Newsletter - Why did the Tawe Trekkers go to Llantwit Major?

Hi all,

Adele has a scenic coastal walk for us on Sunday from Llantwit Major, there's even a lighthouse which will be a first for us!

Closer to home (time and distance wise), we have Rob's Comedy Club at the Grand Theatre on Wednesday. I was going to do an act myself but they stopped me during the audition and warned that there were no professionals allowed. Oh well, never mind. Here's Rob with the details, followed by Adele with details of her walk...

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Comedy Club - Clwb Comydi‏ - Wednesday!

Three nuns in church on a hot day decide to remove their robes because of the heat. Not an unusual habit on a hot day. So about a half hour later, the door bell rings while their robes are slumped over pews with the nuns, naked, in the huge chapel.

They ask who it is. "The blind man," a voice replies. The three nuns decide to simply open the door because the man is blind.

He walks in, looks at the nuns and says, "Nice t*ts! Where do you want me to install these blinds?"

If you want to hear more jokes like this (hopefully better ones), come to the comedy club at the Grand Theatre on Wednesday the 27th Feb.

It starts at 8.00pm but we will be meeting in the Bar of the arts wing at 7.00pm, it is wise to turn up earlier to ensure you get a ticket.

Usually there are two recognised acts and one local act, often appearing for the first time.

Cheers

Rob

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Heritage Coast Walk - Llantwit Major - Sunday 2nd March

Hi everybody,

The walk leaves the picturesque old quarter of Llantwit Major and heads across rolling countryside to St Donat's, where an ancient church nestles in a narrow wooded cwm below a castle. It then continues to Nash Point, one of the most spectacular cliffs along the area's coastline, before returning past two lighthouses that stand beside the cliff path.

There is also the unique opportunity to have a guided tour inside the lighthouse (optional). The views from the top should be great especially if the weather is clear. They will even sound the fog horn especially for us! The tour will cost £2.50 if there are more than 12 of us or £3.50 otherwise.

The walk is an easy 9 miles. No major hills, just a few gentle slopes. Meet at County Hall car park (east side) at 9.30am or at Llantwit Major train station at 10.00am Sunday 2nd March.

Cheers

Adele x

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And that, I do believe, is another wrap for this week.

Cheers,

Doug

Hi All,

This Saturday Graham will take you into the wilds of Carmarthenshire in his usual style of 'off-the-beaten-track.' It's going to be wild, mysterious and rambling, and that's just the locals! Here's the info from Graham...

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Beyond Llandeilo

Hi Everyone!

Here are the details of the walk on Saturday the 23rd Feb.


Difficulty - Moderate
Distance – 9.5 miles (it's expanded a bit!)
Dogs – This walk is suitable for small portable dogs - there are lots of stiles and some dodgy bridges!
Meeting Points:9.30am at County Hall car park (East) or10.30am in the the Sunday School Car-park at Cwmdu (SN63563027)
Description of Walk:The walk begins in the quaint village of Cwmdu and takes us Northeast across pleasant farmland to the village of Talley. We then circle round anti-clockwise to ascend the hills around Taliaris descending back to our start point at Cwmdu.

As with my previous walks we venture onto some seldom-trod and neglected footpaths. They are quite overgrown in places and one or two of the foot-bridges are a bit precarious. Parts of the route will be boggy and muddy. If there has been recent rain you're likely to get wet feet and legs from the long grass and shrubs. Suggest you bring well-proofed boots and waterproof trousers even if it's not due to rain on the day. There are one or two steepish climbs.

Points of interest: Celtic hillforts, Taliaris Mansion, peaceful countryside, quiet footpaths and expansive views of Carmarthenshire.

Contact

Graham 07770 435341
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Malverns Update

Looks like a nice little yomp from Graham there. In case I need to remind you, it's pub night on Thursday. Won't be able to make it to pub or walk myself as I'll be in Latvia of all places, but that's another story altogether.

Another quick reminder: a few folk have asked me about the Malverns Weekend on 4th-6th Apr. We can only allocate places on the basis of receiving payment of £16, and it's first-pay, first-served. Please post cheques to our Treasurer, (made payable to Tawe Trekkers):

Rob Lewis
107 Crymlyn Parc
Skewen
Neath
SA10 6EF

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And that's about it for now.

Cheers,

Doug

Waterfalls Walk and AGM Results

Well hello there!

After a successful AGM and a glorious sunny walk around Rhossili, we have Jo and Tom's splendid waterfall walk to look forward to on Saturday. The fun just keeps on coming in the Tawe Trekkers! Jo and Tom have sent us a detailed and authorative preamble to the ramble so take it away guys...

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Waterfalls Walk - Pontneddfechan - Sat 16th Feb

We spoke to one of the wardens who said that the Sgwd yr Eira falls wereshut but 90% of people were ignoring the signs. It is the boulders aboove that are the problem but there should be no issue with walking under them. Not really sure that anyone would want to take the risk to the blurb is for an alternative route

Start: 09:00 at County Hall or for a 10:00 start at the Angel Hotel,Pontneddfechan Special

Interests: This site supports one of the most extensive and diverse areas of semi-natural woodland in Wales. The fauna of these valleys is well developed, and includes birds such as breeding dipper, grey wagtail, goosander, pied flycatcher, redstart, woodwarbler, woodcock, buzzard and sparrowhawk.

Walk: Starting at Pontneddfechan we follow the Nedd Fechan, which branches into the Nedd Fechan and Afon Pyrddin up to the impressive Sgwd Gwadlus. We double back to a foot bridge and follow the Nedd Fechan up the valley viewing waterfalls of differing sizes up to a picnic point. The Coed y Rhaidadr is on the West side of the River.

From the picnic point we continue Northwards to an old river crossing and then head up hill (which is the hardest bit of the walk) to cross the road which leads to Ystradfellte. From this vista you can see many peaks in the Beacons Fan Fawr to the North East and Fan Dringarth to the North West. We head down an old path that forges its way through the hedge rows towards Porth Yr Ogof and the Afon Mellte. Here there is a car park and toilets. This is the most Northerly point of the walk and we head south following the Afon Mellte.

Asthe Sgwd yr Eira falls are shut, we cross the Afon Mellte at the footbridge. However, you will not be disappointed as from the Westerly bank you can admire the full spectacle of the Sgwd Clun Gwyn waterfall. There is a viewing point from which you can see this amazing natural feature.

We then head across country over the common land, which is a bit wet at the best of times but better than walking on the road.We skirt a farm where the sheep are very friendly and head down the track, again very muddy towards Glynneath Golf Club. We follow a steep path through the woods and end upon the end of the road of Pontneddfechan.

It is short 10 minute walk backto the Angel. The walk should take about 6 hours in total. Hopefully the Angel Hotel or the White Horse will be open for teas and coffess.

Hazards: If raining it could be slippery or quite wet in a few places.Would recommend gaiters to keep the mud off.

Rating: Moderate to difficult if not raining, if raining pretty hard going in the mud.

Dogs: This walk is not recommended for our four legged friends due to the awkward terrain in parts.

Joanne and Tom

Tel: 01792202266

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AGM Results - Election of Officers

And here are the results of the AGM. Glad to say we've got more people involved this year and here's how it panned out with the positions in alphabetical order:

Chair: Jo Lodge stands down, Christian Heathcote-Elliot is elected.

Footpath Officer: This is a new position for 08. Graham Rutt is elected.

Programme Secretary: Christian stands Down and Trudi Cooke is elected.

Publicity Officer: This is a new position for 08. Adele Whittle is elected.

Secretary: No change here. Doug Morgan is re-elected.

Social Secretary: No one stands down and no-one is elected, so this position is still vacant.

Treasurer: Another non-mover. Rob Lewis is re-elected.

So here's wishing the new committee a great year ahead!

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That's it for this week. Remember it's pub week next week, and also remember to have a look at the programme on the website to see what's coming up further ahead; you don't want to miss out on anything do you?!

Look after yourselves, and each other,

Doug

Newsletter - AGM - Rhossili - Malverns

Hi all,


Some items for this week; the AGM on Thursday (it's still not too late to put your name forward for positions if you want to be on the new committee!), and that old favourite of walks on Sunday, Rhossili. Also an update on the upcoming Malverns Weekend in April.

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Walk This Sunday 10th Feb - Rhossili and Burry Holm


The walk appeared on the last Programme a few weeks back, but due to foul weather at the time only attracted a small, hardy group of 3! So guess what, we're going to do it again.


Trekkers should also note that there's been a couple of changes to the programme due to people's availability. This weekend was originally going to be for Rob's Rail Ramble, but that has now been moved to the back of the Programme, the latest Programme is attached here and is also on the website.

From Rhossili, we climb the Beacon for some great views, then descend to Llangennith and walk across the dunes to the beach. Before returning we will explore Burry Holm island where we can sniff out some Iron Age Relics.
Rhossili Beach recently won an international award as one of the top ten beaches in the world, and you can see why, just look at it!

Leader: Doug; 07766652837

Meeting Points: County Hall at 0930 or the start point, Rhossili Car Park at approx. 1000.

Difficulty: Easy


Distance: 7 Miles

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Annual General Meeting - Vivs Pub in Sketty - Thursday 7th Feb - 1930


The AGM at the Vivs in Sketty will replace the regular pub meeting at the Brunswick this week.

I've just rang the Vivs pub to check arrangements ,and we will not be in our regular meeting room as Bob's Tiddly Winks Club (or something) has got that. Instead we have some tables reserved in an alcove to the side, should do the job though.


As mentioned, its not too late if you want to stand for positions to get on the Committee, don't be scared! We're trying to encourage more involvement than ever this year: Having more people who are involved and able to run the Club is essential for its survival into the future.

For all matters AGM related, call Doug.

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Malverns Weekend 4-6th April - Update


There was a slight typo on the last Newsletter which referred to the Malverns Weekend as the Dorset Weekend in a couple of places. Just to allay any potential confusion; it is the Malverns in Worcestershire/Herefordshire that we are going to. (Much nicer than Dorset anyway).


There are still spaces on this trip, and I've spoken to the Black Country Group who will be joining us there and said they can lead a walk for us as they're familiar with the area! How's that for hospitality!? The cost is an absolute steal at £16 for two nights in the Bunkhouse, and I'm also led to believe that the countryside there is suberb. Call me, Doug for more details and to reserve your place.

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And that concludes this weeks items.


Cheers!