Dyfi Probus

“INFORMED, entertained and reassured” were the words used by Probus’ David Rooley when he proposed the vote of thanks for Arriva Trains Wales’ Michael Vaughan and Ben Davies following their talk at the recent Probus meeting.The two senior managers in Arriva Trains are responsible for representing Arriva to everyone from passengers to AMs and each has over 30 years’ experience.On 4 March, Probus hold their annual lunch at the Tredfeddian Hotel followed later in the month by the AGM on 29 March. Illtyd Griffiths will be speaking on 26 April on the history of dentistry’ while 31 May brings Liz Bowen to the club to speak about the Welsh Probation Service.

Machynlleth Wind Band

THE wind band held its AGM on Tuesday, 23 February, to review the previous year and make arrangements for 2016. Last year was a most enjoyable and productive time and new music was rehearsed and performed at a number of venues. The band supported local events including a summer concert in MOMA, Harvest Festival at Llan, the British Legion Remembrance Service at the memorial and playing carols at the switch-ing on of the Christmas tree lights. They also presented a series of programmes on Aberystwyth promenade whist the usual venue, the bandstand, was under construction. Perhaps the highlight of the year was returning to the beautiful Pennal Church to give a performance along-side the Dyfi Singers. The band is a community project, which means that they always welcome new members including young people who are ready to develop their playing skills in a concert band, and those of more mature years who simply want to make great music with friends. For more information, contact Sally Marshall, music director, on 01654 781304 or David Kyle, chairman, on 01974 241223.

British Legion Machynlleth and District

THE Legion met at the Bowling Club on Tuesday, 2 February, and was opened by vice-chairman Stephen Doyle. The Exhortation was given by in English by Anthony Jones and in Welsh by Eufyl Williams.There were 17 members present with apologies received from a further 10. The minutes of the December meeting were read out by Secretary Anthony Jones, and were Proposed by Evelyn Jones, and Seconded by Major Ifan Price Edwards as a true record.After dealing with various items of correspondence, the Christmas Fair report was delivered by Elsbeth Mcauley, who said that quite a few raffle tickets were sold at the Plas on the day and that over £100 was made for the branch. Kath Holt thanked Elsbeth for taking the prizes to the winners.Poppy Appeal organiser Stephen Doyle said that £3,098 was raised last November, and Stephen thanked all for their help.Secretary Anthony Jones told members that 1 July was the centenary of the Battle of the Somme, Anthony asked if the member’s would like a church service to remember those that fell at the Somme and all present agreed and Anthony said that he would ask Rev Canon Kath Rogers if there could be a service at St Peter’s Church when a date was available.Major Ifan Price Edwards said he and Gwyn Roberts, both from the Royal Welsh Fusiliers Comrades and ex Comrades Association, are going to Manietz cemetery in France. Major Ifan said the branch should start recruiting new members and Anthony Jones gave a membership update: The branch has over 50 members but only 15 - 20 attend the meetings.Bronwen Jones said as the next meeting falls on St David’s Day she would make us a St David’s Day tea. There was no further business and the meeting ended at 3.10pm with the Kohima Epitaph.

Dominoes

COLLECTING 19 points during weeks 14/15, Dovey Inn closed to within four points of the Dyfi Valley Dominoes League’s leaders, Forest-ers B, with only three rounds of season 2015/16 remaining.Table: Foresters B (109 pts.), Dovey Inn (105), Slaters (98), Red Lion A (97), White Horse (92), Penrhos (88), Foresters A (77), Red Lion B (77), Bowling Club (73), Wynnstay Llanbrynmair (72).PoolON Thursday, 18 February, Llew Coch A posted a comfortable 10-5 verdict at Tredegar Arms to easily retain the leadership of the Machynlleth and District Pool League divi-sion one after week 12 of 18.Recording a 10-5 home victory, White Lion won their clash with fel-low title hopefuls Skinners A. Meanwhile there were close-fought 8-7 home wins for White Horse A and Rugby Club B against Llew Coch B and Bowling Club respectively.And, also enjoying a single-frame victory at Dwynant, Rugby Club A consolidated their fourth place.Table (week 12): Llew Coch A (33 points), White Lion (27), Skinners A (27), Rugby Club A (24), Tredegar Arms (24), White Horse A (12), Dwynant (9), Bowling Club (9), Rugby Club B (9), Llew Coch B (6), In a very limited programme in division two, joint leaders Y Llew Coch Dinas toppled home opponents Wynnstay, Llanbrynmair 9-6 and Skinners B beat visitors White Lion Ladies 10-5. Table (week 12): Y Llew Coch Dinas (24 points), Foresters (24), Skinners B (21), Wynnstay Llanbryn-mair (18), Rugby Club C (18), Slaters (15), Llew Coch Ladies (6), Penrhos (6), White Lion Ladies (0).

Civic Society

A BI-MONTHLY meeting of the Machynlleth and District Civic Society will be held at the Tabernacle, on Thursday, 24 March, starting at 7pm.

Crop-growers needed

EDIBLE Mach is asking people to commit to raising seedlings this spring to fill the 11 public edible gardens in the town. Contact Katie at [email protected] for more information.

Dementia

PAT Griffiths, dementia support worker for Alzheimer’s Society in north Powys, will be holding a drop-in information session at Machynlleth library on Wednesday, 16 March, 11.15am - 12.30pm.Anyone who is worried about their memory, living with a diagnosis of dementia or caring for someone who has dementia and would like further information or support, is welcome.