The Community Mag - Dec 22

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the land, Not a creature was warm in this place built on sand, The stockings were on, as the fire was out, The choice had been eating or heating, no doubt,

The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While trinkets, on credit cards, danced in their heads, And Mam in her Parka, and I in my cap, Turned off the TV, full of repeats and crap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter, I stayed in my bed - saving energy matters! But then at the front door we heard such a crash, “It’s Santa the bailiff, I’m here for your cash”

The moon on the breast, through the peeing down rain, Made everything damp, right through to my brain, When, there, in the lounge, what appeared to me? But a man dressed in red, looking under our tree, “He’s taking our presents!” The children all shouted, “Don’t worry” I told them “His plan will be flouted” “He’s gone for the big ones, and those presents there Arrived packed by Amazon, they’re mainly just air”

As Santa turned round, he was sucking his vape, He looked so triumphant by this jolly jape, As he lumbered off to his battered white van, I clocked Santa’s helper, not elf, but a man, Then Santa spun round with a smile cheek to cheek, “This lot’s for the heating that you used last week” Before I sat down to fire off a stiff letter, I cuddled my loved ones, which made me feel better,

For the greatest of gifts is right here at home “StUFF THAT” screamed the children “WE WANTED NEW PHONES!”

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 JANUARY 2023 EDITION - DECEMBER 13th

The Society is pleased to report that it has now published the fourteenth pamphlet in its series of notable persons who were either born in or lived in the Ystradgynlais area.

The subject of the latest pamphlet is David Thomas who, working with George Crane at the Yniscedwyn Ironworks in Ystradgynlais in1837, perfected the technique of using anthracite coal in the iron smelting process. As a result of his success he was approached by representatives from the Lehigh Coal & Navigation Company, Philadelphia, USA to work for them in the USA. In April 1839 he emigrated with his family to the USA. Here he established the Crane Iron Works, the first anthracite iron works in the Lehigh Valley and also founded the town of Craneville which was later renamed as Catasauqua. David Thomas became a very wealthy man and is still remembered in the USA as ‘The Father of the Anthracite Iron Trade in America.’

The bilingual, A5 sized pamphlet, along with the other thirteen in the series, is available free of charge from the Welfare Hall, Ystradgynlais and the Ystradgynlais Library.

The Society acknowledges the financial support of Ystradgynlais Town Council and the Celtic Energy Nant Helen Community Fund in the production of this leaflet.

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DOWN

Creepy crawly is all ears (3)

Creature of the night in hollow log (3)

Mentors become inhuman (7)

Finds fault in fancy nickname (5)

Hello, a new evening made up of pranks (9)

Found tempo rallied for material world (8)

Defend sensitve extremities, essentially (4)

Slid there, in other words (9)

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An officer of greater importance? (5)

Pouch found to be almost sacred (3)

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FOR DECEMBER 2022

Following on from a November which at times displayed some unseasonably mild conditions for the time of year, December looks set to deliver a fair mix of weather, but as with previous years, little chance of a White Christmas. High pressure may well start the nal month of the year in charge delivering a spell of settled weather and accompanying bright sunshine. Naturally by night under these 'still' conditions, frost activity is to be expected or at the very least a heavy dew. Any ne initial start to December will be replaced by an unsettled and potentially colder theme, with rain to be expected, and as temperatures dip, perhaps the occasional dalliance with a wintry mix over higher ground. December will re ect on or around the average for rainfall, but above the average for temperature.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Jonathan Powell, Monday November 14th 2022

by Jonathan Powell, Swansea Sound Weatherman

Photograph by Jeanine Bishopp. If

see your photo on The Weather Outlook phil@communitymag.co.uk

Applications from community groups and organisations whose aim is to support people struggling with food poverty can now be submitted online.

The Food Poverty Grant has been opened up for organisations who can apply for funding up to £3,500. Eligible spend could include things such as purchasing additional food as a result of increased demand, volunteer training costs, start-up costs for developing lunch clubs, community cafes and advice services around food poverty support.

Councillor Simon Knoyle, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Finance, Performance and Social Justice, said: “I would urge any organisation that wishes to set up a support service for people facing food poverty or are already doing so but need additional funding, to find out more or apply online.

“The cost of living crisis is leaving people at risk of not being able to buy a sufficient amount of food for their families, and by working closely with local support groups and partners within our communities, we hope to be able to help alleviate the burden on people who are currently struggling.”

There are no deadlines for submitting applications but the fund will be awarded on a first come first served basis. All allocated funding must be spent by the 31st March 2023.

For further details on the funding criteria and to complete an application form online, go to www.npt.gov. uk/foodpovertygrant. If you would like to discuss an application, email communityfoodconnections@npt. gov.uk or telephone 07890 035912 / 01639 686057. This funding has been awarded to all councils in Wales by the Welsh Government in order to support an increased number of people facing food poverty. It aims to strengthen community food initiatives and focuses on activities that could help address the root causes of food poverty.

A THANK YOU

The staff of Trem y Glyn would like to thank the people of Glynneath for showing their continued support.

As you might not all be aware we had the fabulous news recently that Trem Y Glyn will now remain open until March 2024 with the prospect of remaining open until 2025. Your continued support we firmly believe has hugely contributed to the awareness of how much we are needed in the community.

Also huge thanks to the previous events committee for supply of the poppies and collection tins and for placing them around the community. The money raised was hugely appreciated and will be used to provide trips and entertainment for all residents to enjoy.

Dear Phil,

Oh how I chuckled last month thinking of Miss/Mrs/Ms. Evans, red with fury, either exploding or throwing up - what larks!

She obviously does not understand the concept of free speech. I put it to her that, considering the emotional state you were in after having yet another English ‘Prince of Wales’ foisted upon you, that it was EXTREMELY INAPPROPRIATE for her to attack you in such a rude and ill-mannered tone. A position just as preposterous as her own!

The premise of her letter is absolute balderdash, another idiotic and melodramatic practitioner of fake grief for a person that she did not know, and certainly did not understand. I can’t imagine for one moment that the Queen would have approved of such nonsense. What is wrong with a token of dignified respect, instead of the falsely pious right wingers (her disdain for those on the opposite benches gave that away).

I don’t think you have anything at all to feel ashamed of. I thought the piece was respectful, you say yourself that you were saddened by the death of this public figure. Seriously, what more could anyone want?

Was it the “time and place’” to foist a new Prince of Wales on us only 1 day after his grandmother’s death? Could THAT not have waited? It’s only a ceremonial post, after all. It seemed to many like they were taking advantage of the situation to slip that through, while people like Kay Evans fielded away complainers on their behalf. That’s more than a little cynical.

Lastly, I see that she slurs you as one of the “self-aggrandising, blinkered “commoners”. Unless you’re delivering your mag up to areas unknown I suggest that the self-aggrandising is at her end, for we are all commoners down here - and those that are not, are deluded!

Keep doing your thing Phil, for all our sakes. Even if only to know that there are still decent and right minded people around to counter the absurd gammonry that has swept through our country.

RAINBOW COALITION ANNOUNCES PROGRAMME FOR FACE TO FACE MEETINGS ON FINANCIAL POSITION

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Rainbow Coalition members have announced dates and venues for a series of public meetings to discuss the current turbulent economic conditions and what these could mean for the council and for council services.

To make the events as accessible as possible, they will take place in six towns and each of the five valleys throughout November and December as follows:

• Wed 30 Nov (6.30pm start) – Glynneath Town Hall

• Thurs 1 Dec (6.00pm start) – Cwmgors Community Centre

• Mon 5 Dec (5.00pm start) – Seven Sisters Community Centre

• Tues 6 Dec (6.00pm start) – Cwmafan Library

• Wed 7 Dec (6.00pm start) – Ystalyfera Community Hall

• Tues 13 Dec (6.00pm start) – Hengwrt Sports Centre, Briton Ferry

• Wed 14 Dec (6.00pm start) – Carnegie Hall, Skewen Council Leader, Cllr Steve Hunt, said “Without extra money from the UK and Welsh Governments, the council, in common with others across the UK, is facing a multimillion pound budget gap in the years up to 2025-26.

“There is no doubt the financial position for many of our residents as well as this council will be one of the most, if not the most, challenging we have ever faced.

“No ‘one person’ and no ‘one group of people’ will know all the answers and we really need residents’ input together with help from trade unions and other partners so we can get through this difficult time together.”

With inflation reaching levels not seen since the ‘80s, it is estimated the council’s energy costs alone will rise by £8m in 2023-24 and as Council Tax only makes up 25% of the council’s budget - Government intervention is needed. We welcome the use of the Welsh language. If you wish to use the Welsh language at the meeting, please inform us by email at least 3 working days before the relevant meeting: LetsTalk@npt.gov.uk

In addition to the face to face events, the council will be using its social media accounts, e-newsletter and website to reach out to people online. People can keep up to date on Facebook @NeathPortTalbotCBC or @CyngorCnPT, Twitter @NPTCouncil or @CyngorCnPT and www.npt.gov. uk.

In the meantime, people living and working in Neath Port Talbot are asked to join the continuous lobbying of the Welsh and UK governments over funding. If you haven’t yet signed Unison’s petitions, please consider doing this and asking people you know to sign as well (see details below):

https://petitions.senedd.wales/petitions/245277 https://action.unison.org.uk/page/110060/action/1

ROYAL ‘TREE OF TREES’ GIFTED TO DOVE WORKSHOP IN BANWEN

On Thursday, October 27th, The Lord Lieutenant delivered an Alder tree which had been an original part of the Queen’s dramatic ‘Tree of Trees’ sculpture in Buckingham Palace, celebrating her Platinum Jubilee.

It was presented to the Dove Workshop to recognise its work with the local community, volunteers and partners.

The DOVE Workshop was the result of a concerted effort by a cross-section of women in the South Wales coalfields to ensure that the end of the 1984-85 miners’ strike did not mean an end to the mining communities themselves.

In September 1987, Glenys Kinnock opened the official DOVE premises in Banwen The DOVE Workshop and associated library has continued to grow over the years, introducing new and relevant courses as times have changed, and the Library has changed with it. The donation of the Alder to Dove was part of the Queen’s Green Canopy project which has gifted the special commemorative trees from the ‘Tree of Trees’ to deserving recipients across the UK.

The event was attended by the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Stephen Hunt and Cllr Sian Harris, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Family Services, the Mayor of Neath Port Talbot Cllr Robert Wood and Neath MP Christina Rees.

Lord Lieutenant Mrs Fleet said: “This beautiful tree will become part of a living legacy in honour of Her Majesty, joining more than a million trees already planted across the UK as part of The Queen’s Green Canopy project.

“It was nurtured and gifted to the Dove Workshop in recognition of the excellent grass roots work those connected with Dove have done for the community over the years being a charity and social enterprise, a well used community hub in Banwen and surrounding areas which provides opportunities for adult learning and so much more.”

Cllr Hunt said: “Because of all its hard work for this and surrounding communities over the years, the Dove Workshop is a very worthy recipient of this precious gift.”

The Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Mrs Louise Fleet has handed over a lasting legacy of the environmental concerns of the late HM Queen Elizabeth ll to the Dove Workshop in Banwen.

KEEP SAFE WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE

Consumers in Powys are being urged to keep themselves safe while shopping online as the pre-Christmas sales begin. With the holiday shopping season upon us, Powys County Council’s Trading Standards Service and Citizens Advice have released top tips to remind shoppers how to shop safely online.

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “Across the county, purse strings are tightening and financial pressures are increasing every day.

“With sales season fast approaching, it’s vital we recognise the red flags when trying to bag a bargain in the run up to the holidays.

“Anyone can be a victim of a scam, and even the savviest of shoppers can be left getting less than they bargained for.

“You shouldn’t feel embarrassed if you’re caught out. By knowing how to shop wisely, and what to do if something goes wrong, we can better protect ourselves and each other.”

The council’s Trading Standards Service and Citizens Advice have offered these top tips to shop safely online.

Do your research

• Before buying from a website that you have not used before, spend a few minutes checking it out

• See what people have said about the person or company you are buying from by looking at reviews on different websites - do not rely on reviews the company has put on its own website

• If you’re worried that something you have seen online might be a scam you can get help from the Citizens Advice consumer helpline - 0808 223 1133.

Be wise to scams in disguise

• If a bargain seems too good to be true, it probably is

• If it is branded but a lot cheaper than it appears on the brand’s website, it could be fake. It could be a legitimate ‘look-a-like’ product

• Either way, it might not be the quality you were hoping for.

Ways to pay

• Beware of a seller who asks you to pay by direct bank transfer. Bank transfers have limited protection if things go wrong, so avoid using them

• If you are purchasing items with a value over £100 we would always advise you use a credit card to benefit from your Section 75 rights

• You should only send and receive money through the online marketplace app or website using a debit or credit card, or via trusted methods of payment such as PayPal.

Know your rights

• If you have bought from a retailer, you might be entitled to a replacement product or a repair of your faulty goods. You can even claim a full refund if you can prove the goods are faulty

• If you have bought from an individual, perhaps via an online marketplace, you have far fewer rights. In fact, you have no right to return, so long as the goods are ‘as described’

• Always be sure to take a screenshot of the description and be sure to check and double check before you buy.

When things go wrong

• If you’ve bought something that is broken, damaged, unsafe, or not what you expected then contact the seller and give them a chance to put it right.

• If that does not work, reach out to the Citizens Advice consumer helpline - - 0808 223 1133

• Contact your bank or finance provider to see what assistance they can provide.

For information and advice, contact the Citizens Advice consumer helpline free on 0808 223 1133 or to contact a Welsh-speaking adviser call 0808 223 1144.

Alternative, call Advicelink Cymru on 0800 702 2020. Advicelink Cymru is a Welsh Government funded Citizens Advice service designed to help people who are most in need of advice services, particularly those who would not usually seek advice. People in Wales can access the service Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.

AVIAN INFLUENZA

Poultry owners in Powys are being reminded by the county council to ensure they have enhanced biosecurity measures in place to minimise the spread of Avian Influenza.

In October, the Welsh Govermnent declared an all-Wales Avian Influenza Prevention Zone to protect poultry and captive birds from a strain of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI).

Now Powys County Council’s Animal Health Team are reminding keepers of poultry and other captive birds that the prevention zone requires them to take appropriate and practicable steps including:

• Keeping kept birds off land that is known to be, or at high risk of being, frequented by wild waterfowl, or contaminated by their droppings or feathers

• Ensure the areas where birds are kept are unattractive to wild birds, especially waterfowl, for example, by netting ponds and surrounding areas and by removing wild bird food sources;

• Feed and water your birds in enclosed areas to discourage wild birds;

• Minimise movement of people in and out of bird enclosures;

• Clean and disinfect footwear, use foot dips before entering poultry enclosures, and keep areas where birds live clean and tidy;

• Ensure that all bedding, equipment, clothing and anything else that enters the areas where birds are kept are free of direct or indirect contamination with HPAI, which is mainly spread through bird droppings.

• Keep domestic ducks and geese separate from other poultry. These requirements apply to all kept birds, including small flocks with fewer than 50 birds. Keepers with more than 500 birds will also be required to take extra biosecurity measures, including restricting access to non-essential people, changing clothing and footwear before entering bird enclosures and cleaning and disinfecting vehicles.

The council’s Animal Welfare Team are also asking members to report findings of dead birds to the DEFRA helpline on 03459 335577 so that it can be monitored by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Some of these wild birds will be collected by the APHA for surveillance purposes but not all will be collected.

If dead wild birds are not needed for avian influenza surveillance purposes and landowners have taken the decision to remove carcasses, it is the landowner’s responsibility to safely arrange disposal. The council also recommends that consideration is given to removing carcasses at residential premises, in particular areas which may be accessed by children or pets.

Carcasses of dead wild birds should be disposed of in accordance with the relevant Animal By Products (ABP) requirements. If it is suspected that birds are infected with a disease which can spread to people or animals, such as avian influenza, the carcases should be disposed of as a category 1 ABP.

If dead birds are found on public land, it is the council’s responsibly to arrange the disposal or carcasses. Members of the public are encouraged to report any dead birds found on public land by calling 01597 826031 or email trading.standards@powys.gov.uk

Cllr Richard Church, Cabinet Member for a Safer Powys, said: “The prevention zone was declared to reduce the risk of infection from wild birds so poultry and captive bird keepers must have the appropriate biosecurity measures in place.

“Poultry keepers should remain vigilant for any signs of disease in their birds or any wild birds and seek prompt advice from a vet if they have any concerns.

“The UK is currently in the midst of an unprecedented outbreak of Avian Influenza and the winter migration of wild birds to our shores means that the situation is likely to get worse before it gets better.

“It’s important that the public report any dead wild birds to the Defra helpline for surveillance purposes and I would urge them to do so.”

To find how to dispose dead wild bird carcasses correctly, visit https://www.gov.uk/animal-by-productcategories-site-approval-hygiene-and-disposal

Further information on AI can be found on the Welsh Governments website.

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 facebook.com/matthewharriscarpenter 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

FCS Computers, Ystradgynlais 01639 845304 07591 621086

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR

Robert Owen 07737 325605 01639 843214

DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS

www.neilshomeservices.co.uk 07890 500670

ELECTRICIANS

KDY Electrics 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

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

J. P. Plumbing 07800 668 553

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

PSYCHOTHERAPY

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

ROOFING, SCAFFOLDING & GENERAL BUILDING

S&A Builders, call Steve 07977 587 449 01639 701 784 builderbrothers.co.uk

SCAFFOLDING

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

VOLUNTEERS WANTED

Brecknock Wildlife Trust 01639 844273

AMs & MPs

James Evans MS/AS (Brec & Rad) 01874 793142

Jeremy Miles MS/AS (Neath) 01792 869993

Christina Rees MP (Neath) 01639 630152

Fay Jones MP (Brec & Rad) 01874 624796

Sioned Williams MS/AS (S.W. Wales) 01639 203204

Maria

Andrew Jones (G’neath/Cwmgwrach) 07469 907982

Hugh Jones (Cwmllynfell/Rhiwfawr) 01639 831282

Alun Llewelyn (Ystalyfera) 01639 849729

Sandra Davies (Cwmtwrch) 01639 830835

Sian Harris (Crynant) 07814 127555

Stephen Hunt (Seven Sisters) 01639 700063

Dean Cawsey (Onllwyn) 07817 218556

Del Morgan (Glynneath) 01639 722300

Simon Anthony Knoyle (Glynneath) 07968 386108

Dean Lewis (Resolven) 07854 424162