The latest community news from around Machynlleth.

Author’s visit

AUTHOR and workshop facilitator Eric Ngalle Charles visited Machynlleth as a writer-in-residence for the day.

His visit to Penrallt Bookshop for Wales PEN Cymru saw him deliver a writing workshop and speak to a packed bookshop at the evening event.

The author fled Cameroon as a teenager in 1997 and spent two years as an illegal immigrant in Russia, arriving in Cardiff in 1999 where he was able to claim asylum. With a djembe by his side, Eric Ngalle recited his poems in a multilingual performance veering between English, French, Russian, Welsh and his mother tongue.

He touched on themes including human trafficking, immigration, homecomings and nostalgia in his work which is clearly influenced by the Welsh landscape he now calls home. At times, the audience were moved to tears but also warmed by the author’s infectious laugh and sense of humour, an attribute that has surely helped him overcome trauma.

Since settling in Wales, Eric Ngalle has edited several anthologies of poetry by refugees, migrants and indigenous artists with Dr Tom Cheesman as well as penning the play My Mouth Brought Me Here.

For more information on the work of Wales PEN Cymru, which promotes literature and defends freedom of expression on behalf of writers around the world, visit www.walespencyrmu.org. Eric’s new book Asylum (Hafan Books) features people he has met through the creative writing classes he runs at the Welsh Refugee Centre.

Probus

MEMBERS were treated to a talk about the Trust SSC (supersonic car) from guest speaker Anthony Rhodes.

Many questions followed before the vote of thanks was given.

November sees visiting lecturer at Aberystwyth University, Charlie Falzon give a talk called ‘Travels in Tajikistan’.

There is no meeting in December.

Indoor Bowls

BRO Dyfi Indoor Bowls Club, despite a narrow three-shot defeat to visitors Ffrith IBC, made a sound start to their Welsh Indoor Bowls Association Club Championship (northern section) programme on Saturday, 29 October.

Winning two and drawing one of the four rinks, Bro Dyfi collected five points as Ffrith secured nine points from a 79-76 overall victory.

Council lunch

MACHYNLLETH Town Council will hold its annual Christmas lunch for pensioners at Plas Machynlleth on 12 December, 12pm-3pm.

Numbers are limited to 50, tickets are £3 each and are available at the Plas. For more information please phone 01654 702571 or email [email protected].

Royal British Legion

THE AGM was opened by vice-chairman Stephen Doyle and the exhortation given in Welsh by Eufyl Williams and in English by Anthony Jones.

The minutes of the 2014 AGM were read by secretary Anthony Jones, proposed by Sylvia Whittaker and seconded by Eufyl Williams as a true record.

In the president’s report, Sylvia Rowlands welcomed everyone and thanked all committee members for all their hard work and dedication to the branch.

Anthony Jones thanked all for the support he has received throughout the year from members, especially Richie Jones and vice chairman Stephen Doyle, with a special thank you to assistant secretary Sylvia Whittaker for always being available.

President Sylvia Rowlands took the chair for the election of officers, proposed by Kath Holt and seconded by Evelyn Jones that all officers remain at their posts for another year. No further business.

Junior football AGM

THE AGM of Machynlleth Hurricanes Junior Football Club was held at the bowling club on Sunday, 23 October, with secretary Tim Roberts in the chair.

Tim welcomed all present and paid tribute to former chairman Conrad Trevelyan, whose untimely death brought great sadness to everyone.

He thanked the coaches and said firm arrangements were in hand to forge even closer links with Machynlleth FC and a joint meeting would be held shortly.

He also thanked last year’s sponsors Arwel Lloyd Thomas (builders), Tuffins and William Lloyd Williams, and also thanked the bowling club and the White Lion Hotel for the use of their venues for meetings.

Treasurer Petra Evans went through the various income and expenditure headings and mentioned the good co-operation with the Aberystwyth Junior League.

The club’s committee was elected as follows: Steve Jones, chairman; Petra Evans, treasurer; Tim Roberts, secretary; Janet Humphreys, fundraising; Sam Browne, Philip Callow, Warren Evans, Paul Humphreys, Arwel Thomas and Julie Humphreys.

Edible Mach Maethlon

THE Edible Mach Maethlon group thanked those who came along to the fundraising dinner and those who cooked, decorated, donated prizes, volunteered, baked cakes, sang and danced.

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