THE latest community news from Newcastle Emlyn.

Fairtrade Fortnight

AS part of Newcastle Emlyn’s Fairtrade Fortnight celebrations a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party was held on Saturday and funds raised were donated to Y Cwtch Llaeth, Newcastle Emlyn’s Breastfeeding Support Group and to the Fair-trade Group. “We wanted to raise as much awareness as possible of Fairtrade Fortnight and Fairtrade products and taking to the streets in silly hats seemed a good way to do it! Several local community groups also put Fairtrade in their breaks during the two weeks, promoting using Fairtrade drinks and snacks. For example, the Cylch Meithrin/Ti a Fi in Drefach Felindre saw 75 adults and children enjoy-ing Fairtrade treats such as banana on toast and chocolate cookies,” said Lenshina Hines of Fair and Fabulous and the Fairtrade Group.

U3A

THE March meeting saw a change to the scheduled programme as Miriam Tahla was unable to attend due to a recent operation. Fortunately, Simon Cousins was able to come and speak to the group. His talk was entitled ‘Surveying and the Art of Building Maintenance’. Simon began his career as a pupil surveyor at the age of 15 but has gone on to renovate many old buildings, lecture at Cardiff University and to appear on BBC Wales as their ‘building expert’. His talk was amusing, engaging and far more interesting than maybe the title implied! The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, 5 April, and is a talk by Brian Jones about the history of Castell Howell Foods.The Strollers enjoyed a walk through part of Ffynon woods last month, discovering a delightful little round house which has been built amongst the woods. The snowdrops were just about coming out. Next month’s walk is also through another part of the woods.The Cardigan and Newcastle Emlyn U3A Astronomy group are holding their workshop at the end of this month in Cardigan Guildhall. This is entitled Space for Everyone and is now fully subscribed.There will be an open morning’ on Tuesday, 18 April, in the Community Hall. This will be open to the public from 10.30am to 12.30pm. Why not pop in and enjoy a cup of coffee while you find out who they are and what they get up to. You will be made most welcome.Meetings usually take place on the first Wednesday of the month at 10.30am for 11am at the Community Hall, and usually finish about 12.15pm.The U3A is for retired and semi-retired people who want to live, laugh and learn together. Various groups meet during the month including astronomy, strolling, craft, family history, games, wine appreciation and luncheon club. The subscription for 2016-2017 is £14 but the first meeting is free.For more information about the group, look on the website www.u3asites.org/newcastle-emlyn or contact Hazel Towle on 01559 371842.

Parkinson’s Cymru

THE Emlyn and Tivyside Support Group meet every third Tuesday of the month at 11am in The Rugby Club, Dolwiber, Adpar.At 11am till noon a business meeting is held; from noon till 1pm there is a speaker; from 1pm till 2pm there is a delicious carvery lunch. At the meeting on 21 March, there won’t be a speaker as they need to discuss Parkinson’s Awareness Week (10 to 16 April).They also like to have the occasional meeting to chat and find out what is happening on the Parkinson’s front. Anyone with Parkinson’s and/or carers of people with Parkinson’s will be made very welcome. Telephone Cherry Hammett on 01559 371949 or email [email protected]