Category: Featured

As a trustee of a local charity, I wholeheartedly welcome Trustee Week 2023 (6 – 10 November 2023) believing it provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase the numerous benefits of joining a charity as a trustee.

Here are a few key reasons why becoming a trustee can be a rewarding and impactful experience:

1. Making a Difference:
By becoming a trustee, you have the chance to actively contribute to a cause you care about. Your skills, expertise, and passion can help shape the direction and impact of the charity, allowing you to make a tangible difference in your community.

2. Personal Development:
Serving as a trustee offers valuable opportunities for personal growth and development. You can enhance your leadership, decision-making, and strategic planning skills, gaining experience that can be beneficial both personally and professionally.

3. Expanding Networks:
Being a trustee allows you to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. The connections you build with fellow trustees, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders can open doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

4. Learning and Knowledge:
Being involved in a charity as a trustee exposes you to new ideas, perspectives, and challenges. You will have the chance to learn about various aspects of charity governance, finance, fundraising, and social impact, broadening your knowledge and understanding of the sector.

5. Building a Stronger Community:
By joining a charity as a trustee, you contribute directly to the betterment of your local community. Your efforts can help address social issues, support vulnerable populations, and foster a sense of community cohesion and well-being.

Trustee Week 2023 serves as a great platform to emphasise the many advantages of becoming a trustee in a local charity.

It offers a chance to enhance personal growth, make a difference, expand networks, acquire new skills and knowledge, and ultimately contribute to building a stronger and more compassionate community.

In a world where words are abundant, sometimes silence speaks the loudest. Grace Davies, a remarkable young woman, recently embarked on a unique fundraising journey to honour her late grandfather, Douglas Davies, who tragically lost his life to Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

Through her inspiring initiative, Grace chose to remain silent for 72 hours, raising both awareness and funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA). This blog aims to shed light on Grace’s incredible act of solidarity, her dedication to the cause, and the impact she has made in the fight against MND.

Grace’s decision to undertake a 72-hour silence as a fundraising challenge was a testament to her determination and love for her late grandfather.

MND, a progressive and debilitating neurological condition, affects thousands of lives every year.

Grace recognised the urgent need to raise awareness and funds to support research, improve patient care, and offer vital assistance to those affected by this devastating disease.

For three consecutive days, Grace chose to forego her voice, an act that symbolised the struggles faced by MND patients who gradually lose their ability to speak.

Her silence spoke volumes, capturing the attention and hearts of friends, family, and strangers alike. Through her chosen challenge, Grace demonstrated the power of empathy, unity, and the strength that can be found in silence.

Grace’s commitment to her cause inspired an outpouring of support from her community. Friends, relatives, and even complete strangers rallied behind her, offering encouragement and generously donating to the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

Their collective contributions amounted to an impressive £472, a testament to the impact that one individual can make when they choose to take action.

Douglas Davies was more than just a grandfather to Grace; he was a source of love, guidance, and inspiration.

By dedicating her fundraising efforts to his memory, Grace ensured that his legacy would live on, creating a lasting impact in the battle against MND.

Through her determination and compassion, Grace has not only raised funds but also helped to raise awareness about the urgent need for research and support for those affected by MND.

Grace Davies has shown us that there are countless ways to make a difference in the world.

 Her 72-hour silence was not only a personal challenge but a powerful act of solidarity, raising awareness and funds for the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

By honouring her grandfather’s memory and turning her grief into action, Grace has become a symbol of hope, resilience, and compassion. Her efforts remind us of the strength that lies within each of us to make a positive impact, no matter how small.

Through her dedication, she has proven that even in silence, a voice can be heard.

 

To make a donation, just follow the link below.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/gracestayssilent?utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=page%2Fgracestayssilent&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=pfp-share

As Halloween draws near, Torfaen eagerly gears up for a night of spooky fun and ghoulish festivities.

Although Halloween originated from ancient Celtic traditions, it has evolved over the centuries and become an integral part of British culture.

The roots of Halloween can be traced back to the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, which marked the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.

Samhain was believed to be a time when the boundary between the living and the dead was blurred, and spirits roamed the earth.

To ward off these malevolent spirits, the Celts would light bonfires and wear costumes to confuse and scare them away.

With the spread of Christianity, the Celtic festival of Samhain eventually merged with the Christian holiday of All Hallows’ Eve, which is the eve of All Saints’ Day.

All Saints’ Day was established to honour saints and martyrs, and the evening before became a time for prayer and reflection. Over time, the religious aspect of Halloween diminished, and it gradually transformed into a more secular celebration.

One of the most beloved Halloween traditions is trick-or-treating. This practice has its roots in the medieval custom of “souling,” where poor individuals would go door-to-door, singing songs or offering prayers in exchange for food or money.

Today, children dress up in costumes and go from house to house, shouting “trick or treat” and collecting sweets or small gifts.

In the weeks leading up to Halloween, homes and neighbourhoods come alive with spooky decorations.

Jack-o’-lanterns, carved from pumpkins, are a ubiquitous sight, symbolising the warding off of evil spirits.

Decorations like cobwebs, skeletons, and witches add an eerie ambiance to houses, while shops and restaurants often join in the Halloween spirit with themed displays and treats.

Across the Torfaen, numerous Halloween-themed events take place, catering to all ages. From haunted houses and ghost tours to pumpkin carving contests and costume parties, there is something for everyone.

 

🎃 Halloween: Not for Everyone 🎃

It’s important to remember that Halloween isn’t for everyone, and that’s absolutely okay! While many people enjoy dressing up in costumes, attending parties, and trick-or-treating, there are those who prefer to opt-out or have personal reasons for not participating.

Remember, diversity is what makes our world so vibrant and beautiful.

Let’s embrace and respect the choices of those who don’t celebrate Halloween, and ensure that everyone feels valued and included no matter how they choose to spend this spooky season.

 

Remembering the sacrifices made by our brave servicemen and women is an important and solemn tradition.

Remembrance Day, also known as Armistice Day or Poppy Day, is observed on November 11th each year to honour those who lost their lives in conflicts around the world.

In the local communities of Blaenavon, Cwmbran, New Inn, Pontnewydd, Pontypool, Abersychan, Henllys, Panteg, Pontrhydyrun, and Pontnewynydd, various parades and services will be held to pay homage to the fallen heroes.

In Blaenavon, the Remembrance Parade will commence at 10:40 am from the Top Car Park. The parade will march through Broad Street and Ivor Street, culminating at the Cenotaph for wreath laying and a service at 11:00 am.

In Cwmbran, the parade will assemble at the rear of Natale’s Barbers & Son off Wesley Street at 10:30 am. The parade will then form up on Wesley Road and proceed down Wesley Road onto Cocker Avenue, stopping at the lights before Henllys Way.

At 10:50 am, a Service of Remembrance will take place at Cwmbran Park. Afterward, the parade will reform on Cocker Avenue and return to Wesley Road at 11:15 am.

New Inn will also hold a parade, beginning at St Mary’s Church Hall on The Highway at 10:00 am. The parade will move to St Mary’s Church for a 10:30 am church service, followed by a return to St Mary’s Church Hall at 11:20 am.

In Pontnewydd, the parade will assemble at 10:15 am and proceed from Pontnewydd Royal British Legion Club on Station Road to the Cenotaph for a wreath laying ceremony and service at 10:30 am. At 11:00 am, a two-minute silence will be observed.

Pontypool will see its parade assemble at 11:45 am on Commercial Street in the town centre. The parade will then move to the Memorial Gates for a service and wreath laying ceremony, returning via Clarence Roundabout.

In addition to the parades, various services will be held in different locations.

Abersychan will have a short service of Remembrance at the stone commemorating the Blenheim Bomber crash in 1940 on Garn Wen above Abersychan at 11:00 am.

Henllys will hold a service at Henllys Village Hall at 3:00 pm.

Panteg will have a service at St Hilda’s Church at 10:30 am, followed by a wreath laying at Panteg Cemetery at 11:45 am.

Pontnewynydd will hold a service and wreath laying at St Cadoc’s Church Military Chapel in Trevethin at 10:45 am, while Pontrhydyrun will have a service at Pontrhydyrun Baptist Church at 10:45 am.

Pontypool will have services at The Salvation Army and Crane Street Baptist Church at 10:00 am, a service at St Cadoc’s Church in Trevethin at 10:45 am, and a Mass at St Albans RC Church on George Street at 11:00 am.

These events provide an opportunity for the community to come together and remember the sacrifices made by our servicemen and women.

It is a time to reflect on the bravery and selflessness of those who fought for our freedom. Let us honour their memory and ensure that their legacy lives on.

In a highly productive meeting held today, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Gary Davey, the esteemed founder of TDK Team Wales Kick Boxing.

Joined by representatives from Gwent Police and Arton Dylevski, representing the owners of the facility  (Old Pontypool Tesco Building), the meeting unveiled exciting plans for the future of TDK Team Wales.

With a remarkable track record of producing champions in the sport and earning immense respect in Torfaen, TDK Team Wales is poised for even greater success. However, the absence of invited Labour Councillors at today’s meeting was a missed opportunity for collaboration.

The meeting commenced with an enthusiastic discussion about the facility at the old Pontypool Tesco Building, which TDK Team Wales is currently leasing from Craven Court.

This spacious and well-equipped venue provides an ideal setting for training, coaching, and hosting events.

With the support of Arton Dylevski and Craven Court, TDK Team Wales is able to offer its athletes an exceptional training environment and ensure the continued growth of kickboxing in the region.

TDK Team Wales’ Legacy:

TDK Team Wales Kick Boxing has a storied history of producing numerous champions in the sport. The organisation’s commitment to excellence has earned them widespread respect and admiration in the Torfaen community.

With a strong focus on discipline, skill development, and mentorship, TDK Team Wales has become a leading force in kickboxing, nurturing talent and empowering individuals to achieve their full potential.

Relationship with Gwent Police:

The meeting highlighted the valuable relationship between TDK Team Wales and Gwent Police. Both entities share a common goal of promoting physical fitness, discipline, and community engagement.

Support from Craven Court and Future Plans:

Arton Dylevski, the representative of Craven Court, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration with TDK Team Wales.

With his support and the impressive facility at their disposal, TDK Team Wales is poised for continued success.

However, the team also hopes to garner support from Torfaen Council to establish Pontypool as their permanent home.

By securing the backing of the local council, TDK Team Wales can further solidify their presence in the community and continue to positively impact the lives of aspiring kickboxers.

The Absence of Labour Councillors:

Unfortunately, despite extending an invitation, Labour Councillors did not attend today’s meeting. While this absence may be disappointing, it does not diminish the determination of TDK Team Wales and their commitment to their goals.

The organisation remains open to collaboration and hopes that future opportunities for engagement with the council will arise, allowing them to showcase the positive impact they can have on the community.

 

 

Nestled in the heart of Abersychan Village, a delightful new café has emerged, captivating locals and visitors alike. Broad Street Kitchen has quickly gained a reputation for its commitment to using quality ingredients, offering reasonably priced food, and extending a warm welcome to all who enter. In this blog, we will delve into what makes Broad Street Kitchen a must-visit spot, including their convenient phone ordering system and operating hours that cater to early birds and midday cravings

Broad Street Kitchen’s commitment to quality shines through in every dish they serve. From their breakfast options to their lunch specials, their menu showcases a carefully curated selection of meals made with the finest ingredients. Locally sourced produce ensures freshness, while their skilled chefs work their magic to create mouth watering dishes that are as visually appealing as they are delicious.

One of the standout features of Broad Street Kitchen is their dedication to providing affordable food without compromising on quality. In a world where dining out can sometimes break the bank, this café strives to offer a menu that caters to a range of budgets without sacrificing taste or portion sizes. Whether you’re looking for a quick bite or a leisurely meal, Broad Street Kitchen guarantees excellent value for money.

Stepping into Broad Street Kitchen, you are immediately greeted with warmth and hospitality. The friendly staff members are always ready with a smile, eager to make your visit memorable. Whether you’re a regular or a first-time visitor, the atmosphere at Broad Street Kitchen is inviting and inclusive, making you feel right at home.

Broad Street Kitchen understands the importance of convenience, and that’s why they offer a hassle-free phone ordering service. Simply give them a call at 01495 774028, place your order, and arrange a pickup time. Whether you’re on a tight schedule or prefer the convenience of takeout, this service ensures that you can enjoy their delicious offerings wherever you please.

Broad Street Kitchen caters to early risers and those with midday cravings by opening its doors at 9 am. Whether you’re in need of a hearty breakfast to start your day or a satisfying lunch to fuel your afternoon, this café has you covered until 3:30 pm. Their extended hours ensure that you can indulge in their delectable fare at a time that suits you best.

Broad Street Kitchen is a culinary gem in Abersychan Village that seamlessly combines quality ingredients, reasonably priced food, and a warm welcome. With their dedication to providing delicious meals made with care, a convenient phone ordering system, and flexible operating hours, it’s no wonder this café has quickly become a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Make sure to pay a visit to Broad Street Kitchen and experience their delectable offerings first hand.

One Stop Stores Ltd
Apex Road, Brownhills,
Walsall, West Midlands.
WS8 7HU

26 October 2023

Concerns about the sudden closure of Abersychan Store and request for reopening date

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concern about the sudden closure of your Store, located at Broad Street, Abersychan. This closure has had a significant detrimental effect on footfall in the area, which in turn is negatively impacting local businesses.

The Abersychan Store has long been a cherished part of our community, providing convenient access to a range of essential products and services. Its closure has left a void in the local retail landscape and has caused inconvenience to the residents who relied on the store for their daily needs.

Moreover, the decrease in footfall resulting from the store closure has had a direct impact on nearby businesses. Without the steady flow of customers that the store used to bring, these businesses are facing financial difficulties and are struggling to sustain their operations.

This situation is not only distressing for the affected business owners but also for the employment prospects and vibrancy of our community as a whole.

In light of these concerns, I kindly request that you provide me with information regarding the reopening date of the Abersychan Store, if any. This would allow local businesses and residents to plan accordingly and alleviate some of the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

I understand that unforeseen circumstances can arise, leading to temporary closures, but having an estimated reopening date would provide some reassurance to the community.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my hope that you are actively working towards reopening the Abersychan Store as soon as possible.

The store plays an integral role in our community’s ecosystem, and its continued absence is deeply felt by all. Thank you for taking the time to consider my concerns. I trust that you share my commitment to the well-being and growth of the local community.

I eagerly await your response and hope for a positive update regarding the reopening of the Abersychan Store.

Yours sincerely,

Giles Davies
Abersychan Ward Councillor
Torfaen County Borough Council.
giles.davies@torfaen.gov.uk

Myself and my colleague Chris Tew have sent this joint letter into TCBC highlighting some of your concerns with regards to the Welsh Government 20mph scheme imposed on us.

Let’s hope they listen to the people in our community.

Dear

Cllr Tew and I would like all main roads in the County Borough put back to the original default speed limits.

Whilst the default speed limit of 20mph may have its merits, there are strong arguments for returning arterial roads back to a 30mph speed limit.

1. Traffic Flow: Increasing the speed limit back to 30mph can promote a smoother flow of traffic. In some areas, a 20mph limit may be unnecessarily restrictive, leading to congestion and frustration among drivers. A slightly higher limit can help maintain a reasonable pace of travel, reducing the likelihood of tailbacks and improving overall traffic efficiency.
2. Time Efficiency: A 30mph speed limit allows for faster travel, which can be advantageous for individuals who rely on efficient transportation to get to work, school, or other important commitments. While safety is paramount, finding a balance between safety and practicality is essential to ensure that people can reach their destinations in a timely manner.
3. Driver Compliance: Setting a realistic speed limit that aligns with drivers’ expectations can lead to better compliance. If the majority of drivers find a 20mph limit excessively slow, there is a higher chance of non-compliance, which can undermine the effectiveness of speed regulations.

By returning to a 30mph limit, there is a greater likelihood that drivers will adhere to the speed limit, resulting in safer roads overall.

4. Enforcement Challenges: Enforcing a 20mph speed limit can pose challenges for law enforcement agencies, as they may struggle to effectively monitor and enforce compliance. With limited resources, it may be more practical to focus enforcement efforts on more crucial traffic safety concerns, such as impaired driving or reckless behaviour, rather than spending significant resources on strict speed limit enforcement.
5. Consistency: Returning to a 30mph speed limit provides consistency across different areas and road types. It can be confusing for drivers to navigate through a patchwork of different speed limits, especially if they frequently travel between zones with varying limits.

A consistent speed limit can help create a more intuitive and predictable driving experience.

6. Public Transport: The 20mph scheme has made certain impacts on bus services. While it aims to improve safety and promote sustainable transportation, it potentially affects bus travel times and overall efficiency.

Slower speed limits may result in slightly longer journey durations, particularly in areas with heavy traffic congestion. The fact that some bus providers are already looking at reducing the number of stops in Wales as reported recently, should highlight that this is counter intuitive to supporting the ambition to travel via greener options.

For example, If a bus provider reduces the number of stops or services, it will force people to use their cars for more journeys.

Reduced services and stops will push people with disabilities from public transport to utilising taxis, again, counterintuitive to the “green message”.

While safety remains a priority, returning roads to a 30mph speed limit from the new default of 20mph can address concerns related to traffic flow, time efficiency, driver compliance, enforcement challenges, and consistency.

Striking a balance between safety and practicality is key to ensuring effective and efficient transportation for all road users.

Recently many like ourselves, have witnessed dangerous driving from overtaking to tailgating on main arterial roads in the Country Borough, Lee Waters MS himself, stated recently that Councils have the power to decide which roads should remain at 30.

We as elected members for Abersychan Ward, request that Council Officers put arterial roads linking our villages and town, back to previous limits, with researched exceptions as you enter a shopping section, near a School or Community building.

We would agree that side streets and estates be suitably left at 20mph zones as these won’t impact day to day commuting.

Regards,

Happy International Women’s Day 2023

On International Women’s Day we remember that as long as one woman faces discrimination, harassment, inequality or oppression, we all do.

“Women’s rights are human rights!”

The theme for International Women’s Day 2023 is ‘Cracking the Code: Innovation for a gender equal future’. This theme is based on the United Nations 67th Commission on the Status of Women priority theme ‘Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls’.

Some Statistics taken from https://iwda.org.au/take-action/international-womens-day/

47,000 women and girls were killed by their male partners or family members in 2020 – and those are only the deaths we know about

47 countries still have no repercussions for husbands who rape their wife

2.7 billion women are legally restricted from having the same choice of jobs as men

13.3% is the size of Australia’s gender pay gap

30% of women globally have experienced sexual or physical violence in their lifetime

45 countries do not have specific laws against domestic violence

Further information about IWD2023 can be found at the link below.

https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Theme

Today marked the end of the current format of Connecting with Friends Lunch Club in the ward.

Connecting with Friends was a temporary replacement hastily put together by Garnsychan Partnership to deal with restrictions around Covid which affected their successful lunch club.

The normal venue at Garndiffaith Millennium Hall was too big with over 90 diners as Wales came out of lockdown, this new format allowed smaller groups to meet at various Community Halls in the ward and included entertainment each week for a fiver.

Today they were at the last venue, Varteg Community Centre before returning to the Millennium Hall next week (7th March) where they will once again be able to operate in house at full capacity as all Covid restrictions are now lifted.

Today was a fitting end with one of their oldest diners Gladys celebrating her 91st birthday with the other dinners!

A double celebration indeed!

During those uncertain times, thanks must be given to all volunteers, without you this scheme couldn’t have happened.

Thanks also to Front Row Cafe who supplied the food during the life of Connecting With Friends and to all the venues for supporting the scheme.

Next week Garnteg Primary School Choir will be attending the relaunch to entertain the diners along with a guest artist!

Good luck for next week and I wish you all the success in supporting our elderly residents.

Garnsychan Partnership – Thank You!