THE latest community news from Tywyn

Hearing aid clinic

THE next drop-in session of the Betsi Cadwaladr volunteer hearing aid clinic will be held on Thursday, 6 February, from 10am until noon at Tywyn Baptist Church.

If you think your hearing aid requires a service, new tubing, new domes, or just new batteries, go along.

No need to make an appointment.

History society

THE society’s meeting on Monday, 20 January was movie night.

There was a full house for the talk, ‘The History of Tywyn Cinema’ by Annie Grundy, co-director of the Magic Lantern and Sara Waddington, co-director and co-owner.

The part Tywyn cinema has played and continues to play in the lives of residents was highlighted as the audience shared memories extending over seven decades.

Annie and Sara explored the origins and development of cinema from magic lantern technology in the 17th century to the immersive experience of the present day as provided by Tywyn’s own Magic Lantern, where films have been shown for 115 years.

The magnificent assembly rooms, built in 1893 as a secular venue for meetings, social occasions and entertainments, was a true community hub, which the present owners continue to provide.

Alongside the Talyllyn Railway the cinema has attracted UK-wide interest and is becoming a major asset both for Tywyn and for west Wales.

After refreshments the society discussed its undertaking to work alongside a lottery-based project on the use of military bases to house Ugandan Asian refugees in the early 1970’s.

The camp at Tonfanau has been selected as one of the three featured sites. The focus will be on local residents who were involved as volunteers and their experiences will be sort.

The society’s chair, Hilary Harrison, will lead on the work and any help and participation will be appreciated.

On Tuesday, 21 January the society enjoyed an excellent seasonal meal at the King’s Café in the Wharf Station of the Talyllyn Railway, where a preview was given by secretary Quentin Deakin, of an exciting and far-ranging programme for the third year of the society, beginning in May 2020.

The next meeting on 17 February will follow up the cultural theme and will feature talks by Richard Stoner on Welsh film locations and by a member of the Bro Dysynni Male Voice Choir who will speak about its history.

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