The Grapevine - Spring 2019

• View current and past issues online at www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk •

THE GRAPEVINE

The local newsletter for Llangorse, Bwlch and surrounding communities Llangorse • Llanfihangel Talyllyn • Talyllyn • Llanywern • Pennorth • Llangasty • Cathedine • Bwlch

VISIT THE

Kitchen Garden Tŷ-Mawr

SHOP & CAFE

Home grown produce, sustainable kitchenwares, beeswax wraps, soapnuts, tea or coffee & homemade cake!

Open: Wed-Sun: 10-4 Fri: 10.30-4

GIFT Courses & workshops including: VOUCHERS Fermentation Made Easy, AVAILABLE Botanical Gin, Painting, FOR COURSES Sustainable No-dig Gardening AND SHOP & more PRODUCE Italian Food Nights PLASTIC FREE with Nonna Caterina

The Grapevine - Spring 2019 Inside this issue...

• Llangors Play and Recreation Project Update • The Lake Players • Llangorse Community Council Vacancy • Llangorse Sailing Club • Lakeside Bar - under new management • Llyn Syfaddan History Group Update • Llangorse Community Shop Update • Llangorse Common Community Toilets Update • Bwlch Panto Review • News from our Churches, Chapels, Village Halls, Local Events, and much, much more!

Call Rae on 07949 396589 or email: Rae.Gervis@lime.org.uk Tŷ-Mawr Farm Llangasty LD3 7PJ Get Involved with The Grapevine!

To make the July issue of The Grapevine as informative as possible, we need your help!

Please send us your articles, news, and what’s on in and around Llangorse & Bwlch. Email grapevine@aroundllangorselake.co.uk

Do you operate a business locally?

The Grapevine is distributed to over 750 households & community points in and around Llangorse & Bwlch.

For advertising details & rates, please email: grapevine@aroundllangorselake.co.uk

Thank you!

NEW CLASSES!

Facebook: ravendramawales

Get in touch for more details!

Classes running @ Llangorse Community Centre Henderson Hall, Talybont & local primary schools

for children from Year 2 upwards – come along & have some fun!

- Contact Lynn with any query Lynn is on the DBS update system & EWC register.

References can be provided upon request.

BA (Hons), PGCE, MA.

- Taster sessions offered at no charge

- 07949 329 561 / lynn.clausen@btinternet.com

‘Doing drama has been absolutely amazing. Lynn has been so much help with my exams and performances. It’s really helped my confidence.

Everyone should join Raven Drama’ by L in Y5

Drama groups with a focus on fun, skills and giving it a go…

Delivered by a specialist who loves what she does!

Learners also prepared for LAMDA exams (Acting / Speaking in Public / Reading Verse & Prose / Reading for Performance)

‘Drama with Lynn is really fun, it opened a new experience for me and I really like the games. Whoosh is my favourite’

by A, in Y2

Lynn also offers tuition up to A level and is a current GCSE examiner for English Language & Literature

RIDING EVENTS

LLANGORSE MULTI ACTIVITY CENTRE

The What

RIDING HOLIDAYS

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At the What Matters Agency our purpose is to help you to live your life, in the way you want to live it.

Why not give us a call?

PERFECT FOR 8-16 YEAR OLDS! Ever dreamt of looking after your own horse for a day, or three?

Heather Maling Chartered Physiotherapist and Community Guide 07950 004 588 Heather@TWMA.cymru Thewhatmattersagency.co.uk 25 years experience in the world of health & social care, with a proven track record in the Brecon and surrounding area.

• August Dates Now Available: 5th - 7th (Mon-Wed), 12th - 14th (Mon-Wed) and 19th - 21st (Mon - Wed)

Non-residential. 9.30am to 4.15pm each day.

£160 per person - Booking Essential ALSO: PONY CAMP MORNINGS / DAYS Running at Easter, Whitsun, and Summer Holidays £37pp / £55pp - Call or see website for details

FUN RIDE

ADULT RIDING CAMPS 2 DAY RIDING CAMPS • 13th May (Experienced) • 16th May (Int/Advanced) • 20th May (Learn to Ride)

£185 per person Booking Essential.

Call us for more details.

FRIENDLY FUN RIDE SUITAbLE FOR ALL! Sunday 19th May 11am - 2pm 40 Opt. Jumps / 8 Miles Ad. £17 / Child. £12

Visit www.activityuk.com or call us on 01874 658 272

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The Grapevine - Spring 2019

Llangors Play and Recreation Project Meetings were held last November with three play equipment companies, namely, Playdale, Kompan and Hags. To date Playdale has responded with a draft plan for the play area. Unfortunately, it did not include all the requirements that school children and residents had requested so they are currently devising a new plan incorporating some additional features.

There is an issue that gym equipment must be sited separately to play equipment although this could be overcome in the space available by using a fence, shrubs, flowers etc. Alternatively, gym equipment could be replaced by circuit training equipment which does not have the same restrictions.

When plans have been received from the other companies, a public meeting will be arranged in order to obtain feedback from all interested parties. A decision will then be made as to which play company will be used. Plans can be further adjusted if required. Anyone wishing to be part of this group please contact me at melrosemeast@gmail.com The ground that has been earmarked for use as a play park (part of the old

Melrose East

school site) will be leased from Powys County Council for 25 years. This ground is currently leased to the Church in Wales so this must be surrendered before it can then be leased to the community.

The Council have stated that, in the meantime, plans can go ahead for a new play park on this site.

Fundraising is ongoing. Several events held during the Christmas period raised over £1000 so a big thank you to all involved. The total funds stand at just over £5,500. Hopefully you are using your Co-op membership card to support the project. Please indicate online that you wish to support Llangors Play park. See website for further details (www.llangorshall.co.uk). So far £98 has been raised which is great but I’m sure we can do better!

This fundraising ends in October, so plenty of time!

Also a BINGO is being held on Thursday April 18th in Llangors Community Centre @ 7.30pm. Please come along and support us and maybe win an Easter Egg!

The Lake Players – update and welcome to new members!

From Lynn: Following the success (and fun) we enjoyed with The Wakefield Mysteries (a whole year ago now – where did that time go?) it was felt that as a group, we should actually cement our theatrical intentions (based on a foundation of camaraderie and fun) into something more recognisable. No-one wanted what we had started, to end. After all, we agreed we like playing, we live around the lake – and so, The Lake Players, were founded at the end of 2018!

At this time, Alan Lodge had proposed an idea for our next project and so Clue Murder was created, written, rehearsed and consequently performed (more from Alan below!)

We had a fantastic response to the performances put on in Llanfihangel Talyllyn Village Hall and at Llangors Community Centre with Clue Murder. An evening of sleuthing, supper and smiles.

On Thursday January 3rd, Alan presented £200 to Llangors Community Centre and £450 to Llangors Play Park which was received by Melrose East, on behalf of the two groups. £200 was also raised for the Llanfihangel Talyllyn Village Hall as well as £450 raised for local churches. An incredible amount of money, £1,300 in

Lynn Clausen / Alan Lodge

total. This really does reflect the support and generosity of our lake communities.

Thank you all.

We are now starting to roll out ideas for our next project – hopefully to be confirmed soon, but to take place in the Summer or early Autumn 2019. We are planning to perform a one-act play, as well as some devised work.

We are also looking ahead and forwards to putting on a panto-style family show (and we will be looking for youngsters to take part too!) early 2020 (late January / early February). Please do get in touch if that is something you think you may like to get involved with – on-stage or off! Oh no I can’t… Oh yes you can… It really will be a case of the more the merrier!

In the meantime, if you would like to find out a little more about us – or just have a look at what we do – come along and join us on Thursday evenings, at Llangors Youth & Community Centre at 7.30pm.

All welcome!

From Alan, who wrote and directed Clue Murder…

Almost as soon as the Wakefield Mystery Cycle was over, almost everyone involved wanted to do more: How about a murder mystery? For a large cast, we really had to write our own, initially for a cast of eleven, which grew to fifteen when more people joined us. The fun for me was creating a character for everyone, and then watching the cast take those roles

and make them into such vivid people, sparring so entertainingly with each other.

Murder mysteries are generally serious affairs, relying heavily on alibis and scenes of crime, but I seem to have been forgiven for my much lighter confection, with its trashed crime scene, and focussing more on motive, and humour. Still, there were more serious issues in the play – guilt and revenge and loss - and the cast handled those equally well!

It was a real community event: With performances in Llangors and Llanfihangel Talyllyn (with a cast from a wider area) and the audience working in teams to guess whodunit, we all felt closer to each other by the end of it!

We now have a Facebook page: The Lake Players. If you're interested in finding out more about us, please get in touch! 07949 329 561 / lynn.clausen@btinternet.com

Dyfed Powys Police Neighbourhood Policing Team Twitter @NPTBrecon Contact: PC 181 Jeff Cahalane Email: jeff.cahalane@dyfed-powys.pnn.police.uk Telephone: Non emergency no. 101

www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk

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Llangorse Community Council - update Community Councillor Vacancy Llangors Community Council has a current vacancy for a Community Councillor in the Llanfihangel Talyllyn Ward.

Further information on applying for this position will be posted on Llangors Community Noticeboards and on Llangors Community Webpage at the beginning of April.

Glebe Community Field, Llanfihangel Talyllyn Following public consultation, on 1st April 2011 Llangors Community Council acquired a potentially renewable ten-year lease from the Representative Body of the Church in Wales (RBCIW) for a parcel of agricultural land to be transformed into a public recreation area, now known as the Glebe Community Field.

Reflecting the length of the lease and the finance available realistically meeting all aspirations of residents is not possible, however the intention to retain and enhance the existing natural features of the area and sympathetically add a small amount of children’s play equipment to suit a range of needs has been achieved in partnership with local groups, residents and external bodies.

Thank you to everyone who has and continues to support the project.

Consideration is now being given to the lease which expires 31st March 2021. Due to the level of demand and support for the recreation area, it is the intention of the Community Council to continue to provide the facility for the duration of the current lease and to open discussion with the RBCIW regarding its potential renewal in 2021.

Prior to this happening the Community Council would like to know if there is a community group in Llanfihangel Talyllyn Ward who may wish to take over operating the site. This would include meeting all associated legal requirements, costs etc. and to take on a new lease with RBCIW instead of the Community Council, subject to discussion and approval by the RBCIW and all parties involved.

If you would like to discuss this or are a group wishing to express an interest in the matter, please get in touch before the end of April 2019. Community Councillors for the ward are: Richard Doylend, Mike Scruby, David James, Simon Bailey or contact the Clerk, Judith Phillips. Email clerk@llangors.org.uk

Cllr Colin Preece, Chair Appointment of Internal Auditor to Llangors Community Council C/O Judith Phillips, Clerk, Berllan Fach, Pennorth, Brecon, Powys. LD3 7EX. Email: clerk@llangors.org.uk The Accounts and Audit (Wales) Regulations 2014 requires the Community Council to have adequate and effective arrangements in place for an internal audit of their accounting records and their systems of internal control.

Due to the forthcoming retirement of the current auditor in May 2019, the Community Council are inviting suitable applicants to apply for this position.

The Internal Auditor is independent of the Council and will be expected to possess the appropriate level of competence and ideally should have an understanding of local government finance and operations of a Community Council. The majority of this work entails a complete audit around late April/early May to fit in with external audit requirements and would take approximately 4 hours. The work is home based, may be carried out on a voluntary basis or a small fee can be charged, subject to Council approval.

Interested persons may contact the Clerk to the Council for further information. Applications in the form of a full C.V. and a covering letter should be sent to the Clerk at the address above no later than Tuesday 7th May 2019.

Llangorse Lake Boating amenity – right on our doorstep!

Ever wanted to learn to sail, or just reconnect with the water from a dinghy, canoe or small launch, then why not take a look at Llangorse and especially Llangorse Sailing Club. As locals will know the lake is a beautiful thing in itself, but surrounded by rolling hills, farmland and with, as if sketched in, the Brecon Beacons at the western end of the lake.

Llangorse Sailing Club is very keen to always encourage new members, both active sailors and social. As a Sailing club, one could be a bit daunted by appearances. Don’t be, Llangorse members are friendly, local folk and encouraging whatever your water based ambitions. If you are new to this , we teach sailing, powerboat use and love to mess around in boats or just soak up the local atmosphere of this idyllic lake.

Our National Lottery supported brand new clubhouse boasts a sun-trap balcony to take in the view from and watch the sailing, or wildlife; and a state of the art galley (kitchen), a cosy corner sofa for kicking back in; toys & crafts for children ashore; free Wi-Fi access to all members and a fully equipped training room for RYA courses and junior coaching sessions.

For £150 annual family membership you can take advantage of all of this at your leisure. Come along and see us. www.llangorsesailing.com click “join us”.

Lakeside Bar - under new management There will be new faces running the recently-refurbished Llangorse Lakeside Bar this year - Leon and Catherine Griffiths live locally in the village of Bwlch with their two children, James aged 13 and Eva aged 9. Let's hear what they have to say: We're very much looking forward to running Lakeside Bar this season, meeting both locals and visitors coming to enjoy the beautiful lake and scenery.

The bar, refurbished for 2019, will be providing a family orientated atmosphere and serve food during the evenings from 5pm.

We will be open on Friday 5th April for drinks, with the official opening night taking place on Saturday 6th April. A welcoming buffet will be served between 6pm - 7pm, a children's disco 7pm

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Guy Davison

Leon and Cath Griffiths

- 8pm, then into the adult disco for the rest of the night!

We will also be hosting themed food nights throughout the season, such as curry nights, takeaway pizza, pie and a pint, and many more!

We are also planning to have disco nights, live bands, karaoke, tribute acts, quiz nights, bingo and to keep the children entertained our daughter Eva has already started her plan of action, which includes arts and crafts, slime making, children's disco, karaoke, face painting and some fun days on the not so nice days! Hopefully we won't have many of these this year!

We look forward to welcoming everyone to the bar this year, and hope you can make the official opening on the 6th April.

The Grapevine - Spring 2019

Llyn Syfaddan History Group

Roger Reese

Forthcoming talk: Thursday 18th April at Llangasty Parish Hall commencing at 7.30pm.

Goodwill Zwelethini who will be attending a special Community Open day at Brecon Barracks on Sunday 21st July.

“Someone`s Watching Over You” By Medwyn Parry of the Royal Commission on the Ancient Monuments of Wales. Medwyn will be talking about the use of Aerial photography in identifying, recording and monitoring the many ancient monuments that are scattered around our small country. With the use of increasingly sophisticated photographic methods previously undiscovered sites are still being discovered. Non members welcome, (£3 payable at the door). Open from 7pm onwards.

In September there will be celebrations to mark the one hundredth anniversary of the death of the famous opera singer Adelina Patti. This will include special exhibitions and concerts.

Advance notice that our popular July talk takes place on 11th July again at Llangasty. The theme for this talk is “Heroes in the Family” by Helen Ellis. Helen will be presenting a range of family archives detailing the extraordinary exploits and experiences of former family members involved in the 1939-45 war. Following tradition this talk will be followed by the ploughmans buffet.

There was a full house for the February Social at the Black Cock Inn where we were supplied by a very enjoyable buffet by Denise and the team. We will be back next year!

There are many history related events taking place through the year in the Brecon area.

In late June and July Brecon again will be hosting a number of Zulu cultural groups culminating in a visit by the Zulu king,

From June 1st -5th one of the oldest farmhouses in Wales ,Llwyn Celyn, situated north of Abergavenny off the road to Llanthony, which has been given a multi million pound refurbishment by The Landmark Trust, will be open to the public free of charge.

Details can be found on their website.

Our own telephone kiosk at Talyllyn is inching ever closer to completion. The information boards being produced by Talyllyn based graphic designer Jon Dixon look stunning and I am sure, it will not be long before we can install them. We will be having a bit of a gathering to celebrate the opening of the refurbished kiosk and will be circulating details in due course.

Finally we have been adding new material onto our website thanks to the efforts of a small band of members so please do have a look and let us know what you think. If you have any historical images of local interest covering people or places that could be included, please do get in touch. The site can be found by searching for Llyn Syfaddan History Group and clicking on “llangorshistory”.

Keep up to date with our latest news and events on our website, www.llangorsehistory.org

Llangorse Community Shop Most of you will be aware that work on the Llangorse Community Shop has been going ahead for some months under the guidance of a steering group. We had the survey of local opinion before Christmas and by the time this article is published we will have had three public meetings, in Llangorse, Llanfihangel Talyllyn and Llangasty.

Call for volunteers: In our researches, we have discovered that all successful community shops have a large number of volunteers in support.

Having between 40 and 60 volunteers means several things come together.

Firstly, it means that no single individual gets overloaded or overcommitted. A large roster on the shop floor means a volunteer may only be called on for an hour or two every fortnight.

Secondly, it means that the community at large is closely involved in the running of the shop and it becomes a truly communal endeavour. Thirdly, individuals who contribute to a venture such

Mark Kerr as this find fulfilment, companionship, interest, and a strong sense of contributing to the common good. It gets people out of their houses, helps them to meet their neighbours and make new friends. It can literally rejuvenate the lives of people who live locally.

If you would like to take advantage of all that having a shop in Llangorse could mean to you, sign up as a volunteer by getting in touch with one of the people listed below.

Mark Kerr - mark.kerr4@btopenworld.com or 658276 Alina Evans - alinaevans@btinternet.com or 658188 Linda Kells - lindajkells@btinternet.com or 658377 Alison Sparshatt - alison@walledgardentreberfydd.com Roger Reese - roreese2013@gmail.com Colin Preece - colinepreece@gmail.com

Llangors Youth and Community Centre Annual General Meeting Wednesday 15th May at 7.30pm All Welcome Presentation - Update on Llangorse Play Park www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk

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Llangors Youth & Community Centre Regular Events: Post Office Services Mondays 10 am - 12 noon Thursdays 9.30 am - 11.30 am Coffee, Tea & Biscuits Monday & Thursdays All Welcome! from 10 am in the Hall Pottage & Puddings Last Monday of month (check Bank Holidays)

12.30 pm to 2.00 pm Linda Kells - 658 377 Cub Scouts Mondays, 6 pm - 7.30 pm Maureen Lowe - 658 453 Llyn Safaddan Art Group Mondays 7.30 pm - 9.30 pm Myra Morris - 611 868 Welsh Class Tuesday mornings from 9.15 am Susan Jevons - 658 298 Junior Dance Tuesdays, 4 pm to 4.45 pm Rowan Kennedy-Brown 07494 433 531 Dog Training Tuesday & Friday Evenings Tracy - 07833 439 446

Cor Safaddon

Margaret Jones

Since our last article, in the Grapevine, I would like to confirm that our local choir continues enjoy their singing at the Wednesday rehearsals at the Black Cock Inn. They continue to attend various venues, taking their music “on the road”. The choir also enjoy attending social events and singing alongside some members of the Ebbw Vale Choir when they come to one of their regular visits to the pub.

Whilst we have welcomed some new members to our group we would still like to invite anyone who enjoys singing and a social “get together” to join us at our 2pm rehearsals. No auditions and no pressure just come along and see us in action. Join us for tea and a chat after. For more details contact Margaret on 658 477 or ask at the Black Cock Inn.

Life's Too Short to Say 'No' to Cake

Susan Jevons / Julie Pugh

... especially on the second Monday in the month, 10am - noon, Llangors Village Hall Despite the lack of my write-up in the last Grapevine about the good causes coffee mornings (for which, my apologies) the coffee, tea and cakes have continued rolling and funds have been raised. Sometimes a representative comes to give us a bit of an update, which is always interesting. The details raised are posted around the village, but you will see them below in case you missed them.

Your support and presence is much appreciated by all involved. It is amazing to hear of the wide variety of causes that people benefit from, support or care about... Yes, the requests keep coming, so keep coming yourselves! If you would like support for your particular cause, please do say so. Your company, support and neighbourliness is good for the spirits, and nobody is too old, too young , too new, too anything! If any of you can sometimes offer a cake or a helping hand that too would be great. Please offer! Don't forget to use the Post Office too whilst you are there.

The next good causes requested are as follows :• April 8th - Parkinson's UK • May 13th - Christian Aid Disaster Relief and Development

• June 10th - Llangorse Community Toilets

• July 8th - Respite Break for Refugees (HBTSR)

Amounts raised recently are as follows... Samaritans £140 (July '18), Calibre Audio Books £ (Aug), Brecon and Hay Cycleway £146 (Sept), City Farms and Community Gardens £100 (Oct), Glenys Bufton's Animal Rescue £140 (Nov), Gwernyfed Rugby Club Juniors £90 (Dec), Llangors Cubs £103 (Jan 2019), Credu - Powys Carers' Support £100 ( Feb). Marie Curie Cancer Care £149 (March).

Beaver Scouts (6-8 yr olds) Wednesdays, 6 pm to 7 pm Tony Hodge 01639 701 254

Diolch yn fawr iawn i bawb! Thank you to all!

Badminton Wednesdays Juniors and Seniors 7 pm to 9 pm Dave Hope - 665 334

Coffee Morning for Llanfihangel Church

Drama Groups Thursdays 5 pm - 6.15 pm (Y2 - Y6) 6.15 pm - 7.30 pm (Y7 - Y11) 7.30 pm - 9 pm (Adults) Lynn Clausen 07949 329561 Parkinson’s & Older People’s Exercise Group Saturdays 10 am - 11 am Val Morgan

Keep up to date at www.llangorshall.co.uk

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Common

Jo Copping

A coffee morning in aid of the Church of St. Michael & All Angels, Llanfihangel Talyllyn will be held in Bishop Bevan Hall, Brecon on Friday 10th May 2019, 10 am to 12 noon.

Stalls to include plants, produce, cakes, etc. Entry £1 to include coffee and biscuits. All welcome!

School Governor Vacancy Call for applications!

Are you passionate about local education delivery? Do you want to give something back to our community?

There is currently a vacant LA Governor position at Llangorse Church in Wales Primary School. Applications are welcome from all who are interested – if you over 18 years of age and care about your local school, please do get in touch. Training is provided.

Please contact Cllr Emily Durrant if you are interested in finding out more. Either call 07976 928 077 (don’t text, I will not receive it!) or email me on cllr.emily.durrant@powys.gov.uk.

The Grapevine - Spring 2019

Llangorse Common Toilets - update

Ryan Thomas

I’m pleased to report that planning permission for the new sustainable public conveniences at Llangorse Common was granted by the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority in December 2018. The new facility, which will replace the existing toilet block, will provide two unisex toilets, a disabled toilet, an area for visitor information and a dog wash.

The charity set up to deliver and run the new facility (Llangorse Common Community Toilets CIO) has been successful in obtaining several capital grants for the rebuild. We are grateful for funding from the Welsh Government / European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Brecon Beacons National Park Sustainable Development Fund, Powys County Council and the National Lottery Big Lottery Fund.

We are continuing to fundraise towards our match fundraising goal of £7,000. A successful picture auction, ‘Off the Wall’, was held in Llangorse Youth & Community Centre on 2nd February 2019 raising over £1,200 on the night. Our thanks to everyone who helped on the night! Llangorse Community Council has generously contributed £500 and several donations from individuals have been received, including £200 from Cllr Emily Durrant for a sponsored half marathon! Diolch yn fawr!

Llangors Youth & Community Centre Llangors hall is available to book hourly for table tennis, badminton and short tennis. Hall facilities include a meeting room and main hall. Screens, copier, kitchen, stage, lighting, piano, tables and chairs. Suitable for Wedding receptions.

Bookings: 01874 658 645 www.llangorshall.co.uk

There are two coffee mornings coming up, with proceeds going towards the project: • Saturday 11th May (10am to noon) at Pennorth Chapel • Monday 10th June (10am to noon) at Llangorse Youth & Community Centre Our thanks to the organisers of both events for supporting this much-needed facility.

By the time you read this, the old toilet block will have been demolished and the site cleared ready for construction to begin. Building work is expected to start in the next couple of months, with a grand opening later in the year. Temporary public toilet facilities will be provided until the new building is complete.

Mothering Sunday 31st March There is a special Service for Mothering Sunday Service at 10-30am in Llanfihangel Church - all welcome.

Revd Kelvin Richards Maundy Thursday 18th April 7-00pm - Maundy Thursday Supper at Llangasty Retreat House Good Friday 19th April 2-00pm - Devotional Service at Llanywern

Palm Sunday 14th April 10-30am - Procession, Blessing Palms & All Age Worship at Llanfihangel 6-00pm - Readings and Hymns for Holy Week at Llangasty

Easter Sunday 21st April 6-00am - Dawn Communion & Breakfast at Llangasty Retreat House 9-30am - Holy Communion at Bwlch 11-00am - Holy Communion at Llangors

Monday in Holy Week 15th April 7-00pm - Compline at Llangors

Come & Sing The Messiah 7-00pm Wednesday 24th April at Llangors Church. Rehearsals are 7-00 Friday 29th March, Friday 12th April, Tuesday 23rd April, each in Llangors Church. All singers (and listeners!) welcome. We shall be singing the second half of part 2 and most of part 3 of Handel’s well-loved work. Anyone interested please contact Trina Lodge on 658 878.

Wednesday in Holy Week 17th April (7-00pm - Taize Prayer at Cantref)

Loop system fitted in each church. A warm welcome to all. Revd Kelvin Richards, 01874 676146

Bridge Drive Wednesday, 10th April at Llanfihangel Talyllyn Hall, 6.30pm for 7pm Finger buffet - Tickets £10 from Jo Copping 01874 658 263 In Aid of the Church of St Michael, Llanfihangel Talyllyn

www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk

Bookings: Regular Events:

Services for Holy Week and Easter:

Tuesday in Holy Week 16th April 7-00pm - Compline at Llangasty

Find us on Facebook!

Sheena Sheppard - 711 584

If you wish to donate towards the project, please contact Jim Price (Treasurer) on 658 616.

Easter Church Services

Llanfihangel Talyllyn & Llanwern Hall

Pilates Tuesdays, 10.30 - 11.30 am Tuesdays, 6 - 7 pm Thursdays, 10 - 11 am Thursdays 6.15 - 7.15 pm Please contact Sheena Sheppard (01874 711 584) before attending a class.

Llangasty Hall Bookings: Ann Reese - 658 726 or 07760 382 447 a.reese@btinternet.com

Regular Events: Women’s Institute January - March: 1st Wednesday at 2 pm April - December: 1st Wednesday at 7 pm New members welcome!

Hire of the hall for family and social events, receptions and meetings charged at £8 per hour with reduced rates for local and extended use.

llangastyvillagehall.co.uk

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Pennorth Chapel Tabernacle Pennorth URC, Part of the Brecon Beacons Group Pastorate Services every 2nd and 4th Sunday of the month at 10.30am - families welcome

Loop system fitted Small comfortable meeting room (up to 20 people) Food preparation area & disabled facilities Available for Hire

Roger Young - 658 205

Bwlch Village Hall

Pennorth Chapel News

Roger Young

Improvements to the Chapel Graveyard have continued through-out the winter, thanks to the huge effort of several local residents, clearing away many years of over growth. The work has opened up the area, and improved the look of the village. Many old grave stones have been exposed that have not been seen for decades. This excellent work will now facilitate the updating of the 1986 Graveyard survey which lists 110 graves, and describes the inscriptions.

It is planned to include this information on the Llyn Syfaddan History Group website when completed to assist people trace their family histories.

Since the last edition of “The Grapevine”, Mrs Julie Kirby has been appointed Minister elect to the Brecon Beacons Group Pastorate (West including Pennorth). Her Ordination and Induction will take place at 2.30pm on 22nd June 2019 at The Plough Chapel, Lion St. Brecon.

We very much look forward to welcoming and introducing Julie to Pennorth. She will be joining her husband Ian, who is Minister of the East of the Pastorate.

It was good to see the Chapel full for our Carol Service, held in December, with an illustrated version of the Christmas Story, and singing some less well known Carols as well as the popular ones, followed by festive refreshments enjoyed by everyone.

This year our annual Coffee Morning will be held on Saturday 11th May 10.00am – noon.

This year all the proceeds will be for the “Llangors Common Community Toilets project” we look forward to welcoming everyone.

On Saturday 13th July, we are planning a “bring a bottle” village social evening, with a warm welcome to everyone.

Bookings: Marion Heaffey Tel - 07541 236 243

Back by popular demand!

Regular Events:

Brecknock Play Network event will be at the Glebe Community Field Sunday 12th May 2019 11am – 1pm

Bwlch & Cathedine Women’s Institute 1st Monday - 7pm Choir Mondays (except WI night) 7pm Garden Club 1st Tuesday - 7.30 pm Hatha Yoga Class Suitable for all levels Wednesdays 6.30 pm - 8 pm Heather - 07811 628247 Bwlch Creative Crafters Thursdays - 7pm - 9pm Bwlch Bumps & Babies Fridays 10 am - 11.45 am Pregnant mums & children aged 0-4 yrs welcome.

Tea, coffee & juice served.

Hire Charges: Group Bookings Villagers £15, Others £30 Morning/Afternoon Session Villagers £15, Others £30 Evening Session Villagers £25, Others £35 All Day Villagers £45, Others £65 Trestle Tables £5 each

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Llanfihangel Talyllyn and Llanywern Community Hall

Dave Jones

I can report that the work of our hall committee continues with enthusiasm in an effort to provide residents with the facilities that the will meet with their expectations and requirements. At our last Annual General Meeting representatives from the Church in Wales, Llanfihangel Ladies, Cor Safaddon and the residents of Talyllyn village joined our group in order that we may broaden the content of our events diary and offer new ideas. Since our last news item in the Grapevine in can report that Sheena continues to work hard promoting fitness to our local residents. Local bands continue to practice at our venue and the hall has been used for rehearsals of a recent “Murder Mystery” event. We recently were able to reintroduce our Harvest Supper which proved to be a “sell out” success with 80 tickets sold. The Christmas bingo, again, was well attended with many prizes donated and waiting to be won.

Our local Church continue to use our facilities in order that they can raise needed funds to support the upkeep of the church building and the churchyard. Thanks go our Community Council who provide support to the hall throughout the year and to all who help in the administration of our hall and our events.

Things to look forward to are our Annual Spring Fayre to be held at the hall on Saturday 25th May at 2pm. Stalls to include White Elephant, Cakes, Books, Bottles and our Cream Teas.

Come along and view our display of locally grown plants and locally baked cakes, all available for purchase. Preparations are in hand for our “Fun in the Park” event which we hope to hold at the Glebeland Park (subject to permissions) on Saturday June 22nd. The day will include some “show events” combined with the “side show stalls” of our Fete. We will be finalising our programme in April inviting items for inclusion in our show tents. This will be your chance to get involved all you have to do is “Grow, Make, Take and Display” then be judged. All will be revealed on our Facebook page (follow us) Programmes and Notices. If you would like to be involved with our hall activities but would prefer not to attend meetings why not register to our “Friends of Llanfihangel Hall” list, again see our FB page for details. As you are aware we have Automatic Defibrillators situated at our halls and at other locations around the lake.

Would you know how to respond and use one of these units in order to help save a life? I will be arranging to hold a training event (In association with the British Heart Foundation) at our hall during 2019. Again, details will be placed on our FB page and notices.

The Grapevine - Spring 2019

Bwlch Village Hall Presented All at Sea by Peter Ayre Sunday 27th January 2019 With the festive season “behind us” - “oh yes it is” - the pantomime season is upon us, and this year, much to our joy, an enthusiastic group of villagers brought a fine presentation of Peter Ayer’s ‘All at sea’ to our local village hall in Bwlch. Indeed it certainly was an entertaining sunny Sunday afternoon of colourful costumes, hilarity, and much audience participation.

Tickets for the one off performance sold out prior to the event, and the presentation was enjoyed by a full house of all ages.

Casting, rehearsal, costume, set design, music, sound and lighting effects have kept these community stalwarts busy over the past few months, and the audience was most appreciative of the resulting show.

The tale began convincingly out at sea. Sinbad the Sailor’s ship had been commandeered by pirates, kidnapping all on board.

Clarabelle (Brenda) the fairy godmother - watches over a love lorn Sinbad (enthusiastically played by Rowan) merrily rowing his tiny boat through shark infested waters. Sinbad recovered a floating bottle to help fend off the persistent, hungry shark (Georgina) chasing brave fellow sailor Matty the Matelot (Janet).

With the realisation that the bottle contains Old Pete’s pirate treasure map, a plan is hatched to find the treasure and recover their ship from the evil pirate Blackbeard - “boooooo” The second scene opened on the dockside, where Blackbeard (Jon), accompanied by his delightfully entertaining companion Sharkeye (Beth) had gone ashore to upgrade his wooden leg and shine up his handy hook. Much audience participation ensued as the baddy is booed, and he openly embraced such jovial jesting.

Needing to plot a money making scheme, the pirates have transformed Sinbad’s vessel to a profit making cruise ship venture, in the hope of enticing a couple of young foolish princes to join their voyage, who in turn, would of course fall desperately in love with Blackbeard’s two ‘stunningly beautiful’ daughters - “oh yes they will”.

Caz Rowe

Elise, batting their heavily custard-pied eyelashes, whilst calmly delivering their lines without even a snigger, and the cheeky ships cat wandering around with a rat in its mouth, was priceless.

During a fine audience rendition, of ‘octopuses garden’ (accompanied by Bwlch’s ‘electric cavemen’) the treasure site had been located, and the chest was triumphantly wrestled from the tentacles of a battling octopus, in an entertaining underwater scene.

Back aboard the ship once more, on overhearing Abigail and Evan discuss the find, Blackbeard and Sharkeye realised that Old Pete’s long lost treasure had been discovered and promptly took possession of the chest. Though this being a special pantomime treasure chest, a lack of key, and numerous attempts of brute force would not reveal the contents. The chest was finally opened by the correct series of magical silly words (with the help of the audience) its meagre contents revealed as a pair of shoes with an accompanying note declaring that ‘whoever the shoe fits’, would of course become a princess with riches galore.

Competitive shoe-trying followed, resulting in disappointment from the fat footed sisters.

Of course, surprise surprise, the shoes were the perfect fit for young Charlotte, who instantly transformed into a wealthy princess and then accepted Sinbad’s marriage proposal. With help from Clarabelle’s magic fairy glitter, Princess Charlotte granted a pardon to the pirates whilst gifting them her betrothed’s ship.

On becoming fine citizens the former pirates cast off, and set sail for Tenby - everyone living happily ever after!

Credit must be given to all of those who worked behind the scenes including Hilary, Emma, Anna, Anita, Mike, Dave, Edd and Robin, who helped pull together this fine show.

The question now is will they do it all again next year “oh yes they will” I’m sure.

On board the hijacked ship, we met Sinbad’s love interest, Charlotte (Jess, such a beautiful singing voice), going about her endless domestic chores, seeing to the demands of Blackbeard’s daughters. Charming fellow crew members Evan (Eva) and sweetheart Abigail (Ruby) animatedly discuss the terrible fate of their captain and first mate who, by now, would have surely been eaten by sharks.

Laughter filled the village hall as Bella and Bertha - hats off to Malcom and Anita - the two wonderfully ugly daughters entered the stage. Costume and makeup must be highly praised at this point, as although all of the other players were splendidly attired, the comedic entrance of a ‘pantomime dame’ or two, can never be underestimated. Boisterous claims of ‘Pete from the bunkhouse’ inviting ‘ugly daughter’ Bertha to the local Diner for a hotdog, arguments over who was the most beautiful, and forgotten lines read from the back of appropriately placed props, really did have the audience in stitches!

The well rehearsed young cast continued the comedy tone, as Sinbad and Matty, now cleverly disguised as plummy prince Fartypants and spiffing Lord snottypants, board the ship, and set sail in the hope of finding their treasure island.

A grand dinner party held onboard ship, mid stormy rough sea (excellent lighting and sound effects here), really was the icing on the cake - or more obviously, this being panto - a couple of custard pies in the face. GREEN custard pies, slapstick at its best preceded by shark soup and spaghetti a la mare in the hair of the ‘ugly daughters’ - excellently despatched by the much maligned Charlotte. Clarabelle makes all well again of course, with a sprinkle of magical fairy dust. But the sight of Malcolm and

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PRIZE BINGO Llangors Youth and Community Centre Thursday, April 18th 2019 Doors open 7pm, Eyes down 7.30pm Proceeds in aid of Llangors Play Park Project Page 9

Herb, Flower and Kitchen Gardens Inside, but very much outside, I am propagating herbs in the glasshouse, whilst the rain and hail crash against the roof and the winds threaten the walls with violence. It is March and I have started with French tarragon, Artemisia dracunculus, an essential herb in any herb garden and one that I use for cooking, to flavour vinegar, as a simple leaf salad with lemon and fennel, and just as a classical plant to have in the garden.

Tarragon dies back over winter and outwardly would appear to still be dormant, however, underground, the mass of tangled roots, curled as though they were miniature dragons (hence the botanical name), are showing new growth and are ready for division. The smell of the roots is surprisingly fresh and evocative of the sweetly anise flavoured leaves that will follow for harvesting all summer.

Another gloriously scented herb, Lemon verbena, Aloysia citrodora, is a shrubby plant that resembles a pile of dead sticks at this time of the year. Look closely though, and tiny bright green buds can be seen forming so now is the time to prune to shape. I also cut back hard

www.walledgardentreberfydd.com

to stimulate fresh growth for cuttings that I’ll take in April to grow new plants. The strongly aromatic twiggy prunings awaken anticipation of a summer of fresh green lemon verbena tea, and probably the odd gin and tonic with lemon verbena leaves.

A herb that already has plenty of early, delicately feathery, aromatic foliage emerging is English mace, Achillea ageratum, and it is ready to be divided into more plants and potted up. A very beautiful plant; the foliage forms a large clump of fine green leaves which can be used to flavour chicken and fish, and then in late summer it flowers prolifically in clusters of tiny, elegantly Victorian looking, cream daisy flowers, which are perfect as cut flowers in a vase or dried.

Even the word Echinacea sounds like a sneeze, so it seems appropriate that this herb should be used medicinally to help prevent and treat colds and flu. Today I am propagating new plants by taking root cuttings, and also saving left over pieces of root to use in the herbal pharmacy workshop here in July. Echinacea pallida is the most elegant of them all, with alison@walledgardentreberfydd.com

P L A N T N U R S E RY palest pink petals falling gracefully away from the prominent spiny central cone like the long skirts of a ballerina, and looks fabulous drifted through the contrasting foliage of grasses.

As a companion plant valerian, Valeriana officinalis, is hard to beat: the roots release phosphorous that stimulates earthworm activity, so plant it near your vegetables, or make a spray from an infusion of the roots; and the flowers attract aphid- eating hoverflies. This magnificent, statuesque plant has large clusters of tiny white, pink tinged flowers that carry their heavy, sweet scent on the air for some distance.

It is not to be confused with the commonly named red, white or pink valerian, Centranthus ruber, that self seeds itself everywhere around here along roadsides and in dry stone walls.

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SAVE THE DATE!

grapevine@ aroundllangorselake.co.uk

Llangors Village Fete - Saturday, July 20th 2019 Usual stalls plus lots of new ones Further information will published in the next issue of The Grapevine

The next issue will be published in July.

Details will be circulated by email ~ 1 month in advance.

To join the mailing list, please email your request.

Thank you to everyone who helps distribute this newsletter!

Fancy volunteering? Email

grapevine@ aroundllangorselake.co.uk Published by Discover Llangorse & Bwlch, April 2019.

This newsletter is funded through the generosity of local advertisers and receives assistance from Llangors Community Council and Cwmdu and District Community Council.

Page 10

Post Office Services at Llangors Youth & Community Centre Mondays 10 to 12 and Thursdays 9-30 to 11-30 Tea, Coffee and Biscuits are also available on Mondays and Thursdays

Llangors Community Council - contacts Llangors Ward

Llanfihangel Ward

Colin Preece (Chairman) - 658 691

Richard Doylend (Vice Chair) - 658 692

Robert East - 658 335

Mike Scruby - 658 410

Tony Evans - 658 319

Simon Bailey - 658 126

Rev. Alan Jevons - 658 298

David James - 658 509

Lynne Griffin - 07734 315 141 Clerk – Judith Phillips 658 869 (clerk@llangors.org.uk) The views and opinions expressed in this newsletter are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Discover Llangorse & Bwlch, Llangors Community Council or Cwmdu and District Community Council.

The Grapevine - Spring 2019

PLANTS

FLOWERS

Summer Workshops

VEGETABLES

KITCHEN GARDEN PESTS & DISEASES

H E R B S GARDEN PLANS

James Clapp £80 Fri 7 June

FLOWER WORKSHOP Layla Robinson £120 Fri 5 July

HERBAL PHARMACY Rowan McOnegal £95 Fri 12 July Autumn Workshops include Topiary, Garden Design, Bronze Casting, Creative Writing and Edible Ornamentals.

LLANGASTY, BRECON, LD3 7PX

01874 730 169

alison@walledgardentreberfydd.com www.walledgardentreberfydd.com

H A R DY PL A NT S G ROW N I N WA L E S

The Black Cock Inn Llanfihangel Talyllyn

Food served all day

The Castle Inn FREE HOUSE

Curry Night on Fridays

Castle Traditional Roast

Curry and a pint for £11.95

(Ordinary Menu Also Served)

Served Sunday 12.30 - 3pm

Easter Sunday (21st April) Lunch

Easter Monday (22nd April) Cream Teas 3pm - 5pm Bookings being taken

Families Welcome Tel: 01874 658 697

www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk

The Castle Inn Llangorse Tel: 01874 658 819 to make a booking Page 11

café open - Breakfast served all day n Fresh cakes n homemade soup n specials n take away ce local produ

y meat finest qualit

er our own de skin rugs

café

Open Monday to Saturday 8:00am - 5pm Bank holiday 10am – 5pm • Large car park

All welcome!

TAXIS & MINIBUSES Friendly, reliable service Airport specialist Stag & hen parties

4, 8 and 16 seat vehicles available Tel: 01874 65 88 99 or 07970 915 040 Email: a2btaxisuk@btconnect.com www.a2btaxis.biz

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t: 01874 730929

AWA

Middlewood Farm, Bwlch, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7HQ info@beaconsfarmshop.co.uk RD WINN é f ca open all day

ING!

The Beacons Farm Shop is based at the family-run Welsh Venison Centre where we sell our own produced, award winning lamb, beef and venison, plus quality local pork, poultry and a selection of other meat. We also sell fresh, locally baked bread, deli items and seasonal vegetables.

PETER NAYLOR MECHANICAL & BODY REPAIRS SERVICING • MOT PREPARATION • WELDING

T: 01874 730 567 M: 07977 856 901 UNIT 2, THE OLD TIMBER YARD, BWLCH, BRECON, POWYS, LD3 7HX The Grapevine - Spring 2019