SEASIDE NEWS: April 2024 issue

For a limited time, our MOT facility based on Bridgend Industrial Estate is offering a reduced rate for new MOT bookings. We don’t just cater for commercial vehicles, we MOT both cars and vans.

YOUR ARTICLES, VIEWS, NEWS & REPORTS

WHERE WE DELIVER

Door-to-door delivery to 99% of homes in the following areas:

Porthcawl, South Cornelly, North Cornelly, Kenfig, Maudlam, Pyle, Kenfig Hill, Cefn Cribwr, Penyfai & Laleston.

Available to pick up from selected outlets in the following towns: Broadlands, Whiterock, Bryntirion, Cefn Glas, Litchard, Coity, Brackla, Ewenny, St Brides Major, Southerndown & Ogmore by Sea.

PICK UP A COPY

Available to pick up from the following places:

Porthcawl Library, Rest Bay Cafe Bar, Beale’s Fish & Chips, Bargain Booze

Newton, Grove Golf Club, Kenfig

DEADLINE DATE FOR THE MAY ISSUE IS: MONDAY 15TH APRIL

Nature Reserve, Pyle Garden Centre, The Great House Laleston, One Stop Bryntirion, Phil’s Cafe Bridgend

Industrial Estate, Pendre Post Office/ Newsagents, Cefn Glas Fish Bar, POW Hospital Bridgend, Halo Bridgend.

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Seaside News® is published by Seaside Publications Ltd. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we can accept no liability whatsoever for any errors, inaccuracies or omissions, or for any matter in any way arising out of the publication of the magazine or any of the website content. The views expressed in the Seaside News® and on the website are not necessarily the views of the publisher. No part of the magazine or website may be reproduced without written permission from the publisher. Any breach of copyright will be taken extremely seriously. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any article, advert or website listing without reason. Copyright © Seaside News® 1998-2024 VAT Registration No: 879 7077 54 | Seaside Publications Ltd is registered in Wales, company number 09413904.

PUZZLES

Sudoku

Word Search

Fill each cell of the grid so that each row, each column, and each 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9 exactly once. No guessing is required – only simple logic is needed.

www.sudokukingdom.com Daily sudoku puzzle # 6367 Mar-20-2024

Hint: Words can be found horizontally, vertically, diagonally and also backwards.

Find 18 inspired words from Grey’s Anatomy TV series:

BAILEY - LEXIE - ARIZONA - TORRES - GREY - MERCY WEST - ALEX - KAREV - IZZIE

MEREDITH - YANG - CRISTINA - GEORGE - ACCIDENT - SURGICAL - WEBBER - SLOAN SHEPHERD

IS SPRING THE BEST TIME TO MARKET YOUR PROPERTY?

Determining the best time to sell your property in Porthcawl, or any location, depends on various factors including market conditions, demand, and seasonal trends. However, generally speaking, spring is often considered a favourable time to sell properties in many regions. Here are a few of those reasons why spring might be a good time to sell a property in Porthcawl: Warmer Weather: Spring brings warmer temperatures, longer daylight hours, and more pleasant weather conditions. This makes it more convenient for potential buyers to view properties and for sellers to showcase their homes in the best light.

Curb Appeal: Spring is when gardens and outdoor spaces tend to look their best due to blooming flowers and lush greenery. This can significantly enhance the curb appeal of a property, attracting more potential buyers.

Increased Activity: Spring often sees an uptick in home mover activity as people emerge from winter hibernation and start planning for major life changes such as buying a new home. This is evidenced furthermore in holiday destinations and seaside towns such as Porthcawl. This heightened activity can result in more interested buyers and potentially faster sales.

School Year Considerations: Families with children often prefer to move during the summer months to minimise disruption to the school year. Listing a property in the spring allows for a sale to be finalised in time for a summer move, making it appealing to families with school-aged children.

Nonetheless, it is important to acknowledge that market dynamics can fluctuate annually, influenced by factors such as local economic conditions and housing market competition. Therefore, when putting a property up for sale, it’s vital to recognise that while demand may rise during specific seasons, an influx of new properties entering the market could offset the benefits for sellers. Seeking guidance from knowledgeable local Estate Agents familiar with the Porthcawl market can offer invaluable insights, assisting in making a well-informed decision regarding the timing of listing your property for sale.

TERENCE MCHATTON MARLA MNAEA McHattons Estate Agents 01656 331577

Deadline date for the May issue is: MONDAY 15TH APRIL

BOOKS

BOOK OF THE MONTH MORTMAIN HALL – MARTIN EDWARDS

ENGLAND, 1930. Grieving widows are a familiar sight on London’s Necropolis Railway. So when an elegant young woman in a black veil boards the funeral train, nobody guesses her true purpose.

But Rachel Savernake is not one of the mourners. She hopes to save a life - the life of a man who is supposed to be cold in the grave. But then a suspicious death on the railway track spurs her on to investigate a sequence of baffling mysteries: a death in a blazing car; a killing in a seaside bungalow; a tragic drowning in a frozen lake. Rachel believes that the cases are connected - but what possible link can there be?

Rich, ruthless and obsessed with her own dark notions of justice, she will not rest until she has discovered the truth. To find the answers to her questions she joins a house party on the eerie and remote North Yorkshire coast at Mortmain Hall, an estate. Her inquiries are helped - and sometimes hinderedby the impetuous young journalist Jacob Flint and an eccentric female criminologist with a dangerous fascination with perfect crimes...

NEW BOOKS AT PORTHCAWL LIBRARY

FICTION

FOR OUR SINS

James Oswald

THE 24TH HOUR

James Patterson & Maxine Paetro

THE GUEST - B. A. Paris

LONE WOLF – Greg Hurwitz

THE DREAM HOME – T. M. Logan

OUR FAIR LILY – Rosie Goodwin

A MOTHER’S SECRET

Katie Flynn

HAS ANYONE SEEN CHARLOTTE SALTER?

Nicci French

THE CHAOS AGENT

Mark Greaney

KATE BLADON

Facebook: PorthcawlLibrary

THE ATLAS MANEUVER

Steve Berry

NON FICTION

THE LONG AND WINDING ROAD – Lesley Pearse

SUPERCOMMUNICATORS: HOW TO UNLOCK THE SECRET LANGUAGE OF CONNECTION –Charles Duhigg

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE COUNTRYSIDE IN 100 OBJECTS – Sally Coulthard

THE ROYAL WOMEN WHO MADE ENGLAND – M. J. Porter

THE COUNTERFEIT COUNTESS: THE UNTOLD STORY OF THE JEWISH HEROINE WHO DEFIED THE HOLOCAUST – Elizabeth White

Tel: 01656 754845 | 01656 754850

Email: porthcawl.library@awen-wales.com

pyle.library@awen-wales.com

PHOTOGRAPHS

200 YEARS OF THE RNLI

ABERAVON SUNSET

COASTWATCH TOWER IN 2015

DANCING WAVES

DUCK POND REFLECTIONS

FLOODED DUNES

Pat Lathey, Penyfai

Anthony Short, Kenfig Hill

John Osborne, Porthcawl

Marilyn Cook, Bridgend

Bethan Humphreys, North Cornelly

Ellis Nugent, Porthcawl

FLOODING AT SKER

LATE AFTERNOON SUN

Katharine Walters, Porthcawl

Martin Everett, Kenfig Hill

Justin Badman, Cefn Cribwr

Stuart Burge-Jones, Porthcawl

PHOTOGRAPHS

WILDERNESS MANDARIN DUCK

STORMY SKY OVER THE ESPLANADE

PORTHCAWL HOTEL NORTH WALL

‘HAMISH’ OF PARK SLIP

WAVE SPRAY

Sandra Beer, Porthcawl

Mark Rees, Porthcawl

Josh Lia, Porthcawl

Sandra Beer, Porthcawl

Alan Rogers, Porthcawl

KITE SILHOUETTE

Bethan Humphreys, North Cornelly

Glenys O’Hagan, Pyle

PHOTOGRAPHS

AUTORA BOREALIS

EMERGING FROM THE SEA

SUNSET AT REST BAY

PORTHCAWL SUNRISE

SHADES OF SPRING

PEACEFUL PORTHCAWL

Josh Lia, Porthcawl

Maximus Slaughter, Porthcawl

Jemma Kearn, Porthcawl

Stephen Bowen, Porthcawl

Anthony Callaghan, Porthcawl

Declan Gilmartin, Porthcawl

Helen Scott, North Cornelly

Daniel Ryan, Porthcawl

KENFIG POOL

CONEY BEACH DOUBLE

Maximus Slaughter, Porthcawl

NEWTON CHURCH

Phil Place, Porthcawl

MERTHYR MAWR DUNES

SUNSET AT NASH POINT

SNIFFING OUT DRIFTWOOD

HIGH TIDE DEBRIS

REST BITE

Christian Thomas, Porthcawl

Sue Emlyn-Jones, Porthcawl

Claudette Evans, Kenfig Hill

Zara Jackson, Porthcawl

PHOTOGRAPHS

MARGAM ABBEY

TRECCO BAY

NO PHOTOS PLEASE

THE PIER DOUBLE EXPOSURE

WATER’S EDGE

Alan Thomas, Bridgend

Anthony Short, Kenfig Hill

Michael Cook, Bridgend

Maximus Slaughter, Porthcawl

Anthony Callaghan, Porthcawl

Pat Thomas, Porthcawl

IT’S MY LIFE

It’s my life and it’s up to me who I share it with, family, friends or foe and every minute is precious, a gift.

I can choose to be happy or miserable, peaceful or angry, helpful or destructive.

I will make many decisions, some simple, some complicated, and some decisions may affect those around me.

It’s my life to do with it what I want but I must not forget the ripple effect,  I have a responsibility to others too. I can be who I want to be, I can change to suit circumstances, I can adapt. Yes, it’s my life and I choose to wear a smile on my face and carry love in my heart as this new day approaches.

What will your choice be?

Marilyn Cook, Bridgend

MEMORIES

I found an old school magazine just the other day.

Yours truly had a poem on a special page.

WALES

In the land of leeks, dragons and daffodils,

Is a small, quaint house behind the hills.

In the quiet, small town named Bridgend, Is a large Tesco with aisles that never end.

All the kids run around proud, With their Welsh flags with colours so loud.

The smell of freshly baked welsh cakes coming from nan’s kitchen. The family all gather ‘round to dig in.

So the next time you want to go to America,

Stop and say, “No! Wales is much better”.

Nellie Catherine Cadogan (Age 13), Bridgend

CORNHOLME TO CORNELLY

We met and lived in a picturesque place

That place Cornholme by name

In the far wild west of Yorkshire

Deep within the Pennine chain.

Time moved on and so did we

To far far in the North

That place, the Isles of Shetland Where the wild wild winds do roar.

One day we left for Rothesay

Upon the Isle of Bute

From there I moved on alone

With treasured memories of you.

Rachel Lockwood Allen, Cornelly

GWLAD Y GÂN

Wrth droedio’r dirwedd fywiog hon

Ynghyd fel un, nid ar wahân

Troediwn yn gryf ac unedig

Cymru ein Cartref

Gwlad y gân.

Clyw’r telynau

Eu tannau euraidd

Corau meibion

Mewn cytgord pur

Synau nefol

Yn yr ysbryd

Rhodd cân

Rhodd Duw i ni.

Croeso bawb

Mae’r flas mor felys

Cynnes yw’r aelwydydd tân

Yn flinedig

Wedi’r holl deithio Dychwel nôl

I Wlad y Gân.

Gwlad y gân

Cymru fy nghalon

Gogoneddus

Campwaith Duw

Chi yw genfigen yr enfys

Yn gymaint fwy na

Gwyrdd Coch a Gwyn

O hyd mewn cariad

O hyd mewn cariad

O hyd mewn cariad

 phob un lliw.

Rhian Payne, Bridgend

WHEN THE BIRDS RETURN AND SING

When will there be lasting peace, In such divisive regions?

Why should people suffer

At the hands of Politicians?

Man’s hostility to man, Violating man and nation. The result, a dire consequence, Death, grief and devastation.

Now, conspicuous by its absence, Is the sound of birds in song.

So out of place, in that bleak space, To sing would seem so wrong. Instead the cries of pain and loss

From these war-torn ravaged lands. Its stricken people, now displaced

Like a million grains of shifting sands.

Each nation fights for what they see right,

Amidst anguished wails for loved ones lost.

Hospitals become battlegrounds,

Where the innocent pay the cost. They live in hope and queue for food and water,

Yet next to nothing comes their way. Infant eyes reveal such torture, That is witnessed every day.

Dying in terror, living in fear, In a world where no one is safe. Not the doctor, not the teacher, Not the soldier, nor the waif. We can but pray and dare to hope, To find a way for lasting peace. The birds will soon return and sing, Once the fearful sounds of bombings cease.

Catherine Millard Payne, Bridgend.

Supporting people with life limiting and life changing conditions

The Sandville Self Help Foundation is a charity overlooking the Porthcawl coastline. You can meet people from across Wales who are going through similar experiences. It is a safe place where you can make positive changes to your physical, psychological and emotional well-being.

We o er set days for specific conditions and would like to o er a warm welcome to those individuals who have been diagnosed with life limiting and life changing conditions including but NOT limited to:

Parkinson’s

Cancers

Multiple Sclerosis, Motor Neurone Disease, Muscular Dystrophy, Stroke, Brain Injuries, Complex Pain, Respiratory Conditions & more

Dementia & Frail

Older Person’s Cafe

Please

Sandville Self Help Foundation aim to:

• Provide individuals and family members with an opportunity to meet and give mutual support around a diagnosis and treatment.

• Provide an opportunity for individuals to attend sessions within the Gym & Mobility Suite and Wellbeing Studio including Yoga, Relaxation, Tai Chi, Pilates, Chair Exercises, Circuits and Sandville’s Parkinson’s Warrior Classes.

• Provide individuals with an opportunity to use the Hydrotherapy Pool to assist in rehabilitation, improving mobility and maximising independence.

Tuesdays 9am - 4pm

Wednesdays 10am - 4pm

Thursdays 10am - 4pm

• Provide individuals with an opportunity to access Complementary Therapies including Reflexology, Reiki, Acupuncture and Hypnotherapy used in the management of pain, anxiety, di culty in sleeping and more.

• Provide hairdressing and beauty advice pre and post chemotherapy and other treatments.

• Provide safe access to our Sensory Garden and gardening opportunities.

• Share practical information and signpost to other support services.

Fridays 11am - 2pm

You don’t need an appointment or a referral, we will assess your needs and o er services to those who meet the charity’s criteria.

We do not receive any government funding and rely on your generous donations.

POEMS

THE THOUGHTS OF JOEY

(The cat I share my home with)?

If people think you own a cat It’s really time you had a chat It’s time they know what’s really true You don’t own me, but I own you.

I have a cat flap, but like it more

If you do the job I keep you for; Open the door each time I ask

And give me food, as that’s your task

Dry me when I come in wet

And if I’m sick you call the vet

You like to watch TV and knit, Unless on you I choose to sit

And when you’re tucked up in your bed I might just sit upon your head. A double bed; I can use half.

You own me, don’t make me laugh!

But in return I make you smile

And stop and cuddle me a while

You give me lots of love and fuss

Which is so good for both of us

You’re my person, I’m your cat No more to say; guess that is that!

Philippa Settle, Bridgend

PINEHURST – 35 YEARS, A SPECIAL CELEBRATION

A house well built – once an empty shell, But now a home, where in peace we dwell.

You welcome the outcasts, the frail, the sad.

Now treasured and loved, we are safe –and yes, glad.

For a Mother-heart spread her wings out wide,

To welcome us in, - let none be denied. While her daughter was flitting to and fro,

Yet so dearly loved - Did her motherheart know

That the calling was there and she too would shine

To embrace this work and it would go on. She found her heart too was filled with love

To welcome the needy with grace from above.

We’ve a garden and laughter and singing and joy

And continue in blessing which none can destroy.

We thank God for 35 years of blessing.

Pauline Lewis, once a regular visitor, and now a grateful resident of Pinehurst

THE ETERNAL CYCLE

Sweet memories of summer days abound,

A million leaves lay scattered on sodden ground.

Glorious profusion of gold, red and green,

Withered petals littering the scene.

Autumnal gusts and tempest rain, Winter storms on the horizon again.

Turn out your drawers and closets too,

For scarves and coats and sturdy shoes.

Edge up closer to the fireside heat, And strive to thaw those frozen feet.

Witches, vamps and ghouls at Halloween, Whitened faces, startling and mean.

The heat of bonfires, topped by Guy, The din of fireworks fills the sky.

Lock away your dogs and cats, And don’t forget your gloves and hats.

October, November go racing by, The clocks go back, the farmers sigh.

“Don’t let this winter be too cold,

Our crops will suffer, we know of old.”

December marks the shortest day,

Yet Christmas cheer is on its way.

As his sleigh transcends those sleety skies,

Santa leaves gifts and munches fresh mince pies.

A new year arrives, trailing coughs and flu,

As fogs and mists obscure our view.

The sky is leaden, the branches bare, Birds are silent, no solace there.

We hunker down, await warmer days, Those cornflowers skies, Sun’s shimmering haze.

Then shoots of green begin to appear, Their blooms will fill us all with cheer.

Swaying daffodils all start to show, A joyous thrush just told me so.

A tiny lamb tries out wobbly legs, As new and stiff as wooden pegs.

The sky is laced with cotton cloud, A lone dog barks, his head held proud. Oh at last those halcyon days, Spring and summer are on their way!

New chicks emerge from broken shells, The fields a blanket of swaying bluebells.

A hedgehog lifts her twitching nose, As we await the first beguiling rose. The crocus, tulip, freesia and more, Bring colour, scent and smiles galore.

Goodbye wet, windy days, spring is here, Hares and deer and larks revere.

Cast out those scarves and hats and gloves, And give thanks to the warmth of the Sun above.

John Coutanche, Porthcawl

SONG OF THE EARTH (A VILLANELLE)

It is hope that keeps me singing in whispers to the sun, I’ve spent so many hours trying to learn your lilting song

As sunshine gives its breath of life to each and everyone.

It makes the buds burst open into flowers of gold and blue

One by one they each appear, ‘til they reach a merry throng

It is hope that keeps me singing in whispers to the sun.

The sights and sounds of the forest awake so fresh and true

In measured motion the leaves grow on twigs and branches strong

As sunshine gives its breath of life to each and everyone.

The early morning mist kisses each blade of grass with dew

Then droplets form a cup to fill this place where I belong

It is hope that keeps me singing in whispers to the sun.

From secret hibernation comes the hedgehog, mouse and shrew

Slow the mask of dark winter’s nights give way to summers long

As sunshine gives its breath of life to each and everyone.

You were my playground as a child with you I surely grew

And each spring I will return to the place where I belong.

It is hope that keeps me singing in whispers to the sun,

As sunshine gives its breath of life to each and everyone.

Claudette Evans, Kenfig Hill

Guitar Tuition

THE MOTORBIKE TRAILER

My name is Tippee the Trailer, I’m tall and stout.

If you’ve a motorbike to move, then give me a shout!

Up to two motorcycles I can load in one go,

As I’m an enclosed model you just hitch up and tow.

From the rain, dirt and sun, your cargo I’ll protect,

And if porterage is needed my driver’ll collect.

Whether hauling bikes for fun, race, or track days

The service I offer won’t cause you delays. If your passion’s for vintage, custom or rare

With your precious babies I’ll take lots of care.

Hondas, Harleys, Yamahas and Ducati’s BMW’s, Guzzi’s and quite a few Kawasaki’s I’ve travelled with them all, home and abroad,

There isn’t a rally I haven’t explored. Perhaps your rare model will win ‘Best In Show,’

But how will we know unless we get up and go.

The only impossible journey is the one we don’t start,

So, pack up your troubles, and with Tippee depart!

Don’t wait for tomorrow, it might be too late!

Attach your towbar and tuck my tailgate.

Another adventure, lets hit the road, Tippee’s only happy when he’s got a full load!

Verne Farrugia, Porthcawl

HITCHHIKER

Beware the Hitchhiker who stalks the roads.

With deadly levels of CO2

He comes for you in a haze of blue. Dishevelled and unwashed

Toxic emissions in his hair Pedestrians beware.

Spectre, Reaper cannot compare. When you see the hitchhiker standing there

A sign upon his chest

The destination clearly shown. it’s your soul he does now own. Coughing spluttering, gasping for air No tread left, you feel so tyred. Your M.O.T of life expired No garage in life can repair.

Those fumes you breathed instead of air. You’re in a daze, its finally got you, this toxic haze. Your engines gone, and brakes have failed.

It’s all downhill from here on in you’re freewheeling to, A head on crash with your mortality No speed limit will restrain. Your life going down the drain.

In the gutter with the Toxic rain

Bill Lenihan, Porthcawl

GHOSTS

‘Tis midnight and there are ghosts about, No one will come out of their house

For fear of this thing

That’s as quiet as a mouse. They come from the graveyard, They come from the dead, They scare the poor humans

Away from their bed.

On the dark background Of the great sky,

The ugly white ghosts

Go creeping by.

But when it’s morn’, No more do we see

Of this fearful white thing

Which frightens me.

Judith Atkin Class 9 (Age 11!)

Had to start somewhere.

Judy Dee, Porthcawl

LOOK UP FROM THE EARTH

Man on Earth, Man on Earth, Too low below the sky, Too low to see angels and demons fight: Demons for their selfish gain; Angels helping Mankind life attain. Some humans will attain above the sky, In God’s Kingdom, Man on .Earth rely. The Bible books, first to last,  Inform us there is a good future from our past.

God on high will look down on New Heavens and New Earth with pleasure, God’s Word, Mankind will treasure.

C Brown, Porthcawl

SCHOOLS

PORTHCAWL COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

It has been a busy month at PCS. There have been lots of extra-curricular sport and visits taking place. During the Easter holidays, KS3 and KS4 pupils enjoyed a skiing trip to Marilleva in Italy. It has been lovely to hear about the weather, the resort and of course the skiing! Pupils also travelled to Iceland with our Geography department and I look forward to hearing about this visit in more detail. Last month our Year 7 Humanities classes visited the Porthcawl Waterfront Regeneration Site (Salt Lake development), as part of their ‘Our World’ project and a group of Year 10 pupils visited Sony for a Sustainability and Engineering Event. It was lovely to welcome so many families and guests to our Annual Awards Evening in March. This was a wonderful community event to celebrate the rich success and achievement across PCS and the picture shows our Year 7 form prize winners. We have also won a prestigious Cyber First School and College Award. We are one of a few schools and colleges in Wales to achieve this. The award comes from the National Cyber Security Centre and highlights our commitment to Computing and Cyber education. Our Year 10 pupils have recently received their English Literature Unit 1 examination results, and we are delighted with their performance. Well done everyone!

Mr Stephens Head Teacher

EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL TRIP TO AUSCHWITZ-BIRKENAU

On February 21st, I attended a day trip to Auschwitz-Birkenau, organised by the Holocaust Educational Trust. The essence of the visit was not to focus on the statistics of 6 million Jews who were killed, but to look at them as individuals. Ordinary, family people with aspirations, hopes and dreams that they would never attain. It is difficult to imagine 6 million people being

murdered, that is because statistics are impersonal, so we were given the example of Eva Clarke, who was born in Mauthausen Concentration Camp, on April 29th,1945. Eva was lucky to have been born, as pregnant women were executed by the Nazis; however, their supply of Zyklon B ran out the day before. Eva and her mother attribute “luck” to their survival, it’s hard to imagine these circumstances as being “lucky”. Many were not so lucky, the “Book of Names” in Auschwitz 1 records the names of 4.2 million victims who were killed, a further 1.8 million names remain lost to history. We must remember these victims and keep their legacies alive by never forgetting the atrocities of the Holocaust. As Eva Clarke said: “It is not 6 million but 1+1”. Eve Linehan

Year 12, Porthcawl Comprehensive

ST CLARE’S SCHOOL NEWS

Spring Term was brimming with activities from World Book Day, trips, fixtures, Easter events to ‘taster-weeks’. Summer K, Sixth Form student and Young Ambassador for Dreams & Wishes, orchestrated a special fundraiser for the charity dedicated to fulfilling the dreams and wishes of seriously ill children.

St Clare’s takes

pride in being amongst the top 5% of best-performing schools for A-Level results since 2018. Additionally, our Nursery has been recognised as a ‘Top 20’ Nursery by Day nurseries UK since 2021.

Joining mid-year is a seamless process. We’re well-versed in welcoming children, aiming to make their transition as smooth as possible with a taster week, buddy-system, and curriculum catch-up packs creating a warm, welcoming environment. We’re here to guide you through the process, making it a positive experience for everyone.

Discover why St Clare’s ranks in the top 5% for A-Level performance since 2018, featuring small tutorial-groups and 6 lessons per subject per week. Our Senior Discovery Day for Year 6 was a great success, featuring an engaging chemistry session by Mad Science.

Join us during our next ‘School in Action’ Open Week (8th-12th April) to witness a typical school day. For more information, visit www.stclares-school.co.uk or call (01656) 789966.

Picture caption: Another Senior Discovery Day on the horizon

NEWYDDION YSGOL Y FERCH O’R SGÊR

March has been full of special days and celebrations! Firstly, we attended the Urdd Eisteddfod at Pencoed College, competing in individual recitation competitions. This was followed by our school Eisteddfod, where all learners took part in singing, dancing and talent contests. We celebrated St David’s in school but KS2 also took part in a parade in McArthur Glenn. World Book Day also made an appearance in March, with classes full of costumes and books. Everybody had a wonderful time! We have signed up to Darllen Co, a new online digital reading platform with original Welsh books. All learners have been engaging with this during school time and at home. The School Council were lucky enough to be invited to Afony-Felin primary to judge their Eisteddfod art work. It was wonderful to share our Welsh-language skills with their year 6 representatives.

Two of our talented musicians, Eira and Kookoo, also played the harp in the Bridgend Music Service Welsh-medium production of the Matilda song ‘When I grow up’. Da iawn ferched. With Easter fast-approaching, our attention has now turned to arts and crafts and baking!

For further information about Welsh-medium education, contact 01656 754865 or admin@yfos.pen-y-bont.cymru

NEWTON PRIMARY NEWS

Our year 5&6 singing group had an unforgettable experience leading the Welsh parade organised by Menter Iaith Bro Ogwr in McArthur Glen. We performed two songs and a brass instrumental in front of a huge Welsh-speaking audience. We were the only second language Welsh school attending in all of Bridgend on St David’s Day.

Nursery- Year 2 has a great time with Dr Meg who came in for Newton University to do a Teddy Bear’s Hospital session. The children learnt what to do in a medical emergency and some basic first aid skills. They know how to call 999, ask for ambulance and to know their address. The children on the School of Pop Newton University course were amazing! They performed using instruments, re-wrote lyrics and worked on some new leaver’s material.

Newton University was highlighted by Estyn as ‘particular strength of the school’s provision’ It provides an opportunity for pupils from different year groups to participate together in a programme of planned activities not generally available in lessons. Pupils value these sessions highly because they enjoy the novel experiences, the chance to learn with other children and adults and the opportunity to choose activities that are of interest to them.

Team Newton

Deadline date for the May issue is:

15TH APRIL

NEW PLACEMAKING PLAN FOR PORTHCAWL TOWN CENTRE

Our public consultation over the development of a Porthcawl Town Centre Placemaking Strategy ends on 4 April, so I hope as many residents and businesses as possible have had their say. The consultation has asked for views and thoughts on how the town centre can develop, thrive and enjoy a prosperous future, and has been organised by Bridgend County Borough Council in line with the Placemaking Wales Charter.

All essential information, opinions and ideas gathered as part of this will be carefully analysed and used to support the development of the strategy.

Placemaking enables organisations, businesses and communities to work closely together to identify the strengths, weaknesses and unique qualities that help define an area. We will shortly be looking at how this can all be used to draw up a strategy that will protect and enhance the town centre while delivering future prosperity.

I’d also like to briefly mention how great it is to see that the world’s last seagoing paddle steamer, The Waverly, will return in June.

With trips lined up to destinations such as Ilfracombe, Lundy Island, Lynton Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Penarth, Holm Islands and more, this will mark the 45th anniversary since the Waverley first visited South Wales back in 1979.

COUNCILLOR NEELO FARR

Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Wellbeing

Tel: 01656 643643 www.bridgend.gov.uk

A CELEBRATION OF SONG

Hello, I’m Chris. I’ve been the Labour MP for Ogmore since 2016. The Ogmore Constituency covers the north of Bridgend County Borough. We expect a General Election next year, and I’m pleased to be the Welsh Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Bridgend and Porthcawl for the upcoming General Election. Last month, I spent St Davids’s Day evening with Porthcawl Male Voice Choir at All Saints Church. The choir performed a glorious mix of Welsh hymns and songs from across the world. There were also beautiful performances from the children of Porthcawl Primary School and even a poem on the merits of being Welsh! Many thanks to the choir for inviting me. If you’d like to learn more about supporting them or even becoming a member, please search for Porthcawl Male Voice Choir on Facebook.

It was also great to join Porthcawl RNLI in Newton a few weeks ago as they celebrated the 200th anniversary of the RNLI. The Newton Bell Ringers of St John the Baptist Church rang the church’s bells for 45 minutes, and residents from across Porthcawl and beyond came to listen while money was raised for the RNLI. I want to pay tribute to our local volunteers of Porthcawl Lifeboat Station and the RNLI, who do extraordinary work – 365 days a year in all conditions. We owe them great thanks and gratitude for their service and also to the RNLI for protecting people and our coastlines for the past 200 years.

CHRIS ELMORE MP FOR OGMORE

Welsh Labour Parliamentary Candidate for Bridgend & Porthcawl www.ChrisElmore.wales

LACK OF CONSULTATION BY COUNCIL CLAIM

I have received a reply to the long letter I sent to BCBC following the public meeting we organised in November. That’s the good news. The bad news is that all of the complaints raised by residents, about a lack of consultation and their failure to consider fears about pressures on public services stemming from plans to build 1200 extra homes, are rejected. To be fair, leader Huw David and chief executive Mark Shephard have gone through the complaints in detail. I forwarded their letter to Civic Trust for comment as they have had contact with the council especially over the issue of consultation.

Civic Trust have now replied to me and are adamant that the council have treated three major developments in the town – the Aldi foodstore, the bus station and Cosy Corner – under normal planning procedures only and have ignored  legal requirements set out in the Gunning Principles and by Planning Policy Wales.

The latter states that the council should have gone beyond the statutory minimum for consultation and acted in accordance with the principles set out in the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act.

The council’s letter can be viewed by clickin tinyurl.com/nhz8upbx

DR ALTAF HUSSAIN Regional Senedd Member

MEASLES OUTBREAK PROMPTS VACCINATIONS CALL

Local parents and guardians of school-aged children are being reminded of the importance of ensuring each child receives two doses of the MMR vaccine to reduce the risk of catching measles, mumps or rubella.

With cases of measles on the rise, the call follows warnings from Public Health Wales that outbreaks could become far more frequent unless more children receive their vaccinations.

As a highly infectious disease that can only be controlled through vaccination, the symptoms of measles include a distinctive red or brown rash that may be more difficult to see on darker skin.

The rash may also follow a fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes, and experts advise that any child exhibiting such symptoms should be kept away from school, nursery, childcare settings and vulnerable people.

While the first dose of MMR is usually given at 12 months and the second just after three years, it is never too late to catch up on missed doses.

Each child should have a red book detailing their vaccination history, or local GP surgeries can help confirm whether a child has been fully vaccinated.

A series of catch-up vaccinations are currently being planned, and more information is available at the Cwm Taf University Heath Board website.

COUNCILLOR JANE GEBBIE Deputy Leader Bridgend County Borough Council 01656 643643

NEW £2.3M RECYCLING CENTRE OPENS

I was delighted to see Bridgend County Borough’s all-new £2.3m community recycling centre open its gates recently after overcoming regulatory delays experienced while waiting for specific licences to be granted.

Now based at the Village Farm industrial estate in Pyle, the new centre replaces the former site at Tythegston, and has been especially built to make it easier than ever to recycle and dispose of waste responsibly.

Capable of accommodating 24 cars at a time, the new centre is large enough for up to 72 vehicles to queue on site while a split-level structure, one-way system, ramps and bypass lanes make it easier for drivers to access the facilities.

A re-use shop is also planned where household items that are in good condition can be recycled and sold to raise money for local causes.

The opening of the new site is set to significantly increase our capacity for processing recyclable materials in the county borough, and will help us to contribute to all-Wales targets and a more sustainable waste management system.

An official opening event will soon be announced where winning posters from pupils who took part in school recycling workshops will be displayed.

More details, including site opening times, are available at the council website.

COUNCILLOR HUW DAVID Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council

Tel: 01656 643643

PORTHCAWL TOWN COUNCIL

As the Council approaches the end of another busy year there have been some positives and some negative issues that have had to be addressed:-

Zero Tolerance to Bullying

Sadly bullying is affecting a large number of people of all ages and the matter appears to be getting worse. Porthcawl Town Council recently discussed the issues around bullying and the impact it has on society and more significantly the local community in which we live. It was recognised that social media has exacerbated the matter and it was agreed that bullying behaviour whether it be in schools, the community, at home or in the workplace is totally unacceptable. As such at their last meeting members unanimously resolved to become a Zero Tolerance to Bullying Council and alongside working on a number of initiatives to raise awareness and try and counteract this issue the Council has agreed to adopt a Zero Tolerance logo which will sit proudly alongside the Porthcawl Town Council Crest. The Council want to invite all children in the Porthcawl community to design a zero tolerance to bullying logo, designs can be emailed to the Town Clerk ceri.john2@bridgend.gov.uk or brought in/posted to the Town Council offices 16-18 Mary Street, Porthcawl, CF36 3YA. The entries will then be judged and the winner announced and invited to attend the Annual General Meeting in May 2024. For further details please see the Town Counci website.

https://www.porthcawltowncouncil.gov.uk/.

Misinformation and Collaborative Working

Unfortunately, another matter and one which is loosely linked to bullying is the spreading of misinformation. This is something that the Council staff find themselves having to deal with on almost a daily basis. To try and tackle this the Town Council are making a heartfelt request to all members of the community to contact the Town Council staff directly if they have any worries or concerns about things that they may have heard, or something that has been shared on social media in relation to Town Council matters so that accurate information can be provided. The Council Offices at 16-18 Mary Street, Porthcawl are open Monday to Friday between the hours of 9.30am to 12 noon so all member of the public are welcome to come in to discuss any Town Council related issues during these times, staff are also contactable by telephone 01656 782215 during these hours. Outside of these hours albeit the offices are closed the staff are still working and will be contactable by email ceri.john2@bridgend.gov.uk. Council and their staff are hopeful that this will help reduce the spread of misinformation and keep everyone up to date with regards what is going on within their community.

Positive Steps

We have a new member to our Town Council team, Ms S Hookins is our new Responsible Financial Officer and she is working exceptionally hard on everything that is related to Council finance. We very much welcome Sian to the team. Porthcawl Town Council has successfully obtained funding to make much needed improvements to the bowls green at Griffin Park and are working closely with the Local Authority on this project. The ambition is to bring the bowls green to its former glory and encourage more people to enjoy this facility. You will have noted that in collaboration with the Local

Authority there has been new play equipment installed at Griffin Park and these improvements will be on-going. Some grant funding has already been successfully acquired and last year saw the introduction of the People’s Budget and part of the £20,000 allocation was put towards more play equipment. Keep an eye out for the 2024/25 Peoples Budget request which will be on the Town Council website very shortly.

The community will also be aware that John Street toilets have over the years become somewhat dilapidated. With public toilets closing everywhere within the Bridgend County Borough, Porthcawl Town Council wanted to do all they could to keep John Street toilets open alongside making necessary improvements wherever possible (not an easy task with a grade II listed building!!). Again working closely with the Local Authority the first steps are being achieved with initial upgrades being made in relation to drainage and the roof and continued improvements will be an on-going project for the Town Council. There may be some closures while the necessary works are being carried out and notices will be placed outside the toilets and on the website in advance.

In addition collaborative working is a priority for the Town Council and they very much wish to develop further positive and supportive relationships with all local community groups. Finally, Council have already set the date for this years Christmas Event which is taking place on 30 November 2024. Lots more information to follow regarding this event and Council are currently working with local organisations to arrange a suitable commemorative event for the 80th Anniversary of D-Day.

Please ensure you visit the Town Council website (https://www.porthcawltowncouncil.gov.uk/ ) for up to date information also check in Seaside News for further updates.

Ceri John Town Clerk

on behalf of Porthcawl Town Council

Nottage Forge, corner of

Based in Porthcawl, Bridgend, Nottage Forge has been creating quality commercial and domestic ironwork for decades. Skilled in bespoke steel fabrication, our experienced team creates items to your design specifications and is happy to provide free quotations across South Wales.

steel and composite gates, railings, balconies, fire escapes, and balustrades. We also create custom garden arches, furniture, and log holders.

Promoted by Samantha Chohan on behalf of Sam Trask, both at

FEATURES

FRIENDS OF MONZE (ZAMBIA)

We have funded 28 water boreholes and hand pumps across the Monze region by schools we have built, other schools and health clinics..

Solar pumps are much easier and quicker to use and there is a guaranteed solar energy supply! However, they cost a total of £5K for parts, installation and transport. We have funded 9 solar pumps so far.

Solar panels are erected on a pole or for security and stability the roof of the school. The pump is submerged into the borehole down to the fluctuating water level. When turned on, during daylight hours, water is pumped into a large tank supported about 20 foot high on a tower. This tank is connected to ground level taps that are at locations for local families, the teachers house, a hand-washing stand and the school gardens. The solar pumps are expected to last 20 years and the only maintenance they need is ‘dusting’. This is great compared to the hand pumps, which tend to need repairing every couple of years because they have constant use and have mechanical parts. The first solar pump we installed was 11 years ago and is still working well!

Belinda Green

THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES

Some people say ‘religion causes wars’, but it’s not true, people cause wars. The bible puts it this way:

”What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives…” (James 4:1-3).

Our lack of self-control and self-discipline over our human nature is a root of our problems. If we could control ourselves better it would make a better world, but we have bought into the false idea that we can do what we like without admitting the consequences of our selfishness for ourselves and others. Christianity teaches us that a faith relationship with Jesus Christ allows the Holy Spirit to begin shaping our nature and character, leading to better choices and outcomes. One of the ‘fruit of the Spirit’ is self-control. Conflicts large and small will continue until we change our human nature. Jesus alone offers us forgiveness and transformation.

Rev. Martin Gillard, BD MA Gilgal Baptist Church

SUPPORTERS OF THE PORTHCAWL STROKE CLUB

Porthcawl Stroke Club chair, Mr Keith Duggan and Mr Mal Humphreys, was presented with a £100 cheque from Mr Ken Bonham and Brian from the Ancient Britons’ quiz night. Overall, £153 was raised for local charities. Amazing!! This is an ongoing weekly event at the pub and as most charities are aware, all donations are very much appreciated from community givers and the proprietors, who made this happen.

Both Ken and Brian have recently taken over the Ancient Briton pub in Newton and we wish them many, many successful years in serving the community.

On behalf of the Porthcawl Stroke Club

Barbara Matthews

Deadline date for the May issue is: MONDAY 15TH APRIL

PORTHCAWL U3A

With over 40 different daytime groups on offer at Porthcawl u3a, every month is a busy month and March was no exception. The Food in Britain group enjoyed a visit to Pyle Garden Centre Food Hall and the Gardening group enjoyed a talk on what to grow during springtime with a visit to a member’s garden in April.

The monthly talks are open to everyone, not just members, so please come to the Hi Tide on Wednesday April 10th at 2.15 pm when our founder member, Doug Jones will talk about ‘The Ireland Troubles (1969 - 2007)’. The AGM will follow the talk. We are keen to recruit committee members, so if you would like to support the running of this really valuable club, you would be very welcome.

The Open Day is on Saturday 20th April from 11am – 3pm at the YMCA in John Street where you can find out more about Porthcawl u3a, speak to people about any of the groups and discover more about what’s on offer. Non-members can attend a couple of sessions to see if they like it before joining. For information contact: info@porthcawlu3a.org.uk; porthcawlu3a.org.uk; or phone 07824 133777.

NEWTON WI

Part of the joy of being a member of the WI that everyone experiences it in their own way, whether it’s being part of our luncheon club, craft club or  enjoying the organised trips and of course our monthly meetings. It was the last of the free bowls 10-week course at Bridgend Indoor Bowling Centre for WI members; the coaches were brilliant and our last session was celebrated with tea and cakes and the coaches were presented with gifts as a big thank you from the WI. Lots of friends have been made on the way and some will be joining bowling clubs and others will continue socially. A big thank you for WI & the council for organising these bowling sessions. It’s true to say we have all got bitten with the bug.  This month we celebrated St David’s Day with a supper of leek and potatoes soup, crispy bread and Welsh cakes and the evening of entertainment consisted of a Welsh quiz and singing led by our committee members. Everyone joined in the joviality of the evening and had so much fun. The Davey lamp won the Welsh tabletop competition this month and seemed fitting that it is the 40th Anniversary of the UK mining strike. Many happy returns for all the Birthdays this month and special congratulations for an 80th Birthday, which was celebrated with a scrumptious cake.  Looking forward to the many activities planned. Come and join us, you won’t be disappointed.

Pam Powis

PORTHCAWL TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD

March was a relatively quiet month after all the excitement of the Platinum anniversary in February. It was AGM time and down to the serious business of electing officers and committee for the year ahead and the required dealing with the financial side of the guild.

TG was presented with a photo, which was a lovely reminder of the historic Platinum occasion.

April 10th, our speaker will be the eagerly anticipate and very popular Debra John. A firm favourite of the Guild, Debra will have our members enthralled once again by her self-created monologues. The subject of her monologue will be a surprise and will only be revealed at the meeting.

April 17th, we resume our ‘ladies wot lunch’ and members will meet this month in The Grove GC at 1pm for pre luncheon drinks , prior to our luncheon at 1.30pm.

April 24th, at our monthly get together coffee and natter session we will meet once again at Gusto’s at 10.30am. Interested in paying  us a visit?  Do please come along.  We meet  every month on a Wednesday afternoon at The Grove GC. Pat Ladlow

PORTHCAWL ROTARY NEWS

Porthcawl Rotary arranged for these ten international students (UWC Atlantic College) to entertain the audience at our International Night. (Robert Lee and District Governor Mary Adams joined the students for the photograph)

The evening commenced with a captivating performance by pupils from Porthcawl Comprehensive School, who presented excerpts from their recent production of Jekyll & Hyde. The audience was enthralled by their performance.

Porthcawl Rotary President Robert Lee extended a warm welcome to all attendees, expressing gratitude for their support of Rotary’s endeavours.

Rotarian John Hodges took the stage to introduce the students, hailing from Canada, Turkey, Nepal, Germany, Bangladesh, Slovakia, Uganda, Belgium, Hungary, and Zambia. The students shared insights into their cultures and personal experiences. One student even graced the audience with a song sung in her native language.

The presence of a Japanese student, supported by a Rotary Scholarship for her studies in Cardiff, added another dimension to the evening, highlighting Rotary’s commitment to education and cultural exchange.

Funds raised will support Shelter Box in providing Shelter Warmth Kits to disaster-stricken areas.

In conclusion, as we reflect on the performances of the evening, we are reminded that the future indeed rests in the capable hands of these inspiring young individuals.

Robert Lee

MYNYDD CYNFFIG WI

Mynydd Cynffig WI held their monthly meeting in The Talbot centre Kenfig hill, we meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month 2pm till 4pm. We had a good turn out and one of our members fetched a new lady to join our merry group welcome Lorna. We discussed WI business including the WI show organised by our federation they have so many classes for us to enter into we will find lots to keep us busy in the next few months. All our clubs are keeping our members occupied and we also had a talk from Marline Thomas from the fire dept. She was very informative and told us many stories of the things we all do which are not the safest and had us all laughing, but got many points across to us about safety in the home. She informed us that the fire service will organise a home safety check for you as well . Next month our speaker is Jane Maine giving a talk on the Flying start scheme, which will be interesting. We are starting to think about our Annual outing in August we are hoping it will stop raining by then. Call in we always have tea and biscuits to hand and we are a friendly group we would love to meet you.

Christine Callaghan

KENFIG NATURE RESERVE

This building , half buried in the sand on the edge of the dunes at Kenfig, was one of several WW2 Observation Posts for a gunnery range in the sea off the coast. The range was used by warplanes from Stormy Down and Fairwood Common airfields. There was a railway track across the dunes supplying the Posts, and the concrete sleepers from the track can still be found in places.

The building has been partially excavated and re-purposed as a winter roost for bats, with a new door with louvres allowing access for the bats. It is hoped that Pipistrelle, Daubenton’s and Brown Long-Eared bats will make use of it. Check out or new website kenfignaturereserve.co.uk It has extensive information about the Nature Reserve and the Trust, including upcoming events at the Centre and on the Reserve. The next event at Kenfig, in addition to the fortnightly Farmer’s Markets, is Wellness Sunday, on April 28th. This will include Sound Healing, Massage Therapy, Tai Chi, Yoga and Reflexology. For further details, contact the Centre Manager at clerk@kenfignaturecorporation.com

PORTHCAWL LIONS

In February club members were pleased to be invited to Pyle Rugby Club to present a cheque, which will be used for the benefit of the younger members of the club.

The beginning of March marked Porthcawl Lions 44th Anniversary which was celebrated with a Sunday lunch at the Hi-Tide. Members and friends enjoyed a very good lunch and relaxed afternoon.

The club is now pleased to report that the Boxing Day Fun Run made just over £3,000 which will enable the Lions to continue supporting mostly local charities. The run would not have been possible without all the help of Porthcawl Runners. Lions  members would like to thank the club for all its hard work. It really is appreciated.

As usual Porthcawl Lions are always keen to recruit new members. The main meetings are held on the 1st, and 3rd, Tuesdays of, every month with various events held on occasional additional evenings or weekends throughout the year. Participating in both meetings and events is very sociable and enjoyable but how much a volunteer does is entirely up to them.

If you would like to know more Pauline would be delighted to hear from you on 01656 859505.

JMC

CHURCHES TOGETHER IN PORTHCAWL - CARE FOR CREATION

Are you a member of a church with an interest in environmental issues? We’d like to set up an informal group to discuss the small, practical steps that we might take in our churches or individual households to care for creation. There are plenty of resources available, and we’d like to keep things fun and supportive. Drop me an email if you’d like to find out more: markworrall90@gmail.com.

Beach Clean

Thank you to all those who’ve engaged with our monthly beach clean. Please keep an eye on our Facebook page (facebook.com/eglwysi) for information about our next pick around Coney/Sandy Bay, or you can email me to be added to the mailing list for future cleans.

Christian Aid Week: 12-18 May 2024 Heads up everyone –Christian Aid Week will be here next month! The Holy Hike will be coming back – could you join us to help raise money for a good cause? As well as fun activities for all, there’ll be opportunities to join us for prayer, reflection and worship during the week – and you don’t need to be a church-goer to take part. More details soon! Christian Aid give practical help to families across the world to ensure they have opportunities to build a reliable income, access to food, basic healthcare and a safe place to live.

Gyda phob bendith / every blessing

Mark Worrall

COMMUNITY IMPACT

Part of Scouting is to empower our youth to make a positive contribution to society. The children in our 1st Nottage section feel passionately about helping out within our community and the Cubs have written a short piece about what they have recently been doing in our local community. We put together a menu,  then we went to Aldi and bought

some of the things and gave them to Drop-A-Tin who gave them to local people in need. At Christmas we put some things into a box like sweets, gloves, hats, soap and dog treats. Some people put tinned things into the boxes. They went to Compassion Church, Bridgend,  who gave them out to the homeless over Christmas.

Our Beavers have also been busy shopping in Aldi, picking food and toiletries for the food bank, using the money that they had specifically raised.

Donating things could have a real impact on people in needs lives. Everyone needs food and clothes. Please help them!

1st Nottage Beaver colony will have availability for girls and boys aged 6 – 8 years after Easter. We run on Thursdays from 5:30 – 6:30 at Nottage Scout Hall. If your child is interested, please get in contact. We can take the names of younger children onto our waiting list. Please contact our Beaver leader on 1stnottagebeavers@gmail.com

BRIDGEND TOWN TWINNING ASSOCIATION

Following a very successful visit to Langenau in July 2023, B.T.T.A. are now preparing for a visit of 26 delegates from Villenave d’Ornon in France. This biennial visit takes place on the weekend of the Wales v France 6 Nations rugby international, so let’s hope our boys will make us proud. While in Bridgend, meetings will be held outlining future cultural, sporting and educational links with our Twin Towns and a concert will be held on Friday, March 8th at Tabernacle Chaple, Bridgend. Cor Tabernacl will join with Chorale du Lac for an evening of light music. Our soloist for this evening will be Sage Taylor, a local talented young violinist.

The day after, the group will visit the Grogg Shop in Pontypridd and finally attend the Principality Stadium for the rugby match on Sunday. They return to France on Monday, March 11th.

If you feel interested in joining our Association, we are always looking for new members with new ideas. Our secretary Mrs Madeleine Walters would love to hear from you and her contact details are – Tel:- 02920 892011

Deadline date for the May issue is: MONDAY 15TH APRIL

SKER WI

This month’s meeting  began with singing Jerusalem  followed by WI business  The speaker this month was PC Adam Roberts, a member of the Porthcawl Neighbourhood Policing Team for 6 years having previously been based in Barry.  His topic was Scams and Fraud and explained that cold calls occur more on landlines than mobiles and often target the elderly who tend to be  trusting and welcome someone to talk to due to loneliness. They also often have savings, which the scammer can target. He reminded us of the TPS and MPS schemes which can cut down cold calls and junk mail.  Then he went on to talk about traders who call at the door offering various services and advised that we should politely but firmly say ‘no thank you’ and if we were concerned to dial 999. He also recommended the use of CCTV or ring doorbells, which a relative could have access to and be able to speak to the caller and ask them to leave.  He advised us to look after each other by exchanging information and informing the police if anything appears wrong. There is now a service called South Wales Listens which we can sign up to and receive information on policing. It was an interesting and informed talk and then  Adam answered some thoughtful questions.

Following this we had a break for tea/coffee and then took part in a quiz. The next meeting will be on 11th April. New members are always welcome.

Pam Powell

Email:- walters.sunnyside@btopenworld.com

A HOLLYWOOD MURDER: PART SIX

Who murdered movie director William Desmond Taylor on the night of 1 February 1922? Suspect number five, Charlotte Shelby.  Charlotte Shelby was an overbearing stage mother who controlled every aspect of her daughter, Mary Miles Minter’s, life. If men tried to date Mary Miles Minter, Charlotte Shelby would threaten them, sometimes with a gun. Mary was infatuated with William Desmond Taylor, so Charlotte threatened him with a gun.

Charlotte was close friends with District Attorney Thomas Woolwine. Indeed, some people reckoned that they were having an affair. Contemporaries pointed the finger of suspicion at Charlotte and whispered that she was responsible for Taylor’s murder. When Woolwine retired and a new district attorney took office, Charlotte fled to Europe for a number of years, only returning to Hollywood when the heat of suspicion died down.

The bullet that killed William Desmond Taylor was of a rare calibre. Charlotte Shelby owned a gun that fired bullets of that calibre.

All the circumstantial evidence pointed to Charlotte Shelby as the murderer. However, did she kill William Desmond Taylor? One more suspect, and the solution, soon.

Hannah Howe, author of Tula, Sunshine and Dana, novels set during the Golden Age of Hollywood. https://hannah-howe.com

PORTHCAWL GASWORKS

PART 2

Things did not go smoothly following the council’s purchase of the gasworks in 1915.

The feud erupted in July 1926. Ratepayers felt that the running of the gasworks was poor, quality and production inefficient and not cost effective. Council in its defence felt that the ratepayers pushed through the purchase of an antiquated gasworks.

It resulted in the new Tully plant being installed in June 1928; followed by the installation of modern vertical retorts in 1933, producing a capacity 270,000 cu.ft./day.

In October 1936 PUDC received an offer of £70,000 for the gasworks, yet councillors proved reluctant as the turnover was now improving.

By June 1948 the newly formed Fuel, Lighting and Power Council Committee stated that there was no gasworks in the country producing gas at such little cost plus the sale of appliances showed a healthy profit. Graham Jones was often seen transporting cookers in the basket of his push bike! More pipelines were also planned once the crops had been harvested on Mr Vincent Thomas’s Farm in Nottage.

Yet, by 1952 Porthcawl had finished manufacturing its own gas. The town was now buying it in from general industry.

Until 1973 Porthcawl still had a gas-powered lighthouse, and the last vertical retort was removed by 1990.

Ceri Joseph

CAN YOU HEAR THE BIRDS SINGING?

Have you noticed that the mornings are getting lighter and maybe you find it easier to get up and start your day? The birds have started to sing as they start nest building for their chicks with their wonderful Dawn Chorus peaking in early May. Would you like to be more aware in your life? Maybe you have had the experience of being in a car and thought ‘How did I get here?’ Or finishing your breakfast and not remembering what it all tasted like.

So, if you would like to notice the beauty that surrounds you, try this, find a comfortable chair, somewhere you won’t be interrupted, place your feet on the floor, sitting in an upright position, away from the back of the chair, get comfortable then inhale through your nose for 4 seconds. Hold your breath for 7 seconds. Exhale through your mouth making a whooshing noise for eight seconds. Repeat this 3 times. Then as you relax simply notice your breath as it comes in and leaves your body. Sit still for five minutes at first and you can increase this time of being still to best suit your day.

Breathing like this releases anxiety and lowers stress and you can choose to practise when you need to, anywhere, you don’t need to be sitting. Why not give it a try? Be gentle on yourself.

Margaret Brown

CANCER WAITING TIMES CONFIRMING WORST ON RECORD

Macmillan Cancer Support’s press office with our response and analysis off the back of the release of NHS Wales cancer waiting times data recently. Please see below including a comment from our Head of Partnerships, Richard Pugh. Richard Pugh, Head of Partnerships at Macmillan Cancer Support, says: “Today’s data confirms the devastating truth that last year cancer waiting times were the worst on record in Wales with almost a 50/50 chance of people’s treatment starting on time. Behind these figures are thousands of lives that have been turned upside down and it’s simply not good enough.

after month these targets are being missed by a mile.

“The Welsh Government set out an ambition to treat 80 per cent of people with cancer on time by 2026, but this ambition looks increasingly impossible to achieve.

“Exhausted NHS staff are doing the best that they can, but they are working under unbearable pressures. There is only one way out of this mess and that’s through government action.

“The Welsh Government has said that cancer is a priority but now we need to see the commitments made in the Wales Cancer Improvement Plan come to life so that people with cancer get the timely and quality care they urgently need. The time for action is now.”

For information, support or just someone to talk to, call 0808 808 00 00 or visit macmillan.org.uk

IMPORTANT MINERALS FOR YOUR DIET

Calcium

This mineral helps concrete harden. Its strength makes it the building block for your bones and teeth. It’s also key to make muscles move, including your heart. Get calcium from milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy foods, and from green vegetables like kale and broccoli. How much you need depends on your age and sex. Check with your doctor about whether you should take a supplement.

Folic Acid

For moms-to-be, it’s a must. It helps make DNA and prevent spina bifida and other brain birth defects. Asparagus, Brussels sprouts, dark leafy greens, oranges and orange juice, and legumes (beans, peas, and lentils) are rich in folic acid. Your doctor may want you to take a supplement, too.

Read more at: www.webmd.com

Supplied by Glyn Hardwicke

If you or you know someone who’s going through treatment for cancer and are struggling with the everyday/week/monthly household bills please do get in touch or tell them all about us. Word of mouth is important. Every case will be dealt with the upmost privacy. We don’t tell anyone if you have to come us for help that’s up to the family. It’s not our news to tell. If they talk about coming to us for help great but until then mums, the word.

Me and hubby signed up to do the 3 Peaks Challenge in May this year, however hubby had a bulging disk and a trapped nerve, and it set his training back, so what we’ve done is to change our dates of doing it to July. If anyone has signed up to the May date (I don’t think they did) you can still go ahead but we personally didn’t want to risk not being able to do it due to a lack of training. If you decide you want to do it in July then please do join us.

You can find out about signing up on our website, there’s also a link to the Global Adventure Challenges site who are the event co-ordinators, and this is who you’ll sign up with. This is going to be a challenge which will test your limits of fitness and also your mental ability as these types of challenges are not just about physical ability. You’ll have to put the training in as it’s a tough one. This one is done in under 24 hours so it’s not for the fainthearted, but we have every faith in you.

At the moment, we have no Facebook page due to it hackers deleting it. I’m currently in the process of getting it back but Facebook aren’t quick about it.

Nicky, Emma & Cath Trustees

REDUNDANCY AND YOUR PENSION

Being made redundant can cause financial hardship but for others it can help them boost their pension savings.

· A redundancy payment can be made up of the actual redundancy payment and other payments such as salary, holiday pay or payment in lieu of notice.

Can a redundancy payment be used to boost my pension savings?

Potentially, yes, though only the part of a redundancy payment over the tax- exempt threshold of £30,000 counts as relevant earnings. Tax relief on your contributions are restricted to the higher of £3,600 or 100% of earnings.

Can I pay the whole redundancy payment into my pension plan?

A redundancy payment can be made up of the actual redundancy payment and other payments such as:

· salary

· holiday pay

· bonuses

So, to pay the full redundancy payment into your pension you need to have enough relevant UK earnings from a source other the redundancy payment to cover the full payment.

Can you salary sacrifice a redundancy payment?

Alternatively, you can ask your employer to pay some or all of the redundancy payment as an employer contribution. This doesn’t require a formal exchange of letters as it isn’t a salary or bonus exchange but has the same result.

You Financial Pathway

Maybe being made redundant has forced you to think about

retirement earlier than you planned and you need to work out the path ahead for your savings now. Have you lost valuable life cover that needs replacing? Maybe, it means another pension pot that needs consolidating for access and control now and in the lead up to retirement? Do you have a flexible financial plan? Is now the time to boost your retirement savings and bring all those other pensions together?

We specialise in cashflow planning for retirement and pension consolidation. We are local and our advice is tailored to you- if you work in Tata Steel then we will give you the first hour’s advice for free!

PRESERVING FAMILY WEALTH

Most couples hope that their estate will pass to their children and grandchildren eventually. But for many this will not happen, unless careful arrangements have been made to protect their assets from being taken towards the end of their life to pay care home fees.

To help protect a couple’s estate, the solution may be a Will incorporating a Trust. A testamentary Trust can only be executed whilst both partners remain alive. Upon death of one partner, their Will specifies that their share of the estate is placed in Trust and names the ultimate beneficiary of this share, normally the children and grandchildren. But under the terms of the Trust the surviving partner has the unequivocal right to remain living in the property and to enjoy the other assets, for the rest of their life.

On the death of the other partner the Trust comes to an end and the estate passes to the beneficiaries. As the surviving partner does not own the deceased’s share of the estate it is fully protected for the beneficiaries, so if the surviving partner requires care, or even remarries, this share of the beneficiary’s inheritance is protected.

If the surviving partner wants to move they can still sell the property and the proceeds be used to purchase a new property; the terms of the trust remain over the new property. Westminster Law assesses the circumstances of couples and arranges the trust that will provide the best protection for them, their family and their assets.

COURT CASES CONCERNING CHILDREN

It can be very upsetting when issues arise with your former partner regarding the children and sometimes the only alternative is to get the court involved. This can be a very intimidating and overwhelming situation.

From April 2024, the court’s way of dealing with applications concerning children will change, and these changes will mean that people should find the court process less adversarial. Going forward, parents will be encouraged to resolve their difficulties themselves, the opinions of the children will be considered, and hopefully cases will be finalised more swiftly.

Before the court considers an application, the parties will be expected to have tried alternative dispute resolution, for example mediation. During the court process, the court can direct other professionals to become involved to assist the parties. These can include independent domestic violence advisers and professionals to work with the family to ensure future harmony.

The process is front loaded, as the issues are investigated at the start of the proceedings and the children are given the opportunity to voice their concerns. Their views will be fed back to the parents/carers in the hope that this can help resolve the dispute.

to file statements, or a guardian appointed to act on behalf of the children. The aim of the process is to encourage parties to agree the way forward rather than have a judge decide this for them.

The above aims to improve the experience of the parties during the court process, and to avoid cases entering the court system when they could be resolved via other means.

A “Child Impact Report” will be prepared giving details of the background to the matter and setting out each party’s positions. Once the report is ready, the court will decide how to deal with the application. It may be that the parties are ordered MADELINE

Red Kite Law LLP 01656 782070

CEFN CRIBWR GARDENING CLUB

“In the Spring at the end of the day you should smell of dirt!” (Margaret Attwood)

Let’s talk lawns (don’t sigh, I’m sorry, it’s got to be done!) If the grass is left long and then cut short it will turn yellow, look unsightly and be weakened. So regular mowing is the order of the day. Blades should be at the highest setting to start with. Be sure to level any lumps and bumps, they cause the mower to scalp the grass, weakening it and encouraging weeds and moss. Although you can easily treat moss with moss-killer this treats the symptoms not the cause, which is poor drainage and compacted soil. So get spiking with a fork, hard work but you will be glad you’ve done it when your lawn is all lush and green (until the kids get on it!).

Prune back lavender this month, if left untrimmed it will splay exposing its woody heart, this in irreversible, poor little things and you will have to buy new ones!

Did you know the ancient Egyptians used lavender in their embalming process because it made the corpse smell nice! Mature lavender doesn’t need watering. It’s drought resistant, clever plant!

Chris Early

PORTHCAWL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY

This month we have enjoyed a practice session making an arrangement in a pin holder as well as a very interesting talk by Faith with her guide dog, Buddie. We have another demonstration to look forward to in April and will be busy making an Easter wreath in our next practice session. There has been a change of plan in June when we will postpone our planned competition for a workshop on creating pedestal arrangements instead. This will be a rehearsal for the Music and Flower festival which will be held in All Saints church on Saturday June 29th. Our floral theme will be ‘colours of the Rainbow’.

All our meetings are now held at 1.30pm in Awel-y-Mor centre

on alternate Wednesdays. New members are always welcome.

For more information please consult our Facebook page or ring Alison on 07581 048448

LALESTON GARDENING CLUB

April with it’s showers and hopefully, milder weather, should be a very busy time in our gardens.  Now is time to crack on with veg, 2nd earlies and maincrop potatoes can be planted and don’t forget to earth up around the shoots of the early crop. Onion sets can be planted as can peas, runner beans can be started off in the greenhouse.  The green house can be made ready to plant up the tomatoes and cucumbers toward the end of the month.  Dahlia tubers can be potted up in the greenhouse too, but don’t be tempted to buy bedding plants, it’s too early and they may not survive or flourish in the lower temperatures we sometimes experience in this changeable month.  The Lawns should be now be cut weekly and sow seed where necessary.

We at Laleston Gardening Club won’t be holding our Annual Plant Sale this year, but we will be selling plants from our greenhouse at Cliff Cottage.  Each time we have plants ready to sell they will be advertised on our Facebook page, so don’t forget to check regularly to see what’s available.  We held a very successful St David’s Day Supper last month and now plans are being formulated to hold a coffee morning and a Saturday lunch event in May & June respectively.  We continue to open our doors every Saturday morning and our shop is open to members with our new range of composts.  The April lecture on 8th is entitled Dahlias by Mark Ashton doors open 7pm for a 7.30pm start.

Susan Ford

Nottage Forge, corner

WHAT’S ON

PORTHCAWL U3A

Provides a huge range of daytime activities for people no longer in fulltime employment. It is a great way to meet people and engage in any of the over 40 fun, physical, educational, creative or thoughtprovoking activities. All of which are available free to members. Annual membership is £42. Website: porthcawlu3a.org.uk; phone: 07824 133777; email: info@porthcawlu3a. org.uk

PORTHCAWL LADIES BOWLS CLUB

Ladies have you thought of giving bowls a try? No experience necessary. We are a small friendly club at Griffin park offering free individual taster sessions, followed by free membership for a year. For more information please contact Sue Bowen 07969 813540.

PRINCE OF WALES BOWLING CLUB

We are currently recruiting experience and novice bowlers. The club is located in Penylan Avenue, Porthcawl with excellent bowling and social facilities. Please contact our Club Secretary if you are interested in joining. Elwyn Williams (Club Secretary) 01656 788345.

MONDAY

A TASTE OF YOGA, KENFIG

10.30-12pm & 6.30-8pm @ Kenfig Nature Reserve. Cost: Four Sessions £28. To book contact Angela 07980 936198 or Email: angelarock11@ hotmail.com

KENFIG HILL & DISTRICT MALE VOICE CHOIR

New members can join us at rehearsals on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm at The Choral Suite, Greenacres Motel, 111 Heol Fach, North Cornelly, CF33 4LH. Find us on Facebook, or https:// www.kenfighillmalechoir.wales Or contact the secretary Tony Ulberini at tonyulberini@gmail.com Tel: 07866 742452. Or Terry Thomas, Vice Chairman: terrypaulthomas1962@ gmail.com. Tel: 07577 406605.

ROTARY PORTHCAWL

Meets Mondays @ 1pm, The High Tide, Mackworth Road, Porthcawl, CF36 5BT. New members always welcomed. Further information contact Andrew Singer on Telephone: 01656 785628 Mobile:07817 095992. Email: andrewbsinger@icloud.com Website: https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ homepage.php?ClubID=953

SLIMMING WORLD WITH MOLLY

6pm - The Scout Hall, Woodland Avenue, Porthcawl CF36 5HW. Call or text Molly on 07710 489645 for more details.

TUESDAY

INNER WHEEL PORTHCAWL

First Tuesday of the month, except August, @ 1pm in the Hi-Tide, Mackworth Road, Porthcawl, CF36 5BT. New members are always welcomed. Further information contact Liz Jones on 07805 415718.

PORTHCAWL COMMUNITY CHORUS

A day-time mixed choir covering a variety of styles. 1.30-3.00pm at Gilgal Baptist Church Hall. No auditions and no need to read music. Just come along if you enjoy singing. Contact: Maggie Jemmett on 07932 793355 or maggie.jemmett@live. co.uk

PORTHCAWL LIONS

Meet at Hi-tide 1st and 3rd Tuesday’s of the month, 7.30pm. See website: www.porthcawllions.org.uk

Or call: 01656 784939.

PORTHCAWL MALE CHOIR

New members welcome. Rehearsals

Tuesday & Friday evening 7-9 pm at Arlington Road Church, Arlington Road, Porthcawl.

Further details contact either Choir Secretary, Noel Williams at (noel. williams185@btinternet.com) 07902 333559 or Public Relations Officer, Ian Williams (ianwilliams54@sky. com) 07927 219544. Check out our website and Facebook page for further details.

SOUNDS FAMILIAR

Simply easy to join us! We sing a huge variety of music in English and Welsh! We are seeking men to fill our spaces in our BASS and TENOR sections. 7pm to 9pm,upstairs in The United Services Club, on Station Hill in Porthcawl. Contact choir secretary Pet Mathias on 01656 772451.

WEDNESDAY

BREATHING SPACE CREATIVE GROUP

Find new skills and grow confidence at FREE creative arts sessions for adults. Wednesday 12.30-2.30pm in Awel-y-Mor Community Centre, Hwtchwns Terrace CF36 5TN. Helping to support wellbeing, positive mental health and reduce isolation. Run by arts charity Tanioto book contact helo@taniocymru. com 01656 729246.

BRIDGEND SOROPTOMISTS

We meet at Heronston Hotel 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month 7pm. See website sigbi.org/ bridgend-and-district Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ BridgendSoroptimists. New members welcome.

COR BRO OGWR, BRIDGEND

A mixed choir based in Tabernacle Church, Derwen Road, Bridgend CF31 1TH. Rehearsals are 7-9pm. No audition required.

www.corbroogwr.com Contact: 07972 245089.

NEWTON WI

We meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Venue: Scouts Hall, Woodland Avenue, Porthcawl. Visitors welcome.

PORTHCAWL ART SOCIETY

Weekly workshops at 1pm and 7pm. New members welcome. Art Gallery open most days 11-3pm. Above the museum, Old Police Station, John Street. www.porthcawlart.co.uk

PORTHCAWL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY

Fancy creating exciting floral displays? Join our friendly group at Awel Y More Centre, Hutchwns Terrace, Porthcawl, CF365TN. We meet on 2nd /4th Wednesdays at from 1.30 to 3.30. Beginners and visitors welcome. We have tuition, demonstrations and social events. See our Facebook page or call Alison on 07581 048448.

PORTHCAWL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY

Well stocked garden shop (located in Heol-y-Goedwig). Open 9am to midday on Wednesday’s & Saturday’s. Selling seed potatoes, onion sets, shallots, composts, fertilizers, seeds, etc. All welcome to visit; advice freely given to help progress.

PORTHCAWL STROKE CLUB

Meeting at the Masonic Home 2-4pm. Seeking volunteers who are CRB checked, or are prepared to have one. Contact Chairman Mr Keith Duggan & Mrs Mary Duggan on (01656) 773376 or 07484 250988.

PORTHCAWL TRIATHLON CLUB

Weekly coached run sessions at 6.30pm. Come along for a taster session. Check meeting location. Search Facebook or www. porthcawltriathlonclub.com All abilities and new members welcome.

SLIMMING WORLD, PORTHCAWL

Scout Hall, Woodland Avenue, Porthcawl, CF36 5HW 9.30am. Contact Millie - 07765 040006.

SLIMMING WORLD WITH MOLLY

6pm - The Public Hall, Heol Las, North Cornelly CF33 4AS. Call or text Molly on 07710 489645 for more details.

THURSDAY

BRIDGEND MALE CHOIR

Do you enjoy singing? The Choir Practice, 7.30 – 9.30pm at Oldcastle Primary School, South Street, Bridgend every Thursday. Why not come, have a listen and check us out. New members and visitors very welcome. Contact Mike Johnson, 07938949194 or www.bridgendmalechoir.co.uk. Motto - Friendship through Music.

PYLE & PORTHCAWL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

Meetings at St Clare’s School, Newton, Porthcawl CF36 5NY. Thursdays at 7.15pm. Sept. to May inc. We’re a very friendly camera club with a mix of male & female members and welcome new members of all ages and skill levels. www.pyle-and-porthcawlphotographic-society.co.uk

SKER WI

We meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm in St David’s Church Hall, Porthcawl. Visitors are most welcome.

SLIMMING WORLD, KENFIG HILL

Talbot Community Centre, Kenfig Hill 7.30am, 9.30am and 5.30pm. Contact Millie: 07765 040006.

FRIDAY

SLIMMING WORLD, PORTHCAWL

Scout Hall, Woodland Avenue, Porthcawl, CF36 5HW 9.30am. Contact Millie - 07765 040006.

SATURDAY

LALESTON GARDENING CLUB

Varied activities throughout the week. Located at Cliff Cottage, Laleston, next to the Parish Church. Open every Saturday 10am-12noon. Please call in. Visit our website: www.lalestongardenclub.co.uk Or our Facebook page.

PORTHCAWL VETERANS HUB

At the Bowls Pavillion, Griffin Park, Porthcawl. 10am - 12 midday. All veterans, serving military and families welcome. We offer support, guidance, chat in a relaxed atmosphere. Refreshments provided.

PYLE & KENFIG HILL VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Royal British Legion Pyle Club, 10:00hrs-12:00hrs. Serving personnel, veterans and their families. Support, networking and advice available from peers. Refreshments availablefood and beverages.

SLIMMING WORLD WITH MOLLY

8am & 9.30am - The Green Acre Motel, Heol Fach, North Cornelly CF33 4LH. Call or text Molly on 07710 489645 for more details.

SUNDAY

PORTHCAWL COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA

Rehearse every Sunday, 6-8pm in Awel Y Mor centre, Hutchwns Terrace, Porthcawl CF36 5TN.

Visit: www.porthcawlorchestra.co.uk to find out more.

CÔR BRO OGWR TO PERFORM HAYDN’S MASS FOR TROUBLED TIMES

Saturday, 13th April, 7pm at All Saints’ Church, Porthcawl

Joseph Haydn’s Mass for Troubled Times (Nelson Mass) was written during the Napoleonic wars, a terrifying time for Europe. In our concert it is paired with the beloved musical setting of a Welsh-language plea for peace, Y Tangnefeddwyr by Eric Jones. Complimenting these will be two pieces by composers who confronted prejudice, so offering a programme that reflects resilience and the pursuit of harmony amidst adversity.

Côr Bro Ogwr will be joined by four professional soloists who will delight us with solo offerings: Hannah Macaulay(soprano); Sian Cameron(mezzo); Osian Wyn Bowen(tenor); Simon Pratt(baritone), and the evening will be accompanied by Cardiff Concert Orchestra under the baton of the choir’s musical director, Ben Pinnow.

Tickets are £12 at the door, from choristers, or on 01656 653326.

www.cor-bro-ogwr.com

Côr Bro Ogwr is supported by grants from Tŷ Cerdd using National Lottery money from Arts Council Wales and the Welsh Government.

Judith Fabian

PORTHCAWL POP-UP REPAIR CAFÉ

OPEN SATURDAYS 10.30am-12.30pm ABOVE SUSSED. SatNav: CF36 3BG.

Can you help? In response to increasing public concern locally regarding the climate emergency and resource loss, Sustainable Wales is helping establish a Repair Café in Porthcawl. We need to move away from a disposable culture and rebuild a more resilient community, bringing back repair and reuse into daily life.

Repair Cafes reduce landfill, loss of raw materials, saving energy, pollution and money whilst helping work towards a more sustainable future. Cafes are also social, people meet friends and can learn new skills.

Bring along your broken or damaged hand-held items and our volunteer repairer will try to fix it, for free. You can enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, and chat to your fellow neighbours while you wait.

We cannot guarantee that we are able to repair everything brought into the Café, but we will definitely give it a try. We don’t charge for repairs but donations are very welcome to help us cover our costs.

Can you help? Cafes are run by skilled volunteers – we need more - if you have repair skills you can share please get in touch 01656 783962. mm@sustainablewales.org.uk.

Cofion cynnes / Warm regards, Margaret Minhinnick

ARTS

PORTHCAWL MALE CHOIR

Our St. David’s Day concert at All Saints church was a huge success. We were joined on the evening by the Porthcawl Primary School Choir and a wonderful soloist, Emily Richards. The large and enthusiastic audience were treated to an evening Welsh celebration at its best. Porthcawl Primary school wowed the audience with a song they had written about their school and a magnificent rendition of ‘Stand by Me’ including a Welsh language verse. (we may steal this!) Not many dry eyes during this! They then joined us in the singing of ‘Yma o Hyd’ and the national anthem. Emily Richards sang four songs, the highlight being a powerful rendition of ‘Don’t Rain on my Parade’. Many thanks to all who attended and to our ladies section for all their organisation.

The choirs next event is on the 28th April when we sing for the Porthcawl Veterans Hub at Griffin Park. We’re excited to help support our wonderful veterans.

Whilst many choirs are struggling with membership PMC are so happy to have gained 5 new choristers over the last few months: Baritones, Daryl Strong, Roy Jeynes, Gwyn Richards, Huw Jones and top tenor Stephen Gibbins. Welcome, good luck and enjoy guys.

contact@pothcawlmalechoir.co.uk or Ian Williams 07927 219544

SOUNDS FAMILIAR

Porthcawl choir, Sounds Familiar, got the centenary celebrations at North Cornelly Methodist Church off to a great start. The church was packed for a concert that raised over a thousand pounds for Motor Neurone Disease. Led by musical director, Nick Wayland Evans, and accompanist, Stewart Roberts, the choir demonstrated their ability to perform a wide repertoire, including popular songs, opera and musical theatre. Stewart, also an accomplished cellist, played solo cello items accompanied by the talented pianist, Ryan Wood; and guest soloist, Rhian Hughes captivated the audience with her beautiful singing.

This was the first concert of 2024 for Sounds Familiar and they have a major concert planned for later in the year. They are available for community and charity events and further information is available from their secretary Pet Mathias on 01656 772451.

Laurence Chilcott

STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK

As you know, my modus operandi is pushing the local music scene, but the way pubs are closing it’s getting a worry. Porthcawl’s once-thriving nightclub scene has long gone –knocked down for luxury flats? More recently, The Buccaneer has closed, waiting for “the big ball and chain” again, to build more so-called luxury flats. Once the fairground is gone, it’s goodbye to this once-great seaside town. Even the Grand Pavilion is closed for two years to have a refit. Poor Elvis when he comes in September won’t have a building left to leave! Thankfully, Jeff Dower and team at the Hi Tide will keep the weekend rocking and rolling. Glad to see The Seahorse back open again. I was a regular back in the 90s when top landlord Alan ran it, so best of luck to it and I hope The Farmers opens up too in Nottage.

After the death in January of Magnum’s Tony Clarkin, singer Bob Catley has called time on this great band. “I can’t work without Tony at my side,” stated Bob. I met the boys in their heyday and they were really top guys, but their music will live on!

Keep your news coming.

Stag Marks

07549 728356

Photo: Stag and Magnum’s Bob Catley Deadline date for the May issue is: MONDAY 15TH APRIL

PYLE & PORTHCAWL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

We recently invited camera clubs from Aberdare, Baglan Bay, Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taff & Whitchurch to join us for our 2024 Print Battle, judged by Paul Branchflower.

The standard of entries was very high with Bridgend becoming the winners, beating us into second place by just one point, congratulations Bridgend.

Our member Howard Evans won the best print of the night award with ‘Nigella’, congratulations Howard.

We’re a friendly camera club with a mix of male and female members and welcome new members of all ages and skill levels.

It’s all very informal so if you have an interest in photography why not come along and join us.

We meet at St Clare’s School, Newton, CF36 5NR on Thursday evenings at 7pm.

www.pyle-and-porthcawl-photographic-society.co.uk

Geoff Baker, Internal Competition Secretary

KENFIG HILL & DISTRICT MALE VOICE CHOIR

On March 1st, the Kenfig Hill and District Male Voice Choir hosted a fantastic concert to celebrate Saint David’s Day at the Cornelly Community Centre. An event that’s always highly anticipated, bringing together the community with Welsh culture and music.

Once again, led by our amazing Musical Director Rhian Thomas, accompanied by the brilliant Rachel Starritt on piano and our compare Alex Williams the evening set off to an amazing start. From our repertoire we sang Yma O Hyd, Rachie, Myfanwy, If I Can Dream, Finlandia and For The Beauty of the Earth, plus many, many more.

The concert also featured a guest choir from Cynffig Comprehensive School who added an extra layer of community spirit to the event. These talented young individuals showcased their unique musical styles to the stage with performances of You Raise Me Up, Seasons of Love, Anthem and many more including a duet performance from Katryn Treharne singing with Kian Hamer-Davies and solo from Lucie-Mae Giles KHDMVC would like to take this opportunity to thank all who attended to support and listen to our joint performance and look forward to seeing you all again in one of our future events.

Paul Butterworth, Vice Chairman

Showroom at: 17 Heol Trelales, Laleston, CF32 0HW

Surf life saving is a very diverse sport and can offer something to suit everyone! At Rest Bay we provide high quality surf life saving, swimming, ocean and beach training.

If you would like your child to learn important life saving skills, how to be safe in the sea and have lots of fun at the same time with like minded kids, then get in touch.

Nippers are aged between 7-13. As a Nipper, your child will be taught surf safety, first aid, surf and beach sports such as wading, surf swimming, board paddling, beach flags, beach sprints and relays.

Our Youth section is between the age of 13-18. During the summer months we train at Rest Bay beach, and also at Pyle Swimming pool throughout the year. Our focus is to teach our youth how to save lives. Lots of youth members also like to compete in regional, national and international competitions. Our youth section also train to become Lifeguards and carry out voluntary patrols as part of our training programme.

Our aim is to provide the lifeguards of tomorrow with training to help keep themselves and others safe whilst enjoying our wonderful beaches. For

The Watchkeepers celebrated St. David’s Day last month with a photo of most of the crew posing outside the Tower, complete with Daffodils and a Welsh flag! The female Watchkeepers also celebrated International Women’s Day.

Most of our Trainee Watchkeepers have now passed their final assessment and the remainder should have completed by the time this goes to press. Congratulations to all ten trainees, we look forward to many watches with them in the coming year and beyond.

Our crew were busy during March with some fundraising activities, principally with bucket collections on the recent Easter Bank Holidays by the Marina and near the Picollo Bar on the Promenade. Also, last month, The Jolly sailor kindly agreed for Porthcawl NCI to be the chosen charity for all monies raised during their weekly Wednesday quiz night. Many thanks to the Jolly Sailor for their continued support.

With the Easter break and the schools being on holiday, Porthcawl is filling up with tourists and day trippers, which means our Watchkeepers are much busier that they have been over the winter months. The station will soon be open from 9am to 9pm every day.

Laurence Bater – Media Officer, Porthcawl NCI

NEPTUNE’S PIRATES BEACH CLEANS

We are well into the campaign now and our regular beach cleans are really making a huge difference to our beach…and us ! Beach cleaning appears to be just a necessary evil, but it is also such a positive endeavour. Leaving the beach looking clean, the way it should be, just feels so good. But, and this sounds weird, it’s really therapeutic. Simply walking along with a single-minded goal for an hour, concentrating purely on picking things up, has quite an ethereal and relaxing feeling. If

Oscar Wilde had tried it I’m sure he would have said ‘it’s a good walk made better’.

So that’s wellbeing… and making a small difference to the lives of the animals we share this part of our planet with…what’s not to love?

We would love to welcome even more volunteers so if you have a spare hour come along, generally every other Sunday morning at Grow & Grind.

For more info, check our ‘Captain Paul Watson Foundation UK’ FB page or our poster in the Pantri-Box window. We provide pickers and bags, so just bring yourself. Get in touch at southwales@paulwatsonfoundation.uk It’s for the Oceans! Elkz, Porthcawl

WELSH WATER MEETS THE NEWTON BLUETITS

On Friday March 8 representatives from Dwr Cymru were in Porthcawl to discuss concerns about sewage releases into the sea.

They began their day by meeting about 20 members of The Newton Buoyant Bluetits on the slipway leading to Newton Beach. This branch of the international  Bluetits organisation was set up by a small group of swimmers in 2021 and now has around 1800 members. Also in attendance were representatives from local environmental groups, Ogmore River Clean and Neptune’s Pirates. Later in the day they met other groups at the Pantri Box.

The discussions were robust but polite. There was a mutual recognition of the need for greater investment which will inevitably mean higher bills for consumers, which makes this an issue of general concern. All parties agreed on the need to work together to share information and the importance of groups like the Bluetits continuing to lobby the Water Company, Natural Resources Wales and relevant politicians to achieve improvement

There is no instant solution. The problem is the product of an outdated system and years of under investment but at least these meetings demonstrated a joint interest to achieve change.

Wendy Broom, Maggie Mitchel - Newton Buoyant Bluetits

PORTHCAWL SURF REPORT

The great run of swell over the last few months continues and combined with unseasonably mild water temperatures Porthcawl’s surf spots are still providing plenty of magic moments for locals and visitors alike. A particular highlight was witnessing one of the UK’s top surfers Patrick Langdon Dark showing up at Coney and putting on a display of world class progressive high speed performance surfing that showed what is actually possible on waves that often don’t appear to offer much. Also great to see Logan Nicol back in action too after recovering from his recent knee injury and Danny Morrison after his 4th operation for ‘surfers ear’ (ouch)!

The contest season is starting early this year with the Welsh national championships scheduled for the end of April at Llantwit Major and its always a highly anticipated event well attended by our local surf crew with the Welsh Coast Surf Club being home to many past, present and future champions. One local surfer stepping up to the bigger stage is young Tom O Leary who will be headed to the World Junior Championships in El Salvador during May to represent Wales. We wish him all the best and if his recent performances at the local reefs and points are anything to go by, he will do himself proud. Along with the latest emerging generation of young rippers it’s great to see so many of the more ‘mature’ local characters still surfing so well through the frigid winter months, staying involved in the sport and inspiring future generations. Chris Evs, Sean Whare, Ian ‘Ianto’ Bowen, Steve Childs, Steve Jones and Brad Hockridge have been all putting in the hours to name but a few and are still amongst the keenest groms in town ‘never too old, or too cold’ as the saying goes.

Previously unconfirmed rumours of club chairman Steve Horn making a rare winter appearance in the lineup have turned out to be true however, equally eyebrow raising our source has now unveiled a new rumour with the sighting of an extremely large black dorsal fin off Rest Bay last month (killer whale was the best guess description!). Is this a thinly veiled attempt at crowd control, or another climate related aquatic anomaly? Watch this space for updates.

The Welsh Coast Surf Club has a busy few months ahead with yearly AGM planned to take place at our new HQ - the fantastic ‘Dancing Turtle’ cafe on Well St, Porthcawl. The highly coveted Wilkinson Sword interclub trophy is up for grabs and also the restarting of the grom club, with details of all available on the clubs website: www.welshcoastsurf.club as well as our Facebook/Instagram pages.

Gary Lewis

SEA & SPORT

RNLI LIFEBOAT OPERATIONS MANAGER RETIRES AFTER NEARLY 26 YEARS IN ROLE

Porthcawl RNLI volunteer Philip L Missen MBE is stepping down from the role of Lifeboat Operations Manager at Porthcawl having joined the RNLI as a volunteer on 19 April 1974 at 20 years of age.

In those days training was conducted at the lifeboat station with more experienced crew demonstrating lifeboat skills to any new crew member. Philip soon became a competent crew member and often took the helm role during exercises and on callouts.

During the early 90’s it was becoming evident the ‘D’ class lifeboat and the boathouse were very much in need of updating and with the growing number of callouts there became a need for a larger inshore lifeboat on station. Philip along with two other crew members argued the case for this need with the RNLI and in 1996 the boathouse we use today was opened to house the charity’s brand new larger inshore lifeboat, Atlantic 75 B726 Giles.

In 1998 the Honorary Secretary, John Williams was due to retire and Philip along with others applied for the position. Philip was successful and became Honorary Secretary on 1 May 1998; then in June 1998 he was awarded the MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to the RNLI.

This year (2024) marks Philip’s 50th year with Porthcawl lifeboat and almost 26 years as Honorary Secretary, a role now known as Lifeboat Operations Manager (LOM). To put this in some perspective as the RNLI celebrates it’s 200th anniversary this year, Philip has served for 25% of the charity’s existence! Life as a LOM is not always smooth running and it has its ups and downs.

Philip said:

‘I am very proud of the volunteers I have worked with since taking on the responsibility of Lifeboat Operations Manager. Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and employments and all live in our town. My two sons are both helm at the station and two other crew from Porthcawl have gone on to work full time for the RNLI. We have four helms who have been awarded RNLI medals in recent years along with their crews receiving letters of merit for their bravery.

‘Our patch is one of the most dangerous of all 238 lifeboat stations and one of my hardest and fortunately rare decisions is having to say no to our boats launching when I know there is someone in danger at sea and the sea and weather conditions are beyond the operating limits of our inshore lifeboats. This like I say is rare and our rescues have been many and varied.

‘I have had the honour of hosting members of the Royal family and RNLI executives at our station over the years.

‘It was a great privilege that our new D Class lifeboat D861 Hugo Missen was named in memory of my grandson in 2022. Hugo lost his courageous fight against cancer aged just 15 months in December 2016. Difficult times and darkness fell over the family and station when Hugo became ill. D Class Hugo Missen is now saving lives and the light at the station shines bright again as the brass plaque on the lifeboat glitters, the light shines through the darkness.

‘My time as LOM ends due to my age and I have no say over that but I will remain a volunteer here for as long as I am able and I have a variety of jobs to look forward to, none operational, but satisfying in a different way.’

Launch Authority, Aileen Jones MBE said:

‘Philip has been like a big brother to me and a great support over the years, especially around the time when I received the RNLI’s bronze medal.’

Chair of the Lifeboat Management Group, Ian Stroud said:

‘During Philip’s time as Lifeboat Operational Manager, RNLI statistics confirmed there has been:1500 launches to casualties, 263 lives saved and 1532 people aided. This is a record Philip can be very proud of as 263 families have not lost a loved one.

With the exemplary record Philip has earned as Lifeboat Operation Manager I am delighted to learn that he has just been awarded a Mayor’s Citizenship Award 2024 for his volunteer manager role at Porthcawl RNLI.’

Chris Page

Photo Credit: Porthcawl RNLI/Stephen Jones