THE latest community news from Aberystwyth
Rotary Club
THIS week the club gave a warm welcome to Jim Wallace, director of campus and commercial services at the university, who gave a talk on Menter Aberystwyth in his role as chair and treasurer of that organisation.
Since its foundation in 2004, Menter’s Board has consisted entirely of volunteers who give up their time to create and market the image of Aberystwyth and its surrounding area, building on its distinctive cultural characteristics and its role as a hub of great diversity, interest and beauty.
It employs one part-time development officer.
With core funding of less than £25,000 per year from the town council and the university, it currently focuses on three major signature events each year: the Aber First Awards (recognising success in the business and voluntary sectors, as well as worthy individuals within the town), the Summer Season in the Bandstand and the Christmas lights.
In the context of the latter, Jim acknowledged the help of Rotary members in stewarding the switch on event over several years now.
In addition, Menter has received funding for specific initiatives, for example the information boards put up around time some 10 years ago and the installation of new street furniture.
It is also working closely with Arad Goch in the Far Old Line Festival/Gwyl Hen Linell Bell currently centred on the Prom, which has meant that for the first time its summer activities have extended over 11 weeks this year.
As with many voluntary organisations, Menter is keen to secure the help of enthusiastic people with relevant experience and expertise to serve on its board.
People who may be interested in helping can get a fuller flavour of what Mentor does by looking at its website www.menter-aberystwyth.org.uk
It also recognises the need to continue to adapt so that it remains relevant to current circumstances and to work with recently established bodies (for example the Aberystwyth BID Board) to maximise the effectiveness of its efforts within its limited budget.
Horticultural Society
WEDNESDAY, 26 July, saw the fifth of the Cardiganshire Horticultural Society’s programme of summer outings for 2017 successfully completed.
This outing took the form of an early evening visit to the Ty Glyn Walled garden in the Aeron Valley.
Thirty members turned up at the garden on a bright summers evening to be warmly welcomed by Ross Laidlaw who first outlined the history of the garden before talking about its restoration and recent planting, and the way it had been adapted to meet the needs of youngsters with disabilities staying at the adjacent holiday complex.
A lovely evening visit was brought to an end with the party enjoying a superb supper at the adjacent Ty Glyn Hotel.
The sixth and final trip of the season is a coach trip to the gardens of Chester Zoo on Sunday 3rd September, and this is already two thirds full. The party will enjoy a conducted tour of the Zoos magnificent 125 acres of gardens and have a private visit to the National Plant Collections which are held there and which are normally not open to the public.
Further information on the outings and the society’s programme of Tuesday evening lectures which start on Tuesday, 12 September is available from the secretary, David Hughes on 01970 623125.
Bridge Club
RESULTS from Friday, 7 July: 1, Magda Corser and Martin Page; 2, Doreen Anthony and Herbie Rowley; 3, Keith Bellamy and Mike Jones.
Sunday, 9 July: 1, Margaret James and Pat Roe; 2, Doreen Anthony and Ian Finlay; 3, Joyce Blair and Jacqui Roberts.
Friday, 14 July: 1, John Holmes and Mike Yeo; 2, Magda Corser and Martin Page; 3, Andrew Loat and Alan Stein.
Sunday, 16 July: 1, Mike Jones and Kim Marsh; 2, Betty Brookes and Margaret James; 3, Elizabeth A Edwards and Margaret Ellis.
Friday, 21 July: 1, John Holmes and Alan Stein; 2, Ian Finlay and Mike Yeo; 3, Margaret James and Pat Roe.
Friday, 28 July: 1, Kim Marsh and Jeff Thomas; 2, Margaret James and Mike Jones / Keith Bellamy and Dai Hayes.
If you’re a member of a club, society or group, send your news to [email protected]