BRASS BAND - The Upper Rhondda Brass Band rehearsals are now being held in the St George’s Church Hall, Cwmparc.

Rehearsal times for the Junior Band are from 5.30pm to 6.45pm on Mondays and Wednesday evenings.

The Senior Band will rehearse from 7pm to 9pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

All new members made very welcome.

The Band is very grateful to St George’s Church for allowing them to use the Church Hall.

*  *  *

SELSIG OPERATIC SOCIETY - Annual General Meeting to be held at Treherbert Rugby Club on Tuesday 9th September starting at 8pm.

- Top class amateur dramatics

 - come and join us in our 60th Anniversary Year

- for more details see: www.selsig.net

Next Chorus Rehearsal Sunday 31st August- 7.30pm

*  *  *

AUGUST 2008

PARACHUTE JUMP - Sheryl Husband of Blaenrhondda Rd, Blaenrhondda, is joining Sue Blaney of Maerdy Communities First and several others, to undertake a Parachute Jump on Saturday, August 30 at 1pm. Swansea Airport look out!

They are raising money for the local children's charity 'Maerdy Kidz r Us' and Sheryl has the challenge of raising £300 plus and is hoping there are a few of you out there who think it's worth pledging money to get her to jump out of an aeroplane.

Please let her know if you wish to sponsor her. She can be contacted on 07974 892216 or via sherylhusband@hotmail.co.uk

*  *  *

JULY 2008

SUMMER'S FUN FOR EVERYONE 2008 - This year CwmNi has gained funding from Children in Need to provide a free Summer programme for local children.

The programme is FREE for all children aged 5 to 18 years old and will be available for the duration of the Summer holidays.

Any child from Blaencwm, Blaenrhondda, Tynewydd, Treherbert and Penyrenglyn may sign up.

Pick up brochures and registration forms from CwmNi office, at 156 Bute Street, Treherbert or phone 01443 777536.

Activities will include Kayaking - Fishing - Bowling - Paintballing - Sports Days etc.

SUMMER'S FUN FOR EVERYONE 2008

*  *  *

• PUBLIC MEETING - A public meeting will take place at Blaenrhondda Social Club (The Top Club) on Thursday 24^th July at 7 pm. 

• The purpose of the meeting is to disseminate the findings of a questionnaire which Fernhill Rhondda Conservation Group and local community members have undertaken. The questionnaire ascertains the community’s views on the proposed development for the Fernhill Colliery strategic site, as identified within the RCT CBC Local Development Plan and at Cofton’s (the proposed developers and landowners) recent public exhibition.   

• To date responses from some 300 plus questionnaires have been collated. They indicate a strong consensus of opinion towards a more leisure and tourism orientated development.

*  *  *

PENTRE GRAMMAR SCHOOL REUNION - A school reunion for all who attended the former Pentre Grammar School will be held at the Heritage Park Hotel, Trehafod on 11th October 2008 from 7pm to 12.30am. Cost £25. Contact D Dilling (Sykes), 41 Marston Close, Walderslade, Chatham, Kent ME5 9BY or email to mail@doreendilling.co.uk

*  *  *

• CALLIGRAPHY CHARITY EXHIBITION - The Rhondda Calligraphy Society is holding a charity exhibition from Monday, July 14 until Saturday, July 26 at the Picture Framing Shop, 1 Station Road, Treorchy, opposite the Park and Dare Theatre. All proceeds will go to Ty Hafan and Rhondda Animal Aid.

*  *  *

FERNHILL COLLIERY SITE BLAENRHONDDA (proposal for 800 houses) - The Fernhill Rhondda Conservation Group firmly believes the proposal to use this site for residential use is inappropriate; we believe it should be developed for appropriate leisure and tourism use.  Why not come and have a look how beautiful the Fernhill site is for yourself?

Members of Fernhill Rhondda Conservation Group will be walking the area on a fortnightly basis over the next few weeks.  Anyone wishing to join us should turn up at the bus terminus at the top of Blaenrhondda at 11am on any of the following dates.

• Sun 13^th Jul 2008

• Sun 27^th Jul 2008

• Sun 10^th Aug 2008

*Please note the group are uninsured and all participants walk at their own risk.

*  *  *

• THANKS - Fernhill Rhondda Conservation Group wish to pass on their sincere thanks to all the local volunteers for their continued hard work in helping carry out the questionnaire and petition exercise throughout the villages of Blaenrhondda, Blaencwm and Tynewydd. 

• They would also like to thank the local community for their participation in this exercise.

*  *  *

JUNE 2008

THE HERITAGE SINGERS

A warm welcome is extended to all ladies who would like join The Heritage Singers.

We have had a very successful year and look forward to the new season.

We hold rehearsals in St Barnabus Church, Trehafod at 7.15 every Wednesday evening.

The Heritage Singers is made up of Ladies from Rhondda Fawr and Rhondda Fach as well as other areas.

If transport is a problem it might be possible to arrange lifts.

Ring Sian on 01443 687427 for further information or just come along and listen, you will be very welcome.

*  *  *

DOGS RESCUED - Two Jack Russell terriers were trapped for five days in June, about 12 metres inside a mine shaft on the steep mountainside above Blaencwm.

Volunteers from the West Brecon Cave Rescue Team after several valiant but unsuccessful attempts by a team from the Brecon Mountain Rescue, who called in the Cave Rescue Team.

The dogs' owner is delighted by their safe return and local people have been praised by the Cave Rescue who noted both their efforts and the interest taken. 

• PHONE BOXES -  BT is planning to remove the public phone boxes in Baglan Street, Treherbert, and in Pencai Terrace, Treorchy, as part of their plans to close at least 33 phone boxes in Rhondda Cynon Taff due to their apparent little usage, and is holding a three month consultation period up to September 6, 2008.
• BT are also removing payphones, where there is another within 400 metres, for which they do not have to consult on.

WINDFARM - The Wiltshire-based Renewable Energy Partnership (REP) have submitted plans for 400feet windfarm towers on the plateau between the Maerdy coal tip and Tynewydd forest. The planning arm application is for eight 80 metre towers, each with three 45 metre blades, on the plateau where a 70 metre monitoring mast currently stands.

RCT Planning Committee members visited two areas near Maerdy and another area lying two thirds of the way along the A4233 towards Aberdare because those spots were chosen as offering the best view of the proposed windfarm site.

Councillors are due to vote next month and RCT officers recommend they grant the proposal.

REP has also promised to set up trust funds for Maerdy and Treorchy, sharing £50,000 per year for the windfarm's 25-year lifespan or a one-off payment of £600,000 lupm sum when the site opens.

Views of the proposed windfarm can be seen at www.maerdywindfarm.co.uk

• EYESORES - RCT County Borough Council has set up a specialist unit to deal with the issue of derelict properties throughout the area. Anyone with concerns about an empty or dilapidated building are urged to contact 01443 425777.

Fernhill (Rhondda) Conservation Group - The 'Celebrating Fernhill & Blaenrhondda' event held at the Top Club on Sunday 8th June 2008 was a tremendous success, attended by well over a 120 people. The organisers would like to thank all those who attended/supported and helped make it such an enjoyable event.

Special thanks to our speakers Tom Phelps and Tony Melville, to Megan Husband & Dylan Malyn for their star performance, to Dai Cornflakes for trusting us with his treasured photos, to all those who submitted photos for scanning/display, and all the organisations that loaned equipment/donated raffle prizes. Finally a big thank you to the Top Club (Blaenrhondda Social Club) for provision of the venue. 

If anyone would like to contact/support us - please e-mail Sherylhusband@hotmail.co.uk or telephone 01443 774988.
 

COMMUNITY POLICING - The next PACT meeting is on June 9 at Pen Pych Community School at 6pm. Please come along and raise the issues of concern to your neighbourhood. The current priorities are:

1. Anti-social behaviour - Treherbert Rugby Stands

2. Traffic Safety Issues - Pen Pych Community School

3. Untaxed Vehicles - Blaencwm

CONSERVATION - The Fernhill (Rhondda) Conservation Group is a newly formed group who wish to see the area used for leisure and tourism purposes and not large scale housing development. Contact Sheryl on 01443 774988 for more details.

• PERMS - Students ready to complete Level 2 Hairdressing at Ty Gwallt Hairdressing salon at Treorchy Comprehensive School are looking for models for their perming assessments.

• Perms cost £13 and are available on Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am and 3pm.

• To arrange an appointment please ring the salon via the school on 773128.

COMMUNITY EVENT - A community event, celebrating the Fernhill & Blaenrhondda areas, is being held on Sunday, June 8 from 2pm to 6pm at the Top Club (Blaenrhondda Social Club).

Please come along and have some fun, all are welcome. Bring and share your photos of the past and present of Blaenrhondda and Fernhill and share your stories and memories. With talks on the history of the area, activities for children, free refreshments and much more. For more information, please contact Sheryl on 774988.

• BINGO - Afternoon bingo sessions are held every Monday at The Phoenix Theatre in Church Street, Ton Pentre. Doors are open from 1.30pm and the bingo commences at 2pm. All welcome for a fun afternoon. Contact the Phoenix Theatre on 01443 425894.

*  *  *

MAY 2008

• ALLOTMENT PROGRAMME - A former Treherbert resident, Sean James Cameron, a TV/Radio producer at Interfusion Films, is looking to hear from allotment users throughout Rhondda Cynon Taff in relation to allotment closures within the last 2 years and current sites under threat.

• Sean is producing a programme that “looks at the current climate of allotment closures by the authority and how these are affecting the people who use the ground to grow food”. 

• Anyone interested in participating is invited to send an email to sean_james_cameron@hotmail.com or phone 07952-245-967.

*  *  *

VOLUNTEERS - Have you ever thought of volunteering? New Horizons is a Mental Health Charity which locally runs a Drop-in Centre in Ton Pentre (Monday & Tuesdays, Thursday & Fridays) and also in Pentre House on Tuesdays, for those who suffer with mental ill health and emotional difficulties.

We are currently in the process of recruiting volunteers for our centres which are based throughout Rhondda-Cynon-Taff.  We provide various courses, activities and day trips for those who use our provision. Volunteers are vital in the on-going and continual success of New Horizons and the work we do. Their time and commitment is valued greatly by New Horizons.

Volunteering can be a very rewarding experience, both to the person who volunteers and for those they are helping. If you have a few hours to spare and think you could help, please contact Tracy Thomas (Volunteer Coordinator) on 01685 881113 for more information or an application pack.

*  *  *

• ELECTIONS - Geraint Davies and Layton Percy Jones were elected on May 1st to serve as RCT County Borough Councillors for the Treherbert Ward for the next four years.

*  *  *

APRIL 2008

• FRUIT & VEG - If you are looking for fresh fruit, vegetables, salad and stew packs at affordable low-cost prices, then why not visit the Penyrenglyn Project (Corbett Street, Treherbert) every Thursday between 10am and 1pm.

• The Mount Libanus Fruit and Vegetable Co-op offer fresh top quality food bags for just £2.50 per pack.

• Order in advance and collect the following week.

• For more information call in or phone Jackie on 07530 444119.

*  *  *

WALKING - Join CwmNi’s walking group, the Treherbert Trekkers for its weekly outing to enjoy local scenery, get fit and have a good old natter along the way. The group meets every Wednesday at 1.30pm at the Cwmni Office for leisurely strolls along local routes taking in the breathtaking views. They also enjoy monthly trips out of the area.

Walkers of all capabilities are welcome and an adult must accompany children under the age of 16. For more information and to register, contact Hayley Broad at CwmNi on 01443 778785.

*  *  *

• COMPUTER BEGINNERS - Following the success of the “Computer Lessons for the Absolutely Total Beginner” held at Treorchy Library earlier this year, another course is planned to be held there in a month or two.

• If anyone is interested in attending, please phone Dean on 773204 or call in to the library.

*  *  *

MARCH 2008

HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY - Jeff Roberts - Year 6 teacher at Williamstown Primary School writes:

"As part of our history studies at Williamstown Primary School we produced a four part documentary, charting Treherbert from Celtic times to the present day. Perhaps you could make locals aware of this documentary."

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgxnpr_8s70

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3OVASQ-OmI

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bB4xjiQOuVs

• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B84bv_n06MQ

Treherbert.info says: "Many thanks to Jeff for getting in touch with our community website - and congratulations to all the pupils for their informative work on the historical buildings in our area. We are sure it will be of great interest to all our website visitors, both locally and around the world!"

*  *  *

• LAND DISPUTE - Allotment holders and a disabled horse-riding club have been served with legal notices stating the land-owner will take back possession of the site they have been utilising, on March 14, 2008.
• The 4 acre-site is located at the bottom of the Rhigos in Treherbert and has consisted of allotments, smallholdings and a riding school for the disabled for many years.
• The 28 members of the Haigside Allotment Association and the Rhondda Riding Club for the Disabled, have been locked in a battle over the land with the owner since last August.
• A 2,500-name petition of protest has already been handed to the council.

*  *  *

105th BIRTHDAY - Treherbert ex-teacher, Mrs Edna Jones celebrated her 105th birthday on March 1^st at Glyndwr Nursing Home in Ystrad, where she has resided since 1999 and where she is the oldest of 40 residents.

Studying for her career at Portsmouth Training College, and becoming headmistress at a school in Builth Wells, Edna returned to the Rhondda to teach following the death of her husband Ensor Jones in 1932.

Edna taught at Dunraven, Treherbert and Penyrenglyn Schools and continued to help at Treherbert Infants – where she and her siblings had attended - until she was in her 90’s.

She has a niece living in Aylesbury and is fondly regarded by former staff and pupils of the schools in Treherbert.

*  *  *

FEBRUARY 2008

CORRESPONDENT - Rene Oak of Brook Street, Blaenrhondda, correspondent for the Rhondda Leader for Treherbert for more than 30 years has retired this month. 86 year old Rene had followed her sister Gladys as the district correspondent.

*  *  *

• ROBBERY - The Turtle Beach Food and Wine Store has been robbed for a second time this year. This latest incident occurred around 6.30pm on Wednesday February 27. A 20yr-old man is expected to appear in court for this latest armed robbery.

*  *  *

SHOESHOP CLOSES - Enid Greenhill, owner of Surefit in Bute Street Treherbert, retires in March when the shop closes after more than 75 years of trading.

The shop was originally opened by Mr and Mrs Jones and ownership was followed by Mr and Mrs Harvard, who incidentally employed Enid’s mother while they ran the premises.

Enid took over the shop in 1983 and retires to mark her 60th birthday. Enid also thanks Kitty Warren who has been her assistant for the past 11 years.

*  *  *

ELECTIONS - Actor Roger Nott of Blaencwm has been selected as one of the two Labour candidates standing for the Treherbert ward in the forthcoming May local government elections. Current Labour Councillor Jeff Williams has announced his intention to seek re-election for the Treherbert Ward.

Plaid Cymru candidates for the Treherbert Ward are former Welsh Assembly Member and Treherbert Councillor Geraint Davies and former Treherbert Councillor Layton Percy Jones. Geraint Davies is a local pharmacist and Layton (Percy) Jones is manager of a shelter for the homeless.

Local residents who are listed on the electoral register can vote for up to 2 representatives to serve on the Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council and the election will take place on May 1^st, 2008.

*  *  *

• COMMUNITY POLICE - CPSO Natasha Foster holds a weekly police surgery at Pen Pych Community School, Blaenrhondda, every Tuesday from 8am to 11am and a monthly surgery at the CwmNi office, Bute Street, Treherbert on the first Wednesday of the month between 11am and 1pm.
• Details of local PACT meetings are also available on www.ourbobby.com

*  *  *

STEPPING DOWN - Councillor Kevin Morgan is to stand down at the next local government elections this year, after serving the Treherbert ward for a total of 17 years.

Kevin was first elected in 1979 and served on the former local authority, the Rhondda Borough Council, before taking a break after 13 years. He was elected in 2004 to the Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council and will continue with his duties as a local councillor until May 2008.

*  *  *

• DOMESTIC VIOLENCE - Rhondda Women’s Aid can be contacted on 01443 731445.

*  *  *

JANUARY 2008

ROBBERY - Police appealed for information following a robbery at the Turtle Beach shop in Bute Street, Treherbert on Tuesday January 22 when two men entered the shop at about 2.30pm and demanded money from the male members of staff at the till.

One man wore a motorcycle helmet, while the other was covered with a scarf and had his hood up.

One of the men was carrying a large knife, possibly a machete, and made off with a bag of money, running out of the shop in the direction of the riverbank.

Anyone with information about the incident or who may have seen the two men before or after the robbery are asked to call Ton Pentre CID on 01656 655555 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Or speak to your Neighbourhood Policing Team Officer Natasha Foster directly on her mobile 07805 301070.

*  *  *

• ST JOHNS AMBULANCE - St John’s Wales is inviting people of all ages to visit their local division, with a view to joining the 4,500 strong membership.
• The Cwmparc division has 11 members and a warm welcome awaits everyone who shows interest.
• Those who join the division can look forward to taking part in a variety of duties, including sport and concerts at the Millennium Stadium.
• St John Cymru Wales aims to make a real difference to local communities and is Wales’s leading first aid charity.
• 5 to 10 year olds can begin to work towards their Super Badger Award, while the older Cadets will be able to do anything from outdoor and sporting activities to helping at events such as pop concerts and football matches.
• The Amalfi Challenge involves exploration and expeditions for those aged 16 and above, and adult members can undertake development courses in anything from youth work to radio communication, first aid to outdoor leadership.
• Volunteers could be part of a front-line ambulane crew, lead a team, raise thousands of pounds for our charity, use their everyday skills, work with young people or be one of the many non-uniformed supports.
• To find out more call Laura Roberts on 029 2044 9507 or email Laura@stjohnwales.org

*  *  *

VOLUNTEERS - South Wales Police are looking for volunteers to make checks on their custody cells and the welfare of the detainees.

Volunteers must be over 18 and travelling expenses are paid. Full training and support is given by the police authority and volunteers will be asked to visit the stations in their own locality.

Three panels of visitors will be formed and the North panel of volunteers will cover Merthyr Tydfil and Rhondda Cynon Taff.

*  *  *

• ROADSIDE DISPLAY - George Cole of Treherbert, who worked on the Rhigos Road until 1992, was responsible for the appearance of the floral roadside decorations outside the “White House” workman’s hut. His duties were to keep the road clear of debris from the stones falling  from the mountainside and amused himself in quiet moments by creating flowers, windmills, miniature houses and animals from various materials for his ‘decorative garden’. Since his retirement, school children have continued to put their own creations on the little plot.

*  *  *

COMMUNITY RADIO - Cwmni Radio is Back! - Starting on January 21, 2008

RADIO CWMNI BACK ON AIR MONDAY 21st JANUARY 2008 at 10am FOR ANOTHER 4 WEEKS

Radio Cwmni is the Rhondda’s very first community radio station and had a hugely successful initial 4 weeks on air last July.

Radio CwmNi broadcasts in the Upper Rhondda Fawr on 87.8FM and from 21st Jan 2008 will be broadcasting worldwide on the Internet as well.

The station’s on air 24 hours a day seven days a week with news, information, advice and great music as well – see their programme schedule for all the details – promising something for everyone.

The community based radio service is not actually broadcast from the Cwmni office but will be transmitted from premises at the top of Bute Street, Treherbert ( just before the Dunraven Hotel)

The radio service will also be available on the Internet at www.radiocwmni.co.uk  so tell all friends and family to listen out and tune in to 87.8FM from Monday 21st January, 2008! You will also able to send text messages to the radio station. If anyone is interested in getting involved or has a story to tell - please get in touch with sharonmorris1957@yahoo.com