Fracking protest

PROTESTERS in Aberystwyth backing opponents of a decision to allow fracking in Yorkshire have been thanked for their support.The protest in Aberystwyth on Saturday, 28 May, was organised by Sandra Prusaka and Nicki Wilkins as a show of solidarity with those in Yorkshire fighting against North Yorkshire Council’s decision to allow fracking near Kirby Misperton, a village close to the North York Moors national park.Following the event, protesters in Aberystwyth were thanked by residents in Yorkshire for their support.

Nicki Wilkins, of Frack Free West Wales, said that the protest was called as a way of showing support for communities elsewhere that may be affected by fracking.

She said: “Frack Free West Wales supports communities around the world who are fighting governments and companies that put profit before people or the planet.

“We organised this gathering in solidarity with those people in Yorkshire who continue to try to safeguard their community from Third Energy, owned by Barclays Bank, and the Conservative government who are intent on profiting from the exploitation of fossil fuels.

“We have to leave fossil fuels in the ground if we are to protect future generations from runaway climate change, it’s as simple as that. Unfortunately, our current government doesn’t take our future into consideration when making their deals, so it’s up to us, the people, to stand up to them.”

The decision to allow fracking to take place in Yorkshire has been met with heavy criticism with thousands of objections lodged with North Yorkshire Council, only for councillors to approve the development.

Male Voice Choir

THE choir is always pleased to celebrate the achievements of its members and we were delighted to be invited to support the launch of a new book “Basned o Gawl” by first tenor, Wil Griffiths.The launch was held at the Morlan Centre on Thursday, 26 May, and was well support-ed by the local community.The choir, conducted by Alwyn Evans, with accompanist Elenid Thomas, contributed several items requested by the author including “Gwahoddiad”, “Yfory”, “American Trilogy”and “Rhythm of Life”.The proceeds of the sale of the book will go to the charities Hospice at Home and the Wales Air Ambulance.On Saturday the choir sang at the wedding of Dee and Dwain which was held at the National Library.

Bee Walks

JOIN us for a walk to identify and count bees as part of the Friends of the Earth campaign, the Great British Bee Count (www.greatbrit-ishbeecount.co.uk / #greatbritishbeecount).Identification charts available and all welcome. On Saturday, 18 June, 12pm, we meet in the car park opposite the fire station, next to the Fountain Pub, Trefechan, Aberystwyth.Contact [email protected] for more information.

Aberystwyth & District Stroke Club

AUDREY Evans (pictured above right) was elected president of the Aberystwyth & District Stroke Club at the AGM on 24 May.She succeeds the founder president, the late Dr Gareth Hughes, and the late Gwen Hughes.Audrey has been active in the club for 26 years and continues as its social secretary as well as president.On 24 May, 47 members of the club gathered together in the Waunfawr community hall for their monthly lunch outing and to follow their AGM.A splendid lunch was provided by Mr Lees of the Rheidol Cafe, and served with his very attentive staff. The chairman welcomed them all. Jean Davies and Judith Kendall dealt with the usual raffle and, after the food was enjoyed, the raffle prizes were handed out. While the tea and coffee were being served, the committee gathered at the stage end of the room to start the AGM.When the years work, plans, outings and finances had been given out, the committee then reigned, elections took place and a new committee were announced. The chairman brought the meeting to a close and all departed home on a lovely sunny afternoon.

Parkinsons UK

AT the monthly meeting of the Aberystwyth Parkinsons group, the chairman welcomed two new members to the group. The outing to Newcastle Emlyn had been very fruitful, and Dr Weiser, the speaker had been excellent. He spoke about Parkinson in the past, present and then the future. In the second half, the group asked Dr Weiser questions, which he was glad to answer.The coffee morning had been very successful, and the chairman thanked everybody who had worked so hard. He said that the collection at Morrisons was disappointing, as it was a wet and cold Monday.They were very pleased with the collection at Matalan, where the staff were so welcoming. Names were then taken for the annual trip, which is going on the railway from Welshpool to Llanfair Caereinion, on Thurs-day, 16 June, but this had since been changed, owing to circumstances to Thursday, 23 June, which is the day of the Referendum, but we’ll be back to vote. The bus leaves the rugby club at 9.45am and should be back for about 7pm.Howard Jones from Llanbadarn Fawr, had been with them last year, and he’d been so successful that they invited him back this year. He has taught blind and deaf children, so for the afternoon he taught the group standard manual alphabet in sign language. He said that one in seven people have hearing problems; he then taught us about braille. Louisie braille started with raised dots in 1809, which people learnt quickly, and by 1821 used with the raised dot. They used six dots to teach their alphabet. Howard has spoken to the blind around the world. He taught himself to read braille and the blind alphabet so that he could teach around Britain, and the world. Pam Williams gave the vote of thanks, and said that they had an interesting and educating afternoon. They all left with leaflets to practise the braille and manual alphabet. Because of the annual trip, the next meeting will be on Monday, 25 July, when Matt Sims, the county development officer will be the speaker.The meeting will be closed with the usual tea and cakes.