THE latest community news from around Machynlleth.

Dyfi Probus

PETER Jones was the speaker for June and his interesting talk, A Year in the Life of a Borough Mayor, was given with characteristic understatement and friendly humour.

He was elected with a majority of one, which, according to him, was his own vote. It was a daunting experience because former Mayors of Shrewsbury had included one or two famous names, including Clive of India.

Supported by a secretary, driver and a local government officer, he immediately got stuck in. There was much protocol to be followed and learned. For instance, robes were only worn when the Town Clerk wore a wig.

During his year in office he attended 450 events, with one regular event being the Mayor’s Tea to which official guests were invited and members of the public chosen at random.

A major event was attendance at the Royal Welsh Fusiliers’ annual Ceremony of Eating the Leek, while another well-known event is the Shrewsbury Flower Show which he attended in his full robes from 8am until 11pm.

Following his talk, Peter was warmly praised by John Hoyle as chairman of the meeting.

On 26 July, it will be Ladies day and Naomi Jones will talk on Snowdonia National Park, while in September Anthony Rhodes will be in the hot seat with a talk entitled ‘Land Speed Record Attempt’.

Garden Club

MACHYNLLETH & District Garden Club are arranging a trip from Machynlleth to Westonbury Mill Water Gardens, near Kington on Tuesday, 12 July.

The trip is open to both members and non-members, and anyone interested should contact Elise Payne, the chairman, on 01654 702853.

British Legion Machynlleth and District Branch

MEMBERS gathered at the Bowling Club on Tuesday, 7 June with vice chairman Stephen Doyle in the chair.

The exhortation was given in English by Anthony Jones and in Welsh by Beryl Ingram.

Stephen Doyle told members that the theme of this years’ carnival is Heroes and Villains and it was decided by the carnival committee forget the villains and just have heroes for the branch.

Stephen said the back banner would have an army theme painted by RWF Bruce McKay. Some members said they would dress up as land girls. Sylvia Rowlands suggested having camouflage netting and wartime music.

Eirian Owen Jenkins told members that Bruce McKay’s fee for the painting the banner was £22.

Anthony Jones informed members that the coach for Armed Forces Day would be outside the White Lion Hotel at 8.15am and would leave at 8.30am.

Anthony Jones told members that the service for the ‘Centenary of the Battle of the Somme’ would be at 11am at St Peter’s Church on 26 June following which a wreath would be placed at the war memorial.

Anthony said the service will be led by the Rev Canon Kath Rogers.

Major Ifan Price Edwards told members, from the Army Cadet Recruitment Report that there was now 16 cadets, the amount needed to keep the Drill Hall open. Major Ifan said they also had a new instructor.

Treasurer Marilyn Jones said that the account books have to be audited this month and have to be sent to London by September. Marilyn said that after the books have been audited she will, sadly, have to resign as treasurer because of her husband Richie’s ill health.

Vice-chairman Stephen Doyle said that Richie Jones had been an excellent chairman over the last five years.

Stephen Doyle offered to take over until the AGM. Stephen thanked Marilyn for all the work she had done for the branch. Stephen told members that he had been invited by head office to have more training in Welfare Report, to which he’d agreed.

Stephen has badges to sell depicting the Battle of the Somme for £2 each, and said that the money will go towards the Poppy Appeal.

Major Ifan Price Edwards said that Bruce Mckay’s medals have been sent away to be mounted.

He also told members that the RWF will be celebrating VE/VJ Day on Friday, 29 July and all legion members were invited.

Gwyn Roberts told members that the RWF were having a fun golf day at Capel Bangor on 21 August, entry £10 a team, all legion members were welcome to come. There was no further business and the meeting ended at 3.20pm with the Kohima Epitaph.

Rotary

MACHYNLLETH Rotary, in conjunction with the clubs of Newtown and Llanidloes, held their annual Across Wales Walk on Saturday, 18 June with great success.

Some 130 walkers of all ages, joined by a further 25 along the route, completed their journey to England in fine weather and good time raising around £25k in total for their own chosen charities.

Proceeds from the walk enable the joint Rotary clubs to make their own donation, this year to The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales.

President Roger Seagrave extends his sincere thanks to fellow Rotarians and the many supporters from Machynlleth who made the day

possible.

Open Day

VOLUNTEERS and members of Gerddi Bro Ddyfi gardens have been extremely busy over recent days preparing for the open day on Saturday, 2 July.

Starting at 1pm, at the group’s Plas grounds-based gardens, this free event for all the family will have the lovely gardens to enjoy plus lots more to do such as flower art, a bug safari and a plant stall. Tea and cake will also be available.

Contact Fiona, on 07811 341807, for further information.

Edible Mach Maethlon

IT WAS all hands to the plough as Edible Mach Maethlon volunteers took part in finishing touches to the group’s superb Show Allotment at Plas Machynlleth on Wednesday, 22 June.

The session included the planting of fruit bushes, the erection of fencing panels and the spreading of bark chippings. The end product was a big credit to all involved on such a lovely evening.

Magical Moths

THE Montgomeryshire Moth Group will be celebrating Magical Moths at the Gerddi Bro Ddyfi Garden, Plas Machynlleth, on Saturday, 9 July.

Starting at 8.30pm until late, all are welcome to this free event to get a close up view of these special insects and to find out what you can do to attract them to your garden.

Come along and see what moths we can attract using special lights. For more details, contact Fiona on 07811 341807.

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