VSO GLYNCOCH

We have been lucky in Glyncoch over the last couple of months, to have two volunteers from the VSO Global Village programme working in the community. 24-year-old Akano Amina from Kaduna State in Nigeria and 19-year-old Craig Imrie from Dunfermline in Scotland are leaving on Friday. A spokesperson from Glyncoch Communities First said that their time with is had been a wonderful opportunity to gain a “completely different perspective on what we are doing; we have also learned a lot about other cultures and hopefully Craig and Amina have learned more about how we do things in Wales”.

Craig and Amina have written an open letter to the community, which I reproduce below:

“Global Village is a programme that brings young people from all over the UK and Nigeria to work together, share ideas, learn about each other's cultures, and most importantly, to develop the young people so that they can make a positive impact to their own societies.
“We all know that young people can be tools used to develop and revolutionise not only a community but a nation. So if the young people are active and empowered enough, then the future will be great and the world will be a better place to live. As beneficiaries of this laudable programme we would like to commend the Global Exchange programme and the British Council's Voluntary Services Overseas for the great impact they have made in so many societies through young people.
“18 of us have been working all over RCT for 2 months. We were fortunate enough to be placed in Glyncoch Communities First. What we see in Glyncoch is so different from what others seem to think about it. The atmosphere in Glyncoch is so calm, and the people are warm and friendly. Everyone has been very welcoming and extremely friendly towards us. Something that never stops amazing us is the strong bond that exists within the community. It is also interesting to know how much the people strongly desire to give the community a new face. We have experienced a huge community spirit. The future of Glyncoch seems very bright with the community cohesion needed to make Glyncoch an even better place.”

The letter is signed Craig and Amina.

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GOLF -"A good walk ruined"

LEE Llewellyn has created a website for the Glyncoch Social Golf Society. The site has only been in existence for just over 24 hours, but there are already some interesting comments to be read (and perhaps replied to). This could easily become the best read website in Glyncoch, that's why I've added it to the "ALL THE GOOD STUFF" list on the right hand side of this page.

PACT JUNE

THIS Month’s meeting of PACT (Partnerships and Communities Together) was held at the Community Centre to discuss issues of concern to the people of Glyncoch and Coed-y-Cwm. Last month’s priorities were discussed, and it was agreed that increased police patrols and better awareness by the bus companies has led to a radical decrease in the annoyance caused by young people waiting for school buses on Cefn Lane. It was also agreed that the community Centre is suffering far less aggravation than it had been. It was therefore agreed that these two priorities have been dealt with adequately for now. The third priority for May was the annoyance being caused to residents of Lower Garth Avenue by youths playing football in the street. PCSO Helena James explained to the meeting that a number of ASBO referrals have been made and footballs have been confiscated; in addition the Local Authority has put up signs informing people that no ball games should be played in the area. Despite all this, the problems continue. Councillor Judith Burford was quite vociferous in speaking up for her constituents, and informed the meeting that she has spoken to Chief Superintendent Farrar about the matter. Helena informed the committee that a street meeting (the first in the South Wales Police area) had been arranged for the Thursday evening to discuss the problems, and invited Councillor Burford to attend. It was agreed that this item should remain a PACT priority for the month of June. Various other items of concern were considered, including a problem with wheelie bins being stolen from all over the estate, and the youth problems in Coed-y-Cwm. Helena agreed to arrange a PACT meeting for Coed-y-Cwm residents, separate from either Ynysybwl or Glyncoch, because of the odd geographical position of the estate.

It was agreed that annoyance at Craig-yr Hesg Primary School should be a priority for June after Head Maggie Hudson explained the cost of protecting the building from vandalism; she has recently had to spend over £1000 on defensive measures- money that should be spent on books and education. The third priority for June is controlling vehicle annoyance. Recently, almost a dozen scrambler motorcycles and 4 cars have been seized in an operation to reduce anti-social vehicle use. Each time a vehicle is seized, the owner has to pay £105 to release it and £12/day for storage. The next PACT meeting will be held in the Community Centre at 6 pm on July 2.

The only way that PACT can work is if the whole community gets involved. If you see any antisocial behaviour in the village, ring 01656 655 555l; if the incident is one of the PACT priorities, let the person you are speaking to know. You can also contact the Community Police team for the area by ringing 01443 485351 and asking for extension 40320.

“BAD DAY GOOD”

TWO communities came together last weekend, when young men from Glyncoch and Rhydyfelin paid their respects to a local friend by arranging a football match in memory of James Williams, who sadly passed away on June 2 last year. Being James’ first love, a football match between good friends/ex teammates was seen as the ideal way to show that James was still a part of their lives, as well as their thoughts.

There was a good turn out and plenty of support on the day from James’ family and friends, who ensured the match was no quiet affair. The weather held out until the final whistle, which allowed all involved to get a dose of the very rare Welsh sun.

On the stroke of half time both teams gathered around the halfway line and a surprise bouquet of flowers was sprung on James’ parents, Richard and Jeanette. Some heart-felt words were spoken from the boys to the parents and from the parents to the boys and there was an overpowering sense of togetherness.

The match was played with an official referee and it was a very tight but sporting affair. However, this wasn’t reflected in the final score line: Rhydyfelin 7 Glyncoch 1. Nevertheless the boys of Glyncoch would like to congratulate the Rhydyfelin boys on a cracking result and a fulfilling game.

After the match Richard and Jeanette laid on a barbeque-buffet, beverages and musical entertainment. Both sets of boys attended along with Richard, Jeanette and family, where they shared some very funny jokes and stories with each other.

The evening ended with thanks from both parties for each other’s commitment. Richard and Jeanette thanked the boys for making a bad day, good.

The boys would like to thank Richard and Jeanette for all their help, support and hospitality. The day would not have been the same without them. Also thanks to all the boys who played, including James’ brother, Daniel Williams who turned in a quality performance for Glyncoch.

Last but not least congratulations to Ian Webb “Webber” for earning man of the match for a solid display in Rhydyfelin’s defence.

POEMS AND PINTS

THE Glyncoch poetry blog, Poems and Pints has a couple of new poems on it. Check it out by clicking on the title of this post, or by using the link on the right.

ODE TO THE CLEANERS

When mostof us have had our fun
And the next day's rest has just begun
Into the club, march Sue and her mob.
They scrub and they polish, for that is their job.

But they also pick up the food that's been tipped
And they deal with the furnishings that have been ripped.
They clean up the shit and they clean up the spew
I wouldn't do it! Tell me truly- Would You?
And do Sue and her gang earn mighty wages?
Of course they do! they have done for ages!
But, what these girls earn, and the pay they receive
Are just not related. I don't wish to deceive.
So all of us members should be grateful to Sue
And show some respect for her and her crew.
If you spill someone's pint, you buy them a beer.
Never one for the cleaner, isn't that queer?
She's the person who will clear up your mess
Yet none of us think we should offer redress.
So the least we can do, if we're to call ourselves men
Is to show them some gratitude, now and again.

BATO

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COMMENTS WELCOME

I have just been harangued in the Social Club over one of the articles on this blog.

It appears that some people feel that I have been unfair in my reporting on this blog. I would point out that the criticism came from someone who hadn't even read the article he was complaining about, but had heard about it from someone else. This "someone else" was not identified, but whomever it was, is welcome (nay encouraged) to add comments to any of my postings; There is not even a need to give your name; though of course it sometimes helps if you do so. It is only by picking up on the comments that I can hope to improve my reporting.

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THE THREE LEGGED PIG

I visited granddad down on his farm,

And at once I noticed with some alarm,

That one of his pigs, an old sow called Peg

Appeared to be missing one of her legs.

I said to my granddad, "Bampy" says I

"See that old sow- over there by the sty,

She's got just three legs, it ought to be four."

Well Granddad was angry, He let out a roar.

"If you don't like that pig then you are a fool-

"Last week your cousin fell in the cesspool.

"Well up jumped old Peg and in she did dive

"And thanks to that pig, young Fred's still alive."

I said "No doubt she's great and medals will adorn her

"But Bamps, she should have a leg at each corner."

Said granddad "Young Paul. Don't call me a liar!

"If it wasn't for Peg, your gran would have died in a fire.

"Peg smelt the smoke and dragged gran from her bed.

"If it wasn't for Peggy your gran would be dead."

I said "Granddad, Please, Why won't you listen?

"That heroic pig has got a leg missing."

Granddad moaned "I'm ashamed, you're letting me down.

"Really young Paul, you've lived too long in town.

"My dear Grandson, you've become a dunce.

"You don't eat a good pig like that all at once."

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WHAT A BLAST

AS ALWAYS Blast From the Past put on an amazing show last night, in order toraise money towards Emma Davies' oxygen regenerator. Donna and the rest of the troupe are truly professional in their approach to the whole business of supporting those in need within our community. Ali Ballbaggs will be giving a lot more information once she has Blast's blog up and running properly (hopefully this weekend).
She can be found at the Blast From the Past Blog.
JUST CLICK ON THE LINK and see for yourself.

WELCOME BACK CLIVE

AFTER a long drawn out investigation, Clive Mitchell has finally been exonerated.

The entire membership will be glad to see him back behind the bar of the Social Club where he belongs.

At Sunday's AGM it was revealed that he has been the victim of almost two decades of mismanagement by the Club committee. I readily hold up my hands and say that I was one of the people responsible for the catalogue of errors that so nearly led to the demise of the best steward in the valleys.

WOMEN'S RUGBY

Referee Nigel is staying well back- he's no pushover

We know it's in there somewhere

Don't bother girls that's another try for Stacy

That's another one for Martina then!

NEW FESTIVAL CHAIR

SAM Turner has been elected as chairperson for the 2007 Glyncoch Festival. I am sure that everyone will congratulate the committee on making such a wise choice.

CARWYN AND GARYN

CONGRATULATIONS to Andrew and Michelle Talbot on the birth of Carwyn and Garyn, brothers for Kyle and Ashley. Welcome to Glyncoch both of youi

PACT FEBRUARY

February's PACT priorities are:

• Parking in Cefn Lane & Glyncoch Terrace,
  

• Youth Annoyance at Craig Yr Hesg Primary School
  
• 
  
• Monitoring the situation with the buses.

If you have any comments as to how successfully these targets were addressed, or wish to help set the priorities for March, you will need to attend the PACT meeting at the Community Centre on Monday March 5 at 5:30pm.

MONEY ADVICE

THE Equality, Diversity and Social Justice team from Rhondda Cynon Taff will be running a Money Advice day at Glyncoch Community centre on Monday January 29 from 1pm-4:30pm.
There will be a wide range of advice services present, and a free buffet lunch at 1pm. There will also be activities provided to keep the children entertained.

Thay are also sending a free Managing your Money handbook to everyone in Glyncoch, with more copies available on the day.

The Equality, Diversity and Social Justice Team can be contacted on (01443) 424182.

TEN SOCIAL CLUB MEMBERS

THE MEMBERSHIP

Ten Social Members came to the club all the time;
One argued with the committee, then there were nine.

Nine Social Members stayed up drinking late;
One overslept on Saturday, then there were eight.

Eight Social Members, on their way up Cefn;
One took the Farm Lane, then there were seven.

Seven Social Members, chirping like chicks;
One hated Karaoke, then there were six.

Six Social Members seemed very much alive;
One took a vacation, then there were five.

Five Social Members hurrying for the door;
One stopped to take a rest, then there were four.

Four Social Members, each as busy as a bee;
One had his feelings hurt, then there were three.

Three Social Members, deciding what to do;
One couldn't have his way, then there were two.

Two Social Members each signed up one more;
Now don't you see, that two plus two is four?

Four Social Members, drinking early and late;
Each brought another, now there were eight.

Eight Social Members if they double as before;
In just seven days, we have a thousand twenty four.

In this little jingle, there is a lesson true;
You belong either to the building, or to the wrecking crew.

Bato

With apologies to the author of Ten Little Christians