South Wales and beyond. The band received a cheque to donate to a charity of its choice. Guest speaker on the evening was Bridgend Rotarian, Doug John BEM, currently Mayor of Pencoed and a past Mayor of BCBC. As Clerk to Conservators of the Coity Gwallia Common he and his close friend, Jonathan Jones, the Chairman of the Commoners Association presented a full and detailed explanation of the Commoners history, activities, and responsibilities. Bridgend MP Madeleine Moon (pictured) was a guest speaker at Bridgend. Mrs Moon addressed the club about the work of the Parliamentary Defence Select Committee of which she is Vice Chair. She explained that the role of the Committee is to examine the expenditure, administration and policy of the Ministry of Defence and report back to Parliament.


CARMARTHEN


and abbeys etc. There was a fair bit of up and down but not too strenuous. A highlight was negotiating a field with a bull in (of which we were unaware until half way across-despite an amicable chat to the farmer on entering the field, who, for reasons best known to himself, had not bothered to tell us). We all stayed in a rented house in Amroth, idyllically situated in walking distance from three pubs and the sea. A great time was had by all.


CARDIFF LLANISHEN About four years ago our club started a


small project with the charity House of Joy at their school near Kampala In Uganda providing monthly payments to help with the education of the children. We then decided to see how else we could support the school and held discussions with the charity based in South Wales.


It was clear to see that distribution of water for drinking and washing was a real problem as not only did they account for their own needs, but also for the needs of the people in the surrounding village all from one stand pipe.The water was pumped by a very simple, but heavy, hand pump.


A very wide ranging talk followed,


during which Mrs Moon gave an analysis of challenges facing the security of the UK by potential (both government and non government) hostile forces, and gave several specific examples of issues the Committee had uncovered and which would never have become public knowledge (and even now have little publicity) without committee scrutiny. She highlighted areas in which UK is potentially vulnerable to hostile activities, and how some other countries are taking precautions “just in case”. Judith Morgan of Cefn Ydfa spoke about the “Maid of Cefn Ydfa”, Ann Thomas, who was born in 1704. Judith told us that Ann had fallen in love with Will Hopcyn, a poor poet and thatcher but had been betrothed by her wealthy parents to marry an equally wealthy land owner Anthony Maddocks of Cwm Risca. Will consequently moved away from the area.After two years of unhappy marriage Ann fell ill, Will had a dream that Maddocks had died and returned only for Ann die in Will’s arms. Will composed “Bugeilio’r Gwenith Gwyn”, a poem of his love for Ann which Judith read to the Club.


BUILTH WELLS In September, seven Builth Rotarians


walked the Landsker Borderlands Trail. A 60 mile circular walk in South Pembroke- shire. A very enjoyable trek through ‘God’s own country’. Much of it through wonderful ancient woodlands and forest. Also taking in some lovely villages/towns, churches, castles


20


The project agreed was for the provision of solar operated pumps, from a new bore hole, into storage tanks, from which supplies would be distributed to a number of standpipes and to shower blocks for the children. The project has now been completed.


The original finance came from surplus money becoming available from two of our projects being closed,which we had hoped would then be the basis of a Rotary Global Grant, however after nearly three years, it became clear that this was not going to materialise and that we would have to go it alone, which we succeeded in doing.


Above, Dr David Nott, President Mary Thorley and Immediate Past President Sandy Mather.


CEFN SIDAN This year’s host for the 2018 Grand Start


September was one of Wales’ top visitor attractions, Pembrey Country Park. This 500 acre multi-activity family favourite includes an eight mile, blue flag award winning beach and is HQ for the brand new national closed road cycle circuit, developed with Welsh Cycling. The 2018 race featured 20 teams and a strong field including three of the top five riders in the world including Britain’s most successful Grand Tour Rider Chris Frome and our very own and first ever Welsh winner of the Tour de France, Geraint Thomas. And as all this was taking place right on our doorstep, Cefn Sidan Rotary took full advantage by gaining permission from the Park Manager to collect money for defibrillators within the park and other local areas. We also managed to get permission to set up a stand within the main marquee which was very close to where all the amazing support vehicles were located and where the crowd congregated for the much anticipated start of the race.


Above, young man working in the bore hole


The atmosphere on the day of the race was electrifying with large crowds gathered around one team in particular, eager to get a glimpse of Geraint after his heroic effort earlier this year in taking the Yellow jersey over the line at the Tour de France. He may not be the last Welsh winner judging by the number of young people who turned up at the event on some very expensive looking bikes! We were extremely grateful for the support over the two days from club members who turned out in force wearing our very own


Dr David Nott, OBE, born in Carmarthen has been presented with a Paul Harris Fellowship. He has spent many years working as a volunteer surgeon with organisations such as Medicins sans Frontieres and the Red Cross in disaster and war zones throughout the world, including under fire in Syria and elsewhere. His presentation before receiving the Fellowship was awe-inspiring. We were pleased to be able to make a donation of £1,000 to the David Nott Foundation thanks to the generosity of those present at the dinner.


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