MAYORS CHARITY His Worshipful the Mayor of Maesteg Cllr. Ross Thomas and his charity fundraisers have been very busy recently. Firstly there was the Mayors Service at Our Lady & St. Patrick's Church at which Harmony choir sung at the church with a congregation of local organisation and representatives of other councils in the area. In a very special and poignant moment, Cllr. Thomas was presented with a certificate of blessing for his year as Mayor from His Holiness the Pope. An afternoon reception was held at the Town Hall later, with Contagious dance troupe providing the entertainment. Secondly, a ‘Park in the Dark’ event was held at Maesteg Park Pavilion on Halloween, where a packed hall of excited children were read ghost stories before a barbeque and a walk in the park in the dark. This event raised nearly £500 taking the total raised to £1,000 after just three events towards Maesteg Scouts and Maesteg Hospital Day Centre.
REMEMBRANCE Maesteg Branch Royal British Legion held a very successful concert at the Town Hall with Briton Ferry Silver Band, Maesteg Gleemen and soloist Nikki Casey on Saturday. The Sunday Remembrance Service was held at St Michael’s & All Angels Church followed by the parade through town and act of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. The Exhortation and the Kohima Epitaph were read by Mr. Victor Gilbert. s event continues to grow, and the hundreds of people who turned up solemnly observed the two minutes silence with respect and dignity. Many thanks from the Branch to all who participated and who bought wreaths and poppies. Your help will assist those ex-service personnel most in need.
CONCERT on Saturday 19th October the pupils of Paul Woods performed a most pleasurable selection of music at Central Church Maesteg, The pupils are prepared for Trinity College London examinations and their levels of experience ranged from Foundation, through Transitional to Senior. The more experienced are also trained to accompany a soloist. Thus tenor David Mayberry again graced the day with his presence and expertise and a range of musical treats, as he was accompanied by Julia Hurley, Justin Chew and Lewis Hurley. Making another welcome visit, ex pupil Joshua Stokes gave a virtuoso performance of Chopin's Mazurka and accompanied David as he sang Macbeth.
At the end, exam certificates were presented by Deputy Mayor Philip Jenkins along with special prizes - the Enid Gossedge-Boyles Memorial Prize for effort and determination to Tara Coombes, Michael Eckton Memorial Prize for general musicality to Lewis Hurley and the Simon Hegarty Memoruial Award for continued effort to Justin HYMNATHON The annual Action for Children hymnathon was held at Central Church on Sunday 20th October. Again it was a joyous occasion as the children from five of our primary schools performed two songs, led by their teachers, and 'singing hteir hearts out'. The schools who gave sio much pleasure were Nantyffyllon, Plasnewydd, Garth, Cwmfelin and Llangynwyd, with apologies this year from Caerau, who are also regular attendees at the event. Also attending were our Town Mayor Cllr Ross Thomas, MP Huw Irranca Davies, AM Janice Gregory with her husband Borough Councillor Mike Gregory. Thanks to the generosity of all those present, the amount of £250.00 was raised.
BRYN CELYN CARE HOME Red Cow pub in Alma Road will be holding a quiz on the last Wednesday of every month from 27th November to support make it a trip out for
BLUEBIRDS Maesteg Bluebirds for Newcastle away, a weekend trip (no accommodation) is planned for Friday 2/5/2014 – 4/5/2014 (Bank Holiday weekend). If anyone is considering attending away games please contact a member of the committee with your name and fan number. Two tables for ‘An Evening With Norman Whiteside’ have been booked on the eve of the Manchester United game if anyone is interested.
COR MEIBION The Maesteg and District Male voice choir travelled to Bristol where they were the guests of the Bristol East and Kingswood Band under the baton of Ben Vleminckx, past West of England champions. The choir were delighted to be singing in the impressive Grade II listed Wesley memorial church built in 1907 - an imposing Edwardian gothic Wesleyan church that has retained its original fittings and layout. The MD for the concert was Huw Morgan from Pontardawe, and his wife Catherine was organist and accompanist for the evening was Rhian Jenkins. The band enthralled the audience with their variable and exciting programme. It was difficult for the choir to follow a band but follow they did where once again the audience were treated to traditional Welsh choral music for which they are renowned.
The packed audience heard the favourites in male voice circles the ‘Roman War Song’, ‘Speed Your Journey’, ‘Anthem’ from Chess and many more. The highlight of the evening came when the band and choir joined as one to sing the famous ‘Morte Christi’ which brought the audience to their feet. Huw Morgan kept the moment alive with the choir and band joining for the ‘American Trilogy’ with audience once again on
The choir and band received a vote of thanks off the Rev Denise Yeadon with all proceeds going towards the church and the choir were treated to an excellent buffet at the local cricket. A vote of thanks was given by the choirs vice chairman Tudor Thomas and the choirs diligent secretary Gerwyn Thomas.
CHRISTMAS FAYRE at Llangynwyd Village Hall on Saturday 23 November 2013 12 - 4pm to complete the hall. Lots of craft gifts, raffles, wonderful refreshments and a chance to see the new facilities. This event has been organised by Llangynwyd Community Association, Management Committee of Llangynwyd Village Hall.
GWYL MAESTEG FESTIVAL 2014 The theme of the Exhibition during the festival will be World War I, it being the 100th War’. Maesteg Town Council are looking for memorabilia, photographs, newspaper cuttings etc. If you have any information on your relatives who were in WWI and you would like to share their story, you can either call in with memorabilia which will be copied and given back or telephone Maesteg 01656 732631
COFFEE MORNING one for your diary - there will be a Coffee Morning on Friday 6th December at the Health & Wellbeing Centre, Hartshorn House
RAMBLERS this Sunday the ramblers meet at Maesteg Car Park at 9am. On Wednesday there will be a walk from Tesco car park at 11am. Contact Barbara on 01656737426 for further details. Sensible clothing and walking boots/shoes are advised and bring a
THE LITTLE BIRDS… have been whispering about the skateboard user who found himself on a bus to Birmingham, and the taxi drivers involved in a Mexican stand-off in Monica Street until one them found that he had a reverse gear in his car.
AND FINALLY… Last week’s question: What was the name of the old pub at the top of Caerau known colloquially as The Monkey Answer; The Blaenllynfi Hotel. This week’s question: What are the three closest cinemas to Maesteg?
