POEMS

ARE YOU OK?

Are you OK? A tender question whispered

In three words a lifeline offered In darkness, when all things creep A gentle touch, a kind concern can run so deep, in these words, a power lies untamed, To heal, to mend, to make you understand

To a burdened heart weary, worn, and sore, Creating hope, spirit as new to restore. Merely Connected by threads of empathy, Be a beacon shining through adversity.

So, when you hear words, “Are you okay?”, Let not your pride or fear keep truth away.

Embrace my caring soul that crosses your way, And let my smile help brighten up your day.

For in this simple phrase, a real gift resides, A bridge between two hearts, a safe confide.

With open arms, just free healing I can provide, True haven where your burdens can subside.

It’s your to choose ,you decide You hold my hand and take the ride

So, let me ask you again with genuine concern,

And listen to the answers as they honestly turn,

For in our unity, we all can learn, Take a new road from this turn .

By just asking Are you okay? Let’s make this world a place, Where live kindness love and praise .

Inquiring minds, compassion will embrace,

Could heal the wounds you thought one couldn’t face.

Dr Nadeem Iqbal, Bridgend

Holiday Time

Hip hip hooray we’re on the plane Our holiday has finally started Despite the queues for booking in We’ve finally departed.

I think a drink would go down well To get us in the mood How much do you say, a fiver? Expensive but let’s not brood. A snack to fill my rumbling tum Is the order of the day A bacon butty to go with my drink No..... sold out I hear her say.

I’ll have anything, whatever you’ve got A chicken butty will do just fine, And I think I will have another of these Yes, the bottle of sparkly wine. Now I feel better; full & content My cheeks have gone all rosy I snuggle down into this tiny seat

As I’m starting to feel rather dosey. The next thing I know we’re on our descent

I’d been asleep almost all of the way Just trying out a siesta

Is all that I’m going to say.

Passport time now where did I put it Yes, it’s in the back of my jeans

Why do these guys never smile at you Perhaps they forgot to eat their greens. On the coach now, just waiting to go But the head count is missing two Half an hour later before they turn up They’d been waiting in the incorrect queue.

At last were dropped off at this tiny hotel Four star? You’re having a laugh. No kettle, no fridge, only one bit of soap, I don’t even have me a bath. But it’s all inclusive so I can eat what I like And can drink as much as I want

Now that’s what I call a holiday

A never ending sparkly wine font. Marilyn Cook, Bridgend

THE PLACE THAT I’M FROM (GILFACH GOCH)

Does every man dream, deep in his heart, of better tomorrows? Where does he start?

For six days a week, his nose to the grind, working his way, to the end of the climb. “For better, for worse, to have and to hold”, he works for the things, he cherishes most. For all that he’s worth, ‘til his last dying breath, for all he believes in, he’ll fight to the death. From up here, I can see it all. The valleys so green, the black mountain tops. And way down below, where they sing just like angels, keeping Sunday for God, there’s Mam with a cwtch, when the day’s been too long. Where the sound of the anvil and the pithead belong, I love this fair country, the place that I’m from. For all of my life, the rest of my days, I’ll go on singing, in honour and praise, for this land full of toil, of beauty and song, that I’ll leave behind me, one day when I’m gone.

Russell Ham, Pyle

CAROL, WHO HAD 45 YEARS AT SWANSEA MARKET

Is it legend or rumour, is it misleading humour, of a fruit stall market come queen. The doubters have said, it’s all in your head, but others say no, cos they’ve seen.

She’s wearing no crown, no sceptre or gown, but royal she is fully fledged. And I know this for certain, cos I’ve seen her in person, she’s the queen of the fruit and the veg.

She’s not very tall, in fact she’s quite small, she can barely see over the counter. If she jumps up to peek, with a howl or a shriek, she’s someone you dare not encounter.

But don’t be perturbed, scared or disturbed, and don’t you be feeling on edge. Just smile, do your bit, and please her with wit, she’s the queen of the fruit and the veg.

At four foot come eight, when standing up straight, you’d find it quite hard just to spot her. If the fruit is stacked high, then its hard to deny, that the apples and pears tend to block her.

But if you look over, tip toe and stretch over, like looking right over a hedge. You’ll spot her below, so do say hello, to the queen of the fruit and the veg.

She’s wise and she’s canny, she’s a glamorous granny, she’s aged like a fortified wine. She’s tough but not rough, she knows all her stuff, and she keeps all the punters in line.

She’s a warm-blooded mammal, and folk call her Carol, and this unto you I do pledge. She’s packing a punch, and she’ll eat you for lunch, she’s the queen of the fruit and the veg. But joking apart, this queen has a heart, and I tell you she’s not really scary. So heed my advice, she’s really quite nice, so don’t be so nervous and wary.

So next you’re out shopping, try pausing and stopping, and head to the stall that’s alleged. And try to be brave, salute her and wave, to the queen of the fruit and the veg.

Chris Worth, Porthcawl

Porthcawl Male Choir

afternoon a few weeks ago. From that elevated position, it was possible to get an excellent shot of the lake, which stretches for a distance of 5 miles, with mountains serving as a backdrop and a green tree-clad landscape on either side.

Anthony Hontoir

Downwood Films

07510 934299

Picture: Anthony Hontoir on location at Lake Vyrnwy

(Photo: Adele Hontoir)

PYLE & PORTHCAWL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

Two busloads of choristers, family and friends enjoyed a fantastic weekend in Llandudno in early June. Highlight of the tour was a charity concert with Colwyn Bay Male Choir in the St. John’s Methodist Church. The concert was well attended and well received with a total of £424 being raised for the local St. David’s Hospice. Check out our Facebook page to see an extract from the concert.

We have a busy July and will be singing at the Newton Summer Fayre on the 8th of July at 2.00pm. Always a great event. Pop along and see us.

On the 13th of July we’ve been invited to sing at the opening of the new Aldi. Not only will you get some great bargains but will get to hear us!

The highlight of July is a joint concert with the Onllwyn Male Choir at All Saints Church on the 15th. Starts 7.00pm. For only £5.00 you’ll get two Male Choirs plus at least one special guest. Tickets available on the door. Great evening promised. Whilst the choir is thriving, we’re always on the lookout for new singers. If any of you men out there would like a good time with a great bunch of people, contact us: contact@pothcawlmalechoir.co.uk

Ian

Williams

07927 219544

A FILM MAKER’S POINT OF VIEW

One of the true pleasures of filmmaking is deciding how to give the viewer a visual treat, which often means seeking out the best locations for the purpose of the story.

For my present production, I need to show various scenic shots of Wales. Mountains and lakes would be nice, I decided, and a spot of research drew my attention to Lake Vyrnwy situated on the northern edge of mid Wales, a reservoir built in the 1880s to supply water to the city of Liverpool. One of its outstanding features is a picturesque stone straining tower (to filter the water on the start of its journey to Lancashire) reminiscent of a fairytale castle. In the southeastern corner of the reservoir is the Lake Vyrnwy Hotel and Spa, whose manager kindly gave me permission to set up my camera on the balcony of a top floor bedroom on a fine May

We’re a friendly camera club with a mix of male and female members and welcome new members of all ages and skill levels.

It’s all very informal so if you have an interest in photography why not come along and join us.

We meet at St Clare’s School, Newton, CF36 5NR on Thursday evenings at 7pm.

We’re currently on our Summer break until Sept 8th but still meet up on Thursday evenings at pre-arranged local venues. www.pyle-and-porthcawl-photographic-society.co.uk

Geoff Baker, Internal Competition Secretary

STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK

I had a nice surprise visit from Jay Aston recently, whose band Gene Loves Jezebel achieved the big time throughout the 80s, mainly in the U.S.A. and South America, where they had hit albums and were selling out arenas. Along with twin brother Michael (they both hail from North Cornelly, like myself), they formed the band in the mid-70s and moved to London, where they signed a record contract. Although still successful in the late 90s, the twins, after a hostile relationship, had a well-publicised split. However, Jay has kept the band’s name alive and last year, along with Welsh legends The Alarm, completed a 30-date U.S.A. tour where Gene Loves Jezebel still has a huge cult following. Jay told me a new album is set for release later this year as a follow-up to “Dance Underwater”, the band’s last album. I’ll keep you posted, so check their YouTube page.

It’s also good to see two of our best local musos writing again. Andy (Ezra) Edwards in The Mighty Ra and Ed Rees in One Time Alive. Well done, guys!

Stag Marks

Tel: 07549 728356

Cor Tabernacl News

Cor Tabernacl, Bridgend recently held its Annual Summer Concert with orchestra and soloists. After months of intense rehearsals, the choir produced a concert of very high standard. The main work was Haydn’s Nelson Mass, which was magnificently accompanied by our usual orchestra having only played together at the afternoon’s rehearsal. Thanks to all the members for their expertise and professionalism.

Our four young soloists Alison Shone (soprano), Amy Daniel (mezzo soprano), Aled Powys Williams (tenor) and Simon Pratt (bass) shone in both the Mass in the 1st half and in their individual items in the 2nd half. Other miscellaneous items by the choir including “Let the people praise thee” by William Mathias and Rutter’s “A Gaelic Blessing” were well received by an excellent audience and the concert ended on a high note with “O Gymru”.

Thanks must go to Matthew Nash our Musical Director and Ryan Wood our Accompanist for all their patience and dedication in the last few months.

We are now looking forward to Friday, June 30th when Cor Tabernacl join forces with Bridgend Male Voice Choir for another evening of fantastic music. This concert will also be enhanced by our local soprano soloist Anne Wilkins. Tickets are £10 with charities McMillan Cancer and M.N.D. supported and can be obtained from choir members or admission on the door.

Anne Kendall, Secretary

A caddy full of food waste creates enough energy to power a TV for over 2 hours!

BRIDGEND MALE CHOIR ‘WOW’ THE CROWDS AT COLDPLAY CONCERTS

Porthcawl Art Society

BMC were delighted to be contacted by Coldplay’s management with a request to close both their concerts at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Tuesday & Wednesday, 6th & 7th June with the Welsh National Anthem. The choir has previously been involved in a CD recording with Coldplay 4 years ago and it was lovely that they remembered us for this event. Our seats for the day and before we went on were in the Royal Box area and Coldplay’s management really looked after us well throughout. It was a surreal, electric and exceptional experience, walking onto the stage to face a 60,000 crowd cheering us on and then joining in with Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau. We were able to meet up with Chris Martin and the band and present them with a framed copy of the National Anthem as a momentum of their visit to Wales.

You are very welcome to join us at rehearsals on Thursday evenings from 7:30-9:30pm at Oldcastle Primary School, South Street, Bridgend.

Information on our website: https://www.bridgendmalechoir.co.uk or contact our Secretary, Mike Johnson: Email: contact@bridgendmalechoir.co.uk

Telephone +44 (0) 7938 949194

Dave Xerri, Media Relations Officer

A Night To Remember

All Saints’ Church, in Porthcawl, may not be Westminster Abbey, but you could easily have believed you were there, at the Coronation Concert performance by the combined choirs of Noteworthy and Sounds Familiar. Musical Directors, Ryan Wood and Nick Wayland Evans felt inspired to plan something special to celebrate the Coronation of Charles lll and the audience would confirm that it really was something special.

From the opening, with Walton’s ‘Crown Imperial’ played on the organ by Jeffrey Howard BEM, through ‘Zadok the Priest’ to ‘Easter Hymn’ from Cavaleria Rusticana it was music that held the audience spellbound.

Broadcaster and performer, Beverley Humphreys MBE, introduced each performance in her inimitable style and the programme included performances from Welsh National Opera soloist, Angharad Morgan and cellist Stewart Roberts. Accompanists for the evening were Ryan, Jeffrey, Stewart and Laura Deenik.

At the end of the concert the audience rose to give a standing ovation and remained on their feet for an encore rendition of the ‘Hallelujah Chorus’ from Handel’s Messiah. As the first major concert by Porthcawl choir ‘Sounds Familiar’ and Maesteg’s ‘Noteworthy’, the audience hoped it would not be the last.

Laurence Chilcott

We have been able to show our paintings outside during the recent lovely, sunny weather. Members of the public have enjoyed the variety of subjects and styles on show in John Street and upstairs in our gallery. Meanwhile our members have been busy painting as our next exhibition of new work starts on Friday 23rd June. The main exhibition will be judged by our new Town Mayor and the competition winner for ‘Under the Sea’ will be chosen by public vote, come in to see which one you think should win.

We aim to be open 11-3pm Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and other days when volunteers are available, so come along to enjoy our art (entry is free). If you are interested in joining us, drop in to a member workshops on Wednesdays 1-3pm and 7-9pm. We are above the museum in John Street.

Tricia Simon (Secretary)

www.porthcawlart.co.uk Facebook/PorthcawlArt

Fantastic Response From The Emergency Services

It was a great shock to see footage of the recent incident in which a light aircraft crashed in shallow waters just 50 yards off Porthcawl’s Town Beach, and I would I’d like to recognise and thank our frontline emergency services for their swift response to the incident.

Witnesses described how they saw the plane, a single-seat Renegade Spirit, ‘swoop into the water’ and overturn while the tide was still incoming at around 9.20am. Thankfully, the pilot, who was travelling alone, was supported by crews from RLNI and HM Coastguard Search and Rescue lifeboats which launched from both Porthcawl and Port Talbot as South Wales Police, the Welsh Ambulance Service and South Wales Fire And Rescue all arrived at the scene. A helicopter was also dispatched from St Athan to provide further support. The scene of the crash was quickly secured to prevent it from becoming a danger to navigation, and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch is currently investigating the cause of the incident, which even made international news. While accidents such as this are thankfully rare, it ably demonstrated how our emergency front-line services can always be relied upon to act quickly, and to provide effective help and support.

Deputy Leader Bridgend County Borough Council 01656

643643

Illiterate Plan Threatens Hundreds Of Jobs

I HAVE been surprised by the support I have received from Porthcawl residents for my opposition to BCBC’s plans to scrap hundreds of car parking spaces in the town.

I questioned whether this was compatible with the council’s oft-stated aim of transforming Porthcawl into a premier Welsh seaside resort.

Plans to build 250 homes over most of Salt Lake will mean that the car park there will go. Coupled with plans to remove on-street parking , Porthcawl will be left with about 600 parking spaces in that area out of about 2600 plus any that may be provided in future in a proposed multi-storey car park at Hillsboro Place.

This is the most serious implication of the council’s Placemaking Strategy. We could be looking at the destruction of Porthcawl as a seaside resort because without anywhere to park, how will the thousands of day-trippers who flood in during fine weather be accommodated? And without them, the tourism industry and hundreds of jobs will go.

The plan is illiterate and panders to those planners who have declared war on the car, denying the reality that the majority of holidaymakers will not arrive by bus.

DR ALTAF HUSSAIN Regional Senedd Member

Cash Must Remain A Valid Option

THE IMPORTANCE of access to cash has been made very clear by Porthcawl residents fighting plans to close the town’s last bank.

As a result, LINK has agreed to open a banking hub in the town run by the Post Office where access to cash will be available. However, this could prove to be a hollow victory for residents if the number of shops and businesses refusing to accept cash keeps growing.

While it is legal for this to happen, it was Covid that accelerated this trend because of fears the disease would spread. Well, Covid is officially over so there are no valid health grounds for refusing to accept cash. Many people do not have a debit card while others like cash to keep better track of what they spend.

I am asking constituents what they think. Would they like the option of paying in cash when they shop or are they happy to use a card? And what do businesses think? Is it easier if everyone pays by card as they no longer have to bank takings or get coins for change.?

Please e-mail me at Jamie.wallis.mp@parliament.uk or go on my website to give me their views.

JAMIE WALLIS MP for Bridgend

Upgraded Plans For Cosy Corner

Plans for the development at Cosy Corner have been expanded to ensure that the site can offer the best possible upgraded facilities.

The opening of the £2.8m facility will now be in two phases. The first of these will unveil an all-new stone and glass-clad building which will feature five retail units, meeting space for community use, offices for the harbour master, public toilets, changing facilities for users of the nearby marina and more. The second stage will follow later in the year and will incorporate a significantly larger play area for children than was originally planned. Featuring a bespoke design, this will be durable enough to stand up to maritime weather conditions while also remaining in keeping with the listed status of neighbouring structures, such as the Jennings Building. The entire site is being extensively landscaped so that the finished project will feature plenty of public seating, space for staging events, an all-weather canopy capable of providing comfortable outdoor shelter and much more.

The upgraded play area promises to deliver a spectacular new addition to the seafront area, and once both phases are complete, the newly revamped Cosy Corner will form another important part of Porthcawl’s ongoing regeneration plans.

NEELO FARR Cabinet Member for Regeneration Bridgend County Borough Council

Tel: 01656 643643

New Sea Defences Planned At Coney Beach

Plans to provide improved sea defences along the front at Sandy Bay have moved a step closer following the posting of a series of public notices along Coney Beach.

Like the defences that have already been created at Town Beach, these new sea defences will be designed to protect businesses and homes against flooding while also offering enhanced access to the beach and making the seafront area more attractive for residents and visitors alike.

Under the plans, an easy-to-navigate series of stepped revetments will be installed that will be similar to designs that are already in use at other seaside towns throughout the UK. Strategically placed ramped access and associated flood prevention measures will also be introduced.

The public notices have been posted because there is a need to use small parts of the beach, which could be classed, as open space. However, once the new sea defence works have been installed, the land will still remain open space, and will make Coney Beach and Sandy Bay more attractive to the eye and even more accessible.

The public notices will be available between 15 June–7 July, and further details on the new sea defences will be released very soon.

Councillor Huw David

Leader

Tel: 01656 643643

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

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

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

Sign up online at bridgend.kier.co.uk

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

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

Tâl gwasanaeth o £46.01 neu £41.73 i bensiynwyr.

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