Llangadog, Capel Gwynfe and Bethlehem Community website

New!

Llangadog Thursday Afternoon Group

Can you
Sew, knit or crochet
Cross-stitch, make rugs, patchwork, make cards, etc
.... or would you like to learn

If so, come along to the Y.M.C.A. Hall on Thursday, 5th January, and we’ll share our crafts over a cup of tea and a chat. We hope to meet every Thursday afternoon, from 2 pm to 3.30 pm.

For further information ring
Catherine Berry on 01550-777980.

Llandovery Folk Dancing

The next dancing event is FREE, - don’t miss it!
Friday Dec 16th - Christmas Folk dancing with a number of different callers ‘From the Floor'……including a visit from the Carmarthen based ‘Spiral Mari’! It's held in Rhys Prichard Hall, Llandovery with festive food and hot and cold drinks. All welcomed. It's at 7.30pm as usual, until 10.30pm. Still not too late to offers to call a dance, names to Lyn: cooper@rowanhouse.co.uk . For more info 01550-720483 / 750232.

The Spring Programme is out now, we have two big live twmpaths (January 'Bear Band' and March 'Stray Away'), with Playford dancing in February and Welsh, in April - see website www.llandoveryfolkdancing.co.uk

A new plan for the Llandeilo Provisions Market?

There will be a public meeting - a People's Assembly - at the Rugby Club, Llandeilo on Thursday 19th January 2012 to consider the formation of a co-operative of small businesses to bring the Provisions Market back into use as a hub for Llandeilo’s community. This initiative follows on from the Save Llandeilo’s Future campaign against the proposal for a branch of Sainsbury’s on the outskirts of the town, launched at a previous assembly.

The New Economics Group will be meeting to plan the assembly at 7.30pm on Monday, 12th December, at the Shire Hall In Carmarthen Street. Please come to help with the planning and organisation. You can be involved in the new initiative regardless of whether you support or oppose the Sainsbury's plan! Details from Steve Brown, Transition Town Llandeilo (tel. 01550-740655)

Christmas and New Year Refuse Collection

Collections will be on the usual days except for those in the period Monday, 26th to Friday, 30th December - these will be a day later than usual (ie the normal Wednesday collection will be on the Thursday, 29th December and the normal Friday collection will be on Saturday, 31st December). The Llangadog recycing centre will be closed from Christmas Eve to Tuesday, 27th December and on New Year's Day.

Llangadog Gardening Club wish members old and new the Season's Greetings and Good Health, Peace and Happy Gardening in 2012. Please come along to our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 26th January to have your say or just to find out what delights the programme holds for 2012. After the business, enjoy a fun quiz and delicious buffet. Everyone welcome/croeso i bawb. For further details please contact Gwen Evans on 01550 777813.

Hats, Bags, Scarves, Woolly Jumpers Christmas Cards, Baskets, Gloves, Gifts, Jewellery, Kids Stuff and Much More. Beautiful Inexpensive Fair Trade Gifts from Nepal, Tibet, India, Bali, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia, El Salvador, Ecuador, Guatemalam at Llansadwrn Reading Rooms, on Saturday 26th November 2011, from 10am to 6pm. Refreshments will be available. All proceeds from refreshments will be donated to Medecins Sans Frontieres. Further Details from Mandy at The Dragons Garden on 01550-777995 or see www.dragons-garden.com

Musicians living in and around the famous village have assembled seventeen Christmas songs from the British Isles and beyond in a new album called, appropriately, Bethlehem Christmas. It’s a mixture of popular carols with some less well known Christmas traditions and specialties from Wales, including some of the old Plygain and Wassail songs.

The Bethlehem Village Band brings together an eclectic mix of musicians with origins as far afield as Canada and Estonia. They are: Jason Lawday from Bethlehem (flute, bagpipes); Sille Ilves from Estonia (fiddle, hurdy-gurdy, archaic bowed lyre and vocals); Martin Leamon from Gower (guitar, 1-row melodeon and bouzouki); Ceri Owen-Jones from Canada (celtic harp, trombone, vocals); Chris Reynolds from Swansea (vocals). They have been playing together for a number of years for local events and Twmpath dances and the album developed after the band was booked to play for the celebrated Bethlehem Christmas Fair last year. Extra inspiration was gained from the fact that many carols used to be danced to as well as sung.

A CD of Bethlehem Christmas is available to purchase online in bandcamp http://www.thebethlehemvillageband.bandcamp.com also in their up coming Twmpath dance gigs and selected local stores in South Wales.

Snooker sessions will be held at Llangadog Sports Club throughout December. Juniors on Wednesdays, 7pm to 8pm; Seniors at any other time (contact Mike for key). For further information please ring 01550-777768.

Llangadog Gardening Club are looking forward to a Wood Turning Demonstration and wonderful display of woodcraft by Nigel Stallard in the YMCA Hall, Llangadog at 7.30pm on Wednesday, 30th November. This will be followed by a raffle and refreshments. Items will be available to purchase, so here is your chance to find that special Christmas present.

Win Morgan at the Post Office in Llangadog has recently played her part in the BBC's Give an Hour initiative. This aims to encourage us all to help someone we know get online. Visit www.bbc.co.uk/connect/campaigns/gah_champion_2.shtml and learn how.

Dainefotografix will be at Llangadog Community Centre for a community photo event on Saturday, 26th November. Their £10 package includes 1 x A4 print and 2 x 7"x5" prints, which will be ready for you to take with you the same day. Other photo gifts available. Telephone Dave on 07588-455093 for further details or visit http://www.facebook.com/Dainefotografix?sk=events

Transition Town Llandeilo is proposing to run a film-making competition open to young people of Carmarthenshire:- 15 to 18 year olds and 18 to 21 year olds
The project will be to produce a 10 to 15 minute film setting out the problem –what happens when the oil runs out - and a potential solution. To identify an issue that affects the competitor’s life and to imagine that this catastrophe will occur next week, or next year, so that an immediate solution with technology available today is needed.

We need: Sponsorship for cameras, prize etc; Production guidance – from a professional film-maker; Judging panel – at least one “name”; Co-operation of schools and colleges; Advertising

The process will be to : Obtain sponsorship and assemble the judging panel. This will enable competition rules to be formulated. Then to advertise the competition directly via a presentation in schools and colleges in the county and advertise more widely. Tim Pullen is co-ordinating this project but cannot see it through to completion alone. We are looking for a few interested people to tackle all the work necessary. If you would like to be involved and are prepared to take on some of this work call Tim Pullen - 01269 822375 - or email timr.pullen@btinternet.com

Llangadog Gardening Club are looking forward to a Wood Turning Demonstration and wonderful display of wood craft by Nigel Stallard on Wednesday 30th November at the YMCA Hall, Llangadog at 7.30pm, followed by a raffle and refreshments. Items will be available to purchase so here is your chance to find that special Christmas present!

Richard, Win and Dafydd Morgan invited the whole community to join them in a triple celebration on Saturday, 1st October - their 10th anniversary as the village post office, their recent make over, and their son, Dafydd, joining the business - and, as the following pictures show, a very large proportion of the community indeed turned out. The splendid array of tasty nibbles and drinks were very ably distributed by Richard and Win and family, and their ever-helpful assistants.

Victoria House now Has a blog that we wouid like to share with Llangadog website users, all the content documents day-to-day life at Vic House and is composed by the residents. If you could include this on the news page it would be great. The blog can be found at http://victoriahousellangadog.blogspot.com/

This scheme, which covers rail travel on the Heart of Wales line between Swansea and Shrewsbury, is available to holders of a Concessionary Travel Pass from the county of Powys and Carmarthenshire Councils and returns from 3rd October 2011 until 30th March 2012.

Free travel is permitted to holders travelling from the following stations:
Knighton; Knucklas; Llangynllo; Llanbister Road; Dolau; Pen-y-bont; Llandrindod; Builth Road; Cilmari; Garth (Powys); Llangammarch; Llanwrtyd; Sugar Loaf; Cynghordy; Llandovery; Llanwrda; Llangadog; Llandeilo; Fairfach; Llandybie; Ammanford; Pantyfynnon; Pontarddulais ; Llangennech; Bynea; Llanelli

8.25pm on S4/C. English subtitles
Dewi 'Pws' Morris and his band, Randwm, visit the Red Lion pub in Llangadog. Before the gig Dewi meets the locals to find out a bit more about the history of the area. What is Llangadog's connection with the Rebecca rioters? Which politician lived there during one of the most notorious protests in Welsh history?

Free vaccinations are available to all those of 65 years and over, plus certain younger people. No appointment is necessary - just turn up at the Llangadog Community Hall, 9.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesday. 12th October.

Llangadog Gardening Club are organising a visit to Clyne Gardens, Swansea on Wednesday 19th October. They will be travelling by cars leaving Llangadog Community Centre car park at 12.30pm. If you would like to join them ring Gwen Evans on 01550 -777813 to book a seat.

An event has been organised to celebrate World Mental Health Day on Monday 10th October at Llangadog Community Centre, from 12-4pm. It has been organised by the Carmarthenshire Mental Health Forum, West Wales Action for Mental Health and the staff, carers and service users of the Towy Valley Community Mental Health Team.

The aim is to celebrate the importance of good mental health and to illustrate the importance of tackling stigma around mental health.

It is estimated that at any given time 1 in 10 people when consulting their GP will present with a mental health problem while 1 in 4 people will do so during their life time.

The scale of the problem should not be under-estimated. Mental ill-health accounts for over a third of all illness in Britain and 40 per cent of all disability. Many people in different communities are affected:
• one in six working adults (16 per cent of the population) at any one time are suffering from clinical depression and/or anxiety disorders;
• 700,000 children and younger people in England and Wales have mental health problems, which can lead to anti-social behaviour and poor educational achievements;
• 1.3 million older people suffer from depression and mental illness, with this figure set to rise as the population ages;
• among the 7 million carers, one in ten men and one in five women report some form of mental illness; and 10 per cent of new mothers suffer from postnatal depression, of whom, reports suggest, less than one in five receive psychological treatment.

The event has been organised to celebrate World Mental Health Day, which is a significant annual international event that aims to celebrate and promote mental health. The Day is internationally coordinated by the World Federation for Mental Health and co-sponsored by the World Health Organisation, a specialised agency of the United Nations.

In Llangadog, on 10th October, there will be an opportunity to participate in art workshops, (organised through Arts Care Gofal Celf), browse information stalls, enjoy a cup of tea and cake and speak to people to find out more about mental health and local services. This is a free event and everyone is welcome. This event is part of a series of activities and events across Carmarthenshire to celebrate World Mental Health Day. Other events include an open day at Llanelli Mind, HUTS workshop in Newcastle Emlyn and an event about young people and mental health in St Peter’s Civic Hall, Carmarthen.

Llangadog Post Office Celebrations
Richard, Win and Dafydd are inviting the whole community to join them in a triple celebration - their 10th anniversary as the village post office, their recent make over, and their son, Dafydd, joining the business. The celebrations start at 3pm at the post office. All are welcome.

Llangadog Gardening Club
Llangadog Gardening Club Open Evening will be held on Wednesday 28th September in Llangadog Community Centre starting early at 7pm. Renowned local gardener, Keith Brown of Cilgwyn Lodge, will give an illustrated talk entitled "Designing with Perrenials - Colour Themes in the Flower Border", which promises to be inspiring and a delight on the eye. A buffet and grand raffle will follow. Neighbouring gardening clubs invited and everyone welcome - croeso i bawb. Don't miss it! For further details contact Gwen Evans on 01550 777813.

PRESWYLIO, DWELL
Antonia Dewhurst at The Last Gallery, 1st-2nd, 8th-9th, 15th-16th October 2011

In her inaugural exhibition at The Last Gallery Antonia will produce a multimedia installation exploring the meaning of home. Preswylio, Dwell explores personal ambivalent feelings about what or where constitutes home. Antonia is intrigued by the rhythms and rhymes set up within a multilayered approach and how different media and processes can suggest the passage of time, taking images from the realm of record and documentary into that of imagination and memory.

The hermit’s hut…is the essence of the verb ‘to inhabit’. Gaston Bachelard, The Poetics of Space. At the end of the 18th century in Wales, in response to the poverty, homelessness and overcrowding generated by the Enclosures Act, there was a peak in the tradition of the Ty Unnos (Welsh - one-night house). If a dwelling could be raised between sunset and sunrise and have smoke emerging from its chimney at dawn, the builders could keep the house and the land as far as a hammer could be thrown from the four quarters. The tradition continued even into the 20th century and lingers in structures built by migrant workers in South Wales in the 21st century. Similar traditions exist as far away as Turkey and echo in the barn raisings of the USA, the Kalkoot of Finland and the tent cities growing on the urban margins of America today. The need to build against a time constraint resonates with the imperative for shelter throughout human experience.

Antonia’s practice is founded in drawing and making; she is interested in using multimedia installations as vehicles for exploring the region where documentary and record overlap with memory and imagination and for investigating our complex relationship with home. Originally from Bangor, Antonia Dewhurst lives and works in North Wales. She recently graduated BA (Hons) Fine Art from Coleg Menai, Bangor.

REFRAMED DERELICTION
Julie Ann Sheridan at The Last Gallery, 12th-13th, 19th-20th, 26th–27th November, 3th-4th, 10th–11th, 17th-18th December, 10am-dusk

In her fifth show at The Last Gallery Julie moves closer towards her focus on the mundane producing a series of semi-abstracted views of dereliction in her local area, the main focus being on shape and colour.

“The resulting simple paintings of varying states of abandonment or neglect are charming, awkward and depict a strong use of pattern, colour and subtlety whilst retaining a strange sense of character and atmosphere reminiscent of painting and design styles from the early 1900’s.”

Focusing on local areas of dereliction Julie reclaims objects and structures newly restoring their purpose and importance pictorially. Each image transforms the situation into something more significant, embracing the abandoned. This in itself appeals to the human fascination with beauty in the mundane.

Her work remains generally in miniature (miniatures were originally used as gifts. A businessman might send a courier with a miniature to potential client; soldiers and sailors might carry miniatures of their home while traveling, or a wife might keep a portrait of her husband while he was away. Here Julie creates a series of miniatures in response to the current economic climate and a demand for more usable art) with some selected larger additions.

Cadog Film Club have announced their programme for the first half of their new season of films.

Saturday, 1st October 2011
True Grit (2010 - 110mins - Cert 15. Directors : Ethan Coen, Joel Coen; Cast includes : Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Hailee Steinfeld)
Following the murder of her father by hired hand Tom Chaney, 14-year-old farm girl Mattie Ross sets out to capture the killer. To aid her, she hires the toughest U.S. marshal she can find, a man with “true grit,” Reuben J. “Rooster” Cogburn. Mattie insists on accompanying Cogburn, whose drinking, sloth, and generally reprobate character do not augment her faith in him. Against his wishes, she joins him in his trek into the Indian Nations in search of Chaney. They are joined by Texas Ranger LaBoeuf, who wants Chaney for his own purposes. The unlikely trio find danger and surprises on the journey, and each has his or her “grit” tested.

*Wednesday, 19th October 2011
Inside Job (2010 - 120mins - Cert. 12A. Director : Charles Ferguson; Narrator : Matt Damon)
A comprehensive analysis of the global financial crisis of 2008, which at a cost over $20 trillion, caused millions of people to lose their jobs and homes in the worst recession since the Great Depression, and nearly resulted in a global financial collapse. Through exhaustive research and extensive interviews with key financial insiders, politicians, journalists, and academics, the film traces the rise of a rogue industry which has corrupted politics, regulation, and academia. It was made on location in the United States, Iceland, England, France, Singapore, and China.

Saturday, 5th November 2011
The Eagle (2011 - 114mins - Cert 12A. Director : Kevin MacDonald; Cast includes : Channing Tatum, Jamie Bell, Donald Sutherland)
In 140 AD, twenty years after the unexplained disappearance of the entire Ninth Legion in the mountains of Scotland, young centurion Marcus Aquila (Tatum) arrives from Rome to solve the mystery and restore the reputation of his father, the commander of the Ninth. Accompanied only by his British slave Esca (Bell), Marcus sets out across Hadrian’s Wall into the uncharted highlands of Caledonia - to confront its savage tribes, make peace with his father’s memory, and retrieve the lost legion’s golden emblem, the Eagle of the Ninth.

*Wednesday, 16th November 2011
The Girl Who Played With Fire (2009 - 129mins - Cert. 15. Director : Daniel Alfredson; Cast includes : Noomi Rapace, Michael Nyqvist, Lena Endre)
Film sequel to The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. Mikael Blomkvist, publisher of Millennium magazine, has made his living exposing the crooked and corrupt practices of establishment Swedish figures. So when a young journalist approaches him with a meticulously researched thesis about sex trafficking in Sweden and those in high office who abuse underage girls, Blomkvist immediately throws himself into the investigation.

Saturday, 3rd December 2011
Up (2009 - 96mins - Cert U). Directors : Pete Docter, Bob Peterson )
Animated film. By tying thousands of balloon to his home, 78-year-old Carl Fredricksen sets out to fulfill his lifelong dream to see the wilds of South America. Right after lifting off, however, he learns he isn’t alone on his journey, since Russell, a wilderness explorer 70 years his junior, has inadvertently become a stowaway on the trip.

*Wednesday, 21st December 2011
Meek’s Cutoff (2010 - 104mins - Cert. PG. Director : Kelly Reichardt; Cast includes : Michelle Williams, Bruce Greenwood and Paul Dano)
The year is 1845, the earliest days of the Oregon Trail, and a wagon team of three families has hired the mountain man Stephen Meek to guide them over the Cascade Mountains. Claiming to know a short cut, Meek leads the group on an unmarked path across the high plain desert, only to become lost in the dry rock and sage. Over the coming days, the emigrants must face the scourges of hunger, thirst and their own lack of faith in each other’s instincts for survival. When a Native American wanderer crosses their path, the emigrants are torn between their trust in a guide who has proven himself unreliable and a man who has always been seen as the natural enemy.

Saturday, 7th January 2012
The Way (2010 - 115mins - Cert. 12A. Director : Emilio Estevez; Cast includes : Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez and Deborah Kara Unger)
An American father travels to France to recover the body of his estranged son who died while traveling “El camino de Santiago” from France to Santiago de Compostela (Spain). In a combination of grief and homage to his son, Tom decides to complete the journey himself. While walking The Camino, Tom meets others from around the world, all broken and looking for greater meaning in their lives.

*Wednesday, 18th January 2012
The Namesake (2006 - 122mins - Cert 12. Director : Mira Nair; Cast includes : Kal Penn, Irrfan Khan and Tabu)
American-born Gogol, the son of Indian immigrants, wants to fit in among his fellow New Yorkers, despite his family’s unwillingness to let go of their traditional ways.

Film Nights are usually the first Saturday of each month and start at 7.30pm in the Llangadog Community Hall (bookings required). Supper (please bring a dish of food to share) and bar. Buff Nights (marked *) are usually the third Wednesday of each month and start at 7pm in the YMCA Hall (no bookings necessary). Admission on either Film or Buff NIghts is £5 (members) or £6 (non-members). For bookings and further information ring Irene Hayes on 01550-777657 or email cadogfilmclub@aol.com

Start the new academic year by learning or brushing up on a new skill. These watercolour courses will guide you through the essentials of watercolour and start you on the path to becoming a watercolourist. Come and join us in this relaxed learning environment.

Watercolour for Absolute Beginners
Learn how to use watercolours from the beginning. You need to bring watercolours, watercolour pad, brushes and pencils. Bran Yard Art Room, Llangadog, 10am-12pm, every Wednesday throughout October. 4 sessions cost £24. Contact Julie on 01550-777933 to book (only 12 places available)

Watercolour for Beginners Level 2
Develop your skills as a watercolour painter in this second course. You must have completed the beginner’s course to attend this course. You need to bring watercolours, watercolour pad, brushes and pencils or you can purchase these from Julie at the first session. Bran Yard Art Room, 10am-12pm. Wednesdays 9th, 16th, 23rd and 30th November . 4 sessions £24. Contact Julie on 01550-777933 to book, (only 12 places available)

27th August to 8th September 2011
This exhibition continues until 8th September during which time Donna will be exhibiting her latest fine art original paintings and a new selection of limited edition prints. Subjects include animals and landscapes, rural and local scenes all originated from her studio in the Brecon Beacons.
See also www.donnacrawshaw.co.uk/aberglasney and www.aberglasney.org

LLANGADOG CEMETERY
Volunteers Wanted
Volunteers are wanted at Llangadog Cemetery to help strim, mow and clear trees of ivy on Wednesday evening, 24th August 2011, from 6pm to 8pm. Please bring your own tools. Light refreshments will be provided. If you are able to help please notify Elizabeth Walters on 01550-777321.

LLANGADOG SHOW 2011
Saturday, 6th August
The day of the annual YFC show started off well-enough, with sunny intervals in the morning attracting a very pleasing number of entries and visitors, a short sharp shower at lunch time proved to be a harbinger of what was to come. The first few photos mainly show some of the many excellent entries in the produce, cooking and crafts tent.

Outdoors the competitors, livestock and horses enjoyed the pleasant summery weather while it lasted.

Unfortunately, shortly after this last photo was taken, in mid afternoon, the heavens opened and torrential rain drove spectators to take cover and, as they began to leave in their cars and horse boxes, parts of the field became pretty muddy. The final photo shows the ugly threatening sky over the, by then, rather damp WI display stand.

Despite the soggy ending, in what is once again turning out to be a disappointing summer, the show was a great success.

A wider selection of photos taken at the Show can now be viewed on the computers at Llangadog Post Office.

FREE ARTS CARE GOFAL CELF SESSIONS
If you have suffered with mental health problems you are invited to go along to free arts care sessions at the Llangadog Community Centre on Mondays and Thursdays. Details of the individual craft courses, dates and times are given on the What's On page. Please contact Arts Care Gofal Celf to book your place - tel. 01267-245641 or email info@acgc.co.uk or rachel@acgc.co.uk

In Soviet Times My Friends Had Teams Like Barcelona, I Had Wrexham - Huw Andrews
6th–7th, 13th–14th, 20th-21st August, at The Last Gallery, Llangadog, 10am-5.30pm

Huw Andrews was born in Carmarthen in 1980. Predominately, he produces artworks in projects, offering multiple angles on a particular place, focus or impulse. Locally and internationally, he records spontaneous encounters, personal endeavours and wandering observations; exploring overlooked spaces, thoughts and individuals. Conversely however, he remains fascinated yet unsettled by the influence of mass consumption on our behaviours, choices and identities. In production, often approaching this conflict by manipulating his research with reference to consumerism, tourism or television. Overall, Andrews aims to celebrate the undervalued and trivialise the valued, disrupting the mainstream perceptions of value, success and purpose he routinely encounters.

In the spring he spent three months in Estonia, working in Tartu and Tallinn, the European Capital of Culture for 2011. In Soviet Times My Friends Had Teams Like Barcelona, I Had Wrexham (2011), his upcoming solo show at The Last Gallery, responds to the various languages, traditions and occupations of Estonia. The title of the project and of the artworks themselves, are selected from various quotes and thoughts gathered in his notebook – connecting 35mm photography, video, audio, text and objects with random conversations. Since regaining its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, Estonians have formed a strong identity alongside their Russian neighbours (around 30% of the population are Russian). Such variation in language, personality and culture between the nationalities accounts for a distinctly bilingual and bicultural country. This reminded him of Wales, sensing that both countries have more in common than just a passion for song.

Llangadog Shop Face Lift
Over the last few weeks Llangadog Post Office and Morgan's Newsagent has been undergoing an extensive face lift. The front has now been refaced and repainted and the name of the shop has been re-lettered.

Llangadog Carnival 2011
This year's carnival was blessed with good weather on Saturday, 2nd July, and was well attended. The photos show some of the floats gathering for the start of the parade near Sawdde Bridge, the parade passing through the village, and some of the afternoon's activities on the rugby club field. A larger selection of photos can be see on the computers at Llangadog Post Office.

1st Prize - Oliver Griffiths, Llangadog
2nd Prize - Jen Mogridge, Rhydyfro, Llangadog
3rd Prize - Ivy Cottage, Carregsawdde, Velindre Common, Llangadog

Click on the start button below to view a very entertaining video of the finish!

The PCC at Gwynfe decorated the church with lilies which were bought by the community to remember friends and relatives after their days. Many photos of people and events were on display, and each window sill was decorated with spring flowers with an Easter focus. Tea and toasted tea cakes was on offer at the village hall, and there was a table laden with plants and vegetable seedlings for sale. It was a week-end event at Easter and a group of Gwynfe ladies and gentlemen gave their time to run the event, provide refreshments and ensure music was continually playing in the church to welcome visitors. A great effort, and a lovely way to show off the church and community spirit.

The photos show fund raising boxes which St Cadog’s church PCC have put in the cemetery asking for donations towards the upkeep of the cemetery, including the entrance pillars and repointing the wall. The Church in Wales has offered to help with the cost of rebuilding the entrance pillars, and rehanging the gates in a better way so that the pillars don’t take all the weight (a wheel on the bottom of the gates!) The church must contribute towards this. We hoped that families visiting graves of relatives who have passed away, from the various chapels in the Llangadog area would contribute, as well as our village church. We’ve raised about £100 so far. There are envelopes in the pencil-case type box which can be used. These should then be left in the letter box of Church House where our church PCC secretary lives.

We expect the pillars to be repaired soon. The Church in Wales say we have to pay for the repointing of the entire wall around the cemetery ourselves, but this can be done over a ten year period, or so.

Llangadog OAP Association Anniversary
The Llangadog OAP Association celebrated its 40th anniversary at the White Hart, Llandeilo on 9th February - somewhat belatedly as a result of the heavy snowfall before Christmas. The photos show the assembled members, the celebration cake and the cake cutting.

Many more photos of the event and those attending are on view on the computer screens at Llangadog Post Office.

Return of the Village Pump
The old pump in Walters Road, which was removed for renovation last year, has now been re-erected. The pump, together with the surrounding fence and gate have been repaired and repainted, and the stonework has been replaced.

Sadly it is still not in working order and the handle has been welded in position,

but it's still good to see in back where it belongs. What a pity it seems that it must be kept under lock and key!

Yr Hen Ysgol Bethlehem
The Old School in Bethehem is now open as a community hall and still has its Post Office. Regular activities are:
• Mondays (term times), 4pm to 4.45pm and 5pm to 5,.45pm - Drama Club
• Monday evenings - 2nd of month, 7.30pm - Quiz Night
• Monday evenings - 5th of month, Talk

The Post Office is open on Tuesdays (2pm to 4pm), and is open daily during December (10am to 4pm) until Christmas (for "Bethlehem" postmarks).
The hall, meeting room, kitchen and toilets are also available for hire at very reasonable rates (tel. 07812-506562). See also www.bethlehemvillage.co.uk

Graham goes ‘Walking with Welsh Legends’
Llangadog resident Graham Watkins, 57, has spent the last three years researching Welsh legends and exploring Wales to discover where each legend originated. When the project, which started as a hobby, was shown to publishers Llygad Gwalch, they were so impressed that they offered to publish Graham’s work as a series of walking books. The first book, containing sixteen walks and legends from Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire, has just been published.

“We liked Graham’s interpretation of the legends and the idea of linking them to walks in beautiful countryside made good sense,” said Myrddin ap Dafydd, Llygad Gwalch’s Managing Director.

The legends Graham has included are a diverse mixture. There are love stories, tales of heroic deeds, foolishness, greed, fables and humour. The cast includes fair maidens, evil barons, mermaids, smugglers, kings and ordinary folk quietly going about their business. Some of the stories included relate to more recent history; the Rebecca Riots and how they affected Llandeilo is one example.

The walks are equally diverse and include mountains, sandy beaches, castles, woodland, hidden lakes and ancient towns. “As I completed each walk, I found that I had a different perspective and a better insight of the related legend. The walks and legends reinforced each other and added to the enjoyment. My favourite story is the tale of Twm Sion Cati and the walk on Dinas Hill includes a visit to the cave that was his hideout. I found literally dozens of Welsh legends and tales that have been passed down through the centuries. Many of them are based on factual events. Some have mythical roots, but all are great fun”, said Graham.

A second book covering North Wales is due out in May and Graham is busy working on a third dealing with legends from central Wales.

Walking with Welsh Legends – South-western Wales, published by Llygad Gwalch, is available from bookshops or direct from www.carreg-gwalch.com price £6.50.

The Mobi Project - Community Projects, Activities and Trips
The Mobi Project provides a safe warm meeting place for young people between 11-25 and offers locally-based youth information, advice and support, with workshops on youth related issues. Mobi will be in the village on Monday evenings (school term only), from 5pm to 7pm, at the Village Hall Car Park. For more information contact Karen Morris or Carys Davies on 01267-224956

WRVS Volunteer Drivers* Needed
Do you have two hours to spare weekly - Monday, Thursday or Friday - every nine weeks to help your local community? If your answer is "yes" and you would like to help us to improve the life of elderly people within our area by doing Meals on Wheels, please contact your local organiser - Pat Terry on 01550-777596.
(* Petrol money is 40p per mile)

Goose and Cuckoo
In addition to their well established and very popular Supper on the Square on the third Thursday of each month, the Goose and Cuckoo is also now offering Cawl, Cacen a Chwmni (Soup, Cake and Company) of the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month from 12 noon to 2.30pm - £4.95 per person.

CONCESSIONARY TRAVEL PASS
A Reminder
The Concessionary Fare Scheme is funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and administered locally by Carmarthenshire County Council.
The scheme entitles elderly people and people with disabilities resident in Wales to free travel on local bus services throughout the Principality. In addition, disabled people who would be unable to travel without assistance may also be entitled to take a companion with them free of charge.
Application forms are available from Post Office branches.
Each applicant must be a permanent resident of Carmarthenshire and must satisfy one of the criteria listed below, producing appropriate documentation for verification.
• Women and men aged 60 and over.
• Blind and partially sighted persons
• Persons with impaired hearing
• Persons without speech
• Persons without arms or have long-term loss of the use of both arms
• Persons with a learning disability
• Persons with a disability or suffering from an injury, which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to walk
• Persons who would be refused a driving licence on health grounds
The Travel Pass entitles the pass holder to unrestricted free travel on registered local bus services throughout Wales. (N.B. The Travel Pass does not entitle the holder to free travel on the following: Taxi journeys; Ferry services; Coach excursions or tours; National Express services; Service X40 between Carmarthen and Cardiff).
The Travel Pass also entitles Carmarthenshire pass holders to purchase Rail tickets at a half fare discount on single and day return standard fares (ie not on first class rail tickets) on rail journeys operating within the County of Carmarthenshire, i.e. on the “West Wales” and “Heart of Wales” railway lines.
In addition, the Travel Pass may be used to travel to or from destinations in neighbouring Counties, provided the pass holder’s journey starts or finishes within Carmarthenshire, i.e. on the West Wales line, all stops within Pembrokeshire and all stops as far East as Swansea, and on the Heart of Wales line, all stops as far South as Swansea and as far North as Llandrindod Wells.
Carmarthenshire pass holders may also use the Travel Pass to travel at half the usual fare on qualifying Country Cars journeys.

Thought for Food
Many thanks to Paul and Luke and their staff at The Goose and Cuckoo for the excellent Suppers on the Square that they have provided each month for the last couple of years. Thanks too to Kevin and Cindy and their staff at The Red Lion for their more recently introduced OAP lunches. These meals and get-togethers have been very much appreciated by all those who have attended.
Further details of both these regular events are given elsewhere on the Supper on the Square News Page and in What's On.

Pensioners' Lunch
The Red Lion, Llangadog offers a £5 lunch to pensioners on the first Tuesday of each month. Please give names to Win Morgan at Llangadog PO (tel. 01550-777697) in advance.

Archived News 2011