Guild Diary for October
We’re back!!! Marilyn has been very busy behind the scenes arranging an exciting Autumn/Winter programme for our weekly 2pm sessions every Wednesday afternoon in Ponty museum. We currently have around 15 regular members but we would very much welcome some more members. There is a lovely, community spirit and joy in these afternoons. For just £2 you can enjoy the talk/ musical performance or event AND refreshments.
7 October – Mr Ian Meakin was a senior driving examiner in the Pontypridd area. His role was to manage test centres, handle quality control and perform audits. On occasions he would sit in the back of a car when a learner and his driving instructor were actually doing the test …………and thereby hang many stories.
14 October – Changing lives in Uganda – Judith Richards is a teacher, fundraiser and long term supporter of Pont’s work in Mbale, Uganda. With years of visiting Uganda and working with local communities, Judith offers real life stories and insights into how partnership and grass roots action, like VSLAS (Village Savings and Loan Associations).
21 October – Clara Thomas – the richest woman in Wales: Huw Thomas Davies has done an enormous amount of research into the fascinating life of Clara Thomas. Mr Davies graduated in History and Welsh at Aberystwyth University. He has worked in education and public affairs, including roles with BBC’s educational department, Heartbeat Wales and later with Menter Iaith RCT. He gained an MA in History of Family at the University of Limerick and researched at Cardiff University- on A People’s History of Llanybydder 1841-1911. He is an Ovate member of Gorsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain with the pseudonym Thomas Llandyfan.
Clara Thomas – Dyngarol ac un o’r menywod cyfoethocaf yng Nghymru: Graddiodd Huw Thomas Davies mewn Hanes a Hanes Cymru ym Mhrifysgol Aberystwyth. Mae wedi gweithio ym Maes Addysg y BBC a materion Adran cyhoeddus, gan gynnwys rolau gyda’r Adran Addysg y BBC, Curiad Calon Cymru ac yn ddiweddar gyda Menter Iaith RhCT. Enillodd MA mewn Hanes Teulu you Mhrifysgol Limerick ac ymchwiliodd ym Mhrifysgol Caerdydd ar Hanes Pobl Llanybydder 1841-1911. Mae’n aelod Ovate o Orsedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain, gyda’r ffugenw Thomas Llandyfan.
28 October – An afternoon with poet and author Janet Laugharne: Janet Laugharne grew up with her sister Rebecca Hughes by the Mawddach Estuary in Gwynedd where their mother was an artist and her father, the author Cledwyn Hughes (not to be confused with Cledwyn Hughes the politician). A Welsh speaker – fascination with words, their sounds and meaning is a constant thread running through her varied writing life – as an academic, teacher, poet and fiction writer. She is a Emeritus Professor of Cardiff Metropolitan University.
Pastoral Thanks, News and Prayers
- This item was circulated by email on 5 September. It seems that many did not receive it. Sometimes emails from [email protected] go unto Junk or Spam. Please add the address to your contacts.
It is still not to late to donate! SUPPORTING CRWBAN: One of the owners of the Pinc shop, Jaz, ran three half marathons in three days at the beginning of September around Treforest/Church Village. This was to raise money towards the costs of a trip to Morocco next month for the young people from Crwban so they have a chance to travel and see other parts of the world and make memories.
Crwban are part of POBL – the local charity who we support at Christmas.
They offer a safe and supportive environment for people who are working through their own personal challenges. Most residents stay for around 6 to 12 months, depending on their individual needs. They receive tailored support to help them build the skills and confidence needed for independent living. Over time, as residents grow more self-reliant, the level of support gently decreases.
The link is below if anyone at church might want to support it? No pressure, obviously! She was interviewed by Wales Online recently so people might come across the story elsewhere. The link to her fundraising page is –
- Message from Viviane “I would like to thank all my friends in the congregation who have thought of me, prayed for me and my sister Huguette, sent me cards and given me gifts and flowers in the event of my sister’s passing. We got ever closer as we got older and Huguette certainly is one of the main people who have shaped the person that I am. Merci and thank you all. “Viviane
- Message from Gwyneth: “Thank you to everyone who wished me well on my recent to Guys Hospital. My results have shown that the cancer has gone down to ‘stable’ which is what it was 2 years ago. It really gave me a boost knowing that people were thinking about me. Thank you”
- We especially remember Lesley at this time on the passing of her Dad, Graham, so soon after the loss of her mother, our loved member and friend, Anne. We pray for her and all the family, that they will be comforted and strengthened in the difficult days which lie ahead. Graham was a good friend of the church and he will be remembered by many for his willingness in giving lifts to church and hospital appointments, as well as many other ways in which he helped the church. Graham’s funeral will be held on Thursday 1st October at Glyntaff Crematorium at 3pm. The Committal service will be followed by a reception at Pontypridd Rugby Club from 4pm onwards. Lesley is hoping to set up a video link for those unable to attend. Link to follow.
- We are aware that many of our friends and members of the church are currently finding life difficult. Many have chronic pain and other illnesses. Let us be mindful of this and keep them in our prayers.
- We think of our members and friends who have family in hospital, and we recognise the worry and upset this must be causing them. We think of them in the responsibility which they must feel and we offer them the prayers and support of the church.
- We remember those who are no longer able, through age and illness, to attend services. We are grateful to our Elders and Visitors who visit and keep in touch with them, letting them know that they are still part of our family and that they are loved and valued by us as a church.
- There are some who are starting college or university for the first time; also those who are seeking employment. We pray that they will be supported in finding a place in life where they can feel valued.
- There are a number of our friends waiting for results of tests at the moment and we think of them as they wait.
- In his recent service Iestyn reminded us that for some people, Autumn and Winter can be a difficult and depressing time due to the lack of sunlight. Let us be aware and understanding of this, both for others and ourselves.
- And as Stephen reminded us all in his service: “Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always. “(Robin Williams)”
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