• 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 May 2016
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Be a journalist! Please send us your articles, news, and what’s on in and around Llangorse & Bwlch. Details of the publication schedule and contact information can be found on page 10. 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.
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Published by Discover Llangorse & Bwlch May 2016
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How can voluntary organisations overcome the challenges of fundraising in rural locations? Here in South Powys we benefit from outstanding countryside, a busy and vibrant Market Town in Brecon and something of a tourist destination. What we do not have is a dense population, strong transport infrastructure or large commercial businesses. Anyone working within the charitable sector in rural Wales will understand that the beauty of the surroundings belie the problems of youth unemployment, social isolation for the elderly and limited opportunities to access many mainstream services. However, despite the difficulties, voluntary and community organisations seek to provide meaningful services for their community. Fundraising in rural communities has its own challenges. There simply aren’t the numbers of people to participate in fundraising events and many charitable trusts focus on deprived areas. Here are some tips that will give community groups the edge: •
Awards for All (Big Lottery’s small grant scheme) offers grants for up to £5000 and you can apply every year. The decisions are given within six weeks and the application form is straight forward. All Big Lottery grants are ‘Outcome focussed’ this means they are more interested in the impact your project than the activity that takes place. You will need to give this some thought when you apply. There are lots of small grants available from between £300 and £3,000 and these are relatively easy to access. Empower can provide a free funding search for you.
•
Don’t forget business sponsorship. Even small businesses will consider sponsoring local community groups but remember to identify how the sponsorship will benefit the business and how you will enable them to take advantage of the support they are giving.
•
Use social media to promote your work, raise your profile and gain support. Online profiles are essential for organisations wanting to make a difference and it is relatively inexpensive. A strong online presence can also benefit you when commencing an online fundraising campaign through agencies such as ‘Just Giving’ This allows people to donate online for a project or cause that they support.
As the director of Empower – Support for the Voluntary Sector and a resident of Bwlch, I am keen to see the not for profit sector succeed in my community. See our advert for how we can help you.
Bev Garside, Director Empower Support for the Voluntary Sector
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The Grapevine - May 2016
Chris Davies MP What a pleasure it is to be writing in the Grapevine Community Newsletter for the first time. You are all only too aware of the potentially devastating proposals by Powys County Council to close our precious High Schools. This is the single biggest threat to our communities for a generation and I am one of many fighting tooth and nail to make sure that our schools stay open. As a school Governor at Gwernyfed, and as a parent of two young children, I want the education of our children to be delivered in our local communities. Like many other parents I do not want to subject children to long bus journeys to and from school, adding on extra hours to their already jam-packed days and restricting access to after-school activities. I have met with all head teachers of the threatened High Schools and I was struck by the message repeated by each of them – that Powys County Council do not listen to the professionals who spend their days on the ‘front line’, delivering a high quality education to our children. I have also met with Councillors and officers of Powys County Council. During the meeting I had with them I felt that the decision makers do not have a clear understanding of the extremely strong feelings that our communities hold in relation to the proposed closures. More importantly they appear to have little knowledge or feeling for the educational impact of their proposals on pupils, staff and families alike. I have raised this issue on the floor of the House of Commons and have written to both the First Minister and to the Minister for Education in the Welsh Assembly to express my deep concerns over the future of our children’s education. I am not surprised by the amount of public support for our schools. Following on from discussions, with fellow Governors, I understand that the depth of feeling was evident at the public consultation meeting at Gwernyfed High School with over 800 people in attendance. I’m sure that Powys County Council got the message loud and clear - our communities will not stand for Powys County Council trying to close the door on our children’s education. We now, more than ever, need as many people to contribute to the formal consultation process. If you have not already done so, I urge you to voice your concerns and opinions for the sake of our children and our communities. Please send all your representations via post to: Cllr Arwel Jones, County Hall, Spa Road East, Llandrindod Wells, Powys, LD1 5LG or by email to cllr.arwel.jones@powys.gov.uk. If you would like to contact me in relation to this matter, or any other matter of concern, you can contact me on chris.davies.mp@parliament.uk or call my constituency office on 01982 559 180. Keep up the good fight! Chris
Gwernyfed High School Consultation Come and have your say
Llangors Community Council
encourage you to drop into Llangors Youth & Community Centre Wednesday 4th May 2016 between 2.30pm and 6.30pm Need guidance understanding all the issues? Find out more, see what you can do to help – it’s not too late to have your say. You do not need to have links with the school to take part. Llangors Community Council, as statutory consultees, we will be responding to the Powys County Council consultation by the closing date of 23rd May 2016.
An overview of Powys County Council’s current consultation is: • To close Brecon High School and Gwernyfed High School on the 31st August 2017, and to establish a new English-medium 11 – 16 secondary school that will operate across the current sites of the two schools from 1st September 2017; • From the 1st September 2017, Post-16 provision (academic and vocational) to be delivered by NPTC Group of Colleges in Brecon; • To close the school sites at Gwernyfed & Brecon upon the opening of a new school in Brecon, in 2019/20.
For a paper copy of the consultation call PCC on 01597 826954 or details can be found at: www.powys.gov.uk/en/schools-students/plans-for-powys-schools/
www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk
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Volunteer Befrienders needed - could you spare a few hours? George is a 62 year old man who enjoys walking and has a keen interest in rugby. He can no longer pursue these interests on his own having lost his confidence since developing dementia, and is becoming increasingly isolated. Could you help George, and people like him? A service which enables people with dementia to continue to do the things they love is run by the Alzheimer’s Society in this local area. Trained befrienders are matched with people with dementia to help them continue to enjoy their interests and hobbies, or just have a friendly chat. Kate West, Befriending Manager said: ‘We’re looking for friendly volunteers who can make a real, positive, difference to people’s lives by not only offering friendship and much needed companionship but also support to help them enjoy social activities and hobbies which they may otherwise find impossible to do alone. If you are a caring person who is willing to learn about dementia and can offer a few hours a week to spend time with people like George, we would be delighted to hear from you.’ The service offers a perfect opportunity to support people living with dementia to continue to feel part of their local community. No special skills are required and experience is not necessary as training will be provided. To find out more about accessing or volunteering for the befriending service please contact Kate West, on 01874 712 059 (mobile 07725 223 901) or email kate.west@alzheimers.org.uk - Thank you Kate West
Llangorse Luncheon Club As you may know Anne & Tony, Alison & Derek are giving up Luncheon Club from 25th April. We would like to thank all our loyal “over sixties” who have come regularly each month for 12 years. We have loved cooking for you. We would like to thank our helpers, especially Mair who is our treasurer, Lucy, Evelyn, Hazel and Jim - without them we could not have managed. We would also like to thank the Rotary Club for their donations which helped to buy equipment. However, although we are retiring we would like the luncheon club to continue, so we are asking if anyone would be interested in taking it over. If you are interested, please contact Anne Evans on 01874 658 319. It would be a pity if it folded especially as it has been such a success for the past 12 years.
Anne Evans
Llangorse Lake Big Swim 2016 Thanks to the on-going generosity of the Blackham Family and the lake users group, we’ll once again be holding the Big Swim on Saturday 10th September at 4pm. The last two events have been a great success and have brought hundreds of people to the lake, not just on race weekend, but throughout the year. The swimmers will be able to choose between four distances (1.5km, 3km, 4.5km and 6km) as they enjoy the only chance in the year to swim in the beautiful Llangorse Lake. The swim will be chip timed and all competitors will get a unique Llangorse Big Swim medal, silicone swimming hat and unlimited hot drinks, biscuits and cake. Once again, we will be helping to raise money for Llangorse Sailing Club who will be assisting by marking the course and helping with the water safety. We’re also pleased to be able to help our friends at Brecon Canoe Club and Llangorse Judo Club who are, once again, assisting with marshalling. If you’d like to take part or raise money for your club by helping out please get in touch: Web: www.llangorsetri.com, Email: llangorsetri@hotmail.co.uk or follow us on Facebook / Twitter
Nicola Goodwin
Llanfihangel Ladies - update Easter Weekend: During Easter weekend we held two fund-raising events, a children’s Easter Egg hunt and Easter tea and cakes. We raised approximately £350 with the two events. Many thanks to all who attended and special thanks to those who donated cakes. Queen’s 90th Birthday Celebration: On 12th June 2016 we will be celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday with a “Bring your own Picnic in the Park”. This event will take place in the village playing field between 4.00 p.m. and 8.00 p.m. It is open to all and live entertainment will be provided. Other children’s entertainment to be arranged. If the weather lets us down the village hall will be used instead.
Angela Boxhall
Annual General Meeting of Llangors Youth and Community Centre Tuesday, May 31st at 7.30pm. Light refreshments available - All Welcome!
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The Grapevine - May 2016
Llangors Community Defibrillator Update Llangors Community Council has funded the installation of external “Automated External Defibrillator” (AED) boxes at Llangasty Hall, Pennorth Chapel, Llanfihangel & Llanwern Community Hall and Llangors Community Centre with the four groups individually applying to the British Heart Foundation for AEDs. Llangasty Hall have now received their AED, purchased via the British Heart Foundation scheme and this is installed in a heated, alarmed box on the out-side wall of the Hall. The three other groups have had their external boxes fitted but were unsuccessful in acquiring AED’s via the last British Heart Foundation Scheme. The BHF scheme will restart sometime in April when the groups will hopefully be notified of their success. Fund raising events have taken place to assist in the purchase of the AED’s. All the AED’s will be registered with the Emergency Services so all 999 / 112 emergency calls can be directed to the nearest AED if required. A successful overview and induction was recently organised by Llangasty Hall with members from all groups present. Members familiarised themselves with training equipment provided by BHF and it was decided that training would be offered and encouraged to the Community. It would consist of an overview of the AED and training in Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) which is essential for the effective use of an AED. The training would be carried out alongside volunteers in the community who have previously had experience with AED / CPR. A programme of training dates is to be organised once all the AED units are fitted. The British Heart Foundation attended Llangasty Hall on Thursday 21st April to mark the commissioning of our first Defibrillator. The Community Council thank the groups for making this “around the Lake” project possible. The Community Council has been notified that an AED has also been fitted at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre. Installed in the entrance hall it is accessible 24hrs a day.
Colin Preece, Chair, Llangors Community Council
Llangors Community Council
Annual Public Meeting
will be held at 7.00pm on Tuesday 17th May 2016 at Llangors Youth & Community Centre With guest speaker Alan Macnaughton from Resource Efficient Wales Come along and discover if you can be more energy efficient...
All Welcome! Llyn Syfaddan History Group - update Plans for our 200th anniversary celebration walk through Talyllyn Tunnel in May are well under way. Refreshments will be provided at the end of the walk. For safety and insurance reasons, this walk is only open to members of the history group and details will be circulated by e-mail. However, new members are always welcome at a small fee of £5 for individuals or £7 for a family. Please contact Roger Young without delay if you want to join and take advantage of this special walk, 658205. We are grateful to Terry and Linda Dewan for their support in organising this special event. Our next history talk will be held at Llangasty Parish Hall on Thursday, 7th July at 7.30pm and will be followed by a buffet of local breads, cheeses and other local delicacies. There will be a charge for the buffet. Further details will be circulated closer to the date. New research projects. We received positive responses to the topics for projects put forward by members at our February meeting. Those who volunteered to help will be contacted by committee members in May. Linda Kells and I will be putting together a presentation on “Myths and Legends” based on Llangors Lake as our group’s contribution to the Brecknock Open History Week which takes place in early September. We are particularly keen to receive any historical images of the lake such as photographs, paintings, postcards, prints or illustrations to form part of our display. Also, if you would like to help in any way, please do get in touch - Roger Reese, 658 726.
Roger Reese
DYSGU CYMRAEG! If anyone wants to learn Welsh, or learn some more Welsh, groups can be planned if there are enough numbers. If you are interested (apprehensive or not!) - please contact Susan Jevons on 07952 580426 for more information (the sooner the better). 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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Monthly Coffee Mornings - Llangors Hall 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 usually 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: • 9th May - Christian Aid Week • 13th June - Llangors Defibrillator Fund • 11th July - Local Mental Health support (exact name TBC) • 8th August - Cancer Research Wales • 12th September - Brecknock Wildlife Trust (moved from earlier date) • 10th October - RIBA Wales (support for farmers in difficult situations) Amounts raised monthly are displayed on the community and church noticeboards. For those who missed this, the following amounts have been raised : • December - Brookside Christmas flowers £55 • January - Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees £82.55 • February - L’Arche, Brecon £90 • March - Alzheimers Research and Care £100 • April - Brecon Mountain Rescue - £90 Come and enjoy the company - and try multi-tasking... use the Post Office at the same time!
Llangors Youth and Community Centre require someone with computer skills to update and maintain their website
www.llangorshall.co.uk For further information, please contact: Melrose East Tel: 01874 658335 or Email: melrosemeast@gmail.com
Llanfihangel Talyllyn and Llanwern Village Hall Update: Following the EGM in February, we are pleased to announce that we do have a working committee once more, but we do still need your support, ideas - and help to make those ideas become reality. The next meeting will be on Monday 9th May at 8 p.m. and everyone is very welcome to come and have their say, with no pressure to join the committee full time. Spring Fayre: The annual Spring Fayre will be on Saturday 28th May, 2016, starting at 2 p.m. All the usual stalls – plants, cakes, bottles, books, White Elephant, Children’s table, plus tables for hire (£5 per table). Come and browse, and enjoy a wonderful cream tea from our café. If anyone as items to donate for the cake stall, please contact Brenda Arnold (01874 658 451). For other items, contact Tina Hill (01874 658 531) Summer Fete: The summer fete will take place on Sunday 21st August, 2016, and we would greatly value help to make sure it is as much fun as previous years!
Esther Davies
St Michael & All Angels, Llanfihangel Talyllyn Upcomming events: • •
Coffee Morning at Bishop Bevan, Brecon - Fri 20th May, 10am - 12md. Entry £1 to include coffee and biscuits. Plant stall, cake stall, jewellery stall. Treasure Hunt on Llangorse Common - Sat 20th August from 3pm to include a BBQ.
Jo Copping The Grapevine - May 2016
Bwlch with Altitude - Saturday 4th June 2016 Bwlch with Altitude is a family friendly navigational challenge, which can be conducted either by walking or on your mountain bike. It is a team event (min. 2; max. 8 members per team), whilst navigating the routes you will have to answer some basic questions and collect mementos and there will also be a prize for the best photograph taken during the challenge.
Llangors Youth & Community Centre
Donations made to Llangorse & Llangynidr Primary Schools, and Brecon Mountain Rescue Team. Fees quoted above are for bookings made by 31st May 2016. Prices will be higher on the day.
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
To register, visit www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk, or call The Star Bunkhouse: 01874 730 080.
www.llangorshall.co.uk
There are 3 Challenges for you to choose from, they are: • • •
A 12 mile circular walk - ideal training for WAAT4. Entry fee £8 adult & £4 Junior A 15 mile circular mountain bike route - ideal training for the Brecon Beast. Entry fee £8 adult & £4 Junior. This route requires entrants to have some experience – it contains steep ascents/descents over rough terrain. Riders will have to wear a safety helmet. A 5 mile circular walk - ideal for families of all ages. Entry fee £4 adult & £2 Junior. A family ticket is also available (2 adults & 2 juniors) for £10.
Llangors Village Open Gardens
Llanfihangel Talyllyn & Llanywern Hall
Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th June 2016 From 2.00 - 5.00 PM Entrance: £5.00, children free (in aid of St Paulinus Church Llangors)
Bookings:
For one weekend in June the owners of several gardens in the village of Llangors, are opening their garden gates and inviting you in. These are not show places but lovingly tended individual gardens not normally open to the public. When a slightly different group of gardens was opened in 2013 visitors enjoyed what they described as ‘a very special experience’, in spite of the weather being the worst of the summer! Exploring the gardens you will find flowers, trees and shrubs, both unusual varieties and old favourites; fruit and vegetables; wildlife areas; patios and containers and perhaps ideas to try out in your own garden. There will also be plenty of plants for sale and you can take a break from visiting the gardens to sample home-made teas in the village hall and enjoy floral decorations in the church. The weekend chosen is also the one when the nation will be celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday and we hope to give all visitors, from nearby and far away, a ‘right royal’ day out. Offers of plants for sale and cakes as well as helpers would be very welcome. For further information contact Kath Johnson (01874 658670). To offer plants or help with plant sales please contact Kath or Mary Anderson (01874 658639). To offer cakes or help with teas please contact Julie Pugh (01874 658373).
Kath Johnson
Llangors Village Fete and Sports will be held on Saturday, July 23rd 2016 Usual stalls plus lots of new ones Further information will be available nearer the date
Pennorth Chapel - update Pennorth Chapel has agreed to be the location for the village defibrillator and has already held a most successful coffee morning which raised over £450 - a very big Thank You to everyone that supported and made donations. The Community Council have kindly supplied and fitted the weather proof heated cabinet in readiness for the instrument. We are currently in discussion with The British Heart Foundation regarding their assisted purchase scheme. On receipt of the machine training sessions will be held at frequent intervals in our comfortable schoolroom. We are very pleased to be able to host a New Welsh for Beginners Group held every Thursday 9.15am – 11.15am. Times of Chapel Services are displayed on the Chapel notice board, everyone is most welcome.
www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk
Dave Jones - 658 477 Sheena Walker-Roberts Tel - 01874 711 584
Regular Events: Pilates Using weighted soft balls.
Tuesdays 6 pm – 7 pm Pilates Thursdays 7.15pm-8.15pm S. Walker-Roberts - 711 584 Facebook - “Pilates for U”
Llangasty Hall Bookings: Ann Reese - 658 726
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
Roger Young Page 7
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: Bwlch & Cathedine Women’s Institute 1st Monday - 7pm Choir Mondays (except WI night) 7pm Garden Club 1st Tuesday - 7.30 pm 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
Llangasty Parish Hall - update On 9th April 2016, we held our annual AGM followed by an informative, entertaining and inspiring talk given by Joyce Gervis, describing her sponsored trek in Patagonia, 2015. We had a packed hall. In keeping with our Patagonian theme, we enjoyed Argentinian inspired nibbles prepared by the committee; the empenadas, sausages, chimichurri sauce and cheese all disappeared. We raised £330 towards the “Breath of Life Fund” which was Joyce’s chosen charity. During the AGM, we thanked all those who had supported and used the hall especially Llangasty WI who donated £200 towards our new heaters. A big thanks was given to all those who contributed towards the maintenance of the hall. Our annual accounts showed that at the end of 2015 the hall funds stood at a healthy £8,022.03; some of this has now been used to pay for the improvements highlighted in the Chairman’s report outlining our 2016 plans. Chairman’s Report Although we are 4 months into 2016, it is fair to say that we have made a cracking start to the year. 2016 kicked off with the successful acquisition of the defibrillator. We are extremely grateful to the following sponsors: Llangors Community Council, British Heart Foundation (BHF), Ty-Mawr Lime, The Walled Garden, The Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, and many individual donations. The Defibrillator Now that the defibrillator is up and running, we have three priorities to support it. Firstly, to monitor it regularly to ensure that it is ready for use at any time. This is achieved by committee members making daily checks. Secondly, we need to build up a contingency fund of £1000 for the longer term maintenance and eventual replacement of the machine in five years time. We are currently awaiting confirmation of a grant of £250 from Brecon Rotary to help start this fund. Thirdly, the British Heart Foundation gave a significant contribution of £600. In return, we have committed to running a programme of resuscitation training using resources provided by the BHF for use with local groups. To kick start this, the Hall committee will undertake the training aided by local trained volunteers. We will then set up a programme of open training sessions. As part of this initiative, we must also consider the need to liaise with Pennorth Chapel, Llangors Community Hall and Llanfihangel Talyllyn Community Hall who will also be providing training sessions. Hall Maintenance In order for our “unique” hall to be used for a wide range of needs, it has to be well looked after and wherever possible, improvements made. The committee has been working very hard over the past few months to improve the appearance and the internal comfort. We have used a combination of specialists where necessary and our own skills and physical effort wherever possible. Some of the major improvements we have made so far this year include: • Replacement and repositioning of 4 heaters in the main hall (many thanks to Llangasty WI for their generous donation towards the new heaters). • Installation of small heaters in the kitchen, vestibule and toilets to avoid frost damage in the winter months • Improvements to the electrical systems, testing and certification. • Upgrading the fire alarm system. • Improving the external lighting. • Repaired and repainted the wood panelling, doors and walls We are currently establishing a maintenance and improvement schedule which will help us to manage over the longer term and ensure that priorities are addressed, and that we work to realistic budgets to safeguard our finances. This is a flavour of some of the things we are considering in our future plan: • Improve the insulation on the hall ceiling • Installing stage curtains • Repair or replace the fire doors The increase in use of the hall over the last 2 years has stemmed from the maintenance and improvements already made. We hope that through the investments being made, the hall’s usage will continue to increase. We welcome any offers of help and any ideas. Who uses the hall? We are very pleased that our regular supporters, Sheena Roberts pilates and Llangasty WI, are still with us. We have increased the number of private bookings and recently the hall hosted a wedding reception. The hall was chosen because of the beautiful location and its’ unique unspoilt charm (please spread the word … and by the way, the sun shone). We have some future events planned; • 7th July - In conjunction with Llyn Syfaddan History Group, a talk will be given by Nigel Gervis on the history and use of lime. • 30th September - Harvest Supper with entertainment. • 27th December - The Annual Festive Walk. Please remember to put these dates in your diary. Who are the committee? We are very fortunate to have a committed, enthusiastic and hardworking committee. They are Arwyn Evans (Treasurer), Chris and Glyn Price, Mark James, Rae Gervis, Brian Wynne, Elaine Sweet, Frances Isaacs, Gill Needham, Roger Reese (Chair), Ann Reese (Secretary).
Roger Reese
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The Grapevine - May 2016
Clean up in Llangors The Llyn Safaddan Cubs, supported by many locals from the village of Llangors and guided by Rachel Palmer of Keep Wales Tidy, went around the village recently and, within one hour, cleared a mound of rubbish from the roadsides and lake area. In total 25 bags of rubbish was collected, mainly cans, bottles and sweet wrappings. Rachel emphasized that we live in an area of outstanding beauty, around a natural lake and surrounded by hills and mountains. We should all endeavour to keep it clean and tidy, not only for ourselves but for others who regularly visit and enjoy the area. It is also very important for the safety of the animals and wildlife in the area.
The Rubbish!
The cub pack meet in Llangors Youth and Community Centre on Monday evenings from 6 – 7.30pm. For further information please contact Maureen Lowe 01874 658 453
Rhythm of life has a powerful beat – why drumming together is good for you! Drums are the earth’s oldest musical instruments. Every culture is steeped in drumming, the oldest documented drum dates back to 6,000 B.C. For thousands of years, group drumming has been a present around the globe, marking important rites, from marriages, harvest celebrations and solstice rituals, to signalling war and welcoming peace. Today, this ancient ritual is coming alive in western cultures as drumming and drum circles gain in popularity. Shamans in many cultures used the drum to prepare the healer. In Africa, drums were used as a form of communication carrying complex messages between tribes. In Native American legend, one story tells how the drum was brought to the Indian people by a woman. The spirit that lives in the drum demands that the drum is treated with great respect. This description of a drumming circle was made by Mickey Hart, the drummer for the Grateful Dead, in an address he made to the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging in 1991: “Typically, people gather to drum in drum ‘circles’ with others from the surrounding community. The drum circle offers equality because there is no head or tail. It includes people of all ages. The main objective is to share rhythm and get in tune with each other and themselves. To entrain and resonate. By entrainment, I mean that a new voice, a collective voice, emerges from the group as they drum together.” People who play drums in a group setting, often describe their experience as “joyful”, “exhilarating” “energising”. In drum circles, rhythms are played with a sense of group. Each person plays a part to make the whole. It’s good fun. And, as we know, the rhythm of life has a powerful beat… Coming soon to Bwlch Village Hall – contact Heather for more details: Email: heathermurray125@gmail.com Web: www.musicandthemuse.com
Heather Murray, Bwlch
Recently published: ‘Henry Vaughan and the Usk Valley’ The Brecknock Society and The Vaughan Association have commissioned a new book on the life and work of Henry Vaughan and his association with the Usk Valley and in particular with Llansantffraed Church. The book has been edited by Elizabeth Siberry and Robert Wilcher. Copies can be obtained by going to the Logaston Press website: www.logastonpress.co.uk and then go to ‘New books Spring 2016’. The cost is £10 incl. P&P. Or you can send a cheque for £10 to Logaston Press, Little Logaston, Woonton, Hereford HR3 6QH (don’t forget to say which book you are ordering and to include your address!) Members of the Brecknock Society and the Vaughan Association may order copies at a discount (further details on their websites)
Elizabeth Siberry
Llangors on the net (or not!)
Reader’s comment
Are you having trouble with your BT internet? I did – three months of it! Ultimately my outage log of some six pages went to the Chief Executive, Gavin Patterson, whose email address can easily be found online. It gets one to the executive office in Newcastle instead of Mumbai. When everything worked again after two engineers found nothing wrong and suggested REIN interference, it mysteriously righted itself and I got back my 5mb per second. When some videos still experienced buffering I transferred to BT Infiniti and now get 50mb per second. However it appears that not all is well in the village. When a neighbouring computer on the old system looked like pegging out with outages and freezes, it is miraculously transformed when linked to my infinity router. It seems that BT will never admit to problems and the whole infrastructure needs a thorough engineering audit. By referring my previous problems to our Gavin, I got reasonable compensation and all engineer visits were free of charge. So go for it!
David Mitchell www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk
Page 9
In the Walled Garden
Here are just a few of the great performing plants in the Walled Garden for, variously, early foliage, fragrance or long flowering period. You can see all of these plants growing in the beds and borders at the nursery and, of course, they are also available for sale.
Good early foliage
Mathiasella bupleuroides “Green Dream” - this plant species from the Mexican mountains was only discovered in 1954, and the hardy perennial cultivar is strikingly architectural. Glaucous early foliage on purple pink tinged stems. Unusual jade green umbellifer bracts appearing April to June gradually turn pink towards autumn. Height and spread 1m by 1m. Myrrhis odorata - sweet cicely, an old northern European herb. Early long lasting fern like foliage, with fine white flower umbels from April onwards. The leaves, seeds and roots are all edible. Adding the leaves to rhubarb replaces the need for sugar.
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Height and spread 1m by 1m. Aster divaricatus “Eastern Star” early mound of bright green leaves and contrasting dark burgundy stems. Delicate white daisy like flowers September and October. This great plant from north America thrives in dry shade. Height and spread 75cm by 75cm. (Actually it has now been renamed Eurybia divaricata but only just so I’ll use the old name for the moment).
Heavily fragranced
Valeriana officinalis - a statuesque plant and another old European herb. Clusters of tiny white, pink tinged gloriously sweetly scented flowers from June to August. This was my “stop the press” plant last year as I followed the scent for 100 yards. Happy in a damp ditch or border in dappled shade or full sun. Height 1.5m, spread 0.5m. A perfect companion plant for the vegetable plot as the roots release phosphorus and stimulate earthworm activity.
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Long, long flowering season Erysimum “Bowles’s Mauve” long flowering bushy evergreen perennial. Dramatic shrubby purple green foliage and rich mauve flowers from April to November. This plant is one of the top ten plants for pollinators.
Erigeron karvinskianus - low mat forming narrow green leaves covered in a profusion of tiny daisy like white flowers turning purple pink. This plant loves dry stone walls, pots and gravel and will flower all summer and readily spreads itself by seed.
Persicaria wallichii – bright green distinctively pointed leaves and
P L A N T N U R S E RY
Post Office at Llangors Youth & Community Centre Mondays 10 to 12 and Thursdays 9-30 to 11-30
Tea, Coffee and Biscuits are also available on Mondays and Thursdays
Gardener available for local work: Jobs undertaken: clearing overgrown flowerbeds; weed spraying; removing dead foliage; weeding; planting seeds/bulbs/plants; dead-heading; pruning etc.
For more details - please contact Lynne (Clinton) or leave message on 01874 658 134 or 07847 470 878
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Do you operate a business within our distribution area? The Grapevine is distributed to over 700 households & community points in and around Llangorse & Bwlch.
large very highly scented heads of white flowers from August through to October. Height 1.5m, spread moderately invasive. A dramatic stand for a damp sunny position.
If so, you may consider joining our rota to collect daily newspapers from the newsagents in Talgarth. Please contact Tony Evans on 658 319 for more details.
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
Page 10
The Grapevine - May 2016
WORKSHOP C A L E N DA R PERENNIAL VEGETABLES
with Chris Smith Tues 10 May 2016 BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION
with Lizzie Harper Weds 18 May 2016
PLANTS
PLANT PERFORMANCE
with Noel Kingsbury Thurs 26 May 2016
FLOWERS
HERB GARDEN DESIGN
VEGETABLES
with Jekka McVicar Weds 22 June 2016
H E R B S GARDEN PLANS
WILLOW PLANT SUPPORTS
with Mary Zammit Thurs 15 & Fri 16 Sept 2016 PLANT PROPAGATION
an Introduction Tues 20 Sept 2016
WORKSHOPS & EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR
OPEN DAILY 10am to 5pm. LLANGASTY, BRECON, LD3 7PX
01874 730 169
alison@walledgardentreberfydd.com
• www.walledgardentreberfydd.com
fun family event!
4th JUNE 2016 to enter... www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk facebook or call 01874 730 080
&Beacons Backpackers
www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk
BWA ad.indd 1
Est 1958
Page27/04/2016 11
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ACTION
PACKED ADVENTURES
Llangorse Fun Ride
Saturday 21st May 2016 at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre The route is approximately 8 miles (with an optional ‘short cut’ if necessary!) and will combine our miles of private bridleways, fantastic open countryside and inviting jumps (optional).
Take advantage of our ‘early bird’ prices register online before 14th May: Training Room
Indoor & Outdoor Family Activities at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre
Indoor Activities - year round instructed activity sessions: climbing, rope bridges, zip line, cave and much more! NEW FOR 2016 - we’ve recently extended the climbing area into ‘The Cellar’ (pictured above) – a new purpose built training room, including a massive 70-degree training board! Horse Riding - various types and lengths of rides are available, depending on age & ability. Miles of private tracks and hillside. Outdoor Activities - including our ‘Sky Trek’ aerial zip line adventure, and tree-top Junior Challenge Course.
01874 658 272 www.activityuk.com
Adults - £15 Children (under 16’s) - £10 Registrations can also be made by calling 01874 658 272 or in person at Llangorse Multi Activity Centre.
This event is being organised in support of Wales Air Ambulance. We will be making a donation to their appeal for a new Welsh air base from the proceeds.
www.activityuk.com/funride
English & Drama Tuition Summer School 2016 Age 7 - 16
Llangorse, Brecon, Powys LD3 7TR Relatives or friends coming to stay - try our double glazed, centrally heated, modern caravans - from £300/week (for 4 people) or from £350/week (for 6 people) Enjoy some time on the lake, rowing boats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards available for hire
www.llangorselake.co.uk Tel: 01874 658226
Page 12
A week long project with creative writing, devising and costuming with an evening performance of work at the end! Booking essential.
Drama and Creative Writing Workshops to run throughout the Summer holidays at different locations in the area… 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 LAMDA acting and performance exams… 27 Distinctions and 4 Merits
The Grapevine - May 2016