• View this newsletter in full colour online at www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk •
THE GRAPEVINE
Llangorse • Llanfihangel Talyllyn • Talyllyn • Llanywern • Pennorth • Llangasty • Cathedine • Bwlch Winter / Spring 2014
Please send in your articles! To make the next issue of The Grapevine as informative as possible, we need your help! The newsletter will be published quarterly in mid January, April, July and October. Be a journalist; please send us your articles, news, and what’s on in and around Llangorse & Bwlch by the 1st of these months to appear in the next issue. Contact details are on the back cover. Wherever possible your articles will be published in the next issue, however the editors reserve the right to edit articles or hold them back for subsequent issues should there be insufficient space in the current issue.
Thank you!
Powys County Council Issues Affecting Our Area The New Year has started with some serious challenges facing our Communities. Firstly, the storms that have bought disruption to our villages, notably Llanfihangel being hit the hardest with flooding. I have contacted Powys County Council and will be actively working alongside them to look at ways to reduce the risk of flooding in the future. One method to consider may be river dredging, if appropriate. As the bad weather is set to continue, I have added some relevant telephone numbers for Powys County Council below this article for easy reference.
Powys County Council is facing well-documented budget pressures in the next financial year, which includes a shortfall close to 20 million pounds. These pressures will impact and have a dramatic effect on all Communities. The Council have arranged a series of Public Meetings to discuss the proposed changes and cuts facing the County. The nearest being held in Elim Church, Brecon between 4.30pm - 7.30pm on Wednesday the 15th January. The opinions and views of the public are sought to help inform the consultation process. It is an opportunity for members of our Community to help safe guard local amenities such as public conveniences and leisure facilities. To voice what is important to you; either please come along to the public meeting, send me your thoughts or complete an online survey from the 13th January at www.powys.gov.uk. On a positive note, I am still pushing for the Council to provide a footpath to go between the triangle in Llangors and Lake View Close. I strongly believe that it is vital and a basic requirement that everyone in the Community is able to walk safely, on a pavement. I shall look forward to keeping the Community updated of my progress on all County Council matters in each edition of the Grapevine. Can I take this opportunity to wish each and everyone a happy, safe and prosperous New Year.
Councillor Melanie Davies
Email: cllr.melanie.davies@powys.gov.uk Tel: 01874 658179 or 07972 856992
Find Us on Facebook! To keep up to date with Community news and events please like our Facebook page! The Grapevine endeavours to keep supporters updated on current issues and it’s a great way to see / share forthcoming events & photos! fb.com/aroundllangorselake
Powys County Council - telephone numbers Powys CC - General Enquiries 08456 027030 or 01597 827460
Powys CC- Emergency Number 08450 544847 or 01597 825275
The first meeting of the
LOCAL RAILWAY & HISTORY PROJECT Thank you to all the volunteers who help distribute this newsletter! Fancy volunteering? Please contact us! (see reverse)
will be held on Monday 3rd February 2014, 7.30pm at
LLANFIHANGEL TALYLLYN COMMUNITY HALL This will be a very informal meeting to explore all avenues and ways of creating an archive of material, ideas, photos and stories will be most welcome.
W A L L E D G A R D E N TREBERFYDD Plants, vegetables, herbs and flowers Tel 01874 730 169 Open Daily 10am to 4pm Walled Garden Treberfydd Llangasty, Brecon,Powys Wales LD3 7PX www.walledgardentreberfydd.com Beautiful plant nursery set in the old walled garden of a Victorian Gothic house. Focusing on hardy plants grown in Wales which are structural, unusual, edible, herbal or fragrant.
The Walled Garden from January to March BOOK LIST Seedheads in the Garden by Noel Kingsbury Glorious photographs and an absorbing place to start your research into planting for long lasting interest in your garden.
VISIT Aberglasney House and Gardens to see structural planting in winter frost www.aberglasney.org Book your tickets now for the RHS Flower Show Cardiff April 11/12 www.rhs.org.uk
PLANNING Now is the time to make plans for your garden. At the Walled Garden we are planning new borders along each of the walls to illustrate planting styles and plants that will transform a border or other area whether in full sun or shade, wet, dry or exposed. The fun is in imagining the finished borders, and sourcing and growing the plants!
PLANTING We’re planting several varieties of rhubarb and asparagus in January to ensure we have a long cropping season. Fruit trees can be planted in the next few months and we have a range of Welsh varieties of apple, pear, plum and damson aswell as quince, mulberry, greengage, walnut, crab apple and medlar. There is also still time to plant an edible hedgerow to encourage wildlife.
PLANT LIST Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus) Architectural, edible, hardy and very beautiful Page 2
The Grapevine - Winter / Spring 2014
Discover Llangorse & Bwlch The Discover Llangorse and Bwlch Group had its origins in early 2013 with an initial aim of producing a leaflet for visitors covering the Llangorse and Bwlch area. However since then it has become a formally-constituted Group with the aim of developing the tourism potential of the area, strengthening its identity for visitors and identifying priorities for action. The group is funded through the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority as part of the European Rural Alliances Initiative. As such it has partner organisations throughout the BBNPA area as well as in Ireland, Holland, France, Belgium and Germany. The objectives of the Group are to work together with the community, local groups and Community Councils of Llangorse and of Cwmdu and District to: • Promote profitable and sustainable tourism within the Llangorse and Bwlch area; • Develop an attractive and distinctive identity for the Llangorse and Bwlch area, online and through traditional means; • Raise awareness of the beauty, pleasure and value to the local community and visitors of the surrounding natural environment and ensure equal opportunity and access to visitors; • Make it easier for visitors to find their way around by providing good information, signposting, maps and waymarks; • Encourage more visitors at quiet times; • Promote local heritage, arts, crafts, food, drink and wildlife by providing more information; • Develop marketing strategies, particularly with emphasis on web based activity; • Work to maintain/raise standards of all aspects from accommodation to attractions; • Educate tourism providers in all aspects relating to tourism; • Undertake any other tourism related activities;
•
Raise funds, apply for grants and receive donations to achieve these objectives
The leaflet has proved a great success and the original print run of 8,000 quickly ran out so that a second print run had to be produced. Since then we have developed a website, aroundllangorselake.co.uk which is intended to act as a hub for all tourism businesses in Llangorse and Bwlch. One of the highest priorities now is to improve the signage in and around the area, as this currently can be confusing for visitors. We are about to engage contractors to produce new signs and the results should be visible in time for the 2014 tourist season. Towards the end of 2013 we were contacted by the Llangors Community Council who suggested that we might like to take over the running of their community newsletter. We were very glad to do so, feeling that there were advantages including increasing the area to cover parts of Cwmdu and District Community Council. We can also now accept advertising, which will enable the newsletter to become selfsupporting and will allow some of the pages to be produced in full colour. If you would like to become involved please contact me on 01874 658453 or norman@enviro-consulting.com
Norman Lowe, Chairman, Discover Llangorse and Bwlch Group
Astronomy Evening a great success! The Discover Llangorse and Bwlch Group organised a successful Astronomy Evening on January 3rd in Llangors Youth & Community Centre - the Event was a sell out! Dark Sky Wales brought a large Planetarium demonstrated by Allan Trow, and Martin Griffiths from University of South Wales gave a fascinating talk. There was also an exhibition with items for all ages from Rockets and Space Modules to details of the Solar System, Galaxies plus Photographs of the stars and night sky. Refreshments including two types of soup were available and were greatly appreciated. Although skies were not clear for viewing there was plenty to occupy those present and it was great to see youngsters taking an interest in Astronomy.
Mike Featherstone, Pencaemaen
More details on the back cover! www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk
Page 3
Llangors Youth & Community Centre Bookings: Alison Wilmott Tel - 01874 658 645
Regular Events: Post Office Services Mondays 10 am - 12 noon Thursdays 9.30 am - 11.30 am Beaver Scouts Mondays 4.45 pm - 5.45 pm Tina Hill - 658 531 Cub Scouts Mondays 6 pm - 7.30 pm Maureen Lowe - 658 453 Art Group Mondays 7.30 pm Michael Eisele - 690 116 Monthly Camera Club 2nd Monday - 7.30 pm Currently on break - call M. Feathersone - 658 257 Kids Soft Play Club 2nd & 4th Mondays 9 am - 12 noon Ester Koppenjan Monthly Luncheon Club 4th Monday 12 noon Ann Evans - 658 319 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 Coffee, Tea & Biscuits Thursdays From 10 am in the hall Junior Drama Group Thursdays 5.30 pm - 7 pm Lynn Clausen - 658 776 Parkinson’s Keep Fit Programme Saturdays 10 am - 11 am Val Morgans
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Llangors Public Conveniences - update The public conveniences on the common at Llangors Lake continue to remain under threat of closure, although the Community Council has successfully obtained an extension of Powys County Council’s closure deadline from 31 January to the beginning of April. This provides the Community Council with an admittedly short period of time to explore various alternatives. The Council recognises that the lack of lakeside toilet facilities is likely to have a disastrous impact on visitor numbers to the Llangors area and is, therefore, actively examining various alternatives to ensure that such facilities remain accessible to the general public. Our local MP and Assembly Member are of the view that closure of toilets throughout Brecon and Radnor would have a major negative impact on tourism and have an online petition - http://rogerwilliams.org.uk/en/page/don-t-close-our-public-toilets While the Community Council is hopeful that Powys County Council may respond to widespread criticism and reverse its decision to end maintaining public conveniences, it is also looking at the consequences of taking this responsibility over, if the County Council reaffirms its original decision. However, as a relatively small council with limited assets, the financial consequences of this will need to be considered in detail.
Robert East, Chair, Llangors Community Council
Bwlch Village Hall - fundraising update As everyone is probably aware Bwlch Village Hall has been closed for a year now. The work to be done on the roof is very costly and we have made applications to various charitable organisations in an attempt to raise the necessary funds. We have been successful in some and not in others but one of the main problems appears to be that most charities/trusts want to see a positive contribution from the ‘users’ so that they can be sure that the
hall has the support of the locality and their funds will not be wasted. The village hall committee have therefore decided to ask the community for donations in an attempt to show positive support and ‘match funding’ for our applications. We put out a leaflet in mid-December and are hoping that we will get a positive response.
Jan Beazley, Treasurer, Bwlch Village Hall Committee
Llangasty Community Hall Have you ever considered using Llangasty Hall for events and private functions? The hall is easily accessible, standing at the foot of the Allt with magnificent views across the lake and beyond. Llangasty is a traditional village hall built over 90 years ago. It has good facilities including a stage, oak paneling, a modern kitchen, 10 large folding tables, 50 soft chairs, additional plastic chairs and toilet facilities which are accessible to wheelchair
users. The hall can accommodate up to 60 seated and is an ideal venue for smaller gatherings such as children’s parties, workshops or group meetings. Over the last year, the hall has hosted WI meetings, pilates sessions, craft workshops, a family Christmas dinner and various events organised by the hall committee. We can loan out up to 50 plastic chairs and 10 large folding tables (subject to availability) at reasonable rates.
Roger Reese
Residents of
Llangasty, Pennorth, Scethrog, Talyllyn
Non-residents
Hourly Rate
£6
£7
Evening (18.00-24.00)
£20
£30
Day (9.00 – 17.00)
£30
£45
Full Day (to 24.00)
£40
£60
£100
£100
Wedding receptions etc (full day + 2 half days, before & after)
If you would like further information regarding the hall or would like to make a booking please contact Ann Reese on 01874 658726 or 07760382447.
The Grapevine - Winter / Spring 2014
Llangors Community Council - contacts Llangors Ward
Llanfihangel Ward
Robert East (Chairman) 658 335
David Jones 658 477
Colin Preece (Vice Chair) 658 691
Mike Scruby 658 410
Rev. Alan Jevons 658 298
David James 658 457
Tony Evans 658 319
Emma Symonds 658 129
Dyddanwy Pugh 658 177
Kayleigh Rees-Jones 658 713
Clerk – Judith Phillips 658 869, Auditor – Jim Price 658 616
Church Services Ash Wednesday
This year Ash Wednesday falls on March 5th. There will be a communion service at 7.30pm at Bwlch. We will again adopt the traditional practice, for those who wish, of the imposition of ashes. By tradition we use the ashes of the burned palms from the previous years Palm Sunday. So, if you would like to donate last years palm crosses, please pop them in at the Vicarage or bring them to one of the Sunday services beforehand.
Mothering Sunday
This year we will celebrate Mothering Sunday at Llanfihangel. This will be a parish service at 10.30am on Sunday 30th March. The service will include the distribution of flowers and will be followed by cake and sherry.
Llanfihangel Talyllyn & Llanywern Hall Bookings: Dave Jones Tel - 01874 658 477 Sheena Walker-Roberts Tel - 01874 711 584
Regular Events: Pilates / Zumba Gold Tuesdays 7 pm – 8 pm S. Walker-Roberts - 711 584 ‘Pure’ Pilates Thursdays 7.15pm – 8.15pm S. Walker-Roberts - 711 584
Thank you for my Christmas dinners
Thanks to all those who gave me a Christmas dinner this year. £168 was raised and this will be sent off to “Faith and Familes” and earmarked for the St. John’s Family Centre in Brecon.
The Reverend A Jevons, Llangors
‘Llangorse Ark’ by Dave Freeland - www.facebook.com/toonerisms
Llangasty Hall Bookings: Ann Reese Tel - 01874 658 726
Regular Events: Women’s Institute 1st Wednesday 7 pm
Hire of table tennis for just £3 an hour. Bookings for events are charged at £7 an hour.
Website:
llangastyvillagehall.co.uk
Llangors Youth & Community Centre
Pennorth with Llanfilo URC at Pennorth Chapel part of the Brecon Beacons Group Pastorate
Services every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 10.30am - families most welcome Loop system fitted • Small comfortable meeting room (up to 20 people) Food preparation area and disabled facilities • Available for hire - Roger Young 658 205
Ministers Rev Michael Hodgson and Rev Greg Thompson
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.
Website:
www.llangorshall.co.uk
A Happy New Year to Everyone from Pennorth Chapel www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk
Page 5
Winter Warmer – Venison Casserole 1. Mix the meat in the flour. Heat the oil in a large saucepan, brown the meat in batches, remove from the pan and set aside. 2. In the same pan, melt the butter then add the onion, celery and carrots, and cook until softened and lightly browned. Add the garlic and juniper berries and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring often. 3. Now add the wine to the pan, let it bubble for a minute, then add the stock along with 100ml (4fl oz) water. Return the meat to the pan, add the thyme, rosemary and cranberries, bring to the boil and reduce to a simmer. Allow to cook for a further 3 hours or until tender. 4. Stir in the redcurrant jelly and add the mushrooms to the pan for the last 5 to 10 minutes of cooking time. Check the seasoning before serving.
Ingredients: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
1kg (2lb 4oz) diced venison (from your local farm shop) 3tbsp seasoned flour 2tbsp oil 25g (1oz) butter 1 large onion 2 sticks celery 2 carrots 2 garlic cloves, crushed 100ml (4fl oz) red wine 500ml (18fl oz) beef stock 5 sprigs fresh thyme 1 sprig rosemary 35g (1¼oz) cranberries 1tbsp redcurrant jelly 400g (14oz) chestnut mushrooms Juniper berries 6-8
Design, Embroidery & Printing Specialists
www.designs4ewe.co.uk
01874 658 226 www.llangorselake.co.uk
Rachel Morgan
BEACONS FARM SHOP @ The Welsh Venison Centre Situated in the heart of the Brecon Beacons National Park, we are a family run farm shop, established in 1985, supplying local Welsh produce both locally and nationwide. All year round we offer locally sourced meat, vegetables, fresh milk, fruit juices and free range eggs. Our well stocked delicatessen department offers a wide range of cooked meats, sauces, chutneys and mediterranean specialities. Our farm shop also offers a selection of home made cakes and welsh biscuits of which you can sit down and enjoy with a cup of tea or coffee whilst taking in the picturesque view.
BEACONS FARM SHOP @ The Welsh Venison Centre Shop Open: Monday - Saturday 8.30 am - 5pm
consfarmshop.c
Unique Homeware
Local Artists
As many of our meats are farmed and prepared onsite, customers are invited to watch our butchers in action through a glass partition behind the counter! Whether you’re interested in Beef, Lamb, Pork or Venison, you can be sure we have only the finest local meat available.
o.u k
Tel: 01874730929 Fax: 01874730556
Middlewood Farm, Bwlch, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7HQ
Homemade Chutneys
Freshly Cut
Our Own Butchers
WHERE TOThe FIND US: Grapevine - Winter / Spring 2014
Page 6 Fa rm , ys ,
w
a .be ww
Rustic Crafts
You can find us in village of the Bwlch on the A40, between Abergavenny and
ACTION
PACKED ADVENTURES * LMAC Advert * Indoor & Outdoor Activities ...only 1 mile from Llangorse!
Indoor Activities - all year round instructed activity sessions: climbing, rope bridges, zip line, cave and much more! Sky Trek fly through the air on a series of connecting zip lines, high above open farmland below. Horse Riding - various types and lengths of rides are available, depending on age & ability. Miles of private tracks and hillside. Multi Level Challenge Course - over thirty individual activities, starting at a low level, then progressing higher. New: Junior Challenge Course - for ages 6 and over.
0333 600 20 20 www.activityuk.com
New Welsh Class
Neuadd Bentre / Village Hall
Llangors
Beginners 1. Yn dechrau / Start date: 14/1/14 (NP204) Tuesdays 9.15 am - 11.15 ... or could be 1.15 pm - 3.15 (depending on whichever gets more support)
STEVE GREENER GRAPHICS
£38 (concession: £28) per term
There will be an additional cost for course books, cassettes and CDs. You may be eligible for financial support to pay for: course materials, travelling expenses, additional support costs, childcare.
www.learnwelshinmidwales.org Local contact: 01874 658 298
www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk
Page 7
Please send articles and contact details to... Email: grapevine@activityuk.com Address: Ryan Thomas c/o Llangorse Multi Activity Centre The Gilfach Llangorse LD3 7UH The deadline for the next issue is the 1st April 2014.
Volunteers Needed! Volunteers are needed to help distribute this newsletter, specifically in Bwlch. As the distribution area of The Grapevine has increased, we’re looking for helpful people to deliver the Community Newsletter. Please do not hesitate to contact us (details above) if you would be willing to volunteer!
Thank you! Business advertising Do you operate a business within our distribution area? The Grapevine is distributed to over 700 households within the communities of Llangorse & Bwlch, and is funded through local business advertising.
Connect with your local community! For details visit: aroundllangorselake.co.uk
Please...
this newsletter after you have finished with it.
Page 8
Royal Reception for Llangors Head Teacher As most of you will be aware Mrs Lynne Jones, Head teacher at Llangors Primary School has been awarded an MBE for her services to the local Community. This is a huge achievement and a great boost for our area. The award is recognition of Lynne’s ability in leading Llangors, to be rated as one of the best primary Telephone: 07719 876020 schools in Wales.
Bookings and a full walking events list on :
I would like to congratulate Mrs Jones on her accolade and www.talgarthwalkingfestival.org I am sure the rest of the Community feels the same way. nd th
2 to 5
May 2014
Josie Shepherd, Llangors
BWLCH with ALTITUDECHALLENGE
The Language of Dogs - Understanding Your Pet
Have you ever wished your dog could talk to you? Well, he can, just not with words! Research shows that dogs have their own way of communicating with their owners, and with other dogs. Join Theresa Toomey, dog behaviourist and trainer, for an evening all about dogs and their communication skills, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions, and learn some amazing facts about your canine friend.
MONDAY 5th MAY 2014
Llangors Youth & Community Centre on Thurs 6th March, 7 - 8.30 pm - Admission £5 Theresa Toomey BSc (Hons) PGCE (FE) PG Dip CABC, MSc Call: 01874 636785 or visit: www.dogbehaviouristwales.co.uk The challenge is to enter a team Half way around the route you can
of up to 4 people to walk around collect your free packed lunch bag Llangorse Lake covering 12 miles from the Lakeside shop and enjoy of stunning scenery. Along the a07719 well deserved Telephone: 876020rest overlooking route you will find answers to the Llangorse Lake.events Everyone who Bookings and a full walking list on : photographic quiz which you will enters will be given a special www.talgarthwalkingfestival.org th given on registration at the memento. Check out the route on 2nd to 5be May 2014 Welsh Venison Centre & Beacons www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk Bwlch with Farm Altitude Challenge Shop. The winning team will - 5th May 2014 A further challenge will be for thoseawho have the4most The challenge is to be enter team offound up to people to walk around entrants to capture specific answers. Llangorse Lake covering 12 miles of stunning scenery. subjects on their digital camera or Along the route you will find to a photographic which youthe will be given phone during walk. Download Theanswers winning team will get £100 toquiz on registration at the Welsh Venison Centre. Half way around you can collect your free st them and send them in 1June donate to their charity of choice, packed lunch bag from Lakeside shop, and enjoying a rest overlooking Llangorse by Lake. thT-shirt. All teams and the winning photographer will plus an exclusive The winning team - those who have found the most answers - will receive £100 to receive a fabulous prize. will getplus tea/coffee and cake at donate to their charity of choice, an exclusive T-shirt. Everyone who enters will be with on a route given a special memento.registration, Check out along the route www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk map and challenge questions. A further challenge will be for entrants to capture specific subjects on their digital
BWLCH with ALTITUDE CHALLENGE MONDAY 5 MAY 2014
camera or phone during the walk- the winner will receive a fabulous prize!
The challenge is to enter a team Half way around the route you can of up to 4 people to walk around collect your free packed lunch bag Sponsorsfrom the Lakeside shop and enjoy Llangorse Lake covering 12 miles of stunning scenery. Along the a well deserved rest overlooking route you will find answers to the Llangorse Lake. Everyone who photographic quiz which you will enters will be given a special be given on registration at the memento. Check out the route on Published by the Discover Llangorse Bwlch Rural Alliance in January 2014 Welsh Venison Centre & & Beacons www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk Printed by Llangorse Multi Activity Centre Farm Shop. The winning team will A further challenge will be for be those who have found the most entrants to capture specific answers. subjects on their digital camera or The winning team will get £100 to phone during the walk. Download donate to their charity of choice, them and send them in by 1st June plus an exclusive T-shirt. All teams and the winning photographer will The Grapevine - Winter / Spring 2014 receive a fabulous prize. will get tea/coffee and cake at registration, along with a route For information on how to enter, visit www.talgarthwalkingfestival.org
Supported by Brecon Beacons National Park
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