yrv_may_2011_mag

www.yourrhymneyvalley.co.uk | To advertise please call: 01685 845 091

1

for local people, about local people,produced by local people

local community& advertising

magazine

May 2011 - Issue No.2

Pick me

up I’m

free...

Community “Covanta” believe it...- look inside for the full story

SANDWICH BARPontlottynMerchant Street

Call today:01685 84 33 33

Also available...Sweets | Bread | Milk | Cakes

Meal Deal Offer:

Opening TimesMon - Thurs 8:30am- 8pmFriday 8:30am - 5:30pm

www.yourrhymneyvalley.co.uk

Hot Dog & Can £2Burger & Can £1.90Cheese Burger & Can £2Bacon Roll & Can £2

Meal offer after 4:30pmFREEDelivery onFridays

Europe’s largest coal tip- find out where inside

Free £10 voucher* inside...- plus many more money saving offers


2

Welcome to your second issue of“ your rhymney valley “.

We are very passionate aboutall things local, including thepeople, the businesses and thecommunity we live in.

We hope to bring youthe very best of what theRhymney valley has tooffer.

Throughout this magazine youwill find information from yourlocal painter to delicious recipes,also why not sit back andhave a go at one of ourcrossword / Sudoko puzzles.Have you ever found yourselfsearching for a certain number,well we have included usefulcontacts too, just for you.

The views expressed by anyadvertiser / author in this issueare not those of

“your rhymney valley”. If youwould like to get in touchplease contact us as below:

24 Edmund StreetPontlottynBargoedCF81 9RR

Tel: 01685 845 091

Email:[email protected]

Useful numbers...Rhymney Health Centre

01685 840627

Victoria Surgery, Rhymney01685 840614

Gelligaer & Gilfach Surgery01443 831150

Bargoed Health Centre01443831211

Aberbargoed Health Clinic01443 831185

White Rose Medical Centre01443 878300

Out of Hours Doctors0845 6001231

Rhymney Pharmacy Pontlottyn01685 841351

Rhymney Pharmacy, Rhymney01685 842969

Shephards Pharmacy, New Tredegar01443 830741

Handbury Pharmacy, Bargoed01443 831007

Vida Rogers Pharmacy, Aberbargoed01443 831015

P Hopkinson Pharmacy, Aberbargoed01443 831073


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Rhymney Garage

MOTSonly £39.99

Service & MOTOnly

£99What else do we do ?

• Brakes• Tyres• Exhausts• Clutches• Timing Belts• Laser Tracking• All Garage Repairs

01685 840 272 or 07812 126 623

Can’t find the time ? - FREE pick up service !Tredegar | Rhymney | Pontlottyn | Abertwssyg | Fochriw

While you wait...

Visit our Jul’z Cafe

All Day BreakfastAvailable


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take a break...8 4 6 7

4

1 6 5

5 9 3 7 8

7

4 8 2 1 3

5 2 9

1

3 9 2 5

Answers onlater on...

Advertisehere for

£25READY,STEADY,DRIVE

READY, STEADY, DRIVEDriving School - covering Rhymney Valley

2 FREELessons

(conditions apply)

Discount forBlock Bookings

“Permanently

Low Prices”

Call Rhys on:07977 23 17 78


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MotorcycleMOT’s | Servicing |Repairs

• Tyres supplied & fitted• Electronic wheel balancing• Fully fitted workshop facilities• In house shot & bead blasting• General parts - on & off road• Metal polishing• Custom parts and accessories• Service & repairs

“ for all your motorcycle& trike repairs”

Est 2006

Bethel Building | Picton Street | Pontlottyn | Mid Glamorgan | CF81 9PS

Custom Bikes & Trikeswww.sw-customs.comTel: 01685 845 111

Do you remember when ?

The coal tip in Aberbargoed was at one time, one of the largest in

Europe, it could be seen from Pengam road.Today, all that can be seen is the horizon.


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Indian Takeaway - Pontlottyn

Open 7 days a week5pm - 11:30pm

01685 842 866

Burgers

Kebabs

Also available...

Call today for afree estimate

07969 470 683

What’s on ...

Date : 07 May 2011 - 08 May 2011Time : 0530Venue : Cwmcarn Forest Drive

Join the warden Matthew from theWetlands Centre for an early morningwalk around the Nantcarn Valley tocapture the wonderful sounds of earlymorning birdsong! then back to the centrefor a cuppa and bacon sarnie!For further details please telephoneCwmcarn Visitor Centre on 01495 272001

Date : 08 May 2011Time : 0930Venue : Twyn Community Centre

Every 2nd Saturday a month. A farmersmarket selling a range of different produceincluding:- Eggs, meat, cheese, cakes,bread, honey, preserves, plants andwoodcraft. For more information look atwww.caerphillyfarmersmarket.co.uk orphone 01656 658963

Date : 13 May 2011Time : 2000Venue : Blackwood Miners Institute

Fall about laughing with our brand newcomedy nights featuring comedianscurrently touring the UK circuit. Thisbrand new show sees 3 comedians anight and offers a hilarious alternativeto your Friday nights, at an unbeatableprice of just £7 for advanced ticket holders.Strictly over 16yrs only For furtherinformation or to book tickets contact thebox office on;01495 227206 alternatively log on towww.blackwoodminersinstitute.com


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PATEL’S STOREPontlottyn

32 Merchant Street Pontlottyn

MILK: | 4 PNT £1.45 | 2 PNT £0.85 | 1 PNT £0.55 |

MULTIPACK OF CRISPS £1.00

BRACES BREAD: £1.10 PER LOAF

BROWN BREAD : £1.25 PER LOAF

EMERGE ENERGY DRINK 2 FOR 0.60p

CHEAP PET FOOD! WINALOT 1 FOR 0.69p 2 FOR £1.19

BUY YOUR TOBACCO, HOUSEHOLD ITEMS,GROCERY AND LOTS MORE!

STILL CHEAP PRICES FROM OLD VAT!!GRAB YOUR SELF A BARGAIN!!

BRING YOURRHYMNEY VALLEY BOOK AND GET YOUR SELF

5% OFFANY THING OVER £10 SHOPPING! EVERY PENNY COUNTS!

OPENING HOURS 8:30 AM TO 8:30PM

SUNDAYS 10:00AM TO 6:00PM


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rhymney valleywith Lightening the Bat

Kids

Feeling hungry Word Searchno grown upsallowed !

MAIN BRANDSOUTLET

Opening Times:Monday - Friday: 9.30am - 5.30pmSaturday: 9.30am - 4.30pmUnit B3, St David's Industrial Estate, NP12 3SW Pengam

Pengam

SummerFurniture

In Stock Now

Up to 50% off

High Street Prices

Furniture | Toys | Garden | Accessories and more...


9

BEBRIDESOF ELEGANCE

Bridal Gowns(size 6-30 plus)

Bridesmaids &Flowergirls

(from 1 year)

Mother of the BrideMother of the Groom

Guest OufitsHats to Compliment

Accessories

Bridal Gowns(off the peg)

Appointments Advisable (closed Wednesday)7 under Cardiff Road, Bargoed, CF81 8NZ

01443 837 607

www.bridesofelegance.co.uk

01685 843 111

KEBABS - BURGERS - PIZZA - CHICKEN

89 HIGH STREETRHYMNEY - TREDEGAR - NP22 5NB

Mon-Thurs 16:30-23:00Friday-Sunday 16:00-23:00

FREEDELIVERY

SUBJECT TOMINIMUM ORDER

S.J. TRADE CARSQuality used cars @ affordable prices

All carsunder£1500

07510 154 708

Unit 4 St Margarets ParkBowen Ind Est,Aberbargoed CF81 9FW

(behind the tile centre)

300g spaghetti | 1tbsp olive oil | 1 smallonion, finely sliced | 1 garlic clove, crushed120g Philadelphia Light, softened | 75mlMilk | 4 slices smoked ham, diced15g fresh flatleaf parsley, roughly chopped

Cook the spaghetti in a large saucepan ofboiling water for about 8 minutes oraccording to the packet instructions.Heat the oil in a frying pan and gently cookthe onion and garlic until softened. Add thePhiladelphia and milk and continue to cookover a low heat until the Philadelphia hasmelted. Stir in the ham pieces.Drain the pasta and return to the saucepan with the Philadelphia mixture and all but 1tablespoon of the chopped parsley. Gentlystir the Philadelphia mixture through thepasta and garnish with the remaining parsley.

Creamy Spaghetti Carbonara

Lets get cooking:


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01443 261 225 / 07879 455 605Email: [email protected]

24 HR

Call out

CARPENTRY | VINYL / WOOD FLOORINGPARTITION STUD WALLING | PLASTERING

ROOFING | KITCHEN & BATHROOM FITTINGWOOD/UPVC WINDOW INSTALLATION | ELECTRICAL

TILING | GARDEN DECKING | ROPE ACCESS |GUTTERING - all Works Undertaken

“local

company”

AA11

AAuuttoo CCaarreeCLASS 4 M.O.T’S

ServicingRepairs

ExhaustsTyres

Diagnostics etc...

Rhymney Walk, Rhymney, NP22 5DX

01685 84 22 55

Call Today:01685 844 955

Re-Upholstery& Repairs Specialist

We can do the following and more:• Loose Covers (made to measure)• 3 Piece Suites• Antiques• Pubs & Clubs• Office Chairs• Caravans• Cars/Mini Buses• Coaches• Spring Repairs• New Cushions• Fabric Sale

10 River RoadPontlottyn | CF81 9PNBy The Blast Furnace

What’s on ...

Date : 14 May 2011Time : 2030Venue : Cwmcarn Forest Drive

If you thought moths were dull and boring,then think again! Join us at the lake where we will use a light trap and sugaring toattract the local moths and prove that thereis more to moths than brown and clotheseating! Bring a flask and a torch!For further details please telephoneCwmcarn Visitor Centre on 01495 272001

Date : 14 May 2011Time : 1000Venue : Bargoed Library

Researching your Family Tree. Pleasecontact the library to book an appointmentFor further details please telephoneBargoed Library on 01443 875548

More What’s On later...


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Aaran Carpet Centreof Bargoed

01443 820 28201495 223 588

Fitted carpetspecialists

FREEEstimates

Rugs also available

INDIAN TAKEAWAY

Sun-Thurs - 5pm- 12amFri-Sat - 5pm12:30amOpen all Bank Holidays48 Commercial Street, Aberbargoed, CF81 9BW

Home DeliveryAvailable

01443 833 37201443 875 111

Special OfferMon-Thurs Only

1 ChickenTikka Massala

1 Chicken Kurma1 Onion Bhajee

2 Pilaw Rice1 Nan Bread1 Side Salad

2 Pappadoms1 Onion Chutney

1 Mint SauceOnly £12.95

Better safethan sorry...

Keepme!

Please seek medicaladvice if you are unsure


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Community “Covanta” believe it...

How the community feels... The thought of Covanta building an incinerator so close to the village is quite scary. I am a Mum of 4 young children, and I amconcerned about the possible health issues of my children and for theirchildren.There are no 100% guarantees that this monster will be safe and why should we be put at risk?

I attended the Covanta consultation a couple of years ago in the localcommunity centre, which I only stumbled across as I was in the roomnext door and wondered what it was about, I asked questionsregarding what they will be burning and what effects it will have toour health and they reeled off lots of facts and figure none of which I could really understand, but they said it was safe, but after doing abit of looking around on the net Covanta seem to have a very poortrack record on the emissions that the incinerators release and they have been fined many millions of dollars in the USA over many years,and I wonder what effect these leaks will have on the health ofcommunities in years to come,all these words like dioxins and toxins are all very scary, there has been talk that one of the reasons theyhave chosen this area is because of the poor health of the localsalready and if anything should leak then it would be very hard to prove that Covanta are at fault, it could just be put down the past livingconditions, We already have the open cast and the land fill, surelythis enough for us to put up with, If they do build this incinerator whatwill be the impact on the value of my house, who would want to buy afamily home in an area where your child's health can be at risk, willthis mean people moving away from the area?I hope that the Councils, AM's and PM's will listen to the communitiesand say No to Covanta, I feel my duty as a Mother is to try my hardestand fight this along with the local comm unites, and maybe the powerof the people can win this!!!

Written by Sarah Brockingfield, Fochriw

American company Covanta seem to be causing waves amongstthe local community.

They plan to build a large incineration plant at a site near Methyr Tydfil. Here at “your rhymney valley “ we asked local people and Merthyr Tydifil Council what there thoughts were on the planned proposal.


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What the Council say...

The Brig y Cwm site inMerthyr Tydfi

Covanta Energy Ltd have submittedan application for this major infrastructureproject to the Infrastructure PlanningCommission (IPC).It will be decided by the IPC.

Merthyr Tydfil County BoroughCouncil is a consultee in the process.Council's views will be made known tothe IPC by means of a Local ImpactReport (LIR), which will be submitted to the IPC.

Whilst the Council is not required to carry out its own consultation with thecommunity, it has been decided to set up a comments page on theCouncil website (www.merthyr.gov.uk) to enable people to express theirviews. These views will be forwarded to the IPC along with the LIR.

The application is described on Covanta's websitehttp://www.covantaenergy.co.uk/en/development-projects/wales.aspxas follows:

"Brig y Cwm, Wales Energy-from-Waste Project Covanta Energy is proposing tobuild an Energy-from-Waste (EfW) facility near Merthyr Tydfil (Wales) toprovide sustainable energy for Welsh households and industry.

The £400 million plant - known as Brig y Cwm - is located on landadjacent to the Cwmbargoed rail head and largely within the Ffos-y-franLand Reclamation Scheme.

It will take approximately 750,000 tonnes of non-recyclable householdand business waste a year and generate around 67 Megawatts of electricity -enough to power all the homes in the Merthyr Tydfil and Caerphilly countyboroughs. Around 75% of the waste will be brought to the site using theexisting railway line that will link to a number of rail operated waste transferstations to be created across Wales - significantly reducing the need for roadhaulage........."

Say NO to monster incinerator... Community protest...

Turn over to see more


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Community spirit...Local residents say NO

to MONSTER incinerator

• Scheduled / planned or “one-off” cleans• All equipment & materials supplied• Fully covered by liability insurance• References available upon request• Post building work specialist cleans

£5.00 off your first clean - quoteYRV2011

interiorwindows

partycleanup’s

ironingservice

bathroomcleans

domesticcleaning

ovencleaning

Also available:Commercial Cleaning | Upholstery Cleaning

Leather Cleaning | Exterior Windows

Efficient, Reliable and Cost Effective | Ironing only £18.00 for 40 items

For a free quotation,call Steve: 029 20 86 79 25 or 07971 32 48 02

Show your support and say

NO !


15

Tim’s Travel07958 791 537

Tim’s T

• Airport Transfers• School Runs• Private Hire

Rhymney Walk | Rhymney | NP22 5DX

ICEBOX Electrical• Domestic Electrical Work• Inspection & Testing• PAT Testing

Call Peter on:Mob: 07770 256392Tel: 01685 841 855

FREE estimates

What’s on ...

Date : 21 May 2011Time : 1100Venue : Waunfawr Park

Activities will include Tropical animals,Tortoises, Climbing wall, worm charming,free pot a plant, hanging basket andallotment information, music art and dancegroups, various crafts, vintage tractors,football and rugby demonstrations, byCardiff Blues and Gwent Dragons, facepainting + lots more. Free Entry

For further details please telephone MrSteve Trew on 01495 247962

Date : 07 June 2011 - 20 December 2011Time : 1030Venue : Deri Community Centre

Buggyfit is an outdoor exercise class with your baby or toddler in their buggy.These sessions also include indoor activities such as step aerobics and box exercise.The classes are a great opportunity to meet other parents and grandparents and get fit atthe same time! - Only £1.50 per session. Community Centre Hall is used in poor weather.Refreshments included. For further details please telephone Aaron Oliver on01443 878092

More What’s On later. >

Sudo

ko

An

swer


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Terry’sGeneral Store

2 Merchant Street | Pontlottyn | CF81 9PD

01685843 104

10% offwith this Voucher

(conditions apply, excludes tobacco)Code:TYRVM2011

Weddings | Funerals |Christenings | Special Occasions

• Helium Balloons• Cards• Fresh Fruit & Vegetables• Groceries• Confectionery• and much more...

Flowers for all occasions

Call today:

Save 10%


17

More offers

throughout the

magazine

Get morefor your money...

Natalie’sof Bargoed

• Wedding• Bridesmaids• Prom Gowns• Cruise & fashion wear

All types of alterations /repairs undertaken

01443 822 044 (opposite Barclays Bankon the high street)

Williow Court | Pengam Road | Blackwood |

Gwent (next to Texaco garage)

Only one copy per customerVoucher valid until 30th June 2011

£10 offWith this voucher

YRVH

SH2011

PengamHOME

HOME Sweet

Wedding & Christening PhotographerFREE portrait sittingin a modern studio

www.timkniftonphotography.com | 07931 234 209email: [email protected]

Home visits availableFlexible paymentOptions available

Range of products& services

(see web site for details)

£ SAVE SAVE SAVE £


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What time is the next train ?(based on main travelling times)

Coming Home...

Going to Cardiff...


19

Valley life...now and then

Valley life has changed so much over the last 30 years or more,from working pits to dole queues,from corner shop to super store.Where crime is on the increase,but no policeman walks the beat,

when kids were safe in playgrounds instead of on the street.

Village schools and chapels are sadly closed and gone,and no more council buses from us to travel on.

When a pub for all the locals was open in every town,but windows now are boarded up and most are now shut down.

So was it really 'the good old days' as people often say,and would you turn the clocks back if you had your way?

Which is best,is it now or then? What would your answer be?Food for thought for many,I'm sure you would agree.

Written byDebbie Carter - Rhymney

Are you looking for a little piece of history ?

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Bilaroses-collectables


20

What’s on ...

Date : 11 June 2011Time : 1000Venue : Heolddu Playing Fields

The Bargoed Carnival will be held atHeolddu Playing Fields, Bargoed onSaturday, 11th June 2011.The event will feature a live music stagewith music from local bands, funfair, dance demonstrations, children’s activities, foodand licensed bar and much more. A largemarquee will house craft, food andcharity stalls and there will be space available for outside trailers.Entry to the event is Free.For further details please telephoneMarketing & Event's Team 01443 966228

Date : 11 June 2011 - 12 June 2011Time : 1000Venue : Llancaiach Fawr Manor

Helpful Herbs and their uses- lotions,potions and posies, remedies and recipes.Event over 2 days.Normal admission to the Manor applies.Last entry to the Manor 4pm.For further details call Llancaiach FawrReception on 01443 412248

Date : 18 June 2011Time : 1400Venue : Winding House

An entertaining talk on pests in the homeand how to deal with them, by Bob Childs,ex Keeper of Large Objects, NationalMuseum, Wales. BOOKING ESSENTIAL.For further details please telephoneWinding House on 01443 822 666

Car accessories and parts

4-5Merchant St

PontlottynBargoed

CF81 9PD

We supply:

• Tow bars• Wheel Trims• Mirrors and more...

Fitting service - ask for details

01685 840 541


21

Williow Court | Pengam Road | Blackwood | Gwent(next to Texaco garage)

Call Today: 01443 838976

Monday to Saturday9am to 5:30pm

Sunday10am to 4pm

Pengam

Only one copy per customerVoucher valid until 30th June 2011

£10 offWith this voucher

YR

VH

SH

2011

Dining Tables from £199

Washing Machines

from £219

Beds from £69

Sofas from £699

www.homesweethomeuk.com

HOMEHOME Sweet


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Yesterday meets today...Peter Harding - Modern Day Miner

Follow Fochriw born Peter Hardingback in time, in a typical day in a

1975 working mine to the presentday in the Big Pit.

5:20am - wake up and get ready

6:00am - on the bus ( 25-30mins journey to the pit,

picking up miners all along the valley)

6:30am - arrive at Merthyr Vale pit, quick visit

to pick up some tea, soap, snuff then

collect lamp and clock in with your “lamp check”.

(see picture “587”, ledger updated).

7am - cage down underground

Work from 7am - 2:15pm with 20 min shutdown in

between for break

2:45pm - back up the pit, shower, then bus

3:20pm - arrive home, dinner

Ready to start all over again tomorrow...

Peter said “ there is no dark like the dark

underground, you cannot see your hand

in front of your face”.0 7:00 - up and then breakfast

08:00 - drive to work

08:30 - arrive at work and

collect work wear.

09:00am - check visitor equipment,

lamps.9:30-10am - break before Big Pit opens

10am - pit open to visitors.

Between 10am - 3:30pm there can be

upto 5 trips, where visitors are guided

through the mine.

5pm - end of the day, equipment returned,

change clothes and head home.

A typical day as a Big Pit guide

consists of meeting visitors, schools

T & tourists from all around the world

and taking them back in time, Peter

having first hand experience, shares

his memories and stories with the

lucky visitors and keeps the magic of

The days gone by underground

alive.If you would like to know more, and be partof this wonderful experience, then why not

join Peter for free and visit the Big Pit today.Big Pit: National Coal Museum Blaenafon,

Torfaen NP4 9XP Phone: (01495) 790 31

Merthyr Vale

Big Pit


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* P

anini

’s *

* Sandwiches** C

akes * Savouries *

* Breakfasts *

24 Hanbury RoadBargoed, CF81 8QT

Tel:01443 833090

FIRESIDE

LOUNGENo one beats our...

All Day Breakfast,our Amazing Meals, Our Coffee, Our Wine

Delicious Homemademeals and omelettes

a speciality

Great Atmosphere

Amazing Valley

Views

Between 2pm-4pm EverdayDelicious Fish & Chips

Bread & ButterOnly£3.95

***

***

Every

Wednesday

FREE flavoured

Shot in your

coffee..Huge sunny patioarea

This voucher entitles youto a FREE upgrade tolarge breakfast &large coffeefor the price of a regular


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10 River RoadPontlottyn | CF81 9PNBy The Blast Furnace

Call Today: 01685 844 955 - Furniture Showroom -

10% offEverything in store

Conditions Apply Code: A1YRVM2011Valid until 30.06.11

Sofa’s

Chairs

Corner

units

All Types of Beds &Mattresses Available

(singles from £50,doubles from £75 - Good Quality)

More offersIn

store

All

This only

£150

Wardrobes3 Door

Wardrobe

£300

SolidOak

Furniture

Recliner

Chairs

SAVE 10 %Corner

Unit£99

Very CompetitivePrices

Real

Leather

£175

Rise BedPocketSprung£550

Pric

es a

nd il

lust

ratio

ns a

re fo

r fur

nitu

re o

nly

(acc

esso

ries

not i

nclu

ded)

Documents

yrv_may_2011_mag