Visitors can look around craft stalls, see animals and birds and enjoy entertainment in the main area including duck driving, a falconry show and performances from the Top Lodge Dancing Dogs.

This year’s Activity Zone will feature an armed forces assault course and climbing wall. Rhondda Cynon Taf 5×60 officers will be hosting cycling activities along with staff from Halford’s of Pontypridd, including free bike safety inspections.

One of the highlights of the weekend, the annual Mayor’s Harnessed Horse Parade, will set off from the park at midday on Sunday, August 2. The parade which features around 50 horses and carriages, will travel through Pontypridd, Trehafod and Trallwn. It will raise money for the chosen charities of Mayor, Cllr Robert Smith – MacMillan Cancer Relief, Help for Heroes and Diabetes UK (Cymru).

Cllr Paul Cannon, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Housing, said: “We’ve had a week of poor weather in the run-up to the Big Welsh Bite, but the event’s new location on the park tennis courts means everyone can come along and enjoy a fun-packed weekend.”

Gates open from 10.30am to 5pm each day in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and admission is free.

Dydd Llun 9.30 – 11.30 Rhondda Bowl Tonyrefail
Dydd Mawrth 2.00 – 3.00 Clydach Vale
Dydd Mercher 9.00-10.00 Glynfach Porth
Dydd Mercher 1.00-2.30 Glyncoch
Dydd Iau 9.30-11.30 Capel Bethleham,Tonyrefail
Dydd Gwener 10.00 – 12.00 Maes yr Hâf, Trealaw

Os hoffech fwy o fanylion am unrhywun o’r boreau coffi uchod, yna cysylltwch â’r swyddfa Cymunedau’n Gyntaf perthnasol.

Cofiwch hefyd fod na foreau coffi anffurfiol dal yn cario ‘mlaen yn rheolaidd ar agor i Gymry Cymraeg a dysgwyr yn ogystal dan adain Menter Iaith. Mae rhestr llawn o rhain iw gweld dan y ddolen GWASANAETHAU uchod.

The annual food and agricultural festival is being held from Friday, July 31- Sunday, August 2, 2009 in Ynysangaharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, and organisers are inviting local food and drink producers to come along and show off their wares.

This year, as well as showcasing local produce, the event will feature cooking demonstrations, sporting activity, animal exhibitions, children’s entertainment, craft stalls, an RCT Health Alliance marquee, vintage farm vehicles and live music.

Arena displays will include duck driving and a falconry display; performances from local dance groups and – back by popular demand – Crufts Champions, the Top Lodge Dancing Dogs.

Last year, around 20,000 people visited Ynysangharad Park over the Big Bite weekend. If you are a Welsh food or drink producer and would like to exhibit at this year’s show, please contact Rhondda Cynon Taf Events team at events@rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk or call 01443 425700

Cardiff Vale and Valleys Beekeepers is a friendly association promoting the craft of bee keeping and the benefits of the products within the hive, to the public.

They meet in Llandaff Village hall on the second Tuesday of every month from September to March and have meetings during the summer months at members’ apiary sites.

To confirm details of this talk please see the Cardiff Beekeepers website.

The cast list for Taffy Fest includes RCT-based talent such as famed storyteller Megan Lloyd; harpist and singer Bethan Nia (who recently appeared at Celtic Connections in Glasgow) and singer Siriol Burford, who has just released her first album of traditional songs Tua’r Wlad.

Other Welsh talent featured at the event will be the folk band Calan. The brothers persuaded Leonard Cohen to allow them to release the first Welsh language version of perhaps his greatest song Halleluljah - Brigyn.

Taffy Fest will conclude with a performance from Brittany-based Bagad Plougastell (25 young musicians performing on bagpipes, biniou, bombardes and drums) with young dancers from St.Pol De Leon.

Young performers from the Pontypridd area will also be providing entertainment of their own devising. The Muni Performance Crew came together as a result of Rhondda Cynon Taf Cultural Services’ Arts Council of Wales Take pArt funding. The Crew recently made their debut performing on every one of the Owen Money Theatre Company’s performances of Robinson Crusoe at The Muni.

The Footlights café bar at the Muni will be serving a special Welsh menu all day, and there will be informal performances in that space too.

Taffy Fest gets underway at 2.30pm and runs until late on February 28. For tickets and more information, call the box office on 01443 485 934

The three-day Welsh food, agricultural and lifestyle show gives people of all ages the chance to visit food and craft stalls and sample and buy local produce. Food producers from across Wales will show off their ice creams, cheeses, preserves, meats and much more.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Sports Development Team will offer taster sessions and information on sporting activities and healthy lifestyles.

Younger visitors can enjoy duck driving with The Runner Pack; a falconry show with Black Mountain Falconry, rugby sessions with Pontypridd RFC and Cardiff Blues, as well as performances from Popstars Dance Group and cheerleaders. The Army will bring along an assault course, there will be paintball and a climbing wall, as well as a chance to see vintage farm vehicles, farm animals, wood carving and a blacksmith in action.

There will be plenty of information and activities on offer from organisations including the Local Health Board, NPHS, Age Concern, The Stroke Association, New Horizons, RCT Leisure Services, Llantrisant Sub Aqua Group, Substance Misuse, Food Co-ops, Groundwork Trust and many others.

Cllr Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: “The Big Bite is one of the highlights of our annual summer programme, in the perfect setting of Ynysangharad Park. Around 17,500 people attended last year and we hope people of all ages will come along this year and enjoy this wonderful weekend.”

Gates open from 10.00am to 5pm each day in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.

Llantrisant Leisure Centre is this year’s venue for a weekend of fabulous food and entertainment. People can come and display their prize flowers, vegetables, photos, foods and wine – or they can just turn up and enjoy viewing the goods on display.

There are prizes to be won in a wide range of categories including open veg (runner beans, shallots, peas, etc), open flower (gladioli, buttonholes, pot plant etc), roses, chrysanthemums, dahlia, floral art, open culinary (wimberry pie, jams, cakes, chutney etc), home-made wine, handicraft, parchment, woodwork, art, bobbin lace and photography.

There are also special children’s sections, with prizes in a number of categories including best painting, best poem and best handwriting.

As well as the annual competitions and exhibitions of local produce and crafts, the National Vegetable Show will also be hosted during the weekend.

The Rhondda Cynon Taf County Show exhibits will be open for the public to view from 1pm to 5pm on Saturday 30th and from 9am to 5pm on Sunday 31st.

There is still time to enter competition categories. For more information, call 01443 490200

According to Andy and Bill, cider makers at Gwynt Y Ddraig, “This is the third year we have opened our doors to our fans and it’s always a popular event with ciderlovers even coming over from England to see how we make our award-winning products. It’s also a chance for us to meet our customers and explain the effort that goes into making ciders and perries that have won awards from CAMRA, the Welsh Perry & Cider Society and Taste of Wales”.

As well as cider and perry being available there will also be an apple-pressing demo using the equipment that makes the award-winning Gwynt Y Ddraig ciders and perries. Welsh food will be available at the farm including bread and cheese as well as 100% handmade pork sausages, and beef and Wild Boar burgers from Cegin Crincae. Even homemade cider cakes will be available.

This year will see a number of “single variety” types of cider available at the open day. As the name suggests these are made from only one variety of fruit, often from a single orchard. The most familiar single variety is Kingston Black, which originated in Somerset but has been grown in the Welsh Marches, especially Monmouthshire for well over a century. “We try and source all our fruit from Wales”, continued Bill, “but we can only get three quarters of it from Welsh orchards, the rest comes from Herefordshire and Somerset.”

Other single varieties that will be available at the open day are Strawberry Norman, Brown Snout and Yarlington Mill. Gwynt Y Ddraig will also be showcasing a “Pider” – fermented from both apple and pear fruit.

One cider that cider enthusiasts will be looking forward to is a special 3 year old vintage that has been matured in oak barrels. “It’s something special”, says Bill, “We have not tried ageing for this long before but maturing in oak will give this cider a certain flavour and colour that you cannot get normally. We think it’s one for the connoisseur”.

As well as the single varieties and the perries, Gwynt Y Ddraig’s range of ciders is completed by names such as Dog Dancer, Haymaker, Fiery Fox, Black Dragon, Orchard Gold and Barnstormer. If you are unable to make the open weekend, Gwynt Y Ddraig’s products are available throughout Wales at food shows as well as at Tesco, Waitrose and in Brains and Wetherspoons pubs.

Further Information:

Gwynt Y Ddraig Cider Making and Tasting Weekend

Saturday 26th April 11am-7pm

Sunday 27th April 11-5pm

Llest Farm, Llantwit Fardre, Pontypridd, RCT, CF38 2PW

www.gwyntcider.com

Andy Gronow, Production Director Gwynt Y Ddraig Cider, 0779 106 6257

or

Bill George, Operations Director Gwynt y Ddraig Cider, 0779 106 6240

Cardinal Newman has scooped the top prize in a unique Six Nations competition for the second time running!

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Catering Direct service is delighted with the success of the new Filling Stations it has installed at Y Pant, Tonyrefail, Cardinal Newman and Hawthorn High.

The machines offer healthy, nutritious and tasty meal options such as pasta and noodles with toppings such as Italian Chicken and Singapore Prawns/

The staff discovered the insects in the food preparation area of Margaritelli’s in 49 High Street during a routine inspection on Monday (January 14) and served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice on the shop, forcing it to close there and then.

They attended Pontypridd Magistrates’ Court this morning (Jan 16) to secure a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order, which has to be secured within three days of the notice being served, and means the venue cannot re-open until cleared by Public Health and Protection officers.

The event, which attracted large crowds last year, gives shoppers the chance to sample and buy high quality produce from France and Italy.

Delicious cheeses, olives, sausage, bread, wine, biscuits, chocolate and fudge, pastries, jewellery, French perfume and Italian cashmere will all be on sale in Mill Street, Pontypridd.

“The atmosphere at these markets in the run-up to Christmas is always lovely and shoppers can sample delicious food and drink and pick up some unusual Christmas gifts,” said Councillor Graham Thomas, Cabinet Member for Culture, Recreation and Tourism, Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Visitors to Pontypridd on December 1 can also pop along to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and see real penguins at the Penguins in the Park event from 1-3pm.

Two premises that allegedly sold alcohol to a 14-year-old volunteer during a multi-agency operation this month now face fines and “black marks” on their licenses as a result.

Shockingly, this is the THIRD time consideration is being given to taking both premises to court for selling alcohol to minors. As well as legal proceedings against the licensees, the staff who served the alcohol have received £80 fines.

The premises facing court proceedings as a result of the joint operation in Treforest last Friday (November 9) cannot be named for legal reasons.

But details of the operation involving South Wales Police and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, were released to show residents their concerns continue to be responded to – and ensure offenders get the message.

Underage drinking and its associated problems remain a top concern of residents, who have called on the authorities to take action via the monthly PACT meetings.

As a result, Police and the Council have launched an ongoing campaign that includes regular anti-social behaviour patrols and dispersing of gangs, seizure of alcohol, action against offenders and awareness-raising or test purchase operations on the premises that are enabling under-18s to get drink in the first place.

Cllr Paul Cannon, Cabinet Member for Communities, explained: “PACT is so important as it enables local people to challenge their representatives on the issues that affect them.

“Youth disorder and underage drinking is an issue in almost every ward in the county so we have to continue to make it a priority.

“However, no one agency can tackle the issue alone and we are pleased to have a partnership which enables everyone who can make a difference to play a part.

“It is not about tackling one individual crime at a time, it is about joining forces and sharing our powers so we can stop youths getting alcohol in the first place, we can educate them on the dangers of teen drinking, we can disperse gangs and seize drink where needed but can also work in the long term to provide alternative facilities that keep kids off the streets and out of trouble.

“This latest operation in Treforest sends a clear message to all that we continue to work, undercover if needed, to deal with community concerns. Licensees have to understand they must not sell to the under-18s and there is support on hand to enable them to fulfil their legal responsibilities.”

Inspector Richard Erskine, Head of Community Safety for Rhondda Cynon Taf and Merthyr Police division, said:”‘The misuse of alcohol by young people is a national problem, blighting the lives of many within the community.

“South Wales Police and their Statutory Partners are committed to tackling this problem.

“Approximately 80% of all Anti Social Behaviour referrals involve young people; the misuse of alcohol is contributing factor in a large proportion of these referrals. We will use a variety of tactics to tackle this problem, to ensure that the community feel safe in their neighbourhoods and the young people of RCT are protected from the dangers of misusing alcohol.”

But few know that her hobby in her spare time is Sugar Craft and she recently cooked up a treat at a recent competition.

Alyson secured a bronze award for her creation in the first-ever LACA (Local Authority Catering Association) Finishing Touches competition which was in association with the Craft Guild of Chefs.

There were four classes – decorated celebration cakes, decorated novelty cakes, cold canapés and tray garnishes.

Alyson entered the decorated novelty cake category, which – no surprise – was themed on a tray of healthy school meal food all made from sugar and icing!!

Alyson spent more than a week creating a platter of Spaghetti Bolognese and fruit desserts from sugar and icing, also crafting plates and cutlery from icing as well. Even the straw in the drink was made from icing!!

After a presentation and tasting test from judges, she secured the bronze award in the national competition.

Anne Bull, Head of Catering Services, said: “We work hard to ensure our staff have the expertise and training to ensure the standards we deliver in schools are high and that children can access affordable, healthy and tasty food.

“Having such a skill like Alyson’s and a national award to boot is a bonus and we are really proud of what she has achieved.

“Not only has she worked hard and produced an amazing cake, she has also secured a national name for RCT when it comes to culinary creations!

“The fact she chose a healthy-eating theme is no surprise and we are pleased she is flying the flag!”

Communities First are holding a Taste of Wales day at the Boys Club in Ynyshir. If you’re a fluent Welsh Speaker, a beginner or just interested in welsh language and culture this is the event for you.

Come along for some traditional Welsh food.

2pm till 3.30pm

Everyone is Welcome

Croeso i Bawb.

Yn: Clwb Bechgyn, Ynyshir

Dydd Mawrth 02/10/2007 Am: 2pm

Steve Davies, of Steve’s Meat, Oxford Street, admitted 10 breaches of the Food Hygiene (Wales) Regulations, when he appeared at Aberdare Magistrates’ Court this month.

The charges are all as a result of conditions discovered at the premises when it was inspected by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Environmental Health Officers in June 2006.

Issues were identified and the officers put in place a series of interventions and improvements needed to rectify the situation and protect the public. However, the situation was not resolved to the satisfaction of officers and legal proceedings began.

The charges are:

1. Failure to ensure the construction of the premises was such that it prevented entry by pests.

2. Failure to provide hot water to the sink units.

3. Failure to ensure that the hand washbasin and taps in the shop were maintained in a clean condition.

4. Failure to ensure that the walk-in chiller units in the premises were maintained in a clean condition.

5. Failure to ensure that the floor in the premises was maintained in a clean condition.

6. Failure to ensure that the floor in the cooked meat chiller as maintained in a clean condition.

7. Failure to ensure that the cooker was maintained in a clean condition.

8. Failure to ensure that the ceiling covering the preparation/cooking area was maintained in a clean condition.

9. Failure to ensure that the floor surface in the raw meat chiller was maintained in a clean condition.

10. Failure to comply with an Improvement Notice in that suitable and sufficient ventilation has not been provided in the preparation/cooking room.

Cllr John David, Cabinet member for Environmental Health, said: “This case is yet another example of the fact we will take action against those who flout the law and do not pay heed to the important advice and instruction they are given by experts.

“I am proud of the professional work carried out on behalf of the public by my officers. They work across the county to ensure those in the food industry take their position of responsibility seriously.

“We want to work with people to ensure they know the law and what they must do to abide by it to prevent court proceedings in the first place.”

He concluded: “The recent prosecution against William Tudor highlighted why it is so important those in the food industry maintain the highest-possible standards.

“The rules, regulations and standards are there for a reason and must be adhered to at all times.

“We have experts on hand to help you fulfil your responsibilities and support businesses in these matters. However, we will also continue inspections and, where necessary, court proceedings, to protect the public.”

The event begins on Monday, February 26 in order to raise the profile of – and support for – Fair Trade across the world.

A series of events are being held in Rhondda Cynon Taf, including a coffee morning at the Seion Chapel, Cwmaman.

There will be a Fair Trade speaker, crafts and food stalls and a film and café for people to enjoy.

All are welcome to the event, organised by Cwmaman Communities First, which takes place from 10.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesday 28 February.

For more information on the Fairtrade Fortnight click here

Photograph courtesy the Faitrade Foundation 

Franchi, Carpanini, Fulgoni and Servini

Bracchi names from our teeny weenies.

Steamed pasties in a paper bag,

Old friends lingering over tea and a fag.

Threepenorth of wafes for the picture show,

Coffee machines polished all aglow.

Now these cafes are closing fast,

Another symbol of our disappearing past.

It’s kebabs, pizzas and chicken curries,

Quite handy if you are in a hurry.

Though they haven’t the warmth of our old cafes

Where on a wet Sunday, you could spend a day,

Lingering over a bottle of pop,

Waiting from the rain to stop.

So it’s goodbye to Gino and goodbye to Joe,

We’re all sorry to see you go.

Arriverderci, have a well earned rest,

To some of us you were the best.

- by John Walters Abercynon.

From Voices, Voices, Voices – an Anthology of Poetry the People of Rhondda Cynon Taff (Published October 2006) This anthology was produced and edited by the staff of the Rhondda Cynon Taff Library Service. Available from Rhondda Cynon Taff Libraries

Heather has worked for the authority since qualifying as an Environmental Health Officer in 1996 and has worked her way up to her current position.

Her well-deserved Royal recognition is for her Services to Local Government, in various roles that have seen her protecting the health of the public across Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Working with a team of experts and professionals, Heather has led countless initiatives to protect residents, uphold the law and support local organisations as they work to fulfil their responsibilities to the public.

One of the most notable cases in her career was the E-coli outbreak that affected South Wales last year.

As well as taking the lead on the Environmental Health issues the incident brought to Rhondda Cynon Taf, Heather also worked with numerous other local authorities and outside agencies to deal with the outbreak.

Heather, 33, lives in Rhondda Cynon Taf with her husband and their three children.

She said today: “I was extremely shocked but also very thrilled to receive such an honour. It is tremendous to be recognised at such a high level for carrying out a job that I enjoy so much.

“However, it is really important to recognise this honour is not just for my work, but as a result of the tremendous joint effort of all of the people I have worked with and continue to work with.

“This includes staff at Rhondda Cynon Taf, as well as those in partner agencies.”

Paul Mee, Head of Public Health and Protection at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council added: “This is fantastic news for Heather and a well-deserved recognition of the excellent work she has delivered on behalf of this authority since joining us 10 years ago.

“Heather joined Rhondda Cynon Taf immediately after graduating and has stayed with us ever since, working not only in the best interests of the local authority, but also for all the residents we provide a service to.”

As well as being a time of celebration and joy, the festive period is also one of the busiest for environmental health officers, as the excesses of food lead to increasing numbers of food poisoning cases.

In a bid to ensure everyone has a happy and healthy festive period, the Council’s Environmental Health Department has created a Safe Christmas Catering Guide.

They are also issuing top tips for people to prevent cases of food poisoning and other illnesses at Christmas and New Year.

“Christmas is a busy time for the team as they work hard to not only prevent cases of food poisoning but also deal with them as well,” said Cllr John David, Cabinet member with lead responsibility for Environmental Health.

“Their work ensures consumers have the information they need to buy, store and prepare their Christmas produce safely and also that suppliers play their part, producing and storing goods in a hygienic manner.

“We at Rhondda Cynon Taf want to ensure everyone has a healthy and happy Christmas and this work goes a long way towards that.”

Safe Christmas Catering has top tips for Turkeys, such as:

• Buy from a reputable dealer

• If fresh, store the Turkey in a cool place, preferably in the bottom of your fridge and away from ready-to-eat foods.

• Wash hands thoroughly after handling your uncooked turkey.

• Cook thoroughly until juices run clear

• Cool leftovers and put in your fridge as soon as possible. Store above raw foods and eat within 48 hours.

• If reheating, heat until piping hot and only reheat once.

The leaflet also contains a guide to the recommended thawing and cooking times and temperatures for turkeys, depending on their weight.