Abseil 2014

It's that time of year again - we are getting ready for our 8th abseil event. Over the years we have raised just over £36,500 - it never ceases to amaze me.

PLEASE, PLEASE support us either by donating through Justgiving

or contact me for an application form and take part yourself. Go on, you know you want to.



The Mumbles Railway

Phil Treseder, from Swansea Museum, came to share a bit of Swansea's history with us today and what a wonderful story lies behind the Mumbles Railway ! It started life as a horse drawn carriages which ran on  rail tracks.

It wasn't a cheap day out either. Only the better off could afford this lovely ride around the edge of Swansea bay

 After the horses came steam and the use of a variety of carriages - it looks like whatever they had they hitched on.

Now we got varying ticket prices. Those who could afford it rode in the enclosed carriage and the less affluent could sit on top.

After the steam trains came electrification and the trams. Apparently these are still called a railway, rather than a tramway, because the cars were linked together.

Two really nice things happened today at the meeting. Firstly we welcomed a new member, which is always good news. Secondly, an enthusiast had seen the talk advertised and came to ask if he could join us just for the day, and of course we made him welcome.
thank you Phil for an interesting talk about a Swansea landmark.

NPT Carers

Alison and Eryl, from Neath Port Talbot Carers, came to tell us about all the support they can give to carers. There are so many ways from a helpline, 01639 642277, to respite care so that the carer can have a day off, and advice on how to access financial help.
This is a vital service to support the many people in the community who take on caring roles, often without realising that support and services are out there for them.
If you want to know more you can email information@nptcarers.org.uk
On February 20th we will have an information stand in The Centre, Lodge Drive, Baglan, Port Talbot, SA12 8UB. If you care for someone with a lung condition, pop in and see what help and support we can offer you.

Christmas with the Catwg Bell Ringers

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas until we have celebrated at our Neath annual party. The Swansea group came over once again to join our festivities and fun, and we had the Catwg Bell Ringers to entertain us and then work us hard. Yes, we had to ring the bells ourselves - bit of a din to start off with but we got there in the end.

Most  of the tasty nibbles were eaten, but the few leftovers went home for our various grandchildren. The plateful we brought home disappeared pretty quickly once our two came to visit.

The ladies always look so cheerful in their red and green outfits with a Victorian look about them. They have helped us celebtate Christmas before and are firm favourites, so we were pleased to have them back.

I hope all our followers have a lovely Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.

Ystradgynlais Christmas Fair

 

We were up early, in the dark, on a cold and frosty morning, to get into the hall in time to get a good table position. Our dolls sold well - £70.00 taken for our Breathe Easy group which makes all the work involved worthwhile.

Now I need to make lots more Welsh ladies, they are always the first to go, but I am going to have a night off knitting tonight and give my fingers a rest.

World COPD Day - 20th November 2013

COPD - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease - is a rotten thing to have. It can be debilitating, isolating and cause anxiety and depression as well as breathlessness and nasty chest infections. But it doesn't have to be all gloom and doom. This week there is lots of information out there to support and help. Our Awareness Stand is in the Baglan Resource Centre, near Aberavon Beach.

Come and see us, find out about our Breathe Easy group which meets once a month in the Owain Glyndwr Community Centre in Neath. Being a member of a support group solves many of the problems associated with chronic conditions. We welcome all people with lung conditions and their carers and support each other through good times and bad.

We meet regularly for lunch, have days out and fundraise on a grand scale to help pay for research into lung disease and to support the work of British Lung Foundation.



Our carers go coal mining.

Campaigning at the Welsh Assembly



Celebrating Christmas

At the National Gardens

Our annual abseil fundraising event

A brave abseiler

Monday lunches

For the last two years we have been meeting for lunch, every first Monday in the month, at various pubs in the area. We have a lovely choice of locations from the coast to forest and waterfall country.
This month the lunch was in memory of our friend and former chairman, Helen, who sadly passed away earlier this year. She had always enjoyed these lunch gatherings and treated our group to this occasion.

 

Helen, we remember you with fondness and memories of much laughter. You always could see the silly side of things.