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FEATURES
CHRISTMAS AND DOGS
Christmas is coming, so here’s some tips on how to keep your dog happy during this festive season. • Foods that your dog can enjoy (in moderation); skinless turkey and chicken, sausage, ham, sweet potato, most green veg, parsnip, mashed swede and carrot (no butter added). • Foods that they can’t have; Christmas cake/pudding, mince pies, macadamia nuts, walnuts and stuffing (contains onions). • Do not leave chocolates laying around or hanging on the tree. Poisoning happens as dogs aren’t able to metabolise theobromine effectively. • Make sure any holly/berries, mistletoe and poinsettia are well out of reach. • Take care with tinsel and other decorations, such as glass baubles, as these can cause an obstruction or injury if swallowed. • Be careful that there are no trailing cables or tree lights, as they can shatter and cause injury or your dog can get tangled up in them. • Anchor the tree securely – especially if you have a puppy or rambunctious adolescent hooligan! You may like to pop a barrier around the tree to keep it safe, as well as the presents underneath it. • Keep lit candles away from your dog’s tail wag zone. • Keep an eye with dog-dog interactions, even the best of friends can get a little protective over new toys. • If you can’t actively supervise your dog, then just shut the door of the room that you don’t want them to go in. • Give your dog their own presents to open. Wrap them loosely in brown paper or cardboard, making sure that it’s just being ripped not swallowed. • Make sure your dog has their safe place to remove themselves from the hustle and bustle if they want to. If your dog does become overstimulated and over tired, then here’s some calming activities they can do; • Sniff out either some of their food or tiny goodies in the garden or suitable room. • Give a loaded Lickimat or Kong with either some of their wet food or some mashed banana or dog friendly peanut butter on/ in it. • Give your dog a brand new long lasting healthy or natural chew in their safe place. A whimzee, yaker, dehydrated fish stick, beef hide or trachea. •Hide some of your dog’s dry food in a snuffle mat or rolled up towel. Here’s wishing you and your dogs a very Happy Christmas!
Julie Williams APDT IMDT South Wales Dog Training Academy
EARLY DEADLINE FOR JANUARY
THE PROBUS CLUB OF PORTHCAWL
We are now pleased to be able to report that following the suspension of meetings due to the Covid virus, we are now back to our regular Tuesday morning meetings held on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at The Grove Golf Club, South Cornelly at 10.45am. At our last meeting held on the 5th October 2021, we were addressed by Mr. Dean Powell who spoke lucidly on the fascinating story of the incredible life of Dr. William Price, best known for the introduction of cremation to South Wales. Some of our speakers address us on more than one occasion because they are recalled by poplar request and speakers for the coming months include Rev. Clive Williams whose knowledge of classical composers is phenomenal and who illustrates his remarks on the piano, Roy Noble, the well-known broadcaster and entertainer and Trevor Fishlock who is also well known for his “on air” entertainment. Then at the beginning of next year, we have booked Rowena Williams to speak on John Thomas, a Harpist to Queen Victoria and other talented entertainers together with our friends, John Pearman and Debra John. For further information please contact our Secretary, Peter Downes, Telephone no. 01656 785505.
David Morgan, Past President
THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES
Do you agree with this post from social media? “Saying Christmas is at risk due to supply problems leads me to believe that you do not know the reason for Christmas’. For Christians, Christmas is not about us, it is about Jesus Christ. If we lose sight of the momentous significance of His birth, life, death, resurrection and promise to return then the heart of Christmas is missing. Christmas becomes just another excuse for a party, which eventually leaves us feeling empty and unsatisfied in the deep places of our soul. Instead, if we remember and celebrate that ‘God so loved the world he sent his only Son so that whoever believes in him may not perish but have everlasting life’ then Christmas takes on a much deeper meaning. Christmas may be spoiled by our selfishness and wrong expectations, but it can’t be spoiled by supply problems. It’s not about the party it’s about the birthday boy. The birth of Jesus Christ is the greatest event in the history of the human race. Our Saviour has come. If you would like to know more about becoming a Christian, or about Christmas events at Gilgal Baptist Church please contact us at faith@gilgal.co.uk Christmas Blessings,
Rev. Martin Gillard
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM PORTHCAWL LIONS
Join us in our Christmas photo competition, juniors and adults – ends 8th Dec. Santa’s Grotto is on Saturday 4th, 11th and 18 December, and Santa’s picture trail, is at the Boxing Day Morning Fun Run, Hi-tide and in the Happy New Year just join us! For friendship, fun, fundraising and local support: membership@ porthcawllions.com
PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
I am writing this article the day after Remembrance Sunday, a significant and poignant day in everyone’s calendar for many reasons. You may or may not be aware that during the second world war over 5000 American troops joined a convoy across the Atlantic and arrived in Swansea. The troops disembarked and were transported to billets in and around Kenfig. There was an air-gunnery school at RAF Stormy Down where more than 10,000 aircrew trained, and the local beaches were used for target practice especially Sker Beach. When D Day approached orders came for the troops to move out, many were involved in the fiercest fighting throughout the rest of the war and very sadly some would never return to their homes in America.
This intrinsic link with Kenfig Nature Reserve ensures that we remember these American Servicemen and Women along with all the British soldiers who fought so bravely for our country. Now back to the present day, our next Farmers Market is on 5th December and will run alongside our Christmas Craft Fayre.
On the day we will be entertained by Briton Ferry Silver Band and the Cool Hand Ukes, and there will be a switch on of some new Christmas Lights (big thanks to Centregreat UK for their generous donation). Mulled wine and hot chestnuts will also be available to help everyone get into the Christmas Spirit. There will be an additional Farmers Market on the 19th of December to allow people to get everything they need for Christmas Day (keep an eye out for the Santa & Elf Motorcyclists on the day!!) It is really wonderful that the local community is so supportive of the Farmers Market especially as it enables us to support so many small business owners coming out of Covid world. However, we are very conscious of how busy the car park gets so a GREAT BIG PLEASE - try and park sensibly and with care to avoid congestion and potential accidents.
The room hire at Kenfig is getting busier, we now have yoga, pilates, U3A sessions, quilt making, choral practice, photographic and education sessions booked, and I am very excited to announce that we have received our very first booking for a Wedding in 2022!! CCTV has now been installed at the Reserve and this in conjunction with forthcoming ANPR and regular visits from the local police will help to keep everyone safe when they visit the Reserve.
I am sure that by now most people will be aware of the forthcoming introduction of car parking fees at the Reserve. This was my no means an easy decision to make however, for the day-to-day operation of the Reserve to continue alongside continued development it became an absolute necessity. To reassure everyone it has been agreed that costs should be kept to a minimum and there will be an option to become a member of the Friends of Kenfig which offers a reduced annual parking charge of £45 per year (working out at approximately 12p per day).
Furthermore, the Trustees have taken time to listen to the community’s reaction to the charges and these have now been reviewed and I am able to confirm the following: -
£1.00 for the first 90 minutes £2.00 for 3 hours £4.00 for All day
For further information on this please see our website www.kenfigcorporationtrust.co.uk
Looking to the future our Warden Chris is arranging a Calendar Competition and he is asking people to submit their photographs of Kenfig to him at warden@kenfignaturecorporation.com before 31st January 2022 in readiness for our 2023 calendar. Also, in the New Year the BSBI Plant Hunt Walk will be taking place on Tuesday 4th January if you are interested in taking part just come to the Reserve Centre at 10am on the day and Chris will guide you in this special UK wide flower hunt.
It has been a challenging year in many ways but in other ways extremely rewarding especially seeing all the hard work that has gone into the reopening of the Centre and the ongoing maintenance of the Reserve itself making progress. There is still lots to do!! but thank you to everyone who has been involved in this and for the continued support and encouragement of so many in the community.
A very wise person once said: “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the positive and compassionate actions of its members”
Long may this continue!
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from Kenfig Nature Reserve.
Ceri John Reserve Centre Manager
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION
During October we dealt with 4 incidents; a kite surfer in difficulty, people trying to cross the Ogmore River on a flood tide, a surfer in difficulty and concerns over a kayak in trouble. In September we were joined by David, Mario, Gayle, Mike and Becky, our new trainee watchkeepers who commenced their training with us. We wish them well. We continue to promote our third musical evening on March 3rd, 2022 at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl and tickets are still available for this event. Every year we look to create something new and exciting. This year’s event features the Pendyrus Male Choir, the Parc and Dare band and guest soloist, Lauren Williams from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama. We are looking for key sponsors who can support this event and in exchange, we can offer advertising space in our programme and complimentary tickets to the event. We are also receptive to other marketing ideas from sponsors such as banners, advertising space on tickets and posters. If you are interested in supporting our event and helping us, the busiest NCI station in the UK, contribute to the local Search & Rescue community, please do get in touch.
Nick Weedon, Media Officer Porthcawl NCI
TRINITY CHURCH
At the time of writing we are looking forward to the Advent and Christmas season. Last year lockdown prevented us celebrating Christmas together so we expect this year to be even more special. We are collecting donations towards the Christmas Child appeal and also gifts for mothers in local refuges. Our Trinity Music Group has restarted and there is talk of a proposed concert, possibly during one of our morning services. Singing in church has also returned with gusto but we are still wearing masks. We continue to send out audio services and our morning service on Sundays at 10.30 is also available on zoom. Please contact our minister if you wish to receive a zoom link. We will not be holding a Christmas Bazaar but we have many toys, gifts and clothes at our Trinity Bargain store. Please come to browse. We are open most mornings apart from Friday and Sunday, weather and volunteer availability permitting. Details of our services are on our website and Facebook page. We are delighted to welcome visitors and new members to our church and wish everybody a very Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year.
Alison Meredith Thomas, Communication Secretary. www.trinitychurchporthcawl.org
EARLY DEADLINE FOR JANUARY
COR TABERNACL CHRISTMAS CONCERT
The members of Cor Tabernacl, Bridgend are looking forward to performing once more after an interval of almost two years. On Sunday, December 5th at 7pm the choir will perform a short concert of Christmas music to a limited audience. Entry will be by ticket only, available from choir members. There will be no charge for tickets but a collection will be made for Bowel Cancer U.K. The choir will also be singing at McArthur Glen on Saturday, December 18th and again the collection will be donated to Bowel Cancer U.K. We would welcome anyone who is interested in joining the choir. We practise every Tuesday from 7-8.45 pm at Tabernacl Chapel, Derwen Road, Bridgend. Information on joining can be obtained from our Chairman Richard Logan by email at drskin79@hotmail.com
Anne Kendall, Secretary
MYNYDD CYNFFIG WI
Here we are once more meeting the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Talbot Center Kenfig Hill. The weeks are rushing by with Christmas in everyone’s mind. We had a good turnout of members with a new lady coming with a mind to joining, all are welcome we’ve plenty of tea and biscuits. WI business discussed there are plenty to keep us on our toes. We attended the quiz night in the Hi Tide in October it was a fun evening and enjoyed by our members. (We didn’t win) Our walking club had a great walk in Cwmavon in November the scenery was breathtaking. scrabble club is ongoing and our lunch club had a good turnout and all enjoyed the meal. Our 70th anniversary meal sorted for November and our Christmas tea party is arranged for December with Enid who is once again entertaining us with her pass the parcel. We had an interesting talk from Mr Nick Jenkins with slides he taken on his walks. Next month we have a talk from Marilyn McNeil her topic pennies for friendship, it will explain to our members where their pennies they put down on our competition table go. We are all looking forward to Christmas and next year with the WI. And would like to wish all the seaside readers a very happy Christmas from Mynydd Cynffig WI.
Christine Callaghan
PORTHCAWL RAILWAY CLUB
Hello! We are delighted to let you know that the Club has now restarted following the Covid lockdowns etc. Meetings will be held on alternate Wednesdays i.e. 1st December, 15th December, 29th December 2021 and12th January 2022 etc. from 7.00pm to 9.00pm at the Newton Institute, Newton Nottage Road, Porthcawl, CF36 5RR. Please come along if you would like to be involved in a club with interests in miniature, model and real railways. (Please note under 18 years old must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times).
Howard Evans (Secretary) 07790 830707
TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE
The drawing by Mark James (chairman) depicts a typical workshop like ours sending out flat pack cribs around the world.
Tools for Self Reliance send seasons greetings and thanks everyone for their support. From all the team.
PORTHCAWL TOWNSWOMENS GUILD
We are well established now at our new home, the Grove Golf Club welcoming old members and inviting new members to try us out! Our programme is now settled until at least a year ahead, lots of old friends coming back to speak to us. Our Swansea Federation is also planning ahead for a Carol Service on December 4th and another Garden Party. We very much enjoyed the one in Margam Park in 2019. We shall be taking part again in the Christmas Tree celebration at All Saints Church. Our speaker in October was Dean Powell who gave a most interesting talk on the life of Glyn Houston illustrated with films. We welcomed three visitors to last months meeting. Debra John gave us her fascinating version of a Welsh Fairy Tale - always a popular speaker. This month our meeting will be our Christmas lunch again at the Grove Golf Club on December 15th. Just remains to send best wishes for a happy Christmas to all from Townswomens Guild. Do come and join us in 2022 - you will be most welcome!
Dorothy Thomas 772157
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BRIDGEND ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY - THE ORION COMPLEX
The constellation of Orion is well known. Its seven principal stars make up the recognisable outline of a man and the three stars of his belt have fascinated observers for millennia. However, lying to the south of this belt of stars is one of the most famous objects in the heavens, the great Orion Nebula, otherwise known by its designation Messier 42. The Orion nebula is an enormous cloud of gas and dust over 26 light years across, around 1350 light years away. It is easily visible to the naked eye, is a magnificent sight in a pair of binoculars and even more remarkable in a telescope. The spangled field of light is home to a nursery of newborn stars! December is one of the best months to spot the great constellation that is Orion! Society News Our December meeting will be a family friendly festive affair! Dr Jana Horak of the National Museum of Wales will deliver a talk about ‘Meteorites’. Members will get up close and personal with a wonderful collection of space rocks – some 4.5 billion years old! Wednesday 15th December 7:30pm, Bridgend Tennis & Bowls Club.
Contact: secretary@bridgendastro.org.uk Find us on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter
THE INNER WHEEL CLUB OF PORTHCAWL
Christmas is nearly here and we are busy making preparations for our activities. Our December meeting is on Tuesday the 7th at the earlier time of 6pm. This is so we can have our meeting before our meal, as we have a visit from our District Chairman Maria Williams who is joining us for a Christmas Dinner. While in Porthcawl DC Maria will be going to see one of our ladies who are being made an Honorary Member in recognition of many years as a dedicated part of Inner Wheel. Some of our members are keen Knitters and were able to contribute to the 46 hats that were given to the Chaplain of the Seamen’s Mission in Port Talbot. The sailors come from all over the world and are very happy to choose a new hat. We have a lot to look forward to before Christmas including the District meeting and the Christmas tree festival. If anyone is interested in finding out more about the Inner Wheel, please come along and meet us you will be made most welcome.
Liz Jones
PORTHCAWL WI
Our members are delighted to be meeting again after a long lay off. This month was our 3rd meeting and we were treated to a very entertaining and fascinating talk from Gayney Jones. Her wonderful quilts were so beautiful and inspiring. Next month is our Christmas meeting with festive food and music accompanied by a ukulele player. We are a small W I and would love to welcome new members. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month in All Saints church hall at 2pm. Prospective members can visit 2 meetings without a charge.
If you would like to know more please feel free to ring me, Tina Richards, on 01656 788725.
LALESTON WI
Our W.I. met on Wednesday 3rd November at 2pm. Members were informed of a forthcoming trip being organised by Pen-yFai W.I. to Labels Ross-on-Wye and then lunch at Ross-on-Wye Golf Club, which we had been invited to join. Barbara Rees manned a Bring and Buy Stall, which raised £85, we also had old Scrap Books for members to look at so members could get a view of how our W.I. performed in years gone by. On Thursday November 25th we are having a lunch as a welcome back to our W.I. after Covid this will be our Christmas meeting. There will be no meeting in December. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 5th January at 2pm at The Blandy Hall, Laleston. Prospective new members are welcome to join us.
More information from Diane Marshall 01656 656600.
TURKEY & TRIMMINGS
Bridgend Soroptimists enjoyed a Festive Christmas Dinner on 10th November at the Heronston Hotel, Bridgend complete with Paper hats and crackers, not to mention much laughter from cracker jokes and charades.. New Member Lesley Dunlop shared with the club her story as a photographic magazine editor and the many books she has written on her journey and experiences during her varied career with the American Embassy. We hope she will enjoy the friendship, fun and service shared with members. For Christmas the club has donated “Pamper Bags” to Llamau (Womens Aid) to distribute to the victims of domestic abuse who will be in the Refuge over the festive season. In addition 30 selection boxes were donated for the children who will be in residence. Shoeboxes of goodies have been given to the Samaritans Purse charity for children in less affluent areas of the World. On 4th December members will be enjoying a Christmas Fundraiser Tea at the home of Past President Sharon Dixon. Proceeds will be donated to Llamau and SUTDA (Stand Up To Domestic Abuse). 8th December will be a ZOOM meeting to mark SIGBI INTERNATIONAL NIGHT. Members have been busy researching and will be relating the traditional Christmas customs from by-gone eras in all four nations of the United Kingdom, England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Not to be missed! Find us on Facebook.
Eileen
THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES
NEWTON WI
Although depleted in number due to illness, we all enjoyed the November meeting, which comprised of ‘Cheese Tasting’ supplied by the Blaenavon Cheese Company, who also gave a very interesting and informative talk on their business. Pat gave an appropriate reading for Armistice Day about the ‘Unknown Warrior’ which was quite moving, and our President Jennifer laid a wreath on behalf of Newton WI, at the Cenotaph. We had a very successful Christmas Fayre on November 12th. despite the bad weather. Thanks to all who supported us and our members that worked so hard. Plans are now going ahead for the Carol Singing and Christmas Party on December 1st, which we are all looking forward to.
M Freeman
In the English language we only have one word for love. Therefore, we can say “I love my spouse”, and in the next breathe say, “I love chocolate”. In the Greek language however they have four different words for love depending on what is being referred to. The words are 1. Storge, which means affection - maybe the sort between family members. 2. Philio, which means something like fondness that can exist between friends. 3. Eros, which is to do with romance. 4. Agape, which means unconditional love. Parents would certainly understand this kind of love toward their children. Agape is the word used in the bible when talking about God’s kind of love. God’s love is unconditional. It is always others centeredness and selfsacrificial. In fact the bible says that God is love (1 John 4 v 8). God loves because he is love. His love reaches out to you whether you know it or not. My encouragement to all this month is to get to know God and this kind of love. It’s this kind of love that could answer the problems we see in the world today. What would the world be like if everyone loved like God?
Neil Harvey
