Springtime in Pontyclun

Pontyclun Spring Clun

On the weekend of 16/17 June Pontyclun’s Eco Warriors came to the rescue. 37 volunteers and members of the Pontcylun Environment Group spent the weekend collecting litter left in various parts of Pontyclun, Miskin and Hendy. In total 83 bags were filled with rubbish. Our thanks and congratulations goes to every volunteer.

This is the second year when the Environment Group has organised its Spring Clun. Whilst a lot of rubbish was collected, Pontyclun was noticeably cleaner than last year. As a community we are indebted to the walkers and dog walkers who collect litter day in and day out. We have benefited from a number of young school children who have been collecting litter every weekend as part of their Duke of Edinburgh award. Environment Group members have adopted ‘black spots’ and do regular litter cleans – Marg and I try to do Station Terrace regularly.

Darren and Ray, the Community Council staff, litter pick on our public rights of way and in Pontyclun Park. RCT staff litter pick each week in the shopping areas.

When we keep our community clean, we feel better. We are more likely to go out and socialise. Our health improves. We attract more visitors and local businesses benefit. It is no small matter.

Pontyclun Environment Group

This Group was initially formed in 2011 to create a walking trail along the River Ely, upstream from Brynsadler Bridge, on land in danger of falling into the hands of developers.

It has since developed into a group with a wide range of activities. It organises the litter picks – the next one will be on June 22/23. This summer it will be creating boxes for birds and bats. Sarah Jenkins is a key organiser and she can be found on srj555@hotmail.co.uk or 0785 002 0477. Karan Lane is the Community Council’s lead councillor on the environment - karanlane@pontyclun-cc.gov.wales. Please make contact if you want be involved.

Picnic in the Park 8 June

Put Saturday 8 June in your Diary. This is the day in which every Pontyclun resident is invited to bring a picnic to Pontyclun Park. There will games for children of all ages – with support from our rugby, football and cricket clubs. There will be music and food stalls. Every local organisation is invited to create a stall explaining their contribution to our community  - contact Julius, the council clerk, to book a space;  e-mail clerk@pontyclun-cc.gov.wales or ring 01443 238500

Plant Sale 18 May

At Pontyclun Community Centre on Saturday 18 May, 10 am to 12 noon, there will be a plant sale in aid to St Paul’s Church in Pontyclun and St Anne’s in Talygarn. You will be able to buy from a wide range of indoor and outdoor plants provided by local gardeners. There will be home made cakes, tea and coffee.

The sale is organised by Maureen Hybart, tel 01443 225427. You can bring your plants along to sell and book a table through Maureen for garden produce.

Pontyclun University

Our local university of the Third Age is open to anyone who is retired or semi-retired. It organises over 20 different groups for learning and socialising. On the third Monday of each month at the Community Centre, 1.30 pm, there is a guest speaker

Mon May 20th	Graham Watkins: "From Novice Wordsmith to Published Novelist".
Mon Jun 17th	Rev. Clive Williams: "Classical Music"
Mon Jul 15th	Dean Powell: "Welsh Male Voice Choirs".

Llantrisant Folk Club

Our local Folk Club meets every Wednesday evening ay Pontyclun Athletic Club. On 7 May John Doyle provides a ‘fine voice and stunning guitar’. On 22 May the Hut People will be ‘dramatic, joyous and beguiling’.

Pontyclun Institute and Athletic Club

Part of the bedrock of the community of Pontyclun is the Athletic Club . This was opened in 1910.

It was built by Godfrey Clark who lived at Talygarn House. He was the son of George Clerk who had been manager of the Dowlais ironworks. Godfrey Clark had been Chair of the District Council since 1894 taking responsibility for improving the public health of the area. In 1907 he bought farmland to the south of the railway and developed the area of Palawyf, Cerdin and Llwynfen as a ‘model town’. The development included open recreational space and the ‘Institute’ as a social amenity that could bring people together. Clark donated the Institute to the people of Pontyclun, appointing trustees to ensure that it served the interests of local people.

In the First World War the Institute was made available to the Red Cross to provide care for the war wounded.

In 1959 the Club gained its first alcohol licence and, building on its relationship with local sports clubs, took the name ‘Athletic Cub’. The activities currently taking place at the Club include bowls, skittles, darts, snooker, the folk club, the Sunday night quiz, choir practices, toddler groups, line dancing.

I have heard it suggested that Pontyclun needs a ‘community pub’, a pub owned by local people. Well, we have had one since 1910 and it deserves our support. Anyone can join. As a member, anyone can share responsibility for taking this club forward into the next century. 

Pontyclun Walking Rugby

Our Walking Rugby team is going from strength to strength having been invited to play at the WRU's "Road to Principality" event at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.

They have been playing for nearly 3 months now and as one of the first Walking Rugby teams in Wales have been invited to demonstrate this "new" sport at the home of Welsh Rugby. This is a great opportunity to promote the team and Pontyclun.

If anyone wants to join them they meet at 10am on Wednesdays in Pontyclun Park. Bring some water and a sense of fun.