Bibliographical Group

TWENTY-SIX members ventured out in exceptionally stormy weather to attend the Bibliographical Group meeting in the National Library on the evening of Tuesday, 17 November. The speaker was Bill Hines, formerly assistant director for Information Services at the University of Wales Aberystwyth. Since retiring he has been researching the university’s rare book collections, and he gave the group an illustrated lecture on the treasures of the Hugh Owen Library.The Welsh library at the University College of Wales (as it then was) was transferred to the National Library in 1909, but several thou-sand volumes of rare books and special collections were retained by the university, and these collections have been augmented with later bequests by scholars like John Challinor and Fergus Johnston. The first part of the lecture was an overview of the university’s special collections, beginning with illumi-nated manuscripts and going on to early printed material. The speaker then went on to talk about his research into the previous owners of some of these books, who include such famous names as Samuel Johnson, Horace Walpole, Jonathan Swift and Isaac Newton. There is much research still to be done, and further treasures to be discovered.The next meeting will be on Tuesday, 19 January 2016 in the National Library, when Dr Brian Davies will speak on colouring maps.

Stroke Club

ANOTHER visit to the town’s football club was the venue for the November lunch meeting on the 18th. On a very windy but dry day 48 members gathered for a splendid meal. The chairman asked us to observe a minute’s silence for one of our members who passed away on the 11th. Mair Roberts was asked to say grace before we sat down to dine. The ever-helpful staff assisted some of the group to their lunch, while the rest queued for lovely hot food. After the pudding was served, we were entertained by Derek Whiting with some golden oldies, who sang very well and was duly appreciated. Then followed the 600 club draw, with all the cheques handed to various members to distribute to their donators. A very full raffle took place with many good prizes to be won. The social secretary handed our luggage labels for the members whom are off on the turkey tinsel weekend in Tenby on 4 December, and also reminded us all that the Christmas lunch date is 15 December. Thanks all round to the football club for looking after us all so well from the chairman and then we all battled with the wind on the way out to cars to go home.Salvation ArmyTHE Salvation Army has a long history of brass banding and has a special link with our Aberystwyth Silver Band every year, through-out the year. A carol service with the band will be taking place on Sunday, 13 December at 4pm. Come along and meet new and old friends, enjoy a coffee and mince pie, listen to the band, sing your favourite carol and hear the Christ-mas story being told in a different way. We look forward to seeing you there! Everyone welcome!

Cambrian Floral Society

ON Wednesday evening, 4 November, the group met at Bethel Chapel Vestry for a workshop by Alex Hales of No 21. He was introduced, in the absence of the chairman, by Marian Weston, who welcomed him to demonstrate the autumnal arrangement using a square round oasis dish placed on top of a hurricane vase filled with dried autumnal leaves. The workshop soon got underway and it was evident that everyone enjoyed the relaxed and friendly atmosphere in which to work. The refreshments were prepared by Norma Jones and Malvina Morris.On Wednesday, 2 December it’s a pleasure to announce that Kevin Davies will be demonstrating at our open evening at Ysgol Penweddig at 7.30pm. This will be an opportunity to see Kevin demonstrat-ing on the stage instead of the TV screen. The evening is a Christmas demonstration with stalls consisting of floral arrangements, cakes and cards.

Cymdeithas yr Aelwyd

NOS Wener, 20 Tachwedd, Lona Jones oedd ein cadeirydd ac fe groesawodd Marian Delyth, Blaenplwyf, sy’n gyn aelod o Adran ac Aelwyd Aberystwyth. Y mae Marian yn ffotograffydd proffesiynol llwyddiannus ac wedi ymweld â’r Aelwyd sawl tro dros y blynyddooedd. Dangosodd Marian nifer o luniau o Ynys Enlli, sy’n cydfynd a’i llyfr diweddaraf Enlli: tu hwnt i’r swnt a’r arddangosfa sydd ymlaen ar hyn o bryd yng Ngaleri Penrallt, Machynlleth.Cawsom gip ar nifer o agweddau o’r ynys yn greigiau, ogofau, ffermio, y bobl sy’n byw yno, Colin a’i gwch pwrpasol ar gyfer cario anifeiliaid a nwyddau o Borth Meudwy, ac wrth gwrs y goleudy enwog. Rhaid hefyd oedd son am yr adarfa ac am un o drigolion enwoca’r ynys sef aderyn drycin Manaw sy’n bridio yno ac yna’n treulio’r gaeaf yn Ne America.