Cariads Local Family Magazine - Issue 2 Winter 2014

Please mention Cariads Local Family Magazine when responding to adverts

local family magazine

Activity Ideas • Days Out • Articles • Recipes • PuzzlesCompetitions • Book Reviews • What’s On Listings

Useful and

informative

for parents with

children aged

0 - 12years

Win

ter

- S

prin

gIs

sue

2.

To advertise in our next issue : tel 07971 446632 or email [email protected]

Join ourLoyalty Scheme

All staff areStartrite trained Shoe Fitters

First shoes come witha Photo & Certificate

We stock a wide range of school shoesfor their first day of school to their last

Stockists for Startrite, Geox, Petasil,Ricosta & Lelli Kelly

6A The Bulwark, Brecon, LD3 7LBTelephone 01874 624303

Buy a pair ofStartrite Pre-walkers & get

£10 off your next pair of shoes

St John’s Family Centre is a registered charity and is based in the Old Priory School in St John’s Ward in Brecon. The centre is well situated within the community to provide a variety of groups and support services for all families within Brecon and the surrounding area. The centre brings voluntary and statutory sectors such as Education, Care, Health and Family Support under one roof. We have Action for Children’s Disability Team, Powys Befrienders, Action for Children’s Family Support, and a Flying Start Health Visitor, all based within the centre.

We provide childcare every morning and Welsh childcare every afternoon for children aged 2-3 years old. We run a Welsh Parent and Toddler Group, Language and Play Programme, and monthly Family Lunches. We also run regular workshops with crèches for parents and the community, which due to grant funding, are all free of charge. We have recently completed courses and training in Basic Computer Skills, Paediatric First Aid, and Cooking and Nutrition.

We have a variety of rooms to hire for meetings, training and groups. We also hire out our large childcare room for children’s parties during the week. Our meeting rooms can seat 10-12 people and are equipped with a flip chart, projector and screen, laptop, Wi-Fi connection and tea and coffee facilities. We can also provide a photocopying and scanning service if needed.

For more information, or if we can offer support in any way, please contact our friendly staff on

01874 611723or call in – we are situated in

Pendre Close, opposite Brecon Cathedral

St John’s Family Centre, Brecon

www.swanseabrecon.org.uk

Little Gems Playgroup (for 2-3yr olds)Monday to Friday (term time only), 9.00am – 11.30am

£7.50 per session or free to Flying Start Families

Cylch Meithrin Seren Fach (Welsh Playgroup for 2-3yr olds)Monday to Friday (term time only), 12.45pm – 3.15pm

£7.50 per session or free to Flying Start Families

Language and Play ProgrammeTuesday (term time only), 1.30pm – 3.00pm, Free

Ti a Fi (Welsh Parent and Toddler Group)Wednesday (term time only), 1.30pm – 3.00pm, Free

Brecon Breastfeeding Support GroupWednesday, 10.00am – 12.00pm, Free

Family Lunches (funded by Brecon Co-op)Once a month, 11.30am – 12.30pm, Free


Address:Goosepool Cottage

WinfortonHerefordshire

HR3 6EB

Telephone:01544 32771607971 446632

Email:[email protected]

Website:www.cariadslocal.co.uk

CariAds Local Ltd. can not be held responsible for any inaccuracies in advertisements nor for any consequences arising from this. Opinions expressed by contributors or advertisers are not necessarily those of the publisher.

All artwork used in Cariads Local Family Magazine must not be published in any other media without permission from CariAds Local Ltd. Other publications must not canvas advertisers from Cariads Local Family Magazine.

1

Working with localChrildren’s Nurseries and Primary Schools in the following towns and villages: Brecon, Bronllys, Builth Wells, Clifford, Clyro, Crickhowell, Eardisley, Hay-on-Wye, Llangattock, Llangorse, Llangynidr, Llyswen, Sennybridge, Talgarth and Whitney-on-Wye.

Next issue out in time for the Easter Holidays and running until late July ‘15 Competition,s

This month we have two prizes up for grabs:

• Cantref Adventure Farm have kindly donated a Family of 4 Ticket for Sunday Lunch and entry to the Farm Park.

• Richard Booth’s Cinema have kindly donated a Family Ticket for the Cinema (max. 4 people, up to 2 adults).

For your chance to win please complete the wordsearch on page 5 and send to us by 1st February 2015.

The winner will be announced in our next issue. (For our Summer issue winners, please take a look at page 8. Thank you to A Little Style and Peterstone Court for donating such wonderful prizes).

Hello

Welcome to our second issue of Cariads Family Magazine. We had such great feedback from the Summer issue: the advertisers received a fantastic response; and local families found articles interesting and the what’s on invaluable to see them through the holidays. Thank you to all that sent in feedback or stopped me in the street.

This issue we have been sure to give you plenty of options for indoor fun. We have the upcoming Christmas Holidays, the February Half Term, as well as the many weekends between now and Spring 2015 to fill.

Take a look at our four and a half pages of listings. We’ve updated and expanded the weekly events and classes. Take time to read this section as the team were surprised to see how much we have going on locally. Keeping children active will keep children happy.

Each issue we include Book Reviews. We’d like to expand on this for our Easter issue. If you have a 4 - 8 year old who loves to read please get in touch to see if they would be interested in providing us with a review of their age range of books.

Throughout 2015 we will be organising a series of Car Boot Sales. At the time of going to print final details were yet to be confirmed, so please like us on Facebook or read our monthly publications, Wye Local and Local Beacon, to be kept up to date. You may like to have a clear out of your children’s clothes and toys, I certainly need to. Come along and do a stall. In previous years we have had children there selling their old belongings, a great way to teach them the value of money. Or pop along to grab a bargain.

Our next issue will be out in time for the Easter Holidays and will run until late July 2015. If you have anything you’d like us to include, be it an article on a topic you feel passionate about, or you’d like to include an event - drop me an email or give me a tinkle. We’d love you to be involved in your local family magazine.

Enjoy,Lisa Marie Badham x (Photo above: Lisa Marie and Cariad Badham)


Ideal route for junior pedallers

Regular cyclists know all too well: we’ve got more than our fair share of hills around these parts – and they can be a daunting prospect for junior pedallers!

Thankfully there’s at least one off-road option in the area that’s completely flat: The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal runs for 35 miles from Brecon to Cwmbran, and its hard-pack, traffic-free towpath makes it a perfect choice for beginners.

The leg near Brecon can get busy, but there’s plenty more to explore.

For a great day out, start at Llanfoist near Abergavenny and pedal to Llangattock. The 11 miles should take about two hours at a leisurely pace. It’s a wonderfully simple route, no navigation required, and every bridge is numbered - count them off as you ride along.

Reach Bridge 115 and you’ve arrived at Llangattock, where there are impressive limekilns beside the canal. Here boats would unload their cargo of limestone to be burned to make lime fertiliser. There’s a pub in the village, or you can turn right and

ride a mile (on the road) to Crickhowell, for more places to eat and drink, as well as toilets and shops.

Both ends of the route are well-served by public transport making this a perfect one-way ride, or you can arrange for bikes to be delivered and collected by Drover Cycles. For more information and maps check out canalrivertrust.org.uk or contact Drover Cycles – www.drovercycles.co.uk / 01497 822 419.

Image: canalrivertrust.org.uk

Herefordshire & Mid-WalesFun sports coaching sessions

for children age 3-9

Classes Parties Events

Please get in touch for more details

Email: [email protected]: 07715 607 603

enjoy-a-ball.com

Please see the events listings for our weekly classes

Trewern Outdoor CentrePrivate group bookings during weekends and holidays

Activities include: Kayaking, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Caving, Gorge Walking, Mountain Walking, Orienteering, BMX biking, Team Building and on-site activities – including in-door climbing centre

A great place for your Child’s party

Check out our website at:- www.trewern.org.ukTel: 01497 820512 Email: [email protected]

Please mention Cariads Local Family Magazine when responding to adverts3

www.999s99syss99.s9.9901497 822419

9999999999999 9999999 99999Mon-Sat 9.00am - 5.30pm

9MX9 9999 9960Balance Bikes from £999999 99999 9999 9999

9999 99s9sti99 99 s99h99, 9s9s99 & ss99h999 99 999s9Tyres for all seasons

s99s999 s99 999s9s999 sss9ssss9All cyclists catered for

Play Barn Toddler Group

At The Play Barn they have just started a brand new ‘Toddler Group’. The idea is that parents, grandparents and child-minders can come along to The Play Barn and meet other people, giving the smaller children a chance to mix and make new friends. Customers are welcome to use all the play equipment as well as their new improved under 4’s area.

The session takes place on a Thursday morning between 10am and 12 (during Powys Term times only). The entry fee is £2 for the first child you bring

and £1 for any additional children. This also includes a small snack for the children at 11am.

The group has been running since late October and has already developed a lovely friendly atmosphere. They would love to see some more people coming along to join them. The more the merrier!

“Award winning Soft Play.The fun awaits!”

Located at Brynich, 1 mile east of Brecon

www.breconplaybarn.co.uk

Tel: 01874 623480


ARTS CENTRE

BUILTH WELLS

www.wyeside.co.uk | 01982 552555

Alice’s Adventures in WonderlandTue 16 Dec @ 7.15pm - £17/£153 hrs (including 2 intervals)A live broadcast from The Royal Ballet, featuringa tap-dancing Mad Hatter, a tetchy White Rabbitand a raucously bad-tempered Queen of Hearts.

Santa In Love (ages 2 and up!)Tue 30 Dec @ 2pm - £9/£8. 40 minutes.Join Santa and his friends in this fun filled familymusical complete with games, giggles andChristmas songs. Meet Santa after the show;have your photo taken and get a present!

Duck In The Truck (ages 3 - 7!)Sat 21 Feb @ 1pm & 3.30pm - £8.50/£7.50Based on the bestselling book by acclaimedchildren’s author Jez Alborough, this funny, silly,yucky mucky show will have you giggling away,singing along and laughing out loud.

December Films...Penguins of MadagascarFrom Dec 5th

PaddingtonFrom Dec 19th

Tinker Bell and theLegend of theNeverbeastFrom Dec 27th

Dec14-Mar15:Layout 1 13/11/2014 15:13 Page 1


Duck In The Truck

This is a tale of a duck in a truck –A truck that was stuck in some yucky brown muck.A sheep in a jeep and a frog in a bushSaw the truck stuck and gave it a push.

But the truck stayed stuck!What now, can you guess?Could a goat in a boatGet them out of this mess?

Packed full of family fun and crazy catastrophe, Blunderbus Theatre Company will be showcasing their brand new show “Duck in the Truck” at the Wyeside Arts Centre on Saturday the 21st of February at 1pm and 3.30pm!

Ducklings and Weeny Waddlers aged 3 - 7 years old will love this heart-warming tale of fun and friendship, but grown-up ducks will have lots of fun, too. Join Duck in this happy new show; full of laughter, yucky muck, sing-along songs and plenty of opportunities to join in!

Established in 1998, the magical minds at Blunderbus have been creating enchanting theatrical experiences and providing lasting memories for children and their families all around the world. They perform for over 200,000 children each year, touring to theatres, arts centres, schools and festivals across the UK and to the exotic climes of Malaysia, Dubai, Hong Kong and Singapore with critically acclaimed shows such as “How to Catch a Star”, “The Owl who was Afraid of the Dark” and “Giraffes Can’t Dance”.

The talented team behind Blunderbus lovingly design and handcraft every single puppet, prop and piece of scenery on-site at their company base in the heart of Sherwood Forest. Their dedication and love for their craft ensures that each show is wonderfully unique and brings children’s imagination to life ...

HIBERNATE

FOOD

ADAPT

FAT

CLIMATE

HEDGEHOG

TEMPERATURE

FROG

COLD

TOAD

SLEEP

EARTHWORM

SNAKE

SNAIL

BADGER

BAT

DORMOUSE

BEAR

For the chance to WIN one of our two prizes detailed on Page 1, please complete the wordsearch, fill in the details below and send to Cariads Local Ltd by 1st February 2015.

Name: ...........................................................................................

Address: .......................................................................................

..........................................................................................................

Post code: .................................................................................

Telephone number: ..............................................................

Date of birth: ..........................................................................

wordsearchcompetition


A fun and exciting learning environment

Llyswen Ladybirds Pre-school is a purpose built setting attached to Archdeacon Griffiths Primary School, Llyswen. It is a successful setting established in 2002 and employing highly qualified staff who are committed to giving your child the best care and educational start to their foundation phase.

Government funding is available for 10 hours a week from the term following your child’s 3rd birthday.

Wrap around care is also available from 3+ years within the school from 8am till 5.45pm both during term time and holidays.

For further information or to arrange a visit, please contact Tina Penfold-Smith on 01875 754334 or 07538 335101.

3 year old funding available Open 9am - 3.30pm during term timeCSSIW INSPECTED • ESTYN INSPECTEDContact Tina Penfold-Smith: 01874 754 334 / 07538 335 101

Llyswen LadybirdsPre-schoolQuality child care from 2 1/2 years - school age

Working Mill I Award Winning Café I Craft Shop

‘Give us this day our daily bread’– find out where it really comes from!

Only £8 for a familywith this advert

Open: Tuesday - Sunday & Bank Holiday Mondays

10 - 4

Great day outfor all the family

Pixie Pamper Treats – for 13 years and under

Pixie Manicure (includes nail art) -- £15.00

Pixie Pedicure (includes nail art) -- £15.00

Pixie Party (including the choice of either Pixie Manicure or Pixie Pedicure , party bag, drink and cupcake) -- £18.00 each

These are all done in our salon

Tel: 01497821133Email: [email protected] and Twitter: theboutiquehayWebsite: www.theboutiquehay.co.uk

1 Lion Street,Hay-on-Wye,HR3 5AA


Here’s the Christmas celebrations, New Year’s Eve & Sunday Lunch taken care of!

Celebrate Christmas @ Cantref. Step into Cantref ’s magic Wonderland and join the Elves in their workshop for some festive craft making. Santa will be waiting for you in his Grotto to tell him what you would like for Christmas. If you’ve been very good, Santa will write your name on his list and hand you the magic golden key to his Toy Shop where you can choose your very own gift to take home.

When Santa’s Elves take a break from making toys in their workshop, what’s their favourite thing to do? They just LOVE to sing and dance of course! Join the Elves and Mr Ev’s in Cantref ’s special Christmas Panto for some high jinks and fun. Look out for your favourite Cantref animals who will be making guest appearances including their very own Little Shonkey – Mary had a Little Donkey, Mr Ev’s has a Little Shonkey!

Winter warmers, christmas decorations, stocking fillers, Santa, cheeky Elves, Little Shonkey - what are you waiting for, pop along and join the festive fun and make magical memories for you and your children during the Christmas Season!

Don’t let the children miss out on New Year’s celebrations and see in the New Year a little bit earlier with your loved ones at Cantref Adventure farm. There’s a big New Years Celebration going on with loads of party games, music and a very special countdown at 12 noon.

Great Value Sunday Lunch Offer - is mum tired out from all the Christmas activities? Take advantage of Cantref ’s fantastic value Sunday Lunch Offer, every Sunday until March 22nd 2015. Prices start from as little as £8 per person which includes entry into the Farm Park!

Book tickets and check opening times at www.cantref.com or call 01874 665 223.

SANTA’S GROTTO& WINTER WONDERLANDHo Ho Ho - it’s Christmas! Come and meet Santa Clause in his very magical grotto. Live animals in the nativity scene and watch Mr Evs Christmas show featuring Santa’s little helpers of elves and talented animals - a real special time at Cantref!

29th November - 24th December(Check our website fordays and times)

NEW YEAR EVE PARTY!Time to party and party some more while singing and dancing to Auld Lang Syne. Celebrate the passing of the year and the start of 2015 - a great day to shake off the Christmas festivities with a toast to the Chimes of Big Ben - even though it’s in the afternoon! There is even a little tipple for the big kids!

31st December, 10.30am - 4pm

SUNDAY LUNCHGreat Value Sunday Lunch Offer - available every Sunday until March 22nd 2015.Prices start from as little as £8 per person which includes entry into the Farm Park!

We also offer free Wi-Fi.

Cantref -Brecon’s BiggestAdventureWe have large, heated indoor play areas andour animal petting farm plus all our great family attractions!For a great kids day out, why not have your birthday party or group visit to Cantref.

01874 665 223 www.cantref.comUpper Cantref Farm, Cantref, Brecon, Powys, LD3 8LR

Checkout Facebook and Twitter for competitions, features,latest news, photos, snippets, gossip and even get the chanceto meet the new baby arrivals!

Come visit our NEW Present Room!


Recipe:Scrummy Fish Pie“With the weather turning cold I begin to crave ‘proper’ warming food. This fish pie ticks all the boxes for me - it’s really comforting, can be made early and popped in the oven half an hour or so before you want to eat, and fish is great for little brains! If your Picky Pickers aren’t great fish fans, just serve a very small amount the first time you make this and fill up their plate with other things they like so they don’t feel too overwhelmed. Hopefully it won’t be long before they’re enjoying a full portion and begging for more!”

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:1kg potatoes for mashing

a knob of butter

a splash of milk

75g grated cheddar cheese - maybe start off with mild and build up to mature for Picky Pickers

a pinch of salt

400g mixed fish - I use a frozen fish mix, there’s no need to defrost, you can just pop the fish straight from the freezer into the pie dish. Smoked fish might be a little strong for Picky Pickers so perhaps stick to white fish at least to begin with

25g butter

25g plain flour

400ml milk

1 teaspoon of English mustard

Optional: a handful of frozen petit pois and/or sweetcorn, chives

Method:1: Peel and chop the potatoes into small pieces. Boil until soft (about 20 minutes depending on size).

2: Mash the potatoes until smooth and add the knob of butter, the splash of milk and about a third of the cheddar cheese and a pinch of salt. Mix together until creamy.

3: Make a white sauce by melting 25g of butter over a low heat then adding the flour. Mix and

cook gently for 2 minutes. Slowly add the milk, little by little, and stirring constantly to avoid lumps! Bring to the boil and cook for a further 3-4 minutes. Mix in another third of the cheese, a teaspoon of mustard and the chives, sweetcorn and/petis pois if using. Take off the heat.

4: Place the fish in a large oven proof dish and pour over the white sauce.

5: Next spoon on the mashed potato and smooth with a fork. Sprinkle over the remaining cheese.

6: The dish can be put in the fridge overnight if you like or popped straight in the oven at 200 degrees celsius until bubbling and golden on the top (about 30 mins, or 40 from chilled).

Recipe supplied by Picky Pickers

The Picky Pickers blog, pickypickers.wordpress.com is dedicated to helping parents to steer their fussy little eaters towards more balanced and varied diets. Packed full of recipes, tips and advice, Picky Pickers aims to get children excited about cooking and eating, and maybe even trying some greens! For lots more fun and scrummy recipes to make with your kids, visit pickypickers.wordpress.com

THE TRAM INNTraditional Country Freehouse

Real Ales, Home Cooked Meals& Lovely Family Garden

The Tram InnEardisleyHerefordHR3 6PG

01544 [email protected]

Traditional Country FreehouseReal Ales, Home Cooked Meals

with Children catered for& lovely family Garden

Summer Competition Winners:Well done to Jake Smith, Hay-on-Wye Primary School who sent us a very creative drawing of his mum, dad, sister and brother. Thank you to A Little Style who kindly donated a £20 gift voucher, mum has been in and spent it wisely!Our second winner, for a Spa Day for Two, was Arthur Cadman, Groesfford. Arthur told us “I deserve a spa day because after 15 years of grafting in my furniture workshop, I think my body is well overdue some ‘healing love’. The obvious choice for the second ticket is my long suffering wife for having to listen to me moan about my aches and pains and for having to pick all those woodshavings out of the washing machine!” Thank you to Peterstone Court for donating such a special prize.


Lots to experience at Quackers

Just 10 minutes from Builth Wells is Quackers Play Centre. Inside there is a 4 lane astro slide, the biggest drop slide in Mid-Wales, a tube slide, roller racers, a rope bridge, ball pool and many other exciting features including softball cannons and double dropslide in our brand new extension for 2014. For dry days outside there is a large sandpit, race track with pedal go-karts, and a nature walk round the lake. And best news of all- at Quackers it’s not just the children that have all the fun, the grown ups do too, adults are allowed on all the play equipment!

Their Cowshed Café has a five star hygiene rate, serving a wide selection of home cooked meals and snacks for Big Farmers and Little Farmers.

Struggling for somewhere to hold your child’s party? You’ll be pleased to hear that upstairs they have two themed party rooms, the brightly coloured Quackers’ Diner (max of 10), or the mysterious Enchanted Forest (up to 30). There’s also a big room for larger parties, meetings or small conferences. Within the party package you would enjoy: 1 hour 30 minutes

of all action, climbing, sliding, crawling, spinning fun on the play equipment; then for the next 30 minutes feast in your chosen party room. Only £10.50 per child, minimum of 8 for a party time of 2 hours. Please call for more details.

“Friendly and well run Children’s play centre that caters for children’s parties as well as simply running about and having fun on the well-maintained, clean and tidy play equipment. Dropslides of varying terrorfullness, lots of tunnels and walkways, pneumatic ball-firing cannons and outside a track with pedal go-karts. From the booking to the event to the party bags, this was a very professionally run enterprise, with no snags or worries I could see - the children could have easily stayed another hour, just playing with the diggers in the sandpit outside. Food was great, too - home-made cakes and proper ham off the bone in the sandwiches. ” Trip Advisor

www.quackersnow.com


A little bit about Play Therapy

The resident team at Windfall includes three BAPT Play Therapists providing short and long-term therapy work with children, young people and their families. Given that one out of every ten children will experience a mental health difficulty (Centre for Social Justice, 2014), they are so pleased that children in our community can have access to this excellent treatment model.

Play Therapy is a proven and effective approach supporting clients of all ages facing a vast array of challenges and adversity. These may include experiences of abuse, trauma, bereavement and loss, domestic violence, and family breakdown.

Play Therapy’s effectiveness may be traced back to two main components of the process: The communicative and healing value of play and the trust and acceptance embedded in the client’s relationship with the therapist. Children use play as a form of communication just as adults will use spoken communication in therapy. Through their

play children work through traumatic experiences, solutions to dilemmas and master their emotions and thinking. Children do this naturally, but when life’s challenges exceed children’s capacity to comprehend and integrate experience, the support of a trained and empathetic therapist allows the child to extend their emotional skills and resilience. Additionally, the in-depth therapeutic relationship promotes positive change in the child by helping them to help themselves.

Play Therapy is non-directive process. This means that the child leads the play and the team at Windfall follow. Sometimes more structured activities are included to help children look at specific concerns or if they become stuck in their play.

Play Therapists work closely with parent/carers and can offer work specifically focused on parent-child relationships referred to as attachment work.

Play Therapy is ideally suited to supporting young children and those with learning and sensory impairments due to its emphasis on non-verbal communication and the non-directive, child-led process.


BAPT Play Therapists are highly trained in working with the developmental, mental and emotional needs of children and young people. This is underpinned by their comprehensive training, high level of clinical supervision and rigorous continuing professional development. Windfall Play Therapists are BAPT accredited, having completed an intensive two-year program of study at Masters level, and are required to maintain rigorous and reflective supervision of the practice.

The Windfall Centre is a non-profit organization based in mid Wales and home to a team of professionals with expertise in the field of children and young people’s health, welfare and development.

Everyone at Windfall chose their line of work based on a deep commitment to making the lives of children and families the best they can be. Therefore, they are happy to offer advice and signposting to families, professionals and children and young people - just call or email the team and they will always try to be of help. (Please see their advert to the left for contact details.)

Developing and enhancing the skillsof young people

DAI y Bannau is a Multimedia Theatre group that aims to develop and enhance the skills of young people in relation to performing arts and multimedia theatre.

The group meet every Tuesday at 4pm at Theatre Brycheiniog, and workshops will focus on acting, scriptwriting, singing and dancing, storyboarding and set design as well as multimedia skills such as camera work, editing, cartooning, animation, music production and recording.

The sessions are initially aimed at young people aged 7+. To register your child, or for more information please contact 07846 446268 or email [email protected]


Christopher,s Book Reviews:

The Lily-Livered Prince by Christopher William Hill

‘Following the deaths of Marius’s parents in a cable car accident in an alpine town outside Schwartzgarten, the boy is sent to Schwartzgarten to live with his Great Uncle, the 96-year-old chocolate maker, M. Kalvitas. But is the city a safe place for orphans to live? The Department of Police has reports that children are being abducted and smuggled from the city - but how, and more importantly, why? When Marius encounters the Band of Blood, a group of orphaned children who live in a dilapidated hotel in Schwartzgarten’s mysterious Old Town, it seems they have a theory to explain the abductions. Could it be that the new chocolate shop in the artisan quarter of the city is a front for the kidnappings? Time is running out before they themselves are dragged from the dark city streets and spirited out of the city. Luckily, the members of the Band of Blood have Great Uncle Kalvitas on their side. But is Kalvitas really the ancient war hero he claims to be and can he save his Great Nephew from the abductors?’

The Lily-Livered Prince is the third book in the Schwartzgarten series. The book is about a boy called Kalvitas who lived in the city of Schwartzgarten. When Kalvitas is framed for a crime he did not commit, he runs away from Schwartzgarten, and goes to Prince Alberto’s Summer Palace. Prince Alberto used to be king of Schwartzgarten before the evil tyrant Emete Talbor made war on the city. When Prince Alberto was defeated he went to his Summer Palace, and he had a son called Prince Eugene. When Kalvitas gets to the Palace he goes to work in the Kitchens. But when he is called to battle so he can bake cakes for Prince Eugene, his life is changed forever.

My favourite bit of the book is when Emete Talbor is beheaded. This is my favourite part because he is beheaded by his own guillotine! Very gruesome, but very funny as well.

My favourite character is Kalvitas because I think he makes a very good hero. His cakes sounded really yummy and he was brave. He’s my second favourite Christopher William Hill hero (my first is Osbert the Avenger!).

The world of Schwartzgarten which Hill has created is very clever, and pretty violent most of the time! I’m not sure I’d like to live there.

I really like this series, and I think this is the best book in the series so far. I love Christopher William Hill’s dark humour, it’s very like Roald Dahl. I saw him at the Hay Festival this year, and he’s even funnier in real life!

5 Stars

A Boy and a Bear in a Boat by Dave Shelton

This book is about exactly what the title says it is! - a boy and a bear in a boat! When the story begins the boy and the bear are boarding the boat and then they go off to sea and have many adventures together.

I thought this was quite an unusual book as you never find out where the pair are going or even how they met. I really liked this as it was different to other books.

There are only two characters in this book - unless you count a sea monster. My favourite character was the bear. He was very funny, one of my favourite parts was when he was explaining how to navigate using the stars, it really made me laugh.

The best bit of the story was when the boy and the bear played a game of I Spy. The parts with the Very Last Sandwich were also very good.

The pictures in the book were nice, although the bear wasn’t how I imagined he would be in my head.

I think Dave Shelton has a very good imagination, and I really liked this book.

4.5 Stars

“Hi, I’m Christopher. I’m 10 years old and I live in Brecon. I love reading and review my favourite books at Christopher’s Corner on www.bookwormink.co.uk.”


Farm Shop, Café, Library and plans for a Mini Allotment for the little gardeners ....

Ceri, her husband William and her mother and father in law began Church Barn Farm Shop in 2011 in a bid to produce and promote their own healthy produce from their organic farm just 2 minutes from the farm shop.

The couple are a young working family and are raising three children all 5 and under. For this

reason, they have always wanted to bring children closer to nature and give them a clearer idea about farming and to give them a space in the barn that they can use and enjoy.

Understanding the importance of reading, not only for the obvious benefits, but to learn to relax in surroundings and enjoy company, in October the shop opened a small children’s library room, working as part of the Rural Book Scheme with Herefordshire County Council, and they will be developing this in 2015 with a larger area for children, and developing an adult reading area and conference area with Wi-Fi.

With the help of local residents, schools and nurseries they are hoping to set up a mini allotment area close to the shop, that your children can develop their green fingers! Ceri is keen for anyone to get in touch if they are interested in their little keen gardeners getting involved or if you are able to offer any help.

Children’s Library Now Open

A community librarywith internet and IT access for all to use

As well as a space to enjoy readingand to borrow books. No obligation to join the

scheme, you can just borrow books to enjoy a littlequiet/reading time in the farm shop

Fiction and non-fiction books are supplied by Herefordshire Councils Rural Book Scheme.

Feel free to take books intothe cosy Pantry Café and relax

Any parent or guardian who want refreshmentscan enjoy a reduced price for tea (£1.00) or any coffee (£1.50) Monday to Thursday 10am-12pm

We are now also conductingFrench booster sessions

for GCSE students, who may want extra time individually or in small groups and also

mother and toddler Welsh sessions

Please contact Ceri at the shopfor any details about these courses

or any events going on in the Farm Shop

Church BarnFarm Shop

Church Barn Farm Shop,Whitney on Wye, Herefordshire HR3 6EH

Tel: 01497 831414Email: [email protected]


Good mix of activities at The Muse

Over the past three years with a lot of help and ups and downs Ruth Gibbs (and her partner Gerwyn and her family) have been able to convert the building formerly known as the Old Museum on Glamorgan Street in Brecon, separating off part to be their home. The plan for the rest of the building has always been to create a meeting space, a venue for a variety of activities, people and events. Now, still to Ruths amazement at times, it is happening!

To date, they have had live music, theatre, kids music and play sessions, art workshops, coffee mornings, a cheese and wine night, spoken word, children’s and grownups parties, dance classes, choir rehersels, stitch together and more.

As well as their programme the space is available to hire for community, business and personal events so get in touch if you are looking for a unique and characterful space to put something on yourself, cost is between £10-15 per hour.

Ruth is a mum of two little girls, so getting a good mix of activities for different ages is important but also creating a place were different generations can meet and share experience is important too.

In October half term, as part of Brecon Art Week they had some great workshops - upcycling t-shirts into bags, mask making and jewellery making.

On Decemember 6th they have a Winter Extravaganza - stalls, pop up café, story telling tent, drop in craft events for families. Guto Dafis, Cardiff based, international story teller will be headlining the story teller tent. If you’re yet to come by this is a great opportunity.

Winter Craft Fair – 6th Dec. 10-5pm. Stalls, Café, Story Telling, Children’s Activities, Vintage and more. The Muse Christmas Party – 19th Dec. 8-late. “The ho ho ho down” £5 tbc!Gerard Cousins plays The Muse - 20th Dec. 7.30pm. Beautiful classical guitar £10.

CLASSES: Mondays 2-3pm Qi Gong, 5-6pm Zumba Gold, 7pm-9pm Alive and Kickin’ Community Choir. Wednesdays 7-8pm Arabic Dance, 8-9pm Cuban Salsa. 2nd & 4th Wednesdays 10-6pm Stitch Together fun social sewing/ knitting/ textiles group

Keep up to date on Facebook with our FAMILY HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

RUTH GIBBS: 07791 654799, [email protected]

On Tuesdays (2nd, 9th and 16th December) they have after-School Family Circle Dancing, from 4 - 5pm. The dates for 2015 are yet to be confirmed.

Like The Muse at Brecon on Facebook to keep up to date with upcoming events during the week, weekends and in the the holidays.

Until then look out on the right on Glamorgan Street as you drive into town- freshly painted with lovely orange front doors!

The Badham Family will be sure to visit over the Festive Season and in 2015.


Ten great places to enjoy wildlife and nature in the Brecon Beacons National Park

Our National Park is full of places where you and the family can enjoy the wonders of nature throughout the year. Here is a selection of brilliant spots that are easy to get to.

1. Red Kite Feeding Station: Visitors may sit in the specially built hide only feet away from diving birds and observe them competing naturally for the meat provided by the feeding centre at regular times throughout the year. Usually around 50+ birds may be seen gathering before the feed, soaring high into the sky until they start diving onto their food. In addition to Kites, Buzzards and Ravens may also join the fun!

The centre is open to the public. You don’t need to book. Feeding time is 3pm daily during British Summer Time and 2pm daily for the rest of the year. Admission charges apply: Adults - £4, OAP and Concession - £3, Children under 16 - £2.

Red Kite Feeding Centre, The Red Kite Café, Llanddeusant, Llangadog SA19 9YG. Tel 01550 740617. www.redkiteswales.co.uk

2. Craig Cerrig-Gleisiad and Fan Frynych National Nature Reserve: Southwest of Brecon, this wild mountain region is home to peregrine falcons, ring ouzels, ravens and butterflies.

This upland reserve dramatically illustrates, on a huge scale, the glacial processes that carved our fantastic

landscape. The area also contains the remains of an Iron Age village and a Roman road and tollhouse.

3. Craig-y-Cilau National Nature Reserve: Craig-y-Cilau, near Crickhowell, is a spectacular limestone escarpment which supports its own characteristic fauna including birds and lesser horseshoe bats, and uncommon plants such as mountain melick and mossy saxifrage.

4. Cwm Clydach National Nature Reserve: In a steep gorge west of Abergavenny is a magnificent, ancient beech wood with ferns, mosses, birds and a waterfall. Cwm Clydach near Brynmawr (not to be confused with RSPB Cwm Clydach near Swansea) is a hidden treasure.

As you drive along the busy A465 Heads of the Valleys road through the Clydach Gorge, you may be unaware of the tranquil glories that can be found just a stone’s throw away. The surrounding landscape has been shaped and gouged by the forces of nature and the Industrial Revolution.

5. Coed-y-Cerrig National Nature Reserve: Coed-y-Cerrig, north of Abergavenny, is an area of mixed deciduous woodland including mature oak and hazel coppice, rich in wildflowers, fungi, insects and birds.

6. Llangorse Lake: There’s a beautifully designed bird hide at Llangasty on the southwest shore of

Photograph: Gareth Scanlon - ‘Last Light - Red Kite over Llyn Y Fan Fach’


Llangorse Lake. The nearby wildflower meadows are alive with butterflies in summer.

7. Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal: If you prefer smooth water to rushing rapids, you’ll love our canal. Once an important transport route, it’s now a lovely place for lazy strolling and boating. Peaceful and rural, with a flavour of times gone by, it’s often voted Britain’s prettiest canal. It passes through a generous swathe of the Brecon Beacons National Park, with appealing towns and villages to visit on the way.

Our historic canal is an important wildlife corridor and botanical habitat. As you stroll or boat along, look out for ducks, swans, kingfishers, water voles, dragonflies and, at dusk, bats.

8. Talgarth: The Black Mountains town of Talgarth is an excellent centre for nature-lovers, with superb woods where you can see bluebells, wood anemones and wild garlic in spring. The Brecknock Wildlife Trust’s Pwll-yr-Wrach Reserve, Woodland Trust’s Park Wood and Llangorse Lake are all close by.

9. Talybont Reservoir: The reservoir and its surrounds provide a safe haven for wintering and migrant birds. There’s a bird hide at the southern end of the reservoir, overlooking a protected wetland area that floods in winter.

10. Waterfalls Country: Brimming with life and wreathed in legend, the waterfalls and rapids in our National Park add an exciting, picturesque and thoroughly romantic touch to our woodlands and hillsides.

One part of our Park, at the head of the Vale of Neath, has so many wonderful waterfalls that we call it Waterfall Country. Many of these cascades are easily accessible on foot, as long as you’re prepared to walk through beautiful woods to get there.

Our waterfalls are not just pretty to look at – they’re fun to get wet in, too. Some people like to walk behind the curtain of water, or set up their tripod in the stream to take photos. Others like to canoe the rapids, or leap into the flow on high-octane gorge-walking expeditions.

Please go towww.breconbeacons.orgfor more inspiration on what to do in the Brecon Beacons National Park.

What’s on:Now - Wednesday 24th DecemberSantas Grotto and Panto: at Cantref Farm Park Check opening times at www.cantref.com or call 01874 665223.

Wednesday 10th – Sunday 14th DecemberJack and the Beanstalk: at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Starring Phil Doyle, this hilarious show is filled with all the traditional elements that we all know and love including, of course, bags of audience participation! Between the jokes & japes, witty wordplay and silly slapstick, there’ll also be enough singing, dancing, romance, magic, mystery and excitement to entertain audiences of all ages. Contact 01874 611622. Please check website for times and dates: www.brycheiniog.co.uk

Saturday 6th – Monday 22nd DecemberThe Father Christmas Experience with Wee Crafty Folk: 10am – 4pm at the National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus. We put our hearts into creating something that will delight you and your family, restore the faith of those who are questioning the mystery, and giving something wonderful to you all to take away with you. You will definitely meet his head Elf, - ‘Clang’ who is usually quite naughty, and has to be told off! Contact 01874 623366. Please email for exact dates: [email protected]

Saturday 6th – Sunday 14th DecemberSanta’s workshop, Christmas crafts and carols weekends: 11am – 4pm at Croft Castle and Parkland, Yarpole, near Leominster. Follow the reindeer trail to find Santa in his workshop and get an early Christmas gift. All tickets £4. Enjoy carol singing from local choirs. Lots of mulled wine and mince pies. Free event. Contact 01568 780246. Please check website for specific dates: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

Friday 19th – Wednesday 31st December Paddington (U): 5.30pm at Richard Booth’s Bookshop Cinema. Family comedy from the producer of Harry Potter. Screenings daily from 19th – 31st December excluding 24th – 26th. £5 Contact 01497 820322 Please check website for times and dates: www.boothsbooks.co.uk

Saturday 24th – Saturday 31st JanuaryWestenders presents - Snow White & The Orb Of Destiny: at Theatr Brycheiniog. Join a host of well-known loveable characters as they take you Hooglesfluff and back! Show-stopping musical numbers, magical scenery, contemporary choreography and colorful costumes equals great entertainment for all the family. Contact 01874 611622. Please check website for times and dates: www.brycheiniog.co.uk

Don’t forget to check out Wyeside Arts Centre for films and live events: www.wyeside.co.uk


Monday

Hay Clyro Primary School Parent and Toddler Group: 9 - 10.30am. For play, fun activities, songs and stories. 0 – 5 years. Just turn up and join in! £1 per session. Contact 01497 820860.

Little Gems Playgroup: 9 – 11.30am at St John’s Family Centre. 2-3 years old. £7.50 per session or free to Flying Start Families. Contact 01874 611723. Term time only.

Story Time at Hay Library: 11.30am - 12pm. Come join in the fun. Contact 01497 820847.

Cylch Meithrin Seren Fach (Welch Playgroup for 2-3yr olds): 12.45 – 3.15pm at St John’s Family Centre. £7.50 per session or free to Flying Start Families. Contact 01874 611723. Term time only.

Enjoy a ball: 4 – 5pm at Hay Parish Hall. Champs 6-9 years. Contact 07715 607603. Running from January.

2nd Rainbows (girls aged 5-7): 5.30 – 6.30pm. Llanfaes Church Hall. Contact www.girlguiding.org.uk/joinus to register interest. Term time only.

Brownies: 6 - 7.30pm in Brecon. Age 7 to 10. www.girlguiding.org.uk/brownies.

Brecon Athletics Club: 6 – 8pm. Brecon Leisure Centre. Contact Kath Crane 01874 623677.

Brecon Welsh language youth club: 6 – 8pm at Brecon Youth Centre. Contact Rhodri Jones 01874 622658. Term time only.

Alive & Kickin’ Community Choir: 7 – 9pm. The Old Museum, Glamorgan St, Brecon. Everyone aged 10 and up who wants to sing is most welcome. £5 per session. Contact Tanya Walker 07723 016837.

Llanigon YFC Meeting: 7 - 9.30pm at Llanigon Village Hall. Contact Philip Price 01497 847342.

Tuesday


Llyswen Parent & Toddler Group: 9.10 - 11am. Llyswen Village Hall. Everyone welcome, lots of fun and good company. Children from 0 - School age. Term time only.

Muddy Puddles Playgroup: 9.30 – 11.30am. Escleyside Hall. Join the weekly themed activities, spacious indoor play and outdoor adventures in our beautiful surroundings (bring wellies). £1.50 per family. Contact Kirsty 01981 240225. Term time only.

Story Time: 11 – 11.30am. Brecon Library. Free and all ages welcome.


Language and Play Programme: 1.30 – 3pm at St John’s Family Centre. Free. Contact 01874 611723. Term time only.

Builth Wells Welsh language youth club: 3.30 – 5pm at Riverside/ Riverside Community Centre. Contact Rhodri Jones 01874 622658. Term time only.

DAI y Bannau: 4pm. Theatre Brycheiniog, Brecon. A Multimedia Theatre group. Young people aged 7+. Contact 07846 446268. Please see article on page 11 for more information.

Family Circle Dancing: 4 – 5pm at The Muse, Glamorgan St, Brecon. Running until 16th December, dates for 2015 TBC.

Childrens Climbing Club: 5.15 – 6.45pm at Trewern Outdoor Education Centre, Cusop, Hereford. £4 per week. Interested in Climbing or want to try something new? If you are aged between 7 - 18 then come along. Contact 01497 820512.

Brownies: 5.45 – 7.15pm Brecon. Age 7 - 10. www.girlguiding.org.uk/brownies

Samba Brecon: 6 - 8pm. A lively, friendly community percussion band which meets to play Afro-Brazilian rhythms on a weekly basis. New members are always welcome. No

previous experience needed. First taster session is free. £4 per session. Under 16s must be accompanied. Contact Glenn 07971 398727 or Catherine 01874 625422.

Glasbury Junior Paddlers: 6.30 – 7.15pm at Baskerville Hall, Clyro. Anyone have a child who wants to learn to kayak? £4 per session. If you’re interested just turn. Lessons are in the pool until Spring time, after which they will then be on the Wye (meeting outside Glasbury Scouts Hut). Contact Pete 01497 820022.

Hay Film Makers: 6.30 - 8pm. The Globe, Hay. Free entry. Come and learn how to make films. Open to all. Contact Janine 07733 055430.

Gwernyfed Hockey Club - Training: 7 – 8pm Brecon Leisure Centre’s Astro. All abilities welcome. Contact Nicola Drew 07812691345.

Talgarth YFC Meeting: 7 - 8.30pm at Gwernyfed Rugby Club, Talgarth.Contact Heather Summerfield 01874 711093.

Brecon Youth Club: 7 – 9.30pm. Brecon Youth Ctr., Cradoc Rd., Brecon. Activities: Arts and crafts, cookery, pool, dance, air hockey, darts, music room, IT suite. 11 – 25 years. Contact Rhodri Jones 01874 622658. Term time.

Shukokan Karate: 7.15 – 8pm beginners, 8 – 9pm intermediates, 9 – 10pm seniors and adults. Brecon Leisure Centre. Contact Paul Jones 01874 623677.

Brecon Basketball Club: 8 – 9pm. Brecon Leisure Ctr. Contact Roger Norris 01874 623677.

Wednesday

Bee Busy Playgroup: 9 – 11am. Clifford Community Centre. Creative play, making and baking for 0 - 4 years. Contact 07989 980601.


Stay and Play – Parent led playgroup: 9.30 – 11.30am. The Cabin @ Bronllys

during the weekWhat’s on:

Please note some weekly events / classes may only run during term time - check with the organiser to be sure

Cariads Local Ltd

To advertise in our next issue : tel 07971 446632 or email [email protected] 1817

Primary School. Bumps, babies & toddlers – all welcome. £1 per session, refreshment included. Contact 01874 711444. Term-time only.

Brecon Breastfeeding Support – BIBs: 10 – 12noon. St. John’s Family Centre, Brecon.


Ti a Fi (Welsh Parent and Toddler Group): 1.30 – 3pm at St John’s Family Centre. Free. Contact 01874 611723. Term time only.

The Scribblers Writers Club: 5.30pm at 25 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye. Free. Hay Festival’s young writers group for 12 – 17 year olds. Contact Jo Rodell-Jones 01497 822620. Term time only.

Rainbow Guides (for girls aged 5 & 6): 5pm. Cobbles Coffee Shop. Contact Pam Martin 07976 797107. Term time only.

Junior Fencing: 7 - 8pm at Gwernyfed Sports Centre, Three Cocks. For children aged 7 to 15. Contact 07598 324978.

Gwent & Powys Army Cadet Force: 7 - 9pm at Old School Bldg, Church Lane, Talgarth. Ages 12 (Yr8 High School) - 18yrs looking for a new exciting, fun and challenging activity. Headquarters Contacts: 01873 813756.

Gwent & Powys Army Cadet Force: 7 - 9pm at The Cadet Centre, Gypsy Castle, Hay-on-Wye. Please see details on previous listing.

Thursday

Jolly Tots Stay and Play: 9 - 11am. Hay Primary School. £2 a session £1 for additional children. Come along for creative activities, play and fun! Contact Katy 07896 361453. Term time only.


Talgarth Baby and Toddler Group: 9.15 – 11am. Talgarth Primary School. 50p donation for refreshments. Contact Wendy 07989 946241. Term time only.

Toddler Group: 10am – 12pm at The Play Barn, Brecon. £2 for the first child you bring and £1 for any additional children. Includes snack for the children at 11am. Contact 01874 623480. Term time only. Please see article on page 3


Clyro Primary School Parent and Toddler Group: 2 - 3.30pm. For play, fun activities, songs and stories. 0 – 5years. Just turn up and join in! £1per session. Contact 01497 820860.

Football for Girls: 5.30 – 6.15pm (Years 1, 2, 3). 6.15 – 7pm (Years 4, 5, 6, 7) at Brecon Leisure Centre. Ages 5 – 12. Free until Christmas. Contact Anthony Thornley 07854 012841 or Jemma Alderson 07836 501925.

Brownies: 5.30 – 7pm. Brecon. Age 7 - 10. www.girlguiding.org.uk/brownies.

Gwernyfed Ladies RFC Training: 6pm Gwernyfed Rugby Club, Talgarth. U15’s girls. Contact Delyth Thomas 07891 371458.

Brecon Youth Club: 6.30 – 9pm Tuesday and Friday. Brecon Youth Centre, Cradoc Road. Activities: Arts and crafts, cookery, pool, dance, air hockey, darts, music room, IT suite. Age Group: 11-25. Contact Rhodri Jones on 01874 622658. Term time only.

Netball: 7 - 8pm at Gwernyfed Sports Hall. £2 on the night. New players very welcome, from ages 14+. Contact Lisa Marie 01544 327716.

Brecon & Glanusk Explorer Scouts: 7.45 – 9pm. We provide scouting for 14 – 18 year-olds, meeting either in Crickhowell or Brecon (lifts are usually available). As well as traditional scouting activities we also take part in many other activities, including the Duke of Edinburgh

Award Scheme. We are a friendly group, and newcomers are more than welcome to come along and try us out. You can get a flavour of what we get up to by visiting our website www.breconexplorers.co.uk. Term time only.

Friday


Dorstone Dormice Baby & Toddler Group: 10am – 12 noon. Dorstone Villlage Hall. £1 per child which includes snacks and tea/coffee. Please come along and say hello! Term time only.


Brecon Bouncers: 4.15 – 5.45pm. Brecon Leisure Centre. Trampoline activities. Contact Sue Goodhead 01874 623677.

Saturday

Hay Youth Theatre Club: 10.30am – 12.30pm at the Globe at Hay. £6. Fantastic fun and professional performance skill training for kids aged 7-11. Contact 07733 055430.

Enjoy a ball: 10 – 11am (Bee Bops 3-4 years), 11am – 12pm (Play Ball 4-6 years) at Clifford Community Centre. Contact 07715 607603. Running from January.

Hay Senior Youth Theatre Club: 1 – 3pm at the Globe at Hay. £6. Fun and Laughs, professional performance skill training for kids ages 12-16. Contact 07733 055430.

Sunday

Sunday Lunch: Cantref, Brecon. Great Value Sunday Lunch Offer, available every Sunday until March 22nd. Prices start from as little as £8 per person which includes entry into the Farm Park! Contact 01874 665223.

during the weekWhat’s on:


Cariads Local Ltd

Please mention Cariads Local Family Magazine when responding to adverts18 1917

Now - Tuesday 6th January

Christmas at The Hall at Abbey Cwm Hir: Abbeycwmhir, Llandrindod Wells. No other historic house n the UK offers such a remarkable spectacle. Over the last 7 years we have received thousands of visitors over Christmas and enjoyed some euphoric reactions to our home interior design ideas. £13-£15. Contact 01597 851727 or see www.abbeycwmhir.com.

Thursday 4th December – Sunday 7th December

A Child’s Christmas In Wales: Wales Theatre Company. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. Adapted & directed by Michael Bogdanov from the short story by Dylan Thomas. £12.50 per person. Contact 01874 611622.

Saturday 6th December

Christmas Workshops – Cooking with Carol: 9.15am – 12pm & 2.15am – 5pm at Carols Kitchen, The New Enclosures, Peterchurch, Hereford, Herefordshire HR2 0SL. £18. Demonstrations and Practical Learn fun, fantastic techniques and ideas with fondant icing. Make Fondant Christmas models, textured rolling! All Children and teenagers will work at their own level. Take home your 6 beautiful hand decorated (pre homemade) cupcakes presented in a patisserie cupcake box. All equipment, ingredients and packaging and aprons will be provided! Prizes! Christmas Cupcake Baking Gift Sets will be for sale on the day. Contact Carol Goring 07966 266967.

Winter Extravaganza: 10am – 5pm. The Muse at Brecon. Stalls, pop up café, story telling tent, drop in craft events for families. Guto Dafis, Cardiff based, international storyteller will be headlining the storyteller tent. Contact 07791 654799. Please see feature on page 14.

Talgarth Christmas Market: 10am – 6pm at Talgarth Cattle Market. Local food and drink, live music, arts and crafts, Santa’s Grotto, Children’s Activities.

Sunday 7th December

Tree-mendous Decorations at Elan Valley: 10am – 12pm and 2 – 4pm at Elan Valley. Make keepsake decorations today to add to your Christmas tree. Suitable for the whole family. Recycle leftover ribbons, wrapping paper and beads. Some materials will be provided along with mince pies and mulled non-alcoholic wine. Please book in advance. Meet at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. £3.50 per person. Contact 01597 810898.

Young people’s painting workshop with Kate Freeman: 10.30am – 1pm at Glasbury Village Hall. £7.50. Glasbury Arts is delighted that abstract artist Kate Freeman will again be providing a painting workshop for young people aged 8 to 12. There are 10 places available in the workshop in which Kate will provide a stimulating and exciting experience during which students will learn new skills. Contact 07583 544110.

Wednesday 10th December

Gala Christmas Concert: 7pm. Brecon Cathedral. Involving local primary school choirs, the South Powys Youth Orchestra, Brecon Cathedral Choir and Brecon Cathedral Consort. Tickets £8 Adults, £1 Children available from the Cathedral Shop.

Friday 12th December

Christmas Stargazing at the National Park Visitor Centre: 7 – 11pm at the National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus. The jewel in the sky will be the Geminid meteor shower and Martin Griffiths, senior lecturer in astronomy at the University of South Wales will also give a presentation on the Christmas Star. This wonderful time of year will also allow those participating to see the wonders of the winter sky such as the great hunter Orion and his wonderful nebula, the seven sisters, Taurus the Bull and the mighty Jupiter.Tickets are £10 which includes a jacket potato. Contact 01874 623366.


Brecknock Farmers Market – Christmas Market: 9.30am – 2pm. Brecon Market Hall. Visit Santa in his grotto. Contact 07805 375636.

Sunday 14th December

Father Christmas Charity Bike ride in aid of Brecon Mountain Rescue: Lion Yard, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7BA. First annual Charity Father Christmas fancy dress bike ride with all proceeds going to Brecon Mountain rescue. Come and join us for a short ride over Mynydd Illtud Common on a 3 mile route which has been laid out by Bikes and Hikes. This is a family friendly route but all riders must be confident on their bikes. Bike hire can be arranged for this event but it MUST be booked in advance through bikes and hikes. Prizes for best fancy dress outfit and best dressed bike! Mulled wine or soft drink and a mince pie provided on return by the Visitor Centre Tea rooms. £5 entry payable on the day. Contact 01874 610071.

Tuesday 16th December

Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland: 7.15pm at Wyeside Arts Centre, Builth Wells. A live broadcast from The Royal Ballet, featuring a tap-dancing Mad Hatter, a tetchy White Rabbit and a raucously bad-tempered Queen of Hearts. £17/£15. Contact 01982 552555.

Friday 19th December

Children’s Christmas Party: 4 – 6pm. The Baskerville Arms, Clyro. £4 per child (must be accompanied). Bookings only. Contact 01497 820670.

O Dan Y Pridd: 6pm at Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon. What’s the point of learning about boring things? Why waste our time filling our heads with strange words and complex ideas? ‘Prof ’ is someone who likes facts, and he knows why we should learn them. His class feels very differently about learning; especially as they have to spend an entire day in an isolated field at the side of a river. But when one of the crew falls down a deep hole how will they all react? Will they learn an

during December 2014What’s on:

Please note some weekly events / classes may only run during term time - check with the organiser to be surePlease note some weekly events / classes may only run during term time - check with the organiser to be sure

Cariads Local Ltd

To advertise in our next issue : tel 07971 446632 or email [email protected] 17

important lesson? This short musical looks at the wasteful way we live our lives. Who’s going to clear the mess at the end of the day? Is there anyone out there who can offer the answers, or do we have to solve this problem ourselves? Contact 01874 611622.

“The Magical Tales’ – A family magic show! 7pm at Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye. A real family epic adventure of magic, illusions, comedy, storytelling and mystery. £5. Contact 01497 820322.

The Muse Christmas Party: 8pm – late. The Muse at Brecon. £5. Contact 07791 654799. Please see feature on page 14.


Father Christmas: 12 – 3pm at Richard Booth’s Bookshop, Hay-on-Wye. Father Christmas will be in the shop helping to make the last shopping weekend before Christmas a magical one for even the youngest members of the family. Contact 01497 820322.

Saturday 20th – Sunday 21st December

Santa’s Grotto at Elan Valley: 10am – 4pm at Elan Valley Visitor Centre. Santa will be stopping at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. Don’t miss your chance to see him and deliver your Christmas list. Contact 01597 810898.

Sunday 28th December

Christmas Jazz Party: from 12 noon. (The Simon Deeley Jazz Quartet: 3 – 6pm and food served all day). The Old Black Lion, Hay. Contact 01497 820841.

ROH: Christopher Wheeldon’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (12A): 2.30pm at Richard Booth’s Bookshop Cinema, Hay-on-Wye. Adult £15, under 15 £10. The Royal Ballet Live broadcast. Contact 01497 820322.

Tuesday 30th December

Santa In Love - The People’s Theatre Company: 2pm at Wyeside Arts Centre, Castle St, Builth Wells. Have you ever wanted to know a secret? A Christmas secret! Maybe you’d like to know where the fairy on top of

the Christmas tree comes from, or why you never see a Christmas elf, or what exactly happened to Frosty the Snowman? Or maybe you’d like to know the greatest secret of them all... the one about Santa Claus and the thing he secretly loves best. Could it be presents? Could it be reindeer? Could it be snow? You’ll never guess, so if you want to find out then join Santa and his friends in this fun filled family musical complete with games, giggles and all your favourite Christmas songs. Santa will be available after the show to meet your little ones and give them a present, so don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the smiles! Tickets: £9 Concession: £8. Contact 01982 552 555.

Wednesday 31st December

New Year Eve Party!: 10.30am – 4pm at Cantref, Brecon. Time to party and party some more while singing and dancing to Auld Land Syne. Contact 01874 665223. Please see feature on page 7.

New Year’s Eve Party: Llanigon Village Hall. Everyone welcome. Contact 01497 820962.

Sunday 15th February

Knock Knock on the Fairy Door: 2 – 4pm at the Elan Valley Visitor Centre. Create a little magic at the Elan Valley. Make and take home your own fairy door. Suitable for all ages. Free entry. Please book in advance. No unaccompanied children please. Contact 01597 810898

Wednesday 18th February

Wild Wednesday: 10.30am, 11.30am and 12.30pm at The Old Railway Line, Three Cocks. Each child will enjoy fun craft activities and a hunt around the plant area. Booking is recommended. £3 per child. Contact 01497 847055.

Saturday 21st February

Illustrated Narrative Workshop: 10.30am – 4pm at Glasbury Village Hall. Workshop for young people, aged 11+ with writer Jenny Valentine and illustrator Aine Venables. Aine Venables is a graphic designer who

works in an inventive and playful way to create contemporary mixed media prints, with a strong narrative element exploring ideas of location, identity and belonging. Jenny Valentine is Glasbury’s bestselling children’s author, winner of the Guardian Prize for Children’s Fiction for her first novel, Finding Violet Park. Since then Jenny has published Broken Soup, The Ant Colony and The Double Life of Cassiel Roadnight. £12.50. Contact 07583 544110.

Duck In The Truck: 1 – 3.30pm at Wyeside Arts Centre. Based on the bestselling book by acclaimed children’s author Jez Alborough, this funny, silly, yucky mucky show will have you giggling away, singing along and laughing out loud. £8.50/£7.50. Contact 01982 552555.

Friday 20th March

Solar Eclipse viewing event: National Park Visitor Centre, Libanus. The morning will see the first solar eclipse visible in the mainland UK since 2011 and the majority of astronomers will be gearing up for this fascinating event. The eclipse will begin at 8:30am as the Moon slowly moves across the disk of the Sun. There will be telescopes available to see the eclipse directly in visible light and H –alpha in addition to a series of talks on the nature of eclipses and what we have learned from them. Tickets £8 - includes a bacon sandwich (veggie option available) and a cup of tea or coffee as well as the viewing and presentations. Contact 01874 623366 to book your tickets.

during December ‘14 - March ‘15What’s on:


Don’t forget to read our monthly magazines for more classes and events:

www.wyelocal.co.uk - serving Hay, Talgarth and the surrounding villages.

www.localbeacon.co.uk - serving Brecon and the surrounding villages.

Email: [email protected] you have an event/class you would like us to include in any of our publications.


CV

Find us at… 7 Lion St, Brecon, LD3 7AY

Check the website or facebook for opening <mes

A little STYLE Childrenswear & gifts for cool customers

[email protected]

Get ready for Christmas with A little STYLE

²  Evening & Sunday shopping (by appointment) ²  Free Christmas giJ wrapping for purchases over £10 ²  Clothing from £10, stocking fillers from £2.50 ²  Wide range of dress-‐up in store and to order ²  Quality clothes from PJs to party dresses ²  Baby to age 12

CV

²  for sale info and special offers ²  Spring stock due early March 2015

17


Lot’s of lovely Christmas clothes and gift’s now in storefor children aged 0-11 yearsTake a look www.littlepoppetsclothing.co.uk

or come in store 98 The Struet, Brecon, Powys, LD3 7LS

Online sale starts Saturday 27th Dec(don’t forget you can click and collect in store)

Instore sale starts Saturday 3rd Jan

New Spring stock in store from end of January.

We would like to wish all of our lovely customersa Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

TEL: 01874 [email protected] www.littlepoppetsclothing.co.uk

OPENING TIMES: Monday 9.30am - 2.30pm; Tuesday & Wednesday 9.30am - 3.30pm;Thursday & Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm; Saturday: 10am - 4.30pm

up to

70% off

HOLIDAYCHILDCARE

c r a d o c k i d s' c l u b

Tel:- 07914886648 [email protected] www.cradockidsclub.com

Weekdays from

Monday 21st July

to

Friday 22nd August

at Coolkids, Cradoc Kids' Club, Cradoc CP School

8AM - 6PM

for 3 to 13 year olds

Spaces available for

February Half Term 2015

Having a Children’s Party?Look no further thanParty Party 4U . . .

from Thomas - Frozen we stock:

Party WearParty BalloonsBadges, Banners, CandlesPinata’sParty Bag FillersAnd much, much more . . .

We also operate a Toy Club - ask us

12, Lion St, Brecon01874 [email protected]/partyparty4u

www.cariadslocal.co.uk Published by CariAds Local Ltd

Documents

Cariads Local Family Magazine - Issue 2 Winter 2014