The Community Mag August 2019

August 2019

1

30 Years Experience

Registered Local Installer

Affordable, Honest, Trustworthy and Reliable www. tvaerialand satelliteservices.co.uk

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIRS

At Your Service For Over 25 Years

2

Repairs & Refurbishment carried out on all makes and models of Washing Machines, Dishwashers, Tumble/Spin Driers, Vacuum Cleaners, Fridges, Freezers, Cookers etc.

Editor’s Foreword LOLIDAY TIME IS HERE! I think I’ve acquired a rapidly deteriorating case of caring fatigue, exacerbated by Brexit and the seemingly bottomless pit of bile that it unleashed. The car radio has been off for a few months now, lest some ‘news’ show sneak through the airwaves to my unwilling ears. A few minutes is the most I have managed to bear of Question Time since Christmas, and the straight out political interview shows have become a big no-no. True, I still manage to consume some online political content, unfortunately, but the main occupant of my thoughts lately is the pondering of destinations to drag the family caravan to. It’s becoming a bit of an obsession! I never thought I’d become a caravan owner, having been an avid camper for decades, but as I get older it’s all much easier than building our lodgings from scratch every time we go away (we never were the lightest travellers when it came to camping). I’m blown away by how much we have on our doorstep – you really don’t need to go far to enjoy a short break! The truth is, once you’re on site, most of the time it really doesn’t matter where you are Your perspective of the area your in is normally a new one to you, and that alone is enough. Penycae is the closest we’ve managed to holiday once a few years ago, but Llanelli, Brecon and Tycroes have both been recent additions to our menu of semi-regular destinations (and both excellent facilities in themselves). Sometimes we stay on site and chill, sometimes we use them as a base to explore from. There is certainly a pleasure in jumping in the car and being on holiday in less than an hour! Before crowning myself king of the local holidays though, some friends of ours really kick our ambitions in to touch with their Grand Master level Lolidaying (my new term for taking local holidays!). They’ve lolidayed at Penycae, Ynyswen and even managed a city break in Ystradgynlais in a wooden lodge! Like us, they have discovered that a holiday is just as much a state of mind as it is the destination, in fact probably more so. Of course the benefits of this are obvious… we’re owed a glut of brownie points for green credentials, and the money normally spent elsewhere is going into the local economy around us. The biggest benefit, though, is the chance to see the area we live with fresh eyes. We truly have so much to offer in Wales, and it feels like we’re only just at the beginning of seriously looking at tourism as a major industry here. OK, so we may not always get the weather, but if laying in the sun is your thing then you’re probably going to be off to warmer climes anyway. Lolidaying! If you haven’t tried it, give it a go and surprise yourselves. Until next time...

Phil If you want to write to the magazine our address is: Community Mag, 8 Darren Road, Ystalyfera, Swansea SA9 2HP. You can also e-mail us at mail@communitymag.co.uk. DEADLINE FOR SEPTEMBER 2019 EDITION - August 12th 3

CWMDULAIS DENTAL CENTRE

We are an NHS and Private Dental Prac�ce in the Neath Port Talbot area offering Rou�ne and Cosme�c Dental Treatments. YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION WHEN YOU SIGN UP TO OUR DENTAL PLAN! (Quote Community) limited period only. x2 Examinations per year x2 Hygiene Visits per year 20% off private treatment WORLDWIDE insurance cover ONLY £12.70 per month Cwmdulais Dental 8 Station Road Crynant NEATH SA10 8NW

Call: 01639 750 260 to book your appointment now Email: cwmdulaisdental@outlook.com

HOME MAINTENANCE

MM maintenance

home & commercial maintenance kitchen fitting bathroom fitting domestic & commercial painting & decorating fencing handyman services

4

Mike: 07810 446626 Sue: 01269 820735

PC DOCTOR YOUR LOCAL COMPUTER, IPHONE & IPAD REPAIR SHOP

EXCELLENT CUSTOMER SATISFACTION

3 Brecon Road, Ystradgynlais SA9 1HE

01639-843765

COUNCIL TO IMPROVE GARDEN WASTE COLLECTION ROUNDS

Garden waste collection days in Powys are set to change for some households over the next few weeks, the county council has announced. Almost 7,000 households have signed up to Powys County Council’s garden waste collection service since it started earlier this year. Now three months into the service, the council has begun reviewing the collection rounds and looking to make them more efficient. Households that will see their collection day change will be informed by letter at least a week before their next fortnightly collection. Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Recycling and Waste, said: “Nearly 7,000 households have signed up to take advantage of our new service since it was introduced in April. “Now it has been running for a few months, we’re looking to improve the efficiency of the collection rounds for this service. This will take place over the next few weeks. “This will mean that some households will see a change in their collection day, but we will write to any household to inform them of their new day. “I want to thank those households who have signed up to our new convenient service, helping us to increase recycling and making a difference for our environment.” Households can still sign up to the garden waste collection service by visiting www.powys.gov.uk/gardenwaste or telephone 01597 827465.

enquiries@arborum.org

Tel: 01792 864053 Mob: 07533 418103

www.arborum.org

Tree Dismantling / Felling • Tree Pruning • Hedge Trimming Site Clearance and Maintenance 24hr Emergency Call Out Hedge / Tree Planting • Stump Grinding / Removal Work complying to BS3998 using fully insured & qualified staff All waste products removed and recycled 5

VERTICAL - ROLLER - VENETIAN PLEATED - WOODEN CONSERVATORY BLINDS SPECIALIST

Gurnos Road, Ystradgynlais SA9 2JR Tel:

01639 842168

Approved M.O.T. Testing Station

All Types Of Bodywork & Repair Undertaken Servicing • Brakes • Exhausts • Clutches • Tyres • Diagnostics

Servicing from only £99 • MOT Test £40

6

All Mechanical Work Carried Out On All Types of Vehicles

Crossword

ACROSS

1. Rhythmical mover in Bermudan ceremony (6) 5. Expensive sounding animal (4) 9. Spirit between two letters is a overall winner (5) 10. Recipe for rum loaf mixture (7) 11. Sounds more than a shredder (7) 12. Took a seat in soft fabric (5) 13. Find fruit, cheap please (5) 15. Twenty found in disco resort (5) 20. Subject revealed in the meeting (5) 22. Mixed bat ribs or furry animals (7) 24. Exact mixture of recipes (7) 25. Wrote down to end mixup (5) 26. Pig pen sounds like a sight for sore eyes (4) 27. Signals return to quarters, found habitat too military (6)

Answers on page 66

DOWN

2. Entertain a daughter of Zeus (5) 3. Large letter or major city (7) 4. See the light or reunite the band (6) 5. Finds challenges in Nevada resort (5) 6. Circles the world without being seen (7) 7. Put on a platform (5) 8. Extra insurance included precipitation (5) 14. Make a gift of a writhing serpent (7) 16. It can be re-arranged piece of furniture (7) 17. Halts re-arrangement of posts (5) 18. Clergyman in Capri establishment (6) 19. Stage whisper is a theatrical facet (5) 21. Cream of the crop in model items (5) 23. Tin trombone supported brief musical passage (5) 7

WE CAN NOW CLEAR ALL YOUR GARDEN RUBBISH & WASTE AT A PRICE YOU CAN AFFORD

CALL NOW FOR YOUR SUMMER CLEAR UP! WE SPECIALISE IN: MAINTAINING GARDENS, LAWNS & HEDGES, PRESSURE WASHING PATIOS, PATHS & DRIVEWAYS, GUTTERING & FASCIA CLEANING & REPAIRS

NO JOB TOO SMALL • Please feel free to call for a FREE personal quote

Call Andrew Jones: 07717

663674 or 01639 831310

Discount for OAP’s • Local Lad with Local Prices

Shaun Coughlan

BUILDING, BUILDING, PLASTERING PLASTERING & & HANDYMAN HANDYMAN SERVICE SERVICE All Property & Garden Maintenance

CAR BOOT YSTRADOWEN SA9 2YT

From Grass Cutting to Plastering and Anything In Between

EVERY SATURDAY FROM 6th APRIL (WEATHER PERMITTING)

NO JOB TOO SMALL

07881 42 81 64 01639 84 99 39

8:00 am – 12:30 pm

FOR UP TO DATE INFORMATION

Tel: 07513 277468

Ystradowen CAR BOOT

SWANSEA VALLEY

TARMAC LTD TARMACING & RESURFACING SPECIALIST

NRSW Licenced & LOCAL AUTHORITY APPROVED

Welcome to SWANSEA VALLEY TARMAC LTD. We are professional - our team with years of experience can simply make the best of your project... For all tarmac driveways we will give you a free planning and design service. This creates your perfect choice that adds value to your property, making an asset that can transform blank or unused land into a valuable addition to your property. With our FREE ESTIMATES, FREE SITE SURVEYS & even FREE ADVICE, finding out won’t cost a penny! From Budget options designed to save you money, to Luxury... from small home installations to commercial, we provide excellent services.

FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE CALL US:

t: 01639 842218 m: 07938 070682 m: 07971

791999

8

SPECIALIST IN DROP ENTRANCE KERBING

DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM

The rules for Sudoku are simple: Fill in the blanks so that each row, each column, and each of the nine 3x3 grids contain one instance of each of the numbers 1 through 9.

DIFFICULTY: EASY

9

VIEWS SOUGHT ON COUNCIL’S RESPITE POLICY

10

Neath Port Talbot Council is asking people for their views on proposed changes to its Adult Services Respite Allocation Policy. The proposed policy has been developed to provide a fair and transparent approach to delivering respite services to unpaid carers of adults living in Neath Port Talbot with an assessed social care need. Initially, assessments will be undertaken with all unpaid carers to identify whether they qualify for respite services. This will ensure everybody entitled receives their own individual carer’s assessment in line with the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014. Following this, carers will be allocated with the required amount of respite support needed in proportion to their individual needs. This will mean the removal of the three current allocation bands (16, up to 36, or up to 56 nights per year) which unpaid carers are placed into. Overnight accommodation based respite is proposed to be provided at Plas Bryn Rhosyn (for older people), Gnoll Nursing Home (for nursing respite), and Trem Y Mor (for people with complex needs including learning disabilities). Under the proposed policy, carers will also be offered the opportunity to receive Direct Payments. This is to give carers more choice and control and over how they receive respite through being able to arrange and pay for their own care and support instead of the Council arranging services for them. The support will be reviewed on an annual basis to ensure it still meets the identified eligible needs. Councillor Peter Richards, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Neath Port Talbot Council is fully committed to supporting its most vulnerable residents and ensuring unpaid carers have time off and a life outside of caring. “I would encourage anyone who may be affected by these proposals to have their say during the consultation period. It is important we understand people’s views so that we are fully informed before making any final decisions.” Responses to the consultations can be made online through the Council’s consultation portal (www.npt.gov.uk/haveyoursay). Those wanting to respond in writing should address letters to Respite Allocation Policy, Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Common Commissioning Unit, Civic Centre, Neath SA11 3QZ, or email ccu@npt.gov.uk. There are information display giving details of the proposal at Neath Civic Centre, Port Talbot Civic Centre and all complex needs day services together with suggestion box where questions, letters and completed feedback forms can be deposited. The 90-day public consultation started on Monday 17th June and will finish on Sunday 15th September.

CD BEYNON PLUMBING & HEATING GAS BOILER • Servicing • Repairs • Installation • Replacement etc. OIL BOILER • Servicing • Repairs • Installation • Replacement etc. Oil Rayburn Installations

Bathrooms • Blocked Sinks • Burst Pipes • Heating • Hot Water Plumbing • Kitchens • Overflow Systems • Power Flushing Radiator Repairs • Shower Installation • Range Cookers • AGA All work guaranteed for 12 months unless otherwise stated • Free Estimates LANDLORD AND MULTIPLE PROPERTY DISCOUNTS AVAILABLE

07812 784 820

Gas Safe & OFTEC Registered Technician

TREBANOS COMPUTER SERVICES • • • • • •

Computer, laptop and phone repairs Home appointments available Fast and efficient servic e Screen replacement Printing & photocopying Parts and sales

Internet café and personal one to one tuition

Free estimates At the old post office, 127 Swansea Road Or call: 01792 863126 / 07969 600848

CD Beynon

@chrisBeynon3

HOUSE CLEARANCE Houses, Garages & Outbuildings Cleared

BEST PRICES PAID!

USED BY LOCAL SOLICITORS & ESTATE AGENTS WE HAVE

MOVED!

Household Goods Bought And Sold NEW SHOP Any Modern Or Old Furniture Considered ADDRESS BELOW

30’s, 40’s ANTIQUES WANTED 50’s, 60’s Old Dressers • Chests of Drawers • Pine Tables Bedroom Suites • Hall Stands • Bookcases etc.

Washers, Driers, Fridge-Freezers, Cookers etc. Bought & Sold

The Sale Room, 35 Cefnllan Rd, Pontardawe SA8 4NA 01639 502056/01792 346080 Daytime: 07971 398650 Licensed Carrier of Waste

Simon’s Electrical Services Your Local Time Served Electrician

Free Price Estimates • Large range of Mirror • Glass cut while you wait • Toughened Glass service • Double Glazed Units • Glazing products available • Horticultural glass • We are on Facebook!

All work compliant with current IEE regulations

Get an estimate for the price of a cuppa!!! (strong, no sugar, spot of milk)

Call Simon Pinner: 07968 358086 Email: simonpinner14@gmail.com

157 Windsor Rd, Neath SA11 1NU 01639 644522 / 635140 Fax: 01639 776549 E: gormanandrew1@sky.com

Heat Resistant Glass Stoves, Wood Burners etc.

11

12

GET READY FOR

Central Heating Breakdowns Installations: Kitchen • Bathroom Combi Boiler Specialists Central Heating Maintenance Full Bathroom Refurbishments All Aspects Of Tiling

Window Cleaning (Domestic & Commercial) Pressure Washing / Render Clean

All Work Fully Guaranteed All Supplied with a Warm, Friendly & Reliable Service 226044

Established 1996

SERVICES OFFERED: Carpet/Rug & Upholstery Cleaning

226044

Tel: 01792 864127 01639 841873 Mob: 07894 744626 E: pauliegasman@yahoo.co.uk

Gutters / uPVC / Conservatory Roofs Contract Cleaning End of Tenancy / Landlord Cleans Exterior & Interior Painting Ironing & Dry Cleaning available at the shop

Call the Shop on 01639 841444 mobile: 07813 530278 or 07890 261342

MIKE WILLIAMS

Home Improvements & Gardening Services

For Quotes & Estimates Call Us on CLYDACH

01639 697557

www.watersroofing.co.uk 13

01792 919148 07588 515102

Jennifer Melly Law 45 Alfred Street Neath SA11 1EH

Tel: 01639 630057 Visit: www.jennifermellylaw.com E-mail: reception@jennifermellylaw.com

The importance of having a Will What is a Will? A Will is a legal document which allows you to decide who receives your assets after you die and states who you would like to administer your estate i.e. your executors. It can also cover other issues such as funeral wishes, the appointment of guardians for young children and provision for pets to name but a few. What if I don’t make a Will? If you die without having made a will then the rules of intestacy will apply instead. This is a very rigid set of rules which state who would receive your estate based on their relationship to you. Unmarried partners and step children do not benefit under intestacy and so it is better to choose yourself who to benefit to ensure your wishes are followed. Choosing Executors Your executors are the people you choose to administer your estate and would need to deal with matters such as arranging your funeral, sorting out your personal effects, selling/ encashing assets, paying tax and any liabilities and transferring assets to your beneficiaries. You can also choose professional executors such as Jennifer Melly Law and this can be particularly helpful where there is a possible dispute or if your estate is large or there are complex issues. Other points to consider when making a Will Before making your Will it is helpful for you to be aware of the value and extent of your assets and any debts so that you are fully aware of what would be passing under your Will. You should consider those close to you and what financial obligations you may have to them, for example you should consider what provision to make for those who live with you and / or who are financially dependent on you. These are just some of the things you need to consider when making a Will. By putting in place some simple arrangements you can make clear your wishes which can alleviate complications after your death and offer reassurance to loved ones faced with making difficult decisions on your behalf. At Jennifer Melly Law we have a team of lawyers who specialise in preparing Wills and can discuss with you your particular situation with a view to preparing a Will to suit your needs. Please contact us on 01639 630057 for further advice.

14

For more informa�on or advice please contact us on 01639 630057

We advise on: • Long Term Care and Fees • Wills • Powers of Attorney • Tax Advice • Buying and Selling a Property • Court of Protection Applications • Estate Administration • Trusts

Home Visits Available Welsh and English Speaking Flexible Appointments

HOUSEWORK • We Cover All Aspects Of Domestic And Office Cleaning • Friendly And Reliable Staff • Competitive Prices

hw_heroes@yahoo.com

M&R

For any scaffolding needs, no job too big or small...

Phone: 01639 845092 Rhys: 07930 182758 Wyndham: 07881 986160 info@wrk-scaffolding.com

ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION LTD

All Building & Renovation Work Undertaken w w w.mar k reesroofing.co.uk

Extensions • Conservatories & All uPVC Work Brick & Stone Work • Brick-Paved Driveways & Bases All Groundwork & Drainage • Plastering • Dry Lining All Carpentry • All Flat Roofing Tiled & Slated Roofs, Fibreglass/Box Profile Sheeting

All Work Guaranteed • Fully Insured No Job Too Big or Too Small Full Plumbing Service. All Work Carried Out by GAS SAFE Registered Engineers. All Boiler Servicing & Repairs General Plumbing Work • Landlord Certificates

01639 701201 • 07968 323394

Roberts Garden Landscapes CALL NOW for your FREE quote

All Aspects Of Tree Work Undertaken

Tree Dismantling * Pruning Stump Grinding * Reduction Thinning * Hedging * Felling Planting and much more...

Garden, Lawn & Hedge Maintenance • Landscaping • Turf Laying General Garden Clearance • Fencing • Pressure Washing Patios, Paths & Driveways etc.

GARDEN WALLS BUILT, PATHS & PATIOS LAID No Job Too Big or Too Small FULLY QUALIFIED AND INSURED

Call Nev on 07807 536 524 15

PROPERTY & GARDEN MAINTENANCE We Specialise In Patios & Fencing

Concrete Bases Laid • Ground Clearance • Fencing Supplied & Fitted Lawns & Hedges Maintained • Exterior Painting • Pressure Washing to suit any budget

All Aspects Of Roofing

Fibreglass Flat Roofs • Roof Re-Tiles & Repairs Apex & Pitched • Fascia, Downpipe, Gutter Repairs etc. Commercial Premises, End of Tenancy etc. WE CLEAR IT ALL!

Phone Craig for FREE Quote & Advice

CBDU2903 Licensed Waste Carrier

Call: 07925 250785 Email: colleen.jeffreys@yahoo.com

ROOFING & MAINTENANCE Specialist in FibreGlass Roofing and General Building Maintenance uPVC Fascias & Guttering, Also All Aspects of Garden Maintenance including Patios, Driveways, Printed Concrete

No Job Too Big or Small Very Competitive Rates • FREE ESTIMATES

01639 701509 • 07811 532361

COMMUNITY WELDING SERVICES Gates • Railings • Bi-folding Gates Fencing • Wood and Steel Gates Disabled handrails • Grab Rails Concrete Ramps • Walkways • Security Grills Powder Coating • Galvanizing Wrought Iron Repairs & Refurbishment

Free Estimates

Tel: 07749 578693 Before refurbishment After refurbishment

Steel Roofing & Cladding Supply and Fit Insulation Stock • Single Skin Stock Advice & Site Visits • Bespoke Manufacture

16

Call: 01269 826 255 • 07971 162 005 www.riverside-supplies.co.uk

THE TYRE SHOP

QUALITY PART WORN & NEW TYRES SERVICING SERVICE • BRAKES from £90! EXHAUSTS • RECOVERY BATTERIES IN STOCK MOBILE TYRE FITTING NOW AVAILABLE No Call Out Charge In Local Area!

01639 843145 Unit 8/9 Swansea Valley Business Park

SA9 2EB Find us at the entrance to ASDA Ystalyfera!

JPC PAINTING & DECORATING

Interior and Exterior

CWM Upholstery Ltd.

Re-upholstery & Repair of Modern or Tradi�onal Furniture 01792 814422

including pebble dash

Industrial, Commercial & Domestic

Mob. 07908 475137 (Cymraeg) Mob.07971 629266

No Job Too Big Or Too Small...

Unit 1, Lonlas Industrial Estate Skewen, Swansea SA10 6SN

Phone Jason the Painter for a FREE Estimate

07779 720663

MIKE’S BEFORE

sales@cwmupholstery.co.uk

Services

A Fully Comprehensive Commercial & Domestic Service leaving your ovens, hobs, extractor fans, microwaves etc.

Sparkling Clean & Ready For Immediate Use Are Non-Corros s ti c Chemicals and Fume Fr ive, Non-Cau ee!

AFTER

Jetwashing Also Available: Patios, Drives, Paths and more...

07572 529448 / 01639 700084 17

C.REES Plumbing & Hea For ALL Your Plumbing & Heating Requirements

We Now Accept Card Payments! • Combi Boiler Specialists • Central Hea�ng & General Plumbing • Maintenance & Repairs • Central Hea�ng Installa�on • Combi Conversions • Full Bathroom Refurbishments All work fully insured & guaranteed Servicing & Landlord reports at excellent rates No Job Too Small!

07539 057284 01639 702916

craigreesplumbingandheating@gmail.com

Experienced Carpet & Vinyl Fitter required At Glantawe Carpets

Experience necessary, Own transport required

Apply within or 01639 842522 lynglantawe@aol.com

D&R ROOFING Ltd The LOCAL Specialist with over 25yrs experience in this area The Specialist for all your roofing requirements, including

• Tiling and Slating • Fibreglass and Rubber Roofing • Chimney Stacks taken down & rebuilt • All uPVC Guttering & Fascias • All Work Guaranteed • Free Estimates All Lead Work undertaken

Insurance Work Undertaken

18

You’ve Tried The Rest, Now Come To The Best...Call Denny on

M: 07973 857389 T: 01639 411284 • 01639 701633

FOR AUGUST 2019

Photograph ‘Mountain Pool’ by Jeanine Bishopp. If you’d like to see your photo on The Weather Outlook send it to phil@communitymag.co.uk

roperty estorers Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Window Cleaning Plumbing Jet Washing Fencing Flood + Fire Restoration For Prompt, Friendly Service Call Sean Now on

07949 963237

by Jonathan Powell, Swansea Sound Weatherman

After some pleasant spells of weather during late June and throughout parts of July, August will afford a similar pattern with periods of dry, fine, and warm to very warm conditions. With the prospect of a favourably positioned jet stream, any high pressure should be able to bed down across Wales for a decent length of time, allowing temperatures to climb rather nicely, perhaps edging into the 80's from time to time, with any very warm and humid spell being brought to a close with thunderstorm activity. However, one of the key elements to providing long and sustained phases of warm weather during Summer is the ability for high pressure to build back in rather quickly, a trait that may well be displayed in August. A slightly drier and warmer month is expected. Jonathan Powell, Monday, July 8th 2019

Come The Autumn, Come The Night

Avoid a heating break down when the REAL cold hits... BOOK YOUR SERVICE TODAY

We undertake all boiler repairs, servicing and cleaning, as well as the SAFE commissioning of new boilers. A Service & Clean Pays For Itself In Saved Fuel! Breakdown Insurance & Priority Response Available For peace of mind, a quote or advice call Adrian on

07886 647 036 19

Email: phil@communitymag.co.uk or write to Community Mag, 8 Darren Road, Ystalyfera, Swansea, SA9 2HP

I am a lover of the natural world and enjoy observing spiders and harversters from a distance in my bathroom. Thus it is obvious that I have no interest in the growth, speedy or otherwise, of nasal spider legs. For more clrity on this subject please refer to the editorial of the June issue. Then I ask myself why so much broadcasting time is given to members of a doomed party? They have no new ideas, only and outdated tribal policy. My Dad and his Dad and all his pals were conservatives so why would I want to become a Corbynite? Then, of course there all those new Farageans. What have they to offer, apart from hating anything non-Faragean? When living through the riots and afterwards the flooding in Bangkok I wrote to two of the national newspapers about incedents which greatly disturbed me. The riots and the violence were deeply distressing. Many of my letters were published, mostly in the Bangkok Post. That was before teh ened of the first decade of the current century... not that long ago. Now all my hopes are with the Green Party. That party is the one that I would head for if only I had a small amount of cash to support them and enough energy in non-arthritic hands to be of any use. I was thrilled to learn that Extinction Rebellion have a group here in Ystalyfera. Greta and her friends are showing us the way. Best wishes, Mel 3 STEPS Gardening & Maintenance Services Sam England No job too small 07866 901911 01639 841827

3steps4@gmail.com

20

www.3stepsgardeningservices.com

“All your skip-hire needs with just one call...”

Skips from just £75 + VAT Main Road, Banwen, Neath SA10 9HR

T: 01639 701781 M: 07814 377029 E: rcdavies.skiphire@yahoo.co.uk

A Family Run Business with Over 20 Years Experience in Windows | Doors | Conservatories | Fascias | Guttering | Soffits Specialists in all uPVC work. All repair work, incl. locks, handles & hinges Misted Up Double Glazed Units Replaced

uPVC REPAIRS from only £30

MAKE YOUR CONSERVATORY A ROOM YOU CAN ENJOY ALL YEAR...

01639 750384 • 07956 802448 Email: crynant.homeimprovements@aol.co.uk Units 24 - 25 Crynant Business Park, Crynant SA10 8PX

Liam’s Logs and Tree Care

All Aspects of Tree Care, Garden Maintenance & Clearance Undertaken including Ash Dieback Advice

5 Star Reviews on Yell.com!

FREE HEADBOARD WITH MOST BEDS!

3ft Beds from £90

from Economy Beds & Mid-Range Beds to Luxurious Beds TRY US FIRST, CUT OUT THE MIDDLE MAN!

Weed & Knotweed Control Mobile Log Cutting Service

Call Liam on 07967 020928 liam_kealy@hotmail.com

: Liams-Logs

Jolly Rd, Garnant SA18 1NE Visit Our Showroom

NOW OPEN

01269 826607 21

FREE Delivery Within 25 Miles

5Kg Chicken Breasts only

£23!

BBQ SPECIALS

£15 BBQ Pack

12 x ¼lb Burgers 20 x Gills Sausages

5 large chicken breast skewers 4 home made steak burgers 1lb of meaty pork ribs 6 large kofta kebabs Pack of home made sausages

Ready to cook from frozen! Perfect for an impromptu BBQ!

Only £10!

All available in various flavours

Fresh Local FREE RANGE Eggs £1.50 • Local Honey In Stock • A Range of Flavours and Seasonings Why Not Add A Flavour To Your Meat? Give us 1hr notice and we’ll do it for you FREE! Smokey Barbecue • Chinese • Cajun • Southern Barbecue • Garden Mint Rosemary & Garlic • Garlic & Butter • Salt & Pepper • Lemon & Pepper Sweet Chilli & Lime • Sticky Maple • Tandoori • Tikka Masala • Italian Louisiana Zingy Chilli • Honey Roast • Pepper Steak • Jamaican Jerk

Always a wide selection of Meat, Poultry & Home Made Products

78 Commercial St, Ystalyfera, Swansea SA9 2HS

01639 843470

GLANTAWE

Licensed Waste Carrier

LANDSCAPES & TREE SERVICES LTD LET THE PROFESSIONALS HANDLE IT

FENCING SPECIALISTS

Experienced in both domestic and commercial arboriculture and horticulture. We are Fully Licensed and Insured. All sites are left Clean and Tidy.

No Job Too Big or Small

Call Today for a no obligation quote and a price you can afford

M: 07904 861 845 T: 01639 844049

“Glantawe Landscapes is a Family Run Business built on Trust and Professionalism.”

22

FIREWOOD FOR SALE

Tawe Car Centre 64 HYUNDAI IX 35 1.7 CRDi S, BLACK, PAS, ALLOYS, R/C/L,A/C,24K,FSH,MOT

£ 9,995

13 AUDI A1 TDi S-LINE, 5 DR, BLUE, PAS ,ALLOYS, R/C/L, FSH, 56K, ZERO TAX

£ 9,995

59 SKODA YETI 2.0 TDi S, SILVER, PAS, ALLOYS, R/C/L, FSH, 117K, 1 OWNER

£ 3,995

11 FORD FUSION 1.4i STYLE +, 5 DR, BLACK, PAS, R/C/L, E/W, 61K, NEW MOT

£ 3,295

08 FORD FOCUS C-MAX 1.8 TDCi TITANIUM, RED, PAS, ALLOYS, FSH, 84K, MOT

£ 2,695

61 HYUNDAI i10 1.2 STYLE, 5 DR, RED, PAS, ALLOYS, C/L, E/W, FSH, 85K ,£30 TAX SOLD 59 PEUGEOT 207 1.6 HDi SW,SILVER,PAS,R/C/L,E/W, 75K, £ 30 TAX, NEW MOT

£ 2,495

09 TOYOTA AYGO PLATINUM, 5DR,SILVER, PAS,C/L,ALLOYS,£30 TAX ,95K

£ 2,495

09 SKODA FABIA 1.4 TDi 80, 5DR, GREEN, PAS,ALLOYS,R/C/L,57K, £30 TAX

£ 2,495

08 VW POLO 1.2 (60) MATCH, 3DR, GREY,PAS,ALLOYS,C/L,E/W, FSH,88K

£ 2,395

08 PEUGEOT 207 1.6 HDi SPORT, RED,PAS,ALLOYS,R/C/L,E/W,65K, FSH SOLD 08 FORD FOCUS 1.6 TDCi STYLE ESTATE,WHITE, PAS,C/L,FSH, 114K, £30 TAX

£ 2,395

57 FORD FIESTA 1.6 TDCi ZETEC, 5 DR,BLACK,PAS,ALLOYS,C/L,94K, FSH

£ 1,995

57 FORD FIESTA 1.4 TDCi ZETEC, RED,PAS ALLOYS,R/C/L,E/W,FSH,105K,MOT

£ 1,795

09 NISSAN MICRA 1.5 DCi, 3 DR, BLACK, PAS,C/L, £30 TAX,150K,NEW MOT SOLD 58 FORD FIESTA 1.2 ZETEC, MET.BLUE,PAS,ALLOYS,C/L, FSH, 50K, MOT OCT SOLD 06 SEAT ALTEA 1.9 TDi, MET. RED, PAS,ALLOYS,R/C/L,E/W,104K, NEW MOT

£ 1,995

05 SUBARU FORESTER 2.0i XT, SILVER,PAS,ALLOYS,C/L,E/W,LTHR,116K

£ 1,495

04 LANDROVER FREELANDER TD4 SE, GREEN, PAS, ALLOYS, C/L, FSH, 127K

£ 1,495

05 FORD GALAXY 1.9TDi SILVER, PAS, ALLOYS, C/L, 7 SEATS, 138K, MOT JUNE

£ 995

53 HONDA CIVIC 1.6 INSPIRE, SILVER, ALLOYS, P AS, R/C/L, E/W, 69K, NEW MOT

£ 795

53 SAAB AERO 2.0T 210, 4 DR, BLACK,PAS,ALLOYS,C/L,E/W, 128K, MOT MAR

£ 695

23

All aspects of building work undertaken Classic Bond Rubber Roofing Experienced & Reliable Free Quotes • No Job Too Small

24

Phil Withers & Son 07950 277 273 • 01639 412 925

Thornhill Road, Crosshands, SA14 6PT

2yd, 4yd, 6yd, 8yd 20 yd Ro/Ro, 40 yd Ro/Ro Call Today For A Quote Licenced Waste Carrier & Transfer Station visit us at fb.me/pendragonskips for special offers

MENTION THIS AD FOR A SPECIAL DISCOUNT

Specialists in All uPVC Work FRENCH DOORS • SASH WINDOWS BI-FOLD DOORS • COMPOSITE DOORS (ANY COLOUR) DOWNPIPES, FASCIAS & GUTTERS CONSERVATORIES All Available Fitted or Supply Only

A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS

OVER 25Yrs EXPERIENCE. Based in Ystalyfera www.harmonywindowsanddoors.co.uk

E-mail: tjevansandsonltd@outlook.com 25

Saturday 7th September 2019 Unit 2/3 Swansea Valley Business Park SA9 2EB (Opp. Asda entrance)

MOTs From Just ÂŁ35 Classes 4, 5 & 7 All Repair and Maintenance Work Undertaken

01639 844873

26

tawemotc@gmail.com Darren 07807 632131 Carl 07973 869347

Do you suffer from pain in your

neck and shoulders? How about your hips, knees or other joints? Do you experience headaches because of neck issues? Does your posture cause your back to ache? Are migraines a source of frustration for you? Have you got issues with frozen shoulders or tennis elbow?

Principal Chiropractor & Clinical Director

Cristina Carrasco Chaves

DC (MCHIRO), LRCC, BCA & GCC REG

If so, then here at Cristina’s Wellbeing Chiropractic we want to help you on your road to recovery. BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE AT

www.wellbeingchiropractic.co OR BY PHONE ON

01639 699573 Also Available at Cristina’s Wellbeing Chiropractic:

PODIATRY • HOMEOPATHY MASSAGE THERAPY • PHYSIOTHERAPY All practiced by trained and qualified professionals

27

24 Station Road, Ystradgynlais Swansea. SA9 1NT E mail: hello@wellbeingchiropractic.co Website: www.wellbeingchiropractic.co Phone: 01639 699573 • Mobile: 07933 203166

Support and Social Groups for ex-mineworkers and their spouses or partners The Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation (CISWO) provides a range of supportive services to former mineworkers and their spouses or partners through a completely free and confidential home visiting service and access to CISWO social groups. Home visiting services include:  Benefits advice  Help with application forms  Bereavement Support  Advice on disability issues and mining related diseases  Practical and emotional support at times of difficulty There are also a number of CISWO social groups which meet in venues across the South Wales Coalfield. CISWO social groups enjoy a range of activities including quizzes, speakers and free day trips. We also hold an annual Summer Party which all group members are invited to. It can be difficult for older people to maintain an active social life for a number of reasons including health issues and access to transport. Social isolation and loneliness can have a devastating effect. Members of the social groups supported by CISWO often comment that the group meeting is the only time they get out and meet friends in a social setting. CISWO social groups are run by the members. They are friendly and supportive, and good fun! New members are always welcome.

Glynneath CISWO Social Group

28

For details of your nearest CISWO social group or to arrange a home visit please visit our website www.MinersWelfare.org or give CISWO a call on 01443 485233

Cleaner Carpet Wales Rugs from £15 Stairs from £25 Hallway/Landing from £15 Living Room from £35 Bedrooms from £20 3 Piece Suite (Fabric) from £50 Leather Cleaning Also Available

Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner No Obligation Demo & Quotation All Cleaning Carried Out To The Highest Standards

MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!

For your BEST clean, phone David on 07864 991543

TAXI

IG’s TAXI SERVICE LOCAL & LONG DISTANCE 8 SEATER

TEL: 07414 160797

Building • Bricklaying Stonework • Roofing Tiling • Extension Repairs and Maintenance Concreting No job too small • References available 30+ Years Experience Satisfaction Guaranteed • Free Quotes

Huw John 07951 629733 Ystradgynlais and Beyond

Wanting to change an unwanted habit or limitation? Smoking, over-weight, stress, phobias, pain, grief, sleep disorders & many others. Hypnotherapy may be for you: · Safe and non invasive · Effective and transformative 30+ years experience · Fast and affordable · Versatile Satisfaction Guaranteed · Applicable to many different situations Free Quotes

Call me for a brief discussion www.amendolahypnotherapy.co.uk Email: am@amendolahypnotherapy.co.uk

01639 730043 07971 260254

Practise locations - Upper Swansea Valley, Neath and Swansea.

ARTIZAN

Windows

PVCu WINDOWS & DOORS

For all your requirements, including WINDOWS, DOORS & CONSERVATORIES in White, Mahogany or Light Oak Supply Supply only, only, Trade Trade & & DIY DIY or or fitted fitted by by our our Experienced Experienced Craftsmen Craftsmen 90% of our work comes from recommendations

Survey and Estimates are FREE

ALL uPVC REPAIRS LOCKS FITTED & REPAIRED 29

01792 863296 07811 379801

You’ll recommend Us!

GLANTAWE THEATRE COMPANY

GLANTAWEPRESENT THEATRE COMPANY THE SOUTHPRESENT BRECONSHIRE THE HILARIOUS FESTIVAL OF ONECOMEDY ACT PLAYS

AN GRANNY EVENING OF ONE ACT PLAYS By

ADJUDICATOR MR NICK WILKS GODA.

Frank Vickery

The Welfare Ystradgynlais. The Welfare Ystradgynlais.

4th ,12th 5th and 6th September Friday April At 7.00PM2019

Show Commences at 7.00pm. 0PM TICKETS ADULT £8.50 CONCESSION £7.50

TICKETSFAMILY ADULTTICKET £8.50 £CONCESSION £7.50 25.00 AVAILABLE AVAILABLEFROM FROMTHE THEBOX BOXOFFICE OFFICEONON01649 01649843183 843163

30

Recommended FOR 16 and Over

The Cross • 01639 842522

/GlantaweCarpets

NEW RUGS JUST ARRIVED MIRA Kitchen Runners Machine Wash 5 Colours, 2 Designs 100cm x 67cm £14.99 180cm x 67cm £29.99

Kitchen Mats & Runners Available from £10.95

BARCELONA

TARTAN SAXONY GREYS WILTON 2 Colours STILL HALF While Stock Lasts PRICE! £13.99sq.yd £15 y² Fitted. Expertly Fitted

Subject to decreasing availability.

‘CROESO’ Coconut Welcome Mats With Waterproof backing £12.99 31

IN CONTINUOUS FAMILY OWNERSHIP FOR 42 YEARS

SCHOOL SHUT FOR SAFETY REASONS

Earth Science Partnership (ESP), the experts commissioned by Neath Port Talbot Council, discovered there is a medium level risk from a quarry spoil tip near the school after the Council asked them to extend their extensive landslide risk investigation work carried out in nearby Pantteg, Ystalyfera. The risk identified by ESP is linked to springs and ground water near the School. ESP’s investigation found that if the stream became blocked as the result of a severe weather event, there is a possibility that water levels and pressures in the tip could induce material to flow downhill. After an early draft report on the issue was received from ESP late on Wednesday evening, an emergency meeting of senior Council officers and members led by Council Leader Cllr Rob Jones decided the school should be closed immediately. Cllr Jones said: “I would like to emphasise that we understand the enormity of this decision, but the safety of our children, staff and residents must be, and has always been, the Council’s priority.� “We have concerns about the initial findings which have identified a medium hazard risk linked to the quarry spoil above the school and although further investigative work is needed we have, as a precautionary measure, decided to close the school early ahead of the summer break. “We will be keeping parents informed of developments and arrangements will be made to relocate all the pupils and staff onto an alternative site ready for September. We will work with the Governing Body, the school and the wider community to minimise the effect of this disruption.� Council officers will be contacting neighbouring owner occupiers shortly to advise them of any action the Council proposes to take. Further information and updates can be found on the Council’s website at www.npt.gov.uk/godrergraig

Convert Your Tired Old Conservatory Into An All Year Round Living Space

Čą Čą Čą Čą making your room warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer

ȊȹȹѢ Čą Ń–Ń›Ń‘ŃœŃ¤Ń Ç°Čą ŃœŃœŃ&#x;Ń Ç°Čą ŃœŃ›Ń Ń’Ń&#x;ŃŁŃŽŃĄŃœŃ&#x;Ń–Ń’Ń Ç°Čą Ń&#x;юћєђŃ&#x;Ń–Ń’Ń Ç°Čą ŃœŃ&#x;Ń?Ń•Ń’Ń Ç°Čą ŃŽŃŚČą Ń–Ń›Ń‘ŃœŃ¤Ń ČąŃŽŃ›Ń‘Čą •ž–’—’ž–ȹ Â’ČŹÂ?˜•Â?ČąÂ?Â˜Â˜Â›ÂœČą ČŠČą Ń’Ń?љюŃ?ђњђћѥȹ ŃœŃ›Ń Ń’Ń&#x;ŃŁŃŽŃĄŃœŃ&#x;ŃŚČą ŃœŃœŃ“Ń Čą Ń–Ń›Ń?љѢёіћєȹ Ń™ŃŽŃ Ń ČąŃœŃ&#x;Čą іљђȹ Ń“Ń“Ń’Ń?ŃĄ

32

36 Years Experiance installing A Reliable Family Run Business

ĹžĹżĆ…Ć‡Ć€ČąĆ†Ć‚ĆƒĆ€ĹžĆ

www.distinction-windows.co.uk info@distinction-windows.co.uk

Registered Waste Carrier

J .P .B TREE SERVICES THE SPECIALISTS IN TREE CARE & LANDSCAPING

• All Aspects of Tree Work: Dismantling Pruning Felling • Hedge Reduction & Trimming • Tree & Hedge Planting • Site Clearances & Wood Chipping • All Work BS3998 Compliant • We Are Fully Qualified and Insured • All Jobs Are Left Clean & Tidy • 35 Years Experience In Tree Care • Efficient, Reliable Work By People Who Care

REGULAR LAWN CARE FENCING DECORATIVE STONE & BARK AREAS LAID CERTIFIED IN INVASIVE SPECIES WEED CONTROL “MUCH OF OUR BUSINESS IS FROM REPEAT AND REFERRED CLIENTS, COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC, WHICH SPEAKS FOR ITSELF”

PRIVATE / FARM WOODLAND MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE - PLEASE CALL FOR REFERENCES & ADVICE

Call John: 07572 013474 jpbtreeservices@gmail.com We Are Established, Tried & Trusted In The Local Area

Domestic and Commercial Installs Covering all aspects of Electrical Work and PAT Testing

Fully Insured

From: Extra Plugs, Extra Lighting, Re-Wiring, Fault Finding and more... Electrical Installation Condition Reports

01639 843713 | 07908 625 384 alan.williams71@btinternet.com

All Natural Gas, LPG & Plumbing Work Undertaken Service & Repair of Gas Boilers & Appliances Landlord Gas Safety Certificates Carbon Monoxide Detectors Supplied & Fitted Central Heating System Filter Cleaning FREE QUOTATIONS ON NEW BOILERS

gezzaleeds@sky.com 33

BEAUTIFUL BLINDS TO ENHANCE ANY HOME Janela Shutters & Blinds are a leading supplier of high quality interior shutters and finest quality window blinds. Our range of blinds include venetian, vertical, roller, pleated and roman. All our products are installed by master craftsmen and fully guaranteed.

Contact us today for a no-obligation quote on

01792 814988

or visit our website at

www.janelashutters.co.uk Email: info@janelashutters.co.uk

34

Janela Shutters & Blinds Showroom at: 20A St. John’s Terrace Neath Abbey, Neath SA10 7NA

Former owner of Cuts4U is now

07388 532940

Angelique

We cover all aspects of hair in a warm and friendly atmosphere where it’s all about YOU. NOW OPEN! NOW OPEN! NOW OPEN! NOW OPEN! N Come see our bigger, brand new unique premises with free parking 1 Wern Road, Ystalyfera SA9 2LX (The old Doctor’s Surgery) also introducing at Heads Up:

Lash Extensions • LVL’s • HD Brows • Acrylic Extensions & Gel Nail Art

Call Katie on 07742 868701 for your beauty treatment TODAY Angelique and Katie would like to offer 10% off your first visit to us with this voucher. Valid until 1st September 2019. 35

36

37

Clusters - working together There is nothing splendid about working in isolation when it comes to your health and wellbeing. Fortunately, there’s been a shift in direction within the Swansea Bay area in how people access healthcare and advice, with a growing number of services now available in community settings. Teamwork is at the heart of this transformation, with your GP practice working closely with neighbouring surgeries, community nurses, dentists, opticians, pharmacists, volunteers, local authorities and others. These are known as “clusters” and they aim to provide care that is better co-ordinated, and which promotes the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Clusters bring together all local services involved in health and care across a geographical area, typically serving a population between 25,000 and 100,000. In Swansea Bay (Swansea and Neath Port Talbot) there are eight clusters. Clusters work together to: • Prevent ill health, enabling people to keep themselves well and independent for as long as possible. • Develop the range and quality of services that are provided in the community. • Ensure services provided by a wide range of health and social care professionals in the community are better co-ordinated to local needs. • Improve communication and information sharing between different health, social care and voluntary sector professionals. • Help closer working between community based and hospital services, ensuring that patients receive a smooth and safe transition from hospital services to community based services and vice versa Working in clusters allows economies of scale and a more cost-effective method of hiring additional health care professionals. This means your GP practice can now offer extra services as part of a group, which they couldn’t have as individual surgeries. You may have noticed that work has already started recruiting healthcare professionals like pharmacists, physiotherapists, social workers, paramedics, physicians’ associates, occupational therapists, mental health counsellors, dieticians, third sector workers and other local authority staff. These extra staff can often provide you with appropriate alternatives to GPs, which can result in you having shorter waits to be seen. It also frees up GPs to see more of their sicker patients. An excellent example of this is the Penderi Cluster where a new Primary Care Child and Family Wellbeing service resulted in more than 700 GP appointments being saved. And patients love it – 100% of families reported that they would use the service in future instead of their GP. Elsewhere, people are being spared a journey to Singleton Hospital after a new audiology clinic accessible without having to go through a GP - was set up in Cwmtawe Medical Centre in Clydach And a new Primary Care Hub in Neath, allows people to access services such as audiology, physiotherapy and mental health support, in their community as an alternative to seeing their GP. We would encourage you try out the evolving community services, as they won’t only offer you a more responsive way to manage your health and wellbeing, but they do offer a more effective way for services to run.

38

They also help to relieve pressure on other parts of the healthcare system, like hospital emergency departments.

for a healthier you To help us make these changes, the Welsh Government has set aside a £100m Transformation Fund to support key actions from its long term plan for health and social care, A Healthier Wales. Dr Iestyn Davies, the Cwmtawe Cluster lead, welcomed receiving a share of this funding saying: “The investment will really help us restructure and modernise the way we offer care to patients. “We are delighted that Welsh Government recognises our vision for patient-focused primary care, which has a strong emphasis on supporting our communities and working with them to help keep people well – not only treating them when they are sick. “This investment will allow us to expand our multi-disciplinary teams, giving patients better access to a wide range of healthcare professionals in their community, and bring some services traditionally accessed in hospitals closer to home.” Which cluster do you belong in? Here are the details for the eight clusters in Swansea Bay: Bay Health –Gower Medical practice, Kings Road Surgery in Mumbles, Sketty and Killay Medical Centre, St Thomas and West Cross Surgeries, The Grove Medical Centre, University Health Centre, Uplands and Mumbles Surgery. City Health - Brunswick Health Centre, Greenhill Medical Centre, Abertawe Medical Partnership, Kingsway Surgery, Mountain View Health Centre, Nicholl Street Medical Centre, SA1 Medical Centre, The Harbourside Health Centre. Cwmtawe – Cwmtawe Medical Group (including Clydach, New Cross and Sway Road surgeries), Strawberry Place Surgery, Llansamlet Surgery. Llwchwr – Estuary Group Practice (including Gowerton Medical Centre and Penybryn Surgery), Princess Street Surgery, Talybont Surgery, Ty’r Felin Surgery. Penderi - Brynhyfryd Surgery, Cheriton Medical Centre, Cwmfelin Medical Centre, Fforestfach Medical Group (including Dr Bensusan surgery and Dr Powell Surgery) and Manselton Surgery. Upper Valleys - Amman Tawe Partnership, Dulais Valley Primary Care Centre, Pontardawe Primary Care Centre, Vale of Neath Practice. Neath - Briton Ferry Health Centre – Dr Wilkes, Dyfed Road Health Centre, Skewen Medical Centre, Victoria Gardens Surgery, Alfred Street Primary Care Centre, Castle Surgery, Tabernacle Medical Centre, Waterside Medical Practice. Afan - Afan Valley Group Practice, SBU HB Managed Practice (Cwmavon and Cymmer Health Centre), Fairfield Medical Centre, King’s Surgery, Mount Surgery, Riverside Surgery, Cwmavon Health Centre (Dr R Penney), Rosedale Medical Practice.

39

Aerial & Satellite Services ● Registered ● Television

aerial & satellite services

● “No

● Own ● Just

Satellite Dish or Television broken?

a ‘Smart’ Television...can’t set it up?

moved in...can’t get a TV picture?

● Difficulty ● Having

setting up Wi-Fi or Sound System?

a house built or refurbished?

● TV/Audio

Making the invisible viewable!

picture break-up?

Satellite received” or “No Signal”

● Aerial,

Stephen Davies

Digital Installer & D.B.S. Checked

System, designed & installed

Check website for detail on services and charges.

Call: 07779 339 726 Email: info@outofthinairwales.co.uk www.outofthinairwales.co.uk

ALL GARAGE REPAIRS UNDERTAKEN Quality Tyres at Sensible Prices Exhausts • Batteries • Shock Absorbers • Clutches Brakes • Engine Diagnostics • Brakes • Servicing Cam Belts • LazerSERVICE Tracking AVAILABLE PICK UP AND COLLECTION

MOT’s only £39.95

Call Carl, Tom or Terry on:

WITH THIS ADVERT 40

Unit 9, Crynant Business Park, Crynant, Neath, SA10 8PX

Viv Date Carpets

The Cross : Pontardawe A Family Run Business

Est. 1982

Customer Car Park

Members of the Associated Carpet Group, consisting of over 200 ‘independent’ retailers throughout Great Britain & Northern Ireland. No Middlemen - Carpets Direct From The Manufacturers Authorised Seller

Prices from £145 - £1130 Sheepskin Rugs by

LOOKING FOR INDOOR BARRIER MATTING? Stockists of the famous eco-friendly 50cm x 75cm - £19.99 65cm x 150cm - £49.99 Spread the cost with 0% APR over 1, 2 or 3 years (subject to status)

Viv Date Carpets - A Local Company Trading at The Cross, Pontardawe For Over 35 Years

Tel: 01792 863598

KEITH THOMAS GENERAL BUILDERS Keith Thomas Builders Ltd, Old Wern Rd, Ystalyfera SA9 2LL

New Build & Renovation Drainage • Extensions • Plastering

Roofing, Slating & Tiling Chimneys • Lead Valleys Fibreglass Roofing Garage & Loft Conversions Patios, Decking, Paths & Driveways

uPVC Weatherboards Soffits, Guttering & Downpipes

All Work Guaranteed Free Estimates

01639 84 94 74 07977 40 09 86 M.B. Garden Services Grass Cu�ng • Tree Felling Shredding • Strimming Fencing • Pressure Washing

ALL GENERAL GARDEN WORK UNDERTAKEN. COMMERCIAL OR DOMESTIC. NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL. FRIENDLY SERVICE WITH COMPETITIVE RATES. Call MARK for FREE Quota�ons

41

01639 841149 07970 942009

WE NOW INSTALL

Artificial Grass For a permanently perfect lawn get the job done professionally Options to suit most budgets

Driveways • Patios Paths • Pool Surrounds etc. All installed in days with minimum fuss

Tough and incredibly hard-wearing surface with permanent colour and pattern For a FREE No Obligation Survey Call Anthony Jones on:

07767 868 041 or alternatively call:

42

01639 842331 or Mark on: 07771 643 908

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30

Which product sponsors the TV program ‘The Chase’? Which steak dish is served uncooked? What name is given to the Maori ceremonial war dance? What is the most abundant metal in the earths crust? A laser 3D image is called what? What is the only even prime number? The shekel is which country’s currency? In the ‘Alien’ films Sigourney Weaver played which character? What term is used to describe fertile land being rested for a season? Lynn Frederick & Brit Ekland were wives of which late actor? A painted lady is what type of creature? What liquid is stored in the gall bladder? What name is given to the punctuation mark with a dot above a comma? Which term is given to animal plant eaters? Which creature is 95% water,no brain, no blood & no heart? What do you call a black and white horse? What’s the 2nd highest mountain range in the world? Which is the largest U.S. state? Who developed the Pentium processor for computers? What type of sugar would you find in milk? Which William shot an apple from his son’s head? What is the only U.S. state to have a Union Jack on it? What alcoholic spirit is based on sugar cane? Which sea is so named as it’s too salty to maintain life? Belladonna is the proper name of which plant? King Attila led which people? Hepititus affects which organ? Minnehaha was the wife of whom? Which is the lightest metal? What ball game occupies the largest playing area?

43

Now turn the page for the picture quiz. Answers are printed at the back of the magazine

DINGBATS - Can You Decipher Their Meaning? 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

44

ANSWERS ON PAGE 66

kit F Vis che rom it o n m th ur ak e U sh eov K’ ow er s # ro ex 1 om pe no rts. w

REFRESH YOUR TIRED KITCHEN THIS SUMMER Would you like to transform your EXISTING kitchen?

Would you prefer a OR BRAND NEW Fitted Kitchen?

* Just Change Your Doors and Worktops * Bespoke And Made To Measure * Most Jobs Completed In 2-3 Days * Makeover...Savings from 30-50% off a Fully Fitted Kitchen * Any Size, Any Colour, Any Style

Before

*Completely Bespoke and individual Kitchen range * Planning And C.A.D Service * Most Brand New Kitchens Completed Within 5 Days * All Preassembled, 18mm Solid Colour Matched Units

Before

After

After

Flooring, Worktops, Lighting, Tiling, Appliances...... We Do It All!

Before After

WHY CHOOSE US? * Family run business * Excellent reputation & Customer reviews * Employed Fitting teams (No Sub-Contractors) * Exceptional Quality Units & Doors * Visit our local showroom 9.87/10 for inspiration CALL US NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE:

01792 794 725 www.dreamdoors.co.uk

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: 3 Sway Road, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 6HT 45

Top 5 Tips For Keeping Your Pet Safe This Summer Summer is finally here and it feels like it’s going to be a hot one! While we hope that you’ll be having lots of fun this summer, don’t forget that your furry friends may not be as prepared for a scorcher as you are. With temperatures climbing higher every day, you should already be thinking about how to prepare for summer this year. So follow our top 5 tips to keep your pet safe this summer. 1) Keeping Cool at Home - Everyone knows it is important to keep cool in summer, and the same is true for pets. As well as reducing the chance of getting heatstroke (more on this later), ensuring your pets are cool will increase their general comfort in the stifling sun. Water is essential, so ensure your pets’ water bowls are always topped up with fresh, cool water. Don’t forget to fill the water bottles of your small pets, like rabbits and hamsters too. Make sure there is plenty of shade if your pets lie out in the garden. If there isn’t any, provide some with a parasol or similar, or just restrict them going outside during the hotter parts of the day (usually a few hours either side of midday). Again remembering your small furries, keep their cages well away from strong sunlight, in a cooler part of the house. If you have a long-haired breed of pet, consider getting them groomed short (if the breed is suitable for this) to help cool them down. Some more outlandish, but definitely effective ways of keeping pets cool might be to freeze some kibble or chews in a little water, creating your own pet popsicles, which are both tasty and cooling! Paddling pools can also be great for hot dogs to cool off in when you’re out in the garden. And for cats who probably won’t appreciate the cold bath (or maybe yours will!), or for any other dogs, a towel soaked in cold water or straight from the fridge can be the perfect blanket to cool warm bodies. 2) Recognising Heatstroke - If you follow the tips above, you will make it much less likely for your pet to have heatstroke, as well as be much more comfy. However, even with the best of care, heatstroke can occur, and it is important you recognise what heatstroke is, and what you should do if you suspect your pet may have it. Heatstroke is where an animal’s (or person’s) body is unable to regulate its internal temperature, which gets dangerously high. The body can only tolerate minor increases in temperature, so a very hot animal’s cells will start to become damaged, leading to widespread problems. It is usually caused by a combination of high external temperatures (summer of course being the hottest) and excessive physical exercise. As a result, dogs running around on hot days are most at risk. Rabbits are also quite commonly heatstruck. However, all animals can be affected. So what are the signs? Be on the lookout for heavy panting, darker than normal gums, tiredness, vomiting, and diarrhoea. These signs can progress to collapse and seizures. In extreme cases, heatstroke can unfortunately be fatal. If you spot a combination of these signs, and suspect heatstroke, immediately take your animal indoors or into shade. Give them room temperature water to drink, and gently cool them down by wetting their fur. You should also contact us immediately, so we can give guidance on what to do next. 3) Travel Tips - Now that you know a little more about keeping your animals cool, and making sure they do not get heatstroke, you’re ready to spend time in the glorious British summer. Perhaps you might want to take a trip to the beach, or even abroad with your pooch (or pussy cat!). Before you hit the road, we’ve got some travel tips you might want to follow. In the UK, all pets travelling in a car must be restrained properly. If they are in a carrier or cage, this must be secured so it cannot move; consider also padding the inside, to prevent the animal being thrown about. Larger dogs which don’t fit in cages still need securing - there are doggy seatbelts available which will do the job, for your safety and theirs. While travelling, make sure to take regular breaks. If you need a rest-stop, your furry friend probably does too! Get out and stretch all four legs when you can. Ensure there is plenty of water to drink, and keep the air-conditioning on. We hope by now owners are more aware of this problem, but to reiterate, never leave an animal alone in a parked car - while parked, cars act like greenhouses, and temperatures can get fatally high. Don’t take the chance and leave them. It might also be a good idea to have a travel kit with you, including water bottles, food, poo bags, any medication, a lead, and treats, just in case you want to make a Opening Hours spontaneous trip together! Monday to Friday: 8.30am - 18.00pm 4) Out and About - Whether near or far, most dogs and Saturday: 9.00am - 13.00pm cats will want to spend some time outside your garden, where it might be harder to keep them cool.

A Complete and Comprehensive Veterinary Service All Under One Roof

46

High Street, Clydach SA6 5LN Tel: 01792 842437 www.animaldoctors.co.uk

For dogs, you can try and walk them only in the morning or evening. This will be much cooler and crucially, the pavements will not be as hot - pavements get very hot in summer, and your dog’s sensitive paws will suffer. As a general rule, if you cannot keep the back of your hand on the pavement for more than five seconds, it is too hot for your dog. If you absolutely have to go out during this time, consider some protective covers on their feet. And at all times in summer, try not to let them exert themselves too much, as this is a common cause of heatstroke. Finally, though it might not be the most effective way of keeping cool, a special doggy sunhat can help, not to mention make them look adorable! Cats are trickier, as most will not take kindly to a lead! On the whole, cats are better at managing their temperature, and do not exert themselves as much as dogs. However, one risk to cats is sunburnt ears; white-haired breeds are especially vulnerable. You can buy special cat sun cream which will protect them - just pop a little on their ear tips for protection before they go out. 5) Summer Parasites - Summer is a time when lots of animals spend time in the sun, and this unfortunately extends to a number of horrible little critters too - many parasites are more common in summer, and it is important to be aware of them. Mainly applying to rabbit owners (though all pet owners should be aware), flies multiply like rabbits(!) in summer. While they themselves are only a minor nuisance, flies like to lay eggs on dirty, matted or damaged skin and fur - in rabbits, this is commonly their back ends. When the eggs hatch, the larvae start to eat the damaged skin, causing inflammation and pain. This condition is called flystrike. If you own rabbits, ensure they keep clean and be on the lookout for any maggots around their bottoms. A parasite affecting all animals, ticks are little bloodsucking arachnids that hide in long grass and love to latch onto your pet’s skin. Usually only one or two will jump on, which is not a huge issue in itself - however, ticks will often spread diseases, like Lyme disease, when they drink the blood of different animals. If you spot a tick, remove it as soon as you can, or pop in so we can safely remove it. Don’t forget humans can catch them too, so be careful when walking through long grass with short baggy clothes on! As a final note, we also would like to remind you not to forget your pet’s normal flea and worming treatment. With more flying insects around, this can be especially important, and the last thing you want is a nasty parasite infection ruining your holiday! Final Thoughts: Summer can be great fun, and we’re sure you and your best friends are looking forward to it as much as we are. But as always, safety should come first, so make sure to remember our top 5 tips on summer safety so your pet doesn’t have to have an unplanned visit to us! Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the summer sun!

Your Local Friendly Pet Shop Opening times: Mon to Fri 9-5pm, Sat 9-1pm Tel. 01639 841792

Follow us on Facebook to keep up with latest offers and new stock arriving We stock a wide range of foods, accessories and treats including premium brand foods such as Lily’s Kitchen, Clydach Farm, Burns, Royal Canin, Science Plan. We have loyalty cards for Royal Canin, Burns & Science Plan. Prices to suit everyone. 78 Commercial St, Ystradgynlais, Swansea SA9 1LA

47

Hello again, I’ve been looking over some of the projects we’ve completed in recent years.

One that quickly comes to mind is the large memorial pictured above that we had to remove for burial. As you can see, we used a gantry specially designed for such work but, even so, it was a tense time as the memorial was made up of both granite and marble which were cladding a large concrete block. Luckily all went well. However the memorial was so heavy that it was at least a year before it could be re-fixed. At the time we had just started a new trainee who was beginning to learn the basics of fixing memorials; I imagine it must have been more than a little daunting to see the size of the memorial we had to remove on his first day! It doesn’t seem to have put him off though! Shortly after this I attended a debate in the Houses of Parliament, organised by the industry, to discuss the relationship between burial authorities and the trade. Although I had been there a couple of times before for such events, it was an interesting and lively debate in impressive surroundings.

Freephone 0800 1950 466 Email: info@vale-memorials.co.uk

48

Please remember to ask about our discount for past and present members of the Armed Forces

Is Your Central Heating Not As Efficient As It Should Be? Noisy? Slow To Warm Up? Cold Spots? Small Leaks?

Over time heating systems can become blocked with sludge and scale deposits that prevent good circulation and reduce efficiency. PowerFlushing removes these harmful deposits and replaces them with clean water, treated with a corrosion inhibitor, restoring circulation and increasing the efficiency of your heating system. Call NOW For Your Free Highly Competitive Quote and Save In The Long Run

All Aspects Of Plumbing - No Job Too Small

Call Anthony on

07813 822 243

Email: ra.llewelyn@gmail.com

49

YSGOL YSTALYFERA CELEBRATES THE 50! 3/9/1969 - 3/9/2019

This September, Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of its opening as Ysgol Gyfun Ddwyieithog Ystalyfera in 1969. One of the first pupils was Mrs Julie Jones, who was later appointed a teacher, and Head of Geography at the school, Mrs Jones said “It is hard to believe that 50 years have flown by, since I started as a nervous and very shy pupil here at Ystalyfera. What may be more difficult to appreciate is the fact that generations of pupils have studied and developed here, living their daily lives in the sound of our beautiful language. I am delighted to have been a part of its history, and wish the school well as it heads to celebrate its centenary! “ In 1969, Ystalyfera was only the third Welsh-medium comprehensive school to be opened in Wales, preceded by Ysgol Glan Clwyd (1956) and Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen (1962). There were only 330 pupils on the first day, pupils in Yr7&8 pupils (year 1 and 2 at that time!) and for the first few years they shared the building with pupils from the old grammar school which was gradually closing. Today, there are over 1300 in the school, with pupils from 3 years of age up to 18 studying on the same campus. The school has also opened a site in the south of the county, Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Dur, which opened in September 2017 with 225 pupils.

Since 1969, a number of schools have been opened within the original catchment of Ystalyfera, namely Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari (1974), the Ysgol Gyfun Y Strade (1977), Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr (1984), Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Bryn Tawe (2003) and Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd (2008). Headteacher, Matthew Evans, notes “It is a historic and important anniversary for the school and generations of children and young people from this area who have benefitted from the school’s unique character. The school motto, “Dysgu Gorau, Dysgu Byw”, goes to the heart of our vision of giving youngsters the best possible start, and strong values on which to succeed in all aspects of their lives as young Welsh people.” The school invites the “Class of 1969 “ to the school on Tuesday 3rd of September 2019 at 10am, for a special birthday celebration, where a joint photo with pupils September 1969 and 2019 will be taken to remember the occasion-as well as a special birthday cake, of course!

50

The cohort of 1969 are invited to contact DennardL@hwbcymru.net to register their interest and join the celebrations!

YSGOL YSTALYFERA YN DATHLU’R 50! 3 / 9 / 1969 – 3 / 9 / 2019

Mis Medi eleni bydd Ysgol Gymraeg Ystalyfera yn dathlu 50 mlynedd ers ei hagor fel Ysgol Gyfun Ddwyieithog Ystalyfera yn 1969. Un o’r disgyblion cyntaf hynny oedd Mrs Julie Jones a ddaeth wedyn yn athrawes, a Phennaeth Daearyddiaeth yn yr ysgol, Dywedodd Julie “Mae’r hanner can mlynedd wedi hedfan heibio, ac mae’n rhyfeddol, a gwefreiddiol i feddwl fod cenedlaethau o blant a phobl ifanc wedi mynd drwy’r drysau rhain a pharhau i ddatblygu eu hiaith, a’u gweledigaeth yn yr iaith Gymraeg. Dymunaf pob llwyddiant i’r ysgol wrth iddi deithio tua’r canmlwyddiant!” Nol yn 1969, Ystalyfera oedd y drydedd Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg i gael ei hagor yng Nghymru, gyda dim ond Ysgol Glan Clwyd (1956) a Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen (1962) wedi’i ragflaenu. Dim ond 330 o ddisgyblion oedd yno ar y diwrnod cyntaf, disgyblion Bl 7&8 yn unig (Blwyddyn 1 a 2 bryd hynny!) ac am y blynyddoedd cyntaf roedd yn rhannu’r adeilad gyda disgyblion o’r hen ysgol ramadeg oedd yn raddol gau. Erbyn heddiw, mae dros 1300 yn yr ysgol hon, gyda disgyblion o 3 mlwydd oed hyd at 18 yn astudio ar yr un safle. Mae’r ysgol wedi agor safle yn ogystal yn ne y sir, sef Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Dur, a agorwyd yn Medi 2017 gyda 225 o ddisgyblion.

plant a pobl ifanc yr ardal wedi elwa o addysg cyfrwng Cymraeg yr ysgol.

Ers 1969, agorwyd nifer o ysgolion o ddalygylch cyntaf Ystalyfera, sef Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari (1974), Ysgol Gyfun y Strade (1977), Ysgol Gyfun Gwyr (1984), Ysgol Gyfun Bryn Tawe (2003) ac Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd (2008). O ystyried y twf mewn addysg cyfrwng Cymraeg mae’r 330 gwreiddiol wedi tyfu i dros 5,000 o disgyblion yn yr ysgolion rheini gyda

Nododd Pennaeth yr ysgol, Mr Matthew Evans, “Mae’r hanner can mlynedd diwethaf wedi gweld chwyldro rhyfeddol o fewn addysg yng Nghymru, ac mae addysg cyfrwng Cymraeg wedi trawsnewid sefyllfa’r iaith a’r mynediad rhwydd sydd yn awr ar gael i holl blant a theuluoedd ar draws y wlad i fwynhau a rhannu yn ein iaith, diwylliant a’n treftadaeth ni ein hunain. Mae dathu cyfraniad Ystalyfera yn yr hanes rhyfeddol hwn yn fraint ac yn gyffro arbennig iawn” Mae’r ysgol yn dymuno gwahodd “Dosbarth 1969” yn ol i’r ysgol ar Ddydd Mawrth y 3ydd o Fedi 2019 am 10am, ar gyfer dathliad pen-blwydd arbennig, lle bydd llun ar y cyd gyda disgyblion Medi 1969 a 2019 yn cael ei gymryd i gofio’r achlysur - yn ogystal a theisen pen-blwydd, wrth gwrs! Gwahoddir cyn-ddisgyblion 1969 i gysylltu a DennardL@hwbcymru.net i gofrestru ar gyfer y dathliad! 51

UP TO 50% LESS THAN A BRAND NEW FITTED KITCHEN by just changing the doors & worktops!

kit F Vi chen rom sit m th ou ak e r s eo UK ho ve ’s wr r e #1 oo xp m er no ts. w

Before

Seamless overlay worktops Est. 1999 EXCLUSIVE to Dream Doors

COMPLETE FITTED KITCHENS

Wharf Seamless Worktops

WORKTOPS AND APPLIANCES

DO YOU DREAM OF A NEW KITCHEN? 9.9/10

See what our customers have to say

We cover Swansea, Neath, Port Talbot, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire & Pembrokeshire CALL US NOW FOR A FREE ESTIMATE:

52

www.dreamdoors.co.uk

01792 794 725

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: 3 Sway Road, Morriston, Swansea, SA6 6HT

for AUGUST 2019 by Izabella Vlahavas

53

Aries : You will be affected by a collection of influences that fall in a section of your chart that makes you creative and individualistic. You want to make a go of a project and now is a good time. The new moon at the end of the month which falls in your daily routines and work zone will be the ideal time to put your plans into practical action. You may experience surprizes in your money zone and find you have more spending money that you thought. Take career steps slowly but surely. Taurus : All systems go for you this month with plenty to occupy your time. The full moon on the 15th falls in your career zone and this will spark your interest to try something different. You will want to make decisions for future plans. The home zone is highlighted for you with lots of activity. It is likely you will have guests or something will occur which takes you out of your general routine. Perhaps a new idea about living arrangements will get you making changes in this area of your life. Gemini : A very active and sociable few weeks ahead for you, as you are full of ideas that you wish to share. Your enthusiasm is infectious and others are very willing to let you take the lead. The new moon on the 30th falls in your home zone and this may provoke new plans for you and your family. It may have to do with rearranging thing or converting a loft or building in the garden. You will wish for a change and want to add something new. Great support from partnerships adds to your positive state of mind. Cancer : You look at finances in a different light and realize you have been holding yourself back. It is time to put your best foot forward and really make a commitment to long term changes. You feel much happier once you have done this. The new moon on the 1st of this month falls in this part of your chart and it w helps you begin afresh. You are actively seeking new connections and making your social life more interesting. This is a great time for you to do this. Leo : This is your birthday month and the new moon in your own sign on the 1st will set the tune for you. Take initiative and be confident in all you do. A cluster of planets in your own sign makes you headstrong and fearless, so use this time wisely to further ambitions and strengthen connections. There is a full moon on the 15th which falls in your zone of close partnerships, which makes it an ideal time to finalize contracts or verbal arrangements. In other words time to make commitments one way or the other. Virgo : A real build up of energy will back up your every move and give you lots of motivation. You have been pushing yourself over the months leading up to summer and you need to recuperate at some point. There is a new moon in your own sign on the 30th which enables you to make a new beginning in some area of your life. You are able to achieve as much as you had hoped for and more. Mars in Virgo after the 18th will make you assertive and decisive. Libra : Your friendship zone is very active especially at the beginning until the middle of this month, with lots of invitations and new connections keeping you busy. The new moon in this part of your chart on the 1st will give you that added incentive to put yourself about and attend functions that you are invited to. This also gives you an outlet and an excuse to do what you enjoy doing most. You can sense an inner power and energy is building up by the end of the month. Scorpio : Your friendship zone and social life are highlighted and you will be very active mixing business with pleasure. You feel dynamic and strong with a real sense of confidence. You discover new ways of handling money, keeping the books in check with a regular savings account. This gives you an added sense of security. Mercury the planet of good negotiations and communications enters you career zone after the 11th and will give you the push you need to start a plan you have kept on hold.

Sagittarius : The new moon in your career zone on the 30th means a new start or a different direction for you as far as work objectives go. It gives you a chance for promotion and recognition. This is a very lucrative time for you. You have a strong sense of identity and you feel very optimistic. Keeping a tight check on all your finances will help you keep one step ahead. The new moon on the 1st is in your travel zone and this sparks new interests for you to do with travel or learning new skills or both. Capricorn : You usually put yourself under pressure because you like things done properly and you can get agitated if people fall short of your expectations. Try to ease off on your over critical side and focus on the positives. Give yourself space to relax and re-charge your batteries. During this month you will want to expand your network and broaden your horizons. Travel may be involved and this will perhaps be tied up to work responsibilities. You like the idea of combining both. Aquarius : The new moon on the 1st of this month falls in your one to one relationship zone, so a good time for investing in partnerships and making new commitments. You may be excited about a new project or hobby which you have been thinking about doing. This will enable you to use more skills of self-development and also add a new dimension to your social life. A very positive time. A possibility of a windfall from joint finances or family will get you out of a tense worry you have over money. Pisces : A fresh start for you this month both in your zone of daily routines and in your partnerships. You will want to re-organize and adjust your time and your responsibilities to work better for you. Perhaps you feel that a little more quality time should and could be spent for yourself and family. This will enable you to free up your time and include leisure into your busy schedules. You tend to keep yourself over busy and neglect other areas of your life, so this month is great for getting a better balance. Make that change.

The year ahead for

leo

54

At exactly 04.00 am on 23rd July 2019, the sun enters the sign of Leo and for all of you born with this sun sign, the following ingredients will colour your year ahead. Modifications and adjustments need to be made according to your own particular time, date and place of birth which are individual only to you! PERSONALITY – A more gentle side of your nature becomes apparent to your friends and family. You will be enthusiastic and eager to take the lead but also sensitive and considerate to those who need help. People are eager to come to you for advice and support. MONEY – The money zone of your chart is very active and your pursuit for success is rewarded by your efforts and drive. You will feel passionately about work and eager to work harder than usual. LOVE – You have the ability to widen your circle of friends and find that all your relationships improve. The more you invest and open up to others, the better they will respond to you. You strengthen your bonds and find that you make many new friends. GENERAL – The picture looks good, you are happy to work long hours, and make all your relationships better. You have a lot of drive and determination that pushes you towards a very successful year ahead. Lots of love and best of luck from Izabella Vlahavas

55

Replacement And Repair Of Misted Or Cracked Sealed Units In Windows & Doors

With Over 18 Years Experience, We Are Qualified In All Aspects Of Double Glazing Replacement & Repair, Undertaken Quickly And Professionally

We Also Offer a FULL REPAIR SERVICE

for all uPVC Windows & Doors including Locks, Hinges, Handles etc. CALL US NOW FOR QUALITY WORKMANSHIP AT EXCELLENT PRICES

PLUMB ‘N’ FIX IT

HEATING, PLUMBING & PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

M: 07429 045 984 T: 01792 862 182 56

E: huw@plumbnfixit.com

• • • • • • • •

HEATING BATHROOMS KITCHENS GENERAL PLUMBING TILING FASCIA & GUTTERING CARPENTRY WORK GENERAL BUILDING WORK

CALL / EMAIL FOR A QUOTATION

END OF SEASON SALE ASDA Superstore

Was

Burger King

Clase

6x4

£399

7x5

£499

A48

let ro

ad

£450 Swansea Renault

£585

£650

St Davids Road

E D A £765 M D N A Y H £950 LIT 10x8 £855 Was

Sam

£360

Maplin

Smyths Toys

8x6

Now

Road

Valley Way

A48

Fend ro

d Wa y

10x7

Now

£850

A U Q 12x8 £1150

S D E SH 360 £965

£1250 £ Unit 20, Kemys Way, Swansea Enterprise From Park

10x6 £750

£675

16x8

£1500

Valley Way

Way You Call (We Clear) Kemys Way

ENTERPRISE SHEDS

Town Tyres

Tel: 07812 082277 Tel: 07812 082277

Unit 20, Kemys Way Swansea Enterprise Park

Cheaper Than A Skip

Fully Licenced Waste Carriers

AYDomestic RECYCLING & Commercial Garden Clearance House Clearance Garage & Shed Clearance Rented Property Clearance

Tel 01792 795355 Mobile 07812 082277 AY Recycling T/A Ay Landscapes Ltd

57

NEW WELSH COURSES GIVE LEARNERS IN UPPER SWANSEA, UPPER NEATH AND DULAIS VALLEYS CONFIDENCE WITH THEIR CYMRAEG across Swansea and Neath Port Talbot will be signing up for new Welsh beginners’ courses from September onwards, run by Learn Welsh Swansea Bay Region and available for £90 or less for the entire year. The new ‘Mynediad’ or Entry level courses introduce learners to everyday Welsh greetings and phrases, alongside grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation. The emphasis is on speaking and enjoying the Welsh language right from the start. Courses are available for a flat fee of £90 or less for the whole year, whether students are studying for two hours a week, or more intensively, for up to nine hours a week. A range of free, digital resources, including video, audio and interactive exercises, is available online to complement the learning. Welsh courses are also available at other levels of fluency, whether learners already speak a little Welsh or are fluent or lapsed Welsh speakers who want to brush up their skills. It’s possible to find a course and all the free resources at learnwelsh.cymru. Learners can register and pay for courses on this website. Welsh courses are held in a range of convenient locations with friendly, experienced tutors on hand to teach and support learners. Alongside the courses, learners can also expect countless informal learning opportunities to practise and improve their Welsh. Activities such as pub quizzes, book clubs, coffee mornings, guided walks and gigs give learners an opportunity to get together and enjoy using their new language skills. It’s easier than ever to find a suitable course, and with new brand courses and resources available, learners in Upper Swansea, upper Neath and Dulais valleys can feel confident they’re getting the best support possible as they start their Welsh language journey. So, how about it? Ewch amdani – go for it! To find a Welsh course or opportunities to practise your Welsh, go to learnwelsh.cymru. Get started with our free online courses, which are also available on our website.

58

Adults

59

Chicken Tagine

I do love a tagine! I love the palate of flavours, the long, slow cooking, but most of all I love how easy it is to prepare a mind-blowing dish without any skill whatsoever! This is a perfect dish for the slow cooker, if you have one.

INGREDIENTS

8 Chicken Thighs (bone in) 2 Tbsp Olive Oil 1 Large Onion, roughly chopped 20g Fresh Ginger, finely chopped 3 Large Tomatoes, roughly chopped 2 Large Cloves Garlic, crushed 2 tsp Ground Corander 2 tsp Ground Cumin 1 tsp Ground Cinnamon 1½ tsp Harissa Paste 1 Tbsp Runny Honey 75g Dried Prunes, quartered 75g Dried Apricots, quartered 1 Preserved Lemon, quartered & pipped 500ml Good Chicken Stock 4 Tbsp Fresh Coriander, rough chopped Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper

season and brown the chicken in small batches until golden all over. Set aside. Lower the heat, then add the onion and ginger and stir-fry gently for 5 minutes until soft, scraping up all the tasty chickeny bits from the bottom of the pan as you go. Add the ground spices and fry for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in the tomatoes, then increase the heat back to medium. Add the honey, garlic and harissa, then add the stock, stir well and bring to the boil, stirring often. Add the chicken back into the pan, and pour in any juices that have collected while they rested. Add the fruits to the pan, removing any leftover pips in the lemon. Push the chicken and fruits down into the liquid to submerge them. Place the lid on the casserole and simmer over a low heat for 1hr.

If you don’t have an actual tagine, a large Serve right away, or to have it at it’s very best, casserole dish with lid will do the job just as refrigerate it overnight and reheat the next day well. to allow the flavours to fully mingle. Serve with Remove the skin from the chicken thighs and cous cous or taboulleh with flatbread.

60

trim off any fatty bits. Heat the casserole over a medium heat until hot, add the oil and then

Phil

NEW MENU Arriving End July

Home Of The Famous ROCHARD’S RIBS

AL FRESCO BEER GARDEN NOW OPEN

REAL FOOD - REAL ALES

live music every saturday night GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE to use at both The Aubrey or The Tregib 61

39 Cwmgarw Road, Upper Brynaman SA18 1BY • Tel: 01269 823290

O rd e r o u r

SUMMER ACK MENUy P 5 FR E E and enjo

*

HEAVENLY TE CHOCOLA ÉCLAIRS

Quote code

SM19 for your

FREE* ÉCLAIRS worth

£3.65

ALL THIS FOR ONLY £37.99 7 MAIN MEALS 1. Gammon with Pineapple 2. Cod Fillet with Mornay Sauce 3. Cottage Pie 4. Lamb with Redcurrant & Red Wine Sauce 5. Chicken Breast in Creamy Mushroom Sauce 6. Quiche Lorraine 7. Pork & Leek Sausages with Barbecue Sauce

4 DESSERTS 1. Clotted Cream Ice Cream 2. West Country Clotted Cream Rice Pudding 3. Syrup Sponge & Custard 4. Lemon Profiteroles

Plus a FREE box of 5 Chocolate Éclairs

62

Order your Summer Menu Pack from your local team on 01792 459999 Quoting order code SM19 to claim your Free* Éclairs (worth £3.65) or visit: www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com/summer

*With every Summer Menu Pack ordered. Offer available to order from 3rd June until 18th August 2019 or while stocks last.

Gig Guide AUGUST Sat 3rd

Gough Con Club, Ystrad 9.30pm Penrhos Social Club Godre’rgraig WMC

The Bomb, Glanrhyd The Bomb, Glanrhyd

7.30pm R.E.S.P.E.C.T 10.0pm THE BAD THINGS

Sun 4th

Gough Con Club, Ystrad

5.00pm PROGNOSIS

Sat 10th

Penrhos Social Club TONY CASH Gough Con Club, Ystrad 9.30pm NATALIE Godre’rgraig WMC STEFAN BUSBY

Sun 11th

Gough Con Club, Ystrad

Sat 17th

Penrhos Social Club HAYLEY Gough Con Club, Ystrad 9.30pm DANIEL CADOGAN Godre’rgraig WMC REGINA LEIGH

Sun 18th

Gough Con Club, Ystrad

Sat 24th

Penrhos Social Club Gough Con Club, Ystrad 9.30pm

Sun 25th

Gough Con Club, Ystrad Gough Con Club, Ystrad

Sat 31st

The Bomb, Glanrhyd 9.30pm Gough Con Club, Ystrad 9.30pm Penrhos Social Club

5.00pm

RICHIE JONES STEVE PEARSE IAN REED

AFTER MIDNIGHT

5.00pm PUNCHLINE IAN ROBERT CONNIE PETERS

2.00pm T.B.A. 5.00pm TOO LATE FOR TEARS NICKY SMILES TARA ROBINSON TERI DEAN

ADVERTISE YOUR LIVE MUSIC HERE FREE OF CHARGE! JUST EMAIL THEM TO

gigs@communitymag.co.uk

63

Remember, we need your SEPTEMBER gigs by August 12th to catch the next issue!

A Little Local Knowledge... EMERGENCY TELEPHONE NUMBERS Emergency only 999 Police (Non-Emergency) 101 NHS Direct 0845 46 47 Dental Emergency 08456 010128 Dyfed Powys Police 0845 330 2000 South Wales Police 01656 655 555 Glanrhyd Community Hospital

01639 844777

AMs & MPs

DOCTORS SURGERIES Pengorof

01639 843221

Ystalyfera

01639 843251

Abercraf

01639 730225

Dulais Valley Surgery

01639 701660

Meddygfa’r Cwm Ystalyfera

01639 844738

Meddygfa’r Cwm Cwmllynfell

01639 830204

COMMUNITY POLICING (PCSO’s) Maria Edwards (Godre’graig / Ystalyfera)

07805 301533

Andrew Jones (G’neath/Cwmgwrach)

07469 907982

Aled Musselwhite (Resolven/MelynCt/Clyne)

07825 456539

Emily Tennet (Banwen/Onllwyn/S.Sisters)

07825 352047

64

COUNCILLORS

Floodline 0845 988 1188 Welsh Water (emergencies & sewerage problems) 0800 052 0130 Powys County Council 0845 602 7030 NPT County Council 01639 686868 Carms. County Council 01267 234567 Tai Tarian (NPT) 0300 777 0000 Repairs 0300 777 3000 Kirsty Williams AM (Brec & Rad) Jeremy Miles AM (Neath) Christina Rees MP (Neath) Chris Davies MP (Brec & Rad)

01874 625739 01792 869993 01639 630152 01982 559180

HELP & ADVICE

Age Connect (NPT) 01639 617333 Citizens Advice 08444 77 20 20 Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 Victim Support 0845 30 30 900 Childline 0800 111 Domestic Abuse 0808 80 10 800 Welfare Rights (NPT) 01639 685225 RSPCA (Llys Nini) 01792 229435 Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 AfanTaweNedd Neighbourhood Watch www.atnneighbourhoodwatch.org

SCHOOLS Maesydderwen

01639 842115

Cwmtawe

01792 863200

Y.G. Ystalyfera

01639 842129

Llangatwg

01639 634700

D. Huw Williams (Ystradgynlais)

01639 845868

David A. Thomas (Tawe Uchaf )

01639 730033

Susan McNicholas (Ynyscedwyn)

01639 849912

Bishop Vaughan

01792 772006

Sarah Williams (Abercraf )

01639 730508

Ysgol Golwg Y Cwm

01639 846070

Glynog Davies (Cefnbrynbrain/Ystradowen) 01269 823240

Y Wern

01639 842242

Hugh Jones (Cwmllynfell/Rhiwfawr)

01639 831282

Ysgol Gymraeg Dyffryn Y Glowyr 01639 846060

Alun Llewelyn (Ystalyfera)

01639 849729

Ysgol Bro Tawe

01639 846000

Sandra Davies (Cwmtwrch)

01639 830835

Ysgol Y Cribarth

01639 731500

Rosalyn Davies (Godrergraig)

01792 862447

Caehopkin Primary

01639 730231

Sian Harris (Crynant)

07814 127555

Crynant

01639 750224

Blaendulais

01639 700342

Stephen Hunt (Seven Sisters)

01639 700063

Godre’rgraig

01639 843116

Dean Cawsey (Onllwyn)

07817 218556

Blaendulais

01639 700261

Cwmllynfell

01639 830630

ACCOUNTANCY SERVICES Lumin Accountancy 0330 133 0344 www.lumin-accountancy.co.uk AERIAL & SATELLITE TV Aerial & Satellite Services Mark Williams 01792 713998 07778 737161 AIRPORT TRAVEL & MINIBUS Dragon Travel (Swansea Valley) 07877 604841 07951 111448 BUILDING SERVICES Ceri Edwards & Dean Breeze Ceri 07421 360 093 Dean 07496 450 144 CARPETS Benjamin Poole 01269 824137 07768 061903 Glantawe Carpets 01639 842522 CHIMNEY SWEEP Tawe Sweep 01639 415019 07552354726 Thomas Chimney Sweeps Call Gerry 07974 001133

COUNSELLING Rebecca O’Dowd Cognitive Behaviour Therapy 07568 160084 www.rebeccaodowdcbt.co.uk

07754 083919

COMPUTER SERVICE Simon Panacz Dulais Valley Computers mail@dvcomputers.co.uk 07966 433 540 PC Doctor 01639 843765 pcdoctorwales@gmail.com

L..N.C.M A.L.C.M

01639 831499

DENTISTS Cwmdulais Dental Centre 01639 750260

PAINTING & DECORATING Andrew Best 07895 085056

cwmdulaisdental@outlook.com

PIANO TUITION Gina Earland B.Mus Hon. 01639 843096 07814 919765

DOMESTIC APPLIANCE REPAIR Robert Owen 07737 325605 01639 843214

PLASTERING Neil’s Plastering DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS Contact Neil Wood at: www.neilshomeservices.co.uk 07852 959451 www.neilwoodplastering.co.uk 07890 500670 ELECTRICIANS KDY Electrics 07971 861534 kdyelectrics@btinternet.com T.E. Hughes Electricals 01639 843826 07759 887395 GARDENING SERVICES 3 Steps Gardening & Maintenance 07866 901911 01639 841827 3steps4@gmail.com

HAIRDRESSERS Tom’s Chimney Sweep Service Joanne’s Mobile (formerly Salon 3 Ystradgynlais) Member Guild of Master Chimney 07510 233 866 Sweeps tomschimneysweepservice@hotmail.com

MUSIC TUITION Classical Guitar & Theory Tuition, Rob Lewis F.M.C.M

Neilwood1976@yahoo.com

Roy Cousins 07976 637 357 PLUMBING RAL Plumbing Call Anthony on 07813 822243 ra.llewelyn@gmail.com ROOFING Sunnyvale Roofing Sheets, Blue Barrels & Salvage Rhydyfro 01639 845 096 07891 723 942 VOLUNTEERS WANTED Brecknock Wildlife Trust 01639 844273

HEALTH & WELLBEING Cristina’s Wellbeing Chiropractic 01639 699573 07933 203166 hello@wellbeingchiropractic.co HYPNOTHERAPY & RELAXATION A Mendola Hypnotherapy 01639 730043 07971 260254 am@amendolahypnotherapy.co.uk 65

Ystrad Recycling @ The Old Remploy, Glanrhyd, Ystradgynlais SA9 1AF

Ystrad Recycling brings together the Ystrad Wood Store, The Tool Store & Second-Hand Furniture Sales. Recycled wood, wooden craft items, second-hand furniture, refurbished tools and tool repairs plus much, much more all under one roof! Donations of furniture, wood & tools greatly appreciated Upholstered furniture must have relevant fire labels attached Open Monday - Friday 9.00am - 4.30pm Saturday 10.00am - 1.00pm

Tel 01639 845475 CROSSWORD ANSWERS

BIG NEIL’S QUIZ ANSWERS 1 Gala Bingo 2 Steak Tartare 3 Haka 4 Aluminium 5 Hologram 6 *2 7 Israel 8 Ripley 9 Fallow 10 Peter Sellers 11 Butterfly 12 Bile 13 Semi-colon 14 Herbivores 15 Jelly Fish 16 Piebald 17 Alps 18 Alaska 19 Intel 20 Lactose 21 Tell 22 Hawaii 23 Rum 24 Dead Sea 25 Deadly Nightshade 26 Huns 27 Liver 28 Hiawatha 29 Lithium 30 Polo

DINGBAT ANSWERS

66

1. Cross Bow 2. Growing Old 3. Ice Cube 4. No Left Turn 5. Once In A Blue Moon 6. Rail Crossing 7. Up For Grabs 8. Update 9. Way Out In Space 10. Working Overtime

67

LIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & P

68

01639 699216

TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PU

• www.pearsonshomeimprovements.co.uk

SWANSEA VALLEY BUSINESS uPVC Windows & DoorsPARK Available Fitted orYSTALYFERA) Supply Only (NEXTFully TO ASDA, Call in and see us for your FREE quotation

All uPVC Repair work undertaken: Misted Units, Broken Locks/Hinges etc.

Factory Mis-Measures Available

Ideal for new extensions, sheds, garden buildings etc.

uPVC REPAIRS Misted Units, Locks, Hinges, Handles etc. Repaired or replaced

Guttering, Fascias, Soffits and all plastics FREE LOCAL DELIVERY ON ORDERS OVER £50 Available Wednesday - Friday 9am - 5pm

We have a huge range of blanks for Yale and many other brands to suit doors, windows, caravans, padlocks, security boxes etc.

HARDWARE & FIXINGS Locks, Handles, Hinges etc. Silicones, Fillers Tools

Waterproof Wall Panels

for bathrooms, showers etc.

Unit 7, Swansea Valley Business Park, Ystalyfera, SWANSEA, SA9 2EB

BLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE &

UBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME •

PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUBLIC WELCOME • TRADE & PUB