The Community Mag - April 22 by Phil Rowe

April 2022

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

There is so much material that I could write about this month, but what dire circumstances for all of them. Unlike our national journalists, I experience no frisson of excitement at the mention of war; no urge to keep the story building, or to showboat my prowess at dissecting politicians by trying to pressure them into decision that would bring about WWIII. The turnover of journalists on location in Ukraine has been enough to make me nauseous – it certainly appears that short shifts are the order of the day, with a long line of hacks eager to get this one on their CVs.

Meanwhile, completely understandably, the Ukrainians plea for help with a strong and modern eye on convincing the public – videos with dramatic music and cinematic feel are rolled out with production values that seem more fitting to Netflix than political establishments. Their plight is terrible and it’s impossible not to empathise. They warn us continually that Putin will not stop at Ukraine and his intention is to take over the world, but Putin is no idiot. It would indeed take an idiot to look at the struggle he’s having with one much smaller and weaker country and think that pushing on to the much stronger ones would be a good idea. NATO must stay out of the argument at all costs. Putin is exercising extreme brinksmanship; his entire strategy is based on the reluctance of the rest of the world to risk a nuclear war. Sadly, we can’t assume that he’s just as sensible when weighing up the prospect of annihilation. To people like Trump (and his followers) this is seen as ‘genius’, and arguably it is strategically sound – if you’re a tyrant. Because to ordinary, non-psychopathic, folk like you and me this thinking is rightfully abhorrent. Sadly we have an inept and inhumane batch of politicians at our helm who think that the reasonable response to Putin’s atrocity is to offer phrases like ‘Oligarch Hit List’, the thinly-veiled violence of which only led Putin to directly threaten nuclear attack. A PM whose response to every catastrophe is to don a hi-viz jacket and attempt to look like he knows what a days work looks like. Not a million miles away from Putin’s characteristics are those of our ‘businessmen’ (because only Russian billionaires are oligarchs, right?) who are using the Ukraine conflict to brazenly profiteer from us. That lack of consequence in their thinking is just the same. That their greed is about to throw millions into destitution, destroying the very markets they rely on, does not factor. You have to wonder why, though, they apparently can’t see this. The truth is that they can, but they have an ace up their sleeve; a battalion of wealthy politicians who will see to it that, when their profiteering has wrecked economies and driven us further into poverty, when their markets lay tattered, broken and ineffective, our money will be used to prop up their wealth even further. As I write, a barrel of oil is $30 cheaper than it was in 2014 - so why are we enduring the highest prices that we’ve ever seen? If our energy rises are “necessary”, why are they lifting profits to record levels (again)? It doesn’t matter what party you side with; the game is duff. The only answer is to reject the wealthy from politics altogether. These are people for whom a nice car, decent home and comfortable life are not enough, and never will be. Their entire thinking is corrupt and selfish, incapable of acting without their own self-interest at heart, and surely only a fool would entrust such people with the care of their entire life, right? Even beyond the obvious, all of these events and situations are connected by greed, and by our collective culture to celebrate greed as ‘success’. To our own detriment, we herald those who exploit others for their own gain as ‘Masters of Business’. We’re like irrational dog owners trying to excuse why their dog has bitten a child. It’s got to stop. If any ounce of your being desires balance in our society, we have to stop voting for rich people.

Phil

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 2022 EDITION - APRIL 15th

A NEW APPROACH - GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT AIMS TO IMPROVE LIVES AND THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT

Working with partners Swansea Council, Carmarthenshire County Council, Cwmamman Town Council and the Small Woods Association Coed Lleol, Neath Port Talbot Council has gained Welsh Government funding to improve community connection to nature and green spaces using Green Infrastructure. Green Infrastructure is a new approach in the development of our communities and green spaces, providing a network of ingredients to reduce the challenges of climate change by building with nature. Councillor Annette Wingrave, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainable Development, said: “Green Infrastructure is vital to quality of life for both existing and future residents of Neath Port Talbot and is nationally acknowledged as an important element of well-designed and inclusive places. It can increase wellbeing, health and biodiversity and it ranges from building with green technologies such as living roofs and walls, implementing changes to grass cutting regimes to encourage wildflower growth, tree planting and sustainable urban drainage, right through to the provision of activities such as natural play.“ The awarded grant, Enabling Natural Resources and Wellbeing (ENRaW) is funded by Welsh Government and The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe Investing in Rural Areas. The funded project, Connecting Green Infrastructure, has started work and will continue through to March 2023. The key goals of the project involve enabling communities to maximise and fully benefit from the many services provided by new opportunities created by Green Infrastructure (GI). These include improving and enhancing biodiversity, nature and ecosystem resilience and green spaces within the urban environment as well as assessing our landscape and engaging with communities through studies and consultation exercises in order to plan future developments. The project has already created seven job opportunities and aims to engage more than 200 stakeholders, train more than 100 people and deliver up to 150 new GI enhancements across the area.

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Crossword

ACROSS

1. Mix up is over but noticeable (9) 6. Discovered the past in pagodas (3) 8. Exchange end product of furniture item first with figurehead for a story (5) 9. Mixed fruit from a tropic (7) 10. Found dais led to part of a church (5) 11. Give up harvest? (5) 13. Discovered tram blends with leisurely stroll (6) 14. Some shun germs in need for food (6) 18. Performer in fact or fiction (5) 20. Ritual consists of piranha bites (5) 21. Found trombone rousing is wearing (7) 23. Representative or short man (5) 25. Woman from garden found eventually (3) 26. Barred and hanging around (9)

Answers on page 66

DOWN

1. Captain not on frozen water middle of April (7) 2. Restaurant bill in database (3) 3. Twisted implement let us in (7) 4. Game is jumbled pictures (6) 5. Some hear lyrics ahead of time (5) 6. Part of a circle found in March (3) 7. Chose to stop tedium, essentially (5) 10. Own up and allow in (5) 12. Consumed a number audibly (5) 15. Feeling of anger in dumb rage (7) 16. Responded and created chaos (7) 17. Found the sister’s dissertation (6) 18. Sounds like a way in to worship (5) 19. Mob violence or sit drunkenly (5) 22. Sheep discovered in brewery (3) 24. Finish in friendly way (3) 7

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Powys residents are being reminded that nominations for this year’s County Council elections open later this month and must be submitted by April 5th. Councillors are elected to represent their communities to make important decisions about local matters and local public services with national elections taking place on May 5. Powys Returning Officer, Dr Caroline Turner said: “The notice of election will be published next week and that will open nominations for the 2022 elections. Anyone interested in standing can submit nomination papers from Tuesday, March 15 until 4pm on Tuesday, April 5. “It is important that councillors are like the people who elect them - we need more diverse councillors we need more women, more young people, more Black Asian and Minority Ethnic people, more disabled people and more LGBTQ+ people to stand.” All councils have signed Diverse Council pledges and are committed to encouraging and supporting diverse people to stand. The Welsh Government has introduced reforms to make it easier to stand and to make it easier to be a councillor. It is now much easier to stand as a councillor, councillor pay and support has improved and it is easier to be involved in council business through remote meetings via Teams or Zoom. And, the Access to Elected Office Fund Wales has been established to assist disabled people who want to stand for elected office with the additional impairment related costs that are a barrier to their participation in politics. It is administered by Disability Wales and funded by the Welsh Government. Access to Elected Office Fund Wales - Disability Wales In Wales council leaders are committed to ensuring the 2022 election campaign is fair and respectful and have signed a Fair Campaigns Pledge - to reassure and support those candidates who are newer to democratic life, those who are conscious they are in the minority or have already experienced discrimination. For more information on becoming a councillor visit: https://www.wlga.wales/be-a-councillor-be-the-change . Be a Councillor. Be the Change! For ALL Your Plumbing & Heating Requirements

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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. Our opening hours are: Monday 10.30am-1.30pm Donations & collections Wednesday 10.30am-1.30pm Donations & collections Thursday 6pm-7pm Donations only Friday 10.30am-1.30pm Donations & collections 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. You can also drop donations off in our donation trolley at ASDA Ystalyfera and the box in Home Bargains Ystalyfera.

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Trust Registration – What are the New Rules? Important changes that Trustees need to be aware of! Since 2017 trustees have been required to register any trust which is liable to pay tax with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC)electronically. These include, but are not limited to, income tax, capital gains tax or inheritance tax. In some cases, executors of estates will also need to register the estate with HMRC, even if there is no ongoing trust, but where an estate tax return is required. When registering a trust, details of the trustees, beneficiaries and assets in the trust must be included on the register. It is very important that trustees maintain records of the owners and beneficiaries of the trust and keep these records up to date. Previously it has been the case that only trusts which had a tax liability needed to be registered online on the Trust Register. Unfortunately, this is no longer the case. New rules came into force from the 6th October 2020 which mean that express trusts will need to be registered, with few exceptions, regardless of whether they are liable to pay tax. This means that any trust which has been deliberately created may need to be registered and this could include discretionary trusts, bare trusts, interest in possession trusts and some trusts of land. What are the new Deadlines for registration? If you are a Trustee of a trust which was not required to register under the previous rules, but now is, you will need to register the trust by 1st September 2022. If you are a Trustee of a trust which came into existence on or after the 6th October 2020 then you must register by 1st September 2022.

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ROUTE ANNOUNCED FOR MAYOR’S CHARITY 10K AT MARGAM PARK

The route for the first ever Parc Margam 10k run has been revealed. The mixed terrain run is set to take place on Sunday 13th March (10am start) in support of the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot’s Charity Fund. The scenic 5k loop will start and finish at the 19th Century Tudor Gothic Mansion, and will showcase the very best of Margam Park. Runners will pass alongside three of the park’s lakes before meandering through its woodland trails and past the fields home to the famous Margam Deer Herd. Entrants can choose between 10k and 5k routes, and as well as enjoying the run through the historic park, they will help raise funds and awareness for the two very worthy causes - the Neath Port Talbot Cancer Challenge and British Heart Foundation Cymru. All runners will receive a bespoke participant medal as well as an accurate run time from their timing chip. To be part of this exciting event, you can register online at: www.margamcountrypark.co.uk/10k . Entry to the race costs £20 per person. The Mayor of Neath Port Talbot, Cllr John Warman, said: “Whether you want to push yourself, come in fancy dress or just have a gentle run with some friends, the Parc Margam 10k is a great way to blow away the winter cobwebs and get yourself ready for Spring in these breath-taking surroundings. “Also you will be helping to publicise and raise money for my two Mayor’s Charities, the British Heart Foundation Cymru and Neath Port Talbot Cancer Challenge (NPTCC).” Run by volunteers, NPTCC is a local charity that helps local people. Its aim is to help with the prevention, early diagnosis and treatment of all types of cancer. The charity raise funds to purchase equipment for local hospitals in Neath Port Talbot, Singleton, Morriston and Bridgend. The British Heart Foundation (BHF) Cymru helps to fund life saving research into heart and circulatory diseases to find better ways of treating, diagnosing and ultimately curing them. The brand new event is being supported by John Pye Auctions, Kenfig Industrial Estate, Margam.

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FOR APRIL 2022

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

Ystradgynlais Psychotherapy

by Jonathan Powell, Swansea Sound Weatherman

As the new season establishes itself with winter's cold hand now unable to interfere with spring as it begins to blossom, some pleasant days are to be expected with blue skies and a distinct warmth offered by the sun. Perhaps a fairly settled start to the month courtesy of high pressure but any dominance is not likely to last, with low pressure eager to influence the weather with showers or perhaps longer spells of rain, accompanied by breezy conditions. However, there are signs that April will retain a more than reasonable amount of dry weather across the thirty days, so whereas we may well enter into a more mixed pattern for the second half of the month, there will still be some fine and settled conditions around . Temperatures will rally rather nicely during any sustained periods of dry weather, with only a minimal risk of any late frost activity. Rainfall is expected to be on or slightly below the average for the month, with temperatures above the seasonal average Jonathan Powell, Tuesday, March 8th, 2022

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YSTRADGYNLAIS LIBRARY VOLUNTEERS

We are looking for volunteers to help us run some activities in Ystradgynlais Library. If you have some time to spare, we have several volunteering opportunities available. Over the last few years with the help of a grant from Local Places for Nature and Greening we have been able to renovate our overgrown library garden into an area full of roses and shrubs and a seating area which has become our Wellbeing Garden, open to library users and members of the public. If you have an interest in gardening and have some time to spare, we would love to hear from you. Also, we are looking for people to help us with an Oral History Project this has been funded partly by Heritage Lottery Fund. The project consists of recording memories of the people of Ystradgynlais and surrounding areas regarding their memories of special buildings or people in the area. As a volunteer with this project, you would help us record these memories on a small recorder which would then be uploaded to Peoples Network Wales and kept on file at the National Library of Wales Aberystwyth. If you have a favourite memory of your own, then we would like to hear from you too. We hope to restart some of the groups at the library and would like people to help with these events. We had a successful Golden Oldies Singalong session a Coffee and Chat Group and would like to set up others. If you are interested, Please contact Ystradgynlais Library

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Blodau Ystradgynlais Peat-free composts are becoming widely available, and many give excellent results. This makes them a natural choice, particularly as peat-based products come with a high cost to the environment. Going peat-free - Protecting peatlands is one of the most important natural ways of healing climate harm. These special landscapes store carbon, control flooding and create homes for wildlife. Peat is primarily sourced from lowland raised bogs – an increasingly rare habitat in the UK. In recent years, the need to conserve this diminishing natural resource has been recognised, as well as the flora and fauna that depend on it. Peat bogs are also an important carbon sink: destroying them to make garden compost contributes to climate change. The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) stopped selling peat-based compost in 2020 and their gardens are currently 98% peat-free. Choose your compost with good label information, as "environmentally friendly" or "organic" might not always be peat-free. The Old School Nursery stock peat-free compost and if you use the code BlodauOSN you will receive a discount on your purchase of peat-free compost. The RHS has good information online. However, should you need any help or information please contact our very own Blod, Jean Wilson via Blodau Ystradgynlais who can help you make the right choice. If we all make small changes like this, we will no doubt be helping the environment and climate change. If the RHS can do it, so can we. Happy Gardening!

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Specialists in Solid Fuel Burner Installation, Repair and Maintenance. Chimney & Flu Sweeping Discover Ystradgynlais are planning to mark the Queen’s Jubilee holiday in the Gorsedd Park with entertainment on the Friday night and a family day on the Saturday. We hope you can make it!

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:

01639 845304 07591 621086 FCS COMPUTERS YSTRADGYNLAIS, SA9 1JZ

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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BECOME A PLACEMAKER AND HAVE YOUR SAY ON WHERE DEVELOPMENT TAKES PLACE IN YOUR COMMUNITY The way places are planned, designed and developed has the potential to positively shape where and how people will live, work, socialise, move about and engage.

So Neath Port Talbot Council is asking local residents, landowners and developers to become ‘placemakers’ in their communities to help ensure new development contributes positively to creating or enhancing environments in which people, communities, businesses and nature can thrive. Do you own a piece of land which you think would benefit from development? Or perhaps you know of a site that you would like to be protected? Is there a missing piece of the jigsaw in your community that you think needs redevelopment? From now until noon 31st May 2022, we are looking for people to submit land or sites in Neath Port Talbot for potential development, redevelopment or protection (also known as the ‘Call for Candidate Sites’). If you do not own the parcel of land, but nevertheless think it should be developed, redeveloped or protected, we urge you to contact the landowner and encourage them to submit the site for consideration or obtain their permission. Sites can be proposed for residential use (including a site for gypsy and traveller accommodation), employment, retail, tourism, community use, education, health and social care, leisure and recreation, green infrastructure, active travel, transport infrastructure, renewable energy, waste or minerals. Cllr Annette Wingrave, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainable Development, said: “We all need high quality development in the right place for people to live, work and relax in. Ask yourself if your proposed site will meet present needs and that of future generations. Does it have the infrastructure or connections to enable your community to live active, healthy lives that promote better well-being?” Once submitted, the council will assess each site to see if they are suitable for inclusion in the Replacement Local Development Plan (RLDP). This in turn will help the council decide how land is allocated in Neath Port Talbot and shape future development. How do I submit a site? All details of how to submit a potential site for inclusion (including a guide to submitting a Candidate Site and constraints map) can be found at: www.npt.gov.uk/cs Supporting documents are available to view at the following venues: Neath Civic Centre, Neath, SA11 3QZ; Port Talbot Civic Centre, Port Talbot, SA13 1PJ; and The Quays, Brunel Way, Baglan Energy Park, Neath, SA11 2GG.

We will also be holding a workshop to explain what information will be required to support a proposal and when it will be required. This will take place virtually via MS Teams on the 28th March 2022. If you are thinking of submitting a site and would like further advice or would like to attend the virtual workshop, please email ldp@npt.gov.uk or call the Planning Policy Team on: (01639) 686821. The time to let us know about your proposal is now!

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Warhammer is a globally recognised brand, featuring an incredible range of games, models and accessories. Their products are made in the UK. The Warhammer range includes the best-loved tabletop miniatures games in the world, and the most impressive selection of paints and accessories this side of the moon. And the best news is that Cofion Cynnes is now a stockist! Amongst the range is the Citadel Colour Warhammer paint, a fantastic range of paints and accessories that enable hobbyists to bring their miniatures to life. With hundreds of colours, brushes, glues and more, Citadel Colour has everything a Warhammer hobbyists needs. The paint and accessories can also be used for more general hobbies. We have access to the huge stock of books in the Black Library.

So, whether you are already a Warhammer enthusiast, or someone looking to start a new hobby, pop in and see how we can help you.

6 Station Road, Ystradgynlais, Swansea SA9 1NT 01639 849581

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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?

We can service and MOT all makes and models in accordance with the Motability scheme. We can even arrange for collection and drop off of your vehicle from your home!

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Call in today and visit our VIRTUAL SHOWROOM to view over 300 different makes & models, with mileage and age to suit your needs, from nearly new to 4 years old.

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Ystradgynlais Foodbank We have seen a 40 % increase in users of the Foodbank , a very sad indicator of how tough things are at the moment. This has resulted in a heavy demand for food supplies. We are also running low on funds for our Fuel Poverty Scheme and with the current increase in electricity prices this is an absolute lifeline for some of our clients. Any monetary donations received will go towards this. Thank you as ever for your continued support - we couldn’t do it without you!

Donations

Non perishable food donations and toiletries, are always welcome.

We have food collection bins in the following shops:Cwmllynfell Post Office, Penrhos Premier and Best One Ystradgynlais.

Monetary donations can be made via:Paypal at yvcoutreach@gmail.com

Bank transfer to: Barclays bank Sort Code 20 84 41 Account 83249751 Just Giving:- https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/ feedthelocalcommunity

Facebook:- https://www.facebook.cpm/ystradgynlaisfoodbank/ Giveasyoulive.com:- https://www.giveasyoulive.com/join/ ystradfoodbank Please contact us on 01638 849192 for more details. Thanks to our sponsors.

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OPENING TIMES Tuesdays and Thursdays 10.00am until 12.00pm 29

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

YST R A D GY N L A I S COMMUNIT Y R E C YC L I N G We accept donations of furniture, small electricals, clothes, shoes, bags, bric-a-brac, books, DVD’s, CD’s and LP’s. We do not accept divan beds, mattresses or wall units. Collections and deliveries available on request. Thank you for your continued support.

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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

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SONGS&SMILES ARE BACK!

With Covid rules relaxed across Wales the popular Goldies Cymru Charity has announced that it is bringing back its Songs&Smiles fun daytime sessions for older isolated people. Prior to Covid Goldies Cymru sessions took place across South Wales. When they were forced to stop the Charity introduced its www. goldieslive.com sofa-singing sessions for people to join in at home. GoldiesLive has continued for the past 18 months with sessions on Tuesdays and Thursdays plus an additional Welsh-speaking monthly session. Goldies founder, Grenville Jones said “We were very aware of the fact that many of the people who attended our daytime sessions prior to Covid lived lives that were lonely. If they were isolated before then Covid most certainly added to that loneliness. We work with many Wales-based organisations on the introduction of GoldiesLive and I am delighted that we are now able to bring back some of our daytime sessions with the intention of adding many more in the months ahead. We will however continue with GoldiesLive session through to the end of this year.” Rachel Parry is the Programme Leader for Goldies Cymru which is supported by the Moondance Foundation who are based in Cardiff. Rachel said “We are delighted that our first popular Goldies Cymru daytime sessions are starting back again this month (March) after the pandemic-enforced break. If you enjoy a good old singalong to those well-loved hits of the 50s onwards, pop along to your nearest session, make friends and ENJOY. We are a Registered Charity and do ask please for all those attending to make a £3 donation to our work so we can extend our session reaching older isolated people across Wales.” A new session started in March at

NEATH PORT TALBOT a DEMENTIA SUPPORTIVE session at Tabernacle Chapel, 14 Thomas St, Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 4HD

on the First Thursday of the month from 11.00-12.00pm with Naomi Bishop as session leader. If you want to know more call Rachel Parry on 07796 714816.

Aelod Plaid Cymru o’r Senedd dros Orllewin De Cymru Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for South Wales West

Sioned Williams

Rwy’n addo bod yn llais cryf yn y Senedd. Hoffwn glywed am y materion sy’n bwysig i chi er mwyn i fi eich cynrychioli chi yn y ffordd orau bosib. I promise to be a strong voice in the Senedd. I would like to hear about the issues that are important to you so that I can represent you in the best way possible.

Cysylltwch / Contact: Sioned.Williams@Senedd.cymru

Talwyd costau’r cyhoeddiad hwn gan Gomisiwn y Senedd, o gronfeydd cyhoeddus The costs of this publication have been met by the Senedd Commission from public funds

01639 203204

www.sionedwilliams.wales SionedWilliamsPlaidCymru @Sioned_W

Christadelphians Christadelphians are are holding talks talks this thisApril: April: Russia RussiaininUkraine: Ukraine: What the Bible Bible Says Says Glynneath GlynneathTownhall Townhall -- Sun Sun 10th at 7:30pm 7:30pm Glynneath GlynneathTownhall Townhall --- Mon Mon 11th 3:30pm Glynneath Townhall Mon 11th at at 3:30pm 3:30pm Coelbren Coelbren Memorial Memorial Hall Hall Tue 12th at 7pm Coelbren Memorial Hall - Tue 12th at at 7pm 7pm

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www.lifes-big-questions.org www.lifes-big-questions.org www.lifes-big-questions.org Is theBible Bible aaa man-made man-made fairy tale IsIsthe the Bible man-made fairy tale tale or or a a message message from from God? or a message from God? Weigh Weighup upthe the evidence evidence for yourself: Weigh up the evidence for yourself: yourself:

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WALK TO SUPPORT GRIEVING PARENTS

Dean Osell will be known to many of you from his years as the owner of Arborum Ltd. Dean himself writes: In February last year we sadly lost our baby boy. While the situation we found ourselves in was devastating, the help and support we received from staff at the hospital during this time and the resources that were made available to us helped a great deal. It surprised me how many people in the community had their own personal loss story, all with their own particular circumstances, but all devastating for the families involved, with the grief that these losses result in often being dealt with inwardly. I want to raise awareness of this group and the work that it carries out in our community, while raising money to help them reach their aims to aid those that need their service and continue to support bereaved parents and families. I have arranged a sponsored walk of 150 miles this May with a target to raise £1000. The route takes me from my own place of birth and childhood home to Pontardawe over a period of 7 or 8 days. The walk is unsupported, carrying my camping equipment in a rucksack, which will weigh 14 or 15 kilos. My wife, Fiona, has set up a just giving page, if you would like to help me raise funds for this cause the link is: https://bit.ly/OsellWalk Many thanks

Swansea Bay Baby Loss Support Group allows families to come together and support one another through the death of a baby, and future pregnancies, with the help and guidance of the local Bereavement Midwife Christie-Ann Lang. It is a safe space where parents can talk freely about their grief, worries, anxieties and feelings surrounding their baby or future pregnancies after their loss. They also provide online peer support through their Facebook Groups, and have a number of SANDS trained peer support parents who are available to talk one to one either in person or via phone/email should a parent require extra support. We also come together occasionally to help remember our babies in gentle and meaningful ways. ‘Bubbles On The Beach’ and our Christmas Memorial are two such occasions. All parents and family are welcome and it is an occasion to meet other parents who understand the grief of baby loss. The other main focus of the group is to help raise funds to help support the local baby loss community from both Singleton and Neath Hospital maternity departments. This year we will be fundraising to help improve and develop the environment in which parents are cared for following a pregnancy loss or the death of a baby shortly after birth. The fundraising will help develop the Labour Ward and Gynaecology Ward where parents are cared for by aiming to work towards soundproofing a room on the labour ward. Previous fund raising has led to the refurbishment of Quiet Rooms within the antenatal departments and has been greatly appreciated by families who have sadly had to use the rooms after receiving devastating news. Funds also go towards providing resources for memory making moments, providing books and literature to help both parents and siblings navigate their grief, provide funding to help in the specialist training of staff, and help fund any ongoing requirements that the bereavement team has a need for in the day to day running of the labour ward in terms of baby loss.

FREE Weekly Programme of activities, exercise and companionship...

...for those in later life with mobility or health challenges or who just want to make new friends Join Action For Elders for Gentle Years Yoga with Tutor Jan Anthony to help build strength, stability and coordination, along with breathing techniques to improve capacity and soothe the nervous system. Seated yoga/suitable for all abilities. Includes time for tea and chat.

@ The Welfare Ystradgynlais every Tuesday 1.30 pm until 3.30 pm @ Neauadd Cwmllynfell Hall every Thursday 2 pm until 4 pm

Part of the balanced lives programme

Gentle movement Basic Health Advice Learn new life skills Meet people of similar age and interests Plus some suggestions to improve your overall health and well-being

rhysian.pengilley@actionforelders.org.uk

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e-mail us at: info@actionforelders.org.uk This project is made available with funds provided through ‘The Social Care Winters Pressure Fund’ from The Welsh Government.

Action For Elders is a registered charity relying solely on donations Join our lottery at www.actionforelders.org.uk

With Palm Sunday and Easter approaching this month I thought I would talke a little about the cleaning and maintenance of memorials.

This concerns, in the main, any type of stone which does not have an entirely polished surface. Highly polished granite and most slate will resist the ravishes of time quite nicely. However stone such as Forest of Dean, unpolished or rustic granite and Italian marble will over time succumb not only to surface staining but also to various types of lichen that may even penetrate deep down into the stone itself. We can make a very marked difference in the appearance of these memorials, I remember one customer proclaiming his newly cleaned marble memorial to “The Taj Mahal of Bedwellty”, indeed there was such a marked improvement he walked past the memorial several times before realising his mistake. Having said this, such results are dependant on the quality of the material, the exposure of the site and the time since last cleaning. We always try and leave customers with the advice they need to maintain the memorial at a high standard in the future and we can arrange a maintenance contract if this is required. If you would like to have a memorial cleaned please contact me and I will be happy to provide you with a free estimate.

Freephone 0800 1950 466 Email: info@vale-memorials.co.uk

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Brecon & District Credit Union 01874 620104 info@breconcreditunion.co.uk

Our Collection Point at Ystradgynlais Library is back open Every Friday 10.15am - 12.15pm also at Steeple House, Steeple Lane, Brecon Mon, Wed & Friday 11am - 12.30pm

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Name Fred Flintstone’s child Who had a no.1 hit with ‘I Think We’re Alone Now’? Who founded the London Police in 1829? Who’s catch phrase was ‘Nicky Nokky Noo’? What is the highest point in Greece? Who played Twiggy in The Royle Family? What name is given to a score of 2 under par in golf? What is the largest city in the US? What Latin word means elsewhere? What do you give on your 6th wedding anniversary? What do Scotland export to Saudi Arabia? Which character did Sigourney Weaver in ‘Alien’? What is the world’s largest profession? What’s never shown in casinos in Las Vegas? What everyday word is spelled the same in 9 languages? One 8th of the US population have worked where? Which animal can live the longest without water? Name the country that starts with an ‘A’ but doesn’t end with an ‘A’ What name is given to shaping hedges & shrubs? Which football team’s ground is at Highfield Road? Who plays ‘Cruella De Ville’ in the 1996 film ‘101 Dalmations’? Monument Valley is in which US state? In which TV program did the soup dragon appear? Name the prison on the Isle Of White In which film did Dick Van Dyke dance with a penguin? What clockwork device is used to mark musical time? Who used to play ‘Mandy Dingle’ on TV? How many track races in the decathlon? What is the second largest country in the world? Vindaloo and rice is an anagram of which famous historical figure? 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

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ii ch u lp he h i’c i’c a a ym ym i i ch u dw dw lp Ry Ry he h i’c a ym i dw Ry APWYNTIADAU APWYNTIADAU FFÔN NEU NEU APWYNTIADAU FFÔN FFÔN NEU GYMORTHFEYDD GYMORTHFEYDD RHITHWIR ARGAEL GAEL GYMORTHFEYDD RHITHWIR RHITHWIR AR AR GAEL Cysylltwch Cysylltwch wneud apwyntiad Cysylltwch ââ â mi mi ii wneud wneud apwyntiad apwyntiad james.evans@senedd.cymru james.evans@senedd.cymru 01874 01874793 793 142 142 james.evans@senedd.cymru 01874 793 142

This Thishas hasbeen beenpaid paid for for by by the Senedd Senedd Commission Commissionfrom fromPublic PublicFunds. Funds. This has beenyypaid for by thewedi Senedd fromcyhoeddus. Public Funds. Comisiwn Comisiwn Senedd Senedd sydd talu taluCommission am am hyn hynooarian arian cyhoeddus. Comisiwn y Senedd sydd wedi talu am hyn o arian cyhoeddus.

LIVE MUSIC FOR APRIL Sat 2nd Gough Con Club, Ystrad 9.30pm Sun 3rd Gough Con Club, Ystrad 5.00pm Thu 7th Godre’rGraig WMC

NEIL COX NO DIRECTION OPEN MIC NIGHT

Sat 9th Gough Con Club, Ystrad 9.30pm Godre’rGraig WMC Glanrhyd Coronation Club 8.00pm Sun 13th Gough Con Club, Ystrad 5.00pm Thu 14th Godre’rGraig WMC

DONNA GOODMAN TWO TONE PETE NO DIRECTION FIREWATER OPEN MIC NIGHT

Sat 16th Godre’rGraig WMC Gough Con Club, Ystrad 9.30pm Sun 17th Gough Con Club, Ystrad 5.00pm Thu 21st Godre’rGraig WMC Sat 23rd Godre’rGraig WMC Sun 24th Gough Con Club, Ystrad 5.00pm

RHIANNON WELSH JONNY LEE SAGE THIS RIVER OPEN MIC NIGHT CARLY B THE GOODGES

Sat 30th Godre’rGraig WMC CHRIS HOWE Glanrhyd Coronation Club 9.30pm JESS STEVENS MOTOWN SHOW

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VISITOR: BULLFINCH WELSH NAME: COCH Y BERLLAN

The Bullfinch is so distinctive that it’s difficult to imagine it being mistaken for any other bird. This stocky, squat little bird with its distinctive stumpy black beak has a red/pink breast in the male while the female sports a pinkish grey breast with a grey-brown back. However, this shy little bird will often only be identified by the white rump on display as it darts away from you! As a woodland bird, you are more likely to see a bullfinch if your garden has nearby trees and hedgerows. The bullfinch is the only member of the finch family to have a special food sac in the bottom of it’s mouth for storing food to take back to its chicks. Once prized as caged birds for their ability to mimic tunes and their handsome looks, and far more abundant up to the 1970s in southern Britain, the bullfinch has been in decline for many years due to the loss of arable weeds and changes to farming practice. Although they are showing signs of recovery in parts of England their numbers seem to be slower to build in Wales. Curiously, though, you are actually more likely to see a bullfinch in your garden in Wales than in England or Scotland! They were considered a pest by orchard owners due to their liking for the flower buds of commercial trees, and were often controlled under licence.

FAVOURITE FACT:

The collective noun for Bullfinch is a ‘bellowing’ 51

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for APRIL 2022 by Izabella Vlahavas

ARIES – The new moon on the 1st of April in your sign makes you begin afresh and gives you back all the enthusiasm you need to make a long- term decision. The sun and mercury give you a great feeling of being able to deal with any obstacles, you will not be put off your course. The full moon in your close partnership zone on the 26th gives you the backing and support from important relationships, which adds further to your abilities and sense of inner strength.

TAURUS – You are trying different approaches to work and this will give you a feeling of freedom. From your friendship zone, you will benefit and find people who are both helpful and good for your plans. There is a partial solar eclipse in your own sign on the 30th which is very significant and makes you want to start a different path, refreshes your way of thinking and behaving. This will have a strong impact on you and give you lots to look forward to. GEMINI – The new moon on the first of this month falls in your friendship zone and marks the beginning of new contacts and connections or the renewal of old ones. This gives you confidence and allies to work with. Jupiter in your career zone gives you many opportunities for anything that you are planning. This is a very positive time for you, so use it to bring the best possible results. The urge to travel is a motivating factor. CANCER – The more you expand your circle of friends and social activities, the better you will feel. You are being pushed by the planets to shake away the cobwebs and look into a new and exciting future. The new moon on the 1st of the month falls in your career zone and a new opportunity appears and opens new doors for you. The 5th of the month and the 15th are points where you have even stronger urges to find new ways towards adventure. LEO – Until the 15th of this month you have dynamic interactions with close partnerships, some of them challenging. At the root of this is a sense of your finding your own strength and motivation. The full moon in your communication zone on the 16th opens up new ways to negotiate and strengthens your commitment to engage with others, who can be helpful. There is a partial solar eclipse which falls in your career zone, expect a new start indicating positivity and success. VIRGO – You will be pushing yourself more than ever during the first couple of weeks of this month with Mars in your daily routines zone, makes you assertive with high expectations. The full moon on the 16th falls in your finance sector, giving you a chance to re-assess your budgets and make adjustments if necessary. You are seeking a way to change some basic factors in your life, and this will come to a head by the 30th of the month. LIBRA – Both the sun and mercury in your close partnership zone give you the ability to get things running more smoothly in joint agreements whether in business or love. The new moon on the 1st of the month falls in this part of your chart and makes you start again. You will find the way to join forces and iron out any disagreements. The full moon falls in your own sign on the 16th making it very clear for you what means and intentions you need to take. SCORPIO – The new moon on the 1st falls in your daily routines zones and enables you to sort out your time schedules and be able to fit more in. You will enjoy the changes and also be assured that you have time for yourself as well. The planet of Uranus in your opposing zone of close partnerships still brings surprizes and upheavals, which can cause excitement and open doors to new horizons. Any agitation at home smooths itself out by the 15th, and you will find solutions. 53

SAGITTARIUS – Both Venus and Mars enter your home zone by the 15th , giving you charm and assertiveness to adjust things as you wish them to be. If family members have been causing strife, this will soon be under control. The new moon falls in your romance and creativity zone on the 1st of this month, which prompts you forward in your independent plans for any new projects you have in mind. With mercury in this part of your chart, it will be very easy for you to make good negotiations with others. CAPRICORN – A great weight has been lifted off your shoulders after a long period of turmoil. The full moon on the 16th in your career zone will help you complete a natural cycle and give you the impetus you need to start things up anew. Mars in your finance sector until the 15th makes you take control of your budgets and any necessary new changes for investments to work for your benefit. This is a great time to be realistic about your resources. AQUARIUS – The decisive part of your nature comes to light this month as the new moon on the first of the month falls in your communications zone and sets the tone. You enjoy seeing the fruition of plans and designs for the future. A very settled approach towards friendships and relationships puts you in the driver s seat. The partial solar eclipse falls in your home zone on the 30th and this is a good omen for a new start and a new way of looking at things. PISCES – After the 15th of this month, you will be feeling very confident and capable of dealing with other people and any tricky situations in view. The new moon on the 1st falls in your money zone and makes you want to revise and refresh your money arrangements. It is the right time to put plans into motion. Jupiter is giving you much better opportunities in every facet of your life and you will have the best inspiration to do the things that you enjoy the most.

The year ahead for

ARIES

At exactly exactly 04.00pm GMT on March 20th 2022, the sun enters the sign of Aries and for all of you born with this sun sign, the following ingredients 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! PERSONALITY – You will be precise and painstaking to get things done correctly. You pay attention to detail and want things to be kept in order. Your interest in others and the time you spend listening to those who need support will be more than usual and very gratifying. MONEY – An appetite for hard work and resourcefulness makes you push for success. Your close partnerships are going to be lucrative and any mutual co-operation positive. You ll get the responses you are looking for. Great potential for success in any projects you get involved with. LOVE – You will experience deep feelings and emotions, that may manifest in jealousy and possessiveness for loved ones. Your strength and sincerity however will counteract any negative impact and you will remain open and honest with those you love, giving them genuine care and protection. GENERALLY – A very interesting year ahead, with lots of good things to come. Success and your practical approach plus the right allies and circumstances gives you all you need to make things happen, probably even better results than you anticipate. 54

Lots of love and best of luck from Izabella Vlahavas

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Need advice? Antonina is here to help! Dear Antonina About five years ago I realised I was becoming reluctant to go out. I don’t know why, but I started making excuses to say no to invitations from friends, eventually was just managing the commute to work. Then Covid came along and the lockdowns were wonderful. I was asked to work from home and staying home was so easy. I live on my own and get everything delivered so I didn’t need to go out for anything. No one noticed there was anything odd about me. But now I’m being asked to go back to the office and with everything opening up again I feel I’ve got nowhere to hide. Can you help?

Karen Dear Karen I am so glad you have written in. In my clinics recently I have noticed a wide variety of people who are struggling with similar issues, so I hope I can be of help. You quite rightly point out the impacts of Covid lockdowns (which have affected everyone during the past 2 years) and the changes to our lives we have all become accustomed to. For some, the changes have proved to be positive, for others they are a more negative experience, and for some people it has reinforced unhealthy habits and routines which limit their lives and make them miserable. My hypnotherapy methods are something you may benefit from, as I help many people to break habits which are stopping them from having full and happy lives. If you are feeling that you are limited by becoming more reclusive and this is having a negative impact on you, then this is the time to deal with the issue before it becomes worse. I often deal with people who are in the process of or have become Agoraphobic. This is a type of anxiety disorder in which people fear and avoid places or situations that might cause them to panic, feel trapped, helpless or embarrassed. As a result, people do anything and everything to avoid going out. Don’t worry too much if you are not sure why you became reluctant to go out. Sometimes we don’t realise that our current patterns of thinking, feeling and behaving may have built up gradually over time. It seems lockdown has entrenched a routine you felt easier to cope with. Rest assured you are not odd! In the short term it may be helpful to negotiate a gradual return to the office. And I could help you find the confidence to discuss this with your employer? Thinking of the longer term, it could be important to explore if you have outgrown the job or the environment. If so, I can help you develop the confidence and tools to start the process of finding work which you could find more fulfilling and be enthusiastic about. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you navigate your way through to a happier outcome. I look forward to receiving all your letters in the coming months and encourage you to keep on writing with confidence as we edit and anatomise any we print. If your letter is printed you will get a free consultation. We can’t possibly publish every letter but as a special anniversary offer for the next 6 months anyone who writes in will receive a free consultation. Email your letters to antonina@communitymag.co.uk or write to the usual address.

WHAT'S ON APRIL 2022

LIVE BROADCASTS THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE: LA TRAVIATA

Sunday 17th April, 2pm Tickets: £ 12.50 | £ 15

LIVE AN EVENING WITH MAL POPE

Violetta in this version of Richard

Friday 15th April, 7.30pm Tickets: £ 13 | £ 15

Eyre’s time-honoured production.

Wi t h i n t i m a t e p e r f o r ma n c e s

Six sopranos take the role of

NATIONAL THEATRE LIVE: HENRY V

Thursday 21st April, 7pm | Tickets: £ 11 | £ 13 K i t H a r i n g t o n ( Ga m e o f T h r o n e s )

and stories of time spent on tour with various artists.

FILMS SONIC 2 122 MINUTES

plays the title role in this Shakespeare production.

Friday 8th April: 1pm & 6pm Saturday 9th: 2pm & 5pm

VOLUNTEERING

Sunday 10th: 10am & 7pm Monday 11th: 10.30am & 1pm

Since re-opening, we are slowly but surely becoming a busy venue again, and we are looking for volunteers to join our team.

Tuesday 12th: Times TBC Wednesday 13th & Thursday 14th: 10.30am & 1.30pm

ENCANTO 109 MINUTES

In return, we hope our volunteers

Wednesday 20th &

can meet new people, learn new

Thursday 21st April: 1pm

skills, and see some fantastic theatre & films for free.

Please call 01639 843163 for an informal chat.

PHANTOM OF THE OPEN: 132 MINUTES Monday 25th April: 1pm & Thursday 28th: 7pm (C.E Screening) 57

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Following a change of ownership back in March 2021, and a substantial investment in the pub, restaurant & rooms, we are delighted to welcome all guests back to see the amazing transformation of this famous historic inn. The business is now currently operated by Simon Griffiths & Victoria Davies, formerly of the award winning Tafarn Morlais in Llangennech, Llanelli, and manager Mike Pope of the Penhelig Arms, Aberdovey. The team, along with Chef Andrei, all look forward to ensuring your visit is a memorable one.

• Food Served All Day Every Day • Sunday Lunch Served 12-4pm • 9 All En-Suite Guest Rooms • Real Ales From All Local & National Brewers • Picturesque Beer Garden & Front Terrace • Ample Car Parking • Coach Parties Welcomed (Pre-booked) For Reservations or Enquiries Please Contact: T:

01639 731119 E: abercraveinn@yahoo.com abercraveinn.com

145 Heol Tawe, Abercraf, Brecknockshire, SA9 1XS

THE RIGHT HELP AT THE RIGHT TIME FOR FAMILIES The Powys Early Help strategy published by Powys County Council sets out a roadmap for how services, partner agencies and communities can work with children and families addressing problems when they arise to ensure they get ‘the right help at the right time’. The Powys Early Help Strategy establishes a common understanding of Early Help and ensures those working with families in Powys can see how their contribution makes a difference to the lives of children and young people. The Strategy, approved by the Powys Start Well Board, describes how partners can work together to ensure that families receive accessible, co-ordinated Early Help when they need it. Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Cllr Rachel Powell says: “In Powys we have recognised that a quick response is essential for families who need some support and to achieve this we have developed our Early Help approach. “Early Help may be needed at any point in a child or young person’s life. We are working together with our partner agencies to support families through a strengths-based approach. We aim to build resilience and capacity and develop skills and confidence which will improve the daily lived experience of our children, families and communities. “The Early Help Strategy identifies key milestones such as the development of Early Help Hubs. There is a well-established Early Help Hub in Newtown and work is well underway for the development of Early Help Hubs in Welshpool and Brecon. We are working to expand the Early Help Hubs across Powys to enable children, young people and their families to access a range of locally based support such as parenting groups, drop-in sessions and Flying Start childcare.” In line with the Early Help Strategy, Powys County Council’s Early Help Team offer advice, support and coordination to professionals and families. Children, young people and families can be supported individually, focused on individual’s identified needs and goals. The Early Help Team offer structured parenting support with programmes such as Incredible Years and the Pre-school and Autistic Spectrum Disorder programmes. The Family Information Service is part of the Early Help team which has a range of information for children and young people aged 0-25 years and their families.

To read the strategy or learn more about Early Help in Powys and how we can work together to deliver the right help at the right time visit www.powys.gov.uk/earlyhelp or call the Early Help team on 01597 826246.

NOW OPEN!! An exciting new culinary adventure, the first of its kind in Wales. Enjoy sumptuous feasts or a social quick bite from our all new menu with Slow Smoked Specials, Grills, Ribs, Burgers, Classics, Vegetarian and Seafood options .

The Famous Carvery Has Arrived In Brynamman! Many years after we brought our original signature carvery to the valleys, we’re back and it’s bigger and better than ever! Served on Sunday Lunchtimes Sittings at 12pm & 2.30pm. 1 Course £9.95 Book Now to avoid disappointment!

For reservations please call 01269 823342 or email: bookings@unclebobssmokehouse.co.uk Uncle Bob’s Smokehouse @ Brynamman RFC, Amman Road SA18 1SW 61

Street Food – Grills – Sunday Lunch

Book Today! Phone: 01639 700633 Facebook: The Meat & Greet Co. Instagram: themeatandgreetco Roman Road, Banwen, Neath, SA10 9LW

House Cocktails – Draught – Premium Wines

BASQUE PIE Chicken, Ham & Peppers

This is a lovely traditional Basque recipe that is delicious served either hot or cold. Ideal for picnics and lunch boxes, and a great way to use up left over chicken.

INGREDIENTS Filling: 1 each Yellow, Red & Green Pepper 1 Onion, finely chopped 200g Fresh Tomatoes 2 Garlic Cloves, peeled 50g Cooked Ham 300g Cooked Chicken, diced 2 Tbsp Olive Oil Salt & Pepper For the Dough: 250ml Warm Milk 2 x 7g Packs of Active Yeast 500g Self Raising Flour ½ tsp Salt 1 Egg, + 1 beaten yolk 50g Softened Butter (slightly salted)

smooth and elastic (this can also be done in a stand mixer with dough hook until ready). Place back in the bowl, cover, and allow to rise until doubled in size. While the dough is rising, core the peppers and cut the flesh into small dice. Chop the tomatoes to the same size. Heat the oil in a large frying or saute pan and fry the onions, peppers and garlic until tender. Add the chicken, ham and tomatoes and simmer for around 5 minutes then remove from heat. Season to taste. Cut the dough into 2 halves and roll them out into 10 inch circles, or as large as your baking tray can take. Line the tray with parchment and place your first circle. Spread the now cooled filling from the centre out to leave just over 1cm at the edge for sealing.

Cover with the second circle and seal well. Score the top lightly (or prick gently with a To make the dough, pour the warm milk into fork) and brush with the beaten egg yolk. a large mixing bowl, stir in the sugar then sprinkle over the yeast and allow to stand for Bake at 210°C for approx. 45 minutes until golden brown. Allow to cool slightly before 5 - 8 minutes. slicing. Beat in the whole egg, and then gradually add Enjoy with a fresh salad and dressed new in the flour and melted butter. potatoes. When a dough has formed, transfer to a floured surface and knead for around 10 minutes until Phil

A Little Local Knowledge... EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS Emergency only 999 Police (Non-Emergency) 101 NHS 111 Wales 111 Dental Emergency 08456 010128 Dyfed Powys Police 0845 330 2000 South Wales Police 01656 655 555 Glanrhyd Community Hospital

01639 844777

Floodline 0845 988 1188 Welsh Water (emergencies & sewerage problems) 0800 052 0130 Powys County Council 0845 602 7030 NPT County Council 01639 686868 Carms. County Council 01267 234567 Tai Tarian (NPT) 0300 777 0000 Repairs 0300 777 3000

DOCTORS SURGERIES Pengorof

01639 843221

Ystalyfera

01639 843251

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01639 730225

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01639 844738

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01639 830204

Glynneath

01639 509050

COMMUNITY POLICING (PCSO’s) Maria Edwards (Godre’graig / Ystalyfera)

07805 301533

Andrew Jones (G’neath/Cwmgwrach)

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

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01639 730508

Glynog Davies (Cefnbrynbrain/Ystradowen)01269 823240

AMs & MPs

James Evans MS/AS (Brec & Rad) Jeremy Miles MS/AS (Neath) Christina Rees MP (Neath) Fay Jones MP (Brec & Rad) Sioned Williams MS/AS (S.W. Wales)

HELP & ADVICE

Age Connect (NPT) Citizens Advice Samaritans Victim Support Childline Domestic Abuse Welfare Rights (NPT) RSPCA (Llys Nini) Consumer Direct Adferiad Recovery

01874 793142 01792 869993 01639 630152 01874 624796 01639 203204

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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

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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 BUILDING SERVICES Ceri Edwards & Dean Breeze Ceri 07421 360 093 Dean 07496 450 144 CARPENTERS Matthew Harris Carpenter

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07837208446 matt-harris@live.com CARPETS Benjamin Poole 01269 824137 07768 061903 Glantawe Carpets 01639 842522 CHIMNEY SWEEP Tawe Sweep 01639 415019 07552 354726

Thomas Chimney Sweeps APICS & HETAS approved sweep & Installer Call Gerry 07974 001133 COMPUTER SERVICE Simon Panacz Dulais Valley Computers mail@dvcomputers.co.uk 07966 433 540 PC Doctor 01639 843765 pcdoctorwales@gmail.com

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR Robert Owen 07737 325605 01639 843214

PSYCHOTHERAPY Ystradgynlais Therapy Call Martyn on 07592 330467 www.asclepiustherapy.com

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS ROOFING, SCAFFOLDING & www.neilshomeservices.co.uk GENERAL BUILDING S&A Builders, call Steve 07890 500670 07977 587 449 ELECTRICIANS 01639 701 784 KDY Electrics builderbrothers.co.uk 07971 861534 kdyelectrics@btinternet.com S&D Domestic Electrics 07868 172990 Choice.locks@icloud.com T.E. Hughes Electricals 01639 843826 07759 887395 GARDENING SERVICES 3 Steps Gardening & Maintenance 07866 901911 01639 841827 3steps4@gmail.com

SCAFFOLDING WRK Scaffolding Ltd Rhys: 07930 182758 Wyndham: 07881 986160 info@wrk-scaffolding.com

VOLUNTEERS WANTED Brecknock Wildlife Trust 01639 844273

GARDENING & BUILDING Leighton James Garden & Building Services 01639 701833 07967 280695 HEALTH & WELLBEING Cristina’s Wellbeing Chiropractic 01639 699573 07933 203166 HYPNOTHERAPY & RELAXATION CLINIC A Mendola Hypnotherapy 01639 730043 07971 260254 www.amendolahypnotherapy.co.uk

PLUMBING RAL Plumbing Call Anthony on 07813 822243 ra.llewelyn@gmail.com 65

Palm Sunday 10th April

GOOD FRIday 15th April

Vigil Mass 4.00pm Sacred Heart Ystradgynlais Vigil Mass 6.00pm St. Benedict’s Clydach Mass 10.00am St. Benedict’s Clydach Mass 11.30am Sacred Heart Ystradgynlais

Veneration of the Cross 3.00pm St. Benedict’s Clydach

HOLY THURSday 14th April

HOLY SATURday VIGIL 16th April

Mass 6.00pm St. Benedict’s Clydach Mass 7.30pm Sacred Heart Ystradgynlais

Veneration of the Cross 6.00pm Sacred Heart Ystradgynlais Mass 4.00pm Sacred Heart Ystradgynlais Mass 6.00pm St. Benedict’s Clydach

EASTER SUNDAY 17th April

Mass 10.00am St. Benedict’s Clydach Mass 11.30 am Sacred Heart Ystradgynlais

CROSSWORD ANSWERS

BIG NEIL’S QUIZ ANSWERS

1 PEBBLES 2 TIFFANY 3 ROBERT PEEL 4 KEN DODD 5 Mt OLYMPUS 6 GEOFFREY HUGHES 7 EAGLE 8 NEW YORK 9 ALABI 10 SUGAR 11 SAND 12 RIPLEY 13 TEACHING 14 THE TIME 15 TAXI 16 McDONALDS 17 RATS 18 AFGHANISTAN 19 TOPIARY 20 COVENTRY 21 GLENN CLOSE 22 ARIZONA 23 CLANGERS 24 PARKHURST 25 MARY POPPINS 26 METRONOME 27 LISA RILEY 28 *4 29 CANADA 30 LEONARDO DA VINCI

DINGBAT ANSWERS

1. Bed & Breakfast 2. Dig In The Ribs 3. Laid Back 4. No Two Ways About It 5. Oliver Twist 6. Peace In Our Time 7. Piling On The Agony 8. Plus 4’s 9. Thin Dividing Line 10. Unfinished Business

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tool shed Tools, Paints, Ironmongery etc. Almost everything you need

to maintain home & garden on your doorstep, from a garden hose to bathroom sealants.

Misted Glass Replacement Call for a quotation

uPVC Windows & Doors Available Fully Fitted or Supply Only Call in and see us for your FREE quotation

All uPVC Repair work undertaken: Misted Units, Broken Locks/Hinges etc.

find us opposite the entrance to ASDA Unit 7, Swansea Valley Business Park, Ystalyfera, SWANSEA, SA9 2EB

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