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January 2002

• CHALLENGE - Bobath Children's Therapy Centre, Wales is staging a "Tulips from Amsterdam Challenge 2002" fundraising event over the weekend beginning March 15th. Fundraisers will leave Cardiff - carrying a bunch of daffodils - and race to the Netherlands by plane, train, ferry or car, with only £20 allowed to be spent on travelling expenses. Phone 029 2052 2660 for further information.

FREE CHECK-UP - Treorchy dentists Rob Bryant and Mike Chalkley offer free check-ups at their surgery at 18 High St, Treorchy on Saturday 26th January and Saturday 2nd February - between 9am and noon. They are hoping to attract those with a fear of dental treatment, or anyone who may have missed check-ups for a while.  The surgery has full disabled access and operates house calls for the elderly and housebound. For more information phone 01443 773844 or just turn up on the day.

• GOLDEN HELLO - The National Assembly Minister for Health has announced a £5000 payment will be paid to all new doctors who set up as GP's in the Valleys - in a bid to fill vacancies and boost recruitment.

MEDAL - Clive Chapman of Chepstow Road, Cwmparc wishes to give a medal he came across - inscribed "Died for Freedom and Honour" - to the relatives of a young soldier who died in the first World War. Private Thomas John Daye had enlisted into the 9th Battalion Welch Regiment from Treorchy, but was registered as living in Treherbert. He was killed on April 29th in 1918 and is buried in Ieper, Belgium. Mr. Chapman had bought the medal along with some brik-a-brak in Pontypridd Sales Rooms about 10 years ago. Anyone who can identify Private Daye's descendants or family can contact Rhondda Leader journalist Dave Edwards on 01443 665152 or email rhondda.leader@wme.co.uk or news@treorchy.net 

• 300 YEAR-OLD TREE -  A planning application to RCT Council was rejected due to the presence of a 300 year-old horse chestnut tree - which would have had to be demolished in order to allow the proposed 13 bed extension to the Glyncornel Nursing Home. The tree has a preservation order on it. 

COMMEMORATION - Rhondda Civic Society is to hold a service to mark the 70th anniversary of an explosion - at Pentre Seam No1 in the former "Scotch" Glamorgan Colliery in Llwynypia, on 25th January 1932 - which killed 11 miners, including two members of the rescue party. The service will be held at 12.30pm at the Miner's Statue in Tonypandy - or in St. Andrews Church, Tonypandy if the weather is wet.

• MOSAIC - Pupils of Treorchy Comprehensive School worked alongside members of the Rhondda Civic Society River Group to prepare for a new mosaic by the river in Ynyswen.

VETERANS - Einstein Entertainment is inviting veterans of the WWII Home Guard in Wales - or anyone who remembers them - to take part in a production for HTV. Phone Emyr Glasnant on 029 2048 0557 for information. 

• CONFERENCE - A Valleys Anti-Racist Initiative conference will be held at the Rhondda Heritage Hotel on Monday 28th January aimed at teachers, psychologists, play group & youth workers and other child centred professionals. *Over half of racial attacks in South Wales are carried out by under 16 year-olds.   

CRITICISM - Environment Agency officials were expected to answer criticism from the National Assembly - on Wednesday 23rd January - over their handling of the controversial Nantygwyddon tip above Gelli in the Rhondda. Former Labour Councillor - David Lewis of Cadwgan Road, Treorchy was reported on Valley's Radio as saying the tip site had been "the best available at the time.....the decision to close it will cost £2million a year".

• POSH SPICE - Victoria Beckham appeared at the Pop Factory in Porth on Tuesday 22nd January - to promote her latest single "A Mind of Its Own" - and performed live to an invited audience of local teenagers. 18 year-old Rosie Ribbons also performed - her first TV appearance since being voted off the ITV's "Pop Idol" contest show two weeks ago. "The Pop Factory" is broadcast every Sunday on BBC 2 at 1.30pm. 

BURNS NETWORK - Burn Survivors Association UK have newly-formed to create a network of support for burns survivors. Phone them on 01277 631086.

• HELPLINE - A new helpline has been set up by the Contact a Family charity, for parents of children with rare disorders, special needs or any kind of disability. Visit www.cafamily.org.uk or phone 0808 808 3555.

ARCHAEOLOGY - Archaeology Cymru next meets on Friday 1st February at 8pm in the Laleston Inn, Laleston - with a talk and slide show about King Tut by the Rev. Ken Down. For more details phone 01446 781585.

• AUDITORS - RCT Council has been praised by the Audit Commission for Wales, for a "remarkable transformation" in its financial turnaround, after warning the authority just three years ago that it was almost bankrupt.

FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN - "Britain's Biggest All Day Breakfast" has been organised by the Cancer Research Campaign and the Imperial Cancer Research Fund  - for 1st March 2002. Free registration packs - containing recipe suggestions, collection boxes, posters and a 500g box of Kellogg's Bran Flakes  - are available free from the breakfast Hotline on 01372 807 000. 

• INCONTINENCE - 19 year-old Joanne Chinnock of Cwmparc is promoting "In Contact" - a consumer-led organisation to support people with bladder and bowel problems. Support group meetings will start at Dewi Sant Hospital in Pontypridd on 25th January. For further information call Sandra Foulkes on 01443 443756 or Cathy at "In Contact" on 0141 5877750. 

SURGERIES - Rhondda MP Chris Bryant holds a surgery at Pinewood Day Centre (Noddfa), Treorchy on Friday 25th January between 2 and 3pm and afterward will hold a street surgery in Cwmparc from 3.30 to 4.30pm. Residents can otherwise contact him by writing to 15 Porth Street, Porth (Tel 01443 687697) or by visiting his website at www.chrisbryantmp.co.uk

• GIG - Welsh rock musician Dave Edmunds is to play a one-off concert at ST. David's Hall, Cardiff on Sunday 28th April with support from special guests. 

DISABILITY - The Disability Rights Commission - seeking to help secure civil rights for disabled - wishes to know whether disabled people across Wales have easy or difficult access to local businesses, shops, leisure centres, cinemas, libraries, pubs, clubs, local council offices, and religious or community buildings. Contact Jon Cope on 020 7407 3313.

• COMPETITION - Poetry magazine Roundyhouse holds its third annual poetry competition - with £175 in prize money - for poems in any style, with entrants submitting up to 40 lines on any subject. Closing date for entries is 1st May. For further details write to Roundyhouse, 63 Bwlch Road, Fairwater, Cardiff CF5 3BX enclosing an SAE or visit www.herbert-williams.co.uk or phone 029 2065 3211. Judges will be Menna Elfyn and Brian Smith.

DYSLEXIA - Adults who require help with their dyslexia can phone the Adult Dyslexic Organisation on 0207 924 9559 between 10.30am to 4.30pm each Tuesday to Thursday.

• INJURY - A top valleys dart player is recovering after being seriously injured just before Christmas in an incident at his sister home in Tynewydd. Wayne Warren of Brynhyfryd Street, Treorchy was treated for 14% burns to his face, chest and arms at Morriston Hospital, Swansea. 

OPEN UNIVERSITY - The Open University offers more than 2000 free places, with personal support throughout each course and a choice of five introductory courses. Phone 029 2066 5636 or e-mail RIO@open.ac.uk

• FOSTERING - Specialist fosterers are required for children and young people in South Wales with social, emotional and behavioral problems. Contact Pathway Care on 029 2081 1173.

JUBILEE PARTY - Everyone in Mid Glamorgan who celebrates their 50th birthday on the 6th February this year, is welcome to apply for an invite to attend a Royal Garden Party with the Queen in July. Write to the Clerk to the Lieutenancy, Mary Squire at 14 De Londres Close, Porthcawl, Mid Glamorgan CF36 3JE. For further information phone 01656 789110 or email marysquire@tinyworld.co.uk For information about the Jubilee celebrations on the 4th June - visit the official website at www.goldenjubilee.gov.uk 

• SOCIETY - The War Research Society runs trips - with experienced guides - on conducted tours of battlefields and to specially-requested cemeteries in Northern Europe. Write to Ralph Wilkins, War Research Society, 51 Princes Road, Tivoli, Cheltenham GL50 2TX.

AWARD - Local teacher - Mr.Evan Richards of Castle Street, Cwmparc - has been awarded the Diploma of Honour by the Worshipful Company of Musicians in recognition of his services to music. He teaches the children of Parc Primary brass instruments.

• CONCERN - Plaid Cymru AM Geraint Davies today voiced his grave concern at news that cancer care in the Rhondda and other valleys is to be axed. The news came as the Cancer Care Society announced that severe funding problems has led to a decision to close their work within Wales.  

  “I am very concerned about the withdrawal of this vital service for cancer sufferers and their families. I am particularly concerned about the possible loss of almost £380,000 NOF grant which had recently been awarded to the Cancer Care Society to develop services within the Rhondda.  This is especially unfortunate timing, coinciding as it does with the recent closure of Rhondda Cancer Care, who provided similar services - such as transport facilities and counselling care – for sufferers and their carers. 

  “Cllr. Pauline Jarman AM and myself have held urgent and constructive talks with Cancer Care Society and NOF officials and we very much hope that we will find another group that will be able to utilise this grant. We must ensure that this much-needed money is not lost to us.

   “I will also be writing to Assembly Health Minister Jane Hutt asking her to give the matter her urgent attention.”

LANGUAGE - Adam Price MP will be speaking on "Globalisation and the Welsh Language" at a public meeting organised by Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg / Welsh Language Society at  Clwb - y - Bont Pontypridd on Friday 18th January at 7.30pm. Translation facilities are available. 

• COMPLEMENTARY - The British Complementary Medicine Association - which represents 20,000 practitioners - has set up a one-stop service for information on all aspects of complimentary medicine on 0845 345 5977.

CHARGES REMAIN - An attempt to scrap home care charges for residents in Rhondda Cynon Taff failed - after councillors were advised of a resulting deficit of £2million - which could have imperiled the service. The current charges - ranging from £5 to a maximum of £15 per week - are assessed on the financial status of clients. The authority has the lowest home care charges in the country   

• OVERSEAS - The international development charity VSO has an information evening on Monday, 21st January at the Temple of Peace, Cathays, Cardiff - for people aged 17 to 70 who seek to use their skills as volunteers for a local wage throughout the developing world.

WORKSHOP - Shigeru Matsuyama will demonstrate ancient braiding skills using leather thongs at a workshop from 10.30 am - 4.30pm on Saturday 19th January in the Model House and Craft Design Centre in Llantrisant. The workshop costs £25. To book a place phone 01443 237758.

• SPORTS - The Sports Council for Wales holds an open meeting on Wednesday 23rd January at the Welsh Institute of Sport between 7 and 9pm - to discuss enabling more women to take part in sport.

MEETING - A consultation forum of local business and community representatives will be held with the South Wales Police at police headquarters in Bridgend on Thursday, 7th February at 6pm. The forum will discuss the Authorities spending plans and the force's current performance. For further details write to Alan Fry, Clerk to the Police Authority, Ty Morgannwg, Police Headquarters, Bridgend or phone 01656 869366.

• REBELS - The Rhondda Rebels women's basketball team has been named Best Team in the BBC Wales Sporting Personality of the Year awards. The Rebels won the 2000-2001 National Cup, the English League Division One and the end of season play-offs between the league's top eight teams. The team originated in 1973 at Treorchy Comprehensive School under PE teacher Helen Gale and the current team members range in height from 6ft 2ins to 5ft 1in. 

SURGERIES - Chris Bryant MP for Rhondda holds a surgery at Ystrad Rhondda Labour Club between 2 and 3pm on Friday, 18th January and afterwards will be in the area Treherbert for a street surgery from 3.30 to 4.30pm. For further details phone 01443 687697 or write to 15 Porth Street, Porth CF39 9RT.

• TREASURER - A charity helping disabled people to be included in the community - PHAB Wales - is seeking a treasurer. A small payment will be available. For further information phone Mary Nicholls on 01633 263015 or Huw Williams on 01597 810700.

EXHIBITION - An exhibition by painter Chris Griffin entitled "Looking Back" - consisting of new and previous works spanning 30years - will be displayed at the Rhondda Heritage Park Gallery until 10th March. Chris is renowned as one of Wales's finest colourists. Admission is free.

• DEATH - A former Blaenrhondda man - 47 year-old Richard Jones - was discovered beaten to death in South Shields, South Tyneside on New Year's Day. His brother Roger and sister-in-law Valerie were shocked to discover Richard had been sleeping rough for some time on the promenade. Richard was a former Welsh Guardsman and had travelled around Europe since his mother Naomi died last May. His mother had previously suffered a stroke and he had cared for her for the last 15 years. 
• *A 17 year-old youth was being questioned at a South Tyneside police station - Valley's Radio News - 2pm 17/01/02  *A youth has since been charged with murder - Rhondda Leader 24/01/02.

PHOTOGRAPHY - Photographers are invited to enter the BG Wildlife Photographer of the Year, where the wining entries will be exhibited at the Natural History Museum and 10 other countries afterwards. Wildlife photographs must be submitted by 2nd April. Entry forms are on the website at www.nhm.ac.uk/WildPhoto

• SOCIETY - The Turkish-Welsh Society is currently seeking new members in South Wales. For further information phone Karen Hastings on 029 2048 2329.

WORSE MONTH - The mental health charity MIND has announced that a survey has identified January as the worst month for 50% of people with mental health problems. Phone 020 8522 1743 for a copy of their 20-point plan to help people cope. 

• FUEL PAYMENTS - Rhondda MP Chris Bryant is urging all pensioners who have not received their £200 winter fuel entitlement - to claim it by 31st March. Every household with someone over 60 is entitled to the payment. Phone the Winter Fuel Payment Helpline on 0845 915 1515 for a claim form.

BIRD WATCH - RSPB is holding a Great Garden Bird Watch over the weekend of 26-27th January. Everyone is asked to watch their own garden for one hour during that weekend and send the RSPB a list of all birds spotted. The information will help to track changes in bird numbers. Last year more then 50,000 people took part. Send your list via the website at  www.rspb.org.uk  or by post to RSPB, The Lodge, Sandy, Bedfordshire SG19 2DL. 

• CHANGING ROOMS - South Wales neighbours are invited to take part in the BBC's interior design show "Changing Rooms" for the new year. To obtain an application form - phone 08705 122233 or email changingrooms@endemoluk.com or send a self-addressed envelope to Changing Rooms, Endermol Entertainment UK, Shepherds Building Central, Charecroft Way, London W14 0EE.

CAREER CHANGE - A "Fresh Start" programme for people who want to change their career is available at the University of Glamorgan, Treforest. Open days will be held to discuss the programme on 16th & 29th January. For further info - phone 0800 716925 and quote reference "FS02" - email enquiries@glam.ac.uk - or visit www.glam.ac.uk/freshstart

The Labour-held parliamentary seat became vacant following the death of Sir Ray Powell MP (formerly of Treorchy) who had served the Ogmore constituency continuously since his election in 1979.

The Labour party candidate - selected the following week on 9th January - is Huw Iranca-Davies. The Welsh Socialist Alliance have selected Jeff Hurford. The election is expected to be called for sometime in February.

RALLY - The 27th Annual Wyedean Forest Valley Rally will be held in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley on 9th February, starting and finishing at Chepstow Racecourse.  Anyone interested in helping with the event should contact chief marshal John Brain on 01594 543513 or e-mail sales@bbd-motorsport.co.uk

• STEPS SPLIT - The five-piece chart-topping act "Steps" announced they are to split up after five years together - and more than 12 million record sales. The successful pop group had been chosen from thousands of auditioning youngsters who had answered an advertisement in the "Stage" publication. Two members of "Steps" were from Wales, Lisa from North Wales, and a Rhondda boy - Ian Watkins of Cwmparc - known as "H".

FATHERS' GROUP - The Cardiff Branch of "Families Need Fathers" meet at Llandaff Institute at 7.30pm on the first Tuesday of each month. Grandparents are also welcome to attend. For details phone 07866 566045 or visit the organisation's website at www.fnf.org.uk

• SKYDIVING - Volunteers are needed for the Jump for Gold Challenge in aid of deaf children. Participants will need to be able to raise £395 - in sponsorship money - and will be harnessed to a professional parachute instructor for a tandem style parachute jump from 10,000 feet at a variety of locations organised across the UK at weekends. Contact 0207 490 8656 for further information.

STARGATE - Actor Michael Shanks, who plays Dr. Daniel Jackson in the Sci-Fi series Stargate SG-1, will be signing autographs at Forbidden Planet bookshop in Cardiff on Wednesday, 30th January between 5 to 7pm.

• ADVICE - "Motherhood - A Roller Coaster Ride" starts a UK tour in Cardiff on 28th January, giving advice to mums-to-be. For details visit www.care-for-the-family.org.uk

GIVE BLOOD - Several sessions for people to give blood in South Wales, will be held over the next two weeks. For details contact the Welsh Blood Service on 01443 622000.

• GP SHORTAGE - the British Medical Association has warned that the South Wales Valleys face a critical shortage of family doctors as scores of practicing GP's approach retirement locally.

THEFT - £460 worth of tools were discovered stolen from a white Vauxhall Midi parked in Ninian Street, Treorchy on 27th December. Items missing are two rechargeable torches and a Bosch-make Jigsaw - which were taken after a failed attempt to steal the vehicle.

• AUDITIONS - The Encore Children's Theatre and Stage School in Cardiff are holding auditions for the musical "Annie". Budding actresses should contact Sharon Owen on 029 2062 6694.

1901 CENSUS - Details of the Census taken in 1901 are now available for public scrutiny. Basic information is available at www.glamro.gov.uk  for the Glamorgan Records Office in Cathays Park, Cardiff which covers the areas of Bridgend, Caerphilly, Cardiff, Merthyr Tydfil, Rhondda Cynon Taff and the Vale of Glamorgan. Information is also now available for the first time via the Public Record Office website at www.census.pro.gov.uk  and provides details of indexes available and charges. 

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