The Community Mag - August 2021

August 2021

Covering Ystradgynlais, Ystalyfera, Abercraf, Coelbren, Crynant, Banwen, Dyffryn Cellwen, Onllwyn, Seven Sisters, Glynneath, Cwmgwrach, Resolven, Cwmtwrch, Cwmllynfell, Cwmgiedd, Gurnos & Godre’rgraig,

Find us online at

www.communitymag.co.uk

07961 937238 E-mail: mail@communitymag.co.uk

photograph supplied by Carl Ryan, www.blackplanetphotography.com 1

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Editor’s Foreword So it’s masks off in England. Actually it’s “We think that you should wear masks, but you don’t have to, it’s your choice, but we’re not going to make you”. An odd position when you consider the same stance is not taken regarding seat belts, drugs, drink driving etc. etc. Here Mark Drakeford’s more cautious approach seems to have received broad agreement with the majority of people. There are a very vocal minority, however, that seem unable to hold onto any civility they may have. Online, Drakeford is subjected to a barrage of abuse. I’m not a great fan of Drakeford politically, but I have no doubt that he is a decent man trying to do the right thing in very difficult circumstances, and for that I think we owe him at least our basic respect and humility. What really rankles with me is that the very vocal minority are often the exact same people that love to invoke the ‘Blitz Spirit’ etc. We should open everything up and be done with it, we can’t hide forever blah, blah, blah. That is not the ‘Blitz Spirit’. The war years did not see the population leave the weak and wounded behind to their own fate. They rallied round. People cared for each other’s most vulnerable, often shipping them away from danger as evacuees. Community spirit was very real. The problem, for the elite class, was that community spirit was hard to break. People who looked after each other didn’t need to spend as much. People who cared for each other were more difficult to influence. It took them decades to break it. The cultural shift that culminated in what we now call Thatcherism started in the back room of a pub in the thirties. A very deliberate and long term declaration of will to do away with ‘community spirit’. Fast forward to now and those that would invoke that spirit that they very much misunderstand have the solution to our current dilemma – “Screw ‘em!” Their argument is that THEY shouldn’t be expected to be inconvenienced because of the weak, and people die all the time anyway. To be clear, the section of society they are talking about so dismissively is just short of 4 million people in the UK. All of us know that businesses have and are suffering. All of us know that many people have soldiered through at great risk to themselves. I can assure you that virtually every one of that 4 million people feel a debt of gratitude to a society that has, in the vast majority, rallied round and behaved with decency and compassion. Those wartime community heroes would look forward to this vocal minority and no doubt see a subset of society that are whinging, self-centred people who would happily see their neighbours wiped out as long as they aren’t inconvenienced. I suppose that these people truly are the most accurate reflection of our ‘elites’. Well done!

Phil

COVID 19 STATEMENT: We are currently in an ever changing situation in dealing with the

virus. Please remember that each of our advertisers are also being affected by this, and new restrictions may mean that their advertised service is restricted in some way. This is frustrating for all concerned, please be polite and understanding with the businesses you deal with. Information contained in the magazine may no longer be accurate by the time you read it. 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 2021 EDITION - AUGUST 16th 3

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WATERFALL COUNTRY PARK AND RIDE SERVICE TO LAUNCH THIS SUMMER Neath Port Talbot Council is working in partnership with Brecon Beacons National Park Authority, Powys County Council and local transport operator South Wales Transport to operate a Park and Ride service for visitors to Waterfall Country at Pontneddfechan this summer.

Starting at Lancaster Close Car Park in Glynneath, the service will run on Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holiday Monday from Saturday 17th July to Sunday 5th September 2021. This year the service will also be free of charge with the aim of gathering visitor views on the future delivery model for the service. The Waterfall Country Park and Ride is being run as a pilot project with the aim of establishing if the service can have a positive impact on the intense visitor parking pressures in nearby Pontneddfechan, one of the main starting points for walks in Waterfall Country. Visitors will be able to catch the service from the Lancaster Close Car Park and designated bus stops between Glynneath and the Village Hall in Pontneddfechan. It is hoped that in addition to parking at Lancaster Close, visitors will take time to explore the town of Glynneath and the many independent shops and cafes that operate in the town. Waterfall Country is a hugely popular visitor destination which hosts a range of beautiful waterfalls. In recent years the small village of Pontneddfechan has seen a huge increase in visitors, leaving the local community unable to cope with the number of cars attempting to park in the village. Cllr Annette Wingrave, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Sustainable Development said: “The residents of Pontneddfechan are rightly concerned about the impact visitor traffic is having within their village. By working in partnership across the public sector we are aiming to test out new approaches, like the Park and Ride service, which can help in easing the pressures on residents of Pontneddfechan and in turn increase footfall within Glynneath.” Stephanie Evans, Transition Director for the Brecon Beacons National Park, added: “The pilot Park and Ride Service is part of a range of measures which are being implemented by ourselves and our partners to ease the significant visitor pressures we are experiencing across Waterfall Country. We are asking visitors to work with us and be mindful of the impact they have on our local communities.’ The Park and Ride service is intended to supplement existing on-street parking arrangements and encourage visitors to park responsibly. Further details on the Park and Ride service can be found on www.visitnpt.co.uk/waterfallsparkandride 5

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ACROSS

Answers on page 66

DOWN

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CATCH Ystalyfera Foodbank Gurnos Chapel, Gurnos Road, Ystalyfera SA9 2JA

We’d like to say a huge THANK YOU to all the local people, businesses and organisations who have donated to us so generously. Our opening hours are: Monday 10.30am-1.30pm Donations & collections Wednesday 10.30am-1.30pm Donations & collections Thursday 6pm-7pm Donations only Friday 10.30am-1.30pm Donations & collections We accept donations of dried / tinned food, toiletries, dental & feminine hygiene products – check our Facebook page for lists of things we’re running short of. You can also drop donations off in our donation trolley at ASDA Ystalyfera and the box in Home Bargains Ystalyfera.

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If you need our help we can be contacted on 07923 986379 or via our Facebook page, or just call in to the Chapel during our opening hours on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday.

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Jennifer Melly Law 45 Alfred Street Neath SA11 1EH

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Dementia and the use of Powers of Attorney and the Court of Protection It is estimated that 1 in 6 women and 1 in 10 men over the age of 55 will develop dementia during their lifetime. With this in mind, at Jennifer Melly law when advising on the preparation of Wills we also suggest that people consider planning for their lifetime and the possibility that they may need help to make decisions and/ or manage their affairs during their latter years. Powers of Attorney Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs) can be prepared to legally appoint a person or persons to manage your finances and make decisions for you if you are unable to do so yourself. There are two types of LPA as follows:- Health and Welfare LPA- this allows your attorneys to make decisions about your medical treatment, how you are cared for or where you live. It can also give them power to give or refuse consent to life sustaining treatment if desired. This type of LPA is only used if you lack capacity to make decisions yourself.

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

- Property and Financial Affairs LPA – this gives your attorneys power to manage your finances, so they can pay bills for you, sell your • Probate Estate property and deal with your bank accounts. Whilst you still have Administration & capacity to make decisions your attorney can act under your Trusts instruction, however, should you lose capacity they can continue to act and make decisions for you in your best interests. We advise that consideration is given to preparing LPAs while fit and well to ensure that the persons you choose are legally able to act on your behalf. Although many people believe that they can put the document in place as and when they suffer ill health, this may not be possible if the illness is sudden or severe. Court of Protection If you lack the capacity to prepare an LPA then in order for anyone to be able to make decisions for you and deal with your finances they would need to apply to the Court of Protection to act as your deputy. Anyone can apply to the court to act on your behalf and this may not necessarily be the person or persons you would choose yourself. This type of application can be expensive and time consuming and in the meantime no one would have access to your money. This can cause difficulties financially and can be very stressful for those close to you. If you would like advice on any of the above matters then please contact us for further information. Our offices are based in Neath and Cardiff and we also offer home visits for those who are unable to come in to see us. Our staff are friendly and approachable and aim to put our clients at ease whilst providing a professional and expert service.

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YSTRADGYNLAIS DISTRICT HERITAGE AND LANGUAGE SOCIETY

CYMDEITHAS TREFTADAETH AC IAITH ARDAL YSTRADGYNLAIS

The Society is pleased to report that the long overdue interpretation panel for Upper Cwmtwrch has now been erected. The free-standing 7’ x 4’ (2.1m x 1.2m) panel is the seventh such panel to be erected in the district by the Society. The new panel is located adjacent to the Ffordd y Glowyr (Miners’ Trail) panel opposite the New Tredegar Arms, Upper Cwmtwrch. The Ffordd y Glowyr panel was erected by the Town Council over ten years ago. The information displayed on the new panel complements that on the Ffordd y Glowyr panel to provide a comprehensive overview of the area’s cultural and industrial heritage using bilingual text, photographs and maps. The delay in completion of the project is a result of difficulties encountered during the lockdown period of the Covid pandemic. The six other panels are located at the following sites: Lower Cwmtwrch near Bethania chapel, Cwmphil; Glanrhyd in the Ynyscedwyn Ironworks park; Ystradgynlais in the car park off Heol Eglwys; Cwmgiedd at the junction of the Ystradgynlais By-pass and Heol Giedd; Penrhos near the Council Offices at Hendreladus and Abercraf at the junction of Heol Tawe and Henneuadd.

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Each provides information on the cultural and industrial heritage of the area where the panel is located. The Society acknowledges the support and financial assistance it has received from Powys C.C. and Ystradgynlais Town Council in completing this project. Thanks also to Paul Sambrook and Jenny Hall of Trysor for collating the information and Phil Wait for designing the panel.

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tawemotc@gmail.com Darren 07807 632131 Carl 07973 869347

FOR AUGUST 2021

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

by Jonathan Powell, Swansea Sound Weatherman

After a mixed July which experienced some settled weather with warm to very warm temperatures at times, the last month of summer looks set to continue in a similar vein with perhaps a lean during August to being more unsettled. That said, with high pressure and low pressure jostling for position, we can expect some very warm weather once again, but with high pressure failing to anchor down for any length of time, long runs of settled conditions look unlikely. Any very warm temperatures may well be quite short-lived, with humid conditions triggering thunderstorm activity. Showers or longer spells of rain will also feature with temperatures somewhat suppressed. Recent years have tended to favour late August and early September for perhaps some kinder weather. Overall, on the average for temperature, with wetter than average figures expected to be returned. Jonathan Powell, Sunday July 11th 2021

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NO STOPPING THE GOLDIES NOW!

COVID Lockdown last March forced the daytime fun Singalong sessions from the Golden-Oldies Charity to stop. From its West Country launch 13 years ago, ‘Goldies’, as it is fondly known, had grown to the point where it was running over 200 daytime sessions across England and Wales. Seventy dedicated freelance leaders led the sessions in Church Halls, community rooms and Libraries from Yorkshire to Cornwall, across England and through South Wales as Goldies Cymru. The sessions brightened the lives of thousands of isolated older people. An academic study in February 2020 reported; “The evaluation clearly shows that Goldies is making a significant contribution to reducing isolation and loneliness amongst the older population.” With live daytime sessions ruled out the Charity then went Online with weekly ‘sofa singing’ sessions delivered by leaders Rachel Parry and Cheryl Davies. www.goldieslive.com Goldies founder Grenville Jones says; “GoldiesLive.com initially started with one session each week but over the months we have grown to the point where there are now regular sessions broadcast on YouTube and Facebook each Tuesday and Thursday at 11am with an additional monthly session in the Welsh language from Sian Francis on the first Monday of each month (next Monday June 28).” The sessions also feature Steph Bosanko who leads gentle chair exercises and many of the Goldies session leaders from England and Wales also contribute with inserted videos. Sarita Sood’s Bollywood sessions have become a favourite with GoldiesLive.com participants. The sessions are supported by the People’s Postcode Lottery Community Fund and the Wales-based Moondance Foundation. Rachel and Cheryl regularly feature special subjects for their audience and July will see the spotlight on songs focusing on families and melodies that celebrate the Summer including, of course, ‘Summer Holiday’ from the Golden-Oldies Patron himself, Sir Cliff Richard. The Charity works closely with Public Health Wales, the Stroke Association, Dementia support groups and many Age UK groups who actively promote the sessions to their older clients. The session are easy to access through YouTube and Facebook and the Charity is now looking ahead in the hope that one day soon it will be able to recommence its daytime live sessions. However, the GoldiesLive.com sessions will also continue through to Spring 2022. Before refurbishment After refurbishment

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LOCAL AUTHORITIES COME TOGETHER TO BOOST NUMBER OF FOSTER CARERS IN WALES

Local Authority fostering services in Wales have joined forces to become ‘Foster Wales’; teams across the nation combine their efforts and expertise to significantly increase the number and diversity of Local Authority foster carers. Despite over a third (39%) of Welsh adults claiming they have considered becoming a foster carer, there is still a need to recruit an estimated 550 new foster carers and families across Wales every year. This is to keep up with the numbers of children who need care and support, whilst replacing carers who retire or are able to provide a permanent home to children. The new national network, ‘Foster Wales’ brings together the 22 not-for-profit Local Authority fostering teams across Wales. With decades of experience, they work together and share information and expertise to make a significant national impact on the futures of young people. Launching Foster Wales Deputy Minister for Social Services, Julie Morgan MS, said: “It is fantastic to be launching Foster Wales. I know from listening to foster carers just how rewarding fostering can be. This new initiative will benefit looked after children and allow Local Authority fostering and recruitment teams across Wales to think bigger, creating a national impact without losing their advantage of specific local expertise.” “This government is committed to reducing the number of children in care, giving care experienced children better outcomes and importantly eliminating the profit element of children in care. Foster Wales is part of achieving this promise and will better enable children to stay in their community and meet the evolving needs of foster children and the people who foster them.” Across Wales, every child in need of a foster carer is in the care of their Local Authority, so continually forming relationships within their local communities will help Foster Wales enable children to stay in their local area when it’s right for them. Local Authority teams already share information through regular contact, but just over a quarter (26%) of adults in Wales mistakenly believe fostering services delivered by councils probably aren’t very well joined up across the country. The move to unify the 22 Local Authority fostering services under the Foster Wales name therefore seeks to reassure and do justice to the pan-Wales work being undertaken. Cllr Alan Lockyer, Cabinet Member for Children’s Social Services, said, “Significantly increasing the number and diversity of foster carers recruited directly to Local Authorities will enable us to have more choice available when matching a child; finding the right fostering family for each child is key to our ultimate goal of building brighter futures for children in our care. “In the majority of cases, finding placements for children that keep them in their local area is a great benefit. It keeps them connected to their friends, their school and their sense of identity. It builds confidence and reduces stress. Working with Foster Wales means offering the right local home to a child who needs that opportunity and getting the expert local support and training needed to equip foster carers for the journey ahead.” Association of Directors of Social Services Cymru, Heads of Children’s Services member Tanya Evans, said, “Becoming a foster carer is a decision to help make a real difference to the lives of children. There are hundreds of children across Wales right now who have a right to thrive and need somebody in their community to support and believe in them. “Dispelling the myths surrounding foster care is a key task. For example, no two children are the same and neither is the foster care they need. There is no ‘typical’ foster family. “Whether you own your own home or rent, whether you’re married or single. Whatever your gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity or faith, there are young people in your community who need someone on their side. “All we need is more people like you to open their doors and welcome them in.” 22

To find out more about Local Authority fostering in Wales, visit https://npt.fosterwales.gov.wales/

Blodau Ystradgynlais

Dog Poo Bags To help reduce the problem of dog fouling in the Ystradgynlais area. Blodau Ystradgynlais have placed several containers with dog poo bags at popular dog walking sites for use by dog owners who have forgotten to bring bags, or who have unexpectedly run out of them on their walk. The containers are regularly refilled by Blodau volunteers. Blodau Ystradgynlais pay for the re‐ fills using funds raised and is subsidised by the kind sponsorship of Continental Animal Supplies. If you would like to help in any way, donations of money and/or bags would be gratefully received at Cofion Cynnes, Station Road.

The containers are situated at  Daniel Protheroe Park  The bridge at the Ynyscedwyn Arms  Opposite the vets surgery  The church Lych Gate in the car park  Both entrances to the Gorsedd Park  Both entrances to the Diamond Park  At one of the entrances to the cycle path in Penrhos  Opposite the back entrance to the Welfare Hall  Commercial Street Blodau respectfully request that people do not remove the containers

Please take a look at our website and social media. www.blodauystradgynlais.org

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Eich cyfle chi i ddysgu Cymraeg gyda ni Your opportunity to learn Welsh with us Cyrsiau Cymraeg newydd yn Abertawe a CNPT New Welsh courses in Swansea and NPT 2021-2022 Dulliau dysgu hyblyg Flexible learning options

Ewch i’r wefan am y codau gostyngiad See website for discount codes

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01792 60 20 70

dysgucymraeg@abertawe.ac.uk learnwelsh@swansea.ac.uk

Specialists in Solid Fuel Burner Installation, Repair and Maintenance.

6 Sta�on Road Ystradgynlais Swansea SA9 1NT Tel 01639 849581

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Would you like the luxury of having your newspaper delivered to your door early in the morning?

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WHATEVER YOUR COMPUTER PROBLEM, WE CAN HELP Ever since I first started FCS in 2003, I have always believed that no problem is too small or too complex. Now, having moved to South Wales, I aim to continue that philosophy. So if you need a hand with a software issue, or you’d like a new PC built, I’m here to help.

 REPAIRS  UPGRADES  NETWORKING  VIRUS REMOVAL  PC’s BUILT TO ORDER  TABLETS/iPADS SET UP  SOFTWARE TUITION Contact Phil:

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We can deliver any newspaper and magazine of your choice. We accept all newspaper vouchers and payment of your account can be made over the telephone. We can also send out items that we have for sale in the shop eg gree�ng cards, gi�s, confec�onery to name a few. Please call 01639 849581 for more details.

D&R ROOFING Limited 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 Lead Work undertaken • All Work Guaranteed • Free Estimates

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M: 07973 857389 T: 01639 411284 01639 701633

Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre Colin Jones, Secretary and Vice Chairman of Ystradgynlais RFC presented a cheque for £500 to YVC Board Member Alison Rodwell. Thank you Colin and all at our local rugby club for your very generous donation. We hope to see all the teams back competing on the pitch soon helping with mental well being and physical health. Thank you from everyone at Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre.

Ystradgynlais Foodbank NEW OPENING TIMES Tuesdays and Thursdays 10.00am until 12.00pm

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Ystradgynlais Volunteer Centre/Ystradgynlais Foodbank The Old Remploy Factory, Wind Road, Glanrhyd, Ystradgynlais Swansea Valley, SA9 1AF Tel: 01639 845 475 Email: yvcvolunteering@gmail.com Website: http://www.ystradgynlaisvc.org.uk

Y S T R A D GY N L A I S C O M M U N I T Y R E C YC L I N G We work with our communities to value the importance of the three ‘rs’ to protect our environment - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle   

to promote and educate the environmental and economic benefits of reduce, reuse and recycle; to conserve and protect the physical and natural environment through the reduction of waste and the promotion of sustainable waste management; to re-purpose household and other goods for sale or use in the community.

Potters Recycling Centre We have teamed up with Potters Recycling Centre in Lower Cwmtwrch to help reduce the amount of items that are taken to landfill. This month we saved a total of

1396 kg

We accept the following donations: FURNITURE

We accept a wide variety of good quality pre-owned furniture .We cannot accept broken or damaged items.

BRIC-A-BRAC

We accept a variety of cookware, tableware and ornaments.

Books, DVDs, CDs and vinyl

CLOTHES

We accept a variety of good quality clothing, shoes, boots, bedding and curtains .

SMALL ELECTRICALS

We accept small electricals such as lamps, kettles, toasters, microwaves etc. Collections and deliveries available on request for a small charge.

Deposit your unwanted or unloved bras in our bra bank and you will be helping to raise vital funds towards dedicated research. This exciting project keeps textiles out of landfill, helps small businesses in Africa and raises funds for ground-breaking research. The donations are based on the weight of the bank, so more bras mean more funds. Every £1 you raise is vital in enabling to continue work to find a vaccine against breast cancer and to look at ways to increase the survival of women and men who have the disease. This exciting project keeps textiles out of landfill, helps small businesses in Africa and raises funds for our ground-breaking research.

Ystradgynlais Community Recycling

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The Old Remploy Factory, Wind Road, Glanrhyd, Ystradgynlais Swansea Valley, SA9 1AF Tel: 01639 845 475 Email: ystradrecycling@gmail.com Website: http://www.ystradgynlaisvc.org.uk

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JOINT VENTURE COMPANY TO END Powys County Council and Kier are to end their joint venture company the Heart of Wales Property Service (HoWPS) next year with service delivery returning to the County Council. Following a comprehensive review of the company, the County Council and Kier are set to end the service at the end of the current five-year contract in July 2022. Powys County Council Leader, Councillor Rosemarie Harris said: “Heart of Wales Property Services was established in 2017 to provide a wide range of services, including housing and building maintenance, as well as a consultancy service for new projects, employing nearly 150 staff. “Following a detailed review of the company, it has been agreed by both parties that a break clause in the contract will be implemented and all staff and services provided will be transferred back to the council. “Some initial investment will be required to make the change, but we are confident it will provide longterm improvements which continue to support the local economy. We are grateful to Kier for their support and look forward to a seamless transfer.” she added. Mark Whittaker, Managing Director of Kier Places, said: “We are proud to have served the Powys community over the past four years, providing essential housing and building maintenance services as well as supporting residents in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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“Following a strategic review of our business, we have refined our areas of focus and geographical locations and have mutually agreed with the council to end our partnership at the end of this five-year term. We will continue to work collaboratively with the council through to July 2022, helping to transition the service and throughout this time we will be focused on maintaining the same level of service to residents as well as providing stability to our staff and supply chain partners.”

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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.

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VISITOR: GOLDFINCH WELSH NAME: NICO August often seems quieter than usual as far as garden birds go. Many hide themselves during their annual molt when they change their feathers for new, and many juveniles leave home and fly off to find their own territories. The exotic looking Goldfinch, with it’s distinctive red, white and black head, is sure to catch your eye if your lucky enough to have one visit. If you look carefully you may just be able to tell the sex of your visitor; the red on the male’s head extends slightly behind the eye, but not so on the female. During August they may be still raising their broods, so keep an eye out for any youngsters that have just left the nest. They are a little more ‘streaky’ and don’t have that bold red face yet, but the wing bars will be in place. Goldfinches forage in flocks, so there’s a good chance that if you see one, you’ll see many. Their bill is thin and narrow, much more so than other types of finch. This allows them to extract seeds from hard to reach places. Unlike our jaws, which are designed to close firmly, the Goldfinch’s jaw is geared up so that it’s strength is in opening their bill - this allows them to force and enlarge tight feeding spaces so that they can poke in their tongue and scoop out the seeds. The male’s beak is about 1mm longer than the female’s. If you’d like to attract Goldfinches to your garden, try feeding them nyjer seed from a specialised feeder. They are also perfectly happy to feast on sunflower hearts and dandelion seeds.

FAVOURITE FACT:

The collective noun for a flock of Goldfinches is a charm 35

COVID-19 PAYMENT MESSAGE FOR INDEPENDENT SECTOR CARE WORKERS Care workers working in the independent sector should have received information from their employers by now on how to apply for the Welsh Government’s £735 Covid-19 payment. The government announced earlier this year that they would be paying NHS and care workers a special payment of £735 to recognise their work during the pandemic. The figure of £735 was chosen to allow the staff to ‘take home’ £500 after tax and National Insurance deductions. In Powys, the scheme is being managed on behalf of the government by the county council. Councillor Myfanwy Alexander is Cabinet Member with responsibility for Adult Social Care and she commented: “During this challenging time, our wonderful teams in Health and Social Care have stepped up magnificently and well deserve this recognition.’ Dylan Owen is the council’s Head of Commissioning and he explained: “We have sent the relevant information to all of our independent care sector providers, such as residential care homes and domiciliary care agencies, explaining the government’s eligibility criteria and included the relevant claim forms. “I would urge any employed care workers to speak to their employers if they have not yet been advised how to make this claim,” said Mr Owen. The relevant information has also been sent to those people who manage their care via Direct Payments, that is they receive a payment each month from the council and use this to purchase the care they need, often by employing a personal assistant. “Again, if you are a personal assistant working for someone who receives Direct Payments, please speak to them if you’ve not been made aware of the claim process.” He explained that all claim forms need to be received by the council for processing by September 30th of this year.

NEW MEMBERS NEEDED FOR LEGION

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The Ystradgynlais Branch of The Royal British Legion was started on the 31st August 1921, so this year we will be celebrating our hundredth year in service. It’s thanks to all the members through the years for keeping the branch going to the present day, for the branch to continue we need new members - ex-service or associate members. You are out there, so if you would like to help in the future please contact the secretary on 01639 842554 mob 07866111675 Les Jones, Branch Secretary

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Powys residents who cannot work from home are being reminded that they need to be tested regularly to help stop the spread of Coronavirus. About one in three people with coronavirus do not have symptoms but can still infect others. Getting tested regularly is the only way to know if you have the virus. If people test positive and self-isolate, it helps stop the virus spreading. Rapid lateral flow tests are for people who do not have coronavirus symptoms. Residents who cannot work from home should undertake these tests, with kits available for free (including direct delivery to your home) through the UK Government website. If you have COVID-19 symptoms you need to book a PCR test (on gov.uk). How to get lateral flow (LFD) tests In Wales, you can get lateral flow tests for you and your household if: • you are a volunteer • you cannot work from home • you are an unpaid carer • you are visiting Wales from elsewhere • you are travelling to other areas of the UK If you get tests through your employer or education setting you should continue to do so. Order rapid lateral flow home test kits on GOV.UK. You can order one home testing kit (seven tests) at a time. Delivery takes one to two days. You can also collect testing kits in person from Ystradgynlais Library, Temperance Lane, SA9 1JJ, Monday 10:00 to 16:00, Tuesday closed, Wednesday closed, Thursday 10:00 to 16:00, Friday 10:00 to 13:00, Saturday closed, Sunday closed You can collect two home testing kits (14 tests) at a time. You should test twice a week, three to four days apart. Please report rapid lateral flow test results (on GOV.UK) the day you or someone in your household takes the test. If your test is positive, you should book a PCR test within 24 hours of the positive lateral flow test result.

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Who was the 2nd person to walk on the moon? In which country is the Hague? In computing what does ISP stand for? What is the collective name for angels? What would you find in a quiver? What is the Japanese for goodbye? Belonephobia is the fear of what? ‘Dream A Little Dream Of Me’ was a hit for who? How many MPH would you have to run to do a 4 min mile? Devils Tower in Wyoming featured in which film? What is the chief ingredient in glass? What sporting event includes the ‘king of the hill’? Who won ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ in 2014? What is a ‘Moscow Mule’? Club, Danish & toasted are types of what? What is the rarest M&M colour? Who was the legendary wife of King Arthur? Who was the goalkeeper for the allies in the film ‘Escape To Victory’? Who was the first female presenter of ‘Top Gear’? Who was Poopdeck Pappy’s famous son? Which tropical paradise was a hit for David Essex? What wedding anniversary is celebrated by coral? Which magician has the same name as a Dickens’ character? Where is the National Motor Museum? What type of detective studies arches, loops, whorls, islands & dots? What type of creature is a natterjack? What is the first day of Lent called? The Americans call it saran wrap, what do we call it? Of what is lux the unit of? ‘Bus gets shorter’ is an anagram of which famous film?

Now turn the page for the picture quiz. Answers are printed at the back of the magazine 43

DINGBATS - Can You Decipher Their Meaning? 1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 66

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COUNCIL LEADS WAY TO USE WELSH TIMBER IN CONSTRUCTION Only four per cent of Welsh-grown timber is used in construction despite 95 per cent of harvested Welsh timber meeting the construction grade, Powys County Council’s Cabinet has heard this week. Now the council has been at the forefront to address this with the introduction of its Wood Encouragement Policy in 2017 and by leading a pioneering project designed to encourage greater use of Welsh timber in the construction industry. Home-Grown Homes was launched to identify and test interventions that could have a transformative impact on the Welsh timber construction supply chain and on the delivery of low carbon social housing in Wales. The initiative, led by Powys County Council and funded by the Welsh Government and the EU Rural Development Programme, was launched in April 2018 and completed in March 2021. The research project was delivered by Woodknowledge Wales with project partners Cardiff Metropolitan University, Coed Cymru and BM TRADA. The Project is currently looking at a further phase which will look to implement the learnings of Home-Grown Homes on a wider scale. On Tuesday, July 6, Cabinet heard that the outputs of the pioneering project have influenced house builders, local authorities and housing associations, who are considering the use of timber in the construction of affordable and other homes to meet their carbon reduction targets. During the project, housing associations such as Wales & West Housing have adopted policies making timber the first-choice material for their build programme, similar to the council’s own Wood Encouragement Policy. Cabinet also heard that, thanks to the project, the Welsh Government has specified timber within its draft Development Quality requirements for new social housing as a material of choice for delivering low-carbon, energy efficient homes. Cllr Iain McIntosh, Cabinet Member for Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Economic Regeneration, said: “During its lifespan, the project has enjoyed successful collaborations and has enabled the council to build on relationships with various Welsh Government departments including Housing, Forestry and Economy as well as organisations such as Natural Resources Wales, all of which have been represented on the project’s steering group. “Our sponsorship of the Home-Grown Homes project shows our positive leadership role in reducing the carbon footprint of our affordable homes. We remain the only council in Wales and the UK, and one of only a few in Europe, with a Wood Encouragement Policy.

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“Phase Two of the Home-Grown Homes project, which is currently being considered by the Welsh Government for funding, will aim to influence policy to advance the development of Welsh timber for products such as timber windows and wood fibre insulation.”

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CALL / EMAIL FOR A QUOTATION

for AUGUST 2021 by Izabella Vlahavas

Aries – You have things to sort out in your own mind, and if you need to deal with issues now is a good time for healing. The constant battle with finances continues, you struggle and challenge yourself by being diligent in your work and keeping on your toes to do as much as you can. The new moon in your personal ventures zone on the 8th will fill you with enthusiasm to begin a new project, something close to your heart. Give it your best shot. Mercury is in your work and daily routines zone for most of this month which helps you get results. Taurus – You are getting mixed messages, and you want to do certain things and make plans which may not be possible. This will cause frustration. Your career zone is a place where you feel restricted and here you are most stubborn about targets and so you get there in the end, just by being persistent. It pays to be extra careful over the details. The full moon in this part of your chart on the 22nd makes you relieved you have seen things through and come to a positive conclusion. Any travel plans you have may still be in the air and this adds impatience to your state of mind. Gemini – Mars in your home zone this month gives you a reason to put in some hard work, either redecorating or organizing space to fit in more furniture. You will have a lot of energy which can be used in a constructive way. Family may not be completely on board with ideas so be diplomatic when you make decisions which include them. The full moon on the 22nd falls in your travel zone, and you will feel the need to make plans to get away from your regular routines. It is likely that an invitation gives you an opportunity to do this. Cancer – The new moon on the 8th falls in your money zone and this is the right time for new plans to set you back on track. If any out of the ordinary expenses have set you back, it is a chance to get back into a regular routine with budgets. In the middle of this month and even more so towards the end of the month your renewed focus on home and re-kindling your social circle of friends will involve you with groups of people. This adds to your confidence and gives you help with any ideas you are working on to do with work and career. Make the most of opportunities. Leo – You are willing and eager to make a new start and get involved with a new enterprise. The new moon in your own sign on the 8th is the perfect starting point. You will be good at negotiating funding and getting other people involved with you on projects. The full moon falls in your one-to-one partnership zone on the 22nd so it is out with the old and in with the new. Make sure the close partnerships you begin are people who have similar ideas and goals as you and all will go smoothly. You find help in joint finances or through money you have inherited will be very useful at this time. Virgo – You have a lot of decisive energy and also the charm to be able to get things done. Work projects and daily routines have the good luck planet of Jupiter influencing them and making it easy for you to make the most of opportunities. It is up to you to get other people to see things your way and you can persuade them. Venus in your own sign until the 16th makes others eager to please you and follow your lead. The full moon in your daily work routines section of your chart on the 22nd means a good time for a natural close and a new beginning. Libra – The new moon in your friendship zone on the 8th will help you enlarge your circle of friends and want to socialize more. New meetings make you keen to find common interests that you can share and take part in with others. A surprising windfall created through shared finances puts you in a positive frame of find and eager to get on with things. Some of your ideas may need to be grounded and to become more practical and organized, so bring others on board who are good at doing this sort of thing. Scorpio – The new moon on the 8th falls in your career zone and look at options that come your way and take risks as you are drawn towards trying out something new. Mercury in this part of your chart makes it easy for you to negotiate and get what you want. You may find restrictions to do with your home set up or 53

people from your family are frustrating you. Stick to your course and don’t let them distract you. It is time to be really clear with people about boundaries, taking a stronger position if necessary. Sagittarius – Plans to do with home are changeable or unreliable, you may not see things exactly as they are. Family members can be hiding some of the facts from you. Take this as a sign you need to be more independent. As long as you stay on top of responsibilities, you can maintain your independence. You have a freedom loving nature that thrives on honesty and you feel fearless. The new moon in your travel zone on the 8th is a good time to make plans to spend some time away from home and family. Capricorn – The full moon on the 22nd falls in your money zone and prompts you into making decisions concerning finances. Keep your options open and go with your instincts. Your joint finance sector is also highlighted for new beginnings, this may be with partners or due to a sudden windfall to do with an inheritance, either way you will have plenty to think about. After the middle of the month, you may have a new colleague involving career, who will make plans that include you. This not only helps you but also brings you benefits. Aquarius – The new moon in your close partnership zone could mean the beginning of a romance or a business partnership. This is just what you were hoping for. It will give you the chance to make some firm plans for the future and make you feel very optimistic and confident. Saturn in your own sign is helping you stay practical. You are dealing with matters in a steady, and detailed manner. This is a good time for you, with the full moon in your own sign on the 22nd helping you to close one chapter and venture forward on a new one! Pisces – Lots of focus on close partnerships, with better communication after the 11th and perhaps some challenges with others who are very openly opinionated. You have charm and opinions of your own so try to join forces, rather than create conflict. The new moon on the 8th falls in your daily work zone and will put you in a frame of mind to check on schedules making the most of the time you have available for all that you do. You may be starting a new health routine or diet, all this bodes well, as you head forward with plans.

The year ahead for

LEO

At exactly 04.00 pm gmt on the 22nd of July 2021, the sun enters the sign of Leo and for all of you born with this sun sign, the following ingredients colour your year ahead. Modifications and adjustments need to be made according to your own specific time, date and place of birth which are individual only to you.. PERSONALITY – You will be forceful, passionate and motivated for the following year. You have the ability to convince others of your plans and will soon find followers. You look deeply into issues and find you have a warm humanistic outlook towards things that interest you. LOVE – The need to join forces with partners and to make good and find the right allies is high on your list or priorities. You will be good at drawing others in who help you get things done. You will feel close to those that believe in the same ideas as you do. Your strong sense of purpose pushing towards success. MONEY – You are good at making things happen and you will possibly travel and expand your horizons in the coming month. You are motivated and adventurous. You have the will power and the tenacity to get great results. Whatever work you get involved with is bound for success. GENERALLY – A very different time ahead for you, where you will want to get results, make strides along the way and achieve much. Nothing is out of your reach, as you go forward with a positive and assertive attitude. 54

Lots of love and best of luck from Izabella Vlahavas

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My job is really getting me down. I have been a public servant 20+ years and I used to remember a time when work was everything and I enjoyed the people and the place. I have progressed within the same department all this time, brought in change after change and stuck with many restructures and redundancies. I have seen my colleagues come and go but now I don’t think I can cope with any more changes, especially as I have just gone back after working from home remotely. I have lost all my confidence and life is dull. I have been so involved in work and family life, I don’t have time for any hobbies. I am not sure I could do anything else at this point in my life, it hard to stay motivated in work. I can’t face getting up in the morning, can’t be bothered. I’m probably under performing and worried my manager will notice. I don’t think I can carry on like this any more. I keep thinking about what is the point in what I do? I am really bored, feel like I have seen it all before and I am marking time for retirement. It makes me think what is it all about? But I can’t afford to lose my job for my family’s sake. My wife thinks I am having a mid life crisis. My teenagers can’t be bothered with me.

Gerwyn

Dear Gerwyn, I am sorry to hear your job is getting you down so much and you feel you can’t carry on as things are. Firstly, It is worth ruling out anything physical which may be affecting you, so you could have a chat with your GP. Working in any organisation for 20 years is no mean feat and is becoming a rarity. The work place has changed so much and we are expecting our workforce to be more flexible and deal with change quicker than ever before. People don’t realise that change can at times be exhilarating but at other times it can just be one restructuring or transition too much. I find it useful when working with my clients to identify where you are on Fisher’s Transition Curve. See link: https://www.r10.global/wp-content/ uploads/2017/05/fisher-transition-curve-2012-1.pdf

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All is not lost, as you have got a transferrable skill set. It may be that you could look at other jobs/work within your organisation in a different department or similar

organisation. You may even want a complete change in a different environment all together, so It is worth exploring the plethora of free careers advice on line. A starting point could be: https://careerswales.gov.wales/plan-your-career/job-matching-quiz We spend so much of our lives in work and seem to use work roles to define and categorise people. Have you noticed at gatherings people will ask what you do instead of what your passions are? It is worth noting that that you are not only a job, you are so much more, because human beings are wired to be creative by nature. I look forward to discussing this further in your free hypnotherapy consultation as I have helped people to identify and deal with “boredom stress” as well as other blocks. In just a few sessions you can start to increase your confidence and recogonise the skills you already have and generate options which you never thought about. Some of the people I have helped have amazed themselves and became so much happier by taking control and shaping their futures. Antonina Please note letters are edited, name changed and paraphrased to ensure anonymity. Each month the author of the published letter will receive a free consultation with AMendola Hypnotherapy. Email your letters to antonina@communitymag.co.uk or write to the usual address.

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