Newsletter for Talybont-onNewsletter-Usk, for Aber,Talybont- onBuckland,-Usk, Aber, Buckland, Cross Cross Oak,Oak, Llandetty, Llandetty, , Llansantffraed, and Scethrog Pencelli and Scethrog Talybont Matters

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HAPPY 50th BIRTHDAY HENDERSON HALL!

Henderson Hall Celebrations: Looking to the Past, the Present - and the Future! 2019 is the fifty year anniversary of the opening of Henderson Hall. Coordinated by a local committee, built by Stephens the local builders, and named after the family who made an initial very generous donation, the Hall was officially opened by Mrs J Henderson on July 12th 1969.

The original Henderson Hall Management Committee 1969. made up of representatives from all the groups using the hall. Back Row W G Thomas Ron Jones Ossie Lawrence Terry Barnes John Jenkins Joe Gittins Middle Row Owen Morgan Mog Evans Dai Morgan Rev Ivor Davies John Seabrook Edgar Powell Hugh Powell (Manse) Bill Lewis Bottom Row Gladys Morris Mrs Davies Mrs Powell (Manse) Ernie Barnes Doug Mason Lloyd Stephens Miss Philips Elizabeth Hughes Victoria James

To mark this special ‘birthday’ the Henderson Hall Committee, together with the Talybont Community Council, are planning a number of celebratory events and activities. Throwing the hall doors open as widely as possible and encouraging everyone in the community to get involved. A family day with a picnic tea party, children’s events, a 1960’s evening, a classical concert, a theatre performance, a drumming workshop and a sing-a-long evening are all being considered - with any other thoughts welcome! As part of these celebrations it is hoped to create a permanent record of the history of the hall and its surrounds; acknowledging all the wonderful activities that have taken place over the years and the amazing people who have given their energy and time for the benefit of the community as a whole. To this end, if you have anything to share either through stories or photographs we would love to hear from you. Please contact Donna Darbyshire [email protected] Tel: 676304 or Rhiannon Davies [email protected] Tel: 676617. Let’s Celebrate! Thank you and a Happy Birthday to us!!

Many thanks to the volunteers and Talybont Stores who help in the distribution of this newsletter. Also to the individuals, groups and Winter 2019 societies who have contributed articles for this edition. WELSH LEARNERS CORNER Cornel y Cymraeg Blwyddyn newydd dda i chi. New year, new year resolution? Learning Welsh? Try using the following examples in normal everyday situations. To want - eisiau - eye-shy I want - Dw i eisiau - do-ee-eye-shy I want to learn Welsh - Dw i eisiau dysgu Cymraeg - ...... dusk-key- come-rye-g. To need - angen - an-gen He needs - Mae e'n angen - my-en-an-gen He needs to learn Welsh - Mae e'n angen dysgu Cymraeg. To go - mynd - min-d She is going - Mae hi'n mynd - my-he-nin-min-d She is going to a Welsh class - Mae hi'n mynd i ddosbarth Cymraeg - .....ee- thos-bar-th-come-rye-g. To practice - ymarfer - er-mar-ver We practice - Dyn hi'n ymarfer - done-nee-n-er-mar-ver We practice using Welsh everyday - Dyn ni'n ymarfer defnyddio Cymraeg bob dydd - .....dev-nuth- ee-o-come-rye-g-bor-b-dee-th

I hope you are finding the Welsh corner useful. It is certainly helping me to improve on what I have learnt. If anyone wishes to meet up once a week to practice then don't forget The White Hart Talybont 10.30 every Friday morning, warm welcome to all. I would like to start a group for complete beginners, time and day to be agreed, if you are interested in this them please email me, stating days and times best for you. [email protected] Rhian Young

UPDATE ON THE HENRY VAUGHAN GARDEN

In October Simon and his son Hugh pruned the trees along the southern boundary in order for more light to enter the garden and it certainly makes a big difference. A "Management Group" was formed in November so that decisions can be made on a group basis which we think will work well. On Saturday 24th November a group of enthusiasts (Simon, Jayne, Gail and Kev (with their dog), Nina & Sandra) met at the garden having pushed their wheel barrows full of donated plants, and appropriate gardening equipment up the steep Dram road. Pause for rest!!!!! Nina advised on the planting areas and we set about our various tasks!!! The three raised beds were the first areas to be planted up with invasive plants placed in the back corner area under the hedge. Gareth had planted his roses the day before as he was unable to join the group on the chosen day so his plants had a whole day's "head start"!!! Regular checks have been made on the progress of the plants and all appears well!!! In fact the Rosemary is already in flower – see photo. The access steps and handrail were in need of repair and rebuild and the group decided to have it fenced off completely, which was done by Simon, and native hedging donated by The Woodland Trust will be planted in March. Visitors will find it easier to enter the garden using the existing flat path. The hedge on the Dram Road side has also been trimmed and tidied up.- our grateful thanks to Sarah for arranging this.

Next phase – In the spring the local Cubs will be planting seeds of even more herbs, encouraging and nurturing them and, finally, planting them out in the garden. As the original picnic benches are past repairing, we will be researching what type of seats/benches to place in the Garden for visitors relaxation, order new direction signs and renew the information board. We would like to think that the main hard work of the Garden has now been completed but once the Spring arrives I am sure we will think of more ongoing improvements!!. The WI have volunteered to carry out the weeding of the raised beds on a rota basis for a trial period of twelve months and we are so grateful for their very kind offer, and also all those who have contributed their efforts in 2018 to make a lovely place to visit. So roll on 2019 and let us all enjoy the delights of the Henry Vaughan Garden so far.

Sandra & Nina

Page 2 Talybont Matters TALYBONT IN ACTION!

You may have noticed that work has started on the tennis court refurb at the village playing fields. Folly Contractors are there and making really good progress. The hope is that the two new multi surface playing areas will be up and running (excuse the pun) by the end of February, beginning of March. This facility will still be free access for all. There are some logistical issues we are working on with regard access to the various bits of new equipment but, the aim is to make it as user friendly as possible. We plan to have an opening event for the facility with taster sessions for lots of different activities. If you think you may have something to offer or, know of someone who has, then please do get in touch with Ceri Bevan, Clare Wright or anyone from the Community Council.

This is going to be an incredible addition to the already improved outdoor facilities at our playing fields. It is wonderful to see residents and visitors using the playground, bike hub, trim trail and orchard trail. Here’s to our happy and healthy community and the power of work- ing together!

Glyn Thomas

CHURCH NEWS ASH WEDNESDAY: This marks the beginning of the season of Lent, and is on Wednesday 6th March – there is a communion service at 10am in Llangors Church and another one at 7.00pm in Church. MOTHERING SUNDAY: This is on 31st March – services are 10am Holy Communion at Cantref and 11am Family Service at the Henderson Hall. All welcome MAUNDY THURSDAY & GOOD FRIDAY: To mark these important days there is a Communion Service at 7pm at Llansantffraed Church on Maundy Thursday 18th April, and a Devotional Service on Good Friday 19th April, 10am at Llanhamlach Church. EASTER DAY: Easter Sunday is on 21st April this year. Services in the Beacons Benefice that day will be:- 10am Holy Communion at Llanfeugan 10am Holy Communion at Llanfrynach. HENRY VAUGHAN MEMORIAL SERVICE: The annual Henry Vaughan Memorial Service, including wreath laying at the grave of Henry Vaughan, takes place at Llansantffraed Church on Sunday 28th April at 3.00pm. Choral Evensong will be sung by the choir of St Mary’s Church, Abergavenny and the speaker this year will be the Revd Dr. Peter Pike. The Service will be followed by refreshments - all welcome. WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS EVE LIVING NATIVITY IN TALYBONT: The tenth Talybont Living Nativity took place successfully on Christmas Eve, Monday 24th December. About 150 people joined Joseph with his wife Mary riding on a donkey in a torchlight procession from Talybont Market via The White Hart and then The Star (where the couple found no room) to Talybont Farm. The procession then joined others waiting in the barn for the nativity service conducted by Revd Kelvin Richards and Glasnant Morgan. The parts of Joseph, Mary and the baby Jesus, were played in the barn by Hugh and Helen Baldwin and their baby Osian. The congregation of about 250 sang carols accompanied by local musicians. Revd Liz Bramley gave a Christmas address and Kelvin thanked the many people who’d helped to organise and conduct the successful event. The congregation generously contributed £295 in a retiring collection for St John’s Centre, .

You can find full details of all our church services on notices in the village, in the churches, on the Community Council website: www.talybont.org or on the Beacons Benefice web page: http://parish.churchinwales.org.uk/ s475/ Kelvin Richards

Page 3 ABER AND BENAIAH CHAPELS TALYBONT COMMUNITY THEN AND NOW PROJECT. A warm welcome awaits any visitors and residents to To complete this work I would very much like to Aber and Benaiah Chapels for the Sunday source photographs to scan of the following. Services which begin at 10.30 am. We have some new Ministers to take our services this year and it is always The "Iron Church" at Cross Oak demolished in 1970 interesting hearing another point of view. Land Girls, the Home Guard, Prisoners of War For more information phone Glasnant Morgan working locally. 676354 or Craig Burdon 676090 The text of the memorial garden plaque situated at Dates for Winter / Spring 2019 the junction of Station Road and the B4558. ABER The canal breach Feb 10th Mrs Penny Robinson Views of Talybont before Canol Pentre was built. Mar 3rd Mrs Penny Robinson More recent images of community events up to today would too be of interest. BENAIAH Please contact John Jones. Mar 17th Mrs Jill Todd Email johnandcherryj@ btinternet.com April 21st Mrs Annette Thomas 01874 610607 What’s in a Name? The recent swell of newcomers has again raised the old chestnut about the village name, situated as it is on the Caerfanell and not on the Usk. The minutes of Llanddetty Parish Council record that in February 1897 the Council wrote to the Post Master General asking that the address of the village Post Office be changed from Talybont RSO, to that of the railway station, Talybont-on-Usk RSO. Mail was going astray often being delivered in error to Talybont RSO in Denbighshire or to Talybont RSO in Cardiganshire. Only a month later, the PMG agreed to the Post Office address being changed as requested. (RSO = Railway Sub Office, an office served by a Travelling Post Office on the Railway). The name of the railway station was adopted, as time passed by, as the name of the village. This is an extract from the Post Office Guide of 1902. M = a Post Office handling Money Orders; T = a Post Office with telegraph facilities. Seamus Hamill– Keays

Monday Talybont Playgroup 10am-12noon (Weekly*) Contact: Alice 07971 728010. Suitable for babies and toddlers. Henderson Monday Tea & Chat’ from 3pm (1st Monday of the month) Contact: Cherry 01874 610607 or drop in for a visit. Hall Weekly Monday Judo 6.30-7.30/7.30-8.30pm (Weekly). Cost £3.50/£4. Suitable for Adults & Children. Contact: ’H’ Head Coach 07939 312704 ‘What’s Tuesday DDMIX 7.45-8.30pm (Weekly*) Cost £5. All ages / levels welcome. Great fun and fitness On’ session! Contact: Gill 07487 632418 Wednesday Junior Tennis 5.45-7pm (Weekly*) Contact: Sarah 01874 676633 Wednesday Talybont Befrienders 2-3.30pm (Every other week) Contact: Shirley 01874 676456 Henderson Hall Contacts Wednesday Talybont on Usk WI 7-10pm (2nd Wednesday of the month) Phil Darbyshire (Chair) 676304 Contact: Penny 01874 665283 Chris Jones (Vice chair) Wednesday Cricket Club (Weekly during Cricket season) 676583 Contact: Colin 07512 492303. New players always welcome. Verity Ryan (Secretary ) 676334 Wednesday Film Night 7.30pm (1st Wednesday of the month) Julia Watkins (Bookings All welcome subject to film age rating Contact: Clare 07971 570835 Secretary) 676085 Thursday Available for new / regular activity Friday Gardening Club 7-10pm (3rd Friday of the month) Allan Jones (Health and Safety) Contact: Richard 665505 or Sandra 676297 676588 Saturday Available for new / regular activity Vicky Critchley Sunday Family Church Service 11am (2nd Sunday of the month) (Treasurer)

Page 4 Talybont Matters THE TALYBONT TOMBLES

Our last Litter Pick was the day after the village Bonfire Night when our dedicated group were scattered over different areas of the village. Kevin, Rob & Dawn, Margaret, Jenny, Debbie, Brenda and myself were on the hall field retrieving fireworks debris in the afternoon. In the morning, however, Tim had been there too and had done a fantastic job, not only on the field but the immediate surrounding area around the hall as well. We just managed to finish our stint before the heavens opened!!

As well as those on the field Brenda and Sarah (Richardson) picked around the pensioners bungalows and up towards Gilestone Cottages. Whilst Sarah (Osborne) and Linda took care of the area from the drawbridge up towards Aber Village.

However on the same morning "Brenda's Walking Group" "picked" their way along the back road past Cui to Cross Oak and back along the canal - well done and my thanks once again to everyone who attended. Gareth & Eirona missed out as they were a bit "far away" at the time!!!! However they did their usual stint the following week - after they had recovered from their jet lag!!

Our next Litter Pick is SATURDAY 2nd FEBRUARY, please meet at the hall carpark at 10 am. Everyone is welcome to join us, we work in pairs so it is quite a sociable occasion as well! I have the relevant equipment so just bring yourselves and some gloves. Sandra Briskham (Organiser) 676297

Siop Siarad Talybont WI

It's hard to believe, but we will be Talybont WI started the year with a celebrating our 6th birthday this coming fascinating talk from an ex BBC March 1st!! We are twelve in number: Investigative Journalist. She told us four from Talybont itself and the rest from tales of lucky breaks, chance the surrounding area. We meet in the encounters, and experiences to make White Hart every Friday morning between 10.30 am and our hair curl. She worked her way up from the Didcot 12 midday. We discuss whatever we want, do quizzes, Mercury as the sole journalist and photographer to go on occasional visits and sometimes have a guest radio, television and back to radio where she spent the speaker. We support most things in the Welsh language last 15 years of her career working on File on 4. Her in the surrounding areas and our aim is to promote the work took her to many places, including witnessing the use of Welsh, our history and culture in as many ways devastation in Bosnia after the war and investigating as we can. With educational cutbacks, especially in the malaria drugs scandal in Ghana. The talk was community education, groups such as ours are pivotal in extremely informative and enlightening. in helping to keep the language alive. We contribute Next month we have our very own Seamus Hamill- articles to Talybont Matters, and one of our members Keays who will be talking about the links he has has a column for people to learn simple Welsh phrases discovered to Tolkein and Buckland. in it, which we hope readers are finding interesting. We Do come and join us. will also be contributing articles to the next edition of 13th Feb Y Fan ar Lle, which will be in a new format and not Buckland and Tolkein—Seamus Hamill-Keays distributed in the Brecon and Radnor. Competition: A hobbit or other character ornament. For the last three years we have celebrated the 13th March Christmas season by facilitating a Welsh carol singing Furniture maker and printer—Rachel Cadman service in surrounding local chapels. We will mentor Competition: A wooden item anyone long or short term who is learning Welsh. 10th April We are trying to do our best to promote Welsh as a Coffee demonstration and lunch—Steve at Buckland LIVING LANGUAGE. Hall. ANYONE IS WELCOME TO COME AND TRY US OUT. Competition: A favourite vegetarian recipe. Maureen Probert 01874 676204 Sue Thorne

Issue 64 Page 5 Talybont Stores, Canalside Cafe and Post Office 01874 676663 www.talybontstores.co.uk [email protected] If you have a special wine you love or something that we do not stock in the shop. Please let us know and we will try our best to get it in for you. Shop Stocking a wide range of products from your fresh, frozen, everyday selection to fresh local meat, bread, milk, eggs, fruit and veg. BBQ’s. Coal, logs and kindling. Newspapers, pet products, wines, spirits, cans, local beers and ciders. Frozen meals prepared in the cafe . Orders taken for bread milk, newspapers etc Lottery, Phone, Gas and Electric Top Ups, greeting cards and stationary. Card payments accepted Regan’s Crafts - Made in Talybont [email protected] Local handmade gifts, crafts, keyrings and cards. Personalised greeting cards, vinyl mugs, vinyl and etched wine glasses and more available. Custom orders welcome. Café Homemade food and cakes, sit in or take away. Packed lunches available on request. Soft serve Ice cream Shmoo Milkshakes Post Office Click and collect, health lottery, foreign currency, passport checking service, free cash withdrawals. Opening times

Shop Café Mon to Fri 7am until 7pm. Mon to Sun 8am until 5pm Saturday 8am until 7pm. Post Office Sunday 8am until 6pm Mon to Sat 9am until 1.30pm

Canalside Café at Talybont Stores MONDAY Chicken delights £5.00 Hunters chicken served with chips and a side salad Crispy chicken goujons served with chips & coleslaw Coronation chicken jacket potato and a side salad WEDNESDAY Pensioners Specials £6.75 Ham, egg, pineapple and chips Canalside Breakfast Chicken, cheese or ham salad Jacket potato with cheese & beans, cheese & tuna or cheese & bacon Served with a tea or filter coffee Add syrup or jam sponge pudding, served with custard for an extra £2.50 FRIDAY Fish Day £5.00 Cod, chips and mushy peas Coronation chicken jacket potato, served with a side Scampi, chips mushy peas or coleslaw Fish finger sandwich with chips and coleslaw

Early Bird Specials Served Monday to Friday 8.00am until 10.00am Bacon, sausage, egg, mushrooms and toast £3.95 WEEKLY Bacon or sausage sandwich with a tea or filter coffee £3.00 OFFERS Homemade Ready Meals Throughout February and March we are doing a special on our homemade ready meals in the shop 3 for £10

Page 6 Talybont Matters TALYBONT-ON-USK & DISTRICT GARDENING ASSOCIATION Come and join us! Interested in gardening? Want new ideas or how to grow better plants? Then your local Garden Club is just what you need. Talybont Garden Club has about 30 members – some active and some retired gardeners. We warmly welcome new members – the subscription is a very modest £5 a year. Our programme combines talks and visits. By the time this newsletter will have gone to print, we will already have had a presentation on ‘no-dig’ gardening, but coming up after that on Friday 15th February we have an illustrated talk on Irish Gardens followed by a quiz, and then on Friday 15th March presentation on the “Plants of Western Australia”. Later this spring there will be the Three-way Garden Club Quiz with and followed, by a visit to Mike and Lyn Bugler’s new garden in . Our spring programme concludes with a visit to Lydney Park Spring Gardens ,where will have a guided tour of the gardens and the estate. These new events fol- low our very successful 2018 programme, when the autumn concluded with a presentation on plants for dry places of the world (we are very international in our interests) and gardens of Ceredigion. Do consider joining us – we want new ideas and challenges. For any further information please contact either the Chairman: Mr Richard Abram 01874 665505 or the Secretary: Mrs Sandra Briskham 01874 676297

NEWSFLASH … NEWSFLASH … NEWSFLASH … NEWSFLASH … NEWSFLASH

Powys Befriending Service supports people aged over 50 who are isolated, to maintain their independence and improve their social networks. For varying reasons, some people might need our support to get out and enjoy a social activity, join a lunch or café group, meet new friends or learn new skills. We have trained and supportive befrienders who offer their time to assist those in need.

Individuals can self-refer or with permission someone else can refer for them. If you are over 50, live in , are at risk of losing your independence, are socially isolated and want to meet new friends and have fun – call us and see what we can offer.

We are also looking for volunteers to help improve quality of life for others. Can you spare at least 2 hours a week? Are you reliable, a good listener and enjoy the company of others, could you put a smile on someone’s face? Could you visit people in their own homes, or maybe you would like to run your own local group? With some training, support and a DBS check we can offer you various opportunities from telephone befriending, transport help, befriending in your local community, or helping organise and support an existing group in your area. If you live in the South Powys area, please give Caroline Massey a call to discuss how we can help you, whether through volunteering or to become a client and access our service. For more information contact the main office 01597 822191, call my mobile 07900523276 or email me [email protected]

Issue 64 Page 7 Talybont Matters is a Community Council Publication HENDERSON HALL 200 CLUB

Henderson Hall runs a 200 Club which helps with the upkeep of This edition edited by: the hall, from which we all benefit. It is only £10 per year and Richard Abram the draws take place every quarter – usually at an event in the hall. There are 5 Prizes each time which are £50, £35, £25, Please send articles & contact details to: £15, and £10. Ger-Yr-Afon, Pencelli, LD3 7LX December 2018 Winners email: [email protected] £50 Rosemarie Matchett Editor’s Note £35 Amanda Williams In compliance with the provisions of the Legal Deposit Libraries Act 2013, this issue of Talybont £25 Geraint Jones Matters will be sent to the National Library of £15 Charles Morgan for archiving as part of the Library’s national collection. £10 Stuart Illes

LIGHTS … CAMERA … ACTION

Your village ‘flicks’ has been running for 8 years now. Thanks to everyone, whether you have come along as a regular or, just dip in and out for the odd film. It’s always great to see you. Never been? It’s relaxed and informal with a large drop down screen, great sound (with an audio loop), comfy padded chairs along with tables for your drinks and nibbles. A programme of films is being put together for 2019 and we will be trying to incorporate requests from the suggestions box that’s been in the shop. Thanks for your enthusiasm! Regular films are always the first Wednesday of the month from February - November, always start at 7.30pm and are at your village hall. We are also hoping to show some vintage films linked into tea and chat and some children’s films during holiday periods. There are several ways to find out what’s on. Go to www.talybontonusk.com and look at the Village Hall Events page, look out for a post on the Talybont Community and Henderson Hall Facebook pages or, to be added on to the Flicks monthly mailing, contact Clare on [email protected] We are starting the year on February 6th with ‘Finding Your Feet’ cert 12A. Hope to see you there. AND IT’S A WRAP … Clare Wright

NEW AT HENDERSON HALL!

Diverse Dance Mix (DDMIX) is a fitness program that is designed to get everyone of all ages and abilities involved in dancing for fitness and fun. The creator of DDMIX is Darcey Bussell CBE. Darcy is one of the most famous British ballet dancers of all time. Many people will be familiar with her as one of the judges on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. DDMIX is a program using segments of dance from around the world, which gives variety and a more western touch. A fun, effective and easy full body workout. Be entertained by the variety of styles and diversity of the music. A class for every age and ability – no experience necessary! Classes are held on Tuesdays at Henderson hall from 7-45 to 8-30. Please bring water and a smile! I look forward to meeting you. Helena. (DDMIX Qualified Instructor) Contact: Gill 07487 632418

Page 8 Talybont Matters