Background

The AWPB was formerly known as the Pontardawe OAP Branch, which was first founded in the 1950’s, so it has served the local community for over 70 years!

Change of HOME

When first established thanks to the help, generosity of owners of the Works, it had its own Home/Hall, just off Ynisderw Road where it held its meetings. However, within the last two years it has vacated its original Home and relocated to the Pontardawe Arts Centre, where it now meets every Friday 6.30-8.30. It has been a very successful change/transition to a more modern building with excellent support staff and facilities.

Change of NAME

The National Association of OAP’s changed its focus and aims and objectives a few years ago in response to an increasing number of people “retiring” at an earlier age. As a result membership is now open to all aged over 50 instead of 65 and hence the name change to the Active Wales National Association and the Active Wales – Pontardawe Branch

Who is eligible to join and what do we offer and when do we meet?

The simple answer to the above questions is as follows: –

· As outlined above anyone 50 and over

· We offer a warm friendly welcome to all, friendship, and companionship.

· We meet every Friday evening at the Arts Centre between 6.30-8.30

What does it cost to join the Branch?

Cost must not be a barrier to membership so we endeavour to keep our costs to a minimum but we must cover our own “overheads.” If cost is an issue, please speak to Gareth Evans our Chair.

· Annual membership subscription- £10

· Weekly subscription to cover hire of hall- £2

· We also run a weekly raffle to raise funds- £1 per raffle ticket.

We sincerely hope you feel this is reasonable and affordable!

So, what does the Branch offer it members at its “Meetings”?’

In an endeavour to ensure that membership is both a rewarding and enjoyable experience we offer: –

· TALKS by invited guests on a variety of interesting topics and subjects-

· Music nights by invited singers, musicians, and artists

· Films, DVD’s covering everything from local history to local characters

· Discounted prices for Shows organised by the Arts Centre in the main theatre

· A game of BINGO

· Excursions, Trips and outings

· Annual Christmas Lunch

UPDATE JUNE 2024

The Branch continues to meet every Friday at the Pontardawe Arts Centre, (6.30-8.30) endeavouring to offer a variety of activities, Special Talks and entertainment, singers, musicians, and groups.

Recently unfortunately we have been missing, due to ill health, some very long serving hard working members from Gareth (Chairman), Malcolm Jones (Vice Chairman) Wynford (Secretary) Hazel, Barbara, Gwen, Veronica, Peggy, and Joan- with our longest serving member Ruby moving to Aberaeron- we are hopefully their health will improve and we enjoy their company once again!

The last couple of months have been quite hectic especially with all the construction work going on at the Arts Centre- despite this the staff at the Centre have helped the Branch to offer the Members-

• Concert by FLASHBOOK– which the PAC Friends helped the Branch to promote and was well attended
• TALK- by local historian Alun Griffiths on “What it means to be Welsh”- really well researched as usual and well received by all!
• TALK- by Ken Evans- accounting his experience as an industrial nurse in the Oil Fields of Saudi Arabia- during the War out there-humorous and brilliantly honest!
• TALK- by another local historian Martin Davies on the history of the “Briton Ferry Railways and Docks”- which he has written a book on a few years ago, many similarities with Pontardawe
• SINGER-Local Young Talent from Trebanos-Emyr John- who will shortly be staring in Les Miserables at the Arts Centre- One to watch!

Looking Forward. Already booked the brilliant Lorraine King (SONGBOOK) for the 14^th June and singer/musician Mark G from Neath for the 28^th June-

DAY TRIPS- Trips already arranged for this summer-

• 28^th May- Clyne Gardens and Mumbles
• 19^th June- Active Wales Rally at Porthcawl
• 23^rd July- Western Super Mare
• 27^th August-Porthcawl and Penarth

We are always looking for new members- if you are interested in joining, please contact Malcolm Bubb (01792 830726) – similarly if you are interested in joining us on the Day Trips.

Garth Evans- Hazel Bevan- Malcolm Bubb- June 2024