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.

This brand new 11 mile walk, co-organised by Macmillan and Jeff Cowland, who originally thought of the walk and is a Rhondda Cynon Taf Council employee, will take place on Saturday 5 September 2009 starting by Treherbert Rugby Club at 9am, and finishing at the Rhondda Heritage Park, travelling through Treorchy, Tonypandy and Porth on the way.

Every day 822 people are told they have cancer and they all need treatment and support. Over 116,000 people are affected by cancer in Wales every year, and one in three of us will receive a cancer diagnosis at some point in our lives. Macmillan currently helps over half of these people and our aim is to support everyone affected by cancer in the UK. Macmillan Cancer Support are the only charity to help people from the point of diagnosis through the whole of their cancer journey, offering them help, advice, information and support. We rely on donations for 99% of our income, which is why your involvement is so valuable.

The Rhondda Walk will help to raise vital funds for Macmillan in the Rhondda Cynon Taf area. Last year, Macmillan awarded 727 patient grants totalling nearly £302,000 to people in South East Wales who needed our help. Macmillan also has over 50 Macmillan professionals working in the area, including two welfare benefits advisors, who since being in post in 2007 have accessed over £1M in benefits for local people affected by cancer.

Gemma Jones, Fundraising Manager, said ˜the Rhondda Walk will be an exciting day for the whole community. We hope to attract a large number of people to get together, put
their walking boots on, have fun and get healthy, and at the same time raise money to help local people living with cancer.

So come and get involved with the Rhondda Walk now! Register for only £10, and you will receive your fundraising pack in the post, together with a t-shirt and goody bag on the day. For more information, or to register, please contact Helen Ashcroft on 01656 968968 or email hashcroft@macmillan.org.uk

There are lots of Early Bird tickets available, which means you get the best seats in the house and save lots of money too – just make sure you book your tickets before Wednesday, September 9!

At the Coliseum Theatre, Early Bird tickets are available for singing sensation Corinne West, the hilarious comedy musical The Bankrupt Bride, stand-up comic and satirist Jeremy Hardy, the ever popular opera Figaro, the West End all-singing all-dancing extravaganza Gotta Sing Gotta Dance, the hard-hitting drama Beauty Queen of Leenane and the rocking and shocking brand new show from The Circus of Horrors.

Events at the Muni Arts Centre include Chris Corcoran’s hilarious Committee Meeting, the acclaimed singer/songwriter Slaid Cleaves, Eric Bell, the legendary rock guitarist with Thin Lizzy, and Dead Ringers impressionist Jan Ravens.

At the Park & Dare you could save money on the enchantingly beautiful How Green Was My Valley by Independent Ballet Wales, the children’s favourite Tales Of Peter Rabbit and the brand new comedy musical by Mal Pope, Cappuccino Girls.

And don’t miss and Frank Vickery’s hilarious new comedy Tonto Evans at all three theatres.

So book your tickets for any of these fantastic shows before Wednesday, September 9, 2009 to save yourself pounds.

For more details of these outstanding shows call the venues’ box offices – The Coliseum Theatre 01685 881188, The Muni Arts Centre on 01443 485934 or The Park & Dare Theatre on 01443 773112

From Saturday, April 18 to Friday, April 24, 2009 you can enjoy horse rides, a bird watching walk or a short countryside stroll and other events.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council adopted the Rights of Way Improvement Plan in 2008 as a way to protect and improve facilities in our local countryside, promote what is on offer to residents and visitors and involve people in making decisions. The theme of the plan is ‘More people, out & about, more often and having fun’ and the Welsh Assembly Government and the Countryside Council for Wales are providing funding to the Council to help put the plan into action.

All activities from April 18-24 are free. Many local organisations are taking part and events include:

· A walk on Monday, April 20 at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park from 10.30am to show people how to use the LifeTrail outdoor gym equipment installed along the river path. Contact Gareth Davies on 01685 874323 to book your place.

· A leisurely stroll along the Tylorstown river walk from Pontygwaith Community Centre at 9.45am on Wednesday, April 22. Call Sian Seymour or Amanda Maz on 01443 732549 to book your place.

· Cycle ride along the old tram road to Cwmaman and back, leaving Dare Valley Country Park, Aberdare, at 10.30am on Wednesday, April 22. Contact Eleanor Rothwell on 07887551303 to book your place.

The weekly classes cost just £2.50 and will be held every Wednesday from 7-9pm in the theatre’s lounge bar from March 4-March 25, 2009. The classes are supported by Bro Dysg and delivered as part of Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Arts Council of Wales-funded Take pART programme.

Take pART aims to increase participation in the arts in Rhondda Cynon Taf and inspire and engage all ages in the arts and cultural life of the county borough.

The scheme is a joint venture between the Council’s three Cultural Services venues – the Park and Dare, the Coliseum Theatre, Aberdare and the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd – together with the Council’s Arts Development Unit, community/arts organisations and visiting performing artists and arts companies.

For more information on the salsa classes, please call 01443 485934

Katie Perry, aged 16, of The Common, was presented with the Higgins UK Youth Award Certificate of Commendation from the Hockey Writers’ Club, at the Women’s National Indoor Finals. WHU President, Anne Ellis presented the award.

Katie, who attends Howells School in Cardiff, started her playing career for Pontypridd and then joined Rhondda Ladies before moving to Howardians last season. She helps to coach at Gwauncelyn Primary School, Tonteg, and also helps with the Dragon Hockey League in Pontypridd.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Hockey Development officer, Judith Powell, said: “Katie is a worthy winner of this award, as she is one of our most promising young umpires. We look forward to watching her career develop.”

South Wales Orienteering Club are holding an event at Dare Valley Country Park on January 25th.

Orienteering is a sport for all the family, for all ages and you don’t have to be super-fit to compete. Be as competitive or as relaxed as you want, the idea is to have fun.

Event starts at 10.45 am onwards. Further details here.

It is suitable for all ages and abilities. All welcome.

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.”

Almost 1,000 people of all ages have signed up to run in the famous races in Mountain Ash near Aberdare on New Year’s Eve.

Anyone wanting to join the races should now only register online using the online option which is available until midnight on Sunday, December 28 on the www.nosgalan.co.uk website.

Cllr Andrew Morgan of the Nos Galan committee said: “We have had huge interest in the races this year, so anyone intending to run should get their details to us straight away.

“Late entry will be operating from 3pm on December 31 in the race centre headquarters which will be based at the Mountain Ash Day Centre. However, based on the record number of entries, it is now likely that some categories will be closed to new entrants.”

If you have already entered by post but have not received your race pack, please go to the registration desk at Mountain Ash Day Centre, Oxford Street, from 3pm on December 31. If you have any queries before the event, please call Rhondda Cynon Taf Events team on 01443 490200

A park and ride service will run from Mountain Ash Comprehensive School on the night. Vehicles can be parked there and a mini bus shuttle service will take people into Mountain Ash town centre from 3pm until 9pm.

The car parking area will be staffed by both Nos Galan stewards and Police. Anyone travelling to Mountain Ash for the event is urged to use this free service at the school site.

The youngsters took part in Slam Jam – one of the finest break dancing events of its kind in Wales, where crews from Wales battle it out against some of the best B-Boys and B-Girls (young break dancers) from England.

The Get Fresh Crew attend weekly classes at the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd, and are trained by break dancing professionals from Cardiff-based Elemental Force. Sessions are organised by the Rhondda Cynon Taff’s Youth Arts project, and funded through Fframwaith and the Cultural Services Take Part Programme.

Jason Barker from Elemental Force said: “We have been running a lot of projects within the RCT area and have put a lot of effort into identifying raw talent within the community.

“We’ve used the opportunities given to us in short term projects to establish enough demand within an area and develop the Get Fresh Crew. The group formed in April this year and are growing in confidence.

“Crew members are from across Rhondda Cynon Taf and they have all learnt to interact and develop individual skills. The classes have already provided a positive platform for all involved! ”

Liz Driscoll, Youth Arts Co-ordinator for Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Cultural Services, said: “Break dancing is a fantastic art form and is really starting to take off in RCT. Along with the classes at the Muni, we have also recently started a new class at The Park and Dare Theatre, Treorchy, and many of the E3+ schools have also started running classes.”

For further information on break dancing classes, visit www.rct-arts.co.uk or contact Angela Gould on 01443 485934

Women of all abilities are welcome to join the informal, fun classes, which are held every Thursday at 6pm, with the aim of building up to a 30 or 40-minute jog.

Participants will be able to pick up tips on nutrition and healthy living and receive a running jacket worth £40. Ladies will also have the opportunity to train for the Nos Galan 5k Races held in Mountain Ash on New Year’s Eve, with optional free entry to the event.

The walk-to-jog course costs £15. For more information, please call Andy Jones on 01443 400563 or 07817939298

For more information on the Nos Galan Races, go to www.nosgalan.co.uk

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 classes take place in the newly-renovated Zenith health and fitness club at the sports centre on Thursdays from 8pm-9pm and Sundays from 3pm-4pm. Classes are run by female instructors and are aimed at toning up ‘problem’ areas including upper arms, as well as increasing cardio-vascular capacities.

Sessions start with a warm-up, followed by a course which includes a treadmill, bike, fit ball and other equipment. After the workout, there will be a ‘cool down’ using gym equipment and some basic aerobics.

“We have two instructors in charge of each class, so ladies who would like to get fitter this autumn will get plenty of advice and guidance,” said Marc L’Homme, fitness instructor at the centre.

For more information, please call Rhondda Sports Centre on 01443 434093

Llantrisant Leisure Centre is this year’s venue for a weekend of fabulous food and entertainment. On Saturday, August 30, Geoff will be showing you how to create a spicy three bean stew with Caribbean rice, roasted vegetable gateaux and butterscotch banana slice pancakes.

On the Sunday, there’ll be a chance to learn how to make recipes including cheesy leek pancakes, Monmouthshire split pea soup and aromatic creamy vegetables with noodles.

Visitors to the show can also view all the entries in a wide range of show categories including open veg, open flower, roses, chrysanthemums, dahlia, floral art, open culinary, home-made wine 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 competitions and exhibitions of local produce and crafts, the National Vegetable Show will also be hosted during the weekend. The County Show is open from 11am-6pm each day and admission is free.

Aberdare Swimming Pool is offering free swimming for children with disabilities through the holidays from 10.30-11am. Days vary – so anyone interested in attending will need to contact the pool directly to book their place on 01685 874252. Free snorkelling sessions will be held at the pool weekly throughout the school holidays and free canoeing sessions start on Tuesday July 29, weekly for five weeks. Please contact the pool directly to discuss times, and book a place.

There is also free swimming for children with disabilities at Rhondda Sports Centre’s pool in Ystrad every weekday through the holidays from 10.30-11am. Please contact the pool directly to book a place on 01443 434093

Regular learn to swim lessons will start in Rhondda Sports Centre from September 27. There will be two half-hour sessions, one 5.00-5.30pm and the second from 5.30-6pm. Places are limited, so please contact the sports centre on 01443 434093 to book. There will be a charge for these sessions of £29 for a 10 week block (the same as mainstream lessons).

Wheelchair basketball taster sessions will be held at University of Glamorgan on Wednesday, August 6 and Wednesday, August 13 from 7-8pm.

To find out more about disability sports opportunities in Rhondda Cynon Taf, please contact Shelley Jones, Disability Sports Development officer, on 01443 490242

Representatives from the following countries are now confirmed as attending: Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, People’s Republic of China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Iran, Ireland, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Slovenia, Switzerland, Sweden, Chinese Taipei and USA. A total of 264 athletes and 67 officials will be visiting Rhondda Cynon Taf, including 36 junior archers.

Competition organiser Jeanette Howells said: “We are looking forward to welcoming competitors from across the world in September.

“The last World Field Archery Championships was held in Sweden in 2006 and their total entry was 236 – so we have increased the number of entrants by more than 10 per cent this year. I hope Rhondda Cynon Taf residents will come along and cheer on the competitors.”

Golf in the Park – for children aged seven to eleven – offered the youngsters a chance to try golf for the first time. The day also aimed to create interest and enthusiasm in the sport in the build-up to the Ryder Cup, which will be held in Wales in 2010.

A total of 320 children from 16 schools took part, including Heol y Celyn, Glenboi, Cwmbach, Pen-yr-englyn, Pen-y-waun, Pontrhondda, Pengeulan, YGG Aberdare, YGG Bodringallt, Tonysguboriau (pictured above), Perthcelyn, Pontyclun, Llanhari, Oaklands, Gelli and Rhigos.

Golf Development Wales and Dragon Sport provided funding so that each school that attended had the opportunity to access equipment and training to start after-school golf clubs.

Ryder Cup 2010 and water supplier Decantae sponsored the event, providing free merchandise and water bottles for children taking part.

The attractive traffic-free route near the entrance to Lakeside Farm Restaurant on the A4093 forms part of a trail stretching across the breadth of Wales.

The five-mile section follows the former railway line and parish road, and prevents walkers and cyclists having to drop onto the busy A4093 to continue along the Celtic Trail.

Carwyn Jones said: “The Welsh Assembly Government is committed to getting more people to cycle – as a form of transport; as a means of becoming more physically active; and as a way of getting out and enjoying our countryside. The multi-million pound initiative completes and upgrades sections of the Celtic Trail within eight local authority areas across South and West Wales and will allow cyclists in the Bridgend area to travel in a safe manner.”

The scheme is part of the Celtic Trail Phase 2 Project funded through the Welsh European Funding Office.

Youngsters aged 16 and under and their families can enjoy free swimming and organised pool activities and free indoor activities including football, squash and netball in Rhondda Cynon Taf’s leisure centres from Monday, July 21-Friday, August 29.

Highlights of the summer programme include free swimming lessons for beginners and improvers at Aberdare Pool, as well as flip and fun, snorkelling for beginners, diving instruction, aquafit for kids, snooker, mini polo and inflatable sessions.

Rhondda Sports Centre, Ystrad, is offering free dry side coaching sessions from Monday July 21-Friday, July 25 and Tuesday, August 26-Friday, August 29 only. There will be a free play scheme at the centre running from Monday, July 28-Friday, August 22. Free swims will also be offered to all children and their parents from 11am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday, as well as snorkelling classes, free swimming lessons, water polo and many more water-based activities.

Activities on offer vary in each leisure centre and pool, so please contact your local centre to check what’s available. To find your nearest centre, go to www.rhondda-cynon-taf.gov.uk and click on leisure facilities, or call Leisure Services on 01443 400563. Saturdays and Sundays are not included in the free activities programme.

Cllr Robert Bevan, Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, Rhondda Cynon Taf, said: “We hope families will come along during the holidays and enjoy all the free activities we have on offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for families across the county to get fit and have fun – and it’s absolutely free.”

Weather permitting, younger children can have a splashing time outdoors at Rhondda Cynon Taf’s paddling pools this summer. Parents can pack a picnic and take their children along to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, or the following paddling pools in the Cynon Valley – Abercynon, Aberdare Park, Brynifor, Cwmaman, Lee Gardens and Ynysybwl, or in the Rhondda – Gelli Galed, Maerdy, Penygraig, Pentre, Penrhys, Treherbert, Treorchy, Wattstown and Ynyscynon.

· The following venues will also be hosting free play schemes: Abercynon Sports Centre, Hawthorn Leisure and Recreation Centre, Llantrisant Leisure Centre, Michael Sobell Sports Centre, Aberdare, Tonyrefail Leisure Centre, Rhondda Sports Centre, Ystrad, Rhondda Fach Sports Centre, Tylorstown and Waun Wen Community Centre, Porth.

The new-look centre, due to open to the public in August, will boast a modern fitness suite – offering the latest in aerobic and resistance training; refurbished swimming pool and changing areas with facilities for families, as well as modern décor throughout the building and improved energy-efficiency measures, providing long-term savings.

Major improvements have also been carried out on Tonyrefail Leisure Centre’s entrance, making it more accessible and welcoming. As much of the building as possible has been kept open over the past year while refurbishment work has been underway, with only the swimming pool closing. However, the centre will be closed from July 21 until August 11, while essential recommissioning work is carried out.