Sibrydion (Priceless) Cymunedol Dec–Jan 2018 Issue 55

Home , Aberdyfi, Bontddu, Caernarfon Castle, Coleg Menai, Gwynedd Council, Llanegryn

Local Interest Community News Events Diddordebau Ileol Newyddion Cymunedol Digwyddiadau

FREE Sibrydion (Priceless) Cymunedol Dec–Jan 2018 Issue 55

Image: Brett Critchley  /brettcritchley – contact via Instagram DM.

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) Looking to buy or sell? Speak to us.

Dolgellau – 01341 422 278 Barmouth – 01341 280 527 Machynlleth – 01654 702571 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

TRUSTED, LOCALLY & ONLINE www.walterlloydjones.co.uk ne Fairbour Santa Specials Take the train to visit SantaDepart in his Fairbourne Grotto th th Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 December 11.00, 13:00 & 15:00 each day Tickets Children £8.75 Including Present from Santa Adult £7.75 Including Mince Pies & a Seasonal Drink Advanced Booking Advisable By Phone 01341 250 362 By e-mail Fairbourne Railway, Beach Road, Fairbourne, Gwynedd LL38 2EX [email protected] 2 Sibrydion WELSH PROPERTY SERVICES J & J Property Services (Wales) Limited

01654 710500 welshpropertyservices.com [email protected]

At Welsh Property Services we are always trying to improve the service we offer.

We listen to our customers and at their request have provided a new meeting room at our office in Tywyn. This offers a private and confidential space where we can advise you over a cup of fresh coffee or tea and take the time without being disturbed.

Whether you would like an opportunity to discuss selling your home or buying in the local area please do pop in to see us.

We offer a free valuation service.

Our office is on the High Street in Tywyn opposite the Memorial and Post Office. If you would prefer we can make a home visit. Jo and Jules (01654) 710500

Cambrian House, High Street, Tywyn, Gwynedd. LL36 9AE. Tel: 01654 710 500. “Company Registration Number: 10048640 (Wales)” VAT No: 236 0365 26

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Sibrydion 3 CYNGOR GWYNEDD COUNCIL GWNEWCH O AR-LEIN SAFF, SYDYN, HAWDD I’W DDEFNYDDIO DO IT ONLINE SAFE, QUICK, EASY TO USE

BINIAU AC AILGYLCHU Archebu biniau / bagiau, cyflwyno ymholiad, dweud am broblem a’i dracio BINS & RECYCLING Order bins / bags, make an enquiry, report and track a problem

YSGOLION Talu eich ysgol gynradd unrhyw bryd SCHOOLS Pay your primary school any time

CANOLFANNAU HAMDDEN Archebu ar-lein unrhyw bryd LEISURE CENTRES Book online any time

www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/fynghyfrif www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/myaccount

4 Sibrydion Do it online – Gwynedd Council services 24/7

With more Gwynedd residents than ever before “It makes the process quicker for residents, but it now making the most of what the internet has also means that members of the public can access to offer, it is now possible to access a growing services 24 hours a day and that they can track any range of Council services online at any time. request they make online.

“With the cost of delivering services significantly By opening an account on the Council website – lower online – 25 pence on the website, compared www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/myaccount - residents with £3.90 on the phone and £8 face to face – the can request a whole host of services when it’s system will also lead to significant savings for convenient for them for a much more cost-effective the Council is more and more residents decide to price for Gwynedd residents. move over to use the convenient services available It is now possible to purchase a garden waste online. collection, request new bins, arrange a bulky waste “If you don’t already use the internet, Council staff collection, check the bin collection day, pay for are on-hand to help you to set-up an account. Visit primary school dinners, search for local planning your local Siop Gwynedd, or you can attend one applications, request a place for a child at primary of the Digital Gwynedd sessions held across the school, apply for a job with the Council and many county to provide practical online assistance.” more using the online system. As well as making it easier for the county’s residents to safely access a host of Council services, the online system will also deliver Help getting set up significant savings for the authority. Help is available for anyone to set-up an online Councillor Mair Rowlands, Gwynedd Council account and to see the wide-range of services Deputy Leader said: “More and more Gwynedd available on the Council website. Visit Siop residents are on the internet these days to order Gwynedd (Caernarfon, Dolgellau, Pwllheli) or their shopping, do their banking online and you can one of the series of Digital Gwynedd drop-in now also access a wide-range of Council services events if you need help to set-up your account: too.  Y Bala Library: 2pm - 4pm every Thursday in November

 Neuadd Friog: 10.30am - 12.30pm every “The new online system is Thursday in November safe, quick, easy to use and  Canolfan Tan y Maen, Blaenau Ffestiniog: means that we as a Council 10am - 12pm every Friday in November can speed-up the process of delivering services for the county’s residents compared To set-up a Gwynedd Council online to more traditional processes.” account, visit: www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/myaccount

Sibrydion 5 Book seats ONLINE

SANTA SPECIALSth th rd & 24 December 2017 th th, 17 , 23 9th, 10 , 16

Enjoy a steam train ride to meet Santa in his grotto at Plas Nadolig

■Departs Wharf Station Tywyn 11am and 1.30pm ■Children receive a gift from Santa at Plas Nadolig! ■Mulled wine / drink and mince pies Child under 2: Free - gift and a visit to Santa Child 2 - 12: £13.50 - gift and a visit to Santa Child 13-15 £7.50 - no gift and a visit to Santa Adult/Senior: £12 - no gift and a visit to Santa BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL

Gorsaf Wharf Station, Tywyn LL36 9EY 01654 710472 [email protected] www.talyllyn.co.uk/events

6 Sibrydion Sibrydion The Festive Season Cymunedol

My Goodness everyone, it’s that ‘festive’ time of year again! Christmas can be quite a diff icult time for many people. If in fi nancial straits, it can be a worry how to give a good Christmas to your nearest and dearest, and to provide the gift s that are demanded by children, or that one feels is expected of them. The article on page 24 has some great tips. It can also be a very lonely time, when all around are apparently enjoying the festivities. So, perhaps if you have a neighbour who is alone, consider calling on them and perhaps taking a Christmas Dinner, if they may not Debbie Ashton, accept any invitations to join you. I am sure it will be appreciated. Editor I need to say a huge thank you to all of our generous-spirited volunteers who help to bring Sibrydion through many letterboxes in Please note the our area. Without you, it simply isn’t possible to deliver to all who submission want them. Your help is invaluable and supports all the voluntary deadline for content groups we include, as well as businesses and events. A true in your diary –and Community Spirit! So, I wish you all a very Happy Christmas, and a supply in good time. Many thanks. happy, healthy and prosperous New Year. See you all in 2018!

Debbie Ashton – 01341 250884 or [email protected] Next issue DEADLINE Why should YOUR business be in Sibrydion? 10 January

• Articles, • Advertising, • Events, Local • Competitions residents’ YOUR (which make great homes and Sibrydion business businesses Cymunedol advertising too)

Local Interest Diddordebau Ileol Community News Newyddion Cymunedol Events Digwyddiadau

FREE Sibrydion (Priceless) Cymunedol Dec–Jan 2018 The vital link to your potential clients Issue 55 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

Image: Brett Critchley 1/4 page – £50 / £60 1/3 page – £65 / £80 01341 250884 /brettcritchley 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 7 Home visits for your convenience

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Carron Roberts Nail care SAC Dip Corns & calluses Qualified & insured Ingrowing toe nails Friendly & reliable Verrucas Full CRB check Competitive rates Diabetic foot health Also Eve & Weekends Athletes foot All equipment sterile Fungal infections Thickened toe nails Based in Dolgellau Cracked heels

For appointments call 07909 866287

8 Sibrydion Singing into 2018! Come and sing with friendly local singing groups, your fi rst session is FREE ! in Dolgellau in Barmouth in Llanbedr with Swnion, upstairs with Singin’ Wimmin with Cambrian Coast at The Free Library, every in The Arts Room at Community Choir in the Wednesday at 7.30pm with The Dragon Theatre on newly refurbished Village Charlotte Woodford. More Thursdays in term time Hall, every Monday in term details from Hazel 01341 280329. at 7.30pm. More details time at 7.30pm. More details [email protected] from Ann 01341 247382. from Neil 01766 780096. [email protected] in Tremadog in Cricieth with Singing Souls. On Mon with Lleisiau’r Byd / 2 October, Mon 23 October and World Voices in the Join us, Mon 13 November at Neuadd Jerusalem Hall Vestry on your ﬁ rst Goff a, Tremadog, 8-9.30pm with Wednesdays at 7.30pm. Christine Eastwood. More details More details from David session is from [email protected] 07840 957853. FREE [email protected]

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 fl ue/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 effi ciently and unburned fuel and smoke will the burning process – greatly condense in the chimney as extremely fl ammable creosote. reducing the risk of the chimney ✔ If you have a wood burner, always follow the manufacturer’s catching fi re. recommendations on fuel loading and air fl ow.

Sibrydion 9 Is shopping locally important?

Over the last few weeks Arloesi Gwynedd business we have the capacity to create pieces Wledig have been helping Dilys the black which are completely personal if that’s what the sheep travel around local businesses in customer wants.” Gwynedd. She started her journey at Glosters in Porthmadog and since then has been to visit 3. It’s the ethical choice many diff erent local businesses. Are you worried about your eco-credentials? When Every business nominates another local business you buy food out of season you’re certainly not that they use, which shows our followers on doing anything to help it. The strawberries you Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that the money bought from the supermarket in January will have they spend in a local business stays local. racked up quite a few air miles and will be covered in layers of plastic. On the other hand, the apple There are many reasons why shopping locally is you bought from your local green grocer probably important, here’s a look at some of the best… hasn’t travelled quite as far. As well as supporting your local farmer, your food will probably have

much more nutrients and much less packaging. 1. It helps the local economy

Research has shown that for every £1 spent in a 4. Supporting the Welsh language small to medium business, 63p stays in the local By going to a local business who employ Welsh economy. Compare that with the fact that only 40p speakers you’ll be given the opportunity to use the stays when you go to a large business, and we start language if you wish. Imagine going to a hair salon, to see how our shopping habits can really make a where it’s vital you convey exactly what you want, diff erence. but you both misunderstand each other...

Whilst Dilys was visiting Igam Ogam, a hair salon 2. Finding unique pieces in Criccieth, one of the owners Anwen Jones Many local businesses stock unique products explained “The staff at Igam Ogam speak Welsh, which have been made locally and aren’t available and we’re very proud of that. It’s very important elsewhere. Whilst Dilys was visiting Siop Iard in that our customers can explain what they want Caernarfon, Angela Evans a jeweller and one of in the language they’re most comfortable in. This the shop’s owners explained “People like one off ensures our customers are happy with their hair pieces which are unique to them. As we’re a small and come back to us time aft er time.”

10 Sibrydion Left to right: Dilys visiting Tom & Myfanwy Gloster at their shop Glosters in Porthmadog // Dilys enjoying a book at Palas Print Caernarfon // Dilys having a trim by Llinos Williams at hair salon Igam Ogam in Criccieth // Dilys sampling the gin at Gwin Llyn Wines Pwllheli // Dilys visiting the jeweller Angela Evans at Siop Iard Caernarfon

5. It helps the community customers really appreciate the opportunity to Many local businesses host events, from a knitting make sure they’re buying something they like, and group to a literature fair, but if the businesses therefore come back to us time and time again to aren’t supported these events will disappear too. buy fi rm favourites or to try something new.” Whilst Dilys was visiting Palas Print, a book shop in Caernarfon, she enjoyed a very interesting Keep an eye out for Dilys at your local business, event, the owner, Eirian James explains “We host and follow her travels online by following a range of diff erent events here at Palas Print the hashtag #DilynDilys on facebook, twitter throughout the year. The latest was a chat with and Instagram. If you’d like to take part in an author about her new novel and music from a the project contact Rhian on 01766 514057 popular local artist. Nights like these give people or [email protected] a chance to get together, and adds to the exciting The project has received funding through community events in Caernarfon.” the Welsh Government Rural Communities - Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, 6. Try before you buy which is funded by the European Agricultural There’s no denying you can get things cheaper Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh at the supermarket, they can take advantage of Government. It’s also part funded by the economies of scale, remember! But what if you Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and don’t like what you bought? Or it turns out to be Gwynedd Council. a waste of money, even if it was on off er! Many small businesses will let you sample a product Follow us on Social Media: before you buy. Dilys enjoyed her time visiting Facebook – Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig Gwin Llyn Wines, a wine shop in Pwllheli, very Twitter - @arloesigwynedd much, partly due to the fact they believe it’s Instagram - @arloesigwynedd important customers try the products fi rst. Dean Youtube – Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig Pritchard, the shop owner explained “It makes a Website – www.arloesigwyneddwledig.com huge diff erence trying something before you buy. It’s very unlikely you’ll get the opportunity to pop Watch the fi lms: open a bottle of wine in the supermarket aisle, All Dilyn Dilys videos are available on our youtube and impossible if buying online. In our experience channel, and can be available on fi le upon request.

Sibrydion 11 Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda Y Llew Coch Diolch am eich cefnogaeth drwy 2017. Dymuniadau gorau ir flwyddyn newydd. The Red Lion ✴✴✴✴✴ Dinas Mawddwy Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Thank you for your support throughout 2017. We wish you all the best for 2018.

Oddi wrth - From Beryl, Berwyn, Ceris, Cynan, Anest a gweddill y staff yma’n y Llew Coch 01650 531 247 [email protected]

The Floorcovering Centre THE OLD PRIMARY SCHOOL NEW STREET MACHYNLLETH SY20 8AT Wishing everyone a very happy Christmas Call Mark or Maria 01654 702423 [email protected]

Volunteers needed

Local Interest Diddordebau Ileol Community News Newyddion Cymunedol Events Can you Digwyddiadau This is your community magazine Sibrydion FREE Cymunedol (Priceless) Sibrydion distributed by volunteers. Dec–Jan 2018 spare half Issue 55 Cymunedol an hour? We are currently looking for new volunteers to help to distribute our magazine into the villages in our area, to reach more people in our community. Could you deliver copies to houses in your village

Image: Brett Critchley or, if short of time, a couple of roads? /brettcritchley Delivered free to homes in villages: Arthog, Penmaenpool, Fairbourne, Friog, Llwyngwril, Pick up Rhoslefain, Llanegryn, Llanelltyd, Bontddu, Corris, a copy in: Abergynolwyn, Taicynhaeaf. Barmouth, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Call 01341 250884 or [email protected] (Volunteers also deliver in: Dinas Mawddwy, Tywyn, Tywyn, Pennal, Aberdyﬁ , Dinas Dyffryn Ardudwy, Harlech, Bala, Brithdir, Talybont) Mawddwy, Bala, Harlech, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Llanbedr

12 Sibrydion COME AND JOIN IN THE SEASONAL FUN

th th th th nd rd 9 • 10 • 16 • 17 • 22 • 23 December

Santa visits both of our railways during December and travels on the trains to chat and joke with the children while giving out presents along the way. Adults are not forgotten however, as they enjoy a glass of sherry and a mince pie during the journey - making this a festive train ride to remember for all the family!

Ffestiniog Railway Santa Trains start from Porthmadog

Welsh Highland Santa Trains start from Dinas, LL54 5UP

Advanced booking is essential as seating is strictly limited.

Further information available by phone or you can download the details and a booking form from our website...

Sibrydion 13 Local Interest Diddordebau Ileol Bala

Church services in Bala

Christ Church (Anglican), Ffrydan Road: 9.00am Welsh service 10.30am Bilingual Capel Tegid, Tegid Street: 10.00am Welsh Capel Annybrynwyr, Mount Street 10.00am Welsh English Chapel (Presbyterian), High Street 10.30am English Our Lady Of Fatima (Roman Catholic), High Street. 11.00am English Evangelical Bro Tegid, High Street, 10.30am English 6.30pm English Jehovah’s Witnesses, Kingdom Hall, Llanddrillo 10.00am Welsh Coleg Y Bala Nos Sul 6.30yh Gwasanaeth i deuluoedd ac unigolion o bob oed.

An alphabetical list of community organisations within the Bala and Penllyn area, taken from www.balawales.com. See official website for the townwww.visitbala.org Cor Merched Edeyrnion This is a choir of 50 female voices, formed in 1979. Members come from the villages around the towns of Bala and Corwen. They enjoy giving concerts and also competing in many festivals. The choir has won the ‘Best Ladies Choir’ title 11 times! They have a website and meet on Mondays at 7.30pm, at Neuadd Edeyrnion, Corwen. Contact Mrs Manon Easter Lewis, the Musical Director. 01490 412550 Rotary Club, of Bala and Penllyn The group welcomes contact from other Rotarians around the world. They meet on Mondays at 6.30pm for 7.00pm at The White Lion Royal Hotel, High St. Bala. Other useful information: Recycling Centre is on the industrial estate. Internet access: at the library and also Ysgol y Berwyn for free broadband. Penllyn Leisure Centre has free wi-fi in the café. North Wales Police: non-emergency: 0845 607 1002 or 101, if less urgent than 999. Lake Warden Office at the lake foreshore, 01678 520626 Cinema Neuadd Buddug, 01678 520800 Bala Golf Club, Penian 01678520359 www.golffbala.co.uk Penllyn Leisure Centre, 01658 521222 Bala Lake Railway 01658 540666 www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk Sailing Club 01658 520118 www.balasc.org.uk Ganllyn Bowling 01658 541000 www.balabowling.club.moonfruit.com Other clubs – Bala Catamaran Club; Bala & District Motor Club; Bala Rugby Club; Bala Sailing Club; Bala Town Football Club; Bala & District Angling Association.

14 Sibrydion Tywyn Baptist Church Aberdovey English Chapel

Sunday services 10.30am and 6.30pm Sunday services 11.00am. Always a warm High Street, Tywyn LL36 9AD welcome. Presbyterian Church of Wales. Seaview Terrace, Aberdovey LL35 0LL www.tywynbaptistchurch.org.uk www.aberdoveypresbyterian.co.uk

Tywyn Spiritualist Church Barmouth Elim Pentecostal Church The Divine service is held on Fridays at 7.00pm in the building at Tywyn Station. Pastor: Rev Dawn Robinson. Entrance is on the Station car park. Sunday Service at 11.00am. Revelation Bookshop: Open Mon–Thurs 10.00am to 2.30pm www.tywyn-spiritualist-church.com Elephant Works, Park Road, LL42 1PH (Opposite Barmouth Co-op Carpark) 01341 280808 [email protected] 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.

Sunday Services - Every Sunday Sunday Services - Alternating Llanfihangel Llanfair (1st, 2nd & 4th Sunday) Bilingual service 11:30am Traditional English Service 9:30am Harlech Llanbedr (2nd, 3rd & 4th Sunday) Informal, family friendly service 9:30am English sung service 9:30am Llanddwywe (Talybont) Bilingual Service 11:30am Sunday Evening Services Llanaber Barmouth (St David’s) 6:00pm Traditional Bilingual Service 9:30am Llandanwg 6:30pm Barmouth (St John’s) Family friendly service 11:30am

Mass Times for Saturday 10.30am 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

Service times for other churches in Tywyn can be found at www.tywynchurches.org.uk

Sibrydion 15 Local Interest Diddordebau Ileol Abergynolwyn / Tywyn

Regular activities at Y Ganolfan, Abergynolwyn

 You are able to 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 To receive Abergynolwyn News by email contact: [email protected]

Relaunch of Pilates classes, at a new time with a qualified instructor. Friday afternoons, 2-3pm, just £5 each week. All abilities welcome including beginners. Please bring cushion and mat/blanket. New-Age Kurling, Sat 27 May at 6.45pm We have the kit, come and join the fun in Y Ganolfan. There’s no ice or sweeping, it’s all done with ball bearings. Teams will be drawn on the night. Adults £4, kids £2. Bring your own drink and nibbles. 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, from Sept–May. 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 2.00-4.00pm, admission £2. Tel 01654 782671 Line Dancing – Every Wednesday at 7.30pm, admission £2.50. Tel 01654 782331 The Annual Eisteddfod (every February) – Eisteddfod Flynyddol Abergynolwyn A gynhelir yn y Ganolfan Gymunedol. Dydd Sadwrn, Chwefror 11eg 2017, cysylltier a’r ysgrifenyddion. Sheila Patterson 01654 782270, Gwen Williams 01654 713846

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 associations, clubs, and organisations. 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.

Zumba Dance/Keep fit –Wednesday 7.00–8.00pm. Contact. 01970 880535. Tywyn Stompers – Line dancing. Friday. 7.30–9.30pm. Contact 07795415455 Neuadd Pendre Dance Club – Monday. 7.30–9.30pm Contact. 01654 711582 Table Top Games for Ladies – each Thursday 2-5pm Contact: 01654 711477 (Mrs Sheila Webster) Bingo – 1st and 3rd Monday in month. 7.30–9.15pm. Contact. 01654 710694 or 01654 711839. Freewheelers Social Club – Various activities. Every Tuesday 2.00–4.00pm. Contact 01654 711839

16 Sibrydion LUCY & TATTUM Ymgymerwyr Annibynnol Lleol Local Independent Funeral Services

Ar gael i’ch teulu 24 awr Available for your family 24 hours Monumental masonry Maes Caled, Dolgellau 01341 421196

Sibrydion 17 Dipsy Dragon That being said the gallery has begun to develop its own character and is starting to feel as if it ‘belongs’. Gallery & Ceramics The Dolgellau location is naturally a huge infl uence not only on our creative work but on our entire Sue & Peter Barnes lifestyle. Sue’s ceramics, and increasingly some A few years ago we took the opportunity of early tentative forays from Peter as well, are evolving retirement from jobs as university academics in nicely through experimenting with methods of order to ‘live the dream’ in Wales. We both knew production, fi ring and glazes and a variety of styles. the area well, having worked at the Outward ‘Elemental’ is a constant theme, with the Welsh Bound School in Aberdyfi and Peter having worked landscape, culture, myths and legends all being at Llanbedr airfi eld and climbed extensively infl uential. Our range of ceramics now stretches throughout Snowdonia since childhood. We moved from small, inexpensive items such as our popular to Dolgellau in mid-2014, then earlier this year we ‘Welsh Ladies’ and ‘Dipsy Dragons’ right up to larger opened ‘Dipsy Dragon’ – our shop/art-gallery. free-form styles based on plants and trees that have now been exhibited around the country. The gallery has been open for 6 months now – it would be fair to say that it has been an eye-opening ‘Dipsy Dragon’ also stocks work from a wide range experience. Opening, and producing enough work of local artists, from ceramics to cards and prints by to stock it, has required a huge amount of work. local photographers and paintings from renowned Sue has had a long-held desire to earn a living from artists. Our aim is always to stock ‘local art, locally making ceramics, but on many occasions actually inspired, by local artists’. Our dream would be to being creative has had to take a back seat to the see Dolgellau become a hub for local artists with reality of earning an income. Peter on the other some of the shops currently lying empty opening up hand, who simply wanted to be able to do all the as gallery spaces bringing much needed visitors and sporting activity that [being the head of a sports revenue into the town. For the moment, however, course!] didn’t give time for, has had to turn his hand we need to get our Christmas stock in place and to building display stands and hanging pictures. hopefully do some selling!

www.dipsydragon.wales Draig Dipsy Dragon

For For

Eldon Square, Dolgellau

18 Sibrydion Bookings: 01341 250484

THE GARTHANGHARED

Llwyngwril CHRISTMAS MENU To Start HOMEMADE WINTER VEGETABLE SOUP Served piping hot with a fresh roll and butter. PRAWN COCKTAIL Prawn in seafood sauce served on a bed of lettuce with a slice of bread and butter. FARMHOUSE PÂTÉ Served with crunchy toast and a caramelised onion chutney.

PLEASE FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR ALL Main Courses OUR PLANNED EVENTS AND BOOK NEWS TRADITIONAL ROAST TURKEY Served with all the trimmings of seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. ROAST BEEF Succulent slow roasted beef, served with all the trimmings of seasonal vegetables, roast potatoes, pigs in blankets, stuffing balls, Yorkshire pudding and gravy. VEGETABLE NUT ROAST (V) Served with seasonal vegetables, rich homemade vegetable gravy and roast potatoes. Desserts TRADITIONAL CHRISTMAS PUDDING Served warm with brandy sauce HOMEMADE TRADITIONAL BOOZY TRIFLE Sherry soaked sponge, layered with rich custard & jelly, topped with rich whipped cream and chocolate shavings. * Supplier of Burns, Nature’s Menu CHEESE BOARD Pet Foods and Lily’s Kitchen * A selection opf cheeses, served with biscuits, grapes and a caramelised onion chutney. Afters - Tea, Coffee & Mince Pies only 4 COURSES £40.00 per person Sibrydion 19 Local Interest Diddordebau Ileol Fairbourne & Friog

Regular activities at Fairbourne & Friog Village Hall

 The Trustees of Friog and Fairbourne Village Hall are pleased to announce that the Hall is now open for business following the recent major refurbishment operations. Part of the upgrade involved the installation of a state of the art kitchen and this will 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 LL38 2EX

Ideas & Suggestions

We welcome your ideas and suggestions for future activities – please get in touch with Mike Murray – booking agent – 01341 - 250518

MONDAY Tai Chi 11.00am – 12 noon Art Club 1.30–4.30pm Indoor Bowls 7.00pm TUESDAY Gentle Stretch & Tone – based on Yoga and Pilates exercises 10.00–11.00am Keep Agile 1.30–4.30pm Gardening Club (last Tuesday of the month only). WEDNESDAY Table Tennis 11.00am – 12 noon (Except 3rd week of mth 2–4pm) Senior Citizens 3rd week of month only THURSDAY Badminton 9.30am – 12 noon Indoor Bowls 7.00pm FRIDAY Quiz Night 7.00pm Last Friday of every month

SPECIAL EVENTS Dates and Times as advertised Book Sales in the Lobby

NEW COURSES PLANNED - coming soon! Geneaology Trace your Family History! I.T. Classes How to get the best from your computer/tablet/iPad. Learn how to e-mail, use videos and messaging services, surf the web, internet security, and online purchase safely. Age Cymru Guidance with financial help and benefits and mobility aids. Senior Citizen Extra Senior Citizen social activities, including luncheon club Social Activities

20 Sibrydion Flood Wardens in Fairbourne A Flooding Exercise by means of a ‘Table Top’ What became apparent however, was to how much Exercise was held in the Fairbourne Village these agencies would depend on the Fairbourne Hall back in September, when over 60 people Flood Wardens, in view of their local knowledge representing 17 Agencies took part in the Exercise. and the assistance that they would be able to give. Among the attendees was the Deputy Chief We do have a shortage of Flood Wardens in Constable of the North Wales Police. The exercise the village – if there were any volunteers was to test not only the Fairbourne Community who are interested in learning more about Flood Plan but to also aid all the agencies, should what is involved, please contact Mike Scott there ever be a situation, whereCyfreithwyr they would ers have 1876 | Solicitors(07760 since103308) 1876 for further information. to come to Fairbourne and help evacuate residents Mike Scott - Cllr Arthog CC from their property. Cyfreithwyr ers 1876 | Solicitors since 1876 Cyfraith Tir ac Amaeth LandCyfraith & Agricultural Tir ac Amaeth Law Land & Agricultural Law Prynu a Gwerthu Tai PrynuConveyancing a Gwerthu Tai Cyfreithwyr Conveyancingers 1876 | Solicitors since 1876 Anghydfodau Cyfreithiol AnghydfodauLegal Disputes Cyfreithiol Cyfraith Tir ac AmaethLegal Disputes Anghydfodau Cyfreithiol Land & Agricultural LawCyfraith Teulu Legal Disputes CyfraithFamily TeuluLaw Ewyllysiau, YmddiriedolaethauFamily Law a Phroﬁ ant Ewyllysiau,Wills, Ymddiriedolaethau Trusts & Probate a Phrofiant Ewyllysiau, Ymddiriedolaethau a Phrofiant Prynu a GwerthuWills, Tai Trusts & ProbateCyfreith Teulu ConveyancingWills, Trusts & Probate Family Law

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Sibrydion 21 Love Thy Neighbour As Yourself

We all expect to have bonfi res around us a day having it hanging around the house, or tumble or two before and aft er November 5th, within drying perhaps. The last thing these gardeners / reason. It is also acceptable to have the odd neighbours want is to be smoked out of the garden, bonfi re to deal with garden waste. back into the house, or to have to re-launder the washing. However, there are guidelines on how this is done, To let your neighbours know of your intention, to in terms of what you burn, the frequency and have a bonfi re and check that your neighbours taking into consideration that your bonfi re impacts don’t have any objections. Respect ad common on ALL of your neighbours. The Environmental sense is all that is needed really. One of them may Protection Act can be brought into play. be attempting to entertain in the garden, perhaps, which would be ruined by a neighbouring bonfi re. Part III - Statutory Nuisance It is also not acceptable to burn household waste, or cardboard, or wet matter. Section 79 defi nes several statutory nuisances: • Any premises in such a state as to be prejudicial Another guideline is that if you have repeated to health or a nuisance; bonfi res, this can be classed as Statutory • Smoke emitted from premises so as to be Nuisance. The local council have the powers to prejudicial to health or a nuisance; restrict this.

• Fumes or gases emitted from premises so as to be Environmentally friendly and neighbourly prejudicial to health or a nuisance; solutions to the seasonal garden waste: • Any dust, steam, smell or other efﬂ uvia arising on industrial, trade or business premises and being Composting is to be encouraged, and can also be prejudicial to health or a nuisance; used to improve the soil structure, in our gardens, • Any accumulation or deposit which is prejudicial to to benefi t our plants and produce we grow. health or a nuisance; Using our brown garden waste bins. Many residents • Any animal kept in such a place or manner as to be feel that the local council have unjustly started prejudicial to health or a nuisance; to charge for the garden waste to be removed. • Noise emitted from premises so as to be prejudicial However the charge is not extortionate and if you to health or a nuisance; and consider the cost of taking it to the tip yourself using • Noise that is prejudicial to health or a nuisance and your petrol, your time, your bags, perhaps having to is emitted from or caused by a vehicle, machinery or clean out your car/vehicle aft erward (also costing equipment on a highway, road, footway, square or your time), or, paying a fi xed penalty for nuisance court open to the public. bonfi res, should there be complaints. I know which I would go for every time. Everyone should have a social conscience and The annual charge for 2018 will again be £33 for think, before lighting a bonfi re, for example on a brown bin to be emptied, all around the year. the only sunny day for a week. How would we (Some council authorities only collect between feel if our neighbour did this? Perhaps limit your certain months, excluding the winter weeks). If bonfi res to evening hours, if you feel the need to you have a large garden you may choose to have a have one. second bin, which will cost £28 for emptying. £33 There is a lot of clearing up to be done at this time covers about half a tank of fuel, which would soon of the year; cutting things back, and the fi nal hedge be used up with multiple trips to the trip, if you live cut of the season etc. So most gardeners wants more than 10 miles from the nearest one, which to get out in the garden, whenever the weather probably accounts for many of us. permits, if they have the time. Also people like to hang out washing when possible, instead of

22 Sibrydion Are you ready for the book that will save the world? HOW utterly fascinating I found Testament! What a life! What an epiphany! I am astonished by the profligacy of detail – inner and outer – and by Tom Davies’ command of his own meanings. Jan Morris, writer. THIS is an autobiography told with the speed of fiction. Davies spills the beans on a life that mixed God with debauchery in almost equal proportions. The Davies trajectory starts where many do, in the boundary-pushing 60s. Tom’s progress from pro- vincial journalist to UK national icon is charted with an engaging mixture of humour and revelation. I found it compulsive. Chief Executive, Welsh Academy of Writers. STEELworker’s son, gossip columnist, coal yard owner, novelist, travel writer, religious visionary. Tom Davies’ voyage through the last 60 years in Testament is as strange and compelling as the Book of Revelation. Ian Jack, Guardian columnist and former editor of Granta. I FOUND Testament both disturbing and thought- provoking. Tom Davies is one of Wales’ most passionate and creative writers. Max Boyce, MBE, entertainer. Unique Christmas gift, DAVIES argues that the modern media, with its signed by the author and romantic obsession with violence, cruelty and perversion, is causing widespread damage and dedicated to whoever you terror throughout the world. I regard Testament as care about, at a very one of the most significant spiritual memoirs I have ever read, comparable to C S Lewis’ Sur- special price of £5 prised by Joy, Jack Clemo’s Confession of a Rebel and Malcolm Muggeridge’s Chronicles of Wasted Time. The Christian Librarian. oriel Tan yr Hall gallery, High A beautiful writer, all heart. Jilly Cooper, author. Street, Bala. DAVIES is never less than entertaining, never Tel: 01678 521 854 more readable than when he is being passionate. Testament is a riveting read and Tom possesses - Email: [email protected] like C S Lewis - the rare gift of making theology accessible and deserves a wide audience. Tom is a reluctant prophet - but a prophet nevertheless - and his prose is soaked in wisdom, clarity and the odd drop of whisky. Highly recommended. Amazon. I can’t wait for the film. Anne Robinson, TV presenter

Sibrydion 23 Top tips for a debt-free Christmas

 Plan ahead. Work out how much you can  If you do need more money, don’t just run up realistically aff ord before you start spending. an overdraft without talking to your bank - this The worst way to do your Christmas shopping will be much more expensive than if you arrange is at the last minute, in a panic, with a handbag it beforehand. full of credit and store cards.  If you’re using credit, shop around for the best  If you can aff ord to, set a little aside each week deal, and check that the monthly installments for Christmas and save it in an interest bearing and the total charge are within your budget account. (Investigate saving with a credit union, before signing on the dotted line. Look out for where you may then be able to borrow up to 3 “interest free” deals, but check the time limit on times your savings - contact www.abcul.org or repayment. You may fi nd that you cannot repay 0161 832 3694 for list of credit unions and full it in time and the interest is too high. details).  Shop around, you may fi nd it cheaper  Set a limit on how much you are going to elsewhere. spend on each person and stick to it. Don’t  Remember that the heft y winter bills arrive in leave it until the last minute when you’ll be February when you’re most likely to be feeling panicked into buying things you can’t aff ord and the pinch aft er an extravagant festive season, the person probably doesn’t want. so always allow for these in your budget. Make  Remember that Christmas is an expensive sure you keep up with all your priority bills time of year for everyone. With some close over this period such as mortgage/rent, gas, friends and adults in the family you may be electricity and council tax. able to make a ‘no presents’ pact. Or agree to exchange only token gift s with a fi xed limit on what you spend. Dealing with debt can be complicated and distressing.  Try shopping with cash only. That way you can’t spend more than your budget. If you can If you do run into debt problems, don’t ignore aff ord to pay for your goods outright, don’t be them and hope they’ll go away - they won’t. persuaded to take out credit unless it really Get advice as early as possible. You can get does work out cheaper. free, confi dential, independent debt advice from your local CAB. CAB Gwynedd CA can be  Try not to feel pressurized by children into contacted on 03444 77 20 20 Monday – Friday buying expensive toys or other items you can’t 10.00am – 3.00pm. There is also debt advice aff ord. Explain the situation to them. Don’t be online at www.adviceguide.org.uk. tempted to buy toys from catalogues unless you’ve no other option - they can oft en work out more expensive.

 Avoid store cards. Most are poor value and some can charge whopping interest rates of © Copyright Citizens Advice. For the most up-to-date around 30%. advice, please visit our Citizens Advice public site.

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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. Tobook the Hall please contact our Caretakers Martin and Bekki Stott on 07497 361165. Yoga – 7.00pm, every Tuesday Knit & Natter Group – 7.30pm, 2nd Wednesday of the month Sequence Dancing – 7.00pm, every Thursday Heavenly Connections – Doors open 7pm. Fridays, fortnightly. Spiritual group meetings with guest mediums.

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

Fri 15 December 7.30pm £10.00 Fri 8 December 8.00pm Tickets £5.00 Ricky Cool and the In Crowd Yes, they’re back!!! Ricky and his band have given us the perfect Live at the Club start to the festive season in the past, and we expect no less this An exciting, informal night of Blues, time. A six-piece band presenting an explosive mixture of ska, Jazz, Soul, & Ska. Muso’s from far bluebeat, rhythm and blues and rock ‘n’ roll. and wide. You will love the quality and variety.

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 New Chief Executive appointed for Natural Resources Wales

Natural Resources Wales has announced that “I want to welcome Clare as she joins us and as we Clare Pillman has been appointed as its next continue our crucial work to look aft er the fantastic Chief Executive. Currently Director for Culture, environment we have in Wales for its people, for Tourism and Sport at the Department for Digital, wildlife and for the economy.” Culture, Media & Sport in Westminster, Clare will Clare grew up on a smallholding fi ve miles from take up the post in late February 2018. She takes her current home at Nercwys near Mold. A Welsh over from Emyr Roberts who was NRW’s Chief learner, Clare Pillman has passed her GCSE in Executive since it was set up in 2013. Welsh and has previously been honoured at Clare’s current role includes responsibility for the National Eisteddfod for her contribution to policy on culture, tourism and sport, bodies such bilingualism in the justice system. as Historic England, Visit Britain, UK Sport and the Royal Parks, as well as delivering the UK’s Kevin Ingram, NRW’s Executive Director for Finance Centenary Commemorations of the First World and Corporate Services, will be the interim Chief War, the Rugby World Cup and the bid for the Executive following Emyr Roberts’ retirement. 2022 Commonwealth Games. Previously she was responsible for running Her Majesty’s Courts Service in Wales. Clare Pillman said: “NRW is an extraordinary organisation with a wide and aspirational remit, a strong and committed professional workforce and a vital role in ensuring the sustainability of Wales’ unique landscapes. I look forward to working with the Chair, Board, Executive Team and all the staff to take the important work of NRW to the next level.” Diane McCrea, Chair of Natural Resources Wales, said: “We are looking forward to the next part of our journey as an organisation and building on the foundation that Emyr Roberts put in place. Clare Pillman – Chief Executive for NRW.

SANTA OUNGS in Dolgellau Y GREENGROCERS Santa is coming with sweets for children (free) on Sat 2nd Dec (10.00am to 3.00pm) at the FRUIT & VEG BASKETS Free Library, Dolgellau. AVAILABLE WITH FREE LOCAL DELIVERY There will also be a Gingerbread house competition with tombola, tea/coff ee cakes etc. Neuadd Idris, Eldon Square, Dolgellau Call in and get that Christmas feeling 01341 423484

Sibrydion 27 The Cabinet of Curiosities by Rennie Telford

In the days before television and radio, people a fi sh’s tail sewed on to it displayed as a mermaid had other ways of entertaining themselves is one infamous example - but there were usually through the long winter evenings. Amongst enough genuine oddities to provoke plenty of them was a Victorian institution known as the satisfying ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ from a rapt audience. Cabinet of Curiosities. Nowadays, of course, it tends to be the latest David Attenborough documentary that we ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ No grand Victorian house was complete without at, but nevertheless there are plenty of marvels one of these fi xtures in a prominent position, and wonders around us locally that are just as in which strange and wonderful natural history fascinating. objects from around the world were displayed. Aft er dinner and before the gentlemen retired to So, not to be outdone by our ancestors, let me the drawing room for brandy and cigars and the invite you to see some of the exhibits in my very ladies to the piano room, the whole company would own Cabinet of Curiosities - the main diff erence gather around the ornately carved cabinet, while being, I suppose, that I certainly don’t live in a the proud host would point out and expound upon grand Victorian house, I don’t keep my exhibits in a the weird and wonderful curios it contained. There cabinet, they are not really all that curious and sadly is no doubt that some of the exhibits were out and I haven’t got a fake mermaid, but each one has a out fakes - the mummifi ed body of a monkey with little tale to tell.

28 Sibrydion and a few of these magnifi cent owls would turn up quite regularly to hunt over the area. While watching them on one occasion, I had noticed a patch of ground where one of them had rested for a few moments and more in hope, than with any expectation of fi nding anything, I searched the area intently and to my great satisfaction, discovered two pellets. I dissected one of them but to be honest the result was a little disappointing as, unlike Barn Owl pellets which are looser and contain intact skulls and jawbones, this was tightly compacted and most of the bones were crushed or broken and rather diff icult to identify. Exhibit number one is a rather unprepossessing looking small ball of hair and fur which I am However, I have kept the other pellet and whenever particularly proud of because it is almost as rare as I look at it, it clicks open that ‘video recorder’ in the hen’s teeth, or perhaps I should say that fi nding and brain and brings back vividly the marvellous picture identifying it is as rare as hen’s teeth. It is of course of these magnifi cent, charismatic birds hunting low an owl pellet but not just any old owl pellet; this is over the ground just before dusk, on long outspread that of a Short-eared Owl. All owls and in fact many wings with an almost lazy and languid fl ight. But the other birds regurgitate the indigestible parts of most enduring image it recalls is that of one of the their food (bones and fur etc), in the form of these owls, perched on a fence post not yards away from compact little packages. They are extremely useful me, turning its head and gazing directly at me with aids in determining the diet of the bird, as aft er its piercingly fi erce orange eyes creating a brief and careful dissection and analysis of the contents a magical moment of intimate connection between us. clear picture emerges of the main prey species the bird concentrates on. Barn Owls are particularly obliging, as they tend to cough up their pellets Exhibit number two is, to be frank, another rather in and around their nest sites, so that you can be mundane looking object; just a small band of metal certain who produced them. Short-eared owls on bent into an oval, with some numbers and letters and the other hand are much less co-operative - they the words ‘British Museum SW7’ stamped into it. nest in scrapes in the ground, mainly in upland areas but discard their pellets far and wide, quite Aft er rough weather or a storm you oft en fi nd dead randomly, wherever they may settle for a while. sea birds washed up on the shore and I always check to see if they have been ringed, as bird ringing So how am I so sure this is a Short-eared Owl’s is an important way of monitoring bird movements pellet? Well, Short-eared Owls are relatively rare and migration patterns. A high percentage of birds birds, but will rather mysteriously appear as if that have been ringed are never traced again or from nowhere when there is a seasonal increase not reported (especially sea birds) so any rings in vole numbers (their preferred diet), in any that are recovered are really important. I removed particular area. (Don’t ask this particular ring (using my very useful and ever me how they know!) Before present Swiss army knife) the area of grass-tussocked from what I took to be a dead land alongside the road Cormorant on Fairbourne beach leading to Penrhyn Point a few years ago. In the past it at Fairbourne was ill- was usual to post the ring to the advisably and, to my mind, British Museum and then receive completely unnecessarily an extremely courteous letter opened to tidal inundation, back detailing where the bird had it supported a thriving come from, but of course now it is and occasionally over just a matter of entering the ring plentiful vole population number on to a website together

Sibrydion 29 …Continued feeders outside in the garden there was one of those window feeders attached to the glass of the with a grid reference and any other relevant details, window enabling you to get close up views of the keeping the ring and waiting for an equally polite bolder, more confi dent birds like Blue tits and Great and informative e-mail. What made this particular tits and there was in fact a Blue tit feeding on it, ring interesting was that it had been reported twice which fl ew off as I entered the room. To my utter -Firstly it wasn’t as I thought a Cormorant, but a amazement it was replaced almost immediately Shag (well it was a bit battered about - that’s my by a real live male Hawfi nch, which brazenly got excuse) which had been ringed as a nestling a year stuck into the seed just a couple of feet away from previously near Anglesey. A few months later it had me and within seconds of me entering the room! been found grounded on the Irish coast but had Although this ultra close up view wasn’t repeated recovered and fl own off only to end its days on the I was able to watch more of these lovely birds of Friog rocks. So it’s always worth checking for rings both sexes coming and going on the garden feeders on any deceased birds you may come across - they for nearly an hour before they disappeared. It may have an interesting little story to tell. seems that the woodland area around Dolgellau is a North Wales hot spot for these elusive birds and

are closely monitored - all the Exhibit number three. birds I saw had been ringed. Now this is a photo - not a Truly remarkable - treasures all very good photo I’m afraid. around us! In fact let’s be honest - it’s a Well those are three of the really terrible photo, but my exhibits from my Cabinet of photography skills (or lack Curiosities - I have plenty more of them) are not the issue but I see that you gentlemen here. It is the unsuspecting are eager for your brandy and subject of the photo and the cigars and you ladies are keen circumstances around it, to get to the piano room, so which are more interesting. we will have to leave them for Hawfi nches (Gylfi nbraff another day. meaning Stout bill in Welsh) are strikingly beautiful Oh, and in the interests of sexual birds with a wonderful combination of chestnut, equality of course both ladies and gentlemen are peach, black and white plumage, all set off against welcome to indulge in either activity. I’m heading a massive, heavy duty, shiny, bluish-grey bill. This for the brandy myself. powerful bill is not for decoration though, it is used Rennie Telford, Friog 01341 250133 to break open seeds and nuts from all kinds of trees and shrubs and can exert enough pressure to crack open cherry stones. Hawfi nches are not common birds by any means and have become increasingly www.welshwildlifebreaks.co.uk scarce nation wide. They are also usually very shy and elusive birds of mixed woodland and are Wonderful days out to discover notoriously diff icult to observe for any length of Wales’ secret wildlife. time or at close quarters - in fact the last time I recall seeing one was as a boy in Somerset and that Make a splash! is longer ago than I care to think about. So when a friend happened to mention that they visited her bird table regularly and would I like to come and see them I of course jumped at the chance. My intention was to sit patiently by Call Sue on the window of her front room and hope for the best, but prepared to be disappointed, knowing 07887 861045 how self-eff acing they could be. As well as the [email protected]

30 Sibrydion

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cambrian pets Sibrydion 080710 31 Finding my Way Home Elizabeth Jane Corbett

It started with a mid-life crisis. On approaching a self-harm, the signifi cant birthday (let’s not be specifi c), I realised dropping out I’d always wanted to write a novel. I’d never written of school and a novel before, mind. But I loved history, and shoplift ing moving to Australia had been the defi ning event had a terrible of my childhood. So why not make it an Aussie eff ect on my immigration novel? Dad was born in England but mental health. Mum was Welsh. Almost as an aft erthought, I threw I couldn’t write. I could barely a Welsh couple into my fi ctional group of migrants. function. My husband insisted I take a break. Looking back, I am struck by how casually the We had loads of frequent fl yers points. decision was made. Why not travel to the land of words and stories? It has changed my life in so many ways. In preparation, a friend recommended I try Say I knew nothing about Wales, beyond the history Something in Welsh. I felt so fragile. The idea of of coal mining (mum was from South Wales) and doing strange online language course terrifi ed me. that Wales played rugby. I also knew Welsh people But I decided to try one lesson. Aran, the man on spoke a diff erent language. I wanted my Welsh the podcast, was so kind and encouraging. He told couple to be an agent of change in the life of my me I was doing a great job, I would succeed. It was young main character. But I didn’t think she’d like rain on parched earth. fi nd coal mining, or rugby inspiring. Some initial research told me Wales also had a strong bardic Five years of language learning fell into place. tradition. I read the Mabinogion and a host of I did Cwrs Haf in Aberystwyth, the following year. other Welsh fairy tales. My Welsh couple became Whilst there, I met Veronica Calarco, an Aussie storytellers. I enrolled for a term of Welsh classes, artist living in Wales. When Veronica set up Stiwdio just to get a sense of the language. Maelor, a residency studio for artists and writers, I became her fi rst long-term volunteer. I had four children living at home in those days. I must admit being able to say, I’m off to my Welsh I improved my Welsh, during my seven months in class, and walk out the door was part of the appeal. Wales and fi nished my novel, The Tides Between But I also found Welsh words strangely enticing. - an historical coming of age novel about fairy One term of classes turned into two, then three. tales and facing the truth – which has recently been published Odyssey Books. It is an Aussie Before I knew it, Welsh class had become part of immigration novel, fi lled with Welsh fairy tales, my life. I didn’t ever expect to speak the language. which is set in the steerage compartment of an I’d done Japanese at school and never progressed emigrant vessel, and somehow, through the beyond the basics. But writing a novel with Welsh process of its creation, I have found my way home. characters and learning the language were waking a hidden part of me that I hadn’t not known existed. The Tides Between is available online through The Book Depository, Amazon, Hive.co.uk I fi nished a fi rst draft and got shortlisted for a (a site that lets you pick it up at your local manuscript development award. I also won a short bookshop), or you can simply ask your nearest story prize. Then disaster struck. Our youngest bookshop to order the title. The details are on daughter began to work her way through a list of my website at: elizabethjanecorbett.com/novels every parent’s worst fears. The running away, the

32 Sibrydion Sibrydion 33 Students from Coleg Menai lend a helping hand at Parc Padarn

A group of students from Coleg Menai have rolled up their sleeves and got involved in some environmental work in Parc Padarn for the beneﬁ t of the community. The students: Jack, Lauren, Lowri, Seren, Sophia, Cadi, Ceri, Andrew and Jessica are in their fi rst year of studying for an Extended Diploma in Travel and Tourism. As part of the Welsh Baccalaureate students must display the ability to work independently and as part of a team in order to complete several challenges. The ‘Community Challenge’ asks a student to plan and work on any project that’s of benefi t to the wider community and/or the environment. It’s also an opportunity for students to discover more about the types of environmental work in country parks and about natural attractions in rural areas.

Barry Davies, Principal Maritime and Country Parks “The effort, enthusiasm and Off icer, said: “The eff ort, enthusiasm and the hard work of the students has ensured that areas within the hard work of the students the park have been improved for the benefi t of has ensured that areas the community. Their eff ort has also improved the within the park have been local environment signifi cantly. improved for the benefi t of the “It was sad that we had to report recently of community.” vandalism at Parc Padarn. But on a more positive note it has been encouraging to see young people working together and enjoying work which was a bit diff erent from the norm.” The students were kept busy for four days, undertaking a variety of outdoor tasks under The students had benefi tted from their time at the supervision of Gwyendd Council staff , which Parc Padarn. Lauren said: “I have really enjoyed the manage the country park in Llanberis. With the experience and it was fun doing the environmental help of Paul Sivyer, Parc Padarn Assistant Manager, work. My favourite part of the work was clearing and his team, the students managed to clear a path near Dinorwig, working and walking down several footpaths near Dinorwig, the Glyn site towards the Quarry Hospital Museum – the area in Llanberis and the entrance to Craig y Llew in and the views were lovely.” Fachwen. The footpaths had become overgrown Sharon Jones, of Coleg Menai, said: “It’s always with holly and buddleia, the latter being deemed a pleasure to hear about students enjoying and as an invasive species in the UK. appreciating new experiences.”

34 Sibrydion The perfect gift

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Sibrydion 35 COMPUTER REPAIRS HOME OR OFFICE Mobile service for when things go wrong. LAN (Local Area Network), Data Recovery, Hardware replaced, Software sorted out! Call Bernie: 07967 817470

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36 Sibrydion Local Interest Llanegryn / Bryncrug / Aberdyfi Diddordebau Ileol

Regular activities at Neuadd Llanegryn

 Bookings or enquiries: Janet Pugh 01654 711559

Table Tennis – Mondays 7.30pm onwards in the Main Hall. Players at all levels welcome 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.

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 last monday of every month. Coffee morning – 3rd Tuesday of every month 10.30am–12 noon

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 mail@neuadddyﬁ .co.uk www.neuadddyﬁ .org

Mondays 1.30–2pm ZUMBA GOLD. 2-3pm TAI CHI Sandy Andrews 07790 045445 Tuesdays 5.30–6.30pm – Class Act Wales Junior Street Dance, Age 3+ [email protected] / 07583 811237. 6.30pm, from Wed 18 Apr – The Really Big Glee Club – [email protected] Wednesdays 2.15pm WI (Last Wednesday in the month) For information on WI Activities contact: Elaine Foote 01654 767986 – [email protected] 7.00–8.00pm Let It Move You, with Misha Evans [email protected] Thursdays 2.30pm MOTHER’S UNION for info: Janet Evans 01654 710298; Diane Cross 01654 713839; Pat Moore 01654 711512

Sibrydion 37 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. Whist Evening – Every Tuesday evening 7.30pm. Come along for a couple of hours of fun to include refreshments. Fitness & Exercise Group – Every Tuesday 10.00am. All ages welcome, Buddug Jones leads. 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 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, ([email protected]) seven days prior to the following meeting, or verbally to any of the Council Members.

Books/paperbacks are for sale in y ganolfan, priced at 50p. Welsh and English books are provided. This provides a good steady income for small maintenance essentials in Y Ganolfan.

38 Sibrydion 2017

MARCHNAD NADOLIG LLWYNGWRIL CHRISTMAS MARKET Sadwrn Rhagfyr 2il Saturday 2nd December 11 yb/am Y Ganolfan Llwyngwril AMRYWIAETH O ANRHEGION LARGE SELECTION OF GIFTS CINIO AR GAEL LUNCHES BEING SERVED

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Sibrydion 39 Gardening Diary Dyddiadur Garddio

Winter planting By Lisa Cunningham-Allsop – Camlan Garden Centre, Dinas Mawddwy.

December is perfect for planting fruit If your garden is lacking colour, why not invest in bushes and trees as the plants are dormant some shrubs to provide visual interest next year. and the risk of damage to roots is minimal. Shrubby dogwood (Cornus) species are invaluable You also won’t need to worry about watering for winter colour. They come in a range of colours unless there’s a very dry spell. Plants grown as from golden yellow through to red and even black. locally as possible stand a better chance of thriving Evergreen Mahonia also provide scented fl owers – we recommend our very hardy Welsh-grown through winter. shrubs and fruit bushes; as well as varieties of fruit trees that originate from Wales. Surprisingly there are more than 30 varieties of Welsh apple trees, some are very rare and of limited availability but you will be rewarded with a reliable crop of fruit if you choose one that is suited to your location. We are very happy to provide advice and fi nd the right tree for you! There are also Welsh varieties of plum, damson and cherry. Other fruiting plants that grow well here are elderberries, of which we Dogwood (Cornus) have three varieties, as well as blackthorn, which makes a great native hedge and come autumn you December and January are the months for pruning can harvest the sloes for making Sloe Gin! apple and pear trees, and you can continue to plant deciduous trees and shrubs throughout this This is also a good time of year to mulch your time. If you like your rhubarb early, place a forcer fl owerbeds and around your fruit trees and (such as an upturned bucket) over the plant to bushes. A good quality mulch will keep weeds at encourage it to start growing. bay come spring and provide nutrients to get the plants growing again when the weather warms. Call in to see us at the garden centre for more We have been converted to the benefi ts of Dalefoot advice, and keep checking our Facebook page for Composts, made from bracken and wool up in the latest news (@camlangardening). If you ‘Like’ Yorkshire; it’s a fantastic source of organic matter the page, regular updates will pop up on your and potash and will help you make the transition timeline. We look forward to seeing you! from using peat. Don’t forget our shop will have seasonal gift s in stock too, as well as Christmas Trees and wreaths, all supplied locally.

40 Sibrydion Local Interest Diddordebau Ileol Community News Newyddion Cymunedol Events Digwyddiadau Sibrydion FREE Cymunedol (Priceless)

Dec–Jan 2018 Can you Issue 55 spare half an hour?

Image: Brett Critchley /brettcritchley

Delivered free to homes in villages: Arthog, Penmaenpool, Fairbourne, Friog, Llwyngwril, Pick up Rhoslefain, Llanegryn, Llanelltyd, Bontddu, Corris, a copy in: Abergynolwyn, Taicynhaeaf. Barmouth, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, (Volunteers also deliver in: Dinas Mawddwy, Tywyn, Tywyn, Pennal, Aberdyﬁ , Dinas Dyffryn Ardudwy, Harlech, Bala, Brithdir, Talybont) Mawddwy, Bala, Harlech, Dyffryn This is your Ardudwy, Llanbedr community magazine distributed by volunteers.

It’s published just 6 times a year, so we are always looking out for new volunteers to help reach more people. Could you deliver copies to houses in your village or, if short Our team of talented local chefs & waiting of time, a couple of roads? staff serve quality, locally sourced and 01341 250884 or [email protected] freshly prepared food. Whether for a few friends or a large group, we’ll ensure you enjoy a very special Christmas party.

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Sibrydion 41 Have your say on the future of Youth Services in Gwynedd

Gwynedd Council is urging young people, and “Like many other public services, the Council faces anybody else who’s interested in the county’s a diff icult fi nancial situation. We presently support Youth Services, to take part in a public 39 traditional youth clubs in communities across consultation regarding plans for its future. the county, as well as providing annual grants to the Urdd, Eryri YFC, Meirionnydd YFC, Guides and The Youth Service is seeking opinions of on how it Scouts at a cost of £995,300 a year. plans to develop diff erent ways of providing young But because of signifi cant cuts to public services people with services within the county, focusing by the Westminster Government over recent on what the young people themselves say are years, we will have £270,000 less to spend in these important to them. specifi c areas. In the future, the service for youngsters aged 11-19 could focus on fun and interesting activities that will help them develop interests and learn new things. The service for people aged 16-25 could “…we cannot continue to do the focus on helping self-development, training, same thing year in year out if preparing for work and building a career. The Youth the service does not meet the Service will look at diff erent ways of supporting and working with local and national organisations. needs of young people.” These ideas have been brought to the table following the fi rst phase of the detailed consultation process on the future of the service, “This is why change is inevitable and we would which was held during winter 2016-17. Almost 800 encourage everybody who has an interest in this people from across the county voiced their opinion area – young people, their families, people who on what the needs and the priorities of young deal with youth organisations and others – to have people were as well as the Youth Service. their say in the consultation.” Councillor Craig ab Iago, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for the Youth The consultation will be open from the 13 Service, said: “There are three main things that November to the 22 December 2017. People have driven this work – the changing expectations can have their say by fi lling in the on-line amongst younger people; less money available to questionnaire on the Council’s website: the Council; and changes to Government policy www.gwynedd.llyw.cymru/youthservice in terms of what provisions are needed by young or paper copies are available from each people. Siop Gwynedd and all County Libraries. “I accept that any form of change is diff icult, but we cannot continue to do the same thing year in year out if the service does not meet the needs of young people.

42 Sibrydion Sibrydion 43 The Rivers of Babylon

Those of us who are old enough, can remember the Many cannot accept God because of the very ‘pop’ song ‘By the Rivers of Babylon’ by Boney M. evident presence of evil in the world. Our The song originated from a Jamaican group of the information technology has brought us great benefi t 1970s. The song was taken from the words of Psalm but at times we feel overwhelmed with too much 137 which commemorated the exile of the Hebrews bad news. Another diff icult question for those of us by the Babylonians who in 587BC sacked Jerusalem with faith in God is ‘where does evil come from?’ and had taken the people into slavery. How could Is it under God’s control? If so, is God responsible for it? these exiles in those circumstances ‘sing the Lord’s If not, then God is not God, that is, He is not sovereign. song’, when their captors no doubt goaded them When the Babylonians sacked Jerusalem in 587BC, the to do so? Some forty years later a new superpower Hebrew prophets understood it as God’s judgement had arisen in Persia and King Cyrus conquered and punishment. Many of God’s chosen people died Babylon. I cannot help but refer to contemporary or were enslaved. Their clear understanding was that times and the diff iculties between Iraq (Babylon) God is capable of good and evil. and Iran (Persia). What of natural disasters, earthquakes, tsunamis? As a result of Cyrus’ conquests, the Hebrews Is God responsible for them? Does he allow them? were allowed to return to their homeland and If we say that such events are beyond Him then He is rebuild Jerusalem. Cyrus was as oppressive as the not sovereign… He is not God. Babylonians, but I suspect his was a policy of taxing those he conquered, rather than enslave them. We demand the end of evil, of injustice and The prophet Isaiah, writing of this, describes Cyrus inequality. We rage against the unforeseen in the most glorious terms. He called him God’s accidents and natural disasters. Aft er all, life seems anointed. This is the highest accolade. Christians so unfair! My view is that it is better to argue with regard Jesus as the ‘anointed’, the Messiah, the God than simply deny Him. The existence of evil Special One. Cyrus is presented as doing God’s will surely makes it all the more important that God and this in turn presents us with quite a problem. is real to us in our lives and that He is there to be If God is responsible for Cyrus’ conquest, what of the turned to. I refuse to accept the darkness of a violence, deaths, oppression and horrors that must godless world. I am so grateful for my faith, which have resulted from it? enables me to acknowledge God in this world. It gives me hope when the world so oft en appears When the world’s powers clash, people die and evil a very dark place. abounds. Is God, then, the God of good (whatever we mean by that) and the God of evil? Rev. Lindsay Ford

44 Sibrydion CHURCH TIMES Regular Midweek Activities Monday – 7.00pm Women’s Fellowship at Gallery for the Bro Cymer Room, St. Mary’s, Dolgellau (fortnightly) Wednesday – 7.00pm Craft Club at Gallery Room, Ministry Area St. Mary’s, Dolgellau

Covering the Churches in Arthog, First Wednesday in month – 2.30pm Bryncoedifor, Dolgellau, Fairbourne, ‘Be Still, Be Silent’ (meditation and silent prayer) Llanelltyd, Llanfachreth, Llanelynnin at St.Mary’s, Dolgellau and Llwyngwril Thursday – 7.30pm Ministry Area Prayer Group – venue to be announced Regular Services are held as mentioned. Friday – 9.00am ‘Tyfu gyda’n Gilydd’ / ‘Growing Exceptions listed separately by date. Together’ (for parents and young children) (There are no services on 31 Dec) at Gallery Room, St. Mary’s, Dolgellau St Catherine’s Church Arthog 3.00 pm 3 Dec Carol Service 11.30pm 24 Dec Midnight Mass Christmas Services Bro Cymer 9.30am 28 Jan Holy Eucharist Sunday 24 (Christmas Eve) St Paul’s Church Bryncoedifor (bilingual) St. Mary’s Dolgellau 10.00am. All Age Crib Service 9.00am Holy Communion (1st and 3rd Sunday) Hen Eglwys Llangelynin 3.00pm Candlelit Lessons and Carols St Mary’s Church Dolgellau (bilingual) St. Illtud’s, 8.00pm Christmas Communion 8.00am Holy Communion (2nd and 4th Sunday) St. Machreth’s, 9.30pm Christmas Communion 10.00am Holy Communion and Sunday School St. Mary’s Dolgellau 11.30pm Midnight Mass (1st, 2nd and 3rd Sunday), All Age Praise St. Catherine’s, Arthog 11.30pm Midnight Mass (including Sunday School) (4th Sunday), 25 (Christmas Day) United Holy Communion (5th Sunday) St. Mary’s 10.00am Christmas Morning Communion St Cynon’s Church, Fairbourne St. Cynon’s 10.00am Holy Communion 11.00am 3, 10 Dec and 7, 14 and 28 Jan SPECIAL CHRISTMAS EVENTS 11.00am Family Service 11 Dec and 21 Jan 10.00am Christmas Day Holy Eucharist 2 Dec CHRISTMAS MARKET at Y Ganolfan Llwyngwril from 11.00am St Celynnin’s Church, Llwyngwril 9 Dec BIG CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST at 9.30am 3,17 Dec and 7, 21 Jan Holy Eucharist The Village Hall Fairbourne from 10.00am 9.30am 10 Dec and 14 Jan Morning Worship 5.00pm 28 Jan Evening Prayer 4.15pm Crib Service To absolutely confirm service times, and avoid any possible wasted journey, please contact St Illtud’s Church Llanelltyd (mainly in English) the relevant church wardens. For a home visit or 11.30am Holy Communion (1st, 2nd, 3rd Sunday), any other information in the Dolgellau area please Morning Prayer (4th Sunday), United Holy contact Rev’d Tim Webb on 01341 388091. Communion at Dolgellau (5th Sunday) For Arthog, Fairbourne and Llwyngwril please St Machreth’s Church Llanfachreth contact Rev’d Lindsay Ford on 01341 250888 3.00pm Holy Communion (1st, 2nd, 3rd Sunday), or one of the Churchwardens: Evening Prayer (4th Sunday) United Holy For Arthog and Fairbourne: George Williams on 01341 Communion at Dolgellau (5th Sunday) 250204 or Liz Stokes on 01341 251066. For Llwyngwril and Llangelynnin: Chris Clark 01341 Yr Hen Eglwys Llangelynnin Old Church 250094 and Thelma Wilson 01341 250289 3.00pm Christmas Eve Candlelit Carols

Sibrydion 45 THE CHURCH IN WALES Bro Ystumanner Ministry Area

Bro Ystumanner is the Ministry Area of the Church in Wales at the southern tip of Snowdonia. There are six churches in the Area, visitors and newcomers are very welcome. All services are Anglican and bi-lingual.

The Six Churches

Tywyn, St Cadfan’s. This is the “mother” church of the Ministry Area. Services: Sundays at 11.15 am 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month at 08.00 am Wednesdays at 10.30 am Churchwarden: tel 01654 712466

Aberdyfi, St Peter’s. Services: Sundays at 11.15 am Churchwarden: tel 01654 767935

Abergynolwyn, St David’s. Services: Sundays at 09.30 am Churchwarden: tel 01654 782332

Llanegryn, St Mary’s and St Egryn’s. Services: Sundays at 11.15 am Churchwarden: tel 01654 710630

Llanfihangel-y-Pennant, St Michael’s. Services: 1st Sunday of months May to Sept incl. at 10.00 am See the display about the life of Mary Jones who walked barefoot to Bala to obtain a Welsh-language bible. Visitors are very welcome. Churchwarden: tel 01654 782332

Pennal, St Peter ad Vincula. Services: Sundays at 09.30 am Churchwarden: tel 01654 702121

Ministry Team The area is led by the Vicar, Revd Richard Vroom and his Associate, Revd Janet Fletcher. Assisting them are three non-stipendiary ministers - Revd Nigel Adams, Revd Celia Adams and Revd Christina ten Wolde and three readers - Janet Evans, Meryl Gover and Sue Whitehouse.

May 2015 Barmouth U3A New members always welcome, a good place to start is at See our website for details of the monthly meeting, which is held on the second Wednes- all our activities: day of the month: The Arts Room, The Dragon Theatre, Barmouth – starting at 1.30pm www.barmouthu3a.org.uk

46 Sibrydion Local Interest Diddordebau Ileol Community News Local Interest Community News Events Newyddion Cymunedol Events Diddordebau Ileol Newyddion Cymunedol Digwyddiadau Events Digwyddiadau FREE Sibrydion(Priceless) FREE Friday Walkers SibrydionCymunedol (Priceless) Digwyddiadau Cymunedol Dec–Jan 2018 Dec–Jan 2018 Issue 55 Issue 55 Get YOUR business

Sibrydion Image: Brett Critchley /brettcritchley noticed Image: Brett Critchley /brettcritchley Delivered We often stop by the water’s edge free to homes in villages: Delivered freeArthog, to homes Penmaenpool, in villages:Fairbourne, Friog, Llwyngwril,Pick up a copyPick in: up Rhoslefain, Llanegryn, Llanelltyd, Bontddu, Corris, a copy in: Barmouth, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Arthog, Penmaenpool,Abergynolwyn, Fairbourne, Friog, Taicynhaeaf. Llwyngwril, Barmouth, Dolgellau, Machynlleth, Tywyn, Pennal, Aberdyfi , Dinas Rhoslefain, Llanegryn,(Volunteers Llanelltyd, also Bontddu, deliver Corris, in: Dinas Mawddwy, Tywyn, Tywyn, Pennal, Aberdyfi , Dinas Mawddwy, Bala, Harlech, Dyffryn Abergynolwyn, Taicynhaeaf.Dyffryn Ardudwy, Harlech, Bala, Brithdir, Talybont) Mawddwy, Bala, Harlech, Dyffryn Cymunedol Ardudwy, Llanbedr (Volunteers also deliver in: Dinas Mawddwy, Tywyn, Ardudwy, Llanbedr Be it pond, lake or stream, Dyffryn Ardudwy, Harlech, Bala, Brithdir, Talybont) or close to a hedge Advertise your business to your We cower from the wind if it’s local customers and community. blowing a gale Affordable rates and a professional design For to sit down mid morning we never fail. service available, there’s no better way to get your business seen locally. Sometimes it’s hot and we feel so steamy For more information, call 01341 250884 So a high open spot will cool us, if breezy. or email: [email protected] We feel more human after a rest So the next part of the walk we tackle with zest. Mawddach This year there has been rain Wholefood So the once empty ditches are not the same Co-operative As the fast fl owing streams have Cyfanfwyd acquired swirly currents Mawddach We help each other over the fresh We have been supplying gushing torrents. wholefoods, organic and ethically sourced food, and environmentally friendly household products to our members at good value Every week we meet at 9.30 in the Friog school prices for over 30 years. lay-by and car share to the start of our walk. The Co-op is open to local We walk to the weather so we don’t have a residents in the Mawddach pre-planned list of future walks, which works well area and beyond. Members as we have a wide knowledge of varied terrains. pay an annual subscription of £10 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 fi nd us on Facebook or contact [email protected]

Sibrydion 47 TYMOR/SEASON 2017/18 DYDD GWENER AM 7.30yh / FRIDAYS AT 7.30pm – COLEG MEIRION-DWYFOR

1 Rhagfyr/December Laura Snowden (gitâr/guitar) Laura was awarded a 2016 Philip & Dorothy Green Award by Making Music, who are sponsors of this recital. Tansgrifi ad llawn Full subscription 12 Ionawr/January £36.00 Alexandra Vaduva (piano) Tocynnau wrth y drws A native of Romania, Alexandra is a graduate of the Tickets at the door Royal Academy and has won, amongst others, fi rst prize £8.50 in the Vienna International Piano Competition. Plant am ddim 2 Chwefror/February Children free Bartosz Glowacki (piano accordion) Am fanylion pellach Corentin Chassard (soddgrwth/cello) For more details Their repertoire ranges from J S Bach to Berio, Anne Anslow Pärt, Gubaidulina & Piazzolla. 01341 388329.

48 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 Day  Gerald 01654 711582 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 A fun, friendly, mixed choir singing songs from all over the world, all taught by ear by a skilled leader. No experience or musical knowledge needed. We sing for us, not for competition or public performances. VENUE: We have returned to the newly refurbished Llanbedr Village Hall.  Neil on 01766780096 for more details.

Sibrydion 49 Diary

REGULAR & WEEKLY EVENTS

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

Thursday 7.30pm (weekly) Friday 6.30–8.00pm (weekly) Fairbourne Dance Club – Sequence Dancing Tokon Wado Ryu Karate Goshin Do NEW VENUE: Arthog Village Hall. The easiest way Meets at Canolfan Deulu, Smithfield Street, to learn ballroom dancing as the steps are all there Dolgellau. Children over 10 and adults welcome. and the choreography is all done for you. Beginners £6 per lesson (first lesson free for new students). Welcome. Admission £2, (incl. tea and biscuits) Traditional Karate with the emphasis on self  01341 250317 or 01341 251018 defence. Check FB page for any changes or cancellations https://www.facebook.com/ Thursday 7.00–8.30pm (weekly) ivorswadoclub/ or call Ivor Arbuckle (Chief Gentle & Progressive Yoga Instructor) 01341 422177 Tywyn Scout Hut. Newcomers always welcome. Please bring a Yoga mat cushion, blanket/sleeping bag and water. £5 per session payable weekly.  Gill 01654 711488 [email protected]

than 120 Welsh artisan stalls, a magical Christmas DECEMBER Grotto, a giant gingerbread village and an elf dash (a fun run for kids). 1st – 3rd December Portmierion Food & Craft Fair Fri 1 Dec 7.30pm Set in the stunning Italianate village. Portmeirion Dolgellau Music Club hosts a range of exhibitors specialising in local Laura Snowden (gitâr/guitar) at the main Hall at produce, music and cooking demonstrations that Coleg Meirion Dwyfor, Ffordd Ty’n Coed, Dolgellau will inspire your Christmas feast. There’ll be more LL40 2SW (2016 Making Music Young Concert Artist Winner) Contact Anne Anslow 01341 388329

50 Sibrydion Events Events DigwyddiadauDigwyddiadau

Fri 1 Dec 6.15pm 3rd– 24th Dec Lights turned on! Gwyl Nadolig/Late night Christmas Trains! shopping in Dolgellau. Join Santa for a festive train jurney near you This is always an atmospheric and enjoyable Porthmadog – Beddgelert: 9-10th, 16-17th, 22-23rd event, many of the shops offering mince pies Dinas Caernarfon: 9-10th, 16-17th, 22-23rd and mulled wine to customers, giving them a www.festrail.co.uk relaxed opportunity to browse and make some Llanuwcllyn- Bala 9-10th Dec. Gift purchases. Bell-ringing and Welsh Learners’ www.bala-lake-railway.co.uk Choir at St.Mary’s. Don’t forget to bring your list of Talyllyn Railway 9-10th, 16-17th, 22-23rd family and friends, whom you need to buy for! www.talyllyn.co.uk/santa Fairbourne 16-17th 2nd – 17th Dec www.fairbournerailway.com A Penrhyn Christmas at Penrhyn Castle Llanberis 3rd, 9-10th, 16-17th This year we’re moving away from the commercial www.lake-railway.co.uk side of Christmas and focusing on creating a new and more festive family tradition. Sun 3 Dec 5.00pm Join us for a Christmas filled with music, Cytun Ecumenical Carol Service traditional craft and cooking in the Victorian at Ebeneser Chapel, Dolgellau. Croeso i bawb/ Kitchens, wreath making sessions (£3.50, online Everyone is welcome. booking essential here) and there may even be an appearance from the big man in red - hoping that Mon 4 Dec 6.30pm, he can find the time with all his preparations at this Christmas Lights at Abergynolwyn. time of year of course! Christmas Lights switched on in the Village Square. Bring the outdoors in Followed by Abergynolwyn Silver Band, Santa The Wild Elements team are helping us to bring Claus, mince pies plus tea/coffee and Christmas the outdoors in by offering guidance and an Carol sing-along in Y Ganolfan. Ann Lewis, 01654 encouraging word or two as you and your family 782365. and friends create an evergreen wreath together in the festive and opulent Grand Hall of the Castle. Mon 4 Dec 6.00pm There will be a wide selection of items, all natural Women’s Fellowship Carols and carefully collected from the surrounding at Cefn Rodyn Residential Home, Dolgellau. Help gardens and woodland for you to choose from as to start the festive season well for the residents. you create your very own traditional hoop wreath. You could even make it as a gift for a relative, Tues 5 Dec 2.00pm (every 1st Tuesday) although we think you may not want to part with it Tywyn Women’s Institute after all your hard work! At the Baptist Church (Tywyn). Visitors are welcome, refreshments are being served. Sat 2 Dec 11.00am Christmas Market at Y Ganolfan, Llwyngwril Tue 5 Dec 10.30am - 3.00pm. Lunches will be served. Crafts and gifts for all your Advent Quiet Day needs. Funds raised for St Celynin’s Church. at St. John’s Church, Barmouth.

Sat 2 Dec Wed 6 Dec 7.30pm Gingerbread house competition. Concert of Songs from Around The World Entrees are free, and should be delivered to the by Swnion, Dolgellau Singing Group, at Theatr free Library on either Friday 1st Dec between Fach, Glyndwr Street, Dolgellau LL40 Tickets £5 on 2pm and 4 pm or before 10.30am on the Saturday. the door. All welcome. Contact Richard Withers Judging at 11.00am - public viewing 11.30-3.00pm. [email protected] “ Santa’s Grotto. For further details see Mawddach Rotary website, or Facebook page. Sibrydion 51 Diary

Wed 6 Dec 7.30 (every 1st Wednesday) Sat 9 Dec Llanuwchllyn Women’s Institute Conwy’s Winterfest At The Village Hall New members welcome, The Winterfest starts things off with a grand refreshments and interesting guest speakers. parade through the town. Led by the town’s jester and followed by armoured knights carrying Wed 6 Dec 7.30pm blazing torches it a real sight to behold. All the Evening of Music entertainment takes place in the town square and At Theatr Fach, Dolgellau with local a Capella the shops stay open late for a bit of Christmas singing group, ‘Swnion’. Everyone welcome. Shopping. Local pubs and restaurants will also be Tickets £5 Box Office: 01341 422680 open on the evening for food and drinks.

Thu 7 Dec 4.00-9.00pm Sat 9th-11th December, Bala Late Night Christmas Shopping Surf Snowdonia Christmas Market An evening of festive fun with shops open late, craft Surf Snowdonia hosts the coolest of the Christmas stalls, Father Christmas, Peppa Pig and Fireman markets! Expect high-quality stalls to get your Sam, marshmallow toasting, face painting, Billy Christmas gifts, festive grub, live music, Christmas Thompson, Abergynolwyn Brass band, Meibion bouncy castle, a visit from Father Christmas, Glyndwr Choir, and fresh from Principality Stadium Christmas arts & crafts AND we will have a drive-in - Yogi’s Choir. Enquiries – 01678 521800 cinema both days playing some of the very best Christmas Films! Free to attend, apart from the Thu 7 Dec 10.00am – Noon (every 1st Thurs) drive-in cinema, it’s going to be a good one. (Stalls Hearing Aid Clinics open from 2:30pm – 8pm, bar open until 11pm.) Drop in clinics to check and service NHS Hearing Aids, at Dolgellau Leisure Centre and Tywyn Baptist Sat 9 Dec 10.00am Church. Big Christmas Breakfast at Village Hall Fairbourne. Everyone welcome. Thu 7 Dec 7.00pm (every 1st Thurs) Open Mic night at the Quarry Cafe 9th - 10th Dec At the Quarry Cafe, Heol Maengwyn, Machynlleth. Victorian Christmas Extravaganza at  01654 702624. Caernarfon Castle Come and see how our forefathers celebrated Thu 7 Dec 8.00pm (every 1st Thurs) Christmas. It is 1870 and Sir Llwelyn Turner invites Zikr, Dances of Remembrance you to inspect his newly restored castle. Carol At Derwenlas Hall, near Machynlleth SY20 8TN singing, a brass band, hot broth, roast chestnut These Dances are meditation in movement that can and sgories for young and old. www.cadw.gov. help us be in touch with the sacredness of all life. wales/daysout/caernarfon-castle Using sacred phrases, the Dances are easy to learn and everything you need to know for each Dance is Sun 10 Dec 2.00pm, taught first. Croeso i bawb ~ everyone is welcome Abergynolwyn Village Carol Service Cost: £5 (concessions available) Contact Sandra at St David’s Church. Elwyn Evans 01654 782622. Sunfire for more details: [email protected] www.dancesofuniversalpeace.org.uk Sun 10 Dec 3.00pm Taize Service for Advent Sat 9 Dec 10.00am - 4.00pm at Our Lady of Seven Sorrows Church, Dolgellau Caernarfon Christmas Market at the Market Hall Mon 11 Dec 6.30pm www.gwylfwydcaernarfon.cymru Family Christmas Bingo Arthog Village Hall. The guest caller is Santa Claus!

52 Sibrydion Events Events DigwyddiadauDigwyddiadau

ska, bluebeat, rhythm and blues and rock ‘n’ roll Tue 12 Dec Barmouth Music event at the DRAGON THEATRE, Pennal Tuesday Club BARMOUTH Tickets £10.00. RESERVATIONS & Christmas lunch at Riverside Restaurant, Pennal. ENQUIRIES 01341 450353 Contact Bob Dunn: [email protected] Sun 17 Dec 10.00–2.00pm (every 3rd Sunday) Tue 12 Dec 7.30pm (Every 2nd Tuesday) Dolgellau Farmers Market Tywyn Garden Club Market extended to now include Eldon Sq and the Mrs. Penny Budds will be showing us how to make Free Library. Stalls include fresh local produce, honey some ‘Arrangements for Christmas’. There will be a and beeswax products, chocolate, plants, jewellery, competition for members of ‘A Christmas Cracker’ wood & slate crafts, baby knits, photographic prints and there will be refreshments after the meeting. textile bags and aprons. Refreshments also available. Do come and join us for our Christmas meeting.  Mo 01341450211. (Susanna Yeomans - 01654 710658 ) Sun 17 Dec Tue 12 Dec 7.00pm Caernarfon Santa Race North Wales Wildlife Trust 5km for adults, 1km for children. Event will include At Dolgellau Free Library. A BTO talk about our singing, laughing, eating, drinking and a whole local birds “What do the records show?” heap of other fun! www.gafael-llaw.co.uk

Thu 14 Dec 7pm Mon 18 Dec 8.00pm (every 3rd Monday) Cymdeithas Machreth Carol Service Acoustic Jam – Mach at St.Machreth’s (to be confirmed) At The Skinners Arms, Machynlleth. Singers, musicians and audience welcome. No charge. Thu 14 Dec 12 noon (every 2nd Thurs)  07794441832 Pub Philosophy The Skinners Arms, Machynlleth. Philosophical Tue 19 Dec 7.30pm. discussion. No charge.  0779 4441832 Carols at the ‘Cross Keys’, Dolgellau (to be confirmed) Fri 15 Dec 8.00pm (every 3rd Friday) Dances of Universal Peace ~ Dawnsio O Thu 21 Dec 7.30pm Heddwch Byd-Eang A Christmas Stocking at Derwenlas Hall, near Machynlleth SY20 8TN At Theatr Fach, Dolgellau an evening of Christmas A joyful, multi-cultural way to touch the spiritual treats, poetry and songs. Everyone welcome. essence within ourselves and others. Being inspired by Tickets £3.50 Box Office: 01341 422680 the wisdom and sacred phrases of the many spiritual traditions of Humankind, they are essentially a form of Sun 24 Dec 10.00am celebration and meditation in sound and movement. All Age Crib Service Everything you need to know for each Dance is taught St. Mary’s Dolgellau first. Croeso i bawb ~ everyone is welcome Cost: £5 (conc. available) Contact: [email protected] Sun 24 Dec 3.00pm www.dancesofuniversalpeace.org.uk Candlelit Lessons and Carols Hen Eglwys Llangelynin - in the Ancient Church, Fri 15 Dec 7.30pm Ricky Cool and the In Crowd Sun 24 Dec 8pm Yes, they’re back!!! Ricky and his band have Christmas Communion given us the perfect start to the festive season St.Illtud Llanelltyd in the past, and we expect no less this time. A six-piece band presenting an explosive mixture of

Sibrydion 53 Diary

Sun 24 Dec 9.30pm interesting evening for all who grow vegetables as Christmas Communion well as to all gardeners. Coffee/Tea, as usual, after St.Machreth, Llanfachreth the meeting. We would love to see you. (Susanna Yeomans - 01654 710658 ) Sun 24 Dec 11.30pm Midnight Mass Tue 9 Jan St. Mary’s Dolgellau Pennal Tuesday Club AGM in Y Ganolfan, Pennal. Contact Bob Dunn: Sun 24 Dec 11.30pm [email protected] Midnight Mass St. Catherine, Arthog Wed 10 Jan 5.30pm Christingle Service Mon 25 Dec 10.00am (for all ages) St.Mary’s, Dolgellau Christmas Morning Communion St. Mary’s Dolgellau Thu 11 Jan 8.00pm (every 2nd Thursday) Pub Philosophy Mon 25 Dec 10.00am  See 14 Dec entry for details. Holy Communion St. Cynon, Fairbourne Fri 12 Jan 7.30pm Dolgellau Music Club Alexandra Vaduva (piano) at the main Hall at Coleg Meirion Dwyfor Ffordd Ty’n Coed, Dolgellau LL40 JANUARY 2SW Contact Anne Anslow 01341 388329

Tues 2 Jan 2.00pm (every 1st Tuesday) Sun 14 Jan 10.00–2.00pm (Every 2nd Sunday) Tywyn Women’s Institute Dinas Mawddwy Farmers Market  See 5 Dec entry for details. Local Farmers Market at Camlan Garden Centre, Dinas Mawddwy, SY20 9LN. For any more Wed 3 Jan 7.30pm (every 1st Wednesday) information we have a Twitter and Facebook Llanuwchllyn Women’s Institute page @mawddwymarket, email market@  See 6 Dec entry for details. camlangardening.cymru or call Lisa 01650 5311685.

Thu 4 Jan 10.00am – Noon (every 1st Thurs) Mon 15 Jan 8.00pm (every 3rd Monday) Hearing Aid Clinics Acoustic Jam – Mach  See 7 Dec entry for details.  See 18 Dec entry for details.

Thu 4 Jan 8.00pm (every 1st Thursday) Tue 16 Jan 7.00pm Zikr, Dances of Remembrance North Wales Wildlife Trust  See 7 Dec entry for details. at Dolgellau Free Library, a talk by Holly Peek: ‘Red Squirrels in North Wales’ Thu 4 Jan 7.00pm Plygain (unaccompanied Welsh carols) Fri 19 Jan 8.00pm (every 3rd Friday) at St David’s Church, Abergynolwyn. Followed by Dances of Universal Peace – Dawnsio O supper in Y Ganolfan. Elwyn Evans 01654 782622. Heddwch Byd-Eang  See 15 Dec entry for details. Tue 9 Jan 7.30pm (Every 2nd Tuesday) Tywyn Garden Club Sun 21 Jan 10.00–2.00pm (every 3rd Sunday). Mrs. Katie Pearce will be talking on ‘ From Soil to Dolgellau Farmers Market Mouth - Growing for Flavour’. This should be an  See 17 Dec entry for details. 54 Sibrydion Events Events DigwyddiadauDigwyddiadau

Fri 26 Jan 7.30pm Fri 2 Feb 7:30pm Machynlleth Music Club Sat 3 Feb 2:30pm At Y Tabernacl Machynlleth. Dan Shelvey. Baritone Aladdin & The Magic Ring & Dylan Perez. Piano Dan Shelvey is a graduate A family pantomime. At Theatr Fach, Dolgellau of RNCM and has just completed the opera course Tickets £6.00 Box Off ice: 01341 422680 at GSMD. He is a Kathleen Ferrier award fi nalist, winner of the Richard Van Allan award 2015, and a Glyndebourne Jerwood Young Artist 2014. He is accompanied by Dylan Perez a highly sought aft er recitalist, chamber musician and coach Get your We’re a specialising in the vocal repertoire. This concert events listed community is supported by the Countess of Munster Musical in here! magazine for Trust. More details can be found on our website our community machynllethmusicclub.org Programme to include: (it’s free) Vaughan Williams, Songs of travel; Duparc, Le spirit. Manoir de Rosemonde; Schubert, Der Wanderer; We want to help make local gatherings as Schumann, Dicterliebe Tickets on the door. £12. popular and well attended as possible Under 18 £1. All welcome. – just supply us the information for your event or group and we’ll drop it in. Fri 26 Jan 7:30pm For more information, call 01341 250884 Sat 27 & Sun 29 Jan 2:30pm or email: [email protected] Aladdin & The Magic Ring A family pantomime. At Theatr Fach, Dolgellau Tickets £6.00 Box Off ice: 01341 422680 Dolgellau Amateur Dramatic Society Sat 27 Jan 11.00am (every 4th Saturday) Headway Meeting At Y Ganolfan Llwyngwril – Every 4th Saturday, EXCEPT FOR 23rd December – No Meeting. Our meetings are open to anyone who has suff ered a brain injury and includes family members and and the Magic Ring carers. Pat Griff iths: 01341 250591. a family pantomime

Ionawr 26 January 7:30 Ionawr 27 January 2:30 Ionawr 28 January 2:30 into FEBRUARY Chwefror 2 February 7:30 Chwefror 3 February 2:30 Thu 1 Feb 8.00pm (every 1st Thursday) Zikr, Dances of Remembrance  See 7 Dec entry for details.

Fri 2 Feb Dolgellau Music Club all tickets £6 Bartosz Glowacki (piano accordion), Corentin for tickets & information Chassard (cello) at the main Hall at Coleg Meirion 07931 706682 Dwyfor Ffordd Ty’n Coed, Dolgellau LL40 2SW. [email protected] Contact Anne Anslow 01341 388329 Theatr Fach Glyndwr Street

Sibrydion 55 www.theatrfach.co.uk Box Offi ce: 01341 422680

Wed 6 December 7.30pm Do you have an interest in: Evening of Music Acting, Technical, Production, Scenery, Costume or other area? with local a Capella singing group, ‘Swnion’. Everyone welcome. Tickets £5 Join THEATR FACH as a member. All work and productions in the theatre is Thu 21 December 7.30pm done by volunteers/members. Contact Jacki Evans and she will make you most welcome! A Christmas Stocking We have a lot of fun, so the more the merrier. an evening of Christmas treats, poetry and songs. Everyone welcome. Tickets £3.50 Jacki Thompson – Membership secretary: [email protected] / 07931 706682

Fri 26 January 7:30pm Sat 27 January 2:30pm Sun 28 January 2:30pm Need a Venue for hosting an Fri 2 February 7:30pm event for your organisation? Sat 3 February 2:30pm The main theatre, dressing room, kitchen Aladdin & The Magic Ring and clubroom are all available for hire. a family pantomime. Tickets £6 Rates are available on our website www.theatrfach.co.uk/booking or call: For information on any of our productions, Jacki (see above), or Richard Withers: contact Jacki on 07931706682. [email protected] / 01654 761358

Dolgellau Amateur Dramatic Society Glyndwr Street, Dolgellau LL40 1BD

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58 Sibrydion 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 positi on to maintain thin tubed Friday 5th August then Thursday 1st September hearing aids at Dolgellau.

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Rural/Mobile Post Offi ces At each session there is also an ATM service, where you can withdraw cash up your normal banking limit. Pennal: Tuesday 11.00am – 12.30pm Wednesday 8.30am – 10.00am

Llwyngwril – Riverside Stores: Tuesday 8.30 – 10.00am Wednesday 11.00am – 12.30pm

Corris – Institwt: Monday 9.00 – 11.30am Tuesday 9.00 – 11.30am Friday 9.00 – 11.30am Saturday 9.00 – 11.30am

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Aberdyfi Dyffryn Ardudwy a Talybont Llanfi hangel-y-Pennant Mr Neil Storkey, Council Off ice, 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 aberdyfi council@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 Off ice, 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] cyngortreff festiniog@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 Off ice 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 / Llanfi hangel 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: [email protected] (01766) 780971 Phone: 01654 712791. [email protected]

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