Lampeter Grapevine Issue 10 June 2013

cysylltwch â ni / contact us: lampetergrapevine@gmail.com

Mehefin / June 2013

GRAPEVINE

digwyddiadau, newyddion a barn Llambed bob mis / Lampeter’s events, news and views monthly

FR AM D EE DIM

Photo: Eisteddfod.org.uk

Festival Fever in this issue...  lampeter food festival

regular features ... 

listings & events



reviews



papur bro CLONC



kids in action



seasonal snippets



cookie’s corner



creative ideas



what’s on in the woods

STOP PRESS: Work on Victoria Hall kitchen starting soon



denmark farm open day



festival homeopathy



can festivals be green?



spiral story



yoga for life



love is in the air

GRAPEVINE no. 10, June 2013 Post: c/o Victoria Hall, Bryn Road, Lampeter, Ceredigion SA48 7EE Email: lampetergrapevine@gmail.com Published by: Transition Llambed Development Trust, Victoria Hall, Bryn Road, Lampeter, SA48 7EE Printed by: TSD Reprographics, Lampeter, on paper from sustainable resources To list your event, submit an article, ad or letter or to make an enquiry, email: lampetergrapevine@gmail.com or post to address above Please include the reason you are contacting us in the subject box of your email (Ad, Listing, Article, Letter, Enquiry) Full guidelines for advertisers & contributors: see grapevine page on www.transitionllambed.co.uk Listings (events & courses) FREE Display advertising rates: ¼ column £10; ¼ page £25; ½ page £40; full page £70 (back page £80) £25 off ads for one-off public events held in Victoria Hall Classified ads: £2 / 20 wds (min. £2) Therapists' section (max 35 wds): £10 for 6 editions in advance Copy date for July/Aug issue: Fri 7 June. Theme: ‘Keep it Local’ Circulation: 1,500 copies distributed free in the Lampeter area

Croeso / Welcome … to this issue of the Grapevine The Festival Season is upon us once again. So what does this mean for you? When a lot of people think of festivals they possibly imagine the ‘alternative’, ‘hippy’ kind of gatherings that draw attention to themselves for all the wrong reasons.

However, as a land steeped in cultural tradition where the very nature of the ‘festival’ is part of its heritage, Wales positively encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to embrace the magic of these events and celebrates an eclectic mix of music, literature, dance, theatre, visual arts, food and much more.

The National Eisteddfod and the Royal Welsh Show are both known worldwide, having long histories and huge reputations.

They are something others aspire to and of which we should be truly proud.

There is much to be proud of a little closer to home too and the choice for seasoned festival-goers is growing. Why not start with Denmark Farm’s own celebrations at their Open Day, page 5 or try out your favourite tipple at the Llanfair Clydogau Beer Festival, page 6. It is important to support the Lampeter Food Festival, pages 10 & 15 otherwise it could be the last one! If you want to venture slightly further afield then check out how ’green’ big festivals can be on page 7 with a list of others to try and there’s more on page 9. A guide to Festival Health Care & Homeopathy on page 16 gives some useful tips for looking after yourself at any festival. If you want to create your own festival then read about Maj’s First Spiral Women’s Camp, page 18, or think about using Long Wood theatre as a venue for your own gathering, page 4 or perhaps discover the culinary delights that you could treat yourself to in Cookie’s Corner on page 17.

There is so much going on again, I’m sure you will find something to inspire you.

Enjoy ‘Festival Fever’ over the next few months. Why not write in to tell us about your best or worst experiences. Don’t forget the photos too.

Darllen hapus / Happy reading Angie Martin

We reserve the right to edit all contributions for reasons of space & clarity.

The views expressed in letters and articles are not necessarily those of Transition Llambed Development Trust or the newsletter group.

Other contact details:  Transition Llambed: www.transitionllambed.co.uk email: transitionllambed@gmail.com  Victoria Hall: www.vichall.org.uk To make bookings for Victoria Hall contact: admin@vichall.org.uk or phone/text 07891 632614  People's Market: To book a stall contact: rhydygwinfarm@talktalk.net or ring 01570 471432 2

3

Dylan Lewis

COEDWIG GYMUNEDOL LONG WOOD COMMUNITY WOODLAND Light Is Life

Players have hosted some great events there.

The word ‘festival’ often brings thoughts of Glastonbury proportions, but we can't do a Glastonbury at Long Wood! The Theatre would be perfect, though, for smaller events such as a local music A Midsummer Night’s Dream 2010 showcase, outdoor cinema, storytelling event, poetry slam, or woodcraft fair. We’re keen for this space to be used by local groups, so if you have an idea, then please do approach us.

It’s mid-May and the woodland has finally burst into life with greenery sprouting everywhere. Over winter we have undertaken tree felling projects in order to get timbers down ready for our Visitor Centre build this summer, plus continued coppicing peppered across the site. Where the tree canopy has been thinned or cleared, the changes taking place on the woodland floor become apparent. They say that "woodland management is also the management of light", and with the return of the sun, you can really see how the ground-level species are taking advantage of their new access to it.

One familiar species is the bluebell, now seen under beeches around the Woodland Theatre.

We’re celebrating the return of the bluebell and other woodland wildflowers with a guided walk on Saturday 1 June (see listings, p. 12) June will also see the welcome return of Sarah Hulme, our long-serving Woodland Warden, from maternity leave. Sarah will be looking forward to supporting our volunteering days each Wednesday.

Long Wood Update Those of you who have walked the main bridleway recently will have noticed an area of felled conifer trees near our Forest School site. We plan to make this our Timber Yard and Volunteer Hub: a partsurfaced working area for log stacking, sawmill operations and firewood processing, and a focal point for our volunteering sessions and courses, where groups can meet and get involved in practical woodland management. This area will also give closer parking for groups accessing our Forest School, which we will also develop this year. We are currently seeking match-funding for the Timber Yard development, so we’re keen to hear from local individuals or groups who might want to make use of this community facility.

James Kendall, Project Manager

Festivals in the Woods?

In the past we hosted a very successful Open Day, attended by hundreds of locals, which showcased the possibilities for Long Wood as a host venue. We have a fantastic community resource in the Woodland Theatre, and groups such as the Long Wood

What’s On in the Woods Woodland Wednesdays: What: Sessions continue - making shingles for our new public noticeboard.

In the summer work season, the focus will shift to access and construction projects like path building, stile & gate repair, and the building of small woodland structures like wood stores, benches and steps.

Anyone keen to get involved will not only learn these skills, but will also work toward improving the access for all to Long Wood and the development of our footpath network for the future.

Every session supervised by our Wardens, Jamie and Sarah, who will make you feel welcome.

Need: No experience required, just a willingness to learn and get stuck in.

Long Wood will provide tools, training and a hot drink for everyone.

If we get enough interest, via feedback, we could extend this opportunity to include a volunteer session on a regular weekend day.

Long Wood will also be at Denmark Farm's Open Day on Sunday 16 June, where you'll have the chance to try out greenwood crafts.

So please come and say hello - we’d love to meet you.

Join our mailing list or find us on Facebook. Contact: 07557 386755 or info@longwood-lampeter.org.uk 4

Victoria Hall Refurbishment Update The smelly toilets are now a distant memory and Greg has all but stopped offering guided tours of the new ones. We have a few niggles to fix including coat hooks – we’ll get there, honest. If you haven’t been in, feel free to pop in for a sit-down any time. I think the last word goes to a visitor to the People’s Market last Saturday …

“Loved the new Gents. Khazi of the Year Award candidate surely!”

Thanks John.

Our next project will also be a little disruptive but will see us spending in the region of £30,000 on a new kitchen.

Once again we have had great help and assistance from our friends at COASTAL and Elonwy James at Ceredigion County Council. Funding has come via the Ceredigion Social Enterprise Growth Fund and Ceredigion Community Fund. By the end of July we should have a shiny new kitchen worthy of the Victoria Hall project. The work goes on!

The Directors, Transition Llambed Development Trust

Good Green Fun at Denmark Farm Open Day

Come along to see a showcase of all that is good for wildlife and the environment. We hope to see you here. If you would like to find out more, ring 01570 493358, email info@denmarkfarm.org.uk or check out our evolving Open Day page on our website: www.denmarkfarm.org.uk/events/open-day Mara Morris

On Sunday 16 June, from 11am until 3pm, Denmark Farm will be opening its gates to all for a long-awaited Open Day. We have not held an Open Day for two years, so we are really pulling out the stops to make this a memorable one. The event will also celebrate the finale of our three-year Wildlife Where You Live project funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Environment Wales, Countryside Council for Wales and the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

There will be activities to suit many interests including: pond dipping, guided tours of the new Eco Lodge and new community wildlife garden, pony rides, crafts and stalls galore plus presentations and lots of information about wildlife and sustainability. You can get help with wildlife identification with Clare Flynn from i-spot.

Bring your camera to take a photo of something you find here on the day, or a photo you have already taken, and Clare will show you how to access the i-spot community of experts and enthusiasts. We hope to have PureRide offering a bike clinic and many other exciting activities.

There will be plentiful food and refreshments too.

Tom Bean will be here with his mobile pizza oven and Made in Mach are supplying delicious hot and cold vegetarian meals. Not forgetting tea, coffee and yummy homemade cakes.

5

LETTERS

The 7th Llanfair Clydogau Beer Festival

grapevine, victoria hall, bryn road, lampeter SA48 7EE email: lampetergrapevine@gmail.com Dear Grapevine Readers,

Llanfair is holding its seventh Beer Festival in June.

Are you aware of the proposal for a 24-acre solar PV

farm at

Clydogau? 'greener'

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laudable

energy,

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Farm,

idea is

to

such

It has become something of an institution, not just as an annual event in the village but for real ale aficionados from near and far.

Llanfair produce a

large

It has always been the policy of the organisers to serve real ale from Wales and the borders, showcasing the offerings from small independent breweries large and small.

As you the reader must realise, in order to provide the discerning drinkers of this part of Ceredigion with a wide range of palatable ales, the organisers have to do a considerable amount of research. It’s a sacrifice that we are more than willing to participate in, so as to present a lively selection of beer at the annual festival.

Past beer festivals have introduced drinkers to beer from local brewers such as Jacobi in Caio, and the Kite Brewery in Gorlas. We sampled seasonal ales from Evan Evans in Llandeilo and enjoyed awardwinning beer from Waen Brewery in Llanidloes. With the aid of the Good Beer Guide and attendance at beer festivals in England and Wales, we endeavour to provide a wide range of beer that suits everyone’s tastes.

This year we are hoping to obtain real ale from The Friends Arms in Johnstown near Carmarthen, a CAMRA Pub of the year who also brew their own beer. There are several breweries in North Wales which brew a very favourable pint, and are worth further investigation.

installation the best policy? It will be an eyesore,

particularly

with

its

surrounding

security fence topped with razor wire, a pre-requisite of TGC Renewables, the Bristol company proposing to do the installation.

Would it be better to have a number of smaller installations, thereby benefitting more local farmers, and with less of a visual impact, rather than just one farm using the entire quota for renewable energy production, in the locality? Planning permission for this proposal is currently being sought.

Jan Wolf (Cellan)

The Llanfair Beer Festival this year is on Friday, 21 June and Saturday, 22 June. The opening hours are 5pm to midnight on Friday and 2pm till midnight on Saturday. On Saturday evening at 6:30pm there will be a barbecue, also an annual village event.

For those who still haven’t acquired the joyful taste of real ale, we will also be serving cider - this year a local brew from Llanfair itself. All that can be said about the cider is that it’s eminently quaffable, but beware of its hidden talents!

The regulars at this Llanfair Beer Festival will know that we aim to keep the cost of the beer relatively low so everyone can taste the ales on offer. If you have not yet had the pleasure of the Festival, come along this year, sample some excellent ale, enjoy good company and have a cracking good time.

Lesley Stevens 6

Another big problem is tent abandonment (especially at large festivals).

There's now an international campaign called Love Your Tent (http://loveyourtent.com) aimed at combating the widespread problem of dumped tents.

Glastonbury Festival now offers pre-erected camping facilities to try to deal with this, and is considering making this compulsory for all attendees. They have already promoted the use of and given away biodegradable tent pegs.

So it seems that many festival organizers are trying to "green up", but festival-goers need to take more responsibility too. Take all your belongings home, recycle on site, buy from locally-sourced food sellers, choose to go to responsible festivals, and if possible go by public transport or lift-share - the largest proportion of a festival-goer’s carbon footprint was transport to and from site.

Luckily, there are plenty of festivals here in Wales, including the Croissant-Neuf Summer Party (8-11 August, www.croissantneuf.co.uk) in Monmouthshire, run entirely on solar power. It promotes itself as the greenest festival in the UK, with many awards to back up this claim. So it looks like you can have plenty of fun while staying green and avoiding having to clock up too many carbon-creating miles.

Sarah Watson-Jones

Is it possible for big festivals to be green?

Well, apparently it is. For example Fuji Rocks in Japan is often touted as the cleanest festival in the world: "There, participants can't walk more than 200 yards without recyclers yelling at them by megaphone that the labels must be peeled off water bottles and all materials deposited into the relevant bins. Revellers can be summarily marched from proceedings for dropping a cigarette butt (a beautiful river runs through the festival site and is protected from such toxic travesties) and it's not uncommon to look down at the end of a headline act and not see a single piece of litter where 60,000 people stood." (Lucy Siegle, Observer, 17 June 2007) Apart from the difficulty of getting to Japan in an environmentally-friendly way, I’m not sure I’d want to go to a festival with this level of control. Thankfully, festivals are greening up all over the world, with specialist organizations and awards aimed at helping festival organizers and participants to improve their “green” credentials. For example, A Greener Festival (www.agreenerfestival.com) is a not-for-profit company committed to helping music and arts events and festivals around the world adopt environmentally efficient practices and reduce their impact on the planet. In 2011 they audited 46 festivals, from massive events such as Glastonbury (177,500 England), T in the Park (85,000 Scotland), the Malmo Festival (200,000 daily, Sweden), SOS 4:8 (40,000 daily, Spain) and Bonnaroo (80,000 US) to smaller festivals such as the UK's 1,000 capacity Wood Festival and Waveform and the 4,500 capacity Island Vibe in Australia. All these have signed up to the Greener Festival Awards scheme.

I always figured that rubbish, powering stages and stalls, and transport (to & from festivals) would be the biggest issues and it turns out that they probably are.

The good news is that many festivals (at least those who requested an audit from A Greener Festival) are taking steps to address these. Most at least promote public transport and car-sharing and there is some evidence that festival-goers are slowly starting to reduce their reliance on cars. Most festivals have recycling facilities but these are not always used.

Many use renewable energy sources, usually bio-diesel and solar power. Some compost (food & toilet), some conserve water and some re-use grey water.

Here are a few more music festivals in Wales with some green credentials: Blues Festival of Wales, 28-30 June, Green Valley Arts site, Upper Cwmtwrch – the location is a sustainable events site Workhouse Festival, 12-14 July, Llanfyllin, Powys - environmentally conscious & cheap The Green Man Festival, 15-18 August, Brecon Beacons - have organised the “Green Bus” which will travel from most cities to the festival site and a free shuttle bus from Abergavenny train station The Green Gathering, 1-4 August, Chepstow strong green ethos for decades New Quay Wales Music Festival, 2-4 August, New Quay - no camping included and no particular mention of a green ethos, but it's very close to us in Lampeter, so a much lower travelling impact Check the efestivals website for details of these and many more festivals in Wales: www.efestivals.co.uk 7

We hope you enjoyed taking part.

Have fun with your prizes & let us know how you get on.

Maybe you can send us some pictures to lampetergrapevine@gmail.com

Kids in A ction

Congratulations to our Competition Winners

Runners Up: Violet aged 3 & Tallis aged 4

a

d

i

b

e

May Competition Answers

c

f

j

Competition winner: Bruno, aged 10

g

h

k

a Victoria Hall b. Castle Hotel c. Saint David’s building University of Wales TSD d. Police Station e. Weather vane, University f. Barclays Bank g. Harford Square h. Town Hall Clock i. Black Lion Hotel j. Pillbox Bunker opposite Co-op k. Gorsedd Park

More competitions coming soon 8

Seasonal snippets - more garden & wildlife goodies

by Mara, Ian and Tomos Morris who live in Llangybi Ian’s Tweet Swifts are birds of high summer. Their screaming calls remind me of holidays in the Mediterranean. If pressed I might even say they were my favourite species of bird. They are remarkable in many ways, not only for their superlative flying skills. On leaving the nest, young Swifts head south to southern Africa without their parents, and may remain on the wing non-stop for three years without landing! Individuals are thought to consume up to 10,000 flying insects every day. When the weather is cool and wet, Swifts are able to enter a state of torpor to reduce their energy needs temporarily. I would guess that up to twenty pairs may nest in Lampeter using holes in eaves and towers in older buildings. Look and listen out for them zooming through the sky above town and keep your fingers crossed for hot, sunny weather!

june Mara in the Potting Shed Writing this in early May with temperatures gradually rising, lovely sunshine and a few showers, I am so relieved that winter is finally behind us. The garden seems to be sighing with relief as well, with huge growth spurts to make up for the lost time.

Seeds are germinating very fast and young plants growing well.

It is now a bit of a race to get the bulk of summer crops sown, pricking out seedlings and planting crops out into the slowly warming soil. All is not lost if you can’t grow everything that you want yourself.

Sometimes if you are short of time and space, it might be better to concentrate on just a few crops and try to grow these really well, rather than sowing the contents of dozens of seed packets and not be able to keep up with all their demands. I am reducing my range this year as I have less time, and would like to spend more time just sitting and enjoying the garden. I am hoping to swap some plants at the plant swap coming up at Victoria Hall in May and also at the Denmark Farm Open Day on Sun 16 June. Enjoy growing in June - or I should say, enjoy sitting in your garden!

drawing by Tomos (almost, very nearly 8!)

More Welsh Festivals for your Diary

St. David’s

23 May to 2 June 23 May to 2 June 25 & 26 May

Newtown Pembs

Hay Festival

Hay-on-Wye

HowTheLightgetsIn

Hay-on-Wye

Really Wild Festival Gregynog Festival Pembrokeshire Fish Week International Ceramics Festival

Aberystwyth

The National Eisteddfod

Vale of Glamorgan

3 to 10 Aug

Brecon Jazz Festival

Brecon

9 to 11 Aug

Cardigan River & Food Fest

Cardigan

10 Aug

20 to 30 June

Dinefwr Literature Festival

Llandeilo

TBC June/July

22 to 30 June

Idle WIT (Women in Tune)

Llanfair Clydogau

14 to 17 Aug

Green Man Festival

Crickhowell

15 to 18 Aug

28 - 30 June

Street Choirs

Aberystwyth

19 to 21 July

Gŵyl Machynlleth Festival

Machynlleth

18 to 25 Aug

Big Cheese Fest

Caerphilly

27 July

Aberystwyth Food & Drink

Aberystwyth

13 Sept

The Royal Welsh

Builth Wells

22 to 25 July

Great British Cheese Fest

Cardiff Castle

24 & 25 Sept

Green Gathering

Chepstow

1 to 4 Aug

I’m sure there are plenty of others out there

9

The Lampeter Food Festival attracts over 6,000 people to Lampeter every year, and is a major event on the Welsh food festival and producers’ calendar.

With an estimated spend of £130,000, the festival is a great boost to our local economy.

The Festival is always a great day to meet old friends, make some new ones, sample delicious locallyproduced foods and beverages, buy an unusual gift or plant, admire local artists’ work, learn how to cook something different, listen to some good music, have fun with the kids or simply sit in the sun (fingers crossed...) and watch the endless flow of people going by.

The festival, which is run by a small group of volunteers who will warmly welcome additional members, has a number of key objectives: firstly it aims to promote the benefits and take-up of high-quality Welsh produce within Wales and elsewhere across the UK and Europe; it also sets out to educate visitors about the advantages of local supply chains, in terms of supporting fair trade and reducing food miles. The organisers additionally hope to encourage an increased level of tourism in the area to enhance the local economy.

This year the sixteenth Lampeter Food Festival is on Saturday 27 July in the historic grounds of the University of Wales Trinity St David. It will open one hour earlier than usual, at 10am. Over 70 stalls attend: around 50 of those are food producers and the majority are from Wales.

Sarah Tarbutt of Harmony Herd is already having fun planning what flavour of wild boar sausage she will serve: maybe caramelised red onion, fennel and red pepper, wild mushroom or honey and mustard. We’ll just have to wait for the day to find out, but Sarah told me she is open to suggestions.

Stella Teasdale from The Mulberry Bush said: “It is always great to meet the producers of local brands that we stock, such as Caws Cenarth Cheeses, Celtic Country Wines and Penlon Beers.

And I often find a great new product at the festival.”

Lucy Watson from Organic Fresh Foods Company said: “We had a great festival last year. Even though it’s in our home town, we see loads of new faces, and are able to sell lots of lovely home-grown vegetables. The atmosphere at the festival, and throughout the whole town, was wonderful.”

I spoke to several Lampeter people and they all said the same thing: great atmosphere, a lovely day out, really interesting to meet the producers and sample new foods, good to meet up with people they haven’t seen for months, a brilliant social occasion. Other local traders, such as The Mustard Seed, Town Hall Café Deli and Conti’s Café, agreed it is one of the busiest days of the year.

Malorie Saad, of Town Hall Café Deli, said: “We notice a real increase in sales of local produce on the day of, and after, the food festival - I think it reminds people of the importance of local produce.”

So make a date in your diary to attend the Lampeter Food Festival on Saturday 27 July.

This is our festival and it is very important to Lampeter, so please feel free to offer something to help the festival survive. There is no entry charge but collection buckets will be prominent: please give generously as less funding is available now for all festivals. If you have any time to spare in the weeks leading up to the festival or on the day, your help will be really welcomed by the small and far-too-busy team of volunteers.

Please contact Jane Norris-Hill on 01570 422280 or info@lampeterfoodfestival.org.uk Josie Smith 10

More details: page 15

Victoria Hall: regular activities and classes Bryn Road, Lampeter SA48 7EE To book the Victoria Hall phone: 07891 632614 Email: admin@vichall.org.uk Please note that room booking fees for Victoria Hall have changed.

For community groups & local small-scale commercial: Large hall is now £12/hour; Small hall £7/hour; whole building £18/hour.

See www.vichall.org.uk for more details.

Day

Weekly (W) Fortnightly (F) Monthly (M)

Time

Activity / Class

Contact

Tuesday

W

4.305.30

W

Name

Number

Circus Master Class

Lea Wakeman

07920 408849

7.308.30pm

Zumba keep fit session

Julie Lancaster

01570 470542

F 12 & 26 June

1.304.30pm

Young at Heart

W

7-8pm

Zumba keep fit session

Louise Evans

07584 199372

W

1-3pm

Welsh classes

Meryl Evans

01545 572715

M 3rd Thur each month

7-9pm

Transition Llambed ‘Big Gathering’

Friday

W

4.306.30pm

LYTSS: Lampeter Youth Theatre & Stage School

Saturday

2nd & 4th Sat each month

10am1pm

People’s Market

M 8 June

2-4pm

Sing Out, Harmony Song Workshop

Clara Clay

07929 018928

W

10am7pm

Lampeter Evangelical Church

Gareth Jones at the Mustard Seed café

01570 423344

W

7-9pm

Brazilian Jujitsu

Mike A. Banica

07783 582081

Wednesday

Thursday

Sunday

courses_______________ Denmark Farm Conservation Centre, Betws Bledrws Sun 9 June: Bumblebees workshop last few places!

Sun 16 June: Denmark Farm Annual Open Day Sat 22-Mon 24 June: Understanding British Mammals 1 Mon 25-Thurs 28 June: Clay Sculpture Sat 29 June: Beginners' Felt & Little Treasures Felt Workshops Sun 30 June: Starting out with Fleece & Spinning Mon 1 July: Knitting for Novices

Tea, sandwiches & social for the wiser folk of Lampeter

A chance for all those interested in/involved with Transition Llambed to plan and co-ordinate activities Everyone welcome!

Annie May

Local food, produce and crafts. Plus café, live music and other attractions

Tues 2 July: Get Hooked with Crochet Wed 3 July: Peg Loom Fleece Rugs Contact: 01570 493358, www.denmarkfarm.org.uk

creative_______________ Cellan Hall Creative Café. £5 per year will entitle you to attend weekly craft sessions on Wednesdays, 12noon-4pm. Free use of sewing machines, free insurance for selling hand-made items, a variety of creative workshops and good company.

Contact Ceredwin, 01570 421476 Cellan Quilters - Knit, Natter and Sew, W ednesdays 12noon-4pm, 11

01570 423080

Cellan Hall. £10 per month or £4 dropin fee. Informal group for all who enjoy quilting, sewing, knitting, socialising - & female chatter? All ages, all abilities welcome. Contact: Amanda, 01570 421338.

kids __________________ Ray Ceredigion offers free, openaccess outdoor play sessions.

Starting at Maes Y Felin play area, Lampeter, every Mon (term time), 46pm. Also at Rhydlanfair play area, Llangybi, Mon, 3.30-5.30pm. Contact: Helen Lewis, 01545 570686

what’s going on listings are free. send details of your event to lampetergrapevine@gmail.com

events ________________ Cellan Village Litter Pick, Mon 27 May (Bank Holiday). Meet Cellan Hall 11am. Return for simple lunch (provided, or bring and share if you like).

Coedwig Gymunedol Long Wood Community Woodland.  Bluebell and Wildflower Walk.

Sun 2 June. Come and enjoy the delights of Welsh springtime with a guided walk. Meet at Long Wood car park midday.  Open Public Meeting. Long Wood welcomes queries and questions from the public at an open forum.

Mon 3 June, 7.30pm St Thomas’ Church, Lampeter. Contact: 07557 386755  Woodland Wednesdays. Regular volunteering sessions at Long Wood. Why not join in, develop your skills and feel the benefit of working in a beautiful environment. No experience required: training given, supervised by our W oodland Wardens. Contact: 07557 386755, info@longwood-lampeter.org.uk The Alister Hardy Society for the Study of Spiritual Experience (AHSSSE) presents two lectures by Dr Gregory Shushan of the Ian Ramsey Centre for Science and Religion, Oxford U niversit y.

Near-death Experience, Shamanism, and the Origins of Afterlife Beliefs, 5pm Tues 11 June, & The Relationship Between Religious Experiences and Religious Beliefs: Deconstructing Some Postmodernist Axioms, 6pm Weds 12 June, both in Founder's Library, TSD University, Lampeter.

Contact: Eric Franklin 01570 471367, erf678@googlemail.com Summer Fête, Sat 15 June, 11am3pm. Our Lady of Mount Carmel RC Church, Lampeter. Bottle stall, bric-a -brac, nearly new clothes, cakes etc.

Women’s Workshop Summer Market. Sat 6 July, 12 noon-3pm, St James Hall, Cwmann. Crafts, handmade items, refreshments. Free entry and plenty of free parking. Tables from £3: to book one, ring 01559 370981.

NGS Open Gardens, Sun 7 July, 2-6pm. The Sculptures Garden, Old Post Office & Bwlchau Duon, Ffarmers: 2 very different gardens.

Teas, cakes, plants available. All

profits to National Gardens Scheme charities. £3.50 combined entrance.

From A482 take turning to Ffarmers village, look for yellow signs. Contact: 01558 650187 / 01558 650183 The Welsh Quilt Centre's 2013 exhibition, Kaffe Fassett Comes to Wales. The exhibition is open from March 9 to November 2 at the Welsh Quilt Centre, Lampeter. Admission: £5, £4 concs, £2.50 students.

Hanes Llambed / Lampeter History Society Regular talks at the Old Hall, University of Wales Trinity St David.

All welcome. For details contact: Penny David, 01570 422041

health & well-being courses & classes______ Homeopathy Workshop, 10.30am Thur 6 June at Cellan Hall. Due to the recent measles epidemic, I will facilitate a workshop to describe how Homeopathy can be used to relieve symptoms of fever and rash, & boost the immune system. We will also discuss the anxiety which has been raised regarding measles. To book a place or for more info: Charlotte Allen RSHom, 01570 493746 Building Respectful Relationships with Children Course: at Pentrecwrt, near Llandysul. Weds 26 June & Weds 3 July, 9.30am-4.30pm. 2-day course helping you to find more effective and compassionate ways to respond to the everyday frustrating moments of caring for children. Contact: 01559 362510, penny@poisedforlife.co.uk, www.thebridgebetween.co.uk Yoga classes suitable for all, with an Iyengar-trained teacher: Tues 10-11.30am Cellan Hall Weds 5.30-7pm Tregaron Chapel Vestry Thu 10-11.30am Pontrhydfendigaid Vestry Contact: Cathy Crick Stanton, 01570 421144 / 07748 031614, cathycrick@hotmail.co.uk Meditation, Qi Gong and Breathing exercises class to deal with stress of modern living. Self-help practices for health, awareness and insight. Thurs 7-8.30pm (except 3rd Thurs of month), Argoed Hall, Tregaron. £5.

Before attending please contact: Iain Cameron Watson, 07852 626001, cameronbodywork@gmail.com 12

markets______________ People’s Market, Victoria Hall, Lampeter, 10am-1pm every 2nd & 4th Sat each month.

Next markets: Sat 8 & 22 June.

Lampeter Farmers' Market Market Street, Lampeter, 9am-2pm alternate Fridays Next markets: Fri 31 May, 14 & 28 June Ffarmers Market Neuadd Bro Fana/Village Hall, Ffarmers, 10am-12.30pm 1st Sat in the month Next market: Saturday 1 June Llansawel Market Llansawel Village Hall, 10am 12.30pm 3rd Sat of the month Next market: Saturday 15 June Lunar Market. Saturday 1 June, Llanfair Clydogau Village Hall, 10am-3pm. Local produce and crafts and refreshments. Contact: 07920 063773.

move your body________ Coedwig Gymunedol Long Wood Community Woodland. Do you need to get out more? Join our FREE 1/2 hour Health Walks. Last Sunday each month, 2pm: next is Sun 30 June. Especially for people who find walking difficult. Wear strong shoes.

Start from Penlan Goetre, SA48 8NE. Contact: Andrew, 07557 386755 Belly Dance & Belly Fit classes Belly Dance: Mon. 1.30-2.45pm (all ages). Belly Fit: 3-4.00pm (over-50s) Shiloh Church Hall, Lampeter (next to the police station on the High Street). All fitness levels welcome.

Contact: Rose Barter, 01239 851737 rosebarter@btinternet.com Circus Master Class for grown-ups (over-14s - under-9s welcome with an adult).

Focusing on fitness and fun. Tuesdays 4.30-5.30pm at Victoria Hall. £3.00 each or £5.00 for two family members. Hula hoops for the waist, poi and juggling for toning your bingo wings, unicycle and balancing props for strengthening the legs, & much more. Contact Lea, 07920 408849 Belly Dance & Yoga classes. Belly Dance: Tues 7.30-8.30pm. £3.00.

Beginner Yoga: Thur 7-8.30pm, £5.00. Crugybar Village Hall.

Contact: 01558 685321, elenamgilliatt@hotmail.com

move your body contd. ____ Flamenco Dance classes weekly in Lampeter and Aberystwyth with Dixey Ruscelli.

Tues 6-7.15pm, Sally Saunders Dance Studio, Lampeter Industrial Estate, Tregaron Rd, Lampeter (next to Organic Fresh Food Co) Wed 6-7.30pm, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, with live flamenco guitarist.

Men and women welcome. Please bring strong chunky-heeled shoes.

Contact: 01570 493138, dixeyart@gmail.com BlackSheep BellyDance. Fortnightly Wednesday classes with Lyza Chthonia: 5 & 19 June & 3 July, 6.307.45pm. £5 per person per class but your first class with Lyza is free! Open Level (Adults, 14yrs+) Shiloh Hall, Lampeter (behind police station).

Join the Facebook group – ‘Chthonia BellyDance Classes Lampeter’. www.chthoniabellydance.co.uk Tribal Dance with Lyza. Alternate Wednesdays 6.30-8pm, Shiloh Church Hall, High Street, Lampeter.

Contact: lyza_darkestwish@live.com Yoga, Wednesdays 5.30-7pm Cellan Millennium Hall. Small friendly group led by Pat Beaton, 01558 650594.

Talsarn Folk Dances Now held on the 1st Saturday of each month. No partner needed, just come & join in. 8pm start, refreshments provided. Admission £2.50 Contact: 01974 272098 Cerddwyr Ramblers, Lampeter, organise a variety of weekly walks throughout the year. Anyone interested in walking with the group is warmly welc om ed to j oin. A walk ing programme is available from the Town Library or James, 01570 480743

music_________________ Sing Out Harmony Workshop 2-4pm 2nd Saturday every month at Victoria Hall, Lampeter. Contact: Clara Clay, 07929 018928

photography ___________ Lampeter Photography meet on 1st & 3rd Friday of every month, 7.30pm at the Kings Head, Lampeter. Monthly competitions, exhibitions & workshops.

All welcome. FREE. Contac t: Stef, 07958 772035, lampeterphotography@yahoo.co.uk

(English), 9.30am Cymun Bendigaid (trydydd Sul yn y mis yn unig, Cymraeg). Church Hall available for hire, £8.50 per hour. Kitchen facilities.

Enquiries/bookings contact: Beryl, 01570 422324, www.lampeterparish.org St Cybi’s Church, Llangybi. Main Sun Service: 9am (bilingual).

St Bledrws’ Church, Betws Bledrws.

Main Sun Service: 10.45am (English or bilingual).

St Sulien’s Church, Silian. Main Sun Service: 2pm (bilingual /Cymraeg).

St Mary’s Church, Maestir. Main Sun Service: 2.30pm (2nd Sun in month only, English).

Times apply to the first four Sundays in each month. For the few fifth Sundays there will be a single United Parish Service at 10am: location will be published in the local newspapers.

Seventh Day Adventists meet fortnightly on Sat at Cellan Millennium Hall, 10.15am-3.15pm.

For more details: www.cellanmillenniumhall.co.uk Lampeter Evangelical Church meets every Sunday at Victoria Hall, 10am– 7pm. Contact: Gareth Jones at The Mustard Seed café, 01570 423344 Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, Lampeter Sunday Mass is 10am. For other services see church notice board.

Lampeter Quakers. Every Sunday at Canolfan Steffan, Peterwell Terrace at 10.45am. All welcome. www.quakersinwales.org.uk (English) Crynwyr Llambed. Cwrdd bob ddydd Sul, Canolfan Steffan, Rhodfa Peterwell, 10.45 yb. Croeso i bawb. www.crynwyrcymru.org.uk (Cymraeg) Contact / Cysylltwch: Deborah Rowlands, 01570 480083, deborahjrowlands@gmail.com St Thomas' Methodist Church Sun service 10.30am, creche & youth activity. Tuesday Coffee morning 9.3012noon. All welcome. See chapel notice board.

Interested in Buddhism?

A Study Group for Women. Exploring the underlying principle of Buddhist Practice and how we can apply this in our daily lives. Meets one day a month near Aberystwyth. Meditation, shared lunch. Contact: Lesley, 01970 617129 or Noel 07988 745364

religious services & social ________________ groups ________________ CYD Llambed. Ymarfer eich Cym-

Lampeter Parish raeg/Practise your Welsh. Dydd St Peter’s Church, Lampeter. Main Mawrth 11 yb-12yh/Tuesdays 11amSun Service: 11am (bilingual), Other 12 noon, Gwesty y Llew Du, Llanbedr services: 8am Holy Communion 13

P.S./Black Lion Hotel, Lampeter.

Croeso i bawb/All welcome. Croeso i unrhyw Cymro/Cymraes sy'n fodlon i ymuno â ni.

Cysyllt â/Contact: Mary Neal, 01570 470092 Golden Broth Lunch Club: a new free lunch and social club for the senior citizens of Cellan and Llanfair Clydogau, offering a FREE light lunch of soup, roll and cake, plus tea/coffee.

Gather for a social and play cards or dominoes, or just relax and natter to friends. All ideas are welcome. Come along and join in the fun.

Fortnightly on alternate weeks at Cellan Millennium Hall and Llanfair Hall on Mondays, 11.30am-2pm.

Next Lunch Clubs: Mon 3 June, Cellan and Mon 17 June, Llanfair.

Ring Amanda (Cellan) 01570 421338, or Linda (Llanfair) 01570 493706 Lampeter Friends is a new SelfAdvocacy group for people with learning disabilities, set up by Eich Dewis Chi (soon to become Ceredigion Advocacy). Every Wed, 2-4pm, CAMFA building, Lampeter. A welcoming and supportive space for people with learning disabilities to meet and talk about issues important to them. Free, all welcome. Meet new friends, find support, take part in activities, build confidence, learn new skills & hobbies & have fun!

Contact: Rebecca, 07976 023486 Whist Drives, Weds 8 and Weds 22 May. At Hafan Deg, Lampeter, every fortnight. All welcome. All Funds to Hafan Deg League of Friends.

Contact: Gwen Davies, 01570 481152.

storytelling & books_____ Storytelling Group/Noson Storiau Croeso i bawb, Cymry, Saeson a Thylwyth Teg, dynion a merched, oedolion a phlant.

Everyone welcome from complete beginners to talented bards. Come to listen, come to tell. Friendly, informal group 7-9pm every 3rd Monday in the month, Denmark Farm, Betws Bledrws. Next meeting Mon 17 June.

Please bring a small donation to cover room hire and refreshments. Contact/ cysyllt â: Rachel 01570 493222, rachauck@yahoo.co.uk Llangeitho Book Group meets 2nd Weds each month, 2pm in Llangeitho Village Café. We choose a book to read and chat over a paned/ cuppa. Contact: 01974 821213 to register your interest or just turn up! gillymail22-book@yahoo.co.uk, If you know of anyone who would like to join the club please let us know.

CELLAN MILLENNIUM HALL CLASSES AND GROUPS Classes subject to change: please check www.cellanmillenniumhall.co.uk for updates & contact details.

See our website What’s On page for one-off events MONDAY Line Dancing 7-10pm Lunch Club 3 June, 11.30-2pm Village Litter Pick 27 May (Bank Holiday), 11am TUESDAY Healing Yoga 10-11.30am Lampeter Home Education Group 12-5pm Qi Gong 6-7pm Tai Chi 7-8pm Beekeepers 2nd Tues of month, 8pm WEDNESDAY Table Tennis 10-11.30am Quilting Club & Creative Café 12 noon-4pm Yoga 5.30-7pm THURSDAY Five Rhythms Dance 1st Thurs of month 7pm Village Improvement Society Cttee1st Thurs of month 7pm W.I. 2nd Thurs of month 7.30pm FRIDAY Art Group 10am–1pm Film Night fortnightly 7.15pm

Send your listings to

lampetergrapevine@gmail.com For full guidelines & information for advertisers & contributors: see grapevine page on www.transitionllambed.co.uk

SATURDAY 13 April - Seventh Day Adventists, fortnightly 10.15am-3.15pm

lampetergrapevine@gmail.com

theatre_______________

3 July - Poetry Appreciation 10 July - Jewellery Lampeter Youth Theatre and Stage Contact: 01570 423167/01545 590391 School (LYTss) Every Fri, 4.306.30pm, Victoria Hall.

Contact: Annie May, 01570 423080, annie@themay.co.uk

women’s workshop_____ Wed 10.30am-3pm, St James’ Hall, Cwmann. 11am Qi Gong-gentle exercise. 12noon lunch. 1pm workshop. Disabled access & toilet. Free car park. £2.50 a session (includes vegetarian lunch and all activities). Pay on the day, no membership or advance fee - drop in when you please. New m em bers always welcome.

5 June - Foraging for Food 12 June - Painting 19 June - Painting 26 June - Mosaics

Copy Dates & Themes -x-

July / Aug issue Copy: Fri 7 June Theme: ‘Keep it Local’

writing ________________ Developing a Voice in Writing at Waunifor, Maesycrugiau, with Annette Ecuyere. Tuesdays 10am– 12.30pm (8 sessions, started 23 April).

A journey of exploration: discover ways of using your senses and emotions to develop your writing voice.

For all skill/experience levels. Contact: Annette 01559 370969, info@wordzworkwales.biz, www.wordzworkwales.biz 14

-x-

September issue Copy:

Fri 9 August

Theme: ‘Past, Present, Future’ -x-

October issue Copy: Fri 13 September Theme: To be decided!

continued … from page 10

Saturday 27 July This year there will be an excellent line-up of cookery demonstrations from 10.30 onwards.

So far confirmed are: a capella her voice can fill an auditorium. She performed in Brazil last month, and will be singing at the International Sharq Taronalari Music Festival in Uzbekistan in August.

Simon Wright: a food writer, broadcaster and former editor of the AA Restaurant Guide. His projects include Y Polyn and Sospan. He’s now at Wright’s Independent Food Emporium in Nantgaredig, and also runs the café at Aberglasney.

In 2012 Transition Llambed also held a very popular beer festival, feast and dance in Victoria Hall as part of the Food Festival. This year again there will be a local beer festival, the People’s Market will open from 10am to 4pm, selling an eclectic variety of locally-produced goods, and there are plans afoot for a Twmpath and Hog Roast in the evening.

Vicky North: a Cardigan micro-baker who hand makes cakes and breads for local businesses. She has trained at the prestigious E5 bakery in London and specialises in sourdough bread. Vicky will be revealing her starter secrets, taking people through the whole process and sharing top tips for the perfect sourdough bread.

Ruth Tudor and James Swift from Trealy Farm and The Meat Course. Ruth and James have developed Trealy Farm into the leading producer of Charcuterie in Britain today. They have won numerous True Taste and Great Taste Awards and were Observer Food Monthly Best UK Producer of the Year 2010.

Have a wonderful Lampeter Food Festival, come hungry, leave happy and full.

Josie Smith Send in photos of your festival fun lampetergrapevine@gmail.com

Scott Davis, who has worked with some of the finest chefs at some of the UK’s best restaurants (e.g. Marcus Wareing, Marco Pierre White, Peter Gordon, Nobu and Soho Hotel) before coming home to Ceredigion and taking over the kitchen at the Harbourmaster. He now runs Cnwd, a simple and great little food company making artisan terrines, pâté and smoked products. Scott is a presenter for “The Do-Lectures” and co-presented with Gary Rhodes on the Rhodes around India series. He intends to bring his ‘pop-up’ restaurant to the Food Festival.

Cacennau cartref, cyffaith a bwydydd sawrus Ffrwythau, llysiau a phlanhigion tymhorol, cartref Cig a gynhyrchir yn lleol a dewis o waith llaw crefft Te a choffi Homemade cakes, preserves and savouries Homegrown seasonal fruit, vegetables and plants Locally-produced meat and a selection of handmade craft Tea and coffee

Entertainment will be provided by Bryan ‘Smudger’ Smith, who is back by very popular demand.

Together with Jim Hackford he’ll offer a varied and often hilarious set of songs from around the world.

The poetry of Dylan Thomas set to music, an Italian Tarantella, a Cuban lullaby, classic Welsh folk songs, Irish jigs, Yiddish blues and some of Smudger’s own compositions, all performed with panache and humour.

Also appearing will be Lynne Denman, who has travelled the world singing traditional Welsh and Celtic songs in her own inimitable style. Lynne’s voice is stunning, so clear and true. When she sings 15

Festival Health Care with Homoeopathy I have been to over a hundred festivals in my time, and I certainly wouldn’t be without my remedy kit.

The types of ailments I encounter on my travels vary depending on the festival - the weather, the terrain, the types of insects, levels of cleanliness, different allergens. How ‘sensible’ the festival-goers are makes a difference too, especially when it comes to ‘ailments from over-indulgence’ and sunburn!

For ‘festival tummy’, if there are chills and anxiety with it, try homoeopathic Arsenicum Album.

Veratrum Album is for when these symptoms are accompanied by, amongst other things, a cold, clammy forehead. There are numerous other remedies for gastro-intestinal problems. (Any prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea should be checked out by your doctor.) Watch out for dehydration: when exhaustion ensues from loss of fluids, then along with lots of water try the remedy China.

Gelsemium, a little climbing plant, has symptoms of dizziness, drowsiness and a heavy feeling, which are worse for the oppressive heat of high summer.

Glonoinum symptoms are also worse after overexposure to the sun and include a bursting headache and flushes of heat to the face, with a feeling of ‘fullness’ in the blood vessels.

As for insect bites or stings - Ledum is for ‘ailments from puncture wounds’; Apis has puffy water-logged swellings, Rhus Tox is one of many remedies with itchy rashes in its picture, which can set in sometimes after a bite or sting (it is also useful for over-exertion, after dancing all night

perhaps, or walking through mud all day). Urtica Urens is a remedy made from nettles, and so of course is useful for anything that looks or feels like a nettle sting!

What I find a fairly ubiquitous prescription at most festivals is Nux Vomica, for that morning-after feeling, when everything is suddenly too loud and too bright and you feel quite flippin’ cross and irritable about it.

Irritability is often a key factor in some types of hay fever, but hay fever has many different ways of expressing itself and many different causes. Is it from freshly-mown grass (Dulcamara)? Is it from flowers (Sabadilla, Sanguinaria)? Is it mainly your eyes that are affected (Euphrasia)? or your nose (Allium Cepa)? or even your palate (Wyethia, Ranunculus)? Do you feel irritable but competitive (Nux Vomica)? or do you feel sad (Natrum Muriaticum)? Is it better for a cold flannel (Euphrasia, Nat Mur again)? Do you desire company and consolation (Pulsatilla)?

The Travelling Homoeopaths Collective are present at many festivals to help you discover which remedy is best for you as an individual, regardless of the name of your dis-ease. They can discuss all your symptoms with you, whether physical, mental or emotional. They will be in Wales at the Green Man festival (15-18 August) at Glanusk, and just across the border, overlooking the bridge, at the Green Gathering at Chepstow (1-4 August).

Stay well, have a great time, get persistent or worrying symptoms checked out by your doctor when you get home, and whatever you may find in the healing fields, do ‘whatever works for you’!

Joanne Camlin BSc WSHom

The 7th Llanfair Clydogau

Diary Date

Beer Festival

Final Copy Deadline

Llanfair Clydogau Village Hall Friday 21 June, 5pm to midnight Saturday 22 June, 2pm to midnight

July/Aug issue

Friday 7 June 2013 Theme: ‘Keep it Local’

Could you advertise here?

Contact: the newsletter team

Barbecue on Saturday 6.30pm

A selection of real ales from Wales and the Borders Beer £2.20 per pint Cider and wine available for those unaware of the joys of real ale 16

Cookie’s Corner

A food article themed around ‘Festival Fever’ brings back far too many memories of dodgy burgers, small tents and flatulent falafel – but enough of last years Lampeter Food Festival - only joking!

This month I thought I would concentrate on one of the great mysteries of cooking – barbecues. Why do men suddenly want to get involved in food preparation, rather than just consumption, when somebody mentions the magic ‘B’ word? What is it about standing in front of a glowing pit of coal, a face full of smoke, hands being splattered by hot oil, frantically trying to brush the ash off Great Aunt Agnes’s cremated cardboard burger euphemistically sold as ‘ideal for the barbecue’ – which means it would be healthier to eat the box and use the ’burger’ as a firelighter? Not my idea of a fun Saturday afternoon in the sun.

I presume it is something primeval to do with fire, dinosaur ribs and Raquel Welch – or maybe that’s just my age.

Anyway, despite my reservations, it does offer some unique opportunities for the cook. For a start, we can see our food whilst it is cooking and we get to see the direct impact of the heat in real time. We can turn it, move it, watch it and generally have more influence than usual. It lends itself to food that requires a short cooking time at high heat and this generally means fresh and lean food.

Here are a few ideas beyond the burger: Rule 1 - high-quality ingredients can lead to great food Rule 2 - poor-quality ingredients never lead to great food  Marinate it (whether it’s meat or veg). Chop it up, put it in a box with some oil and whatever flavours you fancy. Chilli hot, citrusy lemon and green herbs all work well. Only needs a few hours for the flavours to sink in and it transports well  Marinated vegetables – the perfect answer to the question “what can we do for the veggies” (use the baskets)  Halloumi – otherwise known as ‘squeeky cheese’, as kebabs, marinated with veg – best barbecue food ever  Kebabs – great idea. Use larger ‘pieces’ than you think necessary – they will shrink as they cook and the small stuff just falls off  Fish – perfect barbecue food. Try basting it  Pitta bread – saves plates and washing-up! Warm it before serving

 Find an old saucepan or frying pan for the onion,

and cook to order  Fruit kebabs – bananas barbecue well but you

don’t have to cook ‘em  Garlic bread wrapped in foil  Chopped vegetables cook well on a baking tray  Veggie burgers and bangers? Forget it – they do

not barbeque well  A few bowls of salad make the difference between a burger in the sun and a meal. Banana and pasta salad is my favourite for outdoors – honest!

All of this assumes you have already figured out the basics of actually cooking on a barbecue. Here are my top tips:  Wait for the flames to die down and you have white ash on top of glowing coals  Cook to order. It cooks fast, why throw it all on in the first 5 minutes?  Avoid really fatty food – all that oil ends up on the fire and creates smoke  Use those hinged baskets thingies, not just for chopped veg but for everything – it makes turning it over easier and it never falls into the fire  Try to have two barbecues, and start them at different times so you always have one to cook on whilst one is heating up  Find somebody else to do the cooking – and ply them with alcohol  If you can’t find anyone, keep something back for yourself (preferably the best bits) After all, you are the one who has done all the work  Have a separate barbecue (and utensils) for the veggies – it really does matter to me if my slice of marinated Halloumi tastes of pork ribs!

On the flipside, fast cooking times, the presence of alcohol, the proximity of dogs, insects and small children can all too easily lead to a culinary experience not to be remembered.

“Be careful out there”.

Tim Martin

17

My First Spiral Women’s Camp "A Camp is a Festival that we make ourselves" I remember when I became myself from what I was: a campervan driver on the dole. Yearning for the open road, romantically at odds with the crappy city life I'd been stuck in. All dressed up and wanting to find a nowhere to go, on this road-melting summer’s day.

Those who have to work have heavy hearts: not me.

I’m in a road movie about a hippy chick odysseying to Spiral Camp. Camp changed my whole life. Once a bare field, now a majikle spiral place of flimsy fabric art, a secret place within a space, invisible to naked eyes.

300 ordinary women, 600 kids, bare feet running on soft grass. We lived like Bedouin, cooking with fire, washing in separate bowls, shitting in soil. Singing everywhere we go - when we are not clutching our bellies screaming laughing. Playing mass games, the age line, all along in a row, side by side with our own age group. Seeing where the peaks are, six to twelve, twenty to forty. Pregnant women unsure where to stand, with the yet-to-come youngest inside them. We notice, as she does herself, who is the end - the oldest. Wondering: how does that feel? How will that feel when it's my turn?

Wearing scraps of hand-stitched skirt or shawl, the crazier hat the better, we parade to the centre at the shell's sound for a meeting, the ritual of the day begun. Women offer skill-sharing workshops. Building rocket stoves, Tarot, felt-making. Even-tempered

women offer childcare. Some take their turn at the arrivals gate making tea.

I arrive, late, at the Soul Searching workshop tipi, still clutching a precious mug of tea it's taken me all morning to make. They have started a go-round of names and kaleidoscope descriptions. Some have tattoos, flowers and spirals, an arm, a foot or finger, painted with majik. Some sit straight-backed, some sprawl sideways, happy to be fat.

I listen as light lazes down the centre of the circle, and I watch gut-cold nervous as the talking-stick comes toward me. I am making a journey. I am trying not to lie. We sit on old carpets, maybe from a skip, now elevated to luxury furniture, a warm way to sit still on the earth. The weave of carpet has never been so fascinating. “Where has this carpet been? Did someone throw it away?”

Each has taken off her shoes in homage. They know the value of things, these smiling face-painted members of my new tribe. I have elected them to be my judges, to show them the soft person inside me that I can never let out in the scary city-scape. I know like mothers they will try to love me, get my jokes, resisting my distractions if I pretend. They will see through me, and with them watching I will see through to my self.

We are becoming a movement. We are the earth taking a journey. But here in the circle we are just talking about what it means to be she. maj ikle

at a glance 1

to 7, Volunteers’ Week

16

Fathers’ Day

2 3 4 5

National Cancer Survivors Day

to 23, Recycle Week

World Environment Day ‘Think, Eat, Save’

17 18 19 20

Summer Solstice - Longest Day

World Oceans Day to 15, Diabetes Week

21 22 23 24

6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 14 15

to 14, Bike to School Week to 16, Carers’ Week to 16, Men’s Health Week

World Blood Donor Day to 23, Bike Week

Midsummer’s Day to 7 July, Wimbledon starts to 30, Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week to 30, Seafarers’ Awareness Week

25 26 27 28 29 30 18

Armed Forces Day

You will need: Fathers’ Day - 16 June A large (ish) smooth stone Painted Stone Gift Paintbrushes Acrylic paints (particularly if using outside) PVA glue or varnish A pencil       

I Lov

e

You First find your stone - a smooth one big enough for your design D ad Wash & dry the stone Paint the top of the stone and leave to dry Draw your design or write a name with a pencil on the dry painted section Choose your colours & paint the final design - leave to dry For a bit of protection & a shiny finish - varnish the stone and leave to dry (PVA glue works if you don’t have varnish) Wrap & give to Dad for Fathers’ Day

is in the Air Almost all of us long for a really good relationship: to find one or improve an existing one. Everyone I know wants to be fulfilled in love, in a trusting relationship which is mutually supportive and allows us the freedom to be ourselves. We wish for someone with whom we can let our hair down and maybe even go on wild adventures.

Some lucky folk find their ideal partner and live happily together. However, most relationships I have seen, experienced or heard about fall short of this ideal. Signs of dissatisfaction are obvious: criticism, awkward silences, quiet resentment, arguments, infidelity or, worse, indifference. The magic is not there.

So how could we take steps to find the right partner or improve an existing relationship?

The best and maybe only place to start is with oneself. Trying to change someone else is a painful and futile task. You may have noticed that people often tend to attract the same kinds of relationships over and over, or repeat the same patterns of behaviour in existing ones. It is usually easier to observe in others.

We tend to attract not our ideal but our deeper resonance, which is often a result of our upbringing.

So if we are someone who is easily put-upon, a domineering person is likely to enter our lives. With dedicated inner work, we can raise our awareness, and so change our deeper resonance to be more in

line with our ideal. Then we can attract someone we would really like to be with.

Moreover, if we are not happy in ourselves, we will look for happiness in our relationship, putting too much pressure on the other and holding tightly, which is suffocating. Being responsible for our own happiness is self-empowering and allows space, freedom and growth to blossom. The confidence that comes with that is very attractive. Then we can give and receive fearlessly.

Here are some suggestions to help get started: 1. One of the most important things is to be clear about what kind of relationship you want. Writing a list of how you’d like it to be is very helpful.

2. We can work with another in a supportive way, but we can only change ourselves.

3. You could write down the qualities you would like to have yourself, then be dedicated in your effort to achieve them. So doing, you will benefit from greater confidence.

4. Honesty with tact and care is important. Truth spoken is instantly recognised, has a powerful effect and creates trust.

5. Be forgiving but do not sacrifice your deepest values. Then you will not be a victim.

6. It is important to have something in our lives that really moves us, motivates us and makes us happy, so that we are not dependent on our partner for fulfilment.

7. Live in such a way that you give more than you take.

Iain Cameron Watson

19

Yoga for Life:

on one leg, at least you'll learn to stay calm!

For new students, ego is often challenged during

can everyone benefit

classes. Even while the teacher is explaining that yoga

from yoga?

isn't competitive, how many of us glance to see if we

If you have never done yoga you may be aware of the are bending lower than our neighbour? In practising a benefits of practising it - perhaps a flexible, fit body, a forward bend, if you take your full mental awareness calm stress-free mind, or an improvement of your to the point of tension and don’t label it, the tension chronic back problem. Yoga is about the ‘betterment’ dissolves. What yoga can really help with is being in of the human being and has been practised the moment – letting go of judgement and comparison, self-criticism and what we call the 'little worldwide for centuries.

Yoga developed in the East as a system for physical, self'. philosophical and spiritual growth, with the emphasis Most classes include a guided relaxation. As you let largely on the spiritual, as practised by Hindus in go of the body's tensions, the mind often kicks in, India. The variety of classes in the West has grown in chattering like a monkey. Techniques of focus and the last 50 years. A typical class includes asanas or 'letting go' help empty the mind, a state of awareness physical postures, some of which appear highly where nothing distracts you. The physical work helps gymnastic. The origin of these postures is indeed ready the body for letting go. But the mental Scandinavian gymnastics and can be traced back to relaxation is what really refreshes you. Ten minutes' exercises taught in Indian schools - fruits of an Indian savasana (resting pose) can make you feel as if you have had the very best night’s sleep. nationalistic movement.* Cathy Crick Stanton

In concentrating on physical aspects of yoga teaching

and practice, some of the holistic benefits may be *See Mark Singleton's Yoga Body: the origins of lost. The physical work is only one branch of the eight modern posture practice (OUP 2010) limbs of yoga, which also cover mental, emotional and behavioural aspects of being human. Many Western teachers do include some breath work, meditation or chanting, though.

In classes instruction is given on getting into, holding and coming out of postures. The ‘style’, from gentle to extreme, depends on the teacher. But across every style, you will find similar postures that stretch and work all parts of the physical body, maintaining fitness and moving energetic blocks (tension) that can lead to dis-ease.

But the postures also work on mind and emotions.

For example, in Tree pose, you balance on one leg and stretch your arms over the head. You learn to focus eyes and mind, maintaining calm and equilibrium, and to keep breathing - how often do you hold your breath when attempting something difficult? Learning not to be 'bothered' when you fall or wobble is great progress. Even if you can’t stand 20

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We would love to hear from you Diolch / Thanks

Recent Reviews First Lampeter World Dance Festival an overwhelming success - Rose Barter The first Lampeter World Dance Festival held at Victoria Hall was a wonderful showcase for the amazing talent of dancers from Ceredigion. Over 40 dancers took part in the Festival, from Cardigan, Llandysul, Aberaeron, Pumpsaint, Crugybar and of course Lampeter. Organiser Rose Barter says "We owe a huge debt of gratitude, not only to the many, many people who supported the Festival by working so hard to make it happen, but also to those who attended and who have been so enthusiastic about repeating it next year. We've already booked Victoria Hall for 10 May 2014, so it will definitely continue."

One Way Street

In the meantime why not join your local dance class and find out why so many women are finding dance a great way to get and stay fit. You never know...you may be dancing at the Festival next year!

These are the World Dance classes currently available in and around Lampeter: Tribal Dance with Lyza Alternate Wednesdays 6.30-7.45pm 5 June, 19 June, 3 July Shiloh Church Hall (High Street, Lampeter, next to police station) lyza_darkestwish@live.com, www.chthoniabellydance.co.uk

Flamenco with Dixey (men also welcome!)

Tuesdays 6-7.15pm Sally Saunders Dance Studio, Industrial Estate, Tregaron Road (next to Organic Fresh Foods) Dixey, 01570 493138, dixeyart@gmail.com

Belly Dance for All Ages,

Small World Theatre's "adult puppet show" at Victoria Hall, Saturday 20 April “The best least-attended event I’ve been to”, my partner commented at the end of the show.

It was indeed a great pity that there was such a low turnout for a production which was fun, creative and original.

On arrival we could buy beer and soft drinks, which made a relaxed and sociable interlude. Once we took our seats, we could study the large hand-made townscape set which imaginatively incorporated a backlit shadow screen, a 1930s street scene and roads twisting around cliffs either side.

During the play, different types of puppets were used including shadow puppets, 2D cardboard cutout figures, and large puppets carried on and operated on stage by puppeteers. There was playful use of a full-size old-style telephone operated by a gloved hand,

Mondays 1.30-2.45pm

and a floor level indicator for the lift to the private eye’s office.

and Belly Fit for Over-50s, Mondays 3-4pm both at Shiloh Church Hall (High Street Lampeter, next to police station) Rose Barter, 01239 851737, rosebarter@btinternet.com

Sound effects, lighting and music enhanced the dramatic

Belly Dance Class with a focus

atmosphere. In various ways they cleverly recreated cinematic experience and effects.

There were amusing local references for those familiar with Swansea

and

the

old

Kardomah

Cafe

there,

as

well

as

contemporary social comment with the 1930s Depression setting

on health and fun Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm Crugybar Village Hall.

Elena, 01558 685321

where, as now, the poor bore the brunt of the “austerity”.

Queen Bindiwala Eastern Dance Troupe

theatre session (remember their model of Thunderbird Island?)

Tuesdays 7.30-8.30pm Pumpsaint Hall.

Jane, 01558 650366

imaginative event.

Most of all I found myself itching to get out cardboard, paints, scissors and papier-mâché and have a Blue Peter-style puppet Well done Small World Theatre for a truly creative and

21

Judy Cooper

small ads & classified Charlotte Allen RSHom Homeopath 14 years' clinical experience.

Homeopathy is a safe, holistic method of treating both emotional and physical conditions. Llanfair Clinic, 41 Bridge Street, Lampeter, SA48 8EG. 01570 493746

Cathy Crick Stanton. Yoga teacher / therapist (Iyengar trained) and Barbara Brennan Healer. For class details, or to book 1-2-1 yoga or therapy/healing sessions: 01570 421144 / 07748 031614, cathycrick@hotmail.co.uk

Val Allen, BACP senior accredited counsellor/psychotherapist. UKRC Registered. Offering counselling, ps yc h oth erap y, h yp n oth er ap y, EMDR. 23 High Street, Lampeter SA48 7BA, 01570 493522, valallen@surfanytime.net

The Art of Well-Being: Reflexology and Indian Head Massage. Glennis Gratwick, MAR, FFHT, fully qualified, insured, 10 years' experience. Stall at Lunar Market (see listings) selling aromatherapy products.

Contact: 01570 493288

Transformational Bodywork. Iain Cameron Watson, 20 years' experience. Traum a Release, Alexander Technique. Relief from stress/anxiety, PMT, insomnia, neck, back, shoulder, period pain, headaches. By donation. 07852 626001, cameronbodywork@gmail.com, http://transformationalbodywork.co.uk Joanne Camlin BSc WSHom. Homoeopathy is a system of medicine that treats mental, emotional and physical illness, and can be used by everyone, including babies and children. Lampeter. 01570 421480 (mornings) Bowen Technique, about an hour’s treatment, works by gently stimulating the body’s own sympathetic nervous system, allowing it to find balance and release from tension and pain.

Contact: Ceredwin, 01570 421476 The Light of Love ten-minute (offthe-body) treatment harnesses the power of the universal life force: relaxing, healing, promoting wellbeing. Offered FREE at People’s Market (no booking required) or at other tim es b y appointm ent.

Ceredwin: 01570 421476

Dr Colette Power. Mindfulnessbased Stress Management, MB Pain & Illness Management; Introduction to Mindfulness Courses; 1-2-1 coaching. For future courses, or to discuss ways of working with mindfulness for you/your group, Gina Heathersprite. Physical and Contact: 07890 835873, Emotional Therapy. Massage, re- c o l e t t e @ m i n d f u l n e s s c o u r s e . c o . u k flexology, hypno-psychotherapy, www.mindfulnesscourse.co.uk counselling. Llanfair Clinic, 41 Bridge Street, Lampeter. 01570 493526, Eva Ryan MTI. Wholistic massage to help rebalance and heal body, gina@courtofcircles.org.uk mind and emotions. Treatment taiPearl Jebb. Bowen Technique, lored to your unique needs.

Reflexology and Massage to help Registered, insured practitioner. At rebalance and heal the body in a Taliaris, or arrange home visits. Congentle holistic way. Contact Pearl tact: 01558 822390 / 07792 748191 01974 299224, 07967 647920, Christine Stephenson BSc MNIMH. www.bowen-reflex4wales.co.uk Medical Herbalist at Llanfair Clinic, Alison Kaye MBAcC. Traditional Chi- 41 Bridge Street, Lampeter. Contact: nese Acupuncture. Llanfair Clinic, 01239 858946 41 Bridge Street, Lampeter, SA48 Ashley Ward MAR GJC (Dip Reflex).

8EG. 07779 256388 Dancing Tree Reflexology. ReflexSusan McAllister (Bsc Hons). ology in the comfort of your own Transformational Teacher, Thera- home, within 15-mile radius of Lampist & Consultant. Over 20 years of peter. Fully-insured member of Assoteaching, complementary therapy & ciation of Reflexologists. Contact: healing experience. Available now for 01570 422985 / 07811 767563, Crystal Healing Workshops & Angelic www.dancingtree.co.uk Tarot Readings. To book, contact: 01570 493006 / 07572 672986, Reflexology. Annie Zakiewicz MAR is a fully-insured member of the Assue@tranquillight.vpweb.co.uk sociation of Reflexologists and practises from Cellan. Contact: 01570 493295 / 07790 107521, www.reflexologywithannie.co.uk

Looking ahead:

Why not advertise through the Grapevine? Do

you have things to sell?

Can Is

Louise Nadim BSc Hons, Ph.D. Fully qualified, insured Brennan Healer.

Working in the Human Energy Field assessing, balancing and healing, to restore physical, emotional and spiritual health. Contact: 01570 421144 /07920 112228, louise_nadim@hotmail.com

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you offer a service?

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The Newsletter Team

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lampetergrapevine@gmail.com 22

Poetry Corner Can you help us to make the ‘Poetry Corner’ a regular feature of the Grapevine?

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23

small ads & Classified Cegin Pantygwin

Teifi Fruit and Veg

Outside catering provided for parties, agricultural shows, funerals etc

1 Hafod Row (the Common)

Celebration cakes made to order Many years' experience and Council licensed Contact Rhonwen, 01570 423651

Please Don’t Miss

Fresh produce always available

Rosettes - Medals - Trophies

01570 493127 j_alex_fox@yahoo.co.uk www.cadnorosettes.co.uk

Solid fuel Esse stove,

We are keen to buy and then sell good quality local produce Small quantities welcome Please contact Gareth in the shop for more info

Can't knit? No time?

1930s original,

You provide the pattern and wool,

no back boiler,

Final Copy Date

I will handknit it for you.

needs restoration.

Price list available.

Friday 7 June

01570 480818

Computer services and repairs in the Lampeter area: hardware upgrades, virus and spyware removal, health checks, backup advice.

Fast, friendly service.

Contact: Ben, 01570 493706 benleecomputers@gmail.com

Very able self-employed woman looking for extra work.

Wide range of job skills and lots of common sense.

Most things considered.

Contact: Trish La, 07967 591672

Need to advertise?

Contact: the newsletter team

Copy deadline is Fri 7 June Miss it & you risk not being

lampetergrapevine@gmail.com

included in the July/Aug issue!

July / Aug Issue

Offers: Lynne

24

01570 218045, florriescrafts@gmail.com