Treherbert on the Web' will be celebrating its first anniversary on Wednesday (November 3). The website was launched at 6am on November 3, 2003 and during the past year has delivered local news and views for Blaencwm, Blaenrhondda, Tynewydd, Treherbert and Penyrenglyn.

"When we launched the site our plans were that it would only be an on-line directory, but during the year we began to include local news stories. We now run the site as a source of local news and views and were pleased to learn that other website are carrying our news. The site is now updated every single day and when there is an event unfolding we constantly update the news section with new and fresh information. Over the past few months we have also been first to report exclusive news, these have been the announcement of job lossess at Stelco Hardy - announcement of the possible closure of Treherbert Infants School - official opening of Penyrenglyn Community School garden and the results of the 2004 Election. We aim to keep up this standard of reporting during our second year and would like to take this opportunity to thank our readers for their continued support, suggestions and encouragement. Thank you." Sean James Cameron, Administrator.

During the next year the website plans to expand their audio coverage of events and will also be introducing its own on-line television channel covering local events and news.

 

---

MP CAMPAIGNS FOR BETTER RHONDDA RAIL .... Top
(Issued November 1, 2004)

Chris Bryant, the Member of Parliament for the Rhondda, has pushed Arriva Trains Wales to improve services for the Rhondda at a special meeting with Peter Strachan, Managing Director of the Wales Division.

Chris Bryant urged Arriva to improve the reliability of the Valley Line service to Treherbert and to clean up the track side rubbish. He also raised the possibility of a new late night service form Cardiff to Treherbert that would follow shows at the new Millennium Centre at Cardiff Bay.

Mr Bryant says: “Too many trains have been stopped mid-journey at Pontypridd or Porth with people being dumped out on the platform. Also the rubbish along the track makes Rhondda look like a tip. Arriva have guaranteed me that new arrangements have been put in place which will mean fewer trains should be cancelled in future.”

Chris Bryant has also written to Andrew Davies AM, Minister for Economic Development and Transport, at the Welsh Assembly to urge the Assembly government to stump up the cash for better rail services for the Rhondda.

 

---

FREE SWIMMING FOR OVER 60's .... Top
(Issued November 1, 2004)

From next week, residents of Rhondda Cynon Taff over the age of 60 can swim for free. Rhondda Cynon Taff Council will kick-off the ‘Grand Splash’ on Monday 8th November, offering free swims to the over 60’s as part of the Wales-wide Welsh Assembly Government sponsored initiative.

Cabinet Member for Social Care and Champion for Older People, Councillor John David, said: "Rhondda Cynon Taff Council are fully committed to maximising the impact of health and fitness activities. As part of my new portfolio, I will be working to ensure that everyone engages in an active healthy lifestyle and free swimming for the over 60s is an excellent example of how we can achieve this. We’ll be looking to use this great new initiative as a vehicle to permanently encourage older people to feel comfortable in using our leisure facilities and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Given the size of Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council will be providing one of the largest free swim schemes in the UK. This initiative is an excellent example of the shared committed of this Council and the Welsh Assembly Government to Health and Well Being, and demonstrates the fruits of this partnership delivering for Rhondda Cynon Taff.”

Rhondda Cynon Taff Council's 10 swimming pools are; Bronwydd swimming pool, Porth, Rhondda Fach Sports Centre, Tylorstown, Rhondda Sports Centre, Ystrad, Maerdy Pool, Ferndale, Treherbert Pool, Abercynon Sports Centre, Aberdare Swimming Pool, Hawthorn Swimming Pool, Pontypridd, Llantrisant Leisure Centre and Tonyrefail Leisure Centre.

Terms and Conditions: All participants must register prior to the scheme; All participants must provide official proof of their date of birth at the time of registering; Registration will be undertaken at your local leisure centre/swimming pool; An entry card for the scheme will be issued to each individual on registration; This card must be shown at Reception on every swimming visit, to access the free entry.
 
The scheme operates during normal public swimming times and structured swimming sessions(excluding school holidays) and normal public entry terms and conditions apply. Entry is also subject to availability. The Council hold the right to withdraw the scheme or an individual access card to the scheme.
 
A participant may nominate a carer who is required to assist the participant in accessing the free swimming. A nominated carer who is accompanying a participant in the scheme can access the same services at 50% of the normal (non discounted) admission price.

 

---

COUNCILLORS COMMENT ON STATION STREET TROUBLES .... Top
(Issued November 2, 2004)

Treherbert Councillors Kevin Morgan and Jeff Williams have called on the police to enhance their presence and patrols in response to the continuing troubles caused by teenagers in the Station Street and Bute Street areas.

“Problems of intimidation, beatings and vandalism occurred again over the last weekend. Police attended but we acknowledge the difficulties of apprehending the culprits. There is an urgent need to provide an increased and sustained police presence to combat the troubles that have taken a grip in the area. Law-abiding people are afraid to walk the streets and we urge the police to do all in their power to bring offenders to book so that life can return to normal.” Councillor Morgan and Councillor Williams.

---

KIM'S SUPPER BAR - HOURS CUT DUE TO VIOLENCE .... Top
(Issued November 5, 2004)

Due to the level of violence that took place in Kim's Supper Bar last Saturday between drunken customers it has been announced that the fish-shop will close at 10pm every night with immediate effect. During the incident police were called and one customer was taken to hospital, one of the shop windows was also broken with a replacement cost of £600. Kim would like to apologies for this early closing but feels that regular customers will understand that the safety of her staff and customers are a priority.

 

---

TOTW ANNIVERSARY COMPETITION WINNERS .... Top
(Issued November 5, 2004)

The winners of our first year anniversary are as follows:

Family Swim Ticket for one month at Treherbert Swimming Pool. (Donated by Rhondda Cynon Taff Leisure Department)
Gareth Edwards, Tynewydd.

Two tickets to a 'Race Night' held by Treherbert Silver Band. (November 27).
Dave Evans, Treherbert.

Two tickets to the next Selsig production.
Layton Jones, Treherbert.

Two tickets to the Spring (March) and Summer (September) shows of Treherbert & District Gardening Society.
Elizabeth Harris, Tynewydd.

Signed copy of 'Rhondda Voices' by Sean James Cameron.
Tracy Pallant, Blaenrhondda.

Membership to the Treherbert Art Society for one year.
Joseph Hunter, Penyrenglyn.

Basket of Flowers.
Adele Williams, Blaencwm.

Successful winners will be contacted over the weekend.

---

 

---

ITV FILM IN TREHERBERT .... Top
(Issued November 5, 2004)

Arfon Haines-Davies and the ITV Wales crew were in Strinati's Cafe today filming for a new television series. The programme will be aired this December and looks at the history of the Italian cafe.

---

BLACKPOOL COMES TO TREHERBERT .... Top
(Issued November 5, 2004)

Top Northern comedian Joey Blower is heading for Treherbert Rugby Club on December 28. Joey has won Club Entertainer of the Year for the last five years. All the proceeds from the event will be donated to charity. Anyone wanting tickets can contact Layton Percy Jones on 776784.

 

 

 

 

---

DO YOU HAVE A MASTERMIND ? .... Top
(Issued November 10, 2004)

The television programme "Mastermind" are looking for new contestants for the 2005 series. Do you think you are up to the challenge of sitting in that infamous black chair to face questions from quizmaster John Humphrys?
If so, e-mail mastermind2005@bbc.co.uk and fill in an online application form.

 

---

LOCAL AUTHORS LAUNCH NEW BOOK .... Top
(Issued November 10, 2004)

Local authors Emrys Jenkins and Roy Green are launching their new book in time for Christmas.

Rhondda Revisited is being launched at Treherbert Senior Citizens Hall on Dunraven Street. The event will begin at 7:30pm and books will be on sale plus both authors will be available to sign copies. Light refreshments will also be available. The book is a collection of archive images that cover both Rhondda Valleys.

"This absorbing third collection of old images offers a nostalgic glimpse into the history of the Rhondda Valley during the last century. This collection of over 200 postcards, many never before publishined, highlights some of the important people who have populated, and places that have shaped, this important region of South Wales. Many aspects of everyday life are featured, from schools and churches, public houses and shops -- the double-decker buses, taking the workers to Alfred Polikoff's and local sporting derbies between Treherbert and Treorchy are also featured -- to the carnival bands, the Saturday matinees and the local residents who have proudly called the Rhondda their home. Accompanied by supporting text, this book is a valuable pictorial addition to histories of the area, which will reawaken nostalgic memories for some, while offering a unique glimpse of the past for others." Emrys Jenkins & Roy Green.

Previous book released by both authors have been "Upper Rhondda: The Second Selection" and "Upper Rhondda: Treorchy and Treherbert". Copies of "Rhondda Revisited" can also be purchased via the internet, click here for details. Locally, copies are currently available from Treherbert Library and Tynewydd Post Office on Wyndham Street, Tynewydd.

 

---

MP WELCOMES RHONDDA POLICE COMMUNITY SAFETY OFFICERS .... Top
(Issued November 10, 2004)

Chris Bryant, Member of Parliament for the Rhondda, has welcomed the Home Office’s plans for an increase in police community safety officers, and has called for more to come to the Rhondda. In Parliament on Tuesday, Bryant responded to the Home Secretary, David Blunkett’s statement on the future of the police service in England and Wales. He greeted the Rhondda’s five police community safety officers, whilst welcoming the additional officers that the Government are introducing over the next few years.

Chris Bryant did however call for constituencies like the Rhondda to get its fair share of support officers, and not for city centres to swallow a disproportionate number.

"I am glad the Government is going to increase the numbers of police community safety officers, with £50 million of new money delivering 2,000 new officers in the short term. They play an important part in Labour’s fight against crime, and will benefit the Rhondda enormously in combating anti-social behaviour. I am also delighted that the Government is committed to increasing the number from 4,000 to 25,000 over the coming years. When you add that to the record number of 140,000 police officers and 67,000 support staff, it's clear Labour takes crime and antisocial behaviour seriously. It is important though that the new officers don’t just go to city centres. The Rhondda needs more of these officers and I will press the Government to make sure that constituencies such as ours get them. We have five now - but a fair share of the 25,000 planned would be 38 locally.”

 

---

TREHERBERT TO REMEMBER THE FALLEN SOLIDER .... Top
(Issued November 11, 2004)

At 11am today Treherbert will fall silent as residents pay their respects for those who have given their life during War.

Many of our thoughts will be with those Treherbert and district men and boys who are currently serving in the conflicts in Iraq. A few local men have arrived home safe during the year but they leave behind friends who remain at the centre of the fighting. Let our thoughts be with these brave men for what they have put themselves through in order to keep all of us save during these difficult times. Thank you.

 

"They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM."

 

Click on the poppy picture to play "The Last Post".

 

---

TREHERBERT REMEMBERS THE FALLEN SOLIDERS .... Top
(Issued November 11, 2004)

At 11am today shops and residents stopped their work and held a minute silence in memory of those residents who have died in world conflicts. Many thoughts were with those Treherbert and district men and boys who are currently serving in the conflicts in Iraq. A few local men have arrived home safe during the year but they leave behind friends who remain at the centre of the fighting. Let our thoughts be with these brave men for what they have put themselves through in order to keep all of us save during these difficult times. Thank you.

Click to listen to the minute silence introduced by Rhys Burton of Cwmni. To make an on-line donation to the Poppy Appeal, click here.

 

Shoppers stop to remember those who gave their life.

 

Staff at Cwmni come together to pay their respect.

 

Staff at Barclays Bank stop work for the silence.

 

Staff and cutomers pay their respects to the fallen soliders.

 

 

Pam Lewis took a minute to remember those local boys and men.

 

 

Treherbert falls silent as many residents remember local boys and men currently in Iraq.

 

"They shall not grow old as we who are left grow old.
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
WE WILL REMEMBER THEM."

 

---

 

YOUNG PEOPLE WITH DISABILITY .... Top
(Issued November 11, 2004)

 

---

UNSAFE FOOD ALERT .... Top
(Issued November 11, 2004)

Rhondda Cynon Taff Council is warning local consumers and the food industry that brands of Palm Oil have been contaminated with an illegal dye. The Food Standards Agency has issued a food alert concerning Palm Oil contaminated with an artificial dye, Sudan IV, which is not a permitted colour under the Colours in Food Regulations 1995.

Sudan IV is considered to be a genotoxic carcinogen and its presence, at any level, is not permitted in foodstuffs. Over the last few months several brands of palm oil have been contaminated with Sudan IV, presenting a health risk if consumed in sufficient quantity.

“Our residents may have these brands in their cupboards, and need to be aware that there are some very real concerns surrounding these products,” said Angela Jones, Rhondda Cynon Taff Council’s Acting Head of public Health and Protection. "Anyone who does have a product that contains Sudan IV should throw them away or return them to where they bought them. I’d also advise them to contact our Food Standards Team.”

If you have, or would like, further information on the products, or their sale in Rhondda Cynon Taff, contact the Council’s Food Standards Team on 014434 425343. Alternatively, further information can be found on the Food Standards Agency website www.food.gov.uk.

The brands of Palm Oil affected are: *Royal; *Mama’s Own Pure Palm Oil; *Mama’s Pure Zomi Palm Oil; *BFW
*Blue Bay Brand; *Jumbo Zomi Palm Oil; *Tropical Sun Zomi Palm Oil; *Praise Brand Palm Oil; *Golden Sun Brand Palm Oil; *Macphillips Brand Palm Oil; *Jumbo Nigerian Palm Oil; *Jumbo Sierra Leone Palm Oil; *Jumbo Zomi Oil; *Jumbo Zomi Palm Oil; *Jumbo Palm Oil; *Nanas Products Palm Oil Zomi; *GCC Foods Limited Palm Oil; *All Natural Palm Oil, Pure Palm Oil; *African Sun Pure Zomi and *African Sun Palm Oil.

 

---

NO LICENCE FOR COWBOY CABS .... Top
(Issued November 11, 2004)

Two men in the Rhondda, who operated and drove an unlicensed private hire vehicle, have been fined a total of £1750, with costs of £443.23, after an investigation by Rhondda Cynon Taff Council. Due the seriousness of the offences, the court issued the large fines after Rhondda Cynon Taff Council presented evidence that the two men were repeatedly carrying out local hire contracts without any licence for the vehicle used.

Gareth William John Price, aged 56, of Llanwonno Road, Ynyshir, pleaded guilty to operating a cowboy cab and was fined £1,200, with costs of £320 to the local authority. In addition, John Stephenson, aged 51, of Hillside Terrace, Porth, was fined a total of £550, with £123.23 in costs, after pleading guilty to aiding Price to operate his cowboy cab.

The stipendiary magistrate, Mr Manning Davies, heard that in January 2004, as part of routine monitoring, an officer from the Council’s Corporate Transport Unit was on duty at Rhondda College.  The officer saw a white Ford Transit minibus stop outside the college entrance, with several pupils getting into the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle, John Stephenson, told the officer that he was on a schools transport contract, and that the vehicle was owned by Gareth Price, who was trading as ‘Marks Taxis’.

Price did not have a licence with the local authority to operate the private hire vehicle. Subsequently, the Council officers contacted Price to inform him that a penalty would be imposed – warning him of future activity. However, in February 2004, Council officers carrying out further monitoring checks at Rhondda College found the same minibus, with no Council hackney carriage or private hire vehicle identification stickers or licence plates, and with two passengers. The driver was John Stephenson. Price and Stephenson admitted that they were aware the vehicle did not satisfy either contract or licence requirements.

In his summing up, Mr Manning Davies expressed concern that both defendants had committed the offences and, then having been warned of their unacceptable behaviour, committed further offences. The use of an unlicensed vehicle is a very serious matter and a breach of trust to members of the public, particularly important in this context, when the passengers are vulnerable adults.

He added that the courts would not tolerate such a cavalier approach to licensing although it was accepted in mitigation that appropriate insurance was in place for the vehicle. “In his capacity as a private hire operator, the responsibility is on Mr Price to ensure that his business is conducted in accordance with the relevant legislation – especially when undertaking contracts on behalf of the local authority,” said Angela Jones, Acting Head of Public Health and Protection. “Our officers take a serious view of any operator who abuses this responsibility.”

Councillor Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Housing, commented, “It is extremely important that the licensing authority take a firm stance to maintaining a fair trading environment, as well as protecting public safety. The decision of the court is a major boost to our efforts to stop cowboy cabbies operating during the Christmas period.”

The case was heard at Rhondda Magistrates Court on Wednesday 10th November 2004. The defendants were prosecuted under the following acts: Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1976 and Magistrates’ Court Act 1980.

 

---

AUTHORS LAUNCH NEW BOOK .... Top
(Issued November 12, 2004)

Despite it being a cold evening local authors Emrys Jenkins and Roy Green packed the Treherbert OAP Hall in Dunraven Street to launch their new book. Listen to Roy Green open the event.

"Rhondda Revisited" is the third book in their collection and offers a nostalgic glimpse into the history of the Rhondda Valley during the last century. The book is a collection of over 200 postcards showing some of the important people and places that make up the history of Rhondda.

Local residents were pleased that both authors were on hand to autograph their copies. Rhondda MP Chris Bryant also popped in to buy a copy. Listen to his comments.

Previous books released by both authors have been "Upper Rhondda: The Second Selection" and "Upper Rhondda: Treorchy and Treherbert". Copies of "Rhondda Revisited" can also be purchased via the internet, click here for details. Locally, copies are currently available from Treherbert Library and Tynewydd Post Office on Wyndham Street, Tynewydd.

We have five copies of the book as prizes in our competition. All you have to do is email your name and address to us and the first five picked by the computer will receive their signed copies. The winners will be announced on December 1.

 

 

Mrs Jenkins and Mrs Green supported their husbands during the launch by selling books.

 

 

Les Hill (Penyrenglyn) couldn't wait to get home before he started reading his copy.

 

Chris Bryant, Rhondda MP, will have something to read on his trips to London.

 

Roy Green (left) and Emrys Jenkins (right) with Ernie Fair.

 

Residents were pleased with their books.

 

Enter our competition to win a copy.

 

---

TREHERBERT REMEMBERS .... Top
(Issued November 13, 2004)

Today the memorial parade will begin at the war memorial in Blaenrhondda, where a service will be held at 11:00am followed by a parade to Treherbert war memorial by noon where a second service will be held.

---

TREHERBERT ON THE WEB CHRISTMAS CONCERT .... Top
(Issued November 15, 2004)

This year we will be holding an on-line Christmas Concert. If you are a local group or society and would like to perform a carol or a hymn, or are you an individual who would like to read a poem or prayer. If so then email us your suggestions and a contact number or leave a message on telephone 07986-497-499 and we'll send along one of our reporters to record your contribution.

Also, do you have family abroad or in the forces. If so then why not post them a message on our special Christmas message board just click on 'CHRISTMAS' in the menu. Keep in touch this Christmas through Treherbert on the Web.

Treherbert on the Web will continue to be updated daily during the Christmas and New Year period.

 

---

BUTE STREET TRAFFIC LIGHTS .... Top
(Issued November 15, 2004)

Please note that the traffic lights in Bute Street are currently not working.

---

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY .... Top
(Issued November 14, 2004)

Baroness Gale of Blaenrhondda lead the parade at both Blaenrhondda and Treherbert War memorials, where there was an excellent turn out by dignitaries the services and local volunteer groups. The Service was conducted by Reverend Long.

The public also turned out in large numbers to remember those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in both World Wars and conflicts throughout the world to this day.

The morning had a bitter chill in the air but It was a solemn occasion and all who attended fought off the cold winds to stand and give their prayers and thanks to loved ones, friends and relatives and to those who have laid down their lives so that we can enjoy the freedom and democracy that we have come to know.
(Source: http://www.rhonddacynontaff.co.uk)

Listen to the hymns sang at the ceremony: Hymn One; Hymn Two; Hymn Three.

 

---

RHONDDA WINTER FOOD FESTIVAL .... Top
(Issued November 15, 2004)

Rhondda Cynon Taff Council is holding a Winter Food Festival to showcase the high standards of Welsh food and drink. Later this month, producers and manufacturers from across the county borough, and beyond, will descend on Pontypridd’s Municipal Arts Centre to help celebrate an important date on the food calendar.

The Rhondda Cynon Taff Winter Food Festival will take place on Saturday November 20th and Sunday November 21st, from 10.30am to 5pm, and will mark the start of the Christmas festivities in the area, in conjunction with the Christmas lighting in Pontypridd Town Centre. The Winter Food Festival, which is being supported by Rhondda Cynon Taff Council and the Welsh Development Agency, will feature food and drink from small producers and suppliers from the area, which will be on sale to the general public.

“The event is an example of how we can all work together to demonstrate the quality of locally produced foods,” said Nigel Griffiths, Rhondda Cynon Taff Council’s Food Enforcement Officer. “We’ll have a large range of local food and drink on display such as beef, lamb and pork from the Welsh hills, prize winning locally produced cider and Welsh wines and liquors. Above all, the festival will be great fun, with a wonderful friendly atmosphere that appeals to everyone, whether gourmet, sausage fan or real ale connoisseur. It’s an ideal opportunity for the many businesses operating within the County Borough to raise their profile and for the residents to have access to the quality and variety of food and drink produced within their area."  

At the Winter Food Festival, Rhondda Cynon Taff Council is also inviting local hotels, guesthouses and catering businesses to attend a seminar on ‘How local quality food and drink can improve the marketing of their businesses’. The seminar has been organised by food consultants Nerys Howell and Sian Roberts who will talk through subjects such as identifying Welsh food and drink produce and their benefits to businesses. For more information on the Rhondda Cynon Taff Food Festival, or local producers and manufacturers, contact Rhondda CynonTaf Council’s Food & Agricultural Standards Team on 01443-425343.

Local companies exhibiting at the Rhondda Cynon Taff Food Festival include: *Finesse Flowers & Gifts, Caerphilly Chocolate Products; *Gwynt- y Ddraig, Llantwit Fardre Cider; *Celtic Spirit, Abersychan Spirits and liqueurs; *Ty Mel Beekeepers, Aberkenfig Honey and honey products; *Brays Sweets, Barry Sweets; *The Happy Gardener, Tonteg Jams & Chutneys; *Deli Cymru, Merthyr Tydfil Cheeses, Christmas Puddings; *Black Mountain Honey and Preserves, Abergavenny; *Pontypridd Fair Trade Group, Tea, coffee & chocolate; *Lewis Fine Foods, Porthcawl Bakery Products; *Mrs Parnell, Llantrisant Eggs & Bread; *Sugarloaf Vineyards, Abergavenny Wine; *Sugarcraft Bakery, Beddau Bread; *Welsh Whisky, Penderyn Spirits and liqueurs; *Penrhiw Farm, Treharris Organic Meat; *J Tudor, Bridgend Lamb and Beef;  and *Caemawr Cake Co, Penrhiwfer, Bakery products.

The seminar ‘Inspirational Food and Drink – think taste, think local, think seasonal’ will cost £20 per delegate, which will be refunded following attendance at the seminar. The Council will also provide information on the eligibility of local SMEs for development grants such as Ymlaen.

The band of the Salvation Army will provide festive music at the event and The Footlights Café Bar will be serving award winning local Welsh curries.

---

YOUNG PEOPLE GET A VOICE .... Top
(Issued November 17, 2004)

Children and young people in Rhondda Cynon Taff will have their say on the future of health services in the county borough – a consultation event is being held so they can put forward their views.

Rhondda Cynon Taff Council, the Local Health Board and partners from the health care, voluntary and community sectors are holding a consultation event, an opportunity for young people to talk through the services that really matter to them. Schools from across the county borough will be sending pupils aged between 11 and 18 to the event on Tuesday 23rd November, between 9.45am to 2.45pm, at Hawthorn Leisure Centre. Young people up to the age of 25 are also invited to attend.

Run by a facilitator from Dynamix, the youngsters will get the chance to discuss their thoughts and concerns around the key health and well being themes: Work and Health; Mental Health and Well-Being; Children and Young People; Transport and Access; Maintaining Independence; Healthy Environments; Public Participation and Engagement.

“This is a real chance for our younger residents to have their say on the things that really matter to them,” said Councillor John David, Rhondda Cynon Taff Cabinet Member for Social Care. “The forum is really the final chance for young people to have their say on health and well being services before we finalise our partnership strategy.”

Mel Evans, Chief Executive of the Local Health Board, commented: “The strategy will be the cornerstone for the development of services in the County Borough for years to come, and we need to ensure that the consultation is comprehensive, giving everyone a chance to have their say.”

Councillor Mike Forey, Cabinet Member for Schools, added, “I am delighted that pupils will have a chance to participate in this health ”

For further information contact Bella Spear ay the Local Health Board on 01443-824400.

 

---

'TY HAFAN' CHARITY SHOP TO OPEN .... Top
(Issued November 17, 2004)

Ty Hafan, the Children's Hospice in Wales, are looking for local volunteers to help in their new charity shop. If you have a few hours to spare or have items to donate then you can contact Erica on telephone 01446-739-993. The new shop is located at 83 Bute Street, Treorchy.

'Ty Hafan' official website.

 

---

OLIVERS SHOP FOR SALE AGAIN ! .... Top
(Issued November 18, 2004)

For what will be the fourth time in three years the grocery store in Penyrenglyn known as Olivers Shop is up for sale again.

An auction will be held on December 2 in Cardiff where the shop will be sold with a guide price of £55,000+. The property is described in the official auction booklet as 'A large corner property comprising a newly refurbished three bedroomed flat and ground floor shop unit. The flat is double glazed and has gas central heating (not tested). The shop has potential to be converted for residential use (subject to planning consent)."

TOTW was recently given exclusive access to the building to bring you the latest pictures of the inside.

 

Kitchen overlooking the square of gardens.

 

Living room view looking onto Eleanor Street

 

During its history this building has been a shop and public house.

 

Roll over the image to see the property through the years.

 

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE BUILDING
It was by far the largest building in Penyrenglyn. During 1851 it was three storeys high with a number of guest rooms, a special dancing room and plenty of room behind the inn for coaches and horses. It was run by Mr Pearce, who was blind but was a wonderful harpist. In 1882 he won the first prize at the Denbigh Eisteddfod. The building began to fall into decay during World War One. The last owners to run the building as a village shop were Jim and Christine Stuart. Prior to the Stuarts' it was owned by Brian Oliver, son of previous owner Jimmy Oliver. History courtesy of 'Rhondda. From Cwmparc to Blaencwm' by Sean James Cameron.

 

---

PENYRENGLYN LOLLIPOP LADY DIES .... Top
(Issued November 22, 2004)

Margaret Williams, lollipop lady serving Penyrenglyn Community School, died this weekend. Mrs Williams had been helping to cross the children of Penyrenglyn for the past few years and will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

The funeral is being held on November 29, Monday, at Carmel Chapel, Baglan Street, Penyrenglyn at 11:15am. Then at Treorchy Cemetery at noon. The service will be held by Cyril Llewellyn.  Flowers are to be sent to Carmel Chapel.

 

 

 

---

IRAQ RAFFLE WARNING .... Top
(Issued November 22, 2004)

Rhondda Cynon Taff Council are warning local residents to be aware of people selling raffle tickets for ‘our boys in Iraq’, as they may not be genuine. Rhondda Cynon Taff’s trading standards and licensing officers have received reports that cold callers have been knocking on local doors asking people to buy raffle tickets, with the proceeds going to our armed forces in the Middle East.

However, the Council’s licensing department have not issued any licence to sell tickets for this cause. Suspicions are raised even more because the sellers are using ‘cloakroom tickets’, which are not allowed under licensing regulations. The gangs have been reportedly knocking on a number of doors in a street and hurrying away after achieving some sales. Already, the Council has received complaints from residents in the Rhondda Valley.

Cabinet Member for Safer Communities and Housing, Councillor Paul Cannon, commented: “These people may be well-meaning people but, unfortunately, it does sound as if they are scammers! We’re concerned that some people will have been taken in by these people and are buying tickets on the understanding that the money is going to a good cause. We’re urging any members of the public who might have been approached and asked to purchase one of these to immediately contact our officers.”

For further information contact Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Trading Standards on 01443 442100.

 

---

TREHERBERT YOUTH WIN .... Top
(Issued November 24, 2004)

Seventeen local sports clubs and schools in Rhondda Cynon Taff have received over £10,000 of grant aid through the Council administered Community Chest fund. In the fourth round of grant allocations held in Rhondda Cynon Taff this year, £10,079.89 of Sportlot Community Chest money was awarded - three clubs were successful in their application for the maximum £750 that can be awarded in any one year.

* Abercynon RFC Mini's (£750) has received funding to qualify volunteers in coach education, first aid and child protection and purchase equipment to help set up an Under 9 Tag Rugby side.

* Funding of £750 has also been allocated to Llwynypia Boys & Girls Club to help qualify volunteers as coaches and run table tennis taster sessions in local primary schools.
 
* Taffs Well RFC have also been given £750 to increase the number of qualified coaches and develop an Under 8 tag rugby side.

“We’re working extremely hard to develop more clubs, links, courses, competitions and coaches,” said Councillor Graham Thomas, Cabinet Member for Cultural Development, Recreation and Tourism. “I’m absolutely delighted all these clubs have received the money they’ve applied for. The money can be invaluable for a club that’s looking to expand and grow the activities and facilities it offers. There are now further opportunities for clubs in Rhondda Cynon Taf who have not received a grant this year, to apply for funding. By working together to get the money out to grass roots level of kids sport and really make a difference.”

The final opportunity to apply for this year’s funding will be on 30th January 2004. Applications must be received before this date. For further information on how to apply for a Community Chest Grant contact the Sports Development Unit on 01685 885630 or visit the Sports Development website at www.rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

Treorchy R.F.C. = £400, First aid courses
 
Treorchy R.F.C. = £550, Purchase equipment to establish Girls Rugby side
 
Aberdare Valley Athletics Club = £623.70, Purchase specialist athletics equipment to help progression of athletes
 
Penygraig R.F.C. = £613.02, Equipment & Coach education to set up Under 15 side
 
Taffs Well R.F.C. = £750, Increase number of qualified coaches and develop Under 8 tag rugby side
 
New Horizons Mental Health Resource Centre (Aberdare) = £730, Set up recreational basketball sessions and train Sports Leaders
 
Gofal Cymru = £110.00, Badminton & Squash equipment for participants to play at local venues
 
Llwynypia Boys & Girls Club = £750.00, Qualify volunteers as coaches and run taster sessions in primary schools in table tennis to link to club
 
Tonypandy Youth Club = £675.75, Qualify coaches and set up recreational Netball league amongst other youth centres
 
Treorchy Community Education Centre = £675.75, Qualify coaches and set up recreational Netball league amongst other youth centres
 
Treherbert Youth Centre = £675.75, Qualify coaches and set up recreational Netball league amongst other youth centres
 
Maerdy Youth Centre = £675.75, Qualify coaches and set up recreational Netball league amongst other youth centres
 
Pentre Primary School = £740.41, To set up after school indoor bowls club and link with Rhondda Junior Bowls Club
 
Welsh Kempo Karate = £536.76, Additional opportunities to train for youngsters
 
Beddau Rugby Club = £259, To qualify volunteers in coach education, first aid and child protection to help support the Under 9 Tag Rugby side
 
Abercynon RFC (Mini's) = £750, To qualify volunteers in coach education, first aid and child protection and purchase equipment to help set up an Under 9 Tag Rugby side
 
Ynyshir Infants School = £560, Purchase equipment to set up a lunchtime games club, line dancing club and football club
  
Total Allocation = £10,079.89

A Sportlot Community Chest grant is a Sports Council for Wales National Lottery funded grant aid scheme which is designed to make a difference to sport locally to develop projects which create new, additional or improved opportunities in sport.