GLYNCOCH NEWS

THOUSANDS PAY TRIBUTE TO “SNID”

2008-07-01T22:45:00.000+01:00

On Monday, it was impossible to park within half a mile of Glyntaff crematorium as thousands of people poured into the area for the funeral of Gareth (Snid) Jones.
There were coaches from Neath, Beddau and of course Glyncoch, but even so, cars filled the Crematorium grounds, the car park, the verges along Pentrebach Road, Graig-Yr-Helfa Road and almost up to the cottage hospital. Others were parked in Rhydyfelin and the drivers and passengers walked through the cemetery to join the crowd gathered around the crematorium.
There was no room for all the people who turned up to show their respects, and the overflow poured onto Cemetery Road. In line with his family's wishes, most wore rugby jerseys rather than mourning clothes, and a large contingent of Neath fans wore jerseys emblazoned with Gareth's number-9 and the name SNID. There were also plenty of Pontypridd, Beddau and Glyncoch shirts in evidence, and also a smaller number of jerseys from Newport, Cardiff and Swansea as well as others from English, Scottish and Irish clubs; I'm sure there were more that I didn't notice in the huge crowd. This was one day when rivalry was forgotten and as Deena from Neath said on the club's forum “It was also great to see two great rugby clubs Neath and Ponty coming together and stand side by side to pay tribute ...”
While it was a sad day in so many ways, Snid's friends, his family and his fans were also determined to celebrate his life. Extra barrels were ordered at Glyncoch Social Club and at the Rugby Club. Social Club Stewardess Liz Richards said, “We've sold as much beer today as we normally would on the whole of a good weekend. Snid was a very popular member.” One fan said “Snid seemed to know what life was all about, living it with passion and positivity and earning the love and respect of so many people. I will learn from this.”
Neath head coach, Rowland Phillips described Gareth as “...a larger than life character who created a happy and fun environment at the club.” He went on to say “His inclusion in the Neath squad during 2006/07 was a major reason why we won the league, he just seemed to settle in straight away.”
Snid was a real live wire his exuberance on the pitch was matched in his daily life. His passing has left rugby a poorer sport and Glyncoch a poorer place.

THOUSANDS PAY TRIBUTE TO “SNID”

2008-07-01T22:39:00.000+01:00

On Monday, it was impossible to park within half a mile of Glyntaff crematorium as thousands of people poured into the area for the funeral of Gareth (Snid) Jones.

There were coaches from Neath, Beddau and of course Glyncoch, but even so, cars filled the Crematorium grounds, the car park, the verges along Pentrebach Road, Graig-Yr-Helfa Road and almost up to the cottage hospital. Others were parked in Rhydyfelin and the drivers and passengers walked through the cemetery to join the crowd gathered around the crematorium.

There was no room for all the people who turned up to show their respects, and the overflow poured onto Cemetery Road. In line with his family's wishes, most wore rugby jerseys rather than mourning clothes, and a large contingent of Neath fans wore jerseys emblazoned with Gareth's number-9 and the name SNID. There were also plenty of Pontypridd, Beddau and Glyncoch shirts in evidence, and also a smaller number of jerseys from Newport, Cardiff and Swansea as well as others from English, Scottish and Irish clubs; I'm sure there were more that I didn't notice in the huge crowd. This was one day when rivalry was forgotten and as Deena from Neath said on the club's forum “It was also great to see two great rugby clubs Neath and Ponty coming together and stand side by side to pay tribute ...”

While it was a sad day in so many ways, Snid's friends, his family and his fans were also determined to celebrate his life. Extra barrels were ordered at Glyncoch Social Club and at the Rugby Club. Social Club Stewardess Liz Richards said, “We've sold as much beer today as we normally would on the whole of a good weekend. Snid was a very popular member.” One fan said “Snid seemed to know what life was all about, living it with passion and positivity and earning the love and respect of so many people. I will learn from this.”

Neath head coach, Rowland Phillips described Gareth as “...a larger than life character who created a happy and fun environment at the club.” He went on to say “His inclusion in the Neath squad during 2006/07 was a major reason why we won the league, he just seemed to settle in straight away.”

Snid was a real live wire his exuberance on the pitch was matched in his daily life. His passing has left rugby a poorer sport and Glyncoch a poorer place.

SNID'S FUNERAL DATE

2008-06-21T11:39:00.003+01:00

Gareth (Snid) Jones' funeral will take place on Monday 23 June at 1:30 at Glyntaff crematorium in Pontypridd. There is no need for formal dress and rugby jerseys will be considered both acceptable and appropriate.

RIP SNID

2008-06-19T00:52:00.004+01:00

Two months after being so badly injured in a match for Neath against Cardiff, Gareth (Snid) Jones has passed away. He died peacefully in the University Hospital Wales on June 16. The whole village is devastated by this tragedy and we can only offer our condolences to Snid’s family. He was a young man, full of life, with a great sense of humour and of course a tremendous skill and expertise as a scrum half. He will be sadly missed, not least by the many thousands of people he has entertained on the rugby pitch at Glyncoch, at Beddau, at Pontypridd, where of course he was part of the Konica Minolta cup winning side, and at Neath where he was part of the league championship squad twice. Rest in Peace Snid.

OLYMPIAN ANGUS

2008-06-05T23:00:00.002+01:00

Angus Pirrie, who lives on Garth Avenue has been selected for the Special Olympics Wales, indoor bowls team to take part in the Summer Games being held in Leicester in 2009.

I was surprised, even shocked, to find out that Angus has to pay £550.00 for the honour of representing Wales at this international event. He has to pay for his food, his accommodation and even his sports kit. The Special Olympics oath is “Let me win but if I cannot win let me be brave in the attempt”. I would like to challenge everyone in Glyncoch. Let us raise the money Angus needs, and if we cannot raise it all, let us be brave in the attempt.

SNID DAY A SUCCESS

2008-05-27T12:47:00.004+01:00

Glyncoch Rugby Club and Glyncoch Community Centre got together last weekend to host a very special day to raise funds for Gareth (Snid) Jones’ family folllowing his horrific injuries playing for Neath against Cardiff in April. Despite the weather, hundreds turned up at the Rugby Club field to support a ladies’ rugby match, between the Centre and the Club, and a 5-a-side football tournament featuring rugby players from all over the valleys. A raffle was held, with top prize of a tumble drier, and signed rugby and football shirts were auctioned.

The rugby match finished in a draw and “man of the match” was number 9 whose shirt announced that she was “Snid”. The football tournament was hard fought, leading to a semi-final defeat for Buttons’ Boys by the Ponty backs and by Max’s Marvels by Snid’s Babes (A) from Beddau. The final champions were, appropriately, Snid’s Babes (A).

While everyone who attended on the day had great fun, the purpose of the day was to raise money and show Glyncoch’s respect for Snid. Right from the start the latter was obvious- everywhere you looked shirts emblazoned with number 9 and Snid’s name were apparent. So far as fundraising was concerned. Glyncoch once again demonstrated that there is no village more generous; the raffle alone raised over a thousand pounds, the barbecue made over £500, and everyone dug really deep at the auction, raising close to £2000. Other items that had been donated will go forward to an auction to be held at Pontypridd Rugby Club at a later date.

Gareth’s father Dai Jones said that the family were “overwhelmed by the level of support” and asked the Observer to thank everyone that turned up on the day, and with special thanks to Jackie and the Committee from the Community centre, and Ali, Dai Brillo, John Mansfield and the barstaff from the Rugby Club for all the hard work they put in to make this day such a great success. He also said “Of course it’s sad that this day was necessary at all, and we would rather it hadn’t been.” A sentiment echoed by all of us

SNID DAY AT GLYNCOCH RFC

2008-05-22T14:10:00.003+01:00

It is now over a month since former Pontypridd scrum half Gareth Jones (Snid) sustained a serious neck injury in a game for his current club Neath, against Cardiff. He is still unconscious but his condition is described as stable. Well-wishing rugby fans, players and even referees from all over the world have been visiting Neath and Pontypridd websites to leave messages of hope and concern. Snid's sister Nicola said that his family would like to thank everyone for the concern that they've shown over the last few difficult weeks.

Whilst warming up for Saturday's Konica Minolta cup final against Pontypridd, all the Neath players came out wearing shirts emblazoned with number 9 and Snid's name; in addition their mascots for the day were Courtney, Cole and Connie, Snid's 3 children. Before the match former Welsh outside half Arwel Thomas, who was playing his last ever game, said "Whilst it will be a great day in one way, my thoughts and those of the players on both teams, will be with Gareth and his family. It was a terrible thing to happen and we are all just praying that he will come through. As his half back partner I got to know Snid really well. Best of luck mate, get well soon." There is no doubt that Neath were determined to win this game for Snid, and despite Ponty's best efforts they did so by 28 points to 22, a scoreline that slightly flattered Pontypridd on the day.

Snid is a Glyncoch boy and got his first taste of rugby as a junior player in his home village. This Sunday (May 25) Glyncoch Rugby Club and Glyncoch Community Centre are holding a fundraising day for Snid and his family on the Rugby Club field. The event will probably be the biggest ever staged at the club and will kick off with a Ladies rugby match between the Rugby Club and the Community Centre followed by a 5-aside football competition featuring rugby clubs from all over the valleys. The day will include a sack race, a tug-of-war, a bouncy castle for the kids a darts competition and a barbecue. The clubhouse will also host a show in the evening, making this a 12 hour spectacular with something for everyone. The highlight of the day will be a fund raising auction, with lots already pledged including a signed Welsh rugby ball, signed premiership rugby jerseys, signed posters and programmes from last week’s Konica Minolta cup final and a limited edition Grogg of Ryan Jones- one of just 200 produced.

COMMUNITY PERFORMANCE

2008-03-20T18:08:00.000Z

After many months of hard work Glyncoch Community and Creative Communities Performance Project has delivered the goods. Several hundred people were enthralled by a performance that was both entertaining and thought provoking. In poetry, prose, song and action, the performers demonstrated the problems faced on a daily basis by people in Glyncoch and thousands of communities like it. Perhaps more importantly, the caste challenged the audiences to provide answers to the dilemmas presented to them, thereby demonstrating what is so often missed- we can control situations if we’re given the power to do so. From Tia-Leigh aged 6 to Cynthia Williams aged 61, from students to postmen, this company of actors, writers, set designers and artists deserve nothing but praise for a stunning, thought-provoking series of sketches, songs and poems.

I spoke to Kevin Jakeway from Creative Communities after the performance. He told me that his organisation had run this project in Glyncoch as a pilot, to see if it was possible to use this sort of performance to highlight issues within communities. He is no longer in any doubt; he was particularly struck by the innovative way that the Glyncoch players had overcome the limitations of playing on a stage more suited to a pop performance (for example: instead of moving scenery around, they used a simple blackboard backdrop and drew the scenery needed for each scene). He finished by saying that he is certain that people will now be talking more constructively about the issues facing Glyncoch, and he congratulated everyone involved on a good job well done.

Creative Communities will use the experience gained in Glyncoch, to seek funding to run similar projects in other disaffected communities within the valleys.

GAFA MARCH 2008

2008-03-03T18:12:00.001Z

Recycling queen, Hannah Gulwell (Right) will be chairing a meeting of the Glyncoch Green and Friendly Action (GAFA) group, next Monday (March 10) at 6pm in the Christian Fellowship Church on Garth Avenue. If you have anything to say about making Glyncoch a greener safer place to live, this is your chance, all are welcome.

On the subject of the environment (any excuse to have a rant), I see the bus fares have gone up again. At a time when the government is asking us to reduce our carbon footprint, it is totally unreasonable to expect people to pay £3.65 for a 4 mile round trip. Compare this with a fare of £3.50 Return to travel from Pontypridd to Cardiff. I realise that the discrepancy is due to the varying subsidies paid by the Local Authorities, but if RCT is serious about protecting the environment, they need to increase their subsidies on these basic journeys.

PACT FEBRUARY 2008

2008-01-24T23:10:00.000Z

February’s meeting of Partnerships and Communities Together (PACT) will take place in the Community Centre next Monday at 6pm. January’s priorities were

· Dog Nuisance,

· To get a “Low Bridge” sign put at the entrance to Grover’s Lane, and

· Vandalism at Craig yr Hesg School.

If you want to find out what has been done about these priorities, or wish to have your say about priorities for February, please attend the meeting. If you are unable to attend, let Helena James (our local PCSO on 0780 530 1041) or me know what you would like brought up and we will put your concerns to the rest of the committee. Alternatively, you can log onto Ourbobby.com and read Helena’s updates and leave a message for her to pick up before the meeting.

VSO GLYNCOCH

2007-12-15T10:26:00.001Z

We have been lucky in Glyncoch over the last couple of months, to have two volunteers from the VSO Global Village programme working in the community. 24-year-old Akano Amina from Kaduna State in Nigeria and 19-year-old Craig Imrie from Dunfermline in Scotland are leaving on Friday. A spokesperson from Glyncoch Communities First said that their time with is had been a wonderful opportunity to gain a “completely different perspective on what we are doing; we have also learned a lot about other cultures and hopefully Craig and Amina have learned more about how we do things in Wales”.

Craig and Amina have written an open letter to the community, which I reproduce below:

“Global Village is a programme that brings young people from all over the UK and Nigeria to work together, share ideas, learn about each other's cultures, and most importantly, to develop the young people so that they can make a positive impact to their own societies.
“We all know that young people can be tools used to develop and revolutionise not only a community but a nation. So if the young people are active and empowered enough, then the future will be great and the world will be a better place to live. As beneficiaries of this laudable programme we would like to commend the Global Exchange programme and the British Council's Voluntary Services Overseas for the great impact they have made in so many societies through young people.
“18 of us have been working all over RCT for 2 months. We were fortunate enough to be placed in Glyncoch Communities First. What we see in Glyncoch is so different from what others seem to think about it. The atmosphere in Glyncoch is so calm, and the people are warm and friendly. Everyone has been very welcoming and extremely friendly towards us. Something that never stops amazing us is the strong bond that exists within the community. It is also interesting to know how much the people strongly desire to give the community a new face. We have experienced a huge community spirit. The future of Glyncoch seems very bright with the community cohesion needed to make Glyncoch an even better place.”

The letter is signed Craig and Amina.

GOLF -"A good walk ruined"

2007-08-02T14:51:00.000+01:00

LEE Llewellyn has created a website for the Glyncoch Social Golf Society. The site has only been in existence for just over 24 hours, but there are already some interesting comments to be read (and perhaps replied to). This could easily become the best read website in Glyncoch, that's why I've added it to the "ALL THE GOOD STUFF" list on the right hand side of this page.

PACT JUNE

2007-06-13T22:15:00.000+01:00

THIS Month’s meeting of PACT (Partnerships and Communities Together) was held at the Community Centre to discuss issues of concern to the people of Glyncoch and Coed-y-Cwm. Last month’s priorities were discussed, and it was agreed that increased police patrols and better awareness by the bus companies has led to a radical decrease in the annoyance caused by young people waiting for school buses on Cefn Lane. It was also agreed that the community Centre is suffering far less aggravation than it had been. It was therefore agreed that these two priorities have been dealt with adequately for now. The third priority for May was the annoyance being caused to residents of Lower Garth Avenue by youths playing football in the street. PCSO Helena James explained to the meeting that a number of ASBO referrals have been made and footballs have been confiscated; in addition the Local Authority has put up signs informing people that no ball games should be played in the area. Despite all this, the problems continue. Councillor Judith Burford was quite vociferous in speaking up for her constituents, and informed the meeting that she has spoken to Chief Superintendent Farrar about the matter. Helena informed the committee that a street meeting (the first in the South Wales Police area) had been arranged for the Thursday evening to discuss the problems, and invited Councillor Burford to attend. It was agreed that this item should remain a PACT priority for the month of June. Various other items of concern were considered, including a problem with wheelie bins being stolen from all over the estate, and the youth problems in Coed-y-Cwm. Helena agreed to arrange a PACT meeting for Coed-y-Cwm residents, separate from either Ynysybwl or Glyncoch, because of the odd geographical position of the estate.

It was agreed that annoyance at Craig-yr Hesg Primary School should be a priority for June after Head Maggie Hudson explained the cost of protecting the building from vandalism; she has recently had to spend over £1000 on defensive measures- money that should be spent on books and education. The third priority for June is controlling vehicle annoyance. Recently, almost a dozen scrambler motorcycles and 4 cars have been seized in an operation to reduce anti-social vehicle use. Each time a vehicle is seized, the owner has to pay £105 to release it and £12/day for storage. The next PACT meeting will be held in the Community Centre at 6 pm on July 2.

The only way that PACT can work is if the whole community gets involved. If you see any antisocial behaviour in the village, ring 01656 655 555l; if the incident is one of the PACT priorities, let the person you are speaking to know. You can also contact the Community Police team for the area by ringing 01443 485351 and asking for extension 40320.

“BAD DAY GOOD”

2007-06-05T13:44:00.000+01:00

TWO communities came together last weekend, when young men from Glyncoch and Rhydyfelin paid their respects to a local friend by arranging a football match in memory of James Williams, who sadly passed away on June 2 last year. Being James’ first love, a football match between good friends/ex teammates was seen as the ideal way to show that James was still a part of their lives, as well as their thoughts.

There was a good turn out and plenty of support on the day from James’ family and friends, who ensured the match was no quiet affair. The weather held out until the final whistle, which allowed all involved to get a dose of the very rare Welsh sun.

On the stroke of half time both teams gathered around the halfway line and a surprise bouquet of flowers was sprung on James’ parents, Richard and Jeanette. Some heart-felt words were spoken from the boys to the parents and from the parents to the boys and there was an overpowering sense of togetherness.

The match was played with an official referee and it was a very tight but sporting affair. However, this wasn’t reflected in the final score line: Rhydyfelin 7 Glyncoch 1. Nevertheless the boys of Glyncoch would like to congratulate the Rhydyfelin boys on a cracking result and a fulfilling game.

After the match Richard and Jeanette laid on a barbeque-buffet, beverages and musical entertainment. Both sets of boys attended along with Richard, Jeanette and family, where they shared some very funny jokes and stories with each other.

The evening ended with thanks from both parties for each other’s commitment. Richard and Jeanette thanked the boys for making a bad day, good.

The boys would like to thank Richard and Jeanette for all their help, support and hospitality. The day would not have been the same without them. Also thanks to all the boys who played, including James’ brother, Daniel Williams who turned in a quality performance for Glyncoch.

Last but not least congratulations to Ian Webb “Webber” for earning man of the match for a solid display in Rhydyfelin’s defence.

POEMS AND PINTS

2007-05-05T18:23:00.000+01:00

THE Glyncoch poetry blog, Poems and Pints has a couple of new poems on it. Check it out by clicking on the title of this post, or by using the link on the right.

ODE TO THE CLEANERS

2007-04-11T16:33:00.001+01:00

When mostof us have had our fun
And the next day's rest has just begun
Into the club, march Sue and her mob.
They scrub and they polish, for that is their job.

But they also pick up the food that's been tipped
And they deal with the furnishings that have been ripped.
They clean up the shit and they clean up the spew
I wouldn't do it! Tell me truly- Would You?
And do Sue and her gang earn mighty wages?
Of course they do! they have done for ages!
But, what these girls earn, and the pay they receive
Are just not related. I don't wish to deceive.
So all of us members should be grateful to Sue
And show some respect for her and her crew.
If you spill someone's pint, you buy them a beer.
Never one for the cleaner, isn't that queer?
She's the person who will clear up your mess
Yet none of us think we should offer redress.
So the least we can do, if we're to call ourselves men
Is to show them some gratitude, now and again.

BATO

COMMENTS WELCOME

2007-04-03T20:19:00.001+01:00

I have just been harangued in the Social Club over one of the articles on this blog.

It appears that some people feel that I have been unfair in my reporting on this blog. I would point out that the criticism came from someone who hadn't even read the article he was complaining about, but had heard about it from someone else. This "someone else" was not identified, but whomever it was, is welcome (nay encouraged) to add comments to any of my postings; There is not even a need to give your name; though of course it sometimes helps if you do so. It is only by picking up on the comments that I can hope to improve my reporting.

THE THREE LEGGED PIG

2007-04-03T16:49:00.001+01:00

I visited granddad down on his farm,

And at once I noticed with some alarm,

That one of his pigs, an old sow called Peg

Appeared to be missing one of her legs.

I said to my granddad, "Bampy" says I

"See that old sow- over there by the sty,

She's got just three legs, it ought to be four."

Well Granddad was angry, He let out a roar.

"If you don't like that pig then you are a fool-

"Last week your cousin fell in the cesspool.

"Well up jumped old Peg and in she did dive

"And thanks to that pig, young Fred's still alive."

I said "No doubt she's great and medals will adorn her

"But Bamps, she should have a leg at each corner."

Said granddad "Young Paul. Don't call me a liar!

"If it wasn't for Peg, your gran would have died in a fire.

"Peg smelt the smoke and dragged gran from her bed.

"If it wasn't for Peggy your gran would be dead."

I said "Granddad, Please, Why won't you listen?

"That heroic pig has got a leg missing."

Granddad moaned "I'm ashamed, you're letting me down.

"Really young Paul, you've lived too long in town.

"My dear Grandson, you've become a dunce.

"You don't eat a good pig like that all at once."

WHAT A BLAST

2007-03-24T10:29:00.000Z

AS ALWAYS Blast From the Past put on an amazing show last night, in order toraise money towards Emma Davies' oxygen regenerator. Donna and the rest of the troupe are truly professional in their approach to the whole business of supporting those in need within our community. Ali Ballbaggs will be giving a lot more information once she has Blast's blog up and running properly (hopefully this weekend).
She can be found at the Blast From the Past Blog.
JUST CLICK ON THE LINK and see for yourself.

WELCOME BACK CLIVE

2007-03-19T15:15:00.000Z

AFTER a long drawn out investigation, Clive Mitchell has finally been exonerated.

The entire membership will be glad to see him back behind the bar of the Social Club where he belongs.

At Sunday's AGM it was revealed that he has been the victim of almost two decades of mismanagement by the Club committee. I readily hold up my hands and say that I was one of the people responsible for the catalogue of errors that so nearly led to the demise of the best steward in the valleys.

WOMEN'S RUGBY

2007-03-14T10:24:00.000Z

Referee Nigel is staying well back- he's no pushover

We know it's in there somewhere

Don't bother girls that's another try for Stacy

That's another one for Martina then!

NEW FESTIVAL CHAIR

2007-03-02T12:46:00.000Z

SAM Turner has been elected as chairperson for the 2007 Glyncoch Festival. I am sure that everyone will congratulate the committee on making such a wise choice.

CARWYN AND GARYN

2007-02-12T00:20:00.000Z

CONGRATULATIONS to Andrew and Michelle Talbot on the birth of Carwyn and Garyn, brothers for Kyle and Ashley. Welcome to Glyncoch both of youi

PACT FEBRUARY

2007-02-11T16:10:00.000Z

February's PACT priorities are:

Parking in Cefn Lane & Glyncoch Terrace,

Youth Annoyance at Craig Yr Hesg Primary School
Monitoring the situation with the buses.

If you have any comments as to how successfully these targets were addressed, or wish to help set the priorities for March, you will need to attend the PACT meeting at the Community Centre on Monday March 5 at 5:30pm.

MONEY ADVICE

2007-01-24T16:29:00.000Z

THE Equality, Diversity and Social Justice team from Rhondda Cynon Taff will be running a Money Advice day at Glyncoch Community centre on Monday January 29 from 1pm-4:30pm.
There will be a wide range of advice services present, and a free buffet lunch at 1pm. There will also be activities provided to keep the children entertained.

Thay are also sending a free Managing your Money handbook to everyone in Glyncoch, with more copies available on the day.

The Equality, Diversity and Social Justice Team can be contacted on (01443) 424182.