Diary Dec web

In touch with 

your community 

Diary 

The District 

DECEMBER 14 

FREE COPY 

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See our main ad inside for more details 

A Merry Christmas and a 

Happy New Year to everyone 

Showroom at 

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Coed Cae Lane 

Pontyclun CF72 9GP 

01443 230386 

JPWINDOWS & 

CONSERVATORIES Ltd 

www.jpwindows.co.uk 

Lifestyle Financial Advice 

The Pensions Specialist 01443 22 22 99 

Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

32 Chapel Road, Llanharan CF72 9QB 

Telephone 01443 223826 

e-mail: districtdiary@btinternet.com 

www.districtdiary.co.uk 

Copydate for January issue 10th December 

The District Diary is a free paper with a 

monthly circulation of 10000 copies. 

8000 copies are delivered directly to homes in 

Llanharan, Brynna, Bryncae, Talbot Green, Pontyclun, 

Miskin and part of Pencoed. The remaining 

copies are left in shops, post offices, newsagents, 

pubs etc. in Llanharry, Llantrisant, 

Mwyndy Cross, Ystradowen and Groesfaen. 

40 x 44mm £16 

40 x 91mm £28 

50 x 91mm £35 

60 x 91mm £42 

70 x 91mm £49 

Advertising costs are as follows: 

80 x 91mm £56 

90 x 91mm £63 

1/4 page £85 

1/2 page £125 

Full page £190 

All + VAT 

We would like 

to wish all of 

our readers, 

contributors and 

advertisers a 

Merry Christmas 

and a Happy 

New year 

Disclaimer: Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy The 

District Diary cannot be held responsible for any errors within the 

publication. Any views expressed are not necessarily those of the 

paper. We reserve the right to edit any items submitted to the paper. 

Cover picture - Llanharan RFC team with mascots 

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The Turberville 

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FREEHOUSE Chapel Road, LLANHARAN 01443 222143 

DISABLED ACCESS & TOILETS 

All of the staff at The Turberville would 

like to wish everyone a Very Merry 

Christmas and a Happy New Year 

Sat 13th Dec ROCKET DOGS 

NEW YEAR’S EVE 

CASINO ROYALE 

DRESS THEME (Optional) 

FREE ENTRY by ticket only (Limited 

tickets available from the bar before the day) 

Open all day, ticket holders only after 7pm 

no entry after 10.30pm 

ELVIS will be in the building 

with DISCO + KARAOKE 

Games & Raffle Prizes 

throughout the evening 

FREE GLASS OF BUBBLY 

on entry before 8pm 

Best Bar 

None 2013 

accredited 

Watch top sport live at The Turberville 

Live Sport shown on 7 screens 

showing major Premiership games 

Fri 12th Dec 

XMAS JUMPER DAY 

Charity Raffl e all proceeds to 

Cancer Research Wales 

BLACK FRIDAY 19th Dec 

Blues v Scarlets 7.35 KO 

ELVIS + KARAOKE + DISCO 

from 7.30ish 

CHRISTMAS DAY 

open 11.30am - 4.00pm 

and 6.30pm - 10.00pm 

PUB QUIZ in evening 

£1 per person max 6 per team 

BOXING DAY open normal hours 

All major sport shown on SKY 

NEW YEAR’S DAY open 1pm - 4pm 

SYMONDS CELTIC CIDER 

£2.40 pint Mon-Thurs 12-6p 

CAFFREYS £2.30 pint ALL WEEK 

THIRSTY THURSDAY 

NIGHTS between 6pm and 9pm 

(Excluding Christmas Day) 

STRONGBOW CANS 

£1.50 each 

Talbot Green 

Hello everyone, 

Sorry I did not write an 

article last month - there 

is not always enough 

news to tell you about, 

although it is nice now and 

then to get a quiet month. 

Where has this year gone 

- it’s December already and 

Christmas is on it’s way. If you 

are like me, you are totally 

disorganised and leaving it 

all to the last minute. We get 

so very, very busy in the Post 

Office, we need a few days off. 

Hey Ho - I suppose I must get 

into the seasons spirits and 

stop being an old scrooge! 

Community Centre: 

Congratulations to the 

Committee for running a 

fantastic Halloween disco for 

the children. There was lots 

of fun with fancy dress and 

best pumpkin competitions, 

apple bobbing and apple 

dunkin and loads of spot 

prizes. This small committee 

do a fantastic job and they are 

now getting ready for the OAP 

and disabled Christmas dinner. 

It’s on December 11th and 

doors open at 12.30. Tickets 

are subsidised by the Talbot 

Green Retail Park and are just 

£3 each at the Post Office. I 

look forward to seeing many 

of you there as it’s always a 

day I enjoy. 

Bus Service 47: It came as a 

bolt out of the blue for me 

to be told in mid October 

that we were to lose this 47 

community bus service. I 

fought and fought in 2000 for 

this service going around the 

whole locality and I’ve always 

been proud of it - connecting 

people from around the area 

to the bus station, shops, 

chemists, doctors etc. RCT 

Highways have told me 

that they undertook a full 

consultation but I can assure 

you that no-one consulted 

or informed me! With no 

money from RCT I now have 

to find a way of reinstating 

some sort of service and I 

have put forward a proposal 

to the Community Council 

that we have this local service 

two days a week, Tuesday 

and Friday. We will cost this 

service and I’ll be approaching 

Tesco, Talbot Green Retail Park 

and Glamorgan Vale Retail 

Park to fund this community 

service which will stop at their 

stores. (We could include 

Sainsbury’s when built). The 

route could also be extended 

to include Llanharan, Brynna 

and Bryncae and if the stores 

can’t or won’t pay the full 

cost, I’ll try for funding from 

the Llantrisant and Llanharan 

Community Councils. I’m 

reasonably confident that for 

a small charge, these shops 

and stores will come on board 

and restore a reduced but 

reliable service to help people 

who are otherwise trapped in 

their homes. I’ll update you all 

as soon as I have some news. 

01443 

226321 

4 Chapel Road, 

Llanharan 

(Near the station) 

Car Wash/Valet: In February 

Officers and I refused planning 

permission for a car hand 

wash and valet service on 

Lanelay Road. This site was 

previously owned and run 

by a Motor-home Company 

with a very limited amount 

of visitors/customers. I was 

concerned that the new 

car wash company would 

attract a large number of 

clients disrupting the lives 

of residents and cars could 

queue on the road. A main 

road through Talbot Green. 

Water run off was also one of 

my concerns. After planning 

permission was refused by 

RCT the new owner had 

the right to appeal to the 

Planning Inspectorate for 

Wales, which he did. That 

appeal has now been heard 

and the Welsh Assembly 

Inspector has upheld my and 

the Officers decision NOT 

to allow it’s use. The appeal 

has been dismissed mainly 

because living conditions of 

the occupiers of adjacent 

residential properties, having 

particular regard to noise and 

disturbance, which would be 

affected. As such it would 

conflict with policies AW5 

and AW10 of the RCT Local 

Development Plan (LDP) 2011. 

I never feel overtly happy 

when applications are refused 

and overturned because there 

is always two sides to every 

story. The applicant in this 

case is not a bad man, he took 

upon it himself to lease the 

site and open a business to 

provide work in the area but it 

did not sit happily with me or 

residents close to the site. I’m 

very pleased at the outcome 

for my residents and I wish the 

applicant well in the future. 

Car Park: The company 

managing the car park on Ely 

Valley Road, near the banks, 

continue to pester people. If 

you overstay the 30 minutes 

or even stop outside a bay 

you still get a fine. If that £60 

fine is not paid in 14 days 

they increase it to £100 and 

they now use a doggy debt 

collection agency and then 

a firm of solicitors to try and 

recover the money they think 

is due. Please remember that 

no-one can force you to pay 

these charges unless it’s been 

heard by a Court of Law. I 

know some people are still 

fighting the fine as they have 

no proof of who the driver 

was but beware, these nasty 

people are not going away 

and they continue to demand 

money from you. My advice, 

don’t contact them, don’t 

pay them and ignore their 

demands - they will soon get 

tired of trying to exploit you. 

I’ve now given my advice 

again and again. If you get 

a parking notice, it’s not a 

parking fine, please don’t call 

me or visit me for advice - I’ve 

made it abundantly clear 

what you should do and I can 

hardly deal with the amount 

of calls and visits I get daily 

- I’m so fed up of repeating 

myself. Remember, if you are 

visiting your bank they are 

leaseholders to the 

continued overleaf..... 

PRIVATE FUNCTION ROOM 

available for your Christmas 

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FREE JUKEBOX 

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FREE POOL every Friday 

A wide selection of cask ales and ciders 

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Look us up in CAMRA guide 

We are on the offi cial PUBGUIDE.com 

Tues & Wed 

9am-4.30pm 

Thur & Fri 

9am-6pm 

Sat 

8.30am-1.30pm 

We would like to wish 

everyone a Very 

Merry Christmas and 

a Happy New Year 

Salon now on Facebook 

NEW DEALS ADDED EACH WEEK 

Excellent prices in a friendly environment. 

BEAUTY SHOP 

Nail Extensions 

Manicures 

Waxing 

Eyelash Extensions 

Eyelash Tinting 

Party Makeovers 

Wedding Packages 

Minx Nails 

at CUTTING IT 

Chapel Road, Llanharan 

PAMPER PARTIES 

Open Mon - Sat 

Tel: Lynfa on 07843014614 

MOBILE SERVICE AVAILABLE

The 

Dynevor 

Arms 

Country Pub & Restaurant 

A warm welcome awaits you at The 

Dynevor Arms Country Pub and Restaurant in 

Groesfaen. Enjoy good food and excellent beers 

and wines in comfortable, relaxed surroundings. 

The Foxes Den Restaurant 

Both lunchtimes and evenings we serve home cooked food at it’s 

very best in The Foxes Den, our very own informal restaurant. 

Why not try one of our succulent steaks or choose from the wide 

range of meals on offer from our main menu or a daily special 

from our board. 

Traditional Sunday Lunch £7.45 

Forget the dishes, take the strain out of Sunday and join us for 

our delicious Sunday Roast, a choice of meats served with fresh 

vegetables and gravy.Our main menu and specials board are also 

available for those that prefer. 

Special Occasions 

At The Dynevor Arms we are happy to cater for that special 

occasion whether it’s a birthday, wedding anniversary or just a 

good old get together. Relax, enjoy youselves and leave the hard 

work to us, we can even take care of the cake for you. 

Fine Beers, Wines and Spirits 

Enjoy our excellent range of quality beers wines 

and spirits. Try our wines of the moment or sample one of our 

four cask mark accredited real ales. A great range of spirits are 

always in stock plus the usual soft drinks and mixers that you 

would expect in a superior hostelry. 

NEW YEAR THREE COURSE MEAL 

£35.00 per head 

LIVE MUSIC with GEORGE + MIKE 

Food served: 12noon - 2.15pm 7 days a week and 

6pm - 9pm Monday - Saturday Booking advisable 

www.dynevorarms.com 

Winners of 

RCT In Bloom 

Christmas Menu 

STARTERS 

Soup of the Day 

served with roll and butter 

Prawn Cocktail 

Breaded Camembert 

with Sweet Chutney 

Mushroom au Gratin 

MAINS 

Traditional Roast Turkey 

served with Sage and Onion Stuffing, 

Chipolata Sausage, Cranberry Sauce 

and Seasonal Vegetables 

Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding 

served with Roast Potatoes 

and Seasonal Vegetables 

Salmon Steak with Dill Sauce 

Mushroom Stroganoff 

CHOICE OF SWEETS 

Tea or Coffee and Mince Pies 

Price £15.95 

(All items subject to availability) 

Book Now 

to avoid disappointment 

The Dynevor Arms 

Llantrisant Road, Groesfaen CF72 8NS 

02920 890530 

landlord who owns the site 

and employs these “One 

Generation Parking cowboys“. 

The banks pay rent to them 

and are happy to have their 

own spaces reserved whilst 

their clients/ customers are 

charged! Demand that your 

bank solves your parking 

charge notice or change your 

bank - it’s easy these days! 

Grants: All local “not for 

profit” groups around Talbot 

Green have now had a share 

of the £5,000 grant Arlene and 

I have from the Community 

Council every year. We have 

given money to OAP groups, 

Army and Air Force Cadets, 

sheltered housing groups, 

residential groups and many 

more. It’s always a lovely task 

to undertake and it’s delightful 

to be able to put something 

back into the community. 

Car Tax: There seems to be 

a lot of confusion over the 

new car tax legislation. You 

obviously still need to tax your 

car but you won’t get a disc. 

You can still do it at the Post 

Office, all you need is your 

reminder or V5 (log book). 

We don’t need a M.O.T or 

Insurance - just your money 

and we will give you a receipt 

as proof of vehicle taxation 

being paid. 

Sainsbury’s: I have nothing 

much to report on Sainsbury’s. 

We await the outcome of their 

new planning application to 

reduce the footprint of the 

new store to make it smaller. 

There does seem to be a 

problem with them paying 

the section 106 agreement for 

the £1.6m road infrastructure 

I want and another problem 

with an inadequate foul 

sewer. Any new sewer could 

interfere with the Pant Marsh 

and I’ll be keeping a close eye 

on this. In the past few days, 

because profits are lower than 

expected, Sainsbury’s have 

said they will stop building 

any new stores. I await to hear 

from Officers if this affects us. 

Magistrates Court: The 

sale and planning at the 

Magistrates Court has also 

gone quiet although it is 

progressing slowly. Plans for a 

double deck car park in Heol 

Y Gyfraith along with a new 

“B&Q type” of store on the 

Council car park are slowly 

progressing. I’m against any 

further development of new 

shops on the site that can’t 

handle the traffic it attracts 

already. Watch this space as 

plans are developed and I’ll 

be campaigning for no new 

shops! 

Police: I’ve negotiated again 

this year that there will be 

extra Police on duty on the 

Newpark/Tesco and Pizza Hut 

roundabouts during the busy 

days around Christmas and 

the New Year. These officers 

are not drawn away from 

their normal duties, they are 

officers doing overtime and 

are paid for by Tesco and 

Talbot Green Retail Park to 

keep the traffic moving. 

Letters: Can I please ask 

that you don’t send me or 

Arlene anonymous letters, 

TALBOT GREEN 

POST OFFICE 

01443 224217 

THE AWARD WINNING POST OFFICE 

CAR & VEHICLE TAX 

PASSPORT PHOTOS 

PASSPORT APPLICATIONS 

(Same day check and send service) 

ALL FOREIGN CURRENCIES 

(Euro, Lira and Dollars always in stock) 

THE NATIONAL LOTTERY 

THE HEALTH LOTTERY 

E-BAY SPECIALISTS 

AGENTS FOR HALLMARK CARDS 

Paul & David assure you of a warm 

welcome and a quality service 

it’s quite pointless. If you ask 

for total privacy that’s fine 

and we are bound to keep 

that private but we often 

have ongoing questions to 

these anonymous letters and 

without a contact name/ 

number, that’s impossible. 

I don’t know if anonymous 

letters are actually from 

my constituents or political 

opponents. I can only act to 

help people when I have a 

name, address and/ or contact 

number and if requested, 

your details will remain totally 

confidential. I will for once, 

answer two anonymous 

letters I have recently had. The 

amount of cars anyone owns 

in a street is not a matter for 

the Council. If these cars are 

taxed and insured there is 

no limit to how many cars a 

household can own and park 

on a road. As for fly tipping, 

if the anonymous writer can 

name the tippers from Heol 

Johnson and Heol Miles on 

the railway line then, and only 

then, can I take action. I have 

reported this fly tipping to the 

Police who will be speaking to 

residents. 

Problems: I can’t write here 

month after month and 

pretend everything in the 

garden is rosy and hunky 

dory - it’s not! A big part of 

my job as your Councillor 

is to deal with problems 

many of you have in the 

locality. For obvious reasons 

I can’t discuss many of these 

problems here but housing 

and neighbourhood problems 

in flats around the area are 

all being dealt with. There are 

drug, child, noise, and anti 

social behaviour problems 

- I’m dealing with them all 

and I am in constant touch 

with the Police, R.C.T Homes 

and Social Services. I can 

assure you all that everything 

that can be done to resolve 

these problems is being done 

behind the scenes. 

Sad Loss: As a rule I never 

use the Diary for obituaries, 

but I must make an exception 

in this case. On Sunday 10th 

November we lost a much 

loved young lady - Jane Evans 

of Garth Maelwg. Jane was 

the post-woman in Talbot 

Green for many, many years 

and was always so happy and 

full of life. Jane had to finish 

her job a few months back 

because of what I understand 

was a leg/ankle problem. 

Nothing happened to prepare 

us for her death at just 42 

years old. My prayers and 

on behalf of the residents of 

Talbot Green, I send much 

love and condolences to 

her father Graham, also a 

postman for many many 

years. Jane will be sadly 

missed. R.I.P. 

Christmas: I hope you all like 

the new Christmas lights and 

our Christmas tree, lit for 

the very first time this year. 

My thanks to the Retail Park 

for providing the expensive 

cable to light the tree near the 

Youth shelter, it’s made a big 

difference. 

That’s all from me this month. 

It’s been a reasonably busy 

time but I expect to be very 

busy in the new year with the 

New Town Centre, Sainsbury‘s 

and the Magistrates Court. 

May I wish you and 

yours a very Merry 

Christmas and a very 

Happy New Year. 

Best wishes, 

PAUL 

Councillor Paul Baccara 

Lanelay House 

Talbot Green 

01443 223750 

Paul.Baccara@rctcbc.gov.uk

Bryncae Arms 

Bridgend Road, Llanharan 01443 231 671 

LARGE 

EXTENDED CAR PARK 

DISABLED TOILETS 

BABY CHANGING FACILITIES 

www.bryncaearms.co.uk 

NEW YEAR’S EVE entry by ticket only 

60’s, 70’s, 80’s DISCO £2 tckt 

FANCY DRESS 

FISHING CLUB 

Last Sunday of month 7pm 

ticket not required for 

New Year’s Eve diners 

SKY 

SPORTS in 3D + HD 

on multi screen facility including 

55’’ TV & 10ft Large Screen 

CHRISTMAS MENU 

4 COURSES 

2 COURSE 

Lunchtime Special 

Served with best Welsh produce 

including Pembroke Turkey 

CHRISTMAS DAY 

5 COURSES 

Adult £49.50 Children (under 12) £25 

Lunch served from 12 noon, last orders 2.30pm 

FUN QUIZ NIGHT every Thursday 

£15.95 

£11.95 

LIVE ARTIST 

every Saturday throughout December 

BOXING NIGHT Rock ‘n’ Roll with 

local singer MARK PUMFORD 

£2 entry by ticket only - doors open 7pm 

XMAS QUIZ Tues 23rd FANCY DRESS 

NEW YEAR QUIZ Tues 30th FANCY DRESS 

FOOD SERVED Tues - Sat 12 - 9pm Sun 12 - 5pm 

Read our reviews 

on Trip Advisor 

COFFEE & SNACKS also available 

BUFFET MENU available 

PARTY BOOKINGS taken for all occasions. 

Adults and Children’s Parties catered for. 

BAR OPENING TIMES Monday - Saturday 12 noon - 12 midnight Sunday 12 noon - 11pm 

Pontyclun 

Happy Christmas Pontyclun 

December is a festive 

month and there are a 

lot of festivities to enjoy 

in Pontyclun.. 

Turning on the Christmas 

Lights 

On 2 December from 5.30 

to 6.30 pm Pontyclun will 

celebrate the turning on of 

the Christmas lights. There will 

be mince pies, mulled wine 

and hot chocolate at Café 

50 next to the Community 

Centre, local crafts, late night 

shopping, choirs and carol 

singing. Do come along. We 

will congregate first at Café 

50 and then on the corner of 

Heol yr Orsaf. 

Santa Fun Run 

At 10.00 am on 6 December 

a 5k Fun Run starts and ends 

at the Ivor Arms in Bynsadler. 

This is organised by the 

Pontyclun Action Group. What 

an active community we are – 

this fun run is hot on the heels 

of that which was organised 

by the Bethel Chapel in aid of 

the Pontyclun Food Bank. 

Christmas Fayre 

On 6 December at 11.00 am in 

the Athletic Club there is the 

PAG Christmas Fayre with the 

Santa Procession starting from 

Millfield at 11.30. 

Café 50 Christmas Dinner 

The Pontyclun Day Centre, 

now run by the Community 

Council, provides sociable and 

affordable meals for people 

aged over 50. The catering is 

now provided by Graham and 

Jayne Ryan who are building 

quite a reputation for fine, 

wholesome food. On 10 

December Café 50 is holding 

its Christmas Dinner. Book 

in advance at Café 50. The 

normal price of a meal is £4; 

the Christmas dinner will be 

an extravagant £5. 

Pontyclun Pantomime 

Aladdin will be performed at 

St. Paul’s Church Hall on the 

evenings of 10, 11 and 12 

December. This will, as always, 

be a remarkable show of fun 

and laughter. Tickets for all 

the family are available from 

Sylvia on 229645. 

Café 50 Christmas Tea 

On 17 December at 2 pm Café 

50 will organise its Christmas 

Tea. There will festive cakes 

and carols led by local school 

children. Tickets are available 

at Café 50. 

Giles Gallery Art Exhibition 

Between 6 December and 

Christmas Eve, Pontyclun’s 

own art gallery will be hosting 

an exhibition of the artistic 

talent of local residents who 

have been attending the 

Gallery’s own art courses. Go 

along on Tuesday to Saturday, 

10 am to 5pm. 

Footpath from Miskin Cricket 

Field to Miskin Manor 

In 2010 the owners of Miskin 

Manor fenced off the path 

that goes from the cricket field 

to the manor and on to Groes 

Faen. Led by William Rees, 

24 local residents provided 

statements to RCT Council that 

there had been unchallenged 

public use of the path for up 

to forty years. Following the 

sad death of Mr. Rees, the 

residents’ case has been taken 

up by John David. 

In the last month RCT Council 

CHRISTMAS EVE Food all day from 12 noon 

BOXING DAY No food 

NEW YEAR’S DAY Food all day from 12 noon Café 50 

THE SOCIAL CENTRE 

FOR PEOPLE AGED OVER 50 

AT HEOL YR ORSAF, PONTYCLUN 

DAILY FOOD AND DRINKS 

Lunches at £4.00 for choice of Main Meal, Dessert 

and Cup of Tea or Coffee (12 to 1.30 pm) 

Breakfast and Morning Coffee (10 am to midday) 

WEEKLY ACTIVITIES 

Monday 10 - 12 Craft Group 

Tuesday 1.30 Quiz with Gwyn 

Wednesday 10 – 12 Laugh out Loud 

with Poetry and Prose 

Thursday 10 - 12 the Yarnmongers - 

working with Yarn and Needles 

has completed its long and 

complex examination of the 

evidence and concluded 

that this path has been so 

regularly used by the public 

that it should be listed as a 

public right of way. There 

is now a legal responsibility 

on the owners to remove 

the obstruction to the 

path. Should they refuse 

to do so there will be court 

proceedings with the risk of 

high financial costs for the 

owners or the Council. 

Public rights of way have 

become a valuable part of 

our countryside since they 

were introduced by the Attlee 

Government in 1949 along 

with the NHS, secondary 

schools for all and public 

control of railways, gas, 

electricity and water. 

Miskin residents should be 

congratulated for their efforts 

on our behalf to re-establish 

this footpath. 

Sensible Planning and Babell 

Chapel in Groes Faen 

The Babell Chapel has been a 

focal point of Groes Faen since 

it was built in 1866. It was 

funded by the contributions of 

local workers in the farms and 

quarries who favoured the 

radical, dissenting tradition 

of the Presbyterian Church 

of Wales to the established 

Church of England. 

Last year the Presbyterians 

sold the chapel to the 

Plymouth Brethren. We 

welcome the Brethren to the 

community of Pontyclun and 

Groes Faen. There was a bit of 

a stir when the new owners 

began the construction of a 

high timber fence in front of 

the chapel. Local residents 

began a dialogue with their 

new neighbours and were 

supported by ourselves, 

community councillor Gwyn 

Griffith and RCT planning 

officials. Although we are 

all able to construct 6 foot 

fences without restriction, the 

Brethren agreed to reduce 

their fence to 3 feet. Well 

done all – good planning 

comes from talking rather 

than arguing. 

Ysgol Gynradd Gymunedol 

Gymraeg, Llantrisant 

Pontyclun is a village 

distinguished by the support 

we give each other and we 

learn the value of working 

together in our local schools. 

Children of YGGG Llantrisant 

used the occasion of their 

annual Thanksgiving Service to 

donate food to the Pontyclun 

Food Bank which is organised 

at Bethel Chapel and is 

responding to the needs of 

our increasingly unequal 

society. 

YGGG Llantrisant also held a 

successful coffee morning to 

raise £630 for 

Rookwood Hospital, the NHS 

hospital in Llandaf which 

provides rehabilitation for 

spinal injuries and other 

disorders of the nervous 

system. 

Our school children look 

outwards across the world. 

On United Nations Day each 

class took part in activities 

that related to a different 

country in the world recalling 

the commitment of the UN to 

“empowering the marginalised 

and vulnerable”. 

Pontyclun Primary School 

Pontyclun Primary school has 

enjoyed another busy but 

highly enjoyable start to the 

Autumn Term. The school 

has enjoyed supporting local 

and national charities, raising 

£2,463 for the National 

Society for the Prevention of 

Cruelty to Children and 

continued overleaf.......

contributing to the local food 

bank. 

The school especially wishes 

to thank the Year Six pupils 

who organised a range of 

activities and raised £1,172 for 

Children in Need. 

Mission Discovery 

In the past few months Katie 

Crook and Juliet Johns of Y 

Pant School joined with 130 

of the most able pupils in the 

UK to attend a 5 day course 

at Kings College London. 

They joined 30 others from 

RCT Council which helped 

fund their participation. 

The course focused on the 

experiments in space that can 

contribute to scientific and 

medical research. Our young 

people met with experienced 

astronauts and very senior 

university researchers. The 

experiment that our pupils 

developed received accolades 

and will be taken into space 

to help with medical research 

on the causes of Alzheimer’s 

disease. Katie and Juliet have 

been invited back to Kings 

College to do further research. 

Remembrance Ceremonies 

The Remembrance Ceremony 

in Miskin was well attended 

by the young people of the 

area, in particular the children 

and young people of the guide 

and scout movement who laid 

wreaths and crosses at the 

memorial cross. 

The above picture shows the 

Explorer Scouts who are a 

group of young people led by 

Mike Perry who is one of our 

local police officers. Pontyclun 

Community Council recently 

helped with the funding of a 

mini bus to help the scouts 

pursue Duke of Edinburgh 

awards. 

The Pontyclun ceremony was 

larger with a procession from 

St Paul’s Church. It was so well 

prepared and organised by 

Denise Ellis. It was officiated 

by Baptist Minister, Peter 

Jackson, and the vicar of 

St. Paul’s, Susan Rees. The 

sacrifice of so many was 

remembered and there was 

an exhortation of our political 

leaders to judge with extreme 

care how we may be led into 

war and peace. 

Pupils of Pontyclun School 

took part in remembering 

those men and women who 

have died in wars by attending 

and laying wreaths at the 

remembrance service at 

Pontyclun war memorial and 

singing at the remembrance 

service at Llanharan Rugby 

Club which was very well 

received. 

Maesyfelin Consultation in 

Pontyclun Library 

There is an exhibition in the 

Library of the Community 

Council proposals for 

improvements to Maesyfelin 

Field – new fencing, play 

equipment and sports 

areas. During 

November 

only a dozen 

residents 

filled in the 

consultation 

forms. If we do 

not improve 

on that in 

December, the 

application 

for funds from 

the Aggregate 

Levy Scheme will look a bit 

flimsy. Please go to the Library 

and give your view on these 

proposals. 

The Cuts 

RCT Council is determined to 

protect its funding of schools 

and social care – over 70% of 

its services. However given 

the cut in the grant from 

Central Government this 

means that half of all other 

expenditure must be cut. RCT 

Council is currently consulting 

on proposals to cut nursery 

education and its music 

service. Consultation forms 

are available in Pontyclun 

Library until 16 December. 

Cuts to Nursery Education 

RCT Council is consulting on 

its proposal to provide 15 

hours nursery education from 

the term after a child’s 3rd 

birthday and 30 hours nursery 

education from the term 

after a child’s 4th birthday. All 

children currently in full time 

nursery will continue to have 

full time nursery provision. 

Reducing nursery provision 

for 3 year olds from full to 

part time will save £2 million a 

year. Our local primary schools 

do have plans to ensure that 

there is child care provision 

for 3 year olds for that part 

of the day when they are not 

in nursery school. However 

the cost of child care will fall 

on working parents and we 

recognise that this contributes 

to the cost of living difficulties 

for many families. 

Cuts to the Music Service 

RCT schools spend around 

£600,000 a year on music 

tuition and there is no 

proposal to reduce this 

expenditure. Some schools 

purchase tuition from the 

RCT Council subsidised 

music service; other schools 

purchase tuition from other 

providers. The proposal is to 

discontinue the RCT music 

service, saving £400,000 a 

year. All schools will then 

need to purchase tuition from 

other providers; there may 

be options for a new social 

enterprise or for partnerships 

with providers already in 

existence. 

One4All surgery 

Because the Pontyclun Library 

was saved from the cuts, 

Rhondda Cynon Taf County 

Borough Council is still 

providing the One4All service 

at the Library in Pontyclun 

every two weeks on a Tuesday 

at 11 a.m. You can get your 

bus pass or your blue badge 

and a range of other council 

services 

The surgeries in the next 

month will be 9 December 

and 23 December. 

Contact Us 

As your councillors, we hold 

a weekly advice surgery on 

Tuesday between 10 and 11 

at the library in Pontyclun. 

Do come along and meet us 

there. You can also e-mail, 

telephone or visit us at home. 

e-mail: Margaret.Griffiths@ 

rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk or 

Paul.Griffiths@rhonddacynon-taf.gov.uk 

Tel. 01443 229301 

Write to 6 Llantrisant Rd., 

Pontyclun CF72 9DQ 

Paul 

Griffiths 

Margaret 

Griffiths 

We would like to 

wish everyone a 


and a Happy 

New Year. 

Carpets, Vinyls, Safety Floors 

Laminates and Hardwoods 

All Supplied And Fitted 

CAERPHILLY BRANCH 

TALBOT GREEN BRANCH 

Carpet and Hard Floor Cleaning 

Stain Guarding 

Spot and Stain Removal 

Odour and Specialist Treatments 

For A Free Estimate 

Contact 

Paul 

01443 629180 07764 923125

A tempting 

selection of 

Homemade Food 

served daily with 

hand cut twice 

cooked chips. 

Try one of 

Ceri’s Famous 

Homemade Pies 

(Including 

gluton free) 

Normal menu available throughout December 

Christmas Fayre Menu 

2 courses £10.95 3 courses £14.95 

Available 1st - 24th December 

Christmas Day Menu 

5 courses £49.95 children £25.00 

Tuesday 16th Dec 

NATALIE CHURCHILL 

Spiritulist / Medium £5 tckt 

NEW YEAR’S EVE 

*VARIETY SHOW 

with KIRSTY £5 includes Chicken or Scampi 

& Chips in the basket 

tckt* 

Bear Inn 

GOOD FOOD - REAL ALES GREAT ATMOSPHERE 

Christmas Party Nights 

in December 

Fri 5th Christmas with ELVIS 

Fri 12th ABBAMANIA 

Sat 13th IAN SCOTT 

Fri 19th HANNAH 

Sat 20th BLEDDYN 

EDWARDS 

Christmas Fayre Menu 

available 

also Party Night Special 

which includes Welcome Drink, 

Party Box, Party Platter of Garlic 

Mushrooms, Onion Rings, 

Chicken Coujons, Potatoe Wedges 

and Garlic Bread 

£10 per Person 

The Bear Inn, LLANHARRY 

01443 239090 FREE WI FI 

Come and see for 

yourself at one of 

our Vision Mobility 

Showrooms or 

give us a call 

1 Green Park, Coed Cae 

Lane Industrial Estate, 

PONTYCLUN 

CF72 9GP 

Opening hours: 

Mon - Fri 9am - 4.30pm 

Tel: (01443) 239104 

35 Commercial Street, 

ABERDARE, Rhondda 

Cynon Taf CF44 7RW 

Opening hours: 

Tues - Sat 9.00am - 4.30pm 

Tel: (01685) 378769 

Christmas & New Year 

Entertainment 

Fri Dec 26th PETRA E 

from 8pm 

Sat Dec 27th THE 

AMAZING KAISON 

Sun Dec 28th Pool 

Tournament followed 

by KARAOKE 

Mon Dec 29th 

FAMILY DAY 

‘The Bear’s Got 

Talent’ and Party 

Thur Jan 1st LEE 

VAUGHAN from 5pm 

We would like to wish 

everyone a Merry 

Christmas and a 

Happy New Year 

Brynna / Bryncae 

BRYNNAU TEACHER IS SELECTED 

AS A MICROSOFT INNOVATIVE 

EDUCATOR EXPERT 2015 

Sue Jones from Brynnau 

Primary School has been 

recognised by Microsoft 

as a global leader in using 

technology to increase 

productivity and transform 

education 

On the 6th November, Sue 

was selected by Microsoft as a 

Microsoft Innovative Educator 

Expert (MIE Expert) for 2015 

for her excellence in using 

technology to help students 

learn and achieve more – and 

ultimately succeed in a mobilefirst, 

cloud-first world. 

Sue had responsibility for 

co-ordinating and managing 

collaborative ICT projects with 

two schools within RCT. The 

projects involved applying the 

rubrics of the Microsoft 21st 

Learning Design in exciting 

and highly engaging projects. 

The projects and involvement 

with the Microsoft IT Academy 

has had a huge impact on the 

professional development of 

staff and the engagement of the 

pupils within the school. 

“Being selected as a MIE Expert 

is an amazing honor,” said Sue. 

“I look forward to continue 

finding innovative ways to equip 

students with the proper tools 

needed to succeed in the new 

world of work.” 

Each year, Microsoft selects 

MIE Experts to be part of an 

exclusive global community 

that is paving the way for their 

peers to share ideas, try new 

approaches and learn from 

each other. This year, Microsoft 

selected more than 800 thought 

leaders in innovative learning 

who possess technology and 

desire to amplify their reach 

and voice. 

“Microsoft Innovative Educator 

Experts are inspiring examples 

of how individuals are using 

technology to increase 

students’ productivity and 

develop the skills needed in 

the workplace,” said Anthony 

Salcito, vice president, 

Worldwide Education, Microsoft 

Corp. “With an innovative 

use of mobile and cloud 

technology, these educators 

are transforming learning 

environments and delivering 

more personalized education to 

students, allowing them to do 

more and achieve more.” 

MIE Experts work closely with 

Microsoft to lead innovation 

in education, build educator 

capacity for using technology 

to improve student learning 

and advocate and share their 

experiences in how technology 

improves teaching and learning. 

In addition, they mentor other 

educators and help train them 

in education technologies and 

Microsoft products and tools. 

Congratulations and well done 

Sue! 

HARVEST THANKSGIVING 

The Harvest Thanksgiving 

evening arranged by the 

Mountain Hare Neighbourhood 

Watch Committee at the 

Mountain Hare Inn, is an event 

which is always well received by 

the membership and this year 

was no different. 

This year’s Harvest Thanksgiving 

took place on Friday, 31st 

October, 2014 in front of an 

appreciative audience. Thanks 

to the generosity of a number 

of Watch members, the 

harvest table which formed 

the focal point of the evening’s 

proceedings was well stocked 

with vegetables, fruit, jams, 

cakes, flowers, wines and spirits 

etc and was a joy to behold. 

It is a pleasure for me to say 

that this year’s Deputy Mayor of 

Rhondda Cynon Taf, Councillor 

Barry Stephens is a Watch 

member and he generously 

donated a tray of vegetables 

which formed a very attractive 

central display. 

My grateful thanks to Barry on 

behalf of all the membership. 

The evening started with 

the customary singing of 

the popular harvest hymn 

“We Plough the Fields and 

Scatter”. A quiz was to follow, 

which proved to be a most 

exciting affair. After the first 30 

questions, out of a total of 40, 

two teams were inseparable 

on scores of 22 apiece as they 

battled to win the generous 

cash voucher. 

I am happy to report that there 

was a clear winner in the end 

and they were the “LEFTOVERS” 

whose team included Heulwen, 

John, David, Linda, Dawn and 

Graham – Congratulations. 

The one question that finally 

decided the outcome of the 

quiz was to do with the film 

“Mary Poppins” and the word 

synonymous with that film is 

“supercali……..” and I asked the 

teams how many letters were in 

that word. I would like to hear 

from any one if they think they 

know the answer. 

To conclude a most successful 

evening, an auction was 

held where all the products 

on display were put up for 

sale. The auction proved to 

be a lively affair with almost 

everyone present wanting to 

take something home, which 

made my job as Auctioneer an 

easy one. 

In the end, after all the produce 

had been sold over £200 was 

raised for the Watch. 

Thanks to everyone concerned 

for their generosity. 

ROAD SAFETY WEEK – 

WEEK COMMENCING 17TH 

NOVEMBER, 2014 

Brynnau Primary School 

children joined RCT Council 

and the charity Brake to launch 

Road Safety Week. Children and 

staff alike were delighted to play 

such an important role in the 

launch of the UK-wide campaign 

which, for 2014, is urging 

people to look out for each 

other when they are out and 

about as motorists, pedestrians 

and cyclists. 

Councillor Andrew Morgan, 

Leader of RCT Council and 

Cabinet Member for Highways 

said, “ We are exceptionally 

proud of Brynnau Primary 

School who flew the flag not 

only for RCT but for Wales 

at the launch of Road safety 

Week” 

As the School’s Chair of 

Governors, I feel very proud 

of my school being selected to 

launch this important safety 

initiative. 

Councillor John Watts and his wife Anne 

(Mayor and Mayoress of RCT) 

at the official launch 

DOLAU PRIMARY SCHOOL 

CROSS COUNTRY 

On Saturday 18th October 

was the first race of the 

Bridgend Schools Cross Country 

competition. It was held at 

Bryntirion Comprehensive and 

there was a huge turnout of 

children from schools across 

the county. Dolau had about 

20 runners for the races. All of 

the children ran really well and 

created lots of personal best 

positions. Congratulations to 

Tianna Teisar for her 1st place 

in the Year 3 and 4 girls race. 

Congratulations also to all the 

Year 5 and 6 boys as there is a 

strong team this year and the 

school had 5 top 20 runners! 

Well Done! 

The Cross country team ran 

again on Thursday 16th October 

at Tonysguboriau Primary 

School. The school took 30 

children to run in the four races 

and they all did brilliantly. Well 

done to the year 3 and 4 girls 

as the school had a 1st, 2nd 

and 3rd winner! The school 

nearly had another 1st in the 

Year 3 and 4 boys but there was 

a tumble although they still 

managed to get up and claim 

2nd place! The boys in the Year 

5 and 6 race also did just as 

well, securing a 2nd, 3rd and 

4th place and then the last race 

was the turn of the Year 5 and 

6 girls who also secured a 4th 

and 6th place win. Well done 

to everyone who competed 

and the parents who came to 

support, everyone is looking 

forward to the next race! 

HARVEST 

On the 22nd October 2014 

the junior department went to 

Carmel Chapel in Llanharan to 

celebrate the Harvest Festival. 

Thank you to Reverend Tyson 

who talked about the reasons 

Christians celebrate Harvest 

and he told a story about 

children who are less fortunate. 

The children were excited to 

perform their harvest songs. 

Well done to those children 

who read during the service. 

It helped everyone remember 

that the simplest of actions, 

such as being kind or donating 

food, can make a big difference. 

The school collected food that 

was donated to the 

Pontyclun Foodbank, 

some of which will be 

donated within the 

local area. 

RUGBY UPDATE 

The 2014/15 Dolau 

Rugby Squad played 

for the first time. The 

matches were played 

at Pontyclun RFC 

against other schools 

in the same cluster 

such as Pontyclun, 

Gwaunmiskin and Llantrisant. In 

total, Dolau played 4 games and 

won 2. The boys showed great 

commitment throughout the 

four matches. There were some 

excellent tries scored and some 

very brave defending against 

teams who were a lot bigger 

than. Well done boys! 

Dolau 7’s Rugby Squad travelled 

to Hawthorn Fields to play in 

the Pontypridd Schools Rugby 

Union 7’s festival. The boys 

played very well with tries 

continued overleaf......

LLANHARRY WORKMEN’S CLUB 

CONCERT HALL 

BOXING NIGHT 

HOLLYWOOD NITES 

male / female 4 piece band 

play 70’s 80’s etc 

NEW YEARS EVE 

CALIFORNIA 

top all round band 

Sat 31st Jan 

OLLY MURS Tribute 

DECEMBER IN THE LOUNGE 

Sat 6th DANIEL DAMON 

Sat13th JAMES REED 

Sat 20th STACEY MARIE 

Sat 27th CONNIE PETERS 

FOR THE CHILDREN 

Sat Dec 20th 2.00pm till 4.00pm 

CHILDRENS SHOW FREE to 

members only (Membership can be obtained on night) 

WACKY WOODHOUSE, FREEZING THEME 

MAGIC, SINGING ELSA AND OLAF 

Sat Dec 20th from 4.00pm till late 

CHILDRENS PARTY with 

SANTA’S GROTTO FREE to members only 

Tues Dec 30th 

BRAND NEW PROFESSIONAL PANTO 

SLEEPING BEAUTY - A TWILIGHT PANTO 

www.llanharrywmc.co.uk 

SUNDAY LUNCH 

2 courses £7.95 (Selected Menu) 

Wide range of home made desserts 

Reduced rate for children 

5 STAR FOOD HYGIENE RATING 

Phone Graham or Jayne on 01443 229799 

or mobile 07810 840196 BOOKING ADVISABLE 

SKY SPORTS & BT SPORTS 

available throughout the club 

including the BIG SCREEN 

DEDICATED CHANNELS: 

AT THE RACES & RACING UK 

Available each afternoon including weekend 

Visitors welcome or why not join the club 

BINGO 

Tues afternoon, Wed night, Fri night & Sun night 

BIG CASH SNOWBALL 

ON SUNDAY NIGHTS 

Look us up on 

FREE WI-FI now Facebook 

available throughout the club 

Sponsors to Llanharry Primary School, Llanharry AFC, Llanharry Food Bank 

BOOKINGS TAKEN 

FOR FUNCTIONS 

(Wedding Receptions, Anniversaries, Birthdays etc.) 

Booking Forms available from website 

Reserve our 200 seater cabaret room 

or for smaller parties book our 70 seater lounge 

Telephone 01443 222217 Email: llanharry-wmc@btconnect.com 

Elm Road, Llanharry CF72 9HR Chairman Cllr Barry Stephens 01656 864944 

Members, 

guests and 

associates 

only 

(Bona Fida) 

coming from Hywel Leyshon, 

Adam Kinsey, Dylan Woolridge, 

Lewis Cogbill and Dyfan Kruger. 

The school was knocked out 

of the competition at the 

quarterfinal stage, losing to a 

very strong Gwauncelyn side. 

Well done to all players! 

BRYYNNA FOOTBALL CLUB 

This season is a crucial one for 

Brynna Football Club as at the 

end of the current season, the 

South Wales Amateur League, 

where the “team” currently 

plays will merge with the South 

Wales Senior League, with only 

8/9 teams in each league taking 

their place in the newly formed 

divisions. Those teams finishing 

in the lower reaches of the 

league will return to the local 

Bridgend league. 

At present Brynna F.C, are 

sitting in sixth position in 

the league with some half of 

Brynna F.C. with their sponsor 

the season’s fixtures already 

completed. 

Brynna F.C. has already beaten 

two of the top three clubs, 

namely Tynte Rovers and Clwb 

Cymric so it’s so far so good. 

There is no doubt that the club 

has benefitted from the new 

3g training facility on Brynna 

Recreation Fields as regular 

training takes place, no matter 

what the weather. 

They also have a new young 

management team in Gareth 

Martin and Leon Williams, 

who are following on from the 

good foundations laid down by 

last year’s management team 

of Gareth James and Stuart 

Wilson. 

The club has also been lucky 

to recruit Paul Conway, a fully 

qualified FA Coach, who has 

been taking training sessions 

for the past month, guiding and 

adding to the knowledge of our 

management team for this, the 

club is most grateful to Scott 

Woodward, RCT Community 

Sports Officer who introduced 

Paul to the club. 

The next five months are going 

to prove difficult for the club as 

they strive to remain in the top 

half of the league by the end of 

the season in April/May, 2015. 

I aim to advertise the team’s 

home fixtures for December 

in local shops in the village so 

please join me in supporting the 

lads, as winning all their home 

games will be such a boost to 

them as the season progresses. 

GUESS WHERE 

Last month I featured a 

photograph of an unusual but 

PPS CLINIC 

PHYSIOTHERAPY PODIATRY SPORTS MASSAGE 

CHRISTINE EVANS M.C.S.P. 

PHYSIOTHERAPIST 

Tel: 01443 225 471 

CATHERINE EVANS 

SPORTS MASSAGE THERAPIST 

Tel: 07957 457232 

TRICIA COLE BSc (Hons) 

PODIATRIST / CHIROPODIST 

Tel: 01443 230 378 

32 COWBRIDGE ROAD, PONTYCLUN 

(HPC registered practitioners) 

very attractive Japanese fir tree 

in someone’s garden and I asked 

if anyone knew where this was 

located. First and foremost can 

I thank everyone for getting in 

touch with me and making their 

observations known. However, 

the first person to give me the 

right answer was Kerri James 

of Llanharan who identified the 

property as the one belonging 

to Mr.Danny James on Brynna 

Road, which is situated opposite 

the building which houses 

Phillips Engineering. 

Congratulations Kerri – you are 

very observant! 

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY 

The community of Brynna 

and further afield gathered at 

the War Memorial, St.Peter’s 

Church on Sunday, 9th 

November “to commemorate 

the contribution and sacrifice 

of Military and Civilian service 

men and women in the two 

World wars and later conflicts”. 

The service was officiated by 

Mr.Neville Thomas. The last 

post was played by Mr.Robert 

Sweet. 

After the two minute silence, 

wreaths were laid by the British 

Legion, RCT Council, Llanharan 

Community Council, Brynna 

Community Centre, Brynna 

Brownies, Brynna Rainbows and 

Brynna Junior Football Club. 

A service was to follow at the 

Methodist Church in Brynna. 

NOSTALGIA 

This month’s photograph has 

been sent to me by Stephen 

and Ann Ellis of William Street, 

Brynna and it features their pet 

dog, Pepper, who is a Springer 

Spaniel. Pepper was born in 

November, 1998 and has just 

had his 16th birthday. 

Although Pepper is deaf and his 

eyesight is very poor, he is still 

very active and depending on 

the weather likes going for his 

daily walk. However, even more 

remarkable is that Peppar’s two 

brothers and sister are still alive 

and we believe are still living in 

Brynna. 

If anyone can give me more 

information, please get in 

touch. 

SEASON’S 

GREETINGS 

May I wish all the 

readership a very 


and a Peaceful and 

Prosperous New Year 

Roger K Turner 

County Borough Councilor 

01656 863045 

Opening Hours 

Tues, Wed & Fri 9.30am - 6pm 

Thur 9.30am - 7pm 

Sat 8.30am - 4pm 

Ample Parking Facilities 

UP-STAIRS 

01443 224032

Llanharry 

Community Centre 

PLAYBOX 

CHILD CARE 

2 TO 4 YEARS OF AGE 

Mon to Fri 9:30am - 11:29am 

(£4.50 per session or £20 for the week) 

Contact Sue on 07949 976377 

Parent and 

Toddler Group 

Mon, Wed and Fri – 12:30pm - 2:30pm 

(£2.00 per session) 

Contact Lucy on 07976 505725 

Kangoo Jumps 

The fun way to fitness 

Monday between 6pm and 7pm 

Price £5 includes boot hire 

Contact Tamika on 07807 015404 

What‛s On 

ITF 

Taekwon-Do 

ADULT CLASSES 

Wed and Fri - 7:00pm - 8:00pm 

JUNIOR CLASSES 

(Boys and Girls 8 - 12 years of age) 

Wed and Fri - 6:00pm - 7:00pm 

LIL DRAGONS CLASSES 

(Boys and Girls 5 - 7 years of age) 

Tue - 6:00pm - 7:00pm 

Contact Gary on 07731 090305 

Slimming World 

Thur 5:30pm – 7:30pm 

Contact Ceri on 07929 958712 

Ballet 

3 YEARS AND UP 

Wed – 3:45pm – 5:15pm 

Contact Ela on 07764 479663 

The Community Centre is also available for parties and private functions. 

To book the Centre please Contact 

Sue on 07949 976377 or Barry on 07768 100210 

Holiday Play Schemes run by LCDP - Contact Sian on 01443 229723 

The Centre caters for residents of Llanharry and there are 

spaces for new groups to utilize this important facility. 

Please contact Barry on 07768 100210 

Llanharry and 

Tylagarw 

LLANHARI PRIMARY SCHOOL 

On Friday 14th November 

“Children in Need Day” 

the children dressed up 

to the theme of “Be A Hero” 

to raise money for worthwhile 

causes. They raised £163.20, 

well done to all concerned, 

especially Parents, Grand 

Parents and Carers in producing 

such wonderful costumes. 

The PTA held a very successful 

Halloween Disco at the end of 

last term raising around £250. 

The Headteacher Mrs Coates 

wishes to thank everyone 

involved and is most grateful 

to the PTA for raising funds 

throughout the year for these 

much needed “extras” they 

have paid for busses, for “The 

Trim Trail” and new planters for 

the yard. 

The Christmas Fete promises to 

be really exciting. It is planned 

for the 6th December 10:00am 

– midday. There will be craft 

stalls as well as Santa, a range 

of activities such as lucky dip, 

name the teddy and balloon 

bursting. 

The Headteacher has asked 

me to mention the new weekly 

cookery classes for parents on 

Wednesdays, “Christmas Bakes 

are the starting topic. 

School Dates for your Diary in 

December 

3rd Llandaff Cathedral Choir 

Performance 

4th Lads and Dads 

Christmas Quiz 

5th Class 6 Assembly 

for Parents 

6th PTA Christmas Fete 

8th – 11th Concert Week 

11th Coffee Morning – 

E Safety with PC Louise 

12th Christmas Jumper day 

12th Christmas Dinner Day 

15th Christmas Carol Service in 

the Church (Juniors) 

20th till 4th Jan 

Christmas Holidays 

ST ILLTYDS CHURCH 

Christmas Child Shoe box 

appeal has been exyended 

to the 3rd December. Please 

return to either the Church Hall 

or Cath Jenkins. 

Dates for your Diary 

7th December Sunday – Bishop 

David will be taking the 

Service at 10:15am. This is an 

opportunity to show him how 

much our Church is valued in 

the Community. Everybody is 

welcome. 

Also on the 7th there will be 

a Concert in the Church with 

the Minniesingers Choir with 

great Soloist Dyfed Wynne Evan 

(WNO) Baritone. Tickets £5 

available from Meryn or Averill 

on 01443 222771. To include a 

mince pie and a glass of mulled 

wine. (All profits to go to the 

restoration fund) 

9th and 23rd December Coffee 

mornings in the Church Hall 

21st December Sunday Carol 

Service at 3:00pm Coffee, tea 

and a mince pie afterwards 

Christmas Services: 

24th December Wednesday – 

Christmas Eve 4:00pm 

Family Crib Service – Christmas 

Evening Service will be 

at 6:00pm instead of the 

traditional Midnight Service. 

Thursday 25th December 

Christmas Day Morning Service 

at 10:15am. 

FESTIVAL OF REMEMBRANCE 

On Friday evening the 7th 

November I attended the 

British Legion Remembrance 

Service at Llanharan Rugby 

Club also in attendance was 

Huw Irrancca Davies MP, 

Janice Gregory AM, Borough 

Councillors Geraint Hopkins 

and Roger Turner, Chairman 

of the Community Council 

Chris Parker and Community 

Councillor Jeff Williams. 

We were entertained by the 

children of four Schools, 

Llanharan Primary, Brynnau 

Primary, Llanharry Primary and 

Dolau Primary.who all sang and 

performed extremely well. 

On Sunday 9th November 

I attended the Service at 

Llanharry War Memorial 

following the Service of 

remembrance at st Illtyds 

Church. 

LLANTRISANT ROTARY 

Santa’s Sleigh is currently 

being made ready for Father 

Christmas to visit Llanharry, 

Pontyclun, Talbot Green and 

around Llantrisant raising funds 

for worthy causes. Keep a look 

out for posters advertising 

times. 

S N I P P A Z 

BARBER SHOP 

LLANHARAN SQUARE 

Appointments not necessary 

Open Mon & Fri 9.15 - 5.00 

Tues 2.00 - 7.00 Thur 9.15 - 7.00 

Sat 9.15 - 4.00 (closed Wed) 

Tel 01443 223642 

EAR 

PIERCING 

There are still some tickets left 

for the Business Persons Lunch 

on the 5th December. It will 

be held at the Pontyclun Rugby 

Club at 12 noon for 1:00pm. 

Contact Rotarian Gwyn James 

on 01443 222605 for details 

and tickets 

LLANHARRY COMMUNITY 

CENTRE 

PLAYBOX AND PARENT AND 

TODDLER GROUPS 

Playbox welcomed two new 

staff members, Cheryl and Kate 

who are both highly qualified 

experienced Child Care 

Workers. 

I would like to say a huge thank 

you to RCT Officers Mike Cued 

and Rino Benedictus who have 

provided us with the new 

enclosed play area outside the 

Centre. 

The Parent and Toddler Group 

has taken off well. A big thank 

you to Lucy for getting it off 

the ground. It runs Monday, 

Wednesday and Friday 

afternoons. 

Coming soon 

Starting after Christmas on 

a Monday evening a Fitness 

Group (see inset picture) 

An amazing pair of bouncing 

boots – which turn you into 

a human kangaroo – look 

set to be the most bizarre 

fitness trend. Featuring a 

spring-loaded sole, the minitrampolines 

for your feet were 

initially invented to help people 

recover from sports injuries 

by taking away the impact 

of running on their joints. 

But now they’re a fun way of 

enjoying all the benefits of a 

tough gym or aerobics workout 

– without anyone bawling ‘no 

pain, no gain’ in your face. 

Kangoo Jumps, the fun way to 

fitness, is starting at Llanharry 

Community Centre every 

Monday between 6pm and 

7pm. Price £5 includes boot 

hire, so no excuses for not 

giving it a try. Places strictly 

limited, so book now!!!! 

Contact Tamika on 

07807015404 

DEPUTY MAYOR EVENTS 

ATTENDED 

On the 4th November Barbara 

and I attended the 90th year 

celebrations of Aberdare 

Rotary Club which was held at 

Ty Newydd Country Hotel. It 

was attended by two Deputy 

Lord Lieutenants and other 

distinguished guests. 

On the 6th November Barbara 

and I attended the long service 

presentation evening at the 

South Wales Fire and Rescue 

Service Headquarters at 

Llantrisant. 

Distinguished Guests included 

The Lord Lieutenant Mrs Kate 

Thomas CVO JP The High 

Sheriff of Mid Glam Mrs E 

Singer GL Unity authority 

Mayors and Mayoress’s 

Members of the Fire and 

Rescue Authority Officers and 

Heads of Departments 

It was hosted by the the 

chairman of the fire rescue 

authority Cllr D Tudor Davies 

and the Chief Fire Officer Huw 

Jakeway MSC IMIF ireE 

On the 14th of 

November Barbara 

and I attended the Con 

Club at Penrhiwceiber 

to support a concert 

raising money for the 

British Legion. 

The following day I 

attended a memorial 

service at Penrhiwceiber 

and laid a wreath at the 

War Memorial on behalf 

of the County. 

During the afternoon 

of the 14th Barbara 

and I attended the 

Mayor’s Civic Sunday 

Service at St Stephens 

Church, Ystrad followed 

by a reception at the 

Sports Centre attended 

by many distinguished 

guests. 

I would like to take this 

opportunity to wish all 

residents in my ward a very 

pleasant Christmas and good 

health throughout the coming 

year. 

ADVICE SURGERIES 

Can be arranged at your 

convenience by contacting 

me by e-mail or phoning the 

telephone numbers below 

Cllr. Barry Stephens JP 

Deputy Mayor for Rhondda 

Cynon Taff 

Tel: 01656 864944 

Mob: 07768100210 

E-mail: barry@jagland.co.uk 

This article is available at www. 

barry4llanharry.com

CYNLLAN LODGE 

KENNELS 

CYNLLAN 

LODGE 

Boarding Kennels & Cattery 

Old Llanharry Road, Llanharan Member of Pet Care Trust 

Tel: 01443 226659 Fax: 01443 230857 

www.cynllanlodgekennels.co.uk 

Up to 80 dogs catered for, 

each with individual kennel 

and covered run. 

30 twin cat chalets indoors. 

Fully inoculated dogs & cats only 

ADULT OBEDIENCE TRAINING 

and PUPPY SOCIALISATION CLASSES 

start before puppy is 16 weeks old and fully vacinated 

Despite the lack of maintenance by 

RCT Council on the Old Llanharry Road 

these kennels were selected to house 

60 specialist Police Search Dogs to 

safeguard world leaders attending the 

NATO conference at Newport 

in September 14 

Proprietor Haydn Lane (M.B.I.P.D.T.) 

Over 40 years professional dog handling experience 

PONTYCLUN INSTITUTE ATHLETIC CLUB 

CHRISTMAS PANTO 

SINBAD 

THE SAILOR 

Sunday 28th December at 14.00HRS 

BINGO each Sunday 

& Monday Evening 

Why not join one of our Snooker, Darts, Skittles, 

Bridge or Bowls Teams 

Weekly Dance Classes including Afternoon Tea 

Dance, Line Dancing and Belly Dancing 

Come and try our excellent range of REAL ALES 

Various Function Rooms for hire for parties 

of up to 200 guests with catering options available 

Members and Guests of Members Only 

Membership available £10.00 

QUIZ NIGHT 

alternate Sundays at 9pm 

Pontyclun Carpets 

(Formerly of 53 Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun) 

QUALITY FLOORING 

SPECIALIST 

All types of Carpets 

and Vinyl Flooring 

Watch live sport 

on Sky TV 

Telephone 01443 222182 for more details 

Est 1984 

NEW HOME 

SELECTION 

SERVICE 

Choose your carpet or fl ooring in the 

comfort of your own home 

We have carpets and fl ooring to suit every 

budget. All work fully guaranteed 

For a prompt and personal service call 

01443 225417 FREE ESTIMATES 

mobile 07768 561003 

Full Carpet Fitting and Repair Service 

FREE WI FI 

now available 

Hi everyone 

Grants: Some more photos 

of local organisations 

receive grants from the 

Community Council. First is 

Llanharan AFC, represented 

by Mike Perkins with some 

of the team looking on and 

the second is Brynna Junior 

Football Club with some of 

the under 7’s team and their 

coaches Mathew Davey & 

Andrew Neal. The monies 

granted will be spent on new 

kit and equipment. 

Poppy Appeal: The service of 

remembrance at Llanharan 

Rugby Club on Friday 7 

November was very moving. It 

was supported by our MP Huw 

Irranca-Davies, our AM Janice 

Gregory and the Deputy Mayor 

of R.C.T. Cllr Barry Stephens 

and his wife. After the service, 

children from Brynnau, Dolau, 

Llanharry and Pontyclun 

Primary Schools, Llantrisant 

Male Voice Choir, Tunes R Us 

Llanharan Community 

Council And Llanharan 

Recreation Ground Trust 

entertained the audience with 

poignant songs, poems and 

stories about the First World 

War. A significant amount of 

money was raised on the night 

towards the appeal. (See photo 

of the children from Brynnau 

Primary School who recited 

the poem In Flanders Field …by 

Major John Macrea 

Remembrance Day: It was an 

honour and privilege for both 

myself and the Vice Chairman 

Councillor Will Thomas to 

lay wreaths on behalf of the 

Council and the Community 

at the War Memorials on 

Hillside Avenue and in Brynna 

Churchyard respectively. I was 

moved by so many people 

and organisations paying their 

respects to those of the armed 

services who have made the 

ultimate sacrifice to keep our 

communities safe throughout 

a hundred years. We shall 

remember them. 

Allotments: There are plots 

available on our Pendre Site, 

and now is the time to start 

preparing for next year’s 

planting. If you are interested 

in growing your own vegetables 

then contact the Clerk. 

RCT Austerity Measures: By 

now most people should be 

aware that Rhondda Cynon 

Taf CBC are having to cut their 

budget by £30 million + in 

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the next financial year. This is 

going to impact on the vast 

majority of non-statutory 

services such street cleaning, 

leisure facilities, play areas, 

etc The Community Council is 

now actively looking at ways in 

conjunction with RCT on how 

we can mitigate the impact 

of these potential service 

losses within our community 

by transferring such services 

to the Community Council. 

Discussions are at an early 

stage at this moment but we 

will keep you informed of 

progress. 

Llanharan Recreation Ground 

Trust: Work on the interior is 

well underway. A new heating 

system is being installed, 

along with a new false ceiling 

with appropriate insulation 

above it, new lighting using 

energy efficient tubes that will 

make the hall a lot brighter 

whilst using less electricity 

and it being redecorated 

throughout. The work is still 

on schedule to be completed 

by late November and a Grand 

Re-Opening ceremony will on 

the 6 December in conjunction 

with the Drop in Centre’s 

Christmas Fayre. The Fayre 

will have craft, food and other 

stalls along with a Santa’s 

Grotto. The Fayre will run from 

12 noon till 4:00pm with the 

opening ceremony taking place 

at approximately 3:00 pm. Our 

Member of Parliament, Huw 

Irranca-Davies along with Mr 

Ed Thomas, (Llanharan’s oldest 

resident and ex miner) will be 

on hand to do the honours. 

Christmas Dinners for the 

Senior Citizens: 

Llanharan 4th December 

and Brynna 10th December: 

Both at 12:00 for 12:30 pm at 

Llanharan Rugby Club. 

Christmas Lights: Hopefully 

when you read this article our 

Christmas Street Lights should 

by switched on as they are 

scheduled to become active on 

1 December. 

Monthly Reminders: Please 

keep your dogs off all the 

football and rugby pitches in 

the community and also clean 

up after your dog wherever 

you are. There are plenty 

of disposal bins around the 

Community so there is no 

excuse really. 

If you have an idea for a 

group activity, ask about the 

availability of the Hall. There 

is help and advice available 

on how to start up from Gill 

Richards, the Trust’s secretary 

or Sian Davies, the manager 

of the Drop In Centre plus 

lots of other sources and 

possible financial help from the 

Community Council and other 

sources to get things going. 

Useful Contacts: 

Gill Richards, Secretary, LRGT 

01443 222053 

Sian Davies, Manager, Drop 

In Centre 01443 229723 

Email: llanharancommunity@ 

btconnect.com 

Peter Davies, Clerk to 

Llanharan Community Council 

01443 231430 Email: admin@ 

llanharancc.co.uk 

Future Meetings 

The next Council Meeting will 

be on Thursday 18 December 

at either Llanharan Drop in 

Centre or Llanharan Welfare 

Hall. Please check Council 

notice boards nearer the date 

for the chosen location. 

A reminder that the Minutes of 

the Council’s meetings can be 

found at our office in the Drop 

In Centre, at the local Post 

Offices and on our web site 

www.llanharancc.co.uk 

Any compliments or complaints 

please contact me or Peter 

Davies, Clerk to Llanharan 

Community Council 01443 

231430 Email: admin@ 

llanharancc.co.uk. 

May I on behalf of the 

Community Council, take this 

opportunity to wish everyone 

a peaceful and contented 

Christmas and especially at 

this time of year please give a 

thought or better still an act of 

kindness to those less fortunate 

than yourselves. 

Cllr Chris Parker 

Chairman of Llanharan 

Community Council 

Chairman of Llanharan 

Recreation Ground Trust 

Tel: 01443 237243 

Mobile: 07737 682633 

email chris.parker@achievez. 

co.uk 

S 

Sharon 

Hairstylist and Makeup Artist 

Qualified in all aspects of hair and makeup 

including Balmain hair extensions 

Providing a professional, friendly and affordable service 

in the comfort of your own home 

Please call or text on 07796146966 

Email:sh82@hotmail.co.uk

New Year, New Skills, New Career 

Train to carry out 

Electrical Wiring in houses! 

Improve on your existing skills and 

knowledge of Electrical Installation 

Amendment 3 to the Regulations 

to be published soon! 

Update yourself and book your course now! 

Janice Gregory 

AM backs the 

shopworkers’ 

call for respect 

Janice Gregory AM has 

backed Usdaw, the 

shopworkers’ trade union, 

at the launch of its 2014 

Respect for Shopworkers 

week. The union’s Freedom 

from Fear campaign seeks to 

prevent violence, threats and 

abuse against shopworkers. 

A change in the law to give 

them better protection against 

assault is central to the 

campaign. 

Union leader John Hannett 

has pointed out that his 

members are required to 

enforce the laws. “Whether 

that is preventing under-age 

purchases of products like 

knives, tobacco or alcohol, 

or detaining shoplifters until 

the police arrive, they can be 

put in real danger. Parliament 

has given shopworkers the 

duty to enforce the law and 

Parliament should provide the 

necessary protection.” 

Usdaw activists 

in shops and 

supermarkets across 

Wales are holding 

campaign events to 

urge colleagues and 

customers to back 

a change in the law 

to provide stiffer 

sentences for those 

who assault workers 

serving the public. 

They are also 

reminding customers 

to ‘Keep Your Cool 

at Christmas’, a time 

when frustration can lead 

violence and abuse against 

shopworkers to peak.. 

Janice Gregory AM said “It 

is shocking that another 

shopworker is assaulted 

every minute of every 

day. The leniency of some 

of the sentences handed 

out is unacceptable. We 

need a stronger law which 

sends a clear message that 

such behaviour will not be 

tolerated and encourages 

shopworkers to come forward 

and report attacks. Sadly the 

problems are often worst 

at this time of year when 

customers are stressed and 

shops are at their busiest. I 

am happy to join Usdaw in 

urging people to show respect 

for shopworkers and to ‘Keep 

your cool at Christmas’.” 

Usdaw Divisional Officer Nick 

Ireland said: 

“It was great to see the 

support from AMs at our 

Welsh launch in the Assembly. 

Like us they want to want to 

send a clear message that 

enough is enough and the 

UK Government needs to act 

to protect workers who are 

serving the public. 

Janice Gregory with USDAW representatives 

(left to right) Rose Bevan, Bryony Hamblin, 

Nick Ireland, David Woodhams, Janet Spillane. 

WATCH BATTERIES 

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Watch Batteries Fitted 

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CALL - 07974 248369 

A New Lease 

of Life 

RCT has given the goahead 

for a partnership 

of local arts, cultural 

and community groups to 

take over the management 

of the Muni Arts Centre in 

Pontypridd. 

The New Muni Working 

Group, which is made 

up of local arts group 

ArtisCommunity, Pontypridd’s 

Town Council, Welsh cultural 

group Cylch Cymraeg and the 

Coalfields Regeneration Trust, 

submitted a comprehensive 

business plan to RCT 

proposing to maintain and 

expand the Muni as a centre 

for the performing and 

creative arts and local culture, 

and are delighted to have won 

the approval of the Council to 

take the project forward. 

More than 150 people came 

through the doors of the Muni 

to offer ideas and support 

at our Open Consultation 

Day, and this dedication to 

our much-loved venue has 

been rewarded! The proposal 

that is now being considered 

was made stronger through 

this consultation and will be 

developed in response to 

the people and community 

organisations who have 

committed support. This 

growing network is creating 

a very exciting future for the 

Muni and the cultural growth 

of people in Pontypridd and 

across RCT. 

The proposal seeks to reestablish 

the Muni as a 

Community Driven facility 

that will not only host arts 

and cultural events as before, 

providing a venue for the 

community to come together, 

but also encourage a wide 

range of other activities, from 

enterprise support to better 

health. 

Local Member of Parliament, 

Owen Smith, who helped 

bring the groups together, 

said: 

“I’ve always believed the 

Muni could be maintained 

as a going concern by the 

community and I’m delighted 

the Council has agreed to give 

us that chance. 

“The working group has 

already done some fantastic 

work building support and 

partnerships to sustain a New 

Muni and I will continue to 

offer them every bit of help I 

can to revitalise the Muni and 

make it the regional centre for 

Arts and Culture that we all 

know it can be. 

“It’s already clear that, at 

its heart, there will be a 

continued concentration on 

music, dance, theatre the 

arts and on engaging young 

people. However, the ethos 

of the project is to deliver 

a centre and a programme 

that meets the needs and 

aspirations of the community, 

so I have no doubt that 

further dialogue, consultation 

and partnership with local 

people will be essential to its 

success.” 

The hard work now begins and 

the doors need to be opened 

soon! As we undertake further 

research, carry out surveys 

and take the first steps to 

establishing the new Muni, 

we will need our community 

to work with us. Many have 

already offered their time 

and expertise and we will be 

contacting you, but this is 

not exclusive! New ideas can 

always be considered and 

welcomed. 

We are hopeful that, 

providing the discussions 

with RCT go well, we will be 

able to re-open the doors 

to the community in the 

very near future as a new 

hub for culture, enjoyment, 

socialising, participation and 

learning! 

If you are interested in being 

involved, you can send ideas 

and contact details at www. 

muniartscentre.com or 

contact rob@iantomusic.co.uk 

Gez TAXIS 

L L A N H A R A N 

4, 6 & 8 SEATERS 

For a prompt reliable service 

01443 224 777

Christmas Quiz 

It’s that time of year again and 

in the spirit of Christmas our 

generosity knows no bounds 

as we offer 2 prizes! The 

winner, who in the event of a 

tie will be decided by a draw, 

will receive a M&S voucher 

to the value of £25 and the 

runner up a M&S voucher to 

the value of £10. The editor’s 

decision is final and we take 

absolutely no responsibility 

for any mistakes, Good luck 

and send your entries by 12th 

December to: 

The District Diary 

32 Chapel Road 

Llanharan 

Mid Glamorgan 

CF72 9QB 

or email: 

districtdiary@btinternet.com 

Christmas film anagrams: 

1. Rash truth scraim 2011 (2) 

2. Stan daba 2003 (2) 

3. Tough rich shrewdness 

stormiest clash 2000 (7) 

4. Ion handily 1942 (2) 

5. Gently jail whale 1996 (4) 

6. Non optimal as loan artists 

manic havoc 1989 (4) 

7. Core dogs 1988 (1) 

8. Now strifeful ideal 1946 (4) 

9. 34 Ethical tormenters 1947 

(4) 

10. This warm ethics 1954 (2) 

11. Compact heartless 

triumph 1992 (4) 

12. A halt acuteness 1994 (3) 

Christmas songs Initial Letters 

13. HYAMLC 

14. WW 

15. SCICTT 

16. WC 

17. LISLISLIS 

18. JBR 

19. RTRNR 

20. RATCT 

21. FTS 

22. ISMKSC 

23. SB 

24. TLDB 

Who sang these Christmas 

UK hits 

25. All I Want for Christmas Is 

You 1994 

26. Last Christmas 1984 

27. Fairytale of New York 1987 

28. Merry Xmas Everybody 

1973 

29. White Christmas 1940 

30. Driving Home for 

Christmas 1988 

31. Walking in the Air 1982 

32. 21st Century Christmas 

2006 

33. Don’t Shoot Me Santa 

2007 

34. Father Christmas Do Not 

Touch Me 1974 

35. Have a Cheeky Christmas 

2003 

36. I Believe in Father 

Christmas 1975 

37. I Wish It Could Be 

Christmas Everyday 1973 

38. Mary’s Boy Child 1957 

39. Peace on Earth/Little 

Drummer Boy 1982 

40. What Are We Gonna Get 

‘Er Indoors (Interpolating “In 

The Bleak Mid-Winter”) 1983 

Giles Gallery 

Art Exhibition 

Giles Gallery Art Students 

will be holding an exhibition of their work 

at Giles Gallery, Old Methodist Church, 

Pontyclun CF72 9EG 

Under the guidance of tutor Beth Giles 

each student has produced a 

remarkable piece of art work. 

So come along to the exhibition which 

runs from Saturday 6th Dec to Christmas 

Eve and see for yourselves what wealth of 

talent we have in and around Pontyclun. 

Giles Gallery is open Tues to Sat 10am to 5pm 

01443228638/07879035921 

E-mail: midglamorganmixedchoir@outlook.com 

Mobile: Karen 07866 810579 

Quiz answers 

Our November quiz was won 

by Miss L Liddell of Talbot 

Green who will receive a M&S 

voucher for £20. Thank you 

to everyone that entered, it 

seemed to be a popular quiz. 

The answers are as below: 

1. Sherlock Holmes 

2. Hercule Poirot 

3. Magnum PI 

4. Taggart 

5. The Saint 

6. Danger Man 

7. Dempsey & Makepeace 

8. Broadchurch 

9. Van der Valk 

10. Z Cars 

11. Wycliffe 

Shop ‘Till You 

Drop With FREE 

Festive Parking 

Shop ‘till you drop this 

Christmas as Rhondda 

Cynon Taf Council is 

offering its shoppers FREE 

parking in all of its Pay and 

Display car parks throughout 

December. 

This special festive treat will 

certainly take the hassle out 

of Christmas for shoppers – 

Council owned / managed car 

parks are FREE after 10am for 

the entire month of December 

- from 1st December until 31st 

December (inclusive). 

All vehicles must display a 

valid parking ticket or permit 

until 10am and disabled 

people can continue to park 

free at all times in designated 

disabled bays when they 

display their ‘blue badge’. 

So for all the festive fun and 

seasonal shopping, Rhondda 

Cynon Taf’s town centres 

have got Christmas shopping 

covered. 

The town centres are home to 

some unique shops that offer 

visitors the opportunity to find 

one-off, special gifts for all the 

family. 

12. New Tricks 

13. A Touch Of Frost 

14. John Steed 

15. Inspector Lynley 

16. Ironside 

17. Jonathan Creek 

18. Inspector Morse 

19. Hart to Hart 

20. Hamish Macbeth 

21. The Detectives 

22. George Dixon 

23. Bergerac 

24. Cagney & Lacey 

25. Callan 

26. McMillan & Wife 

27. Moonlighting 

28. Police Squad / Naked 

GunMiss 

29. Diagnosis: Murder 

30. Hazell 

As you stroll along the 

streets its clear to see why 

so many shoppers head to 

the eight town centres every 

year. After all that shopping, 

why not relax in the various 

restaurants and cafes that the 

towns have to offer. 

If that’s not enough to help 

you find that perfect present, 

many of the towns boast 

traditional indoor and weekly 

outdoor markets that offer a 

wealth of stalls, selling a wide 

range of unusual items. 

County Borough Councillor 

Andrew Morgan, Leader of the 

Council said: 

“Over recent years we have 

been keen to provide traders 

in our town centres with 

a boost by providing free 

parking in the run up to 

Christmas. 

“Cabinet Members and 

I appreciate just how 

important the festive season 

is for traders and that is 

why this year we committed 

to fund the increased free 

Christmas parking initiative 

for all of December through a 

reduction in our salaries. 

We hope many residents 

and visitors will take this 

opportunity to park for free 

and enjoy visiting our town 

centres this Christmas.” 

Christmas 

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind. 

To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to 

have the real spirit of Christmas. Calvin Coolidge 

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, 

everything is softer and more beautiful. Norman Vincent Peale 

Christmas is a season for kindling the fire for hospitality in the 

hall, the genial flame of charity in the heart. Washington Irving 

Christmas music 

EARLY 

Music was an early 

feature of the 

Christmas season and 

its celebrations. The earliest 

chants, litanies, and hymns 

were Latin works intended 

for use during the church 

liturgy, rather than popular 

songs. The 13th century saw 

the rise of the carol written 

in the vernacular, under the 

influence of Francis of Assisi. 

In the Middle Ages, the English 

combined circle dances with 

singing and called them carols. 

Later, the word carol came 

to mean a song in which a 

Sign Up For 

Santa Run 

Get into the festive 

spirit and sign up for 

Rhondda Cynon Taf 

Council’s annual Santa Run. 

It promises to be a fantastic 

warm-up event ahead of the 

world-famous Nos Galan Road 

Races in Mountain Ash on 

New Year’s Eve. 

More than 400 participants 

took part in the ‘Santa 

Spectacular’ last year…all 

dressed in their red suits! 

The Santa Run, complete 

with a Christmas Market, 

takes place at the Dare Valley 

Country Park, Aberdare, on 

Sunday, December 7. 

Open to all ages and abilities, 

there will be two events taking 

place on the day - a 5km 

Santa Run and a 2km Santa 

Family Santa Race (suitable 

and accessible for wheelchair 

users). 

All those who take part 

will get a Santa suit and all 

finishers will get a hot drink 

and a mince pie. All junior 

religious topic is treated in a 

style that is familiar or festive. 

From Italy, it passed to France 

and Germany, and later to 

England. Christmas carols 

in English first appear in a 

1426 work of John Audelay, 

a Shropshire priest and 

poet, who lists 25 “caroles 

of Cristemas”, probably sung 

by groups of wassailers, who 

went from house to house. 

Music in itself soon became 

one of the greatest tributes 

to Christmas, and Christmas 

music includes some of the 

noblest compositions of the 

great musicians. 

PURITAN PROHIBITION 

During the Commonwealth 

of England government 

finishers will also be presented 

with a medal. 

Prior to the races, all of the 

Santa participants will be put 

through their paces by fitness 

instructor Suzi Hopkins and 

the Fit2Dance Group. 

Cllr Ann Crimmings, Cabinet 

Member for Environment, 

Leisure and Sport, said: “This 

is a fantastic way to get into 

the spirit of Christmas, while 

at the same time getting fit in 

the wonderful surroundings of 

the Dare Valley Country Park. 

“There are two events taking 

place on the day, one suitable 

for all the family as well as for 

wheelchair users. 

The Santa Run and Family 

Santa Race, complete with a 

Christmas Market, takes place 

at the Dare Valley Country 

Park, Aberdare, on Sunday, 

December 7. 

Registration opens at 9.30am, 

with entry priced £6 (Adults) 

and £4 (Children). To book 

your place call 01685 874672. 

For further details call the 

Council’s Events team on 

01443 424123 or visit www. 

rctcbc.gov.uk/whatson 

under Cromwell, the Rump 

Parliament prohibited the 

practice of singing Christmas 

carols as Pagan and sinful. Like 

other customs associated with 

popular Catholic Christianity, 

it earned the disapproval of 

Protestant Puritans. Famously, 

Cromwell’s interregnum 

prohibited all celebrations of 

the Christmas holiday. This 

attempt to ban the public 

celebration of Christmas 

can also be seen in the early 

history of Father Christmas. 

The Westminster Assembly 

of Divines established Sunday 

as the only holy day in the 

calendar in 1644. The new 

liturgy produced for the 

English church recognised 

this in 1645, and so legally 

abolished Christmas. Its 

celebration was declared an 

offence by Parliament in 1647. 

There is some debate as to 

the effectiveness of this ban, 

and whether or not it was 

enforced in the country. 

Puritans generally disapproved 

of the celebration of 

Christmas—a trend which 

continually resurfaced in 

Europe and the USA through 

the eighteenth, nineteenth 

and twentieth centuries. 

ROYAL RESTORATION 

When in May 1660 Charles 

II restored the Stuarts to the 

throne, the people of England 

once again practiced the 

public singing of Christmas 

carols as part of the revival 

of Christmas customs, 

sanctioned by the king’s own 

celebrations. William Sandys’s 

Christmas Carols Ancient and 

Modern (1833), contained 

the first appearance in print 

of many now-classic English 

carols, and contributed to 

the mid-Victorian revival of 

the holiday. Singing carols 

in church was instituted on 

Christmas Eve 1880 (Nine 

Lessons and Carols) in Truro 

Cathedral, Cornwall, England, 

which is now seen in churches 

all over the world. 

ALMS 

The tradition of singing 

Christmas carols in return 

for alms or charity began in 

England in the seventeenth 

century after the Restoration. 

Town musicians or ‘waits’ 

were licensed to collect 

money in the streets in 

the weeks preceding 

Christmas, the custom spread 

throughout the population 

by the eighteenth and 

nineteenth centuries up to 

the present day. Also from 

the seventeenth century, 

there was the English custom, 

predominantly involving 

women, of taking a ‘wassail 

bowl’ round their neighbours 

to solicit gifts, accompanied 

by carols. Despite this long 

history, almost all surviving 

Christmas carols date only 

from the nineteenth century 

onwards, with the exception 

of some traditional folk songs 

such as “God Rest You Merry 

Gentlemen”, “As I Sat on a 

Sunny Bank” and “The Holly 

and the Ivy.” 

Cantorion (Pontyclun) Ladies Choir 

are holding a Community Carol Concert 

at St David’s Church Miskin 

at 7pm on 18th December 

All are welcome. 

For information contact Ann Dunstan 02920 892570 

E-mail: midglamorganmixedchoir@outlook.com 

Mobile: Karen 07866 810579 

“I heard the bells on Christmas Day 

Their old, familiar carols play, 

And wild and sweet 

The words repeat 

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!” 

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Residents urged 

to have their 

say in new 

consultation 

Residents are once again 

being given the chance 

to have their say on the 

services that matter the most, 

as Rhondda Cynon Taf Council 

opens its general budget 

consultation.People have 

until December 17 to provide 

feedback on the range of 

services the Council delivers, 

how they feel about life in 

their community and what 

improvements they would like 

to see to their local area. 

Each and every view provided 

via this consultation is used 

by the Council to shape 

service delivery and service 

improvement and also 

provides essential information 

the authority considers when 

setting Council Tax levels. 

The consultation is open to 

all residents, businesses and 

stakeholders and the Council 

is keen to secure as wide a 

range of views as possible. 

Importantly, the general 

budget survey which is online 

now, is separate from the 

ongoing, specific consultations 

currently taking place in 

relation to proposed service 

changes as a result of the 

Budget Challenge. 

Cllr Andrew Morgan, Leader 

of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, 

said: “We are striving to 

engage with as many people 

as possible in order to help 

ensure our priorities reflect 

those of the communities we 

serve. 

“The annual budget 

consultation is a chance for 

us to engage with residents 

from all walks of life on how 

they feel about services, 

investment and life in their 

communities. 

“This survey, which forms 

part of ongoing, general 

consultation, allows us to 

identify the services that 

matter the most and ensure 

spending and investment is 

targeted in the most effective 

and efficient manner. 

“Unfortunately, Council 

Tax increases are always a 

consideration for us as a 

Council and the essential 

feedback we secure from 

budget consultation allows us 

to gauge public feeling around 

small increases in Council 

Tax set against protection of, 

or continued investment in, 

priority services. 

“In these unprecedented 

financial times, engagement 

with residents is now more 

important than ever before 

and I urge people to take a 

few minutes to get involved.” 

You can complete the general 

budget consultation online 

now on the Budget Challenge 

Page 

Warning over 

bogus charity 

collectors 

Rhondda Cynon Taf Trading 

Standards and Licensing 

Departments are warning 

residents to be vigilant against 

door-to-door charity collectors 

who appear to be operating 

within the County Borough 

and posing as a charity. 

The collectors are advising 

that they are collecting ‘in 

association for the Deaf, Mute 

and handicapped people and 

would like to build a new 

national and international 

centre for the deaf and the 

mute people’. 

You can also find servicespecific 

change proposals and 

consultations on this page. 

If you would like the survey 

to be sent to you, you can 

contact 01443 424014 or 

email the Consultation Team 

Find the latest news and 

developments by following us 

@RCTCouncil 

However, the collectors do not 

carry anything that identifies 

who they are collecting for 

and are unable to produce 

any identification proving that 

either they or the charity is 

legitimate. If the callers are 

from a legitimate charity, then 

they would be prepared to 

provide the correct details in 

order that checks could be 

carried out to confirm who 

they are and who they are 

working for. 

During the cold call the 

collector is asking for cash 

on the doorstep and then 

recording the details of the 

sale on their own list. In some 

instances they have cold called 

after 8 o’clock in the evening. 

Jenkins Equine and Farm Feeds 

A huge range of EQUINE FEEDS, 

SUPPLEMENTS, CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES 

Spillers, Bailey’s, Top Spec, Dodson & Horrell, Allen & Page, 

Rowan Barbary, Charnwood, Havens, Coolstance, Dengie, Molli Chaff. 

Shavings, Flax, Verdo, Miscanthus Bedding etc. 

A good range of DOG FOOD, 

Dried & Tinned….Skinners, Waggs, Burns, 

Dr John, Arkwright, Bakers, Chudleys, 

Vitalin, Omega, Dylan etc. 

CAT FOOD Dried & Tinned 

PIGEON FEEDS 

& ACCESSORIES 

A good range of FARM FEEDS… 

Layers Pellets, Mixed Corn, Oats, Barley, Wheat, 

Sugarbeet, Sow Rolls, Goat Mix, Cow Mix etc. 

Rabbit Food, Chick Crumbs, Budgie, 

Peanuts, Wild Bird Seed, Mixed Grit etc. 

All by the bag or by the kilo. 

Call in for a friendly welcome Other feeds can also be ordered 

Hepworth Business Park, Coed Cae Lane, Pontyclun CF72 9DX 

(Second industrial estate on your right when travelling down Coed Cae Lane) 

Opening Hours: 

Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5.30pm 

Sat 8.30am - 4.00 pm Sun closed 

COUNTRY 

GIFTS 

FOR CHRISTMAS 

Look us up 

on Facebook 

01443 

223268 

DUN ’N’ DUSTED 

CLEANING SERVICES 

Friendly, reliable, local service 

Fully insured 

Weekly, fortnightly monthly or 

one off clean the choice is yours 

Call for free no obligation quote 

Tel: 

01443 238797 

Mob: 

07876083084 

LEATHER AND CARPET CLEANING now also available 

Email dunndusted@live.co.uk 

L 

LYNN WOOLLS DSA.ADI 

L 

LEARN WITH LYNN S.O.M 

Learn in a BMW MINI Cooper D 

PASS PLUS REGISTERED 

Driving Experience for under 17 yr olds 

1 hr. 1 1 /2 & 2hr Lessons. Block bookings 

Help with theory test 

www. Lynnwoolls.co.uk 

L 

email: driving@lynnwoolls.co.uk 

L 

01443 238714 / 07786296965

Pencoed 

Gardening 

Association 

The Best Kept Secret in 

Pencoed 

Pencoed Gardening 

Association started off in 

an old Railway Truck in 

the late 60s, early 70s, when 

several local gardeners got 

together and decided that by 

purchasing garden fertilisers, 

chemicals, seeds and 

composts in bulk they could 

save some money. 

In the 1970’s building on the 

organisation’s initial success 

they approached the local 

Council and were gifted a 

small plot of land to build a 

premises to take the ‘Club’ 

a little further (as the old 

railway truck was now in a 

sorry state). 

During early 2014 a few of the 

organisers of the Association 

due to failing-health were 

struggling to keep the 

Association going and it was 

decided to run-it-down unless 

others could be found to keep 

it going. 

Anyway, a new set of 

organisers stepped in and rebuilt 

on the hard-work of their 

predecessors and are happy 

to report that the Association 

appears again to be thriving, 

despite the rumours that it 

had closed-down. Far from 

it, they are even extending 

the opening hours so that 

instead of only being open 

on a Sunday morning 10am 

to 12noon (first Sunday in 

each month throughout the 

year – each Sunday from Feb. 

to Oct.), they are intending 

opening on a Wednesday 

evening (5.30 to 6.30 during 

the growing period (March- 

June)). 

We are situated just above 

the New Surgery off Penprysg 

Road alongside the traffic 

lights – just look for the red 

doors. 

The Association is a not-forprofit 

“Club” for the benefit of 

local gardeners and allotment 

holders, where for a £1.00 

annual membership you 

can purchase most of your 

garden needs at very much 

discounted prices. 

The “Club” always welcomes 

new members and needs your 

support if you are a gardener 

in the Pencoed or surrounding 

areas – don’t keep it a secret - 

pass it on. 

RJC Flooring 

Carpet Fitting Specialist 

Based in Pontyclun with over 25 years experience 

First Class, Friendly Service 

Able to both Supply and Fit Carpet and Flooring 

at Competitive Prices 

Please phone Richard on 07817 920032 

to arrange a FREE measure and quote 

Mark M. Rees MCHs. 

STATE REGISTERED CHIROPODIST 

Sunningdale, Coychurch Road, Pencoed 

EVENING APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE 

Telephone 01656 860509 

Learning made fun! 

Musical Minis is a pre-school 

fun time music group for babies 

and toddlers. Each structured session encourages cognitive, 

physical and emotional development through the use of music, 

instruments and stories in a relaxed group atmosphere. 

Please contact: Jo Weaving 01446 733788 

www.musicalminis.co.uk Parties also catered for 

Surgeries 

Huw Irranca-Davies Member of Parliament for Ogmore 

Surgeries are by appointment only and constituents will need 

to contact the Constituency Office and Advice Centre, 

Unit 2, 112-113 Commercial Street, Maesteg CF34 9DL. 

Tel: 01656 737777. 

Email: irrancadaviesh@parliament.uk. 

Website: www.huwirranca-davies.org.uk 

Phobias - Cathisophobia - thaasophobia – fear of sitting 

Chaetophobia – fear of hair Chionophobia – fear of snow 

Penrhos Care Home 

Local family run home established 

for over 25 years on your doorstep 

A purpose built Care Home for the elderly, 

situated off Main Rd, Llantwit Fardre. 

24 Hour Care 

Ground Floor Accomodation to all rooms 

Special Diets Catered For 

Social Activities (Bingo, Quizzes, Church Visits, Mobile 

Library, Outside Trips & In House Entertainment 

Visiting Hairdresser, Chiropodist, Optician, Dentist, GPs 

Lawned Garden & Patio 

Respite Short Term Bookings if available 

For further information or a 

home brochure, contact Nicola on 

01443 206329 

www.penrhoscarehome.co.uk 

Monday to Friday 9am-5pm 

Registered 

under the 

‘Care 

Standards 

Act’ 2000 

GET A GRIP with 

DDS DISCOUNT TYRES 

NEW & PART WORN from only £12.50 

 

 

CHEAPEST TYRES 

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TYRES EXHAUSTS SERVICING 

BATTERIES BULBS 

Over 1000 Quality German Part Worns in stock 

FULLY TESTED with FREE FITTING 

4 Wheel Laser Alignment £15 

FREE Digital Tread Depth Check 

Contracts Welcome 

All Steering & Suspension Work Undertaken 

Brake Pads Fitted from £20 

Servicing Available also Pre MOT Inspection 

MOTs Arranged from £25 

Diagnostic Checks from £20 

Call in at one of our branches at 

Llanharan or 

Coed Cae Lane, Pontyclun 

Over 30 years combined experience 

3a Bryncae Industrial Estate, Llanharan 

CF72 9RA Opposite The Bryncae Arms 

01443 223 147 

Unit 9 Cambrian Industrial Estate 

(Opposite Pontyclun Van Hire) 

01443 222 147 

www.ddstyres.co.uk 

Family run business - We aim to look after your pocket

Royal British 

Legion 

Llanharan Branch 

It’s over for another year, 

collection boxes, buckets 

and tins have been put away 

until next time. All money 

collected has been counted 

and sent to Poppy Appeal HQ. 

As some money is still to come 

in we can’t yet give a final 

total but hope to be able to do 

so next month. 

The Friday night service was, 

as usual, held with dignity 

and respect, conducted by 

our Padre, Rev B Wood, ably 

assisted by Rachael Weaver 

of Carmel Baptist Church, 

Llanharan. 

An evening’s entertainment 

followed. Among the crowded 

hall guests included Mr Huw 

Irranca-Davies MP, Janice 

Gregory AM, Cllr Barry 

Stephens Deputy Mayor of 

RCT, Geraint Hopkins Borough 

Cllr, and Chris Parker Chairman 

of Llanharan Community 

Council. 

Pupils from Pontyclun school 

opened the proceedings 

followed by pupils from 

Llanhari, Brynna and Dolau. 

The Llantrisant Male Choir 

then gave a varied and 

enjoyable programme. It 

was good to see a number 

of choristers from our own 

RFC Songsters among them. 

During a short break a raffle 

was held. The children had 

to leave early and the choir 

continued with their excellent 

programme. Many remarked 

on how good the choir 

were. Songs R Us finished 

the evening’s entertainment 

which was enjoyed by all that 

attended. 

The service at the War 

Memorial on Sunday 9th 

November was conducted by 

our Padre assisted by Rev G 

Tyson. The number of people 

present far outnumbered 

previous years as also did the 

congregation at the church 

afterwards. The opening 

hymn was accompanied by a 

brass quartet conducted by 

Mr Simon Gray. The Last Post 

was sounded followed by a 2 

minute silence and Reveille 

during which time the Legion 

Promise and the Kohema 

Epitaph were read followed by 

Sunset. 

28 wreaths were laid by 

various organisations which 

included our AM, MP, Borough 

and Community councils. Both 

anthems were played which 

ended a service any village can 

be proud of. 

Thank you to everyone that 

attended and to all the local 

shops that allowed us to place 

our collecting tins in their 

premises. Also thanks to our 

small band of volunteers, the 

branch committee, the police 

for controlling the traffic and 

RCT for closing the land on the 

opposite side of the road. 

As this is the last Diary issue 

of 2014 may we wish you the 

compliments of the season, 

Nadolig Llawen A Blwyddyn 

Newydd Dda. 

LJH 

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Violin 

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Range of violin sizes available to learn on. 

Music theory lessons also offered. 

Telephone / text 07913393955 

Pencoed WI 

Saturday the 8th 

November, our Autumn 

Fayre in the Welfare Hall 

and what a morning. Most 

of us were very wet by the 

time we had unloaded the 

cars but steam dried rushing 

around setting up stalls. 

Despite the weather people 

did come and with the rain 

clearing later in the morning 

we did quite well. We would 

like to thank Richard Roberts 

Butchers, Phil Roberts Fruit 

& Veg (Friday morning in 

Social Club car park), Pencoed 

carpets, Crumbs and Bloomin’ 

Bethel Baptist 

Church 

Heol Miskin, Pontyclun 

Bethel is a busy Church 

Centre with, many 

Church and 

Community Groups using it 

every week. We are also a 

base for ‘Foodbank’ & ‘CAP’. 

You will receive a very warm 

welcome at any of our church 

activities and services. 

Our regular weekly 

programme is as follows: 

MON: 6.15-7.45pm Boys Club 

for Children. 

TUE: 2.30pm Silver Lining for 

Older People 

THUR:9.00-12.30pm Oasis 

Coffee Shop (proceeds for 

charity) 

FRI: 6.00-8.00pm Girls Club for 

Children. 

Stylish for their support and 

donations of a raffle prize. 

Thanks to all of our members 

who baked, donated tombola 

prizes and bric-a-brac, 

manned the stalls and made 

the coffee. Also thanks to the 

stall holders who attended. 

Lastly,a very big thank you to 

all who supported this year’s 

Fayre. We will be presenting 

a cheque for £500.00 to First 

Responders at our January 

meeting. 

On behalf of Pencoed W.I, I 

would like to wish you all a 

Merry Christmas, a Happy 

New Year and a healthy 2015 

Pat 

7.00-8.30pm ‘Urban Youth’ for 

years 7-9 ** 

8.00-10.00pm ‘Urban Youth’ 

for years 10+ ** 

Sun: 10.45am Family Service, 

4.00pm Traditional Service 

Over the Christmas 

celebration the following 

services are taking place 

6.00pm Sunday before 

Christmas - Carols for 

Christmas 

7.00pm Christmas Eve - Carols 

by Candle-light 

If you would like more 

information about anything 

above 

or how you can use the 

centre, please call in; or 

telephone us on 01443 

228283; or email us admin@ 

bethelpontyclun.org . You 

could look at our website: 

www.bethelpontyclun.org 

PETER ROSSER DBTh MIRCH 

REGISTERED MEDICAL HERBALIST 

Available in Brynna 

for Consultation and Treatment. 

For Appointment or Information 

Tel: Mob: 07870 380834 or 01443 228391 

Email: peter.rosser@lineone.net 

Website: www.medicinemaker.co.uk 

QUALIFIED 

CHIROPODIST 

Claire McKay MSSCh MBChA 

For a home visit call: 

07895 184 731 

SHOWROOM 

at 

UNIT 1D, HEPWORTH 

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COED CAE LANE 

PONTYCLUN CF72 9DX 

(2nd turning right in Coed Cae Lane) 

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Roman 

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Telephone 01443 237 753 

BARGAIN BLINDS 

Quality Blinds at Bargain Prices 

www.bargainblindswales.org.uk 

Become a fan on 

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pictures of our blinds 

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Pontyclun WI 

The Autumn has been 

a busy one for our 

W.I. It started with 

the Health Day for all 

W.I.s. The first speaker Dr 

Weston cardiologist gave 

us information about new 

advances in the non invasive 

ways of treating atrial 

fibrillation , replacement 

aortic valves and improving 

the action of the mitral valve. 

These procedures will be for 

specific situations. Dr. Jones 

gave us a real insight into 

the daily life of a G.P. and of 

the complexity of her role 

in health care. Mrs Stote a 

breast awareness volunteer 

was next. She herself had had 

breast cancer and Mrs Stote 

proceeded to give us the 

latest information on myths 

and facts of this disease. 81% 

of of those diagnosed were 

over 50, and risk increases 

with age. Mrs Stote strongly 

encouraged us to be screened 

and to ask for screening even 

over 70. 

We had been sitting for a 

while so Mrs Sweatman an 

Extend teacher had us up and 

exercising for mobility and 

health .Then after lunch 

Dr. Haboubi explained why 

he thought that obesity 

was a disease .He strongly 

advocates to his patients 

the importance of exercise., 

healthy food, and importantly 

lifestyle changes. 

Mrs Perkins enlarged on what 

exactly is a healthy balanced 

diet. Mrs Perkins showed us 

a plate divided into 3 areas. 

The plate should have 50% 

vegetables 25% carbs and 25% 

meat. Using a smaller plate 

helps not to over indulge ! 

Lastly Mrs Ford a voice coach 

had us singing for health, and 

very enjoyable it was, she had 

us singing in 6 parts, much to 

our surprise. 

Our Speaker in October was 

Mrs Gorman, who was an 

inspiring speaker on the 

subject of The Life of African 

Mothers. Mrs Gorman 

explained how she had been 

inspired to set up her charity 

to help these mothers. Mrs 

Gorman then told us about 

the dreadful conditions in 

which they had to give birth. 

Mrs Gorman went on to 

say much work and effort 

went into getting goods and 

medicines to the mothers. 

Many members are now 

knitting baby hats for her 

charity.! 

December sees us enjoying 

our Christmas party then it 

all starts again on January 

20, 2015. Why not make a 

resolution to come and join 

us in the New Year, 7 pm the 

third Tuesday in the month. 

Merry Christmas and a 

Happy New Year to all the 

readers of the Diary 

Sylvia Cole 

Ta ff 

Ely(Llantrisant) 

Ramblers 

Again our walks have 

been well attended with 

almost forty people 

turning out to walk around 

Nottage and Porthcawl on 9th 

November. The weather was 

dry until we finished our walk, 

then the heavens opened. 

We normally reconnoitre 

our walks before the main 

crowd go out, to ensure that 

the route is well planned 

and safe. Sometimes this 

can be more fun than the 

actual walk, trying to follow 

an unknown route with maps 

and compass. We have stuck 

to our programmed walks this 

month and also enjoyed a 

skittles night when we raised 

money for the Air Ambulance 

and generally had a good 

time. We also had our AGM 

In November when most of 

Dog Walking and 

Pet Sitting 

the committee stood for reelection, 

together with two 

new participants. 

We normally leave the 

Llantrisant Leisure Centre at 

9.30 am prompt on Sunday 

morning. If you would like 

to join us bring suitable 

footwear - walking boots, 

and waterproofs, drinking 

water and a packed lunch. 

Just turn up or ring Marvi on 

02920 8 90621 or Martyne on 

01443 239316. We belong 

to the National Association 

of Ramblers and groups walk 

all over the UK and there 

are many trips abroad as 

well. The Saturday walks are 

organised twice a month and 

the person to contact for more 

information is Daphne on 

01443 207689, 

You can also check out 

information on our website: 

www.apyule.demon.co.uk/ 

taffely.htm 

or on Facebook - Taff 

Ely(Llantrisant) Ramblers 

Contact Katy: 

07955 862 671 

www.merlinpetservices.co.uk 

or Email: info@merlinpetservices.co.uk 

All round services in 

BUILDING / MAINTENANCE 

CARPENTRY 

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PAINTING & DECORATING 

TILING 

Domestic & Commercial 

SPECIALISTS IN KITCHENS & BATHROOMS, 

and ATTIC CONVERSIONS 

For any design advice, and a free & comprehensive quote 

Call Eric or Aline on 01443 260703 or 07772 103978 

KJ SERVICES 

RUBBISH REMOVED - MAN & LORRY 

HOUSE & GARDEN CLEARANCE 

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2.If you have approx same amount as a Mini Skip - £70 

3.If you have approx same amount as a Midi Skip - £95 

4.If you have approx same amount as a Maxi Skip - £130 

5.If you have approx same amount as a Large Builders Skip - £155 

Furniture, Beds, 3 Piece Suites, 

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Price includes Tipping Fees, Fuel & Labour. 

We have to pay for all the waste at a sorting centre, hence the prices above. 

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skip. Tipping fees, fuel and driver’s fee are all included in above 

price. All waste is taken to a commercial sorting centre. 

K&J MOTORS LTD 

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Unit 2 Forest Park, Coed Cae Lane, Pontyclun CF72 9EW Call Karl or Jason on 01443 228895 

Haveli 

07500 

696443 

STONE WORK 

Block work, Slabbing, Walls taken down, 

rebuilt, repointed etc. 

Coed Cae Lane 

Unit 2 

Forest 

Park 

TNT 

Woodlands 

Harlequin 

Printers

Miskin & 

Mwyndy WI 

Our speaker for 0ctober 

unfortunately was 

unable to attend so 

our member Winnie saved 

the evening by giving a 

demonstration on how to 

make Christmas decorations 

(yes it looked so easy when 

she did it) and we all left with 

the firm intention of making 

our own this year. 

Our congratulations go to 

Tonyrefail WI this month for 

an excellent evening as hosts 

for the 4 Links meeting. The 

guest speaker was the well 

know (and local Tonyrefail 

boy) TV actor and writer 

Boyd Clack. His portrayal 

of the police sergeant in 

“High Hopes” did little to 

inspire confidence in our 

law enforcement but was in 

many people’s views one of 

the funniest series on Welsh 

TV. Boyd’s talk was closely 

followed by a well acted 

sketch entitled “Nobody 

Famous” presented by the 

local members demonstrating 

yet again the wealth of talent 

in our WI’s. 

The evening was well rounded 

off with the Tonyrefail ladies 

choir singing excerpts from 

“Les Miserables”, all in all a 

very enjoyable evening - well 

done Tonyrefail. 

Once again the lure of a 

dinner at the High Tide in 

Porthcawl saw a number 

of our members attend the 

annual Glamorgan Federation 

Dinner. We were not 

disappointed both with the 

dinner and the entertainment 

provided by the singer Bill 

Bennet. Once again it was 

well organised which served 

to reflect the great time we 

all had. 

We meet the second Thursday 

of every month at the Pavilion, 

Lanelay Road,Talbot Greem. 

At 7.00 p.m. so why not come 

along and give it a try you’ll be 

most welcome. 

Gwyneth Morgan 

Phobias 

Chiroptophobia – fear of bats 

Chromophobia - chromatophobia – fear of colors 

Chronophobia – fear of time and time moving forward 

Coulrophobia – fear of clowns (not restricted to evil clowns) 

Cyberphobia – fear of or aversion to computers and of learning 

new technologies 

Mid Glamorgan 

Mixed Choir 

Mid Glamorgan Mixed 

Choir are pleased to 

announce their first 

Christmas Concert! 

Come and join us and get into 

the Festive Spirit! 

The concert will be held at 

St David’ Church, Pencoed 

on Saturday 13th December 

starting at 7pm. 

To give you a flavour - the 

concert will be a mixture of 

Christmas pieces sung by 

the Choir and community 

carols. We are delighted to 

have a talented young soloist, 

Charlotte Jones, singing with 

us again. 

Maria Warman, one of our 

sopranos, will be narrating 

“Twas the Night before 

Christmas.” If that doesn’t get 

you in the Christmas mood, 

Alec Brooks our MD will be 

playing a couple of familiar 

Christmas tunes on the piano 

with a jazz twist just might! 

The tickets are £5 for adults 

and £2 for children. This will 

include a glass of mulled wine 

and a mince pie. 

Our chosen charity is 

“Cymorth i Cerys” which is 

raising money for Cerys, a 5 

year old little girl in need of a 

life changing operation in the 

United States. A donation will 

be given to this inspiring little 

girl. 

For any further information 

please contact the Choir. 

We are always looking for new 

members please come along 

you will be warmly welcomed! 

We practise Thursdays 7-9pm 

in Pencoed Bowl’s Pavilion, 

Felindre Rd, Pencoed. 

E-mail: 

midglamorganmixedchoir@ 

outlook.com 

Mobile :07866 810579 

Jax GUTTER CLEANING SERVICE 

Gutter Clearance using vacuum suction pipes 

Gutter internal/external clean 

Soffits and Fascia Boards cleaned 

Also PVC Frames and Conservatories cleaned 

Free estimates call 01443 229861 / 07961 753518 

Email- jax.decorating@live.co.uk 

B’s Painting & 

Decorating Services 

Female Painter & Decorator 

Time served City & Guilds qualified 

All aspects of Painting & Decorating 

Email: bryonygodin@hotmail.co.uk 

07585 774145 

JEFF’S 

Plastering Services 

SKIM OVER ARTEX & OLD WALLS 

FREE Estimates - No Job Too Small 

01443 229894 or 07919 864806 

MOBILE VEHICLE BODY REPAIRS 

STONE CHIPS - SCRATCHES - BUMBER SCUFFS 

MIRROR CASINGS - ALLOY WHEELS - PANEL DAMAGE 

PLASTIC REPAIR - VANDAL DAMAGE 

We come to your home or workplace! 

01443 226707 or 07904 347953 

ASP Tiling Services 

All aspects of Wall & Floor Tiling 

Ceramic, Porcelain, Natural Stone 

Wood & Laminate Flooring 

For a FREE estimate call Andy on 

01443 225587 or mob 07979 33 55 33 

N A W I N G F I E L D 

ELECTRICAL, PLUMBING & GAS SERVICES 

Installation & Maintenance 

Gas Safe Registered No: 41072 

For a FREE Estimate 

Tel: 07813 769553 

or 07810 484026 

Over 

30 years 

experience 

Nigel Pugh 

Plumbing and 

Heating Services 

0772 5408563 

Specialist Gas Servicing 

for cookers, fires and boilers 

(Powermax/Ariston/Vaillant/Worcester Bosch, etc 

Landlord Certificates 

All Aspects of General Plumbing Undertaken 

PHIL BLOSS 

electrical 

ALL ASPECTS OF ELECTRICAL WORK 

INCLUDING INTRUDER ALARMS 

Part ‘P’ Approved 

No job too big or small 

FREE ESTIMATES with no obligation 

Telephone 01443 226810 

Mobile 07768 240852 

Call Nick on: 

01443 224561 

07977547238 

Nick Huckridge B.Sc. 

HOME IMPROVEMENTS 

Specialising in: 

Complete Bathroom installations 

Ceramic Wall and Floor Tiling 

Kitchen Fitting 

Plastering 

Artexing 

Coving 

A LOCAL CHARITY 

Reg. No. 703002 

Is your garden run down 

Is your lawn without grass 

Are your weeds out of control 

Do your shrubs need pruning 

Do your hedges or lawns need cutting 

WE CAN FIX THEM! 

LET US DO THE HARD WORK FOR YOU 

Call John on 01443 237 861 

for a free competitive quote 

Weedkiller professionally applied by a registered operator. 

FREE 

FIRE WOOD 

available for 

collection 

0 1 4 4 3 2 2 8 1 6 5 

PENCOED 

COMPUTER SERVICES 

Computer repairs and upgrades 

in your home and office 

We come to you at a time to suit you 

No fix no fee, No callout charge 

Serving all areas covered by the Diary’s distribution 

For more information please contact Barrie Roberts 

Tel: 01656 861648 Mob: 07846 040258 

Email: barrieroberts@yahoo.com 

www.pencoedcomputer.co.uk

Pontyclun 

Bosom Pals 

FASHION SHOW 

A 

fabulous night was 

recently hosted by 

Llantrisant Golf Club’s 

Social Committee being 

Ryan,Jo,Ann and Joliene, we 

know how much work it takes 

to organise. 

Also previously the club held a 

Pink Day to raise funds for our 

group so we are doubly 

grateful for all your support, 

thank you so much. 

Musical entertainment was 

provided by Meryn Williams 

and her Vocelle Ladies Choir 

it sent shivers down my 

spine - they are so good and 

are always looking for new 

members. 

We were privileged to have 

two boutiques and one 

florist in Talbot Green taking 

part. Fabulous day and 

evening wear fitting all sizes, 

handbags, hats, jewellery 

and I will be putting a 

reminder on Santa’s wish list!. 

So thank you so much 

ladies and all your models 

also to two from Missy’s 

group, Tracey who gave us 

balloons and also Sue who 

made a lot of yummy cakes 

which were put in the raffle. 

Maureen also donated a table 

display for our raffle and 

M. Smith 

RJB Electrical 

Electrical Engineers 

& Contractors 

displayed a table of 

beautiful Christmas themed 

flower arrangements. 

Last but not least a big thank 

you to Sue our social event 

organiser who collected and 

arranged our 30 raffle prizes 

and Sarah (visiting home from 

Texas) for selling and folding 

tickets and taking a 140 

photographs. 

We were delighted that 

Owen Smith MP and Huw 

Irranca-Davies MP with their 

wives were able to attend, it 

is so humbling to have such 

support. 

Our next meeting will be 

Monday, January 5th 

WEATHER PERMITTING, so 

please call Barbara on 01443 

237997 for confirmation. We 

meet on the first Monday of 

the month at The Pavilion, 

Lanelay Road, Talbot Green 

CF72 8HY at 7.15 p.m. On 

other dates in the month we 

get together at various venues 

so contact us for further 

information. 

Our new stitch and natter 

group will not meet 

in December but will 

recommence on Wednesday 

14th January 2015 (weather 

permitting) any queries please 

contact Pam on 01656 862471 

Wishing you all a very Happy 

Christmas and a Healthy New 

Year. 

Barbara Powell 

Member of the 

Institute of Plumbing AIPHE,RP 

* All types of Building Work Undertaken 

* Tiling *Bathroom Suites Fitted 

* Plumbing & Central Heating 

* Insurance Work 

For FREE advice and estimates 

Telephone 01656 862453 

Brynna OAP 

On 5th November we 

were treated to a 

great show by Tunes R 

Us, who gave us a variety of 

old ditties & songs we could 

all remember & manage to 

join in & we have definitely 

decided to have them back 

again next year. With our 

usual meeting tea break Rose 

had made 72 spooky cupcakes 

for us all, delicious. The last 

trip of the year to Carmarthen 

on 11th was a bit wet but 

enjoyable. On the 3rd 

December we are having our 

Central Heating Installations 

Underfloor Heating - Boiler Servicing 

Bathrooms & Showers - Tiling 

Free Estimates 

Christmas party in the Hall, 

followed by the Annual draw, 

let’s hope you have all bought 

raffle tickets, still available if 

you’re quick see one of the 

committee, Dilys, Cliff, Ann, 

Sheila, Rose or Mary, first prize 

£50 & many more. 

Our next meeting in 2015 

will be on 7th January, which 

is the AGM when all old & 

new members will be warmly 

welcomed. 

On behalf of the Chairperson 

& committee may we wish you 

a Merry Christmas & Happy 

New Year. 

Ann 01443226546 

MOT 

Ralph 

Williams 

NEED AN 

CENTRAL GARAGE 

Pencoed 

MOT 

01443 

229751 

07816 

886560 

Competitive Rates 

SERVICE 

REPAIRS 

Gas Safe 

Registration 

Number: 

222574 

DGS 

PAINTER 

& DECORATOR 

Interior & Exterior Painting 

Paper Hanging & Coving 

Insurance Work Undertaken 

FREE ESTIMATES 

Tel: 01443 223929 Mob: 07968 933125 

LLANHARAN CHIMNEY SWEEP 

PUBLIC LIABILITY INSURANCE 

CERTIFICATES ISSUED MEMBER OF THE ICS 

FREE QUOTATIONS 

Call Chello on 01443 524463 or 07551 123262 

Email: chellop@yahoo.com 

BEST PRICE 

FOR MOT FAILURES 

Brian Perry 

Brynna Scrapyard 

07811 503297 / 01443 226324 

Ltd. 

as recommended 

by Which Local 

Reeves Builders 

All aspects 

of Building, 

Household 

EXTENSIONS PLUMBING PLASTERING 

BATHROOM & KITCHEN FITTING TILING & Garden 

ELECTRICALS GRASS CUTTING FENCING Maintenance 

PATIOS DECKING HEDGE TRIMMING undertaken 

Also Garden Furniture & Decorations Made To Order 

NO JOB TOO SMALL Call John now for 

a FREE QUOTE on 07928 150322 

GM DOMESTICS 

Domestic Appliance Repairs 

01443 238895 

07967839771 

www.gmdomestics.com 

Contact John on 07563 529539 

or email: jrservices.rhondda@gmail.com 

Celtic Doors 

GARAGE DOORS & ROLLER SHUTTERS 

DOMESTIC - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL 

All types of Garage Doors installed & repaired 

NEW ROLLER SHUTTERS 

ROLLER SHUTTER SERVICING - GATE REPAIRS 

ELECTRICAL FAULT DIAGNOSIS - single & 3 phase 

Tel: 01443 858363 Mob: 07917 766041 

www.celticdoors.co.uk 

Your local electricians covering all 

aspects of electrical installation, 

repairs, fault fi nding and maintenance 

Reliable, Fully Insured 

26 yrs experience 

01446 771655 / 07885347642 

www.rjb-electrical.co.uk 

info@cowbridge-electrical.co.uk 

Established 

1964 

For an Appointment 

Telephone Mark or Ralph on 

01656 860 389 

www.ralphsgarage.com

Llantrisant 

Badminton Club 

Llantrisant Badminton 

Club are looking for new 

members for the coming 

season. The club plays 

competitive badminton and 

also has a strong social side to 

it. We have Ladie’s, Men’s and 

Mixed teams that play in the 

Cardiff & District Badminton 

League. We play at Llantrisant 

Leisure Centre, Southgate 

Park, Llantrisant, CF72 8DJ, 

(01443) 224616 / 228538. The 

club plays on a Tuesday 8:00- 

10:00pm and Friday 8:00- 

10:00pm. 

If you are interested please 

contact us on fraser.nairn@ 

gmail.com or call Fraser on 

07702038202 

POLICE SURGERIES 

PONTYCLUN – Every Friday at Pontyclun library at 2.30pm and 

every Thursday at David’s Court (Sheltered Housing Complex) 

9.30am – 10.30am. 

LLANHARAN – Every Thursday at 13:30 – 14:30 in Llanharan 

Drop In Centre 

BRYNNA - Every Thursday at 13:45 – 14:45 in Church View 

Close. Excluding Thursdays when Brynna PACT meeting is held 

LLANHARRY – Every Wednesday in Worgan’s Cafe 2pm-3pm 

LLANTRISANT – Every other Wednesday at Llantrisant 

Community Council Offices. 

Every Friday at Llantrisant Community Library at Llantrisant 

Leisure Centre 2.30pm 

TALBOT GREEN - Every Thursday 9.30am-10.30am in The 

Learning Curve on Talbot Road directly opposite the bus station 

(Duties permitting). 

Merry Mutts 

Dog Grooming 

More than 23 years professional experience 

Your dog will be treated with kindness & patience 

07967 379122 or 01443 230355 

www.merrymutts.co.uk 

James Twine 

PAINTING & DECORATING 

All interior and exterior work undertaken 

Also roofing and guttering repairs 


Tel: 01443 226961 or 07749 280375 

Mr Fix It 

Home Handyman 

For all your home improvements 

and repairs call Paul or Gill 

01443226291 / 07917044841 

The Parish of 

Llanharan with 

Peterston Super 

Montem 

Weekly Services are as 

follows: 

Sunday 9.00am 

Sung Holy Eucharist 

St. Peter’s Church, Brynna 

10.30am Sung Holy Eucharist 

Parish Church, Llanharan 

10.30am Sunday School 

Old School Room, Llanharan 

6.00pm Evening Praise 

Parish Church 

(1st Sunday of the month) 

Wednesday 10.00am 

Said Holy Eucharist 

Parish Church. 

Parish Activities 

For all Parish activities i.e. 

Youth Group, Mothers Union, 

Bible Study, Uniformed 

Organisations. Tea & Toys 

etc, please contact Church 

Wardens Janet Pyne 226385 

Angela Cooper 01446773378 

Jim Morgan 237277 

The Citizens Advice Bureau 

now holds weekly sessions in 

the Old School Room (behind 

the Parish Church) on Monday 

afternoon 2pm - 4pm. 

Slimming World. St. Peters 

Church 10.00am Thursday 

Parish Services and 

forthcoming Events 

Sunday 30th November 

CHRISTINGLE SERVICES 

4.00pm St.Peters Brynna. 

6.00pm Parish Church 

Sunday 7th December 

CHRISTMAS SING-A-LONG 


Sunday 14th December 

NINE LESSONS & CAROLS 5pm 

St. Peters Church, Brynna 

Christmas Eve: 

CRIB SERVICES 


MIDNIGHT MASS 


Christmas Day: 

NATIVITY OF OUR LORD 

10.00am St. Peters, Brynna 

ECUMENICAL SERVICE 

Mon 1st Dec The Children’s 

Carol Service takes place at 

Carmel Baptist at 6.00pm 

For Baptisms, Weddings, 

Funerals and other special 

services please contact: 

Reverend Barbara Wood, 

01443 226307 or email: 

revbabs@hotmail.co.uk 

MJ Autos 

PENCOED 

All Makes 

of Vehicles 

Serviced 

and Repaired 

M.O.T. 

Testing 

Station 

SPECIAL OFFER 

MOT + 

INTERIM 

SERVICE 

£129 

MURCO 

GARAGE 

COYCHURCH 

ROAD 

FAIRLAWN 

TERRACE 

FIRE 

STATION 

WE ARE 

HERE 

ENGINE 

MANAGEMENT 

DIAGNOSTICS 

Visa & Mastercard accepted 

FREEPHONE 0800 2949562 

or Telephone 01656 862442 

Brynna Domestic 

Appliances 

Repairs to all makes of 

Washing Machines - Tumble Driers - 

Dish Washers - Vacuums & Cookers 

Ex Hotpoint Engineer with 17 years experience 

A Professional Repair at a Sensible Price 

Call Andrew Horlock on 01443 230319 

WANTED 

SCRAP CARS 

MOT failures etc. 

GOOD PRICES PAID 

01443 227406 or 07976 297975 

Slating & Tiling 

Chimneys & Leadwork 

Private / Insurance Work 

Fully Insured 

EPDM 

Installers 

Roof Lantern Installers 

Fascias & Guttering 

More Services Available 


www.trusted-roofers.co.uk 

Contact: 07833 086 384 

07557 969 437 

A.B. Electrical 

Services 

INSTALLATION 

AND REPAIR 

All electrical work 

undertaken 

Part P registered 

Tel: 01443 229391 / 07792 462948 

For Quality Interior & Exterior 

Painting & Decorating 

G M Plastering 

All interior & exterior work undertaken 

Re-skim old Walls, skim 

over Artex Walls & Ceilings 

No Job to Small 

Free Advice & estimates given 

Tel: Gary on 07949282817 

WRIGHT 

Part or Full Rewires 

Consumer Unit Upgrades 

Extra Sockets 

Telephone Extensions 

No job too small 

For a free estimate 

and advice call 

01443 238944 or 

07962 452033 

C&L Garden & Tree Services 

passionate about beautiful gardens 

All aspects of garden work undertaken 

Trees Felled & Lopped Garden Fencing & Decking 

Hedges Trimmed Overgrown Gardens Cleared 

Drives & Patios Cleaned Fascia Cleaning 

Quality Work Guaranteed Jobs Big or Small Fully qualifi ed 

Call Chris on 01443 239097 / 07989 597238 

BUILDING & PLASTICS Ltd 

Extensions Renovations 

All Electrical Work 

PV SOLAR PANELLING 

Registered 

INSTALLERS MCS accreditation 

Full Roof Surveys - Grants available 

FREE Estimates and Fully Insured 

For all your local building needs 

Tel: 01446 751346 Mob: 07990 595200

Carmel Baptist Church Llanharan 

Bridgend Road (Opposite the ‘Drop in Centre’) 

Minister Rev G Tyson 

WEEKLY SERVICES 

Sun Morning 11am FAMILY WORSHIP & SUNDAY SCHOOL 

Sun 6pm EVENING SERVICE (Not on Dec 28th) 

Wed 2.30pm LADIES FELLOWSHIP 

Wed 4.30-5.30pm ‘ADVENTURERS’ (Children’s meeting) 

Thur 7pm PRAYER & BIBLE STUDY 

Fri Dec 5th 10.30-12 noon CHRISTMAS COFFEE MORNING (This 

will be the last coffee morning until Fri Jan 9th) 

Fri 10.30-12 noon FOOD BANK (In downstairs vestry on right 

hand side of church) 

SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SERVICES 

Sun Dec 14th 11am CHILDREN’S CHRISTMAS PAGEANT 

Sun Dec 21st 6pm CAROLS BY CANDLELIGHT (Followed by tea/ 

coffee & mince pies 

CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE at 11.15pm 

We give all Diary readers a special welcome to join us for these 

services. 

Pencoed RFC 

at London 

Palladium 

Pencoed RFC were invited 

by ITV to the London 

Palladium as host 

Rob Brydon wanted a 

team that came from 

near Port Talbot. The 

researcher came up 

with us. 50 members 

of the club were 

chosen to take part 

in London from all 

sections of club. 

It was a really good experience 

though, transport, theatre 

tickets and buffet were all 

provided by ITV. We were 

very well looked after. It was 

an excellent show which 

everyone thoroughly enjoyed. 

FOOD BANK 

at Carmel Baptist Church, Llanharan 

Bridgend Road (Opposite the Drop In Centre) 

EVERY FRIDAY 10.30am - 12.00 noon 

Please note that you have to submit a voucher from your 

GP., Job Centre or Social Services to obtain a food parcel. 

SATURDAY MARKET 

TALBOT GREEN COMMUNITY CENTRE 

Cowbridge Road, Talbot Green. 7am - 2 pm weekly 

QUALITY & VALUE ON YOUR DOORSTEP 

FRESH HIGH QUALITY MEAT & POULTRY 

ALL YOUR FRESH FRUIT AND VEG 

CAKES, BISCUITS, SWEETS, CONFECTIONARY 

& HOUSEHOLD GOODS 

EVERYTHING FOR YOUR PETS 

TREAT YOURSELF TO QUALITY 

FRESH FISH & SEAFOOD 

Free parking - toilet & disabled facilities 

UNBEATABLE PRICES FOR QUALITY 

AND VALUE IN YOUR COMMUNITY 

Brynna & 

Llanharan 

Methodist 

Church 

Some important dates for 

your diary. Monday Dec 

1st at 6 pm in Carmel SBaptist Baptist Church we have the 

annual Youth Organisations 

Christmas Concert which 

is one not to be missed so 

come early. Brynna Methodist 

Church on Sunday 14th 

Dec at 3pm we have our 

nativity play to celebrate 

the birth of Jesus the true 

reason for the celebrations. 

A collection will be taken for 

a local charity to be named. 

Sunday 21st Dec at 6 pm we 

have a Christmas Celebration 

Service with carols and bible 

readings. On Christmas day 

we have short service at 11 

am when presents will be 

opened. So why not join us 

at one of these events and 

celebrate the true meaning of 

Christmas. We would like to 

take this opportunity to wish 

everyone in our community a 

happy and blessed New Year. 

Plumbing, Bathroom & Kitchen Fitting, Tiling 

For your 

Free estimate 

call: 

Quality work at affordable prices 

07891 956159 

01443 230700 

24 hours 

Mon-Fri 9am-5pm 

Squeaky-Kleeners 

Professional Cleaning Service 

Domestic Cleaning Commercial Cleaning 

End of Tenancy Cleaning Offi ce Cleaning 

For a free quotaion call 07592 379 427 

admin@squeaky-kleeners.co.uk 

www.squeaky-kleeners.co.uk 

Follow us on Twitter: twitter.com/SqeakyKleeners 

Bryncae Community Centre 

Monday (pm) - Dancing / Zumba 

Tuesday (pm) - Bingo / Tae Kwon Do 

Wednesday (pm) - Dancing 

Thursday (am) - Toddler Time 

Thursday (pm) - Youth Club / Tae Kwon Do 

Friday (pm) - Dancing 

Saturday (am) - Dancing 

Sunday (evening) - Dancing 

The Bryncae Community Centre is well planned with 

one large hall with a stage, which can be divided into two 

separate halls through a soundproof sliding door. There is 

a large kitchen, with two serving windows to accommodate 

both halls. The centre also has facilities for the disabled. 

The centre is monitored by CCTV cameras 

and with ample car parking spaces. 

The centre caters for the whole community 

with several local groups and classes already 

making use of its excellent facilities. 

To book the Centre please contact Robert, Sharon 

or Nathan on 01443 229420 

or visit www.bryncae.org 

GILLARD 

PLASTERING 

All aspects covered incl 

Reskim Old Walls 

Skim Over Artex Coving 

Italian Marble Effect Feature Walls 

FREE Advice & Estimates 

01443 217805 

07866 105636 

ROBERT H BAKER 

GAS SERVICES 

B & L KITCHENS 

& BATHROOMS 

Designed & Installed 

to your requirements 

FREE PLANNING & ESTIMATE 

All Tiling work carried out 

01443 230630 

07880 767380 

Buffets 

for all 

occasions 

OLD FARM SHOP, LLANTRISANT 

COOKED FRESH TO ORDER 

Weddings, Anniversaries, Birthdays, 

Christenings, Functions, Funerals, 

Business Lunches, Christmas Parties etc. 

01443 229917 / 757333 

Mobile: 07949 758654 

CITB ACS-GAS 

00484220/1 

156777 Gas Appliances Over 25 years experience 

Plumbing / Heating 

Landlords Certificates 

Tel 01656 860947 

or 07768 097727 

SAFETY FIRST! DON’T TAKE CHANCES 

LMLelectrics 

All aspects of electrical work including 

Sockets, Lighting, Rewire, Board Upgrades, 

Periodic and Initial Verifi cation certs. 

FREE ESTIMATES NO OBLIGATION 

www.lmlelectrics.co.uk 

07703 296962 / 01443 238274 

R.J.RODERICK 

PROPERTY & GARDEN MAINTENANCE 

PLASTERING GRASS CUTTING PAINTING & DECORATING 

HEDGE TRIMMING CARPENTRY TREE FELLING 

TILING FENCING COVING PATIOS 

FITTING KITCHENS & BATHROOMS WALLS 

And much more just Call Rowland on 

07907079039 or (01443) 224904 

JAX Painting and Decorating Services 

Quality Interior and Exterior Work 

Insurance Work Undertaken 

For Free Estimates call 

TEL: 01443 229861 MOBILE: 07961 753518 

Email: jax.decorating@live.co.uk 

Discounts for OAP’s 

HATE IRONING 

Let me take it off your hands 

Free Collection & Delivery 

Smoke free environment 

Excellent reliable service 

Good rates 

Contact Karen on 

07960 183842 

Celtic Dove Release 

Ideal for 

Weddings 

Civil Ceremonies 

Christenings 

Funerals 

07990987847 

prydferth@yahoo.co.uk 

www.celticdoverelease.co.uk 

PENCOED 

REFRIGERATION 

Fridge & Freezer 

Repairs 

FREE 

Estimates 

01656 862287 

HAUL IT AWAY MAN 

For all your 

Rubbish Clearance 

House/Garage clearance 

also undertaken 

Let me and my vehicle 

do the labour 

For a FREE quote contact 

07443461175 

PLANS 

Plans drawn for 

Building Regulations & 

Planning Permission 

Telephone Marc Anthony 

on 01656 863576 or 

07821782117 for a 

FREE CONSULTATION 

01443 

223826 

A HADDEN 

BUILDING MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS 

All Internal, External Plastering 

Bricklaying, Garage Conversions 

Kitchen & Bedroom Fitting Design & Supply 

All insurance work undertaken 

For a FREE Quotation call 

01443 238513 or 07724188259 

The Diary is delivered to your home by 

LDP SERVICES 

Leaflet Delivery 

throughout 

South Wales 

Let us help promote your 

products and services 

029 2025 5464 

Email: info@ldp-services.co.uk 

Web: www.ldp-services.co.uk

LLANHARAN RFC 

DAIRYFIELD NEWS 

SWALEC 

NATIONAL 

CHAMPIONSHIP 

Successive defeats before 

the autumn break by a 

single point made it a 

frustrating spell for Llanharan, 

even if did mean two losing 

bonus points. 

At home to promoted 

GLYNNEATH (12-13) a second 

half revival helped the west 

Wales outfit to squeeze past 

them and hence above them 

in the table. They seemed on 

course for a win at half time 

with two tries in the bag and a 

12-3 lead. 

However, a huge tally of 

penalties against meant few 

telling phases were developed 

and even the weather 

changed for the worse against 

after the turn around. 

Glynneath had certainly 

come to do a job, and some 

of their play brought shouts 

of condemnation from 

the stands, not least when 

influential outside half James 

Whittingham was led off 

early in the second period 

after a late challenge that 

went unseen by the referee. 

The young Blues academy 

prospect was the team’s 

playmaker and goal kicker and 

his loss was to prove decisive. 

The home team looked out 

of sorts for much of the 

half and fell to a try from a 

CLEAN SWEEP 

Chimney Sweeping 

Services NACS Approved 

Safety certificate given with every sweep 

controversial scrum penalty. 

Llanharan tries – Harry 

Davies, Tom Farrah-Evans cons 

- James Whittingham. 

At CARDIFF MET too it was 

another joyless day (19-18) 

after outscoring the students 

2-1 on tries only to see the 

game decided on contrasting 

penalty kick fortunes. The 

match had entered the final 

quarter when a monster 

penalty from 48 metres out 

and into the elements edged 

the University 19-18 ahead. 

Even so the Dairymen were 

very much on the front foot 

and got their own penalty 

chance soon after. Young 

outside half Rhys Morgan 

struck the ball well and to all 

and sundry seemed to have 

recaptured the lead as it crept 

inside the left upright – all, 

that is, except the home touch 

judge whose negative signal 

persuaded the ref that it had 

failed. (Tries: Rory Martin- 

Smith 2, Con & pens 2: Rhys 

Morgan.) 

After the defeat head coach 

Matthew Lloyd said:”The 

performance was much better, 

with a little more luck would 

have won the game and 

were not rewarded here for 

our dominance. The month 

off will allow us to shake 

off a few injuries, but it is 

imperative we maintain our 

form after the break. We are 

01656 861967 or 07736 019050 

A&F Electrical 

All Aspects of Electrical Work 

Re-Wires, Extra Sockets, Fuse Board Upgrades, 

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in a dogfight to stay up but on 

this performance we are more 

than capable of doing so. The 

squad is very strong but we 

have to be more consistent.” 

TRIBUTE TO LEWIS 

In the match with the students 

Josh Clark, Rhys Morgan and 

Nick Theaker wore odd socks 

in memory of their former 

Pontyclun teammate Lewis 

Clark who tragically died in a 

road accident several years 

ago and whose trade mark kit 

appearance was always odd 

socks. 

HARRY SCORES FOR BLUES 

Everyone was delighted 

to see Harry Davies put 

down another marker in his 

promising rugby career when 

he scored a try for Cardiff 

Blues in their victory away to 

Newcastle. Harry has played 

thirteen games for llanharan 

as well as spending time Down 

Under last year to further his 

rugby development. 

Llanharan have developed 

productive links with the Blues 

Academy – several who have 

worn the championship club’s 

jersey have now turned out 

for the region. 

MID GLAM PREMIERSHIP 

LLANHARAN SECONDS 38 

GLYNNEATH 17 

Strange to say, but for a team 

that won decisively and scored 

six tries, this wasn’t Llanharan 

Seconds at their best, but they 

still possessed enough ability 

to run in some attractive 

touch downs. Full back Dan 

Smith was voted Man of the 

Match with his two scores, 

Harry Davies scoring on Llanharan 

duty 

Scott Jones (also four cons), 

Josh Jones, Carl Leather and 

John Rees the others to cross 

the line. 

LLANHARAN SECONDS 22 

KENFIG HILL 34 

In an entertaining spectacle 

Llanharan got their tries bonus 

point thanks to touch downs 

from Lloyd Thomas, Owain 

Howe, Huw Russell and John 

Rees, Scott Jones supplying a 

conversion. Scrum half Craig 

Burton was named Man of the 

Match for the home team.. 

JUNIOR PROSPECTS MAKE 

PONTY SQUAD 

Whilst the failure to get the 

Youth underway this year 

has been a disappointment, 

future prospects look bright. 

From the under 15 set up 

former player Meredith 

Griffith reports that five 

players have been selected 

for the Pontypridd schools 

Dewar shield squad 2014-15. 

They are Iwan Griffith, Ryan 

Parsons, Liam Bradford, Ieuan 

Pring and Lloyd Gregory. The 

club congratulates them and 

wishes them every success. 

REMEMBRANCE DAY 

The Under 11s, smartly attired 

in their kit and accompanied 

by coach Rob Perkins, laid 

a wreath on behalf of the 

Junior/Mini section at the 

annual service. Chairman 

Adrian Tattersall performed 

the ceremony on behalf of the 

parent club. 

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A STEP BACK IN TIME 

A history of Llanharry 

Church: Part 1 

I 

have chosen to write about 

Llanharry Church for several 

reasons. To begin with it is 

one of the oldest churches in 

the Border Vale. Secondly, it 

is dedicated to St. Illtud one 

of Wales’ greatest saints. This 

fact alone brings visitors to 

Llanharry from as far afield as 

Brittany. Inside the church is a 

list of Rectors dating back to just 

before 1349 when the priest was 

John Joye. Perhaps Joye came 

to minister here to escape the 

Black Death that decimated the 

country during that very same 

year. Finally, big organisational 

changes have recently occurred 

for we are now grouped with St. 

Paul’s Pontyclun and St. Ann’s 

Talygarn and have a new Priestin- 

Charge, the Rev. Sue Rees, 

whom we all warmly welcome. 

A question I am invariably 

asked by local people and 

visitors is “How old is Llanharry 

Church” The easy answer is 

that the present building was 

erected in 1867-8 when the old 

building was completely knocked 

down and then rebuilt. The 

architect was David Vaughan 

of Bonvilston, an accomplished 

builder of churches, schools and 

local mansions. The Rector, at 

the time, was the Rev. William 

Williams and his “labour of 

love” brought a new Victorian 

Church and Rectory and an 

important Church School that 

still flourishes. There are inside 

the church the chancel arch, a 

bell and font that can be dated 

to pre-Reformation times. We 

also know from documents that 

there was a Norman Church here 

and in all probability an even 

earlier place of worship dating 

back to the Age of Saints that is 

the 5th and 6th centuries. 

Several pieces of evidence 

support the possibility of a 

church being established some 

time in The Dark Ages. Firstly 

the dedication. The church, as I 

indicated earlier, is dedicated to 

St. Illtud (Illtyd) the 5th century 

founder of the great monastery 

and school in Llantwit Major. 

Illtud is culted throughout South 

Wales as well as in Brittany, 

where there are statues, holy 

wells, placenames and even 

a Pardon or two (a religious 

procession) dedicated to the 

great scholar and holy man, 

whom the Bretons call Ildut. 

Perhaps Illtud himself might 

have carried the Christian Faith 

to S.E. Wales and established 

a small cell at Llanharry, or 

later followers of Illtud were 

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responsible for building a 

small wooden church in the 

10th century when Llantwit 

Monastery had reached the 

height of its influence. The 

Celtic Church builders also 

tended to build tiny rectangular 

churches in a round enclosure 

that we call a “llan”. Thirdly 

how did the name of the church 

emerge. There is an odd story 

in the 12th century life of Illtud 

that may be an attempt to 

explain the very unusual name. 

There has never been a St. Harry, 

though there was a Breton 

Saint called St. Haran that 

may explain the neighbouring 

church and village of Llanharan. 

The above mentioned book 

tells a macabre story of theft 

and dire punishment in which 

two robbers attempt to steal 

Illtud’s herd of swine from 

a “hara”. After two failed 

attempts to drive the animals 

away, the thieves are turned 

unceremoniously into two large 

stones. Myths like this one 

do not entirely lie, so was the 

Llantwit scribe trying to explain 

the puzzling name of Llanharry 

(Llanhari) Or was he reminding 

his readers that there had been 

a long- standing cult of Illtud 

here as there must have been in 

South Wales and, of course, in 

Brittany It is good to see that 

people from Brittany still know 

about our church and indeed 

visit us, as did three Bretons 

Georges Provost, Jean Yves and 

Sylvette Le Men from a small 

village in Finistere called Sizum. 

They were thrilled to see a 

photograph of a statue of their 

St. Illtud brought back by Rector 

Glyn Williams when he visited 

Brittany two decades ago in 

the chancel and the great Saint 

commemorated in iron on our 

Security Gates. 

With the arrival of the Normans 

into The Border Vale in the 

early 12th century one moves 

from conjecture to historical 

fact. In spite of a stout defence 

of the north of Cowbridge 

a short lived lordship called 

Cherleton was established 

based on a temporary castle 

and church at Ystradowen. At 

this time Llanharry Church and 

its possessions were given to 

Tewkesbury Abbey and this was 

confirmed by a Charter of 1180. 

The grant was not sustained 

however and Tewkesbury Abbey 

lost Llanharry, Llanharan and 

and Llanilid churches. One has 

to wait until 1254,that is, to the 

reign of Henry 111, to discover 

that the church was valued at 

£1.10.0d. Just compare this to 

Penmark , where it was valued 

at £20. The small stone church 

and tiny village must have been 

based on an impoverished 

pastoral rather than a rich arable 

economy. Moreover, it almost 

certainly suffered from the bitter 

continued overleaf....... 

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warfare waged by the Chief Lord, 

Earl Richard De Clare in this 

area in the middle of the 13th 

century and the Welsh revolts 

of Llywelyn Bren and Owain 

Glyndwr in 1316 and 1401. (See 

my article on Coity Castle and 

Lordship, to which Llanharry 

Manor then belonged). 

About 1350, the Turbervilles 

of Coity Castle had acquired 

Llanharry Manor. They and their 

descendants the Gamages and 

Sidneys also managed to obtain 

the advowson, that is the right 

of presentation or nomination 

to a living. From now on there 

were more peaceful times and 

we believe that the chancel 

arch, font and pre Reformation 

bell belong to the 15th century 

rebuilding. The font is octagonal 

with 2 of its 8 sides depicting 

artificial looking trees, whilst 

another face portrays two 

circles, one on top of the other. 

The other sides have two rose 

shaped decorations. By the 

15th century it seems that 

square and circular fonts had 

gone out of fashion, whilst 

octagonal fonts were in vogue. 

The two trees may have been 

a crude representation of the 

Tree of Life- a Medieval motif 

to symbolise the new life in in 

Christ. The font is not unlike 

those in Pyle and Llantrisant. 

The chancel arch of grey stone is 

surprisingly narrow and I wonder 

if John Samuel Gibbon, the 

19th century Squire of Trecastle 

insisted on the medieval arch 

being kept during the rebuilding 

in 1867-8. The bell, one of two, 

but believed by some to have 

been one of four, is also 15th 

century and has the inscription 

much worn of “Sancta Maria”. 

We do not know what our pre- 

Reformation church looked like. 

Ours might have had a thatched 

roof, a niche for the patron 

saint in the porch entrance, a 

stone altar, mural paintings of 

the saints and other religious 

images, lighted candles, a rood 

screen and a round churchyard. 

I am certain that Medieval 

Catholicism exerted a powerful 

hold over the spiritual life of the 

people until the Reformation. It 

is apt therefore that a version 

of the “Gwasanaeth Mair” a 

liturgical devotion to the Blessed 

Mary was being written in 

Llanharry just as the momentous 

reforms of the Church were 

being introduced by Henry Vlll 

and his successors. As most 

people know Henry Vlll made 

himself Head of the Church so 

that it was possible for him to 

marry Ann Boleyn and produce 

heirs. To assess the impact 

wrought by the great changes 

is difficult. The substitution 

of English for Latin and the 

introduction of the Protestant 

Prayer Book must have made 

little difference to a peasantry 

who knew neither tongue. One 

interesting publication that 

Henry’s henchman Thomas 

Cromwell initiated to ascertain 

the wealth of the Church 

prior to the Dissolution of the 

Monasteries called the Valor 

Ecclesiasticus (1535) has its 

value to historians. It tells us 

Llanharry Church was valued at 

almost £6 with the tithe on corn 

worth just over £3. Does this 

mean that there was now more 

Arable Cultivation in the Open 

Fields of the manor of Llanharry 

thus marking a sign of greater 

peace and prosperity. When 

Henry died in 1547 he was 

succeeded by his son Edward Vl 

( King from 1547 to1553) and 

the stream of Henry’s reforms 

became a flood involving 

the elimination of practices 

associated with the Roman 

Church, the imposition of the 

Protestant doctrine by means of 

the 1549 and 1552 Prayer Books 

and finally the confiscation of 

treasures, plate and vestments 

from churches large and small. 

It must have galled the faithful to 

see the expropriation of church 

property being carried out in 

the Cowbridge Hundred by their 

own local gentry. Llanharry 

Church being small did not lose 

as much as larger churches 

such as Cowbridge. But the 

Protestant Commissioners did 

take “a nice chasuble of olive 

velvet, a cope of grene silk, 

candle sticks of brass, a cross of 

laten and an altar cloth”. 

The two Rectors at this time 

were Thomas Williams and 

Morgan Powel, the former must 

have been a priest of great 

principle for he even refused 

to accept the more moderate 

Elizabethian church settlement 

of 1558 -9 and left his parish in 

disgust! For the record William 

Dawkins of neighbouring 

Llansannor did exactly the same. 

The next Rector, Morgan Powel, 

is of some interest to scholars. 

He is the only Llanharry cleric 

to have references made to 

him in the “Dictionary of Welsh 

Biography”. He is described as 

a gentleman poet, that is one 

“singing on his own food” rather 

that depending as most of the 

bards did on the patronage of 

the local gentry. Slowly the 

people of Wales began to submit 

to the Church of England but at 

Llanharry, as elsewhere not with 

any great enthusiasm. Things 

were helped by the translation 

of the Bible into Welsh with a 

copy placed in every church. 

Another Elizabethan innovation 

was the provision of a chalice 

with paten in 1576 for Holy 

Communion. Thirdly we have 

an important Elizabethan 

tombstone dated 1584 that 

commemorates William Gibbon, 

Squire of Trecastle and easily 

the most important man then 

living in the parish. It has been 

suggested successive members 

of the Gibbon family have 

been laid to rest below the 

tombstone. Not everyone in the 

parish did submit to the Anglican 

Reformation. It appears that 

there was once a “priest hole” in 

Llechau Farm to protect Catholic 

priests from abroad ministering 

to the few local gentry and 

others who wished to retain the 

Old Faith. 

By the early 17th century a more 

radical form of Protestantism 

was adopted by the Puritans, 

which eventually led to the Civil 

Wars between King Charles l 

and Parliament mainly led by 

Oliver Cromwell. An event that 

must have reverberated around 

the parish of Llanharry was the 

defeat of the Royalist at The 

Battle of St. Fagan’s in May 1648 

and the County was now laid 

open to Puritan persecution 

of the Anglican clergy. Of the 

fifty incumbents, who were 

examined for “delinquency, 

malignancy and non residence” 

none suffered more than 

Edmund Gamage Rector of 

Llanharry. He was forcibly 

removed from his living by 

Watkin Richard of Llandyfodwg, 

a rigid Presbyterian. Poor 

Gamage lost his house, the 

glebe land that he farmed and 

the very tithe corn that he had 

brought in several weeks before. 

Added to this humiliation was 

the fact that he received no 

compensation and he was forced 

to teach children to support his 

large family. To add insult to 

injury he saw his church being 

shut for ten years and used only 

by some Anabaptists preaching 

there. When the people got 

fed up with the Cromwellian 

Dictatorship, they asked the King 

Charles ll to return from Europe. 

Sadly, this was too late for 

Gamage for he died a year later. 

Rector Gamage’s successor was 

Evan Griffiths (1661-1671) and 

he was financially no better 

off. His farming was worth less 

than his books and his most 

worthwhile possessions were 

his household goods, the most 

valuable of which were his 

feather beds. His parsonage 

was divided between kitchen 

and hall and the latter contained 

a table and four stools and 

chairs. During his incumbency 

King Charles, ever desperate for 

money imposed a hearth tax at 

2/- per hearth. The returns for 

Llanharry reveal a rectory being 

a very modest building with 3 

hearths, whereas Mrs. Gibbon’s 

mansion at Trecastle had nine 

fireplaces. The 1671 Returns 

reveal a parish of less that forty 

dwellings, mostly scattered 

farms, a few thatched cottages 

around the church and a number 

of squatters dwellings on the 

Gwaun (Common). All the 

inhabitants except Harry Miller 

are of Welsh origin and little 

English was spoken in the parish 

and the church. Next to the 

church was the Parish House- a 

two storey building with an 

Alms House below and an upper 

room that served as a venue for 

weddings and wakes as well as 

meetings of the Manor Court. 

The Rev. Evan Griffiths was 

succeeded as Rector in 1671 by 

the Rev. Thomas Jones. He was 

a far more substantial person, 

farmed on a much greater scale 

both within and without the 

parish and he called himself a 

gentleman. He had a degree so 

it is not surprising that he had 

a better library. As a farmer he 

was able to fertilise his land with 

lime and manure. He must have 

been on friendly terms with the 

local Squire of Trecastle (High 

Sheriff) for Thomas Gibbon 

gave his church a second bell in 

1687 a year before The Glorious 

Revolution. 

The eighteenth century has been 

much maligned for its nepotism, 

absenteeism, pluralism and 

general slumber. If we look 

at these criticisms as regards 

Llanharry they do apply to some 

extent. The Sidneys, lords of the 

manor, although living hundreds 

of miles away in Kent, still 

appointed the livings including 

Llanharry, to their relatives 

or friends. For example, John 

Gumbledon, Rector in 1639 was 

none other than Chaplin to the 

Earl of Leicester. The Leicesters 

and their successors continued 

to present to the Llanharry 

livings into the eighteenth 

century. As regards absenteeism 

and pluralism there is no better 

example than that of Griffith 

Griffiths who was Rector here for 

51 years. He held the livings of 

Eckington in Worcestershire and 

Shadwell in London. He spent 

little time in any of his churches 

and lived in some comfort 

in Wiltshire for a long time. 

Luckily for Llanharry he was 

well served by an industrious 

curate, one David Griffiths. 

He lived in Llanilid parsonage 

for Llanharry rectory was 

falling down. Griffiths served 

Llanharry, Llanilid and Llanharan 

for only £32 per annum. To his 

credit this hard- working, and 

threadbare curate would preach 

a sermon at every Sunday 

service, which in my opinion was 

quite exceptional! 

Next time I will examine the 

role that Llanharry Church and 

its Rectors had played in the 

field of education, and how this 

impacted upon the somewhat 

lawless behaviour of the people 

and then move on to the 19th 

century when the church was 

challenged greatly by the rise of 

Nonconformity. 

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