THE latest community news from Aberystwyth

50+ Forum

FOR its mid-summer outing, the Aberystwyth 50+ Forum travelled to Llangollen for a trip on the Llangollen Canal and the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct.

Designed by Thomas Telford and built over 200 years ago to carry the canal over the River Dee, the aqueduct is the oldest and longest navigable aqueduct in Great Britain, and the highest in the world.

On the day, it was the height that gave some members cause to hesitate as they boarded the barge for the trip on the canal. But they need not have worried.

Although it looked a long way down, 126 feet at its highest point, everyone felt very safe as the boat gently sailed along.

It probably helped that the barge owners had provided a very generous tea of cream scones and cake on the boat.

The forum was established to give older people a voice in the community on issues that affect them.

Meetings are held every two months on the last Wednesday of the month, with an activity or trip in the intervening months.

The next meeting will be on 25 September at 2pm in St Paul’s Methodist Centre, Queen’s Road, when Peter Skitt, NHS county director for Ceredigion, will be talking about his work and the issues he deals with that are relevant to older people in the area.

The next trip will be to Worcester Cathedral at the end of August.

If you would like to join the forum, go along to the September meeting or contact the chairperson, Cllr Mair Benjamin, on 01970 615854.

Croeso i bawb.

Parkinson’s UK

THE chairman welcomed everybody to the monthly meeting.

After the opening exercise he welcomed Zena Evans, who had her treatment in Bristol and said she felt fine.

He also reported that he had met Elin Jones, who reported that she had met with Hywel Dda Health Board, and reported that they had applications for the Parkinson’s nurse which they had advertised and would be interviewing soon.

The day trip to the Dyfed Shire Horses in Eglwyswrw had been a great success and everybody had enjoyed themselves.

The speaker for the afternoon was Hugh Parry from Llanddewi Brefi, he started his interest in old records and the machinery that play them over 10 years ago and he says it is a hobby that has got out of hand.

The members thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon and joined in singing the songs.

Pat Jones thanked Hugh for a very entertaining afternoon.

The next meeting will be at the Waunfawr hall, when president Dr Phil Jones, will make his annual visit and they hope a new Parkinson nurse.

Rotary club

THE speaker at the last Rotary Club lunchtime meeting was Holly Jones, engagement co-ordinator for the recently-established ‘Hwb Menter Enterprise Hub’, which has been set up to encourage the creation of new businesses and the development of existing small businesses in Powys and Ceredigion.

The hub’s aim was to provide a ‘package of support’ for new startups, by means of a programme of events and workshops.

Among the themes to be addressed was protection of cyber crime, in a session led by DyfedPowys Police, and data protection legislation compliance.

Although the hub was not involved in granting support for new start-ups, it can advise businesses on possible sources of funding and investment.

The hub was based in Newtown (in the former Pryce Jones Building), but it was intended that satellite hubs would become available in Ceredigion and throughout its region, in collaboration with establishments including Coleg Ceredigion and Aberystwyth University.

The aim was to facilitate the creation of up to 200 new jobs over the coming three years.

As part of the Sea to Shore Festival on Sunday, 11 August, Aberystwyth Rotary Club will be raising funds for Prostate Cancer Cymru by holding a ‘cycle ride’ on static bicycles, when participants will aim to clock up the mileage between Aberystwyth and Llanelli, where the nearest prostate cancer treatment centre is based.

Ramblers

BILL and Mary (01970 832663) will lead a moderate 6.5-mile walk in and around the picturesque Hafod Estate on 10 August.

The walk will pass most of the features of interest on the estate designed by Thomas Johnes in the 18th century.

Meet at Aberystwyth Leisure Centre at 9.45am or at the car park by Hafod Church (grid reference SN 768737) at 10.30am.

No dogs please.

On Friday, 16 August, Aberystwyth Ramblers will walk from Llangrannog to New Quay along the Ceredigion coast.

On a clear day this moderately strenuous walk will offer excellent views along one of the best sections of the spectacular Cardigan Bay coastline with the possibility of seeing interesting wildlife and flowers on the way.

The initial meeting time is at 10am and at Stand 7 of Aberystwyth bus station to catch the 10.10am T5 bus to New Quay (Cambrian Hotel). From New Quay they will take the Cardi Bach bus service to Llangrannog and alight at the post office before the main village settlement to start the walk at about 11.55am (grid ref: 315541).

The walking group will arrive in New Quay with time allowed for refreshments before catching the 6.30pm back to Aberystwyth.

If the weather on the day is unsuitable for the whole walk a shorter walk along part of the route will be substituted by the leader.

No dogs please.

Phone David, the leader, for further information on 01970 871057.

St David’s Church, Bath Street

SUNDAY, 11 August: Major Ray Hobbins am and pm.

U3A

IN July, Dr Ania Skarzynska gave a talk to members and guests where the subject was ‘Keep still and don’t blink’.

Interesting Victorian-era photos from Ceredigion archives, including different styles, dress fashions and family photography, were viewed by members and guests.

There is no monthly meeting on 15 August, but some of the groups will continue to meet as usual.

The next meeting will be on 19 September at 2.30pm at the Morlan Centre where Michael Freeman, on a return visit, will give a talk with the title of ‘Keeping the Family Alive - Women in 18th and 19th Century Wales’.

Michael was until recently the curator of the Ceredigion Museum and on his last visit members and guests found his talk interesting and enjoyable.

Meetings usually continue until approx 4pm, a warm welcome is given to all.

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