GWYL GANFOD Y CYMOEDD
Mai 14 – 21, 2011
VALLEYS DISCOVERY FESTIVAL May 14 – 21, 2011
www.valleysdiscoveryfestival.com
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The valleys have a proud tradition of producing and influencing scientists, technologists, engineers, and doctors whose discoveries and inventions have shaped and created the world we live in. These include:
Donald Davies, one of the inventors of ‗packet switching‘, a key concept that led to the development of the internet, was born in Treorchy;
Abertillery-born Tecwyn Williams who made great insights into how drugs and medicines are metabolised in the body so leading to safer medicines;
William Morgan, eminent physician, who was the father of actuarial science and the first person to ‗visualise‘ X-rays;
Alfred Russel Wallace started to develop his theories on evolution whilst working as a land surveyor in the Vale of Neath.
Gwen Rees from Aberdare whose pioneering work on parasites led to her becoming the first Welsh woman to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society
Lyn Evans, also from Aberdare, head of the Large Hadron Collider project which sets out to discover the secrets of the Big Bang and the birth of our Universe
The valleys have also proved a fertile breeding ground for science fiction and fantasy, e.g., Bill Roberts, an engineer born in Merthyr, was the man who built the Daleks for Cardiff-born Terry Nation whilst the landmark film, HG Wells‘ Things to Come was shot partly in the valleys.
Through a week-long series of events and activities across the valleys, the Valleys Discovery Festival will celebrate the area‘s scientific and technological heritage and showcase new ideas and initiatives taking place in the area that will shape all our futures.
The Valleys Discovery Festival will put the valleys on the map for new and unexpected reasons that will attract visitors, generate increased community pride and prosperity, and help inspire a new generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, doctors and creative minds.
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PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
IMPORTANT:
Please note that not all events are funded through the WECAN project or organised by Valleys Regional Park.
We do not take any credit for those events, which are down to the hard work and dedication of the events‘ organisers concerned. However, we are delighted to be associated with those events as shown and thank the organisers for the opportunity to promote them.
Not all events are free and where there are costs involved, these are indicated where we know that is the case. All WECAN-funded events are free
You are advised to contact the organisers for details where necessary and please note that open-air events might be weather dependent so checks are advised beforehand.
More details can be found at www.valleysdiscoveryfestival.com or phone David Llewellyn on 07967 292325
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th Saturday 14 May
Be nice to Environmental Ebbw Vale nettles Resource Centre
Gwent Wildlife Trust Event
Tutor: Veronika Brannovic
10 am – 12 pm more information on 01495 307525
Cost: FREE but donations always welcome
No need to book. Why should we be nice to the humble stinging nettle? What‘s it ever done for us? Find out about this amazingly useful plant, especially why it is good for wildlife.
Family History Day: Tredegar Library Tredegar Keep it in the family
Blaenau Gwent Adult Learners week event
This event celebrates Adult Learners week at the Local History/Family History centre for Blaenau Gwent. Come along and trace your family tree
10 am - 3 pm
More information on 01495 357869
Cost: FREE
Welsh Future The Works Ebbw Vale Home Open Day
With the Works and delivered in partnership with Willmott Dixon, Morrison, Leadbitter and Kier Come and visit the Welsh Future Homes, a
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development of energy efficient eco houses unique to Ebbw Vale and see what houses of the future may look like.
10 am – 4 pm
Meet the contractors on site and find out about the latest developments. The Welsh Future Homes are next to Ysbyty Aneurin Bevan, Ebbw Vale. Please do not park in the hospital car park; parking is available opposite the homes. If you need directions or a disabled parking space please contact Rhian Bevan 01495 353300 or [email protected]
Spring Cleaning Llancaiach Fawr Nr. Nelson Gwanwyn Festival
Caerphilly CBC Event
How things were done in the Manor House before modern cleaning products were invented
Normal Admission to the Manor applies.
From 10 am
For further details please telephone Llancaiach Fawr Reception on 01443 41224
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th Sunday 15 May
Nature Wern Ddu Nature Reserve Nr. Caerphilly Discovery Walk
with Neville Davies, Ecology Cymru.
10.30 am -12.30 pm approximately
The meeting place is the entrance to the site which is Coed-y-Werin Woodlands at the bottom of the old Wern Ddu Lane, off Van Road.
Park by the forestry commission land just past the turning in for Coed-y-werin.
Cost: FREE
Life in 19th Tourism Info Centre Merthyr Tydfil century Merthyr: a 14a Glebeland Street historical guided Merthyr Tydfil walk Merthyr Tydfil Learning Festival Event
A historical guided walk starting at the former workhouse. The walk will give the history around Life in Merthyr during the 19th Century; the rich the poor, sanitation, crime and more.
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Booking Required.
Contact: Christopher Parry 01685 723112 [email protected]
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Spring Cleaning Llancaiach Fawr Nr. Nelson Gwanwyn Festival
Caerphilly CBC Event
How things were done in the Manor House before modern cleaning products were invented
Normal Admission to the Manor applies. From 10 am
For further details please telephone Llancaiach Fawr Reception on 01443 412248
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Monday 16th May
In these bones Clydach Libary horizons sing....
Featuring Mark Brake with Jon Chase, have fun and explore how we learned to view the modern world through the amazing story of the Red Lady of Paviland
3 pm – 5 pm
Cost: FREE
In conjunction with City and County of Swansea Library Service
Discovery Cafe Clwb-y-Bont, Pontypridd Live - Alastair Reynolds and Neil Hook
A Science Fiction special cafe evening with the valleys-based, Barry-born, world- renowned author, Alastair Reynolds, presented by Neil Hook and Huw James
7 pm start
Cost: FREE
CSI - The Valleys Llanhilleth Institute Llanhilleth
With the valleys very-own renowned forensic scientist, Nigel Hodge who will give you a very special view of how modern molecular biology can solve serious crimes
7 pm start Cost: FREE
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Tuesday 17th May
DNA Day - It‘s Ebbw Vale Institute Ebbw Vale all in the genes!
What is it, how does make us who we are and how we inherit our ancestors‘ characteristics?
With Drs Rachel Iredale, Kim Madden and Rhian Morgan from the University of Glamorgan, and Claudine Anderson from Cardiff University/Techniquest/Wales Gene Park.
And look up your heritage with Janet Karn and the Blaenau Gwent Local/family history team! Robots and all......
With University of Glamorgan Genomic Policy Unit, Cardiff University/Techniquest/Wales Gene Park and in conjunction with EVI, Blaenau Gwent CBC and EVAD
CSI - The Ebbw Vale Institute Ebbw Vale Valleys
With the valleys very -own renowned forensic scientist, Nigel Hodge who will give you a very special view of how modern molecular biology can solve serious crimes
12.30 pm start Cost: FREE
Wellbeing event Environmental Resource Centre Ebbw Vale
Gwent Wildlife Trust with EVAD Communities First team and Morphious.
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The day will include free taster sessions of massage, reflexology, reiki, pottery and a range of other crafts.
10.30 am and 2.30 pm
More information on 01495 307525
Welsh Walk and Cefn Coed Merthyr Tydfil Talk
Merthyr Tydfil Learning Festival Event
Start Point at Cefn Coed Community Centre, Old Drill Hall Road,
10:30 am - 12:30 pm
A guided walk with the opportunity to learn some basic Welsh en route.
Starting from outside Cefn Coed Community Centre and finishing at Soar Theatre (the former Soar Chapel). with a tour of the Chapel and new facilities.
Contact: Sally Mcintyre 01685 383758 [email protected] et
In these bones Pontarddulais Library Pontarddulais horizons sing....
Featuring Mark Brake with Jon Chase, have fun and explore how we learned to view the modern world through the amazing story of the Red Lady of Paviland
3 pm – 5 pm
Cost: FREE
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In conjunction with City and County of Swansea Library Service
Science Junkie Abertillery Community Abertillery Show Theatre
Presented by the valleys-own Huw James - Scientist, Presenter, Motivational Speaker and Adventurer, explore the wonders of science through extreme sports and adventure.
This event is restricted to an invited audience
Pond Survey Sirhowy Woodlands Tredegar and Bat Walk
Learn about the biodiversity of the area around Sirhowy Woodlands high above Tredegar with ecologist Claire Pooley, undertaking a pond survey and finishing the evening looking for and detecting bats!
Meeting at 8 pm at the entrance to Sirhowy Woodlands along Thomas Elis way - likely to finish around 10 pm
Supported by Tredegar Communities First and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.
Cost: FREE
Cordell Country Cwm Library Cwm
Local historian and tourist guide Ivor Beynon takes you on a discovery tour of the area
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made famous by Alexander Cordell.
7.00pm — 8.30pm
Cost: FREE
Bat Walk Bryngarw Country Park Bryngarw
Bridgend CBC Event
In celebration of the ―Year of the Bat‖, this is a great opportunity to discover the fascinating world of bats, during an exciting after-dark guided walk
8.15 pm start
Setting off at sundown, tune in to the night time and identify different species of ba ts using habitat clues and ultrasound detectors.
Admission is £2 per person with free car park. Please note this event is weather dependent.
Advanced booking is essential as places are limited.
For further details call the rangers office on 01656 725155 or email bryngarwpark@bridgend.gov.uk
The Language Cyfarthfa Castle Museum Merthyr Tydfil of Flowers – A Victorian Evening
Merthyr Tydfil Learning Festival Event
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Historian Sally Pointer explores the language of lowers, their myths, stories and medical applications. This event is part historical talk and part workshop.
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Booking Required
Contact: Christopher Parry 01685 723112 [email protected]
Dark Sky Wales St Joseph's Church Cwmaman
The beauty of our night sky has enthralled people throughout the ages and has made a lasting impression in both the science and humanities. Discover and marvel at that beauty with a superb stunning state -of-the- art digital planetarium show from valleys -
based Dark Sky Wales designed by professional astronomers.
Start 7 pm
Cost: FREE
supported by Cwmaman Communities First
Rock Guitar in Ebbw Vale Institute Ebbw Vale 11 Dimensions with the Guitar Doctor ―What causes the revolutionary, history - changing sound of rock guitar, and how does it help us to understand the nature of the stuff we‘re made of? Famelab winner Mark Lewney explains the physics of rock using riffs from Vivaldi to AC/DC, explains the
secret of the Stradivarius, and shows how
13 string vibrations might lie at the heart of the Big Questions about the universe.‖
"Gobsmackingly amazing ... a high energy performer" Simon Singh, science writer
"A cross between Einstein and Jimi Hendrix" CBBC
7 pm start
Cost: FREE more information on 01495 708022
With EVI, Blaenau Gwent CBC and EVAD
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Wednesday 18th May
Why the Bee? Dowlais Library Dowlais
Merthyr Tydfil Learning Festival Event
Learn why bees are so important, and how you can help. There will be a talk from a bee expert, time for questions and discussion, displays and more.
10 am - 2 pm
Booking Required.
Contact: Sian Anthony 01685 723051 [email protected]
Introduction to Rock UK summit Trelewis Otter Surveying and centre Holt Building Merthyr Tydfil Learning Festival Event
An introduction to Otter survey techniques and habitat improvements including building a holt
10 am - 5:00 pm
Booking Required.
Contact: Paul Kent 07875 662803 [email protected]
In these bones Morriston Library Swansea horizons sing....
Featuring Mark Brake with Jon Chase, have fun and explore how we learned to view the modern world through the amazing story of the Red Lady of Paviland.
3 pm – 5 pm
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Cost: FREE
In conjunction with City and County of Swansea Library Service
Archaeology Walk Parc Nant-y-Waun Nantyglo
A walk to discover the archaeological and historical sites around Brynmawr and Nantyglo in the company of highly knowledgeable and entertaining Frank Olding
Cost: FREE
Contact 01495 211488 for details
With Abertillery and Cwmtillery Communities First
Introduction to Wildlife Environmental Ebbw Vale Gardening Resource Centre
Gwent Wildlife Trust Event
Have you ever wondered how you can have a productive garden that is also beneficial to wildlife?
Find out on this one-day introduction. There may be some opportunities to get your hands dirty, so wear suitable clothing.
Cost: £5 members, £8 non- members
Booking essential
Dark Sky Wales Boys and Girls Club Pontlottyn
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The beauty of our night sky has enthralled people throughout the ages and has made a lasting impression in both the science and humanities. Discover and marvel at that beauty with a superb stunning state-of-the-art digital planetarium show from valleys - based Dark Sky Wales designed by professional astronomers.
Cost: FREE
Cwm Gwrelych Cwm Gwrelych SSSI Glynneath Geo Heritage Trail
Walk back in time and discover the rich industrial heritage and internationally important geology of this unique site. Situated right on the edge of the South Wales Coalfield this secluded valley gives access to rocks that would only usually be found deep below the valleys of South Wales. Discover coal seams, iron rich rocks and wonderful plant fossils that tell the story of ancient environments and past climate change.
Adults and Children welcome - Children must accompanied by an parent/guardian
Meet 6.30pm Pont Walby, Glyn Neath Cwm Gwrelych SSSI, Pont Walby, Glyn Neath. Sat Nav Post Code SA11 5LR , Grid Ref SN891 063
Cost: FREE
Ben Evans 07816 519172 [email protected]
In conjunction with the British Institute for Geological Conservation
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Life and Death in Ebbw Vale Institute Ebbw Vale Victorian Times
The incomparable Roger Morgan dons his Victorian surgeon‘s garb, dims his oil-lamp and sharpens his instruments for an evening of surgery and medicine in Victorian times with humour, horror and knowledge!
Cost: FREE
More information on 01495 708022
With EVI, Blaenau Gwent CBC and EVAD
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Thursday 19th May
Science Junkies Glyncorrwg Ponds Glyncorrwg Live and Andrei Burton Cycling Events
With the valleys-own scientist and adventurer, Huw James and co-Science Junkie Greg Foot, self-confessed half science-geek, half adrenaline -junkie, who pushes himself and science to the limit, explore the wonders of science through extreme sports and adventure.
And the boys are joined by team members from Andrei Burton Events for a fantastic event at Glyncorrwg Ponds, deep in the Afan Forest!
Afternoon (3 pm) and Evening (6 pm) - Cost: FREE
In these bones Hafod Swansea horizons sing....
Featuring Mark Brake with Jon Chase, have fun and explore how we learned to view the modern world through the amazing story of the Red Lady of Paviland
3 pm – 5 pm
Cost: FREE
In conjunction with City and County of Swansea Library Service
Dark Sky Wales Blaengarw Blaengarw with Martin Griffiths Workmen‘s Hall
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The beauty of our night sky has enthralled people throughout the ages and has made a lasting impression in both the science and humanities. Discover and marvel at that beauty with a superb stunning state-of-the-art digital planetarium show from valleys - based Dark Sky Wales designed by professional astronomers.
C o st: F REE
With Creation Development Trust
What Lies Beneath Ffos-y-Fran Merthyr Reclamation Site
Visit the void, hunt fossils and find out what fascinating discoveries have been made at Ffos-y- fran as Miller Argent reclaim over 1000 acres of acutely derelict land.
This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the geology of the Merthyr area and find out more about the areas 300 million years of local history.
Dogs not allowed, Not suitable for children under 5 years of age All children must be accompanied by an adult Suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear essential
Cost: FREE
Booking with Ben Evans essential- Numbers limited to 30 people
Ben Evans 07816 519172 [email protected]
In conjunction with the British Institute for Geological Conservation and Miler Argent http://www.millerargent.co.uk
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Rock Guitar in 11 Abertillery Abertillery Dimensions with Community Theatre the Guitar Doctor What causes the revolutionary, history - changing sound of rock guitar, and how does it help us to understand the nature of the stuff we’re made of? Famelab winner Mark Lewney explains the physics of rock using riffs from Vivaldi to AC/DC, explains the secre t of the Stradivarius, and shows how string vibrations might lie at the heart of the Big Questions about the universe.”
"Gobsmackingly amazing ... a high energy performer" Simon Singh, science writer
"A cross between Einstein and Jimi Hendrix" CBBC
7 pm start
Cost: FREE more information on 01495 211488
In conjunction with Abertillery and Cwmtillery Communities First
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Friday 20th May
Science Junkie Glyncorrwg Pond Glyncorrwg Show
In conjunction with Glyncorrwg Ponds Presented by the valleys-own Huw James - Scientist, Presenter, Motivational Speaker and Adventurer, explore the wonders of science through extreme sports and adventure. Morning (10.30 am) and Afternoon (2 pm)
Cost: FREE
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Saturday 21st May
Discovery Zone Cyfarthfa Park Merthyr
Enjoy a great day with the Discovery Zone
With Techniquest, Dark Sky Wales, Mark Brake and Jon Chase with Space Hoppers, Bird Flight shows and more
in conjunction with Adult Learning Week Merthyr Tydfil. Merthyr Tydfil CBC and Merthyr Tydfil Global Village.
10.30 am - 3 pm
More details on 01443 849963
Cost: FREE
Green Dayz Fedw Hir Eco-Centre Llwydcoed
Groundwork Merthyr RCT event
For a fun family day out why don‘t you go along to our Greendayz Weekend at Groundwork Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon Taff‘s Fedw Hir Eco Centre near Llwydcoed. It is a fantastic and enjoyable way to learn more about crafts and the countryside, in our beautiful green surroundings. The day will feature a wide range of countrys ide crafts for everyone to try and enjoy, with experienced crafts people on hand to show you how it‘s done! The Weekend is free entry with most of the activities being free of charge, although there will be a nominal charge for some. Each day starts at 10 am and will finish at 4 pm. The Green Days Weekends are part of Groundwork Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon Taff‘s Green Skills for Greener Futures programme, which is
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funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the Countryside Council for Wales. The Fedw Hir Eco Centre is set in 14 acres of green space, with woodland, grassland, and orchards, and is located below the Llwydcoed Crematorium.
If you require further information please ring Richard Phipps or Rebecca Lewis on 01685 883880 for more details or email [email protected]
The Big Green Waunfawr Park Cross Keys Event
Caerphilly CBC Event
An exciting new family festival that offers something for people of all ages. The ‗Big Green Festival‘ takes place boasts live music, sporting sessions, animal displays, healthy activities For more information please contact Natalie Haynes 01495 235461 or Steve Trew 01495 247962 or e- mail [email protected] Landscape Blaenafon World Blaenafon Lecture Heritage Centre
Torfaen CBC Event with Blaenafon Mountain Tours Join Blaenafon Mountain Tours for an enjoyable and informative talk of the mountain landscape and some of its hidden story. • FREE entry to the lecture starting at 7pm on 10th May • Learn about the different ways to tour the landscape and join Gerry Woodhouse for a FREE ―Off The Beaten
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Track‖ guided walk at 10 am on 21st May
Places limited, booking essential - 01495 742333
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