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Newyddion Sg R

Over the past few weeks we have been busy preparing for the Urdd Eisteddfod. The pupils have been reciting, singing and dancing in the hall and on the yard! Good luck to all involved. We held a musical activity day to celebrate Dydd Miwsig Cymru. There was drumming, recorders, composing, singing, and dancing! We also celebrated World Book Day, with pupils dressed as characters or wearing nightwear ready for a bedtime story.

On March the 1st, we held a School Eisteddfod to celebrate St David’s Day. Thank you to Mrs Dixon who returned to school to facilitate the day and judge the art and literature competitions. Congratulations to Seren Cawdery for winning the Baird’s Chair, and runners up Paige Phillips and Gwenllian Thomas.

KS2 visited Cardiff Castle as part of our Wonderful World theme. We had an excellent time, learning about medieval armoury and weapons. We also had a guided tour of the Victorian castle and climbed the Norman castle to see the views of the city. We look forward to welcoming new starters to the nursery class in April. We still have space in our happy school for more learners.

For information, contact 01656 754865 or admin@yfos.pen-y-bont.cymru

Through Christian Eyes

At Easter Christians celebrate the most important event in the life of Jesus Christ, His death and resurrection. It is so important that the only two ceremonies commanded by Jesus, Holy Communion and Believers Baptism focus on it.

If you would like to know more about these, especially Believers Baptism, we invite you to come along on Easter Sunday to Gilgal Baptist Church, Park Avenue Porthcawl for our 10.30am morning Family Celebration Service when we will be baptising new believers by total immersion. It is a special moment when a Christian shows their faith in baptism and a cause of rejocing and celebration for the whole church.

The Apostle Paul explains the link between baptism and the dying and rising of Jesus Christ in this way: ‘We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (The letter to the Romans chapter 6 verse 4).

The Christian faith is centred on the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He died for us and we seek to live for Him. Why not explore the Christian faith for yourself this Easter? Contact me if you would like to know more. Have a wonderful Easter.

Rev. Martin Gillard BD MA Gilgal Baptist Church, Porthcawl.

Tools For Self Reliance

Churches Together In Porthcawl

Diolch o galon – our heartfelt thanks to all those who have attended and helped to organise our events so far this year. For the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity in January, we spent time together in prayer, fellowship and worship. Taking our lead from Isaiah 1:17 - ‘do good; seek justice’, we questioned how our churches respond to challenges around diversity and inclusivity - both locally and in the wider world.

During our AGM in February, we paid tribute to John Berry and Canon Philip Masson for their years of service to Churches

Together. Dr Peter Evans from Porthcawl Medical Centre gave us an honest and challenging talk entitled, ‘Who cares?’ As one attendee commented, ‘It made us all realise, especially in these uncertain times, that a caring community like ours in Porthcawl is so necessary to encourage hope and deter apathy, which it sometimes feels, is creeping in.’

Christian Aid Week (15-21 May) is on the horizon, and we will be fundraising for their work in places such as Turkey and Syria. More details on our Facebook page facebook.com/eglwysi and in church notices soon!

Pob bendith - every blessing.

Churches Together in Porthcawl

The picture shows a typical workplace for repairing a vehicle gearbox, no workshop, no bench, only the dusty ground but without the automotive kits we send this type of work would not be possible. The kits consist of a whole range of tools –Socket sets, bottle jacks, as can be seen in use here, spanners, hammers, files, screw drivers and a whole lot more, enough to do most jobs. The kits come in three sizes, individual for one man and group for several men and a larger training kit. Not only do Tools for Self reliance send kits but also make sure correct training is given plus health and safety and financial management so the recipients can eventually start a business to get them and their families out of poverty.

We are very grateful for the tools you donate but most people may not be aware of the tools in the automotive kits. We are always short of working bottle jacks, tyre pumps, ball pein and cross pein hammers, files of all sizes and shapes and anything else you may want to donate relating to car and lorry work. Please contact John on 01656 786367.

David Cook, Workshop Manager

Porthcawl Wi

Last month our members were impressed and engaged with a remarkable demonstration by Yvonne Randall. Her amazing skills with wrapping presents with paper and reusable material . Scarves were wrapped to make bottle bags, a double gift. Clever ideas are always appreciated . Normal business was followed with tea and biscuits . Lots of brilliant talks and demonstrations are planned for the coming months.

Why not come along to join us. We meet on the second Tuesday of the month at 2pm in All Saints church hall. Phone Tina Richards 01656 788725 for more information if needed.

PORTHCAWL JOY-RIDERS

Porthcawl JOYriders, part of the international Cycling Without Age non profit global initiative, is now well established in the town and already has an extensive portfolio of rest homes, whose residents are benefiting from this exciting venture.

Manned by a team of enthusiastic volunteers, fund raising and promotional activity has secured the purchase of a trishaw, which is now being used along the beautiful Porthcawl seafront. The joy this enterprise brings to older residents and those with mobility difficulties is tangible and the pilots who provide this free service enjoy the experience just as much.

We are a small group but want to expand and would welcome applications to become pilots as the charity grows. Experience is not essential, but past or present cycling knowledge would be useful. Our trishaws have electric power assist so you don’t need to be Sir Chris Hoy to volunteer.

Full training is given and you can offer as much or as little time as you are able. Join us as a JOY-rider pilot and experience the beauty of Porthcawl seafront in a new and exciting way. For further details please contact Steve McCreery on 07791 101081 or email smccreery@hotmail.co.uk

International Night

Mynydd Cynffig Wi

Tuesday the 14th and we’re meeting in the Talbot Center Kenfig Hill. The weather was fine and sunny and the Talbot Center nice and warm, WI business discussed and sorted. The year is starting to rush ahead with all the things in the pipeline, the National AGM in Cardiff, the Annual Council meeting in port Talbot in April our AGM and our coronation tea on May the 9th. Our lunch club is going from strength to strength, as is our walking and scrabble clubs. Our speaker had to postpone but Enid gave us a talk of the time she and her sister walked the pilgrim way to Santiago De Compostela 100 miles not so many years ago and how she found it so uplifting. Next month is our AGM so no speaker but still lots of chatter, laughter and of course tea and biscuits call in and see us.

Christine Callaghan

The Porthcawl Rotary Club recently held its annual International Night at the Hi-Tide, when once again invited students from Atlantic College came to share an evening of music, food and culture.

Eleven International students and 116 guests were welcomed by Rotarian, Andrew Singer who then introduced talented students from Porthcawl Comprehensive School who performed extracts of their show “Footloose”.

After the excellent meal, Carol Llewellyn, Porthcawl Rotary President gave a warm welcoming speech to everybody.

Rotarian, Bobby Lewis then introduced the students (from Belgium, Zimbabwe, Peru, Cuba, Slovakia, India, Iran, Nepal, Greenland, and Angola) and invited each student to give a presentation about their country and culture. They also explained how they underwent a highly competitive selection process to join Atlantic College.

It was inspiring to hear young people say they were going to “make a difference” in the world.

Elena and Katie, from Atlantic College, gave a brief talk about Atlantic College and mentioned that many students are on full scholarships, then thanked Porthcawl Rotary on behalf of the students.

Rotarian, Hugh Moatt concluded the evening by thanking those involved in organising the event and thanked everybody for supporting Rotary. What a wonderful night!

Rtn Robert Lee

Sker Wi News

Sker WI meet on the 9th March was open by our President Eunice Howell and Jerusalem was sung. She introduce our guest speaker Sue Saines, who is a Fellow of the Institute of Professional Will Makers, from The Paperwork People. Sue explain how she had started the business to help people to make Wills and Power of Attorneys in an informal and friendly way. She was extremely interesting and explain things in down to earth terms and was asked lots of questions from the members. She said that people were welcome to call and have a chat with her at her office in Porthcawl. Hazel Jenkins gave the vote of thanks.

Members were reminded of the Birthday Supper on April 24th and Coronation Celebration Buffet on May 11th. Our April meeting is on Thursday 13th when our speaker will be Neil Davies.

The meeting closed with the National Anthem. New members are always welcome.

Jackie Jones

Guide Dogs For The Blind

FRIENDS OF MONZE (ZAMBIA)

Could you help someone with sight loss get out and about?

Bridgend guide dog Nikita is 10 and about to hang up her harness, leaving owner Ros with no means of getting out and about unless a human guide comes forward to plug the gap temporarily.

Ros, aged 70 and living in Litchard, said: “Guide Dogs Cymru warned me I might face a long wait for my next dog because there is such great demand since lockdown. I’ve had seven dogs in total and never been without, so I’m hoping someone will come forward to be a sighted guide while they find me the next dog.

“I like walking and going shopping in town, although I’m not as fast as I used to be, and I also need to get to hospital appointments. Nikita will live with me in retirement, so it would be great to find a dog lover who would help me give her a free run. She deserves it, as she has been a beautiful dog and I will really miss having her as my guide.”

Training as a volunteer sighted guide is free and a great skill to add to your CV.

More details at bit.ly/42eh35W

Porthcawl Lions

Porthcawl Lions are pleased to confirm that their summer car boot sales will resume at Pyle Rugby Club on Sunday 7th. May. There will be details on Facebook or Porthcawl Lions website. The club also hopes to hold a Summer Fair, again at Pyle Rugby Club, on the 4th. August.

Another event that is back this year is the Golf Day at The Grove Golf Club on Friday 9th. June, in aid off Prostate Cancer Cymru. Organisers are looking for teams of 4 to participate and individuals or businesses to sponsor a hole. Again, further details on the website or from club members.

With such a busy time ahead Porthcawl Lions are always looking to welcome new members or Lion Friends. If you would like to do something positive in the community while meeting new friends and enjoying some social life Lions maybe for you. If you can’t spare the time, or make the commitment to becoming a member at this time why not become a Lion Friend. There will be no minimum commitment, you will be asked to help at whatever events you can and be invited to social events, for example Charter Night, our one formal event of the year.

J Cosson

We are a Bridgend based registered charity that improves lives in Monze. Our principle is ‘to help communities help themselves’. After providing a water borehole in a rural village the next step depends on the villagers. They all want and REALLY need a school so old, young, men and women work together to prove they are motivated and willing to help and support build their school. Bricks are handmade, labour intensive and very heavy! A school needs 17,000 bricks. Water is pumped and added to mud, which is squashed into a brick mould. The brick is really soft and difficult to keep in shape when taken out of the mould. It is then laid out in the hot sun to dry. This process is then REPEATED 17,000 times. When dry the bricks are stacked into a tower with an opening at the bottom for a fire. The bricks slowly ‘cook’ for 3 days and are then left to cool down for 2 days.

The villagers also need to dig foundations, collect sand and chips stones to make ‘chippings’, all of course by hand!

For more information contact www.friendsofmonze.org or via Facebook

Porthcawl U3a

Our February talk given at the Hi Tide by Ceri Joseph of Porthcawl Museum must have been one of our most popular to date, we had 104 members, standing room only at the back. As for our many interest groups, as an example of what we get up to, five members of one of our three Writing for Pleasure groups won prizes in the Short Crime Stories Competition run by Awen Cultural Trust including first prize by the group leader Claudette Evans. We’re told there are stories in every one of us (if not a whole book!) so why not join one of our writing groups. We always have room for budding authors in a relaxed and friendly environment. One of the advantages of retirement is having the time to indulge in all the activities you had no time for before, and Porthcawl u3a offers so much every month. The next monthly talk on Wednesday 5 April by Dean Powell will be of great interest to us in Wales. It is entitled ‘Battle of the Choirs’. Need we say more!

Website: porthcawlu3a.org.uk