March 2013

Penllergaer Community

Councillors 2013

Penllergaer East Ward Chairman

Mr. Wyn Morgan,

14 Swansea Road, Penllergaer

Tel: 01792 899333

Vice Chairman

Mrs. Maureen Davies

Tel: 01792 892663

Mrs. Wendy Fitzgerald

10 Clos Cilfwnwr, Penllergaer

Tel: 01792 895330

,

Mr Tom John,

12 Swansea Road, Penllergaer

Tel: 01792 892519

Mr Ken Evans

57 Elm Crescent,

Parc Penllergaer

Tel: 01792 229260

Mrs. Christine Pugh

8 Clos Cilfwnwr

Penllergaer

Tel: 01792 896797

Mr William Meredith,

4 Keepers Close,

Parc Penllergaer,

Tel: Mobile 07801649062

Penllergaer West Ward

Mr. Mike Daniels

11 Heol Dewi Sant,

Penllergaer

Tel: 01792 892990

Mrs Glenys Richards

21 Heol yr Eos, Penllergaer

Tel: Mobile 07856554184

Mrs Rosemary Talbot,

38 Heol Yr Eos, Penllergaer

Tel: 01792 893406

We currently have two vacancies for Council-lors to represent the West Ward. We welcome any ex-pressions of interest. Clerk to the Council Mr David Hoskins

1 Bryntawe Road, Ynystawe

Tel: 01792 842228

NEWSLETTER

Penllergaer

Community Council CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Welcome to another issue of your Community Council’s Newsletter. It is hard to believe that three months have

passed since our previous issue and that we are already a quarter of the way through 2013. It seems a long way

away but I hope you all had a good Christmas and as they say, it’s never too late to wish you all a very Happy

New Year and hope you are all keeping to those new year’s resolutions that some of you have made.

2013 is proving to be very unpredictable as far as our weather is concerned as we seem to be having all the sea-

sons in one day and I’m sure we will all be happy once the weather improves giving us warmth and sunshine.

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to our monthly meetings which take place each second Tuesday

of the month at 7 p.m. in the Village Hall, Pontardulais Road with the first 15 minutes giving you, as residents, a

chance to highlight any issues you wish the Council to discuss. I would also like to draw to your attention that

there are two vacancies on the Council and expressions of interest would be most welcomed. As a Council, we

continue to be here for you and look forward to meeting those of you with any items for discussion.

Wyn Morgan

EDITOR’S MESSAGE As promised, the Community Council visits you again through our Newsletter and

2013 is proving to be another busy year with lots of events happening in the village. Some have already taken place

with even more planned for the remainder of the year which I will attempt to keep you informed about.

As editor, I too would like to wish you good wishes for the new year and encourage you to join some of the busy

groups which take place in our village. I recently joined the ‘Crafters’ Class’, initially to meet and enjoy a cup of tea

with fellow members. Little did I think I would quickly be shopping for wool and needles and progress to become a

keen knitter and am currently making a fancy scarf for myself. This class is one of many groups which meet, and I

for one, am glad I have made the step in joining, at little cost, with huge rewards.

As our Chairman mentioned, I would like to remind you below of events that have taken place since early Decem-

ber when our last newsletter was delivered through your letterbox.

Christine Pugh

Excitement came to Penllergaer on

December 13th when Father Christ-

mas made his pre-Christmas visit to

our village. He was given a huge

welcome by residents of Parc

Penllergaer then through the many

streets of Penllergaer lined with

adults and children ending up in the

’Old Inn’ where Manager, Mark

welcomed Father Christmas also the

large number of adults and children

who were already there to welcome

him. Mark supplied warm Mince

Pies for all to enjoy. The Community

Council wish to convey their thanks

to Mark for making the event such a

great success also to John Richards

and Councillor William Meredith for

distributing the many sweets to all

the children who turned out to see

this special person. Customers were

then treated to Carol singing by Rev.

Alan Bayes and fellow members of

St David’s Church.

A most enjoyable evening for the

whole community.

Mrs Dorothy Rees is pictured

outside her home in Heol Dewi Sant.

Boxing Day 2012 saw Mrs Rees cele-

brate 60 years living in the same house

and being the longest resident to be

living in the same home she moved

into with her family all those years ago.

Mrs Rees was brought up in Llangyfe-

lach before marrying her late husband

‘Stan’ and settling in Heol Dewi Sant.

They had many happy years together

bringing up their five children namely,

Mair, the late Phillip, Terry, Anita and

Eirwen.

Mrs Rees has 11 Grandchildren and 18

Great Grandchildren whom she is

very proud of.

Now 89 years of age, Mrs Rees recalls

her enjoyment supporting Pontlliw

W.I. in putting on shows which she

was part of. For the past 24 years Mrs

Rees shared her home with her sister

Ethel who sadly, recently passed away.

We wish her comfort in her loss to-

gether with many more happy years in

Heol Dewi Sant.

February brought adverse weather con-

ditions to Penllergaer and the above

photographs show we had plently of

snow to keep the children happy build-

ing snow men also being able to use

their sledges. I’m sure most of us are

happy to see the snow behind us with

warmer weather to come.

Penllergaer Crafters - Craft Classes are held fortnightly on Wednesday mornings at 10.30 a.m. in the Boiler Room which is part

of the Village Hall on Pontardulais Road. Members have so far this year enjoyed a varied programme which have included ‘Parchment

Craft’ by Sandra O’Leary, ‘Patchwork/Quilting’ by Pat Peachey also ’Sweet Making’ by Louise John. The next meeting to be held on the

27th of March is based on an Easter theme which will develop members’ skills in painting and decorating !!! Wendy Fitzgerald will be

leading the group in painting Easter Ducks, Rabbits and Eggs. Future classes will include presentations and instruction on Embroidery,

Cross Stitch, Knitting, Crocheting and Weaving not forgetting a day trip - location yet to be decided. The photographs below show the

class enjoying the art of sweet making, a tray of delicious sweets also the group having sampled the produce - yummy !!!

New members are always welcomed and should never be afraid to join as fellow members are always at hand to help with the various

crafts while enjoying a cup of tea/coffee and a chat. Further information can be obtained by ringing Councillor Wendy Fitzgerald on

01792 895330.

Penllergaer Primary School

What a busy term we have had at Penllergaer Pri-

mary School. Nursery and Reception pupils have

been very excited as we watched their eggs hatch

into baby chicks. Infant pupils have been learning

some Welsh folk dances like ‘Cylch y Cymru’ and

‘Jac Do’ as well as preparing for Spring by planting

lots of seeds such as Lupin, Sunflowers, Sweet Peas

and Marigolds - not those used for washing up !!!

Year 3/4 have been making bread, cards and gifts

for Mothers Day. Gorseinon College students

have been working with the classes to develop the

pupils’ football skills.

Year 5/6 had visitors from Theatr Na Nog who

told them about the dangers of carbon monoxide.

They did a little play called ‘Say no to C.O’. It was

about a family that had lost a loved one due to a

blocked vent and an un-serviced boiler. A very

important message for us all. The pupils have also

undertaken an argument and persuasion project

using the new Bellway Estate as a theme.

Our choir performed in a St David’s Day concert

in the Brangwyn Hall. They sang the song ‘We’re

proud to be Welsh’ and got a huge round of

applause from the packed audience. We have had

many visitors to school over the past few weeks

including four Finnish teachers who spent the

whole week with us. They helped classes with

craft work and cooking and taught us a Finnish

Nursery rhyme and dance.

We held a family ’Twmpath’ evening and were so

famished after the dancing that we had a lovely

bowl of Cawl and a Welsh cake. Our Cyngerdd

Dydd Gwyl Dewi was a fantastic morning. There

were stories, poems, songs and instrumental items.

Vicar, Rev Alan Bayes joined us for our celebration

and commented on how it was lovely to see our

pupils and so many staff dressed in the traditional

Welsh costume. The Finnish teachers then spoke

to us about Finland as twelve of our year 5/6 pupils

and four staff will be travelling there in May. They

sang the Finnish National Anthem and we saw

where Father Christmas lived. Our Football team

have had some success and we have introduced a

weekly blog on our website. Log onto

www.penllergaer.swansea.sch.uk for the latest

news or follow us non Twitter@PenllergaerP

I’d like to thank Headteacher Mrs Jayne Woolcock for the above report.

St David’s Church You are warmly welcomed

to join us for our regular Sunday morning services

at St David’s in Penllergaer.

8 a.m. Holy Eucharist (said) – a traditional,

reflective early morning Communion service.

10.30 a.m. Family Eucharist – our main family

morning service followed by refreshments in the

Llewelyn Hall.

9.15 a.m. Cymun Bendigaid – a traditional Welsh language service held on the first Sunday of

the month. Here are a few special dates for your

diaries:-

175th Anniversary Celebrations

2013 marks the 175th anniversary of the consecra-tion of St David’s. To mark the occasion, we are

planning to hold a series of events throughout the year which will include a special Victorian Family Day to be held on the Sportsfield on Saturday 6th

July. We hope to involve as many organisations as possible from the local community in this event to celebrate the important historical contribution of

the Church and to our community life here in

Penllergaer and its continuing role in the future.

Special Easter Services

March 28th 7 p.m. Celebration of the Last Supper

(with foot washing) followed by a prayer vigil.

March 29th 2 p.m. Good Friday Service also at

7 p.m. a United Service (St Anne’s Pontlliw).

March 30th 7 p.m. Candlelit Easter Service.

March 31st 10.30 a.m. Easter Family Communion

(with egg painting).

Further information available by contacting:-

Vicar Alan Bayes on 01792 892603 / Mobile

07792846452 / email: revalanbayes@aol.com

Ladies Guild

The Ladies’ Guild meet on the fourth

Tuesday of each month at 7.30 p.m. in

the Llewelyn Hall. A warm welcome is

extended to all new members. For fur-

ther information contact Councillor

Wendy Fitzgerald on 01792 895330.

Over 60’s

Penllergaer over 60’s is a very active organi-

sation within the village who meet at 2 p.m.

on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the

month in the Llewelyn Hall.

This group are known for organising a busy

programme of events. The AGM held in

January saw a change in Officers. Chairman

Mr Earnie Hoyles stepped down following

10 years in office also Treasurer Mr Archie

Goddard stepped down having clocked up

over 20 years. A surprise party was organ-

ised at the end of January to give thanks to

both Earnie and Archie for their dedication

to the group. The party was a total surprise

for them and all enjoyed the celebration.

February - members were entertained by

singer and entertainer Mr Harry Richards.

At a second meeting in February Mr Tony

Paultyn gave an interesting talk on the

’History of Cinemas in Wales’. Mr Paultyn

is an established local Artist and the group

were fortunate to see samples of his work

especially those which included scenes from

the locality which included Mumbles area.

March saw Canon John Walters of St

Teilo’s church in Pontardulais visit them to

share his school days when at Dynevor

school in Swansea. The Secretary Mrs Anna

Armishaw stated Canon Walters’ visit was

one to remember.

The next meeting will be held on the 26th

March and the speaker Mr Brian Quick will

be giving a talk on ’nick’ names in Wales.

With many more speakers lined up, the

group are looking forward to a day trip to

Tenby on the 16th of April.

As in previous years, this group continue to

be very busy and there is certainly a need

for members to keep an eye on their calen-

dar. So, if you are over 60 and in need of a

bit of company and a chat, go along to one

of their meetings where you will certainly be

made to feel most welcome. Further en-

quires to Secretary Mrs Anna Armishaw on

01792 897299.

Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin / Welsh language

Playgroup

The ‘Ti a Fi’ / Mother and Toddler playgroup is run by Mrs Mary Lewis and is held each Thursday morning from 9.15 a.m. until 11.10 a.m. in the

Llewelyn Hall. It is open to both English and Welsh speakers. The play-

group is geared for children from birth to 4 years giving the opportunity for children and their carers to have a chance to communicate in both

Welsh and English.

It is also an opportunity for Carers to meet other Carers to have a chat and enjoy a cup of tea / coffee whilst observing the children enjoying play, craftwork and listening to stories etc. A warm welcome is extended to

all.

Mary also holds a ‘Cylch Meithrin’/ Welsh Playgroup each Wednesday and

Thursday afternoons from 12.45 p.m. until 2.45 p.m. These sessions are for carers to leave the children with Mary and her team and are for chil-

dren of 2 years and up to 4 years until they commence school.

So far this year they have used their craft skills to celebrated St Valen-tine’s Day, Chinese New Year, St David’s Day with homemade cakes and a raffle also Mothering Sunday. Red Nose Day was also a success with

fundraising and fancy dress which is always a favourite with children.

Craft skills are always a bonus at Easter time for making baskets out of

card and colouring them in.

On the 28th March there will be an Easter party with Easter Bonnets and

plenty of healthy treats to eat.

The playgroup will be taking a break for Easter following the party and will

return on the 17th and 18th of April.

The photograph shows the ‘Ti a Fi’ / Mother and Toddler group assisting

their children/grandchildren to eat and enjoy freshly prepared fruit as part

of a healthy eating plan the playgroup has in place. The group would

welcome help from anyone with half an hour to spare on a Thursday

morning to help with fruit preparation and refreshments.

Available ? Contact Mary on 01792 898652

C o m m u n i t y o f C h r i s t

144 Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer

Community of Christ seeks to fulfil Christ’s Mis-sion by inviting People to Christ, Pursuing Peace

on Earth and seeking to Abolish Poverty and End Suffering. We invite you to share with the Penllergaer Congregation each Sunday at 11.45

a.m. for our Worship Service. We also have Family Nights and special activities. For more information contact: Pastor Ken Turner on

0 1 7 9 2 4 1 4 9 2 0 o r e m a i l

ken_turner@ntlworld.com

Sports Field The Football season continues to be

enjoyed by many with two Senior teams and two Mini

teams run by Penllergaer AFC. Starting in September,

there will be an additional team for Juniors.

Children are supported to learn to play football and devel-

op skills both on and off the field. At this level it is not only about learning and developing football skills but also social skills. Obtaining results is great but seeing the boys and

girls enjoying their chosen sport is so rewarding.

Matches are currently held during the weekend period. Further information can be obtained from Secretary

Mr David Davies on 01792 517700.

Enquiries are most welcome from anyone interested in

forming and leading groups in, for example, Archery, Field Athletics etc. as the Sports Pavilion has excellent facilities

which are on our doorstep.

Cricket - the season commences in May. Last season there were two teams using the Sports Field and they were always a joy to watch. New members are always

welcomed. Anyone interested in forming a Junior team or for any other information are advised to contact Tom John

on 892519 or email ena.john@hotmail.co.uk

Busy Bees Day Nursery was established

twenty years ago and is open for business Mon-

day to Friday in the Village Hall on Pontardulais Road. The Nursery is open for children aged 0 to 5 years giving the opportunity for young children

to engage with other children in a Caring, Moti-vating and Safe environment where life skills can be learnt at a very early age. There is an open invitation for all parents contemplating the use of

a Nursery to contact Jayne or Christine on 01792 895669 and arrange to visit and view this

facility where a warm welcome is guaranteed.

Penllergaer Icing Club

The Icing Club meets fortnightly on Tues-

day mornings at 10 a.m. in the Boiler Room

which is part of the Village Hall. The next

meeting will be on Tuesday 16th April.

Come along and learn new skills while

having fun and a cuppa. Enquires would be

welcomed by Wendy on 895330 or Louise

on 896746.

Mrs Hazel Mock who lives in the village, is seen here at her book signing of ‘Three

Welsh Hill Ponies’. Hazel informs me that the book came about when, one day she decided to make up a rhyme to sing to her little boy who was then less than a month

old. Even at such a young age, he showed such delight when Hazel sang the chorus, which goes “Clip clop, clip clop, clip clop”. She decided to write it down for her to sing it to him over and over again. Hazel then decided to draw some pictures and paint them

to look back on in years to come. Following a thoughtful journey, it occurred to Hazel that if her little one enjoyed it, maybe other little ones would enjoy it too. Hazel decid-ed to go about having the book printed with all proceeds going to Ty Hafan to support

them in their work helping life-limited children, young people and their families make the most of the time they have left together. As Hazel states, there was never any doubt which charity she would support as she and her very supportive husband Chris,

were already supporting Ty Hafan. Hazel’s book is bilingual, written in both Welsh and English telling a story about the escapades of three Welsh hill ponies. The book is cheerfully illustrated in bright colours and is already proving a big hit with the under 5’s.

Ty Hafan is the only childrens’ hospice service in South Wales providing support free of charge for families that need them and have recently opened a new fund raising shop on

the Kingsway in Swansea where Hazel’s book can be bought for the little sum of £2.

Ty Hafan are always in need of helpers to man their shops - time to spare - please call into one of their shops.

Village Hall Interested in Table Tennis ?

There is an opportunity for anyone interested in

this sport to use the excellent facilities of the

Village Hall.

There is a class already taking place each Sunday

morning starting at 10.30 am until midday.

Anyone interested in playing can contact Coun-

cillor Tom John on 892519.

Classes are open to all whether you are Men,

Ladies, Boys or Girls who can enjoy this sport

which is an excellent way of keeping fit.

Bowls Club Bowls green, changing rooms also a large cafe /restaurant for

that well deserved break. Bowls and shoes are available for hire.

The outdoor season starts at the end of April. The Annual General Meeting

is due to take place shortly where existing and new members can register

and take advantage of permits from City and County of Swansea at reasona-

ble rates. The club is currently involved with the indoor season. We have a

regular booking at the Plasmarl indoor Bowling Centre 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. eve-

ry Thursday. The centre has excellent facilities which include car parking, a

first class

For further information also the date of the AGM contact Tom John on

892519. The Bowls club welcomes both men and women members so pick

up the phone and take your first step in joining.

Village Hall Hire / Car Parking Why not hire your Village hall for those special occasions such

as children’s Birthday parties etc. Availability and hiring rates can

be obtained from Louise John by telephoning her on

01792 896746

A reminder that parking in the Village Hall Car park is

available only for those using the Hall.

Future editions Your input for items in future editions would be most appre-

ciated. Please forward items to the Editor by emailing

christinepugh@uwclub.net or Clerk to the Community Coun-

cil Mr David Hoskins by emailing davidllew@aol.com or via

any one of your Community Councillors.

We look forward to hearing from you.

Penllergaer Gardening Club The Club meets in the Llewelyn

Hall on the second Monday of each month at 7.30 p.m. excluding August

when they hold their annual show. The club is open to everyone with an

interest in gardening and plants etc. Following a busy and enjoyable 2012

schedule, we are now well into this year’s calender.

January’s meeting was a very interesting one with a talk on Butterflies

presented by Mr Martin Humphries. Members found the talk fascinating

and were surprised how many species of Butterflies there are also the

range of plants they are attracted to.

February‘s meeting was again well supported. Gorseinon Gardening

Club accepted an invitation to the club’s meeting and were given a talk by

Mr Ivor Mace on ‘Growing vegetables’.

March meeting - members were treated to a talk on ’Flowers on the

Dolomites’. Mr Teifion Davies, (Head Gardner of Clyne Gardens) gave a

guided tour through a slide show outlining the range of flowers on the

mountains.

April, May and June meetings are not to be missed with presentations

being given on Venice’s colourful carnival also Streptocartus plants in

addition to a visit to an interesting garden in Glais.

July meeting will be the club’s AGM followed by August’s annual

‘Produce and Craft’ show. Interested ? contact Rosemary on 01792

229260. October 12–19th Some places are still available for the excur-

sion to Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast . Flying from Bristol to Naples

with coach travel from Penllergaer included. Interested in the trip ? -

contact Fitz on 895330 for full details.

Penllergaer Men’s Society - The Society meet each third

Monday of the month at 7.30 p.m topics which are normally fol-

lowed by ‘refreshments’ at the bar of the Old Inn!!

January’s meeting was held on the 21st. It was the society’s

Annual General Meeting.

February’s meeting welcoming guest speaker Mrs Ann Wil-

liams. She gave an interesting talk on the ‘Swansea Network.’.

The main aims of ‘Swansea Network 50+’ are to encourage in-

volvement and participation of people aged 50+ in strengthening

their voice within the City and County of Swansea with special

i n f l u en ce on po l i c y and p l a nn i n g s e r v i c es .

March meeting welcomed Mr David Morgan who spoke about

Kilvrough Manor, Parkmill which is a converted Georgian Manor

House with its own history. The Manor House is used for deliv-

ering a wide range of courses providing learning experiences for

young people and adults.

April - members will hear a talk by Mrs Harries on the late

President Reagan and family.

May’s meeting will see the group visit ‘Penderyn Distillery’ and

I’m sure there will be many members being only too ready to do

some tasting for the Distillery. Sounds a good group to be part

of. Anyone interested in becoming a member should contact

Mr Peter Bowen on 01792 892358

Maddison and Millie Pugh stand proudly on

1st March in their traditional Welsh

costumes to celebrate St. David’s Day.

They are both Welsh speakers and attend

Ysgol Gymraeg Pontybrenin.

Thursday March 14th saw many young members of Penllergaer Scout, Cubs and Beaver packs

progress and become invested into new groups. These pictures show members making their

promise to love their god, serve their queen and to help people and to keep the Scout law

prior to being invested. Cousins Ffion Brine and Efa Parkhouse are pictured with huge smiles

showing their delight at becoming members of Penllergaer Scout movement.

Gorseinon and District Brass Band was formed in

December 2011. Penllergaer had the privilege of witnessing the

Bands first major performance when they played for us as part of our

Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations on the Sports field in July

2012. The Band meet for rehearsals in the New Lodge, Gorseinon

each Thursday evening commencing at 6 pm for Juniors until 6.45pm.

and at 7 pm, the Senior members continue with rehearsals until 9

pm.

Secretary Mr Derek Phillips, who lives in Penllergaer, extends a

warm welcome to anyone interested in joining the Band whether a

player or a non-player as administrative support would also be most

welcomed. Derek can be contacted on 01792 892839 and would be

only too pleased to hear from you.

Emiola Singers is made up of a group of young people

aged 10 to 18 years of age. Leader and Conductor

Mrs Delyth Holland, who lives locally, is known to many in

the village for her continued support in the music field.

Rehearsals are held each Monday evening from 6.30 to

7.30 pm in Gorseinon Institute where a warm welcome is

extended to anyone wishing to join this enthusiastic group

of singers. They have performed in Swansea’s Taliesin

Theatre, Brecon and Llandaff Cathedrals as well as Cardiff

Millennium Centre. Interested in joining ?

Ring Delyth on 897979.