valleys discovery festival
DESCRIPTION
Valleys Discovery FestivalTRANSCRIPT
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GWYL GANFOD Y CYMOEDD
Mai 14 – 21, 2011
VALLEYS DISCOVERY FESTIVAL
May 14 – 21, 2011
www.valleysdiscoveryfestival.com
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The valleys have a proud tradition of producing and influencing scientists, technologists,
engineers, and doctors whose discoveries and inventions have shaped and created the world we
live in. These include: Donald Davies, one of the inventors of ‗packet switching‘, a key concept that led to the
development of the internet, was born in Treorchy;
Abertillery-born Tecwyn Williams who made great insights into how drugs and
medicines are metabolised in the body so leading to safer medicines;
William Morgan, eminent physician, who was the father of actuarial science and the
first person to ‗visualise‘ X-rays;
Alfred Russel Wallace started to develop his theories on evolution whilst working as a
land surveyor in the Vale of Neath.
Gwen Rees from Aberdare whose pioneering work on parasites led to her becoming the
first Welsh woman to be elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society
Lyn Evans, also from Aberdare, head of the Large Hadron Collider project which sets out
to discover the secrets of the Big Bang and the birth of our Universe
The valleys have also proved a fertile breeding ground for science fiction and fantasy, e.g., Bill
Roberts, an engineer born in Merthyr, was the man who built the Daleks for Cardiff-born Terry
Nation whilst the landmark film, HG Wells‘ Things to Come was shot partly in the valleys.
Through a week-long series of events and activities across the valleys, the Valleys Discovery
Festival will celebrate the area‘s scientific and technological heritage and showcase new ideas
and initiatives taking place in the area that will shape all our futures.
The Valleys Discovery Festival will put the valleys on the map for new and unexpected reasons
that will attract visitors, generate increased community pride and prosperity, and help inspire a
new generation of scientists, technologists, engineers, doctors and creative minds.
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PROGRAMME OF EVENTS
IMPORTANT:
Please note that not all events are funded through the WECAN project or
organised by Valleys Regional Park.
We do not take any credit for those events, which are down to the hard
work and dedication of the events‘ organisers concerned. However, we are
delighted to be associated with those events as shown and thank the
organisers for the opportunity to promote them.
Not all events are free and where there are costs involved, these are
indicated where we know that is the case. All WECAN-funded events are
free
You are advised to contact the organisers for details where necessary and
please note that open-air events might be weather dependent so checks
are advised beforehand.
More details can be found at www.valleysdiscoveryfestival.com or phone
David Llewellyn on 07967 292325
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Saturday 14th May
Be nice to
nett les
Environmental
Resource Centre
Ebbw Vale
Gwent Wi ld l i fe Trust Event
Tutor: Veronika Brannovic
10 am – 12 pm
more information on 01495 307525
Cost: FREE but donations always welcome
No need to book. Why should we be nice to the
humble stinging nettle? What‘s it ever done for
us? Find out about this amazingly useful plant,
especially why it is good for wildl ife.
Family History Day:
Keep it in the
family
Tredegar Library
Tredegar
Blaenau Gwent Adult Learners week event
This event celebrates Adult Learners week at
the Local History/Family History centre for
Blaenau Gwent. Come along and trace your
family tree
10 am - 3 pm
More information on 01495 357869
Cost: FREE
Welsh Future
Home Open Day
The Works Ebbw Vale
With the Works and delivered in partnership with
Willmott Dixon, Morrison, Leadbitter and Kier
Come and visit the Welsh Future Homes, a
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development of energy efficient eco houses
unique to Ebbw Vale and see what houses of
the future may look l ike.
10 am – 4 pm
Meet the contractors on site and find out about
the latest developments.
The Welsh Future Homes are next to Ysbyty
Aneurin Bevan, Ebbw Vale.
Please do not park in the hospital car park;
parking is available opposite the homes.
If you need directions or a disabled parking
space please contact Rhian Bevan 01495
353300 or [email protected]
Spring Cleaning
Gwanwyn
Festival
Llancaiach Fawr Nr. Nelson
Caerphilly CBC Event
How things were done in the Manor House
before modern cleaning products were invented
Normal Admission to the Manor applies.
From 10 am
For further detai ls please telephone Llancaiach
Fawr Reception on 01443 41224
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Sunday 15th May
Nature
Discovery
Walk
Wern Ddu Nature Reserve Nr. Caerphilly
with Neville Davies, Ecology Cymru.
10.30 am -12.30 pm approximately
The meeting place is the entrance to the site
which is Coed-y-Werin Woodlands at the
bottom of the old Wern Ddu Lane, off Van
Road.
Park by the forestry commission land just
past the turning in for Coed-y-werin.
Cost: FREE
Life in 19th
century Merthyr: a
historical guided
walk
Tourism Info Centre
14a Glebeland Street
Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil Learning Festival Event
A historical guided walk starting at the
former workhouse. The walk will give the
history around Life in Merthyr during the 19th
Century; the rich the poor, sanitation, crime
and more.
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Booking Required.
Contact: Christopher Parry 01685 723112
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Spring Cleaning
Gwanwyn
Festival
Llancaiach Fawr
Nr. Nelson
Caerphilly CBC Event
How things were done in the Manor House
before modern cleaning products were
invented
Normal Admission to the Manor applies. From
10 am
For further details please telephone
Llancaiach Fawr Reception on 01443 412248
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Monday 16th May
In these bones
horizons sing....
Clydach Libary
Featuring Mark Brake with Jon Chase, have
fun and explore how we learned to view the
modern world through the amazing story of
the Red Lady of Paviland
3 pm – 5 pm
Cost: FREE
In conjunction with City and County of
Swansea Library Service
Discovery Cafe
Live - Alastair
Reynolds and
Neil Hook
Clwb-y-Bont, Pontypridd
A Science Fiction special cafe evening with
the valleys-based, Barry-born, world-
renowned author, Alastair Reynolds,
presented by Neil Hook and Huw James
7 pm start
Cost: FREE
CSI - The Valleys
Llanhilleth Institute
Llanhilleth
With the valleys very -own renowned forensic
scientist, Nigel Hodge who will give you a
very special view of how modern molecular
biology can solve serious crimes
7 pm start
Cost: FREE
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Tuesday 17th May
DNA Day - It‘s
all in the genes!
Ebbw Vale Institute Ebbw Vale
What is i t , how does make us who we are
and how we inher i t our ancestors ‘
character ist ics?
With Drs Rachel I redale, Kim Madden and
Rhian Morgan from the Univers i ty of
Glamorgan, and Claudine Anderson from
Cardi f f Univers i ty/Techniquest/Wales Gene
Park.
And look up your her i tage with Janet Karn
and the Blaenau Gwent Local/family history
team! Robots and al l . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
With Univers i ty of Glamorgan Genomic
Pol icy Unit , Cardi f f
Un ivers i ty/Techniquest/Wales Gene Park
and in conjunct ion with EVI , Blaenau Gwent
CBC and EVAD
CSI - The
Valleys
Ebbw Vale Institute
Ebbw Vale
With the val leys very -own renowned forensic
sc ient ist , Nigel Hodge who wi l l g ive you a
very special v iew of how modern molecular
bio logy can solve ser ious cr imes
12.30 pm start
Cost : FREE
Wellbeing event
Environmental Resource Centre
Ebbw Vale
Gwent Wi ldl i fe Trust with EVAD Communi t ies
F i rs t team and Morphious.
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The day wi l l inc lude f ree taster sessions of
massage, ref lexology , reiki , pottery and a
range of other crafts .
10.30 am and 2.30 pm
More information on 01495 307525
Welsh Walk and
Talk
Cefn Coed
Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil Learning Festival Event
Start Point at Cefn Coed Community Centre ,
Old
Dr i l l Hal l Road,
10:30 am - 12 :30 pm
A guided walk with the opportunity to learn
some basic Welsh en route.
Start ing f rom outside Cefn Coed Communi ty
Centre and f inish ing at Soar Theatre ( the
former Soar Chapel ) . wi th a tour of the
Chapel and new fac i l i t ies .
Contact : Sal ly Mcintyre 01685 383758
sal ly .mcintyre@vamt .n et
In these bones
horizons sing....
Pontarddulais Library
Pontarddulais
Featur ing Mark Brake with Jon Chase, have
fun and explore how we learned to v iew the
modern wor ld through the amazing story of
the Red Lady of Pavi land
3 pm – 5 pm
Cost : FREE
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In conjunct ion with C ity and County of
Swansea L ibrary Service
Science Junkie
Show
Abertil lery Community
Theatre
Abertil lery
Presented by the val leys -own Huw James -
Sc ient ist , Presenter , Mot ivat ional Speaker
and Adventurer , explore the wonders of
sc ience through extreme sports and
adventure .
This event i s restr ic ted to an inv i ted
audience
Pond Survey
and
Bat Walk
Sirhowy Woodlands
Tredegar
Learn about the biodivers i ty of the area
around Sirhowy Woodlands high above
Tredegar with ecologist C lai re Pooley ,
undertaking a pond survey and f inishing the
evening looking for and detect ing bats !
Meet ing at 8 pm at the entrance to Si rhowy
Woodlands alo ng Thomas El is way - l ikely to
f inish around 10 pm
Supported by Tredegar Communit ies First
and Blaenau Gwent County Borough Counci l .
Cost : FREE
Cordell Country
Cwm Library
Cwm
Local histor ian and tour ist guide Ivor Beynon
takes you on a discovery tour of the area
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made famous by Alexander Cordel l .
7 .00pm — 8 .30pm
Cost : FREE
Bat Walk
Bryngarw Country Park
Bryngarw
Bridgend CBC Event
In celebrat ion of the ―Year of the Bat‖ , this
i s a great opportunity to discover the
fasc inat ing wor ld of bats , dur ing an exc i t ing
after -dark guided walk
8 .15 pm start
Sett ing off at sundown, tune in to the night
t ime and ident i fy d i f ferent species of ba ts
using habitat c lues and ul t rasound
detectors .
Admission is £2 per person with f ree car
park. Please note this event is weather
dependent .
Advanced booking is essent ial as p laces are
l imited .
For further detai ls cal l the rangers off ice on
01656 725155 or emai l
The Language
of Flowers – A
Victorian
Evening
Cyfarthfa Castle Museum
Merthyr Tydfil
Merthyr Tydfil Learning Festival Event
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Historian Sally Pointer explores the language
of lowers, their myths, stories and medical
applications. This event is part historical talk
and part workshop.
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Booking Required
Contact: Christopher Parry 01685 723112
Dark Sky Wales
St Joseph's Church
Cwmaman
The beauty of our night sky has enthral led
people throughout the ages and has made a
last ing impression in both the sc ience and
humanit ies. Discover and marvel at that
beauty with a superb stunning state -of - the-
art d ig i tal p lanetar ium show from val leys -
based Dark Sky Wales designed by
professional astronomers.
Start 7 pm
Cost : FREE
supported by Cwmaman Communit ies First
Rock Guitar in
11 Dimensions
with the Guitar
Doctor
Ebbw Vale Institute
Ebbw Vale
―What causes the revolut ionary , h istory -
changing sound of rock gui tar , and how does
i t help us to understand the nature of the
stuf f we‘re made of? Famelab winner Mark
Lewney explains the phys ics of rock using
r i f fs f rom Vivaldi to AC/DC, expla ins the
secret of the St radivar ius , and shows how
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s t r ing v ibrat ions might l ie at the heart of the
Big Quest ions about the universe.‖
"Gobsmacking ly amazing . . . a h igh energy
per former" Simon Singh, sc ience wr i ter
"A c ross between E inste in and J imi Hendr ix"
CBBC
7 pm start
Cost : FREE
more information on 01495 708022
With EVI , B laenau Gwent CBC and EVAD
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Wednesday 18th May
Why the Bee? Dowlais Library Dowlais
Merthyr Tydfil Learning Festival Event
Learn why bees are so important , and
how you can help . There wi l l be a talk
f rom a bee expert , t ime for quest ions
and discussion, d isplays and more.
10 am - 2 pm
Booking Required .
Contact : S ian Anthony 01685 723051
resources . l ibrar ian@merthyr .gov .uk
Introduction to
Otter Surveying and
Holt Building
Rock UK summit
centre
Trelewis
Merthyr Tydfil Learning Festival Event
An introduct ion to Otter survey
techniques and habitat improvements
inc luding bui ld ing a ho l t
10 am - 5 :00 pm
Booking Required .
Contact : Paul Kent 07875 662803
paul .kent@keepwalest idy .org
In these bones
horizons sing....
Morriston Library Swansea
Featur ing Mark Brake with Jon Chase,
have fun and explore how we learned to
v iew the modern wor ld through the
amazing story of the Red Lady of
Pavi land.
3 pm – 5 pm
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Cost : FREE
In conjunct ion with C ity and County of
Swansea L ibrary Service
Archaeology Walk Parc Nant-y-Waun Nantyglo
A walk to discover the archaeological
and histor ica l s i tes around Brynmawr
and Nantyglo in the company of h ighly
knowledgeable and entertaining Frank
Olding
Cost : FREE
Contact 01495 211488 for detai ls
With Abertillery and Cwmtillery Communities
First
Introduction to Wildlife
Gardening
Environmental
Resource Centre
Ebbw Vale
Gwent Wi ld l i fe Trust Event
Have you ever wondered how you can have a productive garden that is also beneficial to wi ldl i fe? Find out on this one-day introduction. There may be some opportunities to get your hands dirty, so wear suitable clothing.
Cost: £5 members, £8 non-
members
Booking essential
Dark Sky Wales Boys and Girls Club Pontlottyn
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The beauty of our night sky has
enthral led people throughout the ages
and has made a last ing impression in
both the sc ience and humani t ies.
Discover and marvel at that beauty with
a superb stunning state -of - the-art
d ig i tal p lanetar ium show f rom val leys -
based Dark Sky Wales designed by
professional astronomers.
Cost : FREE
Cwm Gwrelych
Geo Heritage Trail
Cwm Gwrelych SSSI Glynneath
Walk back in time and discover the rich industrial
heritage and internationally important geology of
this unique site. Situated right on the edge of the
South Wales Coalfield this secluded valley gives
access to rocks that would only usually be found
deep below the valleys of South Wales. Discover
coal seams, iron rich rocks and wonderful plant
fossils that tell the story of ancient environments
and past climate change.
Adults and Chi ldren welcome - Chi ldren
must accompanied by an
parent/guardian
Meet 6.30pm Pont Walby, Glyn Neath
Cwm Gwrelych SSSI, Pont Walby, Glyn Neath.
Sat Nav Post Code SA11 5LR , Grid Ref SN891
063
Cost : FREE
Ben Evans 07816 519172
In conjunct ion with the British Institute for
Geological Conservation
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Life and Death in
Victorian Times
Ebbw Vale Institute Ebbw Vale
The incomparable Roger Morgan dons
his Victor ian surgeon‘s garb , d ims his
oi l - lamp and sharpens his instruments
for an evening of surgery and medic ine
in Victor ian t imes with humour , horror
and knowledge!
Cost : FREE
More information on 01495 708022
With EVI , B laenau Gwent CBC and EVAD
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Thursday 19th May
Science Junkies
Live and Andrei
Burton Cycling
Events
Glyncorrwg Ponds
Glyncorrwg
With the val leys -own sc ient ist and
adventurer , Huw James and co -Science
Junkie Greg Foot , sel f -confessed hal f
sc ience -geek, hal f adrenal ine - junkie ,
who pushes himsel f and sc ience to the
l imit , explore the wonders of sc ience
through extreme sports and adventure .
And the boys are jo ined by team
members f rom Andrei Burton Events for
a fantast ic event at Glyncorrwg Ponds,
deep in the Afan Forest !
Afternoon (3 pm) and Evening (6 pm) -
Cost : FREE
In these bones
horizons sing....
Hafod Swansea
Featur ing Mark Brake with Jon Chase,
have fun and explore how we learned to
v iew the modern wor ld through the
amazing story of the Red Lady of
Pavi land
3 pm – 5 pm
Cost : FREE
In conjunct ion with C ity and County of
Swansea L ibrary Service
Dark Sky Wales
with Martin Griff iths
Blaengarw
Workmen‘s Hall
Blaengarw
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The beauty of our night sky has
enthral led people throughout the ages
and has made a last ing impression in
both the sc ience and humani t ies.
Discover and marvel at that beauty with
a superb stunning state -of - the-art
d ig i tal p lanetar ium show f rom val leys -
based Dark Sky Wales designed by
professional astronomers.
C o st : F REE
With Creat ion Development Trust
What Lies Beneath Ffos-y-Fran
Reclamation Site
Merthyr
Visit the void, hunt fossils and find out what
fascinating discoveries have been made at Ffos-y-
fran as Miller Argent reclaim over 1000 acres of
acutely derelict land.
This is a wonderful opportunity to experience the
geology of the Merthyr area and find out more
about the areas 300 million years of local history.
Dogs not allowed,
Not suitable for children under 5 years of age
All children must be accompanied by an adult
Suitable outdoor clothing and sturdy footwear
essential
Cost : FREE
Booking with Ben Evans essential- Numbers
limited to 30 people
Ben Evans 07816 519172
In conjunct ion with the British Institute for
Geological Conservation and Miler Argent
http://www.millerargent.co.uk
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Rock Guitar in 11
Dimensions with
the Guitar Doctor
Abertil lery
Community Theatre
Abertil lery
What causes the revolut ionary , h istory -
changing sound of rock guitar , and how
does i t he lp us to understand the
nature of the stuf f we’re made of?
Famelab winner Mark Lewney exp lains
the phys ics of rock using r i f fs f rom
Vivald i to AC/DC, explains the secre t of
the Strad ivar ius , and shows how str ing
v ibrat ions might l ie at the heart of the
Big Quest ions about the un iverse .”
"Gobsmackingly amazing . . . a h igh
energy performer" Simon Singh,
sc ience wr i ter
"A cross between E inste in and J imi
Hendr ix" CBBC
7 pm start
Cost : FREE
more in format ion on 01495 211488
In conjunct ion with Abert i l lery and
Cwmti l lery Communit ies F irst
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Friday 20th May
Science Junkie
Show
Glyncorrwg Pond Glyncorrwg
In conjunct ion with Glyncorrwg Ponds
Presented by the val leys -own Huw
James - Sc ient ist , Presenter ,
Mot ivat ional Speaker and Adventurer ,
explore the wonders of sc ience through
extreme sports and adventure .
Morning (10.30 am) and Afternoon (2
pm)
Cost : FREE
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Saturday 21st May
Discovery Zone Cyfarthfa Park Merthyr
Enjoy a great day with the Discovery Zone
With Techniquest , Dark Sky Wales , Mark
Brake and Jon Chase with Space Hoppers ,
Bi rd Fl ight shows and more
in conjunct ion with Adult Learning Week
Merthyr Tydf i l . Merthyr Tydf i l CBC and
Merthyr Tydf i l Global Vi l lage.
10.30 am - 3 pm
More detai ls on 01443 849963
Cost : FREE
Green Dayz Fedw Hir Eco -Centre L lwydcoed
Groundwork Merthyr RCT event
For a fun family day out why don‘t you go
along to our Greendayz Weekend at
Groundwork Merthyr & Rhondda Cynon
Taff ‘s Fedw Hir Eco Cent re near L lwydcoed.
I t i s a fantast ic and enjoyable way to learn
more about crafts and the countryside, in
our beaut i ful green surroundings . The day
wi l l feature a wide range of countrys ide
crafts for everyone to t ry and enjoy , wi th
exper ienced crafts people on hand to show
you how i t ‘s done! The Weekend is f ree
entry with most of the act iv i t ies being f ree
of charge, al though there wi l l be a nominal
charge for some. Each day starts at 10 am
and wi l l f in ish at 4 pm. The Green Days
Weekends are part of Groundwork Merthyr
& Rhondda Cynon Taf f ‘s Green Ski l ls for
Greener Futures programme, which is
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funded by the Big Lottery Fund and the
Countryside Counci l for Wales . The Fedw Hir
Eco Cent re is set in 14 acres of green
space, with woodland, grassland, and
orchards, and is located below the
L lwydcoed Cremator ium.
I f you require further information please
r ing Richard Phipps or Rebecca Lewis on
01685 883880 for more detai ls or emai l
rebecca. lewis@groundworkmerthyrrct .org .uk
The Big Green
Event
Waunfawr Park Cross Keys
Caerphilly CBC Event
An exciting new family festival that offers something
for people of all ages.
The ‗Big Green Festival‘ takes place boasts live music,
sporting sessions, animal displays, healthy activities
For more information please contact Natalie Haynes
01495 235461 or Steve Trew 01495 247962 or e-
mail [email protected]
Landscape
Lecture
B laenafon Wor ld
Her i tage Centre
B laenafon
Tor faen CBC Event with Blaenafon Mountain
Tours
Join Blaenafon Mountain Tours for an
enjoyable and informative talk of the
mountain landscape and some of i ts hidden
story .
• FREE entry to the lecture start ing at
7pm on 10th May
• Learn about the di f ferent ways to
tour the landscape and jo in Gerry
Woodhouse for a FREE ―Off The Beaten
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Track‖ guided walk at 10 am on 21st
May
Places l imited , booking essent ia l - 01495
742333