The Community Mag - September 2021

September 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

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Editor’s Foreword Over the past week or so I’ve been contacted by current and former customers who all ring to say the same story; a telephone call from a supposed bailiff with a court order to attend their properties and remove goods to pay a debt to a company that is affiliated to the mag. The obvious goal of the threatening call is to attempt to elicit a payment over the phone, for varying amounts but always in the thousands.

Sadly, this is not the first scam caller that has pestered my advertisers. There seems to be an annual drive from various locations over the border. These scumbags go through the online versions of the mag and attempt to convince customers that they have agreed to something that they haven’t, and then threaten action for non-payment. This latest attempt has been the most convincing so far, although there are some obvious tells that anyone being contacted should be aware of.

Firstly, a court judgement over debt would never include a warrant to enter someone’s property without having gone through a process of attempted contact and collection and then a reapplication to the court. This means that anyone who tells you on the phone that there is a debt that you are completely unaware of and their next action is to remove goods from your property with or without you present is a liar.

If you are contacted by a scammer, you should always report it to 101. It may not feel worthwhile at the time, but it means that if that particular scammer is caught your attempt is logged and can add to the charges against them.

What is so irksome about these people is the distance they go to scam us. They have obviously set themselves to take card payments, developed their script etc. etc. They are obviously capable and resourceful, WHY NOT JUST GET A JOB!!?

I somehow doubt that it is just about the money. Their actual success rate on these calls must be fairly pitiful. I wouldn’t mind betting that they often put in days of work to achieve the odd success.

It seems to me that there is something predatory in their nature, that they enjoy the feeling of having ‘had one over’ on someone else.

But there are plenty of lucrative positions in our society for people of that nature! (I’ll leave you to ponder them).

One of my customer’s was away on holiday when contacted by these scumbags, and was being told that they were going to attend his house while he was away to gain entry and seize goods.

Fortunately he was informed by the police that the number being used to call him was unidentified but known to them as being connected with fraud and scams. How awful that these ingrates are able to put someone through that stress in complete anonymity.

Remember, if you do get a call and it’s a scam, always report it to 101. The more reports the more likely it will be investigated and solved.

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.

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NPT CULTURE AND HERITAGE STRATEGY BEING LOOKED AT

Neath Port Talbot Council is considering a new culture and heritage strategy which could be used to attract funding for projects celebrating the county borough’s rich sporting, cultural and industrial history.

In a report to Neath Port Talbot Council’s Education, Skills and Culture Cabinet Board on July 22nd , Council Chief Executive Karen Jones said: “Recent debates at cabinet have demonstrated the heritage of our place is something that is very important to elected members and residents.

“However, to move this important area of work forward, it’s timely to consider developing a clearer sense of where heritage and culture is positioned in the council’s overall priorities and then, subject to that debate, to agree a strategic direction for this area of work.”

The Education, Skills and Culture Cabinet Board backed a proposal that officers now undertake work to scope out what would be involved in developing a culture and heritage strategy for the county borough.

The way in which funding is being distributed by the UK Government is changing and money under the Government’s Levelling Up fund can be used to celebrate an area’s culture and heritage.

In submitting Levelling Up fund proposals for the Neath and Aberavon constituencies, the council has already included features that will celebrate the heritage of the county borough.

It is hoped the council will be able to access some capacity funding to help develop project ideas and if the bids are successful there will be other resources that can be used to implement future project ideas.

It was noted at the cabinet board meeting that because of other current priorities and an extremely challenging deadline, officers have reluctantly concluded the council is not currently in a position to submit a bid to become a UK City of Culture (after rules were relaxed to allow areas other than cities to enter submissions) but this hasn’t been ruled out for the future.

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1. Occasion when some shall owe entirely (9) 4. Encountered in cemetery (3) 6. Spirit of tough ostrich (5) 8. Demonic battle device (7) 9. Halo found in chateau raid (4) 10. Wizard uses mixture to gain mica (8) 13. Pinches head to tail and causes a whirl (4) 14. Reversal of temper results in day of reckoning (4) 18. Halved scattered dice bets (8) 20. Creatures of the night pierce back to front (4) 22. Heart and family is fruitful (7) 24. Stands unsteadily as eel on three legs (5) 25. Cacophony of sound in reading library (3) 26. Cast a frenzied spell then dance (9)

Answers on page 66

DOWN

1. Sounds like bony old witch will keep watch (7) 2. Discovered turncoat had curse (4) 3. A very long period of time, in general (3) 4. I roam here and there to find a New Zealand language (5) 5. Sent to Kenya to locate relic (5) 7. Some roadhog residents are fiends (5) 8. Feeble after listening for seven days (4) 11. Sounds like object of worship isn’t working (4) 12. Some quartz including an element of metal (4) 15. Don’t believe all of these stories (5) 16. Consumed little and pen dripped blood (7) 17. Found to evoke energy, like a knife’s edge (4) 18. Some two-legged creature with incubi pedigree (5) 19. He says it’s a name of a game for children (5) 21. Describe table where second letter is located (4) 23. Find sinners somewhere to stay (3) 7

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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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If you need our help we can be contacted on 07923 986379 or via our Facebook page, or just call in to the Chapel during our opening hours on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

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Jennifer Melly Law 45 Alfred Street Neath SA11 1EH

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Wills and Planning for your future

As lockdown restrictions continue to ease, we remain in challenging and uncertain times and the implications and repercussions of the pandemic on our future remains unclear. At Jennifer Melly Law we provide a holistic service and our aim is to assist you in putting in place any legal paperwork as well as helping you to consider what you and your families’ needs may be for the future and to help you plan for whatever lies ahead.

Making your Will

There are still a huge number of people who have not put Wills in place and it is so important to make sure that your wishes are put into effect after your days, as it will be too late to make your wishes known after you’re gone. Putting this in place during your lifetime means you can decide who receives your estate, make gifts to charities, appoint guardians for young children and decide who sorts out your affairs after your days i.e. you can choose your executors. Even for those who have prepared wills it is important to review a will regularly and as circumstances change.

Powers of Attorney

It is also important to consider how you are going to be looked after during your lifetime, particularly in the event of illness or accident. Lasting Powers of Attorney can be prepared in order to legally appoint a person or persons to manage your finances and make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. If you were to lose the capacity to manage your own finances in the future and no Lasting Power of Attorney was in place then an application would need to be made to the Court of Protection to appoint someone to manage your finances for you, and this may not be the person you would have chosen yourself. These applications can be lengthy and expensive and can be avoided by planning ahead.

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OUR PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE from The Swansea Canal Society When it comes to local amenities for leisure, exercise, scenic beauty and a general feeling of wellbeing, Clydach, Trebanos, Pontardawe and Ynysmeudwy are fortunate to have the Swansea Canal on their doorstep. There are beautiful stretches of open water, many historical structures, pleasant towpath walks, much wildlife, canoe and kayak hire and many other activities to get involved in. Of course some sections of the canal still need a sustained effort and investment to bring them back to their original condition to expand this amazing amenity.

But the Swansea Canal was much more than just these remaining stretches when it opened in 1798. From sea level at Swansea Town the canal rose 373 feet to its head at Abercraf, a remarkable engineering feat of the Georgian era, parts of which are still there today. Bridges, aqueducts and thirty six locks channelled the water and horses pulled barges along its 16 mile length. The vital goods it carried created industrial villages all along its route, blanketing the earth and sky with polluting smoke and dust. The profits from these factories made fortunes for the industrialists, but the workforce suffered poverty, sickness and injuries.

The Swansea Canal Society (SCS) aims to link former communities who have this shared social and industrial history, to celebrate the canal as it is today and expand the watercourse for future generations. We work with the Canal and River Trust (CRT), local authorities and others, to dredge silted sections, reinstate derelict locks, maintain the integrity of the canal bank, control vegetation and carry out other restoration tasks to connect and extend the navigable waterway. Work has recently started on what will become the Clydach Canal Centre in Hebron Road, as a base for future SCS operations. Other initiatives such as ‘Access For All’ are being pursued to ensure that no one is excluded from enjoying activities on the water.

The canal will reach its 225th anniversary in 2023. SCS and CRT are planning a year of celebratory events right along the canal, from Abercraf to Swansea Marina, to mark this milestone. Boating festivals, museum displays, ‘parties in the park’, historical information boards, theatre productions, audio memory posts, competitive events between local sports clubs, etc. are just some of the possible activities being explored.

In part, the history of the canal and its role in the development of the Swansea valley is being remembered. SCS and CRT have a range of historical data, information and artifacts, but many local residents will also have their own, or family memories of the canal, its activities, where they played as children, or where their forefathers worked on boats, down mines, in potteries or brickworks.

SCS and CRT would welcome contributions, either orally, in pictures, as written stories or through memorabilia, to use in these celebrations. Individuals, clubs or societies who feel they can offer support, or wish to become involved in two years time, are welcome to join in our planning process.

But importantly we will also look forward, to ensure the canal is developed and maintained as an asset for the community. Our Schools Liaison Officers are working to involve pupils in both historic research and future technology projects, such as renewable energy from hydroelectric generators on the canal to provide power for local lighting, or to power an electric trip boat. Community groups with an interest in restoration, regeneration and ongoing maintenance of local landmarks or canal features, are already coming forward and the first schemes are in the planning stage.

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Work on the 2023 celebrations is just beginning. Look out for further announcements, posters, press releases and flyers as the plans and programme of events grow. To contact SCS to be involved with these celebrations, leave a voice message on 01269 613021 with brief details of your contribution, and an SCS representative will get back to you. We’re hoping to make 2023 a year to remember in the Swansea valley.

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FOR SEPTEMBER 2021

Photograph by Jeanine Bishopp.

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

by Jonathan Powell, Swansea Sound Weatherman

September may well afford us the dry, fine, and warm start that it has done on a fair proportion of times in previous years, a sort of curtain call for summer. As the shadows begin to lengthen and the nights start to pull in, there will still be some sunshine and late warmth before the sun has set. Therefore, temperatures by day will still be encouraging, but on the flip side, we can expect the first real showing of morning dew on the grass, and banks of mist over the rivers and valleys. As September progresses, autumn casts an eye over affairs and a more changeable regime looks like to settle in with wind and rain likely to signal the Atlantic's intent.

Temperatures may well still hold up so the warmth of earlier in the month won't be quickly extinguished, but perhaps with a more muggier feel to affairs. Overall, rainfall is expected to be on or above the average, with temperatures on or above the seasonal average.

Jonathan Powell, Thursday August 12th 2021

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NEW BEE FRIENDLY SCHEME FOR GRASSLANDS

A new ‘bee friendly’ approach to managing Neath Port Talbot Council’s verges and grasslands has been adopted by the council’s Regeneration and Sustainable Development Cabinet Board.

The Bee Friendly Scheme, approved on Friday, July 30th, 2021, will see a big increase in wildflower species and the insects such as bees which pollinate them in support of the council’s Biodiversity Duty Plan and the NPT Nature Recovery Action Plan.

The scheme has been prepared jointly by the council’s Neighbourhood Services and Countryside and Wildlife Teams, in consultation with other sections across the council, with the aim of increasing the area and extent of wildflower grassland in Neath Port Talbot to improve the environment and develop biodiversity.

Under the scheme, the council has introduced new ways of managing grassland areas to encourage nature: • Nectar Cut (mowing changed from a 2-3 weekly cycle to a four-week cycle allowing short-flowering plants to complete their full flowering cycle and increasing the nectar available to insects).

• Conservation Cut (Certain rural verges such as lanes between villages, which will not be cut inside the flowering season (April-September).

• Meadow Cut (certain sites will be picked for meadow management. This means letting the flowers grow between April and August, and using a ‘cut and collect’ machine to remove the cuttings, which reduces the nutrients in the soil to prevent vigorous plants out-competing the wildflowers).

As soil nutrients decrease in a grassland ecosystem, the number of plant species that can survive increases, and the dominance of coarse grasses reduces. This produces a more diverse roadside environment for wildlife and adds to the biodiversity of the area.

As the scheme progresses people will start to see a wide range of plants appearing on their local verges including Bee orchid, Dandelion, Bird’s Foot Trefoil, Cat’s-ear, Black Napweed, Common vetch, Cowslip, Cuckoo Flower and Devils’s-bit scabious.

This can already be seen in Neath Port Talbot on Harbour Way and Fabian Way, where this management has been in place for a number of years under the Conservation Sites Scheme. These stretches of road are attractive to both road users and pollinators. In fact, they are also likely to support populations of the endangered Shrill Carder Bee, which can be found in the coastal regions of the county.

Roadside verges and grasslands included in the NPT Bee Friendly Scheme will be marked with the scheme’s logo which features the Shrill Carder Bee. Road safety will always come first, which means some areas will still be regularly mown.

Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainable Development, Cllr Annette Wingrave, said: “We must act to reverse the rapid decline of pollinators like bees which are vital to our environment and also our economy and food. This scheme will enrich our environment by greatly increasing biodiversity and providing havens for pollinators.”

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A series of Active Travel Network Maps (ATNM) developed following feedback from a recent engagement exercise, are now available online for consultation.

We recently carried out an engagement exercise where we asked how the active travel facilities and routes (walking and cycling) in areas across Powys could be improved to enable more people to walk or cycle for short journeys.

Perhaps it was simply somewhere safe to leave your bike whilst you pop to the shops. Maybe a cycle lane would make you feel more confident to ride on the road. The addition of a zebra crossing may allow pupils to safely walk to and from school. Or possibly the pavement needs improving to make walking to town with the children and a pushchair easer. There were lots of different options identified to improve the active travel routes within towns.

Following feedback from residents, town and community councils, schools, and other stakeholders, we have developed the draft Active Travel Network Map (ATNM) for each of the county’s 11 designated active travel localities (as defined by Welsh Government).

These ATNMs show all the active travel routes previously identified in 2016/17, along with the suggestions and aspirational additions and improvements to the network following the feedback received during this year’s recent engagement exercise.

Whilst we have not been able to include every suggestion, due to practicality, we have endeavoured to include as many routes and recommendations as possible. It is, however, worth remembering that these routes are currently aspirational only, and show the communities vision of a future active travel network in the town.

“The Active Travel (Wales) Act 2013 aims to make Wales a walking and cycling nation.” Explains Cllr Heulwen Hulme, Powys County Council Cabinet Member for Environment.

“With the recent feedback from residents, community groups, schools, families and other stakeholders, we have been able to develop updated maps identifying potential future active travel routes within the 11 designated localities (the largest settlements within Powys, as designated by Welsh Government).

“Now these plans have been drawn up, it is time to ask you once again, to take look at the potential ideas and confirm we have interpreted all your responses correctly. This final part of the consultation process is important, and we want to know we’ve got it right before we take the plans to develop the county’s active travel routes any further. The engagement we have already had with stakeholders has been invaluable and we are grateful for their continued contribution. Diolch pawb.”

These 11 ATNMs are now available for you to review for 12 weeks, until 7 November 2021.

This is your opportunity to make sure we have interpreted the engagement exercise feedback correctly.

To view the ATNMs visit Active Travel at https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/3962/Active-Travel If you spot any potential issues with the proposed routes, please send your feedback via email to active@powys.gov.uk.

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Eich cyfle chi i ddysgu Cymraeg gyda ni Your opportunity to learn Welsh with us Cyrsiau Cymraeg newydd yn Abertawe a CNPT New Welsh courses in Swansea and NPT 2021-2022 Dulliau dysgu hyblyg Flexible learning options

Ewch i’r wefan am y codau gostyngiad See website for discount codes

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01792 60 20 70

dysgucymraeg@abertawe.ac.uk learnwelsh@swansea.ac.uk

Specialists in Solid Fuel Burner Installation, Repair and Maintenance.

6 Sta�on Road Ystradgynlais Swansea SA9 1NT Tel 01639 849581

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M: 07904 861 845 T: 01639 844049 Gas Safe registered plumbing service provided by A. E. Davies

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

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.

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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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Donations welcome in support of local charities

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FREE COMMUNITY DAY FOR YSTRAD

To celebrate the easing of restrictions and the opening up of community and club activities along with live music, you are cordially invited to a Community Day at the Gorsedd, Ystradgynlais starting at 11 am and going on until late evening. This is a free event open to all and has been put in place to encourage community activities and to celebrate live music. There will be family fun and interaction zones in the park from 11 o’clock onwards with representatives from a wide range of sporting and leisure clubs who will encourage adults and children to join in the fun.

To entertain and amuse the kids there will be Street Theatre performances in the afternoon and evening.

If that wasn’t enough, there will also be two free party in the park concerts with a Matinee at 3 o’clock and a main event evening show at 7 o’clock. “Business as Usual” will bring a big smile to your face and get your feet tapping. A bar and BBQ will be available on the day/evening, so all you need to do is bring your chairs and blankets. The shows will be Rock & Roll themed with several well known local artists and we can guarantee you will not be in your seats for long.

Main Activities on the day are : 11 am - Park Sport & Leisure Activities Begin 2 pm - Street Theater Performances 3 pm - “Business as Usual” Matinee Performance 5 pm - Street Theater Performances 7 pm - “Business as Usual” Main Event This event is free and open to everyone and is brought to by The YVC, Discover Ystradgynlais and The Welfare

JOHN BOYLE Wanting to change an unwanted habit or limitation?

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or via email on nickwilliams880@gmail.com

Ystradgynlais Foodbank Ystradgynlais Foodbank are delighted to have been awarded a 5* Food Hygiene rating by Powys County Council.

None of this would have been achieved without the dedication, commitment and hard work of our amazing volunteers so THANK YOU to you all for the part you have played in this amazing achievement.

If you would like to make a donation of food items these can be dropped off during our opening hours.

Opening Hours Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am until 12pm

Ystradgynlais Foodbank

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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

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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?

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!

Continental Car Sales * Appointment only. Call 01639 731000 to book.

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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.

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34

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VISITOR: WOODPIGEON WELSH NAME: YSGUTHAN While the breeding season is well and truly over for most birds by this time, the Woodpigeons will be busy raising their second or even third pair of chicks this season.

They are one of a few species that actually produce ‘crop milk’ to nourish their young, similar to that of mammals’ milk.

With its grey upper parts, pink breast and it’s gloriously round belly, the woodpigeon is the UK’s largest breed of pigeon, while it’s flash of blue-green and white neck feathers make the adults easy to identify.

Large numbers of the birds are shot each year, due to them being regarded as pests, particularly by crop farmers, as they will hit crops like rapeseed in large numbers.

People who have them as regular visitors to their feeders will know all too well that these gourmandes can scoff as much grub as seven sparrows!

To get them to visit your garden is not particularly difficult; they will happily tuck into the cheap seed mixes as well as bread and kitchen scraps, and they’re not fussy whether it’s on a table, a feeder or the floor.

Although there is no cause for concern with woodpigeon numbers, data shows that Welsh gardens are less frequently visited by them than gardens in the rest of Britain and Ireland. Even so, there is barely a fine day when you won’t hear the gentle ‘coo-coooo-coo’ around these parts.

The next time you do hear it, pay attention and you’ll notice that the end of the series of calls is marked with an extra ‘oo’.

FAVOURITE FACT:

An average Woodpigeon weighs the same as about 41 Blue Tits!

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LIVE MUSIC RETURNS

Live music fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief as live acts return to local venues. This month Ystradgynlais’s Gough Constitutional Club continues to kick off the (in)famous ‘Sunday Club’ with their weekly post-meridian rest day offerings:

GOUGH CONSTITUTIONAL CLUB, YSTRADGYNALIS Sept 5th The Something’s @5pm Sept 12th Fire Water @5pm Sept 19th White Noise @ 5pm Sept 26th This River @5pm As always, you can send us your live music events for free publication to gigs@communitymag.co.uk Events for the October issue must reach us before September 14th 2021.

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“WORLD CLASS RAIL CENTRE WILL TRANSFORM AREA”

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The Global Centre for Rail Excellence (GCRE) at the head of the Dulais and Swansea valleys will have a transformational effect on the area and the wider region, the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Cllr Ted Latham, said on a visit to the site on Friday (August 6th).

Accompanied by Deputy Leader Cllr Leanne Jones and the council’s Chief Executive Karen Jones and Director of Environment and Regeneration Nicola Pearce, Cllr Latham said the GCRE would create high quality jobs and help attract new investment.

Speaking at the site of the planned rail testing centre on the former Nant Helen open cast coal mine, Cllr Latham said: “After granting planning permission for this important project this council is now gearing up to support the GCRE as it moves towards its next phase of development.

“When completed, this centre will provide a unique capability in the UK and Europe to support innovation in the British and international rail industry.

“Very much in line with this council’s Decarbonisation and Renewable Energy Strategy (DARE) the centre will involve the testing of cutting-edge technologies making future rail transport cleaner and greener.

“It will have a transformational effect on the surrounding area and also the region as a whole, creating high quality new jobs and opening the way for further investment.”

A planning application for the construction of the was GCRE approved by Neath Port Talbot Council’s Planning Committee on 27th with Powys County Council approving the application two days later.

The Welsh Government has been working in partnership with Neath Port Talbot and Powys councils to develop proposals for the GCRE. The Welsh Government has pledged £50m to the project with £30m funding announced by the UK Government. Other funding will come from private investors.

The GCRE will cover an area of around 475 hectares and will consist of two looped test tracks, one being an electrified high speed rolling stock track (6.9km long) and the other being a low speed infrastructure test track (4.5km).

There will also be a dual platform test environment, operations and control offices, staff accommodation, shunter cabins and facilities for research and development, education and training.

Neath Port Talbot Council Chief Executive Karen Jones said: “This project will provide invaluable support to our recovery post Covid and it will also offer further economic development opportunities in the field of sustainable technologies associated with the rail sector such as electric, battery and hydrogen powered trains.”

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KEITH THOMAS GENERAL BUILDERS Keith Thomas Builders Ltd, Old Wern Rd, Ystalyfera SA9 2LL

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01639 842331 or Mark on: 07771 643 908

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Who was the human companion of ‘Gordon The Gopher’?

Name Captain Scarlet’s arch enemy?

The slogan ‘Any time, any place, anywhere’ was used to sell what?

Who played Jim in ‘The Royle Family’?

Which airport is closest to Buckingham Palace?

What is the shaft of a feather called?

What is the only English word that ends with ‘mt’?

Which is the largest national park in the UK? Somnambulisum is better known as what condition?

Royston Vasey is which comedian’s real name?

Richard Attenborough was a director of which football team?

A doner kebab is the national dish of which country?

Name the 2nd smallest planet in our solar system?

What is the only letter in scrabble to score 5 points?

In music what does ‘Presto’ mean?

Who played the character Jinx in a 007 film?

A tin wedding anniversary is how many years marriage?

Which song urged you to push a pineapple and shake a tree?

19th of February 1960 is the birthday of which of the Queen’s children?

Which of the Costas is furthest west?

What fruit is used in Melba Sauce?

Name the first man made thing to break the sound barrier?

What was Bruce Springsteen’s first UK no 1 hit?

Other than a sword, dagger or spear, what else was a gladiator armed with?

What is tofu made from?

Which fishy captain was in tintin?

What do you call ground that is permanently frozen?

In what sport would you find the ‘super g’?

Name the largest moth found in Europe.

‘Dry moon alien’- anagram of a famous writer and actor

Now turn the page for the picture quiz.

Answers are printed at the back of the magazine 43

DINGBATS - Can You Decipher Their Meaning?

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2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 66

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46

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Glantawe Carpets Ltd Station Road Ystradgynlais Mr. P. Rowe, Editor August 2021 0639 Mag

Dear Phil, Just a quick apology.

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Probably mainly YOUR FAULT! 0639!

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Regards, Gethin

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49

NATIONAL GARDEN SCHEME NEWS Help us celebrate our gardens and raise funds for some of the UK’s best-loved nursing and health charities by hosting a Great British Garden Party.

Create a wonderful sense of occasion and have fun with our three step guide to make your flower crown at ngs.org.uk/fundraising-tips/ Tracey Cresswell shares some cake decorating ideas with a wild garden theme. Learn how to make bumble bees and chocolate honeycomb and beautiful butterflies to lend a sense of fun to your cup cakes. And how edible flowers can add the perfect finishing touch.

To watch the video go to ngs.org.uk/plan-yourevent-tips-and-inspiration/ The official Great British Garden Party dates are Saturday 4th to Sunday 12th September, but choose when is best for you.

Together we can help support our nurses and celebrate the joy our gardens give us.

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

Visit ngs.org.uk/vote-for-the-nations-favouritegarden/ before 30 September to vote in the ‘Nation’s Favourite Garden Competition’. Gorsty House, Montgomery is 1 of 4 in the Wales & The Marches region shortlist. For more see facebook. com/gorstyhousegarden There will be one winner for each of seven categories and one overall champion.

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5th Sept noon-5pm Vaynor Park, Welshpool, SY21 8QE Teas available

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11th and 12th Sept 2 to 5.30pm Church House Llandefalle, Brecon LD3 0ND

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(Loans subject to status. Express Loan 42.6% APR. Maximum repayment period 24 months)

15th Sept The Kitchen Garden, Ty Mawr, Llangasty, Brecon LD3 7PJ Tickets need to be booked online at ngs.org.uk for tours at 11am, 12.30 and 2pm Admission includes talk and tour of this new garden opening for the first time in 2021.

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19th Sept 2-5pm Pen-y-maes, Hay on Wye HR3 5PP Here vegetables grown for the eye and the table mix with pretty flower borders, soft fruit and climbers.

An orchard of low apple varieties, perry pears, quince and a fine Mulberry.

Contact the office to apply or visit the website for further information

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LET’S TALK – SO YOU CAN SET THE AGENDA FOR OUR FUTURE

Neath Port Talbot Council is going to start the biggest and most important conversation it has ever had with those living and working in the area.

As the county borough shifts towards recovery from the history making Covid pandemic, no job, no school, no factory and no office will be quite the same and the future shape of our area will be under increasing focus.

That is why the council is this week launching the Let’s Talk campaign which will not ask people to respond to any proposals – its sole aim is to invite you to talk to us about what matters to you most.

For instance, while the pandemic kept us apart, it showed that when we work together we can make a difference - so the council would like to know how that community spirit can be tapped into and maintained to help us build a better future.

The council wants to know what people would like Neath Port Talbot to look like in five, ten or 15 years from now in all sorts of areas such as jobs, clean streets, clearer air, greener environments and stronger communities.

The same goes for the businesses which have kept Neath Port Talbot going during the health crisis. Many survived and regrettably many did not, but lots found new ways of working, explored new markets and created new partnerships.

Now, Neath Port Talbot Council wants to tap into this spirit of collaboration, so that you can help us serve you better.

Over the next few weeks, the Let’s Talk campaign will be visible on posters on signs and many other places – online and offline - and you will be able to communicate your ideas for a better NPT in a variety of ways, Visit the website www.npt.gov.uk/letstalk, look out for #LetsTalkNPT, email letstalk@npt.gov. uk with your thoughts, or go straight to our online questionnaire at https://wh.snapsurveys.com/s. asp?k=162645354073 You can also send in pictures of what you really like in the area – and what you really don’t like. There will also be a chance to get creative and write poetry about where you live and how you’d like that place to be in the future.

The idea is that you set the agenda for recovery from the pandemic.

What this council does is done for those living and working here. So, your views, your concerns and your ideas are important to us. You can help shape what the council does in the future.

Later this year, the feedback from Let’s Talk will be used to develop a recovery plan based on what those working and living here have told us they want.

Our resources are not unlimited, so we can’t promise to do everything. But we can promise to listen and to take your priorities into account in our planning.

So, let’s talk and together help our communities progress.

51

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Aries – The new moon on the 7th falls in your daily work routines and will signal a new beginning in your schedules. You will find a way to add more into your time slots and hopefully be able to find time to relax as well. Venus in your partnership zone until the 15th will make you more charismatic and in your close partnerships you will get the responses you want. A great time to forge ahead with plans for career options.

A lot of support from friends and acquaintances who have similar ideas to you.

Taurus – You have a lot of fun ideas and you will get invites from friends which may take you away from home and out of your comfort zone. There may be tension with close work pals; these need to be resolved by the middle of the month. The full moon falls in your friendship zone on the 20th and will complete a cycle giving you the chance to re-assess your relationships which may no longer be valid. Career and work prospects are on the increase with either a proposal or good news from one of your closest colleagues.

Gemini – Conflicting views with family members may put you on the defensive, these will straighten out quite naturally by the 15th of the month. The new moon in your home zone on the 7th will set you on a new course. You may go on a spending spree wanting to refurbish and re-decorate at home. You feel like adding something new. Travel will be in your immediate plans and this may be work associated. It is something you will look forward to. You are keen to begin a new project which is both creative and productive.

Cancer – You will resolve certain issues to do with travel and expanding your horizon. You may sign up for a course which will set you up for a new adventure. You like looking towards the future, with a clean slate and trying out new ideas. Friendships and new influences encourage you to do this. After the 15th with Mars in your home zone you are assertive and get some things out of the way that you have been planning for a while and not gotten around to yet. This is a good time to go into a joint venture.

Leo – The new moon falls in your money zone on the 7th and will be a good time for you make financial plans and try new ways of budgeting. You are motivated and eager to get on with these. Changes to do with career and work will be exciting and open new doors for you. You will be keen to get into anything new work wise, and try out new ideas plus find new people to work with. Both influences in your close relationship section are positive. One brings you new opportunity and support, the other brings you discipline and organizing skills. A lot of your plans will move forward.

Virgo – Mars in your sign till the 15th makes you very confident and sure of yourself. You know what you want and you will be quite fearless in the pursuit of any of your goals. The full moon on the 20th in your close partnership zone will end a pattern and begin a new one for someone very important in your life either to do with love or business. This is your birthday month so new determinations and a good look at where you are heading is on the cards. An unexpected trip may materialize suddenly.

Libra – Mars will enter your sign on the 15th and give you that extra incentive you need to get things on the go. You will be full of energy and resourceful in your endeavours. Shared money or joint investments may surprise you, giving you a windfall of money so that you can finance new projects. The full moon on the 20th falls in your daily work routines which also covers health and diet, so you will be ready to let go of the old and bring in the new. There is both structure and benefit available in any new projects you wish to pursue.

53

Scorpio – You have landed on your feet after a stressful time. Things seem to be back in sync and you are very glad. The new moon falls in your friendship zone on the 7th and will bring you into contact with new circles of friends. You have excitement and adventure beckoning through your close one to one partnerships, and you will want to start working out plans for the future. This will give you good things to look for to and also enable you to let go of the past and begin afresh.

Sagittarius – A new phase at work or career related projects will begin with the new moon in this part of your chart from the 7th and enable you to start anew either at a job or under new circumstances. In either case it will bring a welcome change. You are full of confidence and always outspoken and eager to get on with a new chapter of your life. You feel that a complete change is called for and you are willing to take the necessary steps for yourself and your family to ensure this all goes smoothly.

Capricorn – Pluto is lessening its grip but still transiting your sign bringing with it upheaval, change and transformation. If you have been feeling like everything is getting on top of you, try and get away for something of a relaxing break to recharge and refuel. The new moon on the 7th falls in your travel zone, and this would be an ideal time to book a trip away from home. Mars enters your career zone on the 15th and you will use your assertive, leadership qualities that are so much part of who you are. Making things happen and getting results will certainly help you.

Aquarius – The full moon falls in your finance zone on the 20th and this is a turning point for you, as you have been planning for the future. What you can afford and what you wish to do will have to tally up so that you can move forward. Keeping an eye on budgets will give you the means to do this. Unexpected changes to do with your home and immediate surroundings may be on the cards. You have an unpredictable side to your nature that may be stirring you into big changes. Jupiter in your own sign makes you feel very optimistic about plans.

Pisces – You are reaping the benefits of your patience and determination after several difficulties. You will quickly regain momentum and get back on track. The new moon falls in your one to one close partnership zone on the 7th and will give you the chance to get agreements renewed, adding new ideas and gaining momentum. You will be outspoken and keen to try out new things. You are very determined to put plans into action and if other people cannot keep up to speed, you will have no time to spare for them.

The year ahead for

virgo

At exactly 11.30 pm gmt on 22nd of August 2021 the sun enters the sign of Virgo and for all of you born under this sign, the following ingredients will colour your years 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 show a very sociable side of you, involving yourself with groups and activities taking you out and about. You will be drawn towards people and places that give you freedom and space to interact and exchange ideas.

You are interested in many different topics and it will be easy to make new connections.

LOVE – A more emotional side of your nature will become apparent and you will be drawn towards helping those in need. Humanitarian instincts guide you to assist others. In your own personal relationships, you will show empathy and be able to give support very easily and generously.

MONEY – You will be strict with yourself, using discipline and motivation to make things work out for you. You feel more driven than ever to succeed and make a go of things. You have objectives and goals that you want to meet and nothing will be allowed to stand in your way.

GENERALLY – It looks like all systems go, you will find the resourcefulness to make successes.

You have strong aspects that enable you to manage and cope with anything that comes at you and turn it into a strength!

54

Lots of love and best of luck from Izabella Vlahavas

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This month I would like to talk a little about design work on memorials. It is very often the case that a customer wants a design to be created that either highlights a particular passion of their loved one, or perhaps shows a lifetime’s commitment to a particular job or profession.

I have been asked to do all manner of designs; from a daisy for a lady called Daisy to a miner’s lamp for someone who had spent a long career underground (before you ask, yes – I want a headstone on my headstone!).

If a design is relatively straight forward I will do it myself and I can do a wide range of both etched and painted designs, however it is important to know your limitations and there are some designs that really require an artist to do justice to the customer’s wishes. The difference that an artist will bring is, more often than not, in the areas of shading and painting and I have shown some examples that illustrate this.

Whether the design is done by me in my workshop or an artist, you can be sure that we will do everything we can to ensure the design you choose is completed to the highest standards.

Remember I am always happy to advise you on this and any other issue relating to memorial masonry.

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

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A beautiful new collection of original acoustic guitar music and new Welsh poetry Available to download from:

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‘Dychweliad y Barcud Coch/The Return of the Red Kite’ 59

also available for streaming/purchase on iTunes, Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, Amazon, Tidal etc.

Need advice? Antonina is here to help!

Dear Readers I can’t believe how quickly this year has gone. And what an eventful year it has been! It was September 2020 when I was invited to write this column and I want to thank all of the people who have written to me, sharing their issues. It has been a joy to meet them when they have taken up their free consultation, also to meet the people who have become clients after reading this column.

Let’s turn to this month’s letter which sadly demonstrates that not all anniversaries are happy ones...

Dear Antonina, I am dreading my 12th anniversary due in November. I found out by chance that my family are arranging a big surprise party to celebrate. However, I have been thinking about divorce and I am not in the mood to celebrate a marriage I realise was a big mistake. We have both spent so much time at home during lockdown that I found my husband really irritating and I have now come to the conclusion we have very little in common. A few years ago we went through the ordeal of IVF twice but were unsuccessful. Our relationship has never been the same since. I know I want to end our marriage but every time I try to talk about how I feel I just fall apart, panic and get so stressed I am sick. On top of everything I don’t want to let my family down and I feel like running away.

Mel

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Dear Mel I am sorry that you are feeling so stressed. This past year has put a lot of pressure on many relationships. Many people I see have been going through similar issues having spent an unusual amount of time with their partner. For some, it has brought them closer together but unfortunately for others, it has brought up the fracture lines in their relationship. It is not often recognised just how very stressful IVF can be.

Firstly, it is worth clarifying what is going on for you and that can be very difficult when you are so stressed. In order to get clearer you may want to use hypnotherapy to learn how to relax, take control and reduce the stress. Once you have a grasp of the situation and your options (which are always more than you think at first), hypnotherapy can help you to build up your confidence to make choices which are right for you, and then act on your decision. As the

party is happening in a few months you may want to consider whether you feel more comfortable going along with what the family has organised or ask them to cancel and explain why. Alternatively, you might want to encourage them to make it more of a general family celebration as so many families haven’t been able to see each other for a long time.

There are specialist organisations such as Relate which you and your husband may want to consult. However, if you decide to pursue a divorce, this can be a very stressful process to go through. Handling what is often an emotionally charged situation for the couple and everybody involved, including close relatives and friends.

Hypnotherapy has been proven to help people build their resilience and internal resources. I really look forward to meeting you and discussing how I can help you to navigate this challenging situation. I wish you all the best.

Antonina 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.

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SPICY COCKLES

A few nights ago I found myself with a glut of shelled cockles and fancying doing something different with them, so I set about creating this spicy dish that makes a good starter for 4 or main for 2. Serve with flatbread and plain boiled rice.

400g shelled Cockles

INGREDIENTS

½ tsp English Mustard

1 – 2 tsp Pakistani Bassar Mix 2 tsp Panch Phoron (Indian 5 Spice: Cumin, Mustard, Fenugreek, (or use a Curry Powder) Nigella and Mustard seeds in equal quantity) 1 Tbsp Creamed Coconut, crumbled ½ Red Onion, sliced thinly A good pinch Chaat Masala 3 long Green Chillies, sliced A few coriander leaves to garnish 1 Tomato, diced 2 Tbsp Oil 2 tsp Garlic and Ginger paste (or 2 cloves of Garlic and 7g fresh ginger)

Method

Heat the oil to a medium/high heat, add the panch poron and sliced chillies and cook for a minute or so until the mustard seeds pop.

Add the red onion and diced tomato, lower the heat a little and cook until broken down and combined. Add English Mustard and stir through.

Add Garlic and Ginger (paste or fresh), stir through and cook out for a couple of minutes.

Add the Basaar and stir through. If it begins to stick or look too dry just add a good splash of boiling water and stir, crumbling in the creamed coconut as you do. Simmer until the coconut has all dissolved.

Add the cockles, raise the heat and stir fry quickly, ensuring they are all well coated. When they are all piping hot, plate up.

Sprinkle with the chaat masala and garnish with the coriander leaves.

Phil 63

A Little Local Knowledge...

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