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"Ystradyfodwg Monthly"

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"MIKE's MUSES...

A little of this, laced with a little of that, from around and about..."

The items that follow in this collection of bits and pieces are not necessarily of local origin..

Please feel free to respond to any points which may be raised in this column.

Further adventures of the “Wheeliemen”

I make no apologies for returning to this particular theme. Recent press reports have indicated that these individuals are also likely to be behind a good few of the forest fires started in more inaccessible mountain locations.

Herewith a couple of exhibits M’lud!

Site of a gathering of the clan

Let’s have a BBQ!

Char grilled bangers

with a side order of conifer.

The aerosol glue and lighter fuel cans might

be an indication of other activities.

If there is a fire.

This gas cylinder, one of two, didn’t find its way up here in a walkers back-pack!

Possible explosion source in a forest fire?

FOREST WATCH

A joint initiative between the Forestry Commission and South Wales Police, already active in the Neath area, will be extended to this area if there is enough interest. A bit like Neighbourhood Watch, it gives local volunteers a point of contact to report illegal activities in their local woodlands. Arson, rubbish dumping and off-roading are all illegal activities which can be greatly reduced with your help. As with any such scheme, its benefit tends to be in the establishment of a data-base of incidents which can be of help in targeting those areas which most need watching. For further information visit http://www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-73GDWK.

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Rites of Spring

It’s that time of year – May is upon us.

With origins dating way back into the mists of antiquity, the maypole should be making it’s appearance again.

It has always somewhat bemused me that the more puritanical regard such ancient activities as evil. Early mans’ life revolved around the annual changes from season to season.

These changes indicating to him, for example, when the best hunting was to be had, or crops could be safely sown.

The wide spread appearance of blossom, was an indication that the natural cycle of life was being renewed, and was a cause for celebration.

With the maypole, one theory has it that the radiating ribbons represented the rays of the life-giving sun. The more cynical regard the pole as a fertility symbol.

Above Left: Maypole on the Green (St.Agnes, Isles of Scilly) Above Right: Lambs on Mynydd Maerdy

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Beacons Bus 2008

Sunday May 25^th sees the welcome return of the Beacons Bus service. The timetable for this, including connections at Brecon, appears in the TRAVEL section. This years operation sees the introduction of a link (B12) to Blaenavon Heritage Centre, The Big Pit Museum and the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway. Also worth noting is that the National Botanical Gardens is offering HALF PRICE admission to people arriving on route B10 – just show your bus ticket for this considerable saving. For more information on the entire Beacons Bus network visit www.visitbreconbeacons.com

For the railway buff: - what’s left of the High Level platforms of Pant Station.

The Brecon Mountain Mountain Railway station is located roughly on the site of the Low Level Platform off to the left of this site.

Beacons Bus B16 takes you there.

Mike Ash, Pentre - April 27th, 2008

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