THE latest community news from Blaenau Ffestiniog

AM’s visit

ELUNED Morgan, regional AM for Mid and West Wales, has paid a visit to Blaenau Ffestiniog.

The Minister for International Relations and the Welsh Language met up with Labour Party members at the Bridge Café to discuss the challenges that life on a low income present for many people in north-west Wales.

Ms Morgan, who said she is very concerned about the impact of continuing austerity on Welsh communities, was interested to hear about the recent International Women’s Day campaign, led by Labour members.

With the support of the Co-op store in Barmouth, local Labour women organised a collection of sanitary essentials for the foodbank in Barmouth. These products are just as important as food but are not as regularly donated to the foodbanks.

The Minister expressed her anger that the UK Government, through its benefits freeze and high levels of in-work poverty, had created a Britain in which foodbanks have almost become part of the state’s welfare system.

“Today on many of our high streets there is more likely to be a foodbank than a financial bank,” she said.

Services

BETHESDA: Cymun Groglith with Rhian Williams on Good Friday.

Bowydd: United chapels preaching festival service with Rev Dewi Morris.

Hyfrydfa: Rev Anita Ephraim, 5.30pm.

St David’s: Good Friday, a Walk of Witness meeting in the town centre at 11am for a short outdoor service before walking to St David’s Church for an ecumenical service by Fr Shaaji Punnati. This will be followed by refreshments, including hot cross buns. On Sunday there will be a Holy Communion at 11am.

St Michael’s: Morning service at 9.30am.

Manod Orthodox: Third and Sixth Canonical Hours at 10am followed by the Divine Liturgy of Saint John Chrysostom.

Holy Cross: Mass at 6pm on Saturday and 11am on Sunday with Fr Shaji Punnati.

Tree of Remembrance

PLANS are progressing regarding the Bro Ffestiniog Tree of Remembrance. Pupils of Ysgol y Moelwyn will be asked to design a logo for it.

Town council

CLLR Glyn Daniels attended a meeting with Ynni Twrog and had discussions about installing electric car charging points.

Ynni Twrog will send more details to the council to explain their intentions further.

Having received information that the health board intends to move vascular services from Ysbyty Gwynedd to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, the council has expressed concern and objected to the downgrading or cutting of any further services at Ysbyty Gwynedd.

After reports that CCTV cameras at Ysgol Maenofferen, which also look over the railway station and are used by the police, were in a bad condition due to the weather, it was estimated that around £1,300 is needed for the work.

The school will contribute £150 towards the refurbishment costs. The council has agreed to renew the cameras and to write to Ffestiniog Railway asking them to also make a contribution.

Councillors were invited to attend an open meting at Canolfan Prysor, Trawsfynydd so they can learn more about the project to protect and improve the conservation status of native oak woodlands.

The council has donated £200 each to G?yl Celf Calon Gwynedd and the Meirionnydd Young Farmers Association.

PCSO Delyth Edwards attended a council meeting where she explained the situation regarding passengers misbehaving on the late Arriva bus from Pwllheli to Blaenau Ffestiniog which has led to the company threatening to stop the service on weekends.

The police are working with Arriva to ensure the service continues by providing their presence on these services.

The council resolved to write to Arriva to thank them for not cancelling the service and to see if the council can help in any way.

Bowls

BLAENAU Bowling Club were under strength and beaten 8-4 at Holywell on Saturday.

Their winners were Martin Hughes, Adam Hyde, Mike Burgoyne and Emlyn Williams.

They are home to Rhos Park on Saturday and have been drawn against Criccieth in the Gwynedd Cup. Stephen Jones and Mike Burgoyne have been selected for the Môn and Menai team in a pairs competition versus Warrington. The home venue is Benllech.

Darts

THE men’s team were held to a 4-4 home draw against a Llangefni side in a Gwynedd Super League match, but they are still in with a chance for promotion as the season comes to its conclusion.

Patagonia scholarship

THE winner of the Patagonia Scholarship 2019 is Mark Evans of Haulfryn Terrace who will be visiting South America.

A date for his travels has not yet been confirmed.

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