Newsletter

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Irish Open 2008
Travelling through the torrential rains that hit South Wales the Welsh Under 21 Canoe Polo teams set off to the Emerald Isle on Friday 5 September 2008, to take part in the Irish International Canoe Polo Tournament. This weekend event takes place every year on the outskirts of Dublin on the Grand Canal.

Although the weather was less than clement this did not stop both teams putting in excellent performances with both finishing second in their respective leagues.

Special mentioned must be made of the ladies team Under 21 team who although competing in the Senior Ladies League and fielding an inexperienced team with players as young as 13, managed to beat Scotland A, Scotland B, Ireland B and Russia only to lose 5 - 6 to the Irish A team in the Final.

Six of the seven girls in the team are members of Aberfan Canoe Club.

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After seeking help and guidance and writing a letter to the Merthyr Express, Mary Cassidy a community member of Wales & the West Housing Mount View Merthyr Vale collated over 145 signatures protesting to keep open the Community House.

The petition was handed to Huw Lewis, Assembly member, Merthyr Tydfil & Rhymney at the Community House on the 9Th September 08.

Huw Lewis has attended Mount View to accept the petition from the residents of Mount View, Merthyr Vale in order to save the Community House. While there Mr Lewis engaged in conversation with other members of the community and stated he will do his best to support the cause.

A meeting is to be held locally to identify the future usage of the facility.

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SMYRNA PROJECT
The Communities First Partnership in conjunction with MTCBC have successfully accessed funding for the restoration of the Smyrna Building as an Information/Heritage Centre.

The Smyrna Project will address (3) specific 'Themes'

• Welsh Culture & heritage
• Tourism & outdoor Activities
• Local Food Crafts & Services

We are currently awaiting the receipt of the formal grant acceptance letter. We will provide a 'full report' on the Smyrna Project in the next edition of the Communities First Newsletter.

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Sue Williams and Isi Smith took a group of Young People from the Aberfan and Merthyr Vale Youth and Community Forum to Brussels to visit the European Parliament, ensuring that young people will gain a better understanding of how Politics and democracy affects their lives.

Young people from Dowlais, Aberfan, Troedyrhiw and Treharris totaling 32 young people as well as 6 staff. All participated in the arranging and planning of the excursion.

Young people involved in the Youth Forum in Dowlais have gained sponsorship from their Member of European Parliament (MEP) for a visit to European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium.

The funding for the trip was organised by Dowlais as well as a contribution from the Activities for Young People Initiative and the youths also took part in a sponsorship. A big thank you to all young people and staff for making the trip a great success.

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Ynysowen Male Choir In Germany
As a part of their 40th Anniversary of Ynysowen Male choir they travelled to Paderborn to meet with the Gutersloh District Choir to perform in Volksbank open air arena for the formal opening of the Gutersloh Arts Festival. The Gutersloh Choir were invited to visit Merthyr Tydfil, and hope to make the trip to Aberfan in spring 2009.

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This picture was recently sent to us by Elaine Ridges of Middlesex. The picture is of a class at Aberfan Infants School. It belonged to her stepfather Arthur Ward-Bowen Gibby and believes he is in the picture.

If you recognise any of the children in this amazing old photograph, please contact Heather or Carol at our office on 01685 725012 and they will pass on the information to Ms Ridges.

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Safer Merthyr Tydfil
We would like to remind residents of Merthyr Tydfil that Homesafe provides a FREE security service to all those over the age of 50. Contact Joanne Williams 01685 353999

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