Annual Festival of Bowls at Resolven
After their successes at the West Glamorgan County Finals recently Resolven Bowls Club members celebrate their 92 years of existence by organising their annual ‘Festival of Bowls’ tournament with many Internationals taking part.
SUNDAY, 4 AUGUST 2024
This is an invitational triples tournament, where 24 teams packed with Wales’ top talent will do battle for the John Hopkins Memorial Trophy and a large prize pot.
We understand that spectators are welcome.
at
Resolven Bowling Green
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‘Cartref’ Summer 2024 Magazine
Click on the Link below to see ‘Cartref’ – The Summer magazine for Tai Tarian tenants.
https://www.taitarian.co.uk/media/q34fqbsv/cartref-summer-2024-final.pdf
Submitted by Cllr. Dean Lewis
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Every Success to Resolven’s Dan Jervis
Our best wishes go to Daniel Jervis at the Paris Olympics.
Dates of the Olympic Games
26 July – 11 August 2024
Glasgow April 2029
Resolven to Paris July 2024
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Jack_Walkaholic along the Coast Path in Ceredigion
Just like that, Pembrokeshire was done and hello Ceredigion! The path ahead promised more adventures, starting with a road-bound trek into Cardigan. A brief encounter with a herd of cows, their imposing horns enough to deter any further exploration, led me back to the safety of the road. Cardigan welcomed me with open arms, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
The old houses of Cardigan
Free firewood at Gwbert
Setting off from Cardigan on a gloomy, wet morning, I trudged through fields and roads, the rain intensifying as I reached Gwbert. Feeling miserable, I pressed on, only to meet an ambitious walker on his journey from John o’ Groats to Land’s End, with a loop around Wales. His words about the challenging days ahead made me question my own resolve.
The Beautiful Mwnt
As I continued, the view of Cardigan Island unfolded, a prelude to the splendour of Mwnt. This exquisite haven, where straw-coloured sands meet azure waters, offered more than just natural beauty. With well-maintained facilities and snacks to savour, it was a perfect rest stop. The true marvel, however, was the dolphins dancing in the crystalline waves, an enchanting sight that made every step worthwhile.
Dolphins at Mwnt
Moving past the chapel and along the path, I navigated through fields and an MOD base, finally reaching Aberporth. I settled into my campsite, ready for another night of showers, pondering the unpredictable weather of Wales.
Aberporth
The next day dawned, another overcast day, but a forecast of hope. The hottest June on record saw swimmers enjoying the sea as I passed quirky train-carriage homes. At Tresaith, a waterfall cascaded onto the beach, almost overshadowed by the group of speedy swimmers that raced me round the headland from Aberporth.
Tresaith waterfall onto the beach
The climb up the mountain track was a lung-buster, but the reward was a glimpse of Penbryn, the halfway point of the Wales Coast Path. Celebrating with a feast at the National Trust cafe, I decided more breaks were in order.
Goodbye Tresaith
Hello the Plwmp Tart
Back on the path, the hills rolled like a yo-yo. Llangrannog bustled with tourists, while the “secret beach” of Cwmtydu remained a well-kept local secret. Finally, after miles of sun-baked fields, I reached Newquay. My feet throbbed, but my heart soared, another day ticked off, another step closer to the journey’s end.
Llangrannog
Cwmtydu
Newquay
My next hike day began with Newquay basking in sunshine. Battling past tourist crowds, I wandered through the village and hit the beach. With the tide in, the path was out, leading to some fence-hopping and scrambling up eroded steps, eventually landing in a caravan park. Finding the escape route, I rejoined the path with relief.
Newquay
Aberaeron
Newquay marked the end of the lumpy rollercoaster of cliffs, making for a more relaxed day through woods, fields, valleys and holiday villages. Aberaeron appeared like a colourful gem, its pastel houses oozing character. After refuelling with food and harbour-watching, I pressed on.
Llanon
Aberarth was a quick hop, the path dawdling through its streets. The coastline returned, fields galore, then Llanon. The path detoured inland, weaving through the busy coast road, village roads, and a quiet church visit, before spitting me back into the wild. Cow field after cow field (where are the Welsh sheep?!). Finally, Llanrhystud marked the end of the day. Time for a well-earned rest!
Llanrhystud
Another day, another early start. A storm was coming, and I had to hurry to Aberystwyth before the rain pounded and pushed me off the mountains. Out of Llanrhystud, up a hill with dazzling views of Cardigan Bay. Rain clouds loomed to the south. Yep, caught a downpour soon after. Jacket on, then off, then on again—equally wet either way! But hey, this solo section was bliss. Just me, the path, and the occasional refreshing shower.
Somewhere before Aberystwyth
Aberystwyth finally emerged, a welcome sight nestled beneath a steep hill. I made it before the real storm hit and couldn’t have been happier to call it quits. Some days not a lot happens, and that’s okay. Homeward bound! This coast path isn’t always sunshine and rainbows.
Aberystwyth with cliff railway
Borth blunder! I missed the train by a whisker and watched it chug away as I reached the station. An hour later, I finally set off to Aberystwyth, battling a tourist multitude before finding solace on the coast path. A quick jaunt along the prom and a kick of ‘The Bar’ for luck before starting up Constitution Hill (staggering view!), then…rain clouds looming.
Clarach Bay
Sarn Cynfelyn
Wind at my back, I zoomed past Clarach Bay, holiday park, and Sarn Cynfelyn, a shingle spit to the lost land under Cardigan Bay. Borth beach called, but coastal erosion forced a detour. Snack in hand, I strolled the “straightest street in Wales,” where the paths diverged. The Wales Coast Path took a right, but I went straight to finish the Ceredigion Coast Path. Petrified tree stumps at Ynyslas at low tide and the Dyfi Estuary’s majesty awaited! With a view across the water to Aberdovey, just a mile or so away. It would take me two days to get there but that’s for next time, onwards!
The ancient remains of tree stumps from the time the pyramids were built
The breathtaking view across the Dyfi Estuary
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by Jack_Walkaholic
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County Successes for Resolven Club
This year, once more, bowlers from various clubs have been battling through several rounds on many different Greens to compete in the Singles, Pairs, Triples and Fours to reach the Annual West Glamorgan County Finals held at Brynhyfryd Bowls Club, Neath. The Semi-Finals were held on Thursday 11 July and the Finals on Friday 12 July 2024.
Resolven Bowls Club were represented in as many as five of the tournament sections this year.
The Resolven fours were through from the early rounds to the Semi-Final where they put up a good fight against the Briton Ferry Steel Bowls Club four.
In the Under 25 tournament, 16 year old Regan Ace played an excellent Semi-Final game against Matthew Thorne, Briton Ferry Steel Combine BC to get through to the Final the following day.
A little later Regan joined his Father, Simon in the Open Pairs against J Flynn and E Thomas, Pontrhydyfen.
In his first full season of playing lawn bowls with Resolven Bowls Club, Regan was outstanding and his experienced opposite number, Jamie Flynn later commented that he “had no chance against him”. The photo’ shows Regan’s bowls on one end during the game. Needless to say that Simon and Regan Ace were successful in their bid to get into the final.
It was a busy day on the Brynhyfryd green for Resolven Bowls Club members because Andrew Hopkins and Stephen Allen were also successful in their pairs match against Mike Brain and Rhys Colwill, Briton Ferry Steel Combine BC. Which meant that the Pairs final would be an all Resolven game.
Stephen also won his Open Singles Semi-Final match against Geoff Mellor, Skewen to also play in Friday’s Open Singles Final.
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Friday – Finals Day
In the U25 County Singles final Regan gave another great display against a high quality opponent, Rhys Colwill, Briton Ferry Steel Combine. Final score 16 – 21. Rhys Colwill and the County runner-up Regan will be competing in the Welsh Championship at Llandrindod Wells between 9 and 19 August 2024.
From April at the start of the outdoor bowls 2024 season individual West Glamorgan clubs have also been playing what is called a Double 4’s tournament. Two teams of four players play against a club with one team playing home and one team away. No communication is to be made between the teams until all the ends have been completed. In this tournament Resolven Bowls Club (RBC) have been successful many times. The final of this Double 4’s is played on the one bowling green at the end of the last day of the County Finals.
This year RBC played Dunvant BC in the final.
After18 ends of play Resolven beat Dunvant BC by 15 shots to become 2024 County Double 4’s Champions.
Back Row Lt to Rt: Steven Gall, Shaun Kelly, Aeron Humphries, Nigel Davies
Front Row: Martin Addis, Tony Gregg, Lionel Stock, Simon Williams
The Final of the Open Pairs between Regan Ace, Simon Ace and Andrew Hopkins, Stephen Allen was being played at the same time as the Double 4’s therefore Resolven BC had 12 bowlers on the Brynhyfryd green simultaneously.
Lt: Stephen and Regan with Tony Gregg and Simon Williams, part of the Double 4’s in the background, on the adjacent rink.
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After 18 ends and an excellent match Stephen and Andrew become the 2024 WGCBA Champions and they will be playing in the Welsh Championship Finals at Llandrindod Wells as will the runners up, Simon and Regan.
A little earlier Stephen Allen also successfully defended his Open Singles title against Paul Champion, Mount Pleasant BC.
After a tense few minutes and a difficult measure for the Umpire and marker, Paul congratulated Stephen on winning 21 – 15 and again becoming the Open Singles Champion. He is only the 5th player in the history of the West Glamorgan County finals who has retained the Open Singles title.
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Congratulations to RBC members for a very successful 2024 West Glamorgan County Bowls Association tournament. It was good to see that Resolven Bowls Club was so well represented in the County Finals at Brynhyfryd.
Resolven BC can be very proud of their achievements so far this year.
Well done to all concerned!
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Resolven Carnival 2024
The Park field before the Parade and crowds arrived
The Parade
And into the Park field everyone goes.
Well done and congratulations to
The Resolven Community Events Group.
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Jack_Walkaholic continues his Welsh Coast walk in North Pembrokeshire
North Pembrokeshire 2
One week after the scorching ‘thirstatholon’ I returned to North Pembrokshire, tent in tow and optimism (maybe slightly delusional) in overdrive. Sunshine was promised, so I’d conquer two days and a glorious night under the stars. Strumble Head greeted me with its flashing lighthouse and cliff top views, then it was on to Fishguard, its ferry groaning so loud even the seagulls flee in terror.
Stena Europe – its last month of service.
Just along the coast is the old harbour, full of character. An ancient castle whispered tales of battles past, then the path ushered me… into a caravan park. Don’t judge, they’re labyrinths, especially after several wrong turns fueled by a daydream of scoops and sprinkles.
Fishguard Castle.
Finally, out of the caravan maze and onto Dinas Head, a dark sand beach named Pwllgwaelod stretched before me like a pirate’s secret cove. Past the dramatic headland, I reached Cwm-yr-Eglwys. My daydream has been fulfilled, ice cream as I soaked in the ruined church and the gentle ebb and flow of the tide.
Pwllgwaelod
Cwm-yr-Eglwys
Onward to Parrog, Newport, the tide is in and the water is up to the garden walls of the houses. Rain came as I pitched the tent, there’d been weeks of sunshine and no rain forecast, my maiden camping experience was a washout.
Newport
Next day I drove to Cardigan, a quick bus ride whisked me back to Newport. Carreg Coetan, an ancient burial chamber humming with time, was worth the detour. The rain stopped just as I left, the emerald hills across the estuary glowing in the sun.
Carreg Coetan.
Then, things got epic. The path clung to the cliff face, my legs complaining like rusty swings, but the views! Pwll y Wrach, a turquoise pool born from a collapsed cave, and Ceibwr Bay where the rocks danced like frozen waves banded with colours like sunrise on the sea. These moments shut up even the whiniest of muscles.
The cliffs around Foel Fach
Godir Rhyg
Careg Yspar, Pwll y Wrach
Careg Wylan, Ceibwr Bay
Reaching Cemaes Head, and down to Poppit Sands I saw the sign: “Pembrokeshire Coast Path – First Gate.” And a grin filled my face. I was walking the whole thing… backwards! Not exactly the plan, but who says you can’t conquer a trail in reverse?
The Coast Path the wrong way
On I went, dodging cars and admiring Saint Dogmaels, a medieval monastery telling tales of monks and pilgrims. Just like that the Pembrokeshire part was done, another chunk of the coast conquered, one lost turn and one soggy campout at a time.
The end of the Pembrokeshire Coast path, looking over the Teifi Estuary
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