REPORTS FOR 2005 - by Club Secretary Anna Brown

Oak Tree Hall Treorchy was filled with an abundance of Christmas spirit on Thursday 15^th December when the members of the Treorchy Senior Citizens’ Club met for their Annual Christmas Buffet.  After everyone was welcomed to the hall Mrs Beryl Rowe said Grace.

Following the Buffet a raffle took place.  All the prizes were donated by members and friends.

The afternoon concluded with a splendid programme of Carols by the ladies of Treorchy WI Choir.  Conductor Mrs Mary Henry-Price and accompanist Mrs Sheila Ellis.

Mr Alf Picken and Mrs Beryl Row assisted with a solo.  

The committee wish to thank Mrs Mary Henry- Price, Mrs Sheila Ellis, Mrs Beryl Rowe, Mr Alf Picken and members of the Treorchy WI Choir for giving their time to help make the afternoon a success.

Thanks also to Mr Mark Evans, Manager of the Co-operative Store in Treorchy, Mr Ernie Fair and members of Treorchy Senior Citizens Club for their generosity in donating prizes for the free raffle.

Thank you, Glenys, Avis, Pat, Jean and Dorothy, the tea ladies, for all your hard work during 2005. 

The committee wish to thank everyone for their support throughout 2005 and wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful 2006.

The next meeting will be at 2.00pm on Thursday January 12^th 2006 when a Beetle Drive will take place followed by Refreshments, a Raffle and Bingo.

* * * * *

Oak Tree Hall Treorchy was filled with an abundance of Christmas spirit on Thursday 15^th December when the members of the Treorchy Senior Citizens’ Club met for their Annual Christmas Buffet. 

After everyone was welcomed to the hall Mrs Beryl Rowe said Grace.

Following the Buffet a raffle took place.  All the prizes were donated by members and friends.

The afternoon concluded with a splendid programme of Carols by the ladies of Treorchy WI Choir.  Conductor Mrs Mary Henry- Price and accompanist Mrs Sheila Ellis.

Mr Alf Picken and Mrs Beryl Row assisted with a solo.

The committee wish to thank Mrs Mary Henry- Price, Mrs Sheila Ellis, Mrs Beryl Rowe, Mr Alf Picken and members of the Treorchy WI Choir for giving their time to help make the afternoon a success.

Thanks also to Mr Mark Evans, Manager of the Co-operative Store in Treorchy, Mr Ernie Fair and members of Treorchy Senior Citizens Club for their generosity in donating prizes for the free raffle.

Thank you , Glenys, Avis, Pat, Jean and Dorothy, the tea ladies, for all your hard work during 2005. 

The committee wish to thank everyone for their support throughout 2005 and wish you all a Happy, Healthy and Peaceful 2006.

* * * * *

A Buffet dance to commemorate the end of World War 11 took place at Oak Tree Hall Treorchy on October 13^th.   Note: photos of this event will be appearing next month on this website ... under our "Photos - present section" (21/01/06)

The event was ‘funded by The Home Front Recall Grant’.

The Chairperson Mrs Pauline Worman opened the afternoon’s function by calling on Mrs Beryl Rowe to say a prayer giving thanks to those who contributed to the War effort and to all who gave their lives in order that we are able to live in freedom.

The M. C. Mrs Vera Williams, assisted by Bernice and Glan Powell, commenced the afternoon’s dance session by introducing a selection of modern sequence dances.

 The first guest artists were from Treorchy WI Performing Arts Group - Enid Roberts, Margaret Wilkins and Ann Thomas - who gave their version of the Andrew sister’s popular wartime tune, ‘Alexandra’s Rag Time Band’.

Following the second session of dancing, Kath Davies delighted the audience with a solo, ‘I’ll be Seeing You’.

After the members and guests had been served with the Buffet, the entertainment continued with a solo from Mr Alf Picken, ‘This is the Story of my life’.

The final artist for the afternoon was the ever-popular Mrs Christine Tucket. 

Her humorous stories filled the hall with laughter. 

The afternoon concluded with a Raffle and three games of Bingo.

The committee of Oak Tree Hall Senior Citizens Club wish to extend there sincere thanks to Vera Williams, Glan and Bernice Powell, Margaret Wilkins, Enid Roberts, Ann Thomas, Kath Davies and Alf Picken also to the tea ladies Jean Toghill, Dorothy Morgan and Pat Scane for all their hard work.

A very special thanks to Christine Tucket, for her excellent contribution to help make the afternoon a success.

Thank you to Mr Bill Daniel of Interlink and Rob Knape who took publicity photographs for the web site and the press. 

A big thank you to the “HOME FRONT BIG LOTTERY FUND” for the grant that made the afternoon possible.

* * * * *

The Treorchy Senior Citizens Club members met on 6^th October for their fortnightly meeting.

Following the fire drill an afternoon of entertainment commenced with a light hearted quiz.  After much hilarity, the winning team was headed by Glenys Harris. 

To mark National Poetry Day Judith James recited the poem “Ducks”

After refreshments, the usual raffle and Bingo took place.  Raffle winner Avis Phillips.

Bingo winners 1. Joyce Davies and Pauline Worman. 2. Mrs Picken and Avis Phillips.  3. Anna Brown.

* * * * *

Members met at Oak Tree Hall at 2.00pm on Thursday 22^nd September.  The meeting was opened by the Vice Chairperson Mrs Beryl Rowe and the fire drill took place.

Mrs Rowe thanked Eira Richards for organising an excellent coach trip to Monmouth and Tewkesbury on September 5^th.  She also thanked Eira, Joyce, Beryl and Pat for organising the raffles on the coaches.  Another coach trip to Gloucester is planned for November 10^th.  Anyone wishing to travel on the trip please contact Eira Richards.

The speaker for the afternoon was Fire Officer Clive Spanwick.  Mr Spanwick gave a very entertaining and informative talk on safety in the home.  He emphasised the importance of fire alarms and outlined procedures that should be followed should a fire occur. 

Mrs Beryl Rowe gave Mr Spanwick a vote of thanks and refreshments followed.

The afternoon Raffle was won by Mr Mal Whitticase.  The Bingo was won by Iris Jenkins, Josie Ellias and Eira Richards.

The next meeting will be on Thursday October 6^th.

On 13^th October at 2.00pm, the Senior Citizens Club will Commemorates end of World War 11 with a Buffet Dance at Oak Tree Hall.  The afternoon is funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

A chance to bring out the old WAF’s and Officers Uniforms and polish up the medals. Everyone is welcome to come along and join in the fun and festivities when we’ll bring back a touch of nostalgia from the 1940’s with guest artist Chris Tucket and Treorchy WI performing Arts’  answer to the Andrew Sisters.  Also a wartime solo from Kath Davies and Alf Picken.

Raffle prizes and Bingo.

* * * * *

Members and friends of the Senior Citizen’s Club met at Oak Tree Hall on Thursday September 8^th for an afternoon of light entertainment.

The Chairperson, Mrs Pauline Worman thanked Eira Richards and Joyce Davies for organising the annual coach trip and Kath Davies for her generosity in providing the majority of the raffle prizes for both buses.  Everyone, the Chairperson said, had a most enjoyable day out.

The afternoon’s entertainment commenced with the popular panel game, “Call My Bluff”.  In the expert hands of Margaret Powel as the Panel Chairman and Arwel Powell as the Scorer, the Panel tried to convince the audience of the authenticity of their version of unusual words ranging from Jirble to Taphephobia.

In spite of the expert definitions of the words offered by the panel of three, Anne Thomas, Edward Hancock and Anna Brown, they did not totally succeed in hoodwinking the audience.

Members - Pamela Barker, Jean Erasmus, Glenys Barrett, Jean Kinsey and Sybil Rees on the winning table identified as “The Penguins,” were the afternoon’s winners. 

Mrs Beryl Rowe, Vice Chairperson, gave a vote of thanks to Margaret and Arwel on an excellent afternoon’s entertainment.

Following Refreshments, the bingo was won by Judith James, Alf Pickin and Beryl Jones.

The raffle was won by Pat Scane.

The next meeting will be on Thursday September 22^nd when Mr Spanswick of the Fire Service will be giving a talk.

Please come along for an afternoon of entertainment, male and female, everyone welcome.

* * * * *

A General Meeting was held at Oak Tree Hall on Thursday August 25^th. 

Following the afternoons business, Anita Bounds informed the members that Treorchy WI had hired Oak Tree Hall on Thursday 15^th September for their annual awareness day.  This year a Balloon Event would be taking place.  Balloons can be purchased for £2.00 each.  Please contact Marion or Anita to reserve your Balloon.  Only a limited amount of Balloons are available.  There will be cash prizes for the Balloon winners.  Come along for an afternoon of fun, music, tea and cakes.

The Thursday afternoon Bingo winners were Marion Evans, Judith James, and Glenys Hathaway.  The Raffle was won by Megan Crosby. 

The next meeting will be on Thursday 8^th September.  The afternoons entertainment will be the panel game “Call My Bluff’ hosted by Margaret Powel.

* * * * *

The members of Treorchy Senior Citizens’ Club met at Oak Tree Hall on July 28^th.  The meeting was opened by the Chairperson Mrs Pauline Worman. 

Following the fire drill Mrs Worman welcomed members and asked that they observe a minutes silence for two members who recently passed away.  Mrs Blod George, Dumfries Street, Treorchy and Mrs Glenys Jones, William Street, Ystrad.  Deepest sympathy is extended to both families.

The speakers for the afternoon Mrs Teresa Evans and Mrs Hellen Mantle were welcomed.  Teresa and Hellen are members of the Sensory Services Team that work from The Old Town Hall, De Winton Street, and Tonypandy. 

Teresa and Hellen explained how people with impaired hearing or impaired sight could be helped to achieve greater independence to lead a fuller and more inclusive life. They demonstrated aids that are available such as mobile doorbells, telephones and aids to improve the sound system in the home.

Councillor Edward Hancock gave Mrs Mantle and Mrs Evans a vote of thanks for an excellent, informative talk.

Anyone requiring information on Services for ‘People with a Sensory Loss’ please contact a Member of the Sensory Services Team on Tonypandy 431513.

After refreshments were served, the usual Raffle and three games of Bingo took place.

The Raffle was won by Mrs Isobel Sampson.  The bingo by 1. Mrs Josie Ellias and Anna Brown.  2. Marion Jones.  3.  Edward Hancock.

The Annual Coach Trip to Monmouth and Tewkesbury will take place on Monday 5^th September. Members and non- members wishing to travel on the trip please contact Mrs Eira Richards. 

* * * * *

A Tea Dance commemorating the end of ‘World War 2’ was held at Oak Tree Hall Treorchy on Thursday 14^th July.

With Edward Hancock at the keyboard, the strains of wartime melodies welcomed everyone to the hall.

The afternoon commenced with Mrs Beryl Rowe giving her recollections of the war years; when she was a teenager.  She recalled ration books, clothes coupons, food shortages and the ever-famous dried eggs.  She concluded her talk by asking everyone to stand and pay tribute to all those who lost their lives, so that today we live in freedom.

The afternoon dancing commenced with Mrs Vera Williams as MC and Bernice and Glan introducing the dances. Ann Thomas and Judith James demonstrated the wartime dances and everyone had a great time joining in the fun.

During the interval, refreshments were served and three games of bingo and a raffle followed.  Bingo winners were Mary Webb, Edward Hancock and Kath Evans. 

Charlotte and John who are daily service users at the hall; were invited in and wished ‘A Happy Birthday’ by all members and friends of the Senior Citizens Club.

The committee wish to extend thanks to Mrs Vera Williams, Bernice, Glan, Ann and Judith for their expertise on the dance floor. To Edward, for his skills on the keyboard. To everyone who donated raffle prizes. To Glenys Hathaway, Avis Phillips, Pat Scane and Jean Toghill for serving the tea with a smile. Thanks also to Russ Willis and everyone who helped make the afternoon a success

The next meeting will take place on July 28^th when Tessa Evans and Hellen Mantle will give a talk on the loop hearing system and hearing aids.

The annual coach trip to Tewkesbury and Monmouth will take place on Monday September 5^th.  Members wishing to travel please contact Mrs Eira Richards.

* * * * *

Members of the Treorchy Senior Citizens Club met at Oak Tree Hall on Thursday June 30^th.   

Following the fire drill Mrs Beryl Rowe asked for a minute’s silence in respect of Mrs Muriel Jones a member who had recently passed away.  Deepest sympathy was extended to Muriel’s husband and family.

Mrs Eira Richards informed the members that the next coach trip will take place on Monday 5^th September.  Members wishing to travel to Tewkesbury and Monmouth please add their names to the list posted on the notice board at the hall.

The afternoon continued with Councillor Edward Hancock’s musical quiz.  He delighted the members with his skill on the keyboard.  Kath Davies won first prize.

After a break for refreshments, the raffle was followed by three games of bingo.

* * * * *

Members met again at Oak Tree Hall on Thursday 16 June, when the meeting opened with the usual fire drill.

Mrs Pauline Worman welcomed members and read a thank you card from Mrs Betty Jones who has been in hospital.

Voting took place for the annual coach trip.  The date of the trip will be Monday 5^th September and the venue will be Monmouth and Tewksbury.  

The speaker for the afternoon was Mr. Russ Willis who gave a talk on music and followed with a quiz that was enjoyed by everyone.

Mrs Beryl Rowe gave Mr Willis a vote of thanks for his talk and thanked him for supplying the quiz prizes.

Following the refreshments, a raffle and three games of bingo took place.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday 30^th June at 2.00pm when Councillor Hancock will entertain member with a quiz and a selection of musical items on the keyboard.

* * * * *

On June 2^nd at 2.00pm, Club Members met for their fortnightly meeting.  The meeting was opened by Beryl Rowe, vice chairperson.  After the fire drill took place Mrs Rowe introduced the speaker for the afternoon Mrs Josie Williams.

Mrs Williams gave an excellent talk on experiences that had influenced her life from junior school right through to her more recent work with Victim support.

Beryl Rowe gave the vote of thanks to Josie for a very enjoyable afternoon and said she hoped Josie would make a return visit in the future.

After refreshments were served the three hands of Bingo were won by Nan Price, Glenys Harries, and Josie Elias.  The Free hand of Bingo was won by Beryl Rowe and the Raffle by Glenys Harries.

Thanks are also extended to Glenys Harries, Josie Elias and everyone who helped Pat Scane on Thursday afternoon.

The next meeting will be held at 2.00pm on Thursday 16^th June when A Musical Quiz will take place.  Councillor Edward Hancock will be at the Keyboard assisted by Mr Russ Willis.  Please come along and join in the fun.   Everyone Welcome.

* * * * *

Treorchy Senior Citizens Club Members met at Oak Tree Hall on 5^th May for their Annual General Meeting.  

The following committee members were returned to office for the year 2005 / 2006 -: Mrs Pauline Worman, Mrs Beryl Jones, Mrs Anna Brown, Mrs Beryl Rowe, Mrs Isobel Sampson, Mrs Joyce Davies, Mrs Eira Richards, Mrs Judith James and Councillor Edward Hancock.

The annual Club outing took place on May 19^th when members and friends travelled to Worcester.  Thanks are extended to Mrs Eira Richards for organising a successful outing.  Also thanks to Joyce Davies and everyone who helped make the day a success.

* * * * *

The members of Treorchy Senior Citizens Club met at Oak Tree Hall at 2.00pm on Thursday 7^th April. The meeting was opened by Mrs Beryl Rowe, Vice chairperson, and the fire drill took place. Mrs Rowe offered apologies to members for the late arrival of the committee who were attending a funeral service at Bethlehem Chapel Treorchy.

Mrs Rowe asked the members present to offer a period of silence as a token of respect for two notable Treorchy women, Mrs Nan Llewellyn and Mrs Margot Davies, who had passed away during the past week.  Sympathies were extended to both families. 

Following the period of silence, refreshments were served. 

Mrs Worman, Chairperson, continued the afternoon’s business and apologised for the committee’s lateness.  She thanked Mrs Rowe for opening the meeting and called on Mrs Eira Richards to give details of the coach trip on 19^th May.  Bus money and 2005 contributions are now due.

Members were reminded that the ‘Annual General Meeting’ will take place at 2.pm on Thursday 5^th May 2005.

A raffle was followed by the usual three games of Bingo. Winners were Eirlys Davies, Anna Brown and Megan Crosby. 

The meeting closed at 4.00pm.  Next meeting will take place at 2.00pm on Thursday 21^st April. 

* * * * *

The members of Treorchy Senior Citizens Club met at Oak Tree Hall on Thursday 24^th March.

It was announced that this years contributions are now due.  Members wishing to pay their contributions can do so at Oak Tree Hall at 1.30pm on Thursday 7^th April.  Old and new members are welcome.

Members booked to travel to Worcester on 19^th May can pay their fare to Mrs Richards at the next meeting.  The bus is, at present, fully booked.  A reserved list is held by Mrs Eira Richards.  

Following the afternoons business a quiz based on the locality took place.  Joyce Davies’s team won first prize.  This was followed by refreshments, a raffle and three games of bingo.  The raffle was won by Margaret Wilkins.  The Bingo by Jean Togill, Margaret Wilkins and Della Edwards.

The afternoon ended with a rendering of "Happy Birthday" to Olwyn Bobbet. "Happy Birthday Olwyn from all the members."

* * * * *

Members met at Oak Tree Hall on Thursday 10th March for their fortnightly meeting.  The meeting opened at 2.00pm. 

Following the signing of the register and the fire drill, Mrs Pauline Worman welcomed everyone and called on Mrs Eira Richards to give details of the forthcoming Coach trip to Worcester on May 19^th 2005. 

Mrs Richards told members that a list would be posted on the notice board.  Members wishing to travel on the trip please add their names to the list.  Priority will be given to members until 5^th May following that date, should there be vacancies, outsiders would be welcome.

Mrs Worman announced, this year the annual membership contribution is £3.50 per member.  The contributions will be collected next meeting, 24^th March.

When the business had been concluded Mrs Warman introduced the guest speaker for the afternoon, Councillor Paul Cannon.  Councillor Cannon held the audience captive with his excellent talk on his life and life in the Police Force. 

At the end of his talk, Mrs Beryl Rowe gave Councillor Cannon a vote of thanks. 

After refreshments had been served, the usual raffle and three games of Bingo took place. 

Forthcoming events 24^th March - A quiz, based on the locality has been arranged.

Everyone welcome to come along at 2.00pm to pit your wits and join in the frivolities.

* * * * *

Members of Treorchy Senior Citizens Club met at Oak Tree Hall on Thursday 24^th February.  The meeting opened at 2.00pm. 

A coach trip to Worcester is arranged for May 19^th 2005

When the business was concluded, Mrs Worman introduced Mr Penny the guest speaker for the afternoon. 

Mr Penny is employed by the Community Cancer Services.  They offer guidance and support to people and members of their family in Rhondda who are experiencing cancer. They offer complimentary therapies e.g. reflexology, reiki, aromatherapy and Indian head massage.  They also offer counselling to explore concerns and feelings surrounding cancer. 

For more information on further services offered e.g. transport service to and from hospital, please contact Mr Penny at the drop in centre 8, Dunraven Street Tonypandy.  The centre is open Monday to Friday 09.00am – 5.00pm. Telephone number 01443 421999

On behalf of the members, Mrs Beryl Rowe, Vice Chairperson, gave Mr Penny a vote of thanks for his informative talk.

Following refreshments a raffle and three games of bingo were played.

Forthcoming events: March 10^th - Mr Paul Cannon will give a talk on his life in the “Police Force”. March 24th  - A quiz.

The meeting closed at 4.00pm.

Every Saturday morning 10.30am. to 11.30am, a weekly Karate Class will be taking place at the Hall.   

* * * * *

Members met at Oak Tree Hall on Thursday 27^th January for their fortnightly meeting.  The meeting opened at 2.00pm.  Following the signing of the register and the fire drill, Mrs Pauline Worman welcomed everyone and sent birthday wishes to Eira Richards who was celebrating her 65th birthday on 27^th January.  She also extended her thanks to Mr & Mrs Ieaun Morgan for their kindness in donating fabric for curtains needed at the hall. 

Mrs Worman then called on the Vice Chairperson Mrs Beryl Rowe, to commemorate the 60^th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, with a minutes silence.

Following the minutes, silence Mrs Warman introduced the guest speaker for the afternoon, Mr Dave Edwards.

Mr Dave Edwards delighted everyone with anecdotes from his life and working life as a journalist with the Rhondda Leader.

Mrs Worman thanked Mr Edwards for an interesting, informative and amusing talk.  “This afternoon everyone has learned a great deal about the work that goes on behind the scenes of a newspaper,” she said.

After refreshments were served, three games of Bingo were played.  Winners - Mrs Gwyneth Davies, Mrs Gwynedd Davies and Mrs Margaret Wilkins.  The raffle was won by Mrs Beryl Row and Mrs Muriel Jones.

Forthcoming events: 10^th February - A quiz.    24^th February - Mr Penny will give a talk on help available for people with, or connected to sufferers of, Cancer

Commencing on Saturday 29^th January from 10.30am. to 11.30am, a weekly Karate Class will be taking place at the Hall.   

* * * * *

At 2.00pm on Thursday 13^th January, the Treorchy Senior Citizens Club members met at Oak Tree Hall for their first meeting of 2005.

Mrs Beryl Jones treasurer was welcomed back after her stay in hospital and A Happy New Year was wished to all. 

After carrying out the fire drill procedure and checking that every member had signed the attendance book Mrs Worman thanked all the members for helping to make the Annual Christmas Buffet a success.

After the business had been concluded, Mrs Woman introduced the guest speaker Mr Jeffrey Barnard who is a worker on the ‘Get Sorted’ project. 

Karen Bradwick who had been expected to talk’ had been unable to attend.

Mr Barnard explained the project;  ‘Get Sorted’ is under the Partnership Initiative Budget, which is jointly funded by the Community Fund, the Legal Services Commission and the Welsh Assembly Government. 

It is a ‘Debt Project’ and it hopes to help people in Community First areas with money management.  It is managed by Cynon Valley Citizen Advice Bureau. Partners who are involved are Pontypridd (Taff Ely and Rhondda) CAB and Community First in several areas.

This project is free to people within the Community First areas, it is not a CAB outreach service.  The way it works is that the project workers receive a referral then telephone the clients to arrange for an appointment on the designated day for that area.  There are projects in ten areas including Treherbert, Cymmer, Penrhiwceiber, and Rhydyfelin. 

Since the end of December 2004, ‘Get Sorted’ has been using a room at Oak Tree Hall, Treorchy on Friday mornings, as a base for project workers to meet people who need advice.

Anyone needing help with debt can telephone 01443 475948 or contact Mr Barnard at Old Library, Duffryn Road Mountain Ash.  CF45 4DA.

A vote of thanks given to Mr Barnard by Mrs Beryl Rowe Vice Chairperson was followed by three games of Bingo won by Mrs Judith James, Mrs Glenys Hathaway and Mrs Margaret Wilkins. 

The winners of the raffle were Mrs Glenys Owen and Mrs Anna Brown.

Next meeting 27^th February when Mr Dave Edwards will be giving a talk on his life as a newspaper reporter.

* * * * *