The Community Mag - April 2021 by Phil Rowe

April 2021

Covering Ystradgynlais, Ystalyfera, Abercraf, Coelbren, Crynant, Banwen, Dyffryn Cellwen, Onllwyn, Seven Sisters, Glynneath, Cwmgwrach, Resolven, Cwmtwrch, Cwmllynfell, Cwmgiedd, Gurnos & Godre’rgraig,

Find us online at

www.communitymag.co.uk

07961 937238 E-mail: mail@communitymag.co.uk

photograph supplied by Carl Ryan, www.blackplanetphotography.com 1

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Editor’s Foreword It’s been one of those months, various computer problems, a dead laptop and then, just as I sat to finish putting the magazine together this morning my PC decided to give up the ghost! Even with a background in IT things like this can be challenging. This editorial is the last piece of the mag that I work on each month and so, 14 hours into a working day, serenaded with the persistent “We’re bored” protestations of homebound schoolgirls, I find myself sitting late at night trying to care about anything other than getting away from this plastic and metal box that has put me through at least 8 hours of tedious installation and restoration. Somewhere in the back of my mind lies the spectre of our government using the current situation to make authoritarian and, frankly, fascistic moves against free speech and the right to protest. The failure to hold them to account by a seemingly endless supply of fawning lickspittles in the media, despite the fact that they will soon see themselves fall foul of these Draconian laws without even trying. I’ve been shielding for what feels like a very long time now, and the little bit of light at the end of the tunnel is flickering with shadows of a third wave already happening in Europe. Surely now, after all we have seen and learned, after all of these lost lives where they need not have been, surely this time we will stop all inbound foreign travel until it is safe. Surely not! Does anything over the past year give us cause to believe that the raucous club of simpering goons that have wheedled their way into power are capable of questioning their own judgement, of accepting their own errors and learning from them, and listening to valid criticism of their actions? Britain is descending into the darkness, and we have a lifeboat – she’s called ‘Independence’. Even as the Westminster cronies whittle away at our powers and decimate our just representation. Even as another ‘Welsh Secretary’ vows to overrule the decisions made by our own parliament. Even as Welsh Tories aim to tear down every brick of self-determination that we have ever laid, there is a growing noise… This year, 16 and 17 year olds in Wales will, for the very first time, get a say in how our country is run. I have hope that they will be a strong step in the right direction – that of walking away from under the thumb of Westminster and all that its fetid, rotten corruption represents. The deadline for registering to vote is on April 16th, so tell all that you know, young and old. It’s on.

Phil

COVID 19 STATEMENT: We are currently in an ever changing situation in dealing with the

virus. Please remember that each of our advertisers are also being affected by this, and new restrictions may mean that their advertised service is restricted in some way. This is frustrating for all concerned, please be polite and understanding with the businesses you deal with. Information contained in the magazine may no longer be accurate by the time you read it. If you want to write to the magazine our address is: Community Mag, 8 Darren Road, Ystalyfera, Swansea SA9 2HP. You can also e-mail us at mail@communitymag.co.uk. DEADLINE FOR MAY 2021 EDITION - APRIL 12th 3

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The daffodil (narcissus) is most commonly known for being a symbol of hope and rebirth. This national flower for Wales has added flower power to our beneficiary charity Marie Curie. Explore our wonderful daffodil gardens, fun facts, and visit a selection of our spring gardens including Fron Heulog, Powys, managed for wildlife creating a haven for birds, butterflies and pollinators. Enjoy from your home this garden bursting with blossoms and birdsong at ngs.org.uk

ROSES IN THE GARDEN To celebrate the generosity of our garden owners who invite the public to enjoy their beautiful, private spaces through the National Garden Scheme, in 2021 David Austin will make a £2.50 donation from the sale of the Generous Gardener to the National Garden Scheme and other health-based charities. If you are redesigning part of your garden, please consider adding a rose arch and plant this pale pink climbing rose with an ‘old rose’ scent. The beautifully formed flowers nod gracefully from late spring through to early winter. ANY GOOD AT FACEBOOK? You could be just what we’re looking for to help us publicise the mainly private gardens opening in Powys to raise funds for the nursing and health care charities we support. We’re after someone: • familiar with Facebook and a passion for supporting nursing and health care charities, • to share posts from our Facebook page to relevant ‘What’s On?’ pages across Powys. Note: garden openings are subject to the coronavirus restrictions in place at the time. Before travelling visitors are advised to check the details of the gardens they want to visit, and to book online, on the National Garden Scheme website ngs.org.uk For more information on NGS, contact Gail Jones on 07974 103692 or gail.jones@ngs.org.uk

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1. Head with ponytail is dominating (5) 4. All round promotions in short, something to sing about (7) 7. Fight angry dispute for small bird (7) 8. Monotonous sounding insect (5) 10. End of term beers for men (5) 11. Headless fish don’t start to intimidate floating voter (7) 12. A most varied number of particles (5) 14. An aspect of character, directed at the audience (5) 19. Fables created when part of a journey is over (7) 21. Something big in spectacular gesture (5) 22. Make a catapult out of a bandage (5) 23. Sheepish puff is violent (7) 24. Tiny Dickensian character, lazily in a bashful manner (7) 25. Is ant confused or something smooth? (5)

Answers on page 66

DOWN

2. Evidence of wound allowed to become reddish (7) 3. Threads and tales can both be spun (5) 4. Curve directed, cricketer out (6) 5. Tail-end snakes used for climbing (7) 6. A boxing match, roughly (5) 7. Closely similar but mixed up as me (4) 9. Sounds corny but walls have them too (4) 13. Male matured, coped well (7) 15. Living quarters, insect asleep for now (7) 16. Arrange pals to form a chain (4) 17. Homeless cat, far from the right path (6) 18. Find warmth, sunbathe at noon (4) 20. Sounds like gruesome siblings could tell a story (5) 21. Switched palms, illuminating (5) 7

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PLEASE ONLY VISIT YOUR HOUSEHOLD WASTE AND RECYCLING CENTRES IF REALLY NEEDED

Residents are reminded that visits to the Household Waste Recycling Centres should currently be for essential reasons only. Since the beginning of the year, the number of residents regularly visiting the Household Waste Recycling Centres (HWRCs) has steadily increased, with a number of the sites experiencing large numbers of visitors and long queues of traffic waiting to get in. If there are too many people waiting to enter the site, especially towards the end of the day, you may be asked to return at a quieter time to avoid causing disruption to the highway and local communities. Many of these visitors are bringing materials which can easily be recycled through the weekly kerbside collections, such as glass bottles and jars, paper and card. Please remember, that whilst Covid restrictions and social distancing regulations remain in place, the number of cars and people allowed at the HWRCs is limited and staff on site cannot help unload or carry items under any circumstances. “We understand that the Covid restrictions seem to have been around for ages.” Says Cllr Heulwen Hulme, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Waste. We also understand that we are all beginning to get fed up and frustrated with them, us included. But it is important to remember that we are still in the midst of a global pandemic and that we must try and ensure that all our hard work and sacrifices have not been in vain, by sticking to the rules while they remain in place. “It is important to make the most of your weekly kerbside recycling collections and only visit the HRWCs if you have material which cannot be recycled in this way or kept safely at home until restrictions are eased. “Please think carefully before you decide to visit the HWRCs. Non-essential use puts yourself, other members of the public and our staff at risk from spreading the virus.” If you need extra recycling boxes to help with any additional recycling at home, you can order more online www.powys.gov.uk/newbinsandbags

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REMOTE LEARNING SURVEY RESULTS

Over 85 per cent of Powys pupils received live online lessons from their school during January, the findings of a county council survey have revealed. 3,422 parents / guardian and pupils completed a short remote learning survey that was carried out by Powys County Council. Respondents gave their views while school in county provided online learning due to the Coronavirus pandemic. The key findings of the survey were: • 93%of parents and pupils said that they had engaged fully with a range of learning set by their school • 88%of pupils and parents had access to devices for online learning from home, and 11% shared a device • 86% of parent and pupils reported that they had received live lessons from school • 8% of parents and pupils agreed that their school provided them with regular feedback on their work • 63% of respondents accessed lessons through a laptop while 15 per cent accessed lessons through an iPad or an equivalent device • 56% of parents and pupils felt they had received the right amount of support, learning activities and lessons from their school while eight per cent felt that they had received it most of the time • 10% of parents and pupils felt that they didn’t receive the right amount of support, learning activities and lessons from their school while 26 per cent felt pupils had received it part of the time • Nearly all (97%) parents or pupils agreed that they could contact their school if there was a problem. 77% of the responses were from parents / guardians with the remaining responses from pupils. 54 per cent of the responses were from primary-aged pupils or their parents / guardians with 46 per cent from the secondary phase. Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “I’d like to thank the pupils and parents / guardians who took the time to take part in this survey and give us their views. “It is pleasing to see that 90 per cent of respondents felt well supported by their school through regular contact and that 85 per cent of pupils were provided with regular feedback on their school work. “Although the findings of this survey are pleasing, we won’t be complacent. The results will help us to identify what further support is required for all our schools to ensure learners benefit fully from online learning while they are away from their classrooms.”

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Essential advice when preparing Lasting Powers of Attorney Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) can be prepared to legally appoint a person or persons to manage your finances and make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. This can be extremely important if you suffer from any physical or mental incapacity in the future. There are two types of LPA as follows:Health and Welfare LPA- this allows your attorneys to make decisions about your medical treatment, how you are cared for or where you live. It can also give them power to give or refuse consent to life sustaining treatment if desired. This type of LPA is only used if you lack capacity to make decisions yourself. - Property and Financial Affairs LPA – this gives your attorneys power to manage your finances, so they can pay bills for you, sell your property and deal with your bank accounts. Whilst you still have capacity to make decisions your attorney can act under your instruction, however, should you lose capacity they can continue to act and make decisions for you in your best interests. -

Once the documents are prepared, they must be registered with the Office of the Public Guardian before they can be used. LPAs should be prepared while fit and well to ensure that the persons you choose are legally able to act on your behalf. Although many people believe that they can put the document in place as and when they suffer ill health, this may not be possible if the illness is sudden or severe. Even if they can be prepared at the time they would need to be registered and the attorney may not be able to act for several months. It is recommended that anyone wanting to make LPAs Attorney seeks professional advice. A lawyer will be able to advise on the drafting of the document and can discuss any additional clauses regarding your instructions, preferences and permissions as to how and by whom your affairs are managed. A lawyer can also deal with the registration process for you and answer any questions or concerns you may have throughout the process. Jennifer Melly Law provide advice about Lasting Powers of Attorney and can assist you in the preparation and registration of your Lasting Powers of Attorney. Please contact us for a quotation on 01639 630057.

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We’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to all the local people, businesses and organisations who have donated to us so generously this year. We’ve extended our opening hours to make it easier for people to make donations: Monday 10.30am-1.30pm Donations & collections Tuesday 6pm-7pm Donations only Wednesday 10.30am-1.30pm Donations & collections Thursday 6pm-7pm Donations only Friday 10.30am-1.30pm Donations & collections Saturday 10.30am-12.00pm Donations only We accept donations of dried / tinned food, toiletries, dental & feminine hygiene products – check our Facebook page for lists of things we’re running short of.

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FOR APRIL 2021

by Jonathan Powell, Swansea Sound Weatherman

Photograph by Jeanine Bishopp. If you’d like to see your photo on The Weather Outlook send it to phil@communitymag.co.uk

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After a challenging March weather-wise with winter delivering a curtain call across the region in the form of frost, ice, and at times generally chilly weather, spring looks set to stamp its authority on April. March also delivered some very wet and windy conditions as the jet stream slipped south allowing for several low pressure systems to produce not only sustained periods of rain, but gale force winds. With the jet stream expected to shift position and allow high pressure to build in, we could well enjoy some decent spells of settled and at times warm and sunny weather for April, allowing for blossoming colour in the gardens under blue skies, a much needed natural tonic for all of us. However, whereas we should enjoy a fair swathe of dry weather, we won't have the weather all our own way with 'April showers' plus a little extra at times to be expected. Overall, a drier than average month with temperatures on or above the average Jonathan Powell, Friday, March 12th 2021

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Email: phil@communitymag.co.uk or write to Community Mag, 8 Darren Road, Ystalyfera, Swansea, SA9 2HP

Dear Phil, Well surprise surprise, your last editorial certainly brought them out of the woodwork! I couldn’t help but laugh at how they were keen to distance themselves from UKIP, Tories etc. while simultaneously demonstrating their right wing hysteria to anything left of Thatcher! Of course, if you use a quote from Engels you MUST be a Communist!! Of course, criticising the (obvious) failings of this government mean that you should get out of the country - not just anywhere, mind - but ‘Back To The USSR’ as somebody once sang. These people actually believe that Putin is heading a Communist regime- if it wasn’t such a dire indication of the lack of political education among people who are only too keen to put over their poorly formed opinions I’d split my sides laughing. “Try asking Novalny in Russia” says one correspondent, as if the actions of a rogue leader of state elsewhere in the world mitigate the wilfull neglect, corruption and mis-management being carried out by our own government. It really is the most immature example of ‘what-iffery’ that we have now come to expect from right wing ‘thinkers’ (an oxymoron if ever there was one!). I salute you, sir, not only for putting your head above the parapet but for having the gumption and conviction for printing these bizarre and uneducated attacks on your character. I only hope that most of your readers see them for what they are (as, I presume, do you). Things are not getting better, Phil, so I urge you not to bend to the will of these courtiers of inequity and steel yourself ready for the truths that must be told. Let us hope that the stones you throw ripple out and cause actual, genuine thought and consideration in a world where all too often people are content to lazily accept and adopt the opinions offered to them by a contemptuous and devious mass media. Keep up the good work. Mark

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BAME Community and Carers Two sisters who have been on the community frontline during pandemic are calling on fellow black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) community members to get vaccinated.

Reem El-Sharkawi is a pharmacist for the a group of Swansea GP surgeries, and Dr Lamah ElSharkawi is a GP at Uplands and Mumbles surgery, and GP tutor at Swansea University Medical School. They are half-Egyptian, half-Lebanese and, in their words, fully Welsh. Over the past 12 months, Reem and Lamah have seen the devastating effect COVID-19 can have on families and communities, both professionally and personally. “We’ve all been affected greatly by the COVID-19 pandemic,” Reem says. “Many of us – including my sister and I – have lost loved ones to this virus, while others are still experiencing the after effects of COVID-19 long after catching it.” As seen elsewhere in the UK, so far fewer people from BAME backgrounds in Swansea Bay have accepted the offer of a COVID-19 vaccine, compared to white individuals. National surveys have also shown that people from ethnic minority backgrounds are generally less likely to have a COVID-19 vaccine. This is for a variety of reasons, including potential side effects and safety. “A lot of people are still hesitant about getting vaccinated,” Lamah says. “While we understand your concerns, and where they may come from, it is so important that we all do our bit and protect ourselves, our family, friends and community.” Reem adds: “One key issue we know many people have concerns about is whether the COVID-19 vaccines are safe to have, given how quickly it has been developed compared to other vaccines. “They were created by scientists from across the world. All the proper steps and procedures were followed but it was manufactured and tested at a really quick rate because of this global effort and funding. “The vaccines that are being used by the NHS in Swansea Bay and across the UK have all been approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency which is an independent body that scrutinises and regulates all our vaccines and medications to ensure their safety and efficacy.”

- Vaccination Information Both Reem and Lamah have already had their vaccine, as has their father, retired consultant oncologist Dr Salah El-Sharkawi. “We would strongly urge and encourage all our family, friends and everyone in the community to get the vaccine too,” Lamah says. “There is lots of official information available on the government, NHS and Swansea Bay University Health Board websites but if you have any concerns or questions about the vaccine, please don’t hesitate to speak to your GP or pharmacist. “They will be happy to talk it through with you and answer any questions you may have.” The health board’s ‘immbulance’, a converted mobile library now being used as a mobile vaccination clinic has been at Swansea’s mosque vaccinating members of the BAME community. More than 130,000 people have now received their first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in Swansea Bay, with thousands more booked in for an appointment. People in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot are being vaccinated at GP surgeries and Mass Vaccination Centres according to where they fall in the priority groups set out by the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation. At the time of writing, patients in group 6 are being called for vaccination. Group 6 includes people with underlying health conditions and unpaid carers. If you are registered as a carer with your GP surgery, you don’t need to do anything - you’ll get an appointment automatically If you aren’t registered with your GP as a carer, you must fill in this online form available here: https://sbuhb.nhs.wales/go/unpaid-carers/ Please note that you need to fill in the form whether you receive a carers’ allowance or not. This is because a ‘paid carer’ refers to staff who are employed/contracted to provide care, in other words, it’s their paid job. Carer’s allowance is not considered payment, and you are therefore classed as an unpaid carer. Full information on how the COVID-19 vaccination programme is progressing in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, and where you are in the queue, visit the vaccination page on Swansea Bay University Health Board’s website, https://sbuhb.nhs.wales.

MARK HUGHES IS SHARING HIS STORY TO ENCOURAGE JOB SEEKERS IN POWYS TO TAKE UP FREE SUPPORT Official figures show Powys’ unemployment rate now stands at 5.1%[i] which is the highest figure for five years. Mark Hughes, from Llanidloes, is one of 250 people being helped into work by Communities for Work Plus – a free employment mentoring scheme in Powys. As rates of unemployment in the area have risen as a result of the pandemic, Communities for Work Plus (CfW+) is geared up to support more Powys residents who are looking for work. The scheme is urging people aged 16 or over, who are either unemployed or in low paid work to sign-up. Those who register can get access to specialist one to one support from a mentor alongside bespoke training opportunities, to help develop essential practical skills and improve their chances of employment. Mark was made redundant from his engineering role in April 2020, he says: “After being made redundant, I was going to lots of job interviews, but I was finding it difficult to secure work. At 60 years old, I really thought that my age was holding me back. “I decided to seek advice from Communities for Work Plus, who from the offset offered me lots of useful pointers about my career prospects.” In October, armed with new skills and knowledge to pursue a different line of work, Mark began his new career driving lorries and forklifts, using his engineering skills as part of his role to maintain machinery. Mark continues: “My mentor was very supportive, helping me find the right training and I always knew he was at the other end of the phone if I needed. “Communities for Work Plus helped me think outside the box, broaden my scope and look down different avenues of work that I hadn’t previously thought of.” Funded by Welsh Government and delivered by Powys County Council, Communities for Work Plus helps individuals improve their employability skills, including CV writing, interview preparation, confidence building, finding work placements, and sourcing funding for qualifications. Cllr. Iain McIntosh, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “Powys, like the rest of Wales and the UK, has been hit hard by the pandemic. In these challenging times, we know that our services are needed by people across Powys now more than ever. “The last 12 months have highlighted and increased the barriers which prevent disadvantaged people from achieving their potential. The Communities for Work Plus scheme is ready to help as many people as possible to improve their chances of gaining employment and training within Powys.”

For more information or to sign up, you can visit the CfW + Powys website: www.powys.gov. uk/cfw

Specialists in Solid Fuel Burner Installation, Repair and Maintenance. Chimney & Flu Sweeping Gas Boiler Service & Installation Free Safety Check by HETAS Engineer

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WHATEVER YOUR COMPUTER PROBLEM, WE CAN HELP Ever since I first started FCS in 2003, I have always believed that no problem is too small or too complex. Now, having moved to South Wales, I aim to continue that philosophy. So if you need a hand with a software issue, or you’d like a new PC built, I’m here to help.

 REPAIRS  UPGRADES  NETWORKING  VIRUS REMOVAL  PC’s BUILT TO ORDER  TABLETS/iPADS SET UP  SOFTWARE TUITION Contact Phil:

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Locally based Pest Control Service offering one off call outs or ongoing service to household, business and agricultural customers. South Wales and Valleys, West Wales, Mid Wales All common UK pests covered. Rats, Mice, Bird problems, Insects, Wasps R.S.P.H 2 Qualified

07507 475026 D&R ROOFING Limited The LOCAL Specialist with over 25yrs experience in this area The Specialist for all your roofing requirements, including • Tiling and Slating • Fibreglass and Rubber Roofing • Chimney Stacks taken down & rebuilt • All uPVC Guttering & Fascias • All Lead Work undertaken • All Work Guaranteed • Free Estimates

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Ystradgynlais Foodbank Our Foodbank Service, which is based at Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre, helps people & families in need facing financial and other hardship as a result of COVID-19. If you or someone you know needs support please get in touch.

OPENING TIMES Tuesdays and Saturdays 10.00am to 12.00pm We are working in conjunction with Community Dreams and TLT Store, Penrhos to provide Electricity Top Up Vouchers for those in need. For every £10 spent you will receive a £15 top-up credit to your key.

Period poverty is a big problem in the UK. It means girls and young women are unable to access sanitary products and have a poor knowledge of menstruation often due to financial constraints. In the UK, 1 in 10 girls can’t afford to buy menstrual products, while 1 in 7 have struggled to afford them.

Not having access to a safe and hygienic way to deal with menstruation can have profound consequences; particularly on a girl’s education. This stigma surrounding periods has been shown to directly affect a child’s potential to succeed.

Ystradgynlais Foodbank has a number of Sanitary products available, If you are struggling or know someone who is please get in touch.

Ystradgynlais Foodbank

The Old Remploy Factory, Wind Road, Glanrhyd, Ystradgynlais, Swansea Valley, SA9 1AF Tel: 01639 849 192 Email: yvcoutreach@gmail.com Website: http://www.ystradgynlaisvc.org.uk

Y S T R A D GY N L A I S C O M M U N I T Y R E C YC L I N G We work with our communities to value the importance of the three ‘Rs’ to protect our environment - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle  

to promote and educate the environmental and economic benefits of reduce, reuse and recycle; to conserve and protect the physical and natural environment through the reduction of waste and the promotion of sustainable waste management; to re-purpose household and other goods for sale or use in the community.



2020

Buying Second-Hand Items Saves Money These items are a lot more affordable than purchasing the same or similar product new.

Total amount saved from landfill

11,000 Tons Closed due to Covid 19 Jan

Neath Port Talbot

Getting more for your money Taking the time to have a look and explore your options will allow you to have a wider choice and you may find an item that you are not aware of and may be just as good quality or even better.

Powys Swansea/Other

Feb

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Nov

Sept

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August

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2000 1800 1600 1400 1200 1000 800 600 400 200 0

Closed due to Covid 19

Thank you to all of our loyal customers

Helps the Environment Choosing to purchase items, that may have ended up being thrown away, even though the item is in perfect condition prevents the amount of waste that reaches our landfill.

Excitement Everyone loves finding a good bargain. It may require a little more time and effort, but nothing beats the feeling of finding an item for a fraction of the price.

We accept the following donations: FURNITURE We accept a wide variety of good quality pre-owned furniture .We cannot accept broken or damaged items (we don’t accept beds, sofas and arm chairs).

Books, DVDs, CDs and Vinyl’s We do not accept videos.

SMALL ELECTRICALS We accept small electricals such as lamps, kettles, toasters, microwaves etc.

CLOTHES

BRIC-A-BRAC We accept a variety of cookware, tableware and ornaments.

We accept a variety of good quality clothing, shoes, bag, boots, bedding and curtains .

Ystradgynlais Community Recycling

Usual Opening Times: Tuesday to Friday 10am - 3pm Saturday 10am - 12.30pm

(Government guidelines must be adhered to)

The Old Remploy Factory, Wind Road, Glanrhyd, Ystradgynlais, Swansea Valley, SA9 1AF Tel: 01639 845 475 Email: ystradrecycling@gmail.com Website: http://www.ystradgynlaisvc.org.uk

Collections and deliveries available on request for a small charge

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We can deliver any newspaper and magazine of your choice. We accept all newspaper vouchers and payment of your account can be made over the telephone. We can also send out items that we have for sale in the shop eg gree�ng cards, gi�s, confec�onery to name a few. Please call 01639 849581 for more details.

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HELP FOR HUNGRY PETS

Powys Pets In Need in Llanwnog are helping their community during this challenging time thanks to the support of National Lottery players by... Helping more people on low income, and financial hardship, with free pet food. Powys Pets In Need successfully applied for £2,800.00 from The National Lottery Community Fund. Michael Le Clerc, Treasurer at Powys Pets In Need said: “ with this grant, it has made it possible to hold events to raise funds, with two new heavy duty gazebos and all fittings, also to advertise, to get the word to people who are not on social media, and also to help towards mileage for the year. So far Powys Pets In Need has donated just over 43,000 meals for pets in just under 8 months ” The National Lottery Community Fund is prioritising grant application for community activity related to COVID-19. To find out more visit www.tnlcommunityfund.org.uk/wales

COUNCIL LEADER ‘STEPS BACK’

Neath Port Talbot Council leader Rob Jones has “stepped back” from his position as leader following a leaked recording in which he makes disparaging remarks about a female Member of Senedd, as well as describing how the authority’s Labour administration use public spending to lock out other political parties and promote the Labour Party for political motives, saying that staff are instructed to “look down the back fo the settee” to fund projects. In the recording Councillor Jones gives various examples including spends in both Ystalyfera and the Dulais Valley where the sitting councillors were ‘frozen out’ of projects that they themselves had campaigned for.

In a statement released on March 6th, Neath Port Talbot council stated: “We can confirm that Councillor Rob Jones has brought a matter involving himself to the council’s attention and we will be undertaking an investigation into this. Councillor Jones has also referred himself to the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales and, in the interests of facilitating a robust investigation, has for the time being stepped back from his position as Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council. The Deputy Leader, Councillor Edward Latham, will fulfil the role of Leader in the interim. In order to avoid prejudicing proceedings, we are unable to offer any further comment at this stage.” 31

Continental Service Station Brecon Rd, Ystradgynlais, Abercrave, SA9 1SW Tel: 01639 731000

Attention all MOTABILITY scheme drivers Did you know that you don’t have to travel to the main dealers for your servicing and MOTs?

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BEAUTIFUL BLINDS TO ENHANCE ANY HOME Janela Shutters & Blinds are a leading supplier of high quality interior shutters and finest quality window blinds. Our range of blinds include venetian, vertical, roller, pleated and roman. All our products are installed by master craftsmen and fully guaranteed.

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YOUTH COUNCIL MEMBERS WIN MOCK ELECTION AT VIRTUAL SENEDD EVENT

Five members of Neath Port Talbot’s Youth Council have won a mock election that was hosted virtually by the Senedd as part of Vote 16 Week last Friday. Their mock political party, named Equal Wales, received 41% of the total vote which was decided by more than 100 virtual audience members. Equal Wales were one of only five youth organisations chosen to make it through to the ‘It’s Debatable: Mock Election’ event after successfully submitting a mock manifesto. At the event, each member had to present their policies and answer questions from Teleri Glyn Jones, Political Reporter for BBC Wales. Their policies were focused on the environment, wellbeing/poverty and education. All five members attend schools in Neath Port Talbot which included: Stella Orrin (St. Joseph’s Catholic School & Sixth Form Centre), Isabel Williams (Cwmtawe Community School), Lola Thair (Cwmtawe Community School), Bonnie Connor (Cwm Brombil) and Bethan Nicholas-Thomas (Cwmtawe Community School). The purpose of the event was to raise awareness of the Senedd Elections being held on May 6 which will be the first time young people aged 16 and 17 can vote in Wales. Those who have not yet registered to vote can do so online at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote. Councillor Peter Rees, Cabinet Member for Education, Skills & Culture, said: “I’d like to congratulate all the members of Equal Wales who took part in the mock election. This is a fantastic achievement. “It is important that young people are heard and are given the opportunity to have their say on matters that concern them. “That is why I would urge 16 and 17 year olds to register to vote in time for the Senedd elections on May 6 to ensure they don’t miss the opportunity to cast their vote.” The Youth Council is supported by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Youth Service and meets every monthly to discuss different issues directly with councillors. The Youth Council is made up of more than 25 young people from across the county borough including representatives from schools and other groups such as young carers, LGBTQ+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. To find out more about the Youth Service and how young people can get involved, visit their Facebook page @NPTYouthService or Twitter account @NPT_YS. Alternatively, download their new app, Connectnptyouth, which is available on download from Google Play Store or Apple Store, or by visiting www.connectnptyouth.co.uk . 35

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Unit 9, Crynant Business Park, Crynant, Neath, SA10 8PX

RESIDENTS CAN REPORT ILLEGAL TOBACCO CRIMES TO CRIMESTOPPERS Residents across Neath Port Talbot and the rest of Wales who think someone is selling illegal tobacco can now report it anonymously, thanks to a new campaign. Trading Standards Wales has joined forces with the charity Crimestoppers to provide a service which enables members of the public to provide valuable information to help keep communities safe and healthy anonymously. It is one of a number of issues that Trading Standards Wales and Crimestoppers are working together on, to encourage members of the public to provide information on concerns they might have, 100% anonymously. If you have information on any of the following, you can tell the service what you know: • Doorstep crime • Sale of age-restricted products • Counterfeit goods • Rogue trading Councillor Leanne Jones, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Public Protection, said: “All tobacco is harmful and the sale of cheap tobacco undermines all encouragement to quit. It also supports organised crime.” Helen Picton, Chair of Trading Standards Wales, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Crimestoppers and giving members of the public a way to report these crimes anonymously. “Illegal tobacco is causing harm to communities across Wales and it encourages smokers to continue smoking and encourages children to try smoking. “If you think someone is selling illegal tobacco, you can help stop the harm it’s causing by reporting it to Crimestoppers. Your information can help keep communities across Wales safe and healthy.” If you think that someone is selling illegal tobacco call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit http:// crimestoppers-uk.org and tell them what you know.

DID YOU KNOW?

You can advertise your events and goings-on free of charge on our Facebook page? Drop in, introduce yourself, respond to something you see in the mag or publicise your events.

We look forward to hearing from you.

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What does ‘IPA’ stand for? In which year was the Falklands War What is the largest city in New Zealand? Which European city has the highest mileage of canals in the world? What is the only common metal that’s liquid at room temperature? Which country is brie cheese originally from? Name the 80’s hit sung by Tina Turner & Rod Stewart In what year did Elvis die? What type of monkey live on Gibraltar? Which is the only mammal to sustain flight? Name Inspector Clouseau’s man servant? What word can go before ball, drunk, line? Which is bigger, Earth, Uranus, Mars? Which sport do you use a mallet in? In fairy tales what little man can turn straw into gold? Whats Mongolia’s famous desert called? What membrane controles the amount of light entering the eye? What word links a group of peas, & group of whales & plane compartment? How many players on a rounders team? What would you use crampons for? Which creature is said to have the most legs? What is the only english word that ends with ‘mt’? Name the mom & dad in the Adams family? What is the middle colour in a rainbow? What don’t UK stamps have on them that other countries do? There are 4 US states that start with an ‘A’ name them? What part of an ocean shares its name with a musical? Which character lived in Pontypandy? What type of sausage is usually served in a coil? ‘Angel of the reclining’ is an anagram of a famous person, who?

Now turn the page for the picture quiz. Answers are printed at the back of the magazine 43

DINGBATS - Can You Decipher Their Meaning? 1

ANSWERS ON PAGE 66

Allech chi FAETHU plentyn fel Harry? Rydym angen pobl leol i gynnig cartrefi cariadus i blant lleo.

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NEW ID CARD FOR YOUNG CARERS IN NPT

A new ID card has been launched in Neath Port Talbot to ensure young carers are recognised for their role in looking after family members. The purpose of the ID card is to ensure professionals and businesses recognise young people who have caring responsibilities and make sure they are given the support they need. The ID card is being launched on Young Carers Action Day (Tuesday 16 March), an annual event to raise awareness of young carers .The card, which was developed in partnership with Welsh Government and Carers Trust Wales, contains a photo of the young person, their personal details and the official ‘Young Carers’ logo. Councillor Alan Lockyer, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services, said: “The ID card will be useful for young people who find themselves in a situation where they need to explain that they have caring responsibilities. This could be at school to help explain to a teacher or to a local store owner when out shopping. “We have many young carers who are proud to care for a family member, but we must ensure that they get the support they need and recognition they deserve.” “If you know of a young person in this situation who may not even realise they are a young carer, please get in touch with our Single Point of Contact service on 01639 686802”. A young carer is identified as someone who looks after a friend or family member who cannot manage on their own because they have an illness or disability. In Wales alone, there are estimated to be 30,000 people under the age of 25 who have caring responsibilities. Neath Port Talbot Council offers specific support to young carers through its Youth Service. They can help carers by involving them in activities to give them a break, talk to professionals on their behalf, provide information and advice on the support that is available to them and offer one-to-one youth work support. Kate Cubbage, Head of External Affairs for Carers Trust Wales said: “Young carers have long called for an ID card to support them in their caring role and to help them have the confidence to ask for help when they need it. “This Young Carers Action Day, we welcome many local authorities launching their ID card as part of the new national model, funded by Welsh Government and supported by Carers Trust Wales. We look forward to every area in Wales having an ID card available to young carers by 2022. “Carers Trust is delighted to have received Welsh Government funding to lead the development of a suite of resources to support the rollout of the national model which will encourage young carers to have the confidence to speak openly about their caring role with health, social care and education professionals. The resources, available to download on Carers.org/YCID, will also give professionals the tools they need to recognise young carers and to give them appropriate support.” Anyone who believes they are a young carer or knows someone who could benefit from further support should contact the Council’s Single Point of Contact (SPOC) service on 01639 686802.

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YOUTH SERVICE COOKS UP A NEW COURSE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE DURING LOCKDOWN

A new course designed to inspire and teach young people how to cook during lockdown has been hailed a success. The course, known as ‘Cook Slow, Learn Fast’, was thought up by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Youth Service to teach young people how to prepare and cook healthy meals for themselves and their families. The 10 week course focuses on helping young people with different circumstances such as those who are carers for other family members, new parents or those have recently started living alone. Each young person is supplied with a slow cooker, ingredients and a recipe card to enable them to take part in the course. Plus, to offer advice and to answer any questions, a member of the Youth Service team is on hand to support them digitally. Councillor Peter Rees, cabinet member for education, skills and culture, said: “It is great to see that our Youth Service is finding ways to safely continue their work to support young people during lockdown. “Learning fundamental skills such as cooking is key to ensuring young people are able to lead healthy lifestyles and improve their independent living skills.” Since the course launched in November 2020, it has helped more than 40 young people to learn about the essentials of cooking a healthy meal. Jim Harle, a project worker at Pobl Group who works with three of the young people living in supported accommodation taking part in the course, said: “This opportunity has meant that young people are able to work with the Youth Service to develop their independent living skills and confidence remotely and safely. “The Youth Service also offers additional support via phone and text, be this in relation to the activity or just a general wellbeing catch up. I see this as such a valuable opportunity for our young people during lockdown because many services and agencies are closed off to them.” A young mum taking part in the course said: “This is such a fantastic project, I have learned so much and the little one is trying so many new things that I would never normally make.” To help deliver the course, the Youth Service has teamed up with Awel Y Mor Primary School to come up with the recipes and Filco Supermarket in Port Talbot for the supply of the ingredients. All the recipes can be found on the Connectnptyouth app, which is available on download from Google Play Store or Apple Store, or by visiting www. connectnptyouth.co.uk

“A LABOUR VOTE ON THE REGIONAL LIST IS A WASTED VOTE - BETTER TO 2ND VOTE GREEN!” “Only a ‘2ND VOTE GREEN’ can keep the anti-Welsh Abolish lot out of Cardiff Bay!” says South Wales West regional candidate, Megan Poppy Lloyd. Ms Lloyd is also the constituency candidate for Neath, although the full slate of candidates has yet to be decided due to the possible delay of the Senedd election because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Coordinator of Neath Greens, Neil Wagstaff, had this to say on the matter: “It’s been very difficult for us to prepare for the elections in May, plus we have by-elections on the same day, but at the same time we haven’t been allowed outside of our homes - and rightly so due to the lockdown in Wales. This has given an unfair advantage to the larger, more-established parties, but we are confident we can get Green Senedd members in May as long as Labour voters vote Green on the regional list. If you intend to 1ST VOTE LABOUR in the constituency, then it’s imperative to 2ND VOTE GREEN on the regional list.” In October 2020, the Wales Green Party voted at conference to commit to campaigning for Welsh independence in the event of any future referendum. “We believe that decision-making should be made by the people those decisions affect, and Welsh independence fits well into the scenario,” added Megan. “We’re practically living in a single-party Tory state at the moment, with no end in sight to Boris Johnson’s far-from-perfect, erratic leadership, and allowing the people of Wales to decide their own path into, hopefully, a green future; and to that end Welsh Greens support the creation of a citizens’ assembly to oversee any transition to independence and the transition to a sustainable Wales.”

**South Wales West Senedd election region = Swansea East, Swansea West, Gower, Neath, Aberavon, Bridgend, Ogmore. You can find Neath Greens AND South Wales West Regional Greens on social media: Facebook: neathgreenparty Facebook: swwgreens Twitter: NeathGreens Twitter: SWWGreens Instagram: neathgreenparty Instagram: southwaleswestgreens

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for APRIL 2021 by Izabella Vlahavas

Aries – Until the 14th April, you have Venus in your sign making you sociable and friendly and eager to mix with people. The new moon falls in your own sign on the 12th and indicates a fresh start. You are looking at the pros and cons of your present situation and you are ready to make changes wherever you need to. This is a time when you want to forge ahead with plans and be quite ruthless if needs be, by cutting back on anything you see as unnecessary expenditure. Sudden ups and downs in your money zone may put you on the defensive. Taurus – The full moon on the 27th of this month falls in your close partnership zone and could mean it is time to let go or re-invent a close alliance. The ending of something implies a new beginning. You are glad to be able to focus on the future and you feel it is time to move on. Step up your plans and be confident. By the 19th you have Mercury and Venus in your own sign and these combined influences and aspects help make you flirtatious and interested in people. You are eager to do some networking. Gemini – Friendships come into the limelight for the following weeks and you are busy and active in your usual circles. The new moon in this part of your chart on the 12th is the perfect time for making the most of invitations and opening up new doors and possibilities. You are optimistic and positive in your outlook and this will bring you added prestige and popularity. You find delays occur in joint money contracts pertaining to property or inheritances, and you need to go over things again and use patience and tact. Cancer – The new moon on the 12th falls in your career zone, so if you have been thinking about starting up a new business, now is the time to go ahead. Whatever plans you have regarding ambitions, this is the time for a new beginning. Exciting new meetings entering your life are full of promise and intrigue. Follow your heart and have no doubts. The transformative power of seeing yourself clearly through your relationships has a profound effect on you and adds to self confidence. Leo – You have a lot of support from close partnerships in business and love, and you feel stronger because of it. You believe that this is a good time to put things in their place. You may want to make a legal agreement about a plan that you have already put into action with someone. Struggling to fit in all your daily activities, and routines so these need to be tweaked to make more time stretch as much as you can. The new moon is in your travel zone on the 12th April. This puts you in the mood for making plans for a break. Virgo – You want to broaden your outlook, and be more inventive, perhaps learning new skills. Whatever approach you take this is a good time to expand your vision for the future. This may mean finding a new place to live or travelling or learning a new language. Whatever route you take will benefit you. The new moon on the 12th falls in your joint finance zone, and this will be a good time to look into the possibility of any new investments. Plenty of hard work for you to cope with on a daily basis. Libra – You are focused on partnerships with something new or someone new who will become even more very important. Powers of positive communication play a part in your common interests which bring you closer together. You are relieved to have someone to share things with. This is a great time for embarking on a personal project and you have a lot of energy to invest. The full moon on the 27th falls in your money zone and this will give you the chance to tie up any loose ends. A very positive time ahead. Scorpio – There are changes in your relationships and new meetings with people who can be helpful to you in the coming weeks. As the full moon falls in your own sign on the 27th you feel like this is a good time for letting go of anything that makes no sense to you anymore. Perhaps things more suited

to a different situation that are no longer valid. You move forward and dive into new projects with enthusiasm and zest. A lot of time and energy for close partnerships and you appreciate their support. Sagittarius – Romance may be on the cards for you. You are willing to take a risk with a new relationship. You are honest and open with people, and this helps others respond to you in a similar way. Mars is in your one to one relationship zone, and you are more willing to take the initiative and you can be assertive and decisive if you feel it is necessary. A very good time for forging strong bonds with others. You are keen to make changes in your health routines and try out new regimes. Capricorn – A very good time for financial investments and you get the opportunity to try out different things. The new moon on the 12th falls in your home zone. You want to try out changes, maybe refurbish or re-decorate your home. It also suggests that a new start with family members or maybe new boundaries need to be put into place. Whatever you decide to do, it will have a positive effect on you. You ll enjoy trying out new ideas. It is time as well to look at your social life and only get involved with those relationships you find are the most supportive and helpful to you. Aquarius – You will be well organized and optimistic. You want to get on with things and you ll have lots of enthusiasm for social plans. Until the 23rd of this month, Mars in in your daily work zone, which makes you push yourself to do more and achieve more. This will also make you very keen to eat healthy food and get plenty of exercise. It all adds to your positivity. The full moon on the 27th falls in your career zone, a new beginning helps you to plan for the future. Pisces – You are keen to share ideas with family, neighbors and friends. You find it easy to understand other points of view and have a strong plan in place, that you do not wish to change. There may be conflicts at home and you will want to assert yourself, as you believe you are in the right. A compromise may be the best solution. The new moon on the 12th is in your money zone, which gives you the chance to adjust finances. A new project or a new start will enable you to free up some collateral.

The year ahead for

ARIES

At exactly 11.00 am gmt on the 20th March 2021, the sun enters the sign of Aries and for all of you born with this sun sign, the following ingredients will colour your year ahead. Modifications and adjustments need to be made according to your own specific time, date and place of birth which are individual only to you! PERSONLITY – A more sensitive side to your nature will be shown and with this you will be kinder to others, wanting to help charities and help people who are less fortunate. You will join like-minded people and initiate groups of helpers, who protect those in distress. LOVE – You will be extra generous to those you care about, but also distant as you are trying to do too much at once. You are very sincere and feel you want to help loved ones as much as you can. MONEY – You want to make a partnership more defined and official. You are in the mood for signing a contract where joint money plays a part. And due to this, travel will be an option which will open new opportunities for you career wise. GENERAL – The coming months see you actively busy towards career, money and following your need to help others. You will be enthusiastic about new ideas and letting go of the past. A busy and productive year ahead with many rewards.

Lots of love and best of luck from Izabella Vlahavas

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CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED TO ENCOURAGE VACCINE TAKE-UP IN BLACK, ASIAN AND MINORITY ETHNIC COMMUNITIES Representatives of the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot have come together to launch a local campaign to dispel fear and mistrust, and encourage take-up of the Covid-19 vaccination. The ‘Tell Me More Campaign’ aims to do this by signposting to honest and accurate information from trusted local sources including medical practitioners, faith and community leaders, as well as ordinary people, friends and neighbours, who live and work in the community so that people from BAME communities can truly make informed decisions. Henry Gilbert, former High Sheriff of West Glamorgan and Chair of the Campaign, said: “It is reported that the take up of the Covid-19 vaccine is significantly lower amongst Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, which is very concerning because evidence shows that members of these same communities are disproportionately losing their lives as a result of this pandemic. “There are many reasons why people might be nervous about taking the vaccine, not least because of some of the false rumours (‘fake news’) circulating on social media about safety concerns and ingredients. “We launched the ‘Tell Me More’ campaign to redress this and provide people with the information they need to feel confident that the vaccines are safe, contain ingredients that are in keeping with their religious and personal beliefs and will help protect them and those they care about. Our campaign will be fronted by trusted sources including local medical professionals and people who are respected and known by those in our local communities. “If you have concerns about the vaccinations please go to our website www.tellmemore.wales to find answers to your questions, download information in a range of languages and support the campaign by sending us your own videos or testimonials.” To help inform the campaign the group undertook a survey to find out what the most common concerns about the vaccine were amongst people from local BAME communities and what their most trusted sources of information are. Some of the false information circulating on social media include claims that the vaccinations are against Islam, and contain pork and/or foetal matter, or that they can lead to infertility, but none of these claims are true. To coincide with the launch of the ‘Tell Me More’ campaign, the Immbulance, Swansea Bay University Health Board’s vaccination clinic on wheels, was at Swansea Mosque earlier today. People from the Mulism and other communities were invited by appointment to receive the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccination. The city centre mosque proved an excellent location with approximately 15 people attending this morning’s session. The Covid vaccination programme is forging ahead, with more than 100,000 first and second dose vaccinations already delivered in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot, but there have been reports of a lower take-up among members of BAME communities. A recent Public Health Wales study found that: “the largest inequality in coverage was seen between ethnic groups in adults aged 80+ years. Coverage for the combined Black, Asian, Mixed and Other ethnic groups in this age-group was 71.5% compared to 85.6% in the White ethnic group, a gap of 14.1%.” This gap started to reduce as younger age groups were compared but remained significant. Dr Anjula Mehta, Swansea Bay University Health Board Medical Director for Primary and Community Care said: “As a female BAME doctor I am a huge advocate for the COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines have been rigorously tested and are a safe and effective way of helping to beat COVID-19. I have had mine and so will my family members when offered. I know there have been some concerns regarding this vaccine within the BAME community, but I urge you to read the literature, note the facts and go for your vaccine when you are offered. “Integrity of the COVID-19 vaccines are high as they contain no substances that might conflict with religious or personal beliefs, such as animal or foetal matter. The vaccine can also be administered during Ramadan as intramuscular injection of non-nutritional purpose does not invalidate the fast. This is supported by many Islamic scholars. As a female BAME Doctor I have had my COVID-19 vaccine, please don’t hesitate to get yours when offered to help protect yourself, your family and the wider public.” For more information go to www.tellmemore.wales 57

POWYS COUNTY COUNCIL JOINS WALES’ MIGHTY RECYCLING MISSION TO TACKLE CLIMATE CHANGE With 92% of people in Wales now recycling regularly*, Wales is one step closer on its Mighty Mission to become world number one for recycling. That’s why Powys County Council has teamed up with Wales Recycles by calling on our residents to keep up their mighty efforts by recycling all they can this Spring. Despite the challenges presented over the last year, Wales’ recycling rate hit a record-high (65%**) and 55%* of us now recycle more than we did 12 months ago. Wales has shown its mighty spirit and is already third best in the world, but with half of us still not recycling everything we can, there is still some way to go. Recycling is one of the easiest ways we can help tackle climate change from our homes as it helps to conserve natural resources and save energy, slowing down the effects of climate change. Join us in supporting Wales’ Recycles’ Be Mighty. Recycle. campaign, funded by Welsh Government, to help protect our planet’s future. Cllr Heulwen Hulme, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Waste, said:

“We’re getting behind Wales Recycles’ Mighty Mission to become number one in the world for recycling. We can all play a part by recycling everything we possibly can at home – whether that’s food waste such as eggshells, fruit and vegetable peelings and teabags from the kitchen, or recycling empty shampoo and shower gel bottles from the bathroom. We’ve shown we have what it takes by having our best year ever for recycling, so let’s continue our mighty effort to lead Wales to number one in the world.”

Wales Recycles has shared its top five tips for recycling at home this Spring: 1. Go green with your spring clean

Empty cleaning product bottles can be recycled – from plastic bleach bottles to trigger sprays and furniture polish aerosols. Make sure they’re empty and put them into your recycling instead of throwing them away. Recycling just one cleaning spray bottle saves enough energy to charge six tablets.

2. Clear out your clutter

Spring is traditionally a time to have a sort-out at home. Instead of throwing items away, check Wales Recycles’ Recycling Locator for more information on where to recycle items such as batteries, clothing and small electrical items.

3. Turn your food waste into power

If you’re cooking, put all inedible food waste such as vegetable peelings and stalks into your food waste caddy, along with eggshells and any bones leftover from meat or fish. Teabags, coffee grounds and fruit peelings can also be recycled. When food is recycled it is turned into renewable energy. One recycled banana peel can produce enough energy to charge two smartphones.

4. Boss your bathroom bottles

Most household plastic items can be recycled including bathroom toiletries such as plastic shampoo, conditioner, hand soap and shower gel bottles. When they’re finished, give them a rinse and put them in your recycling container. It takes 75% less energy to make a plastic bottle from recycled plastic compared with using ‘raw’ materials, so protect the planet from your bathroom by recycling.

5. Ace your aerosols

Empty deodorant, dry shampoo and air freshener aerosols can all be recycled. Metal is infinite meaning it can be recycled again and again without losing any of its quality. Join the 73% of people in Wales who already recycle their empty aerosol cans. Find out more at: www.bemightyrecycle.org.uk *Wales Recycles Mini Tracker survey (October 2020) **Statistics Wales 59

Need advice? Antonina is here to help!

Dear Antonina, I am so very stressed at the moment that I keep feeling at any minute something could tip me over the edge and there will be no coming back from it. I work as a nurse on a very busy unit and I used to really love my work, but in the last few months I feel that something has changed inside of me and feel life doesn’t hold much joy for me anymore. I am so tired when I come in from work I end up going to sleep and I am eating junk food on the go. Then I seem to get 2 or 3 hours sleep and then am up for hours worrying, running conversations in my head, that when I do fall sleep its time to get up. Then on the way to work I am over thinking things. Recently I had to pull over in the car as I couldn’t breathe and my heart was knocking through my chest. I have never experienced anything like this before but wonder if this was a panic attack? Whatever it was, I was scared there might be something very wrong with me. Then when I got in from work that night the worry of what is happening to me really played on my mind and then the usual sleep and worries started again. I haven’t told anyone in work and think I should be able to cope better because of my profession. Haulwen

Dear Haulwen, I am sorry to hear that you are struggling at the moment. You are not alone, we all experience stress at different times. However, stress is difficult to define because what may be a stressful situation for one person may not be for another. It sounds as if this has been going on for a while for you. Unfortunately I see this time and time again in my clinics and group training courses. People experience a cyclical routine of worrisome or anxious thoughts which whir around stopping you from getting a good night’s sleep, then you get upset because you can’t sleep. By the time you do go to sleep, it is not a quality sleep and results in exhaustion and then more physical symptoms like lack of concentration, carbohydrate craving etc. There are many studies on how stress and disturbed sleep patterns can increase the risk of developing depression as well as a plethora of other illnesses, leaving your immune system vulnerable. What you have described could be a panic attack and a warning sign. But help is at hand because there is a lot you can do about it. Feeling that you “should” be able to cope on your own is not a useful way to think about it.

Firstly, don’t rule out visiting your GP to talk about your options as well as discussing things in work via your line manager or your HR department. You may be surprised how supportive your GP can be. Many people find Occupational Health can be very helpful offering counselling and mindfulness courses. There are a lot of resources you can research online e g Mind Cymru www. mind.org.uk and other mental health charities can be a good source of information. Practical solutions could include mindfulness practises, meditation or yoga. It is often harder for people who work in the caring professions to acknowledge they have a problem. I see many clients who are medical/ health professionals who have worked solidly through an unusually stressful year. After just a few hypnotherapy sessions they have recognised the underlying cause of their stress and lead a happier quality of life through being more in control of their mind and body. I look forward to discussing how I may be able to help you also. Antonina Please note this letter has been edited, name changed and paraphrased to ensure anonymity. Each month the author of the published letter will receive a free consultation with AMendola Hypnotherapy. Email your letters to antonina@communitymag.co.uk or write to the usual address.

Why not just learn ONE sentence of real, natural Welsh? www.SaySomethinginWelsh.com 61

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Beef Stew with Honey, Potato Dumplings and Anise Carrots

This has been a lovely comforting dish on those drab grey days, the slight sweetness from the honey makes it feel incredibly warming, and these carrots really are something else. The cockles of your heart will be thrilled!

INGREDIENTS

For the Potato Dumplings: 2 Large Potatoes For the stew: 1 Egg, 1 Cup Self Raising Flour 30g plain flour Boil the potatoes in salted water until 450g braising steak, cut into cubes tender, before mashing and checking the 3 tbsp vegetable oil seasoning. Add the flour and mix through, 1 onion, roughly chopped then add the egg and mix this through. 2 leeks, roughly chopped Shape into about eight balls and add ½ medium turnip or 1 parsnip, roughly them to the stew, ensuring that they are chopped submerged, about 20 mins before serving. 1 tbsp honey For the Carrots (allow 1 per person): 1 pint good beef stock 4 Medium sized carrots, peeled Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper 125g butter, 75g sugar Season the flour well and toss the beef in 1½ tsp salt it. Take a large pan and brown the meat in 4 star anise (wrapped in muslin cloth) small batches, removing and setting aside. Leave the carrots whole. Add approx. Use the last of the oil to fry the onions, just 300ml water to a large pan to barely cover lightly browning them. Add the carrots, the carrots, bring to the boil and add all of leeks, turnip, honey and beef stock before the other ingredients. Add the carrots and adding the meat back to the pan. simmer uncovered for about 45 mins. Turn Cover and simmer gently for at least two up heat for the last few minutes to reduce hours, but the longer the better. the liquid and glaze the carrots. Phil 63

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07469 907982

Aled Musselwhite (Resolven/MelynCt/Clyne)

07825 456539

Emily Tennet (Banwen/Onllwyn/S.Sisters)

07825 352047

COUNCILLORS D. Huw Williams (Ystradgynlais)

01639 845868

David A. Thomas (Tawe Uchaf )

01639 730033

Susan McNicholas (Ynyscedwyn)

01639 849912

Sarah Williams (Abercraf )

01639 730508

Glynog Davies (Cefnbrynbrain/Ystradowen) 01269 823240

AMs & MPs

Kirsty Williams AM (Brec & Rad) Jeremy Miles AM (Neath) Christina Rees MP (Neath) Fay Jones MP (Brec & Rad)

01874 625739 01792 869993 01639 630152 01874 624 796

HELP & ADVICE

Age Connect (NPT) 01639 617333 Citizens Advice 08444 77 20 20 Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Childline 0800 111 Domestic Abuse 0808 80 10 800 Welfare Rights (NPT) 01639 685225 RSPCA (Llys Nini) 01792 229435 Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 AfanTaweNedd Neighbourhood Watch www.atnneighbourhoodwatch.org

SCHOOLS Maesydderwen

01639 842115

Cwmtawe

01792 863200

Y.G. Ystalyfera

01639 842129

Llangatwg

01639 634700

Bishop Vaughan

01792 772006

Ysgol Golwg Y Cwm

01639 846070

Y Wern

01639 842242

Hugh Jones (Cwmllynfell/Rhiwfawr)

01639 831282

Alun Llewelyn (Ystalyfera)

01639 849729

Ysgol Gymraeg Dyffryn Y Glowyr 01639 846060

Sandra Davies (Cwmtwrch)

01639 830835

Ysgol Bro Tawe

01639 846000

Rosalyn Davies (Godrergraig)

01792 862447

Ysgol Y Cribarth

01639 731500

Sian Harris (Crynant)

07814 127555

Caehopkin Primary

01639 730231

Stephen Hunt (Seven Sisters)

01639 700063

Dean Cawsey (Onllwyn)

07817 218556

Crynant

01639 750224

Del Morgan (Glynneath)

01639 722300

Blaendulais

01639 700342

Simon Anthony Knoyle (Glynneath)

07968 386108

Godre’rgraig

01639 843116

Dean Lewis (Resolven)

07854 424162

Blaendulais

01639 700261

Cwmllynfell

01639 830630

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES Lumin Accountancy 0330 133 0344 www.lumin-accountancy.co.uk AERIAL & SATELLITE TV Aerial & Satellite Services Mark Williams 01792 713998 07778 737161 AIRPORT TRAVEL & MINIBUS Dragon Travel (Swansea Valley) 07877 604841 07951 111448 BUILDING SERVICES Ceri Edwards & Dean Breeze Ceri 07421 360 093 Dean 07496 450 144 CARPENTERS Matthew Harris Carpenter

facebook.com/matthewharriscarpenter

COMPUTER SERVICE Simon Panacz Dulais Valley Computers mail@dvcomputers.co.uk 07966 433 540

HYPNOTHERAPY & RELAXATION CLINIC A Mendola Hypnotherapy 01639 730043 07971 260254

PC Doctor 01639 843765 pcdoctorwales@gmail.com

www.amendolahypnotherapy.co.uk

COUNSELLING Rebecca O’Dowd Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 07568 160084 www.rebeccaodowdcbt.co.uk DENTISTS Cwmdulais Dental Centre 01639 750260 cwmdulaisdental@outlook.com

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR Robert Owen 07737 325605 01639 843214

MUSIC TUITION Classical Guitar & Theory Tuition, Rob Lewis F.M.C.M L..N.C.M A.L.C.M

01639 831499 PAINTING & DECORATING Andrew Best 07895 085056 PLASTERING Neil’s Plastering Contact Neil Wood at: 07852 959451

www.neilwoodplastering.co.uk Neilwood1976@yahoo.com

Roy Cousins 07976 637 357

PLUMBING DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS www.neilshomeservices.co.uk RAL Plumbing Call Anthony on CARPETS 07890 500670 07813 822243 Benjamin Poole ELECTRICIANS ra.llewelyn@gmail.com 01269 824137 KDY Electrics ROOFING, SCAFFOLDING & 07768 061903 07971 861534 GENERAL BUILDING kdyelectrics@btinternet.com Glantawe Carpets S&A Builders, call Steve 01639 842522 S&D Domestic Electrics 07977 587 449 CHIMNEY SWEEP 07868 172990 01639 701 784 Tawe Sweep Choice.locks@icloud.com builderbrothers.co.uk 01639 415019 T.E. Hughes Electricals SCAFFOLDING 07552354726 01639 843826 WRK Scaffolding Ltd 07759 887395 Thomas Chimney Sweeps Rhys: 07930 182758 APICS & HETAS approved GARDENING SERVICES Wyndham: 07881 986160 sweep & Installer 3 Steps Gardening & info@wrk-scaffolding.com Call Gerry 07974 001133 Maintenance TAXIS Tom’s Chimney Sweep Service 07866 901911 IG’s Taxi Service Member Guild of Master Chimney Sweeps 01639 841827 Ystradgynlais based tomschimneysweepservice@hotmail.com 3steps4@gmail.com 07414 160 797 07754 083919 HEALTH & WELLBEING VOLUNTEERS WANTED Cristina’s Wellbeing Brecknock Wildlife Trust Chiropractic 01639 844273 01639 699573 07933 203166 07837208446 matt-harris@live.com

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BIG NEIL’S QUIZ ANSWERS

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