SEASIDE NEWS: July 2021 issue by Seaside News

PORTHCAWL | BRIDGEND EDITION

ESTABLISHED 1998

ISSUE 258 JULY 2021

HAND DELIVERED DIRECT TO LOCAL HOMES EVERY MONTH 20,000 COPIES

• 0% INTEREST FREE CREDIT

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COVER PHOTO: Mark J Davies, Porthcawl

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CASTLE DRIVEWAYS AND ARTIFICIAL GRASS Tel: 01656 710114 / Mob: 07922 155349 DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS, PATHS,

ARTIFICIAL GRASS

WE ALSO CLEAN AND REPAIR DRIVES FAMILY RUN BUSINESS FOR OVER 25 YEARS

seaside news | 3

YOUR ARTICLES, VIEWS, NEWS & REPORTS View the magazine online at: www.seasidenews.co.uk or via

ISSUU

Contact us Email: info@seasidenews.co.uk Website: www.seasidenews.co.uk Search Seaside News https://issuu.com/seasidenews

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

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.

Next deadline Thursday 15th July - for August issue.

Send us your article There is a 200 word limit on all FREE articles. We only accept articles sent via email. Please remember to TITLE your article and include your name and contact details. ALSO, DON’T FORGET TO RUN A SPELLING AND GRAMMAR CHECK PRIOR TO SENDING. Email your article attached as a word document, with any photos as separate attachments (JPEG).

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.

4 | seaside news

DP Heating & Plumbing

Install - Service - Repair

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seaside news | 5

SERVICING MOTS

Mark John CARPENTRY, KITCHENS & BATHROOMS

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Porthcawl: 07724 309912 markjohn@talktalk.net

A.L.S. BUILDING SERVICES of Porthcawl 20 years of building experience Email: alsbuildings@aol.com Tel: 01656 788690 / 07974 350 305 ALL ASPECTS OF BUILDING WORK UNDERTAKEN INCLUDING PLASTERING, BRICK AND BLOCK WORK, TILING, UPVC FASCIAS AND GUTTERING NO JOB TOO SMALL. CALL ANDREW FOR YOUR FREE ESTIMATE ON 01656 788690 OR 07974 350 305

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BOILE R BREA K D O W N S & R E P LA C E M E N TS SERVI C I N G LANDLO RD C ERT I FI CAT E S PLUMB I NG & H EA T I NG

T E L : 07833 205956 24, Victoria Terrace, Pyle, CF33 6PH Email: crober71@googlemail.com 6 | seaside news

O.A . Bridgend DISCOUNTP S Appliance Repairs Est. over 30 years

T: 01656 654008 / 07511 498944 Domestic Appliance Repairs Spares • Washers • Dryers Cleaners • Cookers • Dishwashers All repairs carried out in your home! FREE estimates • No call out charge

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CONSTRUCTION LTD COMPLETE BUILDING SERVICE 196 New Road, Porthcawl CF365BH Steve 07796 563784 Email info@bubbleconstruction.co.uk LOFTS EXTENSIONS KITCHENS BATHROOMS CONSERVATORIES GENERAL HOME IMPROVEMENTS

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Flooring & Carpet Cleaning Specialists. Flooring & Carpet Cleaning Specialists.

• View flooring in your own home and match to your colour scheme. • View your own home and match to your colour scheme. • We willflooring measureinand estimate FREE of charge without any obligation. • We will• measure and estimate FREE ofofcharge any obligation. We are suppliers of all ranges carpet,without vinyl, laminate • We are suppliers all ranges of carpet, vinyl, laminate and LVTof flooring all expertly fitted. and LVT flooring all expertly fitted.

WITH OVER 30 YEARS EXPERIENCE WITH OVER 30 YEARS Carpet Cleaning Zero EXPERIENCE Drying Time Carpet Cleaning Zero Drying Time » NO WAITING » NO DAMPNESS » NO INCONVENIENCE » NO WAITING » NO DAMPNESS » NO INCONVENIENCE Call Steve for a FREE ESTIMATE on 01656 648043 Callwww.steverichmond.co.uk Steve for a FREE ESTIMATE on 01656 648043 Web: Email: steve@steverichmond.co.uk Web: www.steverichmond.co.uk Email: steve@steverichmond.co.uk

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

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DOUBLE AWARD DOUBLE WINNING AWARD COMPANY WINNING 2019 COMPANY 2019

Collection And Deliveries Available Tel: 01656 768222Available Collection And Deliveries Email: admin@thecaringlaundry.co.uk Tel: 01656 768222 Email: admin@thecaringlaundry.co.uk

Visit us at: 18 Heol Trelales, Laleston, CF32 0HW to Steve Richmond Carpets Visit Next us at:door 18 Heol Trelales, Laleston, CF32 0HW Next door to Steve Richmond Carpets

seaside news | 7

LETTERS THE CHANNEL DRAGONS SWIM THE ENGLISH CHANNEL

Have your say info@seasidenews.co.uk the hall profitably for many years, including a recent partnership with Porthcawl Town Council to provide public facilities during Covid lockdowns, and they are now looking for new volunteers to keep up the good work of the Committee. We particularly welcome anyone interested or able to help with the roles of Treasurer and Secretary. Ideal for an active retiree looking to put something back into their local community, or for someone with a bit of spare time or experience who is able to help. The committee meets every 3 months, with any help in between always welcomed. For anyone interested please contact Barrie Morse, Chairman, on mobile: 07882 065507

Send us your letter

Email: info@seasidenews.co.uk Dear Editor, A team 5 local swimmers ‘The Channel Dragons’ swim the English Channel - Tracy Carlson & Tom Chapman from Porthcawl, Ros Edmonds (Efail Isaf), Andy Shanahan (Bridgend), and Sian Jakeman (Brynna) - 6am on 5th June. 1st swimmer is standing at the base of the white cliffs of Dover in only bathers, hat & goggles. The horn sounds on the boat, the cue to swim to France that is hidden in the morning haze. The waters are turquoise blue, with the occasional bright white rock that can easily be mistaken for a large jellyfish/shark when viewed through the side of your goggles. Soon it’s the shipping lane, the waters are a deep blue, cold & bottomless, and it’s like a game of ‘Frogger’ with the humungous Container ships. Next OH NO it’s the no-go- zone, the equivalent to the motorway middle reservation, where all the jellyfish and crap hide out, and the odd friendly sea bird. Next ooh la la, warmer French waters, the sun is out, & you can almost smell the pan au chocolat, or is that just your teammate being sick for the 5th time!? Finally it’s the dance around the cap with the French coastline so close but yet so far. But after 13hours 10 minutes they did it. Tracey Carlson, Porthcawl

GRIFFIN PARK COMMUNITY HALL IS LOOKING FOR A NEW TREASURER

RHYS WILLIAMS LTD. IS A ‘WORCESTER ACCREDITED’ COMPANY.

Find our reviews on:

12yr guarantee on parts and labour when your new Worcester boiler is installed by us. • Servicing • Breakdowns • Powerflushing • System upgrades • Gas Safe registered

Dear Editor, The busy and friendly community hall on New Road, Porthcawl is looking for people to join its committee, and currently looking for a volunteer Treasurer. The hall is an essential local amenity used by regular groups including Bridgend farmers market, the judo club, bingo group, and lots more. The committee has run 8 | seaside news

07968 963956 and 01656 332325.

NOW IS THE TIME TO GIVE YOUR GAS BOILER A SUMMER SERVICE Covid-19 safety procedures in place

SERVICING MOTS

Gas • Heating • Plumbing Servicing, Maintenance & Repair Carbon Monoxide can kill! Give your boiler the clean it deserves Gas boiler service from £40 Gas fire service from £25 Gas safety certificate from £50 Legionella risk assessments from £65 1 Hour timeslots so you don’t have to wait in all day. Reliable local service • No job too small “Thank you for your prompt and reliable service – it makes a refreshing change!” Mrs Morgan Kenfig Hill

Carl Williams • HeatSafe Ltd T: 01656 772355 M: 07870 567112

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KITCHEN & BATHROOM INSTALLATIONS FIND US ON FACEBOOK

M DAVIES PROPERTY We can do MAINTENANCE it all! • SUPPLIERS AND FITTERS OF NO JOB TOO BENCHMARX KITCHENS’ SMALL! • BUILDING • ROOFING We do • ELECTRICAL WORK • PLUMBING all the • PLASTERING & RENDERING work • CARPENTRY – from the roof • WINDOWS & DOORS • LANDSCAPING to the garden! • DECKING OVER 40 YEARS IN THE TRADE AND STILL GOING STRONG!

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TELEPHONE: 07970 162360 seaside news | 9

BOOKS NEW BOOKS AT PORTHCAWL LIBRARY FICTION

CRUSADER Ben Kane

WORST IDEA EVER Jane Fallon

LEFT YOU DEAD Peter James

THE PERFECT LIE Jo Spain

FORTUNE’S DAUGHTER Dilly Court

FINDING ASHLEY Danielle Steel

WAR LORD Bernard Cornwell

SIX TUDOR QUEENS: THE SIXTH WIFE Alison Weir

WIN Harlan Coben

THE MAN WITH THE SILVER SAAB Alexander McCall Smith STARRY STARRY NIGHT Marcia Willett THE SUBSEQUENT WIFE Priscilla Masters SECOND PLACE Rachel Cusk

CIRCUS OF WONDERS Elizabeth McNeal y

NON FICTION PHILIP: THE FINAL PORTRAIT Gyles Brandreth THE LAST LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER John Cook with Jon Bauer THE GHOST IN THE GARDEN: IN SEARCH OF DARWIN’S LOST GARDEN Jude Piesse

NOT DARK YET Peter Robinson 21ST BIRTHDAY James Patterson THE LADY OF THE LAKE Peter Guttridge

RHS: 50 WAYS TO OUTSMART A SQUIRREL AND OTHER GARDEN PESTS

THE FALLS Ian Rankin

KATE BLADON Facebook: PorthcawlLibrary | PyleLibrary Porthcawl Library Tel: 01656 754845 | 01656 754850 Email: porthcawl.library@awen-wales.com pyle.library@awen-wales.com

Safer, Better & Reliable Electrial Services A.M. Electrical can make your home a brighter space

Your Local and Friendly Electrician info@amelectrical.business

Tel: 07867 695277 10 | seaside news

THE LAST THING HE TOLD ME - by Laura Dave Due to be adapted into a TV series featuring Julia Roberts, The Last Thing He Told Me is a story of intrigue, where Hannah’s husband Owen, disappears. Before he vanishes, he manages to get a note to his wife with the message “Protect her.” Owen wants Hannah to protect his stepdaughter, Bailey, who wants very little to do with Hannah. Time passes: neither the police nor Hannah can get a hold of Owen. His boss is arrested for fraud, and Owen’s true identity is questioned. In an attempt to find out the truth, Hannah and Bailey go on a trip to reveal Owen’s past, but will not be prepared for what they uncover.

DECORATIVE AGGREGATE

PAVING BLOCKS AND SLABS

DECORATIVE WALLING

RANGE OF DECKING

FENCING & WOOD CARE

COMPLETE TOOL RANGE

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR PAINTS

PORCELAIN TILES

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RANGE OF FIXINGS

WOODEN SLEEPERS

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• Decorative Stone • Decking & Fencing • Paints • Screws & Fixings • Plumbing Supplies • • Electrical Products • Timber Supplies • Plasterboards • Range of Tools • Bricks & Blocks • • Sandstone and Porcelain Tiles • Wooden & Composite Decking Ranges • And Much More • BE INSPIRED! COME VISIT THE TEAM AT: PORTHCAWL ROAD, SOUTH CORNELLY CF33 4RE

T: 01656 742830 / E: enquiries@braceys.co.uk / W: www.braceys.co.uk

MON - FRI: 7:00am - 5:00pm / SAT: 7:00am - 4:00pm seaside news | 11

PHOTOGRAPHS HA HA HA

BEE & DANDELION

Anthony Arcari, Kenfig Hill

LIFE SAVERS IN ACTION

Marilyn Cook, Bridgend

SAND DUNES AT CONEY

Ray Lewis, Bridgend

MARINE BIOLOGY

Jan Sansom, Porthcawl 12 | seaside news

Anthony Callaghan, Porthcawl

Email us your pictures info@seasidenews.co.uk

SPRING BLOOM

SUNSET AT REST BAY

James Page, Porthcawl

THE TREE AT KENFIG POOL

Divya Christopher, Bridgend

PORTHCAWL PIER

Kimberley Cavill, North Cornelly

PORTHCAWL SEAFRONT

Eoin Howells, Porthcawl

Alan Thomas, Bridgend seaside news | 13

PHOTOGRAPHS DRIFTWOOD

PORTHCAWL SUNSET

Sharon Roberts, Penyfai

Keith Murton, Margam Village

MARGAM PARK

BRYNGARW PARK

Pat Lathey, Penyfai

BLUE SKY & BOATS

Alun Betty, Bridgend

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. Maria Howe, Porthcawl 14 | seaside news

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Unit 9, Village Court, Village Farm Ind Est, Pyle CF33 6BX

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Call Steve on: 01656 785337 Or Freephone: 0800 9774996 seaside news | 15

RS EA

EBRATING 40 CEL Y

& THE W EST

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Why Not Spread The Cost With Our Fantastic Finance Options? With Our Flexible Payment Plans Your Dream Home Could Be Closer Than You Think.

T: 0800 975 9222 E: sales@dunravenwindows.com Credit is subject to status and affordability. Braceys Limited, St. David’s House, Heol Mostyn, Village Farm Industrial Estate, Pyle, Bridgend, CF33 6BJ, trading as Dunraven Windows, is a credit broker and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Credit is provided by a panel of lenders with whom we have a commercial relationship. We may receive a commission from the lenders.

Gordon Watt SCAFFOLDING SERVICES

Scaffolding for all aspects of building work Family run business 20 years experience Fully insured No hire charge Free quotations

Call Gordon on 07804 955067

Richard & Sarah Mustoe Independent Funeral Directors

• Modern Funeral Home • Flexible to Suit Your Needs • Private Parking and Disabled Access

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Address: 75 New Road, Porthcawl CF36 5DH (opposite Griffin Park) Tel: 01656 783699 Day or Night For further information on the services we provide visit www.porthcawlfuneralservices.co.uk or find us on Facebook Serving Porthcawl and the whole of Bridgend County seaside news | 17

HEALTH

Email your article info@seasidenews.co.uk

COST OF CANCER

CILPARC DEFIBRILLATOR HAND-OVER

Well I’m sat here at my desk and the weather’s glorious, at last I find myself saying. I know I’m still going on, but we really do need some fresh ideas for fundraising so if anyone has got some ideas, please do share. I can safely say that we will not be putting the Valley to Coast Walk on this August, but if some of you would like to do the 18 miles over the month of August again as you did it last year, please do feel free, but if you could let us know that would be great. If you or you know someone who may be struggling with the financial impact that having cancer has on families, then please do get in touch, or pass our details on. They can get in touch via our email address info@costofcancer.org.uk or they can use the contact us page on our website. We can help with things like gas, electric, council tax etc. All the bills that do still need to be paid. Anyone who gets in touch will be treated with the upmost privacy. We will not sell your details onto anyone else because we do not believe it is right to do so. Your details are just that, your details. Please do keep an eye out on our social media platforms, Facebook, and Instagram. 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. Take care of yourself and of others. COVID has not gone away fully yet. We do not want to find ourselves in another unfortunate lockdown. Nicky, Emma & Cath Trustees

Following the relaxation of COVID restrictions we have been able to hold the formal hand-over the Public Access Defibrillator (PAD) located at the Premier Stores, Cil-Parc, Porthcawl. This installation makes the total number of 24/7 PAD’s in the Porthcawl communities that the Porthcawl Community First Responders maintain and support to 15. Once again, this installation is the result of people working together for the benefit of Porthcawl and we are extremely grateful to Mr Frank Fulgoni and the other members of the Porthcawl Horticultural Society for funding the cabinet and the defibrillator, as well as to the others involved in facilitating the installation – Joanne Thomas of Valleys-2-Coasts, The Mayor of Porthcawl, Cllr Brian Jones and Mr Dee Patel of the Cil-Parc Premier Stores. The photographs show Mr Frank Fulgoni handing the defibrillator into the custody of Porthcawl Community First Responder Liam Ferris in the presence of Joanne Thomas, Cllr Brian Jones, Mr Dee Patel and the Porthcawl Mayor Consort Cllr Nora Clarke. As the COVID restrictions continue to ease we will be looking to resume the free CPR and Defibrillator Awareness & Practice sessions for local people shortly. Roger Slennett Porthcawl Community First Responders Email - info@porthcawl-cfr.org.uk

PREBIOTIC FOODS Prebiotic foods are high in special types of fiber that support digestive health. They promote the increase of friendly bacteria in the gut, help with various digestive problems, and even boost your immune system. Prebiotic foods have also been shown to improve metabolic health and even help prevent certain diseases. Since fiber content of these foods may be altered during cooking, try to consume them raw rather than cooked to gain the full health benefits. With a variety of options available, you can take your time to find the best prebiotic foods for yourself and your gut. On the list are, Apples, Bananas, Jerusalem Artichoke, Garlic, Onions, Leeks, Asparagus and Oats. Not to be confused with PROBIOTICS, read more at www.healthline.com/nutrition. Supplied by Glyn Hardwicke

OUR HAPPY PLACE What is your favourite happy place and how do you get there? Is it music, smell, touch, taste, memory, sight or sound? We all have these happy triggers that we are in control of yet how often do we give away these enjoyable moments and choose to be distracted in this high-tech world by our “box of choice”, TV; mobile, tablet; radio or computer? When you see someone outside and you are not in the mood to talk you simply nod and walk on. Yet every day we bring any number of uninvited guests into our home via “our box of choice”. People who we would not engage in conversation outside are now up close and personal, with images telling us how to look and behave. Take a moment, is this ok and can we stop? Why fill our precious moments this way when we could be enjoying ourselves, planning a future trip , walking, gardening, cooking a new simple meal, or reading a book with messages of adventure, fun or love. The challenge is to be yourself in a high-tech world that is trying to make you like everybody else. Pause, take a breath and smile inwards. Now where is my bucket and spade? Margaret Brown

R.e.M

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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.

4 8 3 1 5 6

Daily Sudoku puzzle No. 5363

3 7 1 6 2 4 9

7 9

2 5 9 7 3 8

6 1 4 7 3 8 5

1 8 3 5 9 6 2

2 5 7 4

Word Search

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

6 9 1

6 1

2 6

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NEWS LOTS TO ENJOY IN PORTHCAWL THIS SUMMER People can enjoy Porthcawl’s stunning coastline this summer safe in the knowledge that RNLI Lifeguard patrols are in place once more. Using funding from Bridgend County Borough Council and Parkdean Resorts, the lifeguard patrols will cover Rest Bay, Sandy Bay, Coney Beach and Trecco Bay between 10am-6pm, all through the summer season until 5 September. The RNLI are reminding visitors to only swim between red and yellow flags, to supervise children at all times, and to call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard if they spot an emergency taking place. A team of all-new Welcome Stewards will also be on hand to support visitors and tourists over the summer. They will offer advice and information about nearby attractions, amenities, public transport, car parking, beach safety, public toilets and more. First Cymru’s open-top Cymru Coaster service is already operating between Trecco Bay and Rest Bay, and Emmaus’ new Porthcawl land train is preparing to launch. This will operate between Sandy Bay and Rest Bay, connecting the town centre with the seafront and taking in key stops along the way. All of this forms part of our efforts to support the visitor economy, and to help local businesses recover from the pandemic. COUNCILLOR CHARLES SMITH Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration Bridgend County Borough Council 01656 643643 www.bridgend.gov.uk

COSY CORNER PLANS TAKE SHAPE

Our plans to invest more than £1.8m into new facilities at Cosy Corner are gathering pace. We want Cosy Corner to remain an iconic seafront location capable of supporting regeneration plans for Porthcawl, and with Visit Wales considering a funding application for £1m, the council has agreed to commit an additional £885,000. The plans include an all-new stone and glass-clad building that will feature new premises suitable for retail and start-up enterprises, new meeting space for community use, a parade square for the Sea Cadets, an office for the harbour master and changing facilities for marina users. If funding allows, plans are also in place for new landscaping, public seating, a Changing Places toilet, children’s play area and 22 | seaside news

a canopy structure capable of providing comfortable outdoor shelter from rain and the sun. It is important to note that the plans must be realistic and capable of being delivered within certain parameters, including a narrow budget. To support this, some early designs have been produced which demonstrate our ambitions for how the available funding could be used to provide new community facilities at Cosy Corner. We will also organise pubic engagement to ensure that people can comment on the plans before they are finalised. COUNCILLOR HYWEL WILLIAMS Deputy Leader Bridgend County Borough Council Tel: 01656 643643 www.bridgend.gov.uk

Deadline date for the August issue is: Thursday 15th July

£6.4M SCHEME TO PROTECT HOMES AND BUSINESSES Work is progressing on the next phase of our Coastal Risk Management Programme, which is focusing on the iconic Western Breakwater. This £6.4m scheme will defend Porthcawl from flooding and any potential future rise in sea levels. Construction specialists Knights Brown have set up a compound on land at Salt Lake and are carrying out extensive renovation and refurbishment works on the internal structure of the 200-year-old breakwater, which still features its original wooden core. Built in the 1820s, the Western Breakwater was extended in the 1860s. In recent years, it has become world-famous thanks to dramatic photographs of the huge waves, which crash over it during storms, high tides and severe weather. Improved flood defences will also be installed along the Eastern Promenade between Porthcawl Marina and Coney Beach, and into Sandy Bay as far as Rhych Point. The work has been jointly funded by Welsh Government and Bridgend County Borough Council, and follows the success of the recent £3m sea defences created at Town Beach. As well as securing future development in the Salt Lake area, it will also keep more than 500 homes and over 170 businesses safe from the devastating effects of flooding for both current and future generations. COUNCILLOR HUW DAVID Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council Tel 01656 643643 www.bridgend.gov.uk

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FIRST COLUMN FROM SARAH MURPHY I am delighted to have been elected as your Member of the Senedd for Bridgend and Porthcawl just over a month ago. I’m still incredibly thankful for being given the opportunity to represent you all in the Senedd, and I will do my very best to ensure your voices are heard. As the late, great former First Minister Rhodri Morgan said, devolution is about bringing power closer to the people of Wales and that is what I intend to do bring power closer to the people of Bridgend and Porthcawl. As quick round up, it’s been a very first month, meeting with local businesses, community groups and charities, visiting the wonderful staff at Princess of Wales Hospital, and helping with lots of different issues impacting our community including Long COVID, protecting green spaces and business support. If you would like to get in touch with me then you can reach me at sarah.murphy@senedd.wales – please bear with me as I get my office up and running. Rest assured, I am, of course, prioritising local issues and messages from constituents SARAH MURPHY MS Member of the Senedd for Bridgend

NEW ERA AND NEW HOPE FOR KENFIG NATURE RESERVE News that a new management structure has been put in place for Kenfig National Nature Reserve is very welcome. There has been a lot of concern in the community about what would happen to the reserve once BCBC gave up its lease at the end of 2019 and it reverted to the control of its owners, the Kenfig Corporation. Since then, attempts were made to involve various bodies and wildlife charities in its running but these came to nothing. The Corporation has now appointed two of its directors – chairman Brian Davies and Simon Tucker – to run the reserve and they have put in place a new manager. They are also employing a warden. Appeals are being made for volunteers to help out as used to happen in the past. An open day is taking place in July when local people will have the chance to talk about the plans for the reserve going forward. I hope that a new chapter is beginning in the story of the Kenfig Nature Reserve. But the whole community will be keeping a close eye on what happens in the future to this very important area of dunes and grassland which is home to rare species like the Fen Orchid and the Carver bumblebee. TOM GIFFARD Welsh Conservative regional Senedd member for South Wales West

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NEWS

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ACCESS TO DENTISTS MUST BE IMPROVED

NEW PORTHCAWL MAYOR - FIRST COLUMN

I am troubled by the number of constituents getting in touch about delays in getting dental treatment. Dental practices have been hard hit throughout the pandemic and I was given an insight into the problems when I spoke to a local dentist. He explained that Aerosol Generating Procedures, which would include fillings, were banned for a long time and can only now be carried out if the room is vacated for an hour afterwards to allow any spray to settle and then subjected to a deep clean of all surfaces. This means that the throughput of patients is vastly reduced. I took part in a debate in Parliament when I raised the issue of primary care providers in Wales remaining under an amber alert, which means that in many cases only emergency treatment can be provided. UK Health Minister Matt Hancock said that while health care in Wales is devolved, he works closely with Welsh Government to improve the delivery of NHS services across the board. He has promised to raise this matter in his talks with the Welsh health minister to see if something can be done to speed up access to dental services in Wales.

As I write this column the sun is shining, residents and visitors are on the beach and around Porthcawl enjoying themselves. Cafés, shops and pubs can welcome customers once again and providing we all take care then hopefully we can get back to some normality. Restrictions on travel abroad has encouraged significant numbers of people to rediscover what Porthcawl and other Welsh seaside towns have to offer. Hopefully visits to the seaside will become a regular part of a wider family leisure experience. Talking of leisure and the years of regeneration plans for Porthcawl there is now an opportunity for residents and business owners to engage in the consultation of proposed development areas within the County Borough and in particular Porthcawl. Time is running out to respond to the Replacement Local Development Plan (LDP) consultation, which ends on July 27th. it is very important that residents view the consultation and make their views known. The LDP identifies areas of land and land uses available and includes significant development on Salt Lake and Sandy Bay. Along with Maesteg and the Llynfi Valley, Porthcawl is denoted as a regeneration growth area with a continued commitment to brownfield development opportunities within these settlements. The consultation can be accessed ‘on-line ‘and can be accessed through the BCBC website and searching for ‘consultations’ to access the Replacement Local Development Plan.

JAMIE WALLIS MP for Bridgend

PORTHCAWL NEEDS SITES FOR CAMPER VANS AND TOURERS PORTHCAWL relies on the tourism sector to provide many jobs in the town both directly and indirectly. While there is good news at Trecco where new investment in upgrading facilities is underway, the future provision for touring caravans is in question. The new owners of Happy Valley have closed down their touring caravan site with a loss of 80 pitches so they can focus on facilities for permanent caravans. A further 120 pitches may be lost at Nottage where the new owners of the site will also focus on pitches for permanent caravans. This means that people wishing to visit Porthcawl for a couple of days in their camper vans or towing their caravans will be hard pressed to find somewhere to stay. Some pitches are available at the Hi Tide but attempts to create a larger site on the old Sandy Bay caravan park have so far failed. I will be contacting BCBC, which owns Sandy Bay, to see if some of the land there can be leased to plug this gap in provision for tourists in Porthcawl. I know Sandy Bay is earmarked for housing development but it may be many years before this plan is realised and an alternative use may be possible now. DR ALTAF HUSSAIN Welsh Conservative Regional MS for South Wales West

24 | seaside news

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SCHOOLS

Email us your report to: info@seasidenews.co.uk

PORTHCAWL PRIMARY SCHOOL

ST CLARE’S SCHOOL

This term we have had two great pieces of news. Firstly, for the seventh year running, we have been selected as a Literacy Lead Practitioner School for Central South Consortium. We will continue to work with primary schools throughout Bridgend, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr Tydfil, Cardiff and The Vale of Glamorgan to develop reading and writing skills. At PPS we have a strong focus on Literacy development and are extremely proud of the amazing level of writing our children produce. As one of only three primary schools selected, we are very excited about sharing our practice again this year. The second piece of good news is that our year 6 pupils were shortlisted as one of Britain’s funniest classes of 2021! The competition was run in The Beano and involved the pupils making up lots of jokes. We were very happy to be selected as one of the top 10 in the UK and have our fingers crossed that we could be crowned Britain’s funniest class! You can find out more about us through the school website or Facebook page. You are also very welcome to contact me for a chat on the number below or email admin.porthcawlprimary@ bridgend.gov.uk. Jo Rowley, Head Teacher

We are looking forward to the end of this school year. Fortunately, we were in a very different position to many schools during all three lockdowns. We moved every year group from Nursery to Sixth Form to our Remote Learning Programme so pupils benefitted from a fully interactive, structured timetable with the same high-quality teaching, interaction with peers and teachers as well as assessment, marking and teacher feedback. To quote one of our parents, “They haven’t missed a beat.” Within and outside the classroom, we provide opportunities for students to develop skills and character-traits to positively enhance and shape their future, and those of others. We welcomed Forces Fitness who delivered an exciting and inspiring day of health, well-being, and resilience sessions for senior and sixth form students. Instructors (ex or serving members of the armed forces) put students through military-style command tasks and fitness challenges: mini assault courses, tug of war competitions, gladiator-style challenges and team-building challenges. It was an absolute honour to meet Captain Tom Moore’s daughter Hannah recently on a video call. She thanked pupils for raising £2,357.97 for the Captain Tom Foundation, spoke about her father’s life and legacy, and answered many, many questions from pupils. Helen Hier, Head Teacher

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seaside news | 27

POEMS

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REST BAY

MAY THE 29TH

THE SUNFLOWER

Come here to rest oh fair one, Come here to rest, to pray. Ah, it would be more helpful if only you could stay. And yet you have to leave here but ere you may return, if only in your mind’s eye to gain the comfort that you yearn. Sian Owen, Porthcawl

May the twenty ninth, A day that changed my life. No longer was I single, I became your loving wife.

A flashing amber sunflower For the Brave New ‘normal’ World, Heralds a golden summer. Bold, blinking, with fiery acrylic rays And wispy, waving wands Of watercolour washes, Burnished into a burning heart. Food for thought And for the birds in winter. Her greetings are convivial company, A perfect subject for Art, Through which I sense the fields in France Across the years in which they grew. Their striking splendour, damp and rustic, Like the cottage in Chenavel, Poncin, With a large, old, creaking bed in its rafters, Conversation at evening by an open fire, Huddled in a shawl. “Comment ca vas? How’s life these days? “Ca vas bien” those days reply, Almost hidden from view, Before the blushing, vermilion sunset closes in. Sally Richards, Porthcawl

PETAL “Don’t leave me Petal” I constantly said. You chose me that day and slept on my bed. You soothed me throughout my darkest days, When it was sometimes hard to see through the haze. Under the duvet on times we’d cuddle, You comforting me through all that muddle. You’d raise your head and lick my tears, Wiping away all my fears. You always helped to make me laugh, Remember the day I found you in the bath! You loved all the dogs who came to stay especially when you stared and teased and taunted them to play! You left me Petal. But you’re out of your pain. You’ll always be near until we meet again. Sue McAllister, Porthcawl

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My father walked me down the aisle, And left me by your side. A young and happy couple, A bridegroom and his bride. Our wedding vows were spoken, You gently took my hand. On my special finger You placed that wedding band. We worked and saved together, To buy our special place. Three children quickly followed, Painting smiles upon our face. That special day stays in our hearts, A memory so clear. It was in nineteen seventy one So fifty years this year! Judy Dee, Porthcawl

ADDICTION An enemy is creeping Yes, stealthily seeking To bind us with chains forged with evil and spite But we’ll fear not his malice As with Samson a-sleeping No, we’ll fear not his chains But rise, escape from this plight. But, as spider his victim would bind ever closer See, the chains of our foe now heavier cling Wake up, man of God, beware of your danger That hinders your service to Christ who is king He surely will help you, break chains that would hinder Rise up now and fight for He victory will bring. Pauline Lewis, Porthcawl

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THE GREATEST GIFT Oh what a gift to be alive, to gaze out at the sea To feel the sand beneath my feet, the still tranquility Oh what a gift to be alive, to walk amongst the trees Get lost in nature’s tiny worlds amongst the birds and bees Oh what a gift to be alive the patter of the rain, the rumble off thunder, the flash of light that fills my window pane Oh what a gift to be alive, to see seasons rise and fall and appreciate that being alive is the greatest gift of all. Eve Victoria, Porthcawl

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seaside news | 29

FEATURES

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PUPPY DIARIES

PORTHCAWL ROTARY

Congratulations, you’re getting a puppy! Here’s a checklist of essential things you’re going to need or do before puppy comes home: • Make an appointment for a prepuppy consultation with a qualified Trainer, especially if this is your first puppy or if you haven’t had a puppy for a while. This will save you time, money and your sanity! • Puppy proof your home and garden. Safely contain anything dangerous like cables and wires. Learn to identify poisonous plants and dangerous foods. • Safety and management equipment, a crate, x-pen and baby gates can be invaluable. • A comfy bed and blankets. • Toys that rustle or squeak, have different textures and shapes. A Heartbeat Teddy for cwtching up to at night. • Enrichment toys for mental stimulation. These are important because puppies ’t do a lot of physical exercise, this ensures they grow properly and prevents injuries. • Chew toys. Get lots of these to guarantee your puppy’s teething period goes smoothly. Also needed for redirecting your puppy onto, instead of, chewing your antique coffee table leg! • Enzymatic cleaner for those unavoidable puppy accidents. I don’t recommend puppy pads as they give the puppy permission to toilet in the house which is exactly what you’re trying to avoid. • 2 bowls, non-slip ones or use a feeding mat. I prefer ceramic as they won’t tip easily and don’t seem to cause puppy acne. • A lightweight puppy collar, harness and 2 leads. 1 lightweight normal length lead and a puppy long line for safety when teaching your puppy to come to call. • An ID tag. This is a legal requirement for when your puppy is allowed outside in public places. It must have your surname and address, including postcode. I always put my phone number on it, but this is optional. • A basic grooming kit suitable for your particular puppy. When picking up your puppy, you should receive: • A blanket that Mum and siblings have slept on. • Microchip details so you can change and register the puppy in your name. • Any relevant documents. • Food that the breeder was feeding the puppies. Other helpful information: • Register with a Veterinary Practice. • Get insurance. • Buy an up-to-date puppy book. I recommend ‘Easy Peasy Puppy Squeezy’ by Steve Mann. • Have a basic First Aid kit, including a tick remover. E-booklet available: Perfect Puppy Blueprint https://www.southwalesdogtrainingacademy.com/ebooklets/ Julie Williams APDT IMDT South Wales Dog Training Academy

Eleven members of Porthcawl Rotary read excerpts from Under Milk Wood with a performance, which rivalled that of Richard Burton’s famous radio version. We can’t say it was better but it certainly was different! It was, of course, performed virtually via Zoom. Alun Jones selected the pieces and his daughter, Alison Thomas, was our director. Alison was somehow able to transform the rather self-conscious Rotarians into the characters they were portraying as the saucy inhabitants of Llaregyb. There were outstanding performances from Sally Corbett as Myfanwy Price and Mrs. Cherry Owen matched by Hugh Moatt and Jeff Perren as Mr. Mog Edwards and Mr. Cherry Owen. Carol Llewellyn as Mrs. Beynon and Mrs. Pugh gave Clive Edwards as Mr. Pugh a hard time. Alison played Mrs. Ogmore Pritchard who was particularly unkind to Andrew Singer and Jonathan Lewis as the deceased husbands Mr. Ogmore and Mr. Pritchard. Sandra Townsend was excellent as poor Lily Smalls who nobody loves. Denzil Gould read Eli Jenkins’ prayer and Dylan Thomas’s evocative poem ‘Do not go gentle into that good night’. The whole performance was kept together by Laurence Chilcott as the narrator. Rtn Robert Lee & Andrew Singer

30 | seaside news

MYNYDD CYNFFIG WI Tuesday 8th June and we were back at last in the Talbot Center Kenfig Hill it was such a great feeling meeting our old and new members. All Covid regulations were observed and we’ll be meeting there on the 2nd Tuesday of the month 2pm to 4pm. You couldn’t hear yourself speak above the chatter of old and new friends. We discussed with our members what they would like to be doing in the months ahead, with members deciding what groups they would like to carry on with, scrabble, walking, luncheon club, raffles etc. We had celebrated our 70th anniversary during lock down and we received a certificate from Federation House, which we showed our members. We had tea or coffee and our secretary Enid had made cake for all of us, it was such a great feeling to sit and watch our friends having refreshments just like we used to do and here’s hoping that it’s going to be onwards and upwards for Mynydd Cynffig WI. Christine Callaghan

COYCHURCH WI A successful meeting was held on June 1st in The White Horse, Coychurch after not been able to meet formally since March 2020. This is a temporary venue at present due to the restoration works being carried out in The Williams Memorial Hall. Future events planned for this year include a scavenger hunt, a garden picnic, a coach trip, a skittles evening & buffet and a Christmas lunch. We meet again on Tuesday, July 6th between 1-3pm in The White Horse, Coychurch and new members are very welcome to come along. For further details on events please contact Sandra Davidson on 01656 669232. Janet James

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FEATURES PORTHCAWL U3A

Our new ‘Strollers’ group are pictured meeting in the sun in June. Some walked from Nottage, others from town and one or two along the beaches from Newton. Coffee was available from the Fairways coffee cart, but the big deal was that we were out there together; we were actually allowed to meet! Other groups, like our walkers have met to walk, our cyclists are cycling, other energetic folks are playing Table Tennis and some groups are carefully starting indoors, but can I suggest to those of you without the level of energy required to join the ones just mentioned, that meeting friends feels especially good after all we have been through, especially for those not ready to meet indoors yet. So do come along and meet those of us who will be ‘Strolling’ on until more groups are started up again. See your newsletter for dates or contact ‘mag@porthcawlu3a.org.uk’ Sally A Corbett Chair

INNER WHEEL CLUB OF PORTHCAWL On Thursday 13th May, District 15 of the inner wheel Club held its first Virtual International Rally. It was attended by over 40 members from various clubs and was hosted by District Chairman Helen Starkey. To start the meeting 3 candles of friendship were lit. One in memory of past members, one for those present- day members who are working hard to keep IW going during the pandemic and one for the future of Inner Wheel. We were given a very interesting talk on Water Aid and WASH by Gloria Perez, who explained that sanitation and hygiene are just as important as clean drinking water and that the charity depends on donations from individuals, legacies and corporate groups for its funding. Helen informed us that the go ahead has been given for the formation of new online groups under the banner of iwheel, for those interested in joining but not able to meet in person. She is also resuming her Pembroke Coastal Park walk and has only 54 miles left to go. More news next month. Liz

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PORTHCAWL ROTARY Eleven members of Porthcawl Rotary read excerpts from Under Milk Wood with a performance, which rivalled that of Richard Burton’s famous radio version. We can’t say it was better but it certainly was different! It was, of course, performed virtually via Zoom. Alun Jones selected the pieces and his daughter, Alison Thomas, was our director. Alison was somehow able to transform the rather self-conscious Rotarians into the characters they were portraying as the saucy inhabitants of Llaregyb. There were outstanding performances from Sally Corbett as Myfanwy Price and Mrs. Cherry Owen matched by Hugh Moatt and Jeff Perren as Mr. Mog Edwards and Mr. Cherry Owen. Carol Llewellyn as Mrs. Beynon and Mrs. Pugh gave Clive Edwards as Mr. Pugh a hard time. Alison played Mrs. Ogmore Pritchard who was particularly unkind to Andrew Singer and Jonathan Lewis as the deceased husbands Mr. Ogmore and Mr. Pritchard. Sandra Townsend was excellent as poor Lily Smalls who nobody loves. Denzil Gould read Eli Jenkins’ prayer and Dylan Thomas’s evocative poem ‘Do not go gentle into that good night’. The whole performance was kept together by Laurence Chilcott as the narrator. Rtn Robert Lee & Andrew Singer

TRINITY CHURCH We are now holding our normal weekly services at Trinity every Sunday at 10.30. We still have social distancing measures and Covid safety procedures in place. Although numbers are currently restricted in the church there is plenty of room in the hall. We are treated to a mixture of music, songs and hymns from Mike and have a variety of ministers and Lay preachers. We were delighted to welcome the Reverend Martin Spain to a Service in June. He has come to join our Area team. We also hold a live Zoom service for those who prefer to join from home. Recordings via email or CD are available too. Trinity Bargain Store continues to operate on Wednesday and Saturday mornings. We may be open some Monday mornings in addition. All proceeds are in aid of “Action for Children” and Trinity. Activities in the church hall have started to resume with strict Covid safety guidelines. Please contact our Bookings secretary for further details. Group numbers are limited and kitchen/toilet facilities are not available. Please visit our Facebook page or website for any further information. Alison Meredith Thomas, Communication Secretary www.trinitychurchporthcawl.org Tel: 01656 786070

THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES

PORTHCAWL LIONS

Hey all, a few years ago I had the privilege of sharing my conversion story in a church, called Baglan Community Church. It was recorded and can be seen and heard on YouTube, Pastor Neil Harvey, Testimony, Baglan Community Church, or on my website neilchristianharvey.com. You may find exactly what you have been looking for in life. It was about 15 years ago that I had an amazing experience with Jesus when I was at rock bottom in my life. He lifted my burdens and transformed me as a person. God is really in the business of transformation. Nothing else seems to be able to do it. He goes way beyond anything in this world. It is an amazing feeling when you suddenly realise that God really does exist and you find a new relationship with the most amazing person in the universe. It feels like your coming home after being away for a long time. So go on, why not watch the YouTube clip. My prayer is that you will meet Him (God!). Gob bless you all! Neil Harvey

So quite a few of us have now met face to face which is great, (part of what it’s all about) and look forward to those more cautious or restricted joining in; we are also trying to get things going again with the ‘Porthcawl in bloom’ competition just completed (results on line), with plans for two sandcastle competitions in August - one virtual, the other on the beach details soon. Sadly the Car Boot sale cannot be at weekends at the Rugby Club which has extra fixtures and training (fitness before funding, fun before finance - how right and a slogan for the last fifteen months!); we are looking at other venues but social distancing is just the most obvious of the problems we still hope to solve - again keep an eye on our website and Facebook page. Once again if lockdown or other changes make you want to find new ways to serve the community and the working with others, which leads to new friendships, please contact Jim on 859505. Andrew Collier

NEIL HARVEY Through Christian Eyes

LOCKDOWN WITH MY LIFE-CHANGING GUIDE DOG Did a special buddy help you survive lockdown? Faith O’Sullivan, who has sight loss, says guide dog Buddy made an anxious time much easier to cope with – and helped her emerge far stronger. Faith, a civil servant from Kenfig Hill, made daily trips to Velindre Hospital as she battled throat cancer. “They let Buddy be there with me, and that made a massive difference,” Faith said. “He took all the anxiety and pressure away, and gave me dignity and independence. “He’s even made it easier to emerge from lockdown, because when I’m out with Buddy, people give you space. He has brought so much to our lives.” To thank Guide Dogs, Faith and Buddy took the charity’s Walk Your Socks Off challenge, raising £679. “I set us a realistic target of 4,000 steps daily for a week while on a family holiday in Tenby,” she said. “I’m so grateful to my colleagues and the Kenfig Hill community who sponsored us.” Faith retires at the end of this year and plans to become more involved in fundraising for Guide Dogs in Bridgend and Porthcawl. To find out how you can help create more life-changers like Buddy, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteering

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HISTORY WOMEN OF COURAGE HEROINES OF SOE Born in New Zealand, Nancy Wake was a leading member of the Special Operations Executive. Colleagues described her as, “A real bombshell. Tremendous vitality, flashing eyes. Everything she did, she did well.” “A woman with a cheerful spirit and strength of character.” “Her irrepressible, infectious, high spirits were a joy to everyone who worked with her.” The Gestapo also had an opinion of Nancy. They nicknamed her the ‘White Mouse’ because of her ability to evade capture. Nancy’s duties included surveying, collecting arms and money from parachute drops, training the local Maquis and engaging in sabotage. On one occasion she cycled 500 kilometres in 72 hours through enemy territory in search of a wireless, a feat she later recalled with justified pride. She also killed a Gestapo officer with her bare hands using a karate technique taught by the SOE. A woman with a heart of gold, she also possessed nerves of steel. Nancy died on 7 August 2011, aged 98. Her ashes were scattered near the village of Verneix, at Montluçon, central France. Hannah Howe, international bestselling author of Ann’s War (set in Porthcawl) and Eve’s War (set in France). https://hannah-howe.com

THE JURY OF THE MATRONS

Catherine Llewellin was convicted of stealing money and clothes at Llangynwyd and was sentenced to death at the Cardiff April Sessions in 1748. A Jury of Matrons, consisting of twelve wives and widows of tradesmen, was sworn to inquire whether Catherine Llewellin “be quick with child or not”. The jury included the names of Catherine, wife of Michael Brewer, peruke (wig) maker, Margarett, wife of Thomas Mossip of the Five Bells, Francis Lewis, Hall Keeper’s wife. If a woman was convicted of a felony she could obtain reprieve from execution by “pleading her belly” and the court had to take steps to ascertain if she was indeed pregnant in order to protect the unborn child. A jury of twelve matrons, women who had experienced pregnancy and childbirth, would examine 36 | seaside news

the woman and deliver a verdict. The jury had to decide if the woman “be quick with child”. The child must have moved in the womb for a reprieve to be granted. The Jury of Matrons found that Catherine Llewellin was indeed “quick with child” and as a result the execution of the sentence of death was postponed but only until after the child’s birth. Ian Hutchinson Bridgend and District Local History Society

PORTHCAWL WAR MEMORIAL 1921

16th July 2021 will signify a century since the Porthcawl War Memorial was dedicated and unveiled in the grounds of All Saints Church. The impact of grief on British communities following WW1 evoked the need for a lasting tribute to those who had died. The decade following the end of the war witnessed War Memorials being erected in most villages and towns throughout the British Isles. It was the communities, themselves, who planned, financed, built and unveiled their respective memorials. The Porthcawl Memorial is of a Gothic design, created by Mr W. Clarke of Llandaff at a cost of £420.Under Mr Clarke’s supervision, work commenced on 6th August 1920. The Memorial is made of Portland stone and is 17ft 6ins in height. At 2.30pm on Saturday 16th July 1921 under the command of Lieutenant-Colonel Dowdeswell a parade of ex-servicemen, nurses, Guides and Scouts, P.U.D.C. and other town organisations marched from the Esplanade to the church. The service was led by the Rev. T. Holmes Morgan who then invited the Right Reverend, the Lord Bishop of Llandaff to dedicate the memorial. The memorial, which initially only had 58 names engraved upon it, was then unveiled by Colonel H.R. Homfray, Penllyn. Nineteen more names would be added by the end of the decade. Ceri Joseph

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LEGAL NO FAULT DIVORCE

WHY YOU SHOULD ALWAYS HAVE A WILL IN PLACE AND CONSIDER INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE. Having a Will ensures your estate is distributed according to your instructions and wishes. If you die without having made a Will, your assets are automatically distributed according to the Rules of Intestacy. This may well have undesired consequences. When making a Will, you should firstly consider who your executors will be. These are the people you trust to administer your estate according to your will. You should next consider who you want to benefit from your estate. Your spouse or partner is typically the first beneficiary, other beneficiaries may include children, relatives, friends, charities. Your Will can name classes of beneficiary (eg all your grandchildren). 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. When preparing a Will, we always consider the Inheritance Tax position of your estate. Inheritance Tax (IHT) is chargeable on your estate if it exceeds the IHT nil rate band (NRB) (currently £325,000). If you leave your residence to your children, you can claim an additional £175,000 (As of April 2021) known as the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB). Inheritance tax is charged at 40% on the value of your estate in excess of the nil rate sum. Effective planning can substantially reduce the amount of tax that will be payable on your estate. If your estate is likely to exceed the nil rate sum, it is worth discussing how family trusts and other planning options could benefit you. If your estate is valued at less than the nil rate band, IHT is not payable. Equally IHT is not payable on any inheritance you leave to your spouse. In addition, if your own estate does not use up the full nil rate sum, then your spouse’s tax free allowance on their death will be proportionately increased. Other IHT reliefs include reduced IHT on some business assets. The tax treatment of family trusts is complex and depends on the type of family trust being used. While gifts and family trusts can reduce the value of your estate (and consequently any IHT liability), always remember to retain enough for your own financial needs. Please speak to our Miss Natalie Thomas if you wish to discuss this further. Natalie Thomas, DJM Solicitors 01656 772211 www.djm.law.co.uk SWANSEA | MUMBLES | PORTHCAWL | CARDIFF | 01792 65 00 00 The Dunes Business Centre, 267 New Road, Porthcawl CF36 5BG

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The government had planned to implement no fault divorce law in England and Wales in Autumn 2021, but this has now been delayed until Spring 2022. When it comes about, it will herald significant changes in the divorce process. Currently, in order to grant a divorce in England or Wales, the Court needs to be convinced that the marriage has irretrievably broken down, to a point where it can’t be saved. Unless a couple lives separately for at least two years they can only get a divorce if one person blames the other for the breakdown of their marriage. This means that one person must document examples of the other’s behaviour, and present this as evidence to the court, or the other person must admit committing adultery during the marriage. The court will then decide whether this resulted in the irretrievable breakdown of the marriage. The most important element of no-fault divorce is, of course, the removal of blame from the divorce process. Under the new laws, couples will be able to get divorced solely on the basis that the marriage has broken down, without having to blame the other and both people will be able to make the application jointly, with no opportunity for one party to contest the proceedings. A minimum timeframe of 20 weeks has been introduced to counter concerns that the reforms will make divorce a quicker and easier option for couples rather than trying to save their marriage. This ‘period of reflection’ will give couples an opportunity to reflect and work through their differences before committing to a divorce. The intention is that the new laws will make the whole process less contentious and upsetting, and as a result will reduce the stress which parties suffer during the most difficult time of their lives. MADELINE RAND King Davies & Partners

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THE KAKADU PLUM FOOD STORE You may have spotted a new health food store on Nolton Street, Bridgend called ‘The Kakadu Plum’ established by our own Melanie Lazarus and her husband Keith Evans. Melanie and Keith recognised the need for an independent health food store in the Bridgend town centre following the closure of the local Holland and Barratt store in February 2021. ‘The Kakadu Plum’ offers an extensive range of vitamins, minerals, supplements and more! Melanie Lazarus & Co Solicitors are very much still practising; however, we are now located at the rear of ‘The Kakadu Plum’ at 40 Nolton Street, Bridgend opposite Wilkinson’s. Going forward, we will continue to operate in the same way as previously, however with the Pandemic we are limiting contact wherever possible to keep you and our staff members safe. We continue to offer fixed fee consultations for up to one hour for a fee of £200 plus VAT with our Melanie Lazarus or £150 plus VAT with our trainee solicitor Tamara Lafferty who joined the firm in November 2019 having completed her undergraduate law degree (achieving a 2:1) at Cardiff University followed by her completion of the Legal Practice Course at Swansea University (achieving a Merit). She has gained valuable experience working alongside Melanie in the areas of divorce, children act proceedings, cohabitation and financial matters. All appointments with both Melanie and Tamara can be done by way of telephone or Zoom etc. We are also pleased to continue to offer a fixed fee divorce of £500 plus VAT for Petitioner in an uncontested divorce and £400 plus VAT for Respondent on an uncontested basis. Subject to terms and conditions. If you wish to contact us to arrange an initial consultation please telephone our office on 01656 750888 or alternatively email us at melanielazarus@mlsolicitors.com. MELANIE LAZARUS, Melanie Lazarus & Co

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FINANCE ‘THE DUNNING-KRUGER EFFECT’ This phenomenon as it is known today follows the reasoning that if you’re incompetent you can’t know you’re incompetent. According to researchers Prof David Dunning & Justin Kruger many mistakes including investing are made because people overestimate their abilities, as they don’t know what they don’t know. A recent US President was diagnosed with the Dunning Kruger syndrome and the results of some of his disastrous decisions bear witness to this fact. His capacity to make the correct decision was often clouded with his inability to recognise that he wasn’t as bright as he thought he was and overestimated his capabilities. You’ve heard the phrase ‘a little knowledge is dangerous’ well in the investment world this couldn’t be further from the truth. According to study beginners approach an investment task with great respect because they know they lack the skill to make the correct decision. After gaining initial but modest experience they quickly fall victim to a ‘beginners bubble’ and lose their grip on reality with the initial beginner’s skill proving fatal. Take the bank robber McArthur Wheeler who greatly overestimated his skills when robbing an American bank in 1995. It didn’t take long to find him as he wasn’t wearing a mask and had been filmed by the surveillance cameras. He was totally astonished when caught as he had convinced himself that by rubbing lemon juice on his face that his image would be invisible to cameras. This failed robbery was used in a paper published by Prof Dunning, concluding that people with certain weaknesses tend to overestimate their own ability and underestimate that of others. Anyone who wants to be proficient in a specific area therefore faces a dilemma. On the one hand learning is necessary to acquire the skill. On the other hand it is that very learning that leads to overestimating your ability. Dunning and his colleagues recommend humility and quoted the British Philosopher R G Collingwood. He observed that people only become masters of what they specialise in when they learn that they will remain beginners all their lives. This nugget of wisdom is something investors can learn from. PHILIP VAUGHAN Director at Abacus Assurance Financial Services Ltd Porthcawl 01656 772222

WHY IS MY CREDIT SCORE STOPPING A MORTGAGE APPLICATION? At the time of writing, we’ve had a couple declined on a mortgage application despite good income and never having missed any payments on their mortgage or credit cards. This can occur but for particular reasons. The vast majority of us don’t realise is that, if we regularly go on-line to visit comparison websites, for example, you leave a trail of ‘footprints’ that suggest you are constantly looking for credit. If you pay by installments for car insurance, for example, then that is a credit agreement, where you probably pay interest for the facility of monthly payments. In the case mentioned, the couple had made several searches on-line each week for many weeks, each visit to the website recording a search, which badly affected their credit score and hence their mortgage application. Our underwriter Karen knows 40 | seaside news

this issue inside out and we can guide you, as we’re linked directly to the four main credit reference agencies. So, if you are struggling to get sorted, give us a call – 01656 782545 / 07768 418308, even after hours and weekends. DON’T continue trying to do it yourself and recording more searches against you – we can assist. Even other advisers come to us with their more difficult cases – if we can’t place it, it can’t be placed. Give us a call to find out how we could help. PAUL FIELDING Dragon Financial 01656 782545 / 07768 418308

Deadline date for the August issue is: Thursday 15th July IT’S A TRUST THING An important area of financial planning that is often overlooked is the use of a trust in connection with Life Insurance plans. A trust allows you to set aside the proceeds of the life cover for the benefit of a specified person or people. The asset is then managed by a Trustee who is also nominated by the policyholder. The Trustee accepts responsibility for ensuring that the benefits are paid to those who have been named as beneficiaries. The benefits of placing a plan into trust are many. Here are a few. 1. You name your beneficiaries and Trustees. This enables you to have control over who exactly will benefit from the proceeds, and in what proportion. You can have several beneficiaries and can split the benefits as you desire. Often, your beneficiaries will be under 18, so you need to consider who to nominate as Trustees. It may be wise to choose the same people who would act as potential guardians for them. 2. A life insurance plan normally forms part of your estate, so could be subject to inheritance tax, currently set at 40% on estates above £325,000. A trust puts the plan proceeds outside of the estate, thereby potentially saving thousands in inheritance tax. 3. A trust can pay the benefits very quickly, as there is no need for probate. Bills and mortgage payments do not stop for the family, so having a speedy payout can reduce some of the stress involved. If you are unsure if your current plans are set up with a trust, or are looking at taking out cover, please get in touch. I can review your existing plans, and provide independent, unbiased advice, based on your individual circumstances. Checking to see if your plans are set up in a trust can just take a few minutes and it could be invaluable in so many ways. PHIL PROTHEROE Tavistock Partners [UK] Ltd 01656 771747/ 07859 129580

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APPOINTMENTS AT A TIME TO SUIT YOU, EVEN AT WEEKENDS – HOME VISITS Paul Fielding trading as Dragon Financial is an Appointed Representative of the On-Line Partnership Limited, which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority Think carefully about securing other debts against your home. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured against it.

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GARDENING CEFN CRIBWR GARDENING CLUB

Email your report info@seasidenews.co.uk Remember if we do get a hosepipe ban you can still use it to top up your pond if you have fish. Dote on your dahlias they are incredibly thirsty plants, water regularly for lots of lovely blooms. Did you know, dahlias were originally classed as vegetables, the tubers are edible and are said to taste like a mix of potatoes and radishes, yummy! Chris Early

PORTHCAWL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY

A perfect summer’s day is when the sun is shining, a breeze is blowing, the birds are singing and the lawn mower is broken! (James Dent) Lawn care Ugh, the way to keep grass in good condition is with a high cut twice weekly (yes twice!) rather than scalping it once a fortnight, leaving it longer will keep it greener and help to maintain moisture, don’t panic if it does go brown, it will soon green up again when the rain returns as you can be sure it will! Use the grass clippings as mulch around your potatoes to stop the tubers near the surface turning green. Sounds strange but look after your aphid eaters, ladybirds, hoverflies and lacewings feast on greenfly and blackfly so protect them if you can, they do a marvellous job!

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Tel: 07971 476738 42 | seaside news

We hope everybody is enjoying the summer weather and spending time in their gardens and arranging flowers. We are holding a garden committee meeting in a few weeks and will be discussing our plans for September. We used to meet at Awel Y Mor Centre every other Wednesday evening and hold alternate Practice nights and demonstrations. We need to establish a venue where we are able to welcome back members and meet visitors and new members. We have many ideas for an exciting programme and hope we are finally able to reopen our club. We will send out a newsletter after our Committee meeting to all our members and details will be available on our Facebook page. We hope it won’t be too long before we can meet again. Alison Thomas, Club Secretary

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Contact office: 01656 713800 Mob: 07780 728324 seaside news | 43

ARTS PORTHCAWL MALE CHOIR

Email your article info@seasidenews.co.uk you’re reading this, I hope lockdown has finally come to an end, because of course this column is written 3 weeks behind, as it’s a monthly magazine, so fingers crossed. The lockdown has got me writing new songs, which I then send to my writing partner, Dale, to finish off and record in his Prague studios, and claim his 50% of my royalties. That’s why I’ll never own a Porsche! Keep your music news coming. Stag Marks 07549 728356 Photo: Stag Marks

A FILM MAKER’S POINT OF VIEW

We’re Back! After almost 15 months the choir has held its first practice. With an overwhelming desire resume practice, the process of planning the practice was carried out. A risk assessment to identify all potential issues was the first step. Following this, clear actions and instructions were developed to ensure all choristers remained safe. Due to the numbers involved, inside practice was not possible, however, Porthcawl Rugby Club came to our rescue and offered us the stand at the side of the club. Thanks, PRFC. With a good weather forecast 40 choristers enjoyed a great evening. Many thanks to our Musical Director, Mair and accompanist Richard who worked hard to make the outside practice a great success. A video of one of one of our songs can be viewed on our Facebook page – check it out. Further good news, all our choristers have come through COVID safely. Hope this continues. Going forward and regulations permitting, we have a few weddings booked. Our main objective is to get prepared for these. We are also looking at how we hold our annual concert. News to follow. We are always looking to welcome now choristers. If you’re interested, please contact us on contact@pothcawlmalechoir. co.uk or Noel Williams on 07902 333559. Ian Williams

STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK Great to see a little bit of live music in Porthcawl coming back again. Stu, part of the gang at The Beachcomber, told me there’s entertainment now every weekend. There’s a jam night at The Picton on a Tuesday evening while The Prince holds its jam night, run by the great Uke-crazy duo, and Roger Clatworthy, on a Friday, likewise in the evening. Rest Bay’s singer/songwriter, Rebecca Hurn, has been busy writing and recording – check out her latest single on her website, it’s another gem of a song from a very talented songsmith! Still in Rest Bay, I’d like to wish every success to The Seagull pub’s new hosts, Jamie and Niamh, on their new venture. While 44 | seaside news

One of the great pleasures of filmmaking is that you never know what will come next. For my Llandow Air Disaster film, it was important to show other forms of air transport operating at the same time that the Avro Tudor 5 airliner made its doomed flight on 12th March 1950, and to include something that would present a visual contrast. The Tudor, after all, was Britain’s biggest and most modern aircraft in service but on that ill-fated weekend passengers were also flying to Ireland and back in the small and rather dated De Havilland Dragon Rapide, a twinengined biplane dating from the thirties. How could I show one in my film? Fortunately, there are several preserved examples, including the Scillonia Airways Rapide based at Membury airfield, and the owners were kind enough to let me go along and film this venerable old aircraft doing a series of test flights at the end of May. I was permitted to put my camera quite close to the flight line on the grass runway and filmed several take-offs, fly-pasts and landings. It was a privilege to see such a wonderful historic aircraft in action. Anthony Hontoir Downwood Films 07510 934299 Filming a close-up of the Dragon Rapide (Photo: Adele Hontoir)

SEASIDE NEWS: July 2021 issue

Articles inside

HEALTH

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