April 2016

W H Merthyr A T Tydfil ’S Leisure

Trust O N

EnhancingEnhancing liveslives throughthrough leisureleisure andand cultureculture Redhouse Old Town Hall

Did you know? REDHOUSE is an arts and creative industries centre situated in the Old Town Hall — a magnificent Grade II* listed building — in the heart of . REDHOUSE opened to the public on St. David’s Day 2014, following an extensive £8M capital redevelopment programme supported by the , European Regional Development Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund and Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council in association with Miller Argent Emerging in an environment which has suffered years of economic decline, REDHOUSE will become a catalyst for cultural regeneration: awakening the spirit of creative enterprise that was once a hallmark of a venerable town at the centre of the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain.

REDHOUSE is open to the public Monday to Saturday 8:30am – 5:30pm, excluding Bank Holidays. There is no charge for visiting the building to look around.

April 2 - June 28 Photography by Robert Haines “Once Upon a Time in ” and “This Time In Wales” by ROBERT HAINES Y FAENOR Gallery The exhibition space is occasionally used for functions. If travelling, please contact REDHOUSE first to ensure that the gallery will be open to the general public during the time of your planned visit.

April 2 7.30pm - 10.30pm Upbeat Sneakers The Young Promoters Network proudly present Upbeat Sneakers who will be returning to Redhouse Cymru in Merthyr Tydfil on Saturday April 2, 2016. The last show was a complete success and sold out weeks before the event. Therefore, to avoid disappointment we would advise you to purchase your ticket as soon as possible. Tickets can be obtained directly from the venue. Alternatively, you can contact any member of the band. Ticket price £5.00 (£7.00 on the door) – Doors Open at 7.00pm – (14+). Special guest support (TBA). As always, keep your ticket to gain exclusive access to the private after party (venue to be confirmed).

Enhancing lives through leisure and culture April 6 7.00pm - 11.00pm Open Mic Night The evening starts at 7.00pm in our courtyard. Bring along your instruments or simply come along to enjoy the mellow sounds as you relax with a drink from the bar. Free to artists and audience!

April 10 11.00am - 3.00pm Wedding Showcase Let’s Get Hitched Wedding Fayres return to Redhouse with their Spring Wedding Showcase! Have a chat to the knowledgeable exhibitors and plan your perfect day… find everything you need from some of the best suppliers in South Wales! If you’re thinking of getting wed at Redhouse, this is the perfect opportunity to take a tour and speak to our friendly staff. FREE ENTRY

Redhouse Performance Academy April 16, 23, 30 10.00am - 1.00pm Redhouse is delighted to announce the arrival of Redhouse Performance Academy!! The brand new stage school specialises in all aspects of live performance including contemporary pop, rock, recording techniques, acting for camera, musical theatre, dance and singing. Emphasis will be put on practical work and performing in productions at Theatr Dowlais, Redhouse. Students will also have the opportunity to be represented by the agency for professional stage and TV work. Age: 6-18 Cost: £10 per session (payable monthly or termly) For further information, please contact: Catherine Jones on 07824162176.

Ballroom Dancing Classes Simon Pearson provides expert tuition every Saturday morning in ballroom and Latin dancing for all skill levels. Children 10.00am Adults 11.00am Private Tuition 12.00pm £4 group lessons / £20 private lessons

You can keep up to date with all events and activities at the Redhouse by visiting: www.redhousecymru.com Or liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter: Redhouse Cymru

Enhancing lives through leisure and culture Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery & Park

February 23 - May 1 Art in the Community This Glasbury Art exhibition of artists from the village, students from the local secondary school and recognised artists, all of whom bring enjoyment to the community.

April 5 - 6 Peg Toy Making Poor children in the Victorian era made toys out of whatever they could. Come and make your own peg toy. Workshop is free but standard entry fees apply. Drop in workshops so no need to book, waiting times can vary.

April 9 10.00am - 4.00pm Willow Basket Weaving Weaving is a skill that fewer and fewer people have. Come to this workshop and learn all about willow basket weaving and create your own to take away with you. Booking is essential. Cost of workshop is £2.00 per person

You can keep up to date with all of Cyfarthfa Castle Museum, Art Gallery & Parks events, activities and news by visiting: www.cyfarthfa.com Or liking us on Facebook: Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery Of following us on Twitter: Cyfarthfa Park

Enhancing lives through leisure and culture Merthyr Tydfil Public Libraries

March 14 - April 8 Water Colour Exhibition Come along to Dowlais Library to view local artist Ken Morgan’s Water Colour views of Merthyr Tydfil.

April 1 11.00am - 12.00pm B.B. Taylor & Friends Meet the author B.B. Taylor and her friends; Sox the Racoon, Bubu the Owl and Mort the Fox. Merthyr Central Library

Hop-a-Long to your library! Pop along to your library for Easter crafts, stories and fun! Dowlais Library: Tuesday 5 2.30 - 3.30pm Central Library: Wednesday 6 2.00pm - 3.30pm Treharris Library: Wednesday 6 10.30am - 11.30am Aberfan Library: Wednesday 6 10.00am - 11.00am

Book Groups Are you looking for a relaxed and friendly book group? Then the library book clubs could be perfect for you. We meet monthly and new members are always welcome! Aberfan Library: Monday 11 11.30am - 12.30pm Dowlais Book Club: Tuesday 12 4.30pm - 5.30pm Dowlais Loose Women: Monday 18 6.00pm - 7.00pm Treharris Book Club: Wednesday 27 5.00pm - 6.00pm Central New Chapters: Wednesday 13 2.00pm - 3.00pm

Art Group Dowlais Library: Every Tuesday 3.45pm - 5.45pm For further information contact: 01685 725217

Learn Direct Computing Courses Dowlais Library: Every Monday 2.00pm - 4.00pm For further information contact: 01685 725217

‘Appy Hour IT Drop-in sessions Dowlais Library: Monday - Friday 11.00am - 12.00pm For further information contact: 01685 725217

Enhancing lives through leisure and culture Bringing Books to Life Every Monday 9.30am - 10.30am Toddlers Every Wednesday 3.30pm - 4.30pm 5-6 year olds A joint project between Merthyr Tydfil Public Libraries and Active Merthyr. Stories, games and physical activities for children . FREE sessions for 10 weeks! Please contact Merthyr Libraries for further information. 01685 353480

Ti a Fi Bi-lingual Story & Rhyme Sessions! All Welcome Dowlais Library: *Every Monday 10.00am - 11.00am Central Library: *Every Tuesday 10.00am - 11.00am For further information contact Vicky: 07483149550 *Term time only

Cuppa with a Copper If you have any concerns about the area where you are living or have any queries you would like answered, please come along and meet your local PCSOs / Police. Aberfan Library - Friday 11 1.00pm Aberfan Library - Wednesday 16 3.00pm Aberfan Library - Monday 21 1.00pm Dowlais Library - Every Friday 4.00pm - 5.00pm

Lego Club In Lego Club we don’t just build crazy creations we create whole fictional worlds … have a go … you’ll love it … it’s like an actual-physical Minecraft session! Treharris Library: Every Monday 4.00pm - 5.00pm For further information contact: 01685 353483

Work Club For help getting online, using computers, searching for jobs and help with CVs. The sessions are relaxed, informal and friendly and available for anyone who would like to drop in. Central Library: Every Friday 10.00am - 12.00pm Dowlais Library: Every Tuesday 1.30pm - 4.30pm Treharris Library: Every Monday 2.00pm - 4.00pm Aberfan Library: Every Wednesday 1.00pm - 3.00pm Drop-in sessions

Housing Benefit and Council Tax Reduction Surgery 9.30am - 4.00pm Every Tuesday - Treharris Library You do not need to make an appointment and we can help with making initial application, changes in circumstances, and accept additional information you may need to provide to support your current claim.

Enhancing lives through leisure and culture Digital Fridays Run by Digital Communities Wales & Merthyr Tydfil Public Library Service, these drop-in sessions are for anyone who needs help and advice for those tricky computer and technology problems, from how to use a smart phone and tablet to working out the latest Windows operating system. The sessions are friendly, relaxed and informal. Aberfan Library: Every Friday 10.00am - 12.00pm Treharris Library: Every Friday 10.00am - 12.00pm

Toddler Time Stories, Rhymes, Crafts & fun for Pre-School Children! Central Library: Every Wednesday 10.00am - 11.00am Treharris Library: Every Friday 9.30am - 10.30am Dowlais Library: Every Friday 10.30am - 11.30am Aberfan Library: Every Friday 11.00am - 12.00pm

Knit & Natter All welcome, from beginners to experienced knitters. Bring your own wool and knitting needles! Aberfan Library - Every Wednesday 11.00am onwards Dowlais Library - Every Friday 2.00pm - 4.00pm

Homework Clubs Help finding books, using our Britannica and Reference collection, homework projects, with free print-outs / photocopies. Central Library: Every Thursday 3.30pm - 5.30pm Dowlais Library: Every Thursday 3.30pm - 5.30pm Treharris Library: Every Wednesday 3.30pm - 5.30pm

Enhancing lives through leisure and culture Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre

Aberfan & Merthyr Merthyr Tydfil Vale Community Leisure Centre Centre

Monday - Friday Monday - Friday 8.45am - 9.00pm 6.15am - 10.00pm Saturday Saturday 8.45am - 2.00pm 8.00am - 6.00pm (pool closes at 12.30pm) Sunday Sunday 8.00am - 8.00pm 8.45am - 1.00pm (pool closes at 12.30pm)

We have a brand new Activity Timetable and GPR Timetable for Merthyr Leisure Centre, and new Membership Packages available starting from £15.00! For details of all our services please visit our website www.merthyrleisure.co.uk Contact reception or pop in to see us for an informal chat!

Brand New Junior Timetable! For details of all junior classes held at our centres please contact us on 01685 727476.

Single sessions £2.30 (SB) Block Bookings £22.50 (BB) For more information please contact Lisa Jones on 01685 727452 / [email protected]

Monday 4.00pm - 5.00pm Soccer Skills 3 - 4years Main Hall (BB) 4.30pm - 5.30pm Netball 7 - 11 years Main Hall (BB) 5.00pm - 6.00pm Soccer Skills 5 - 6 years Main Hall (BB)

Tuesday 4.00pm - 5.00pm Football 7 - 11 years Main Hall (BB) 4.00pm - 5.00pm Netball 3 - 6 years Main Hall (SB)

Wednesday 4.00pm - 5.00pm Rugby Cubs 3 - 6 years Main Hall (BB)

Thursday 4.00pm - 5.00pm Athletics 5 - 11 years Main Hall (SB)

Friday 4.30pm - 6.30pm Dodge Ball 5 - 14 years Main Hall (SB) and Rounders Enhancing lives through leisure and culture Easter Football Camps 9.00am - 3.00pm At the Gol Centre, Merthyr Tydfil Week 1 - March 29, 30, & 31 Week 2 - April 5, 6, & 7 £6.00 per day (payments taken on the day) Ages 5 - 16 years Bring along a packed lunch or alternatively you can purchase lunch at the Leisure Centre Café. For further information please contact: Lisa jones on 01685 727452 / 07774807229 or email: [email protected]

April 9 7.00pm (doors open 6.30pm) Welsh Wrestling £10.00 adult / £8.00 child Tickets available from: Box Office 01685 727476 Tickets also available on the door

April 30 7.30pm (doors open 6.30pm) The Bright Lights of Broadway BB Productions & friends bring you our biggest and best show yet! Featuring songs from Broadway shows old and new, and raising money for this year’s Mayor’s Appeal Charities, Cancer Aid Merthyr Tydfil & Wales Air Ambulance. Tickets: Standard £10.00 / VIP £15.00 Tickets available from: Standard: Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre 01685 727476 VIP: Mayor’s Office 01685 725320

Children’s Parties at Merthyr Leisure Centre

Pool Parties available Sundays 1.00pm - 2.00pm, 2.15pm - 3.15pm and 3.30pm - 4.30pm. Bouncy castle parties available Saturdays 12.00pm - 2.00pm and 3.00pm - 5.00pm and on a Sunday 12.30pm - 2.30pm and then 3.30pm - 5.30pm, catering available, please contact reception on 01685 727476.

Children’s Parties at Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community Centre

Pool parties available Saturdays 1.15pm - 2.15pm and 2.30pm - 3.30pm Bouncy castle parties available Saturdays 12.00pm - 2.00pm and 2.30pm - 4.30pm Please contact reception on 01685 727362 Enhancing lives through leisure and culture Netball Tots Sessions Starting April 5 Netball sessions for 3 - 6 year olds. Tuesdays 4.00pm - 5.00pm £2.30per session

For further information please contact; Lisa Jones on 01685 727452 / 07774807229 Or email: [email protected]

Easter Fit Kids Sports Camp April 5, 6, 7 9.00am - 12.00pm Fun sport sessions for 3 - 4 year olds. Medals and certificates plus special awards of the day! £3.00 per session

For further information please contact; Lisa Jones on 01685 727452 / 07774807229 Or email: [email protected]

Here at Merthyr Tydfil Leisure we strive to provide our customers with the best facilities and service we can possibly offer!

Please tell us how we are doing by completing one of our online surveys. Alternatively ask for a survey at one of our Reception desks.

Don't forget to leave your email address if you'd like us to get back to you with our survey results!

You can keep up to date with all Merthyr Leisure events, activities and news by visiting:

www.merthyrleisure.co.uk Or liking us on Facebook: Merthyr Tydfil Leisure

Enhancing lives through leisure and culture Other Events in and around Merthyr

Merthyr Aloud World Music Choir The choir is for anyone who wants to sing! We sing a cappella songs from around the world as well as original songs. The choir aims to expand feelings of health, wellbeing and happiness. We perform at both high profile and community events and are always on the look out for new members. Ages range from 25 - 80. Rehearsals - Fridays 10.30am - 12.30pm (term time) Canolfan Soar

Merthyr Tydfil Indoor Bowls Club New to bowls or looking to improve your game? Fun and friendly coaching facilities are available for new bowlers, youths and charity groups within Merthyr Tydfil and its surrounding areas. This is a great sport for everyone and will assist in promoting a healthy lifestyle . Our facilities are first class, we serve refreshments and have a large bar and lounge area suitable for holding events. We promise a warm welcome to all. For further information contact Barrie Broad - 01685 383451 www.merthyrtydfilindoorbowlsclub.co.uk

Merthyr Scouts ! We have 4 groups based in Merthyr Tydfil. 2nd Merthyr, The Quar / 6th Merthyr, Troedyrhiw 5th Merthyr, Aberfan / 4th Merthyr, Treharris Spaces for boys and girls, ages 6 - 14 And adult volunteers! For further information on any of our groups please contact: 07920428836 or email merthyrscouts@btinternet,com

www.merthyrscouts.org.uk Enhancing lives through leisure and culture Merthyr Tydfil Shotokan Karate Academy Come along and try Shotokan Karate at Dowlais Community Centre. Established since 1981, you will have excellent tuition covering all aspects of traditional Shotokan Karate from our excellent trainers: Chief Instructor Martyn Humphreys and Assistant Instructor Aldo Speroni. We aim to promote Shotokan Karate, develop health and fitness, build self-esteem and self confidence, personal discipline and respect. Tuesdays & Thursdays Children 6.00pm - 7.30pm Adults 7.30pm - 9.00pm Contact Martyn on 07879685799

April 1 10.00am - 12.00pm Creative Craft Workshop Age 9 - 11? Enjoy music, dance, film or photography? Get involved in this creative event by enrolling today! Dowlais Community Centre For more information contact: 01685 375331 Or email: [email protected]

April 2 10.00am - 4.00pm Wildlife Scavenger Hunt Come and explore Parc Slip’s stunning Nature Reserve with our knowledgeable Wildlife Trust Officer who will take you on an incredibly wild adventure. Wind your way through some of Parc Slips magical pathways on this scavenger adventure to reveal wild items and complete your scavenger list! Suggested donation £3.00, booking required Contact: [email protected] Tel: 01656 724100

April 2 - 3 10.00am - 1.00pm An Adventure in Taste Come and join Bleddyn ap Thomas, the Cook, and Anne Gibbard, the Undercook, as they create 17th century food for your delectation. They will be firing up the 17th century oven and baking bread along with an abundance of other sweetmeats to delight and challenge your palate. Visitors are welcome to watch the preparations and taste a selection of food as they wander around the authentic manor house led by the costumed servants of Colonel Edward Prichard. Llancaiach Fawr Manor For further information contact: +44(0)1443 412248 Enhancing lives through leisure and culture April 3 1.30pm Open Day - Assault Course We are traialling an OPEN day for any amount of people on our brand new ASSAULT COURSE! If you’re interested in taking part please get in touch! No minimum amount of people required! 02920831658 £25.00 per person Taff Valley Quad Bike & Activity Centre,

April 4 7.00pm Merthyr Tydfil Historical Society presents a talk entitled: S.O. Davies the Miners’ Agent by Daryl Leeworthy Please note that meetings are held at Canolfan Soar Non members welcome (£2 per lecture). Free to paid up members

April 9 Bargoed Spring Fair The annual spring fair returns to provide fun for all the family, with a great selection of Easter themed activities including a treasure hunt and crafts. The event will also feature Punch & Judy shows, food and craft stalls and face painting, all creating an event that is set to put a spring in your step. For more information on the free event visit www.caerphilly.gov.uk/events or call the event hotline on 029 2088 0011.

April 9 - 10 Women—Get on your Bikes! BikePark Wales launches women’s weekend, an annual celebration of everything that is female and mountain biking. The weekend is jammed full of activities to get involved with including women’s specific coaching courses at special prices, a huge range of women’s specific clothing available to try and buy, women’s demo bikes, workshop master classes, suspension setup sessions and a talk and Q&A session with multiple world champion and all round amazing person Tracy Mosely. We’ve lined up an amazing group of brands who are bringing product for riders to try including Trek, Mojo/Fox suspension, Orange, Shimano, Enve, Fox clothing, TroyLee Designs, Endura, FiveTen, Maloja, Bell, Camelbak, Torq and Flare clothing. The weekend will be full of activities on both Saturday and Sunday and for just £10 visitors will get park entry, a single uplift run, access to all demo kit and master classes as well as a free tea and cake!

April 10 7.30pm Open Mic Night - Launch “Older Dragon’s and Dodos” Writing from Wales and Mauritius Imperial Hotel, Merthyr Tydfil

Enhancing lives through leisure and culture April 13 8.00pm An Evening with Lulu - The Coliseum Theatre , The incredible Lulu still has plenty to shout about and is back with another fantastic tour. The Grammy-nominated singer will be performing hits from her 50 year career, such as 'To Sir With Love', 'The Man Who Sold The World', 'Relight My Fire' and, of course, ‘Shout’. As well as performing songs from some of her musical heroes, such as soul legends, Ray Charles and Otis Redding, she will also be taking you on a musical journey recalling personal anecdotes, song writing experiences, and other entertaining stories. Tickets £35.00 For further information contact: 08000 147 111

April 14 10.00am - 11.30am Down to your Last Bean? A free 3 week course to help you manage your money better and learn to budget, save and spend well. Hope church, Merthyr Tydfil Call - 07773 947775

April 15 8.00pm - 9.30pm Bat Walk - Tondu, Join experts from The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales for an exciting guided walk around Parc Slip Nature Reserve at night, 8pm - 9pm. You will have the fantastic opportunity to help use specialist equipment to detect some of the reserve’s nocturnal residents and identify deferent species. Bring sturdy footwear and a torch for this night-time adventure after dark! Suggested donation of £2.00, booking required. Contact: [email protected] Tel: 01656 724100

April 15 7.30pm - 10.00pm Owen Money’s Juke Box Hero Tour For further information please contact; Theatr Soar, Canolfan Soar, Pontmorlais, Merthyr Tudful, CF47 8UB Phone: 01685 722176 e-mail: Tickets – [email protected]

April 20 7.00pm - 9.00pm Dic Penderyn Society Talk: Patagonia Talk given by Dr Bill Jones of University. Talk to be held at Canolfan Soar, Pontmorlais.

Enhancing lives through leisure and culture April 21 7.15pm - 8.45pm “William Abraham (Mabon)” - Cynon Valley History Society Talk Talk given by David Maddox. Where: Green Street Chapel, Aberdare

April 26 9.00am - 10.00am Moth Morning - Tondu, Bridgend Moths are very much an overlooked species that if you look twice are fascinating and a diverse part of our natural world. Join us to see which night-flying creatures Parc Slip is home to. Suggested donation £2.00 Tel: 01656 724100

April 28 7.00pm (doors 6.15pm) Merthyr Tydfil Street Pastors Presents: Con Voce / Eve Price (Harpist) / Paul Dugdale (Cellist) Fundraising Concert - All Proceeds go to Merthyr Tydfil Street Pastors Tickets: £5.00 For further information or to book tickets please contact: Sharon Thomas - 07795 323450 Or visit Grace Williams at St David’s Hall

April 30 5.00am Start Dawn Chorus Walk Wear suitable clothes, flat shoes and bring binoculars if you have some! Booking essential £7.50 per person. For further information please contact: (01443) 412248

April 30 - May 2 11.00am - 5.00pm Mixed Traction Weekend - Blaenavon Heritage Railway Something for everyone with a mix of diesel and steam over the weekend. Real Ale available on the train together with refreshments. For further information contact: +44(0)1495 992263

Enhancing lives through leisure and culture

Contact Details

Merthyr Tydfil Library Services 01685 353480 Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre 01685 727476 Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Community Centre 01685 727373 Redhouse 01685 384111 Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery 01685 727371

If you would like to advertise any forthcoming events, new facilities or services or would like to be added to the email delivery list please contact: [email protected]

EnhancingEnhancing liveslives throughthrough leisureleisure andand cultureculture