Diary

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Diary
The District
JANUARY 16
FREE COPY
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Telephone 01443 223826
e-mail: districtdiary@btinternet.com
www.districtdiary.co.uk
Copydate for February issue 14th January
The District Diary is a free paper with a
monthly circulation of 10000 copies.
8000 copies are delivered directly to homes in
Llanharan, Brynna, Bryncae, Talbot Green, Pontyclun,
Miskin and part of Pencoed. The remaining
copies are left in shops, post offices, newsagents,
pubs etc. in Llanharry, Llantrisant,
Mwyndy Cross, Ystradowen and Groesfaen.
40 x 44mm £16
40 x 91mm £28
50 x 91mm £35
60 x 91mm £42
70 x 91mm £49
Advertising costs are as follows:
80 x 91mm £56
90 x 91mm £63
1/4 page £85
1/2 page £125
Full page £190
All + VAT
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy The
District Diary cannot be held responsible for any errors within the
publication. Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the
paper. We reserve the right to edit any items submitted to the paper.
Quiz Answers
Our Christmas quiz was
won by Karen McGrath
of Pontyclun who will
receive a M&S voucher to the
value of £25, the runner up
who will receive a £10 voucher
was Mrs Chvech of Orpington
in Kent. Thank you to everyone
that entered, the answers are
as below:
1. Ebenezer Scrooge in
Charles Dickens’ 1843 novel: A
Christmas Carol
2. Frosty the Snowman
3. Dumbledore in J.K.
Rowling’s, Harry Potter and the
Sorcerer’s Stone
4. The Grinch in How The
Grinch Stole Christmas
5. The Conductor in The Polar
Express
6. George Bailey in It’s a
Wonderful Life
7. Bob Cratchit!
8. A button!
9. 364 Gifts!
10. It’s A Wonderful Life
11. Miracle On 34th Street
12. A pool
13. 26th December
14. Jacob Marley
15. Holiday Inn
16. Norway
17. Comet, Cupid, Dasher,
Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Donner,
Blitzen (or Dunder and Blixem)
18. White
19. Clarence
20. Balthasar, Melchior, Caspar
(or Gaspar)
21. Christmas cracker
22. Dr Seuss
23. Mexico
24. Robert Burns
25. Six
26. Anthony Hopkins
27. H2O
28. George the Fifth (in 1932)
29. I saw Mommy kissing Santa
Claus
30. Oliver Cromwell
31. Christmas Past, Christmas
Present, Christmas Yet to
Come, and Jacob Marley
32. Christmas tree
33. White Christmas (by Bing
Crosby)
34. Only Fools and Horses
35. Mary’s Boy Child (Harry
Belafonte and Boney M,
respectively)
Cover Picture: St Paul’s Players at their pantomime
performance ‘Robin Hood’.
This superb Bellini
218 cm wide x 210cm
high Sliding Door
Wardrobe in In San
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Western Avenue,
Bridgend Industrial Est.
Bridgend CF31 3RX
Tel: 01656 657526

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Learning made fun!
Musical Minis is a pre-school
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physical and emotional development through the use of music,
instruments and stories in a relaxed group atmosphere.
Please contact: Jo Weaving 01446 733788
www.musicalminis.co.uk Parties also catered for
S N I P P A Z
BARBER SHOP
LLANHARAN SQUARE
Appointments not necessary
Open Mon & Fri 9.15 - 5.00
Tues 2.00 - 7.00 Thur 9.15 - 7.00
Sat 9.00 - 2.00 (closed Wed)
Tel 01443 223642
EAR
PIERCING
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Watch top sport live at The Turberville
Saturday 30th
LIVE BAND
See board for details
FREE JUKEBOX
every day 7.30pm - 10.30pm
EVERY FRIDAY FREE POOL
We now have COORS LIGHT on tap
A wide selection of cask ales and ciders available from major
and micro breweries Look us up in CAMRA guide
LOOK UP TURBERVILLE HOTEL ON FACEBOOK
OPEN from12 noon weekdays & 11.30am Sat / Sun
CYNLLAN LODGE
KENNELS
CYNLLAN
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Old Llanharry Road, Llanharan Member of Pet Care Trust
Tel: 01443 226659 Fax: 01443 230857
www.cynllanlodgekennels.co.uk
Up to 80 dogs catered for,
each with individual kennel
and covered run.
30 twin cat chalets indoors.
Fully inoculated dogs & cats only
ADULT OBEDIENCE TRAINING
and PUPPY SOCIALISATION CLASSES
start before puppy is 16 weeks old and fully vacinated
Despite the lack of maintenance by RCT Council
on the Old Llanharry Road these kennels were
selected to house 60 specialist Police Search
Dogs to safeguard world leaders attending the
NATO conference at Newport in September 14.
HOORAY, HOORAY the old Llanharry Road
has a new smooth surface
Proprietor Haydn Lane (M.B.I.P.D.T.)
Over 40 years professional dog handling experience
Live Sport shown on 7 screens
including BIG SCREEN
showing major Premiership games
Sat 2nd West Ham v Liverpool 12:45
Sat 2nd Watford v Man City 17:30
Sun 3rd Crystal Palace v Chelsea 13:30
Sun 3rd Everton v Tottenham Hotspur 16:00
Sat 16th Aston Villa v Leicester City 17:30
Sun 17th Liverpool v Man Utd 14:05
Sun 17th Stoke City v Arsenal 16:15
Mon 18th Swansea City v Watford 20:00
Sat 23rd West Ham v Man City 17:30
Sun 24th Everton v Swansea City 13:30
Sun 24th Arsenal v Chelsea 16:00
PRIVATE FUNCTION ROOM
available for all parties and occasions
Buffets available or bring your own
We are a dog friendly pub
Talbot Green
Hello Everyone,
I
sincerely hope that you have
all had the most wonderful
Christmas and may I wish
you all a very Happy New Year.
Sad News: We don’t very
often hear the name of
Talbot Green in and on the
news, they usually say near
Llantrisant. Unfortunately
Talbot Green was on the
news last month because of
the tragic deaths of Stuart
Bates,43 and his seven year
old son Fraser. They were
both knocked over by an Alfa
Romeo car on the A4119
near the Arthur Llewelyn
Jenkins junction at 12.30am
on Sunday 6th December. Mr
Bates died shortly later in the
Royal Glamorgan Hospital and
Fraser died in Bristol Children’s
Hospital on Sunday evening.
The Police kept me informed
and abreast of the situation
throughout the day and they
are still asking for anyone who
saw the collision or with any
information about the car to
call them on 101. This part of
the A4119 is actually not in my
ward of Talbot Green, it’s in
Pontyclun but I will be raising
safety issues about this road
which is sometimes used like a
motorway or a race track, with
highway officers. Of course
our deepest condolences are
sent to Mrs Anna-Louise Bates
and their daughter, Elizabeth,
3. I’m able to inform you
that the Community Centre
Committee have told me that
all the money raised from
ticket sales at the Christmas
lunch will be donated to the
Talbot Green charity that Mr
Bates supported himself, 2
Wish Upon a star, in their
memory. A lovely gesture -
thank you.
Post Office: David and I will
leave the Post Office when we
close at 5.30pm on Monday
January 18th. It will then
be closed for two weeks,
re-opening as a Spar Shop
and Post Office on Monday
February 1st. For clarity, the
Post Office is remaining in the
same building and, apart for
the short break to re-fit the
shop, it will remain open as a
Post Office and it will continue
to be your Post Office so
please keep supporting it.
I wish Sheila Purewal and
her new staff all the luck in
the world and I can’t leave
without thanking Joan and
Joyce for many, many years
of loyal and devoted service
to us and you. Thank you
both so very much. They have
decided, like David and I, to
retire.
Pet Shop: Owners of the ex
pet shop on Ely Valley Road
have applied for planning
permission to turn the ground
Gez TAXIS
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01443 224 777
floor into a tea room and
upstairs to a function room.
Personally I think we have
enough café type of shops
already but I won’t stand
in the way of this planning
application and I wish them
well.
Lanelay Hall: At last Lanelay
Hall has been sold and
a planning application
from Barratt Homes for 87
houses on the site has been
approved. The view from
my bedrooms onto the hall
will be lost forever but more
houses are needed in the
area and I’ve not apposed
the application. There will
be mixture of 1 & 2 bedroom
flats and 3, 4 & 5 bedroom
houses. I’ve made sure
that the hall itself has been
protected and will remain as
flats with a large public open
space to the front. Many of
the mature trees on the site I
have likewise protected. The
Smaelwg mountain road will
be diverted into and out of the
new estate and will enter/exit
not by the old bridge but onto
the big roundabout. This will
make this road much safer.
Crossing: Years ago I asked
that a planning section 106 be
applied so that the builders
pay to upgrade the zebra
crossing on Lanelay Road
into a pelican crossing. I’m
now delighted to be able
to tell you, especially for
the residents of Forest Hills
and Lanelay Park, that my
application has been granted
and before one Barratt home
is occupied, the new pelican
crossing must be up and
running. I’ve worried and
campaigned for years that
someone, especially a child,
may get hurt on the existing
zebra crossing because drivers
ignore it and it is hard to see
at night. There will now be a
light controlled crossing that
will make it safe to cross the
road and slow down vehicles
using this stretch of road.
What a result - brilliant - I’m
chuffed to bits!
Recycle Centre: You should
have all received a letter
telling you about the new
waste and re-cycling facility
in Llantrisant. This is great
news for the area. It can be
found just past the Royal
Mint by turning left. Off
Llantrisant Business Park at
Pant-Y-Brad off Heol Sarn.
You will drive up a large ramp
on to the top of a building ,
below which large containers
are located. This will allow
you to drop your items into
the relevant sections. Please
note that the centre will only
accept material which can be
recycled.
Bags: I asked a question in
the Council Chamber last
month about recycling bags.
People are telling me that the
people on the rubbish wagons
no longer supply bags. My
question was answered with
an emphatic “no problem,
nothing has changed” I beg to
differ as I’m getting so many
complaints and more and
more people are coming into
the Post Office to get bags,
continued overleaf.......
TALBOT GREEN
POST OFFICE
01443 224217
FROM FEBRUARY 1ST
UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
ALL POST OFFICE SERVICES AVAILABLE
OPEN 6AM - 10PM
LICENCED SPAR SHOP
GROCERIES, WINE, SPIRITS AND TOBACCO
ALL YOUR STATIONARY NEEDS
GAS AND ELECTRIC PRE-PAYMENTS
NATIONAL LOTTERY
HEALTH LOTTERY
01443 224217

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Opening hours:
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Tel: (01685) 378769
which we supply. I need to
start a campaign. If you are
not being left bags when you
need them can you please
call 494700, report the fact
that none were left and ask
that they supply you with
them a.s.a.p. This needs to
be sorted before our whole
recycling scheme falls to bits
and people give up trying to
help.
Facebook: Arlene tells me that
she and I have been called
“unfit for purpose Councillors”
by people outside Talbot
Green on face book. It’s all
because we and RCT decided
to install street furniture to
stop people parking on the
pavement near Weavers
garage and the pelican
crossing. One shop owner
thinks we should allow people
to park there and questioned
why we were taking this action
without consulting shops and
residents. (I noticed that they
themselves were parked in a
disabled bay this evening)! I
make no excuses whatsoever
for allowing RCT to install
benches and cycle racks along
this stretch of pavements
and I don’t need people from
Miskin, Creigiau, Pontyclun,
Beddau and even Cardiff to
tell me what my residents
need. I have my ear to the
ground and I listen to what
residents want and need.
I’ve had so many complaints,
mainly from wheelchair
Tues & Wed
9am-4.30pm
Thur & Fri
9am-6pm
Sat
8.30am-1.30pm
users but also others, that
the path becomes unsafe for
them when cars and vans are
parked because of the steep
camber of the pavement. The
pavement here has had to be
fixed a few times now because
the vehicles have caused
damage to the drainage
system on the pavement.
I am elected to serve and
listen to the people of Talbot
Green and I’ll do that until
they, you, decide differently.
I am not taking away any car
parking spaces, these are
people illegally parking on a
pavement day and night and
it must and will stop. We also
have the problem of people,
mainly workers, parking on
our side residential streets.
Apparently there are other
parking issues being discussed
on this face book site, (I don’t
read or pay any attention
to it). I am well aware of all
the parking issues in Talbot
Green and have done so for
17 years. Some ill informed
people are saying we should
use the Golf Club car park!
Why should their members
allow that? Knock down the
Hand and Squirrel for a car
park even though it’s privately
owned and the ill thought
out list goes on and on! Here
are some facts. 12 years ago I
negotiated a long stay car park
near Clarke’s on the retail park
for workers. Three years ago
I had the old special school
01443
226321
4 Chapel Road,
Llanharan
(Near the station)
Salon now on Facebook
NEW DEALS ADDED EACH WEEK
Excellent prices in a friendly environment.
and library demolished and
it’s now a large long stay car
park and I am in negotiations
with Savilles and NFU Mutual
to build a double decker
car park on the site of the
Magistrates Court in Heol Y
Gyfraith. The Ely Valley Road
car park near the banks is
privately owned and managed
by a very unscrupulous outfit
called NGP. We, as confirmed
by external and internal
RCT lawyers, are powerless
to change their underhand
tactics as is Mick Antoniw our
Assembly Member - although
it all seems to be all my fault
for not agreeing with a man
from Cardiff who asked me
for parking ticket advice some
time ago and I said, as I have
told hundreds of people,
simply “don’t pay them, they
have never taken anyone
to Court” - then he had the
cheek to report me to the
Ombudsman for bad advice
- guess what? He lost and
his case was dismissed! The
simplest answer of course is
don’t park there or limit your
stay to the 30 minutes allowed
free. The biggest problem we
have within the high street
is that the businesses on the
high street all want to park
their own cars outside their
shops and offices on the road.
If they all listened to my and
Arlene’s advice and parked for
free in the Community Centre
car park, which is covered by
CCTV, and walked a very short
distance to work there would
be spaces on the high street
available to their clients to
shop. And before anyone says
anything, we park outside the
Post Office on private land
as do other people such as
Wow, Scrumps, Peter Alan,
Classic Cleaners, Talbot Arms
etc. They are not on the road
or on an official pavement.
All totally legal. Dear Dear -
that was a rant from me but
it needed to be said. People
from outside the area have
been rude to Community
Councillor Arlene Moss. If
they only knew what she
does for our community they
would back off and wish they
had someone like her in their
own community. I for one can
only admire her devotion to
Talbot Green and I’m proud
and privileged to call her my
colleague and my friend.
Xmas Lunch: As an ex-officio
member of the Community
Centre and Pavilion halls
committee I’m always
delighted as the County
Borough Councillor to attend
the OAP and disabled lunch
as a guest which I started
with the then committee in
1999. This event goes from
strength to strength with this
year welcoming over 120
guests. The small committee
with Arlene at the helm, do
a fantastic job. The hall was
decked out and looking very
festive, the four course meal
was washed down with lots
of drinks, the bingo is always
appreciated and enjoyed and
the mega raffle with nearly 80
prizes was very well received.
Our thanks to the shops who
donated prizes, to the Golf
club for a £200 donation and
to the Talbot Green Retail Park
for sponsoring the event.
Although I won’t be in the
Post Office any more that
does not mean you can’t
contact me. Whatever you
have a problem with, please
call or E-mail me and I’ll get
back to you very promptly and
I can always visit you if you
need me.
May I wish you all a very
Happy New Year and I look
forward to representing you
all again, as usual, throughout
2016.
With my very best wishes,
Paul
Councillor Paul Baccara
Lanelay House
Talbot Green
01443 223750
Paul.Baccara@rctcbc.gov.uk
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Mark M. Rees MCHs.
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Sunningdale, Coychurch Road, Pencoed
EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE
Telephone 01656 860509
Tracey Anscombe
Childminding
CSSIW Registered Childminder based in Llanharry
Part of RCT Quality Assurance Scheme
Part and Full Time Vacancies Term Time Only Contracts Available
www.llanharrychildcare.co.uk
07701022210 / 01443 230636
Pontyclun
What a Christmas in
Pontyclun!
So many people in
Pontyclun gave their
energy and enthusiasm to
making Pontyclun a wonderful
place to be this Christmas.
The Lights
The dazzling lights are
provided by Pontyclun
Community Council
working with local business,
‘Floodlighting and Electrical
Services’ . The ‘turning on’
occurred amidst the wildest of
storms but cancellation never
occurred to the people of
Pontyclun. Thanks to efforts of
the Management Committee
(Maureen, Julie, Pauline,
Denise) we celebrated inside
the Community Centre with
Pontyclun School Choir,
Cantorion Pontyclun and
brilliant local band ‘Half Tidy’.
The volunteering spirit of
Pontyclun was represented by
the numerous stalls. Café 50
provided refreshments. Huw
and Glyn marshalled the car
park like a pair of drowned
rats. Thanks to Dave and the
local police. Thanks to the
local ‘First Responders’ and
Ann who provided first aid
cover. Thanks to Sheila and
the cast of the Robin Hood
pantomime who provided
our celebrities. Thanks to
Santa’s reindeer. Thanks to
Community Council staff Cath
and Darren.
Pontyclun School Choir
returned to perform with
equal panache at the turning
on of the PAG Christmas tree
lights later in the month.
Pontyclun Pantomime
The production of Robin Hood
by the St Paul’s Players was
a hilarious masterpiece of
local theatre. Every member
of the cast, young and less
young, excelled in bringing
us the story of local people
coming together to bring
down the dastardly Sheriff
of Brynsadler. Sheila’s script
was, as always, full of wit and
proper pantomime morality
– good folk triumphing
over autocratic power.
Sylvia produced and Maddy
directed. We always enjoy
Jenny’s musical direction and
piano playing. The rock ‘n
roll finale should have been
transferred to the Windsor on
a Saturday night. Next year
the players will be performing
‘Christmas Carol’. Any aspiring
Scrooge, ghost or Tiny Tim
should go to see Sheila at
Giles Gallery.
(See cover picture)
Primary School Concerts
We attended Christmas
concerts at both our local
primary schools: Ysgol
Llantrisant and Pontyclun
Primary School. Dedicated
staff are giving our young
people a confidence in their
musicality which they will
enjoy throughout their lives. It
is a joy to behold.
Ysgol Llanhari Musical
The cast at Ysgol Llanhari
were brilliant in returning us
to the styles and sounds of
the 1980’s – some of us have
never left. A show from this
school is unique in that it
combines the talents of 3 year
olds and 19 year olds. Thanks
to staff members Angarad
Rees-Jones and Cai Hywel.
Mae’n amlwg bod gennym
lu o ddisgyblion talentog
sy’n haeddu cryn glod am eu
perfformiadau gwych!
Blown Away
Unfortunately , the RCT wind
and brass band were unable
to play at the turning on of
theChristmas lights because
of the abysmal weather. They
will be back outside the
Bute’s Hoof and Hop next
year. In the meant time they
are always looking for new
members . They rehearse once
a week at Pontyclun Primary
School. Contact Beryl Giles if
you are interested: gilesb56@
gmail.com
Cefn yr Hendy Public Meeting
23 January
The large area of open land
which runs through the
middle of the new houses
on the Hendy has been
finally transferred to your
RCT Council after decades of
negotiation. This is now your
land – 24 acres of species
rich ancient woodland, old
hedgegrow, grasslands, old
iron ore workings.
Working with the officers of
RCT Council we all now need
to discuss how we can best
manage this land so that
wildlife can prosper and we
can enjoy it.
You are all invited to a
meeting at 10.00
am on 23 January,
2016, at the
Welsh medium
primary school on
the Hendy. There
will be a short
presentation and
lots of discussion
as you share
your thoughts
along with a cup
of tea or coffee.
There will be
an opportunity
to walk the land if you are
feeling fit (bring your mac and
wellies!). See you there.
Dragon Savers
Dragon savers is a community
savings and loans cooperative
working in Rhondda Cynon
Taff. There are three branches
in RCT, including the Pontyclun
branch, and together they
have 5000 members, £2
million in savings and a loan
commitment of more than £1
million.
continued overleaf....
Café 50
THE SOCIAL CENTRE
FOR PEOPLE AGED OVER 50
AT HEOL YR ORSAF, PONTYCLUN
DAILY FOOD AND DRINKS
Lunches at £4.00 for choice of Main Meal, Dessert
and Cup of Tea or Coffee (12 to 1.30 pm)
Morning Coffee Tues & Fri (10.30 am to midday)
WEEKLY ACTIVITIES
Monday 10-12 Craft Group
Tuesday 10.30 Mature Movers
Tuesday 1.30 Quiz with Gwyn
Thursday 10-12 Yarnmongers
Friday 10.30 Laughing Wellness

We are pleased to welcome at Haveli
a new chef, formerly of the famous Taj
Hotel in Mumbai. Chef brings the true
taste of northern India with a wide
choice of Punjabi dishes using only the
freshest and finest of ingredients.
TAKEAWAY
OFFERS
FREE LOCAL
DELIVERY
INDIAN COOKING CLASSES
STARTING SOON subject to interest - Please contact the number below
Hotel
Restaurant & Bar
COMPLIMENTARY
BOTTLE OF
WINE OR COKE
with every order over £18
Our extensive restaurant and takeaway
menu includes a wide range of dishes
to suit all tastes, many of which are
prepared using traditional slow cooking
methods with hot coal and clay ovens.
10% DISCOUNT on Restaurant meals for all hotel guests
ROOMS
FROM ONLY
£55
Cheaper rates available,
contact us for details
COMPLIMENTARY
PORTION OF CHIPS
OR ONION BHAJIS
with every order
It is a part of the network of
credit unions that reaches
across the United Kingdom
and internationally. Local
employee, Owen Chown,
was recently awarded the
‘Young Credit Union Leader
Award’ by the Jamaican High
Commissioner at an awards
ceremony in London. The
RCT based Dragonsavers
was recognised as a beacon
organisation in the credit
union movement.
Llantrisant and District
History Society
The History Society meets
in Pontyclun on the second
Tuesday of each month at 7
pm at the Community Centre.
On 12 January there is a talk
by Glen Booker on “GI’s in
South Wales in World War
2”. It would be nice to say
that the music will be by Glen
Miller – but that is unlikely!
Membership of the society
is open to all of us and the
annual fee is only £10.
Chatterbooks Book Club
Is next meeting on 9 January
at 7 pm at Pontyclun
Bookshop. We will be
discussing the novel of
local author K.M, Ashman,
‘Medieval Blood’, which is
set in 13th century Syria and
Wales.
Llantrisant Folk Club
This purveyor of participative
song meets each week at the
Pontyclun Athletic Club at
8pm. On 13 January there
will be entertainment of the
Sam Kelly Trio of percussion,
banjo and guitar and “one of
the best young male voices in
British acoustic roots music”.
Giles Gallery
There is currently a big
exhibition of small art by
the ‘workers gallery’. Each
exquisite piece of art is no
more than 2.5”*3.5” and each
can be purchased for less than
£65, often much less.
And the Cuts Go On.
Since we became RCT
councillors in 2012 there has
been an annual decrease in
the money that the Council
gets from central government.
The cut in cash continues
next year, with a further 1%
cut, and over three years the
overall cut has been 10%. Only
20% of the Council’s money
comes from the council tax
you pay, the rest comes from
this declining amount of
central government grant.
We have maintained our
sense of priorities. Each year
we increase the amount
we give to schools and we
increase our spending on
social care for those in need
through illness or disability as
well as children at risk.
The rest of what the council
does: road maintenance,
street cleaning, refuse
collection, leisure centers,
street lights, parks, libraries,
day centres – all this has
been cut and cut again to
PPS CLINIC
PHYSIOTHERAPY PODIATRY SPORTS MASSAGE
CHRISTINE EVANS M.C.S.P.
PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Tel: 01443 225 471
CATHERINE EVANS
SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST
Tel: 07957 457232
TRICIA COLE BSc (Hons)
PODIATRIST / CHIROPODIST
Tel: 01443 230 378
32 COWBRIDGE ROAD, PONTYCLUN
(HPC registered practitioners)
www.ppsclinic.com
less than half of what it was.
All too often we transfer the
burden to working families
such as when we reduce
nursery education and free
school buses. Staffing levels
are reducing fast as we expect
ever more of the staff who
are left. Even now RCT Council
is consulting on a proposal
to keep libraries open by
reducing staff to one person
per library – go to Pontyclun
Library to give a view on
the proposal. There is also
a consultation on further
reductions to the youth
service.
We work with Pontyclun
Community Council to try and
fill the gaps – running Café 50,
regenerating Maesyfelin field;
but we fear that there is no
light at the end of this tunnel.
Central government seems
determined to undermine the
support that communities
need to shape their own
futures. We will resist.
RCT Swims on!
Despite all the cuts the people
of RCT, volunteer groups and
council staff achieve wonders.
The RCT Performance Swim
Squad provides the very best
in coaching and training hours
to enable sporting swimmers
achieve their full potential.
This high performing squad
has 150 members training in
all the different pools in RCT.
As a county we now have 50
swimmers who are ranked in
the top twenty five in their
age group in Wales. Becky
Lewis is a disability swimmer
who is in the Welsh squad.
The RCT squad gained 70
medals at the Swim Wales
event in Swansea and now
competes in the British
National League; they recently
competed in Jersey. The Chair
of the RCT squad is Tracy
Davies, 07989453376.
Carpets, Vinyls, Safety Floors
Laminates and Hardwoods
All Supplied And Fitted
Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning
Stain Guarding
Spot and Stain Removal
Odour and Specialist Treatments
One4All surgery
Because the Pontyclun Library
was saved from the cuts,
Rhondda Cynon Taf County
Borough Council is still
providing the One4All service
at the Library in Pontyclun
every two weeks on a Tuesday
at 11 a.m.
You can get your bus pass or
your blue badge and a range
of other council services
The surgeries in the next
month will be 12 January and
26 January.
Because this service is now
so well used it has been
necessary to introduce an
appointment system.
If you want an appointment
please telephone the library
on 01443 237843, telephone
the RCT appointment service
01443 425005, or
call in at the library.
Contact Us
As your councillors, we hold
a weekly advice surgery on
Tuesday between 10 and 11
at the library in Pontyclun.
Do come along and meet us
there.
You can also e-mail, telephone
or visit us at home.
e-mail: Margaret.Griffiths@
rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk or
Paul.Griffiths@rhonddacynon-taf.gov.uk
Tel. 01443 229301
Write to 6 Llantrisant Rd.,
Pontyclun CF72 9DQ
Paul
Griffiths
For A Free Estimate
Contact
Paul
Margaret
Griffiths
01443 629180 07764 923125

Brynna / Bryncae
AGM
The Mountain Hare
Neighbourhood Watch
held its Annual General
Meeting on Friday 20th
November at the Mountain
Hare Inn.
It was pleasing to see a good
turnout of members.
As the Chairman I opened
the meeting by welcoming
everybody and informing the
members that crime had once
again been very low during the
previous 12 months. However,
there had been a few occasions
when the Watch was able
to assist the neighbourhood
policing team with information
for crimes occurring outside
their area (i.e. camera
evidence).
The main event during the year
was the updating of the CCTV
system operating in Brynnau
Gwynion.
The new CCTV system
incorporates the latest
wireless technology with full
high definition which makes all
the difference on the quality
of recordings when required.
It’s worth remembering, of
course, that the Mountain Hare
Neighbourhood Watch has had
CCTV operating in the area for
the past 12 years and as with
everything technology moves
on.
It just shows that with a
dedicated membership who
regularly pay their annual
subscription coupled with some
annual fund raising events
enough money can be raised
to successfully apply for match
funding which is how the
watch was able to upgrade its
equipment.
The officers elected for the
coming year were:
Chairman - Roger Turner
Vice Chair- Cliff Warren
Treasurer - David O’Sullivan
Secretary - Annette Gylee,
Street Coordinators - Ian Gylee,
Heulwen Jakeman, Marilyn
Warren, Eamon McGrath and
a very warm welcome to our
new recruit this year - Amanda
Nealon. Whilst it is good to see
a new face come forward, I am
aware that some members of
the present committee have
served the watch continuously
since its inception in 2001 and
it would be good at the next
AGM in November 2016 if more
members could put their names
forward for committee to
enable those with long service
to step down if they so wish.
As with every AGM a quiz
was held to end the evening.
This year there were six teams
competing for a Drinks Voucher
kindly donated by the landlord
Mr Paul Jones.
There were general knowledge
questions and a picture quiz
which I think everyone present
thoroughly enjoyed.
At the end of the quiz I am glad
to say there were clear winners
who were Sue’s team whose
members were Ian, Annette,
Kevin, David, ,Eamon and
Marge. Congratulations!
BRYNNAU PRIMARY SCHOOL
DOSBARTH AUR
The children have been
learning about Shackleton’s Ice
Adventure and have discovered
that his stowaway was Welsh!
They have also had a visit from
PC Daniels and they wrote
a diary entry in the role of a
member of the crew from the
Endurance.
DOSBARTH ARIAN
Have been busy writing scripts
based on a journey through
space for their stargazers topic.
The school Welsh advisor was
very pleased with the class’
reading skills on a recent visit.
DOSBARTH EFYDD AND GLAS
The children have been very
creative designing a logo and an
advert for the smoothies as part
of their topic. They have also
been comparing the prices of
fruit in search for the best deal.
DOSBARTH GWYRDD & MELYN
The children have been tracking
down Professor Slime who left
messages around the school
and he has been trying to set
a bad example. To help defeat
Professor Slime the children
designed superheroes with
powers of kindness, helpfulness
and honesty. Thankfully,
Professor Slime has seen the
error of his ways and has
returned to planet Slime. In
celebration of the victory the
children held a superhero party.
DOSBARTH ENFYS
Christmas Adventures landed
with a bang! The children
have been writing letters
to Santa, making Christmas
cards and calendars. All of
the children were stars in this
year’s performance where they
told mums and dads about the
Christmas story.
BRIGHT LIGHTS OF BRYNNA
This year the village and the
school has been decorated with
Christmas lights made possible
by Llanharan Community
Council. The lights have added
an extra magical feeling to the
events. Thank you.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
Each class took part in a magical
Christmas performance this
year, which was thoroughly
enjoyed by all. Dosbarth
Enfys shared the meaning of
Christmas through a nativity.
Dosbarth Melyn and Gwyrdd
travelled the world exploring
different traditions in other
countries. The junior children
held a magical ‘Christmas at the
Movies’ where the audience
was entertained with wellknown
Christmas favourites
whilst enjoying their popcorn!
CHRISTMAS TRIPS
This year all the children have
enjoyed a visit to The Celtic
Manor in Newport where the
infants visited Santa with his
elves and the reindeer. The
junior children had lots of
laughs as well as a few wet
bottoms on the ice-skating
rink! The Infant children also
enjoyed singing some of their
Christmas songs around the
enormous Christmas tree in the
foyer, which earned a round-ofapplause
from the guests. All
the children were a credit to the
school.
PTA CHRISTMAS FAIR
Once again the PTA pulled out
all the stops to host an amazing
event. There was something
for everyone with hot turkey
rolls, craft stalls; games for the
children and most importantly
of all we had a very important
guest. Santa took time out
from his very busy schedule to
visit the children. He had a full
evening with more than 140
children to speak to.
Thank you to everyone who
came to enjoy the evening, we
raised a staggering £946.34
profit. A huge thank you to all
the members of the PTA who
made this event possible.
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL
The children contributed
messages of peace to this year’s
Christmas tree under the theme
of ‘Let there be peace on earth’
which took pride of place with
numerous trees in Llanharan
Church. A group of children
also joined the celebrations to
share carols in the church.
SAINT PETER’S CHURCH
Dosbarth Melyn and Gwyrdd
joined Reverend Babs for a
celebration of Christmas in
Saint Peter’s church where the
children sang songs.
SENIOR CITIZEN CONCERT
Pupils from the juniors
entertained the local Senior
Citizens at their annual
Christmas lunch which went
down a storm.
CONSULTATION ON PROPOSED
SERVICE CHANGE PROPOSALS
WITHIN RCT
Following on from my last
month’s article regarding the
unprecedented cuts to RCT
Council’s budget over recent
years as a result of the austerity
measures brought in by the
Westminster Government I
wish to draw your attention to
the consultation exercise being
undertaken by the Council on
the latest proposed service
changes which if implemented
would help address the budget
gap.
The services under review in the
latest consultation are:
Library Services.
Youth Engagement and
Participation Service.
Supported Bus Routes; and
Day Nurseries
Have your say!
Hard copies of the consultation
survey are available at most
Council buildings including
schools.
However if you wish to go
on line the email address is
servicechange@rctcbc.gov.uk
or telephone 01443 425014.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS
I wish to extend my grateful
thanks to Llanharan Community
Council, whose chairman is
Councillor Chris Parker, for
installing attractive Christmas
lights throughout my villages
this year. This successful
outcome has been reached
by the council working in
partnership with a very active
Residents Group led by Maria
Thomas. Also a special mention
to our volunteers David Evans
and Justin Morgan for offering
their time to install the brackets
on the business premises in the
Village so that the Christmas
Trees could be prominently
displayed.
I was greatly impressed with
the enthusiasm shown towards
this project from the outset
and therefore I was more than
happy to allocate money from
the wind farm fund to show
everyone involved that I fully
supported their endeavours.
I have been reliably told that we
can expect even better displays
next year. Roll on 2016!
DOLAU PRIMARY SCHOOL
CROSS COUNTRY
The cross country team went
to Trelai Park, Ely on Thursday
19th November to compete in
the finals for Sports Wales. It
was real cross country weather
with lots of rain and wind
which made for boggy running
conditions. All of the children
ran really well and special
mention goes to two children
who despite losing a shoe when
racing and another falling over
mid race, still carried on to
finish the race! After the races
were finished and scores were
in, everyone was delighted to
find out that Year 6 boys had
won their race and they were
presented with a trophy to
bring back to school.
On Saturday 21st November the
cross country team attended
continued overleaf.....

jayne.howard@assembly.wales
PONTYCLUN INSTITUTE ATHLETIC CLUB
Why not join one of our
Snooker, Darts, Skittles, or Bowls Teams
Weekly Dance Classes including Afternoon Tea
Dance, Line Dancing and Belly Dancing
Come and try our excellent range of REAL ALES
Various Function Rooms for hire for parties
of up to 200 guests with catering options available
Members and Guests of Members Only
Membership available £10.00
BRYNNA
COMMUNITY CENTRE
Available to hire for private functions,
groups and meetings
BROWNIES
Mondays
contact Jean
01656 865508
KYOKUSHIN
KARATE
Sunday
contact Richard
01443 228124
BINGO
each Sunday
& Monday Evening
TAE KWON DO
Tuesday, Friday
& Saturday
contact Hollie
07979 145894
PLAYTOTS
run during term time
contact
01443 229723
Facilities include: ALL WEATHER 3G
TRAINING SURFACE, PLAY AREA,
CHANGING ROOMS, KITCHEN,
HALL AND ROOM
For more information and for booking availability
please contact 07989 054807
To hire the 3G surface please contact
Mike on 07802 230109
QUIZ
NIGHT
alternate Sundays
at 9pm
Watch live sport
on Sky TV
Telephone 01443 222182 for more details
FREE WI FI
now available
the 2nd Bridgend Schools Cross
Country team race at Brynteg
Comprehensive. It was a really
windy day but despite that the
school still had lots of top ten
runners. Well done to everyone
who came. The next race is
provisionally set for the 23rd
January.
CHILDREN IN NEED
On Friday 13th November,
children and staff fully
supported Children in Need
again by coming into school
dressed in ‘onesies’ or pyjamas
and donated a £1. By donating
an extra 20p, pupils also
brought their favourite teddy
bears with them to school
that day. The total raised was
£562.76! Another fantastic
achievement and the school
thanks you for your continued
support.
CHRISTMAS CONCERTS
It was that magical time of year
again when the sound of Jingle
Bells filled the air! Once again
the children of Dolau Primary
School have done themselves
proud with excellent Christmas
Concert performances. Nursery
and Reception children in both
departments sang their hearts
out in a fantastic Carol Service.
Year 1 and 2 put on a baa-rilliant
performance of the nativity
musical Hey Ewe! With a gospel
choir of angels, calypso-ing
kings and square-dancing sheep
the children had the mums and
dads clapping and cheering with
pride. Blwyddyn 1 a 2 put on
a performance of a favourite
winter tale Yr Arth Eira / The
Snow Bear. All children acted
and sang wonderfully and the
audience enjoyed each scene
with different characters and
songs, especially the Penguin
Rap! The junior department
held their Carol Service outside,
around the Christmas tree
this year. There was a special
Christmas feeling as the pupils
sang and recited around the
tree with their candles and
lanterns, creating that special
warm glow!
TREE FESTIVALS
The School Council chose a
‘Winter’ theme this year to
inspire decorations for the
Christmas trees at both the
Llantrisant and Llanharan
Christmas Tree Festivals. Thank
you for all the donations of
cardboard, wool, plastic bottles
and buttons. The Junior
children enjoyed recycling
them to make a collection of
snowflakes, stars and pom-pom
decorations. The Christmas
trees were eye-catching and
Key Stage 2 looked like it had
been hit by a glitter snowstorm
by the time the children had
finished! Many thanks also to
the school choir for performing
wonderfully at both churches
during the festivals.
MAYOR’S PARLOUR
On Monday 7th December
Dolau Primary School’s Eco
Council attended the Mayor’s
Parlour to meet the Mayor
Barry Stephens. They had a
fantastic time learning about
what the Mayor does and they
discussed what they had been
doing in school to keep it a
sustainable and environmentally
friendly place.
RECEPTION TRIP TO SANTA’S
TOY MINE
This term the Reception classes
visited Santa’s Toy Mine at
Rhondda Heritage Park as a
lovely way to conclude their
theme ‘Icicles and Igloos’. The
children explored deep in the
mine, and followed Caradog
the Welsh Reindeer’s clues
to find Santa Claus. On the
way, they found an ice cave, a
candy cane and even Santa’s
train full of presents! Finally,
the children made their way
to Santa’s workshop and were
lucky enough to meet the man
himself! They even received an
early Christmas present, what a
fantastic day.
SWIMMING GALA
On Monday the 30th of
November a team of 26
children travelled to Ynysawdre
Swimming Pool for the Urdd
Swimming Gala. It was the
school’s most successful year at
the gala with 11 medals being
won throughout the day. The
girls in the year 3-4 relay team
came away with a gold medal,
boys 3-4 a silver medal, Paige
Richardson won two individual
bronze medals and Troy
McDermot winning a silver in
his individual race. The school
is very proud of all of the team
as the children were fantastic!
BRAZIL VISIT
It had been a very exciting year
for Dolau Primary School and
their international school links.
There are partnerships being
built all over the world with
the aim of developing global
citizenship skills. Miss Gwenter
and Miss Jenkins spent a week
visiting Dolau’s partner school
in Sao Paulo, Brazil, as part of
the British Council Connecting
Classrooms Project. They had a
fantastic welcome and had the
opportunity to teach in several
schools, including their partner
school, Alfredo Inacio School.
They taught the students about
Dolau, the local area and Wales.
The students responded well,
showed fantastic discipline and
thoroughly enjoyed and even
learnt a few Welsh phrases. The
students in the schools in Sao
Paulo presented presentations
and taught the teachers about
their culture, beliefs and daily
lives. Both teachers thoroughly
enjoyed and are excited to
bring a part of Brazil back to
Dolau. Dolau are now preparing
to welcome their partners in
January, and hope that this is
another sustainable partnership
that will continue to grow. You
can watch the journey of Miss
Gwenter and Miss Jenkins on
Dolau Primary’s Twitter page.
BANGLADESH VISIT
In November Miss Pugh and
Miss Osborne travelled to
Bangladesh as part of the
Connecting Classrooms project
funded by the British Council.
Dolau Primary in Llanharan
are partnered with Shabandar
Government Primary School
in Sylhet. During their visit,
Miss Pugh and Miss Osborne
received a warm and friendly
welcome from pupils, teachers
and members of the local
community. The welcoming
ceremony showcased
the culture and heritage
of Bangladesh and their
enthusiasm and commitment
towards the school partnership
was evident. A plaque was
revealed and a tree was planted
in honour of the connecting
classroom project. A teacher
from Shabandar Primary School
will visit Dolau Primary in
January 2016 to further develop
the partnership between both
schools.
POKER CHAMPION
Every Wednesday night at
the Mountain Hare Inn the
Poker players arrive to pit their
wits against each other. It’s
fascinating to see the chips
changing hands as the players
bluff and counter bluff their way
through the evening.
Although, its an honour to win
any of the Wednesday night
poker games the ultimate
prize is to win the Christmas
tournament.This year the
Christmas tournament was
held on Wednesday the 9th
December.After a close run
contest the eventual winner
was Keith Hughes[affectionately
known as ‘Crash’.]
Congratulations!
`CRASH` with his £1,000,000 bar
credit voucher First Prize,Ha! Ha!
NEW RECYCLING CENTRE IN
LLANTRISANT.
It’s so pleasing to inform
you that RCT council has
opened a new Community
Recycling Centre (CRC) in
Llantrisant which is a huge
bonus for all the residents who
live in this part of the borough.
The site is situated on Panty-Brad
Road, off Heol-y-Sarn,
Llantrisant Industrial Centre
CF72 8YR.
The new site will be a 100%
recycling facility and therefore
will only accept recyclable
material. It is hoped that
residents and users of the site
will welcome this new initiative
and by doing so will help drive
up the recycling levels for the
Council.
Items that can be taken to the
CRC
Wood, Batteries, Polystyrene,
Fridges/Freezers Green Waste
Mattresses, Engine Oil TVs/
Computers/Monitors Gas
Cylinders, Glass Carpets/Rugs
Paint, Paper, Books, Plastic,
Plasterboard, Mobility Aids
(Wheelchairs and Walkers]
Fluorescent Tubes, Rubble,
Scrap Metal, Tiles and Ceramics,
uPVC Windows and Doors,
Cardboard, Cooking Oil,
Electrical Items e.g. Kettles,
Toasters, Textiles and Shoes (NO
pillows/duvets), Cables
Opening Hours for this New
Recycling Facility are:
8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. 7 DAYS a
Week.
HAPPY RECYCLING!
Roger K Turner
County Borough Councillor
01656 863045

LLANHARRY
WORKINGMEN’S CLUB
WHAT’S ON
SATURDAY NIGHT IN THE LOUNGE FOR JANUARY
2nd - PHIL ANDREWS - Male Vocal Entertainer
9th - ALISON FARADAY - Female Vocalist
16th - KAYLEIGH - Young Female Vocalist
23rd - TINA LOUISE - Fantastic Female Singer
CONCERT HALL
Saturday January 30th TRIBUTE ACTS
OLLY MURS and TINA TURNER
Forthcoming event
Saturday 27th February TRIBUTE ACT - EAGLES
Llanharry and
Tylagarw
LLANHARI PRIMARY
SCHOOL
Barbara and I had the
pleasure of attending the
Christmas concert of years 2
and 3 and really enjoyed the
performance of their version
of Red Riding Hood. The
children all played their parts
very well, a credit to all the
staff and Headteacher Mrs
Emma Coates.
TYLAGARW _- Public Meeting
On the 12th December I
attended a public meeting
to listen to concerns from
residents regarding vehicles
doing excessive speeds
through the village down
the old Llanharry Road.
During the meeting it was
agreed that I would ask our
senior engineer in traffic
management to conduct a
survey using ATC (Automatic
Traffic Counts) system to
gather information of speed
of traffic data and suggest a
possible way forward.
Other matters were raised:
Signs obscured by foliage, no
pavements, Drainage ditch
filled in, Checking of bridge
near Boars Head, Possible
weight restrictions to reduce
large vehicles using the lane.
A further meeting was
arranged for 9th January
at 12:00 Noon to discuss
progress.
Level Crossing Closure
reminder
Renewal of the road surface
will necessitate Road crossing
closure from 2300 hrs on
Saturday 9th
January 2016
to 1100hrs on
Sunday 10th
January or until
the work is
complete.
LLANTRISANT
ROTARY SLEIGH
Saturday
December
12th saw the
first outing of
the year for
Llantrisant
Rotary Club
Santa Sleigh. Despite the
weather we managed a
couple of hours between
rain showers to cover the old
areas of Llanharry village. The
Children loved seeing and
talking to Santa.
LLANHARRY WORKINGMENS
CLUB
It was a pleasure to host a
reception for the committee
of Llanharry Workingmen’s
Club on the 10th December to
acknowledge their enormous
contribution in supporting my
charities throughout my term
of office.
I would like to publicly thank
them, they are a brilliant
bunch of kind considerate
people, an example of how
people can come together to
support their club and their
community.
Photo above shows
Committee in the Chamber
(Civic Offices)
LLANHARRY COMMUNITY
COUNCIL
The next meeting will be on
13th January at 7:15pm in the
Ambulance Hall
MAYORS DIARY -
19th Oct – 18th Nov
19th Nov
Monday 23rd November 2015
Launch of Community Road
Safety Week - Gelli Bowles
Pavilion
This Road Safety campaign
was organised by Age
Connects Morgannwg and
South Wales Police through
concerns from older residents
in the areas of Ystrad, Pentre,
Ton Pentre and Gelli following
concerns and a 300 signature
petition of road safety.
24th Nov
ARTIS Dance 2015 Muni Arts
Centre Pontypridd
A total of 27 dance groups
were performing in this
spectacular event. The
dancers aged from 3 years
to adults attend ARTIS
Community workshops. They
choose their own themes to
inspire choreography for their
dance pieces.
25th Nov
The 1st Anniversary of “Our
Place” Young Parents Group -
YMCA Pontypridd
This group of Young Parents
has now been running for one
continued overleaf......
MEMBERSHIP SUBSCRIPTIONS NOW DUE
Members, guests and associates only (Bona Fida)
Look us up on Facebook
Groups: Llanharry Workingmens Members Blog,
and/or Llanharry Hub
Telephone 01443 222217 Email: llanharry-wmc@btconnect.com
Elm Road, Llanharry CF72 9HR Chairman Cllr Barry Stephens 01656 864944
PENCOED
COMPUTER SERVICES
Computer repairs and upgrades
in your home and office
We come to you at a time to suit you
No fix no fee, No callout charge
Serving all areas covered by the Diary’s distribution
For more information please contact Barrie Roberts
Tel: 01656 861648 Mob: 07846 040258
Email: barrieroberts@yahoo.com
www.pencoedcomputer.co.uk
The 1st Llanharan Rainbow Guides are
looking for a new unit helper to assist the
guiders with the running of the unit.
If you are an adult female who has an hour to spare
each week, and would like to be involved with the Rainbows,
please give Caroline a ring on 01443 228760.
S
Sharon
Hairstylist and Makeup Artist
Qualified in all aspects of hair and makeup
including Balmain hair extensions
Providing a professional, friendly and affordable service
in the comfort of your own home
Please call or text on 07796146966
Email:sh82@hotmail.co.uk

Llanharry
Community
Centre
What’s On
JUNIOR
CLASSES
(Boys &
Girls
8 - 12
years)
Wed and Fri - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
LIL DRAGONS CLASSES
(Boys & Girls 5 - 7 years)
Tuesday 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Contact Gary on 07731 090305
Slimming World
Thur 5:30pm – 6:30pm & 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Contact Ceri on 07929 958712
Parent and
Toddler Group
Monday pm and Wednesday pm
(£2.00 per session)
Contact Katie on 07943 376908
Ballet
3 YEARS AND UP
Wed – 3:45pm – 5:15pm
Contact Ela on 07764 479663
PLAYBOX
CHILD CARE
2 TO 4 YEARS OF AGE
Mon to Fri 9:30am - 11:29am
(£4.50 per session or £20 for the week)
Contact Sue on 07949 976377
The Community Centre is also available for parties and private functions
To book the Centre please contact Sue on 07949 976377 or Barry on 07768 100210
Holiday Play Schemes run by LCDP - Contact Sian on 01443 229723
The Centre caters for residents of Llanharry and there are spaces for new
groups to utilize this important facility. Please contact Barry on 07768 100210
year with a membership of
30 young families registered
and around 20 young families
attending each week. The
project is funded by “Children
In Need” and the Pontypridd
YMCA. It runs every
Wednesday from 10:30-1:30
at the YMCA Pontypridd.
25th Nov
The Wizard of Oz - Hawthorn
High School
A fantastic production
brilliantly played by the pupils
of Hawthorn High School.
The singing and acting was
second to none, a wonderful
performance by all. Thanks
to all who were involved in
putting on this show.
27th Nov
Xmas Fayre - Ysgol Ty Coch
School for Children with
Special Needs
27th Nov
Age Connect Charity Auctionthe
Rugby Club Pontypridd
This event was generously
supported by many local
business. The total money’s
raised for the charity was
£2,400
1st Dec
Carol concert - St Anne’s
Church Ynyshir, Porth
Porth County Community
Santa Appeal
Neat Feet
Cymru
School, Alaw Primary, Cymmer
Juniors, Hafod Primary,
Pontygwaith Primary, Ynyshir
Primary and
Porth County Community
School
2nd Dec
Eye 2 Eye councillors at the
Parlour
2nd Dec
Santa Appeal - University
of Wales Pontypridd – a big
thank you to Ellen President
and Sam Vice president –
Educational Welfare Students
Union (see photo)
2nd Dec
Lord Mayor of Swansea
Mansion House - Civic Dinner
3rd Dec
60th Wedding Anniversary -
Blaenclydach
Brian and Eileen were
celebrating their Diamond
Wedding today and we were
privileged to share part of the
day with them.
3rd Dec
Promoting Pontyclun Food
Bank - Tesco Talbot Green
4th Dec
Welsh Hearts Snowflake Ball -
Marriott Hotel Cardiff
5th Dec
Welsh Hearts Carol Concert
- St Catherine’s Church
Mobile Foot Clinic
Sharon Neal SAC Dip Fhp
Registered Foot Health Practitioner
Telephone for an appointment – 07077 080199
Weekends and evenings available
Treatments offered in your own home
Nail Trimming, Corns, Callus, Cracked Heels,
Verrucae, Fungal infections, Diabetic Foot Care
Healthy Feet are Happy Feet
Pontypridd
6th Dec
RCT Carol Service – A big than
you to Cllr, Geraint Hopkins
and Cllr. Roger Turner for their
support in this.
7th Dec
Visit to Mayors Parlour –
Llanhari Primary School and
Ysgol Dolau Primary school –
ECO councils - reception
8th Dec
Xmas Concert Red Riding
Hood - Llanhari Primary
School
8th Dec
Visit to the Mayors Parlour
James Howe
8th Dec
Merthyr Civic Carol Service at
St David’s Parish Church
9th Dec
Visit to Mayors Parlour –
reception Tower Colliery
Management Team
10th Dec
The Committee of Llanharry
Workingmens Club at the
Santa Mayor
Mayors Parlour
11th Dec
Annual Christmas Lunch - St
Mair’s Day Centre
We were made very welcome
by the staff at the day centre
and were greeted by the
beautiful sound of carol
singers in the foyer.
11th Dec
Carols round the tree at The
Muni Arts Centre Pontypridd
12th Dec
Christmas tree festival (32
on display in the Chuch) and
Christmas Market – Llanharan
St Julius and Aaron Church
ADVICE SURGERIES
Can be arranged at your
convenience by contacting
me by e-mail or phoning the
telephone numbers below
Cllr. Barry Stephens JP
Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf
Tel: 01656 864944
Mob: 07768 100210
E-mail: barry@jagland.co.uk
Clwb Gwerin
LLANTRISANT Folk Club
The Club meets weekly - EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 8.30PM
at Pontyclun Institute Athletic Club, Castan Road, Pontyclun
CF72 9EH (01443 222182)
Organiser & bookings: Pat Smith (01443 226892.
Mobile: 07989 209824)
Website and FOLKWALES ONLINE
MAGAZINE: www.folkwales.org.uk/
Email: folkclub@folkwales.org.uk
FB: www.facebook.com/pages/Llantrisant-Folk-
Club/226706954032491
January 13, 2016: The Sam Kelly Trio
(£8 admission, £5 members)
March 16, 2016: Allan Yn Y Fan (£8 admission, £5 members)
April 27, 2016: Vicki Swan and Jonny Dyer
(£8 admission, £5 members)

Hi and! Happy New Year
How time flies by and we
are now in 2016, more
than half way through
the second decade of the 21st
Century. It seems only like
yesterday we were celebrating
the new millennium.
Christmas Lights: The new
Christmas Lights that have
been place on the lampposts
have been appreciated by lots
of members of the community.
We will build on this this year’s
improvements and address the
areas that have been lacking
in illumination as a priority
next year. My thanks to all
the local businesses who have
participated by agreeing to
have trees on their premises,
they all look spectacular. I
need to thank David Evans and
Justin Morgan who help the
businesses in Brynna by fixing
the brackets, trees and lights to
the walls of the premises and
to Rob Smith and Mark Pyne
who did the same in Llanharan
Square for the businesses
in that location. My thanks
also to the businesses that
erected the brackets, trees
and light themselves and to
those businesses that added to
the magic through their own
resources. Last but not least to
all those in the community who
have been inspired by adding
their own contributions to
overall effect.
Lantern Parade: Wow, wow
and wow! What a night this
turned out to be. Over 50
people set off from Brynna
Primary School accompanied
by PC Rhodi Wilson. They were
joined by several families on
the way singing carols to meet
a parade of over 70 people
from Llanharan Primary School
which was led by a PCSO. In
turn this parade was met by
over 120 people who had
paraded from Dolau Primary
school. The Dolau parade
was joined by people from
Kiddywinks nursery and The
Drop in Centre on the way and
was led by a PCSO. The united
parade then crossed Bridgend
road to come into the Miner’s
Welfare Hall.
There was hot soup and a
roll or hot drinking chocolate
available to all. Councillor
Geraint Hopkins played a
melody of Christmas Songs on
the piano and the evening was
finished off by a community
Llanharan Community
Council And Llanharan
Recreation Ground Trust
sing along of carols and
Christmas songs. It was a sight
to remember with the children
sat around the piano singing.
My thanks go to Sarah Liney
and Maria Thomas who’s
brain child this event was.
In particular, to Sarah who
undertook the administration
in conjunction with Peter
Davies, the Clerk to the
Council. To the David Evans,
Justin Morgan, Roxanne Dykes,
Stephen Stratford, Richard
Hughes, Stuart Howells, Becky
Howells, Cllr Will Thomas,
Donna White, Alex Harkins,
Cllr John Dilworth, Martin
Liney, Lynn Wools, Tony Bailey,
Melisa Bevan Saskia Bevan,
Leigh Smith, Cllr Jeff Williams
and Dean Williams who
volunteered to act as marshals
and or first aiders; to Jon
Wilson for being there to coordinate
any first aid response
that was would have been
required and to PC Wilson and
his team of PCSOs.
My thanks also to The Drop
in Centre who provided and
served the soup & rolls; to
Councillor Pam Uppal who
served the hot chocolate and
to her husband who donated
chocolate bars for each of the
children.
Also thanks to Llanharan Rugby
Club for the loan of the Electric
Piano, the portable sound
system and illuminating the
field outside the welfare hall.
Last and certainly not the least
my thanks to Councillor Geraint
Hopkins for playing the piano
and entertaining us.
If there is anybody I haven’t
mention who helped in any
way to make this magical event
happen, please accept my
apologies but you know you
contributed to an absolutely
fantastic community event!
There is no doubt in my
mind that this will become a
permanent annual event along
with Brynna Multicultural
Carnival (organised by Brynna
School PTA), The Fireworks
Display (organised by The Drop
In Centre) in the community
calendar.
Christmas Dinners: Over 80
& 120 people from Brynna
and Llanharan respectively
attended the dinners.
The food was superb and my
thanks to the caters. Our AM
Janice Gregory was present at
both dinners along with the
Mayor and Mayoress of RCT,
Councillor Barry Stephens
and his wife Barbara. It was a
privilege to present to Janice
a gift of flowers as means of
thank you to the support she
has given to the community
of Llanharan during her time
as AM representing the Ogwr
constituency.
Grants: I have been out
and about presenting the
cheques to more of our
local organisations which do
wonderful work within our
community: namely The One
Way club at Brynna Methodist
Church and the Llanharan
Rainbow Guides. (see photos)
Medical Facilities – Llanharan.
There has been no movement
this month regarding
this matter, however the
Community Council at its
November meeting directed
the Clerk to invite senior
representatives of Cwm Taf
Health Board to give the
Council an update on the
situation.
Llanharan Miner’s Welfare
Hall: It was strongly suggested
in the last Community Council
meeting that LRGT invite the
Director of Highways at RCT
to discuss the possibility of
creating a long term car park
in the Welfare Ground. A letter
has of invitation has been sent.
The Trust is now in a position
to move forward with the
redevelopment of the kitchen/
toilet area in the Hall. We
are therefore seeking the
services of a suitably qualified
architect who can help us with
this project preferably on a
voluntary basis or on a paid
basis. Please contact me if you
are able to help.
Monthly Reminders: Please
keep your dogs off all the
football and rugby pitches in
the community and also clean
up after your dog wherever
you are. There are plenty
of disposal bins around the
Community so there is no
excuse really.
Useful Contacts:
Sian Davies, Manager, Drop
In Centre 01443 229723
Email: llanharancommunity@
btconnect.com
Peter Davies, Clerk to
Llanharan Community Council
01443 231430 Email: clerk@
llanharancc.co.uk
Will Thomas, Llanharan
Recreation Ground Trust 01443
237522 Email: mail@lrgt.co.uk
Future Meetings:
The next Ordinary Council
Meeting will be on Thursday 19
January 2016 at The Llanharan
Miner’s Welfare Hall, Llanharan
at 7:00pm.
A reminder that the Minutes
of the Community Council’s
and it’s committee’s meetings
can be found at the office in
the Drop In Centre, at the
local Post Offices and on the
Community Council’s web site
www.llanharancc.co.uk
Any compliments or complaints
please contact me or Peter
Davies, Clerk to Llanharan
Community Council 01443
231430 Email: clerk@
llanharancc.co.uk
On behalf of the Community
Council may I wish you all a
prosperous and healthy New
Year
Cllr Chris Parker
Chairman of Llanharan
Community Council
Chairman of Llanharan
Recreation Ground Trust
Tel: 01443 237243
Mobile: 07737 682633
Email: chris.parker@achievez.
co.uk

Pontyclun and
District Macmillan
Fundraising Group
Last month we mentioned
two events that were to
take place and that we
would tell you the amounts
they raised.
Rob and the gang from Heath
Tyres raised a marvellous £150
for their Movember event
and a whopping £1053.00
was raised at Maddy Davises
fantastic Barn Dance. This
was so successful that Maddy
plans to hold another event
next year in the Athletic Club
at Halloween…look out for
that one!
We had a stall again this
year at Pontyclun’s Victorian
Fair on 12th December. We
collected a massive £365.45.
This total was from our raffle,
which comprised 2 fabulous
seasonal hampers, the
contents donated by group
members and supporters,
nearly £100 raised by group
member Sheila with her
stunning knitted blanket raffle
and as always very generous
support from you all. Well
done Sheila and thanks to
everyone who worked the stall
and contributed to the total.
This takes our grand total
raised to date to £37,245.62,
amazing!
We have another bucket
collection outside Argos on
January 16th. This is part of
their national programme
and we are looking forward to
meeting as many of our lovely
donators as possible. Please
come up and say hello.
Now Christmas is over and
with too much Christmas pud
and chocs etc how about
making your new year’s
resolution to get fit for the
Macmillan Llantrisant Walk on
September 4th. The route is
easy, scenic, children, family
and animal friendly. It will be a
family event and at the venue,
the Llantrisant Liesure Centre
during the day there will be
a bouncy castle & we plan to
have a big party to welcome
the walking heroes home. We
may even persuade a surprise
personality to start the event
& join in!!
Other events coming soon:
MacMillan Mammoth Quiz
February 26th Come on all
you clever clogs, join in, be
part of the Guinness Book
of records attempt to be the
largest quiz in the UK again
and help raise money for
Macmillan.
The Grand Variety Show Night,
Llanharry Workman’s Club, on
April 22nd. This is our third
Variety show we are staging
and do we plan to entertain
and delight you!
For news and details of
events, please check out our
website www.macpontyclun.
co.uk
Or our Facebook page called,
aptly enough, Pontyclun and
District Macmillan Fundraising
Group.
If you are planning a
fundraising event for
Macmillan Cancer Support
please contact us, if we can
help we will, and if you have
an idea for a fundraising
event, please let us know.
Contact:
Edwina Clark 07710198617
Pat Clash 07974183987
Yvonne Peters 07878015744
Macmillan can only fund
services thanks to the
generosity of the public. For
cancer support every step of
the way, call Macmillan free
on:- 0808 808 00 00 (Monday
to Friday, 9am - 8pm) or
visit www.macmillan.org.uk/
fundraising
Taff Ely Ramblers
Well It’s the end of
the year and what
a glorious year Taff
Ely Ramblers have had out
and about walking both coast
countryside.
Thanks to all our leaders for
some fabulous walks and we
look forward to more places
POLICE SURGERIES
LLANTRISANT – Every other Wednesday
at Llantrisant Community Council Offices.
Every Friday at Llantrisant Community Library
at Llantrisant Leisure Centre 2.30pm
to visit in 2016. Why not come
along and join us.
We meet every Sunday at
Llantrisant leisure centre at
9.15 for car share.
Saturdays as per program.
Good walking boots, a packed
lunch and wet weather gear is
all that’s needed.
See our face book
page https://www.
facebook.com/Taff-Ely-
01443 223826
districtdiary@btinternet.com
www.districtdiary.co.uk

PITSTOP
Harold Street,
LLANHARAN,
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DIESELS:
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TREE CARE:
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Tree Planting and Aftercare
Sectional Felling in confined spaces
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incl anti-freeze & battery check
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Coychurch WI
Following a warm welcome
to the December
afternoon meeting by the
president Sandra Davidson the
Williams Memorial Hall looked
very welcoming with tasty
snacks, mince pies and mulled
wine adorning the decorated
tables; and also with the stalls
promoting their Christmas
products.
After the business of the
meeting a two part fun
Christmas Themed Quiz
Llanharan OAP
Members are looking
forward to another
full year of outings
and celebrations in 2016.
From March 2015 we enjoyed
monthly outings including
shopping trips and a cream
tea on board a boat in Upton
On Severn.
We celebrated a wedding
anniversary and a 90th
birthday.
We enjoyed various speakers
with a wide variety of topics.
Our Christmas activities
included a Christmas lunch
and concert at Pencoed
Comprehensive School, a
buffet and concert at Y Pant
followed with the winning
team comprising of Sheila
Carr, Janet James, Marion
Lewis, Hilary Locke, Thelma
Taylor and Natalie White; all
good entertainment.
The meeting on January 2nd
will also commence at 1.30pm
with a fish/chicken and chips
luncheon.
We will then revert back to
our usual time of 7.30pm from
the meeting on February 6th
(the 1st Tuesday of the month
in the Williams Memorial Hall,
Coychurch).
Janet James
Comprehensive and a buffet
and concert arranged by Ysgol
Dolau School.
We entered the Christmas
Tree Festival at Llanharan
Church with a very familiar
fairy on top of the tree.
Following our annual ‘Turkey
and Tinsel’ outing in Torquay
the secretary has booked the
same hotel for 2016, more
information will follow.
Why not come along to our
first meeting on 4th January,
our hall is situated on
Llanharry Road. Contact me
(Gill) for more information on
01443 222053.
On behalf of all the senior
citizens may we wish you all a
happy and healthy new year.
Gill Richards
QUALIFIED
CHIROPODIST
Claire McKay MSSCh MBChA
For a home visit call:
07895 184 731
Pontyclun
Bosom Pals
We had our annual
Christmas lunch at
the beginning of
December in a new venue
Llanharry Working Mens Club.
The meal was excellent so
congratulations to the
club’s caterers and
also to the entertainer
who certainly provided
Christmas cheer,
jokes and music which
was enjoyed by all.
“Karaoke” is not for me
but certain people have
great voices, perhaps we
will have to join a cancer
choir!
On Saturday 12th
December we had two
stalls at the Christmas
Fayre in the Athletic Club,
Pontyclun organised by
Pontyclun Action Group.
This is definitely a popular
venue with crowds
attending the lead up to
Christmas and to see
the arrival of Father
Christmas - do hope he
DUN ’N’ DUSTED
CLEANING SERVICES
Friendly, reliable, local service
Fully insured
Weekly, fortnightly monthly or
one off clean the choice is yours
Call for free no obligation quote
got my wish list......
Please note that there is no
evening meeting in January
and February as the weather
has been so bad the last
couple of years. Instead
we are meeting during the
daytime at various
places so do contact me
on 01443 237997 or 07563
795885 for dates and details.
Tel:
01443 238797
Mob:
07876083084
LEATHER AND CARPET CLEANING now also available
Email dunndusted@live.co.uk
Mr Fix It
Home Handyman
For all your home improvements
and repairs call Paul or Gill
01443226291 / 07917044841

Probus Club
Llantrisant & District Probus
Club, following a very
successful quarter last
year with record attendances
and several new members,
goes into 2016 in good heart!
We continue to meet in
Pontyclun Rugby Club on the
3rd Tuesday of every month
from 10.30am to 12 noon.
On January 19th - Ann
Holdam will speak on “The
Dragon Savers” (Credit Union)
On February 16th - David
Salter will give a talk on
postcards Part 2.
March 15th - will be the
Annual General Meeting when
the Chairman will give his
report, officers appointed and
the accounts presented.
New members are always
welcome, we are a friendly
Club with fellowship high on
the agenda.
Your Furniture Recovered...
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Also a Mobile Upholstery Repair Service
Broken Springs, Broken Rails, Replacement Seat & Back Cushions
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Tel: 07974717162 or 01443 225946
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Tel: 01446 751346 Mob: 07990 595200
Pontyclun WI
Our last speaker of the
year was Yvonne Rees
who began by saying
that she was not a speaker !
Where do we go from here we
wondered ? Yvonne explained
that one evening in her own
W.I. the booked speaker
could not come. Her friend
said to her tell them about
your bequest, after much
persuading she did. Then
came an invite to tell her story
to other people and it went
from there. The title of her
talk was “ Going Going Gone
“. Yvonne then proceeded
to tell us about her aunt
that she visited on a regular
basis who lived in Clacton
-on- Sea. Each time Yvonne
visited her she would declare
re a lovely table and chairs “
These will be yours after I’m
gone “. Many travellers tales
later we were beginning to
wonder where this talk was
going ! Yvonne received a call
that her aunt was terminally
ill and she m managed one
last visit. No the table and
chairs were not in the will
but the sum of £ 3000 was !
Central Heating Installations
Underfloor Heating - Boiler Servicing
Bathrooms & Showers - Tiling
Free Estimates
There was an auction of her
aunt’s effects. Yvonne and
her husband went to try and
buy the chairs. First time at
an auction and in spite of
some shenanigans they were
successful. Now having got
the hang of things there
were a pair of candlesticks
which had belonged to her
aunt that Yvonne particularly
associated with her. Again she
was successful. Apparently
her aunt was a great jumble
sale fan especially at her W.I.
The candle sticks are now of
some value, which was a very
pleasant surprise ! Nowadays
car boot sales seem to be the
repository of such things. In
spite of her initial claim
Yvonne was an entertaining
speaker.
The programme for 2016 has
been finalised and we meet
again on January 19 at 7pm
in the Pontyclun Community
Centre.
Come along and see what
other interesting speakers we
have in store. Our main trip
this year will be to Hiclere
House of Downton Abbey
fame. Other delights to be
arranged !
Sylvia Cole
01443
229751
07816
886560
Competitive Rates
Gas Safe
Registration
Number:
222574
A LOCAL CHARITY
Reg. No. 703002
Is your garden run down?
Is your lawn without grass?
Are your weeds out of control?
Do your shrubs need pruning?
Do your hedges or lawns need cutting?
WE CAN FIX THEM!
LET US DO THE HARD WORK FOR YOU
Call John on 01443 237 861
for a free competitive quote
Weedkiller professionally applied by a registered operator.
MARTAL PLUMBING
NATURAL GAS and LPG
ALL PLUMBING REQUIREMENTS
GAS SERVICES - CENTRAL HEATING INSTALLATIONS
BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS - LPG REQUIREMENTS
LANDLORD CERTIFICATES
For friendly efficient and reliable service contact Martin
Tel: 01443 203037 Mob: 07772 101811
Email: martalplumbing@gmail.com
GAS SAFE
REGISTERED
230950
A&F Electrical
All Aspects of Electrical Work
Re-Wires, Extra Sockets, Fuse Board Upgrades,
Showers etc. including Cookers, Washing Machines
NO JOB TOO SMALL
01656 860164 or 07859 920226
C&L Garden & Tree Services
passionate about beautiful gardens
All aspects of garden work undertaken
Trees Felled & Lopped Garden Fencing & Decking
Hedges Trimmed Overgrown Gardens Cleared
Drives & Patios Cleaned Fascia Cleaning
Quality Work Guaranteed Jobs Big or Small Fully qualified
Call Chris on 01443 239097 / 07989 597238
All Aspects of Roofing
Work Undertaken
We provide a professional,
friendly and competitive
service for all types of roofing.
EPDM
Our Firestone flat roof covering
is fully insured and the only
one you’ll ever need.
Slating & Tiling - uPVC Work
PVC Cleaning - Exterior Wall Painting
Chimney Repairs & Removals
Lead Work - Private & Insurance Work
Free Estimates
All Work Guaranteed
Tel: 07557 969437
E: robwithey@icloud.com
Genuine Firestone
trained installer
Find me on Facebook
DGS
PAINTER
& DECORATOR
Interior & Exterior Painting
Paper Hanging & Coving
Insurance Work Undertaken
FREE ESTIMATES
Tel: 01443 223929 Mob: 07968 933125
WANTED
SCRAP CARS
MOT failures etc.
GOOD PRICES PAID
01443 227406 or 07976 297975
JAX Painting and Decorating
Quality Interior and Exterior Work undertaken
Also GUTTER CLEARANCE & CLEANING
SERVICE available using vacuum suction pumps
For Free Estimates please call
TEL: 01443 229861 MOBILE: 07961 753518
Email: jax.decorating@live.co.uk
MOT?
Ralph
Williams
NEED AN
CENTRAL GARAGE
Pencoed
MOT
SERVICE
REPAIRS
Established
1964
For an Appointment
Telephone Mark or Ralph on
01656 860 389
www.ralphsgarage.com

Giles Gallery Art
Exhibitions
Regular Exhibitions are to
be held at Giles Gallery
throughout 2016 and
into 2017.
So if you’re in Pontyclun why
not pop into Giles Gallery
Robin Hood
The pantomime ‘Robin
Hood’ was performed
the first week in
December 2015 in St Paul’s
Church Hall Pontyclun.
see for yourself the wealth of
artist talent that abounds in
our corner of Wales..
Giles Gallery can be found at
The Old Methodist Church,
Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun
CF72 9EG
Tues - Sat 10am - 5pm. 01443
228638.
It was yet another outstanding
success for St Paul’s Players.
Many thanks to everyone
involved, especially the cast,
for their non stop jokes and
entertaining songs.
See cover picture.
Nantymoel Community
Association (NCA)
8 Ogwy Street, Nantymoel, Bridgend County Borough CF32 7SE
Email: ogmorevalley@outlook.com Tel: 01656 840080
Volunteers are invited to apply to staff this community
facility or for other assistance to the NCA.
Please call in, email, or telephone us for details and / or
to collect an application form.
Duties to include offering a friendly welcome to all visitors, to
serve snacks, cakes, hot and cold drinks.
Other assistance includes delivery of newsletters.
Surgeries
Huw Irranca-Davies Member of Parliament for Ogmore
Surgeries are by appointment only and constituents will need
to contact the Constituency Office and Advice Centre,
Unit 2, 112-113 Commercial Street, Maesteg CF34 9DL.
Tel: 01656 737777.
Email: irrancadaviesh@parliament.uk.
Website: www.huwirranca-davies.org.uk
R.J.RODERICK
PROPERTY & GARDEN MAINTENANCE
PLASTERING GRASS CUTTING PAINTING & DECORATING
HEDGE TRIMMING CARPENTRY TREE FELLING
TILING FENCING COVING PATIOS
FITTING KITCHENS & BATHROOMS WALLS
And much more just Call Rowland on
07907079039 or (01443) 224904
A.B. Electrical
Services
INSTALLATION
AND REPAIR
All electrical work
undertaken
Part P registered
Part or Full Rewires
Consumer Unit Upgrades
Extra Sockets
Telephone Extensions
No job too small
For a free estimate
and advice call
01443 238944 or
07962 452033
Call Nick on:
01443 224561
07977547238
Nick Huckridge B.Sc.
HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Specialising in:
Complete Bathroom installations
Ceramic Wall and Floor Tiling
Kitchen Fitting
Plastering
Artexing
Coving
N A W I N G F I E L D
ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING & GAS SERVICES
Installation & Maintenance
Gas Safe Registered No: 41072
For a FREE Estimate
Tel: 07813 769553
or 07810 484026
Over
30 years
experience
Contact John on 07563 529539
or email: jrservices.rhondda@gmail.com
PAINTING AND DECORATING
Professional Painting and Decorating
Service at an Affordable Price
ALL WORK GUARANTEED
Call Tim for a FREE ESTIMATE on
01656 870498 or 07770 890157
Email: trsmith1969@yahoo.co.uk
10%
DISCOUNT
Senior Citizens
& Disabled
Brynna Domestic
Appliances
Repairs to all makes of
Washing Machines - Tumble Driers -
Dish Washers - Vacuums & Cookers
Ex Hotpoint Engineer with 17 years experience
A Professional Repair at a Sensible Price
Call Andrew Horlock on 01443 230319
E S EVANS
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Kitchens - Sigma Trade / Howden’s
Bathroom Refurbishments
Tiling - Decorating - General Maintenance
EIAN EVANS
07721 015694 / 01443 227512
JEFF’S
Plastering Services
SKIM OVER ARTEX & OLD WALLS
FREE Estimates - No Job Too Small
01443 229894 or 07919 864806
A.R. TILING
All types of floor &
wall tiling undertaken
Kitchens Bathrooms Conservatories
Porches Tile Repairs Re-Laying
For a free estimate call Alun
Mob 07528930247 OR 01656862269
Tel: 01443 229391 / 07792 462948
For Quality Interior & Exterior
Painting & Decorating
Squeaky-Kleeners
Professional Cleaning Service
Domestic Cleaning Commercial Cleaning
End of Tenancy Cleaning Office Cleaning
For a free quotaion call 07592 379 427
admin@squeaky-kleeners.co.uk
www.squeaky-kleeners.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/SqeakyKleeners
A HADDEN
BUILDING MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS
All Internal, External Plastering
Bricklaying, Garage Conversions
Kitchen & Bedroom Fitting Design & Supply
All insurance work undertaken
For a FREE Quotation call
01443 238513 or 07724188259
MJ Autos
PENCOED
All Makes
of Vehicles
Serviced
and Repaired
Courtesy Car
available on request
SPECIAL OFFER
MOTs
£54
SPECIAL OFFER
FREE
WINTER
KIT with
every service
We Specialise in:
Computerised Engine
Management Diagnosticts
Air Con Recharge
Timing Belt Replacements
Clutch Repairs
Tyres
TESCO
MURCO
GARAGE
COYCHURCH
ROAD
FAIRLAWN FIRE
TERRACE STATION
WE ARE
HERE
Visa & Mastercard accepted
FREEPHONE 0800 2949562
or Telephone 01656 862442
Email: mjautos@tiscali.co.uk

Carmel Baptist Church Llanharan
Bridgend Road (Opposite the ‘Drop in Centre)
Minister Rev G Tyson
WEEKLY SERVICES
Sunday 11am Family Worship & Sunday School
Sunday 6pm Evening Service (Not on 3rd or 17th)
Wednesday 2.30pm Ladie’s Fellowship (Only until Dec 9th)
Thursday 5.00 - 6.00pm Children’s ‘Adventurers’
Thursday 7pm Prayer & Bible Study Group
Friday 10.30-12.00am COFFEE MORNING - entry either from
the back lane or through the front gate of the church on
Bridgend Road. Babies and children welcome. Why not join us,
just £1 for coffee/tea and two cakes.
Every Friday 10.30-12am FOOD BANK (In the downstairs vestry
on the right hand side of the church)
Brynna &
Llanharan
Methodist
Church
A
happy and healthy
new year to everyone
and hope to see you
this year. Thanks for all who
helped to make items for
shoe boxes and bought for
shoe boxes. We covered and
packed 57 shoe boxes for
dispatch to Samaritans Purse
who distribute them around
the world. Also thanks for all
the gifts we were given for
the RCT Santa Appeal. Chatty
Craft will restart in Jan and
will be held on the 2nd and
4th Monday of each month.
We meet to knit,crochet and
sew, if you would like to learn
any of these skills please join
us between 1.30 pm and 3.00
pm or just bring along your
own craft and share this with
us and enjoy tea,coffee and
company.
Sunday Services 11am and
6pm
Coffee Morning Tuesday 9.15
to 11.15am
One Way Youth Tuesday 6pm
to 7.15pm
Chatty Craft as stated above.
Sunday School 11am
G M Plastering
All interior & exterior work undertaken
Re-skim old Walls, skim
over Artex Walls & Ceilings
No Job to Small
Free Advice & estimates given
Tel: Gary on 07949282817
PHIL BLOSS
electrical
ALL ASPECTS OF ELECTRICAL WORK
INCLUDING INTRUDER ALARMS
Part ‘P’ Approved
No job too big or small
FREE ESTIMATES with no obligation
Telephone 01443 226810
Mobile 07768 240852
Brynna OAP
Make 2016 the start of
your joining us here
in Brynna. We have
trips, shows, dinners, raffles,
bingo & more. Our meetings
are first Wednesday of each
month in our Hall, Southall
Street starts at 2pm. We are
self supporting owning our
Hall with all the expense this
brings. RCT gave us £244 &
Llanharan Community Council
£600 last year for which we
wish to thank them both &
Gil Richards always comes
through with help from
Community shop. However
this Club is for you, your
Mums & Dads, Nans &
CFD
Reeves Builders
Grandads, Aunts & Uncles,
Friends & Neighbours who
may need a chat, a cuppa,
some company, a day out. We
all get older and to keep this
local Club going for when
you do, we need members,
if you are over 55+, live in
easy reach not just Brynna,
you are all welcome. Raffle
prizes for Christmas have
all been claimed, a terrific
thank you to all who gave
donations. Next we are off to
Llanharan RFC for St Davids
day & later our Annual dinner
in Llanharry Workingmens
Club, not to be missed. Info
me Ann 01443226546 / txt
07889542809 & I’ll get back
to you.
Plumbing
& Gas Services
Landlord Certificates - Servicing
Installations of Boilers, Fires & Cookers
Complete Bathroom Design & Installation
Phone Chris on 07811 866434 or 01443 260467
All aspects
of Building,
Household
EXTENSIONS PLUMBING PLASTERING
BATHROOM & KITCHEN FITTING TILING & Garden
ELECTRICALS GRASS CUTTING FENCING Maintenance
PATIOS DECKING HEDGE TRIMMING undertaken
Also Garden Furniture & Decorations Made To Order
NO JOB TOO SMALL Call John now for
a FREE QUOTE on 07928 150322
Squeaky-Kleeners
Professional Cleaning Service
Domestic Cleaning Commercial Cleaning
End of Tenancy Cleaning Office Cleaning
For a free quotaion call 07592 379 427
admin@squeaky-kleeners.co.uk
www.squeaky-kleeners.co.uk
Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/SqeakyKleeners
232720
A HADDEN
BUILDING MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS
All Internal, External Plastering
Bricklaying, Garage Conversions
Kitchen & Bedroom Fitting Design & Supply
All insurance work undertaken
For a FREE Quotation call
01443 238513 or 07724188259
Plumbing, Bathroom & Kitchen Fitting, Tiling
For your
Free estimate
call:
Quality work at affordable prices
01443 238895
07967839771
www.gmdomestics.com
07891 956159
01443 230700
GM DOMESTICS
Domestic Appliance Repairs
James Twine
PAINTING & DECORATING
All interior and exterior work undertaken
Also roofing and guttering repairs
FREE ESTIMATES
AGS Building &
Landscaping
24 hours
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
BEST PRICE
FOR MOT FAILURES
Brian Perry
Brynna Scrapyard
07811 503297 / 01443 226324
Tel: 01443 226961 or 07749 280375
WALLS FENCING PATIOS LAWNS
DECKING ARTIFICIAL TURF
and much more
m: 07815 418495 t: 01443 231922
Est. 1989
Penybont
Roofing Services
Flat Roofing Specialists
For all your flat roofing needs
Tel: 01443 238832
LMLelectrics
All aspects of electrical work including
Sockets, Lighting, Rewire, Board Upgrades,
Periodic and Initial Verification certs.
FREE ESTIMATES NO OBLIGATION
www.lmlelectrics.co.uk
07703 296962 / 01443 238274
M. Smith
Member of the
Institute of Plumbing AIPHE,RP
* All types of Building Work Undertaken
* Tiling *Bathroom Suites Fitted
* Plumbing & Central Heating
* Insurance Work
For FREE advice and estimates
Telephone 01656 862453
ASP Tiling Services
All aspects of Wall & Floor Tiling
Ceramic, Porcelain, Natural Stone
Wood & Laminate Flooring
For a FREE estimate call Andy on
01443 225587 or mob 07979 33 55 33
The Diary is delivered to your home by
LDP SERVICES
Leaflet Delivery
throughout
South Wales
Let us help promote your
products and services
029 2025 5464
Email: info@ldp-services.co.uk
Web: www.ldp-services.co.uk

LLANHARAN RFC
DAIRYFIELD NEWS
SSE SWALEC
CHAMPIONSHIP
With half the season
almost gone and not
a single win to their
credit, the First XV against
Glynneath came agonisingly
close to a remarkable first
victory with just two minutes
of normal time to play.
They had performed with
tremendous strength, ability
and resilience against the
second half wind to hold
the visitors at bay, and were
leading 14-9.
It was a sad irony that when
they eventually broke the
territorial stranglehold and
advanced to a position from
where they could have
realistically held on, two
kicking miscues brought
the away team back on
the counter to grab a late
converted try, taking them to
a16-14 victory.
Llanharan had made
a mockery of their
championship record with
Morgan Williams gets his try v
Glynneath
Craig Burton - try scorer v Glynneath
a first half in which they
scrummaged strongly
and attacked with neat
combinations, two deserved
tries coming from Craig Burton
and Morgan Williams, Scott
Jones converting both, and
they were ahead 14-6 at half
time
Defeat it may have been but
the performance suggested
that the campaign is not over
yet for this young and spirited
team.
They had gone into the fixture
after a nightmare 99-0 reverse
at table topping Merthyr.
Injuries and unavailability
meant uncontested scrums
with no replacements
allowed, Llanharan’s makeshift
side earning plaudits for a
never say die performance,
the score line exaggerated by
a flurry of scoring when down
to fourteen men at the end.
The week previously they
were again put to the sword
by reigning champions
Bargoed, going down 73-0.
MID GLAM PREMIER LEAGUE
The Seconds had mixed
fortunes in their defence of
the league title.
First team calls and other
withdrawals saw them
stumble to their first league
defeat of the season, 29-7 to
Kenfig Hill, coach Kevin Jones
nevertheless doing a good job
at scrum half. Chris Sharkey’s
try was converted by Ethan
Williams. However there were
also two wins. Brackla were
seen off 30-0 at home (tries
- Craig Burton 4, Tom Harris,
Paul Winters), and another
much changed side came
away from Nantyfyllon with
a creditable 21-10 win, coach
Hugh James playing in the
same team as son Evan in the
second row. The scores came
from Lloyd Thomas and Paul
Winters, with a penalty try
also awarded, Thomas adding
kicks.
JUNIOR MINI
Match reports by coaches
Mark Anderson, David
McCallum and Jason Halse.
UNDER 7
V Abercwmboi
Game 1 W 8-0; game 2 drew
5-5; game 3 won 3-1
Try scorers- Ashton Gill 1, Evan
Benjamin 3, Gabe McCallum
2, Lewis Williams 4, Devon
Austin 1, Scott Anderson 2 and
Harrison Richards 3.
Under 7’s TAGFEST
Tournament
Despite atrocious weather
the Under 7s had a big day
out at TAGFEST in Swansea, a
50 team tournament from all
over the Blues and Ospreys
regions, later watching the
Ospreys play at the Liberty.
The only defeat came against
a bigger Brecon side from the
higher age level.
v Brecon U8s lost 6-3 (tries -
Scott 3)
v Maesteg Quins U7s won 7-3
(tries - Scott 1, Aston 2, Evan
2, Lewis 1, Cody 1)
v Gorseinon U7s won 5-2 (tries
Scott 1, Lewis 1, Cody 1, Harry
1, Devon 1)
v Gwernyfed U7s won 6-5
(tries Scott 2, Ashton 1, Evan
2, Lewis 1)
Home v Treherbert
Llanharan 10 V Treherbert 6
Llanharan 1 V Treherbert 1
Try scorers- Ashton Gill 2, Evan
Benjamin 3, Lewis Williams 2,
and Harrison Richards 4.
UNDER 9
v Cowbridge W 10 6
(tries: Cohen, Dan, Ieaun T,
Kian W, Louis, Luke, Marley
and Regan (3), defender of the
week went to Ben).
V CRICC W 6-4
On a very wet day in Cardiff,
the Under 9s braved the
elements to win, tries being
scored by Cohen, Dan, Ieuan T
(3), and Luke.
COMMITTEE CHANGES
Colin Pring has retired as
Entertainments Secretary.
Chairman Adrian Tattersall
commented: “We are sorry
to lose Colin, but respect his
decision. He has been with
this club as a player and
committee man over many
decades and has put a lot of
work in. He is a popular man
around the place and we
hope we will still see him in
the club. Colin has undertaken
his duties successfully despite
problems with his health. The
committee would like to thank
him for his services and we
wish him all the best for the
future.”
However, the running of the
club reached a significant
milestone when Kay Postans
joined the committee. Kay has
been a long time follower as
was her late husband Mal, and
she will be the first woman to
serve on the committee. Said
chairman Adrian Tattersall:
“Kay will bring a fresh and
complementary perspective
on things and plenty of
expertise; she is a very
welcome addition.”
IRELAND TOUR
The club will travel to Kinsale
on the evening of Thursday
April 28, returning on the
Tuesday. If you need to know
more, the guys to talk to are
Clinton, Rossi, Owain Howe,
Sam Bubble, Wall the Ball and
Jervy.
HVS
Keep up with news at the
club on www.llanharanrfc.
org.uk and on Twitter -
Llanharan Rugby FC @
LLANHARANRUGBY
MOBILE VEHICLE BODY REPAIRS
STONE CHIPS - SCRATCHES - BUMBER SCUFFS
MIRROR CASINGS - ALLOY WHEELS - PANEL DAMAGE
PLASTIC REPAIR - VANDAL DAMAGE
We come to your home or workplace!
01443 226707 or 07904 347953
LLANHARAN RFC
AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY
Open every night for members and bona fide guests
Monday & Thursday
BIG PRIZE BINGO
Tuesday &Thursday
SENIOR TRAINING 7pm All
welcome
Friday
DARTS IN THE BAR
Friday
SKITTLES IN THE ALLEY
Sunday
FREE JUKEBOX
LLAN’S LUCKY LOTTO
Pick 4 numbers to win
MASSIVE JACKPOT
Tickets on sale £1
COME AND SEE OUR FACILITIES
FOR YOUR NEXT FUNCTION
BOOKINGS TAKEN
FOR WEDDINGS,
BIRTHDAYS etc
Tel Rob Smith
07850 452910
Tel: 01443 222209 www.llanharanrfc.org.uk
FREE
WI FI
NEW CLUB CATERER LCDP Catering
Contact Katie 07969504318
LOOKING FOR
SOMETHING FOR THE KIDS TO DO?
Bring them down to the Black and Blue
It’s not too far to go
Just about outside your door
Get their heads out of a screen
Have no worries of what might have been
RUGBY, COACHING, EXERCISE, FUN,
DEVELOPMENT & SKILLFOR ALL AGES
JANUARY’S SATURDAY
LOUNGE ENTERTAINMENT
Sat 2nd it’s fantastic male vocalist
**LUKE STEVENS**
Sat 9th it’s female vocalist **SHAZ **
Sat 16th it’s male vocalist
**DREW BROWN**
Sat 23rd it’s very good female artist
**REBECCA ALEXANDER**
Sat 30th it’s male vocalist
**GARETH LUCAS**
Saturday 23rd
COVER UP BAND
Tour Fundraiser - tickets £3 behind bar
Llanharan RFC would
like to wish everyone a
fantastic New Year.
We hope to see you all soon.
TRAINING TIMES
(Please come along)
WEDNESDAYS 6.00pm
U15’s, U16’s & YOUTH
TUESDAYS 6.00pm
(From August 11th)
U5’s - U14’s
LLANHARAN RFC - A club that has developed and produced a host of youth and full internationals
Could you have the next one just sitting at home???
Contact: Clubhouse: Bridgend Road, Llanharan 01443 222209 or Alan Jenkins 07729 036568

PIANO / KEYBOARD
LESSONS
Also Music Theory
Exam Accompaniment
Home Visits
Competitive Rates
Experienced Local Musician
has vacancies
Please contact Alec
01443 237110
PLANS
drawings for
Planning & Building
Regulations
Extensions - Conversions
01443 239166
07803 132478
mjd-plansdrawn.co.uk
TOP Tax Help For
Older People
Free professional help
and advice to those with
income tax queries and
problems.
Helping older people on
low incomes with their tax
Ynysmaerdy
Community
Centre
Situated in the quiet
and beautiful setting
of Ynysmaerdy, the
Community Centre with
access to footpaths and cycle
paths from Talbot Green to
Coedely is an ideal place for
meetings or events.
The Centre has a stage for
performances, a generous size
CARPET CLEANING
MACHINE HIRE
Carpets, Suites,
Curtains, Fabrics,
FREE local delivery & coll
£20.00 inc cleaning tablets
01443 228879
07981 333267
Buffets
for all
occasions
OLD FARM SHOP, LLANTRISANT
COOKED FRESH TO ORDER
Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays,
Christenings, Functions, Funerals,
Business Lunches, Christmas Parties etc.
01443 229917 / 757333
Mobile: 07949 758654
problems.
Regular surgeries are held
throughout the year. To
get help via our telephone
helpline or to get details of
the nearest surgery please call
01308 488066
To book an appointment at
Pencoed Library please call
0845 6013321.
hall, soft play for children
and access to kitchen facilities.
There are small break out
rooms and plenty of storage
making a venue perfect
for groups, activities and
meetings of all sizes.
Hire of the hall is from as little
as £5 per hour, therefore if
you are interested please
visit our Facebook page or
contact a member of our
booking team on
07768124544 to check
availability.
SATURDAY MARKET
TALBOT GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE
Cowbridge Road, Talbot Green. 7am - 2 pm weekly
QUALITY & VALUE ON YOUR DOORSTEP
FRESH HIGH QUALITY MEAT & POULTRY
ALL YOUR FRESH FRUIT AND VEG
CAKES, BISCUITS, SWEETS, CONFECTIONARY
& HOUSEHOLD GOODS
EVERYTHING FOR YOUR PETS
TREAT YOURSELF TO QUALITY
FRESH FISH & SEAFOOD
Free parking - toilet & disabled facilities
UNBEATABLE PRICES FOR QUALITY
AND VALUE IN YOUR COMMUNITY
GILLARD
PLASTERING
All aspects covered incl
Reskim Old Walls
Skim Over Artex Coving
Italian Marble Effect Feature Walls
FREE Advice & Estimates
01443 217805
07866 105636
PENCOED
REFRIGERATION
Fridge & Freezer
Repairs
FREE
Estimates
01656 862287
Celtic Dove Release
Ideal for
Weddings
Civil Ceremonies
Christenings
Funerals
07990987847
prydferth@yahoo.co.uk
www.celticdoverelease.co.uk
PLANS
Plans drawn for
Building Regulations &
Planning Permission
Telephone Marc Anthony
on 01656 863576 or
07821782117 for a
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A STEP BACK IN TIME
Seasons and
Festivals
It is always pleasant to hear
from people who have
enjoyed my Diary articles. It
has again happened this time
regarding my recent account of
how Christmas was celebrated
in times gone by. Long chats
with my German friend Lore
and my Polish friends Alicja
and Ela convinced me that
Christmas Eve was far more
important in their countries
than Christmas Day itself when
celebrating the festive season .
On that day people in Germany
spend the afternoon decorating
the Christmas tree, preparing
traditional dishes and in Lore’s
childhood making dolls and
other toys and presents. In
the evening a fish meal is
often preferred to meat and
is eaten with boiled potatoes
and salad. In Poland fish is
also a favourite dish and part
of the excitement for children
is the appearance of the first
star in the sky when they shout
“The star has come”. Then the
Christmas meal takes place
followed by the exchange of
presents. Another custom I
found appealing was that of
placing some straw under the
tablecloth as a reminder that
Jesus was born in a stable.
Also a few people contacted
have me to ask which is the
correct time to take down the
decorations after Christmas
and the New Year have been
celebrated. I will try to answer
that query when I come to
the festivities associated
with January. I will hopefully
surprise readers by telling
them about Old Christmas Day
that was celebrated in parts of
Wales on January 6th. Finally,
I have been told an amusing
story by a friendly neighbour
that relates to my recent
article on superstitions. He
had bought as a young man a
smart, dark green suit for his
wedding only to be told by his
mother to take it back to the
Cardiff Store. This was because
it, being green, was considered
to be unlucky!
Since the Diary will be printed
prior to January 1st I will begin
with New Year’s Day and the
customs associated with it. In
a recent article I mentioned
the superstitions linked to the
end of the old year and to the
beginning of the New, some of
which were of Scottish origin.
But there are many more that
were believed by people all
over the country. Superstitious
folk opened their windows just
prior to midnight to let out bad
luck and allow good fortune
in. To ring in the New Year
was observed by most village
churches probably as a means
of telling people without clocks
and watches when the New
Year had arrived. Usually it
was deemed lucky to witness
a dark man first on New Year’s
Day and fortuitous to receive
a lump of coal. Strange to
tell it was considered unlucky
in Pencoed near Bridgend
to see a ginger-haired man
first on New Year’s Day. On
a more practical level it was
considered important to pay
one’s debt before the New Year
came in. One New Year’s Day
superstition I like is the one
when the last person to drink
the last drop of wine or beer
from a bottle will have good
luck throughout the year. It is
difficult to warm to the topic
of New Year’s Resolutions
because within a short time
we have usually broken them.
But the idea of making a fresh
start is as old as the Romans.
They apparently made more
promises at this time to Janus,
their god, after whom the
month of January is named.
In Medieval times knights
affirmed their commitment
to a chivalrous life, while we
moderns make half hearted
promises to improve our lot.
Less seriously we attend the
New Year’s Eve parties that
includes the counting down,
second by second, till midnight
and end with the singing of
“Auld Lang Syne”, a poem
written by the immortal Robert
Burns (1759-1796). Talking of
counting down I was reminded
of a Spanish custom by my
friend Ela, mentioned earlier.
She told me that in Barcelona
she learnt of a very interesting
custom. As the church bells
rang, peal by peal, just after
midnight, people would eat
grape after grape to welcome
in the New Year.
There are many more New Year
customs that were prevalent
in 19th century Wales that
have sadly died out. It was
thought necessary in some
places to make as much noise
as possible to frighten away
evil spirits. Now we simply
let off fireworks! Other
interesting customs included
“the sprinkling of water” and
the collection of the “calennig”.
These were practised in South
Wales right up until the end
of the Victorian Age. In the
former custom lads went
around the houses carrying
bowls of water freshly drawn
from the local well. They
sprinkled anyone they met
in the street and this was
supposed to portend a year of
good luck. They then entered
most people’s houses and
sprinkled water throughout
each room and even over those
still sleeping! For this they
were given sums of money that
by the end of the day made it
a profitable venture. We today
think giving presents to be a
feature of Christmas, yet in
earlier times it was New Year
that was the time of giving
gifts! One custom was called
the collecting of the calennig
and, like the water sprinkling
custom, it began before dawn
and ended at midday. Groups
of children went from house
to house carrying an apple
decorated with a sprig of
holly, nuts, oats, raisins and
flour. The children than sang
a song asking politely we
hope for food or money. They
then wished each family good
fortune throughout the coming
year. Silurian, the Bridgend
journalist, who died in 1939,
clearly remembered boys
and girls in Tonyrefail taking
decorated oranges rather than
apples to houses in the village
to wish those inside a happy
New year. These same people,
like many others, celebrated
Christmas Day on January 6th
as a result of the changes to
the Calendar in 1752. Most
residents “paid up”, but older
folk , who clung tenaciously to
the old calendar dates told the
children to return on Old New
Year’s Day, namely January
12th.
Readers have asked me
to explain the custom of
wassailing, which was
celebrated in many parts of
Wales and beyond on Twelfth
Night. Participants would
bake a large cake and add
apples, sugar and warm beer
and place the ingredients into
a large, specially made bowl
called “the wassail bowl” that
had a dozen handles. Young
people would take the wassail
to different houses both near
and far and sing outside each
door. Just as in the Mari Lwyd
custom, mentioned last time,
verses were sung alternatively
by the revellers and those
inside. Farmers were also
visited and in song and verse
the wassailers wished them
healthy livestock and a good
hay and corn harvest. In
some of the wassail songs are
references to the Virgin Mary,
so it is likely that the custom
dates back to pre-Reformation
times. Later the activity, like
the Mari Lwyd, became an
excuse for a drink outside
and free hospitality indoors.
I have often wondered why
there were so many “begging
customs” observed at this time
of year. They were tolerated,
if not encouraged, by society
because starvation was a real
possibility. Also wassailing
and the Mari Lwyd did enable
neighbours to visit one another
to express good wishes, have
a good time en route, sing
harmless doggerel and enjoy
genuine hospitality from the
better off in the season of good
will.
Twelfth Night, that is January
6th, was celebrated differently
in some parts of England. A
large loaf cake was baked and
a pea and bean was placed
inside it. When the cake was
equally sliced, whoever got
the pea was chosen Queen
and whoever got the bean
was chosen King-and they
were both treated regally
throughout the revel. Readers
will I’m sure be interested
to know that in 1563 in a
Twelfth Night ceremony held
in Holyrood Palace, Edinburgh
the ill-fated Mary Queen of
Scots was pleased that Mary
Fleming, her Lady in Waiting
was chosen as Queen of the
Bean. Attired in jewels and
royal garb she took precedence
even over her beloved
monarch for the whole of the
night. In the Vale of Glamorgan
a similar celebration of Twelfth
Night was practised. A big loaf
cake was prepared for the
Epiphany and the assembled
gathering would divide up
the cake amongst Jesus, the
Virgin Mary, the three wise
men and those present. A
King and Queen were chosen,
but instead of peas and beans
they had to find a ring hidden
inside the cake. Many people
today believe that January 6th
( Twelfth Night) is the day that
the Christmas decorations and
cards should be taken down,
for otherwise it is considered
unlucky, but in the distant
past they were taken down
on Plough Monday (the first
Monday after the Epiphany) ,
or even later towards Lent. I
was friendly with a Bridgend
clergyman, who being a good
traditionalist, never removed
decorations and Christmas
continued overleaf.....

cards on Twelfth Night, but
kept them up for a much longer
period!
The Monday after Twelfth
Night was called Plough
Monday and signified the
return to work in the fields by
the farmer and his labourers
after the Christmas break. The
Plough was taken out from
beneath the table and in some
districts carried through the
parish by youthful revellers
into the village church to be
blessed. Then youngsters, all
dressed in fancy costumes and
colourful adornment, would
noisily parade from house to
house asking for gifts of food,
drink or money. Woe betide
any tight-fisted residents if
they refused to pay up. The
ground in front of their homes
might even be ploughed or
dug up by the revellers in
revenge! Some of the money
in medieval times would be
given to the church to support
the Plough Light kept there
by the Ploughmen’s Guild.
However, since HenryVlll’s time
the money collected was given
directly to church officials to
maintain the building. Plough
Monday customs have been
revived in England since the
war. The considerable number
of inn names involving the
Plough such as “The Plough
and Harrow” in Monknash
testify to the importance of
Agriculture to the vast majority
in earlier times, and this is
also reflected in religious and
secular customs like those
mentioned above.
Over the past few years a lot of
attention has been given by the
cultural media to St. Dwynwen,
about whom I knew nothing in
my youth. However, nowadays
this unfortunate Anglesey
woman is once again being
acknowledged as the true
patron saint of Welsh lovers
like she was in the Middle Ages.
Her memory has been invoked
in modern times as well as in
various parts of Wales since
the 1960s and dances and
charity events have been held
in honour. St. Dwynwen’s
Feast Day is January 26th- a
couple of weeks before St.
Valentine’s Day. I was glad to
see that she appears in the
Oxford “Dictionary of Saints”,
where she is also said to have
been called St. Donwenna.
It is interesting to note that
Anglesey has two places
named after her and we know
that her shrine and holy well
were much visited in the Age of
Saints and later. St. Dwynwen
also appears in Welsh poetry as
the patron of true love. After
her unhappy love affair with
Maelon, she removed herself
to a nunnery to be ever free
from desire and passion.
Talking of nuns, I wonder how
many reading this article will
know that St. Bride, whose
Feast Day is held a few days
after St. Dwynwen, was the
founder of the first nunnery
in Ireland and that her special
day is held on February 1st.
Moreover St. Bride or Bridget,
the abbess of Kildare, was the
most popular saint in Ireland
after St. Patrick. She is said
to have been later reburied
with Patrick at Downpatric.
Interestingly St. Bride is also
culted in Scotland, The Isle of
Man and Wales (where a dozen
churches are dedicated to her).
In our locality there are three
St. Bride Churches, namely,
those at St. Bride’s Major and
St. Bride’s Minor near Bridgend
and St. Bride’s-super-Ely near
Cardiff. However, it is possible
that these three churches are
Norman rather than Celtic
dedications. St. Bride’s Day in
Ireland was much venerated
and work involving wheels like
carting, spinning and milling
was frowned upon. Also her
Feast Day was yet another
day when the Christmas
decorations were taken down.
Candlemas is celebrated
on February 2nd and in
Welsh was called Gwyl Fair y
Canhwyllau it is the Feast of
the Purification of Our Lady
and the Presentation of Christ
in the Temple. Before the
Reformation an important
service was held in the parish
church in which candles were
blessed and carried around the
church in solemn procession.
This symbolic importance of
the lighted candle and other
customs associated with
Candlemas survived into the
20th century. In the Vale of
Glamorgan Mari Trevelyan,
the folklorist of Llantwit Major
named a custom that predicted
a long life. Members of the
family would sit around the
table that had two candles on
it, then drink out of a goblet
or beaker and finally toss the
vessel over their heads. If it
landed upright the person who
threw it would expect to live to
a great age.
Some aspects of the Candlemas
festivities are not unlike
the Mari Lwyd for they too
comprised bardic competition,
carol singing around the
houses and frequent use of the
wassail bowl. Then in some
English villages, by contrast,
there was a custom performed
akin to the one that my friend
Ela told me about the New
Year Feast Day in Spain (see
above). In England a large
candle was placed on the table
and the family sitting around it
would eat and drink as much
as they could until the candle
went out. As for myself I can
still remember vividly my
pupils from Llanharry Primary
School regularly attending
a Candlemas Service. We
enjoyed singing “A light to
lighten the Gentiles” and
processing with lighted candles
around the church behind
Rector Glyn Williams. Thanks
to help from Mrs. Marjorie
Williams and my wife we
always tried to avoid singed
hair!
“Valentine, valentine who
art thou?” This is a difficult
question to answer; indeed
most people haven’t a clue. It
is indeed genuinely difficult
to indentify the saint, whose
Feast Day falls on February
14th or why over the centuries
Valentine became the patron
saint of lovers. Part of the
problem is that there were
two Saint Valentines, both
martyred in Roman times, and
both supposedly on February
14th. But it is nigh impossible
to link either saint with the
long-standing act of choosing a
partner of the opposite sex and
sending them a gift or message.
Some writers have seen a slight
connection for they tell us
that Saint Valentine opposed a
ban by the Emperor Claudius
ll ( 214-270) on his troops
getting married too young.
However, the Saint Valentine
tradition may have owed more
to the Roman fertility festival
called Lupercalia, when young
men and women feasted
and danced before drawing
lots to help find their future
sweethearts or partners. In the
Middle Ages people believed
that St. Valentine’s Day was
the beginning of the period
when birds began to mate. By
the late 16th century and early
17th valentines start appearing
in the work of famous writers.
John Donne (1572-1631),
the great metaphysical poet,
wrote a poem that mentioned
Bishop Valentine, his Feast
Day and the mating of birds.
Samuel Pepys, the equally
famous diarist (1633-1703)
also mentions St. Valentine
and the customs associated
with February 14th. One soon
learns when reading his Diary
that the day was celebrated
by the giving of gifts to one’s
Valentine. That person might
be someone of importance like
Lady Batten, and the gift cost
Pepys the huge sum of two
pounds. Or cheaper presents
would be bought for his
cousins or house servants. The
Diary also tells us that the first
man a woman saw on February
14th was to be her Valentine,
whether she fancied him or
not. So people like Mrs. Pepys
went around with their eyes
covered on early St. Valentine’s
Day in case the first person
that they saw displeased or
disappointed them. Again
in Pepys’ time young people
drew lots like they had in
Roman times to find out who
would be their Valentine! We
have to wait until the 18th
century for the Valentine
card to come into being. But
it was now hand-made and
often had a verse written in
it. In some parts of Wales
the local bards were asked
to compose some amorous
lines for the sender of the
card. A lot of work went into
the making of the Valentine
cards for they were decorated
with hearts, paintings, shells,
ribbons and embroidery and
must have taken a long time
to prepare. Things changed
rapidly in the Victorian Age
when the commercially-made
card appeared in the market.
One of the first to produce
the factory-made card was an
American lady from the State
of Masserchusetts. Her name
was Esther Howland (1828-
1904). She did this by creating
the New England Valentine
Company and soon her cards
were so popular in the U.S.A.
that she became known as “the
Mother of the Valentine Card”.
After the Penny Post came into
being, valentines took off and
most stationers were stocked
up well before the big day
with cards affectionate, comic,
but also waspish or downright
spiteful ones. The latter were
of course sent by jilted lovers.
For a long time the valentine
cards were more popular than
Christmas cards and, even
in the Cowbridge district,
postmen grumbled to local
journalists like Silurian about
the long distances they had to
travel to deliver them.
Reference:
A Dictionary of British Folk
Customs by Christina Hole
(1978).
The Cassell Dictionary of
Folklore by David Pickering
(1999).
Welsh Folk Customs by Trefor
M. Owen (1978).
David J. Francis
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