News In Brief
Welsh author Meleri Wyn James is coming to Cwmbran library on Saturday 14 October to give a free talk about her books from 10am until 1pm.
Torfaen Dance Network meets quarterly to share information and raise the profile of dance. They’ve produced a leaflet which is available from libraries and the Congress Theatre. It contains times and venues of dance classes of all styles and for all ages. Call 01633 628937.
Torfaen Community Transport has got a new minibus to help people with disabilities. Torfaen Council funded 50% of the £30,000 cost through its Local Transport Subsidy Grant from the Welsh Assembly Government. It is a pre-bookable, often door-to-door service for residents, groups of residents, and their carers if needed.
The Buy As You View Cory Band is playing at County Hall, Cwmbran on Saturday 23 September at 7.30 pm. Tickets £10 (£8 concessions) are available from Cwmbran Community Council on 01633 838456 or the Congress Theatre on 01633 868239.
A sponsored climb at Garnteg junior school raised £300 for the Mayor of Torfaen’s charity appeal. Pupils and teachers, along with Councillors and staff from Torfaen Housing Services and Charter Housing Association took part.
Greenmeadow Community Farm’s annual Horticultural and Craft Show is on Sunday 10 September. Visitors can see home-grown vegetables of all shapes and sizes, beautiful floral displays and a range of craft items. There are also cooking and craft classes for young visitors.
The latest free ‘Things to do’ leaflet is available from libraries, leisure centres, Council offices, and Torfaen Tourist Information Centre. It contains information on events happening during September, October and November. Call 01495 795615.
‘Happy 80th Birthday, Ma’am,’ a poem written by Mavis Shaw, 70, a resident of Ladywell sheltered housing complex in Pontnewydd, is appearing in a special book called, ‘Poems For Her Majesty – In Celebration of The Queen’s 80th Birthday.’
Torfaen Council is working with Gwent Healthcare NHS Trust to provide a new community equipment delivery and collection service for people who have been assessed as needing equipment to aid independent living. Call 01633 623446.
Only 15% of people over 65 in Wales have access to the Internet compared with 58% of all adults, according to a recent poll by Age Concern Cymru. The Widdershins Centre in Pontypool runs computer classes for the over 50s where you can find out how to use the Internet to make your life easier. Call 01495 769264. The Council also runs a wide range of computer courses with fees at £1 an hour or free to people on benefits. Call 01633 647642.
Trading Standards is carrying out free checks on electric blankets for the older residents of Torfaen. Call 01633 648384 to make an appointment. It’s in Cwmbran library on Thursday 5 October from 9.30am - 4pm and in Pontypool indoor market on Friday 6 October from 9.30 am and 3.30 pm. A new replacement blanket will be offered (one per household) where the customer’s blanket is identified as being unsafe.