New lecture to take place at Big Pit Museum, Blaenavon

Rhodri Morgan will seek to compare the Wales of 1841, when it became the world’s first “Industrial Nation” according to that year’s census, to the struggles over the past 90 years or so to replace the jobs lost in the valleys since the long decline of the industry started in the mid 1920’s.

This is a free event suitable for adults. For information call 03001112333.

BLAENAVON SENIORS: There was excellent news for the members of Blaenavon Seniors when they met on Thursday March 16 at the Senior’s Hall, Park Street. 

Chairman Wayne Lewis was pleased to announce that Blaenavon Seniors Club has been successful in its application for a Big Lottery Fund “Awards For All” Grant and has been awarded £3,480. The grant will be used to fit a new access ramp and related building works at the hall. 

When completed the new disabled access will benefit all users of the Senior’s Hall and will be a much needed improvement to the Hall’s facilities. Member’s thanks have been sent to the Big Lottery Fund.

The speaker for March 16 was Rhiannon Chamberlain of Dogs Trust Bridgend who was accompanied by her dog “Gwennie”. Rhiannon gave a very informative presentation on the work of the charity, how it started and all aspects of the day to day work of the Trust. A collection was taken and £75 presented to Rhiannon by President Mrs Phyllis Roberts with thanks from everyone for her visit. 

Congratulations were sent to member Mrs. Joan Griffin and her husband Elwyn who were celebrating their 60th Wedding Anniversary on March 16.
The next meeting will be held on Thursday April 6 at 7pm at the Senior’s Hall in Park Street, new members always welcome. ( Ladies and gentlemen aged 55 and over). 

Members are looking forward to a visit from Usk Garden Centre and a demonstration showing how to prepare window boxes, hanging baskets and containers. 

Call Secretary Barbara Lewis for more information on 01495 790719. 

CHARITY FUNDRAISER: The Blaenavon Ladies Choir have been singing for charity and Roger Bowen reports as follows:

“Blaenavon Ladies Choir have staged a night of music, verse and humour in aid of the Target Ovarian Cancer Charity.  The fundraising evening on Wednesday March 22 was held at Blaenavon Senior Citizen’s Hall, Park Street, and the Ladies put on a programme of songs from the musicals as well as more traditional works. Under the baton of Richard Watkins and accompanied on the piano by Lyndon Stephens the audience were encouraged to join in some of the standards with the choir. The singing was followed by a prize raffle with all the proceeds to the charity.”

Congratulations to all the ladies as Choir Chairman Mrs. Sandra Morgan has told me that the event raised a fantastic £350 so far!

SUPPORT FOR ROMANIA: Mrs. Pauline Whitcombe has asked me to include the following:

“I would like to thank all organisations, residents and businesses from the people and surrounding areas, also those who live in England, for once again being so very generous in supporting the appeal for chocolate cream eggs for the orphans and street children in Romania. I am overwhelmed with the collection of 1500 eggs to be taken to the children who have very little. Thanks again.”

ORATORIO IN BLAENAVON: A performance of John Stainer’s “Crucifixion” will be held at St. Peter’s Church, Church Road, Blaenavon, on Monday April 10 at 7.30pm.

The Oratorio was composed by John Stainer in 1887 and scored for Choir and Organ.  Cor-y-cymoedd ( Choir of the Valleys ) will be presenting “Crucifixion” ( A Meditation on the Sacred Passion of the Holy Redeemer) in our town. The choir will be led by Conductor David John Davies, the organist Judith Pendrous and soloists Ed Rimmer(Tenor) and Alex Jones ( Bass ) of Gloucester Cathedral. Tickets are £6, concessions £5 and are available from Heritage Funeral Services, Broad Street, Church or choir members or at the door.

Blaenavon
Barbara Lewis 
barbara.lewis@live.co.uk