Kudos in ‘Barrybados’ for Resolven bowlers

                                                               

Resolven Bowls Club rounded off their season in magnificent fashion by winning the inaugural ‘Barry Bowl’ tournament in the season ending finals day held at Barry Athletic BC on Sunday 17th September.

2017 has been a landmark season for the club with a fresh impetus added with the addition of some key players following the unfortunate demise of TRW Cam Gears Bowls Club in 2016.

The inaugural ‘Barry Bowl’ tournament was entered by 40 clubs in April, all with hopes of landing the cash prize of £1000. The competition provided a fresh new format with just 8 players required in a two rink match. With the draw for each round being performed live on Facebook, it proved popular with players from across Wales.

Starting the competition as rank outsiders, the Resolven bowlers were keen to face some different teams rubbing shoulders with some of the top clubs in the country.

In getting to finals day, Resolven recorded some convincing victories in the opening rounds, overcoming Pontrhydyfen, St Fagans and Kidwelly Town with some excellent performances.

Resolven -v- Pontrhydyfen

Resolven -v- Kidwelly Town

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Finals day saw them line up alongside Ferndale, Machen and favourites RTB Ebbw Vale in front of a big crowd of travelling supporters from the 4 clubs. With the semi-final draw being conducted live on Facebook in the Barry Athletic pavilion, the green and golds (Resolven) were somewhat relieved to avoid RTB Ebbw Vale by drawing Machen.

The semi-final proved edgy with both teams not at their best in the opening few ends. Lionel Stock’s rink unlucky to be 7-0 down early on. However by the half way point, parity was ensured between the two teams, with Andrew Hopkins rink cancelling out the deficit on the other rink.

The game changed in the space of around 15 minutes, with both rinks picking up successive counts to surge Resolven into a big lead. By now, both rinks were playing with far greater confidence, having got rid of any early match nerves. The margin of victory was an excellent 17 shots with Shaun ‘Ned’ Kelly, Simon Williams, Stephen Allen & Andrew Hopkins winning 25-14 and Gareth Evans, Steven Gall, Simon Ace and Lionel Stock coming through in the end to win 23-17

With the result secured, attentions turned to the other semi-final, Ferndale against favourites RTB Ebbw Vale.

It was the Rhondda valley side, Ferndale who came through to play Resolven in the afternoons eagerly anticipated final.

Resolven was ‘breaking new ground’ in it’s first major national final as a club after many false dawns in the Welsh Cup Competition, the Carruthers Shield. This match followed a similar pattern to the mornings semi-final.

With Ferndale having exerted significant efforts in their tight semi-final, they found an inspired Resolven a step too far. The middle third of the game where the real damage was done with Resolven racing into a 19 shot lead across the two rinks at one point.

The travelling supporters sensed a special evening to follow, celebrating a first national title as a club. And so it proved, the deficit being too much to overhaul for Ferndale in the closing stages, the margin of victory for Resolven was 16 shots.

When Captain Andrew Hopkins accepted the Winners Bowl he added “….at the start of the season we saw this competition as a great addition to the Welsh Bowls calendar, and in truth we were happy to make up the numbers. The manner of the performances in each round has been incredible and to think that our margin of victory in the first round – 10 shots against local rivals Pontrhydyfen was our closest game, really is remarkable. I want to pay tribute to our players who have been wonderful this year and our supporters. The support we receive from the community is fantastic”

Jubilant celebrations followed on the green with Captain Andrew Hopkins popping the prosecco and duly showering the players.

Andrew went on to thank the supporters, umpire, other teams, the venue and the organiser of the competition, Chris Wright (shown on the right) from the Barry Athletic club on a wonderful new tournament that has captured the imagination of many.

The RBC club pocketed a cash prize of £1000, but most importantly the title of the inaugural winners of the tournament.

Pictured from Lt to Rt the successful Resolven bowlers:

Shaun ‘Ned’ Kelly. Steven Gall, Simon Williams, Ieuan Ace (Reserve), Andrew Hopkins (Capt.), Nigel James (Reserve), Gareth Evans, Stephen Allen, Lionel Stock, Simon Ace.

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Ynysfach  School’s Remembrance Service

 

 

On Friday the 10th of November, at 11 a.m, Class 6 from Ynysfach Primary School took part in a moving Remembrance Service at the village War Memorial.  The Resolven Branch of the British Legion and St David’s Church were both involved in organising what has become an annual tribute to “The Fallen” by Ynysfach pupils.

There was a brief flurry of rain before the children arrived, but the sun shone fitfully throughout the service conducted by Father Andrew Davies.

The children took part by reading aloud every name on the War memorial They also read poems and a Remembrance Prayer for Children and a youngster solemnly laid a wreath on the steps of the Memorial on behalf all his schoolmates.

The youngsters observed a sombre silence throughout the whole ceremony, which included the Last Post and the Raising and Lowering of the Flag.

 

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Mike Davies Images from Storm Brian

Mike was up the crack of dawn to get RDN these spectacular images of Storm Brian as it hit Porthcawl recently.  High tide was at 8p.m and Mike says he has never witnessed such a storm as this before.

Don’t worry!   Mike was safe and out of harm’s way and says he’s looking forward to the next one!

 

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Ynysfach School “Grow a Pound “results

 

 

 

Last term Ynysfach Primary School held a “Grow A Pound” initiative. All pupils were given £1 and asked to come up with ideas on how to turn the £1 into more money. There were many fantastic ideas, many community based and the pupils raised over £2000. The money is being spent on things that the pupils want. The first things to arrive are a wooden train, pirate ship and a messy table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

              

 

Playtime games have also been bought

and new benches for the yard.

 

Well done to all the pupils, parents and the community!

Donna Stroud

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Remembrance Sunday

Father Andrew Davies and members of St. David’s Church Resolven, together with the Resolven Branch of the Royal British Legion, will once again, be conducting this year’s Remembrance Day Services at both Resolven and Clyne.

The Resolven Service will commence at 10:30 am in the Church Hall, then just before 11:00 am it will continue outside at the War Memorial for the Act of Remembrance.
The whole Service at Clyne will commence at 12:00 noon at the War Memorial.

During recent years the attendance at both Services has significantly increased and both the Church and the Royal British Legion look forward once again to your support.

On Friday, 10th November, 2017, the senior class at Ynysfach School will be attending at the Resolven War Memorial, where during a short Service a member of the class will lay a wreath in Remembrance of the fallen.

It is right that the children are taking part in such a solemn and important occasion and the Church and Legion wish to thank the Headmaster, Mr. Morgan and the children’s parents for their support, without which, the occasion would not be possible.

The organisers ask that, if available, the local community make an effort to attend as this would encourage the children and be a good omen for their attendance in future years.

 

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Summer into Autumn with Ynysfach WI

It seems a dim memory now but at the end of August we enjoyed a wonderful day at Blenheim Palace.

We were blessed with the most beautiful weather in which to explore the magnificent house and glorious grounds.

The Palace is, of course, steeped in history, from 1704 when the estate was given by a grateful country to the Duke of Marlborough following his success at the Battle of Blenheim, up to the present day when it is celebrated as the childhood home of Winston Churchill.

The magnificent interiors and excellent incorporated exhibitions make it a hugely enjoyable and interesting place to visit – highly recommended!

In September we enjoyed ‘ a most diverting evening in the most fashionable company’!  June Ashton- Mears was our speaker. She makes accurately detailed copies of Victorian costumes (mostly using recycled fabrics!) they really were beautiful – although the six of us that modelled the gowns were relieved that we were not asked to wear the original corsetry on display!

 

Our gallant models were June Davies, Dot Evans, Carole Jeffrey, Jean Hill and me, led by Brenda Rees dressed as Queen Victoria herself.

I don’t know if you have tried to sit down while wearing a crinoline but…….!

It was a thoroughly enjoyable evening, our speaker was amusing and informative and had brought along many original accessories to show us. June’s husband took some very professional looking photos of us, including Brenda as a very regal Queen Victoria and Jean taking an elegant stroll.

It was a fashion show of a rather more relaxed style that we experienced at the end of the month.  Along with a few other WIs we attended a ‘Lunch and Fashion Show’ at Norton House Hotel, Mumbles. The lunch was delicious and the fashions from Solo and Goose Island were altogether more casual – not a crinoline or bustle in sight!

JEN COLLEY (President Ynysfach W.I)

 

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Resolven Council Of Churches Tearfund Tea

“TEARFUND TEA”

Please come and join us for tea at

Sardis Chapel

On

Wednesday October 11th 2017

At

2.00pm

Admission £2.50

Please pay at Door

Proceeds in Aid of Tearfund

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Community Project Fund Grant Scheme

 

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Neath Fair 731st Year

The Great Neath Fair celebrated its 731st year last week. The deputy Mayor – Cllr Dennis Keogh, rang the bell to officially open it after a minute’s silence for Mayor Cllr Janice Dudley, who sadly died last month while attending a function at Aberavon Beach.  

In spite of the inclement weather crowds turned out and I managed to include the street fair and the funfair

To see the full fair including the street fair view here :

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgxrvvXnxCg

Photo and Presentation Mike Davies

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Battle Of Britain Parade Video

Our RDN photographer Mike Davies (seen above filming Resolven Carnival) was at the Battle of Britain Parade in Neath for us on Sunday.

Click on link below to see his video of the Parade on You Tube

www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzF9Ve2jwG8

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Resolven Walk In Flu Jab

RESOLVEN

There will be a “WALK-IN” Flu Vaccination Clinic in St David’s Church Hall on the following date:

  • Tuesday 10th October 2017 – 9:15am to 4:45pm

It would greatly help our Practice Nurses efficiency, if you arrived at the clinic wearing a short sleeved shirt for your vaccination.

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Glynneath Walk In Flu Jab

GLYNNEATH

There will be a “WALK-IN” Flu Vaccination Clinic in Glynneath Town Hall on the following dates:

  • Thursday 5th October 2017 – 9:15am to 5:30pm
  • Thursday 12th October 2017 – 9:15am to 11:45am

It would greatly help our Practice Nurses efficiency, if you arrived at the clinic wearing a short sleeved shirt for your vaccination.

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Extra Flu Jabs Info

A walk- in clinic will be available in Resolven and Glynneath Surgeries

 

 

12.00 and 12.45 every Thursday from Monday the 16th of October

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Brilliant Ladies’ Bowls Final

Resolven Ladies’ Bowls Club Championship Final, played this week, was a gripping affair and worthy of a slot on Match of the Day T.V. Christine Twaite, 7 times winner of the title faced Ceri Holmes, a beginner who only picked up a bowl for the first time last year. Chris had already beaten Ceri in the 3 Woods Final, but picking up the Rose Bowl as winner of the Club Championship is the ultimate accolade.

The game was superb-hardly a loose bowl from either player. Ceri was on 18 shots (only 3 away from winning the match), when Chris using intelligent tactics, moved the mat up the green and started a great fight back.  Ceri was stuck on 18 with Chris gaining on her and spectators were muttering “anyone’s game”, when Ceri took an end, put up a long jack and won the game. What a Final!

Congratulations to both bowlers, who not only played excellent bowls but also played in the real spirit of the game..

Christine Twaite …. Ceri Holmes

Also congratulations to Carwen Thomas who kept a cool and impartial head and did a great job marking the game, particularly since Ceri is her daughter!

Christine Twaite/ Ceri Holmes/ Carwen Thomas

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In Memory of Annie

Anne Dadak (Annie) of John Street., whose funeral took place on September the 11th, was not a native of Resolven. But when she arrived here from Bournemouth, she immediately made friends and soon became a familiar figure in the village – walking her dogs and acting as secretary and committee member for Resolven Residents’ Association and Resolven District News. Annie had worked as a legal secretary, so both groups were lucky to have her on board and RDN were delighted to “print” two of her stories on our website. She had a real gift as a storyteller. The warmth of her personality shone through them, as brightly as her distinctive red hair.

She will be missed by many and as a tribute to her and the place she made for herself in our community; here is the last story of hers that we featured on RDN.

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