Details of the next P.A.C.T. meetings to be held in Mumbles during September. Put a note in your diary.
Wednesday 2nd September at 7.00 pm for residents of Oystermouth, Newton, Langland and Caswell at the Conservative club Mumbles Road.
Monday 7th September at 7.00 pm for the residents of West Cross, Mayals, Blackpill and Norton to be held at Mayals School, Fairwood Road.
Safety on the beach is essential.
As described in an article by Evening Post Reporter, Richard Youle, 1st August 09
The article describes how the Swansea lifeguards, Mumbles lifeboat crews, Mumbles cliff rescue and an RAF Chivenor helicopter teamed up for a rescue demonstration at Langland Bay.
The article goes on the tell us that 100 lifeguards are patrolling 28 beaches in Wales. Last year the RNLI responded more than 9500 incidents and the lifeboats were launched 8,293 times of these 1,278 were beach related incidents and of these two-thirds were child related.
For more information read the article in the Evening Post or visit the RNLI web site www.rnli.org.uk TAKE CARE AT THE BEACH!
PUPILS TRAVEL BY TRAIN!
It is reported that more than 40 pupils from Oystermouth Primary School took a train trip as part of a school project on transport.
They trvelled from Swansea to Carmarthen with Arriva Trains Wales and were accompanied by British Transport Police officers Yvonne Brown and Alex Wilson. They had also visited the Transport Stores at Swansea Museum and the Swansea Airport, Fairwood Common.
To complete the project, the children will design and build a moving vehicle which will be test-driven in the school playground.
(for more details see the article in the Evening Post, 31st July 09)
COULD MUMBLES BENEFIT FROM A PARK AND RIDE?
The Evening Post, 3rd August has raised the question, (once again) about where to build a park and ride site. This still remains a priority for Swansea West.
Cllr. Des Thomas, West Cross has urged the administration to consider a two-way park and ride scheme, serving visitors ( and residents) who would like/need to get to grid-locked Mumbles. Also those who want/need to get into the city centre from Mumbles.
Cllr. Holley warned that finding the right location would be very difficult. Last October the council confirmed it was looking at a site near the Bible College playing fields in Blackpill.
Suggesting that " predicting where it would be built was like predicting next week's Lottery winner" appears to be the usual 'pie in the sky' answer to any problem. Why not make a decision and get on with it. Necessity is the mother of invention I have always been assured by those with great foresight. (Editors opinion)
(read the article by Richard Youle, Evening Post reporter. but no opinion was given by the Post)
OYSTERMOUTH SQUARE - WHAT NEXT - AND WHEN?
The Evening Post 3rd August under the heading - Then and now ...
raised the question of the Square, quote "Part of the very fabric of Mumbles has been the subject of a "will it, wont it" debate for decades, the questions referring to its chances of ever being redeveloped". It then goes on to state "But, whisper it, after many false dawns, there could be something tangible in the air".
It suggests that "A new vision for the square has been unveiled by the development company EP Leisure and Swansea Council, featuring an iconic four-star spa hotel and piazza".
It further reports that (the City) Council leader, Cllr. Chris Holley said " The introduction of a spa hotel on the Oystermouth Square site will provide a major boost for the tourism industry and the prosperity of Mumbles".
If it is going to happen - let's get on with it I say. What do you say?
MUMBLES COMMUNITY COUNCIL - Will be looking at the planning application for the construction of a new visitors centre within the Chapel block of Oystermouth Castle. This is to include viewing platforms on the first and second floors, new educational resource structure to Castle courtyard, alterations to the entrance at Castle Ave. and access improvements and associated works.
Planning application Ref 2009/1056 (Ancient Monument)
OYSTERMOUTH CASTLE - SOME FACTS.
Built around 1107 after Gower was "appropriated" by Earl Henry de Beaumont of Warwick.
Destroyed in 1136 by Welsh incursion.
Taken by Maelgwyn ap Rhys and Rhys Ieuanc in 1215.
Destroyed in 1217when Rhys Gryg invaded Gower.
Rebuilt during reign of William de Braose 11 (1241-90)
Destroyed during 1287 rebellion of Rhys ap Maredudd.
Gower and its castles granted to Hugh Despenser by Edward 1 in 1322.
Alina be Braose then recovers her inheritance and adds the chapel
Oliver Cromwell holds the castle during the Commonwealth.
Owned by Earls of Worcester (later Duke of Beaufort) until 1927, when sold to Swansea Borough Council.
Friends of Oystermouth Castle formed in 1989.
(This information taken from the Evening Post 5th August 2009 with thanks)
MUMBLES LOCAL HISTORY CENTRE, TY HANES, DUNNS LANES, MUMBLES.
It has been reported that this very popular centre is to close-down on the 29th August 09.
It will be a great loss to the community of Mumbles.
Congratulations to Carol and John Powell for all the great work they both put in to making this a successful venture.
The Oystermouth Historical Association will continue to present its programme of talks at the Ostreme Centre and is planning a two weeks exhibition next summer. (Contact John or Carol 01792 520540)
MUMBLES RAFT RACE SUNDAY 16thAUGUST 2.30 pm
This is the way to go!
Why not come and support this remarkable event. It has been happening for the last 25 years and is supporting the RNLI towards buying a new all-weather lifeboat. Also monies raised will help the purchase of the new state-of-the-art Tamar Class lifeboat which will cost around £2.7 million.
(See the full report by Evening Post Reporter, Richard Youle Sat. 8th August 09)
(More details in the Evening Post 11th August) The start of the race will be made by Steve Wood who sadly lost his 17 year old son in a tradic accident at sea.
The Winners - Dawnus Construction in a record time!!
some of the runners-up!!!
 
(photos by Cllr. R. Wilkinson )
A talk about the Mumbles Train, by Gerald Gabb will take place on Thursday 13 Aug from 2.00 pm to 3.30 pm at Oystermouth Library, Mumbles.
Something not to be missed
DANGEROUS CORNER
A report in the Evening Post by Reporter, Richard Youle, 11th August has identified a seriously dangerous bend opposite the St. Peter's church, Newton on Caswell Road.
Mr and Mrs Hedges who live in Nottage Mews, have been subjected to the fourth accident to their boundary wall, caused by vehicles not slowing down to negotiate this very sharp bend in the road.
It is reported that Mr & Mrs Hedges have asked the City Council to do more to slow the traffic at this junction. A spokesman for the City Council is reported to have requested them to to write to the council about this matter so that they can look into their request.
Editors comment - surely this should be dealt with immediately, before a more serious accident happens.
VEHICLE VANDALS ARE ABOUT
Be aware that vandals are about and are seeking out expensive cars to vandalise. It has been reported in the Evening Post that 12 expensive cars were damaged in a single night in the Langland area of Swansea.
The police state that this is a pointless and mindless act of vandalism. This attack took place in Langland Bay Road sometime on Friday night or early hours of Saturday morning. 8-9th Aug.
If you have any information or saw anything suspicious contact the Swansea police on 101
FOOTBALL TRAINING AT UNDERHILL PARK
get ready to improve your football skills.
It is reported that on Sunday, 6th September, from 10.00 am to 4.00pm the Wales and Liverpool footballing legend , Ian Rush will be on hand to pass on his football skills.
This event is being organised by Ron Mounsey who has been sponsoring Mumbles Rangers Football Club.
(for further details see the Evening Post 15th August )
CAN YOU WRITE A STORY?
The 2009 Rhys Davies Short Story Competition is open to all writers born in or currently living in Wales.
The story should have a maximum of 2,500 words, and can be in any style or subject. The overall winner will receive a cash prize of £1,000 while 10 runners-up will receive £100.
The closing date is the 1st Sept. so get writing. There is an entry fee of £6.
For more information go to www.academi.org/rhysdavies
(further details available in the Evening Post 15th Aug)
SCRAP THE BUS PASS FOR OLDER PEOPLE?
An article in the Evening Post on August 6th informed us that a Transport Advisory Group to the Assembly was calling for the free bus passes for pensioners to be scrapped. It apparently would save about £25 million pounds a year, and for what you may ask?
Perhaps it could be added to the state pension instead so the elderly could still afford to use the buses and do their bit for the environment by reducing traffic fumes and congestion and supporting the push to more use of public transport. They could also increase business to the retail and food outlets by meeting friends for shopping or lunch, or visit some of our heritage sites and boost the tourist trade. Hang on, isn’t that what the passes allow them to do now?
When people retire they mostly have a significant reduction in their income so if passes were restricted to those on a lower income it would hardly come up to the £25 million pound saving and is yet another slight on the elderly as though they are second class citizens. Any move to stop or restrict the passes would be a retrograde step. After all most pensioners are well behaved and courteous while travelling, have worked most of their lives and contributed to their country, and they deserve a little enjoyment and not to be consigned to the dustbin.
The Assembly stresses that there are no plans to either scrap or change the criteria for the half million people in Wales who benefit from the scheme, lets hope they mean it.
(article by Cllr. Jane Griffiths)
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Life Saving Help is at Hand
Residents and visitors to Mumbles will find help at hand from the First Responder Team should they be unfortunate enough to suffer symptoms or an actual cardiac arrest. The Mumbles Community Council and the British Heart Foundation provided funding for a defibrillator and supporting equipment to be used in the community.
The First Responder Scheme is made up of a group of volunteers who have been trained by the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust. Volunteers include people from the Coastguards, Lifeboat, Police, and a medical student, who will work together to save lives.
Around 230,000 people suffer a heart attack in the UK each year, it is the number one killer of people and about a third of those affected die before reaching hospital. Anyone who suffers a cardiac arrest requires a speedy response as their survival rate drops by 14% for every minute. If a defibrillator can be used within the first four to five minutes their chances of survival are much increased.
The presentation of the equipment was made in the Mumbles Community Council Offices on 9th June to the First Responder Team’s Co-ordinator Mark James from Jayne Lewis of the British Heart Foundation and Councillor Brian Arthur, Chair of the Mumbles Community Council.
Councillor Arthur said “It is hoped that it won’t be necessary to use it too often but it is reassuring to have such a valuable resource in the community and we are delighted to support it.”
(article by Cllr. Jane Griffiths, photo by Cllr. R.Wilkinson)
Mumbles Bay train.
The Bay Rider , whuch shuttlespeople from Blackpill to Mumbles is to have a new stopping point at the old ticket office in Oystermouth Square. This is now converted into an excellent cafe. It was the original ticket office for the old Mumbles train from 1898 until 1959. It has since then been used as a bus station, tourist information centre, taxi office and a storeroom.
Christine Johns, Parks Letting and Foreshore Manager, for the City Council says "It is great to link in more closely with the history of the old Mumbles Railway and at the same time providing a safe place for passengers to wait for the Bay Rider, which runs daily from Blackpill starting at 10am and runs back and forth to Mumbles until 6.30pm throughout August.
MEAT THEFT IN MUMBLES.
Did you see two men stealing meath from the Co-op store in Mumbles.
The thieves stole a selection of meat including chicken and legs of lamb and made off on the local service bus.
A full report is in the Evening Post 20th August. If you have any information to assist the police catch these thieves - phone the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111
GOOD NEWS FOR CHESS MATES OF MUMBLES
A report in the Evening Post 20th August gives details of a grant of £500 awarded to the Mumbles Chess Club, CHESS MATES by the Swansea City Council in recognition of the club's contribution to the community.
Dr. Joannides started the club five years ago after a stroke. It helped him with his recovery he said. He is urging female chess players, and youngsters to give Chess Mates a go. If you are interested phone Dr. Joannides on 01792 366516
Mumbles Twinning Association
The 15th anniversary of the twinning agreement with the French town Hennebont, Brittany was celebrated during a recent visit.
Members of the Twinning Association and three members of the Mumbles Community Council attended the 39th Inter-Celtique Festinval held every year in Lorient, the major seaport near Hennebont.
Delegates from Mumbles were also shown around the town by the mayor of Hennebont, Gerrard Perron.
(photo by Cllr. R. Wilkinson)
Doctor WHO has been found in West Cross!
The Evening Post Reporter, Emma Jones in her report of the 22nd Aug has
disclosed the location of the underground bunker hiding place of the
time-travelling Dr.Who.
It would appear that the BBC are using the WW11 underground bunkers near the TA centre in West Cross for the latest series of this very popular progarmme.
(for futher details see the full report by Emma Jones in the Evening Post)
PLASTIC BAGS - WHAT IS YOUR OPINION - SHOULD THEY BE CHARGED FOR?
The Evening Post Reporter, Richard Youle in his article in the Evening Post, 22nd August has posed the question. The Opinion of the Evening, page 15 supports the move that action should be taken now.
On the 17th September, Environment Minister, Jane Davidson from the Welsh Assembley will be at the Brangwyn Hall and wants to hear your views.
The event at the Brangwyn Hall starts at 7.30pm. Be there and have your opinion heard.
If you have an opinion you wish to air on this web siete, please send us an email.
Mumbles Parking costs are very high.
A letter in the Evening Post,27th August written by a visitor from Pontarddulais who came to Mumbles on the 6th Aug. complains that having paid for a two hour stay in a pay and display car park in Oystermouth was charged £50 for allegedly overstaying the ticket time by 13 minutes.
The time on the ticket was printed as valued until 13.29 but on return to the car at 13.26 an excess parking charge had been placed on the car timed at 13.42.
Do you think that this will encourage visitors to come to Mumbles?
Think again!
It is known that there is a lack of parking spaces in Mumbles but with this attitude we could end up with lots of parking spaces, if people are not encouraged to come and visit this wonderful Victorian village by the sea.
BRACELET BAY, MUMBLES
The BBC TV programme Coast, has declared Mumbles, Bracelet Bay one of
Britain's most bountiful for beachcombers.
The TV Presenter, Miranda Krestovnikoff announced that Bracelet Bay was
fourth on a list of top locations for beach exploration .
The only other Welsh entry in thye top 10 was Porthselau at Whitesands,
pembs and they took ninth place.
(for further details see the article in the Evening Post, 27thAug.page27)
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