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August 2002

  • FLOODING - A sudden and prolonged torrential downpour on 23rd August flooded some 40 homes along High St in Treorchy. Several motorists ignored attempts to divert the traffic and drove at speed through the flood waters - causing a backwash which flooded several more homes. The majority of traffic was diverted around Troedyrhiw Terrace, although there were some delays in passing due to a lack of traffic control on Myrtle Hill. Local councillors and fire services attended immediately during the flooding and Wessex Water, who oversee the local pumping station, was alerted.  

Pictures taken from Troedyrhiw Terrace on the hillside behind High St, Treorchy. Silted waters running from the recently landscaped Forest Enterprise land on the former Tynybedw Colliery site.

* Times are incorrect on the photographs - by one hour - BST.

WINNER - RCT Councillor Layton (Percy) Jones of Station Road Treherbert has won £2000 after taking part in the "Weakest Link" programme hosted by Anne Robinson.

The programme was recorded on Monday 26th August at Elstree Studios in London and will be broadcast sometime in October.

Cllr. Jones has appeared in several television game shows over the years - including "Blankety Blank", which was hosted by Paul Grady in his traditional guise of "Lily Savage".

He works as a manager at C.A.S.H a Cardiff hostel for single homeless and serves the Treherbert Ward as a local councillor and is Cabinet Member for Better Health on Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council.

  • A former Plaid Cymru Councillor for the Treorchy Ward - Peter John Jones of Dumfries St, Treherbert died suddenly on 20th August after suffering a heart attack while at work. Representing the Treorchy Electoral Ward on the former Rhondda Borough Council from 1994 to 1996, he was the first Plaid Cymru the Party of Wales candidate to ever win a Treorchy Ward seat - in either the local or county borough elections - becoming the first Plaid Cymru Councillor to represent Treorchy, Cwmparc & Ynyswen. His funeral was held at Bethlehem Chapel, Treorchy on 29th August.

5-MILE RUN - Cancer Research UK is urging men and boys aged 14 or over to join a five-mile sponsored run in aid of cancer research in the South Wales Challenge Cancer event on Sunday 29th September at the Celtic Manor Resort near Newport. Former Wales' rugby and athletics star Nigel Walker will be the official starter, and will also run the route himself as an ambassador to raise awareness of male cancer issues. Entries are sought from groups of friends, companies, dads and lads, and individuals. Registration fee is £5 for adults and £4 for 14 to 18yr-olds. Contact Kim Jones at Cancer Research Cymru on 029 2022 4386.

  • "Bonny" a 17yr-old sandy coloured whippet dog with a white breast, sandy & white tail and brown eyes went missing from Treorchy on Thursday 13th June - the day of the Queen's visit. Bonny's owners Hilary & David Collins are offering a reward for her safe return and are hoping that someone has kindly taken him in & is caring for their very much loved pet. Contact 775151 if you have found Bonny or have seen a dog of his description.

THANKS - St Georges Church in Cwmparc announce that their summer féte was a resounding success yet again, raising a total of £1600. Thanks to all who attended and to everyone who lent a hand.

  • SNOOKERTHON - The Annual "Snookerthon" - held at the Ton Pentre Football Club on May 24th in aid of the Macmillan Nurses (who nurse cancer patients in the Rhondda) - has raised £4,500.

CONVENT - From September a religious community of Nuns will be established in the Treorchy area - having their new Convent at "The Old Presbytery" on Glyncoli Road. The Sisters are belonging to the order of St. Joseph of Annecy with its "motherhouse" located at Llantarnum Abbey, Cwmbran.

  • PARKINSON'S - Pharmacists at Cardiff University have set up a Medicines Information Helpline on 029 2074 4861 to provide an advice service on treatment and medication for Parkinson's Disease patients - as well as their carers and health professionals - as patients will often receive multiple drug therapy. The condition is one of the commonest causes of disablility in older people and there are an estimated minimum of 6,000 sufferers in Wales alone and more than 120,000 patients across the United Kindom.

VELINDRE - As part of a Commission for Health Improvement set up by the government - the work of Velindre Hospital NHS Trust, Cardiff is being assessed in a 17-week survey launched this month. Public & staff are urged to come forward with their views on the hospital which acts as a a regional centre for cancer patients across South Wales. For a confidential appointment or further information, phone 0845 601 3012 quoting "Velindre" or e-mail sally.edwards@chi.nhs.uk. All information will be treated anonymously and in confidence.

  • CONSULTATION - Help the Aged is urging older people to comment on the National Assembly's report on its strategy for older people in Wales, entitled "When I'm 64...and More." The report makes over 100 recommendations for improvements in rural transport, housing, employment opportunities, health care, crime prevention and adult education. For a copy phone Gary Jones on 029 2082 5191 or write to the Social Policy Division, Welsh Assembly Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ.

CAMPAIGNING - Ian Heffron of Tylorstown, Rhondda is organising a petition which will call for debate and a  referendum on the return of the death penalty for child murderers. To assist with the campaign, contact Ian on 07808 207725.

  • ADVISER - A 32 yr-old political journalist - Owen Smith of Pontypridd - has been appointed as a special adviser to Paul Murphy, Secretary of State for Wales. Mr. Smith is married with two children, and was educated at Coed-y-Lan Comprehensive, and Universities in Sussex & Montpellier, France before his 10 years with the BBC, which included working as an editor of Radio Four's Today programme and as an editor within the BBC's political unit.

LIVE BANDS - "Disraeli Gears" and "Just About Done" play live on Friday 30th August at the Labour Club, Tyntyla Road, Ystrad Rhondda. Doors: 7.00pm Entry: £3.00 Curfew: 11.00pm Details: 07775 558 548.

  • TREORCHY - Welsh soldiers from the Territorial Army, Welsh Guards and 22nd Regiment Royal Artillery visited Treorchy on 22nd August 2002 - as part of the Operation Bardic Crown which involves Welsh Regiments displaying stands in weekly visits to town centres. The operation aims to assist regular and territorial army recruiting in Wales, to promote the army as a "Force for Good", and to emphasise the importance of army training on private land in Wales.

  • The Army welcomes applications from young men and women no matter what their marital status, race, ethnic origin of religious belief. No account is taken of sexual orientation or social background in considering applications. The Army is fully committed to equality of opportunity.

  • For further information visit the websites at www.YouNeedTheTA.co.uk or www.army.mod.uk or www.army.mod.uk/royalartillery/regts/22regtra

CONTACT - Owen John Thomas - Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South Wales Central (which extends from Cardiff into the Rhondda Cynon Taff area) - can be contacted at his constituency office on 029 2045 0614.

  • SURGERIES - Rhondda MP Chris Bryant holds advice surgeries on Friday September 6th at his constituency office at 5 Cemetery Road from 2 to 3pm and afterwards at Penygraig Rugby Club from 7 to 8pm and on Saturday 7th September at Ferndale Labour Club from 9.30 to 10.30am.

BUNGEE - Cardiff-based cancer charity Tenovus is staging a bungee-jumping event at The Wharf public house, Schooner Way, Cardiff Bay on Saturday 28th September - to raise money for breast cancer research. To take part in Bungee Against Breast Cancer, or for further information, phone 029 2048 2000.

  • WATERWORKS - Welsh Water are currently improving the sewerage system in Bridge Street and Taff Street Pontypridd. Traffic restrictions will be in place from 7pm Saturday evenings until 6am on Monday mornings from now until November. The Gas Road Car Park will also be affected by works from January to the end of April 2003. The car park will still be available for use - but will only be accessible one-way, via the Gas Road exit.

TEA PARTY - Ty Hafan Children's Hospice is inviting people to organise fundraising tea parties to be held  during the national Butterfly Week from 20th to 27th September. Register you party with Gail on 01446 739993 to receive a party pack of invitations, a butterfly biscuit cutter, cake cases, balloons, posters and recipes. Last years event raised around £20,000 for Wales' only children's hospice - Ty Hafan - which cares for children with a terminal or life-threatening illness..

  • DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY - The next meeting of the Cardiff Digital Imaging Group is on Wednesday 21st August at 7.30pm in Trinity Methodist Church, Elms Road, Cardiff. Phone 029 2051 2609 for details.

CHAIRMANS CHARITY - A charity 'rock ‘n bowl' evening for the asthma charity appeal organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Councillor Larraine Jones - was a striking success at the Bowlplex bowling centre in Nantgarw - with all the entry fees on the charity night going to Councillor Jones's appeal to raise money for the National Asthma Campaign and the Respiratory Unit at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Llantrisant. 

A total of £640 was raised by the end of the rock 'n bowl night - bringing the total amount raised by Councillor Jones, during her year in office as chairman of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, to £23,034.01p. 

Councillor Larraine Jones and Bowlplex staff

A percentage of the funds raised by the appeal will go towards the National Asthma Campaign. The remainder will assist the Respiratory Unit within the Royal Glamorgan Hospital with their new project, an asthma camp for young asthma sufferers. Children from Rhondda Cynon Taf who suffer from asthma will go there to learn how to cope with their illness.  

  • FLOWER - The wild flower protection charity, Plantlife, is holding a consultation to choose a flower for every shire county in the UK - as part of  the Queen's Golden Jubilee celebrations. The choice of a flower for the County Borough can also go forward as a nomination to a UK survey that will select a wild flower bloom for the Glamorgan area. Local people can register their votes for a representative Glamorgan flower by visiting the web site at www.plantlife.org.uk.  

MARDI GRAS - The fourth annual Lesbian and Gay Mardi Gras takes place at Coopers Field, Cardiff on Saturday, 31st August. The free event is expected to attract some 30,000 people to the city centre.

  • ABSEIL - The Royal National Institute for the Blind is inviting people to raise funds and abseil 210 feet down the Brunel Building in Cardiff on September 28th and 29th. For information or to register, call Jenny on 07949 365 628 or Clive on 01495 230706.

GALA - International singer Cara O'Sullivan and the Morriston Orpheus Choir will perform at a gala charity concert at Llandaff Cathedral on 7th September, in aid of the George Thomas Hospice Care charity. Tickets are £8 from Charlotte Young, 10 Ty Gwyn Road, Penylan, Cardiff or phone 029 2048 5345. 

  • REDUNDANT - 22 workers at Treorchy companies Cae-Mawr Systems Limited (CMS) and Third Galaxy Electronics Limited have been made redundant after receivers were called in to deal with more than £100,000 of losses over the last two years. 12 staff will be kept on to look after customers, as the firms have valuable long-term contracts with local authorities and potentially valuable new products. The companies install and maintain intruder alarms & emergency lighting, and also design and make fire alarm control panels. Purchasers for the businesses will be sought.

RHONDDA ROCK FESTIVAL - A 10-band rock festival in aid of Rhondda Special School will take place at Penygraig Rugby Club from 12 noon till 8.15pm on Sunday 25th August. Contact Jeff Gregory 07866 413652 for tickets.   

  • PAEDIATRIC - A £1million centre will be opened at the Princess of Wales Hospital Bridgend next month, for the assessment and treatment of all children requiring specialist outpatient care. Young children, teenagers and their parents will be able to access an extended range of medical, psychological and therapeutic support including physiotherapy sessions and outpatient clinics.

DINNER - The Stroke Association is holding a charity dinner on Saturday 16th November, by staging a medieval banquet at Caldicot Castle. For information and bookings, contact Judy on 029 2061 1121.

  • RAILWAY - Essential rail track renewal will be undertaken between Pontypridd and Radyr on Sunday 25th August. Details are at www.valleylines.co.uk in the engineering section. Replacement busses will be unable to carry prams , cycles or large items of luggage and passengers should allow extra time for journeys.

AUDITIONS - Concerto Entertainments hold auditions for singers on Sunday 25th August at Westbourne School, Victoria Road, Penarth for their November show "Our Kind of Music" consisting of excepts from The King & I, The Merry Widow, and Mack & Mabel. Soloists & chorus required - contact 029 2046 5964.

REUNION - Anyone who worked at the former Forge Masters in Taffs Well (which closed in 1987) is invited to contact Malcolm Thomas on 029 2086 7433 who is planning a reunion. 

  • BT WEBSITE - British Telecom has launched a Welsh language option for its customers to complete a variety of transactions in their mother tongue at www.bt.com 

FORUM - "Alcohol Services for All" is a forum for anyone who has ever used an alcohol service to meet others with the same issues. New members are always welcome. The next meeting is on Friday 13th September at 3pm in the Fitzhamon Centre, Riverside, Cardiff.

  • APPEAL - An appeal has been launched to fund panic alarms for domestic abuse victims, as part of the Domestic Abuse Stops Here (DASH) campaign. Annual sponsorship per alarm is £66. Anyone who can help should phone the domestic violence unit on 01443 743742.

LIVE BANDS - "BabyLose", "Ballgag" and "Raven's Scar" play live on Friday 16th August at the Labour Club, Tyntyla Road, Ystrad. Doors open 7.00pm. Entry: £3.00. Curfew: 11.00pm. Details: 07775 558 548.

  • GARAGE SURVEY - Many local garages fail to carry out full routine service checks on cars, according to a survey by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Monitoring by the Council’s trading standards officers revealed that none of the seven garages checked did all the routine service jobs set out in the cars’ manuals. Customers were charged between £60 and £150 for services that the survey found were not completed.

GUIDE - A practical guide from "Syniad Newydd" - the partnership between RCT Council and voluntary agencies - is now available for parents and carers of people with learning disabilities. Schemes providing employment opportunities are also being set up by the partnership. The first scheme will be a coffee and craft shop in the Pontypridd area. For a copy, or further information, contact RCT Council’s employment & training co-ordinator for people with learning disabilities - Stuart Saunders - on 01443 841235.

  • COFFEE MORNING - A coffee morning for adult Welsh learners is held every Monday from 10 - 11am at the Raid Cafe, Pentre. For further information contact Menter on 01443 440920.

SENTENCED - Daniel Roberts age 19 of Ynyshir has been sentenced to three years & nine months at a young offenders institution after admitting wounding 19 year-old Dale Lent of Pentre in a stabbing incident in March.

  • LANDSLIP - Worried residents in Ystrad, Rhondda are living with a landslide above their homes which has moved 38 metres in the last three years. The landslip on Mynydd yr Eglwys measures 300 metres wide and 20 metres deep and is situated on land sold by the National Coal Board in 1990's to a local farmer. A local engineering firm has estimated that remedial work will cost at least £5million. 

RECORDS - Old parish registers , census forms and reference books on family history are available for inspection at the Glamorgan Record Office, in the Glamorgan Building, King Edward VII Avenue, Cathays, Cardiff. Opening times are Tuesdays to Thurdays  9.30am - 5pm and Fridays  9.30am - 4.30pm. Late night opening is by appointment on Wednesdays until 7pm. Contact 029 2078 0282 or e-mail glamro@cardiff.ac.uk

  • EXHIBITIONS - "Masters in Glass" is an exhibition by Gillian Mannings Cox, Jacqueline Cooley and Amanda Lawrence, on display at the Model House and Craft Design Centre, Llantrisant from August 2nd to September 15th.  Artist Sylvia Hughes-Williams will also be showing her new colourful range of work at the Centre from August 7th.

RECYCLING - Recycling specialist "Valpac" has supplied 380 tons of road surfacing material - made up with 10% recycled glass - for RCT Council's road maintenance. More than 6,000 tons of unwanted glass has already been collected via the council's recycling schemes and bottle banks.

 

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