Just a Quick Note – 25th August 2014

Dear Member

In the last JQN I announced that the workday scheduled for 27th July had none of the usual team to organise it but I’m pleased to say that a good handful of volunteers did turn up for a few hours work. It was a very hot day but they collected half a dozen bags of rubbish and continued the job of bashing down the bracken from around the hedge planting. Strangely enough for the top-of-the-mountain location it was necessary to water the trees that were planted by the MPs a few months ago. I’d appreciate if more of you could look out for those trees and water them during the dry spells.

A major development in the past couple of weeks is that more disturbing news is emerging about the future of the Cwmcarn Forest Drive. In response to that, Rob Southall – founder of CTS – has set up a Facebook group to campaign against its closure – the group gained over 2,000 members in just 3 days and membership continues to grow.

It is proposed that CTS will endorse the campaign and offer support to Rob’s group to lobby the powers-that-be and get clarity on the future of the Forest Drive which is an integral part of Twmbarlwm. Rob hopes to organise a public meeting on the subject very soon – so I urge you to look out for that and go join in the discussion on the Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/groups/938740292808719/

In the meanwhile please take note of the following events – please come along and support the society.

WALK TWMBARLWM –

Sunday 31st August 2014

Meet at Risca Leisure Centre Car-Park at 10.30am

Walk to the top of Twmbarlwm with a group led by enthusiastic rambler and CTS Member, Maggie Thomas. The route is not often used, yet is picturesque and moderately easy – through Craig y Wenallt and Cwrt Henllys – it is just shy of 7 miles and should take no more than 3 hours. There will be a lunch stop at the top so bring a packed lunch and drink. Remember to wear stout walking shoes and appropriate clothing for the landscape and weather.

VOLUNTEER WORKDAY –

Sunday 31st August 2014

The main event for today is Maggie’s walk (see above) – but for those who don’t fancy a long walk we will also organise the usual monthly litter pick at the car park on the common below the Tump and we could then join up with the walkers for a picnic lunch at the top.

The breaking down of the bracken from around the newly planted hedgerow whips is still ongoing and much needed work too. If there’s any members out there who would be willing to oversee this weekend’s work and take charge of our stock of bin bags and litter pickers then please contact me.

EVENING LECTURE –

Wednesday 17th September 2014

LOCAL TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS: HOW FAR BACK DO THEY GO?

an illustrated talk presented by Mr Peter Brown of the University of South Wales, Newport.

There will be an opportunity to ask Peter questions at the end.

The event is to be held at Crosskeys Rugby Club, Pandy Park, Crosskeys 7.00pm for 7.30 start

The evening is free to CTS members and £3.00 for non-members. The bar will remain open for refreshments. There will also be a raffle and an opportunity to join the society at the end of the evening. The evening will close around 9pm.

There are more Events planned throughout the year – please check out the website regularly for details – www.twmbarlwm.co.uk – click on the “Events” tab.

Also don’t forget my usual plea – I would really like to get more information on the website, so if you have any articles or information you think should be there or would just add interest for our visitors, then please get in touch.

Many Regards TERRY EVANS
Chairman Cymdeithas Twmbarlwm Society

Address general queries to: twmbarlwmsociety@gmail.com