VILLAGE NEWS
JOHN BRADSHAW’s FUNERAL
The funeral cortege will drive through the village, from Gerallt, at 11.00am on Thursday 11th December, 2025, and then continue, for the funeral service at 12.00pm, at Aberystwyth Crematorium.
Please - Family only Floral tributes. Thank you.
Any donations would be appreciated for the Alzheimer’s Society. Any donations can be given to the Funeral Directors.
JOHN BRADSHAW
Gerallt, Pennant
08/07/1948 – 21/11/2025
Sadly John passed away on Friday 21/11/2025 aged 77. As many of you would have known John was living with dementia and had been in residential care since April, 2025. He was a gentle man who was always calm and would help anyone in need.
John was much loved and known in the area having moved to the village of Pennant, from Leicestershire, in 1983 with his wife Elaine and two children. In the village he ran his own business from home repairing and servicing lawn mowers, strimmers, chain saws, ride-on tractors, and basically anything with an engine. He went that extra mile by having spares for machines that were out of production, and had a supply of, what he called, ‘stock machines’ to loan out whilst customer’s machines were in for repair.
John was a very committed family man to his wife Elaine, who he had known from the age of three. They had two children, Louise and Peter, three Grandchildren Amy, Danny and Alys, and two Great-Granddaughters Lilly-Rae and Indie-Wynne.
John had some big passions in his life, Land Rovers, the Rotary Club and Pennant Community.
He had a Land Rover, which he trialled with his home club Leicester & Rutland Land Rover Club. When he moved to Wales he was a founder member of the Mid Wales Four Wheel Drive Club which he drove with until 2024. Land Rovers were a passion, shared with Elaine, and they would travel to compete with the North Wales Land Rover Club and Pembrokeshire Mudslingers. The highlights of the Land Rover year were the Association of Land Rover Clubs National event, which was held annually at different locations in England and Wales along with the Major Memorial Trial at Eastnor Castle, Herefordshire. This was a long weekend with an option of staying over after the events in the caravan and socialising with old friends. At home he would be tinkering in his workshop on his Land Rover and built another competition Land Rover from an old three door Range Rover. He used his own Land Rover in snow, ice and poor road conditions, with a group called the ‘Snow Angels’, to provide transport to essential works, collect prescriptions and shopping for vulnerable people.
John was a founding member of Clwb Rotari Aberaeron Rotary Club A’r Cylch in 2003. This proved to be a perfect match to the voluntary work that John was doing in the Community. Elaine was running the Gwdihws Nursery at Lampeter University and John would go there to carry out works, decorate, complete repairs. John would even go out with the children and staff to lend a hand or provide transport. Throughout his time in Rotary he could be relied on to get fully involved and had a high level of integrity. He was fair and honest with everyone he dealt with. Any problem could be resolved and he was able to build or modify things as and when they were required. A lasting legacy of his work was the Coconut Shy, he had designed and built, that has appeared at many Aberaeron Carnival Days and other local events. He constructed the Coconut shy to fit onto his trailer and it all folded down for transport. John was also happy painting and repairing benches at Aberaeron School, erecting a poly tunnel at Aberaeron High School, delivering meals as part of Aberaeron Meals on Wheels or painting and erecting scenery for a fancy dress money raising event.
In 2009 John became part of a team that took on Pennant C P School when it closed in 2009. He became a Director and Trustee, and this was a big commitment of carrying out the works required to make the building the Pennant Community Centre. John would always be there sorting any maintenance issues, modifications, decorating, assisting with organising groups and events and regularly cutting the grass. The largest task he was involved with was in 2019 when the interior of the hall was gutted and remodelled. He was there leading with the demolition and building works, along with stripping out old and unused electric cabling and running in new cables. Due to his health issues in 2024 John had to step away from his positions and work at the Centre.
He was a man who wanted to give his all and help others, which he did in many ways. Someone you could rely on and trust. This is a man who will be greatly missed by many but never forgotten by those who were fortunate to have known him.
NOTICE OF A.G.M. FOR CYMUNED PENNANT COMMUNITY LTD
(08/08/2025)
Notice is hereby given that the Annual General Meeting of Cymuned Pennant Community Ltd will be held at 7.30pm on Monday 15th September, 2025, at Pennant Community Centre.
The meeting will commence prompt at 7.30pm prompt. Anyone wishing to attend could they send an email to cympencom@gmail.com
The proposed Agenda for the meeting is as follows:
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To receive apologies for absence.
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Minutes from previous meeting.
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Matters arising
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Chairman’s Report.
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To receive the Statement of Accounts.
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The retirement and election of the Chairman.
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The retirement and election of the Vice Chairman.
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The retirement and election of the Treasurer.
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The retirement and election of the Secretary.
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The retirement and appointment of additional Directors.
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To set the rate of subscriptions and review hire charges.
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To consider proposed amendments to the Memorandum and Articles of Association in accordance with the draft.
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Review Company Policies.
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Any Other Business
Only proposals/items that have been notified to the Company Secretary, at least 14 days prior to the meeting or, proposals/item agreed at the meeting by ALL persons present, can be discussed.
Please note committee/management posts are as follows:-
Chairman; Vice Chairman; Treasurer; Secretary; and General Committee Members.
Only Members of Cymuned Pennant Community Limited are eligible to vote
CYMUNED 100 CLUB REFUNDS
With the cancellation of the 100 Club draws for this year, which should have commenced from the 1st April, 2025, if you paid by cheque could you please let the Newsletter Editor know what name to place on a refund cheque. You can also have a refund paid directly into your bank account.
UPDATE: CYMUNED ENERGY PROJECT
(05/07/2025)
As everyone would have noticed, when passing the Community Centre, there has been scaffolding erected on the building for the installation of the solar PV panels. The system, including the battery installation, should be fitted within three weeks.
The solar PV panels, along with battery storage, should enable the centre to make big savings on energy use and cost from the Grid, producing our own electricity which is clean and sustainable.
The batteries will supply energy for the Centre to run on batteries over the evening sessions and, in the case of power cuts, still have a source of power through the use of a hybrid inverter.
There are still further plans to make the Centre more energy efficient thus making it a warmer space for everyone’s use.
We are thankful to EGIN in their support, through Angela Paxton, in assisting us to access funds from Sustainable Steps Wales Egin Grants Dormant Assets Scheme. This will be a major part of Cymuned’s Renewable & Sustainable Energy Project.
ALUN LEWIS
(08/06/2025)
Evan Alun Lewis, of Mor Awel, Pennant, passed away peacefully at Ysbyty Bronglais on May 19th 2025, aged 85 years. Beloved husband of Sheila. Loving Father of Lynne and Christopher and loving Uncle of Carol.
A private service was held at Aberystwyth Crematorium, on Wednesday June 4th.
Any donations are gratefully accepted, if desired, in memory of Alun, towards "Acute Stroke Unit Ystwyth Ward, Ysbyty Bronglais." Any donations can be made through Mr. C. Lewis, Mor Awel, Pennant, Llanon SY23 5PB.
Alun and Sheila Lewis are a very well-known couple living in Pennant. Alun had been a pupil at Pennant School. His affiliation with the school continued and Alun has been a great supporter of Cymuned Pennant Community and local events since 2009. Alun and Sheila made donations to the Centre and generously provided funds to assist with the community’s purchase of the old school, from Ceredigion Council in 2015.
Alun was always ready for a chat and was very much a people person. He will be sadly missed but he will never be forgotten.
A QUESTION FOR EVERYONE
(08/06/2025)
Just a few questions for everyone to consider concerning your Community Centre.
What facilities would you like to see provided at the Centre?
What events would you like to see re-introduced at the Centre.
What new event(s) would you like to see held at the Centre?
Please contact any of the Management Team with your ideas or suggestions or if you would lend a helping hand. Thank you
A MESSAGE FROM ANNE & GORDON McKENZIE
(11/03/2025)
To our friends in the Community. We have to tell you, that despite the best efforts of health care staff, and her brave strength and resiliance, our Grandsons wife has lost her battle with cancer. She died on March 1st, at home, with support and love from family around her. We are obviously trying to assimilate the situation now. Our promise to her and our Grandson now is to all help him to rear their two little boys, in the way she wished. Thank you all for your quiet support throughout this very difficult time. DIOLCH Gordon and Anne McKenzie
CAN YOU HELP?
(02/12/2024)
We are always looking for people who are willing to spend some time helping out at the Community Centre. This will enable the Centre being available for more general opening hours for people just to come together and socialise, a Community ‘Warm/Welcome Space’.
Also, when we do run events and many hands make light work for the tasks to be undertaken.
If you are willing to help out why not become a Community Volunteer.
ADVICE & HELP
(02/12/2024)
Each month I circulate a bulletin that is compiled by Ceredigion Council providing information for financial helps and organisations that have facilities to assist families and individuals with the ‘Cost of Living’.
An English version is circulated with the newsletter and there are English and Welsh versions on the website.
MacMILLAN DAY IN PENNANT
(09/10/2024)
On Thursday 26th September Pennant Community Centre hosted two fundraising events for MacMillan Cancer Support.
In the morning, as for many years, the regular coffee morning crowd have supported this charity donated £97.00. A raffle was commenced to run until the next coffee morning on 3rd October. Thank you to everyone for your generosity and support.
MacMillan Afternoon Tea Party.
During the afternoon the Village, Pennant ‘Stitchers’ and friends came together. Pawb yn cydweithio. The amazing amount of over £1,000 (final figure to be updated) has been raised. The event was organised by Annmarie & Carrieanne with plenty of support! Rydym wedi codi dros £1000.
Thank you to everyone who made the event possible, helped, gifted items, made cakes, attended, dressed up and gave generously, making the afternoon really special. Great support for a community event. Music & photography courtesy of our own Ali. Dancers... prefer to remain anonymous! The 'Stitchers' ladies were a grand brigade of workers! Diolch yn fawr iawn pawb.
Watch out for next year! Edrych ymlaen at y flwyddyn nesaf!
Cymuned Pennant, in support of the event, provided all facilities free of charge.
A.G.M. 2024
(13/09/2024)
The Company A.G.M. was held for Cymuned Pennant Community on 3rd September, 2024.
This was the 15th A.G.M. held under our Chairman, Dafydd Edwards. He has been in this post from the very start. Dafydd has used his skills and knowledge to develop the building and has always been involved in the hands on works and maintenance carried out.
A decision was made that we needed to increase the Cymuned membership fee as our electricity costs doubled in December 2023, when our contract was renewed. It had been proposed a rise to £15.00 but after discussion it was agreed to limit the rise to £12.00, equivalent to £1.00 per month. This is for a Centre that that we are told is very well equipped and the best in the area.
We still have plans to improve things further. Why not join us in making things even better.
BLOOD BIKES
Following the presentation on 29th February, 2024, by members of the Aberystwyth Blood Bikes team, the following donations were made.
Cymuned Members & Residents £140.00
Cymuned Pennant Community £100.00
Aberaeron Rotary Club £100.00
Personal Donation £200.00
(Rotarian Ernie Gunner)
The total of £540.00 was much appreciated by the Blood Bikes Team and will be of great assistance in supporting their work in the Community for the NHS.
SWIFT NESTING BOXES
If you wish to provide a roost for the visiting Swifts register with CeredigionSwiftProject@gmail.com for a free Swift nesting box.
WEBSITE UPDATE
(30/01/2024)
Cymuned Pennant Community Centre website has a new folder named ‘Help & Advice’. This will contain documents relating to heating, insulation and government payments along with assistance with well-being
TRIBUTE TO JOHN & ELAINE BRADSHAW
(19/12/2023)
I would like to pay tribute to two of the founding members of Cymuned Pennant Community, John and Elaine Bradshaw.
Although I am related I can only let you know the facts of what they have done for our Community, and other local communities, since they moved into Pennant in 1983.
John ran his mower, strimmer, chainsaw and basically anything mechanical repair business from his home address at Gerallt. Elaine ran the Gwdihws Nursey at Lampeter University Campus and later worked for Mencap as a support worker for clients wishing to find work.
In the Village they supported events and Elaine was a member of the Pennant Community Group, Llais Pennant, and later became a Community Councillor.
Both John & Elaine joined the Clwb Rotari Aberaeron Rotary Club A’r Cylch and for over 20 years worked hard in supporting groups and fundraising.
Both were founder members of Cymuned Pennant Community, following the closure of Pennant School. They worked hard carrying maintenance works, cutting the grass and making improvements to the building. As Directors and Trustees they assisted in making the Community Centre the best in the area.
Due to ill health they have both had to relinquish their positions but their many years of Service will not be forgotten.
CHRISTMAS MEMBERS DRAW
(19/12/2023)
The Member’s Christmas Draw was made at the Pennant Community Christmas Dinner on Sunday 17th December, 2023.
1st Prize: No 24 Sheila Lewis £100.00
2nd Prize No 76 Phil Huckin - £50.00
3rd Prize No 34 Carol Lewis - £20.00
Thank you to all our members for your continued support.
POPPY COLLECTION
(19/12/2023)
Sales of Poppies at the Community Centre amounted to £22.08.Thank you to everyone that generously donated.
Thank you to Anne McKenzie for the distribution and collection of poppies and collection boxes.
Our District collected £6354.60
FACEBOOK POSTS
(28/10/2023
If you have anything that you wish to be posted on the Cymuned Facebook page it will require approval so that there are no issues relating to the content. The submission should be factually correct/true and there are no possible breaches of copyright. This situation has been an issue for a number of groups and organisations. You can read some recent local Facebook pages that make many claims, but you are able to establish that the claims and information posted are not factually correct. Social media is not generally a very reliable source as those publishing material put their own opinion and view on things. An example of a local issue, that required intervention, was where factually incorrect information was published on a local Facebook page and was in the process of being shared between other ‘Pages’. The facts were provided to the person who published the information and the entry was removed. Without that an intervention there could have been criminal acts committed or civil proceedings.
Ursula is a volunteer who offered her Services to set up and maintain a Facebook page, for which Cymuned is very grateful. Ursula is the only person with Admin rights but has no legal position or protection within the Cymuned structure. As a result, any decisions to publish material has to be made by a Trustee/Director, in case of any possible repercussions. If you wish for anything to be added to the site you are able to submit them to the Newsletter Editor and the I.T. webmaster which will then be passed on to Ursula.
POSTAL ISSUES
(28/10/2023)
There would still appear to problems with the postal deliveries in our area.
Phillip Poynor has reported similar issues with no deliveries over two days this week. Also the post is being collected at different times to that shown on the postal boxes. A relief postman has also been making the deliveries, this week, but working the route in the opposite direction to usual.
I have made some enquiries and the issues appear to be effecting a number of areas across the UK.
DEFIBRILLATOR TRAINING
(28/10/2023)
During the Pennant Youth Club meeting, on Thursday 20th October, Pauline Betts, a First Responder Volunteer with Wales Ambulance Service Trust, attended the meeting with Rhodri Jones, to provide training on the use of the Automated External Defibrillator (AED). There were 21 persons in attendance so there will be more people aware of how to use the two AED Defibrillators in Pennant.
Site of Defibrillators are Pennant Community Centre and Pennant Garage
WELCOME ABOARD
(28/10/2023)
Following the recent A.G.M. we have two new members on the Management Committee. Gill Evans – Trustee/Director & Denise Yard, who remains as a co-opted member of the team.
We would like to thank them both for their continued support and commitment
MacMILLAN COFFEE MORNING
(28/10/2023)
The Coffee morning on Thursday 12th October raised £85.00 for the charity. Thank you everyone for your generous donations and to Denise for the excellent cakes.
FILM & FOOD
(28/10/2023)
If you intend to come along to the Food & Film evenings please let the newsletter editor know.
Could you please give at least 48 hours’ notice if you will require a meal and 24 hours if you intend to watch the film. Thank you
POSTAL ISSUES
(10/10/2023)
It would appear that the issues relating to the Postal Deliveries to Pennant are still on-going.
If you have had any further issues please let the newsletter editor know so further correspondence can be entered into with Post Office and highlighted to our elected representatives.
POSTAL DELIVERIES PENNANT
(03/09/2023)
Anne McKenzie has highlighted an issue regarding postal deliveries to our village. She became aware that some days, and indeed several successive days there was no postal service in Pennant. Over a few days the postmen told Anne that the postmaster in charge of Aberystwyth sorting office will not provide a substitute postman if one for this area is on leave. As a result several days’ worth of post is required to be delivered on the round, with the comment made by the Sorting Office Manager that 'No one important lives in Pennant’, and if necessary deliver only parcels leave letters for another day to speed up the round!
Have you noticed issues with mail deliveries, first class letters taking many days to arrive?
The newsletter editor sent a query to Royal Mail asking for some reason or explanation for the issues being experienced. The response is below.
“I’m sorry you haven't received mail for a number of days and can fully understand your concerns. Every item of mail is important to us and we typically pride ourselves on the high level of service we provide, so I’m very sorry we appear to have let you down on this occasion.
I’ve reported this issue to the manager of your local delivery office and recorded the details under reference 230813-000874.
I’ve also checked information on deliveries in your area. I’m sorry, there does appear to be a local issue and we’re working hard to fix it. We’ll deliver all post as soon as we can and I’m sorry for the inconvenience caused while we resolve this issue.
Thanks again for reporting this issue and I hope this resolves your complaint. If you still need help, please visit our Help and Support Centre at www.royalmail.com/help.”
Regards
Rhian Williams
Royal Mail
YOUR SAFETY
(28/07/2023)
There are a number of events being advertised around the area using beaches or public spaces.
Be aware, when considering to attend any of these events. Cymuned has outlined, in their Commercial hire document, that it is in your own interest to ensure that the person running the event is qualified and competent to carry out the training/course, has relevant insurance, DBS checked and has permission(s) or licence, if required, to utilise the venue.
Keeping Our Communities Safe.
COMMERCIAL HIRE OF COMMUNITY CENTRE
(10/07/2023)
There is now a Commercial booking form available for the booking of the Community Centre and its facilities. This relates to businesses hiring the facilities to carry out their ‘trade’ whereby they make an income. The cost, for use by charities, groups or other organisations for a fundraising event, will be assessed on each individual hire.
The hire form includes a requirement for information when training/working with individuals.
This is for details and proof of:-
Any professional qualifications and accreditation;
Professional & Public Liability Insurance; and
Standard or Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. This may be required if children or vulnerable or elderly adults are involved.
As a Community Centre we feel that we have a duty to ensure that any users are in a safe environment.
NEW SOUND SYSTEM
(10/07/2023)
The new Sound and Cinema system has been fitted at Cymuned Pennant Community. This should lead to a far better experience with films and greater options of connectivity.
A demonstration of the system, on request, will be available during Coffee mornings.
VOLUNTEERING AT YOUR COMMUNITY CENTRE
Over the next few weeks we will be looking for people to help with a ‘Spring Clean’ at your Community Centre.
If anyone feels that they are able to lend a hand the following tasks need to be carried out:
The yard needs cleaning up and moss needs scraping off the surface;
Guttering needs cleaning out;
Windows need cleaning;
White plastics need washing down; and
Plant growth in the stones walls needs removing and cleaning out.
There may be other tasks to tackle on the day.
If you have some spare time and feel that you can help in any way please contact Malcolm Sumner on 07967-116632 or email cympencom@gmail.com
PLEASE SUPPLY EMAILS
Cymuned still continues to prints 80 copies of the monthly newsletter. This has a cost in materials and for delivery along with the time to make deliveries
If you are able to provide an email address, to the newsletter editor, you will not only save the community money you will get your monthly newsletter, updates on crime in the area, any scams and information of other events that are taking place locally.
As with all information held by Cymuned it is held in the strictest of confidence and will not be released to anyone without your personal authorisation/consent.