Machtoberfest

A great time was had by all at the Machtoberfest held at Plas Dolguog hotel.

The open mic night was a great night of singers, musicians, poets and storytellers entertaining the crowd through Friday evening

Following Saturday’s rugby match on the big screen, people sampled Bratwurst and burgers washed down with local ales and German beers, then danced the night away to local bands

On Sunday, the family fun day saw the local Scouts put on some entertaining activities and a quiz was held between the Scouts and members of Towyn Silver Band, who provided the oompah music.

The winner of the quiz is still being debated!

The Machtoberfest dragon aka Anthony Rhodes said: “I hadn’t realised quite how much local talent we have in the area, and the older lads were pretty good too.

“I also would like to thank everyone for their help, especially the local Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.”

The event raised £500 for Machynlleth Scout Group and a large tent was also donated to allow fun weekends to be had at the local camping ground.

The Scouts will also be holding a table top sale on Friday, 11 December. at Plas Dolguog, followed by the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts’ Christmas Party, with a surprise guest.

Anyone interested in hiring a table for £5 should contact Akela aka Julieann on 07811 058750 or e-mail [email protected] for more information.

Dyfi Probus

OCTOBER’s speaker was Keith Jackson, who spoke on the development of the Save Bronglais Hospital campaign.

Keith was reluctant to assume credit for starting the movement – “there were many others”, he said – but there is little doubt that he was one of Machynlleth’s prime movers.

In 2010 he viewed leaked papers which contained plans to scale down Bronglais and 2011 saw the campaign grow with many public meetings held.

Many senior medics were also against the plans to downsize Bronglais and demonstrations took place across the area, including the meeting in Cardiff that saw impressive numbers taking part.

Thanks to Keith and those like him, not to mention Mark Drakeford the “intelligent and creative” Health Minister, the plans to downgrade Aber’s hospital were eventually reversed – although Keith warned against complacency.

Questions from Chris Fuller, John Hoyle, John Derry, Bev Barratt and Hugh Ramsbotham ensured that a lively debate followed Keith’s presentation, although Hugh’s vote of thanks reflected a high degree of recognition of the work done by Keith and his colleagues.

This month, Bob Tyrell will talk about Formula One legend Ken Tyrell. January sees Carl Jones discussing Network Rail, while in February Cllr Mike Williams has agreed to talk about himself.

Pool

DESPITE showing great skill and determination, Machynlleth A lost their home quarter-final North Wales Cup tie to much-fancied Bangor Blues by 18 frames to 17 in a nail-biting final-frame thriller at the rugby club recently.

Lee Davies led Machynlleth’s brave cup adventure with five wins from five frames.

The Machynlleth players can be proud of this season’s cup campaign, beating Conwy’s B and A teams in rounds one and two, and securing promotion in the North Wales Inter League structure.

Returning to the Machynlleth and District Winter Pool League on Thursday, 29 October, week three saw division one joint leaders Red Lion A and Skinners A gain home wins against Tredegar Arms (10-5) and White Lion A (8-7) respectively.

Elsewhere, Red Lion B claimed a 10-5 victory at home to White Horse A and Dwynant won 9-6 at Rugby Club A.

In division two, leaders Y Llew Coch won 12-3 at home against previous leaders Wynnstay Llanbrynmair and Slaters squeezed past Foresters 8-7.

Meanwhile Skinners B won comfortably, 12-3, at White Lion ladies while, joining the five teams on six points, Rugby Club C secured an 11-4 win at Foresters.

Division One: Red Lion A (9 points), Skinners A (9), Rugby Club A (6), Dwynant (6), Tredegar Arms (6), White Lion A (3), Red Lion B (3), White Horse A (0), Rugby Club B (0), Bowling Club (0).

Division Two: Y Llew Coch (6 points), Slaters (6), Wynnstay Llanbrynmair (6), Rugby Club C (6), Skinners B (6), Foresters (3), Red Lion ladies (3), White Lion Ladies (0), Penrhos (0).

Darts

IT’S still early days in the Dovey Valley Darts League 2015/16, but setting the pace after week two, Penrhos and Slaters B lead the 10-team field with a three-point advantage over Foresters A.

Table: Penrhos (16 points), Slaters B (16), Foresters A (13), Foresters C (12), Dwynant (11), Red Lion (9), Bowling Club (8), Slaters A (5), Foresters B (4), Slaters C (2).

Council vacancy

FOLLOWING the resignation of former town councillor Noella Elliot due to ill health, there is now a vacancy on Machynlleth Town Council, which will be filled by an election.

Nomination papers can be obtained by calling Powys County Council’s Sandra Matthews on 01597 826747 and completed forms must be returned to be received no later than 4pm on Friday, 20 November.

Dyfi U3A

Paul Allen of the Centre for Alternative Technology will be the guest speaker at the group’s next monthly meeting at the Machynlleth Bowling Club on Friday, 20 November, from 2pm to 4pm.

Paul will speak about the Zero Carbon Britain Research with the results of the UN Paris Summit.

Library

STARTING at 7.30pm, on Thursday, 19 November, Cat Weatherill will be presenting (through the medium of English) ‘Ghosts – Whispers in the Dark’.

The stories are suitable for young adults and adults.

Sight loss event

The RNIB digital inclusion advisor will be at the library on Wednesday, 18 November, from 9.30am to 1pm to assist people with sight loss who are struggling with using their computer, tablet or smartphone.

The support includes help adapting computer equipment or advice on the best equipment available, with library and RNIB support setting up equipment to use Powys County Council library eBooks and e-audiobooks, which are available free of charge.

RNIB digital inclusion advisor Dafydd Ladd said: “This free service is available throughout Powys and is called Online Today.

“It is funded by the Big Lottery and is here to ensure people with a sight loss have access to the same opportunities as everyone else.

“We can give you the information and knowledge to realise and enjoy the benefits of being online, understand how it can assist your everyday living and importantly, how to stay safe online.”

To arrange a free one-hour session, either call into Machynlleth library, phone 01654 702322 or e-mail [email protected] to book.

Further sessions in other libraries are to be arranged in the new year.

Music club

MACHYNLLETH Music Club continues its Golden Jubilee series of concerts on Friday, 20 November, at Y Tabernacl, at 7.30pm with the Galliard Wind Quintet.

The Galliard is one of the UK’s best chamber ensembles. Its dynamic and highly entertaining style has wowed audiences throughout Europe to great critical acclaim.