Hendy Rugby Club

The rugby club committee invited all the ex-players from the past, to a special function to the rugby club to determine whether there would be sufficient interest and support to form an ex-players association. Current chairman of the club Roy Rees welcomed a large gathering and stated he was very pleased with the number of people present and outlined the thoughts of the committee about setting up the ex-players association and his views on the way forward for such a venture. John Maclean president of the club then gave his thoughts on the idea. The next speaker was Howard Jones, Historian and Author of the book “Yr Hendy and the village”, he gave a very informative speech about some of the people that he had interviewed in his research for the book, and recalled some of the early day history of the rugby club. In the early days and after the war, Hendy had no equipment, no jerseys or even a ball and he stated that Luther Thomas who was serving in the Navy at the time succeeded in getting a kit of White Jerseys and sea boot stockings which formed the team kit for a short period. Luther Thomas who is already 90 plus young, was present at the meeting and was the oldest past player in the room and that as an early ex Captain of the Hendy team he had shared a wealth of knowledge for the book with Howard. After the speech there was a showing of some really old film clippings and videos of games, of Hendy winning some silver ware, there were a few old players present at the meeting and they were able to recall some of tries and games that they were stars of, some of these clips were 30 and 40 years old. As the oldest player present Luther Thomas then gave a speech and afterwards Roy Evans the current Chairman then presented him with a belated 90^th birthday present, by presenting him with a club tie. The evening was then finished off with some light refreshments and a buffet. The current committee will now review the evenings meeting and will probably discuss how to take the association forward in the near future.

Long serving nurse says goodbye

After 45 years of helping the sick and injured, one of Swansea’s longest-serving nurses has decided to retire. Staff Nurse Joan Thomas who lives in Hendy, started working as a nurse in 1963, the same year JFK was shot dead, the first woman was launched into space and it was the year that John Profumo resigned from government.  Joan has become a familiar face across the city after spells working at Gorseinon Hospital, Mount Pleasant, Hill House and Morriston. She’s also worked as a community nurse.  In her career spanning five different decades, Joan has covered a range of different disciplines, including time in theatres and maternity, and her final role was caring for the elderly. Forty six of the staff and friends that all know Joan attended a fair well party to say goodbye and to wish her well in her retirement.

Pontarddulais Walking Club

Members were grateful to the recent walk and group leader Ann Chalke for the trek to the Brecknock Beacons. Whilst walking the Fforest Fawr range of the Beacons the mists and low cloud descended down from Fan Fawr, and the group where left with virtually zero visibility. Luckily the club were led by the experienced and capable Ann Chalke who led the group down to the safety of the Storey Arms car park. Geraint Owain Price will be the walk and group leader on the clubs trek to the Marcher Borders and Offa’s Dyke in early May.

Hendy Aelwyd

It's a busy time at Hendy Aelwyd. They are preparing for our annual Eisteddfod which will be held at the school on Saturday May 10. This again promises to be a great day of Welsh entertainment for all. If you can sing or recite come along and compete!

We had a very successful concert at the Pontarddulais school hall on March the 1st, with Ifan Gruffudd, The three tenors, Cor Lleisiau Llan, Sion Ifan and Elin Lewis. Hundreds of people came along to support the event, and enjoyed and excellent evening of entertainment. The concert was helped by funding from the partnership for community action (PACT), a European funded project.

Advice Surgery

Nia Griffith MP will be holding a surgery at Hendy Cricket Club on Friday 9^th May between 5pm and 6pm

Hendy Pool Committee

The full report from the recent feasibility study has now been received by the Pool and Parks committee; the next meeting will be Arlan Gwili on Tuesday 6^th May at 7pm where the committee will be discussing its content and be making decisions on the next steps based on the report.

Carnival Queen

Two local girls one from Hendy and one from Pontarddulais have both successfully qualified for the Miss Wales Finals and they were invited by the local carnival committee to come and help judge this years Carnival Queen. Thirty eight youngsters attended the disco at Pontarddulais Rugby club where, Kylie Hearne and Zoe Sarah Foster, helped the carnival committee pick the Carnival Queen, the results are as follows, this years Carnival Queen Lauren Foster with Molly Hughes & Chloe Hooper as her attendants.  The Pontarddulais Rose Queen will be Hannah Chiappa and her attendants will be Lauren Thomas & Holly Williams, The Fairy Queen will be Kiera Foster and her Attendants will be Thia Bolgiani & Ellie May Roberts. Prince Charming will be Jacob Chiappa. To celebrate the 40^th year Both Zoe and Kylie as Miss Wales Finalists will be on float supporting the local Carnival Queen.