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Barmouth News - 2nd December, 2007


Where future events and specific information are mentioned, these are highlighted for easy reference.

U3A presentation


The rapidly developing Barmouth U3A has passed another milestone with its acceptance into the federation of U3A’s of Britain. At a recent meeting a presentation of the Certificate of Membership was made by Beth Butler who coordinates the various groups throughout Wales. Barmouth has bee fortunate in finding a small dedicated group of people who have worked together to great effect. In little over twelve months they have created the structure, obtained funding and developed subject groups that reflect the interests of the membership. In the photograph Laurence Mort is seen receiving the certificate. The monthly meetings of all members is supplemented by the meetings of individual topic groups which range from opera appreciation, through scrabble to walking and writing in part of a growing list. The monthly meetings feature speakers all of whom are exploring a different aspect of the Mawddach valley. In this way the members come together for a common theme and then develop studies in ways relevant to their particular interest. If you would like to know more you are welcome to contact the U3A via the Communities First office in Station Road which is their general contact point.

Community workshop day

On Friday members of several community projects had the opportunity to take an in depth look at the processes involved in developing an idea into a built entity. Sue Barlow of Community Design in Newport took the group through the steps and illustrated certain aspects with games and tasks which helped all to work together and absorb the substantial amount if information that was given. The comprehensive information folders that accompany the session will be of great value in the coming years.

Parish of Llanaber with Barmouth

The Christmas Coffee Morning held last week was a big success with an amazing £530 being taken during the three hour event. The organisers thank the generosity of those attending for the fine result. The donated raffle prizes were greatly appreciated by both the winners and those who worked to make the event attractive to all. The winners of the main prizes were Anne Williams and Marilyn Whitehouse. The winners of other prizes are too numerous to list. The stalls and Coffee and mince Pies all played a significant part in generating money and the effort of those who created and worked on the stalls is valued.

Inheritance

In a small community it is very easy to become “Known” to many people, perhaps through fame and sometimes infamy. Cliff Probert, who is known to many people in Barmouth, has created many businesses over the years and is warmly remembered for the many years he, with his late wife Jean, operated the Cors y Gedol hotel. During those years he collected many stories and experiences which fed into his alter ego of writer. Over time he has written five books, the first of which, Inheritance, has just been published. It is based on this area but is set in 1820. There are numerous references to characters and places locally but the storyline spans the world with dramatic events moving between Wales, Liverpool and Gibraltar. In an age of sailing ships Barmouth probably had greater access to the world then than at any time up to the digital revolution. Cliff builds his story on these roots and includes a snapshot of Romany life in those times. The sequel has been written taking the stories into the 1840’s so to start discovering the magic he weaves with his pen contact him via Goodies in the High street where you will find him pondering over a coffee. The book is dedicated to Jean who edited the manuscript for Cliff.

Community Spirit night

Tonight, Thursday, is not an evening to be at home. A lot of work by local Councillors and friends has resulted in a packed evening of events being planned for the centre of town. At 5-45 the Mayor will turn on the lights and start the programme off, there is to be music and movement for all ages and interests. The shops will be open an offering seasonal cheer to all. There is always a special atmosphere on these occasions and all are welcome to take part. A new addition for this year is the Walking Nativity play that will start at Christchurch at 6-30 and work its way, in stages, down to St David’s. Not a night to be missed.

Raising double money

Just imagine that you have been raising money and suddenly the total is doubled. For staff at Barclays Bank there is no imagination needed. Staff took part in fundraising for Children in Need by hosting a coffee day and raffle. Jackie, Mark and Rhian collected £335, which was then matched pound for pound by Barclays Community Investment Programme. The team had great fun on the day and wish to send their thanks to all who called in to the branch to support their efforts.

BARMOUTH W I

Members were welcomed to the AGM on 28 November by the President, Mair Jones, and 'Meirion' was sung to the accompaniment of Blodwen Comerford. Rose and Doreen were congratulated on both winning their matches at the County Darts Singles Compfetition at Fronolau on 26 November and will now go through to the finals. The darts team, Pam, Doreen, Rose, Marie and Mair were all presented with their trophies for representing Meirionnydd and winning the inter federation match against Caernarfon. Val then gave a thorough and informative report of the Autumn Council that she and Pam had recently attended. Members were reminded of the Group Artro Carol Service to be held at Llanfair on 7 December. The annual reports were then read and adopted and Mair thanked everyone for their hard work throughout the year, including Blodwen and Gwyneth for playing the piano and Sybil for providing fresh flowers for the meetings. Mari O'Rourke was elected President for 2008, Val agreed to continue as Secretary and Rose as Treasurer, and each of the committee of thirteen were allocated various duties. Mair thanked the tea hostesses, Doreen and Wendy, and the raffle was won by Wendy and the flowers by Doreen. The next meeting will be a party, with entertainment and a buffet, in the Arts Room of the Dragon Theatre on Thursday 20th December. The seasonal dinner will be held at Coleg Meirion Dwyfor in January.

Save The Children

Volunteers and management of the branch would like to thank Barmouth Youth Club for the Fashion Show that they organised on November 29th which raised £120. They also take the opportunity to thank those behind the scenes who helped including, Communities First who paid for the hire of the theatre, Hospice Shop Dolgellau for all the Bridal wear, Coleg Meirion Dwyfor Hair and Beauty trainees who did the hair and make up for the models, Sharn, Jess and everyone else who helped make a fun and fund raising evening, your efforts are much appreciated.

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