll of the monument and it is now in great need of renovation. Over £3000 has to be raised before grants from other sources can be realised. A large number of people in the village are actively involved in fundraising. Events are taking place now while others are planned for later in 2016 and into 2017. These events are base mainly at the Gate Shop (Jan, Brenda and Rob), The New Inn (Sarah and Neil), The Star Bunkhouse (Emma and Peter) and Bwlch Village Hall. Amazingly, this reflects the ethos of fundraising in 1921. The recent Exhibition at the National Museum Cardiff relating to Welsh Soldiers at Mametz Wood on the Somme in 1916 highlighted the horrors of war and the bravery of the men who fought and died there. The following poem entitled “Aftermath” was written by Siegfried Sassoon.
Choir Mondays (except WI night) 7pm
HAVE you forgotten yet?... For the world’s events have rumbled on since those gagged days, Like traffic checked a while at the crossing of city ways: And the haunted gap in your mind has filled with thoughts that flow Like clouds in the lit heavens of life; and you’re a man reprieved to go, Taking your peaceful share of Time, with joy to spare. But the past is just the same,—and War’s a bloody game.... Have you forgotten yet?... Look down, and swear by the slain of the War that you’ll never forget.
Garden Club 1st Tuesday - 7.30 pm
Do you remember the dark months you held the sector at Mametz,— The nights you watched and wired and dug and piled sandbags on parapets?
Bwlch & Cathedine Women’s Institute 1st Monday - 7pm
Bwlch Bumps & Babies Fridays 10 am - 11.45 am Pregnant mums & children aged 0-4 yrs welcome. Tea, coffee & juice served.
Hatha Yoga Class Suitable for all levels - £6 Wednesdays 6.30 pm - 8 pm Heather - 07811 628247
Hire Charges: Group Booking Villagers £15, Others £30 Morning/Afternoon Session Villagers £15, Others £30 Evening Session Villagers £25, Others £35 All Day Villagers £45, Others £65 Trestle Tables £5 each
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Do you remember the rats; and the stench Of corpses rotting in front of the front-line trench,— And dawn coming, dirty-white, and chill with a hopeless rain? Do you ever stop and ask, “Is it all going to happen again?” Do you remember that hour of din before the attack,— And the anger, the blind compassion that seized and shook you then As you peered at the doomed and haggard faces of your men? Do you remember the stretcher-cases lurching back With dying eyes and lolling heads, those ashen-grey Masks of the lads who once were keen and kind and gay? Have you forgotten yet?... Look up, and swear by the green of the Spring that you’ll never forget. WE MUST NEVER FORGET. Should you wish to donate to the monument restoration fund you can give at places listed above. Cheques can be made out to Cwmdu District Community Council and handed to any of the Bwlch Community Councillors:- Tony Harries, Terry Sinnett, Hank Jackson, John Morgan, Becky Lewis - or just support and attend functions which will be widely advertised. Everyone is invited to attend the laying of the British Legion Wreath together with the Community Council Wreath will be laid at 11 am on 11 November at the Bwlch Memorial. This is not a service as such but 2 minute silence to reflect and respect those brave men and women who fought so gallantly. A coffee morning is to be held at Bwlch Village Hall on 12 November between 10 -12 noon where there will be a previously unseen presentation by the Llyn Saffadan History Group together with further information on the "Never Forget Your Welsh Heroes" Project (please contact Ann Reese on 658 726 if you have any correspondence to or from WWI soldiers that you would like to share.) There will be an opportunity to purchase Cake, Craft, Plants and Books from our stalls. Please support if you are able.
The Grapevine - November 2016
Bwlch with Altitude Challenge 4th June 2016
Pete Harrison
This year we decided to advertise the Challenge much sooner, utilising the benefits of social media, which spread details of the event far and wide. The new banners (kindly provided by the Rural Alliance) played their part. By moving them on a regular basis, not only helped keep the event in the public eye, but also created an enjoyable game on our Facebook page. Eventually, after months of planning the day of the challenge was upon us, there was an air of nervous anticipation amongst the organising team. There had been plenty of interest in the event, but could this be converted into participants? We had gone the full hog this time by utilising an online booking facility, with 3 events being offered (The Long Walking Challenge, A Mountain Bike Challenge and the new Short Walking Challenge). The weather was perfect for our event, dry yet cool, which would allow for superb views and great walking/cycling conditions.
The 20Km Walk Winners (Sid Griffiths & Family)
The doors opened and within a short space of time people started to arrive, some had pre-booked, but plenty had not, a total of 66 participants! After the obligatory safety briefings the participants were off, by means of a staggered start of 30 minute intervals. The Mountain Bikers set off first, heading for the Allt. This allowed the route to be clear for the walkers, especially those doing the Long Walking Route with the first check point at The Welsh Venison Centre. Last to leave were the entrants of the inaugural Short Walking Route, which incorporated a visit to Blaenllynfi Castle, before making the ascent to Cefn Moel. Whereby, the route then joined up with the Long Walking and Mountain Biking Routes. As usual the participants would not only have to deal with the challenge of the walk or bike ride, but also answer a series of questions based on the local area and dab their team dibber into a series of hidden (clues provided) electronic devices (we would like to thank Sion James of Black Mountain Guiding for use of this system and mapping). This system proved very popular with the younger entrants, however a bit confusing for one team who dobbed the Finish point as they set off (not all was lost the system was quickly reset and everyone was off). Regular progress reports were sent to the Village Hall command team, enabling us to build up a picture of how the event was developing. It wasn’t long before teams arrived at the Lakeside Caravan Park reception/shop/cafe, where a number of participants decided to enjoy a well deserved lunch, one team decided it was a pub lunch they required and spent an enjoyable 2 hours at the Castle Inn. The next check point was at Llangorse Activity Centre, the last opportunity to stock up on fluids and snacks before the long haul up Cockit Hill and the trail back to Bwlch over Mynydd Llangorse. At this point the Long Walking and Mountain Biking routes split again, with the mountain bikers adhering to the Countryside Code by following the bridleway, prior to re-joining the same route as the walkers on Cefn Moel. Meanwhile back at the Village Hall, the first Short Walk Teams had started arriving after completing their route, a closely contested finish between 2 teams only separated by 1 second. Soon after the mountain bikers arrived back followed by a steady stream of walkers. Eventually all teams had completed the Challenge, with the last team (yes the ones that had the extended lunch break at the pub) crossing the finish line just before the cut off time. The next phase of the Challenge was due to start at the New Inn, Bwlch that evening, where everyone would enjoy music performed by Hired Gun, sampling the culinary delights and superb ales on offer. During the event a raffle was organised in aid of a defibrillator for Bwlch, with prizes kindly donated by Mactronic and Single Malt Teapot. The raffle proved extremely successful and when combined with the money from the sale of refreshments, a total of £300 was raised. You may also have noticed Bwlch is now the proud owner of a defibrillator, which has been sited at the New Inn. With respects to the Challenge after distributing all costs for running the event, the committee was able to donate £125 to each of the following: Brecon Mountain Rescue Team; Llangorse & Llangynidr Primary Schools. We would like to thank everyone involved with the event and in particular our sponsors/prize givers: The New Inn; The Welsh Venison Centre; Latte Da; The Star Bunkhouse; Glanplant Bach; Llangorse Activity Centre; Mactronic; Single Malt Teapot; Ty Mawr Lime Ltd; Bwlch Village Hall; Lakeside Caravan & Camping; Discover Llangorse & Bwlch Rural Alliance and Brecon Beacons Holiday Cottages.
The date for the next challenge is 3rd June 2017, please come along and support.
Llangorse Red Telephone Kiosk
Melrose East
The committee of Llangors Youth and Community Centre have recently purchased the red telephone kiosk in the middle of the village, opposite the church. The telephone line and electricity to the kiosk will be disconnected. It will be repainted – red! and tidied up. We would welcome ideas for its future use for the community. Some places have used their old kiosks as a mini library; house local/tourist information etc. What would like to see in our kiosk? Please contact Melrose East with your ideas. Tel: 01874 658 335 or email: melrosemeast@gmail.com
Potage and Pudding
Linda Kells
Now that Anne and Alison’s wonderful monthly lunches have ceased, you are invited to join us for soup and pudding on the last Monday of each month. It may not be up to A & A’s standard but it will be delicious and give you a chance to chat with old friends and, perhaps, make some new ones. Llangors Village Hall – last Monday of the month at 12.30 starting on 31st October.
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Lakeside Legacy
Reader’s comment
When I moved here I was struck by the areas stunning scenery set against the rugged backdrop of the Brecon Beacons. As I took in the splendour of Llangorse Lake I felt a sense of relief that my children would have the privilege to grow up calling this beautiful place home. Now as that parent of children who attend the Local primary school I can fully appreciate the need for a new school, but at what cost to our landscape? The site for the new building is situated at the top of the turning to the lake. The Senior Heritage Officer at the National Parks has deemed this siting as 'unfortunate' and the build 'bulky'.
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Personally I am more concerned that this new build will change the approach to our village from farming countryside vista to what looks like yet another retail park or fast food ‘drive thru’. The planning meeting is set for 10am on the 15th November at Brecon Beacons National Park offices in Brecon. The Agenda for the meeting will be published on the Parks website committee calendar, a week ahead of time. Residents are welcome to express their concerns at that meeting by completing an application to book a speaking slot either thought the National Parks website www.beacons-nap.gov.uk or by calling the Parks directly on 01874 624437 and quoting ref. 16/13829/FUL. The aesthetics of our natural vista are about to change, what we need to ask ourselves as responsible custodians is what kind of legacy will it leave.
Sara Alford
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Talgarth Male Voice Choir and Soloists Present a concert of traditional Male Voice pieces and Christmas music in Llanfihangel-Talyllyn Village Hall on Friday 9th December 2016 at 7.30 pm
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Llangors Community Council - contacts Llangors Ward
Llanfihangel Ward
Colin Preece (Chairman) - 658 691
David Jones (Vice Chair) - 658 477
Robert East - 658 335
Mike Scruby 658 410
Tony Evans - 658 319
David James 658 457
Rev. Alan Jevons - 658 298
Emma Symonds 658 129
Dyddanwy Pugh - 658 177
Richard Doylend 658 692
Clerk – Judith Phillips 658 869 (clerk@llangors.org.uk), Auditor – Jim Price 658 616 The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Discover Llangorse & Bwlch, Llangors Community Council or Cwmdu and District Community Council.
The Grapevine - November 2016
AUTUMN
SPRING BULBS
HELLEBORES
AND
WINTER
IN THE WALLED GARDEN
NARCISSISI LONG TOMS GIFT VOUCHERS
HARDY PLANTS GROWN IN WALES OPEN DAILY 10am - 4pm LLANGASTY, BRECON, LD3 7PX • 01874 730 169 www.walledgardentreberfydd.com
Autumn and Winter in the Walled Garden Gold
The glorious furry, butter yellow, richly fragranced quince fruit in the Walled Garden weigh over a pound each this year and looked exotic and magnificent against the dark green leaves on the tree. The quince, Cydonia oblonga, a native of SW Asia, Turkey and Iran, is also a beautiful ornamental tree. It is early to leaf up in spring with large soft green leaves covered in fine white hairs giving an ethereal, luminous quality. The simple pink white blossoms that follow are shown to perfection against the foliage. The autumn colour is a deep yellow gold and the leaves are almost the last to fall. For now the fruit are displayed in a huge pewter bowl and scent the room deliciously. I’m tempted to stage a still life in the shop window and recreate a painting by Juan Sanchez Cotan from Toledo around 1600, “Still Life with Quince, Cabbage, Melon and Cucumber”, in a gentle hyperbolic curve. Then
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I plan to follow a Nigel Slater recipe and bake the quinces whole with oranges, cinnamon and vanilla, until the flesh turns soft and rudely pink.
Charm
Finally a charm of goldfinches have made the Walled Garden home, or at least a permanent fixture on their travel itinerary. They are attracted entirely by the vast stands of teasel in one of the borders and self seeded behind one of the greenhouses. There are over twenty goldfinches, with many juveniles still lacking their red caps, and when they all take flight it is as though a jewelled gold bracelet has been thrown into the air. The teasel, Dipsacus fullonem, a native of Europe, Asia and N
Africa, is a biennial - so this year’s basal leaf clumps will flower next year. The flowers themselves open as a purple cummerbund around the middle of the distinctive egg shaped flower head. The flowers then continue to open out towards the top and bottom of the flowerhead creating two moving bands which the bees love, ripping out the petals to reach the nectar. The seedheads ripen to an old gold and will stand all winter providing food for the birds, architectural height and dramatic silhouettes in the garden that will change with each frost, dew and spiders web.
P L A N T N U R S E RY
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ACTION PACKED ADVENTURES
CHRISTMAS GIFT VOUCHERS
Give the gift of adventure this Christmas! We have a range of Gift Vouchers available for all our adventure activities and horse riding. Vouchers can be purchased with us in person, over the phone or online just visit www.activityuk.com/gifts or call 01874 658 272
Keep up to date with our Christmas & New Year events: www.facebook.com/llangorse Please come along to... Llangors Youth & Community Centre
Drama Workshops and Classes From ages 7 + After-school classes held around the area (see website)
Taster session at no charge School classes running locally too Preparation for LAMDA exams Contact Lynn for dates, details and booking a place. And do check out latest info online www.ravendrama.com www.facebook.com/ravendramawales/ lynn.clausen@btinternet.com
Tel 07949 329 561
Fantastic results from March 2016, with 30 candidates who took their next exams October 2016
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Christmas Market Wednesday December 14th 2016 3pm to 6pm Various stalls selling Christmas foods and gifts • Enjoy a glass of mulled wine and mince pies with friends • Lots of things for children to enjoy The Grapevine - November 2016