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FEATURES
APPROPRIATE PUPPY PLAY
Puppies need much less exercise than fully grown adult dogs. You don’t want to overtire them as they are more prone to ‘bitey’ land shark moments or get up to more mischief! Safe play and exercise are essential for your puppy as their growth plates gradually close. These are the soft areas of cartilage that sit at the ends of the long bones and this closing process (endochondral ossification) is usually completed by the time your puppy is between approximately 12 and 18 months old. Until this time, your puppy is vulnerable to injury, their joints and bones can be easily damaged and this could cause the early onset of arthritis and/or degenerative joint disease.
DO;
• Pick your puppy’s play partners carefully when out at the park/beach. The last thing you want is for your puppy to have a negative rough interaction in this critical socialisation period as this could cause your pup to be fearful as an adult. • Be proactive, carry out a consent test. This is helpful for making sure both parties, whatever their age, are enjoying themselves. The more forward boisterous puppy is restrained for a few seconds. If the other puppy goes towards them and offers play signals, then it’s fine for the restrained puppy to be allowed to continue the play session. If the other puppy ambles off to sniff or explore away from the restrained one, then encourage both puppies to do their own exploring away from each other or play with a toy with their own guardians. • Practice your recall cue and playing with you when you’re around other dogs. • Look out for a ‘shake off’. This is where a puppy shakes their entire body when not wet, and happens when the puppy wants to calm down. It’s shaking off a bit of a stress in a positive way and the play partner will probably mirror this. If they don’t, then perform a consent test.
DON’T;
• Let your puppy play, or even meet other dogs all of the time, this can build up frustration pretty quickly. • Go to Puppy Parties or Socialisation Groups unless they’re run in a controlled manner. All of your puppy’s interactions should be short positive ones, NOT a free for all at this impressionable age. Puppies do not teach other puppies good manners! You want quality meetings, not quantity.
Julie Williams APDT IMDT South Wales Dog Training Academy.
Deadline date for the February issue is: SATURDAY 15TH JANUARY
BRIDGEND ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY - #BAS40
Last November, Bridgend Astronomical Society celebrated its 40th Anniversary! The milestone occasion was celebrated with a dinner and talk event with members at The Heronston Hotel & Spa. It was a glorious evening made even more special by the attendance of all three of the society’s founder members, Laurie Brophy, Frank Morris and Joan Hawkins. The society has gone from strength to strength in recent years and is currently enjoying its special anniversary season, dubbed #BAS40, with a packed schedule of talks, events and short courses! BAS encourages everyone who has a curious wonderment for the night sky and the universe around us to come and join! Everyone is welcome, especially juniors and families! For the first meeting of 2022, BAS welcomes back society friend and Cardiff Astronomical Society Chairman, Phill Wallace FRAS. Phill will deliver a talk about ‘The Perils of Time Travel!’ Members will have the opportunity for Q&A as well as enjoy our education slot and night sky round up for the month. Wednesday 19th January 7:30pm, Bridgend Tennis & Bowls Club Contact: secretary@bridgendastro.org.uk
Find us on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter www.bridgendastro.org.uk
THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES
Well folks, here we are again – the beginning of a new year! I am sure, like me, you are hoping for a better year this year! As we look forward to the New Year, I imagine we will have all sorts of fresh ideas and New Year’s resolutions. I can only speak from personal experience that any New Year’s resolution I have made over the years has been totally trumped by a new life in Jesus. At least for the reason of how God promises to strengthen and sustain us through the pressures of life, as we look to him in faith - and I think it’s safe to say, we could all do with some supernatural strength to keep facing life’s issues. But there is so much more. As they say, “the benefits of knowing God are out of this world”. God is good and full of love! In fact, you will not hear about this on the news, but many people in the world (particularly in the near east) are turning to Jesus for a new start, as he appears to them in dreams. It’s a bold statement but I believe that turning to Jesus in humility is the answer for all the problems of humanity!
NEIL HARVEY Through Christian Eyes
Since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, hundreds of volunteers in Bridgend County Borough have been helping to keep their communities tidy and litter free.
And now, Keep Wales Tidy is encouraging people to keep up the good work, providing a range of equipment and support to volunteers, including health and safety guidance.
Litter picking gadgets, hi-vis vests, bin bags and hoops can all be borrowed from litter picking hubs across the county borough where volunteers are also able to record exactly where and when a litter pick took place and how many bags of rubbish were collected online, helping to give an overall picture of the work going on.
There are currently litter picking hubs in Porthcawl, Pencoed, Pyle and Caerau with five more in the process of being set up.
Those who want to take part but can’t access a litter hub can register as a litter champion with Keep Wales Tidy and receive the same level of support. Alternatively, any groups can request advice and support from Keep Wales Tidy for one-off litter picks.
As well as being able to collect kit, residents can also join community groups or become a litter champion and benefit from Keep Wales Tidy’s support, health and safety, and insurance policies. For more information on becoming a litter champion, contact Brian Jones on 07824 504819. “Pick as you pass by making use of the free clean-up equipment at your local hub. It is essential that our communities, green spaces and beaches are kept clean and safe for everyone to enjoy. Together we can all make a difference.
Bridgend County Borough Council Deputy Leader Hywel Williams said: “I would like to thank all the residents who have gone out of their way to keep Bridgend County Borough clean and tidy during the pandemic, they have made a real difference for us all.
“We look forward to even more litter picking hubs opening in the near future and encourage all volunteers to sign up with Keep Wales Tidy in order to access the necessary kit as well as the relevant insurance, and health and safety policies.”
Lesley Jones, Chief Executive at Keep Wales Tidy, said: “Every one of us has a part to play. Not only is litter a blight on our local environment, but it has a significant impact on our health, wellbeing, and wildlife too. To register with Keep Wales Tidy or to find out more details on litter picking hubs in your area visit the Keep Wales Tidy website.
For more information, contact the Communications team on 01656 643217 / 643663. Email: communications@bridgend.gov.uk Website: www.bridgend.gov.uk
BRIDGEND SOROPTIMISTS LLAMAU DONATION
Bridgend Soroptimists have donated Christmas Cheer to Llamau Bridgend. A total of 50 washbags filled with ladies’ toiletries and 31 selection boxes for the children currently at the Refuge together with 30 Christmas cards were handed over on Saturday 4th December when a fundraising Festive Afternoon Tea was held at the home of former Club President Sharon Dixon. The event realised in excess of £300 for Llamau and SUTDA (STAND UP TO DOMESTIC ABUSE). Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/BridgendSoroptimists Website: sigbi.org/bridgen-and-district.
Eileen Bayley Publicity Officer, Bridgend Soroptimists
NEWTON WI
Vice President Pat Richards, who dealt with the monthly, opened the December meeting with WI business etc. This was followed by a turkey dinner, prepared and cooked by our President Jennifer. Everyone enjoyed the most delicious meal. Later we sang a selection of Christmas Carols by candlelight. The vote of thanks to Jennifer and the Committee was given by Lilian Marke. Also thanks to Judith Shaw who accompanied us for the carols. The evening was declared a great success. The Christmas tree festival at All Saints Church was once again an amazing sight. A big thank you to the Craft class for their expertise in displaying such a delightful tree. On November 23rd. the Glamorgan Federation organized an evening of 50s and 60s music at the Hi Tide Inn. The event was well attended and most entertaining, with everyone having a jolly time. A Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year to all from Newton WI.
M Freeman
3RD NEWTON BROWNIES CELEBRATE 60 YEARS
Brownies in Newton celebrated their 60th birthday in great style at the beginning of December with a fundraising dance-athon and Christmas party. Girls have been attending weekly Brownie meetings in Newton Schoolroom since 1st December 1961. Even in lockdown they continued to meet every week virtually and returned to face-toface initially outdoors and in September back in the schoolroom. Over the last sixty years, the Brownies have enjoyed all sorts of special activities including weekends at Gorwelion in Wig Fach, participating in Porthcawl Carnival, ice skating with Cardiff Devils Ice Hockey team and joining Brownies from all over Wales for a sleepover in the Principality Stadium to mark the Big Brownie (100th) birthday! Brown Owl Helen Murdoch said, “It was lovely to celebrate our 60th with a party all together – last year we had a virtual sleepover! I’ve been a leader with the unit for over 20 years and helped out for many years before that when my Mum, Ann Browning, was Brown Owl. I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s great to see the girls’ confidence grow as they try our new things and have fun and adventures.” Sarah-Jane Burns, a former Brownie and now leader with the unit, helped the girls organise the event. “Being a Brownie was an important part of my growing up and now sharing everything that Girlguiding has to offer with new generations is fantastic. I was so proud of the girls raising money for Children in Need whilst they celebrated. It certainly was a fitting way to mark 60 years of Brownies in Newton.”
Helen Murdoch Unit Leader (Brown Owl), 3rd Newton Brownies We give girls and young women a voice... and have done so for over 100 years! Find out more at www.girlguidingcymru.org.uk and www.girlguiding.org.uk
Wishing all our our readers a Happy New Year
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KIDNEY WALES
The Porthcawl fundraising Committee of Kidney Wales decorated a tree for the Rotary Christmas Tree Festival at All Saints Church, Porthcawl at the beginning of December 2021. The Church looked very festive with a wide range of trees all beautifully decorated. We have not been able to hold the usual Coffee mornings and other fundraising events because of the ongoing Pandemic but are hopeful that these will be able to go ahead in the near future. We wish all our supporters a Happy and Healthy New Year and hope to see you again soon.
Kathryn Roper
NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION – PORTHCAWL
November was a relatively quiet month, but we dealt with 6 logged incidents and monitored another 4. On the 22nd November, we were asked by HMCG to assist in a visual search for a person washed off a fishing vessel off Scarweather Sands. A CCTV scan was commenced immediately, a secure CCTV link established and within minutes the unmanned vessel was seen heading in a Northeasterly direction towards Rest Bay beach at approximately 15 knots. HMCG were advised and we were asked to maintain observation. Meanwhile, the fisherman was successfully recovered by Porthcawl RNLI, after his location was pinpointed by the Coastguard helicopter, transferred to Mumbles lifeboat and taken to safety. Both Porthcawl and Port Talbot Coastguard were also involved in this incident. We wish the fisherman a full recovery. One of our watchkeepers, Ian Cole, was awarded an OBE in the 2020 Queen’s New Year’s Honours but due to COVID, the Investiture was delayed until 3rd November 2021 at Windsor Castle. It was presented by The Princess Royal, Princess Anne in recognition of (primarily) Ian’s Services to Defence (MOD) but he was also highly commended for his services to HM Coastguard and his involvement with NCI and RNLI.
Nick Weedon Media Officer Porthcawl NCI
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MYNYDD CYNFFIG WI
Tuesday the 14th December and we meet in the Talbot Center where we had our Christmas party and a good time was had by all, Enid organised our entertainment Bingo and pass the parcel rounded off our party we left full of sandwiches, cake and trifle, clutching our secret Santa parcels. 2022 is the year we’re all looking forward to we’re all hoping for some normality with new members and new things for us to have a go learning, we’re all there for our members and the WI is a great way to meet friends and make new ones. We all hope you and your readers had a good Christmas and a happy new year and like us are looking forward to better times ahead.
Christine Callaghan
Deadline date for the February issue is: SATURDAY 15TH JANUARY
THE INNER WHEEL CLUB OF PORTHCAWL
All our members hope you had a lovely Christmas and wish you all a very happy and prosperous New Year. Our last 2021 meeting was attended by our DC Maria and while in Porthcawl, along with some members of the committee, she visited our new Honorary member Beryl, who celebrated her 100th birthday at the end of December. We had tea and cake together and gave her a Christmas arrangement, card and a100 balloon. We also had a Family Christmas Lunch in the Hi-Tide where both Inner Wheel and Rotary members enjoyed Christmas dinner along with their children and grandchildren who were lucky to have a visit from Father Christmas. Our next meeting is at 6pm on the first Tuesday in January at the Grove. We have lots to look forward to in 2022 so, if anyone is interested in finding out more about the Inner Wheel, please come along and meet us you will be made most welcome.
Liz Jones
TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE
We hope all our readers had a very good Christmas and a Happy New Year. This year will be a challenge for us as the Covid situation in Africa has curtailed our operations, making tool distribution difficult. Some projects are still going ahead and we are supporting these with kits of tools for various trades. We really appreciate your tool donations; unfortunately we are sending fewer tools so storage is becoming a problem. If you have tools to donate please call John on 01656 786367, he will advise you if we can accept them, please do not bring tools to the workshop as we may not have space for them. We have a special thank you to Haulwen Phillips, Haulwen makes delicious marmalade, which she sells and donates some of the proceeds to us, which we use to buy wood for us to make crates. The crates have to be made from 12mm plywood to specific sizes to fit into a container. The price of wood has risen considerably last year so we are grateful her contribution. We are desperately short of carpentry vices of all sizes; these are required for all carpentry tool kits, which make up the bulk of kits sent to Africa
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LIFE WITH PORTHCAWL LIONS
December saw us getting busier again with A really well attended Santa’s Grotto, much appreciated gifts and set-up, with the fun run happily back on Boxing Day, our club dinner enrolling new member Caroline, and lots of planning ahead. Highlight for January is our always enjoyed Burns Night - 7.00pm Jan 21st at the Hitide (tickets £30 - to include traditional meal and scotch drams -ha, bagpipes -ha-ha, ritual toasts - ha-ha-ha and dancing ho-ho-ho, from Aileen on eventspclions@gmail.com or from Porthcawl Museum.
Interested to join us contact a group of fun loving, community minded friends? Try membership@porthcawllions.com
ROTARY ROUNDUP
After having to cancel so many activities last year, Porthcawl Rotary was pleased to be able to resume activities leading up to Christmas. The Christmas Tree Festival went ahead at All Saints’ Church and was well attended by local people as well as visitors from further afield. The splendid display of trees were placed and decorated by schools, businesses and organisations in the Porthcawl area. The Carolcade went ahead, much to the excitement of local children who saw the decorated sleigh pass along their streets with Christmas music playing and Santa and Mrs. Christmas checking up on their gift requests and of course, the availability of mince pies when he calls!! The Rotary Postal Service was operational again this year and thousands of cards delivered to the right address (we hope!) by Rotarian posties; and a street collection was well supported by people shopping in the town. All monies raised will be donated to local charities and Porthcawl Rotary would like to thank all who attended and supported these activities with such generosity and wish everybody a happy and healthy New Year.
Rtn. Laurence Chilcott
