THE latest community news from Aberystwyth

Merched y Wawr

YNG nghyfarfod Mis Mawrth croesawyd yr aelodau gan Eluned Richards y llywydd. Cydymdeimlwyd gyda thair aelod, Ray Edwards, Eileen Pryce Jones a Susan Jenkins yn eu profedigaethau yn ddiweddar.

Cyflwynwyd Dr Joan Howell ein gwraig wadd gan Audrey Evans. Cafodd ei geni ar fferm ym Meidrim, Sir Gâr yn un o bump o blant.

Bywyd o brofiadau oedd teitl y noson a chawsom hanes ei gyrfa lwyddiannus. Ei swydd gyntaf oedd nyrs yn Ysbyty Llanelli cyn symud i Brifysgol Caerdydd i hyfforddi’n feddyg. Bu’n feddyg ac yn ddiweddarach yn llaw feddyg mewn sawl ysbyty yn Llundain gan gynnwys yr ysbyty llygaid Moorfields lle bu’n arbenigo mewn cancr plant. Bu hefyd yn gweithio yn Efrog Newydd a Paris. Ar hyn o bryd ei harbenigedd yw metaphysical ac mae’n gweithio o’i chartref ac yn Stryd Harley yn Llundain. Diolchwyd iddi gan Audrey am noson arbennig, roedd wedi bod yn fraint i’w chael i rannu ei holl brofiadau gyda ni. Llongyfarchiadau i ddwy o’n haelodau, Alys Mererid ac Elenid Hughes am ennill posau’r Wawr. Cafwyd amser i gymdeithasu dros baned a baratowyd gan aelodau Waunfawr.

Byddwn yn camu nôl mewn amser yn ein cyfarfod nesaf ar 15 Ebrill gan ymweld ag Amgueddfa Aberystwyth. Disgwylir i’r aelodau gyfarfod yn yr amgueddfa am 7.30yh.

Rotary Club

PROFESSOR Rhys Jones, guest speaker at the club’s last lunchtime meeting, gave an engaging account of some of the highlights of Geography studies at Aberystwyth University, over the past century.

A major figure was H J Fleure, who became the first holder of the endowed Gregynog Professorship of Geography and who had conducted anthropological studies, which involved measuring and recording personal physical characteristics, to try to discover ‘who were the Welsh’.

Although a native of Guernsey, Fleure had taken to Aberystwyth and had written his impressions of his adopted ‘little town’. One of his provocative observations was that most families attended chapels on Sundays, leaving their keys in the lock, but “they don’t risk that in August when the English are about”!

H J Fleure was succeeded as Professor of Geography by one of his students, Emrys G Bowen, a popular lecturer who had conducted studies to explore the ‘essence of Wales’. Other former Geography students had made major contributions to the study and interpretation of Wales and its society; they included Iorwerth C Peate, first Curator of the Museum of Welsh Life at St. Fagans, and Alwyn D Rees, director of Aberystwyth’s Extra Mural Studies Departmernt who had undertaken a study of life in a Welsh countryside, focussing on the community of Llanfihangel yng Ngwynfa in rural Montgomeryshire.

Recent studies conducted by the department had looked at issues concerning language and culture. Professor Rhys Jones, as a current staff member and former head of Geography, said that the department sought to continue its proud tradition of interpreting Wales, which had commenced under H J Fleure’s inspiration over 100 years ago.

Holy Trinity Church

THIS Sunday, 31 March is the fourth Sunday in Lent and is known as Mothering Sunday, (and also as Mothers Day) and it marks the maternal bonds that exist between mothers and their children as well as other maternal figures.

The origins of the day date back to pre-Christian times. Traditionally many children at church services are handed a pot or bunch of flowers to give to their mothers to mark the day but the very committed youngsters singing in the children’s choir at a Mothering Sunday special service at Holy Trinity at 11.00am will see them giving their mothers something more special, the joy of singing to them during the service.

The youngster’s special contribution to the Holy Communion Service will be their singing of Michael Hurd’s Jonah Man Jazz, a very enjoyable piece for children which recounts the Old Testament story of Jonah and the Whale.

Michael Hurd’s music includes some narration of the story and this will be undertaken by the children of the Holy Trinity Sunday Club, making the service even more special.

David Cooper, the leader of the choir (and the church members who help on the Friday afternoon after school rehearsals) are thrilled by the progress and pleasure that the youngsters have been making and getting from the work. David is augmenting the small adult Holy Trinity Choir for the service and they will be singing with the children’s choir the Rutter Gaelic Blessing in the service.

A warm welcome is extended to all to this special service and especially to families with young children.

Aberystwyth U3A

THE meeting in March was the AGM and included a quiz attended by members, prospective members and guests.

The chairman announced the sad death of the president, Margaret Baker, who was a member of the steering committee which set up Aberystwyth U3A, becoming a secretary, later chairman and latterly president, always cheerful and willing to help with any task. A great deal of the U3A’s success was due to Margaret’s efforts.

This month’s meeting will be at 2.30pm in the Morlan, on Thursday, 18 of April. The speaker will be Elgan Davies, a historian of old college. He will be speaking about the college under the title ‘Statues and Students’.

Lions Club

A PROMINENT Aberystwyth Lions Club member has helped distribute knitted items to children battling cancer in the Philippines as part of his latest visit to the region.

Benjamin Manluctao, the second vice-district governor of the Lions Club’s International 105W District, led a group from the Laoac United Lions Club in Northern Philippines in a visit to a paediatric unit at a hospital in the city of Dagupan on 13 February.

As part of the visit the Lions members distributed blankets, cardigans and caps knitted and donated by Susan Baldwin and Brenda Davies, of Aberystwyth, inspired by their father. While many of the items were donated to organisations in the UK, some of them were still provided to the hospital in the Philippines. Benjamin said: “In the ward were 74 children; newly born and up to 12 years old. “There were 15 babies, newly born and up to five days old only. “Watching those children live under such conditions renders your heart with mixed feelings. “I have pictures which show how it is like for me to be there actually mingling with the parents, the relatives and the newly born, sharing their joy and happiness at the birth of an additional member of the family, despite all the odds.

During the visit we also distributed children’s blankets, cardigans and caps knitted by Aberystwyth sisters Susan Baldwin and Brenda Davies, inspired by their loving father whom we fondly called Mr J Baldwin. “The family have knitted hundreds of children’s garments. The effort was aimed at what they call Helping Lion Ben. “Most of the knitted garments were given to local hospitals and humanitarian organisations in the UK as the garments were too hot for the Philippines weather.”

Meanwhile, Benjamin also joined members of the Gower Lions Club, which is part of the 105W region, in providing funding for two pumpwells in the Laoac region in memory of three family members who died.

Cambrian Floral Society

THE last meeting was held on Wednesday, 6 March, when Richard Bramley of Farmyard Nursery, Llandysul was the guest speaker. He was introduced by the chairman, John James, who welcomed him back to give an illustrated talk on spring plants.

Mr Bramley is a very well-known author and specialist nurseryman having won the Chelsea Gold Medal for his spectacular collection of hellebores. His talk was illustrative and as usual, full of useful tips and humour which resulted in his attentive audience planning to explore the Farmyard Nursery.

The welcome refreshments were served by Eirlys and Eluned Evans at the end of the talk.

On Wednesday, 3 April, they will be visiting a special spring flowering garden in Carmarthenshire. They hope to arrive by 2.30pm and after exploring the plants and flowers of the garden, tea will be served in the adjoining tea room. Arrangements for travelling etc. can be obtained from John on 01970 890223.

Ramblers

ON Wednesday, 27 March, Dave (01970 828815) will lead a 7.5-mile moderate walk from Criccieth to Porthmadog.

They will meet at 8.15am at Aberystwyth station for the 8.30am train to Criccieth, changing at Dyfi Junction. The walk is mostly along the beach giving nice views of the Ll?n and Western Snowdonia. Optional refreshments at either Borth y Gest or Porthmadog with the train departing from the latter at 4pm.

Contact the leader for weather and rail ticket info and bring a bus pass if you have one. Bring two bin bags for very small stream crossings.

Dave (01970 82815) will be leading a moderate seven-mile coast path walk from New Quay to Aberaeron on Saturday, 30 March. Meet at Aberystwyth bus station stand 7 for 10.10am T5 service (free bus service). Walk coast path to Aberaeron. Return to Aberystwyth by free bus service running every 15 mins to and after the hour, after optional refreshments - bring bus pass if you have one.

On Sunday, 31 March there is the Abergynolwyn Walk meeting at 9.30am at the Leisure Centre in Aberystwyth or 10.30am at car park, village hall/café, Abergynolwyn, opposite Railway Public House, grid reference SH 677077 with leader Sue (07443 492651).

A circular walk from the historic village of Abergynolwyn. Encircles Cae’r Berllan and offers scenic valley views, oak woodland and river paths. The route passes through the hamlet of Llanfihangel y Pennant where Mary Jones chapel is situated. They then visit the fortress of Castell y Bere in it’s spectacular setting for lunch, this is the highlight of the walk.

The return route takes them through a second valley with views towards Bird’s rock and back down into Abergynolwyn.

Public lecture

AWARD-WINNING journalist Gideon Rachman will deliver a public lecture at Aberystwyth University on Thursday, 4 April, as part of the Department of International Politics’ Centenary Speakers Series.

The chief foreign affairs columnist for the Financial Times will deliver a lecture entitled ‘Is the West Disintegrating?’ which will consider how a new era of global instability has begun, as the flow of wealth and international balance of power moves from West to East.

Gideon Rachman joined the Financial Times in July 2006 after a 15-year career at The Economist, which included spells as a foreign correspondent in Brussels, Washington and Bangkok. He also edited The Economist’s business and Asia sections. His particular interests include American foreign policy, the European Union and globalisation.

In 2016, he won the Orwell prize for political journalism. In the same year he was also named as commentator of the year at the European Press Prize awards. Dr Jan Ruzicka, director of the Department of International Politics’ Centenary Celebrations, said: “Gideon Rachman is one of the world’s most insightful commentators of international politics. He has staked clear and well thought through positions whether it be on the future of the US-China relationship, the changing global balance of power, or Brexit.

At a time when everywhere one looks it appears that the West is finished, we will have a chance to hear the man who has already written about the implications this will have for global order.” Gideon Rachman’s lecture ‘Is the West Disintegrating?’ takes place in the Main Hall of the International Politics Building at 6pm. Admission is free.

Eglwys Efengylaidd

ERS blynyddoedd mae Eglwys Efengylaidd Aberystwyth wedi cyfarfod yng Nghapel Saron, Llanbadarn Fawr, trwy garedigrwydd aelodau’r gynulleidfa yno.

O ddydd Sul, 31 Mawrth, fodd bynnag, bydd yr Eglwys Efengylaidd yn symud i Ganolfan Padarn, un o ganolfannau Cyngor Sir Ceredigion ar gyfer pobl ag anawsterau dysgu. Mae’r ganolfan yn union tu ôl i’r orsaf ambiwlans ar Ffordd Llanbadarn, ger Anthony Motors.

Gellir ei chyrraedd yn rhwydd trwy droi i mewn i lôn yr orsaf ambiwlans a’i dilyn i’r chwith rownd yr adeilad hwnnw. Mae’r ganolfan yn adeilad gweddol fodern, gyda chyfleusterau priodol ar gyfer cyfarfodydd cyhoeddus a digon o le i barcio ceir.

I gyd-fynd â’r symud, bydd yr Eglwys hefyd yn newid amserau oedfaon y Sul, i 10.30yb a 5yp. Dywedodd Derrick Adams, gweinidog yr Eglwys: “Dymunwn ddiolch o galon i aelodau cynulleidfa Saron am bob croeso a chymwynas ar hyd y blynyddoedd. “Er y byddwn yn symud ychydig yn agosach i’r dref, gobeithio y gallwn barhau i wasanaethu cymuned Llanbadarn.

Edrychwn ymlaen at bennod newydd yn hanes Eglwys Efengylaidd Aberystwyth, ac estynnwn wahoddiad i bawb i ymuno â ni yn ein hoedfaon.” Gellir cael rhagor o fanylion ar wefan yr Eglwys (www.eglwysefengylaiddaberystwyth. co.uk).

Aberystwyth and District Floral Society

THE society held its annual Members Competition Awards at their meeting on 19 March at Llanfarian Hall. President Donald Morgan and chair Glenys Morgan had the task of awarding members with their winning shields.

Jayne Solomon won in the Advanced category, Pat Edwards won the Intermediate category and Jane Walton won the Beginners category.

They look forward to another successful year of flower arranging. If you are looking for a new interest or hobby, go along, they meet every third Tuesday of the month in Llanfarian Hall at 7.30pm. Everyone is very welcome.

Postcard Club

ABERYSTWYTH Postcard Club is celebrating its 35th year in existence.

To celebrate, club members would like to invite the public to a valuation day on Tuesday, 2 April, from 2pm to 4pm at St David’s Church Hall in Bath Street, when it will be possible for people to find out how much their cards are worth.

There will be a small fee, which will be donated to the Wales Air Ambulance.

Aber 50+ Forum

THE forum is holding its AGM on Thursday, 28 March, at 2 pm in the Morlan Centre, Queen’s Road. The speaker will be Helena Herklots, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, talking about “My Role and Priorities”.

Everyone aged over 50 is very welcome. If anyone has any questions about the meeting, email gwendam [email protected]

Waunfawr WI

NEXT Monday is 1 April and as is usual on the first Monday of the month, the Waunfawr WI will be meeting in the Waunfawr Community Hall at 7pm.

The meeting will welcome Jacinta and some of her team from the Aberystwyth Marks & Spencer’s store, who will be talking about ‘Food at M&S’ . The buying, consuming and above all else, the enjoying of food is such an important component of all our lives, yet a talk on the subject of this nature, has not been on the Institute’s programme before!

The usual good turnout of members to the meeting is a certainty, but all ladies from the Waun and surrounds will be warmly welcomed.

Further information about the branch is available from Sue Wildig on 01970 623713.

Stroke club

ON Wednesday, 20 March, 44 members made their way to the Llanina Arms, Llanarth for the monthly luncheon. Those who travelled by coach had a super journey in brilliant sunshine and enjoyed seeing all the new lambs and spring flowers on route.

When all settled down, the raffle tickets were dealt with by Judith and Lyn. The chairlady then welcomed all and asked for a minute silence for two members (Mike and Harold) who had died.

Then on a more pleasant note, they all sang happy birthday to Judith and Brian. A most enjoyable meal was served by the staff.

After tea and coffee were served, the 750 draw took place with cheques written for the lucky winners. Next was the raffle with lots of prizes to hand out. The chairlady gave a vote of thanks to the staff for a grand day out. The next outing is to Ffostrasol on 17 April.

If you’re a member of a club, society or group, send your news to [email protected]