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FREE Sibrydion (Priceless) Cymunedol Feb–Mar 2019 Issue 62

Photo: Mark Kendall – photo of Betty Crowther in Ynys Maengwyn

Delivered free to homes in villages: Pick up a copy in: Arthog, Penmaenpool, Fairbourne, Friog, Llwyngwril, Barmouth, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Rhoslefain, Llanegryn, Llanelltyd, Bontddu, Corris, Tywyn, Pennal, Aberdyfi, Dinas Abergynolwyn, Taicynhaeaf. Mawddwy, Bala, Harlech, Dyffryn (Volunteers also deliver in: Dinas Mawddwy, Tywyn, Ardudwy, Llanbedr Dyffryn Ardudwy, Harlech, Bala, Brithdir, Talybont) Ready to get moving?

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‘A big thank you to you both from the bottom of my heart, I so appreciate your care, your professionalism, your support, your kindness, your dogged persistence….I could go on! Amazing’ Ann. Dec 18 ‘Thank you for all the help you have given us at this potentially traumatic time. When people say moving house is stress- ful, I will tell them to go to Welsh property Services. You two ladies have been wonderful, caring thoughtful and helpful’ Val. Dec 18 Please give Jo or Jules a call for a free no obligation valuation. We promise to live up to the testimonials above. 01654 710500

2 Sibrydion Sibrydion A life saver Cymunedol I wish a Happy New Year to all of our readers, advertisers and contributors. I hope that 2019 will bring all you hope for to you and yours. I will have the results of the Calendar photographic competition for the next issue. I had anticipated getting it all selected and ready before Christmas, but time was not on my side. It will be ready to start to sell when the Tourist Season kicks off, so please bear with me. Thank you so much to all the readers who so kindly entered their photos. I’m so grateful for your entries. I also realised (and was mortified) that I had missed out a very important group, who need support too, so I will add First Responders to the list of organisations to receive a share of the profits from the calendar. The First Responders are volunteers who try to cover the villages to be available in Debbie Ashton, the event of an emergency where someone has suffered a Heart attack or Editor Cardiac Arrest. They are alerted by the ambulance service after a 999 call, and can make the difference between someone living or dying. The number of volunteers is quite low. There was no one to send to an emergency, which Please note the occurred on New Year’s Eve in Llwyngwril. Luckily a neighbour was present submission and was able to give CPR, which saved a life. That neighbour did what a deadline for content First Responder is trained to do. So a big THANK YOU to Daniel Jones and his in your diary –and partner Sam Melia. supply in good time. Many thanks. If ANYONE feels they are able to volunteer to be a First Responder, it would be invaluable to your community, particularly in Llwyngwril, where we have just one. Please consider volunteering. You have full training and support. Please contact Alan Wilde, in Fairbourne on 01341 250012. Next issue

Debbie Ashton – 01341 250884 or [email protected] DEADLINE 10 March

Why should YOUR business be in Sibrydion? • Articles, • Advertising, • Events, • Competitions Local (which make great residents’ YOUR advertising too) homes and Sibrydion business Local Interest businesses Diddordebau Ileol Community News Cymunedol Newyddion Cymunedol Events Digwyddiadau

FREE Sibrydion (Priceless) Cymunedol Feb–Mar 2019 Issue 62 The vital link to your potential clients in Meirionnydd, south Snowdonia.

Advertising Rates (premium = pages 2-5, corresponding back pages & back cover) 1/8 page – £30 / £35 1/6 page – £36 / £45 Contact Debbie Ashton

1/4 page – £50 / £60 1/3 page – £65 / £80 01341 250884 Photo: XXXXXXXX Delivered free to homes in villages: Arthog, Penmaenpool, Fairbourne, Friog, Llwyngwril, Pick up a copy in: 1/2 page – £85 / £100 2/3 page – £130 / £150 [email protected] Rhoslefain, Llanegryn, Llanelltyd, Bontddu, Corris, Barmouth, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Abergynolwyn, Taicynhaeaf. Tywyn, Pennal, Aberdyfi, Dinas

(Volunteers also deliver in: Dinas Mawddwy, Tywyn, Mawddwy, Bala, Harlech, Dyffryn Full page – £150 / £185 Back page – £250 Dyffryn Ardudwy, Harlech, Bala, Brithdir, Talybont) Ardudwy, Llanbedr

Sibrydion 3 Join us, Singing into Spring! your first session is Come and sing with friendly local singing FREE groups, your first session is FREE ! in Dolgellau in Barmouth in Llanbedr with Swnion, Saturday with Singin’ Wimmin in with Cambrian Coast Singing Workshops every Parlwr Mawr at The Dragon Community Choir in the month with guest teachers. Theatre on Thursdays in newly refurbished Village Details: Hazel 01341 280329 term time at 7.30pm. Hall, every Monday in [email protected] Details from Ann 01341 247382. term time at 7.30pm. [email protected] Details from Ann 01341 247382. in Llwyngwril [email protected] with Singwril on 2nd and 4th Mondays of every month in Criccieth from 7-9pm at Y Ganolfan. with Lleisiau’r Byd / £3/session, including tea World Voices in the and cake! More details from Jerusalem Hall Vestry on [email protected], Wednesdays at 7.30pm. 07815574477 and ‘Singwril’ Details from David 07840 957853. on Facebook. [email protected]

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4 Sibrydion Exciting times for education in Bala Important steps have been taken as part of the £10.27 million community school scheme in Bala. Bethan Emyr Jones has been appointed as the Councillor Gareth Thomas, Gwynedd Council’s strategic head of the 3-18 year old school by the Cabinet Member for Education added: “The Bala Shadow Governing Body of the new school, having area has waited for some time for this significant started her new post in January this year. The scheme and the major investment of over £10 school bringing together primary and secondary million into children’s education in the area. This school pupils in the town of Bala, which will open to will greatly improve the learning environment for pupils in September 2019. the children of the area with additional resources and facilities ensuring that pupils are taught Mrs Jones was previously Head of the Cysgod y on a modern site that offers a suitable learning Foel Federation, which includes Ysgol Ffridd y Llyn environment for the 21st century. and Ysgol Bro Tryweryn in the Penllyn area. During her first months in post, her work will focus on “I’m very pleased that Bethan Emyr Jones has been appointing staff for the new school. appointed as the school’s headteacher. Bethan has years of experience as a headtaecher in the Bethan Emyr Jones said: “It’s an exciting period, Penllyn area and she has also worked as adviser and I’m delighted to have been appointed as the with the GwE education consortium, sharing her school’s headteacher. During the first few months, expertise with staff across the region. I’m sure that the focus will be on interviewing and appointing this background will stand her in good stead as staff for September 2019. I look forward to she leads the development of the new community developing a new school and providing education school that will officially open to the area’s pupils in of the highest standard to the area’s pupils. September.” “I want to create a school that puts children first, The school’s Shadow Governing Body has also that respects and extends all individuals to their recently chosen a name for the school. This follows full potential, a school where pupils enjoy learning. the process of inviting proposals from the schools This in turn will help to develop young people who in the catchment area, and after consideration, the have principles; that are enterprising and ambitious Shadow Governing Body decided that the name of and always give their best. the school will be Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn. “As a community school, our intention is to ensure Gwion Lynch, Chair of the School’s Shadow Governing that the building offers something for everyone. Board said: “I would like to congratulate Bethan Emyr In fact, in the new year the school hall will be used on her appointment as head of Ysgol Godre’r Berwyn as a cinema, and we hope this will ensure that the and I look forward to working with her. area’s residents will see the school as an important resource for the whole community.” Sibrydion 5 This is not another breast cancer survival story…

But it is a story of the amazing organisation that helped me to survive having cancer. Debbie Ashton (who we all know and love and has been a great support over the last few years) has was saying Pen Y Bron – bron being the Welsh been nagging me to tell this story so more people word for breast). I got online and looked through in North Wales can learn about and hopefully their website. I then rang them and it was like access this organisation, so here goes… being warmly embraced. The woman I spoke to In February 2016 I received a letter, inviting me to was so nice and calming, so very different from my come for a routine breast screen (mammogram). interactions with the NHS services. She suggested My partner and a friend both nagged me to go. I I come for a retreat and said there was a waiting argued, saying I would never get breast cancer list. I thought ‘here we go’ – this will take months. but went in the end just to shut them up. A couple But then she said she could book me onto the of weeks later I received a letter saying they Living Well retreat in two weeks. had found something and they had made me an Penny Brohn UK offer many different retreats but appointment in Llandudno. The appointment was require people to do two retreats first – Living the day prior to receiving the letter. This was the Well and The Approach. The Living Well retreat start of the nightmare. Not only having breast introduces the Bristol Whole Life Approach and their cancer, or having to drive round trips of around philosophy and how it can help the participant live 100 miles (in the end I travelled a total of over as well as possible, for as long as possible, with the 5000 miles for treatment), or being told I had the impacts of cancer. Through a series of workshops cancer on my birthday (and knowing my late father on the first retreat we learnt about the philosophy of was diagnosed with cancer at the same age), or Penny Brohn and they taught techniques on how to losing control of my life and my body, or having to handle the stress we were all living under. learn a new medical system or my partner being in Australia, but letters arriving after appointments or never arriving, files going missing, dealing with staff who have been taught to say no and many other administrative mistakes. When I finally got the all clear I felt I had almost been driven to madness as everything that could go wrong did. For the next year I tried to move on, but I was exhausted all the time, barely coping with getting through each day. I began to question my sanity and couldn’t figure out how to get myself back on track. Eventually a friend suggested I contact Penny Brohn UK in Bristol (though at first, I thought she 6 Sibrydion Penny Brohn UK Retreat, near Bristol

to understand a bit of what my partner was going through. Although it was enough to just to have to think about myself there was the realisation that this was also hard on my partner. The next retreat was the Approach course which helps to deepen and personalise the information from the Living Well course. I spent time learning their self-help techniques and discovering how they could work for me.

“I also found it helpful for me to learn how my body reacted to an Each retreat lasts for two days. The accommodation emotion and then how to deal is hotel style rooms with king size beds, ensuites with that reaction” (with toiletries supplied by a local company), and a CD player (there is a library on site to borrow CDs and books from). In one of the sessions I talked about how I couldn’t seem to move on and the leader suggested I do The meals are amazing and are based on the latest some counselling. Next thing I knew I had been cancer research into healthy eating. The building signed up for six sessions of over the phone is set in beautiful grounds to wander around in and counselling (they offer this service for people there is a small gym for the fitness fanatics. You who don’t live near the centre). I was assigned can bring your partner or friend (the friend will be a wonderful counsellor who continued the given their own room so you don’t have to share). philosophies of the centre. I also found talking over I didn’t bring anyone, but it was interesting to see the phone very liberating. Not seeing the person how the workshops helped him or her and also and their reaction to what I was saying meant I felt to hear their side of the story, which helped me really free to say anything. She also continually 

Sibrydion 7  asked me to describe my body reactions to for just coping with every-day situations and whatever emotion I was feeling (this was to help as I am coming up to the one-year anniversary her), but I also found it helpful for me to learn how of my second all clear I continue to use them in my body reacted to an emotion and then how to all aspects of my life. I also went back and did deal with that reaction. On the Approach course more retreats whilst going through the second I also had two one-to-one sessions with a Doctor cancer. The two I chose to do were ‘Nurturing and with a Nutritional Therapist, providing the Resources’, which explored how nature, journaling, opportunity to ask questions related to my personal creativity and meditation can nurture your situation. If I had wanted I could have had six personal resources and ‘Stillness and Relaxation’ sessions over the phone with a nutritionist. to help discover your own paths to peace and stillness. Both retreats included a one on one session of reflexology or healing. I tried both and after each session slept really well (one of the big “…how much did all this cost? problems of going through all this is I stopped That was the amazing thing sleeping – I now know what 3am really looks like and how engrossing Facebook can be at that hour of all this – there is no cost. – loads of Americans online!) There were other Penny Brohn is a National retreats I could have done: – nutrition, creative etc. Also other resources I could have utilised. charity, funded by public However, with the counselling over, I realised at donations” the last retreat I was okay. I no longer felt like I was going crazy and I was ready to move on with my life. A year on I am sane (well, as sane as I can In October 2017, I was diagnosed with breast be), strong, both mentally and physically and most cancer in the other breast. Seventeen months importantly happy. I totally credit Penny Brohn after the first operation I was back on the cancer with saving my sanity and teaching me how to look nightmare treadmill. This time it was more serious after myself so I could cope. and at one stage the surgeon said I might be dead So, you might be wondering – how much did all by Christmas 2018. Scary stuff – really did my this cost? That was the amazing thing of all this – head in! When I was given the diagnosis, I was there is no cost. Penny Brohn is a National charity, still doing counselling with Penny Brohn. Clare, funded by public donations, which enable them to (my counsellor) immediately said she would see provide free, integrative care, before, during and if I could receive more sessions. In the end I had after treatment. Even now or in ten years I could go about three months of counselling. Without it I back and use their resources. I highly recommend think I would be certifiably mad by now. She kept it to anyone who is going through cancer or who giving me coping strategies for each situation has had cancer and finds, like me, that they can’t that arose. I find these strategies great now, seem to move on.

By Veronica Calarco, founder of Stiwdio Maelor, in Corris. www.stiwdiomaelor.com/ ; www.veronicacalarco.wordpress.com/ You can find out more about Penny Brohn UK at www.pennybrohn.org.uk or call 0303 3000 118 and press 1 or email [email protected] I will also be doing a fundraising for my birthday in April for Penny Brohn on Facebook, so if you are a FB friend please support me in this.

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Sibrydion 9 Local Interest Tywyn Diddordebau Ileol

Regular activities at Neuadd Pendre, Tywyn  The Old Territorial Army Drill Hall, Brook Street, Tywyn. email: [email protected]

Neuadd Pendre Social Centre is the ideal venue for meetings of groups. Rooms of various sizes are available for hire by the hour or day, or any mix of rooms can be hired for functions, events or celebrations. Fully modernised kitchen facilities of a commercial standard are available for events requiring catering and the licensed bar is also available on request, operated by the Neuadd Pendre Committee.

Kid’s ballet classes – Mondays, from 4.00-4:45pm (ballet infants), 5.00-5:45pm (ballet juniors) Contact Sarah Verity Gibbons. Adult Dance Fitness – Mondays 6-7pm and Wednesdays 7:30-8:30pm Contact Sarah Verity Gibbons. Kid’s Street Dance Classes – Wednesday’s. Contact Sarah Verity Gibbons. 4-4:45 (street infants) / 5-5:45 (street juniors) / 6-6:45 (street seniors) Bingo – 1st, 2nd & 3rd Monday in month. 7.30–9.15pm. Contact. 01654 710694 or 01654 711839 Freewheelers Social Club – Every Tuesday 2.00–4.00pm. Various activities. Contact 01654 711839 Table Top Games for Ladies – Every Thursday 2-5pm Contact: 01654 711477 (Mrs Sheila Webster) Tywyn Stompers – Line dancing. Friday. 7.30–9.30pm. Contact 07795415455 Whist Drive – 3rd Friday in the month. Doors open 6.30pm for a prompt start a 7pm. Contact: 07795 415455 (Mary Page)

HALF TERM STEAMrd March 2019 LOCAL RESIDENT’S th February to Sunday 3 Saturday 16 DISCOUNT WEEKENDrd March 2019 nd & Sunday 3 Saturday 2 Happy Holidays! All aboard for a steam train ride through beautiful £1 ONLY Southern Snowdonia to travel on the Talyllyn Railway Download the NEW when you show your Talyllyn Railway App and take the Treasure Hunt Local Resident’s Discount Card! challenge as you dep 10.50 12.15 2.20 travel along the line Tywyn Wharf dep 11.02 12.27 2.32 Rhydyronen 11.22 12.49 2.52 Buy a Day Rover dep Dolgoch arr 11.37 1.04 3.07 EXTRA ticket to make the Abergynolwyn SAVE MONEY all year round dep 12.10 1.40 3.40 Postcodes most of your day out Pop into Tywyn Wharf Gift Shop to apply for your Abergynolwyn dep 12.25 1.55 3.55 Added and break for a walk in Dolgoch dep 12.41 2.11 4.11 FREE Local Resident’s Discount Card for LL35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 and SY20 postcode areas the fresh air. The new Rhydyronen arr 12.57 2.32 4.27 Tywyn Wharf App has a selection of 10% OFF Gifts in the Railway Shop walks to choose from Please note the line beyond Abergynolwyn is closed for engineering work during this period. 10% OFF Food & Hot Drinks Cafés, Railway Shop in King’s Café and Quarryman’s Caban and Museum are all OPEN 20% OFF Travel on timetabled trains

01654 710472 01654 710472 www.talyllyn.co.uk | [email protected] www.talyllyn.co.uk | [email protected] Gorsaf Wharf Station, Tywyn LL36 9EY Gorsaf Wharf Station, Tywyn LL36 9EY Photography ©Barbara Fuller Photo credits ©Darren Turner

10 Sibrydion OUR SCREENINGS FOR FEBRUARY AND MARCH The Favourite (15) Mary Queen of Scots (15) The best of WOFFF Welcome to Marwen (12A) short film festival Stan and Ollie (PG) … and there will be more! Shoplifters (15) (with Japanese food on Fri 8th) Green Book (12A) National Theatre Live: Colette (15) Bohemian Rhapsody - Friday 14th May (with Valentines cheese and wine) The Sing-Along! (12A) ALL MY SONS Tuesday 27th June She Shears (TBC) Maiden (TBC) SMALL ISLAND How to Train Your Dragon: (with satellite Q&A with the crew) The Hidden World (PG) On the Basis of Sex (12A) Exhibition On Screen: Free Solo (12A) Sunday 3rd March (so good we’re screening it twice!) Destroyer (15) THE YOUNG PICASSO Details and showtimes are on the website and in our programme www.tywyncinema.co.uk Telephone: 01654 710260

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Sibrydion 11 Debt Hangover from Christmas?

That debt hangover from Christmas could turn into a nightmare if you ignore it. So here are a few tips from Gwynedd Citizens Why not make a resolution Advice for dealing with your debt hangover. to stay on top of your finances this year? If you have over-spent at Christmas:  Don’t panic and don’t bury you head in the sand.  Use standing orders and direct debits to meet regular outgoings such as rent/mortgage,  Avoid borrowing further to try and pay off utility bills, council tax etc. existing debt – this is likely to lead to more problems in the long run.  If you can pay for goods outright, don’t be persuaded to take out credit unless it really  Talk to your creditors - don’t just stop payments does work out cheaper or better meets your without explaining why. They can sometimes be budgeting plans. more understanding than you’d expect.  Try to save something every month, especially  Sit down and work out how much you owe and for planned spending like holidays and how much you need to pay your priority debts, Christmas. like mortgage, rent, gas and electricity bills, council tax. Don’t fall into the trap of paying  Set up a standing order to a savings account. whoever shouts loudest first. You will be surprised how quickly you will forget you are saving!  Make sure you pay the priority debts first every month and then work out how much you need for food, travel to work and other everyday expenses. The following website/link may help with working  Once you’ve done all of that, you can start to out your budget. work out what you can afford to pay each month www.citizensadvice.org.uk/wales/debt-and-money/ to non-priority creditors like credit cards, store budgeting/budgeting/work-out-your-budget/ cards etc. Dealing with debt can be complicated and  If what you have left doesn’t cover what your distressing. if you do run into debt problems, don’t non-priority creditors are asking for each month, ignore them and hope they’ll go away - they won’t. speak to them and come to an arrangement Get advice as early as possible. about how much you can afford to pay them.  Only offer to pay off debts at a rate you can keep up – it is easy to be panicked into offering more Get more help than you can afford. You can get free, confidential, independent and  Think twice before paying for debt advice – impartial advice from your local Citizens Advice. Citizens Advice is the largest free independent Citizens Advice Gwynedd can be contacted on money advice-giving organisation in the country, 0345 450 3064 Monday – Friday. 10am – 3pm. so we’re used to dealing with creditors on your There is also advice online at: behalf! www.adviceguide.org.uk.

12 Sibrydion Lorem ipsum

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Sibrydion 13 Local Interest Corris / Aberllefenni / Ceinws Diddordebau Ileol

Regular activities at Institiwt Corris

 Corris Institute has a flexible large main hall that is ideal as a meeting/conference or event space, with garden space for breakout if required. There is a catering kitchen as part of the community café – making the venue ideal for self-catered functions. Upstairs there are smaller meeting rooms and office space for rent, with fibre broadband access. Bookings or enquiries: Elaine, 01654 761346 or email [email protected] www.institiwtcorris.org.uk

Post Office – Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 9.00–11.30am. Free cash withdrawals, cash & cheque deposits for highstreet banks, travel money, Royal Mail and Parcelforce, Post Office Financial Services, Phone and Broadband. Saturday Papers 9.45–11.30am. Community Café – Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday 10.00am – 1.00pm. Run by volunteers for the local community to get together and enjoy refreshments and a chat. All welcome. After School Club – Organised child care and activities during term-time 3.30–6.00pm. Booking advised, contact Wendy 07398 494372. Baby Walking Goup – Fridays. Meet at 9.30 in term time, 10.00am during holidays. Join us for leisurely local walks with toddlers, pushchairs or balance bikes in tow. ClŴb y Den – Social group for over 50’s – 2-4pm 2nd monday of the month.

Progress on the Corris Railway The Corris Railway completed its 2018 operating As part of the improvements to the Museum at Corris season with its best ever Santa Trains operation, in station new display cabinets are being constructed terms of numbers of passengers carried. Over the by a volunteer and as regards the building of the two days of 8/9th December, 308 visitors enjoyed new Corris station it is hoped that the existing wall their train journey along the Dulas Valley and visit between the station and adjacent footpath will to Santa in the carriage shed grotto at Maespoeth be removed in the spring and replaced by fencing. Junction. Unfortunately the Corris’ steam Stone from the wall will be used elsewhere on the locomotive number 7 failed with a valve gear problem Railway. The new point required for the new track on the Saturday and its place was taken by diesel layout at the station will be ordered and designs are number 11. being considered for the traverser which will allow locomotives to run round their trains after arrival at Progress on the CR’s new steam locomotive, “Falcon” Corris. number 10, continues at the workshops of Alan Keef Ltd at Hay-on-Wye. Following the plan to employ On the carriage building front, interior fitting out the remaining original cab components from Corris of number 23 continues with progress on vestibule number 3 as patterns for the construction of the panels and seating plus the fitting of the wheelchair cab for the new engine. This process was indirectly access door. Four bogies, two for 23 and the other taken forward with the delivery of driving wheel axle pair for clerestory number 24, whose internal box springs to Keef’s, as once these are fitted, final skeleton is nearly complete, are being worked on. calculations as to the height of the cab can be made. Covered accommodation for the Railway’s waggons, More standing payment orders to help progress with including those used for the demonstration gravity number 10 have been taken out (details regarding train, runs on the first Sundays of each month and standing orders can be obtained from Peter Guest during Gala events, is in hand at Maespoeth Junction. [email protected] ) The 2019 Corris operating season begins at Easter.

14 Sibrydion Holiday Cottages & Camping Bwlch Gwyn Farm, Fairbourne LL39 1BX 01341 250 107 [email protected] www.bwlchgwynfarm.co.uk

Horse Riding Lessons Pony Trekking For complete beginners and experienced Estuary/Beach rides suitable for riders from 4 years upwards. Private lessons, complete beginners or experienced flatwork, jumping, stable management etc. riders. Private rides, or up to the with qualified BHS instructor. beautiful Cregannan Lakes. Fully licensed and insured, hats provided.

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Sibrydion 15 Local Interest Llanegryn / Bryncrug / Diddordebau Ileol Abergynolwyn

Regular activities at Neuadd Llanegryn  Bookings or enquiries / Pwyllgor Neuadd Egryn: Holly Griffiths 01654 710793. Cymdeithas Egryn Avril 01654711232. Cyngor Cymuned Llanegryn Llywela 01654710613. Table Tennis – Mondays 7.30pm onwards in the Main Hall. Players at all levels welcome. Pwyllgor Neuadd Egryn Committee – 1st Monday at 7.30pm Cymdeithas Egryn – [In Welsh, learners welcome] 3rd Monday at 7.30pm Cyngor Cymuned Llanegryn Community Council – 4th Monday at 7.30pm Walking Club – Tuesday evenings May – Sept. Join us for a leisurely walk exploring local paths. Meet at 6.50pm outside the Neuadd. Coffee and Chat – Thursday mornings 10.30–11.45am. Drop in for friendly informal chat over coffee and biscuits. All welcome. Make and Mend – Thursdays 10am–1pm and 6–9pm in SHED EGRYN our community workshop. We will try and help YOU repair broken items, or make something from scratch. Or just call by to see what we are about over a coffee.

Regular activities at Y Ganolfan Bryncrug Community Hall  The Ganolfan has a Hall with a stage and a sizeable kitchen to accommodate large functions and also a Meeting Room which seats up to 50 people and has access to a small kitchen. We would like the Community to get together and organise activities during the day or any of the free evenings. Bookings or enquiries: Graham, 01654 782 258 Youth Club – Mondays 7–9 pm (Youth Leader Michelle Bain) Young Farmers – Thursdays 7.30–9.30pm, Daf Jones or Catrin Lisa Davies, 01654 711813 / 07856 650099 Dysynni Ladies – 2nd Wednesday of every month 7.30pm Merched y Wawr – Last Friday of every month 7.30pm Bryncrug Community Council – meet 3rd monday of every month. Coffee morning – 3rd Tuesday of every month 10.30am–12 noon

Regular activities at Y Ganolfan, Abergynolwyn

 You can hire our lovely village hall very affordably, for your own events or functions: – Main Hall £12/hr, Meeting Room £8/hr, Kitchen £3/hr. Enquiries 01654 782644

Pilates classes with a qualified instructor. Monday afternoons, 2-3pm, just £5 each week. All abilities welcome including beginners. Please bring cushion and mat/blanket. Caffi’r Ceunant – The Café – Wednesday to Sunday, 9.30am to 3.30pm. Tel 01654 782372 Aber Friends – 2nd Tuesday of every month at 2.00pm. Tel 01654 782767 Band Practice – Every Monday, at 6.30pm to learn and at 7.30pm to play. Tel 01654 782622 Knit & Natter Group – Every Wednesday Oct–Apr 2.00-4.00pm, admission £2. Tel 01654 782671 Line Dancing – Every Wednesday at 7.30pm, admission £2.50. Tel 01654 782331

16 Sibrydion Shed Egryn A workspace for the community

Back in the summer of 2017, a patch of ground at the back of Neuadd Egryn, in activities has Llanegryn, began to be transformed into been the Bocs Cân Idris, a brand new community space for people a type of homemade in the area, with funding from a range of dulcimer, led by local north Wales community grants, businesses instrument maker, Robin Clark. This and donations from local people. project resulted in the formation of a ‘dulcimer Over several months, in sunshine, rain, wind orchestra’, which performed, to great acclaim, at a and snow, and under the watchful eye of project community meal in the Neuadd and at a New Year manager, Robin White, more than forty local party in Llanegryn. people of all ages worked together, often with folks Regular shed activities such as the weekly Make they had never met before, to build Shed Egryn. and Mend sessions on Thursday morning from Everyone involved shared ideas, learned new skills 10-1 and Thursday evening from 6-9 continue to and enjoyed the companionship. A video by Liz provide opportunities for an increasing number Hutchinson of Hutchfolk Media, telling the story of of people to make use of the facilities and draw the whole process, can be viewed here: on the supervisors’ expertise to repair furniture, www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fLEv82mWY4. kitchen and household goods and make things like On Saturday 9th June 2018, over a hundred shelves, planters and bird boxes. Sadly, they were people gathered for the official opening by Dwyfor unsuccessful in trying to mend a dancing skeleton Meirionnydd MP, Liz Saville-Roberts, and local brought along by one local resident. girl Fern Griffiths. Liz spoke about the value of In 2019, we expect more people to get involved community in supporting one another to dispel and more activities to be run, so come along on loneliness and applauded those involved for taking a Thursday and see what it’s all about. People steps to provide such a great facility. in the Dysynni Valley area and the surrounding Working cooperatively in hands-on, practical tasks villages are welcome to join and make use of Shed is good for both physical and mental health. In a Egryn. Membership only costs £1 a month (annual number of countries, Men’s Sheds and Community subscription of £12) and most guided activities only Sheds have been especially helpful for older, retired cost £2 or £3 a session to cover costs. For further men and women and those who live alone, giving information check the Neuadd Egryn Facebook page them opportunities to meet others and to focus https://en-gb.facebook.com/neuaddegryn/ or the their attention on something productive whilst Shed Egryn webpage www.shedegryn.co.uk chatting about issues in their lives. Shed Egryn was designed and built collaboratively for the people of south Meirionnydd to use for their benefit and it has been a busy first six months. Since the opening, old and young have come to socialise and work informally on individual and collective projects, with advice and supervision from those with greater knowledge and experience. The Shed has hosted activities as diverse as wool- spinning, rag-rugging, card-making, spoon-carving and wreath-making. One of the most popular

Sibrydion 17 Local Interest Aberdyfi / Pennal Diddordebau Ileol

Regular activities at Neuadd Dyfi, Aberdyfi  If any other activities take place, please let me know the activity, the day, the time and a contact number and I will gladly include them in this list. We have only included the activities that we have. Bookings or enquiries: (01654) 767225 [email protected] www.neuadddyfi.org Mondays 1.30–2pm Move to the Groove. 2-3pm TAI CHI Sandy Andrews 07790 045445 Tuesdays 6.30pm – The Really Big Glee Club – [email protected] 1st and 3rd Tuesdays 10am–3pm – Aberdyfi Art Society. Guest tutors. Chairman is Debbie Townsend Wednesdays 2.15pm WI (Last Wednesday in the month) For information on WI Activities contact: Elaine Foote 01654 767986 – [email protected] Fridays 2–3pm Move to the Groove. Sandy Andrews 07790 045445

Regular activities at Canolfan Pennal P.O & Café - Tuesday morning 11.00am–12.30pm Post Office - Wednesday 8.30–10.00am Knit & Natter - 1st Monday of every month 7–8pm (unless a Bank Holiday, then a week later) Tuesday Club - 2nd Tuesday of every month 2.30–4.30pm Yoga - Every Wednesday evening 6.30pm Whist Drive - 1st Thursday of every month 7.30pm Merched y Wawr - 3rd Thursday of every month 7.00pm

Barmouth U3A New members always welcome, a good place to start See our website for details of is at the monthly meeting, which is held on the second all our activities: Wednesday of the month: The Arts Room, The Dragon Theatre, Barmouth – starting at 1.30pm www.barmouthu3a.org.uk

The Art of Massage Sandra Padbury

Mobile Massage Therapist and Indian Head Massage specialist

email: [email protected] I also give talks and group sessions – Tel: 01650 531839 WI, Garden Clubs, Pamper Parties, Hen Nights etc.

18 Sibrydion TYMOR/SEASON 2019 DYDD GWENER AM 7.30yh / FRIDAYS AT 7.30pm – Tansgrifiad llawn COLEG MEIRION-DWYFOR Full subscription £40.00 1 Chwefror/February 2019 Tocynnau wrth y drws MARY HOFMAN (violin), RICHARD ORMROD (piano) Tickets at the door (As part of the project ‘Beethoven in Wales’) £10.00 Plant am ddim 22 Chwefror/February 2019 Children free PIATTI STRING QUARTET Am fanylion pellach For more details 29 Mawrth/March 2019 Anne Anslow LAEFER SAXOPHONE QUARTET 01341 388329.

If you save any of these, you can either get them Recycling to Craig in Dolgellau, or drop them at Bod Idris, Llwyngwril (on corner by car ark opposite the Blue Chapel, Salem. There will also be a bin outside News Riverside Stores for items to be placed. As well as the recyclables you put into your blue Please ensure that everything is clean and dry. boxes for collection each week, there are a number of additional items you can save, to stay out of Craig sends the items to Terracycle where he landfill, and also help to raise funds for charities, collects points that are turned into money for which are collected and sent off, by Craig Dobbins his charities. Terracycle also recycles the items (eco warrior!) in Dolgellau. Craig sends and turns them into things like park benches paving slabs and watering cans. Craig He now recycles: gives the money to these charities: Barmouth food • All brands of crisp • McVitie’s nibbles packs bank / Barmouth Elim Church / Barmouth Oasis packets • Cracker wrappers Community Group / Y Not Drop-In Center / Dogs • Batteries • Go ahead wrappers Trust / Gwynedd Hospice At Home / Hwyyl Nadolig. • Inkjet cartridges, • Biscuit wrappers Alternatively, ‘Mind’ Aberystwyth are now a • Postage Stamps (used) • All brands of cake bar collection point for the TerraCycle programme. • Pet food pouches and wrappers Any of the following can be brought to our offices:- flexible plastic bags/ • Toothpaste tubes pet treats and caps/Any brand Crisp packets / Pringles tins / Toothbrushes, • Trigger spray tops of toothbrush outer toothbrush heads, toothpaste tubes, outer • Garnier shampoo packaging and packaging / Any beauty product packaging / • Old spectacles toothbrushes Pet food pouches and flexible plastic bags / • washing up liquid • Any brand of electric Biscuit (non savoury) and cake packets/wrappers bottle tops toothbrush heads Please ensure that everything is clean and dry. • old mobile phones • Pringles tubes and As an added bonus, Mind will earn TerraCyle • marker pens/ plastic lid and seal points for each shipment of waste, which can be highlighter pens/ redeemed for charitable gifts. felt tip pens

Sibrydion 19 Local Interest Fairbourne & Friog Diddordebau Ileol

Regular activities at Fairbourne & Friog Village Hall

 The recently refurbished Village Hall offers includes a state of the art kitchen to enable hirers of the Hall to plan party and catering events operating with the most modern equipment and surroundings. Find us at: Beach Road, Fairbourne, Gwynedd We welcome your ideas and suggestions for future activities – please get in touch with Mike Murray, booking agent: 01341 250518

MONDAY Tai Chi 11.00– 12 noon Art Club 1.30–4.30pm TUESDAY Gardening Club 10.00– 12 noon (last Tuesday of the month only). Stretch & Tone 10-11am Using simple Yoga & Pilates exercises. £5. Niki Rees 07884554250 facebook.Mawddach Yoga Keep Agile 1.30–3.00pm. Suitable for all ages The Ark 4.00–6.00pm – St Cynon’s children & youth club WEDNESDAY Table Tennis 10.30– 12 noon. Call 01341 251007 Bingo 10.30–12 noon (last Weds of the month only). Parents & Toddlers 1.00–3.00pm (2nd and 4th Wednesdays) FFLAG 1.00–3.00pm (2nd Weds of the month only) Fairbourne & Friog Ladies Afternoon Group - all welcome THURSDAY Badminton 9.30–12 noon Family History 3.00–5.00pm Indoor Bowls 7.00–10.00pm FRIDAY Quiz Night 7.00–10.00pm (last Friday of every month) Special Events Food Bank – Collection Point in Lobby Book Sales in the Lobby

Our first priority after the handover will be to Fairbourne Amenities engage an architect to draw up plans for a disabled toilet at the Station Road toilets and to price up Trust Update the installation of the unit. There is presently a disabled toilet at the Penrhyn Drive South toilets The twelve month ‘Probationary’ period under and that is available to use 365 days of the year to which Gwynedd Council have been monitoring those persons who have a RADAR key even if the our running of the two public toilets in Fairbourne other toilets are closed during the Winter. If any is due to run out in mid February. Negotiations person has a problem with this toilet, please report have been going on for some time regarding the it to 07760 103308. transferring the assets over to the Trust subject to the surveys being done on both buildings. A further update on the Trust activities will be given A solicitor has been engaged to scrutinise the in the next issue of the Sibrydion. The Trust would ‘Leases’ to ensure everything is correct for wish to thank all those people who have kindly our leasing each building on a 99yr lease for a donated to the toilet funds by way of the donation ‘peppercorn’ rent. boxes etc. and hope you will continue to do so. M Scott - Chairman 20 Sibrydion Progess on Fairbourne/ Friog beach

A considerable amount of work is being undertaken the ramp. He states that there are no funds within to protect against further erosion of the beach at the Gwynedd Council budget to finance such a Friog Corner. You may remember that the storms in scheme, which he estimates is likely 2013/4 damaged a small section of the concrete sea to cost around £50K. His intention defence wall with under scouring on the landward is to discuss with colleagues in the side. A breach of the wall defences would expose Gwynedd Consultancy Unit over Fairbourne to the risk of flooding. Following the the next few months what may or storms emergency works were undertaken and might not be possible and seek rocks were deposited at Friog corner just under costs on a design and estimated the old ‘beach summer houses’ to stop a breach construction costs. He further of the defences. Since then, the beach has eroded emphasises that this scheme further and the shingle has receded and become is not within their schedule of increasingly steep causing the ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ to planned works and can give no topple over. guarantee that a ramp will be provided. Natural Resources Wales have undertaken a detailed assessment of the beach and have come Residents may also know that up with a scheme to reinforce the defences and the Fairbourne Amenities protect Fairbourne from sea flooding for at least Group is looking at ways the next 40 years. that a ramp, probable nearer the end of Beach The work, which is well under way, involves the Road, might be construction of a rock revetment along the line constructed of the existing sea defences using larger stones. to provide The new rock defences will stretch about 260 access to meters along the beach from Friog corner and be the beach. between 10 meters and 20 meters wide. The toe The present of the revetment will be below Mean High Water thinking is that Spring. The work is likely to continue till March this this would be a wooden year. The contractors have already removed the construction. The group pile of concrete from the old sea access ramp. is considering ways to The ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ which are protected by raise funds to finance CADW will be reinstated, some of them a little this project. further up the beach behind the new sea defences. Roger Duke Many residents are unhappy that there is no longer an easy access to the beach below the pebbles following the removal of the ramp. South Meirionnydd Branch Labour Party have, on behalf of the community, written to Gwynedd Council about this issue. The reply from the Maritime & Country Parks Officer confirms that the current sea defence work does not include restoration of

Sibrydion 21 Celebrating 10 Years in Business at Indiana! By Debbie Ashton

Raj and Noorie continue to run and develop their excellent restaurant with the same Over the 10 years, Indiana has built up a clientele passion as when they started it. who are regulars – largely locals, but also those They consistently listen to feedback from diners travelling from as far as Welshpool or Newtown, and the local community, which has helped them and many who travel from around the Cambrian to ‘tweak’ their business to match people’s needs Coast, often by train, so the times can always be and expectations (when reasonable!). Each year accommodated. Holidaymakers are the icing on they have developed and added to their restaurant the cake when they are here. and the service within; changes which have taken Fairbourne is on the map as a destination, as them from strength to strength. much for Indiana Cuisine, as it is for the Fairbourne Both Raj and Noorie take great pride in their fresh, Railway, the Fairbourne Golf Club, the stunning unique and authentic dishes, as well as the dining scenery and being part of the Wales Coastal Path. experience. The waiting staff are trained to serve The couple feel very much a part of the local with care and respectful precision, to each and community, which is committed to being there for every diner. Next time you go in, just watch how each other. this is done, it is impressive! Equally impressively, Sibrydion is the only The success of their reputation has been that place they have advertised over the last 8 years, neither Raj nor Noorie ever take a back seat. It relying on our local magazine and word of mouth would be easy to do this, but no one takes a pride recommendations to spread the word. Raj sees the in your business to the same extent that you do key ingredients for success as: honesty, passion, yourself, so they are always there together; Raj hard work, good ethics and humility. Noorie is front of house and helps with serving, and has a following that respect her for what she has Noorie is Head Chef in the kitchen – and she never achieved, whilst displaying her own special brand disappoints! Their passion is almost tangible. of “Girl Power”!

22 Sibrydion Clwb Golff Fairbourne Golf Club Your LOCAL Golf Club NEEDS YOU

Membership Offers 2019 1st Year Only Offers (1st Feb 2019 - 31st March 2020) Adults Juniors New Joining (Local) - 12 month £80 £25 New Joining (Local) - 6 month £70 £20 Two Family Adults 12 month £120 - Two Family Adults 6 Months £100 - One Family Adult + One Junior 12 Months £90 - One Family Adult + One Junior 6 months £85 - Pay & Play 9Holes £5 £3 See our special deals and membership forms at www.fairbournegolfclub.co.uk Check out our Facebook page for special golf and food deals throughout the year! www.fairbournegolfclub.co.uk T: 01341 250979 [email protected]

Sibrydion 23 Local Interest Llwyngwril Diddordebau Ileol

Regular activities at Y Ganolfan, Llwyngwril

 Bookings or enquiries: Sue Hamlin 01341 250062

Clwb Gwril – 1st Monday in the month, for the over 50s. Full programme of events/ talks/ social Afternoon at 2.30pm Cymdeithas Ddiwylliadol – Every 1st Monday at 7.15pm. This is for Welsh Speakers and Learners are welcome to join. Singwril – 2nd and 4th Mondays at 7-9pm. £3/session, including tea and cake! More details from [email protected], 07815574477 and Facebook ‘Singwril’ Whist Evening – Every Tuesday evening 7.00pm. Come along for a couple of hours of fun to include refreshments. Learners welcome. Keep Fit – Every Tuesday 10.15-11.30am includes warm-ups, floor exercises, some equipment, socialising and FUN. Do as much or as little as you wish No booking required, £2.50 per session. Buddug Jones: 01341 250202 Art Group – Every Tuesday 1.30pm. Details: Lyn Baxter 01341 250044 or Sue Richards 01654 768004 (Due to space constraints, membership is currently full. Please contact us to be put on the waiting list) Coffee Morning – Each Wednesday. Come and enjoy a chat, coffee/tea and cake. Yarn Bombers also have a meeting and ‘knit-in’. Celynnin Ladies – Meet on the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 2pm. Garden Club – 1st Wednesday in each month. Members meet at 7pm and talk starts at 7.30pm. You don’t need to be a gardener to come along. Full programme of interesting talks. See the Events Diary for details of meetings. Contact Val Dyer. 01341 250334 Short Mat Bowls – Mixed Every Thursday afternoon at 1.30pm Table Tennis – Every Thursday at 7.00pm, £2 per person. 01341 250394 for info Stitch & Bitch (Nicely) – Fridays 2–4pm. Join in an extra session with the Yarnbombers, learn to knit, or crochet and share ideas. Helen Jenkins 01341 251253 Headway South Gwynedd – Every 4th Saturday 10.45am except August and December. Community Council Meeting – 2nd Wednesday of the month, apart from April and August. Any issues the public wishes to raise must be sent to the Clerk, (clerc@cyngor-llangelynnin-council.org.uk) seven days prior to the following meeting, or verbally to any of the Council Members.

* FREE Consultation * Deep Tissue Massage, Cupping and McTimoney Therapy Gentle and effective, whole body alignment. Suitable for all ages. Human and animal treatments.

Vicky Williams – H.E Dip & Post Grad Dip. Llanbedr (Nr Barmouth)  07890 780902 Gwynedd LL45 2DJ

24 Sibrydion Sibrydion 25 Local Interest Diddordebau Ileol Arthog

Regular activities at Arthog Village Hall

 The Ganolfan is a fantastic venue that lends itself easily to all types of events: from parties for children and adults to funeral, christening or wedding receptions. It is an ideal location for business meetings or courses and its large clear hard floor and high ceilings give perfect opportunity for dance and fitness classes. The hall is available to hire for business use or personal use at very competitive prices. We have a fully fitted kitchen making us the perfect venue for self-catered functions or for serving food catered outside. Showers, hot water and central heating mean we offer a great resting site for cyclists or weary walkers tired from enjoying the scenic Mawddach Trail or many of the other local routes. To book the Hall please contact our Caretakers Martin and Bekki Stott on 07497 361165. Yoga – Gentle/beginners Yoga 6-7pm / Intermediate Dynamic Yoga 7.15-8.45pm, every Tuesday. Niki Rees – fb.Mawddach Yoga 07884554150 or email: [email protected] Keep fit, flexible & balanced using Yoga to retune & regulate the mind & body. Knit & Natter Group – 7.30pm, 2nd Wednesday of the month Sequence Dancing – 7.00pm, every Thursday Heavenly Connections – 7pm Fridays, fortnightly. Spiritual group with guest mediums.

Customised, handmade rosettes for any occasion, large or small Sally Friswell: 07851 314519 / [email protected]

Friday 22 February at 7.30pm Tickets £10.00 Fri 15 Feb 8.00pm Fri 15 Mar 8.00pm Martin Bennet’s Old Green River Jazz Band A swinging Dixie band with Stan Williams - trumpet, Alan Clark - Tickets £5.00 reeds, John Finch - trombone, Martin Bennet - keyboard, Howard

Worthington - double bass, and Bill Buck - drums. Live at the Club Friday 22 March at 7.30pm Tickets £10.00 An exciting, informal night of Blues, Jazz, Soul, & Ska. Muso’s from far Aziz Ibrahim and wide. You will love the quality A virtuoso guitarist and vocalist, formerly of Simply Red and Stone and variety. Roses, Aziz performs with passion to bring spectacular sounds.

The Dragon Theatre, Barmouth + Bar At the Rugby Club, Dolgellau RESERVATIONS RECOMMENDED. BOOKING ESSENTIAL Reservations & enquiries 01341 450353 01341 450353 [email protected] [email protected]

26 Sibrydion Sibrydion 27 Rats! by Rennie Telford

Not many people have a good word to say So why is the rat so universally disliked? about rats... Even the wonderful David Attenborough, who has Well it can undoubtedly be a major pest, linked to been up close and personal with more species spreading disease, and of course it loves living in of animal than most of us, admits to having a close proximity to human habitation, where food profound aversion to them. They certainly have and shelter are easily available, so often comes some rather unappealing habits and behaviour into close contact with people. and can be a major and destructive pest, but if Rats are fairly large rodents with a long, naked you take a closer look at them and consider them and scaly tail which seems to repulse many of impartially as just another animal, you can’t help us - we prefer our creatures to have more friendly feeling a grudging admiration for their success and looking fluffy tails like Dormice or Squirrels, adaptability. although presumably other rats find the bald tails There are two species of rat in Britain - the Black attractive - Cor! Look at the tail she’s got! (or he (or Ship) Rat which rejoices in the scientific name as the case may be - don’t want to get accused of of Rattus rattus and the Brown (or Norway) Rat - sexism!). Having a hairless tail is in fact eminently Rattus norvegicus. sensible when you think about it, given that rats inhabit some rather messy places such as sewers, The Black rat is virtually extinct in Britain and is where a furry tail would soon get matted and dirty, only found very occasionally in grain stores around whereas with a bald tail one quick lick and Bob’s some ports and one remaining colony on a small your uncle. island off the coast of Ireland. Rats can also be astonishingly bold and brazen and Its larger cousin the Brown rat, however, is instead of scuttling away or cowering in a corner widespread and can be found just about anywhere when confronted, like any other self respecting in Britain and is the animal that most people love creature, they will often disconcertingly appear to hate. Its alternative name of the Norway rat quite fearless and aggressive, showing their teeth is a bit of a slur on that country because it has and chattering menacingly. no particular connection to Norway and almost certainly originated in Asia, probably China, and inexorably spread across Europe, arriving in Britain

about 250 years ago. Images – This page, Pixabay.com. Black Rat, Wikimedia Commons, CHUCAO 28 Sibrydion Add to all this the facts that they contaminate Although we mainly associate rats with human as much food as they actually eat with their habitation, sewers, landfill sites and the like, they droppings and that they are carriers of the can live practically anywhere. There are rats that unpleasant (and potentially fatal) Weil’s disease live in hedgerows, woodlands and salt marsh - and their unpopularity is understandable. adapting their diet to whatever food is available. If they gain a foothold on an island where seabirds Even the name ‘rat’ is not particularly pleasant are nesting they can quickly cause havoc, eating sounding when you think about it - Rat- it’s hard the eggs and nestlings and decimating the and sharp sounding isn’t it?- not soft like ‘mouse’ population. They are excellent swimmers and or ‘squirrel’. Maybe if it had been called a Shushkin can cover considerable distances for prolonged or something it would be thought better of - or periods of time so colonisation of off shore islands perhaps not. is always a risk. Quite the athletic all-rounders, Despite all these negative attributes and man’s as well as their swimming prowess, they are also determined efforts to eradicate them, rats are a extremely agile and able to leap off high walls successful, resilient and relatively thriving species and survive falls from substantial heights without and I suppose the main reasons for their continued injury. success are their adaptability and their prolific breeding ability. Rats are omnivores - that is they will eat both animal and vegetable derived foods - although I sometimes think anything-vores would be more suitable as it seems as if there is nothing they won’t eat. The old saying ‘remove the food source and the pest will move on’ just doesn’t apply to An ‘extinct’ rats. Someone I knew was plagued by rats in Black Rat (Rattus Rattus) an outhouse where he kept his chicken feed - he removed it all and the rats quite happily remained, eating first some soap bars he had in a box and then tucking into some leather horse harnesses for The saying ‘breed like rabbits’ should really be dessert. ‘breed like rats’ I sometimes think. A female rat can have up to five litters of around eight young They are also highly intelligent and are extremely in a year and the young rats can themselves suspicious of any new or unfamiliar objects in their breed at eleven weeks old, so left unchecked, home area so will often avoid any newly placed populations can build up rapidly. Way back in traps or poison bait, at least initially. Also they 1921 some statistician, who obviously had time seem to be able to develop a genetically inherited on his hands and nothing better to do, worked out resistance to some regularly used poisons. that theoretically, if all the progeny survived and bred, after ten years one pair of rats could produce 48,319,698,843,030,344,720 offspring! I can just imagine some wild-haired Einstein like character surrounded by reams of paper, scribbling away with a pencil (no computers or calculators in those days) in order to come up with that completely useless fact and I love it that he arrived at such a precise figure! Of course it’s a complete impossibility as you are no doubt relieved to hear, as mortality among young rats is very high thanks to owls, hawks, weasels, stoats, cats and other predators. Images – This page, Pixabay.com. Black Rat, Wikimedia Commons, CHUCAO Sibrydion 29 …Continued

Mind you if a rat makes it to maturity they can prove to be a bit daunting to a lot of predators due to their size and aggressiveness. Also, rather ghoulishly, cannibalism is not unknown in the charming rat world - female rats will sometimes eat their own young if they feel too threatened and no doubt youngsters don’t feel too safe if a hungry father rat makes an appearance. So that’s it - I doubt very much if I’ve persuaded you to look more kindly on the much maligned Brown Rat but you’ve got to admit there is maybe more to them than meets the eye.

Rennie Telford - Friog. 01341 250133

www.welshwildlifebreaks.co.uk Rats are excellent swimmers Wonderful days out to discover Wales’ secret wildlife. Make a splash! Before we leave the increasingly gory world of rats, let me de-bunk a few commonly held myths about rats.

First: You are never more than six feet away from a rat anywhere in Britain. Obviously sheer nonsense or the afore mentioned statistician’s figures would Call Sue on probably be right! 07887 861045 Second: Rats are dirty animals (You dirty rat! - [email protected] James Cagney). Although rats live in some pretty filthy places like sewers and drains and spread their droppings all over the place, they are quite fastidious in themselves and spend a lot of time grooming and cleaning themselves. One has to keep up appearances don’t you know.

Third: The Super Rat - Giant rats are evolving. Although there are always going to be size differences in rats it is unlikely that growing to a massive size is of much benefit overall - rats need to be able to squeeze through gaps and remain agile. I could possibly be wrong on this one though I’m open to argument.

And finally:The much loved character of Ratty in The Wind in the Willows was not a rat but a Water Vole - a much more pleasant creature. Images – swimming Wikimedia rat – Images Commons, Biswarup Ganguly 30 Sibrydion

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Images – swimming Wikimedia rat – Images Commons, Biswarup Ganguly Sibrydion 31 Gardening Diary Dyddiadur Garddio

Spring Greens By Lisa Cunningham-Allsop – Camlan Garden Centre, Dinas Mawddwy.

We’ve had a much drier winter compared to this time last year, and already the days feel lighter, although there is always a risk of cold harsh weather yet to come. Plants that respond to the increase in daylight will be showing signs of life, with daffodils not far from being in flower. This is the perfect time to dig out last year’s seed packets and plan your planting for the season ahead and make a note of seeds you need to buy. If you don’t have room for seed trays, we will have small vegetable plants for sale as soon as it’s safe to frozen solid it’s ideal to plant them while they are plant them out when the risk of frosts are over later dormant so they root in nicely at the first hint of in the growing season. warmth in the soil. We also have Welsh fruit tree It is however safe to plant out fruit bushes and varieties which will benefit from being planted canes, and as usual we have a stock of very hardy now- buy a good rich compost such as Dalefoot gooseberry, currant, raspberry, tayberry and bracken and wool compost to mix in and add as a rhubarb plants; and as long as the ground isn’t top dressing. From Spring 2020 traditional blue slug pellets which contain metaldehyde will be banned from sale in the UK. DEFRA write ‘The outdoor use of metaldehyde will be phased out over 18 months to give growers time to adjust to other methods of slug control.’ There are plenty of effective alternatives, and slug repellents containing ferric phosphate will still be available. If you use blue pellets it might be a good idea to trial different products now to see which works best for you. This year the Spring Equinox is on 20th March, and with it a whole host of jobs in the garden! Start hoeing the weeds and mulching the soil to keep them under control; plant summer-flowering bulbs, early potatoes and onions and shallot sets; lift and divide perennials and add a layer of compost on the tops of pots and containers. 32 Sibrydion Spring Greens

Call in to see us at the garden centre for more advice and keep checking our Facebook page and Twitter for the latest news (@ camlangardening). If you ‘Like’ the Facebook page and ‘Follow’ us on Twitter regular updates will pop up on your timeline. Our new farm shop is run by Ian Allsop, who has more than 30 years of professional gardening experience and knowledge and is on hand to offer any advice! He likes a challenge so do pop in for a chat.

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Sibrydion 33 A Resolution for 2019

Despite the moans of retailers that our spending media has encouraged those who refuse to accept this Christmas is down on last year, I am sure that that people of goodwill can disagree. It seems that millions have been spent to mark the birthday of the more immoderate messages receive the most Jesus. This is remarkable in a society where the vast ‘likes’ and followers. A female MP reports that she majority no longer believe in Him and many use his receives 80 messages of abuse on Twitter each day. name as a curse or swear word. Let’s face it; we live The anonymity and direct publishing of remarks in a society where materialism is rampant. Money brings out the worst in people and they lose sight of is expected to bring happiness when of course the hurt they are causing their targets. It is always – it does not. A recent development in lifestyle good to remind ourselves that trading insults never consultancy is the growth in therapists who will help succeeds in winning arguments. These are difficult you to de-clutter. If something has not been used political times that need more than ever generosity, for 12 or perhaps 6 months, they will assist you in consideration for others and a sense of humour. letting go and recycling. Another downside of materialism is that it can cause At the start of a new year it is good to remind a hardening of hearts. Whilst we are generous on ourselves that whilst success may be seen as getting a national scale with our aid budget and giving what you want, happiness is to want what you get. to charity, (Children in Need is a marvel!), we can be guilty of indifference to others closer to home. The great problem with materialism is that we are Whilst we live in a society, which generally spends known by our possessions, our affluence, rather more time on demanding their personal freedoms than by our character. There is a Jewish saying that and pleasures, it is encouraging to see in our local during our lifetime we have three main friends, our communities many people bucking the trend. Long wealth, our families and our good name. Two of may we go on making those personal sacrifices for them leave us when we die. Immediately we lose the sake of our neighbours. our wealth. Families stay with us until we are laid to rest (although the love and memories go on). The John Calvin the Protestant reformer is not someone only friend that stays with us is our name - our good I have a habit of reading but I did read these words deeds. There is a prayer I use often at funerals. We of his in a magazine and I commend them to you as a ask God to help us remember the goodness and resolution for 2019: blessings we received through the deceased. “Let us thus allow ourselves to be genuinely touched Materialism and consumerism can lead to a great by mourning, anxiety and grief so that we will not be deal of self-centredness. That leads to a lack of careless, hardened or unfeeling over what our poor respect and concern for others. This is so clearly brothers (and sisters) are going through”. I wish you shown in the rise of social media. Our national peace and good health for 2019. politics and indeed the American President are Rev. Lindsay Ford in thrall to it. It brings much that is good, but also much harm. There is no moral compass to it. Social Image – Unsplash/Robin – Worral.Image 34 Sibrydion

CHURCH TIMES for the Bro Cymer

Ministry Area

Covering the Churches in Arthog, Regular Midweek Activities Bryncoedifor, Dolgellau, Fairbourne, Llanelltyd, Llanfachreth, Llanelynnin Monday – 7.00pm Women’s Fellowship at Gallery and Llwyngwril Room, St. Mary’s, Dolgellau (fortnightly) Wednesday – 7.00pm Craft Club at Gallery Room, St Catherine’s Church Arthog St. Mary’s, Dolgellau Last Sunday of each month 9.30am Holy Eucharist First Wednesday in month – 2.30pm St Paul’s Church Bryncoedifor (bilingual) ‘Be Still, Be Silent’ (meditation and silent prayer) 9.00am Holy Communion (1st and 3rd Sunday) at St.Mary’s, Dolgellau Thursday – 7.30pm Ministry Area Prayer Group St Mary’s Church Dolgellau (bilingual) Friday – 9.00am ‘Tyfu gyda’n Gilydd’ / ‘Growing 8.00am Holy Communion (2nd and 4th Sunday) Together’ (for parents and young children) 10.00am Holy Communion and Sunday School at Gallery Room, St. Mary’s, Dolgellau (1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday), All Age Praise (including Sunday School) (4th Sunday), United Holy Communion (5th Sunday) To absolutely confirm service times, and avoid any possible wasted journey, please contact St Cynon’s Church, Fairbourne the relevant church wardens. For a home visit or Holy Eucharist every Sunday at 11am except 3 Feb any other information in the Dolgellau area please Candlemass at 11am, 17 Feb and 17 March contact Rev’d Tim Webb on 01341 388091. Family Service at 11am. For Arthog, Fairbourne and Llwyngwril please Ash Wednesday 6 March at 7pm contact Rev’d Lindsay Ford on 01341 250888 Holy Eucharist, imposition of ashes and Vigil. or one of the Churchwardens: For Arthog and Fairbourne: George Williams on St Celynnin’s Church, Llwyngwril 01341 250204 or Liz Stokes on 01341 251066. Holy Eucharist at 9.30 am each Sunday except For Llwyngwril and Llangelynnin: Thelma Wilson Morning Worship at 9.30am on 17 Feb and 17 March 01341 250289 and Maggie Bates 01341 250048. and Evening Prayer at 5pm on last Sunday each month.

St Illtud’s Church Llanelltyd (mainly in English) 11.30am Holy Communion (1st, 2nd, 3rd Sunday), Morning Prayer (4th Sunday), United Holy Communion at Dolgellau (5th Sunday) St Machreth’s Church Llanfachreth 3.00pm Holy Communion (1st, 2nd, 3rd Sunday), Evening Prayer (4th Sunday) United Holy Communion at Dolgellau (5th Sunday) Yr Hen Eglwys Llangelynnin Old Church No services until 28 April.

Sibrydion 35 Tywyn Baptist Church Aberdovey English Chapel

Sunday services 10.30am and 6.30pm Wednesdays & Fridays 10.30–1pm Church open for refreshments and sale of FairTrade products. High Street, Tywyn LL36 9AD Midweek Meditations: Wednesdays 2.15-4pm: www.tywynbaptistchurch.org.uk Silent prayer and a study of the Psalms. Crafters’ Corner: Fridays 2-4pm all are welcome to come and learn and practise their crafts. Barmouth Elim Ice Cream Sundays: 11.00am Summer sundays – Family-friendly worship for all. Pentecostal Church WoW! Worship on the Wharf! Sundays 6.00pm Pastor: Rev Dawn Robinson. Join Aberdyfi Christians Together in the Wharf Sunday Service at 11.00am. Gardens for a time of worship together, led by Revelation Bookshop: Open Mon–Thurs Scripture Union Cymru. 10.00am to 2.30pm Simon Morgan 01654 767336 and/or email: [email protected]. Elephant Works, Park Road, LL42 1PH Presbyterian Church of Wales. (Opposite Barmouth Co-op Carpark) Seaview Terrace, Aberdovey LL35 0L 01341 280808 [email protected] www.aberdoveypresbyterian.co.uk www.barmouthelim.co.uk

Bro Ardudwy Churches We are a group of churches stretching along the coast from Bontddu to Llandecwyn. We have different identities but a common purpose - to worship God, grow his church and love the world. All services are bi-lingual and generally alternate between Holy Communion and Team led Morning Prayer.

Sunday Services - Every Sunday Llanfigangel 11.30am Harlech 9.30am Llandwywe (Talybont) 11.30am Llanaber 9.30am Barmouth 11.30am Llanfair (1st, 2nd and 4th Sundays) 9.30am Llanbedr (2nd, 3rd and 4th Sundays) 9.30am Llandanwg (3rd Sunday) 6.30pm

Mass Times for Saturday 12.00 noon in St David’s Tywyn Catholic Churches Sunday 9.00am in St David’s Tywyn

(The Catholic Church in Thursday 6.00pm in St Mair Machynlleth Aberdyfi is now closed.) Sunday 11.00am in St Mair Machynlleth

For more information about St David’s and St Mair, visit www.stdavidandstmair.co.uk Service times for other churches in Tywyn can be found at www.tywynchurches.org.uk

36 Sibrydion Events FridayDigwyddiadau Walkers

We were blessed with sun when we got off the train Clear blue skies with no sign of rain So we walked by the water watching the birds Cycle Shop, Repair & Bike Hire Centre Curlews and widgeon don’t rhyme with these words 01341 423332 [email protected] Paddlers and waders were diving and poking dolgellaucycles.co.uk In the tidal ebb long bills were probing.

Cnicht’s sharp edge clear on the skyline Mawddach From scaling this peak were memories sublime Wholefood The look old disbelief on the faces of the Co-operative Walkers Cyfanfwyd When told “sticks away, it’s hands on” Mawddach for you talkers We have been supplying Warmed and lit by the winter sun wholefoods, organic and ethically sourced food, We all enjoyed our Friday fun. and environmentally friendly household products to our members at good value prices for over 30 years. Our lunch was at a cafe this week, and we The Co-op is open to local caught the 2 o’clock train home. residents in the Mawddach area and beyond. Members We meet every Friday at 9.30 in the school lay- pay an annual subscription by in Friog, sharing transport when it’s needed of £12 and participate in the Christine Radford 01341 250814 running of the Co-op from our new premises at: The Old Changing Rooms, Dolgellau Park, LL40 1AU.

You are welcome to come and have a look round to see if you would like to join us.

For more information find us on Facebook or contact [email protected]

Sibrydion 37 Chimney S t Wales ervices L Wes REGISTERED CHIMNEY SWEEPS td TEL 01341 250002 [email protected] ALL AREAS COVERED

CHIMNEY SWEEPING REDUCE YOUR RISK OF A CHIMNEY FIRE Having your flue/chimney swept ✔ Have your chimney swept on a regular basis. removes any deposits which may ✔ Make sure the wood you burn is well seasoned, or buy from have built up. It ensures there a reputable supplier. Moisture content should be below 17%. is a clear and safe passage for ✔ Choose the correct size appliance – if too large, wood is combustible gases caused by not burnt efficiently and unburned fuel and smoke will the burning process – greatly condense in the chimney as extremely flammable creosote. reducing the risk of the chimney ✔ If you have a wood burner, always follow the manufacturer’s catching fire. recommendations on fuel loading and air flow.

Wed 3 April, 7.30pm  Theatr Bara Caws Presents: ‘7 Pechod’  A Welsh language production. Look out for details to be announced soon.  

www.theatrfach.co.uk Box Office: 01341 422680   Dolgellau Amateur Dramatic Society  Glyndwr Street, Dolgellau LL40 1BD 

38 Sibrydion Events Events Diary DigwyddiadauDigwyddiadau

REGULAR & WEEKLY EVENTS

Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays TUESDAYS 1 Apr – 7 Oct 1.45pm (weekly) Barmouth Bowling Club Tuesdays 7.30pm (weekly, term time) Come along and have a game of flat green bowls Machynlleth Wind Band at £3 a session. Beginners are welcome and tuition Y Tabernacle, Machynlleth. We are a community will be given. A healthy outdoor activity for all the band which meets EVERY TUESDAY during term family, with friendly members of the Club. time. New brass and wind players always welcome.  Mari 01341 280043 For further details please contact the Musical Director, Sally Marshall 01654 781304. MONDAYS Or visit our website or face book page. Tuesdays 2.00–4.00pm (weekly) Mondays 7:30–9.30pm (weekly) Freewheelers Social Club Neuadd Pendre Dance Club – Tywyn Neuadd Pendre Brook Street Tywyn. We are a Come and join us in Ballroom and sequence Charity organisation holding numerous activities dancing. Tuition available. Licenced bar. New including Bingo, Quiz, Music, Games and members always welcome. interesting talks on a topic of interest. We have  Gerald 01654 711582 Day Trips to various locations and have Lunches and Buffets too. New Members always welcome. Mondays 4.15–5.45pm / 6.00–7.30pm

(weekly, term time) Yoga Classes – Barmouth WEDNESDAYS The Arts Room, Dragon Theatre. Improve your strength, flexibility and general well-being.Early Wednesdays 10.30–12.30pm (weekly) session, Gentle Yoga; Later session Dynamic Coffee Mornings – Y Ganolfan Llwyngwril £7.50 drop in or £30.00 over 5 weeks. Yoga. Come and enjoy a chat, coffee/tea and cake to www.traceyyogamassage.co.uk support Y Ganolfan. Dydd Mercher. Bore Coffi i  Tracey 01766 770610 / 07809 485323 gefnogi’r Ganolfan bob bore. Mercher o 10.30 tan 12.30. Dewch am sgwrs, paned, a chacen. Mondays 7:30pm (weekly, term time) Cambrian Coast Community Choir Wednesday 7.00–9.30pm (weekly) Batala Bermo A fun, friendly, mixed choir singing songs from all over the world, all taught by ear by a skilled leader. at The Venue in Barmouth. Have fun and to learn No experience or musical knowledge needed. to play Samba rhythms on a variety of drums. We sing for us, not for competition or public No experience is needed, just enthusiasm and performances. VENUE: We have returned to the energy. This community band will give you instant newly refurbished Llanbedr Village Hall. friendships and opportunities to learn new skills  Neil on 01766780096 for more details. and travel abroad with the world wide Batala family if you wish. Come and give it a go you will be welcomed.

Sibrydion 39 Diary

REGULAR & WEEKLY EVENTS Thursday 7.30pm (weekly) Fairbourne Dance Club – Sequence Dancing WEDNESDAYS Arthog Village Hall. The easiest way to learn ballroom dancing as the steps are all there and Wednesdays 5.15 / 6.30-8.00pm (weekly) the choreography is all done for you. Beginners Yoga – Llanelltyd Village Hall Welcome. Admission £2, (incl. tea and biscuits) Gentle/Beginners class 5.15-6.15pm, £5.  01341 250317 or 01341 251018 Intermediate Dynamic Yoga 6.30-8.00pm, £6. Keep fit, flexible & balanced . Yoga Asana & Thursday 7.00–8.30pm (weekly) Pranayama Breathwork = Harmony, Relaxation. Gentle & Progressive Yoga  Niki Rees 07884554150. fb.Mawddach Yoga. Tywyn Scout Hut. Newcomers always welcome. Please bring a Yoga mat cushion, blanket/sleeping bag and water. £6 per session payable weekly. THURSDAYS  Gill 01654 710470 [email protected]

Thursdays 10.00am–2.00pm (weekly) Thursday 7.30–9.30pm (weekly, term time) Dolgellau Thursday Market Singin’ Wimmin’ – Barmouth At The Ship Hotel, Dolgellau. Spread through 3 Arts Room, Dragon Theatre. Singin’ Wimmin is an rooms. A local produce market selling free range acapella, women’s choir. Songs are taught by ear eggs and meat, cheese, cakes, cookies, sweet and so you don’t need any previous singing or musical savoury pies, preserves, honey & beeswax products. experience to join in. We sing beautiful songs from A craft area with English & Welsh handmade around the world in harmony. Our musical leader greeting cards, mounted photographic prints is Julie who encourages everyone to have fun (local scenes), knitted baby and children wear, and laugh a lot...which relieves stress and makes patchwork and sewn items - cot quilts, bags, aprons, you feel good. Whatever singing experience or door stops, fused glass jewellery, locally written ability you have, if you are a woman who wants to children’s books, slate planters and candle holders, have fun singing then Singin’ Wimmin is for you. flowering and vegetable plants and vegetables in Sessions cost £5 ...first session is free. season. Coffee and teas available through the Hotel.  Sandra 01341 247561 or Ann 01341 247382.  Pauline 01341 423390

Sat 2 Feb 10am-4pm FEBRUARY Wedding Fayre At Ty Siamas, Dolgellau, in the square. Fri 1 Feb 7.30pm Free. Tickets from Eirian Wedding Design Sat 2 Feb 2pm  01650 531860 Sat 2 Feb 7.30pm Treasure Island by Aberdyfi Players Tues 5 Feb 2.00pm (every 1st Tuesday) Annual Panto – an unmissable production! Always Tywyn Women’s Institute hilarious and a true Community production, in a At the Baptist Church (Tywyn). Visitors are very professional way! Adults: £8; under 12: £4 welcome, refreshments are being served.  07956 917543 or [email protected] Tues 5 Feb 8.00pm (every 1st & 3rd Tuesday) Folk night at the Slaters Arms, Corris Traditional Folk Music session. All musicians welcome, just come along and play. This is an 40 Sibrydion Events Events DigwyddiadauDigwyddiadau

open, inclusive and relaxed session, all tunes including Welsh, Irish, English, Scottish, Breton Tues 12 Feb 7.30pm and even Bluegrass are permitted and encouraged. Tywyn Garden Club Meeting “Greener Tywyn”  Gary 07795 066 454 or Mike at the Slaters. Mrs Joanna Houseman with members of the Greener Tywyn Group, will give a presentation. “Working Wed 6 Feb 7.30 (every 1st Wednesday) together for a more Sustainable Future” All welcome. Llanuwchllyn Women’s Institute FREE.  Susanna Yeomans 01654 71065. At The Village Hall New members welcome, refreshments and interesting guest speakers. Wed 13 Feb 9pm Cor Meibion Bro Dysynni/ Thur 7 Feb 10.00am – Noon (every 1st Thurs) Dysynni Male Voice Choir Hearing Aid Clinics Come to the hotel and ejoy hearing the choir. Drop in clinics to check and service Hearing Aids – Bar available throughout. FREE.  Roger Duke by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board trained 01341 259727 volunteers at Dolgellau Leisure Centre and Tywyn Baptist Church. General servicing, new batteries, Thu 14 Feb 7pm tubing and domes. There is no need to make an Valentine Special Banquet – Indiana. appointment, just come along, there is no charge. Like every year the Valentines get booked well in advance, hence book ASAP. The £35 per head is Thur 7 Feb 7.00pm (every 1st Thurs) for a exceptional banquet that is no less then a Open Mic night at the Quarry Cafe feast. Includes starters (a variety of them ) main At the Quarry Cafe, Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth. meal and desserts. Plenty options for vegetarians  01654 702624. too! The entire ambience with Noorie’s food and Raj’s hospitality will make an evening to remember Thur 7 Feb 8.00pm (every 1st Thurs) for both you and your loved one!! Beach Rd, Zikr, Dances of Remembrance Fairbourne.  01341 250891 At Derwenlas Hall, near Machynlleth SY20 8TN These Dances are meditation in movement that can Thu 14 Feb 12 noon (every 2nd Thurs) help us be in touch with the sacredness of all life. Pub Philosophy Using sacred phrases, the Dances are easy to learn The Skinners Arms, Machynlleth. Philosophical and everything you need to know for each Dance is discussion. No charge.  0779 4441832 taught first. Croeso i bawb ~ everyone is welcome Cost: £5 (concessions available) Contact Sandra Fri 15 Feb 7.30pm Sunfire for more details: [email protected] ‘Beethoven in Wales’ www.dancesofuniversalpeace.org.uk Machynlleth Music Club at Y Tabernacl, Machynlleth. Mary Hofman Sat 9 Feb 7.30pm violin Richard Ormerod piano. Under 18 and Bardsey Now and Then members of Mach music club FREE. Mary and At Harlech Ardudwy Leisure Centre, Illustrated Richard have performed duos together in many Presentation by Jean Napier (Local Photographer) venues across the UK. Mary has pursued a varied £5  Darren: 01766 780576 career as an orchestral and chamber musician and worked with most of Britain’s leading chamber Sat 9 Feb 11.00am - 3.30pm orchestras. Beethoven in Wales is project organised Singing with Swnion workshop by Rhyl Music Club to perform all ten Violin and Upstairs at The Free Library, Dolgellau led by Piano sonatas in ten music clubs across Wales. A Charlotte Woodford. Songs taught by ear. All new work by Rhian Samuel has been commissioned welcome. £20 before 27th Jan, then £25, from for this performance. Tickets on the door £12. Richard Withers :[email protected]/  Sally Maeshall 01654 781304  01654 761358. Renown Swnion singing teachers!

Sibrydion 41 Diary

Programme: Beethoven: Sonatas Op.12.1,12.2, 12.3, 24. Rhian Samuel: Commissioned Sonata for violin MARCH and piano. Rhian wil give a pre-concert talk at 7pm Fri 1 Mar 9pm Fri 15 Feb 7.15pm Cor Meibion Bro Dysynni/ Sound Journey Gong Bath Dysynni Male Voice Choir An evening of sonic nurturing. At St Peter’s Church, Come to the hotel and ejoy hearing the choir. Bar Machynlleth. A wonderful way to relax and available throughout. ST DAVID’S DAY CONCERT experience the sounds and vibrations of gongs, FREE, but do have a drink at the bar. Himalayan singing bowls and other instruments.  Roger Duke 01341 259727 A time to just ‘be’. Bring a mat and blanket to get comfy. Tickets £5.  07516 326240 Fri 1 Mar 2-4pm Visit our FB page ‘Inner Resonance’ for more info. Business Networking: Business Success in a Rural Economy. Fri 15 Feb 8.00pm (every 3rd Friday) At Hercules Hall, Portmeirion Welsh afternoon tea Dances of Universal Peace ~ Dawnsio O will be served. FREE. Book your place at Heddwch Byd-Eang www.eventbrite.co.uk at Derwenlas Hall, near Machynlleth SY20 8TN A joyful, multi-cultural way to touch the spiritual Sat 2 Mar 1pm essence within ourselves and others. Being inspired by Gregynog Young Musician Winners 2018 the wisdom and sacred phrases of the many spiritual Machynlleth Music Club at Y Tabernac Machynlleth, traditions of Humankind, they are essentially a form of A lunchtime concert in the series “Showcasing celebration and meditation in sound and movement. Youth” Tickets on the door £12 Everything you need to know for each Dance is taught Mrs Sally Marshall.  01654 781304 first. Croeso i bawb ~ everyone is welcome Cost: £5 (This will be a full length concert) Willard Carter (conc. available) Contact: [email protected] - cello. Joel Munday - violin. Huw Boucher - Harp. www.dancesofuniversalpeace.org.uk Gregynog Young Musician . Under 18 and Members of Mach music Club FREE has gone from strength Sun 17 Feb 10.00–2.00pm (every 3rd Sunday) to strength. The standard of this years competition Dolgellau Farmers Market was exceptional, with dazzling performances Market extended to now include Eldon Sq and the displaying a wealth of ability and virtuosity. This Free Library. Stalls include fresh local produce, honey concert showcases the talents of some of our rising and beeswax products, chocolate, plants, jewellery, stars of the future. Programme to include: Violin - wood & slate crafts, baby knits, photographic prints Stravinsky Danse Russe; Korngold Concerto in D textile bags and aprons.  Mo 01341450211. minor; Harp - Khachaturian Toccat; Viotti Sonata; Cello - Wagner Romanze for cello and piano; Rossini Mon 18 Feb 8.00pm (every 3rd Monday) Largo al Factotum; Cello & harp - Bruch Kol Nidri Acoustic Jam – Mach At The Skinners Arms, Machynlleth. Singers, Sat 2 Mar 7.15pm musicians and audience welcome. No charge. Sound Journey Gong Bath  07794441832  See 15 Feb entry for details. Sat 23 Feb 7pm Sat 2 Mar 10am - 12 noon HEADWAY Fund-raising Quiz Table Top Sale At Y Ganolfan Machynlleth, a fun family Quiz night. at Y Ganolfan, Llwyngwril, LL37. Tables available, Raffle plus tea and Cakes. BYO alcohol. Max of 6 in a  Avril Ford 01341 250888 team. Prizes for the winning team. Book your table. £2  Pat Griffiths 01341 250591.

42 Sibrydion Events Events DigwyddiadauDigwyddiadau

Sat 2 Mar 11am - 5.30pm Mon 18 Mar 8.00pm (every 3rd Monday) Singing Workshop with Swnion Acoustic Jam – Mach Upstairs at the Free Library, Mill Street Dolgellau .  See 18 Feb entry for details. Songs taught by ear, led by Jamie Dawes-Hughes. All welcome £25, Early booking discount of £5 when Sat 23 Mar 1pm booked before 16th February.  Richard Withers Greener Tywyn Gwyrdd’s First Birthdday 01654 761358. at The Magic Lantern, Tywyn Cinema, Greener Tywyn invite you to their first birthday, with a “Green” Raffle Tue 5 Mar 8.00pm (every 1st & 3rd Tuesday) Tea/coffee, cakes and a special guest speaker. Join Folk night at the Slaters Arms, Corris us to find out what we have accomplished this past  See 5 Feb entry for details. year and what we hope to achieve, with your help, in the years to come. Please check the website: www. Wed 6 Mar 7.30pm (every 1st Wednesday) greenertywyn.co.uk or the Facebook page for more Llanuwchllyn Women’s Institute info closer to the time as times are SUBJECT TO  See 6 Feb entry for details. CHANGE. FREE.  Christine 01654 711977

Thu 7 Mar 10.00am – Noon (every 1st Thurs) Sat 30 Mar 7pm Hearing Aid Clinics Film, Food, Disco  See 7 Feb entry for details. At Ty Siamas Watch Saturday Night Fever, enjoy a light snack and bop till you drop.. Thu 7 Mar 8.00pm (every 1st Thursday) £12.  Gwyndu Tea Rooms 01341 422430 Zikr, Dances of Remembrance Profits from event shared between two charities:  See 7 Feb entry for details. Ty Gobaith and sense

Tues 12 Mar 7.30pm Tywyn Garden Club Meeting We’re a Get your At Tywyn Baptist Church LL36 9AD Talk by Mr Alan community Evans of the Horticultural Services, Conwy: “How to events listed magazine for Grow Sweet Peas” Everyone is welcome. in here! FREE.  Susanna Yeomans 01654 710658 our community (it’s free) spirit. Thu 14 Mar 8.00pm (every 2nd Thursday) Pub Philosophy  See 14 Feb entry for details. EVENTS SUBMISSIONS ARE NOW ONLINE Fri 15 Mar 7.15pm Sound Journey Gong Bath We are introducing a new way for you to  See 15 Feb entry for details. supply us with your event information. Please now go to our website: Fri 15 Mar 8.00pm (every 3rd Friday) www.sibrydion-cymuned.co.uk/events Dances of Universal Peace – Here there is a form specifically to let us have Dawnsio O Heddwch Byd-Eang the details of your events. Simply complete all  See 15 Feb entry for details. sections with relevant info. We want to help make local gatherings as Sun 17 Mar 10.00–2.00pm (every 3rd Sunday) popular and well attended as possible, and this Dolgellau Farmers Market should help us to simplify the process.  See 17 Feb entry for details. For more information, call 01341 250884 or email: [email protected]

Sibrydion 43 Glyn Rees & Son Funeral Directors Est. 1880 Fifth Generation Family Run Business Private Chapel of Rest Complete Funeral Service

5 Eldon Row, Glasfryn, High Street, Tremynfa, Dinas Mawddwy, Eldon Square, Barmouth, Gwynedd, Machynlleth, Powys, Dolgellau, LL40 1PY LL42 1DS SY20 9JD Tel: 01341 422322 Tel: 01341 280321 Tel: 01650 531240

www.glynreesfunerals.co.uk [email protected]

I.B.Williams a’i Fab Cyf. Quality Memorials at a fair price from the largest stockist in Mid Wales. LLANBRYNMAIR SY19 7AA 01650 521250 Showrooms also now in Dolgellau, Barmouth & Machynlleth by appointment www.ibwilliams.co.uk

44Updated Sibrydion advert

Existing advert Local Events Info DiddordebauDigwyddiadau Ileol Clerks to the Community Council

Aberdyfi Dyffryn Ardudwy a Talybont Llanfihangel-y-Pennant Mr Neil Storkey, Council Office, Mrs Annwen Hughes, Mrs Eileen Jones Hafan Deg, Literary Institute Aberdyfi, Plas Uchaf, Talsarnau 2 Frankwell Close, Tywyn LL35 0LN (01654) 767816 LL47 6YA (01766) 780971 LL36 9EN (01654) 711797 aberdyficouncil@btconnect. [email protected] [email protected] com Ffestiniog (Town) Llanfrothen Abermaw/Barmouth (Town) Mrs Ann Coxon Mr Kenneth Ll. Willams Ms. Sue Phillips, Clerk to the Council Office, 5 High Street 18 Stryd Glaslyn, Porthmadog, Council Glanllyn, Water Street, Blaenau Ffestiniog LL49 9EG (01766) 513633 Barmouth, LL42 1AT LL41 3ES (01766) 832398 [email protected] cyngortrefffestiniog@yahoo. Llangelynnin co.uk Mrs Glenda Edwards Elfan, Arthog Llwyngwril LL37 2JJ Angela Thomas, Tair Trem, Ganllwyd (01341) 250291 Penrhyn Drive North, Sarah Roberts Beudy Hendre, clerc@cyngor-llangelynnin- Fairbourne LL38 2DJ. Abergeirw, Dolgellau, council.org.uk cyngorarthogcouncil@gmail. LL40 2PF (01341) 440248 com [email protected] Llangywer Lis Puw, Bedw Gwynion Y Bala (Town) Harlech (Town) Llanuwchllyn, Y Bala Aeron Jones, Council Office Mrs Annwen Hughes Plas Uchaf, LL23 7TW (01678) 540654/ Henblas, High St, Bala Talsarnau LL47 6YA 07896 964120 LL23 7AE 07786 662905 (01766) 780971 [email protected] / [email protected] Llanycil [email protected] Mrs Bethan Jones Hafod Y Bryn, Llanbedr Cwmtirmynach, Y Bala LL23 7ED Brithdir, Llanfachreth a Mrs Morfudd W Lloyd (01678) 520632 Rhydymain Tyddyn Hendre Llanbedr, [email protected] Mr. Henry M. Edwards Arfryn, LL45 2PL (01341) 241645 16 Cae’r Dderwen Dolgellau, [email protected] Maentwrog LL40 1GE (01341) 422232 Carys Haf Jones, 4 Heol Bowydd, Llandderfel Blaenau Festiniog Cyngor Cymuned Mrs Bethan Jones Hafod y Bryn, LL41 3HL (01766) 832442 / Llanfihangel y Pennant Cwmtirmynach Y Bala, 07900 154947 Community Council. Held at LL23 7ED (01678) 520632 [email protected] Y Ganolfan Abergynolwyn [email protected] 2nd Monday in the month 7pm Mawddwy (Not Aug). All welcome to sit in Llanegryn Huw Tomos Jones Henllys, on the bilingual meeting Mrs Llywela Hughes, Ty’r Ysgol Mallwyd, Machynlleth Llanegryn. LL36 9SS SY20 9HS (01650) 531405 Corris (01654) 710613 [email protected] Mrs Christina Miller, Suite 1, [email protected] Fronfelen Hall Corris, Pennal Machynlleth, SY20 9TF Llanelltyd Mrs Deilwen Breese Gogarth, (01654) 761307 Mr Henry M. Edwards Arfryn, Pennal, Machynlleth SY20 9LB 16 Cae’r Dderwen Dolgellau, (01654) 791235 Dolgellau (Town) LL40 1GE (01341) 422232 [email protected] Mr Rhys Williams Tan y Coed, Nant y Gader Dolgellau, Llanfair Tywyn LL40 1LB (01341) 421071 Mrs Annwen Hughes Plas Uchaf, Francesca Pridding Talsarnau LL47 6YA email: tywyntowncouncil@ (01766) 780971 btconnect.com 01654 712411 [email protected]

Sibrydion 45 Do You Need Assistance with Your NHS Hearing Aid ?

The ROTARY Club of Mawddach are cooperating with Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board to provide financial support in the continuation of the community drop-in service for anyone having problems with their NHS hearing aids. Servicing of the aids will also be on offer. There will also be tea/coffee available at a small charge for anyone attending the clinic. This will be provided by the Mawddach ROTARY Club. The drop-in session, run by the Health Board’s “Hearing Aid Volunteer Service” will be held on the FIRST THURSDAY of the month at the Leisure Centre in Dolgellau from 10a.m. to 12 noon. Please note the change of day from Friday to Thursday from September. We are now in a position to maintain thin tubed Friday 5th August then Thursday 1st September hearing aids at Dolgellau.

Councillor Louise Hughes Hello and welcome to 2019 – another year older and (possibly) wiser! As the county councillor for the Llangelynnin Ward I’m here to help, listen and go the extra mile for you. Contact me on: 01654 711051 or 07854 969441 / or email me at [email protected]

46 Sibrydion Hysbyseb 61.5 x 93_Layout 1 18/03/2016 15:15 Page 1

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We share the same building with The Store (ironmongers) & Claires Soft Furnishings (made to measure curtains) ‘ FIVE STAR

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING Top Quality Services Including: CARPET CLEANING RUG CLEANING 24/7 Emergency Service UPHOLSTERY DEODORISER CLEANING TREATMENTS Call 01654 710416 www.cambrianvets.co.uk MATTRESS CLEANING STAIN REMOVAL Ample parking at both surgeries A PERSONAL SERVICE Consultations by appointment FOR ALL OUR CUSTOMERS MACHYNLLETH TYWYN CARPETS DRY IN 1 HOUR Graigle, Graig Fach College Green Machynlleth SY20 8BB Tywyn LL36 9BY Jackie Lowe (Dolgellau) Find us on Mon-Fri: 9am–6pm Mon-Fri: 9am–7pm 01341 421322470013 Sat: 9.30am–1pm Sat: 9am–midday 07876 070005 01654 702444 01654 710416

Sibrydion 47