ARTS

Porthcawl Male Choir

watch François Truffaut’s “Day For Night” (1973), about the making of a feature film, it will show you just about everything that can go wrong for the production’s makers, but they persevere and win through in the end.

To my mind, there is one film director who stands head and shoulders above all others in movie-making ability, ensuring that most of his films are a joy to watch, and that is Alfred Hitchcock. His grasp of technique was so profound that when you watch films like “Vertigo” and “North By Northwest”, you know that you are watching the results of a true master at work. In terms of film grammar, they are virtually flawless, and their screen quality is superb, assisted by being made in VistaVision. For all the expertise that went into them, Hitchcock surprisingly never won an award for Best Director but I believe he will be forever regarded as the most technically accomplished.

Anthony Hontoir

Downwood Films

07510 934299

Picture: Anthony Hontoir (photo courtesy Louise Jones) contact@pothcawlmalechoir.co.uk

The choir had a busy Christmas schedule with performances at the Masonic Home, the Grove, for the Stroke Club, Arlington Road Church, and a fantastic evening at the Globe Inn. However, our concert at All Saint’s Church was the highlight. It was evening of wonderful festive music, including performances by two exceptionally talented students from Porthcawl Comprehensive, Will Evans and Megan Leigh Prance and Southampton University music student Agnes Pottage, plus a piano duet from out musical team Alec and Richard. A big audience enthusiastically joined in on several Carols and helped make the night highly successful. Thanks to our ladies section for all their hard work front of house. Checkout our Facebook page for some of the highlights. The choir is now back rehearsing and looking forward to a busy year ahead. A combined concert with touring Hertfordshire based choir, Amici Cantate, is scheduled for Saturday 11th March at All Saints. Further details to follow.

With several weddings in the New Year, the choir is always on the lookout for new member. So, all you men out there looking for something enjoyable to do, please contact the choir or just turn up at Arlington Road Church on either a Friday or Tuesday at 7pm. You will have a great welcome.

Noel Williams on 07902 333559

A FILM MAKER’S POINT OF VIEW

STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK

To achieve technical perfection in the making of a film is a very hard thing to do, and I am sure that most film directors make every effort to give of their best; if you ever have a chance to

Nice to see ITV News telling the story of Porthcawl singer/ songwriter Richard “Will” Williams. I caught up recently with Will and band members Paul Edwards (guitar and producer) and keyboardist Chris Bartlett. Will was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a rare and often terminal illness, in 2017 with a possible life expectancy of 3-5 years. However, Will’s treatment therapy was having singing lessons and he started writing his own songs, and took them to his mentor, Paul, to produce them at his Resonance Studios in Bridgend. His brilliant E.P., featuring the single Interstella Boy, has had hundreds of radio plays and been critically acclaimed in the media. Will told me, over a pint or three, that he is setting a band up to tour. He released an Xmas song recently and a full album is set for release soon. I will keep you up to speed on Will’s career! It’s a fantastic story of hope, and turning negativity into positivity, and I trust his journey will give others who are fighting their own serious health battles inspiration.

Check out his music on dilwilliams.bandcamp.com and pauledwardscomposer.com

Stag Marks

07549 728356

Photo: Paul Edwards and Richard “Will” Williams

PYLE & PORTHCAWL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

We recently held our annual Club Competition 1, expertly judged by Mike Clatworthy from Swansea. David Jones was the winner of the Print section and Bill Robertson won the Digital section. Congratulations both.

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

The Big Man

I miss the Big Man, with his dog, I miss his ever presence, His cheeky chuckle, sense of wit, The heart of Clevis Crescent.

I miss his kindness, miss his smile, His cheery optimism, His willingness to pour a glass, And to our woes a-listen.

Life can be so cruel, to leave this empty hole,

To take someone too early, to snatch a precious soul, But boy, he had a good life, filled with love....and gin!

So every time I think of him I can not help but grin.

‘The smiley man’, ‘The Happy man’, the Big Man of the street, It sure would take some beating to fill shoes of those feet. He’d not want us to languish, but rather hold him dear, And every now and then raise a glass of ratafia!

Cheers! To Tony.

Gemma Lewis, Porthcawl

To Mimi G

A weary life, some aches and pains. Many losses, seldom gains.

Trail for hours from shop to shop, Search for bargains ‘til I drop. Whatever can the reason be?

To save some measly 50p!

Such petty things cause stress and strife, Why do I let them run my life.

And then I read your little book, It made me take a second look.

Those heartfelt verses, steps in time, Mostly prose, a little rhyme.

Your raw emotions filled my head, As your precious tome I read. Now I see things aren’t so bad, I’ve been happy more than sad. With loving family all around, I realise how glum I sound.

From now on the new me reigns I bet I drive them all insane, As I drag them all along

With witty quips and endless song.

Judy Dee, Porthcawl

Love And Honour

‘honour your father and mother’ Exodus 20:12

How precious are you, so deeply loved That God should send His son To pay the price that you, forgiven, May know by such love you were won.

Yes, dearly, dearly loved are we As is our neighbour too so may we show God values them In all we say and do.

Yes, and parents too, even gainst the grain

Just as Jesus showed the way And the elderly still need respect Even when they are old and grey.

Think how our Lord, taking bowl and towel Gladly knelt to show the way. Then may we, joyful, bow our kneesShare with others day by day.

Pauline Lewis

Planet Earth

Living, spinning solar ball. Life force throughout millennia, A home for one and all. Our home should be looked after It’s the only one we’ve got. We’ve taken it for granted, It seems to matter, not a jot.

Species are dying, From thoughtless pollution. Habitats disappearing From vast deforestation. Temperatures are rising, Glaciers are melting And we are watching on the sidelines While our world is slowly dying.

We must prioritise Planet Earth, This amazing, complex ball of rock. Let’s clean up our act

We can’t pause the ticking clock.

Catherine Millard Payne, Bridgend

Seasons And Stories

Wild and Remote, Sounds of the Ocean Such a comforting note. Cold distant Sea

Now empty and bare, Was once full of life With memories to share. Neatly formed waves of white ribbon that tear, As crisp Winter sun Shines through the air. Cries from a Gull Circling above, Mad splashes of water with sprays sure enough. Winter’s Day ends

Large clouds reappear, Winds to the east as the tide flows clear. Judith

Holden, Porthcawl

Life Is Like A Candle

Follow the path of a candle’s flame

See how it dances and jiggles around Watch it soften and steady Watch it stop and glow

Watch it shed light with never a sound

Our life is much like a candle

We’re affected by things every day

The weather, the traffic

The stresses of life

We let them all get in the way

Like a candle we need to stand tall Give out warmth and light everywhere Simply start with a smile and a few kind words

Just show the world that you care

Like the candle that jiggles and dances Being happy is what life’s about So be kind to a stranger make time for your friends

As too soon it will all be snuffed out

Marilyn Cook, Bridgend

Cost Of Cancer

I just thought I would take this opportunity to mention why we do what we do here at Cost of Cancer.

For those of you who don’t know, we help families of those who are going through treatment for cancer. We help with the bills that arrive on the door mat every month regardless of what the occupants are going through. Bills like gas, electric, water etc. So, if your family is affected or you know someone is affected you know what to do, get in touch with us. We offer families total discretion and privacy.

It’s really important for those who need the help to come forward, your case will be treated with the upmost discretion. We understand how upsetting it can be to even admit you need help but please this is why we’re here. This is why we do all the fundraising to help those who need it the most. So please do get in touch.

Nicky, Emma & Cath Trustees

Ready For Love

February 14th the day for lovers everywhere lands this month, yet have you ever spared a moment to wonder who St Valentine was?

Well, I have Googled the name and there are many conflicting reports as to who and what he did, but it seems that he was martyred in the third century and somehow became the patron saint of lovers, a glorious evolution. In Wales we have our own celebration of St Dwynwen’s day, so there appears to be a need to recognise love between two people.

Now the commercial pressure is on to celebrate, supermarkets are filled with flowers, cards, gifts your news feed has pop up ads with suggestions to enjoy a romantic encounter and many opportunities to spend money to prove your love.

What if there is no love of your life to send a card to or go out for a meal with, maybe love is not external or to be found in another or given to you, maybe love is inside you to nurture and share and not to be expected from someone else to make you happy. It could be that if you want to see the love of your life, look in the mirror

Margaret Brown

Ways To Improve Your Digestion

Diets high in processed foods have been linked to a higher risk of digestive disorders. Eating a diet low in food additives, trans fats and artificial sweeteners may improve your digestion and protect against digestive diseases.

A high-fiber diet promotes regular bowel movements and may protect against many digestive disorders. Three common types of fiber are soluble and insoluble fiber, as well as prebiotics. Insufficient fluid intake is a common cause of constipation. Increase your fluid intake by drinking water and non-caffeinated beverages and eating fruits and vegetables that have a high water content.

Eating slowly and mindfully and paying attention to every aspect of your food, such as texture, temperature and taste, may help prevent common digestive issues such as indigestion, bloating and gas.

Chewing food thoroughly breaks it down so that it can be digested more easily. The act also produces saliva, which is needed for proper mixing of food in your stomach. Exercise may improve your digestion and reduce symptoms of constipation. It can also help reduce inflammation, which may be beneficial in preventing inflammatory bowel conditions. Certain nutrients are necessary for a healthy digestive tract. Ensuring that your body gets enough probiotics, glutamine and zinc may improve your digestion.

Read more at: www.healthline.com

Supplied by Glyn

Hardwicke

Active Travel Delivers Local Improvements

Did you know that local councils are required by law to provide Active Travel improvements, and to offer alternative ways for making a journey on foot or by using a bicycle or scooter?

With work funded by Welsh Government, the latest round of local investments has seen more than 250 dropped kerb crossings installed across Porthcawl.

This £400,000 project, which is intended to improve accessibility at junctions for wheelchair users, prams and cyclists, is being undertaken on a street-by-street basis in residential areas located near the seafront, and is expected to be finished in time for spring.

Elsewhere, an additional £220,000 Active Travel investment has resulted in two new toucan crossings installed at School Terrace in North Cornelly.

These improvements will make the route significantly safer for both pedestrians and cyclists, and are intended to link the nearby residential area with the south-eastern part of North Cornelly as well as providing a safe link to bus stops located on either side of the road.

Work is currently take place to provide a safe Active Travel route that links Pencoed with Bridgend, and last year, we consulted over options for adding an additional link to Porthcawl. You can find out more by visiting www.bridgend.gov.uk

COUNCILLOR NEELO FARR

Cabinet Member for Regeneration Bridgend County Borough Council

Tel: 01656 643643

BOOM FOR PORTHCAWL AFTER COVID?

There has been some encouraging news about Porthcawl lately. A post-Covid survey has shown that whilst city centres and larger towns are still affected by lower footfall, small towns, especially on our coasts, have seen an upsurge in the numbers of people visiting them.

Data from analysts PlaceMake and Visitor Insights have found that many seaside towns, including Porthcawl, have seen a 55 per cent increase in visitor numbers since the end of the lockdowns.

This should mean that local shops, cafes and businesses will have enjoyed an increase in patronage. Some local traders have confirmed this trend with more people seen on the streets and in shops.

If all of this is true, then it’s definitely an unexpected bonus for our smaller town centres. It could well be that people have avoided busy city centres because of nervousness about catching Covid while others may now be simply working from home and are using local businesses rather than shopping in the stores near their place of work.

I would be grateful if Porthcawl business owners would let me know their experience with trading conditions since the end of Covid lockdowns. To get in touch, email me at jamie.wallis.mp@parliament.uk

JAMIE WALLIS MP for Bridgend

New Primary School Planned For Porthcawl

I’m delighted that we are drawing up plans for consulting with people over our efforts to establish an all-new Welsh-medium seedling school and childcare facility for Porthcawl. Our studies previously identified Porthcawl as a key location that would benefit from Welsh-medium childcare, and that such facilities should help support the transition into Welsh-medium primary school education.

The proposals will focus on using land at Porthcawl Primary to create the new facilities, and to also provide the school with a new all-weather pitch.

The proposed seedling school would be a ‘starter class’ featuring 30 full-time nursery places and 30 reception places. It would be operated and governed by Ysgol y Ferch o’r Sgȇr, and pupils would transition over for Year One.

The proposed childcare facility will feature 16 full-time and 32 part-time places, including six places for children aged up to two. Afterschool and holiday provision would offer full wrap-around care, all in the medium of Welsh, and if the proposals progress to completion, the new provision could open early in 2025. These plans reinforce the council’s commitment towards supporting the Welsh language and encouraging it to thrive in Bridgend County Borough, and details of the planned consultation will be published soon.

COUNCILLOR HUW DAVID

Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council

Tel: 01656 643643

Help To Buy Extends In Wales

It’s fantastic to see that Welsh Government has announced that the Help to Buy scheme has been extended for an additional 2 years until March 2025 in Wales. I know for many people across Bridgend and Porthcawl, this scheme has been vital to buy their first home and get on the property ladder.

Since its launch in 2014, the program has assisted over 13,400 people in purchasing their own homes. In comparison, the UK Government decided to end the scheme for those seeking to buy properties in England.

Along with this extension, the Welsh Government has also announced an increased price cap of £300,000 and a requirement that all homes purchased with the support of the program meet a minimum energy efficiency standard to act on the climate emergency.

In addition to providing certainty for potential homebuyers, the extension of the program will also offer support to over 90 developers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) registered to deliver the scheme, including ones across Bridgend and Porthcawl.

I hope this brings good news to those looking to get onto the property ladder across our community, as well as our local businesses and developers who will benefit from the scheme.

SARAH MURPHY MS Member of the Senedd for Bridgend

More Hospital Beds Needed In This Area

WHEN I paid a visit recently to the A&E department at Princess of Wales Hospital, I was told that there were over 100 patients in the wards ready to go home but who could not be discharged because no care was available for them either in their own homes or in a care home.

This resulted in a crowded emergency department with every available space filled with people on beds, trolleys and chairs waiting to be admitted into the hospital.

I discovered that POW is disadvantaged compared to the two other major hospitals in the area which both have cottage hospitals providing over a hundred beds each they can use. Only one such hospital remains locally, which is the one in Maesteg. Thankfully, CTM health board has realised the potential that exists here and is currently investigating the future use of this hospital, which could include putting in step-down beds. Maesteg Hospital has served its community well since the Great War and in the past had 55 beds plus a maternity department. I have urged the board to put as many beds back as possible including using the first floor, which now accommodates offices. Desks can be set up anywhere – hospitals beds cannot.

DR ALTAF HUSSAIN Regional Senedd Member

Why You Should Consider A Career In Social Care

If you are looking to find work, change your job or relocate in 2023, why not consider joining the social care teams of Bridgend County Borough Council?

Our staff provide vital services that make a huge difference to the lives of local people, and we have ample career opportunities available.

A social worker’s role has long been associated with negative misconceptions of heavy caseloads and exceptionally long hours. We are looking to challenge this by encouraging staff to maintain a healthy work-life balance while offering full support, ongoing training and development opportunities, career progression and full flexibility in your role.

Bridgend County Borough is a great place to work and live. With both the coastline and the valleys on our doorstep, it offers stunning scenery, fantastic schools and friendly local communities. As we are located on the M4 corridor between Swansea and Cardiff, we can also offer excellent transport links. You can find out more about the benefits of living and working in Bridgend County Borough by visiting the council’s jobs pages. Our current social work vacancies can be found on the social work recruitment webpages, and you can also view testimonial videos from existing social work staff at our YouTube channel.

Porthcawl Town Council

Porthcawl Town Council has set the precept for the 2023-2024 year at £418,074.79.

Whilst Porthcawl Town Council are responsible for some green open spaces, play areas and public toilets in the Town, Council also works hard to represent the views of local people and support Porthcawl during this cost-of-living crisis.

Towards the end of each financial year, Porthcawl Town Council produces a projected budget for the following year. From this BCBC place a charge on every taxpayer within the 5 wards of Porthcawl. This money goes towards our running costs expenditure and is called the precept.

Residents can find the amount of precept they pay on their Council Tax Bill which includes payments to Adult & Social Care, Fire & Rescue and the Police and Crime Commissioner. Porthcawl Town Council are striving to increase the services it provides, whilst maintaining spending on budget lines to support current projects to help make Porthcawl a happy, friendly and economically sustainable place in which to live, work and visit. The new budget includes, the upkeep and improvement of Griffin Park, Griffin Park Toilets and the Peoples Budget – where we will be asking you to bring forward ideas you would like to see in the town.

The info graphic overleaf shows you how Porthcawl Town Council will allocate its budget.

Porthcawl Town Council always strives to get the best value for Taxpayers and this year based on a band D property, each household will pay £51.44 per annum, which is a £2.68 increase from the previous year.

All information can be found on the Town Councils website. www.porthcawltowncouncil.co.uk

COUNCILLOR JANE GEBBIE Deputy Leader Bridgend County Borough Council 01656 643643

The spring term is always busy with the GCSE and A-Level examination classes working towards their final examinations. We are excited for our first Early Years Forest School taster session for 2–4-year-olds on 3rd February. Our Nursery and Prep pupils love our stunning woodland space, which they use for Forest School and as an outdoor classroom.

Important February dates: A-Level Options Evening: 6th February. On 14th February, Year 11 pupils will have the opportunity to experience our ‘Be a Sixth Former for a Day’. GCSE Options’ Evening: 27th February.

Last year, more than half our new pupils joined mid-year which was due to a variety of reasons: families relocating; pupils who were more able and needed to be academically stretched; pupils who had not settled or were unhappy in their current school; or possibly even gaps in learning caused by the pandemic. Whatever the reason, we are here to help. We are very used to and experienced with the process of welcoming children midyear. Find out just how beneficial a mid-year start could be and how we create a warm, welcoming environment for new pupils, whenever they join, with our buddy system and curriculum catch-up packs. Visit www.stclares-school.co.uk

Helen Hier, Head Teacher

Newyddion Sg R

Blwyddyn Newydd Dda!

During the Spring Term we will be embarking on our Outdoor Learning Days to ensure all pupils experience new practical activities. Hopefully the weather will be kind to us, otherwise it’ll be wellies and raincoats for all!

Year 5 and 6 were lucky enough to be invited to watch a Welshmedium performance of “Grease” by pupils from Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd. Also, year 6 will be visiting the school for their second transition day of the academic year.

The National Urdd Eisteddfod will be held in Carmarthenshire during Whitsun half term. Therefore, we will busy preparing for the initial rounds of the competition in the coming weeks. In addition, inter-school matches will recommence and we are looking forward to welcoming more schools to our grounds. We are pleased to announce that we are accepting pre-nursery aged children for afternoon sessions at the school. There is an opportunity for children aged 3 to attend Cylch Meithrin y Sgêr in the morning, then join the nursery class at school in the afternoon. We have already welcomed some new pupils but have space for more in our Sgêr family. If you would like further details, contact 01656 754865 or admin@yfos.pen-y-bont. cymru

Bethan Morgan

Bryntirion Comprehensive School

A very happy New Year to you all! Thank you to all who attended our Carol Concert – it was wonderful to see so many of the community in person again! 2022 was a very successful year for many of our young people and we would like to congratulate Megan-Ruby Clarke, Year 11, for not only being selected to represent Team Wales in football and travelling to the USA, but also on her captaincy for both country and county! We also extend congratulations to Dominic Hurley, Year 11, who has been awarded a rugby scholarship at Llandovery College next year! Well done to Tomas Thatcher-Wynne and Ioan Phillips, Year 10, who have been selected for the Bridgend Rugby District Squad, with Tomas receiving the captaincy. More congratulations go to Milly Geering, Lucy Geering and Rowan Price, who represented Wales in Kickboxing! Another big well done to Jessica and Samuel Jones, who both starred in Porthcawl’s pantomime, Jack in the Beanstalk. Year 12 & 13 Business Students visited London, where they took in the sights and even attended a session at the Houses of Parliament! We are very much looking forward to 2023 at Bryntirion!

Take a fresh look at St Clare's, a happy and high-achieving independent school and day nursery in Porthawl and discover an unrivalled educational experience for your child, combining academic excellence with outstanding pastoral care and a wide-ranging extracurricular programme.

An excellent school with wonderful teachers, totally focussed on developing the children.

Cynffig Comprehensive

It’s been another busy month at Cynffig with pupils enjoying lots of different learning experiences within and outside of the classroom.

We welcomed Nature Quest who are working with year 8 pupils on outdoor activities. Pupils toasted marshmallows on the fire, made bird feeders and planned their next adventure at Bryngarw Park. Animal Encounters also paid us a visit and introduced pupils to some rainforest animals. Our sixth form enjoyed a winter’s day in Bath taking in the sights, ice skating and shopping whilst our Year 10 pupils visited the Sony Theatre to develop their language skills by viewing a Welsh production of Grease. Rehearsals, for our own production, Matilda, are well underway and show nights will take place at school in April.

Congratulations to the year 11 pupils who received their GCSE Numeracy results as well as the 125 pupils who received golden ticket nominations from their teachers for displaying a RESPECTFUL attitude. Well done to the pupils who were successful winners of our prize draw in the celebration assemblies.

Finally it has been a pleasure to welcome parents back to school to meet with teachers and discuss their children’s work. Thank you to all of you for your continued support.

Hannah Castle, Head Teacher

Porthcawl Comprehensive School

Thank you to all pupils and staff involved in our Carol Service at All Saints Church, it was my first one, and the professionalism and enthusiasm displayed were absolutely incredible. Well done! It is a great pleasure to write my first piece for the Seaside News. February marks my second month in post and I have thoroughly enjoyed delivering year group assemblies and meeting families at recent school events. To start, I must pay tribute to and thank Mr Slade. I am looking forward to building upon the success the school has already achieved under Mr Slade’s leadership, and I would like to wish him the very best for the future.

I am delighted to start with celebration! In January, a large number of our Year 11 pupils received their GCSE Mathematics results and everyone at the school is extremely very proud! Students have performed so well with an A*- C grade rate of nearly 80%. In addition, 42% of grades awarded were A*/A. An outstanding achievement! This year group, like so many, has experienced significant disruption during their secondary school education and these achievements are testament to their hard work and effort. Well done to Year 11 and of course, the Mathematics department. I would like to personally congratulate all pupils on their achievements - I am looking forward to the Summer successes!

Mike Stephens, Head Teacher

Porthcawl U3a

After a very busy end of 2022 we’ve got off to a flying start for 2023. Our walking groups first outing for the new year was a 3.5 circular walk around Margam Park where they enjoyed a very pleasant, although muddy afternoon as they walked up to the ruined church and were rewarded with a lovely view over the park to the sea. We are very pleased to have had a new group starting up in January; ‘Understanding Modern Art’ defined as beginning towards the end of the 1800’s to the present day. We have a trip planned to see the ‘Best Marigold Hotel at the New Theatre in Cardiff which members are looking forward to and we’ve had two very interesting talks so far this year given by Doug Jones and Ceri Joseph, our talk for March is at the H-Tide on the 8th and is being given by Rob Taylor on ‘Polish airmen in Stormy Down’s WW2 History’. If you are no longer in full time employment and would like to give us a try, please do come along and join us.

Website: Porthcawlu3a.org.uk

Email: info@porthcawlu3a.org.uk

Facebook: Porthcawl u3a

Send Us Your Article

Porthcawl Stroke Club

After a two year break due to the pandemic the annual concert held at the Grove golf Club went ahead. What a joyous night it was, packed to the rafters with supporters who had a wonderful night. Alec Brookes Musical Director enthralled the crowd with harmony, melody, symphony, with the sweet-sounding voices of the Male voice choir, followed by John Jones doing the African Trilogy, a rapture of uproarious laughter came from the crowd, walking through the crowd in full African attire! Just brilliant. Through the break there was mulled wine and mince pies. At the end of the evening, John (Chairman of the Porthcawl Male Voice Choir), gave a wonderful speech of how we all need to support one another and how this was an example of people serving their community through unprecedented times. The speech was very heart warming.

Our thanks go to Mark Smith who organised the concert between the two parties, and to all the Porthcawl Male Voice Choir and supporters. Not forgetting Keith and Mary Duggan, who work tirelessly running the Porthcawl Stroke Club.

Barbara Matthews

ROTARY ROUND-UP

Porthcawl Rotary is pleased to announce that we raised over £4,000 from our fund raising activities over the Christmas period. The new Carolcade sleigh proved to be a great success with the general public.

The Rotarians and volunteers who were in attendance with the Carolcade and street collections also had a great time and are looking forward to next year.

On 6th March we will holding the International Night. This annual event is NOT to be missed! Please contact Andrew Singer for Ticket information.

Footloose Musical, performed by Porthcawl Comprehensive School cast, will be entertaining us and foreign students from Atlantic College will be telling us about their country. Many students will be wearing their national costumes.

Porthcawl Rotary is pleased to announce the addition of two new Associate Members who recently joined the club. A warm welcome was given from all the Rotarians of the club. Rotary would like to thank everyone who attended and supported our activities during the past year.

If any member of the public would like to know more about Porthcawl Rotary please contact Andrew Singer on 01656 785628 or email Andrew on andrewbsinger@icloud.com

Rtn Robert Lee

Sker Wi

Our first meeting for 2023 was held on the 12th January at St David’s Church Hall. The members and two visitors were wished a Happy and Healthy New Year. WI business was discussed and votes taken on this years Resolutions. The craft ladies were thanked for the help with making the bees for the Christmas tree at the Festival of Christmas trees held at All Saints Church in December. Dates were given for a Beetle Drive and Pancake evening on the 27th February and our WI Birthday Party on the 24th April. Our speaker for the evening was John Hanson and his colleague David Cook from Tools For Self Reliance. John explained how the group in Porthcawl was formed some 15 years ago and how it was part of a group across the UK. The main objective is to restore tools, which have been donated and restored by volunteers. The tools are then sent to 5 countries, Ghana, Malawi, Uganda, Sierra Leone and Zambia, where people are trained to use the tools and life skills with the possibility of starting up in business. It was very interesting and lots of questions were asked. Our next meeting is February 9th when our speaker will be Clive Tranter. Visitors are always welcome.

Jackie Jones

Porthcawl Lions

Mynydd Cynffig Wi

After two long years Porthcawl Lions were able to once more hold their Christmas events. Santa was back in his grotto in John Street on Saturdays and had over 300 little visitors, and the Boxing Day Fun Run was back again - thanks to a lot of help from Porthcawl Runners. It proved very popular, attracting over 400 entrants - a record for the event.

The club’s next event is a concert at the Hi-Tide on Wednesday 15th March. It is a musical evening in aid of providing a kidney dialysis unit in Bridgend. Tickets are £10 and further details can be found on Facebook or on Porthcawl Lions websiteporthcawllions.org.uk. Alternatively you can contact Gloria on 01656 789360.

Members are, of course, hoping to hold many more events this year and would welcome new members and helpers. So if you enjoy good company, have some time to spare and would like to help others please see the website. You would be warmly welcomed.

JMC

Through Christian Eyes

Are you a loving person? How can you tell? Some years ago a writer, Gary Chapman, talked about the five languages of love. He said love is expressed through words of affirmation, sharing quality time, giving gifts, acts of help or service, and through physical touch. He suggested we will find some of these things easier or harder depending on our personality and life experiences. How do you give love to those around you?

Jesus said: ’A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another’ (John 14:34). Jesus is the supreme example of love. Jesus by His life, death and rising again show us that God loves us and how to love one another. Godly love is more than a warm fuzzy emotion it is a choice to be compassionate and considerate of someone else. Godly love is a reasoned commitment to act in the best interest of another.

So, Christian love is an action rather than an emotion, it is seen in what we do and not just how we feel. We can love God and others as ourselves (Mt.22: 37/38). Let’s choose to love. God bless you.

Rev. Martin Gillard Gilgal Baptist Church, Park Avenue, Porthcawl. www.gilgal.co.uk

We were in our regular venue the Talbot Center on the second Tuesday of the month 2pm to 4pm. The weather had been terrible, so it was good to see our members braving the wind and the rain. We discussed WI business; the summer show will need us to start thinking of things to enter. The NFWI annual meeting is in Cardiff this year, so not so far for us to travel and the annual council meeting in Port Talbot. Both meetings have very good speakers and a chance to meet with other WI and catch up with old friends. Our speaker this month was Derek Windsor who gave us a demonstration on oil painting and had us enthralled. Next month we have John Mason giving a talk on local history. Our speaker topics are as varied as we can arrange and hopefully our members enjoy them. Lunch, walking, book and scrabble clubs all up and enjoyed by our members. Call in and spend a pleasant afternoon with us - tea and biscuits always to hand.

Christine Callaghan

Porthcawl Townswomens Guild News

Our new year started on a sad note as members stood in memory of two members who had died over the Christmas period. Kath Davies and Kay Smart. They will be sadly missed and Kath had been on the committee for many years. We received thanks from the Food Bank for a donation of £350 - the result of our Christmas Fayre. Members were reminded of our Birthday Lunch on Feb. 15th and given menus.

Our speaker was Ceri Joseph who regaled us in her inimitable style with stories of Influential Welsh Women with film and music. Starting from 1085 to the present day covering industry, medicine, politics and culture and ending with Shirley Bassey and Betty Campbell the first black head mistress in Wales. A great afternoon!

Our meeting this month is at the Grove Golf Club on February 8th 2pm, when Rev. Clive Williams will be our speaker. All welcome.

Dorothy Thomas 772157

Newton Wi

The January meeting was quite well attended. Our President Jennifer welcomed everyone and wished us all a Happy New Year.

Our President presented the ‘LATCH’ representative a cheque for £1,585.83, the amount raised at our charity Christmas concert at All Saints Church, to Sandra Owen. Sandra thanked Newton WI and gave us a small insight into how the money will be used for the sole benefit of the children and their carers. Also in attendance was Carol Atkinson, Chairman of Glamorgan Federation, who congratulated us on the success of the concert. The speaker for the evening was Mrs Ceri Joseph from Porthcawl Museum, who spoke very eloquently on the history of the Police Station and policing in Porthcawl. It was a very interesting and entertaining talk.

M Freeman

Recycle your green waste including plants, flowers, weeds, grass, leaves and hedge clippings.

Collections every two weeks on the same day as your bin bags from 13 March to 17 November.

Subscription charge of £46.01, or £41.73 for pensioners.

Sign up online at bridgend.kier.co.uk

Ailgylchwch eich gwastraff gardd, gan gynnwys planhigion, blodau, chwyn, porfa, dail a gwrychoedd.

Bydd casgliadau bob pythefnos ar yr un dydd â’ch gwastraff cyffredinol o 13 Mawrth i 17 Tachwedd.

Tâl gwasanaeth o £46.01 neu £41.73 i bensiynwyr.

Cofrestrwch ar-lein yn bridgend.kier.co.uk