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CRWYS NEWS
©The Newsletter of Three Crosses Community Council
Issue 4: February March April 2013
WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR THREE CROSSES?
If you are interested do come along to our drop in/consultation sessions at the Community Centre to find out what is happening in the village now,and what future projects could be planned. Come and give your views, bring your ideas and find out how you can get involved!
Playground Improvements / Biodiversity SurveyCrwys and District Sports Association / Land Development
Website and Newsletter / Community Centre Activities
Events will be on the following dates and times – just drop in to participate – everyone who visits will be entered into a prize draw and there will be free refreshments available:
Wednesday 20 March 2013 - 6.30pm – 9.00pm
Saturday 23 March 2013 – 9.30am – 12.30pm
/ OUR CHILDREN NEED YOU!The children at Crwys Primary are in urgent need of a person or persons to carry our school Lollipop and help them safely across the road. If you can spare a few hours a week to do this important job, it may be possible to operate a Job Share– so even if you cannot commit to the full 10 hours then contact the school on 872473 orJoanne Davies on 636633 for more information.
£6.38 per hour, 8-9 am and 3-4pm (10 hours pw)
LETTER FROM THE CHAIR
Dear Resident
This Newsletter details how you can have your say on how you would like to see Three Crosses, the Wern, Mynyddbach, and our environment developed. We have a range of projects, some of which can be done quickly, and some that will take a longer time to complete. However, we recognise that you will have thoughts, ideas and views to contribute to this process of further improving the area in which we live and improve the quality of life for all out residents.
We were disappointed that Anwen Jenkins has resigned as a Community Councillor, which resulted from her moving to a smallholding in Pontlliw. She made a significant contribution to the Community Council, and we will greatly miss her input. We have advertised for a replacement, and hope to co-opt a new Community Councillor at our next meeting. If you would like to join us, please submit an application to our Clerk, Ian Donaldson or any Community Councillor in writing or electronically by 14 February 2013.
This is our fourth issue of Crwys News, and while we have had some positive feedback, we would welcome any constructive ideas you might have to improve it.
Just before Christmas, due to the weather, Carols Around the Tree turned into Carols, Poems and contributions from a Brass Ensemble in the Community Centre! Everybody thoroughly enjoyed themselves and the mince pies and mulled wine. We would like to express our appreciation to all those involved in organising and catering for this event, particularly Jan Jones and not to forget Rob Jenkins for the keyboard accompaniment and Vanessa Cashmore, the excellent MC .
Finally, please come to one of our drop in sessions on 20th or 23 March or contact us with your views
Yours
COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS
ENVIRONMENTAL AUDIT
Members of the Council and the CDSA recently attended an information session about Biodiversity with respect to the Natural Environment and Rural Communities (NERC) Act that came into force on 1st Oct 2006. This requires all public bodies to have regard to biodiversity conservation when carrying out their functions. This is commonly referred to as the ‘Biodiversity duty’
The aim of the biodiversity duty is to raise the profile of biodiversity in England and Wales, so that the conservation of biodiversity becomes properly embedded in all relevant policies and decisions made by public authorities.
So what is Biodiversity?
Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth. It encompasses the rich variation to be found in living organisms; the variety within a species, between species, from one habitat to another and between ecosystems. It is not restricted to just rare or threatened species but includes the whole of the natural world from the common place to the critically endangered.
Swansea's biodiversity is of outstanding quality and beauty. The diversity of landscapes and habitats which make up over 80% of the County's total area include upland moorland, coastal cliffs, sandy beaches, heathland, woodland, wetlands, river valleys and estuaries.
Some possible next steps include conducting an Environmental Audit within the village; however there are some immediate actions that the Council can consider, such as finding areas of land in the village that could be planted with wild flowers.
At the drop in events there will be more information and we will be looking for your suggestions.
If you are interested in further information on this topic it can be found at where you will also find a section on our very own Crwys Community Woodland.
C.D.S.A
Crwys Community Woodland has been developed by Crwys & District Sports Association (CDSA). Linking up with the Biodiversity Project, the CDSA are hoping to begin surveying the woodland with regards to birds, bats, butterflies, moths, plants and water life.
If you or your family would like to get involved in any aspect of this please contact Mary to find out more.
CDSA have been busy carrying out winter maintenance works, and the next scheme of work includes planting a further 420 saplings. Creation of a wildflower meadow, fence construction, and the laying of another stretch of accessible path linking up to the existing ones.
Notices will be put up around the village requesting volunteering help and there will be opportunities to learn specific skills for example some members of the group are attending coppicing training to further enhance their skills.
Volunteers are always needed to support managing the woodland. If you fancy a sociable afternoon of outdoor work, even if it is just a few hours now and again, do call Mary Rees on 879642 or at o see what you can do.
CITY COUNCIL NEWS
Consultation Launched: Prizes for up for grabs!!
One of the roles of the Community Council is to make sure our local community is aware of Council plans that might affect us - one of these is the SINGLE INTEGRATED PLAN
Swansea Local Service Board is consulting on a new Single Integrated Plan for the area and would love to hear your views either as individual or an organisation or both. This new plan aims to simplify and improve services by rolling together a number of existing plans, such as those for health, social care, crime and children’s services, into one. It will set out a new vision for the future of Swansea and show how a number of key challenges will be met.
So to be in with a chance of winning a Kobo e Reader and book voucher, 6 months gym membership with Active Swansea or Theatre Tickets for the Grand, then all you need to do is complete an online survey at click on Community People and Living, look on the Sidebar for Swansea Local Service and then click on One Swansea. Here you will find details about the plan and background information.
EVERY WEEK IN THREE CROSSES
All events are at the Community Centre unless stated otherwise
DATE / EVENT / TIME/PLACESundays / Chapel Services – in the Vestry / 10.30am and 6.00pm
Mondays / Yoga - 296485 for details / 10.00am – 12.00pm & 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Mondays / Pilates – Emma07766 477308 for details / 6.30pm – 7.30pm; 7.30pm – 8.30pm
Mondays / Bingo at Coed Lan for the over 65s
Call Elaine on 873263 / 7.00pm – 9.00pm at Coed Lan Centre
Tuesdays / Three Crosses Playgroup - Sarah 07970 107016 for details / 9.00am – 11.15am
Tuesdays / Welsh Class – call 602070 / 12.00pm – 4.00pm
Tuesdays / Three Crosses Guides –Joanne on 07773 473826 / At Crwys Primary
Wednesdays / Welsh Class – call 602070 / 9.30am – 11.30am
Wednesdays / Three Crosses Rainbows – call 07824 428853 / 3.30pm – 4.30pm
Wednesdays / Three Crosses Brownies – call Laura on 874712 / 6.00pm – 7.30pm
Thursdays / Stroke Club - call 874929 / 10.30am – 12.30am
Thursdays / Rural Youth Bus/Youth Club for 11 and over come along and join in – call 07557 481485 / 5.30 pm– 7.00pm
FEBRUARY 2013
DATE / EVENT / TIME/PLACEWednesday 6 / Coffee Morning - 873263 / 11.00am at Coed Lan
Wednesday 6 / WI – Humour in the Courts – witty anecdotes from Robert Dyer / 7.15pm
Saturday 9 / WI Walk – meet at Beaufort Inn
Kittle/Ilston - 872740 for info / 9.30am for 10.00am
Thursday 14 / Chapel Coffee Morning / 10.30am Coed Lan
Friday 15 / Weekday Walk - Oxwich to Port Eynon– call 872740 / 9.30am
Friday 15 / Film Society – The Help(12)
07884 126281 All Welcome / 6.45pm for 7.15pm Start
Thursday 21 / Community Council Meeting – All Welcome / 7.00pm
Sunday 24 / Family Walk - call 879642
Local village walk for Families / 2.00pm
MARCH 2013
Wednesday 6 / Coffee Morning - 873263 / 11.00am at Coed LanWednesday 6 / WI – Never Say Die – author Melanie Davies / 7.15pm
Saturday 9 / WI Walk –Hardings Down - 872740 / 9.30 for 10.00am start
Thursday 14 / Chapel Coffee Morning / 10.30am Coed Lan
Friday 15 / Weekday Walk - Local Village Walk– call 872740 / 9.30am
Friday 15 / Hugo (U) 07884 126281 for details / 6.45pm for 7.15pm
Wed 20 / Community Council Drop In Event
All Welcome / 6.30pm till 9.00pm
Thursday 21 / Community Council Meeting
Public Welcome / 7.00pm
Saturday 23 / Community Council Drop In Event
All Welcome / 9.30am till 12.30pm
Sunday 24 / Family Walk – 879642
Short walk and Basic Mapping Skills for Families / 2.00pm
APRIL 2013
Wednesday 3 / Coffee Morning - 873263 / 11.00am at Coed LanWednesday 3 / WI – Mad Hatters – hatmaking and Easter Bonnet competition / 7.15pm
Thursday 11 / Chapel Coffee Morning / 10.30am Coed Lan
Saturday 13 / WI Walk – Llanmadoc –872740
All Welcome / 9.30 for 10.00am start
Friday 12 / War Horse (12A) 07884 126281
All Welcome / 6.45pm for 7.15pm
Thursday 18 / Community Council Meeting
Public Welcome / 7.00pm
Friday 19 / Weekday Walk - next stage of Round Gower walk– call 872740 / 9.30am
Sunday 21 / Family Walk – 879642
Local Walk / 2.00pm
All events correct at time of going to press, any errors let me know – Belinda
Community Centre Bookings – call Sandra Hutchings 874080
To advertise an event in the Newsletter/Website call Belinda 07884 126281
You will always find more information about events/organisations on the website or join us on Facebook at: Three Crosses Community Centre
A Copy of the Newsletter is also published on the website each month.
COMMUNITY CENTRE NEWS
It is now nearly three years since residents completed the survey about new uses of the Community Centre and although a number of new activities have and are taking place as a result – there are still times available for classes to be started.
The survey provided the following data in terms of interest in classes – the striped bars represent groups or activities that have or are taking place.
As well as the above, the two Walking Groups: the Family and Weekday Walking Groups use the Community Centre as their base, both of which see between 10 and 30 walkers enjoying exercise using both local as well as routes further afield.
Zumba started and folded due to lack of interest and attempts to get a Bridge Club off the ground have so far been unsuccessful.
If you interested in seeing new activities at the Community Centre do call Belinda on 07884 126281 to register interest. We are currently looking into running some further computer classes and Tai Chi at the Community Centre. More details to follow.
NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS
THREE CROSSES GUIDES
Twenty of the Three Crosses Guides went to the Winter Wonderland as a Christmas treat and two Guides were enrolled and made their promise on the ice. The Guides are rehearsing their own version of Snow White, which they hope to perform in the chapel vestry in February and everyone will be welcome – watch out for the date!
Finally the Guides are looking for Adult Leaders to help – training can be provided which would lead to an NVQ. If you are interested in coming to help our local young people call Joanne for details 07773 473826.
FESTIVE FAMILY WALK
The walk went well with 15 children and over 15 adults enjoying the common and woodland and then toasting marshmallows round the fire and enjoying some mulled wine (the adults!). The walking group is partly funded by a Community Council Grant and chocolate treats were donated by Angela Clarke (PCSO) on behalf of community police – see the photo on the back page.
WALKING GROUP WALKS – Check out the website for more up to date details of routes and times or call one of the leaders on the numbers in the calendar section of the Newsletter.
CHAPEL NEWS
There are still History of Three Crosses in Picturesbooks for sale at £10 each, many residents probably have one already, but if you don’t - do purchase one to support the Chapel Restoration. To get your copy either call John Powell on 872550 or send him an email on
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
The full programme for meetings and walks is published on the WI page on the website. You are cordially invited to attend any meeting as a guest as we are always looking for new members.
Dog Owners’ News
Dog ownership is thriving in Three Crosses with many residents taking advantage of the many pleasant walks around the village and our open spaces on the common for exercising their dogs. From large to small they enable many to get out regularly in the fresh air where otherwise we might just stay by the fireside!
To cater for the many responsible dog owners the Community Council has installed a number of waste bins around the village and are looking to site further bins. There have however been many complaints from individual residents about dog fouling on the pavements, with one counting 10 incidents of dog fouling on Pant Y Dwr alone.
/ It really is essential to pick up after your dog as well as being unpleasant and a very real health hazard dog fouling is illegal and can lead to a substantial fine. Officers have been and will be patrolling Three Crosses to ensure that the law is being applied.Crwys Community Woodland and Sports Fields
Four years ago the CDSA decided to allow dogs to be walked in the Woodland area which up until then had a total dog ban! It is lovely to see so many village residents now using the woodland area with their dogs, but the CDSA have received many complaints from users of the woodland about the issue of uncollected dog poo and also that many users find loose and sometimesboisterous dogs a threat. We have observed loose dogs approaching young and old without the owners being anywhere insight.
Taking everything into consideration and especially the health and safety of our children and vulnerable adults we are imposing a
DOGS MUST BE KEPT ON LEADS AT ALL TIMES
rule for the whole area keeping the existing total DOG BAN on the sports field. Signs will soon be erected to reflect this change. Fairwood common is easily accessed at the end of Dukefield where you are able to exercise your dog off the lead whilst observing the countryside code.
TO CONTACT YOUR COMMUNITY COUNCILLORS:
Contact Details / Council Focus/ Paxton Hood-Williams
50 Pant Y Dwr
872038/07939 467566
/ Chair
City Matters
One Voice WalesRep
/ Phil Place
874561/07590 229730
44 Dunvant Road
/ Vice Chair
Planning & Footpaths
/ Daniel Jones
873951/07920 444933
17 Pant Y Dwr
/ Assets/Infrastructure
/ Warren Smart
875363/07918 640170
28 Llynderw
/ Schools
/ Belinda Hansford
872542/07884 126281
The Lodge, Sunnyside Farm, Chapel Rd
/ Community Centre
/ Nigel Aubrey
07794202713
8 Heol Y Gwartheg, Gowerton
/ Ian Donaldson
874929/07758 935216
3 Orchard Drive
/ Clerk to the Council
Here are some photos of recent events relating to the village:
The Three Crosses Stroke Groupreceiving their award as Wales
nominees for the 'UK Group of the
Year Award / Children at the end of the Festive Family Walk – after enjoying Marshmallows round the fire on January 6th 2013
Mid Week Walking Group at Swansea’s Highest Point – Penlle’r Castell – a great achievement! November 15 2012 / Three Crosses Guides at Winter Wonderland
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