Lampeter Grapevine Issue 74 Nov 2019

Favourite Things

Lyndacontents contents

in this issue… inreviews this issue… and letters ads and classifieds reviews and letters what’s going on secret ads andtravels classifieds totally locally what’s going on town council secret travels cooking with steemdo and mend make money for nothrecycling locally ing? news from transition incredible edible gwyl lyfrau repair café seed swap2nd book aberaeron ysgol y dderi festival our economy welsh world needscultue: a new story bathingpart in nature culture 2 mindfulness and we need wellies dance two’s company art therapy and mindfulness three’s a flock the friendly games jottings uwtsd ms support grp celtic christianity plumbers long woodplog steemit what next for elmo’s delights lampeter? kcc clonc cerddwyr llambed cothi gardeners kcc pumsaint wi yr efail jottings ysgol dderi nev’s ydoodles custard queens cothi gardeners dathliadau gwyl merry makers dewi celtic blueschristianity hero cryptic clonc crossword call for help winner competition ysgol bro pedr grapevine themes, banc bwyd report copy deadlines and ms support group yr efail publication dates mindfulness ysgol henry richard aberaeron to lampeter

The Secret Travels of the Grapevine…

Grapevine is now available around the world: issuu.com/ lampetergrapevine/stacks … but we are also really interested to know how far and wide the paper versions have travelled; what local villages and communities it has reached and what route it has taken - Or perhaps how many people have passed it on to someone else?

Are you planning any travels over the coming months? If so please don’t forget to pack your copy of Grapevine - we’re always fascinated to find out where in the world it goes.

Can your copy of Grapevine be the most environmentally friendly traveller? Or will yours be shared in a variety of unusual ways, be found in an quirky local location, be upcycled or recycled? Where will your copy of Grapevine end up?

Why don’t you send us your photos: lampetergrapevine@gmail.com

and we’ll publish them in future issues. Eds.

Tommy - on the seafront at Seaham, County Durham. At 9 feet 5 inches tall, this is a truly stunning sculpture. Visited by Grapevine earlier this year.

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GRAPEVINE no. 74, November 2019 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 Printing costs sponsored by:

To submit Articles, letters, reviews or enquiries: lampetergrapevine@gmail.com To add your event or course to our free listings: lampetergrapevinelist@gmail.com or post to address above To place an advert: lampetergrapevineads@gmail.com Full guidelines for advertisers and contributors: see grapevine page on www.vichall.org.uk Display advertising rates: ¼ column £12; ¼ page £30; ½ page £48; full page £84 (back page £96) £30 off ads for one-off public events held in Victoria Hall Classified ads: £2.50/20 wds (min. £2.50) Copy deadline for Dec/Jan, issue 75: Fri 8 November Theme: ‘Good Cheer’ Circulation this issue: 2,500 copies distributed free in the Lampeter area We reserve the right to edit all contributions for reasons of space and clarity. The views expressed in letters and articles are not necessarily those of Transition Llambed Development Trust or the newsletter group.

Cover Design: by Carolmarie Chamberlin

Croeso / Welcome to this issue of the Grapevine

Diwrnod da i'n holl ddarllenwyr hyfryd! Good day to all our lovely readers! Someday, I hope to speak Welsh as well as I can copy it from Google Translate. I am sure many of you out there would be happy to correct my very beginning Welsh, which I would welcome. Until then, I count as one of my Favourite Things the sound of fluent speakers at school, in the shops or market conversing in this most lilting of languages.

To take all the things in our lives and dilute them into a simple list is a daunting task. Many of us are focusing less on ’stuff’ or ’things’ and concentrating on people and experiences. Moving to Wales was an excellent opportunity to divest myself of 50 years of excess stuff… nevertheless, I seem to have arrived with far too much to fit into our farmhouse. Yet...I could find room for my five grown children, a baby granddaughter, six siblings and their families, and my sweet 90-year-old Mum. Family would fill the top half of my list of favourite things.

When the issues of making space for stuff and writing another paper for school become too much, taking in the view of the Teifi River valley and imagining the sea just beyond the beautiful hills and mountains always fills me with a sense of joy. It is my favourite view in all of Wales. I may complain about writing papers, but learning new ways of living and planting, and applying them on our farm is immensely satisfying.

This first year in Wales has also given me new experiences. I know I will shriek with unhinged delight when the lambs are born, twirling their adorable little tails like helicopter blades when they find their mums in the flock, or discovering the vast drifts of daffodils, bluebells, snowdrops, and other surprise bulbs that we hid in our lawns and gardens this year.

As each month progresses, time spent with new friends is a highlight of my week...and there are more new friends every week! As you spend time in the words in the GRAPEVINE, I hope they are a blessing to you.

Carolmarie Chamberlin, Editor-until-Angie-feels-up-to-it!

Darllenwch yn hapus / Happy reading.

polite reminder: If you are a regular contributor, we thank you for your continued support and commitment to the Grapevine but we do politely remind you that articles should be kept to 400 words to allow us space to include new material each issue.

If at any time you need a longer article, then please contact the Grapevine team prior to copy deadline and we will do all we can to accommodate your needs.

If you're sending us display adverts or an article, please check the format it'll save us (and you) lots of time. Please send photos and artwork in jpg format as we cannot accept PDFs. For full guidelines for advertisers and contributors: see Grapevine page on www.vichall.org.uk

Other contact details: Transition Llambed: www.vichall.org.uk/transition-llambed email: 2transitionLlambed@gmail.com Victoria Hall: www.vichall.org.uk To make bookings for Victoria Hall contact: victoriahall.transition@gmail.com or phone/text 07891 632614 People's Market: To book a stall contact: victoriahall.transition@gmail.com or phone/text 07891 632614 3

LETTERS, NOTIFICATIONS, OPPORTUNITIES

grapevine, victoria hall, bryn road, lampeter SA48 7EE

email: lampetergrapevine@gmail.com

In order to give a broad and balanced view of any issues that are raised in letters or articles submitted for publication, the Newsletter Team reserves the right to seek and publish counter-opinions from other sources in the same issue. Eds.

Ecumenical Discussion Group in Lampeter continues

Banc Bwyd Llanbed

Mae angen mwy o bobl ar y Banc Bwyd Llanbed ar frys i'n helpu ni i gymryd atgyfeiriadau ar ein ffôn, ac ymateb i ymholiadau.

Ffoniwch ni ar 07582 905743 os gallwch chi helpu.

Lampeter Food Bank

Lampeter Food Bank urgently needs a few more people to help with holding our phone, taking referrals and dealing with enquiries.

If you can help, please contact us on 07582 905743.

People from a number of churches in the Lampeter area met together regularly for discussion and fellowship over the spring and summer.

We have decided to continue into the next autumn and spring. We have chosen to follow a discussion pack called ‘Making sense of the Bible’, produced by the Bible Society in both Welsh and English.

Meetings will be held in St Thomas Methodist Church, starting at 7pm, on the second Wednesday of each month; each session introduced by a different member of the group.

The programme will be followed in English, but both Welsh and English

used in informal discussion.

Everyone is welcome to join any session, whether or not you are affiliated to any of the churches or chapels from Lampeter or the surrounding area.

There is no charge.

The next session is on Wednesday 13 November.

Please get in touch with: Deborah Rowlands, if you would like to know more.

Pant y Nos Llanybydder SA40 9RE deborahjrowlands@gmail.com, or 01570 480083 Deborah Rowlands

‘Live Well / Digwyddiad Byw’n Dda’

Thursday 7 November 2019 Victoria Hall, Lampeter 11am to 2pm Jobcentre Plus are holding an event to offer wellbeing, digital & financial advice to the local community, particularly to those with complex & multiple barriers, and to introduce them to organisations in the area who can offer support. Everyone welcome!

People’s Market Victoria Hall, Bryn Road, Lampeter

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday 10am-1pm 4

You’ve seen it in the movies countless times; the Skeksis in ‘The Dark Crystal’; The Capital in ‘The Hunger Games’; The Morlocks in HG Wells’ ‘The Time Machine’. How did we let them get away with it? The Government have allowed a predatory system to suck the life out of the planet and everything upon it.

I’m composing this in a police cell, so forgive me if I’m a little off topic. I am charged with ‘Public Nuisance’ and ‘Obstructing the Highway’. Comparing ‘Nuisance’ and ‘The end of life as we know it’ I am sure one will smart rather more than the other, and when all others were free to pass, the second law puts cars first – our priorities are all wrong.

Time is SO short, when we should be being pro-active, these protests are a huge waste of our time, police time, public purse, and why?

Because the Government is belligerently shirking its duty to protect us from impending disaster, misappropriating funds, it chooses to turn the police upon its own people... when the police themselves admit we pose no threat or danger to anyone but ourselves as we risk life and liberty just to fight for climate justice and a future for our children.

I’m sorry it’s VERY inconvenient but we HAVE to do it. If you’re going to wage war on anyone, why not wage it on climate change??

All the Government has to do is: TELL THE TRUTH – not too much to ask?

ACT NOW – before it’s too late and form a PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY – because the Government are incapable of putting our interests before profit – and democracy is effectively broken.

AGRO – how strange the duality of this word.

On The Landworkers Alliance March in Westminster Saturday - Gerald Miles’ tractor - what a stunt! Then sat outside the Home Office for two days. There seemed to be a huge groundswell towards positive change. Everybody knows how bad artificial fertilizers are, but due to the persuasive techniques of the Agrochemical Industry, we are all duped into thinking we cannot possibly feed everyone without them. Overlooking the laws of nature, putting blind faith in the Skeksis basically, companies who could care less about the wider reach of their toxins, sacrificing Life On Earth for profit. It’s a Lie. Farmers have been sold a lemon. You can’t say we need artificial fertilizers to feed the world when the subsequent food is so devoid of nutrients it’s not technically feeding anyone at all!

Don’t start me on food waste, or the implications of that upon our health, costs to the NHS, or the emotional cost of losing loved ones.

Where can I recycle foil lined crisp packets in and around Lampeter?

Reception, University of Wales Trinity Saint David, Lampeter Campus, Ceredigion SA48 7ED

Denmark Farm Conservation Centre Betws Bledrws LAMPETER Ceredigion SA48 8PB

CAVO Bryndulais Bridge Street Lampeter SA48 7AB

Our Public Inconvenience Announcement is ‘Stop using Agrochemicals and Fossil Fuels’ & ‘Be Prepared for Change!’

But by the time you read this our futures may already have been sealed. If the Mother of all protests won’t get them to budge – what will?

Arguably the biggest ‘fix’ I have ever attempted, it’s always good to have help.

Talk to any of us at The People’s Market Victoria Hall; The Repair Cafe, The Inconvenience Stall, The Seed Library, Incredible Edible, Transition Lambed, and lampeter@xrcymru.org Come and join in, show your support online, and keep having these conversations.

Cheryl Hillier singer/songwriter, health and climate activist and Biochar Lady 2transitionllambed@gmail.com 5

Victoria Hall, Bryn Road Lampeter, SA48 7EE

Cronfa Eisteddfod Ceredigion 2020

Ceredigion 2020 Eisteddfod Fund

Llanbedr PS, Neuadd Ysgol Bro Pedr Iau, Teras Peterwell 19 Tachwedd 19.30: Gadael Tir 1,000 o flynyddoedd o hanes Cymru mewn un sioe! Bydd cantorion gwerin Owen Shiers a Gwilym Morus-Baird yn ein tywys trwy hanes hawliau tir yng Nghymru, gyda chyfraniad cynulleidfa a cherddoriaeth. Addas ar gyfer plant 14+oed.

Lampeter Ysgol Bro Pedr Junior School hall, Peterwell Terrace 19 November 19.30: Gadael Tir (Leave Land) 1,000 years of Welsh history in one show! Folk singers Owen Shiers and Gwilym Morus-Baird take us through the history of land rights in Wales, with audience participation and music. Suitable for 14+ yrs.

Tocynnau: oedolion £6 (£5 i grwpiau o 10+), 14-17 oed £3.

Wrth: Ann Morgan - 07791 966122 Carys Davies - 07791 337891 Carys Lloyd-Jones - 07976 645957 Julia Lim - 07462 301061 Mulberry Bush - 01570 423317 Watson and Pratts - 01570 423099 Noddir y perfformiad gan LAS Recycling, Llambed

Tickets: adults £6 (£5 for groups of 10+), 14-17s £3.

From: Ann Morgan - 07791 966122 Carys Davies - 07791 337891 Carys Lloyd-Jones - 07976 645957 Julia Lim - 07462 301061 Mulberry Bush - 01570 423317 Watson and Pratts - 01570 423099 Sponsored by LAS Recycling, Lampeter

Tudalen Facebook: Cronfa Codi Arian Tref Llambed Ceredigion 2020

Facebook page: Cronfa Codi Arian Tref Llambed Ceredigion 2020

Cronfa Eisteddfod Ceredigion 2020 Ceredigion 2020 Eisteddfod Fund Anfonwch at / send to pontyfelin@gmail.com

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News from Transition Llambed Permaculture Taster Day:

Two food-related events:

An Introduction to Designing Change

Mon 11-Tue 12 Nov: Wales REAL Food & Farming Conference at Aberystwyth University Wales’s own Real Farming Conference - please let all your farmer friends and neighbours know about this! There is more about the conference at https:/ wrffc.wales/2019/09/ 12/what-is-real-food-and-farming/ Tickets are available via Eventbrite at https:// www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cynhadledd-gwir-fwyd-a-ffermiocymruwales-real-food-and-farming-conference-tickets72246187291 at £35 for one day, £60 for 2 days.

“Permaculture is an ethics-based, scientific design method that mimics nature.”

Geoff Lawton, Director, Permaculture Research Institute, Australia

“Permaculture is a persistent system that supports human existence.”

Bill Mollison, co-originator of Permaculture, with David Holmgren

“Permaculture is a revolution disguised as organic gardening.”

Mike Feingold

Permaculture, the word, originated as the combination of “permanent” and “agriculture”. But, now can also mean “permanent” and “culture”. To the nonpermaculturist (permie), what do all those words in the quotes above mean? You could have found out by going on a week-end long “Introduction to Permaculture” course. Or, if you have the time and money, do a “Permaculture Design Course (PDC)”, which can be over 1 or 2 weeks full-time, or even spread part-time over a year. But what do you do if you have neither the time nor the money? Or if you were interested but did not want to commit to doing a PDC till you knew more. For many folks, even a week-end may be too much of an ask in terms of time and finance.

So, an idea was hatched in 2018 by Lampeter permies and Permaculture teacher Angie Polkey. Why not a one day intensive course that will give a “Taste” of the basic principles and practices of Permaculture? This project was financed by the Lampeter Permaculture Group/ Transition Llambed film group’s collections from its film nights. In order to reach as many people as possible, the fee was kept to £10 and free to students and people not in full time employment. The participant can then, if they were inspired by what they tasted, go on to acquire more permie education.

The second of the Taster days happened at Denmark Farm in August, 2019. So far, 34 adults and 2 children have taken part. At the 2019 Paramaethu Cymru/ Permaculture Wales convergence, a working party got together to see how to take forward Taster days. One idea is the “Training the Trainers” concept. Interested Permies with lived permaculture experience and training could themselves be trained to teach Taster days and in that way spread Permaculture even further. The “multiplier effect.” More news on this in the near future.

We live in “interesting times”. Change will happen. We can either let it happen chaotically, or hopefully, we can design the change we want, permaculture-style.

Sat 23 Nov, Victoria Hall, 2-4pm: Incredible Edible Lampeter / Bwyd Bendigedig Llambed are having a sign-making party. Join us for tea and cake and help make an array of bilingual signs for the vegetable beds around town. All welcome; all materials supplied. For more about IEL/BBL see www.facebook.com/ediblellambed or contact edible.llambed@outlook.com

and some food for thought: The second Beth Nesaf i Lambed?/ What Next for Lampeter? meeting took place on 13 September. If you would like copies of the notes from that meeting (in Welsh or English), please contact 2transitionllambed@gmail.com Save Brithdir Mawr Crowdfunding Campaign. Brithdir Mawr, a low-impact eco-community in Pembrokeshire, was the precursor in many ways for Lammas and the whole One Planet movement here in Wales. The owner is looking to sell and has given the residents first option to buy it, and they are trying to do so via crowdfunding. If you are interested and want more information about what happens these days at Brithdir Mawr, see: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/save-brithdir-mawr Calon Geltaidd is an unincorporated not-for-profit entity to give information about permaculture and similar sites in Wales, and to help gain permitted development rights for agricultural ventures too small to satisfy the 5-hectare minimum size requirement when applying for planning permission singly. http://calong.atwebpages.com/ XR installation. An interesting art installation by Mike Burridge, a local artist, attempts to get people thinking about the climate emergency: https://xrinstallation. blogspot.com

Hock Grwp Paramaethhu Llambed/Lampeter Permaculture Group/ Transition Llambed 7

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Gŵyl Lyfrau Aberaeron Book Festival Schedule The second Gŵyl Lyfrau Aberaeron Book Festival is to be held over the first three days of November featuring leading lights of west Wales literature in Welsh and English for adults and children.

Events at Neuadd Goffa Aberaeron Memorial Hall on Saturday 2 November include a talk by National Eisteddfod Prose Medal winner Rhiannon Ifans, former cabinet minister Lord John Morris in conversation with journalist Alun Lenny, a Welsh crime writers’ panel, a Na Nel! children’s story and craft workshop with Meleri Wyn James and a fancy dress witches and wizards session with a cauldron and a chance for children to write their own spells with Sharon Mari Jones.

Sunday 3 November will feature readings by pupils from Ysgol Gynradd Aberaeron, a children’s writing workshop by Llandysul teacher and author Huw Davies, three adult writing workshops on travel writing, fiction and poetry, a Welsh steampunk conversation and Llyfr y Flwyddyn Aberaeron Book of the Year.

A two-day book fair will run throughout the festival, offering a wide range of books in Welsh and English, from local and national publishers, and with over 25 authors attending there will be an exciting series of reading, book launches and signings. All events are free to attend, although booking is advisable particularly for the workshops and open mic.

The following schedule is not yet fully confirmed and times may vary.

Get the latest info on www.facebook.com/gwyllyfrauaberaeronbookfestival the festival website page on www.gwisgobookworm.co.uk or direct from Niki and Karen Brewer at GwisgoBookworm Alban Square, Aberaeron; 01545238282 info@gwisgo.co.uk

Friday 1 November Gwesty Monachty Hotel 7.30pm Poetry & Music Night - Chris Armstrong, Jackie Biggs & Kathy Miles Followed by open mic - MC Karen Gemma Brewer

11am 11.30am 12noon 1.30pm 2pm-5pm 11.30am 1pm 2pm 2.15-4pm

Saturday 2 Novermber Neuadd Goff Aberaeron Memorial Hall Main Hall Opening Rhiannon Ifans - reading & talk Lord John Morris & Alun Lenny in conversation Welsh Crime Writing Panel: Alun Davies, Geraint Evans & Meleri Wyn James Book readings & launches Committee Room Children’s story & craft workshop with Meleri Wyn James Book Club Workshop - featuring Aberarth and other local book clubs Children’s witches & wizards fancy dress Children’s Witches & Wizards Workshop Sharon Mari Jones & Colin R Parsons

Sunday 3 Novermber Neuadd Goff Aberaeron Memorial Hall Main Hall 10am Opening 10.30am Book readings & launches 12noon Ifan Morgan Jones & Daniel Davies in steampunk conversation 1pm Children’s Workshop - Medi Jones-Jackson 1.30pm Llyfr y Flwyddyn Aberaeron Book of the Year.

2pm Ysgol Gyrallt Aberaeron 2.30pm Children’s workshop & reading - Huw Davies Committee Room 11am Travel Writing Workshop - Jacqueline Jeynes 12.30pm Fiction Writing Workshop - Annette Ecuyere 2pm Poetry Writing Workshop - Kathy Miles

Articles: lampetergrapevine@gmail.com Adverts: lampetergrapevineads@gmail.com Listings: lampetergrapevinelist@gmail.com Copy deadline for Dec/Jan bumper issue: Fri 8 Nov

Grapevine Contact details:

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Welsh Culture Is World Culture — Part 2

“

Bio-electric technology and the 21st Century Druid Revival

The very name Druid is composed of two Celtic word roots which have parallels in Sanskrit. Indeed, the root vid for knowledge, which also emerges in the Sanskrit word Veda, demonstrates the similarity. The Celtic root dru which means 'immersion' also appears in Sanskrit.

So a Druid was one 'immersed in knowledge’.” Peter Beresford-Ellis he precise science of energy fields was explained thousands of years ago in the Sanskrit Bible, Bhagavad-gita, and was clearly known to the Druid sages who oversaw the construction of a network of 40,000 or so megalithic sites at energetically potent locations throughout the British Isles. We are just now beginning to revive our understanding of mankind’s original internet, designed to amplify human consciousness and help us function in perfect harmony with God, nature and all other living beings. ital distinctions were fully understood, between the temporary nature of the gross and subtle energy fields – comprising the human body and mind – and the eternal nature of the conscious living entity, “the knower of the field,” the soul seated alongside the Supersoul within the heart. Through advances in modern science, we can now understand the astounding capability of the human organism to act as both a bio-electric transmitter and receiver of vital information.

As such, we are extremely sensitive to the multifarious electro-magnetic frequencies which now pervade our homes and workplaces. he highest transcendental knowledge has always been transmitted orally from teacher to student, a tradition that continues to this day in India, the home of worldwide Vedic culture that began to fall into decline with the advent of the present Kali-yuga, some 5,000 or so years ago. Because the Vedic wisdom also extends to define benchmark standards for social administration, practically every sub-standard regime since the days of the Roman invasion has attempted to eradicate that knowledge, for obvious reasons. ortunately, just as many of the great megalithic sites have survived the ravages of time, so too has the Vedic wisdom, now further expanded into a veritable New Testament of revelations centred on the sublime science of sound vibration in mantra meditation, expressed in its most potent form as singing in groups, large and small. Was there ever a time when divine sound was more needed to counter the effects of untested 5G technology? Sing out loud, sons and daughters of Wales!

T

T

F

V

For further info, please contact madanlloyd@gmail.com Or see the Welsh Culture Is World Culture Facebook page.

Madan Lloyd

“Rydyn angen esgidiau glaw”

“We Need Wellies” Coedwig Gymunedol Long Wood Community Woodland and Home-Start Ceredigion are on a mission to provide used wellies when they visit the woods and would be grateful to receive any used wellington boots in all different sizes that you no longer need.

Mae Coedwig Gymunedol Long Wood a Home-Start Ceredigion yn gydweithio i ddarparu hen esgidiau glaw pan mae nhw’n ymweld yn y goedwig. Byddwn yn ddiolchgar iawn i dderbyn unrhyw fath o wahanol feintiau a lliw.

Os fyddwch môr garedig i gael afael a rhai allwch cysylltu a ni yn y swyddfa ac byddwn yn gallu trefnu dyddiad i'ch gwahodd i ddod draw i helpu ni greu stondin esgidiau glaw.

Diolch

When we have the wellies, we will arrange a date and time to invite you to come along to help create a wellie stand.

Thank You Dona Hage Gweinyddwr y Cynllun/ Scheme Administrator 01570 218546

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Two’s Company, Three’s a Flock!

There are quite a few people around Lampeter who keep sheep purely as pets, and I am proud to include myself in this illustrious collective.

There is The Wooly Patchwork Sheep Sanctuary, where Caroline gives great care to numerous sheep from old girls (the Mam-gu's) to younger rescued sheep. The sanctuary is well worth a visit as her animals are very calm and friendly, and will allow you to get close if you are interested in meeting a sheep in a respectful and equal manner. She sells excellent fleeces from her rare breeds if you are interested in knitting or felting etc.

A Welsh tutor of mine has pet sheep and goats, a lady I met in a Lampeter charity shop was talking about her sheep, so I of course joined in for a good old chin wag, and another lady I bought hay from has a menagerie of relaxed happy animals, horses, hens, kune kune pigs, and of course the ubiquitous sheep!

Since I last wrote about my flock, my latest arrival died in the barn overnight, and I'd like to tell her story.

Most of my sheep are bottle fed orphan lambs who are imprinted to trust humans who provide food, shelter and comfort.

Those who develop at foot with their ewe mum quickly learn to move away from humans, instilling a lifetime of distrust.

As we live in an area literally surrounded with commercial flocks, occasionally strays wander up our lane, which happened with one particular ewe.

After several days of seeing her around, we managed to guide her into our field and rang our neighbour to come to collect her.

He arrived with his crook and three collies, the ewe took one look at all this and promptly jumped over the fence. Luckily the top strands of wire are not barbed so she hopped over with insouciance.

After raising the height of the fence, we corralled her a couple of days later, called the farmer who again approached her with his crook and dogs, and amazingly she hurled herself at the gate and broke through!

What I found utterly astonishing was she knew which side of the gate to hit

to break the rope; was this sheer luck, or calculated intelligence?

Whatever the answer, I felt she had a strong survival instinct and deserved a life without fear where she would be able to just be herself in a peaceful environment.

Apparently she was a Nelson, a breed I was unfamiliar with so she became Mrs Eleanor Brown-Legs, or Nellie for short.

Being a proper sheep, she kept a respectful distance from us, but with constant slow movement and soft speech with minimal eye contact, she began to allow us to get closer to her, and ultimately to touch her, to the point she would stand with her eyes half closed, cuddling contentedly while I tickled her ears and chin.

I don't know why she died, but I do miss her and her spirit, and it is this that makes me appreciate every sheep as being just as individual as humans, just on a level we are not conditioned to appreciate.

Another sheep with an interesting back story is Bimble, a tiny Welsh Mountain ewe who I rescued from a ditch in the village, cold, soaked through and horrendously underweight, literally starving.

Hardly able to move, she staggered away from me, so I just crouched down and instinctively started singing to her, just nonsense, over and over again for about 20 minutes, moving closer to her all the time, allowing her to realise I was no threat and to settle down, until finally I was able to scoop her up in my arms, so light, her drenched fleece weighed more than she did.

I got her home, into the barn and dried her off with some hay, still singing to her constantly.

She was segregated from my other two for a fortnight, being fed separately and building a little strength up before being turned out together.

It took two years for her to get up to full weight, even though she was fed on her own, she was so stunted that she was just unable to do well, but this summer she has finally got a covering of fat on her bones.

As with Nellie, she was wary of us, but now she comes running to the gate whenever we approach, being faster 11

than the others she gets the first cwtsh, or a carrot or apple if she's lucky.

Neither of the farmers around recognised her, so she became mine, and she is so delightful, learning to knock at the door to be fed, and then to be let out when she has had her fill.

We all go for a walk up the lane, this allows access to in season herbs, flowers and leaves unavailable in their grazing, and it gives them interest with different surroundings, and helps them bond with me, we walk as a single unit, constantly checking on each other's positions to each other. If visitor's accompany us they are all on a halter, but usually it's just me so we go free.

Delightful. And the cat comes too!

The other two are just butchers lambs, diverted from a fate worse than death, large terminal sires on crossbreed ewes, designed to put weight on quickly to reach slaughter weight very quickly, these I need to limit concentrate intake or they get too fat.

Since I last wrote, I've stopped trimming hooves, and have found that nature knows best and the hoof regulates itself. I do need to shear every summer though, centuries of selective breeding has wiped out the ability for the sheep to moult, although occasionally a throwback occurs and a sheep will shed her wool naturally, go girls!

I will finish by reiterating how different each sheep is, even when I can't see them, I know which sheep is approaching by the sound of their breathing, or the way they step along the path, and they all have radically different voices, in the dark I know they are all there by calling out to them, and they have several speech patterns from an acknowledging whicker to a full on bellow for breakfast.

Do stand and observe a field of sheep next time you are out, you are sure to feel calm and meditative in their presence...

Julia Critchley

Jottings The State of Nature report published at the beginning of October makes depressing reading; the decline of so many species of the five kingdoms does not seem to be abating. The reasons are climate change, agriculture practices leading to loss of habitat, and both terrestrial and marine pollution. Initiatives to encourage the spread of the Red squirrel and Pine marten locally are at least a start in trying to halt the decline.

The restoration of terrestrial animals is relatively easy compared to that of those living in the marine environment. The Kittiwake, a smallish delicate looking gull, is reported to have declined by 35% in Wales. Small colonies of these birds breed around New Quay head. Whenever I walk along the coast path listening to them calling their name, aware that they have spent most of the year out at sea, it’s always a pleasure. The decline of this bird is almost certainly due to the loss, or change in behaviour, of their main food source the sand eel. The opportunity to watch and listen to these birds makes the cliffs at New Quay one of my favourite places.

David Price

Christmas at Evangelisa B&B It’s the most wonderful time of the year!

So, why not join us this Festive Season for our Christmas Bed & Celebration Breakfast Special Enjoy your stay in one of our charming en-suite rooms.

Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & Boxing Day - £112.50 per night for 2 adults (minimum 2 nights stay)

Nadolig Llawen EVANGELISA B&B 30 HIGH STREET, LAMPETER, SA48 7BB

01570 218608 │ www.evangelisawales.com │ bookings@evangelisawales.com 12

Multiple Sclerosis Support Group - Lampeter & District - ‘Favourite Things written as separate violin concerti as reflections of those seasons. Beethoven’s Symphony No. 6, the Pastoral were expressions of his love of the countryside, the first movement translating as ‘Awakening of cheerful feelings on arrival in the countryside’. I know so much how he felt as I travel through my surrounding countryside on my mobility scooter with my dogs (more favourite things).

Here’s a little bit of Benjamin Zephaniah’s poem Nature Trail: At the bottom of my garden There’s a hedgehog and a frog And a lot of creepy crawlies Living underneath a log.

There’s a baby daddy long legs And an easy-going snail And a family of woodlice All are on my nature trail…

Our Multiple Sclerosis Support Group had a meeting in The Mustard Seed again on Monday 7 October, during which we had very animated discussions about the disease and how it affects us, remembering that not everybody has the same symptoms. We welcomed two people who had been recently diagnosed, a difficult time but a time to reflect and perhaps try to understand how to cope and share memories of this new period of life.

With the support from others at the group we discuss, share and hopefully encourage others.

I asked my inevitable question, what to write about in the Grapevine. This copy’s theme ‘favourite things’ brought limited replies as the discussions were flowing along without my introducing another tropic. Ah well! Never mind. One thought that came out was ‘music’ but when I asked, ‘what music’ the reply came ‘any music but not jazz’. I’ve decided to take charge and to talk for a few minutes about my music! As a violinist I travelled the world of music through classical, folk, back to classical, even including jazz. Now, unable to play my violin I listen.

My ‘favourite things’ are yes, music, but also the countryside. This has made me think about the relationships between music and the countryside. The countryside starts as one, but can then be divided into so many favourite things. Vivaldi’s Four Seasons covers Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, each of these was

Our Support Group meets on the first Monday of the month from 1.30-3.30, in the back room of The Mustard Seed, Lampeter. We welcome anybody with MS, carers, and anybody wanting to know more, from wherever you are.

You are also welcome at our Aberystwyth group which meets in the new Tesco’s community/charity room 12.00-2.00 on the 1st FRIDAY of the month.

CROESO I BAWB/WELCOME TO ALL.

Judith McKay, Support Volunteer, 01570 493509 Hazel Ellis, Chair of Ceredigion Branch, 01974 261640 (See our MS Support Group page on Facebook)

Can you spot the ‘Grapevine grin’?

Somewhere amongst the pages of Grapevine each month you will find this sunny smile. Maybe tucked away or perhaps clearly in view? Where will it be this time?

Film Nights Fri 1 November: Sometimes, Always, Never (12A) Bill Nighy, Sam Riley, Alice Lowe

A detective fantasy / family drama where a love of words helps a father reconnect with a missing son. 91 minutes

15 November: Yesterday (12A)

Himesh Patel, Lily James, Sanjeev Bhaskar Danny Boyle’s rom-com. Jack Malik wakes up in an alternative universe where no-one but him remembers the Beatles. 117 minutes

Fri 29 November: Apollo 11 (U)

Buzz Aldrin, Neil Armstrong, Jack Benny Documentary about the first moon landing in July 1969.

93 minutes

Doors open 7.15pm, film at 7.45pm Admission by Donation Join our Film Screening Team Contact: Tony, 07778 278017

Copy Deadline: Issue 75 - Dec/Jan - Double issue Fri 8 November Theme: ‘Good Cheer’ 13

Plumber’s Plog* These are a few of my favourite things...

Human beings; because even though they can do some terrible stuff, they are always capable of wonderful things as well, and often I’m surprised how brilliant they are. (All right, they aren’t things, they’re people, but I’m making a point here.)

Nature; because she never fails to recover, eventually, even when you dig holes in her or pour poison into her. I even like weeds when they grow on “waste” ground.

Healing; which happens in a body all by itself – the way the skin closes up after a cut or a wound is just extraordinary.

Forgiveness; the way that one person can (sometimes) simply drop all the bad feelings they’ve been holding onto, especially when they see that the other person is not all that different from themselves, which can be healing for both.

Kindness; when I realise that you need a gentle word or touch, or you give one to me, I find it a beautiful, human thing.

Humanity. I think that might be the most favourite thing of all for me. It’s bigger than all the rest, a rare, fine quality, which is much needed in this world.

Brown paper packages tied up with strings? I don’t think they make it onto my list at all... :-) (P.S. About Nature: Of course I know that we humans are making the planet unliveable – for ourselves.

But I do believe that she will survive, adapt, as she has done before, and continue to give life to a multitude of creatures, those that can adapt to new conditions. I still hope that humans are included.)

Frank Pitcher *Plog is a word I’ve invented - it’s like a blog, but it’s not online it’s on paper!

Beth sydd nesaf ar gyfer Llambed?

What’s Next for Lampeter?

Diolch yn fawr i bawb wnaeth fynychu a chyfrannu at y cyfarfod cyhoeddus diwethaf gyda Ben Lake yn y Victoria Hall yn Llambed.

Many thanks to everyone who attended and contributed to the last public meeting with Ben Lake at the Victoria Hall on 13 September.

Ry’n ni’n falch iawn i weld bod CCTV yn mynd i gael i ailgyflwyno yn Llambed, diolch i’r Comisiynydd Heddlu a Throsedd – fe ddylai’r system newydd fod yn gweithio cyn diwedd mis Hydref: http:// www.cambrian-news.co.uk/ article.cfm?id=130615 &headline=CCTV%20to%20return% 20to%20three%20towns&sectionIs =news&searchyear=2019

We are very pleased to see the reintroduction of CCTV cameras in Lampeter thanks to the Dyfed-Powys Police and Crime Commissioner - the new system should be up and running by the end of October: http://www. cambrian-news.co.uk/article.cfm? id=130615&headline =CCTV%20to% 20return%20to%20three%20towns& sectionIs=news &searchyear=2019

Ry’n ni hefyd yn falch i weld y bartneriaeth rhwng y Brifysgol a’r dref yn datblygu mewn modd cadarnhaol: https://clonc360.cymru/cyrsiau-lleolyn-cynnig-cyfle-ir-brifysgol-ynllanbed/

Os hoffech chi fod yn rhan o’r grŵp fydd yn parhau â’r trafodaethau a’r gweithredu dros y misoedd nesaf, rhowch wybod a fe wna i roi chi mewn cysylltiad gyda’r grŵp Cynlluniau Lle (Place Plans) lleol.

Byddwn ni hefyd yn cadw mewn cysylltiad ar ebost wrth i bethau ddatblygu dros y misoedd nesaf.

Os oes gennych chi unrhyw gwestiynau pellach, mae croeso i chi gysylltu â mi.

We are also pleased to see the partnership between the town and the University develop in a positive way (a recent article in Clonc outlines the University’s ambition to provide Further Education courses in areas of education where job opportunities are available in the area): https://clonc 360.cymru/cyrsiau-lleol-yn-cynnigcyfle-ir-brifysgol-yn-llanbed/ If you would like to contribute to future discussions and actions over the coming months, please let me know and I shall put you in touch with the local Place Plans group. We will also keep you updated by email as things develop over the coming months.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Cofion cynnes, Carys Mai Lloyd Prif Swyddog Cyfathrebu a Chyswllt Cymunedol Ben Lake AS Senior Communications and Community Engagement Officer Ben Lake MP Bryndulais, 67 Bridge Street / Heol y Bont, Llanbedr Pont Steffan, Ceredigion SA48 7AB 01570 940333 carys.lloyd@parliament.uk

copy deadline for dec/jan - issue 75: friday 8 nov 2019 theme: ‘good cheer’ articles: lampetergrapevine@gmail.com adverts: lampetergrapevineads@gmail.com listings: lampetergrapevinelist@gmail.com 14

www.clonc.co.uk

Papur bro ardal plwyfi: Cellan, Llanbedr Pont Steffan, Llanbedr Wledig, Llanfair Clydogau, Llangybi, Llanllwni, Llanwenog, Llanwnnen, Llanybydder, Llanycrwys ac Uwch Gaeo a Phencarreg.

The Welsh language community newspaper for Lampeter and the neighbouring parishes.

www.clonc360.cymru

www.clonc360.cymru

Cofiwch fynd i’r wefan hyperlleol am newyddion Cymraeg ardal Llanbedr Pont Steffan. Dyma grynodeb o rai storïau diweddar.

Please go to the hyperlocal website for Lampeter area news in Welsh. Here is a summary of some recent stories.

Tynnu lluniau gyda’r sêr

By Dylan Lewis 13/10/19 Two pupils form Ysgol Carreg Hirfaen accepted a challenge from Clonc360 in Harmonïau’r Hydref concert.

Taking photos with the celebs

Gan Dylan Lewis 13/10/19 Dau o ddisgyblion Ysgol Carreg Hirfaen yn derbyn her Clonc360 yng nghyngerdd Harmonïau’r Hydref.

New prefects team in Ysgol Bro Pedr

Tîm swyddogion newydd Ysgol Bro Pedr

By Mari Lewis 11/10/19 Full details about the new senior prefects and their deputies.

Gan Mari Lewis 11/10/19 Manylion llawn am y prif swyddogion newydd a’u dirprwyon.

A good start for Llanybydder Hockey Club

Dechrau da i Glwb Hoci Llanybydder

By Carwen Richards 07/10/19 Winning 6 – 0 against Whichurch Saints.

Gan Carwen Richards 07/10/19 Ennill 6 – 0 yn erbyn Seintiau Eglwys Newydd.

Young local rugby stars on their way to Australia

Sêr rygbi ifanc lleol ar y ffordd i Awstria

By Dylan Lewis 04/10/19 Jac Williams, Lampeter and Carwyn Rosser, Drefach chosen to join Rugby 7s BrisVegas 7s.

Gan Dylan Lewis 04/10/19 Jac Williams, Llanbed a Carwyn Rosser, Drefach wedi eu dewis i ymuno â Sêr BrisVegas 7s ar gyfer Rugby 7s.

Farmers Market on its way back

Marchnad Ffermwyr ar ei ffordd yn ôl

By Golwg360 01/10/19 Plans to re-establish a Farmers Market in Lampeter.

Gan Golwg360 01/10/19 Cynlluniau i ailddechrau Marchnad Ffermwyr yn Llanbed.

Local Courses offering opportunities to the University in Lampeter

Cyrsiau Lleol yn cynnig cyfle i’r Brifysgol yn Llanbed

By Golwg360 27/09/19 Working with Coleg Sir Gâr and Ceredigion collages to offer further education courses.

Gan Golwg360 27/09/19 Gweithio gyda Cholegau Sir Gâr a Cheredigion i gynnig cyrsiau addysg bellach.

Celebrating Welsh Cakes

Dathlu Pice ar y maen Gan Rob Phillips 23/09/19 Cynhaliwyd Gŵyl Ryngwladol Pice Bach yn Neuadd Fictoria Llanbed.

By Rob Phillips 23/09/19 The International Welsh Cake Festival was held in Victoria Hall Lampeter.

Dylan Lewis

15

16

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

Victoria Hall: regular activities and classes Bryn Road, Lampeter SA48 7EE To book Victoria Hall phone: 07891 632614 Email: victoriahall.llambed@gmail.com Community groups & local, small-scale commercial: We have a committee room and small therapy/ class /conference rooms.

Licenced bar on request for functions. Catering service available.

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

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

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

Time

Name

Number

4.30-6.30pm

Stage Goat Theatre School

Tracey O’Grady

07976 052888

W

6.30-8pm

Girl Guides

Erin

07834 195728

W

4.15-5.45pm

Dynamik Dance Company

Chris Jones

07780 448708

W

7-9pm

Lampeter Ukulele Club

Mike

07794 066579

10-11.30

Yoga

Karen Hills

07547 125937

W

4.30-6pm

Brownies

Erin Green

07834 195728

W

7-9pm

Spiritual Gathering

Sarah Thomas

07811 603062

W

12-4pm

Easy Save Credit Union Lindsay

01570 493791

W

4-6pm

W

4.30-6.30pm

M

7.30pm

(Older kids)

Lampeter Food Project Thursday

Last Thurs each month

Friday

W

4.30-6.30pm

Saturday

2nd & 4th Sat each month

10am-1pm

W

10am-7pm

M 1st Sun in month

7-9.30pm

Sunday

Contact

Activity / Class

A free meal and good company for all who want it!

(Made from donations of food from local businesses) Stage Goat Tracey O’Grady 07976 052888 Theatre School Lampeter Town Council meeting Stage Goat Tracey O’Grady 07976 052888 Theatre School Local food, produce and crafts, café, live music People’s Market Contact: Dinah Mulholland 07531 963175 Lampeter Evangelical Church Custard Queens: Women’s Institute

Gareth Jones at the Mustard Seed café

01570 423344

Christine Chabert

07815 086579

complementary & alternative therapists ____

To avoid confusion please inform us ASAP if details in your listing change

lampetergrapevinelist@gmail.com 17

complementary & alternative therapists cont’d

creative _______________

courses _______________ creative writing, books & storytelling _____________

Grapevine Contact details: Articles:

lampetergrapevine@gmail.com Adverts:

lampetergrapevineads@gmail.com Listings:

lampetergrapevinelist@gmail.com 18

health & well-being _____

kids __________________

copy deadline for dec / jan- issue 75: friday 8 nov 2019

lampetergrapevinelist@gmail.com 19

kids cont’d _______________

National Park. Moorland, lanes & river woodland path. 9 miles (14.5K) Moderate. Meet RCP 9.00. Dawn 01559 370687

markets _______________

move your body _________

Mynydd Cribarth & Henrhyd Falls: Climb the 'Sleeping Giant' and visit tallest waterfall in the Brecon Beacons 20

move your body cont’d_____

music _________________

permaculture, gardening & conservation ___________

Polite Request To prevent confusion and avoid disappointment and inconvenience ‌ Please inform us ASAP if details in your listings change Diolch / Thank you

lampetergrapevinelist@gmail.com 21

canolfan hamdden a phwll nofio llambed lampeter leisure centre & swimming pool 01570 422552 / 01570 422959 lampeter-leisure@ceredigion.gov.uk facebook: hamdden llambed leisure

Dydd / Day

Dydd Llun Monday

Dydd Mawrth Tuesday

Amser / Time

Sesiwn / Dosbarth

Session / Class

Pris / Price

10.15-10.45am

Troelli Dwr

Hydro Spin

£6

5.45-6.15pm

Troelli

Spin

£3.60

6.30-7.30pm

Cylchredai

Circuit Training

£5.50

7.30-8.00pm

Aerobeg Dwr

Aqua Aerobics

£3.60

3.30-5.00pm

Clwb Cleddyfau*

Fencing Club*

5.30-6.15pm

KettleFit

Kettlebells

£4.60

5.30-6.30pm

Pilates*

Pilates*

£6

6.30-7.00pm

Dydd Mercher Wednesday

Dydd Iau Thursday

Dydd Gwener Friday

£3.60

6.00-7.00pm

Ffitrwydd Ysgafn

Ease into Fitness

£5.50

6.00-6.30pm

Troelli

Spin

£3.60

6.30-7.00pm

Body Tone

Body Tone

£3.60

7.30-8.00pm

Boogie Bounce

Boogie Bounce

£3.60

5.15-6.00pm

Aerobeg (Joan)

Aerobics (Joan)

£5.15 / £4.15

6.00-6.30pm

Troelli

Spin

£3.60

7.15-7.45pm

Box Blast

Box Blast

£3.60

11.30am12.15pm

Aerobeg Dwr

Aqua Aerobics

£4

6.00-6.45pm Dydd Sadwrn Saturday

4 Week Multi Fit Beasting (X-Fit / Metafit / Insanity)

Military Inspired Boot Camp (Gwe/Fri 8, 15, 22, 29 Tach/Nov)

9.15am-1.00pm

Ysgol Gymnasteg Rees*

Rees School of Gymnastics*

2.00-3.00pm

Disco Rhowl*

Roller Disco*

£3.40/£2.50

Gwybodaeth yn gywir ar amser argraffu / Information correct at time of printing *Ddim yn rhan o’r pecyn aelodaeth / *Not part of membership packages 22

23

move your body cont’d_____

permaculture, gardening & conservation ___________

music _________________

Copy Deadline: Fri 8 Nov 2019 24

religious services/groups _

social _________________

volunteering ____________

Please inform us ASAP if details in your listing change lampetergrapevinelist@gmail.com 25

CELLAN MILLENNIUM HALL

volunteering cont’d________

CLASSES AND GROUPS For information about the Hall & contact details for classes - see our website www.cellanhall.wales For Bookings: 01570 422066 Hire Charge: £7 per hour MONDAY Golden Broth Lunch Club: 4 November 11.30-2pm 18 November 11.30-2pm 2 December 11.30-2pm Line Dancing: 7-10pm TUESDAY Lampeter Home Ed. Group: 1-5pm Qi Gong & Tai Ji: 6-8pm Lampeter Bee Keepers: 8.15-10.15

(2nd Tuesday of month) WEDNESDAY Yoga: 5.30-7pm Aerobics & Body Toning: 7.30-8.30pm THURSDAY WI: 2nd Thurs of month 7.30pm FRIDAY Five Rhythms Dance: 11.30-1pm Film Night: fortnightly 7.15pm for 7.45pm LLANFAIR CLYDOGAU VILLAGE HALL SA48 8LG REGULAR ACTIVITIES

Chapman & Chapman Private tutors

Fulfilling your child’s potential Exam technique, key skills A level: Biology, Chemistry, Maths, Welsh Bac GCSE: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Art, PE, Welsh Bac Lampeter area Tel: 01570 480093, 07986 881940

Community activities are held regularly in the village hall.

Join LLANFAIR CLYDOGAU FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS

MONDAY KEEP FIT with Debbie White: 9.15-10.15am TUESDAY YOGA with Karen Hills: 6.30-7.30pm WEDNESDAY YOGA with Jackie: 11am-12.30pm YOGA with Karen Hills: 6-7pm SHORT CARPET BOWLS: 7.30-9.30pm THURSDAY WELSH CONVERSATION CLASS: 10-11.30am TWINE AND WHINE: 2-4pm Every 2nd Thursday WI: 7.30-9.30pm 3rd Thursday of the month FRIDAY ART GROUP: 10-1pm HALL AVAILABLE FOR BOOKINGS WIFI, FULLY STOCKED NEW KITCHEN WARM AND FRIENDLY £6 PER HOUR FOR INFORMATION + BOOKINGS

FREE FILM NIGHT Another screening by popular demand of award-winning documentary

Inhabit: A Permaculture Perspective plus an informal discussion

On: Sat 30 November 2019 In: Victoria Hall, Lampeter Doors open: 6.30 pm for 7.00 pm start.

Free entry. Donations welcome.

Organised by: Grwp Paramaethu Llambed / Lampeter Permaculture Group, Transition Llambed & Transition Llambed Development Trust.

01570 493288

26

Karen’s Creative Compendium 049 Being human, what is it? To live? To love? To breathe? To be doppelganged? To be eaten? To be told a story? To be real? As Ruth’s epic concludes, our condition is explored with humour, pathos, criticism and awe from close-up, from as far as it may be possible to get and from within. Answers may lurk in this months lines. Who makes you feel mighty real? Hwyl, Karen

Gingerbread People

by Amanda Pickering I came to supine, staring up at a ceiling strung with herbs and hams.

There were others on that table-top we lay in rows our fingers touching a chain of ginger people awaiting our sweet fate.

Hefty Betty rolled her raisin eyes over our bodies, saw us all the same loaded her piping horn aimed it straight at me.

Star Child

by Kiara

How simple at last to relinquish the dream that bound me to my brokenness To stand unmade and tell stories of a star child to small children

Sakura

by Polly Phemus

As she leaned in her onion breath made me swoon but soon she was icing a lace ruff around my neck filling in a nose, doublet and hose the others had buttons, beards, bodices angelica jewels, marchpane curls.

I was a gift to the Russian Ambassador.

When first we fall, and there's no-one there To catch us, how cruelly are we then treated: We'll never recover (well for at least an hour) And vow no more, unless of course another Weaves the ancient spell, and again defeated.

My end was a slow torture of nibbling rodent teeth.

His first bite took my right foot the second my left next he chomped off my hands nibbled up my thighs broke off an arm and popped it inside the red hole of his mouth.

When only my head remained, he looked me in the eye, smiled then crunched.

And so through all the weft and warp of life The golden thread beguiles us, and we confess: Full in years, we hunger yet for warm caress, Recall the awesome power of first embrace And choose to love, knowing well the price.

Trauma (Part3) by Ruth Cooke And sometimes he dreams Cadences fleeting and half-heard Of an old tongue that seems Not just to patch the gaps Between the ravaged symbols On the maps But to re-vision the whole terrain.

But waking to the memory again Of mortar and shell And living hell where cities blast and burn Deems it Foreign, Deems it Primitive, Deems it Womanly And has no will to learn For fear it should speak too clearly Should point towards the real colours Of the world that once He could have loved so dearly.

---

My first language was trauma And they said just heal your own small mystery You can have a good life You can play at being free Play at being bound But the old tongue stuttered forth And said ‘There was a time before all this was so’

And we cannot undo the history Into which we are tossed But when we cannot even Dream that language In fragmented cadences Then we are truly lost.

And I looked beyond the weasel-words Being Human by Karen Gemma Brewer And found myself cradled in a history Dear Mum, No tales of glory, No occult initiations thanks for the card and cake - mmm.

No redemption story All going well so far, came top in Rage yesterday, second in Bullying No rituals in the grove and am in the first quartile for Humour & Depression.

Or lip-service to love No amount of repentance Still struggling with Discrimination though, it’s such an alien concept And Holy Pain I just can’t quite put my tentacle on it. Teacher says not to worry as Or clever alchemy of being I’m doing so well with everything else and that very few students No self-abasement even graduate with any real grasp.

Self-deletion and effacement They say, if I carry on at the rate I’m going, I’ll easily make the top Or re-framing of the ways of seeing No ironic style 10% that get to do their middle term on the planet - hopefully in No supplication to a saviour the parliamentary group.

Or a broken pseudo-Goddess Anyway, got to sloop, nearly time for zquisch. I’m playing up front Could heal. today so it takes longer to get changed. Will post this on the way.

So pleased you persuaded me to read Humanities. love to Pop, Treen xx 27

Our first language is trauma.

It’s the eleventh hour.

The only way is to go real.

Yr Efail Favourite Things I hope Rodgers & Hammerstein will forgive me – and I’m certainly no Julie Andrews - but I’ve attempted to share my favourite Yr Efail things at this time of year.

Raindrops on roses

And bright orange rose hips Bubbling chutneys without all of those pips Onions and garlic all tied up on strings These are a few of my favourite things

CARFERI DYDD SUL SUNDAY CARVERY

Pumpkins and squashes of which there are oodles Smooth soups and stew gloups Steamed windows with doodles Pods that are bursting and sow seeds with wings These are a few of my favourite things Potatoes for storing or baking in ashes Apples have fallen and rain just lashes Spiced chutneys and jams that will keep us ‘til spring These are a few of my favourite things Parsnips and carrots make winter a pleasure Leeks and red cabbage to add for good measure Baked in the oven until the clock pings These are a few of my favourite things

£9.00 un cwrs/one course (£5.95 plant neu myfyrwyr/children or students)

Neuadd Lloyd thomas, Llanbedr pont steffan 12.00pm - 2.00pm Lloyd Thomas Hall Lampeter

Victoria Hall, Bryn Road, Lampeter Thank you to all our visitors who have helped us raise over £1,000 for the National Garden Scheme and more than £800 towards the Eisteddfod fund.

Now we look forward to February 2020 when the snowdrops will herald our next Open Garden season.

Shelagh & Steve Yeomans

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday

10am-1pm 28

People’s Market

When the cold bites When the wind stings When I'm feeling sad I simply remember my favourite things And then I don't feel so bad

Hydref Prysur

Busy October ‘Travelling Detectives’ is the theme in the Foundation Phase. Years 1 and 2 have been learning about Japan and the countries traditions. Thank you to ‘Swshi’ who are Ellie and Emlyn’s parents for holding a sushi making workshop with the children.

‘Ditectifs ar Daith’ yw thema’r Cyfnod Sylfaen. Bu blwyddyn 1 a 2 yn dysgu am Siapan a’i thraddodiadau.

Diolch i gwmni ‘Swshi’ sef rhieni Ellie ac Emlyn am ddod i gynnal gweithdy gwneud swshi gyda’r plant.

‘Clic, Clic Y Dderi’ is the theme for years 3 and 4.

They had a fantastic trip to the National Library of Wales in Aberystwyth, where they looked at famous photographs through Welsh history before visiting the Arts Centre to process photos they had taken in school.

Fel rhan o waith ‘Clic, Clic Y Dderi’ cafodd blwyddyn 3 a 4 ar drip gwefreiddiol i Lyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru yn Aberystwyth i edrych ar ffotograffau yr enwog yn hanes Cymru. Yna ymlaen i Ganolfan y Celfyddydau i brosesu lluniau a dynnwyd gan y plant yn ysgol.

Rhydian and Beca are Ysgol Y Dderi’s Young Bronze Sports Ambassadors for the coming year. They thoroughly enjoyed the day’s training at Lampeter Leisure Centre and have already started to take sports sessions at school.

Rhydian a Beca yw Llysgenhadon Ifanc Efydd Y Dderi am y flwyddyn sydd i ddod. Mae’r ddau eisoes wedi mwynhau diwrnod o hyfforddiant yng Nghanolfan Hamdden Llanbed ac wedi dechrau cynnal sesiynau ymarfer corff yn yr ysgol.

Members of year 5 and 6 got the opportunity to share their learning experiences at a headteachers conference held at County Hall Powys. Well done!

Cafodd gynrychiolaeth o flwyddyn 5 a 6 y cyfle i gyflwyno eu profiadau dysgu mewn cynhadledd penaethiaid yn neuadd y ddinas yn Mhowys. Da iawn chi!

Years 3 and 4 visited Tŵr y Dderi as Research on the local community and who better to tell the children the various stories about it’s Construction, than Mr Odwyn.

Wrth astudio’r ardal aeth blwyddyn 3 a 4 i ymweld â Thŵr y Dderi a phwy’n well i adrodd yr hanesion am ei adeiladu na Mr Odwyn, ffrind oes yr ysgol.

Our Super Ambassadors enjoyed the Children's Rights workshop with Sally Holland along with getting to take part in outdoor activities at the Urdd Camp in Llangrannog.

Roedd Llysgenhadon Gwych yr ysgol wedi mwynhau'r gweithdy Hawliau Plant gyda Sally Holland, ein Comisiynydd Plant. Cawsant gyfle hefyd i fwynhau gweithgareddau anturus yng Ngwersyll yr Urdd Llangrannog.

The Foundation Phase had a wonderful afternoon with Mr Urdd and Sam Ebenezer, singing and dancing at the Sbri-diri. Thank you to the Urdd for organising such a fantastic event.

Cafodd blant y Cyfnod Sylfaen prynhawn arbennig yng nghwmni Mr Urdd a Sam Ebenezer wrth iddynt fwynhau canu a dawnsio yn Sbri-diri yr Urdd. Diolch am drefnu.

We welcomed our European friends from Norway, Italy, Slovenia and Latvia from the Erasmus+ project, to work on a technology programme that will allow us to set up an online business to sell our European merchandise. They took part in workshops led by Howard Adair and Guto Aaron as well as a visit to Melin Gruffydd School to see good practise in Digital Competency. Mrs Jen and the cookery club had been busy cooking lunch for our visitors and enjoyed being able to serve the meals. The Nursery and Reception class made lovely pumpkin chutney to go with the dish of Glamorgan sausages, everyone enjoyed!

Braf oedd croesawu ein ffrindiau o Norwy, Yr Eidal, Slofenia a Latfia o’r prosiect Erasmus+ i gydweithio ar brosiect technolegol a fydd yn ein galluogi i werthu nwyddau ar lein.

Cafwyd nifer o weithdai arbennig gan Howard Adair a Guto Aaron ac ymweliad ag Ysgol Melin Gruffydd i rannu arfer dda ym maes Cymhwysedd Digidol. Roedd Mrs Jen a’r clwb coginio wedi bod yn brysur yn paratoi cinio i bawb tra bo nhw gyda ni a braf oedd eu gweld yn mwynhau gweini arnynt. Bu’r Meithrin a Derbyn yn brysur iawn yn gwneud siytni pwmpen i gyd fynd gyda’r selsig Morgannwg, roedd pawb wedi ei fwynhau.

Thank you to everyone who brought Christmas boxes to school and to Mr Burgess for taking them safely to Romania on our behalf.

Diolch i bawb a ddaeth ag anrhegion Nadolig i’r ysgol ac i Mr Burgess bydd yn eu cludo’n ddiogel i Romania ar ein rhan.

Lilian Jones 29

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Cothi Gardeners Perhaps you’re reading this curled up beside the fire with a warm drink and a biscuit. Then spare a thought for our wild friends out in the garden. Come along to Cothi Gardeners on November 20th to listen to our final speaker of the year, Di O’Keefe.

Di runs West Wales Hedgehog Rescue and she will explain how to keep your garden hedgehog-friendly and what to do should you discover a sick or injured hedgehog. At this time of year the hedgehog population is getting ready to hibernate, so they need a place to shelter and enough food to sustain them over the winter. When they wake in the spring they’ll help around the garden by eating many pests. Hedgehog numbers in the UK are thought to have declined by 30% in the last ten years so let’s all do our bit to protect this endearing creature. Hedgehogstreet.org has more interesting facts or you can follow West Wales Hedgehog Rescue via their Facebook page.

Guests and visitors welcome, £3, to include refreshments. The talk begins at 7.30pm.

Thinking about a Christmas gift for a gardening friend?

Annual membership to Cothi Gardeners is £15 and for that you’ll hear a great variety of expert speakers and be invited along on visits to local nurseries and gardens.

20 November will be our last open meeting of the year, but we’ll be back with you in 2020 with many more inspiring speakers. We look forward to welcoming members and guests new and old. www.cothigardeners.com We’re on Facebook too, or simply phone Yvonne on 01558 650870 Cothi Gardeners’ Club: Coronation Hall, Pumsaint, SA19 8UW Donna Worrall

Merry Makers Women’s Workshop (founded in 1998) had a busy September and October with varied activities including making lavender bags, writing a poem on National Poetry Day and marvelling at a parasol mushroom found by a member. Every week there is a gentle exercise session of Qi Gong at 11am, and a creative activity after lunch. £3 covers all activities, refreshments and a delicious vegetarian lunch. All food intolerances are catered for.

We meet at St. James’ Hall Cwmann on Wednesdays 10.30am-3.30pm. The hall has disabled access and toilets, and there is a large free car park. The Carmarthen bus stops outside as does the Bwc-a-Bws. If you would like more details please call 01570 470 172 or just turn up on a Wednesday.

Sue Moules

Celtic Christianity L I I I St Bran Vendigaid Reposed 1st Century.

Enwogion Cymru: BRAN VENDIGAID, son of Llyr.

In early life he distinguished himself in battle and government. (Poems of Cynddelw, Myv. Arch, i.212, 248.) In the Triads (ibid ii. 63.) he is classed with Prydain and Dyvnwal as the three who consolidated the government. He was the father of Caradawg, the Caractacus of classical history, and when his son was delivered to the Romans by treacherous Aregwedd Voeddig, Bran and his family were carried to Rome as hostages for seven years. During this time he became a convert to the Christian faith, and in AD 58, he returned to Britain, bringing with him four teachers, Ilid, Cyndav, Arwystli Hen (Aristobulous), and Mawan, and by them the gospel was first preached here.

The Triads contradict the statements of classical writers. Dion Cassius relates that Caractacus was the son of Cunobelinus, who died before the commencement of war with the Romans, and was succeeded by his two sons Caractacus and Togodumnus. In another Triad he is one of the three sovereigns with Lleirwg and Cadwaladr who bless Britain, (Tri Menwedigion Teyrnedd. ibid ii. 63.) and in another his family is joined to those of Brychan and Cunedda to form the three holy lineages of Britain.

In the Mabinogion Matholwch, the supreme king of Ireland, takes a fleet to Bran's court in Harlech to demand Bronwen his sister in marriage. His request being granted, he returns to Ireland. Later Bronwen receives an insult by being boxed on the ear; in the Triads one of "the three atrocious blows of Britain" for Bran invades Ireland to avenge his sister. Seven only returned from this disastrous expedition, having nearly extirpated the people of Ireland.

Bran, mortally wounded, orders his surviving companions to carry his head to be buried in White Hill in London, as a protection against all future invasions.

Their progress to London with the head is then related.

At Harlech they are detained seven years listening to the birds of Rhianon singing in the air; and in Dyved they remain eighty years in a splendid hall enjoying every pleasing amusement; their misfortunes and the quest forgotten; but by opening a door facing Cornwall they awaken and pursue their journey. In the Triads, (ibid ii. 11.) the head was afterwards removed by Arthur, who would not have Britain defended by any other means than his own prowess. A poem by Taliesin in the sixth century is of Bran. (Myv. Arch, i. 66.)

Harry Harrison 31

Rough grid - Cryptic Crossword No 58 (Jeep) 1

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Victoria Hall,

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Bryn Road, Lampeter

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People’s Market

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Don’t forget Copy Deadline for December Issue: 75 Friday 8 November lampetergrapevine@gmail.com; lampetergrapevineads@gmail.com; lampetergrapevinelist@gmail.com 32

This fifty-eighth Local General Knowledge and Cryptic Crossword is sponsored by the Pet Shop, High Street Lampeter, whose owner has kindly offered the winner competition a voucher to be spent in his shop.

The owner has been in the business for forty-six years, owning a chain of businesses in England then moving to Prize Local Knowledge/Cryptic Crossword No 58 (Jeep) Ceredigion thirty-six years ago.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 The Pet Shop has been open for 12 13 14 about fifteen years and offers a 15 16 17 18 very wide range of products to 19 20 21 22 suit many pets. These include PRIZE: Voucher 23 24 25 26 extendable dog leads, muzzles, collars, harnesses, 27 28 cushions and dog treats, cat baskets, dog crates, hutches and 29 30 hoppers, fatballs, suet pellets, different types of wild bird food (a 31 32 speciality) and – perhaps rather bizarrely – frozen rats and mice for 33 34 35 birds of prey. Among other intriguing products are buffalo horns, 36 37 cows’ ears, meat-filled hooves, special bedding for reptiles, dog boots, peanut butter for dogs and food for turtles, tortoises and 38 39 40 exotic fish. Fish tanks are available on order. The Pet Shop also 41 42 stocks reasonably-priced veterinary medicines – for example 43 44 45 46 wormers for cats, dogs, kittens and puppies. The shop is open from 47 48 49 9am until 5.30pm six days a week and does not close for lunch.

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1. Institution which introduced rugby to Wales (8,7) 12. Macaw found in Paraguay (3) 13. Harp strings make the reverse of pull (3) 14. Escape from the law and a thorough beating (3) 15. Small blowers which send out waves (11) 18. Ottoman leader cooks things up (3) 19. Father starts painting (2) 20. Monitor peaty wasteland removal leaves unwanted egg (3) 21. Thirty alternative for bearded bird (3) 23. Theme for Grapevine May 2015 with ‘Polling station’ on cover (8,7) 27. Unfavourable if France will not support any frill (3) 28. North-east option starts new word root (3-) 29. Six hundred kilometres I go to find Lawrence’s talk show 1992-4 (5) 30. 14th Hebrew letter to religious female (3) 31. Partner of 19 across? (2) 33. What Cellan’s telephone box has become (1,7,7) 36. Old French money is at the heart of pre-cuts (3) 37. Pre-EU, Fleeced and fled out (1,1,1) 38. Noontide mirth changed when in prison away from the south (2,4,2,5) 41. Barrett singing with Floyd - endlessly busy day (3) 42. Unsatisfactory queen was after a successful Hungarian violinist (4) 43. Lit in eastern surroundings to shine on the superior group (5) 45. Grotesque creature cut short slang mouth (3) 47. Water loses a hundred for spicy Indian mix (5) 48. Alright, a mathematical symbol for other giraffe? (5) 50. I am about making certain to reach the objective (3) 51. Very little cost when pound has nothing with direction (3) 52. Ringo’s composition album, eerily sown (6,9)

1. Town and river (old spelling) based advertising newspaper in the 1970s (8,3,5) 2. Font sound like tempestuous sprite (5) 3. Waterproof speed of sound but not hot (3) 4. Example with nothing shows the self (3) 5. Put up with a male sheep (3) 6. Nice light is not us shattering study of language of ethnic groups (16) 7. Unable to halt swift property acquisition replacing stagnant bald crop (3’1,4,4,4) 8. Legal packaging requirement for additive (4,1,6) 9. Toenail manipulated for state of great joy (7) 10. Horse has a central obstacle to speech (3) 11. Avoid this confused communication when contacting lover (8,4,4) 16. Androcles holds great mythical bird (3) 17. There was nothing in Tolkien’s dwarf (3) 22. Rice right out there to cool G&T (3) 24. Oven I sabotage in brief postscript to prose composition (5) 25. Tell mike, come around to find toy based on Muppet character (6,2,4) 26. Kind of pointless silk (3) 32. Queen of soul lost a letter for Basque city (5) 34. One spot to serve the unhittable (3) 35. A mate, a female group a Pit River tribe (8) 39. Sounds like touchdown with a slightly deflated ball is clannish (6) 40. Tony ended up with the big apple (Abb) (1,1) 44. Follow suspect to an end (4) 46. Lob a nasty set of heavy balls to take down animal (4) 49. Trimmed skort shows old Hebrew measure of capacity (3)

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Closing Date for Entries: Fri 8 Nov 2019, 5pm Name: ............................................................... Tel: ............................................( Day)................................................(Eve) Email: .....................................................................................................................

Place in Competition Entries box in Library, Mark Lane Bakery or Postbox at Victoria Hall By post: Cryptic Crossword No. 58, Grapevine, c/o Victoria Hall, Bryn Rd, Lampeter SA48 7EE.

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ads & classified Send to: lampetergrapevineads@gmail.com

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND AT LLANFAIR CLYDOGAU VILLAGE HALL:

LUKE THE MAGICIAN baffling, table top entertainment

I provide multiple treatments which are: Gel Nails extensions Hand shellac Feet shellac Hand mask Russian manicure and shellac Manicure 1:1 method eyelash extensions I use only the best quality equipment and products

FRIDAY 15 NOVEMBER 7.30pm £5 per person b.y.o. drink and snacks Copy Deadline for Dec/Jan issue: 8 Nov Theme: ‘Good Cheer’

LAMPETER TOWN FENCING CLUB

Could you design a front cover for Grapevine?

Tues - 15.30-17.00 Fri - 18.30-20.00

See next few themes opposite

LAMPETER LEISURE CENTRE

lampetergrapevine@gmail.com

We’d love to hear your ideas

fencinglampeter@gmail.com

People’s Market Victoria Hall, Bryn Road, Lampeter

Every 2nd and 4th Saturday 10am-1pm @thepeoplesmarketlampeter

Family History Research Would you like a full family tree, detailed research into individual ancestors or help solving a family mystery?

I am an experienced genealogist and particularly enjoy uncovering the personal stories of everyday life.

Elissa Aldous-Hughes 01558 650525 research@elissaonline.net 34

Aberaeron Book Festival

Fri 1 Nov Monachty Hotel 7.30pm Poetry & Music Night Sat 2 11-5/Sun 3 10-4 Memorial Hall Over 20 Authors, Crime Writing Panel Children’s Events, Witches & Wizards, Book Fair, Readings, Signings, Talks Writing Workshops, Steampunk 8 Sgwar Alban, Aberaeron, SA46 0AD facebook.com/gwisgobookworm www.gwisgobookworm.co.uk info@gwisgo.co.uk 01545 23 82 82

Congratulations to our Crossword Winner - Marilyn Bray

Reminder: Themes, Copy Deadlines & Publication Dates Publication Copy (for People’s Deadline Market)

Issue

Theme

75 Dec/ Jan

Good Cheer

Fri 8 Nov

Sat 23 Nov

76 - Feb 2020

Big Cwtch

Fri 10 Jan 2020

Sat 25 Jan 2020

77 - Mar

Nature as Therapy

Fri 7 Feb

Sat 22 Feb

Fleur, owner of Bodan, waiting with the winner’s voucher

Congratulations to the smaller group of dedicated puzzlers who completed cryptic crossword 57: Sarah Davies, Llinos

78 - Apr

Hidden Treasures

Fri 13 Mar

Sat 28 Mar

Griffiths, Michael Jones, Dawn Kenwright, George Kinchington & Rachel Talbot.

Check out your own answers below and see page 33 for details

Please Send to: articles, letters, reviews & enquiries lampetergrapevine@gmail.com

about our 58th cryptic crossword, and sponsor for issue 74, the Pet Shop, Lampeter.

NB: Competition entry boxes are located in the Library and

listings lampetergrapevinelist@gmail.com

Mark Lane Bakery, or you can post entries to Cryptic

adverts & classifieds lampetergrapevineads@gmail.com

Lampeter or drop it into the letter box if you’re passing.

Crossword No 58, Grapevine, C/O Victoria Hall, Bryn Road,

If you are a local business, organisation or individual offering a service and would like to sponsor a crossword, then please

next issue… dec/jan 2019 - issue 75 copy deadline: friday 8 nov theme: ‘good cheer’

contact lampetergrapevine@gmail.com and we will pass on your details to our crossword guru.

Diolch/Thankyou.

Local Knowledge/Cryptic Crossword No 57 by “Jeep” An swers

what is a good cheer? have you plans for the festive season?

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friends and family, good cheer for the new year — what are your thoughts?

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do you feel better after a good cheer? why not write in and tell us what you think... share your thoughts with a wider audience …

(400 words maximum please! )

Diolch / Thank you We look forward to hearing from you soon

lampetergrapevine@gmail.com

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