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LOCAL
NEWS: ARCHIVE, September 2004.
DOG
POO - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED
HARDCORE OF DIGGERS TURN OUT FOR CWMNI DAFFODIL DIG
STELCO
HARDY FACTORY TO CLOSE
STAR-BARS INSTALLED IN RHONDDA CYNON TAFF
NEW SEASON FOR BOWLING BEGINS
TREHERBERT & YNYSWEN
GARDENERS GET READY
WATCH TV WHILE
ON THE TRAIN
MICHAEL
PRITCHARD SELLS 'SPAR TREHERBERT'
ARRIVAL
OF THE ROBIN
NEW
BOOK 'ALUN - BLAENRHONDDA' AVAILABLE
BERNARD
JONES HAS LAST LAUGH AT FUNERAL
FRANK
VICKERY PLAYS ON RADIO 4 TODAY
FRANK VICKERY ON THE 'AFTERNOON PLAY' ...... Top
(Wednesday,
September 1, 2004)
Blaencwm born stage writer
Frank Vickery will be having his play 'Bedtime Stories' broadcast on BBC Radio
4's Afternoon Play this afternoon. The programme will begin
at 2:15pm until 3pm. A comic trilogy explores three very different bedroom
expereinces in:
Breakfast in Bed starring Helen Griffin, Brendan Charleson, Mali Harries
and Ian Tudor.
Room 271 stars Nickie Rainsford and Richard Elfyn.
The Main Event starring Iwan Tudar, Mali Harries, Lynn Hunter, Helen
Griffin and Nickie Rainsford.
All plays will be directed by Gilly Adams and you can listen to the plays via
this link.
BERNARD
HAS THE LAST LAUGH AT FUNERAL ...... Top
(Wednesday,
September 1, 2004)The sun shone brightly this afternoon as a popular Treherbert
character was laid to rest. Bernard Jones was a well known environmentalist
not only in Treherbert but throughout the Rhondda and beyond. Both Carmel Chapel
and Llwydcoed Crematorium in Aberdare were full. Friends, family and work colleagues
all came together to pay their final respects to a wonderful character who
touched so many people.In true Bernard style he was to raise a smile on everyone's
face. After the service at Llwydcoed Crematorium while family and friends made
their way out into the memorial garden the sounds of "Reet Petite" sung by
Jackie Wilson could be heard. Bernard Jones was a true character and had a
wicked sense of humour both in life and now in death.
During the past week many residents and organisations have
been paying tribute to Bernard and his work, view
their tributes.
NEW BOOK 'ALUN - BLAENRHONDDA'
AVAILABLE ...... Top
(Thursday,
September 2, 2004)
Alun Davies has written a book recalling his personal memories of the area. The book is now available from Pen Pych Community School priced £4 with £2 being donated to the school, the book is entitled 'Alun Davies - Blaenrhondda'.
ARRIVAL OF THE ROBIN ...... Top
(Saturday,
September 4, 2004)
At
the TOTW office we received a call this afternoon from a Mr Ian Williams
of Penyrenglyn. This morning while tending his garden he had the pleasure
of hearing and seeing a robin. Is this the first robin sighting in the area?
It's a reminder that winter is just only around the corner.
Remember, if you decide
to feed the birds in your garden you must do so on a regular basis. Birds
can use a tremendous amount of energy moving from garden to garden, and if
there is no food this extra travelling can be a terrible waste of that energy.
If the weather is really
severe this winter try feeding twice a day, morning and afternoon. Always
try to ensure a supply of fresh water, ensuring that it does not freeze during
the coldest days.
Use a good quality seed
mix with grains like sunflower seeds and millet. Birds will also enjoy bread,
always ensure that dried bread is moistened prior to putting it out. Pastry
made with lard or dripping is another favourite. During the breeding season
try to crumble bread portions. Ensure
peanuts are safe for the birds and contain no harmful poisons such as aflatoxin. Dried
fruit (well soaked), fresh fruit, fully cooked unsalted rice and mild cheese
are favourites with the robins, thrushes and blackbirds.
Listen to a robin sing: Play (realplayer); Play (Windows Media Player).
MICHAEL PRITCHARD
SELLS 'SPAR TREHERBERT' ...... Top
(Saturday,
September 4, 2004)
Having been manager at ‘Spar Treherbert’ for
29 years Michael Prichard has decided to hang up his apron and sell the store,
and in doing so is bringing the Pritchard retail name to the end of an era.The Pritchard family has had a presence in retail since 1947 in the form of
drapery store and grocery stores. William George (grandfather) first began
selling fish from his home in Scott Street, Tynewydd. The first store was opened
at the bottom of Halifax Terrace and was run by Cecil Pritchard, who sadly
died earlier this year. Born in Treorchy Michael now lives in the Vale of Glamorgan
and has recently purchased 7 acres of land. “I’m having a change
of direction. With the land we are planting 42 fruit trees, potato crops, raspberry
crops and will be providing herbs for herbal remedies”.
During 1992 the store, under Michael’s direction, won the Independent
Grocer Award for the UK. The store has been sold to the wholesaler of Spar
and all staff are being kept on the books. But the land on which the business
stands will remain in the Pritchard family. “It was a very tricky decision to leave.” said
Michael. “I’m
going to miss the people, the contact with the people. They are very friendly.
The customers, the staff and the suppliers. Treherbert is a home to me and
will remain so. I‘ll miss the people because their great. We’ve
had many a good time.”Michael plans to visit South Africa in the coming weeks
on a fact finding mission into vineyards.
TOTW: On behalf of the people of Treherbert we would like to
pass on our best wishes to Michael and all the best for the future. We knows,
maybe in a few years we'll be buying 'Pritchard's Herbal Portions'. Good
luck!
WATCH TV WHILE ON THE TRAIN ...... Top
(Sunday,
September 5, 2004)
TELEVISION screens are to be provided in Welsh trains early next year, so that passengers can keep up to date with the news and sports results. Messages on the screens will also provide regularlyupdated travel information and details of forthcoming engineering works affecting normal schedules. Eventually the system might even give tourists on Wales' scenic routes a running commentary on castles, mountains and other features visible through the windows. Under a six-year contract, the screens will initially be fitted to Valley Lines trains in South Wales. Other areas of the Arriva Trains Wales network could follow.Passengers who want a quiet journey without the distraction of television will be able to sit in a TV-free area. One option being considered is to have one coach in each train designated as a quiet coach, another is for a smaller zone within the train to be free of TV. The TV system could also double up as part of a CCTV security system. The cost of the TV service will be borne by specialist company TNCI, rather than passengers or Arriva. The company will recover its costs from advertising and sponsorship.Transport Minister Kim Howells, MP for Pontypridd, recently launched a similar system, known as TNX TV, on commuter trains in Birmingham.Sales director KieronWalker said, "The TVs won't appear in Cardiff until probably the first quarter of next year. It takes six months of planning. We've got to get approvals for safety cases."The company was hoping to reach a deal with ITV1 Wales for local news. Mr Walker also said some bilingual content would be provided, with travel information in Welsh and English.Managing director Stephen Ollier said, "We're confident that the TNX TV system will significantly enhance the daily commuting experience. The ATW commuter demographics also provide an excellent opportunity to optimise our advertising."Peter Strachan, managing director of ATW, said the on-train TV would be a valuable service for leisure travellers and commuters alike. "TNX TV introduces an exciting blend of entertaining and informative programming that includes news and weather provided by ITN direct to the travelling public." For many passengers the TV screens will provide an opportunity to gather information using dead time during journeys, saving time at work or at home. For commuters, TV could relieve the boredom of making the same journey each day. But privacy campaigner John Warman, a former mayor of Neath, claimed many people would be dismayed at advertising and TV spoiling the relative peace of a train journey. "Something like that is invasive, because you can't shut yourself out from it." He said the quiet zone on each train might fill up quickly with people wanting to avoid the TV, forcing later passengers to sit in the TV areas."People want a bit of comfort when they're going on transport. They don't want to see pictures everywhere," said Mr Warman, 60, a Neath Port Talbot county councillor who runs a campaign called Protection of Privacy. "It's becoming over the top. If you go into some of the shopping centres and arcades in Cardiff, they've got loud music playing. They've got TV screens in shops which are bombarding you with adverts, but people don't take much notice of the adverts." He said other people shared his views, including many from younger generations.
TOTW: What do you think? Let
us know in the 'Your Say' forum.
YNYSWEN
GARDENERS GET READY ...... Top
(Monday,
September 6, 2004)
Ynyswen Gardening Club will also be staging their Summer Show. For exhibits the doors will be open all night on Friday and up to 11am on Saturday. There are over ten chrysanthemum classes together with dahlias, vegetables, floral art and miscellaneous flower sections. The event takes place on Sunday September 19 at Ynyswen Welfare Hall. Schedules are available from Ivor Mace, 2 Mace Lane, Ynyswen, Treorci, Rhondda, CF42 6DS. Or telephone 01443-775531 (evenings) or 01656-302680 (day), 07968 255692 (mobile).
NEW POLITICAL FORUM - HAVE YOUR SAY ...... Top
Have your say on local issues or just air your views and concerns via our new Political forum. Click on the 'Political Views' button in the left hand side menu and air your views. All comments will be published.
BOWLING
SEASON BEGINS ...... Top
(Wednesday,
September 15, 2004)
Treherbert Indoor Bowling Club will be beginning their new season at Ynyswen Welfare Hall from September 20 at 6pm. New players are always welcomed.
STAR-BARS
INSTALLED IN RHONDDA CYNON TAFF ...... Top
(Wednesday,
September 22,
2004)
A Taff Ely man has become one of the first people in Wales
to see the benefits of a stair-bar, through the pilot 'Safety On The Stairs'
stair-bar scheme run by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council.
Eddie Randle, aged 70, from Tonyrefail, has recently had a
stair-bar fitted as part of the scheme that aims to reduce the number of older
people falling on the stairs - a major cause of home injury and loss of
confidence. Mr. Randle, who has osteo and rheumatoid arthritis, and lives
on his own, was referred by the occupational therapy service at the Royal Glamorgan
Hospital onto the stair-bar scheme. After assessment and a demonstration in his home, the stair-bar
was fitted. Mr. Randall said, "The stair-bar has really given me confidence
on my stairs. I was considering moving my bed downstairs, but with this new
equipment I can reach my bedroom with added safety."The stair-bar is a simple aluminium bar that locks into unique
channels either side of the stairway. It slides into the retaining hooks and
enables the user to use both hands to pull up, or lower down the stairs. There
is a safety strap for total security.John Wrangham, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Group Director
for Community Services, said, “The stair-bar enables people to maintain
their mobility – it provides them with an invaluable opportunity to keep
fit and active as well as saving people from serious injury. “It’s
the chance to continue enjoying freedom in your own home that’s the great
thing about this project, bringing about a greater sense of well-being because
you’re able to carry out everyday tasks that most people take for granted.
Above all, the stair-bar seeks to promote independence, dignity and mobility
for its users. Hopefully, more people will now take up the opportunity to be
involved in our pilot of the scheme.”Anyone can now make a referral to the trial scheme, which
provides stair-bars 'free' to people who:
are at risk of falling on the stairs; over 60 years of age and live in Rhondda
Cynon Taf.The stair-bar is a stair climbing aid that was invented to
reduce the number of falls of older people on the stairs and was designed as
an affordable answer to what is an ever increasing problem of stair falls in
the home, helping people to use the stairs completely safely and unaided, thereby
maintaining their independence. The major safety features on the stair-bar
are the 'double channel’s' which overcome the problem of the differing
bar heights required when ascending or descending the stairs and secondly,
the ‘safety strap and belt’.
STELCO HARDY FACTORY TO CLOSE ...... Top
(Wednesday,
September 22,
2004)
It has been announced that the Stelco Hardy factory
will close next March with the loss of 40 jobs. Despite announcing in
June 2003 they had secured £1.4million of business the company has said
that this decision has been made against a background of ongoing loss-making
and adverse market conditions.
Kevin Morgan, Treherbert Councillor, said: "The company has had a long association with the Rhondda and this is very disappointing. It is a massive blow to the community."The company began trading in Treherbert 57 years ago in 1947 and during its time became known as one of the UK's largest suppliers of stainless steel tubing for automatic exhaust system manufacturers.
Leighton Andrews, Rhondda Assembly Member, expressed his disappointment at the news. "I am disappointed at the news and will be contacting the company to ask for an explanation for its decision. The factory has an extremely strong workforce and I will also be holding talks with union representatives."
DOG POO - YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED ...... Top
(Monday,
September 27, 2004)
A clear message went out to dog owners across Rhondda Cynon
Taff last week when five dog owners became the first to be given fixed penalty
notices for failing to clean up their dog’s mess. The fines were issued
under new powers adopted by the Council this year to impose on-the-spot fines
of £75 to owners if their pets foul pavements
and public places, and they fail to clean up the mess.Rhondda Cynon Taff Council conducted an enforcement exercise
at problematic areas across the County Borough, immediately punishing those
people caught leaving their dog’s mess. Rhondda Cynon Taff Council
have highlighted the need for positive action to be taken to tackle the problem
of dog fouling.“The public support strong action against people
who degrade our environment and Rhondda Cynon Taff’s new administration
is adopting a zero-tolerance approach,” said Rhondda Cynon Taff
Council’s Cabinet Member for
Environmental Improvement, Councillor Anthony Christopher. “Regular
surveillance of hot spots for a range of environmental crime has been stepped
up in order to deal more speedily with problems
such as dog mess. The Council has introduced more poop bins and is educating
residents using promotional leaflets in our parks. However, those who continue
to disregard public health will not be tolerated. The Council's playing fields
are used by children for sports and by other residents for recreation purposes.
Dog fouling presents a serious health hazard as well as being an environmental nuisance. We’re
investing a lot of time, effort and resources into street cleansing, litter
collection and recycling, not just from a remedial point of view but to encourage
education and prevention – this is just one
of a number of positive steps.”The areas targeted in the initial clampdown:
Caerdrawnant Recreation Grounds, Mountain Ash;
Michael Sobell Sports Centre Playing Fields, Aberdare;
Playing Fields, Talbot Green and Ystradfechan Playing Fields, Treorchy.It is an offence under the provisions of the Dogs (Fouling
of Land) Act 1996 for the person in charge of a dog to fail to pick up that
dog’s faeces. Fixed penalties for dog fouling must be paid within 14
days. Failure to pay can result in prosecution and a maximum fine of £2,500.
It is not a reasonable excuse for owners to claim they are unaware their dog
has messed or that no suitable facilities to remove it are available.Is dog fouling a problem?
The British dog population is estimated to be around 6.8 million,
producing 900 tonnes of excrement per day. Dog faeces can cause toxocariasis
(which can lead to serious illness and blindness), food poisoning and other
diseases. A Tidy Britain Group survey found that 80% of people questioned were "greatly
concerned by dog mess".
For further information about responsible dog ownership contact the Council’s Public Health and Protection Division on 01443-442100.