The ‘ turn up and play’ football sessions for girls aged up to 11 will take place on Mondays between 5.30pm-6.30pm at the Maritime Astroturf, Graig, for six weeks, starting on July 14. Sessions will cost £1 per player.

For more information, please contact Lawrence Badman, Assistant Football Development Officer, Rhondda Cynon Taf on 01443 490245 or 07890094344

or email lawrence.j.badman@rhondda-cynon-taff.gov.uk

Clubs from Llantrisant, Pontypridd, Llantwit Fardre, Treharris, Pant & Dowlais, Penybont, Ogmore and Maesteg took part, with ages ranging from Under 9s to U-14s.

The final results were:

Under 10s - Winners: Pant & Dowlais Runners Up: Llantrisant Purples

Under 11s - Winners: Ogmore Runners Up: Pant & Dowlais

Under 12s - Winners: Penybont Runners Up: Llantwit Fardre

Under 14s Cup: Winners: Treharris Runners up: Penybont

Under 14s Plate - Winners: Pontypridd Runners up: Llantrisant

· Under 9s play for fun

The league runs from October to April, with meets once a month to play out fixtures. The finals weekend is organised by the Junior League Committee and RCT’s Netball Development Officer, Rebecca Lewis.

Rhondda Cynon Taf is one of the Welsh counties that will benefit from the assistance of an all-Wales Scambusters Unit to tackle rogue traders, dodgy door-step callers, counterfeiters, prize draw scams, cowboy builders and more.

Created with over £700,000 of Government funding, the unit will be based in Newport and Conwy but will offer support to Trading Standards teams and police across the county.

Cllr John David, Cabinet member for Communities, said: “Our Trading Standards officers are renowned for being proactive and effective when it comes to dealing with rogue traders and those who attempt to scam our residents.

“Their work has already secured numerous prosecutions, leading to scammers being fined and even having their property seized under the law.

“The introduction of this new unit can only help with that work and we look forward to working with the new team and the police to once again deal with those who prey on the vulnerable across the county.”

Funny and smart, quirky and unique, in an era of fabricated fame Elizabeth Cook is the real deal.

Tickets for this great night of country music are £12.00 and available now from the Coliseum Box Office on 01685 881188.

The fabulous family day out staged by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Events team will also feature food and craft stalls, a play zone, arts and dance workshops, circus skills, breakdancing; sports activities and games and visits from the Cardiff Blues and Real Radio.

Cllr Robert Bevan, Rhondda Cynon Taf Cabinet Member for Culture and Recreation, said: “We are delighted to get our summer events season underway with a great day for all the family. We staged our first Tribute in the Park event last year and it was a big hit, so we hope many people will come along on July 6 and enjoy the music and activities.”

For more information on summer events in Rhondda Cynon Taf, go to www.whatsonrct.co.uk or call the Events team on 01443 490200

This annual free event will play host to live bands, including The Materazzis, Cutting the Beef, Elevate, Marjorama, and the sweet sounding Morlais Choir. As well as all this, Local dance groups will give energetic performances. .

Why not come along and indulge your taste buds in the local food and craft markets and for the children or the young at heart take part in the unique opportunities to learn new circus skills with the renowned No fit State Circus workshop.

Cllr Annette Davies, local ward member for Ferndale, said: “As with many other things in Ferndale at the moment, the festival is getting bigger and better.

“We are delighted to be able to continue to showcase local talent with dance performance and live bands at the festival and I am sure it will only inspire the local community.

“The festival is a day of family fun that always draws a good crowd and helps to raise the profile of the town, which is currently undergoing an exciting stage of regeneration. I would also like to say a special thank you to Communities First, Bethel Baptist Church, The Bell Centre and Ferndale Arts Factory for their help and support for the event.”

For further information please contact Francine Phillips on 01443 665752 alternatively visit www.rhondda-cynon-taff,gov.uk.

Our aim is to enable the cultural sector to be more sustainable, relevant and innovative. By working together to plan how we improve the arts in the Valleys, we can share our knowledge and expertise and find new solutions.

“We believe that local people and artists have a huge contribution to make to the cultural life of Wales. Where once we exported our coal, we are now mining our creative talents! In coming together to create a long-term vision, we have the chance to make a real difference to the future of our communities,” said Polly Hamilton, Project Manager, ArtsConnect.

As part of our vision for the arts in the valleys we are holding an Open Space Forum on Friday 27 June 2008 at the Dowlais Blast Engine House, Merthyr Tydfil from 10 am. For a chance to share your vision and meet interesting, enthusiastic people, or if you can’t attend but want to know more about ArtsConnect, please contact Rhian Jones on 07919 626716 during office hours or email rhian@cynefin.org.uk.

As part of the new Smartcard system, which the Council is introducing with the Welsh Assembly, the new passes will replace those that have been in circulation since 2002.

The Council would like to remind residents that they must contact the Integrated Transport Unit if their situation has changed since receiving their bus pass. This could be a change of address or long-term illness which means they no longer require a new pass.

It is also of great importance that the residents inform the Council of any bereavement in the family, if the family member was in possession of a bus pass, so that their records can be updated to avoid causing unnecessary distress if a bus pass is sent in error to a bereaved relative or friend.

The Council is trying to update its records and will try to avoid these errors being made. However it would like to sincerely apologise, in advance, if a concessionary bus pass is issued to a relative or friend who has unfortunately passed away.

To contact the Integrated Transport Unit, please ring 01443 494816.

Maximising Opportunities is designed to help improve the life of people, by offering financial advice, assistance to secure the maximum income and help to develop the skills and training needed to secure a higher wage.

It has been held across the county and will once again be launched in Rhydyfelin next month.

Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Equality, Diversity and Social Justice Team has joined forces with a number of agencies, including CWMNI Communities First, Job Centre Plus, Citizens’ Advice Bureau, Interlink, Genesis, Age Concern and Coleg Morgannwg.

Together they will launch the scheme at the official opening of the new Play Pod initiative at the Tynewydd Playing Field on July 29.

Open from 10.30am to 3pm, it is hoped as many people as possible will visit the initiative, dropping in as they attend the popular Play Pod session.

As well as information on securing benefits, budgeting, training and career development and more, the scheme will also include a Healthy Eating stand.

Residents will also be able to pick up their free copy of Managing your Money, which has been such a success, it is now on its third edition.

The Play Pod scheme was a huge success and saw children come together to enjoy outdoor games and activities. The initiative also bought communities together as parents and even grandparents joined in the fun.

Launched two years ago by Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Equality, Diversity and Social Justice Team, Play Pods offer free sessions and are aimed at children aged five to 14.

Last year, 484 children from the six selected communities enjoyed water games, arts and crafts, circus skills, building games, and more.

This year will see nine Play Pods with play sessions running from July 28 to August 28.

Sessions will be:

· Darren Park, Ferndale, between 10.30am and 12pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

· Tynewydd Recreation Ground between 10.30am and 12pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays

· Mount Pleasant in Porth, between 1.30pm and 3pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

· Trefelin Green, between 10.30am and 12pm on Wednesdays and 1.30pm to 3pm on Thursdays.

· Abernant Playing Fields (at the rear of Abernant School) from 10.30am to 12pm on Mondays and Thursdays.

· Hayfields (King George V Playing Fields), Aberaman, between 10.30am and 12pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

· Graig Park, Pontypridd, between 10.30am and 12pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

· Fairview Play Area, Tyn Y Nant, between 1.30pm and 3pm on Mondays and Wednesdays.

· Dan Y Cribyn Play Area, Ynysybwl – 10.30am to 12pm on Tuesdays and 1.30pm to 3pm on Wednesdays.

You can banish the Monday blues every week at:

· Aerotone from 11.30am to 12.30pm - 30 minutes of aerobics followed by 30 minutes of Bodymax (step class with dumbells).

· Salsa Aerobics from 12.30pm to 1.30pm - an aerobics class with a difference - work out to a range of Latin tunes.

Classes cost £2.05, with reductions for members of the Council’s More Card (leisure pass) scheme. If the classes prove popular, they may be held on other weekdays. For more information, contact Llantrisant Leisure Centre on 01443 224616

Taff Ely

Beddau (1 seat)

Sian Assaratti (Ind) 437 votes
Richard Yeo (Lab) 433 votes

Brynna (1 seat)

Roger Turner (Ind)

Church Village (1 seat)

Graham Stacey (Lab) 600 votes
Rhys Watkins (Plaid) 424 votes

Cilfynydd (1 seat)

Barrie Morgan (Lab) 318 votes
Robert Davies (Plaid) 71 votes
Steve Logan (Lib Dem) 438 votes

Gilfach Goch (1 seat)

Aurfron Roberts (Lab)

Glyncoch (1 seat)

Judith Burford (Lab) 413 votes
Raymond Jones (Plaid) 192 votes

Graig (1 seat)

Joyce Cass (Lab) 350 votes
Bob Fox (Ind) 176 votes
Niclas Powell (Comm) 24 votes
Georgina Summers (Lib Dem) 124 votes

Hawthorn (1 seat)

Teresa Bates (Lab) 434 votes
Stuart Fisher (Plaid) 234 votes
Andy Denton (Lib Dem) 263 votes

Llanharan (1 seat)

Geraint Hopkins (Lab) 389 votes
David Davies (Ind) 377 votes
John Dilworth (Plaid) 232 votes

Llanharry (1 seat)

Nyree Evans (Lab) 419 votes
Vyvyan Williams (Plaid) 474 votes

Llantrisant (1 seat)

Glynne Holmes (Lab) 823 votes
Carole Willis (Plaid) 547 votes

Llantwit Fardre (2 seats)

Margaret Burtonwood (Ind) 500 votes
David Stone (Lab) 404 votes
Bernard Channon (Lab) 440 votes
Joel Jones (Cons) 539 votes
Jools Jones (Plaid) 491 votes
Dennis Watkins (Plaid) 466 votes

Pontyclun (2 seats)

David Bevan (UKIP) 354 votes
Michael Hayes (Lab) 515 votes
Jonathan Huish (Plaid) 1013 votes
Gordon Norman (Ind) 665 votes
Mervyn Rea (Plaid) 841 votes
Christopher Williams (Lab) 303 votes

Pontypridd (1 seat)

Steve Carter (Lab) 353 votes
Stephen Farr (Lib Dem) 397 votes
Neil O’Farrell (Plaid) 379 votes

Rhondda (2 seats)

Clayton Jones (Plaid) 463 votes
Tina Leyshon (Lab) 619 votes
Helen O’Callaghan (Lib Dem) 485 votes
Julie Richards (Plaid) 532 votes
Rob Smith (Lab) 565 votes

Rhydfelin/Ilan (1 seat)

Robert Humphries (Plaid) 190 votes
Jeanette Jones (Lib Dem) 199 votes
Maureen Webber (Lab) 513 votes

Taff’s Well ( 1 seat)

Jill Bonetto (Lab) 473 votes
Adrian Hobson (Plaid) 523 votes

Talbot Green (1 seat)

Paul Baccara (Ind) 639 votes
Jeffrey Woodington (Lab) 315 votes

Tonteg (2 seats)

Gordon Bunn (Ind) 667 votes
Ray Butler (Lab) 632 votes
John David (Lab) 651 votes
Anthony Hallett (Plaid) 567 votes

Tonyrefail East (2 seats)

Bob Macdonald (Lab) 751 votes
Russell Roberts (Lab) 759 votes
Kelly Davies (Plaid) 635 votes

Tonyrefail West (1 seat)

Ryan Francis (Ind) 423 votes
Eudine Hanagan (Lab) 675 votes
Diana Watkins (Plaid) 291 votes

Trallwng (1 seat)

Allan Bevan (Lab) 311 votes
Colin Gregory (Plaid) 201 votes
Mike Powell (Lib Dem) 666 votes

Treforest (1 seat)

John Bell (Lib Dem) 342 votes
Jonathan Bishop (Lab) 163 votes
Christopher Rosser (Plaid) 108 votes

Tynant (1 seat)

Clayton Willis (Lab) 700 votes
Rhodri Watkins (Plaid) 223 votes

Ynysybwl (1 seat)

Brian Arnold (Plaid) 655 votes
Michael Gane (Lab) 307 votes
Jackie Jones (Lib Dem) 316 votes

Cynon Valley

Aberaman North (2 seats)

Anthony Christopher (Lab) 1006 votes
Linda De Vet (Lab) 820 votes
Paul Nicholls Jones (Plaid) 521 votes

Aberaman South (2 seats)

Anita Calvert (Lab) 738 votes
Richie Dalley (Lab) 724 votes
Howard Davies (Plaid) 819 votes
Huw Williams (Plaid) 775 votes

Abercynon (2 seats)

Alby Davies (Lab) 1066 votes
Stuart Gregory (Ind) 818 votes
Anthony Luke (Lab) 487 votes
John Matthews (Green) 371 votes

Aberdare East (2 seats)

Steve Bradwick (Lab) 1172 votes
Mike Forey (Lab) 1152 votes
David Walters (Plaid) 951 votes

Aberdare West/Llwycoed (3 seats)

Ann Crimmings (Lab) 1276 votes
John Daniel (Plaid) 1319 votes
Paul David (Lab) 1121 votes
John Davies (Lab) 1002 votes
Morgan Lloyd (Plaid) 1114 votes
Elizabeth Walters (Plaid) 1270 votes

Cwmbach (1 seat)

Idris Jones (Lab) 794 votes
Sanita Singh (Plaid) 259 votes

Hirwaun (1 seat)

Clive Griffiths (Comm) 40 votes
Karen Morgan (Plaid) 804 votes
Bill Myring (Lab) 441 votes

Mountain Ash East (1 seat)

Pauline Jarman (Plaid) 745 votes
Jeff Elliot (Lab) 263 votes

Mountain Ash West (2 seats)

Margaret Davies (Plaid) 466 votes
Simon Lloyd (Lab) 723 votes
Andrew Morgan (Lab) 882 votes

Penrhiwceiber (2 seats)

Adam Fox (Lab) 971 votes
Jane Ward (Lab) 870 votes
Lyn Warner (Plaid) 642 votes

Penywaun (1 seat)

Paul James (Plaid) 331 votes
Glyn Roberts (Lab) 409 votes

Rhigos and Penderyn (1 seat)

Graham Thomas (Lab) 284 votes
Rita Moses (Plaid) 396 votes

Rhondda

Cwm Clydach (1 seat)

Mark Norris (Lab) 339 votes
Karen Roberts (Lib Dem) 285 votes
Heidi Whitter (Plaid) 219 votes

Cymmer (2 seats)

Eurwen Davies (Lab) 721 votes
Tony Richards (Plaid) 652 votes
Hannah Fisher (Plaid) 625 votes
Margaret Tegg (Lab) 658 votes

Ferndale (2 seats)

Annette Davies (Lab) 895 votes
Ceri Jones (Lab) 794 votes
Victor Thomas (Plaid) 493 votes

Llwynypia (1 seat)

Sylvia Jones (Lab) 312 votes
Tina Coombe (Plaid) 146 votes
Jim Davies (Ind) 100 votes
Jeff Gregory (Ind) 142 votes

Maerdy (1 seat)

Gerwyn Evans (Plaid) 545 votes
Kevin Williams (Lab) 517 votes

Pentre (2 seats)

Emlyn Jenkins (Lab) 1001 votes
Jackie Jenkins (Lab) 809 votes
Maureen Weaver (Plaid) 770 votes

Penygraig (2 seats)

Alison Francis Jones (Plaid) 693 votes
Ken Privett (Lab) 763 votes
Dennis Weeks (Lab) 757 votes

Porth (2 seats)

Glenda Abbott (Lab) 796 votes
Alun Cox (Plaid) 793 votes
Margaret Davies (Lab) 838 votes
Julie Williams (Plaid) 819 votes

Tonypandy (1 seat)

Craig Middle (Lab) 639 votes
Kenneth Davies (Plaid) 370 votes

Trealaw (1 seat)

Steve Carnell (Lab/Coop) 567 votes
Tina Ludlow (Plaid) 623 votes

Treherbert (2 seats)

Geraint Davies (Plaid) 1382 votes
Layton Jones (Plaid) 1274 votes
Roger Nott (Lab) 813 votes
Jeffrey Williams (Lab) 964 votes

Treorchy (3 seats)

Cennard Davies (Plaid) 1648 votes
Sera Evans (Plaid) 1498 votes
Edward Hancock (Plaid) 1591 votes
David Lewis (Lab) 947 votes
Hardev Singh (Lab) 923 votes
Mary Williams (Lab) 1027 votes

Tylorstown (2 seats)

Robert Bevan (Lab) 1077 votes
Mark Adams (Lab) 980 votes
Gareth Evans (Plaid) 319 votes

Ynyshir (1 seat)

Lynne Evans (Ind) 291 votes
Lionel Langford (Lab) 587 votes
Branwen Evans (Plaid) 196 votes

Ystrad (1 seat)

Paul Cannon (Lab) 1296 votes
Phil Lewis (Plaid) 714 votes
John Watts (Lab) 988 votes

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

There will be a schools ‘taster day’ on Wednesday, May 21, at Llantrisant Tennis Club, Southgate Park, Llantrisant, from 10am-12pm, for school pupils only to attend. If you would like pupils from your school to attend, please contact Shelley on 01443 490242.

A second taster day will be held during half term, on Wednesday, May 28, from 3pm-4pm, for all ages. Sessions will then begin on Sunday, June 8, from 3-4pm at Llantrisant Tennis Club.

These sessions will run as a ‘buddy’ scheme, where each person with a disability brings a friend, mum, dad, brother or sister along, and the buddies will also receive coaching.

Members of the local walking group will be manning stands providing a wealth of information, with details of walking holidays, programmes of local walks, leaflets on the health benefits of walking, details of local map reading and navigation courses and a programme of social activities.

A display of photographs will include ones showing the practical work carried out by group members in the Dare Valley Country Park, working with park rangers to build stiles and improve footpaths.

At 12.30pm a cheque will be presented by the group to Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Mayor Jane Ward, as a contribution to the costs of materials for their working group’s ongoing programme of footpath improvement work in the Country Park.

At 1pm there will be an opportunity to join a short guided walk in the Country Park and meet group members.

At 2.30pm there will be a free prize draw with the chance to win prizes including a meal for two, car wash vouchers and hairdressing vouchers.

For more information please contact Alan or Chris Harrison from the Cynon Valley Ramblers tel 01685-881824, or the Dare Valley Country Park Tel 01685-874672

Carys Webster from Gilfach Goch competed at the West London Under 13 Girls Table Tennis Championship and came an admirable fourth from throughout the country.

The youngster is a member of Table Tennis For Kids (TTK) Greenhouse that is run at Tonyrefail Comprehensive School under Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s E3+ initiative.

Cyfarfod gohebwyr, dosbarthwyr a chefnogwyr. Bwriedir trafod dyfodol Clochdar ac effaith Grant gan Cymunedau’n Gyntaf.

Hefyd … trafod dathliadau ar gyfer 21ain mlynedd ar gychwyn y papur yn Rhagfyr 1988.

Croeso i bawb.

To celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Music in the Community Initiative, the Mayor of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Jane Ward and founder of the scheme Father Paul Bigmore are organizing a Cymanfa Ganu throughout the county borough.

In memory of the late Treorchy ward member Cllr Gordon Lewis, an extra cymanfa ganu will be held at Bethlehem Chapel, Treorchy on Tuesday April 22nd at 7.15pm.

All proceeds will go towards the Mayor’s charities of Wales Air Ambulance, Rhondda Polar Bear and Taff Ely Turtles Disabled Swimming Clubs and PALS in Aberdare.

The special service will be filled with favourite congregational hymns well loved by the community for generations and conducted by a series of well-known musicians in the locality.

The other three community singing festivals will take place at St Anne’s Church, Ynyshir on Tuesday April 15th at 7pm; St David’s Uniting Church in Pontypridd on Wednesday April 16th at 7pm and Carmel Capel Yr Annibynwyr in Penrhiwceiber on Thursday April 17th at 7pm.

Mayor Jane Ward said: “The series of cymanfa ganu festivals throughout the county borough promise to be memorable events for all concerned.

“We hope plenty of people come along and raise their voices in song, which will also help raise the proceeds on each night for the various charities.”

The A470 League, based at Garth Olwg Community School, Church Village, Pontypridd, was established to provide regular opportunities for teams in the area to play netball at a competitive level. Eight teams from Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr, Caerphilly and Cardiff are members of the league and there are hopes to expand it next season.

Rebecca Lewis, RCT/Merthyr Netball Development Officer, said: “The league’s aims were for teams who are developing and starting out to play regularly - and there has been a massive improvement in the standard of play from all teams as the season has progressed.”

The league is being moved next season and will be based at St Cenydd School in Caerphilly. To join, or for more information, please contact Rebecca Lewis on 07813 153609 or 01443 490241

Welsh Assembly Government Heritage Minister, Rhodri Glyn Thomas announced that £2.5 million pounds would be invested in Welsh libraries this year, including £1.5 million for upgrading current library buildings.

Staff at Treorchy Library were concerned that many local youngsters gather outside the building complainining of having little to do with their spare time. The Council’s Head of Libraries and Museums Gill Evans and her staff drew up plans to create an attractive new area in the library with user-friendly contemporary facilities which will be designed by the young people themselves.

In partnership with the teenagers they hope this refurbished area will then attract more young people to visit the Library and enjoy the many facilities on offer.

The funding will also be used to install a lift to the upper floor area that is currently unused because of the lack of disabled access.

Gill Evans said: “We are very grateful to CyMAL for their generous support of our projects in Treorchy Library. We feel sure that with this funding we are able to successfully attract even more young people to use the many facilities on offer in our libraries.

“It will of course also allow us to re-open the upper floor of the library and ensure disabled access to this area because of the installation of a lift. This will make a major contribution to the future of Treorchy Library.”