Torfaen Family Information Service

What’s On in 

Torfaen 

Winter 2011/12 

Inside: 

Try Something Different 

A Terrific Torfaen Christmas 

New Year, New You 

February Fun 

www.visittorfaen.co.uk

Croeso 

Welcome to the Winter What’s on in Torfaen Guide! 

Croeso 

Torfaen will be full of fun activities this Christmas. Santa will be busy visiting Cwmbran 

Shopping Centre, Greenmeadow Farm and Blaenavon’s Heritage Railway. For inspiration 

with your gift ideas there are Christmas crafts a plenty. 

January sees the start of the New Year, why 

not ‘Try Something Different’ with one of the 

many workshops on offer. Or blow away those 

cobwebs, put on your walking boots and enjoy 

the great outdoors. 

Visit Cwmbran Shopping for some ‘February 

Fun’ or why not cook up a romantic treat with 

a Cookery Course at the Chef’s Room in 

Blaenavon. 

Christmas and the New Year are bursting with a bounty of things to do...

December 2011 

December 

1 to 23 December 10.30am-3.30pm 

(Last admission 2.30pm) 

Greenmeadow Community Farm - Cwmbran 

Father Christmas at the Farm 

Father Christmas will be at his Farmhouse 

Grotto most days throughout December until 

he leaves to deliver presents on 23 December. 

If you are coming specifically to see him 

please call first to avoid disappointment. 

The Farm will be closed from 23 December to 

re-open on 1st February 2012. 

Tickets: £3.60 Ch/£4.60 Ad (+£1.50 Santa) 

Tel: 01633 647662 

1 December 11am-1pm 

Blaenavon Library 

Family History Sessions Come along every 

Thursday for help and advice with your family 

history research. Staff from the library and 

Blaenavon Community Heritage and Cordell 

Museum will be on hand to assist. 

Tel: 01495 791637 

1 December 10.30am 

Pontypool Torfaen 

Take a Stroll - Progressive Walk Join your 

free weekly Progressive walk every Thursday 

morning(moderate 1-2 miles/2 to 2 ½ hrs). 

Meet at Pontypool Museum. 

Tel: 01495 742486 

1 to 20 December 


Free Term Time Play Clubs 

Open access After School Play Clubs for 

5-12 year olds in various locations in Torfaen. 

Please contact the Play Team for further 

details. Tel: 01495 742951 

1 to 22 December 9am-4pm 

Blaenavon World Heritage Centre 

Looking Back A trail of images by renowned 

Welsh Artist Goff Danter. Specialising in 

Nostalgic Welsh Art his recollections and 

memories take you through the Blaenavon 

area which inspired a selection of his works. 

An exhibition of images across the Blaenavon 

World Heritage Site, a brief history relating 

to each image, a trip down memory lane, 

personal photographs of distant memories. 

Tel: 01495 742333 

1 December 

Llantarnam Grange Arts Centre - Cwmbran 

Late Night Shopping/Children's 

Drop and Shop 

Every Thursday evening till Christmas 

(excluding Thur 8th) LGAC will be open until 

7.30pm for a chance to buy presents from our 

Craft shop, indulge yourself in treats from our 

cafe and view our latest exhibitions. You can 

also leave your children (ages 5-13) to enjoy 

a fun craft activity. Children’s session run from 

5pm to 6.30pm (small charge) 

Tel: 01633 483321

December 

1 December 6pm-6.45pm 

Cwmbran Library 

Welsh Reading Group 

Meeting fortnightly on Thursday evenings. 

Tel: 01633 647676 

1 to 31 December Mon-Fri 

9.30am-5pm/Sat 9.30am-4pm 


Exhibition: Running Stitch 

Atmospheres, recollection and narratives in 

textiles: Becky Adams, Claire Cawte and 

Ruth Harries. Running Stitch combines the 

new fabric language of Claire Cawte, the 

exploration of emotion and memory in stitch 

by Ruth Harries and the curious trinkets and 

tableaux from the secret treasure trove of 

Becky Adams. Showing until 28 January 

2012. Free admission. 

Tel: 01633 483321 

1 to 31 December Mon-Fri 

9.30am-5pm/Sat 9.30am-4pm 


Exhibition: Ornament - Contemporary 

Christmas Decoration 

This Christmas we have invited artists and 

makers to design and make their own 

decorations, celebrating a tradition dating 

back thousands of years. Inspired by the 

precious nature of the tree decoration they 

have created beautiful pieces in glass, 

ceramic, silver, paper, textiles and mixed 

media. This is more than just an exhibition of 

Christmas ornaments, this is an opportunity 

for you to discover pieces that will become 

keepsakes, artworks to be treasured for 

generations or passed on as that special 

Christmas gift. Free admission, showing until 

28 January 2012. Tel: 01633 483321 

1 to 21 December 

Tues-Fri 10am-5pm/Sat-Sun 2pm-5pm 

Pontypool Museum 

Winter Art Selling Exhibition 

Oriel Barker Gallery and Café Art: Exhibition 

of Trust Members’ work of mixed media 

paintings and craft - on until museum closes 

for Christmas break on 21st December 1pm. 

Small admission charge; free to Torfaen 

Library Card holders. 

Tel: 01495 752036 

2 December 10.30am Cwmbran 


Take a Stroll - Health/Progressive Walk 

Join your free weekly Health walk (easy 

approx 1-2 miles/1 hr) or Progressive walk 

(moderate 3-5 miles/2 to 2½ hrs) every Friday 

morning. Meet at Cwmbran Stadium. 

Tel: 01495 742486 

2 December 5pm-6pm & 6pm-7pm 

Cwmbran Stadium 

Basketball Sessions Community Basketball 

sessions weekly every Friday, aimed at 7 to 

11 year olds and 11 to 16 year olds. 

Tickets: £1.50 with Leisure Card 

Tel: 01633 628982 

3 to 4 December 11am-3.30pm 

Blaenavon Heritage Railway 

Steam Santa Specials 

Travel by steam to see Santa and friends in 

his Grotto! Personalised presents for children, 

sherry and mince pies for adults: a great way 

to start the festive season. This event is very 

popular - advance booking is essential. Also 

on week ends 10/11 December and 17/18 

December. 

Please check the website for further details. 

Tickets: £6 advance/£7 on day 

Tel: 01495 792263

3 December 9.45am-2.30pm 

Chef's Room c/o Vin Sullivan’s - Blaenavon 

Cookery Classes - The Perfect Lunch 

Hands on with food writer and cook Lindy 

Wildsmith: learn how to produce the perfect 

roast lunch with all the trimmings, a cocktail to 

kick it off, a pudding and starter that can be 

prepared in advance. Class to include lunch 

with a glass of wine. 

Tickets: £75 Tel: 01989 562353 


Blaenavon Heritage Town 

Blaenavon Winter Wonderland 

A festive weekend for all the family: Outdoor 

Ice Rink, Two-Day Christmas Market, 

Reindeer, Sleigh and Santa's Grotto, 

Children's Craft Workshops, plus a whole lot 

of other themed events through December! 

Tel 01495 742333 

3 December 11am to 3pm (with breaks) 

Cwmbran Shopping Centre 

Santa is in Town! 

Santa and his helper will be meeting and 

greeting children in Cwmbran Shopping 

Centre, he'll also be there on Saturday 10 

and 17 December. Tel: 01633 872121 

5 December 2pm 


Under 5's Storytime 

Stories for younger children every Monday 

afternoon. Tel: 01633 647676 

5 December 10am 

Thornhill 

Torfaen Take a Stroll - Health Walk 


approx 1-2 miles/1hr) every Monday morning. 

Meet at Thornhill Community First Office. 

Tel: 01495 742486 

5 December 10.30am 

Pontnewydd 

Torfaen Take a Stroll - Progressive Walk 

Join your free weekly Progressive walk 

(moderate approx 3-5 miles/2 to 2 1/2 

hrs)every Monday morning. Meet at 

Crosskeys Public House. Tel: 01495 742486 


Pontypool 



approx 1-2 miles/1 hr) every Monday afternoon, 

meet at Pontypool Active Living Centre. 

Tel: 01495 742486 

For all the latest Torfaen news 

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The Chef’s Room 

Fish and Cookery School 

Learn the secret of 

successful cooking! 

Classes make perfect 

presents, parties, corporate 

and team building events 

at Vin Sullivan’s, 

Blaenavon 

Contact Lindy on 01989 562353, email g2club@hotmail.com 

or visit www.thechefsroom.co.uk 

6 December 2.30pm-4pm 


Something Must be Done - 

Quakers Self Help Group 

Pontypool Local History Society: talk by 

John Evans. Everyone welcome and free 

refreshments after talk. 

Non-members £2 charge for entry. 

Tel: 01495 752036 

December 


Fairwater 


Join your free weekly Health walk 

(easy approx 1-2 miles/1hr) every Tuesday 

morning. Meet at Threepenny Bit Community 

Centre. Tel: 01495 742486 

6 December 12 noon 

Blaenavon 


Join your free weekly Health walk 

(easy approx 1-2 miles/1 hr) every Tuesday 

at midday. Meet at Blaenavon World Heritage 

Centre. Tel: 01495 742486 


Blaenavon 

Torfaen Take a Stroll - Progressive Walk 

Join your free weekly Progressive walk 

(moderate approx 3-5 miles/2 to 2½ hrs) 

every Tuesday afternoon. 

Meet at Queen Victoria Public House. 

Tel: 01495 742486 


Blaenavon Library 


Stories for younger children every Tuesday 

afternoon. Tel: 01495 791637 

6 December 5pm-6pm 

Cwmbran Football Factory 

Dance Sessions 

Every Tuesday Community Dance Sessions 

aimed at 11-16 year olds. 

Tickets: £2 per person Tel: 01633 628982 

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Living Landscape Lectures – 

History of Christmas in Blaenavon 

Join Chance Encounters for an exciting talk 

about Christmas traditions, legends and 

customs. FREE entry to the lecture at 

Blaenavon World Heritage Centre. Places 

limited, booking essential. Tel: 01495 742333. 

Following this drop in to the FREE Christmas 

Decoration Workshop on Saturday 17 Sept. 


Pontypool Library 


Stories for younger children every 

Wednesday afternoon. Tel: 01495 766160 



Winter Entertainment - Christmas Music 

Maendy Primary and Our Lady of the Angels 

Primary School Choirs will perform on Monmouth 

Walk. This event is organised by Cwmbran 

Community Council. Tel: 01633 838456 



Christmas Decoration Workshop with 

Becky Adams 

Create a Christmas decoration to twinkle and 

delight - perfect as a gift or to add charm to 

your home! For Beginners and Intermediate 

(aged 16+). All materials provided but bring 

your own twinkles to add if you like! 

Tickets: £12 Tel: 01633 483321

8 to 10 December 7.30pm 

Congress Theatre - Cwmbran 

Let's Dance! 

With Annette's School of Dance. 

Tickets: £7.50/£5.50 cons Tel: 01633 868239 

MARKET FLORIST 

Unit 22 Pontypool Indoor Market NP4 6JW 

T: 01495 757042 E: info@marketflorist.co.uk 

www.marketflorist.co.uk 



Christmas Party 

Torfaen Play Service will be hosting a FREE 

Christmas party for children aged 5-15 

(booking is essential) Tel: 01495 742952 



Welsh Discussion Group 

Meeting fortnightly on Saturday: this is not a 

class, people can just attend for half an hour 

or as long as they want, drop in anytime 

within the session to practice your Welsh. 

Tel: 01633 647676 

10 to 11 December 10.30am-4pm 

Mon, Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust 

- Fourteen Locks 

Santa at the Canal Centre 

Santa will be at the Centre on Sat 10 and Sun 

11 December, entrance includes a present. 

Also on Sat 17 and Sun 18,Sat 22 and Sun 

23 December. Tickets: £4 per child (photo 

£1.50) Tel: 01633 892167 

10 December 

11am-4pm 

Big Pit: National Coal 

Museum - Blaenavon 

Customs, Craft and 

Carols Celebrate the 

festive season with 

story-telling, seasonal 

music and Christmas 

crafts. 

Free admission. 

Tel: 01495 790311 

Christmas orders - holly wreaths & crosses 

Valentine’s Day bouquets 

Flowers for all occasions 

Funerals and Weddings our speciality. 

All arrangements professionally crafted by 

our three experienced florists. 

Deliveries worldwide via our relay service – 

Flowers4.co.uk, local deliveries free. 

“Simply the best – forget the rest” 

10 December 9.45am-2.30pm 


Christmas in Italy 

Hands on with chef and consultant Franco 

Taruschio. Christmas is all in the planning, 

Franco will take you through a menu of three 

dishes that can be prepared in advance of the 

celebrations plus nibbles and biscuits to take 

home. Class to include lunch with a glass of 

wine. Tickets: £75 Tel: 01989 562353 

10 December 11.30am & 2.30pm 

Cwmbran Shopping 


Emma Mohr Churches Together Christmas 

Choir and Vanessa Clarke School of Dance 

will entertain you on Gwent Square or 

Monmouth Walk depending on the weather 

Tel: 01633 872121 

09

10 December 2pm-2.30pm 



Cwmbran Male Voice Choir will be performing 

on Monmouth Walk. Event organised by 

Cwmbran Community Council. 

Tel: 01633 838456 








popular - advance booking is essential. 


Tickets: £7 advance/£8 on day. 

Tel: 01495 792263 


Pontypool Park 

Myth and Magic of Christmas 

Take time out of the frantic Christmas 

preparations and join Fiona Ford of TCBC 

Countryside Section for a stroll around 

Pontypool Park, looking at the various plants 

and trees that are associated with this festive 

holiday. Find out the meaning behind many of 

the traditions and myths of Christmas, such 

as why we hang up Holly and Ivy, put baubles 

on the tree, kiss under the mistletoe and why 

mince pies were banned! A free and healthy 

way to immerse yourself into the spirit of 

Christmas! Meet at 10am outside the 

Pontypool Active Living Centre. Duration 2 

hours, moderate walk with some steps,Grid 

Ref SO285 006. Free of charge but prior 

booking recommended. 

Tel: 01633 648278 

11 December 2-4pm 

Glen Llwyd Scout Hall, Henllys Way, 

Hollybush, Cwmbran 

Craft Fayre 

A brand new event happening every second 

Sunday of the month. There are so many 

fabulous gift ideas available to purchase from 

a range of different craft stalls, including 

handmade jewellery, homebaked goodies, 

decorative items and many more. A cafe is 

available for refreshments with profits donated 

to Glen Llwyd Scout Group. Don't forget to 

like us on Facebook - Cwmbran Craft Fayre. 

We hope to see you there! 

Free admission 

Tel: 07772 634039/07927 021301

Try Something Different in Torfaen 

From photography to willow weaving; and cycling to collage snow scenes, there’s never 

been a better time to try something new and exciting this winter! 

Throughout December 2011 to February 2012 there are events, many of which are free of 

charge, at Greenmeadow Community Farm, Pontypool Active Living Centre (PALC), 

Pontypool Park, Blaenavon World Heritage Centre and the Blaenavon World Heritage Site. 

This initiative aimed at people of all ages offers a fun and diverse range of events and 

activities to ‘try something different’. 

Look out for the Winter Try Something Different Guide out now! 

For more details visit www.visittorfaen.co.uk or call Blaenavon TIC on 01495 742333 

Environmental Art Workshops 

Blaenavon Industrial Landscape 

A series of ten art workshops, which focus on 

Blaenavon the town and people and the post 

industrial landscape from past to present. Using 

a variety of drawing methods and printmaking 

techniques to create several large murals on 

paper, which would be displayed over the eight 

weeks of workshops, in the Blaenavon World 

Heritage Centre gallery. 

Sunday 8 January with Susie Bright 

Historical Blaenavon Recreated 

Saturday 14 January with Susie Bright 

Work Life and Still Life 

Sunday 15 January with Louella Gwillim 

Sketching the Post Industrial Heritage Landscape 

Sunday 22 January with Susie Bright 

Blaenavon Redrawn 

Saturday 28 January with Susie Bright 

Restored Shop fronts recreated 

Saturday 4 February with Louella Gwillim 

Building on the Past 

Sunday 5 February with Susie Bright 

Friends and Family 


Mapping Blaenavon's Heritage Site 


Drawing on the Ancestors 

Saturday 25 February with Susie Bright 

A Walk in the Graveyard 

For full event detail see listings in Guide. 

A small refundable deposit is payable in order 

to secure a place on each workshop, which 

will be reimbursed if the allocated place is filled. 

Workshops run from 9.45am to 3.30pm. 

Participants are not expected to attend every workshop 

but prior booking is essential and will be allocated on a 

first-come, first-served basis. A refundable £15 deposit 

will be taken from each participant, which will be 

returned if the allocated space is filled. Registration at 

9.45am and finish at 3.30pm at the Blaenavon World 

Heritage Centre (NP4 9AE). Lunch and refreshments 

can be ordered from our café operating under a new 

franchise. All materials will be provided although participants 

can bring their own sketchbooks if they so wish. A 

significant portion of each day will be spent outside so 

participants are advised to wear suitable footwear and 

clothing. 

For more information and to book your space, 

please telephone: 01495 742333 or 

Email: blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk

13 December 7.30pm 


An Evening of Clairvoyance 

Back by popular demand! With Leigh 

Jameson. Tickets: £8 

Tel: 01633 868239 




Cwmbran Baroque Singers and Gwent Music 

Support will entertain you on Monmouth Walk. 

Event organised by Cwmbran Community 

Council. Tel: 01633 838456 

14 December 1.30pm 

Big Pit: National Coal 

Museum - Blaenavon 

Blorenge Wednesday - 

A Child's Christmas in 

Wales 

Seasonal film screening, 

free admission. 

Tel: 01495 790311 








popular - advance booking is essential. 


Tickets: £7 advance/£8 on day 

Tel: 01495 792263 

15 December 5.30pm-7.30pm 



Nidus Choir will bring the sound of Christmas 

to Cwmbran Shopping Centre! Performance 

will take place on Gwent Square or 

Monmouth Walk depending on the weather. 

Tel: 01633 838456 




Christmas Decoration Workshop 

Make your own ‘shabby chic’ festive decoration 

to cherish this Christmas. Be inspired by 

thrifty tips from the past and include beautiful 

natural foliage. Drop in sessions no 

booking required. 

Tel: 01495 742333 for more information. 




Get in the Christmas spirit with the Salvation 

Army Band! - Gwent Square or Monmouth 

Walk if weather inclement. 

Tel: 01633 872121 


Blaenavon Ironworks 

Christmas Tales and Carols 

at the Coal House 

We are having a storyteller in one of cottages 

telling Christmas stories, Christmas Carols in 

Stack Square and a creative workshop where 

visitors will be shown how to create some 

festive decorations. There will be freshly 

baked hot snacks and drinks to purchase, 

admission is free. 

Tel: 01495 792615



Christmas Extravaganza 

With Nidus Children's Choir, an afternoon of 

festive fun with special guests. 

Tickets: £7/£6 cons Tel: 01633 868239 



Children's Christmas Holiday Workshop 

Prior booking essential. Tickets: £12.50 per 

child per day Tel: 01633 483321 




‘Winter Residents’ Photography Session 

FREE! Explore the beauty of Pontypool 

Park’s natural environment. Capture local 

flora and fauna on film (with photographer 

Chris Hatch) N.B. Cameras not supplied. 

Warm clothing and suitable footwear required. 

For information or to book a place contact 

01495 742333 or 

email:blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk 



Christmas Playscheme 

Torfaen Play Service will be holding a free 

two day Christmas Playscheme for 8-12 year 

olds with festive activities for all! 

Tel: 01495 742952 

27 to 30 December 1.30pm 

Big Pit: National Coal Museum - Blaenavon 

Film Screenings 

A selection of seasonal films for the whole 

family to enjoy. 

Tel: 01495 790311 

For all the latest Torfaen 

news join us on Facebook 

13

January 2012 

2 January 1pm – 4pm 

Pontypool 

Discovering Pontypool by Bike 

Meet outside Pontypool Active Living Centre 

FREE! Take a journey through the diverse 

landscape of Pontypool on one of the 

National Cycle Network Routes, with a bike 

tour leader (and get your bike checked out by 

an expert in the process!) N.B. Bikes not 

supplied. Open session for family groups. 

Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. 

Contact 01495 742333 to book a place 

3 to 7 January 7pm 


Goldilocks and the Three Bears 

Presented by the Cwmbran Woodland Players. 

Tickets: £9/£7 cons. Tel: 01633 868239 

14 January 9.45am-3.30pm 


Try Something Different - 

Environmental Art Workshops Work Life 

and Still Life with Susie Bright 

Enlarging everyday objects used by people 

working and living in the Ironworks and 

Blaenavon through drawing a series of tonal 

studies with pencil, compressed charcoal and 

chalk. Prior booking is essential as places are 

limited. A small refundable deposit is payable 

in order to secure a place on each workshop, 

which will be reimbursed if the allocated place 

is filled. Tel 01495 742333 

January 

7 January 10am-12 noon 


Welsh Discussion Group 

Meeting fortnightly on Saturday: this is not a 

class, people can just attend for half an hour 

or as long as they want, drop in anytime 

within the session to practice your Welsh. 

Tel: 01633 647676 




Environmental Art Workshops - 

Historical Blaenavon with Susie Bright 

Historical Blaenavon recreated using research 

facilities to explore Blaenavon's history 

through photographs and maps and stories 

making drawings with charcoal, pencil, conté 

and erasers. Prior booking is essential as 

places are limited. A small refundable deposit 

is payable in order to secure a place on each 

workshop, which will be reimbursed if the 

allocated place is filled. Tel 01495 742333 

10 January 7pm 



Bouldering & Rock Climbing 

Enjoy a FREE exciting lecture at Blaenavon 

World Heritage Centre. Following on from this 

visitors will have the opportunity to do indoor 

rock climbing on Saturday 21 January. Places 

limited, booking essential. Tel: 01495 74233 

14 January 10am-4pm 


Workshop: Memories on Cloth 

with Claire Cawte 

Blending an array of natural fleece and fibres 

(bamboo, soya, flax) to make an abstract 

piece of cloth, to display as a wall hanging or 

become your favourite scarf. Exploring 

inspiration from images or drawings, favourite 

places, colours and smells can all be 

translated into a tactile and textural language. 

Learn felting with fibres and nuno felting; 

introduce an accent of colour and texture into 

the neutral shades of British Fleece to create 

a beautiful bespoke piece of art. Participants 

should bring apron, towel, note book and 

perhaps any 'inspiration' in the way of 

photographs, images, drawings. Students are 

welcome to bring small selection of fabric, 

treasures or scraps, but not essential as all 

materials are provided. 

For Beginners and Intermediate (aged 16+). 

All materials provided. Tickets: £40 

Tel: 01633 483321

14 January 11am 


In Conversation with Artists - 

Running Stitch Exhibition 

Opportunity to meet and question our artists 

about their work, techniques and influences. 

Free admission. Tel: 01633 483321 

PONTYPOOL GOLF CLUB 



Try Something Different - Environmental 

Art Workshops with Louella Gwillim 

Sketching the Post Industrial Heritage 

Landscape using charcoal and conté. 

Prior booking is essential as places are 




is filled. Tel 01495 742333 

16 to 17 January 10am and 1pm 


Jac a'r Goeden Ffa - Jack and the Beanstalk 

(Welsh Language Performance) 

Yn dilyn llwyddiant Martyn Geraint a’r Lamp 

Hudol [Aladdin] yn 2010/11, mae Martyn 

Geraint a’i ffrindiau yn dychwelyd i fyd y 

pantomeim eto eleni gyda chynhyrchiad 

gyffrous newydd sbon Jac a’r Goeden Ffa. 

Yn ystod y sioe mi fydd MG, yn ei ffordd 

unigryw ei hun, yn cynorthwyo Jac i oresgyn 

llu o broblemau ac i ddianc o sefyllfaoedd 

amhosib yng ngwlad y cawr er mwyn priodi 

merch hardd y Sgweiar newydd. Fel arfer mi 

fydd y sioe yn addas i bawb rhwng 3 a 300 

mlwydd oed, yn llawn o gyfleon i ryngweithio 

gyda’ r gynulleidfa, ac yn frith o ganeuon 

newydd, caneuon adnabyddus a rhai o 

ganeuon poblogaidd MG. 

Tickets: £10/£8/£7 

Tel: 01633 868239 

100 Seat Function Room 

Available for weddings, private functions and 

business meetings 

3 Course Sunday Lunches 

Choose from a delicious menu for only £12.50 

(Book in advance) 

18 Hole Golf Course 

Indoor Teaching Academy 

Golf Membership £51.63pm 

Societies Welcome 

Trevethin, Pontypool, Torfaen NP4 8TR 

T: 01495 763655 E: pontypoolgolf@btconnect.com 

www.pontypoolgolf.co.uk 

18 January 1.30pm 


Big Pit Film Club - How Green was my 

Valley A rare opportunity to see a forgotten 

Welsh classic, followed by a chance to discuss 

the issues and themes raised by the 

film. Tickets: £1.50 (incl refreshments) 

Tel: 01495 790311 


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Cookery Classes - Fish Basics 

Cookery course with in-house tutor. 

Dishes to include: Tuna fish crostini, Salmon 

with cherry tomatoes and olives and Sgombri 

alla Pugliese - cured mackerel in a potato and 

rocket salad. Class to include lunch with a 

glass of wine. Tickets: £75. Tel: 01989 562353 

21 January 

Aber-Rocks Indoor Climbing Centre 


Bouldering & Rock Climbing 

Following on from the January living landscape 

lecture have a go at indoor climbing. Places 

limited booking essential. Tel: 01495 742333 

21 to 31 January 



Exhibition of Painting and Sculpture 

Oriel Barker Gallery: All That Jazz!! 

Exhibition of paintings and sculpture. 

Fabulous exhibition of work by Aaltje Smith 

and Patricia Clifford. Small admission charge, 

free to Torfaen Library Card holders. 

Showing until 9th April. 

Café Art of the Month: exhibition of work by 

talented young artist Bryony Hobbs. 

Tel: 01495 752036 




Art Workshops with Susie Bright 

Blaenavon Redrawn 

Using simple printmaking techniques such as 

monoprinting to redraw houses from the past 

using old photographs, postcards and 

memories. Prior booking is essential as 

places are limited. A small refundable deposit 

is payable in order to secure a place on each 


allocated place is filled. Tel 01495 742333 




Environmental Art Workshops with 

Susie Bright - Restored Shop Fronts 

Recreated using only outlines with pen and 

pencil. Build up a series of images of the 

present day restored shop-fronts. 





is filled. Tel 01495 742333 



Cookery Classes - Oriental Fish 

Cooking With guest tutor Shaun Nean, menu 

to be announced. Class to include lunch with 

a glass of wine. Tickets: £85 

Tel: 01989 562353 

28 to 29 January 


Love Food Weekend 

Celebrate all things food at our second annual 

Love Food weekend. Free admission. 

Tel: 01495 790311

February 2012 

February 

1 February 

10.30am-3.30pm (Last admission 2.30pm) 

Greenmeadow Community Farm - Cwmbran 

Farm Re-opens! 

The Farm re-opens today and will be open 

every day (extreme snow or ice conditions 

may force closure - please call to check). 

Tickets: £3.60 Ch/£4.60 Ad/£16.40 Fam 

Tel: 01633 647662 

1 to 29 February 



Exhibition of Painting and Sculpture 

Oriel Barker Gallery: All That Jazz!! 

Exhibition of paintings and sculpture. 

Fabulous exhibition of work by Aaltje Smith 

and Patricia Clifford. Small admission charge, 

free to Torfaen Library Card holders. 

Café Art of the Month: Exhibition of work by 

talented young artist Bryony Hobbs. 

Tel: 01495 752036 

4 February 9.45am-3.30pm 



Environmental Art Workshops – 

with Louella Gwillim Building on the Past 

Using pen, pencil and pastels to draw some 

of Blaenavon's iconic buildings. 




which will be reimbursed if the allocated 

place is filled. 

Tel 01495 742333 

Open: 7 days a week, whatever the weather 

10.00am - 6.00pm April to Oct (Last admission 5pm) 

10.30am - 3.30pm Nov to Mar (Last admission 2.30pm) 

Closed: Christmas Eve until 31st January inclusive. 

Admission: We operate a seasonal charging policy... 

Daily Daily Yearly 

Summer Winter Pass 

April - Oct Nov - Mar 

Conc./Child (age 2+) £4.20 £3.60 £14.50 

Adult £5.20 £4.60 £18.50 

Family (2 adults+3 child) £18.80 £16.40 £65.50 





With Susie Bright Family and Friends 

Using old photographs of people who lived 

and worked in the area. Make drawings with 

natural and historical inks such as Cassel 

Earth and Logwood Black. Prior booking is 

essential as places are limited. A small 

refundable deposit is payable in order to 

secure a place on each workshop, which will 

be reimbursed if the allocated place is filled. 

Tel 01495 742333 

7 February 2.30pm-4pm 


Newport Ornamental Ironworks 

Pontypool Local History Society: talk by 

Robyn Williams. Everyone welcome and free 

refreshments, non- members £2 charge for 

entry. Tel: 01495 752036 



17

February 

7 February 7pm 


Living Landscapes Lecture – 

Volunteer Rangers in the 

Blaenavon World Heritage Site 

Hear from the volunteers first hand about their 

experiences of looking after the Blaenavon 

World Heritage Site and the Forgotten 

Landscapes Partnership area. 

FREE entry to the lecture at the Blaenavon 

World Heritage Centre. Following on from 

this visitors will have the opportunity to 

participate in a landscape conservation 

activity on Saturday 18 February. 

Places limited, booking essential. 

Tel: 01495 742333. 

10 February 

Mon, Brecon & Abergavenny Canals Trust 

200th Anniversary Celebrations 

The Mon & Brec 200 celebrations will be 

launched today with the Ringing of the Bells, 

recreating the canal opening 200 years ago. 

Over 70 Churches along the canal will be 

ringing their bells from 12 noon to mark this 

historic occasion. Through a series of 

activities and events, organisations, local 

groups and national bodies will be celebrating 

the canal’s history, enjoying its beauty and 

looking forward to its development beyond 

2012 as a cherished asset to the communities 

through which it passes and connects. 

All the Mon & Brec 200 Anniversary events 

and activities can be found on the dedicated 

Facebook page together with 

www.canalandrivertrust.org.uk/monandbrec200 


Mon-Fri 9.30am-5pm/Sat 9.30am-4pm 


Personal Effects 

Figurative paintings with Industrial Resin by 

Ruth McLees. The focus of Ruth McLee’s 

work has always been on people and identity 

through memory and self-expression. Highly 

experimental, employing resins and varnishes 

as well as paint, and using unconventional 

fabrics, her works combine portraits with 

materials that add a conceptual weight or 

physical link. 

Showing until 14 April, free admission. 

Tel: 01633 483321 


10.30am – 3.30pm (last entry at 2.30pm) 

Greenmeadow Community Farm 

Try Something Different - All In a Spin! 

We’ve got so much going on we’re all in a 

spin! A wonderful week of fun at the Farm 

where as well your favourite farming activities 

you can explore traditional crafts and heritage. 

Loads of opportunities to get hands on 

including Pottery, Working Horses, Sheepdog 

demos, Spinning, Knitting and lots more! 

£4.60 adults, £3.60 children aged 2+, £16.40 

family (2 adults and up to 3 children) 

Tel 01633 647662 

11 to 19 February Various times 


Peter Pan Starring Owen Money 

Climb aboard for 

this swashbuckling 

family adventure! 

Traditional panto 

at its best! 

Tickets: £14/£10 

Tel: 01633 868239 





With Susie Bright 

Mapping Blaenavon's Heritage Site 

With old ordnance survey maps and stories 

using ink sketches and printmaking to 

recreate past times. Prior booking is essential 

as places are limited. A small refundable 

deposit is payable in order to secure a place 

on each workshop, which will be reimbursed if 

the allocated place is filled. 

Tel 01495 742333

13 February 10am – 12pm 

Pontypool Active Living Centre 


Environmental Collage 

FREE! Open session. Discover the natural 

resources of Pontypool Park and use your 

finds to capture ‘Pontypool Park in 

Wintertime’ by creating decorative 

collage snow scenes. 

Tel 01495 742333 

13 February 11am-1pm 



‘Winter Residents’ Photography Session 

FREE! Explore the beauty of Pontypool 

Park’s natural environment. Capture local 

flora and fauna on film (with photographer 

Chris Hatch). N.B. Cameras not supplied. 

Warm clothing and suitable footwear required. 

For information or to book a place contact 

01495 742333 or 

email: blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk 

13 to 17 February 11am-4pm 


Half Term Events - Rescue! 

A series of events and activities for the whole 

family exploring the world of underground 

rescue. Free admission. 

Tel: 01495 742333 


Various Sites 

Half Term Playschemes 

February half term Playschemes will take 

place for 5-15 year olds at various sites 

throughout Torfaen. Please call the Play Team 

for further enquiries. Tel: 01495 742952 



Half Term Events 

Special events and activities during the half 

term break. Please contact Blaenavon Tourist 

Information Centre for further details. 

Tel: 01495 742333 

13 to 17 February 10am-3pm 


Half Term Craft Workshop 

Art and craft activities for youngsters aged 5 

to 13, something different everyday. 

Advanced booking required. 

Tickets: £10.50 per workshop 

Tel: 01633 483321

14 February 11am to 3pm 


February Fun 

Punch and Judy shows with John Harvey. 

Tel: 01633 872121 

16 February 6pm-8pm 



Bat Exploration in Pontypool Park 

FREE! Enjoy a ‘walk and talk’ in Pontypool 

Park about the various species of bat that call 

the area ‘home’. Specifically the endangered 

Horseshoe Bat which has been spotted in the 

Park Please note: warm clothing & a torch 

required. Children must be accompanied by 

an adult. To book a place Tel: 01495 742333 

or email blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk 

15 February 1pm-4pm 

Pontypool 

Try Something Different – 

Discover Pontypool by Bike 

Meet outside Pontypool Active Living Centre 

FREE! Take a journey through the diverse 

landscape of Pontypool on one of the 

National Cycle Network Routes, with a bike 

tour leader (and get your bike checked out by 

an expert in the process!) N.B. Bikes not 

supplied. Open session for family groups. 

Under 16’s must be accompanied by an adult. 

Contact 01495 742333 to book a place 




Landscape Drawings of Pontypool Park 

using Watercolour and Inks 

FREE! Open Session. Ask at PALC reception 

for venue room. Capture the beauty of 

Pontypool Park’s seasonal flowers! 

Be inspired by the beauty of ‘snowdrops in 

winter’ and create a watercolour work art. 

Tel 01495 742333 



February Fun 

The much loved Sunshine Clowns will be 

roving with their shows and fabulous balloons. 

Tel: 01633 872121 



18 February 11am to 3pm 


February Fun 

Freya and Gumpf will be bringing their sense of 

adventure aboard their hairy walking armchairs, 

roving around the Shopping centre! 

Tel: 01633 872121 




Designing Edwardian Cameos 

FREE! Open session. Jewellery with a twist! 

Have a go at making Edwardian cameos that 

local people might have worn in Pontypool 

during the early 1900’s 

Tel 01495 742333 

18 February 9.45am-3pm 


Cookery Classes - Carnevale 

Traditional Italian recipes for the 'Carnevale' 

(Shrove Tuesday) including: Lasagne di 

carnevale, Venetian pudding with custard and 

Sfrappe (Carnival fritters). Class to include 

lunch with a glass of wine. Tickets: £75 

Tel: 01989 562353

18 February time TBC 

Meet at Blaenavon World Heritage Centre 


Volunteer Rangers in the Blaenavon World 

Heritage Site 

Following on from the February living 

landscape lecture visitors will be able to 

participate in a landscape conservation activity. 

Places limited, booking essential. 

Tel: 01495 742333 for more information. 




Art Workshops with Susie Bright 

Drawing on the Ancestors 

Using photocopies of photographs 

from family albums or old 

photographs found in the attic to 

recreate an image using pen and 

pencil and printmaking. 





is filled. Tel 01495 742333 

22 February 1.30pm 


Blorenge Wednesday - Grand Slam (15) 

Screening of a classic Welsh film - 

please note: certificate 15. 

Free admission. Tel: 01495 790311 




Environmental Art Workshops with 

Susie Bright a Walk in the Graveyard 

Making drawings with pen and ink and 

charcoal. Prior booking is essential as places 

are limited. A small refundable deposit is 

payable in order to secure a place on each 


allocated place is filled. 

Tel 01495 742333 

29 February 7.30pm 


An Evening of Mediumship with 

Tony Stockwell 

For those interested in mediumship the name 

of Tony Stockwell will certainly need no 

introduction. Tony has been working tirelessly 

for over 20 years to bring forward messages 

of love from the grave. Nobody can fail to 

come away untouched by the experience! 

Tickets: £18 Tel: 01633 868239 

26 February 9.45am-3pm 

Chef's Room - c/o Vin Sullivan’s - Blaenavon 

Cookery Classes - Bread of Heaven 

By master baker Damian of the Lorenzen 

Bakery. Class includes lunch with a glass of 

wine. Tickets: £85 Tel: 01989 562353

Visitor Information 

Design by Morf Designs Ltd. T: 01633 253995 www.morfdesigns.com 

Blaenavon Tourist Information Centre 

The Tourist Information Centre staff are 

on hand with a wealth of local knowledge 

to provide information on 

events, places to go and things to do. 

Open Tuesday to Sunday 

(and Bank Holiday Mondays) 

9.00am-5.00pm April to September 

9.00am-4.00pm October to March 

Closed Christmas Eve to New Year’s Day 

Tel 01495 742333 

E mail blaenavon.tic@torfaen.gov.uk 

www.visitblaenavon.co.uk 


news join us on Facebook 

Torfaen County Borough Council accepts no liability 

or responsibility for any loss or cost caused as a 

result of cancellation, errors, omissions or changes 

to any of the events listed. 

Tourism, Events & Marketing Team 

T: 01633 648081 E: tourism@torfaen.gov.uk www.visittorfaen.co.uk 

Mae’r wybodaeth ar gael yn Gymraeg

MARKET FLORIST 

Unit 22 Pontypool Indoor Market NP4 6JW 

T: 01495 757042 E: info@marketflorist.co.uk 

www.marketflorist.co.uk 

Flowers for all occasions See our ad on page 9. 

10% DISCOUNT on any purchase over £25 

VALID UNTIL END FEBRUARY 2012 

“Simply the best – forget the rest” 

DISCOUNT VOUCHER 

See our ad on page 13. 

VOUCHER CODE: WHATS ON WNTER 2011 

Bring this voucher with you for 

1 child to enter 

Cheeky Monkeys 

FOR FREE!! 

Valid until 9th February 2012 

FREE ENTRY VOUCHER 

Closed Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day 


PONTYPOOL GOLF CLUB 

4 BALL ONLY PAY FOR 3 PLAYERS 

TEL: 01495 755544 FOR BOOKINGS 

QUOTE VOUCHER CODE: ‘WHATS ON LD100’ 

Valid until end February 2012 (Please note: prior booking is essential) 

See advert on page 15 

1 FREE CHILD ENTRY 

on presentation of this voucher 

Valid until end February 2012 

(Please note: The Farm is closed in January) 

SEE OUR 

AD ON PAGE 17 


Albion Rd, Pontypool NP4 6LE 

T: 01495 751304 

www.theunicornpontypool.com 

20% off your meal 

on presentation of this 

voucher 

Valid until end February 2012 

(Offer exclusive of Sunday lunches and the Christmas menu) 

VOUCHER CODE: WHATS ON IN TORFAEN WNTER 2011

Torfaen Family Information Service

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