THE latest community news from Blaenau Ffestiniog

Fundraiser

RESOLUTE committee members have taken on a gruelling 16-mile trek to raise money for their Cylch Meithrin.

On Saturday, 12 August, Erwyn Jones, Gillian Jones and Sara Ashton-Thomas – all committee members of the Cylch Meithrin Blaenau Ffestiniog – raised over £600 by walking from the Cylch to the summit of Snowdon.

Erwyn enjoyed the challenging experience “except for maybe the blisters”.

He admitted: “The walk was hard, especially because of the weather – wind and rainy spells all day!

“We walked 16 miles in total, starting at Blaenau Ffestiniog and finishing at Pen y Pass. That’s 11 hours walking.

“I have done the walk a few times before, and thought it would be a good idea to raise money for the Cylch Meithrin!”

The trek was one of several fundraisers the committee have undertaken.

“[We’ve] worked very hard over the past few months to raise money to reopen the Cylch Meithrin, so a massive thank you to all who have helped us achieve this goal,” he added. “However, our efforts must continue, to make sure the Cylch can stay open.”

Services

BETHESDA: Rhian Williams, 10am.

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

St Michael’s: Morning service at 9.30am.

St David’s: Morning service at 11am.

St Mary Magdalene: Mass at 11am with Bishop Edwin.

Holy Cross: Mass at 6pm on Saturday with Bishop Edwin.

Sports

HAVING been beaten 8-1 at Felinheli in midweek, Blaenau Amateurs took another heavy defeat of 12-3 from Llandyrnog United at Cae Clyd on Saturday in a Welsh Cup qualifying round. Their goalscorers were David Copsey, who scored twice, and Keiron Ellis.

They are away to Amlwch this Saturday, having also played Penmaemawr at home on Wednesday this week.

Jessica Kavanagh Williams was in the Welsh team that beat Hong Kong 39-15 in a Women’s Rugby World Cup tie in Ireland.

She scored two of the Welsh tries, but Wales didn’t make it to the next stage of the event having previously lost against New Zealand and Canada.

Choir

The Moelwyn Male Voice Choir, conducted by Sylvia Ann Jones and accompanist Wenna Francis Jones, were in concert at Betws y Coed on Friday with young soloists Alaw Jones and Tomos Heddwyn Griffiths. The compère was Gareth Griffiths.

Maenofferen Gallery

THE gallery hosts an exhibition of the work of the Gwynedd Craft Group until 14 September.

Advice

AS it is a bank holiday next Monday, the Citizens Advice Bureau representative will not be at the library.

Siarad

THE August meeting of Siop Siarad, the local area social group for Welsh learners and speakers, will he held at 11am on Saturday, 26 August, at the Bridge Café.

All are welcome to come along for an informal chat over a cuppa and cake.

Vicar

AFTER five years as a parish vicar based in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Rev David Brownridge has left the area to take up a teaching post in High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.

During his time in Blaenau, he was a vicar of no less than six churches: Blaenau and Llan Ffestiniog, Trawsfynydd, Maentwrog, Penrhyndeudraeth and Beddgelert, though the latter church is now under another diocese.

Members of his churches attended his final service, which was held at Blaenau Ffestiniog’s St David’s Church, followed by a lunch in the church hall where he was thanked for his service to the communities. His wife Becky was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

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