Sardis News

Resolfen History Society Meeting

~ ~ ~

Craft and Chatter – Sardis Community Hall

Funeral Notice For Mrs Mair Madden

Neath Great Fair Report From Ruth Davies

.

Attended the Neath September Fair and had a great time browsing the market stalls and enjoying the lively fairground atmosphere. 

The day started beautifully sunny, but even as the skies turned grey and wet, the fun didn’t stop—it was truly an epic day out!

.

The 2024 Neath Great Fair was officially opened by Mayor Cllr Mat Crowley, accompanied by several distinguished guests, including the Deputy Mayor of Bridgend, the Mayor of Hereford, the Lord Mayor of Swansea, Cllr Alan Lockyer, Cllr Sarah Thomas, and Cllr Sonia Reynolds. 

Also present were the Chair of the Showmen’s Guild and their colleagues, whose contributions help bring the fair to life.

.
.
.
.
.
.
..
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
e
.
.
.
.
.

REPORT BY RUTH CHARLES DAVIES

Festival of Bowls at Resolven and more

The Sport of Bowls can be played from the age of eight to over the age of eighty eight and in the last 20 years more young people have experienced and enjoyed the technique and tactics of a sport that is now played world wide.

On the 4th August there was a great day of bowls in Resolven enjoyed by many people during some overdue dry weather. Everyone, players and spectators alike, were treated to world class bowling.

As well as a number of local bowlers taking part in the Resolven Bowls Club event it was also supported by many top players from across Wales who made for an excellent spectacle once again for the big crowd.

Welsh Internationals, Jack Davies, Jarrad Breen & Ross Owen successfully defended the John Hopkins Memorial Trophy coming through and showing their class under pressure situations in the Quarter Final and a close Semi Final against Resolven BC’s Simon Ace, Stephen Allen and Andrew Hopkins.

Taken before the Semi-Final
Lt to Rt: Ross Owen, Jarrad Breen, Jack Davies, Andrew Hopkins,Simon Ace, Stephen Allen

All who took part said that the green was a great surface to play on throughout the day, due to a lot of hard work from many volunteers led by Gareth Evans and groundsman Roy Gillespie.

Umpires John Jenkins and Meurig Evans were required for the day and they appreciated some better weather than the previous two years.

Meurig Evans & John Jenkins

The complex organisation fell to Mr Mike Herbert, tournament convenor who carried out the task with enthusiasm and expertise as usual.

The following photographs give a flavour of the day at the Resolven Bowling green.

~ ~

Welsh National Finals

Only a few day after the ‘Festival of Bowls at RESOLVEN’ reported above, were the Welsh National finals at Llandrindod Wells.

As previously reported local bowlers Regan Ace, Simon Ace, Strephen Allen and Andrew Hopkins were successful at County level to go through to the Welsh National Finals which were played from the 9th to 19th of August.

Regan Ace Delivering a bowl at Llandrindod Wells

In the National Finals, Regan won his 1st round Under 25 game but in a very close game unfortunately lost 21-20 in 2nd round. A couple of days later he was in action again with his Father, Simon in the Open Pairs in another close match, narrowly loosing.

On the right Simon and Regan during their Open Pairs game

A couple of excellent days for Stephen Allen winning both 1st and 2nd round Singles matches in convincing fashion 21-7 and 21-3.

Stephen Allen moving back to the mat after viewing the head

A few days later Stephen lost to eventual Welsh Champion Carl Wood of Llanbradach in the Open Singles Semi-Final.

~

Andrew and Stephen during an early round of the Open Pairs
Andrew and Stephen discussing the bowls ‘head’

In the Open Pairs section Andrew and Stephen Allen won in the 1st and 2nd rounds but narrowly lost to RTB Ebbw Vale’s Owain Dando and Steve Harris by 1 shot after an extra end.

Resolven Bowls Club say they are very proud of the way that Regan, Simon, Andrew and Stephen represented their Club and the West Glamorgan County in the Welsh National Finals in 2024.

~ ~ ~ ~

Canal Festival Photographs on the First Day

Entry & Activities: FREE

Thanks to National Lottery Heritage Fund

The Tŷ Banc estate’s annual bank holiday event is underway, bringing two days of fun, food, and festivities to the community. Despite the unpredictable weather, visitors have been enjoying the brief moments of sunshine and taking in the lively atmosphere.

One of the highlights of the event was a performance by the Glynneath Male Voice Choir, who entertained the crowds with their beautiful harmonies.

There’s still one more day of fun to be had at the Tŷ Banc estate, for stalls, entertainment, and good company.

.

.

.

~ ~

Photographs by HL, LL & JT

~ ~ ~ ~

Resolfen History Society AGM

~ ~ ~ ~

Funeral Notice for Ms Anthea Guard

~ ~ ~ ~

Tŷ Banc Canal Festival 2024

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.

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.

This image has an empty alt attribute; its file name is 193A3933-FC4A-4D1E-9E56-96A61DE18944.jpeg

at

Resolven Bowling Green

~ ~ ~ ~

‘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

~ ~ ~

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 2019

Glasgow April 2029

Resolven to Paris July 2024

No Pedestrians? Only ONE LOCAL Swimmer who is striving to be the best!

~ ~ ~ ~

Funeral notice for Ms Jean Richards

~ ~ ~ ~

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

~ ~

by Jack_Walkaholic

~ ~ ~ ~