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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2021
PORTHCAWL SHOUT FORUM
Since 1911, March 8th has been celebrated as International Women’s Day and it highlights women’s achievements in science, culture, education and politics. It campaigns to improve the lives of women around the globe. Although progress has been made, the last year has also highlighted that women have been heavily impacted by the pandemic and that there is still so much to do. This year’s theme is: #ChooseToChallenge and Bridgend Labour Women got involved online, challenging gender bias and inequality. Together, we can create an inclusive world. Sarah Murphy our prospective candidate for the Senedd elections on May 6th has also reminded us that “here in Wales, more than £3.3 million has been committed this year to provide free period products to girls and women on low-incomes and to all learners in schools and FE colleges, with Bridgend College being one of the first. It’s a big step in the right direction, but we must strive for more and better, including closing the gender pay gap, ending violence against women, and ensuring women in business, are heard and represented.” To contact Bridgend Labour Women’s Forum please email: bridgend.labour.women@gmail.com. Elaine Winstanley, Women’s Officer 07493 933690 Bridgend CLP Women’s Forum
They say lighting never strikes twice but for Porthcawl Shout Forum it has with the passing of two of its senior members, Brian Saunders and Clive Mort. Vice Chairman Brian had a big moral compass always generous and helpful to anyone needing assistance especially those who could not help themselves. He worked constantly against many unjust local plans spending years fighting DEFRA in London (and winning) to protect the Harbour Porpoises breeding grounds off Rest Bay. He was a dedicated supporter of the many Shout events highlighting the lack of Porthcawl facilities such as the John Street Spoof swimming gala, “Selling” the thousands of tons of harbour mud dumped on Salt Lake and paying BCBC to seed the Roundabouts with Poppies as a dedication to those who fell in war. It was indeed a privilege to know Brian who had painful ill health in his last years but was always positive and mindful of those worst off, he caught Covid while receiving treatment in the Princess of Wales hospital. Clive was Managing Director of Thomas Ward, ship breakers in Briton Ferry and a main Board Director in Sheffield. During his second career he helped many young people into employment as part of the Governments YTS (Youth Training Scheme) in Wales. He supported many Porthcawl organizations such as Trinity Church, Royal Porthcawl Golf Club, U3A and was not only a founder member of Porthcawl Shout but in 2003 helped set up County Shout in Bridgend as part of the Welsh Assembly Government £17.5 million program to encourage older people to have a voice. Clive worked hard to support Shouts many projects to improve Porthcawl including the Samtampa Disaster memorial and the long awaited Regeneration Plan. Brian and Clive, will be sorely missed by the town they loved so much. Gary Victor Porthcawl Shout Forum
PORTHCAWL FREEMASONS GIVE £2,380 TO LOCAL CHARITIES Freemasons are well known for their charitable giving and the Venables Llewelyn Lodge in Porthcawl is no exception. Over the last year, during the COVID-19 pandemic, its members have given over £2,300 to several local charities to help them through the crisis. Although not able to meet in person because of the lockdown restrictions, the members of the Venables Llewelyn Lodge have been active with their fundraising, and have given donations of: £50 to the British Legion, £200 to Ty Hafan, £250 to The Sandville, £1,082 to the Porthcawl foodbank, £200 to Porthcawl Comprehensive’s technology staff who have been producing safety visors for front-line workers, and £600 to the Porthcawl Covid-19 Strategy Group for their work in supporting the vulnerable residents of Porthcawl and also helping in the refurbishment of computers to aid distance learning for school pupils. A spokesman for the Venables Llewelyn Lodge said: “We are proud to support these local organisations and salute the sterling work they are all doing. With Freemasonry being at the heart of our community we are particularly happy, especially at this difficult time, to be able to support the charities that operate in and for the community in Porthcawl.” Phil Protheroe
IT’S GOOD TO TALK! Has lockdown left you bored and lonely? How about lifting your spirits by volunteering? Befriending by phone helps you and the person you call, as a weekly chat can help you both reconnect with the world! Bridgend Association of Voluntary Organisations (BAVO) is looking for volunteers aged 18 plus to join their Covid-19 Telephone Befriending Service, which offers help and support to the most vulnerable members of our communities at this unsettling time, through conversations. By helping to reduce fears for those experiencing anxiety and uncertainty, BAVO’s telephone project offers a friendly voice at a moment of increased isolation and loneliness. Make a difference to someone’s day… an hour of your day goes a long way! For further details contact BAVO, T: 01656 810400 or email: bavo@bavo.org.uk Jane Hall – BAVO
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