JQN 17-03-2016
Just a Quick Note
17th March 2016
Dear Member
Our last Litter Pick held on 28th February was a fine sunny day for a change and as we hadn’t been there for a couple of months there was a lot to sort out. Apart from the usual McDonald’s and KFC detritus strewn about, it was a particularly depressing day with the amount of evidence of anti-social behaviour incidents. So much so, that it prompted me to write to the councils, the police and police commissioner, Councillors and the NRW to illustrate to them how things have escalated in the area once more.
- There was a Land Rover with its back wheel hanging off – with all the evidence around it of having been tearing up the ground around the common.
- There was a burnt out car which had also been dragged around the area.
- The sign installed by NRW had been torn down and set alight
- There was at least five lots of builders’ rubble fly-tips including the remnants of a dog grooming shop and a marijuana crop.
All this was reported to the various authorities and I await their responses.
Two days after this, two further burnt out cars were discovered up there. That’s four cars in a two week period – someone must know something about these vehicles!
I tell you all this because it is the usual handful of people who turn up regularly to tidy up all this mess, and it would be nice if a few more volunteers could turn out – or if more people could report these crimes. The more people who moan about this, the more likely we are to get a better response from the authorities
Having said all that, the next work day falls on Easter Sunday so it is cancelled for that day (27th March) but we may call it for the following week – watch this space for details.
This doesn’t mean you can’t go and pick up litter if you so wish – it’s just that none of the usual people will be there.
IMPROVEMENT WORKS
In the January JQN I told you about certain works being carried out on Twmbarlwm funded jointly by Caerphilly and Torfaen Councils. All this is underway – or at least the materials such as boulders, new barriers etc. are ordered – and soon we may be looking for more volunteers to assist with the work – I will let you know when, or just watch the website for more news and information. If you know anyone who may be interested in helping out please pass on the information.
We are in the process of organising events over the next few months – please support them and let other people know about them – all monies collected at these events go to helping us with our campaign to restore and protect OUR mountain. If there are any subjects or projects you would like us to cover – or you could help us with – then please let us know.
EVENTS
Monday 21st March 2016 – 7:00 for 7:30am at Crosskeys Rugby Club
ROAMING WITH A CAMERA IN GWENT
An illustrated talk by Chris Barber MBE FRGS
The well known author Chris Barber MBE will be giving a richly illustrated lecture to the Twmbarlwm Society.
His richly illustrated presentation will take the audience on a fascinating journey around Gwent visiting historic places, curious antiquities, with amusing folklore and beautiful scenery.
The ancient land of Gwent has a wealth of prehistoric sites, Norman Castles, ancient churches, historic houses and industrial heritage.
Chris Barber is the author of no less than 32 books and his knowledge of this very special area is extensive. His many interests and achievements have been recognised by an entry in the 1998 edition of ‘Who’s Who in the World’, and in 2008 he was awarded the MBE for service to the community and tourism.
It is sure to be an entertaining evening with Chris Barber’s passion for this beautiful area complemented by his photography.
Entry is FREE to members or £3.00 to non-members.
The bar at the club will remain open and a raffle will be run on the night.
Help us promote this event – download a poster from here, print it out and display it in work or anywhere loads of people will see it.
Be part of the tradition…
It has long been local tradition for people of Risca, Crosskeys, Newport, Cwmbran etc. to get together and walk to the top of Twmbarlwm – it’s a tradition that was starting to fade away but CTS has been promoting the event for the past few years and more and more people turn up every year.
We don’t expect everyone to join our organised walk but all will be welcome. We just want to encourage people to get up the Twmp, any time of the day, at their own pace and bring a picnic and spend a while enjoying the views and the mystery of this iconic mountain.
CTS members will be there offering Hot Cross Buns to all who get to the top, FREE – but we will gratefully accept any donations to the cause.
Our organised walk re-traces part of the route of the ancient pilgrimage trail. We meet at the Stony Bridge on Fields Road in Pontymister at 10.30am, to walk up to Twmbarlwm.
There is more information about this walk on our website – www.twmbarlwm.co.uk
HM Queen Elizabeth’s 90th Birthday Celebration Beacon
21st April 2016
This event will be held in conjunction with Risca Community Council – details are not yet finalised – but will involve CTS with other local organisations lighting a Beacon on top of Twmbarlwm with invited guests in attendance. As with the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations in 2010 this spectacle will be enacted on many mountaintops around the country.
THE LOST FARMSTEADS OF MYNYDD MAEN AND TWMBARLWM
A Walk and Talk by Rob Southall
24th April 2016
Date and details to be confirmed
COMMON LAND – HISTORY and RIGHTS
An Illustrated Talk by Chairman of the Commoners Association Les Murphy
16th May 2016
Date and details to be confirmed
Those who follow our Facebook page or the “Friends of Cwmcarn Forest Drive” page are also invited to consider becoming “paid-up” members and/or take part in our projects – if you know any of them please pass this on.
I also repeat my request for persons who might have special skills or knowledge to help run the Society or assist with our projects, to get in touch.
Getting to the car park
For the Events starting at the car park on Twmbarlwm, if you would prefer to have a lift there please get in touch with me at the address below and I’ll try to arrange transport for you – or if you are able to offer transport to others also let me know. There are maps and descriptions how to get there on our website – under the menu tab “Location”
These details are posted on our website and on FaceBook – but if you know of anyone who is interested but don’t get their news through the internet – could you please let them have a copy of this message.
Many Regards
TERRY EVANS
Chairman Cymdeithas Twmbarlwm Society
Address general queries to: twmbarlwmsociety@gmail.com
