The shop has just opened and boasts a massive array of TV Related goodies such as Star Wars, Dr Who, James Bond, Wallace & Gromit and numerous other great TV gems of yesteryear as well as modern items. The new business also has a vast range of both American and British comics as well as a neat DVD Selection. “Its totally unlike anything seen before in Tonypandy and the adults and children love it!” Says Store owner Paul Mohamed.

Not only can you find yourself transported into a place full of dinky toys, figures, model kits and so much more but you can also see close up a real full size dalek you can take photos with. And, if that’s not incentive enough to visit, why not have one of South Wales most delicious ice creams right next door at the Dairy?D

Organised by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council a whole host of activities are on offer at the Aman Centre in Godreaman as part of Adult Learners’ Week.

On Saturday May 14th from 11am to 3pm a day packed with fun and free activities is taking place from pottery and jewellery making to circus skills and sign language.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Skills and Lifelong Learning Cllr Eudine Hanagan said: “Adult Learners’ Week is one of the key dates in the lifelong learning calendar in Rhondda Cynon Taf due to the sheer variety and quality of classes available for adults – and it’s all free!

“Every year the enthusiasm displayed by adults to follow such a range of courses speaks for itself and I’m sure this year’s programme of events will be equally well received. As always we try and offer a variety of subjects for residents and hope they will develop their skills and be inspired to follow a course in the long-term.”

At the Aman Centre, the many activities and courses on offer at this free open day are: pottery, digital photography, jewellery making, family activities, local history, theatrical make-up, story telling, Welsh cooking, circus skills, climbing wall, competitions, hanging baskets, Indian head massage, sign language and helping to create a mosaic for the centre.

For further details contact 01685 870399.

Maybe yourself or someone you know has been thinking of learning Welsh but are either too shy to register on a course or don’t want to commit to a college course.

For further information call the Welsh for Adults Centre on 01443 483600 or visit the website for full prospectus of courses.

iTunes U is a dedicated area of the iTunes Store that offers free audio and video content from leading education institutions. Users can download content that interests them onto their personal computers, iPod or iPhone.

Launched today, March 9th, The University of Glamorgan on iTunes U will be packed with recordings of lectures, examples of students’ work, interviews with lecturers and fascinating facts about the University. All will be accessible across the globe.

The University is joining other educational and cultural organisations and museums across the world in providing audio and video content which can be downloaded free of charge.

The teaching impact of this project for students will include: delivering easy 24 hour access to educational material; distance learning; prerecording lectures to make them available at any time and supplementing lectures given during core contact hours. The site will include content from the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama, which is part of the Glamorgan Group.

Prof Clive Mulholland, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University, is pioneering the project at Glamorgan. He said, “For the first time, the specialist work and expertise of those working and studying at Glamorgan will be available to the world. This means that no matter where you are, you will be able to listen to a Glamorgan lecture, which raises our academic profile on a worldwide scale.

“Some of the world’s best known and most highly respected universities have a presence on iTunes U and we are thrilled to be the first in Wales to make our mark.”

Mrs Lydon will replace Professor David Halton who retires next year after 5 highly successful years in the role during which time he led the University through a period of rapid growth including opening a new £35m campus in the heart of Cardiff, merging Merthyr Tydfil FE College and the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama with the University to form the Glamorgan Group, as well as achieving the University’s best ever outcome in the Research Assessment Exercise.

Taking over responsibility next spring, Mrs Lydon currently holds the post of Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has angered parents and pupils alike, who want the name to remain the same.

Speaking from the Senedd today, Bethan Jenkins AM a former pupil of the school said:

“It is unacceptable for the council to ignore the wishes of those people who the school truly belongs to: the pupils, parents and teachers. Ysgol Gyfun Rhydfelen is a widely recognised name throughout Wales and has particular connotations for community spirit and educational excellence. The school, which was the first Welsh-medium secondary school to be opened in south Wales, has a special place in the hearts of those in the community.”

Leanne Wood AM for South Wales Central, who presented evidence to the Assembly’s petitions committee on the issue last year, added:

“I reaffirm my support for the parents, teachers and pupils at the school who have fought a hard and determined campaign on this over many years. It is unacceptable that a decision like this is not in the hands of the school itself but is a matter for the council to impose. I’d like to congratulate the pupils and parents at the school who have led the campaign and vow to continue supporting them until plans for the name change are dropped.”

“The Council can confirm that there has been a fire overnight at Tonypandy Community College. Council staff are currently visiting the site to asses the extent of damage that has occurred and set the plan in motion to ensure that educational provision is restored as soon as possible.

Once the extent of the damage is known an update will be given and parents will be sent a letter later today in relation to next steps.

Our priority now is to work with the school staff and governors to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum. We are currently exploring a number of options to this end.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and will be the subject of a full investigation.”

The unique move forms part of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s ongoing campaign to boost and regenerate communities by dealing with eyesore buildings and returning them to a proper purpose.

And it sends a clear message to the owners of such properties that they must take heed of the legal action served on them – or Council officers may force the sale of the property.

One building has already been sold under such circumstances and a further 12 are being considered as the crackdown continues.

The Law of Property Act 1925 allows for the enforced sale of buildings that are run-down and subject to legal action from the Council. It means Council’s have the power to require the sale of a building where money is owed to them, such as where repair work has been carried out by authority staff.

The first property to be dealt with in such a way is 30 Llewellyn Street in Pontygwaith. It has been sold to fund the cash needed to return it to an acceptable state so it can become a purposeful building in the future.

If you are concerned about an empty building, contact Public Health and Protection at Ty Elai, Williamstown, Tonypandy CF40 1NY or 01443 425777.

A Treherbert-based central heating company this week marks the milestone of its 10,000 installation.

Bouchard & Jones vans seem to be everywhere you look in the RCT valleys, which is the way the Directors Paul and Antony like it. The company has been operating from Treherbert since 2001, and in the current economic climate the directors think it’s great that they are managing to sustain growth at this difficult time for many companies.

They are proud of the fact that many of the employees live in the Rhondda Cynon Taff and that most of their suppliers are local. As the company reaches its 10,000th installation this week they are celebrating by rewarding one of their customers with a prize from a random draw.

The prize of a flat screen 26″ LCD television was awarded to Hanna Hughes from Llwynypia on Wednesday 21st January 2009.

Hanna has lived in the house provided by RCT Homes for 3 years now with her 3 children. The 27 year old was “very pleased to win something” and can now get rid of her
older television set.

Bouchard & Jones have been growing steadily since they commenced trading and their partnership with RCT Homes has proven to be a great source of success for the RCT area. RCT Homes are rolling out a Major Improvement Programme across the valley and carrying out high quality installations for tenants living within the local area.

Hanna’s home is a good example of the great work RCT Homes and its constructor partners are doing across the Rhondda Cynon Taff area. Hanna has a lovely home for her family, Antony Jones one of the Directors at Bouchard & Jones said “coming into one of the houses quite a time after we have completed our central heating and fire installations, it is so good to see that the family has really benefited from the work.”

Paul Bouchard (Director) commenting on reaching this major milestone said : “10,000 installations seemed like an impossible goal when we first launched in 2001, being involved in partnerships like this has meant we have been able to achieve our ambitions and we are in a great position to keep business in RCT which in the end benefits everyone around us which is what we are all about”.

Ydych chi, neu rhywun chi’n adnabod yn ystyried addysg Gymraeg i’ch plant neu eisiau gwybodaeth am eich Cylch Ti a Fi neu’ch Cylch Meithrin lleol. Croeso i chi ddod i’n clybiau anffurfiol newydd i rhieni ardal Rhondda Cynon Taf.

Mae na ddau Glwb Cloncan yn rhedeg yn wythnosol ar hyn o bryd. Y cyntaf yng Nghanolfan yr Urdd, Stryd y Gwynt, Aberdâr sy’n cael ei chynnal rhwng 1.30 a 3.00 bob Dydd Llun, a’r llall yn yr ystafell gyfarfod ger y caffi yng Nghanolfan Garth Olwg, Pentre’r Eglwys rhwng 1.30 a 3.30 Bob Dydd Mercher.

Os hoffech mwy o fanylion am eich Clwb Cloncan lleol, cysylltwch â Vicky Pugh ar 07500 878289 neu swyddfa’r fenter ar 01443 407570.

Crime-fighting partners that comprise the Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership have joined forces with taxi firms in order to introduce the important pilot scheme.

The partnership has enabled the deployment of fully trained and authorised marshals to the main taxi collection and drop-off point outside the town’s train station.

It has long been recognised that the area can be a “flash point” for crime and disorder as scores of people gather there at the end of an evening in order to consume fast food and wait for a cab home.

As well as ensuring crowds are managed as they wait and that customers are ferried into cabs smoothly and fairly, the marshals will also be able to protect the safety of taxi drivers and support the ongoing work of identifying and removing rogue cabbies.

The marshals, who are Security Industry Agency (SIA) registered work in the town on busy weekend nights in partnership with police and council Licensing staff who are striving to reduce alcohol related crime and disorder, and create a legal, responsible and safe night-time economy in Pontypridd.

Cllr John David, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “This is an important scheme and one that has only been made possible thanks to the work of the partner agencies, including the taxi and private hire drivers.

“It is something those who work in the night-time economy in Pontypridd have been calling for and I am pleased the partnership has secured the funding needed to make it happen.

“The area in which the marshals work has the potential to be a hot spot for crime and disorder due to the sheer number of people who gather there at the end of an evening.

“Many are worse for wear as a result of alcohol and this can lead to physical and verbal conflict over issues such as who is next in line for a taxi. Such gatherings can also lead to unpleasant scenes in terms of discarding fast food, urinating in public and so on.

“The marshals, with the support of police, will manage this situation and also provide protection for taxi and private hire vehicle drivers, for whom such a working atmosphere cannot be nice.

“The marshals will also assist in the ongoing work to deal with rogue cab drivers, who put the public and legal firms at risk with their illegal activities.”

Chief Insp Richard Erskine, who heads Community Safety in Rhondda Cynon Taf on behalf of South Wales Police, added: “This is an important scheme that can only help us make Pontypridd a safe, vibrant and attractive place in the evenings.

“The marshals will enable us to further manage the large crowds of people who gather in this area of the Tumble at the end of an evening, working to ensure they wait their turn in an orderly manner and are ferried onto transport safely.

“It will prevent conflict and also protect the customers and the taxi and private hire drivers, who do not deserve to be exposed to disorder or anti-social behaviour on any level as they are working.

“The presence of marshals will complement the existing measures in place, such as high profile policing at key times, including the Ponty After Dark operations on Saturdays, CCTV, working with premises to ensure they take responsibility for the behaviour of their patrons and the ongoing rogue cabbie crackdown.”

From January 25th the no. 131 service to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital will be re-timed to operate two hours earlier than at present to coincide with changes to the visiting times at the hospital.

This service will now serve Stanleytown and provide residents with a direct link to the hospital for the first time.

At the same time, additional evening journeys will be introduced between Maerdy and Pontypridd on service no. 132 that will offer improved connections at Pontypridd with services to and from Cardiff.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Transportation and Customer Care Cllr Andrew Morgan said: “We are very pleased to assist local residents as much as possible by offering this revised timetable to suit the new visiting times at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

“We are always open to suggestions from passengers and will do all in our power to assist them in anyway possible.”

Full timetable details are available from PTI Cymru on 0871 200 22 33.

Christie – Europe’s greatest ever 100m sprinter – was the mystery runner at the 2008 Nos Galan in Mountain Ash. He lay a wreath at legendary runner Guto Nyth Bran’s grave in Llanwonno graveyard before running the route from Llanwonno to Mountain Ash town centre.

Crowds who lined the street to welcome him were given 50th Nos Galan flags to wave when he reached Oxford Street. After lighting the Nos Galan beacon, Christie said how much he had enjoyed the event: “Enjoyment is an understatement – it’s been brilliant!” he said.

On the night, he also presented a special Outstanding Contribution award to Richie Gardiner of Aberdare, who has been involved with Nos Galan as a runner and, more recently, as an organiser, since he was a child.

People of all ages who came along to soak up the atmosphere enjoyed a fireworks display by award-winning Pendragon Fireworks of Cwmbran.

A 40-foot tall projection show in the town centre showed images of Nos Galan over the past 50 years. There was also a live camera feed covering parts of the route and the crowds of spectators.

First across the line in the elite race was Jorge Thomas of Cardiff Athletics Club, in a time of 14 minutes 59 seconds. First female runner home was Leah Dixon, also a member of Cardiff AC, in 17 minutes 57 seconds.

Along with the runners in the adult race, a group of Nordic walkers also took part, using poles to make their walking more effective.

Founder of the races, Bernard Baldwin, who is now in his eighties, was also a special guest on the night.

Cllr Andrew Morgan of the Nos Galan committee, who ran the adult race in aid of the mayor’s charities, said: “It was a wonderful night and a fitting way to celebrate the 50th anniversary.”

The collection on Wednesday December 31st will remain the same. However, the New Year’s Day collection will take place on Friday January 2nd.

The Friday January 2nd collection will take place on Saturday January 3rd.

RCT Residents are also being reminded to recycle as much household waster as possible. During the festive period items such as Christmas cards, wrapping paper, Christmas trees, decorations, and batteries can all be recycled at either the kerbside recycling collection. Polysterene can be recycled at one of the council’s Community Recycling Centre.

There’s an opportunity to bid for two family tickets (for two adults and two children) to see the fantastic show at the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff Bay, on Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 7.30pm. The show is running at the Millennium Centre from Wednesday, December 17, 2008-Sunday, January 4, 2009.

The tickets have been kindly donated by the Wales Millennium Centre to help raise funds on the auction night for the chosen charities of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Mayor Cllr Margaret Davies – the British Heart Foundation, TEDs and the Special Baby Care Unit at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

Individuals, businesses and organisations across South Wales have donated dozens of items and the auction gets underway at 7pm, with an opportunity to view the gifts from 6.30pm.

All are welcome on the night

Around 4,500 people flocked to the town centre on a bitterly cold night to see Santa switch on the town’s Christmas lights, after he arrived on a sleigh pulled by six reindeer.

Children visited Santa’s grotto in Treorchy Library, where they were given a warm welcome from library staff. Outside, a giant skating Christmas bauble entertained everyone.

The next festive event in the Rhondda is in Ferndale on Saturday, December 6, from 3-5pm, with the parade at 4.30pm

Training was led by head coach Dave Roberts, assisted by coaches from Howardian Ladies Hockey Club, Rhondda Ladies Hockey Club and Blaengwawr Comprehensive School.

Sessions run from 6pm-7.30pm every Tuesday and are designed to provide quality coaching for young players, with the potential to play for their region.

To nominate players or for more information, please call the Welsh Hockey Union office or email Matt James at matthew.james@welsh-hockey.co.uk or Judith Powell at Judith.A.Powell@rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk

The event is to be staged on Saturday 4th October 2008, where hospital staff dressed in South Pacific costumes will push a hospital bed along the highways and byways of Pontypridd and beyond. The event will push off from Eglwys Bach surgery in the centre of Pontypridd at 11am and end its journey at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital at around 4pm.

The bed will be pushed a total of 11miles, heading along Taff Street and Broadway in Pontypridd, through Treforest to the University of Glamorgan, Tonteg, Church Village on to Talbot Green Retail Park and finally reaching the Royal Glamorgan Hospital.

Money raised will go to this years 3 mayoral charities, which are the Special Care Baby Unit at Royal Glamorgan Hospital, the British Heart Foundation and TEDS (Drugs and Alcohol Misuse Advisory Service).

Councillor Margaret Davies, Mayor of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, said: “A charity bed push is an ideal way to raise awareness whilst at the same time raising money for the Charity appeal that includes the Special Baby Care Unit at the hospital. Its great to see so many people giving up their time and getting involved to raise money for these invaluable causes. I hope that the residents of Rhondda Cynon Taf will greet the Bed Pushers along the way and show their support.”

For more information please contact the Press Office on 01443 424007 or email cerys.bowler@rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk.

Residents of A4054 Cardiff Road / Castle Street have been moved to temporary accommodation at Hawthorn Leisure Centre.

Environment Agency Wales issued a flood warning for the River Taff and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council staff have ensured the safety of residents of the area by relocating them until it is deemed safe to return to their homes.

A further 12 houses in Nantyfedw, Abercynon have also been evacuated and the residents have been given temporary accommodation at the local day centre.

Road closures are continuing to bring traffic to a halt throughout the county borough due to the problems caused by the severe weather.

Council staff from all departments are tackling the massive quantity of calls received from residents and will continue to work throughout the night and weekend to alleviate problems wherever possible

Due to the increase of calls, members of the public are being asked to only call the emergency number if their call is associated with flooding concerns.

Established artist Lulu Quinn has been commissioned to deliver a major monument illumination scheme for Pontypridd.

The iconic William Edward’s Bridge and the Brunel Viaduct have been chosen as the two landmark structures in the market town to undergo this massive transformation.

A series of initial tests will take place late on Tuesday August 19th to identify and confirm the technical specifications of the specialist equipment so that the artist can project the desired lighting effects onto the famous structures.

Lulu Quinn works with sculpture, video and installation and has produced numerous works for public spaces and galleries in the UK and internationally. Her work in Pontypridd is scheduled to be completed this autumn and will undoubtedly enhance these famous structures.

The monument illuminating project is also being developed alongside the creation of a large gateway structure to be positioned on the Brown Lenox roundabout.

Andy Hazell, a sculptor based at Knighton Powys, was selected from 77 national and international artists to create the new sculpture. His ‘Wheel of Drams’ has become a popular landmark in Hengoed and his giant ‘Thumbprint’ sculpture attracts attention outside the Swansea police headquarters.

Both projects are funded through a variety of sources including Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, Arts Council for Wales, Visit Wales, Welsh Assembly Government, Arts and Business, Pontypridd Town Council, Pontypridd Market Company and Macob.