The Grapevine - Winter 2017

• 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 Winter 2017

Please send in your articles!

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

Be a journalist!

Please send us your articles, news, and what’s on in and around Llangorse & Bwlch.

Details of the publication schedule and contact information can be found on page 10.

Wherever possible your articles will be published in the next issue, however the editors reserve the right to edit articles or hold them back for subsequent issues should there be insufficient space in the current issue.

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who helps distribute this newsletter!

Fancy volunteering? Please get in touch! (see page 10)

Please... this newsletter after you have finished with it.

PLANTS

FLOWERS VEGETABLES

H E R B S GARDEN PLANS

WORKSHOPS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR LLANGASTY, BRECON, LD3 7PX

01874 730 169

Published by Discover Llangorse & Bwlch Winter 2017

alison@walledgardentreberfydd.com www.walledgardentreberfydd.com

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

Drama & Creative Writing Workshops & Clubs Clubs held around the area (from 7+) Taster session at no charge Preparation for LAMDA exams Contact Lynn for dates, details & booking a place

W: www.ravendrama.com Updates on: www.facebook.com/ravendramawales/ E: lynn.clausen@btinternet.com

Over 20 years teaching experience BA : PGCE : MA (Dist) English Language & Literature From KS2 up to A Level Current examiner for GCSE DBS checked Free taster session E: lynn.clausen@btinternet.com

T: 07949 329 561

T: 07949 329 561

Fantastic results from March & October 2016 and April & October 2017 Creative Practitioner

‘’My daughter is very happy with the style of teaching and appreciates Lynn’s in-depth knowledge of the subjects she teaches’’ Parent of A level student

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The Grapevine - Winter 2017

Bwlch War Memorial Re-Dedication Ceremony

Pete Harrison

Sunday 19 November 2017 As you may be aware, thanks to the generosity of the residents and visitors of Bwlch, the Community Council was able to raise the required funds to get our Grade II Listed War Memorial cleaned and refurbished. The first phase has been completed and I’m sure you will agree it looks magnificent. The second phase will be to get the inscriptions re-cut and enamelled, which will bring the monument back to its former glory.

The community has proposed and agreed to a re-dedication ceremony, which will take place on Sunday 19th November 2017 at 11am. The ceremony will follow, as much as possible, the original ceremony in 1923 with some thoughtful additions, such as a wreath laying ceremony (one wreath for each of our fallen). The event is expected to have a high level of interest from the residents of Bwlch and surrounding areas; it will be centred on the War Memorial with a speech by Dame Shân Legge-Bourke DCVO. Our advice is to arrive early - refreshments will be available in the Village Hall from 10am, kindly provided by the WI and Village Hall committee.

There is limited car parking, however Pete Naylor has kindly agreed for people to park in his garage car parking area. There will also be parking spaces available at The Star Bunkhouse.

During the ceremony, which should last no longer than 30 minutes, residents are kindly requested if they are unable to attend the ceremony to please find an alternative route to the B4560 (Llangorse Road). Please be aware there will be a significant number of people paying their respects during the ceremony, and will be standing on the road between the village shop and the village hall.

We encourage you to attend the ceremony in order to reflect on the sacrifices made by those that gave their lives so that we can live ours, with the freedoms that we have become accustomed.

Please note there will still be the wreath laying ceremony at 11am on Saturday 11th November.

A Community Project For Llangorse Lake Villages

Lynn Clausen

Reminder! Read-throughs happening mid-November… Please get in touch, it can’t happen without you! We have some folk on board – we just need a few more!

WHAT: A modern production of the mystery cycle (Adrian Henri’s ‘The Wakefield Mystery Cycle’) WHERE: Mini-performances in our Lake Churches with the full production being run at Llangorse Youth and Community Centre WHEN: Show to run (just before) Easter 2018. Call Out for on and off-stage roles Autumn 2017. Initial rehearsals and read-throughs to start before Christmas (nothing too time consuming, honest!) Regular rehearsals (weekly / fortnightly) from January.

WHO: YOU! This will be a celebration within our own community and the emphasis is very much on creating a fun – and stress free – experience! This is a community event and is open to all who would like to take part both on-stage and off.

You do not need to have had professional experience – all that is needed is a willingness to take part!

WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE: Each village will be able to put on a scene or two of between 5 – 10 minutes long which we will then ‘stitch

together’ in to a final performance with a party to follow! We will put the mini-shows on in our churches around the lake with two full-length productions in Llangorse Village Hall. Profits to venues / local causes.

Please contact Lynn Clausen (details below) if you are interested in any way! The focus is to create a community project pulling together people from all walks of life. We will be able to celebrate our community spaces (village halls and churches) and hopefully, meet new people, forge new friendships and broaden our community network even further!

Lynn: 07949 329 561 Email: lynn.clausen@btinternet.com Web: www.ravendrama.com Facebook: www.facebook/ravendramawales

Request for Information: Ffynnon yr Deuddeg Sant

Dr Andy Seaman

Ffynnon yr Deuddeg Sant (in English ‘Spring of the Twelve Saints’) is a holy spring that marked the southern boundary of Llan-gors during the Middle Ages.

The spring is recorded in an eleventh century boundary clause in a document known as the Liber Landavensis (the Book of Llandaff), but scholars know very little about the spring and it is often assumed that it is now lost and forgotten. However, if you know anything about the spring, such as where it was located, the significance of its waters, or any of the local traditions that were associated with it, I would love to hear from you. I am currently undertaking research for an article on the spring and any information would be most gratefully received.

I can be contacted by email: andy.seaman@canterbury.ac.uk or by post: Dr Andy Seaman, Archaeology Programme, School of Humanities, Canterbury Christ Church University, North Holmes Road, Canterbury, Kent, CT1 1QU

www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk

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Llangors Community Council News Highway matters: The Community Council have been liaising with County Cllr Durrant and Powys CC regarding several highway issues in Llangors. A highway safety improvement scheme at Hoel Ddu junction, and a footway and speed reduction scheme near Lake View Close, have now been approved by Powys CC committee and await funding. A footway scheme at the Lake Road continues to be discussed. Many thanks to all Landowners for their assistance with these schemes.

Following requests from residents, village signs at Trefeinon and Llangasty Talyllyn are being erected.

White line refreshing, cleaning of highway signs, drain and gulley clearance throughout our community and winter gritting of all school bus routes are just a few requests made to Powys CC on behalf of residents. Hopefully these requests will be fulfilled.

Speeding vehicles throughout our community continues to be an issue so watch out for the Community Speed Watch team who will now be collecting data in the area, under the leadership of County Cllr Emily Durrant. Many thanks to Emily and all residents who have volunteered for this scheme.

Llangors Primary School: February 2018 will see the occupation of the new school and demolition of the existing school building.

We hope the move to the new site goes well for all those involved. There are ongoing discussions between the Community Council, Powys CC and Llangors School Governing body to ensure the continuation of community use of Llangors playing field outside of school hours.

Discussions continue with Wilmott Dixon regarding a legacy project in Llangors, with the possibility of some works to be done in and around Llangors Youth & Community Centre.

Dementia Friend training: Ian Thomas from the Alzheimer’s society recently delivered a training session for residents. Thanks to Ian and all those who attended. Anyone wishing to become a volunteer or need information with this matter can contact the Talgarth Office on 01874 712059.

Volunteering in the community: Thanks to everyone who volunteers in whatever capacity to help ensure our area is a great place to be!

From all at Llangors Community Council – Happy Christmas and New Year!

Yoga at Bwlch Village Hall - “Breathe deep, fly high”

Heather Murray

Thanks to celebrities like Sting, Madonna, Gwyneth Paltrow and Ryan Giggs, yoga is very fashionable. Everyone is practising yoga!

There are many articles in newspapers and magazines about the benefits of yoga; deep breathing, energising postures, and stress control through relaxation techniques. While yoga is very fashionable now, it has been practised for thousands of years.

It has many different aspects and may be experienced on various levels. The practice develops strength, flexibility and stamina both physically and mentally. At its simplest, yoga is an efficient, safe and controlled method of exercise. Flexibility is increased, strength improved, stamina developed and basic posture corrected through a variety of stretches and both classic and modern yoga postures.

As well as toning muscles and extending the range of movement in the joints, the postures also benefit the body internally; stimulating organs, glands and nerves as well, keeping all systems in radiant health. Yoga lowers stress by developing relaxation and breathing techniques. As physical well-being and bodily awareness improve, together with deeper breathing and an ability to relax more easily, there is an increase in energy levels, greater mental clarity and a general feeling of calmness and control.

A 1.5 hour class typically begins with a short, basic relaxation that allows everybody some time to settle down and centre themselves. A warm up session follows, using yoga based movements geared towards the main content of the class, the yoga asanas (yoga postures).

The class will include pranayama (yoga breathing exercises) and ends with yoga relaxation. Modifications and adjustments are offered for beginners or people with health issues.

The term 'hatha yoga' covers all types of physical yoga. Placing an emphasis on postures with breathing and relaxation, it's suitable for all ages and levels of ability, making it ideal for beginners.

Local British-Wheel-of-Yoga trained teacher Heather Murray runs classes at Bwlch Village Hall every Wednesday, 6.30-8pm. See page 8.

Llangors Christmas Market Monday, December 11th from 3 pm to 5.30 pm at Llangors Youth & Community Centre Many stalls to buy your Christmas food, drinks and presents • Activities for children • Free entry - Refreshments available Page 4

The Grapevine - Winter 2017

Switching on the lights

Llangors Church

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL 9th & 10th December

Saturday 9th Dec, 6pm

Enter Your Tree Are you a member of a community group?

Carol singing Seasonal refreshments

Get in touch for more information (see left)

Contacts:

All Welcome

Trina Lodge: 658878 Julie Pugh: 658373 Norman Lowe: 658453 Or search "Churches around the lake" on Facebook

The Black Cock Inn Llanfihangel Talyllyn

Food served all day Curry Night on Fridays Curry and a Pint For £9.95

(Ordinary Menu Also Served)

Steak Night on Saturdays 2 Steaks and a Bottle of Wine For £34.00 (Ordinary Menu Also Served)

Families Welcome

 Christmas Menu Now Available 

Tel: 01874 658 697

Apothecary Natural Health Centre www.apothecarycentre.org.uk E: info@apothecarycentre.org.uk T: 07919966778

One day Qi Gong Mindfulness Courses in the Brecon Beacons A refreshing combination of focused exercises and quiet meditation to rebalance your mind and body

Qi Gong & Tuina Massage 19th November Qi Gong for the Solstice 23rd December Qi Gong & Stretch 21st January Qi Gong for Spring 18th February

Full info: apothecarycentre.org.uk/courses/courses

Treatments: Physiotherapy, Acupuncture & Tuina Massage Practitioner: Rosey Grandage MCSP MBAcC Chartered Physiotherapist & Chinese Medicine Practitioner

Courses: £35 Ͳ £60. Treatments: £30 Ͳ £55

Parking space required in Bwlch: Does anyone in Bwlch have a parking space for one car they would be willing to make available on an occasional basis for up to one week at a time? Will pay. Tel. 01874 658 692

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 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 Tuesday afternoon 4 pm to 4.45 pm Rowan Kennedy-Brown 07494 433 531 Dog Training Tuesday evenings Tracy - 07833 439446 Badminton Wednesday Under 11 - 6.30 - 7.30 pm Dave Hope - 658 106 Over 11 - 7.30 - 8.30 pm Mike Scruby - 658 410 Junior Dance Thursday afternoon 4 pm to 4.45 pm Rowan Kennedy-Brown 07494 433 531 Junior Drama Group Thursdays 5 pm - 6.30 pm Lynn Clausen 07949 329561 Parkinson’s Keep Fit Programme Saturdays 10 am - 11 am Val Morgans Judo Classes Saturdays Juniors - 11.30 am - 12.30 pm Seniors - 12.30 - 1.30 pm Phil - 07854279957

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Forget The Great British Bake-off !

Susan Jevons & Julie Pugh

At the monthly coffee mornings numbers of you have downed a tasty variety of homemade cakes and biscuits, and quite a lot of them by now. There has been good company, on both sides of the serving hatch, and donations have been given to locally-used or locallysupported causes. Sometimes we have been given personal introductions or updates to the "good cause". Thank you to all of you. Still the requests come in for causes someone or other wants to support , so here we have the next ones planned …

• • • • • •

13th November - Bwlch War Memorial Restoration and Maintenance 11th December - Bronllys Hospital League of Friends 8th January - Tools for Self Reliance : Cymru 12th February - Llangors Hall (new play area or new committee room flooring ) 12th March - City farms and Community Gardens - Cymru 9th April - "Sight Savers"

Your suggestions are always welcome, as are your offers of hands-on help, or baking. Please chip in, join in, turn up - and remember you can use the Post Office at the same time.

Amounts raised recently: NSPCC £ 90, Gurkha Welfare Trust £100, Canine Partners £112, Grenfell Tower Disaster £100, Sri Lanka Rebuild £145, Macular Degeneration - Powys £165.

Llanfihangel Talyllyn & Llanwern Community Hall

Esther Davies

We are holding our A.G.M. on Monday 13th November, staring at 8 pm.

It really isn’t as boring as it sounds, and everyone is welcome to come along and have their say.

We need new volunteers to bring new ideas for using the hall to benefit the whole village.

The Christmas Prize Bingo will be on Saturday 18th November, doors open at 7 pm. to start at 7.30. with a children’s game in the interval. Hope to see you there. And we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has helped at any of the events held this year, and although it is still only November - wish everyone a very Happy Christmas.

Pennorth Chapel - News

Roger Young

Following our successful Coffee Morning in aid of The British Heart Foundation, held earlier this year, we have continued with our CPR and Defibrillator training and refresher courses.

The training sessions led by David and Mathew Jones, are done in an interesting informative and fun way and enjoyed by all attendees.

This years Harvest Festival was a United shared Service taken by Revd. Kelvin Richards. The congregation enjoyed tea and coffee after the service. All the produce provided to decorate the Chapel was donated to Usk House.

The very popular family Carol Service will this year be held on Sunday 10th December at 10.30am. An open invitation and warm welcome to everyone, the service will be followed by Christmas nibbles.

Welsh Lessons continue to take place in the chapel Schoolroom on Thursday Mornings, and we hope that they will follow up their Welsh language Carol Service again.

I am very pleased to say that the vacant position for a Minister for the Eastern part of The Brecon Beacons Pastorate has been accepted by The Revd. Ian Kirby, he will commence his duties on the 1st January. Although his area centres on Abergavenny, he will live in the Brecon Manse at Libanus. His wife Julie is also training into the Church, and we look forward to her assisting Ian, and being seen at Pennorth.

Llangasty Village Hall

Roger Reese

As usual our popular Festive Walk will be taking place over the Christmas break. A great walk, log fire, various homemade soups, crusty bread and a warm welcome awaits you. Don`t forget to put the date in your calender! Wednesday 27th December doors open at 10am, walk starts at 10.30am. For more details, call Roger Reese on 658 726.

The Grapevine - Winter 2017

CPR and DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING November 7th at 6.30pm Llangors Youth and Community Centre Everyone welcome - No Charge, No exam!!

Remember - you could save someone's life!

It is recommended that everyone has an annual update - so don't worry if you have received training before, the more training you have, the more confident you will be to use these skills.

Please contact Melrose East (01874 658 335) if you wish to attend as places are limited.

Llanfihangel Ladies - Update

Angela Boxhall

Margaret and Alan Williams, once again opened their home for the annual MacMillan Coffee event which took place on the afternoon of 30th September 2017. This year Margaret raised £832 and she would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their continued support. She is very grateful to all for their attendance, contributions, donations of cakes, raffle and Chinese auction prizes. She looks forward to seeing you all again next year!

The annual Halloween Party at the Black Cock Inn was held on Tuesday 31st October 2017.

As usual this party was enjoyed by all the children attending.

Our annual auction will take place on 10th November 2017 at the Black Cock Inn starting at 8.00 p.m.

Funds raised this year will be split between Breast Cancer and Alzheimers. Many of you will be aware that a local young woman is currently having treatment for Breast Cancer. This young woman is only 30 years old and the mother of two young children. The way she is coping with this aggressive disease is a lesson to us all and we wish her well.

We would be grateful for any items for auctioning or any donations to these worthy causes.

More importantly we hope you can join us on the night as the more people attending and bidding on the items the more funds we can raise.

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

Llanfihangel Talyllyn & Llanywern Hall Bookings: Dave Jones - 658 477 Sheena Sheppard - 711 584

Regular Events: 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:

CHRISTMAS RAG WREATH MAKING

Ann Reese - 658 726 or 07760 382 447 a.reese@btinternet.com

Join us for a fun afternoon at Llangors Village Hall Sunday 3rd December from 2 pm to 5 pm

Regular Events:

Bring plenty of old fabric, ribbons, lace and a pair of scissors — we will pool and share. Wreath frames will be provided on the afternoon and that is all you need!

You may bring soft drinks or even wine! Tea and coffee will be provided. There is no entry fee but there will be a raffle and an opportunity for donations to the Alzheimer’s Society.

We hope you will give generously.

Enquiries to: Avril Guinan on 01874 658396

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

www.aroundllangorselake.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

Llyn Safaddan Church Services

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY: Remembrance Sunday is 12th November this year. There is a Service of Remembrance starting at 10-55am in Llangors Church. There is also a Communion Service with an act of Remembrance at 9-30am in Bwlch Church. Everyone is welcome to either event.

ALL AGE SERVICES: These informal services, for families and people of any age usually take place on the 3rd Sunday of the month at Llangors Church at 11-00am. The next one will on Sunday 19th November. Why not come along and join us.

CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL AT LLANGORS CHURCH 9th - 10th DEC: Please see page 5 for details of this exciting event CHRISTMAS SERVICES: These are the services which are taking place in the Parish of Llyn Safaddan over the Christmas period:Sunday 17th December

Thursday 21st December

11-00am - Holy Communion at Llangors Church 3-00pm - Carol Service at Bwlch Church 3-30pm to 5-30pm - Childrens Christmas workshop at Llanfihangel Village Hall 6-00pm - Carol Service at Llanfihangel Church

7-00pm - Carol Service at Llangors Church

Wednesday 20th December

Bwlch Village Hall

6-30pm - School Christingle Service at Llangors Church

Bookings: Marion Heaffey Tel - 07541 236 243

Regular Events: 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

Revd Kelvin Richards

Christmas Eve Sunday 24th December 4-00pm - Crib Service at Llanfihangel Church 9-00pm - Holy Communion at Llangasty Church 11-30pm - Midnight Communion at Llangors Church

Christmas Day Monday 25th December 9-00am - Holy Communion at Bwlch Church 10-30am - Family Service at Llanywern Church

Bwlch Village Hall - News

Lesley Doggett

As the Festive Season approaches there is plenty going on at Bwlch Village Hall! Our regular clubs and events are joined by the newly formed Bwlch Creative Crafters, held on Thursday nights, where you can unleash your own creativity, receive expert help and a very warm welcome! Bingo Billy is back on November 3rd so eyes down for an enjoyable evening, delicious bring and share buffet and a special presentation for our retiring caretakers, Mr and Mrs John Smith, who have supported your village hall for many years. A huge thank you to them both!

The rededication of Bwlch Memorial takes place on the morning of November 19th at 11am with an outdoor service and laying of wreaths (weather permitting) and then a chance to meet local veterans and relatives and enjoy refreshments the specially decorated Bwlch Village Hall, (handprint poppies courtesy of Bwlch Bumps and Babies). Bwlch Festive (our local live music festival) begins on December 2nd with an evening featuring the very popular, and talented, Songhouse, and a bring and share buffet! On the morning of December 9th we will be holding Bwlch Village Hall Christmas Bazaar with mulled wine and minced pies, a Bwlch Creative Crafters sale stall and Christmas carols with Bwlch Singers! In the evening we are delighted to welcome back Hired Gun and Friends for an evening you will not forget in a hurry with a bring and share buffet! There will be a bar selling a variety of beverages at these events.

If you live in or around Bwlch please make every effort to attend some or all of these events!

2018 will be another important year in the improvement of Bwlch Village Hall facilities and the acquisition of a larger car park is top of the agenda for your Village Hall Committee!

Please help us to achieve this for our community. We look forward to welcoming you!

• • • • •

3rd November – Bingo 19th November - Rededication of Bwlch Memorial 2nd December - Bwlch Festive – Songhouse 9th December (am) – Bwlch Village Hall Christmas Bazaar (Christmas carols with Bwlch Singers) 9th December (pm) - Bwlch Festive – Hired Gun and Friends

Calling All Crafters

Janet Rye

Come and join Bwlch Creative Crafters. We are a friendly group of all ages and abilities who meet at Bwlch Village Hall every Thursday at 7.00pm. The cost is £2.50 per week which includes tea and coffee.

All Day Villagers £45, Others £65

Come along and meet like-minded people. You don’t need any particular skills and you can work on any project. Help is always at hand if needed.

Trestle Tables £5 each

The main thing is to have the ability to natter, a sense of humour, and a need to drink tea. If you need any more information contact me, Janet Rye on 01874 730 331, or just turn up on a Thursday night at 7.00pm and find out for yourself – we don’t bite, honestly!

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The Grapevine - Winter 2017

Dysgu Cymraeg … Learn Welsh!

Susan Jevons

Would you like to learn some Welsh, or would you like to learn some more, or to re-awaken what you once learned?

It is definitely not like being at school (and no detentions or end of term reports!) There are quite a few people of all ages in this area who are learning or have learned, and are still alive to tell the tale - indeed , they seem quite happy. If you are interested, please ring or text 07952 580 426 and I will see how best to arrange the most suitable method and time / day / location for you to learn Welsh. I look forward to hearing from you. Give it a go!

Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch "You are joking, aren't you ?" "Of course I am ! Can't you tell ?"

It's true, this name was deliberately strung together in the Victorian era around 1860 as a place for rail tourists to spot...and stop to spend money! It originally was, and still is, Llanfair Pwllgwyngyll (or Llanfair PG) which takes less letters than Manchester Piccadilly, because "Ll" is a single letter in Welsh.

Memories of Penuel Chapel, Bwlch

Marilyn Lloyd

Penuel Chapel in Bwlch was the hub of village life for the children during the 1940s & 50s.

We watched wonderful weddings there, and many funerals but the sadness was always eased by the beautiful surroundings. The chapel was built on a rise, so that from the pews you could look through the windows to the view of Llangynidr and the hills above there. All the psalms and hymns about hills had much more meaning when sung in that setting.

Every Sunday we were expected to attend Sunday School; this was organised and supervised by Arthur Jones who lived at Lletty-Pridd along the Tremynfa Road. We all dressed up in our best clothes and, clutching our penny for the collection box, went into the vestry where Mr Jones organised the ‘service’ appropriate for we children. We all had to learn a given Bible verse and, when the time came, we had to stand up and recite our verse in front of all the others – very good training for public speaking and confidence building.

We also were encouraged to attend “Band of Hope” once a week. This took place on a Friday evening. This was organised and run by a lady in the village called Mrs Butters, who lived in a house just off the A40. A mother with two children of her own, she organised team games and, as Christmas approached, she auditioned all of us with a view to entertaining the whole village with solos or recitations. My brother, at three years old, was chosen to sing “Alice Blue Gown”. I had to wear a very shapeless blue gown over my skinny frame and drift about the stage supposing to be Alice!

At Easter, those children who had attended Sunday School regularly were presented with a book which had an inscribed flyleaf with our name on it. How many villagers still have these books?

The children who went to Sunday School also went to the day school in Cathedine until they were 10+, when they took the scholarship to see if they were clever enough to go to the grammar schools in Brecon! We walked from our homes through the “cutting” along the road towards Llangorse until we reached the school. We were in two classes, infants and juniors. We had long ‘forms’ for desks and sat on plank-like seats. The heating was in the form of a large iron pot-bellied stove on which we defrosted our frozen bottles of milk, and sometimes warmed up baked potatoes. I was so hungry by home time, I used to eat the rosehips growing in the hedgerows alongside the road.

Play Equipment at Llangors Community Centre

Melrose East

The play equipment at Llangors Community Centre is coming to the end of its life span and will soon need to be replaced. The committee are keen that new equipment will meet the needs of local children. Children in Llangors School are currently taking part in a survey to find out what sort of play equipment they would like in the play area. Other children living in the village but attending other primary, as well as secondary, schools are also being asked to provide their choices via a questionnaire.

It may also be possible that a portion of ground that Llangors School currently sits on may be available to the community via a Community Asset Transfer from Powys County Council. This area will be much bigger than the current play area and could provide a wider range of age related play equipment as well as possibly things for older children and adults.

Residents of Llangors will have had the questionnaire through their door recently. The information provided will not only inform the committee on what residents would like but also strengthen our application bid to Powys County Council for the ground. So I urge you to complete the questionnaire and return it as soon as possible. This is your opportunity to say what you would like in the village.

The Community Centre is always open on Monday and Thursday mornings and most evenings in the week. There is a box in the kitchen for completed questionnaires. If you have any queries, please contact Melrose East – 658 335 or melrosemeast@gmail.com. Thank you!

THANK YOU! Thank you to all who attended our coffee morning at Pen-y-Bryn House on 15th September - we hope everyone had an enjoyable morning. Your support and generosity raised a massive £1,500 to be split between Macmillan Cancer Support and the UCL Amyloidosis Research Fund.

www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk

Anne Thomas

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Autumn and Winter in the Walled Garden

Abundance in autumn. Clear outlines in winter. All is calm all is quiet.

P L A N T N U R S E RY

Vermillion

of Italy. The huge bruised and split Black Krim is

by hard pruning staggered over two or three

been magnificent this autumn, after a decision to

just the best tomato to slice and serve with buffalo

years, removing old branches and leaving a 2in

mozzarella, freshly torn basil leaves and really

stub where a replacement shoot is required.

good quality balsamic vinegar and olive oil.

Renovation pruning will stimulate masses of new

Still ripening in the protection of the greenhouses

growth so at the June pruning surplus shoots can

and ready to harvest in late November will be fresh

be removed, this time without leaving a stub.

turmeric root, colouring everything it is cooked

All roses that have become overgrown and out of

with sulphur yellow, sacks of sienna hued sweet

shape can be renovation pruned in February. Simple

The squash harvest at the Walled Garden has

use the big greenhouse and allow the plants to race and scramble across the floor all summer.

We have grown old fashioned Mother Hubbard, so huge and tactile I’ve had to try hard not to name them as I know they will all be eaten, superb Crown Prince with pewter skin and vermillion flesh, dusky damson Blue Ballet, and of course

potatoes, and the remaining hot crimson Etna chillis.

maintenance pruning depends on the rose type – in

Bare bones

February for climbers, hybrid tea and floribunda

be none left by then as they are variously curried,

winter dormant and their structural outlines

wood and cutting back hard to above a bud for a few

roasted and blended. In case you haven’t already

can be clearly seen free of foliage it is

younger branches. Within reason you need to be

time to prune and rejuvenate.

Figs mature from the tiny, embryonic figs borne

ruthlessly brutal about this and you will be rewarded

Of all the tomato varieties we’ve tried this year Marmande and Black Krim have both been

at the tips of stems produced in the previous year

If you need more rose plants then November is

spaced shoots. A well trained fig fan just needs

thick cuttings from the current season’s growth.

the ubiquitous butternut squash. In principle all will store until February but in practice there will

made it, squash and harissa soup is divine.

roses, and after flowering for ramblers and shrub

In winter when fig trees and roses are

roses. Renovation pruning involves removing old

outstanding. Marmande is the perfect tomato for

so the objective is to achieve numerous evenly

recapture that fresh flavour when most needed in

simple maintenance pruning in June, November

passata and I now have masses in the freezer to the depths of winter. For next year I am tempted to

and February. Very overgrown figs which are

invest in a passata machine from Franchi Seeds

fruiting poorly should be renovated in February

www.walledgardentreberfydd.com

telephone: 01874 730 169

with vigorous new growth and increased flowering. the best time to take rose cuttings, using pencil Alison Sparshatt, Walled Garden Treberfydd

email: alison@walledgardentreberfydd.com

Please email articles to:

New Inn celebrate recent success

grapevine@ aroundllangorselake.co.uk

Sarah and Neil from the New Inn at Bwlch are celebrating their three years at the pub and their recent successes in the CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) awards 2017. They won both the Brecknockshire and South Wales heats and achieved 2nd place in the whole of Wales.

The next issue will be published in March. Details will be circulated by email approximately 1 month in advance. To join the mailing list, please send a request to the email address above.

Business advertising: 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 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

New Inn, Bwlch

The awards are judged on customer service, ambience, food and of course the quality and range of their real ales. They were especially pleased at their performance in the Wales category as they are judged anonymously by members from other regions.

They have been delighted by the encouragement and support of their customers that have cheered them on over the last 3 years, and the hard work and dedication of their staff.

They have strived to achieve an atmosphere in which everyone feels welcome. The New Inn is a small pub and can at any one time have a wide range of customers – both local and visitors as well as kids and dogs, this can lead to a pretty lively atmosphere at times! They hope to continue reaching the standards now set - supplying top quality ales to enthusiastic customers!

Pennorth telephone kiosk Llangasty Parish Hall Management Committee recently adopted the disused phone kiosk in Pennorth. This has been achieved with the support of Llangors Community Council and BT. A number of Pennorth residents have expressed a willingness to maintain the phone box and they are prepared to volunteer their time to make both the kiosk and its immediate surrounds presentable, both inside and outside. The intention is to turn the box into a mini book swap library. In addition we have suggestions of including promotions and advertising from individuals, groups, and businesses.

We would welcome any comments, ideas or offers of help. Please phone Roger Reese on 01874 658 726 or email: roreese2013@gmail.com 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 - Winter 2017

The Castle Inn FREE HOUSE Castle Traditional Roast

PETER NAYLOR

Served Sunday 12.30 - 3pm

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

ACTION

PACKED ADVENTURES Great food & Real ales!

Our activity centre is open all year!

Take a look at the website for our latest menu.

01874 730215

www.beaconsbackpackers.co.uk

www.aroundllangorselake.co.uk

Winter Events at our Climbing & Riding Centre: • Christmas Bouldering Competition - 9th Dec • Louise Harwood Riding Clinic - 10th Dec • Dressage Show - 29th Dec • Plus our regular weekly events For full details visit www.activityuk.com/events or call us on 01874 658 272

CHRISTMAS GIFT

VOUCHERS

Vouchers can be purchased with us in person, over the phone or online - just visit www.activityuk.com/gifts

Page 11

Home grown & organic produce Visit our Kitchen Garden 10-4 Wednesday - Sunday, or order online at: www.thekitchengarden.co.uk

NOW AVAILABLE:  Home grown seasonal produce  Certified organic produce from additional

suppliers  Homemade syrups, cordials & preserves

 Welsh produce & local kitchen wares

 Soup & fresh bread lunches can be

booked with Rae during the winter months Call Rae on 07949 396589 to place an order or email: Rae.Gervis@lime.org.uk Tŷ-Mawr Farm | Llangasty | LD3 7PJ

Page 12

Why not visit us?

You can wander around our traditional walled garden and select produce with Rae, browse other produce displayed in the beautifully restored, historic, farm buildings.

There is plenty of space to park with a beautiful view of Llangorse lake and a pretty walk from the farm (on a public footpath) down to the bird hide or church.

The Grapevine - Winter 2017