Sounds of the Valley Launch 4th February

Sounds of the Valley was launched at the Pontardawe Arts Centre last Friday 4th February. To see more images of the launch night please see our GALLERY

Arena Pontardawe commissioned artists David Marchant and Marlo Flores to work with schools, individuals and user groups at the Glantawe Riverside Park, Pontardawe to record their responses to the environment; its history, culture and landscape, both natural and man made to create a work combines sound, dialogue, music and visuals in a thought provoking collage.

The film was officially opened by Andrew Davies AM and we were delighted that the Mayor of Pontardawe, Jean Bowen, was able to attend. The film was shown once through, then a second time with live performances by some of those involved with the project. DVDs of the film are available to purchase for £3.

An exhibition of the ‘Sounds of the Valley’ - a multi-screen audio-visual installation continues in Oriel Lliw Gallery, Pontardawe Arts Centre 7-19 February.

An Arena Pontardawe project with support from Y Gronfa Wledig.

The Fox's Tale Puppet Show 6th Feb

Thanks to everyone who came last Sunday for the wonderful puppet show to mark the beginning of spring. Helyn Latimer, from Puppet Theatre Wales, once again captivated the young and old with a delightful story about a fox and his friends and the adventures they have during a year.

Youngsters then had a chance to make a plant pot out of recycled newspaper and plant up a sunflower seed to grow on.

RSPB Bird Feeder Day

Children and adults alike gathered together to make feeders for hungry birds on 23rd January at the Riverside Centre, Ynysmeudwy. Making a joyful mess with lard, peanut butter and seeds, each person made several feeders to take home. Pictured, Maggie Cornelius RSPB and Rowan and Bethany Dutton.

Riverside Gateway Commission

Last week, from the 13th to the 15th of January, members of the public were invited to the Riverside Centre to have their say on what artist they wanted to produce a Gateway feature for Glantawe Riverside Park, funded by Groundwork Trust. Submissions were made by 5 artists whose proposals are summarised here. If you would like to make comments about the work, or cast a vote for your favourite, send them to mailto:riverside@arenapontardawe.com before the 24th of January.

David Lloyd

3 green oak sleepers, carved on all sides, to depict the surrounding nature. Community participation is required on precisely what kind of design, and also in the actual carving, sanding and oiling.

"New Moon Boat" reflects a new beginning, the start of a voyage and a gateway to the Riverside Park. Made from Portland stone and Bronze and marked by cast animal tracks, there would be an opportunity to work with the local community in its production

Paul Kincaid

Made from locally sourced Devonian red sandstone, Paul aims to combine elements of industry, the landscape, and the river valley. Community participation is encouraged in the development and the splitting, carving and coring.

Sarah Tombs

Made from locally sourced stone. The pyramid shape chosen to reflect the mountains and Pontardawe church spire, the spiral plume on top made from reconstructed stone, to represent the circular life of the river

Lyndon Mably

"Dyma Ni" welsh for "here we are", made from steel to reflect the industrial heritage of the area. The M to represent Pontardawe Bridge, the A to reflect the tower of St Peters, and the N to hint at crenulations of Llangiwc

Green Fayre success despite the weather!

This was the first Green Fayre for Neath Port Talbot Fairtrade Forum and it attracted close to 100 people over the two days. Stalls included, the Unusual Food Company, the Energy Saving Trust, RSPB, Sanburu Wales Aid, Jumble Tumble and Dee Emy Designs. The Riverside Centre at Glantawe Riverside Park proved to be the perfect setting. It was beautifully decorated to fit the season and had a warm intimate feel to it. Coupled with excellent facilities, I would whole heartedly recommend the venue to anyone looking for a cosy and friendly location. The staff were at hand to help if needed and they made us feel very welcome. Chris Quinn, Neath Port Talbot Fair Trade Forum.

Christmas Treats at the Riverside Centre

Thank you to all who came to our Christmas Carol Evening last Friday 10th and made it such a special night. Thanks to June Ashton-Mears who turned up with friends and family in superb Victorian costume and who also kitted out our staff in similar attire. Music was provided by the talented String Button Band who played much older versions of our traditional carols and children and adults alike all joined in with singing carols throughout the evening.





Yes Y Fari did appear to cause mischief and mayhem at one stage in the evening which certainly woke some of the young people up! A really lovely, warm and light filled evening and all of us at the Riverside Centre wish everyone an Merry Christmas and much happiness in the New Year.

Many thanks to Tesco Pontarawe for donating £20 towards the refreshments.

Riverside Lanterns at WinterFest

The Riverside group took part in the Pontardawe WinterFest parade on Friday 3rd December. The parade, which is organised by Neath Port Talbot Council, was filled with people in fantastic costumes and there was fire juggling and huge stilt characters. People who came to our lantern making workshops had their own place and we did our bit to light up the streets of Pontardawe.

The parade ended at the Arts Centre and people then stayed on for an evening of great entertainment at the WinterFest. Thanks to all who braved the freezing conditions and the sleet as you made the parade such a special and magical event.

The WinterFest is organised by the Pontardawe Chamber of Trade who runs regular festivals throughout the year www.pontardawe.org/web