PORTHCAWL | BRIDGEND EDITION
ESTABLISHED 1998
ISSUE 253 FEBRUARY 2021
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Contents LETTERS.......................................................... 8 BOOKS......................................................... 10 PHOTOGRAPHS....................................... 12 HEALTH........................................................ 18 PUZZLES...................................................... 20 NEWS............................................................ 22 SCHOOLS.................................................... 26 POEMS.......................................................... 28 FEATURES.................................................... 30 HISTORY...................................................... 36 LEGAL............................................................ 38 FINANCE...................................................... 40 GARDENING.............................................. 42 ARTS.............................................................. 44 DIRECTORY................................................ 45 SPORT........................................................... 46 TIDES............................................................. 46
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Where we deliver 20,000 copies hand delivered to local homes in the following areas: Porthcawl, South Cornelly, North Cornelly, Kenfig, Maudlam, Eglwys Nunydd, Margam Village, Pyle, Kenfig Hill, Cefn Cribwr, Penyfai, Laleston, Broadlands & Whiterock.
Pick up a copy Due to the current situation with Covid-19 the magazine won’t be available to pick up at any of our outlets for the time being. We will review this on a monthly basis and hope to be able to make the magazine available to pick up in the not too distant future.
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Next deadline Monday 15th February - for March issue.
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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® 1998-2021 VAT Registration No: 879 7077 54 | Seaside Publications Ltd is registered in Wales, company number 09413904.
seaside news | 5
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seaside news | 7
LETTERS PORTHCAWL VOLUNTEER CLEANUP
Dear Editor, Just before we entered lockdown, Paul Bullock arranged for us to have tabards, kindly sponsored by Bridgend Ford. No mistaking us as volunteers now. Although we haven’t been able to meet as a socially distanced group because of lockdown, everyone has done their own litter picks as part of their daily exercise & posted photos on the Facebook group. It has been very heartening to be contacted by new members requesting bags & information on litter pickers. Everyone comments on how therapeutic they find it as well as the satisfaction of seeing the difference they make. Once lockdown is over we will meet on Sundays close to the fair entrance at 3pm to collect as a group and anyone is welcome. Please join our Facebook group Porthcawl Volunteer Community Group to keep up-to-date on our activities. Helen Lynn, Porthcawl
PORTHCAWL CIVIC TRUST RESPONSE Dear Editor, The Porthcawl Civic Trust Society would like to respond to Cllr Smith’s letter published in January’s issue of the Seaside News. Cllr Smith has attended three meetings with the Society, two in 2017 and one in April 2018 when, on behalf of its 300+ members, the Society made clear its opposition to BCBC’s plan for Salt Lake and put forward alternative proposals. In the intervening 30 months, BCBC has made no effort to discuss these alternative proposals. Cllr Smith has also mentioned the ‘numerous meetings’ he and senior regeneration officers have attended with various town organisations. Is he suggesting that these meetings invoked no criticism of BCBC’s plans for Salt Lake or, as with the Society, has any opposition been ignored? It is interesting that, despite undertaking’ full and meaningful public consultation on regeneration projects’, the plan for Salt Lake, as approved by BCBC’s Cabinet in September 2020, remains unchanged. There is a great deal of difference between attending meetings and meaningful consultation. Cllr Smith has stated that the town’s elected representatives ‘are involved in regular briefings on all regeneration matters’. Can he state what actual input they were able to make? As BCBC’s plan for Salt Lake has remained unchanged over the past 3 years, is it the case that Porthcawl’s Borough Councillors have been fully supportive of the plan or have any opposing views again been overlooked? The Society has had an exchange of correspondence with Council Leader Huw David and copies of these letters can be found on its website porthcawlcivictrust.com Don Tickner For and on behalf of the Porthcawl Civic Trust Society 8 | seaside news
Have your say info@seasidenews.co.uk
MARATHON IN A MONTH
Dear Editor, As I write, my daughter and son (Elin and Ieuan) are currently walking a virtual marathon over the month of January to raise money for the Wallich and Amnesty International. Elin has written a bit of an article about it as part of her homework for Ysgol Y Ferch o’r Sger, which has most of the facts in it. I’ve attached that , along with a photo of the two of them walking. Elin has received a virtual gold medal from Amnesty International to thank her for her fundraising. The Wallich have emailed Ieuan to say that it is lovely to see someone so young raising money for them. The links to their fundraising pages are below. So far they have raised almost £100 each. Angharad Higgins is fundraising for Amnesty International UK (justgiving.com) Angharad Higgins is fundraising for The Wallich (justgiving.com) Angharad Higgins, Porthcawl
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M DAVIES PROPERTY We can do MAINTENANCE it all!
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TELEPHONE: 07970 162360 seaside news | 9
BOOKS NEW BOOKS AT PORTHCAWL LIBRARY MISS GRAHAM’S COLD WAR FICTION COOKBOOK DAYLIGHT David Baldacci SLOW BURN Stephen Leather DAUGHTERS OF CORNWALL Fern Britton THE ROOTS OF EVIL Quintin Jardine AGATHA RAISIN HOT TO TROT M C Beaton HERE AND NOW Santa Montefiore THE HONEY AND THE STING E.C. Fremantle SHADOW SANDS Robert Bryndza AFTER THE FIRE Jo Spain SARAH’S LIST Elizabeth Gunn MAKER’S CURSE Trudi Canavan
Celia Rees EXECUTION S. J. Harris PRIVATE MOSCOW James Patterson GRAVE’S END William Shaw
NON FICTION
ATTENTION PARENTS AND CARERS! Are you looking for inspiration and help with home schooling? Please let us help you! We have a wealth of childrens books suitable from birth upwards. If you need anything to support your child’s school topic or you are simply looking for some great bedtime stories, please give us a call and we’ll do our utmost to provide suitable books for you to collect at a time that’s convenient for you! There is no need to worry about late books as there’s no charge!
JACINDA ARDERN: A NEW KIND OF LEADER Madeline Chapman QUEENS OF THE CRUSADES Alison Weir DRESSED FOR WAR Julie Summers THE CHANNEL Charlie Connelly CLANLANDS Sam Heughan & Graham McTavish LIFE’S WHAT YOU MAKE IT Phillip Schofield
KATE BLADON Facebook: PorthcawlLibrary | PyleLibrary Porthcawl Library Tel: 01656 754845 | 01656 754850 Email: porthcawl.library@awen-wales.com pyle.library@awen-wales.com
BOOK AND COLLECT SERVICE On the 4th January 2021, Porthcawl Library reopened, offering a book and collect service. The service is currently available 6 days a week, with appointments set at 10 minute intervals in order to help maintain safe social distancing. Appointments are available: Monday – Friday 9.15am - 1pm & 2pm –5pm and Saturday 9.15am - 1pm. Whether you have a specific book in mind or would like us to select books for you, please get in touch and we will do our best to help. New books are being added to stock daily and stock can be requested from other branches. Books on hold are still circulating and should your reservation arrive, a member of staff will contact you to make an appointment. 10 | seaside news
If you wish to return items, you can do so by placing them in the boxes located in the foyer. All items returned will be quarantined for a minimum of 72 hours before being discharged and returned to library shelves.
THE MAN ON THE STREET By Trevor Wood
When homeless veteran Jimmy thinks he witnesses a murder in Newcastle, the police refuse to believe him. He’s not quite sure he believes his own eyes. Then he sees missing persons posters matching the description of the man he saw killed, and he realises he wasn’t mistaken. But how do you catch a killer when nobody believes a murder has been committed? A compulsively gripping read, this book introduces us to the world in which the homeless live, one from which we often try to avert our eyes, but which is brought vividly to life here. In fact, this is a particular highlight: the depiction of what life is like being homeless, so often the target of brutal violence, the victim or the perpetrator in these kinds of stories. In our society the homeless are invisible, unfairly judged and constantly harassed, but here Jimmy is the one we are rooting for, the one trying to right the wrongs. If you enjoy gritty crime fiction, then you are sure to enjoy this Crime Writers Award winning book. Book review by Louise Mumford My thriller, Sleepless, is out in ebook (99p), audio and paperback now.
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PHOTOGRAPHS PORTHCAWL PIER STORM WAVES
ICE BLUE
Kirsty Jones, Pyle
FIRST SUNRISE OF 2021 Geraint Tellem, Kenfig Hill
HORIZON SHINE
Anthony Callaghan, Porthcawl
SUNRISE FROM ST JOHN’S CHURCH Sandra Beer, Porthcawl
VILLAGE GREEN, NEWTON
Frances Penhale, Porthcawl 12 | seaside news
Alan Thomas, Bridgend
Email us your pictures info@seasidenews.co.uk
SUNRISE WITH GUS
BENJI BOO BOO’S
Aimee Bowen, Porthcawl
Krista Cavill, Age 10, Porthcawl
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
OGMORE BY SEA FROM NEWTON POINT
John & Laura Greene, Porthcawl
Send us your pictures!
Email: info@seasidenews.co.uk Please remember to give your pictures a caption title, plus include your name and town you live in. Judi Russell, North Cornelly seaside news | 13
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seaside news | 15
Dod yn rhan o deulu mwyaf Pen-y-bont Ar Ogwr
Rydyn ni'n chwilio am ofalwyr i faethu plant ym Mwrdeistref Sirol Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr. Am hynny, rydyn ni'n cynnig hyfforddiant o safon, lwfansau hael a chefnogaeth benodol.
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Porthcawl Funeral Services_SeaSide News.pdf
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HEALTH
Email your article info@seasidenews.co.uk
KNOW YOUR MIND
FOODS TO HELP RELIEVE STRESS
Our mind has an incredibly important job, to protect us. However, this can drive us to act in ways that are not consistent with other goals and visions we have of ourselves. Understanding what experiences and emotions we are holding on to, and what meanings we have attached to them, is vital in determining our behaviour. After all, every thought we have causes a chain reaction to influence how we feel and how we ultimately behave. You only need to imagine biting into a big, juicy lemon to know that thoughts trigger physical responses in your body. We are programmed to act in a way that is consistent with our thoughts, even on a subconscious, instinctive level. Being aware of how you talk to yourself, what patterns arise and how these affect you every day is the first step to change. It is not only the events that happen in your life that determine who you are but more importantly the interpretation of these events. Hypnotherapy helps re-programme your subconscious mind to release those emotions no longer serving you and move forward with what you want to achieve. Find out more at www.youraffinity.co.uk
While occasional bouts of stress are difficult to avoid, chronic stress can take a serious toll on your physical and emotional health. In fact, it may increase your risk of conditions like heart disease and depression. Interestingly, certain foods and beverages may have stressrelieving qualities, here are some to add to your diet. Swiss Chard, Sweet Potatoes, Artichokes, Eggs, Shellfish, Fatty fish, Parsley, Broccoli, Garlic, Blueberries and Chamomile Tea. Between them they contain antioxidants and a great variety of nutrients to combat stress. To find more details go to www.heatlthline.com/stress Supplied by Glyn Hardwicke
COST OF CANCER Well at the time of writing this I’m a week into my step up for January challenge. It is most definitely a challenge but a do-able one. Our next big event we had already planned is the annual charity ball which is in May but at this moment in time we have no idea if we’ll be able to go ahead. Please do watch this space. We would really love to hear any fundraising ideas any of you may have but they’ll need to be COVID safe ideas. Don’t forget why we do all of this fundraising. We do it to help those who are going through treatment for Cancer. We help with things like gas, electric, council tax etc. All the bills that do still need to be paid. Please do keep an eye out on our social media platforms, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Which reminds me to mention if you could get your family and friends to like us on these platforms it helps to spread the word of what we do. Anyway, do not forget to keep looking after yourselves as well as your friends, families and neighbours, wear those masks and keep a social distance. The sooner we adhere to the rules the sooner we can get back to normal fundraising. Nicky, Emma & Cath Trustees
WHAT WOULD THE BUDDHA SAY ABOUT THE PANDEMIC? There is well written recorded passage in the Parinibbana Sutta - that address this. He tells the monks around him, don't grieve, all that arises will cease - that is the law of nature. Knowing this, he made preparations for the teachings to be passed on. Certain monks with certain qualities preserved aspects of the practice and passed on the coded messages. The leader had died, but new leaders emerged. The language remained with chanting and the daily recital. There is a statement that I refer to again and again. 'I am the owner of my actions (kamma), heir to my actions, born of my actions, related through my actions, and have my actions as my arbitrator. Whatever I do, for good or for evil, to that will I fall heir'. Those actions have impact on the mind at all times. It's a powerful statement. You see, no remorse or regret arose at the meeting point of dying. His life was beneficial and continuity was programmed in for teaching millions of people in the proceeding 2600 years. That's the magnitude here. This last month, I have begun writing a 24-month course that examines mindfulness, release from suffering, reincarnation and the eightfold noble path. Open to anyone who wishes to participate. Please contact me on evansneville@aol.com Thanks to the Seaside News for allowing me to contribute to this last piece. Neville Evans
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seaside news | 19
PUZZLES
Puzzle solution: Sudoku puzzle No. 5203 2021-01-10
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Sudoku
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. Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 5210
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2021-01-17 February Medium Answerslevel
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1 3 6 7
Word Search
Hint: Words can be found horizontally, vertically, diagonally and also backwards.
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NEWS
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CORONAVIRUS SUPPORT GROUP
PORTHCAWL MAYOR - UPDATE
We created the Bridgend Coronavirus Support Group in March 2020, to provide a space for people to connect and get vital information. As we approach the oneyear anniversary of our first COVID-19 Lockdown, many are reflecting on the devastating impact the pandemic has had on our lives. It is important to be there for one another, keep following the guidance; and to recognise the courage and kindness across our community. Special thanks to: Splice Child and Family The Splice team has been a lifeline for children and families across Bridgend. So many people, organisations and schools have donated nappies, wipes and other essentials items. Nottage Community Bus-Stop Library The Bus-Stop Library has been a source of inspiration, fun and community-spirit. The books have now been donated to Sandville Self-Help Centre. I can imagine children in the future reminiscing about the wonderful bus-stop library! Porthcawl Covid-19 Strategy Working with BAVO, the organisers united local businesses, volunteers and medical services to coordinate: pharmacy deliveries, a Phone Buddy system, food shops, and support for schools and businesses. Your work has been invaluable in helping the most vulnerable. Find our group at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ BridgendCoronavirusSupportGroup Chloe Rees
I do hope you are all keeping safe and well. At its January meeting Porthcawl Town Council (PTC) set the council tax precept for the financial year 2021/2022 which equates to £1.02p per week for a Band ‘D’ property. The Town Council website has a copy of the precept showing how it is made up and how money raised in Porthcawl is spent in Porthcawl. Council has also secured £129,000 in grants. New this year is a ‘Porthcawl 2021’ Business Statement which sets out the various projects and activities PTC will be undertaking which is also on the website. A new Town Clerk /Responsible Financial Officer (RFO) will be joining the Council team this month. Following a recruitment process, which saw over 70 applications we are delighted that Kerry Grabham will be joining us. Council has been without a RFO for over a year and in addition to her valuable Town Council knowledge Kerry brings a wealth of experience. Something I am particularly pleased about is PTC’s ambition to engage with young people through a Porthcawl Youth Council. A number of Councillors will be exploring ideas. If you have ideas to put forward then please email me directly at Cllr.brian.jones@bridgend.gov.uk.
BREXIT AND PUBLISHING Fishing rights loomed large during Brexit negotiations but other industries also face territorial issues. Take publishing, where exiting the EU left publishers abroad the option to sell their own edition of a book in the UK, and the EU. Big US publishers were alert to this as early as 2016 and UK agents and publishers now face uncertain times. The result would be falling sales for UK publishers; less money to invest in new authors, while our favourite big names may cost more to publish. Academic publishing (an un-noticed world leader) is particularly affected. Print publishing is a major UK industry (70,000 jobs, £1.1 billion trade surplus, the world’s biggest book exporter): now it faces increased red tape, transport and production costs (despite the last minute deal with the market for a third of UK book exports). This will dent those big numbers. Some publishers have opened offshore (EU) distribution sites. Publishers may find bookshops struggle, short term at least, where EU citizens are a core part of the workforce (similar to hospitality). Fewer, more expensive new books? A contraction of the industry and wealth created for the UK economy? We’ll see: there are plenty of nervous players just now. M. Felton Bridgend for Europe 22 | seaside news
COUNCILLOR BRIAN JONES Mayor of Porthcawl
SALT LAKE REGENERATION MOVES A STEP CLOSER There was great interest in our call for bids to develop a new foodstore on part of Salt Lake, and I am delighted that Aldi Stores Ltd is the preferred bidder. I think people are going to be really pleased when they see what Aldi has planned. The development brief called for an innovative, environmentally sustainable building design using high-quality materials to take account of Porthcawl’s heritage and setting while looking towards future regeneration aspirations. We want it to establish a distinct, enhanced gateway into Porthcawl with lots of superior landscaping, new public realm improvements and extra car parking capable of supporting trips into the town centre. We also wanted it to deliver improved pedestrian and cycle links, and to help increase footfall between the town centre and the Eastern Promenade, which is also set to be regenerated. I think the preferred bid achieves all that we wanted and more. As well as creating new jobs and offering wider choice, every penny generated from this development is going to be reinvested back into the regeneration of Porthcawl. The designs will be revealed along with full details once the contract has been finalised, so look out for more information soon. COUNCILLOR HUW DAVID Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council Tel 01656 643643 www.bridgend.gov.uk
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NEWS
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RECYCLING CENTRE AT PYLE
UPDATE ON NEW LAND TRAIN PLANS
It’s great to see that work has started on the creation of an allnew community recycling centre at Pyle. Groundworks are currently taking place within Village Farm Industrial Estate, and the development will also see improvements to the junction with the A48. The new community recycling centre will be easier for residents to access, and will have greater capacity for handling more vehicles. With a split-level system enabling access to higher-sided recycling containers and bypass lanes to allow better movement, the site will also feature a re-use shop. This will be similar to the one based at the Maesteg community recycling centre, which is run by Wastesavers, and will ensure that items which are in good condition can be offered at low prices to the public, with any profits made reinvested into local good causes. If all goes well, the new recycling centre should be ready to use by summer 2021. In the meantime, don’t forget that community recycling centres remain open and available for essential visits only between 9am4pm. Please separate your waste materials before arrival, and once on site, follow all rules to help keep you and staff safe. For more information, visit the recycling page at www.bridgend.gov.uk
Plans to bring a new road train attraction back to Porthcawl are gathering pace with news that the marketing phase has been completed, and the council has started processing applications from potential operators. Once it is up and running, the seasonal service will operate between Sandy Bay and Rest Bay, normally from the end of March or the beginning of Easter until the end of September. Subject to necessary approvals, the operator will also be able to provide additional services outside this period if they so wish. This promises to be an exciting new visitor attraction for Porthcawl, and a provisional route has been proposed which will connect the seafront and the town centre. We’ve secured more than £11,000 to support the operation of the land train from the Welsh Government’s Tourism Attractor Destination programme – the same initiative which has supported improvements such as the £1.5m Watersports Centre at Rest Bay, the refurbished kiosk building at Porthcawl Marina and the launch of the Visit Bridgend website, which is showcasing and promoting the county borough to residents and visitors. As long as pandemic conditions allow it, we expect the land train to be in operation later this year, and will be issuing new details very soon.
COUNCILLOR HYWEL WILLIAMS Deputy Leader Bridgend County Borough Council Tel: 01656 643643 www.bridgend.gov.uk
COUNCILLOR CHARLES SMITH Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration Bridgend County Borough Council 01656 643643 www.bridgend.gov.uk
PORTHCAWL NEEDS MORE BANG FOR ITS BUCK
THE ACTIONS NEEDED TO SAVE PUBS & CAFES
The loss of the Porthcawl Maritime Centre is a big blow. Porthcawl desperately needs something to draw in visitors and the loss of this innovative scheme is a cause for dismay. Bridgend County Borough Council took four years to grant planning permission to the Maritime Centre, which didn’t help the project take off. As the owners of Cosy Corner, this puts them under extra pressure to provide another tourism attractor project for the site to help create jobs in a town, which relies heavily on a visitor economy. What Porthcawl does not need on this prime site next to the harbour is just a block of flats. The council may need capital, although it has done comparatively well in this year’s Welsh Government funding round. But nobody goes to the seaside to enjoy the view of crumbling apartment blocks. You only have to look at Swansea Marina to see how difficult it is to maintain the exterior of buildings this close to the salty sea. If Porthcawl is the borough’s leisure capital, then let its regeneration plans reflect that in a positive way – and remember that Welsh Government has its beady eye on holiday homes.
I questioned Chancellor Rishi Sunak about how he will be increasing support for hospitality and tourism businesses during the latest lockdown at a debate in Parliament. I have subsequently contacted him with ideas about how businesses, like the ones we have in Bridgend and Porthcawl, can be further helped. These include asking him to extend the reduced VAT rate within the sector to the end of 2021 which will help them plan ahead, safeguard jobs and stimulate customer demand when things re-open. I also suggested that the Business Rates holiday for hospitality should also be extended to the end of the year. This would free up money, which businesses could use to repair their finances. A Hospitality and Tourism Recovery Fund could be created to boost the sector using business rates relief money, which supermarkets have returned to government. Our pubs, cafes and restaurants will be pivotal in helping to restore a sense of normality as we emerge from the pandemic so it is essential that they have enough support now to ensure they survive. They can also play a key role in reviving the UK economy as well as our local economy within Bridgend.
SUZY DAVIES MS Welsh Conservative Party www.suzydavies.com
24 | seaside news
JAMIE WALLIS MP for Bridgend
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CONTACT ME AT | CYSYLLTWCH Â FI: 01656 646 432 1A Station Hill, Bridgend CF31 1EA 1A Bryn yr Orsaf, Pen-y-bont CF31 1EA suzy.davies@senedd.wales suzy.davies@senedd.cymru www.suzydavies.wales SuzyDaviesWales SuzyDaviesMS SuzyDavies.MS The costs of this publication have been met by the Senedd Commission from public funds. Talwyd costau’r cyhoeddiad hwn gan Gomisiwn y Senedd, o gronfeydd cyhoeddus.
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seaside news | 25
SCHOOLS
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PORTHCAWL PRIMARY SCHOOL
PORTHCAWL COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
Beginning the term during another period of lockdown has been very difficult for everyone. We have continued to deliver on-site learning provision for keyworker and vulnerable children whilst providing daily online learning activities for everyone else. Supporting homebased learning is definitely a challenge for most families – especially when trying to work from home with several children and limited space! Some children love schoolwork and are happy to complete every learning task online but this is certainly not the case for all children. At school children do not spend all day on the computer; they have debates and discussions, practical sessions and playtimes so we must be realistic about what can be achieved. We are all trying to do our best in a very difficult situation. We ask families to choose the school activities which are appropriate to them and to leave the others. We want everyone to take time to do the little things that make them happy - sharing a story, playing a game, baking some cakes and, if feasible, feeding the ducks or walking along the beach. It is essential for us all to look after our mental health. We have asked our families to support their children’s learning as much as they can but not to worry about their children falling behind because, as soon as we are back to school, we can put catch up programmes in place. Take care everyone. Jo Rowley, Head Teacher
We are absolutely delighted to hear that our Head Boy, Jonathan Munro has been offered a place to read Medicine at St Edmund Hall, Oxford for September. The rigorous process involved an exam and two gruelling online interviews, which required exhaustive preparation. In total, Oxford received 2054 applications to read Medicine; 425 were short-listed with only 155 gaining places. Many congratulations Jonathan! As I write, we eagerly await the news on Cambridge applications. As with all schools, we are continuing to operate in the most challenging of circumstances. Despite the current lock down, some things need to continue. A good example of this is our Year 11 option process, which is now fully online. Year 11 learners use the usual option section of the website and complete their choices online. Should anyone be interested in doing his or her sixth form studies at Porthcawl, please get in touch via info@porthcawlschool.co.uk. In common with all schools locally, I would like to thank our teachers, learners and parents for their support and hard work. It may not be what we are used to, but we are striving for as close to ‘Business as usual’ as we can. And finally, a massive thank you to ‘Porthcawl First’ for their very generous donation of laptops, which we will distribute as soon as we can. Andrew Slade, Head Teacher
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seaside news | 27
POEMS
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90 AND STILL CLIMBING
IN FLIGHT
SEVEN WAVES
Once a toddler – tottering, stumbling Hesitant, yet made for running. No more wondering, - now seeking, going On, in all unknowing For the mountains you are made Ever stumbling, sometimes falling Yet still rising and aspiring Stepping out – yes, made for climbing Foothills now, yet ever rising Yes, for the mountains I am made. Now at last the Way I’m finding Leading onward, ever climbing Knowing I cannot say ‘Nay,’ For my Guide is onward leading. Will I love him, trust him, heed him? Dare to follow in his Way? As the path is growing steeper So his love seems ever deeper. Reaching upward, I obey. One more step, and ever onward Still one next step and onward, forward To reach eternal hills, eternal day. New day, new hope, new strength, still forward Till now in the eternal hills we’ll stay. No more big O’s but life eternal Eternal joy! Eternal day! Pauline Lewis, Porthcawl
January, an orchestra of black birds Swirls through the darkening skies, Gathering like leaves atop the tall maple trees. Its cawing swells to a crescendo, Then dips to a piano, pianissimo, before silence. They hang about the bare branches, In schools, on roof tops and aerials, Then peel away slowly, one by one, Taking to the skies In one slow movement. Together, they rise and fall, Fanning out. The air is black with wings. Swirling and gathering, The murmurings increase, Swelling to a deafening forte Of jet-black notes, Waving and flocking around the houses, Swirling above roof tops, Away and back, Their harsh cries Rising to a wintry theme. Choreography of slender dancers in black, Swooping low, Away and back, Away and back. Then, like screaming children, They fold their wings. Startling winter afternoon flight of birds, Casting a spell over the houses, Before, Screeching with laughter, Like ravens to the Tower, They retreat into the night. Sally Richards, Porthcawl
The first wave gently strolls the shore, Then turns around to welcome more. The second wave then breezes past, Leaving sand waves in its path. The third wave hits the shingle edge, Builds shells and pebbles in a tidal wedge. The fourth wave brings a stronger flow, Finds new channels for its flow. The fifth wave hits the solid rock, Spray flies over from its impact shock. The sixth wave meets the old sea walls, Flying high before it falls. The seventh wave surmounts the wall, Raining down upon us all, As we chant ‘Rough Sea at Porthcawl’. Judy Dee, Porthcawl
A WINTERS TALE Those long cold nights in winter Where perfect quietness lingers on, Now shivers deeply inside an “unknown stillness” That fills our world with fear, Large flocks of calling Jackdaws Pattern darkening skies, “What sheer delight with their sweeping flights” Then, suddenly without a care, They disappear, into the crisp night air, A solitary swan so white and slender Glides gracefully with ease, Upon the moonlit waters A painted silver lake, Hidden stars come out at last And soon begin to shine, Each one has a purpose Of memories and time, There’s a twinkle and a sparkle From Jupiter and Mars, A wondrous sight on a winters night! “A wish for life to be back normal, The one we all once knew”. Judith Holden, Porthcawl
28 | seaside news
THE POWER OF LOVE Love is a word we’ve all heard of, Most experience it every day, The love for a child or a parent, Is a strong one wouldn’t you say? The powers of Mother Nature, Will ease you if you’re feeling tense, The hug of a tree, the sweet scent of flowers, The energy’s really immense. But the feelings of love for a partner, Is the one that most comes to mind, The one that we seek in our lifetime, It’s really quite one of a kind. And if you are lucky to find it, Your soul partner, a mirror of you, Don’t forget to give thanks to the powers that be, For without them what would we do? Marilyn Cook, Bridgend
BREAKING FREE This is your life. Ask yourself, is this how I want to spend it? How many times have you looked out at the world? Wishing for more. Is there hope for you? Can you escape? Show people, You can do this. This is your life, Are you going to let people hold you back? This is your chance to try again, Don’t listen to them. Work hard for your dreams, Make do with what you have. People will watch you, They will say Wow! This is your life, Many people will stop you. Remember people love you, They can help. Now think I can, Trust that you will. They will cheer you on, They can support you. This is your life, People will get in your way. But you are strong, You can break free. Grace Mellor, Porthcawl
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FEATURES PORTHCAWL ROTARY ROUNDUP
Who would have thought that the Rotary Porthcawl would be meeting virtually? Surely an “Old Boys’ Luncheon Club” would never cope with the technological advances that come so naturally to three-year-olds? And yet here we all are on Zoom! We meet every Monday at noon for an hour. Out of a total membership of 40 members, 30 of us have been seen on the screen. And, if you look carefully, you will see that many of our members are ladies. Gradually the image of Rotary is changing to keep pace with the society it serves. Our club is 70 years old this year and yet the motto we adopt is ageless: “Service before Self”. We have not been able to meet face to face nor been able to run our usual events but we are constantly looking to support our community. We reported last month on our donation to KPC. We sent funds to Madagascar to equip a school and we support the Doctor Bank initiative, which sends doctors and nurses to Africa. If you would like to know more about Rotary and its activities please come and join us on Mondays. Contact jeff@perrenpartners.co.uk for the link. Rtn Robert Lee
THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES Thank God for a vaccine! The current mass vaccination programme seems to be the only way out of the Covid19 pandemic. The numbers are astounding with the plan to inoculate 14 million people by the middle of this month. Those responsible for creating the vaccine, for rolling out the programme and dispensing it are to be honoured for all they are doing. But remember, the vaccine can only help us if we are willing to receive it. The Bible tells us about a danger far greater than Covid 19, the presence of sin in our lives. Sin is at heart selfishness, ignoring the one true living God and thinking we are all that matters. The Bible tells us the consequence of human sin is spiritual and eternal death. But there is Good News - thank God for a vaccine! The antibody is the blood of the Son of God, Jesus Christ (His atoning life, death and resurrection). The Bible says, ‘the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin’ (1 John 1:7). But like all cures, you must be willing to receive it. If you want to know more about the Lord Jesus Christ, email faith@gilgal.co.uk REV. MARTIN GILLARD Gilgal Baptist Church, Porthcawl
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56TH PORTHCAWL CHRISTMAS SWIM As you probably already know, the 56th Porthcawl Christmas Swim couldn’t take place in its usual format. Instead, we ‘went virtual’ and asked swimmers to make a splash for cash during December and make a donation to Wales Air Ambulance and various local charities. We were one of the only ‘Festive swims’ to do this and as a result generated a lot of media interest. As well as the local papers and TV stations coverage we were even interviewed live on Sky News on Christmas morning! THANK YOU to everyone that supported us – we were overwhelmed by your commitment and generosity! We haven’t totalled up all the donations yet but will be doing so very soon and will share how much the event raised. In the meantime, it’s not too late to make a donation and secure your commemorative mug. Just head to our website www.christmasswim.org to donate. Your mug will be reserved for you and distributed as soon as we are able to do so safely. Thanks again for your support and let’s hope that next Christmas we will see you in the sea on Christmas Morning again! Lucy Jones
PORTHCAWL SEA CADETS – UPDATE On behalf of Porthcawl Sea Cadets, may I offer our thanks to the community for your messages of support recently and particularly for your generosity with a local crowd funded donation. We were delighted to receive £988-89 at the start of this year, in addition to some individual donations. We hope that this support together with other grants will help to sustain a Sea Cadet presence in Porthcawl for the foreseeable future. Despite some rumours to the contrary we’re glad to report that Porthcawl Sea Cadets is still very much alive. Sadly due to COVID restrictions we’re not able to meet Face to Face at our temporary unit (the portacabins) at Cosy Corner, but we are managing to continue with some innovative online training, thanks to the efforts of our younger instructors. We expect that once COVID restrictions are lifted the cadets will be able to return to twice weekly training and can look forward to a year of boating, sailing and adventurous activity in and around Porthcawl. We, like many in Porthcawl, were obviously disappointed to learn that the Maritime Centre would no longer go ahead. This was to be our permanent home after the demolition of our old unit on the eastern harbour wall. However, following reports from Councillor Huw David’s in the January issue (252) of Seaside News, we are now hopeful that funding from Visit Wales will become available to enable alternative facilities to be constructed at Cosy Corner, including a new permanent home for Porthcawl Sea Cadets. Giulian Hill, Chairman Porthcawl Sea Cadets
Garage Doors Repaired _Seaside News_March 2019.pdf
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FEATURES BRIDGEND WOMEN SUPPORTING SPLICE SOROPTIMIST VIRTUAL DOG SHOW Bridgend Women’s Christmas Campaign in 2020 supported the work of Splice. Based in Pyle, this charity supports families and cares in need. Originally, it provided a program of activities but since the pandemic it has been providing local families with nappies, baby milk, baby food and toiletries in these uncertain times and with telephone counselling. Wings Cymru and other members of Bridgend Labour’s Women’s Forum were delighted to join in, raise funds and donate nappies, toiletries, and baby milk. Although members have been unable to meet in person, they have been out and about helping in the community. Bridgend prospective Senedd candidate Sarah Murphy was able to help with the distribution of Christmas hampers in the Bridgend area, she said of Splice “The team have been a lifeline for children and families across Bridgend before the pandemic, and even more so now with their mobile Baby Bank.” She added “It was an absolute honour to deliver the donated Christmas Hampers. It was an overwhelming demonstration of the support & solidarity in our community during this time”. To contact Splice please ring 01656 503141 To contact Bridgend Labour Women’s Forum please email: bridgendlabourwomen@gmail.com Elaine Winstanley 07493 933690 Women’s Officer Bridgend CLP Women’s Forum
PORTHCAWL U3A All we can talk of now is vaccinations and by the time you read this many more of you will have had your first one! We are all more proficient at our Zooming than when we started nearly a year ago and I’m glad to say more members are now joining in. We now have Book groups, Conversations, our Quiz, Philosophy, Mindfulness and Dancercise all available online to Zoom. I need to stress that there is no fee to pay to use Zoom. The license is only required for those who want to organise sessions that are longer than 40 minutes and some of our Group Leaders have been good enough to do that themselves, to share longer meetings with their Groups. We have been a long time without real meetings and many of us find Zooming does help. It makes us feel better about being so isolated to actually see friends that we haven’t seen for ages! It is also possible to join in our Zoom meetings just by phone without full internet access so that you can participate and not miss out. Stay safe everyone & get in touch if I can help with anything. Sally A Corbett 07773 181467
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The Soroptimist Virtual Dog Show will run from 14th February (Valentine’s Day) to 14th March 2021 (Mother’s Day). Participants are invited to take photographs of their pet dogs and enter them online (website will be advised shortly). Entries will be accepted from 14th Feb to 14th March. Entrants are asked for a minimum donation of £5 per entry. There are 5 categories - SCRUFFIEST, BEST DRESSED, CUTEST, FUNNIEST AND SADDEST - with certificates for winners in each category and £25 for the overall winner. Monies raised will help us support local Mental Health services and Soroptimist charities. So what are you waiting for? Grab your mobile, tablet or camera and snap away to make your doggy friend winner!” Eileen Bayley Publicity Officer
PORTHCAWL LIONS The Boxing Day Fun Run, adapted as a virtual event was clearly popular. Supported by Porthcawl Runners (we are particularly grateful to Lucy Jones) and other local clubs. There were157 entrants (156 adults and 1 junior) and the event raised over £700 which - when so many of our fundraising activities are impossible - is more than welcome. We continue to support the food bank, KPC Youth and other local causes. Key results were: 1st Christopher Jenkins in 25:20 - he’s a Porthcawl boy but runs for Neath Harriers; 2nd Geraint Lewis in 26:23 - Porthcawl Runners; 3rd Carl Walsh in 26:46 - Ogmore Phoenix. 1st female was Sian Price in 30:31. She was 8th finisher overall and runs for Ogmore Phoenix. Andrew Collier
TRINITY CHURCH Since this is the first article to be written in 2021 we wish everybody a belated Happy New Year. At the time of writing, we are in National Lockdown and there is a resurgence of Coronavirus cases. However with the vaccine roll out we hope the situation will improve quickly and that we will be able to reopen our church to services. We are continuing to hold recorded services every Sunday, which are distributed to all our members who have email access. CDs are also delivered to those who do not have online access. Please let us know if you wish to be included. All are welcome to join in and there are contact details below. We are also continuing our online Bible Study on Monday evenings at 7pm. These are Zoom sessions, which are held every 2 weeks. Please ring Teddy if you wish to join in. Eventually we hope to resume our community activities in the hall and reopen the Trinity Bargain store when it is safe. In the meantime we are trying to keep in touch via newsletters, emails and telephone. We hope everybody stays safe and that we can meet again soon. Please visit our Facebook page or website for any further information. Alison Meredith Thomas, Communication Secretary. www.trinitychurchporthcawl.org Tel: 01656 786070
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HISTORY WOMEN OF COURAGE HEROINES OF SOE On 1 May 1944, Phyllis ‘Pippa’ Latour parachuted into Orne, Normandy to operate with the Scientist II circuit, using the code name Genevieve. She worked as a wireless operator alongside Claude de Baissac and his sister, Lise. A small woman, Phyllis was fluent in French. Often, she posed as a teenage girl whose family had moved to the region to escape the Allied bombing. As cover, she was an art student from Caen who sold soap from her bicycle and mingled with the German soldiers. When Phyllis obtained military intelligence she encoded it for transmission using one-time codes that were hidden on a piece of silk tied around her hair. On one occasion, the Germans brought her in for questioning, but they failed to examine the silk in her hair. On another occasion, she deterred would-be searchers by pretending that she had scarlet fever. Undoubtedly, Phyllis’ courage and bravery greatly assisted the Allies in their mission to liberate France. After the war, Phyllis married an engineer. Now aged 99, she lives in New Zealand. Hannah Howe, international bestselling author of Ann’s War (set in Porthcawl) and Eve’s War (set in France). https://hannah-howe.com
FROM PORTHCAWL MUSEUM ARCHIVES
Mrs. Pat Sheen (1924-2014) wrote in 1982: “The Square area was not always the quiet little back-water it is now. A hundred years ago it was the centre of activity in Porthcawl. Not only were there 5 public houses but also 2 shops and a Post Office. Situated close to the then busy docks, the officials lived in or near The Square. James Wessendorff, Harbour Master 1868-1897, resided in Artic House, the largest house with a commanding view of the harbour. Today it is ‘The Breaksea.’ Torrington Cottage was the home of the Customs Officer and the pilots lived in what was appropriately known as Pilots Row, which had been sited near The Ship Aground pub, which has since been replaced by the Pier Hotel. The other pubs were the Ship and Castle (Saltwater Inn) The 36 | seaside news
Knights Arms, (now derelict) The Harbour Inn (Pirates Club) and the Anchor Inn, which was eventually replaced by the Glamorgan Hotel. In the Square, itself, London House was a general shop as was Manchester House, which had been next door to the Knights Arms. The Post Office was in a small brick building in the front garden of Eastnor House.” Ceri Joseph
Deadline date for the March issue is: Monday 15th February MANNY SHINWELL IN BRIDGEND Emmanuel (Manny) Shinwell, born in 1884, was first elected to Parliament 1922, lost his seat in 1924 and became the Amalgamated Marine Workers Union’s national organizer. The Trade Disputes and Trade Unions Act (1927), passed after the General Strike, was strongly resented by the Labour Movement as vindictive and Shinwell toured the country addressing public protest meetings. On 12/7/1927, mass meetings in Maesteg, Pontycymmer and Blaengarw, he addressed an open meeting in Angel Street, near the stone bridge, held in the open air as the Labour offices were too small. A policeman asked him to move on, he refused and was charged with obstruction. At the Bridgend Magistrates Court hearing on 27/8/1927 a defence witness testified that the crowd was so small he had seen more people watching a man fishing there. Another witness, Rees Jones of Park Street, rather undermined his evidence by demanding payment before testifying. The magistrate decided Shinwell , who maintained the trial was political, had caused an obstruction and fined him £1. The magistrate said, to general laughter, that he could have a fortnight to pay. He returned to Parliament in 1928 and enjoyed a very long political career, dying at the age of 101. Ian Price Bridgend & District Local History Society
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LEGAL YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED Question: My ex-partner wants to take my child abroad this summer but due to COVID-19, I am concerned about this, what can I do? Answer: Even as we move into 2021, Coronavirus still continues to trouble us and impact our daily lives. Though vaccinations have been introduced, we are yet to see a future without social distancing and lockdowns. It is therefore understandable that you are concerned about you child travelling abroad in the upcoming months. The first thing you should do is voice your concerns to your ex-partner directly and try to come to a mutual understanding. They may not fully appreciate the risk involved with going abroad and the potential quarantining when they return. It is also important to remember that your ex-partner will need your written consent to take your child abroad. However, if there is already a Court Order in place stating that your child lives with the other parent, they are able to take your child abroad for 28 days without your written consent. If this is the case, and you cannot come to an agreement, you may apply to the Court for a ‘Prohibited Steps Order’. This is an order prohibiting a parent from taking certain actions regarding your child, such as taking them abroad. Before a Court considers a Prohibited Steps Order, you will be required to attend a ‘Mediation Information & Assessment Meeting’. At this meeting, a Mediator will encourage you and your partner to attend Mediation. This is a voluntary and costeffective way you and your ex-partner can make an agreement without going to Court. As this is a complex area of family law, it is important to get professional advice. Here at Melanie Lazarus & Co, we can help you navigate the application process and minimise the stress involved. Melanie Lazarus, Melanie Lazarus & Co
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MONITORING OF EMPLOYEES WHO WORK FROM HOME Working from home has become widespread following the first national lockdown in March 2020. The speed at which companies transitioned to remote working has shown that this type of working is not only possible for all, but offers a whole new way of doing business. However, with these changes, new legal considerations come into play. Employers have been monitoring the activity of their employees where necessary for years – such as internet use and email content and traffic. However, with the rapid roll-out of new technologies in recent months, employers must ensure their remote monitoring is legally compliant. Monitoring of remote workers usually takes the form of regular calls, emails and/or creating a table of matters being worked on, but it can include more extreme methods of surveillance such as capturing keystrokes, taking regular screenshots, logging websites and even taking pictures of employees through their work laptop and uploading them for colleagues to see. News of these systems understandably caused a wave of concern about invasion of privacy and a raft of negative press coverage. It does seem alarmingly intrusive, but is it legal? In the UK, there is a variety of legislation governing the monitoring of employees. Employers should be mindful of this and ensure that their approach complies with the statutory rules in the circumstances. In considering this, they should: • Act in a proportionate and justified manner, ensuring that there is no other less intrusive option. • Inform employees of the intention to monitor. • Be mindful of the risks around discrimination. Employees could claim that they have been disproportionately targeted. • Ensure sufficient safeguards are put in place to prevent abuse. In a world where Zoom has opened up people’s homes to increased scrutiny, employers’ good practices must evolve and keep up with the rapid progression and use of technology. Madeline Rand King Davies & Partners
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• Wills, Trusts & Probate • Conveyancing • Property Law • Housing • Family We at King Davies & Partners Solicitors send good wishes to everyone during these difficult times Partner Mr. Ceri Morgan L.L.B Associate Madeline Rand BA
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO HAVE A WILL? If you die without having made a Will, your assets are automatically distributed according to the rules of intestacy. The distribution depends on whether you are married (or in a registered civil partnership) and whether you have any children. This may well have undesired consequences. Having a Will ensures your estate is distributed according to your instructions and wishes. You should firstly consider who your executors Will be. These are the people you trust to administer your estate according to your Will. When making a Will it would be helpful for your executors if you keep a clear written summary of your assets (and debts). You should consider who the Beneficiaries of your estate will be. Your spouse or partner is typically the first beneficiary you will want to provide for. Other beneficiaries may include relatives, friends, charities and other organisations you would like to make gifts to. Your Will can name classes of beneficiary (eg all your grandchildren – including those who may be unborn at the time of writing the Will). The Will should also take into account what will happen if a beneficiary predeceases you: for example, whether you would want a deceased child’s share of your estate to pass instead to his or her family. The Will should make it clear what is to be given to each beneficiary. Gifts can be put in trust rather than made outright. For example, you might use a trust to control assets that are being passed to children (or young adults) or to individuals who are incapable of looking after their own financial affairs. Wills also commonly include an indication of your wishes for your funeral. You may want to prepare a separate letter of wishes providing guidance for your executors. For example, such guidance might be aimed at helping them understand how you would want different beneficiaries of a trust to be treated. Again, this is not binding on your executors. Finally, it is worth reviewing your Will regularly, particularly if there are changes in your family circumstances, your financial position or in the law relating to Wills and inheritance tax. Your Will can be amended as necessary with an appropriate ‘codicil’, or a new Will drawn up and the existing Will revoked. Natalie Thomas DJM Solicitors 01656 772211 www.djm.law.co.uk
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FINANCE AMUSING ANECDOTES ABOUT MONEY As our lives are inextricably linked to money I thought it would be good to look at the funny side of it for a change. Here are some borrowed anecdotes but if you have some funny personal stories please email them in and we’ll send wine or chocolates to be best entries. ‘The most expensive part of having kids is all the wine you have to drink’ ‘My mother in-law went into Lloyds bank and asked to open a joint account but only on the basis it was with one of their wealthy customers’ ‘We were nervous to lose our investment money so we hired an expert to do it for us’ ‘Based on my calculations I think I can retire five years after I die’ ‘A thief broke into to my house last night and started searching for money so I woke up and searched with him’ ‘If you think a professional advisor is expensive wait until you try an amateur’ ‘Procrastination is like a credit card, it’s a lot of fun until you get the bill’ ‘A bank is a place that will lend you money if you can prove you don’t need it’ ‘Anyone who lives within their means suffers from lack of imagination’ ‘Money costs too much’ ‘Money can’t buy you happiness but it can buy you the misery you can afford’ ‘I’m having an out of money experience’ ‘I want my children to have all the best things in life they can
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afford, then I’m going to move in with them’ ‘If women didn’t exist all the money in the world would have no meaning’ ‘October is a particularly dangerous month to invest in the stock market, so are February, May, August, January, July, September…’ ‘Dogs have no money. Isn’t that amazing? They’re broke their entire lives but they get through. You know why dogs have no money? No Pockets’ ‘Dear Santa, this year I want a fat bank account and a thin body – don’t confuse them like you did last year’ ‘My wife had her credit card stolen but I haven’t reported is as the thief is spending less than her’. Please send us your original amusing anecdotes to philip@abacusassurance.com PHILIP VAUGHAN Director at Abacus Assurance Financial Services Ltd Porthcawl 01656 772222
Deadline date for the March issue is: Monday 15th February
IF YOU DON’T KNOW – GOLDEN RULE: ASK! Well, we got here, 2021 and all that it will bring over the coming months, especially following the surreal year that was 2020. The New Year has started in a very busy fashion with a number of calls from those whose mortgages are either due for review or else on an interest-only basis and they have to find a way of redeeming the loan. Many people still don’t realise that they CAN get off a lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR) and change the current uncompetitive deal that they have on the mortgage, and we have lenders that offer mortgages to age 90 or later! Further, a good proportion of these calls have come from clients looking to resolve an awkward situation, where they have missed payments on a mortgage or other loans and credit cards. Often, a life event such as divorce or losing a job can leave you finding it almost impossible to find a high street deal. This is where our Advisers’ sixty collective years of experience comes in and we work with all specialist lenders to secure a deal. So, if you have poor credit or other difficulties please give us a call. We can’t guarantee that everyone will be successful but if we can’t do it, then no one can. With the employment situation still difficult due to furloughed income for some people, with job prospects being uncertain for others, people are rightly feeling insecure but we know which specialist lenders to talk to and the way to put a difficult application together, underwritten at our office primarily before we submit an application. Certainly, lenders are keen to assist wherever they possibly can and our own bespoke link to all
the main credit reference agencies, give us access to all the important information that can lead to a successful solution in many cases. The other area that the public often forgets is that of reviewing the life assurance policies that they have. We recently saw a gentleman who hadn’t even looked at his policies for over ten years and some of these were no longer appropriate to his and his Family’s current situation. Not only did we update his protection provision - we saved him money at the same time. The same goes for Wills and Lasting Powers of Attorney, which are all part of a complete protection package for most people. Whatever you think you need to look at, giving us a call to discuss will cost you just your time and this could be very well spent, as you update important arrangements. Call us on 01656 782545 or 07768 418308, even on weekends (mobile). Whilst you are now thinking about it, take that opportunity to discuss with us. PAUL FIELDING Dragon Financial 01656 782545 / 07768 418308
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GARDENING LALESTON GARDENING CLUB
February is an exciting month for new beginnings in our gardening year, vegetable seeds can be started off in warmer places or under glass, summer bedding too. Snowdrops that have finished flowering can be divided to increase your stock. Fine days you might fancy starting on your digging and preparing beds for the new growing season. At Laleston Gardening Club our plant team have already started vegetable seeds and annuals in readiness for our Annual Plant Sale in May. Depending on the Covid situation at the time, our plant sale will take place either in its usual format or if not with a click and collect service. Please keep in touch through our Facebook page for further details. We know we have had some members infected with the virus, all recovering glad to say. We send them all our very best wishes and look forward to seeing them back fit and well when we are allowed to meet once again. Stay safe everyone. Susan Ford
HELLO YOU GARDENERS Have just started a new gardening project. I am going to dry all my own flowers and insert into albums. I have bought a glue gun and small cellophane bags (about 4” square). You insert the dried flower head into the bag then glue it onto each page and write the name of each flower and any other information you wish to add. I think A5 or A4 size hard covered ring binder albums will be equally suitable. I then bought multicoloured thin card and cut to size of either A5 or A4, punched holes and then inserted into the albums. Thin paper is not suitable as it will not hold the weight of the plant. They must be flowers you have grown yourself. Of course daffodils, crocus and primroses and winter-flowering pansies etc., will be the first ones inserted and then loads of others during the following months. Next year you can check which ones were the most successful to grow again or may not. Vegetables will not be suitable, as only flowers will do. I purchased everything online as Stationery shops are now closed. You can find details of how to dry your flowers on-line too. Most of us still have weeks of hardly anything to do so go on have a go. Kay Boswell
CEFN CRIBWR GARDENING CLUB February feels like a turning point in the garden, it’s still cold outside but there are signs of spring, bulbs slowly emerging from the ground and the days are getting longer at last! Now is an excellent time to create a garden pond, ready for the frogs when they seek water to spawn in, tadpoles feed on algae, keeping the pond clean, and kids love them, frogs love a good munch on slugs (Yuk!) so both helpful to the gardener. Check old seed packets are worth keeping, sow a few seeds on damp kitchen roll to see if they germinate (waste not want not!) Encourage birds into your garden (especially blue tits) by putting up nest boxes, a hungry brood will be fed many hundreds of dreaded caterpillars every day, as helpful as the frogs! Also birdsong in the morning is caffeine for the soul! Blitz perennial weeds in your beds, dig them up roots and all to get a head start on the blighters before the weather warms up. Did you know the February flower is the violet, this flower was declared the signature flower of Napoleon and was used to cover Josephine’s grave when she died. Ahh! Chris Early
PORTHCAWL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY By the time you read this our Stores in Heol y Goedwig will have been open for two weeks. We will be operating under strict Covid-19 rules, which will be rigidly enforced. Our back-up team of ‘youngsters’ will take over from the senior citizens who are patiently waiting for vaccinations so that they can continue to serve you as before. Please respect the staff, they’re all volunteers. Our Kings seed order has been delayed due to Covid-19 working arrangements and delivery is not expected until early February. Seed potatoes, onion sets and shallots are due the last week of January. The stores are well stocked ready for a busy gardening year and availability of supplies is very much back to pre-Covid. As the vaccination programme advances we hope to be able to return to our normal programme of trips and functions some time this year. Stay safe. Frank Fulgoni
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PORTHCAWL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY We are a friendly group of about 30 who love flowers. Prior to March we were meeting every other Wednesday evening at Awel Y Mor community centre at 7.30pm. We had a flower arrangement demonstration every 2 weeks to enjoy. Our tutor would arrange a Practice night on alternate sessions where we would learn how to make floral creations. We also have regular club outings and are affiliated to the National Association of Flower Arrangement Societies. We have invitations to their events and are regular contributors to local Flower Festivals. Last year we were unable to meet after March due to the Covid 19 pandemic and we still have no date to recommence. However we have a full programme transferred from last year and will be delighted to resume as soon as it is safe to do so. We would love to welcome new members as well as see our old members back at the club. We are keeping members informed by newsletters and also have a Facebook page. Please visit our Facebook page for up to date information. We wish everybody a belated Happy New Year. Alison Thomas, Club Secretary
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seaside news | 43
ARTS STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK Not much news to tell you, but I hope you’re all hanging in there. What’s refreshing to see is the number of streams local entertainers are putting out. A few worth checking out are top local D.J. Nigel Graham and wife Tina who are putting on a regular Northern Soul Night if you fancy a dance. Kenfig Hill’s Neil Diamond tribute act Jeff Phillips is worth a listen to if you’re a fan of Neil, while Nottage superstar Les Thomas churns out some great classic rock, so go on their Facebook sites for start times. I had a call from my songwriting partner, Daley B, to say he has a new studio in his home in Prague and asked if I had any new or old unfinished songs, and as luck would have it, I’d got hold of a four-track machine and been busy with ideas – thanks to the lock-down! Some of my songs need more lyrics, the odd verse and middle 8s, and some were written before I became a musical recluse! I’ll send Dale the demos and he can record them and add the fairy dust to give them our recognised sound. Keep your news coming. Stag Marks 07549 728356 Photo: Stag Marks
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PYLE & PORTHCAWL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY We recently held our 2021 Malcolm Nugent Portfolio Competition. Each member could enter a set of four digital images in the competition, one from each of the following genres: Abstract or Still Life, Landscape, Nature and People with 13 members entering. The event was held on Zoom due to the Coronavirus situation. Congratulations to John Corcoran who was the overall winner with 4 excellent images. We’re a very friendly camera club with a mix of male & 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 join us, our meetings are currently suspended due to the Coronavirus situation so we’re now holding competitions and presentations online instead. Our program is available at: www.pyle-porthcawl-ps.co.uk Geoff Baker
A FILM MAKER’S POINT OF VIEW ‘The Restoration of Sker House’ is one film I am particularly pleased to have made. The old house had been in a state of collapse for some years, and could so easily have been lost were it not for the intervention of the Buildings at Risk Trust and the funding that they secured to save it. I was able to persuade the powers-thatbe to allow me on site with my camera, and followed the work through from beginning to end. It was not without its moments of anxiety: the interior was in a precarious state but I still had to get lighting equipment into all the areas that needed to be filmed; taking my camera and tripod up on the scaffolding wasn’t the easiest of tasks, especially when there was a strong breeze blowing, as on the day when I filmed one of the tall chimneys being dismantled. 1999 seems a long time ago now, but that was the year when most of the work was done. You never know at the time how it’s all going to work out, but at the end of it the house was saved and there is a detailed record of how it was done. Anthony Hontoir Downwood Films 07510 934299 Photo: Anthony Hontoir filming at Sker House in 1999 44 | seaside news
Deadline date for the March issue is: Monday 15th February
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seaside news | 45
SPORT RUNNERS STILL GOING SOLO
TIDES High Tide: Larger Number (m)
Low Tide: Lower Number (m)
2021
FEB MAR
Porthcawl Runners began the new year in the same way the finished the last – by going solo. No less than 143 of the club’s members got 2021 off to a flying start last month having signed up to complete a ‘Twelfth Night’ 12km run. But this was no normal event. Lockdown restrictions meant the club could no longer stage the run as originally carefully planned on the evening of 5th January. Instead, the event was tweaked, with runners being given seven days to complete it anytime during the first week of January – individually or with members of their own household only, as per government guidelines. Events such as these have been a common theme over the past 11 months, but they also seen the club take on another dimension. In fact, since the pandemic forced shutdown last March, the club’s dedicated band of tireless volunteers and over 20 coaches have still managed to put on more than 65 virtual running events to keep their members engaged, motivated and, most importantly, running. Also, remarkably, the club has even been able to expand in that time to now in excess of 200 members. To find out more about the club visit www.porthcawlrunners.com Lucy Jones
REST BAY LIFEGUARD CLUB Welcome to the Nipper Section Our club’s Nipper section are aged between 7-13. As a Nipper your child will be taught surf safety, basic lifesaving skills, surf and beach sports (wading, surf swimming, boardpaddling, beach flags, beach sprints and relays). If you would like your child to learn important lifesaving skills, how to be safe in the sea and have loads of fun at the same time with like minded kids, then get in touch.
If you would like more information please contact: Nipper coordinator: Melanie - 07792 107340
46 | seaside news
Tide Times are BST adjusted (so no need to add an hour!). The time you see above is correct
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