POEMS

Dad

We never wanted

This day to come

As with you here

Life was such fun

But your health did fail

And times were tough

Your pain was real

Your life became rough

But we all look back

On so many years

Filled with laughter

And never tears

You built our homes

With cement and a trowel

And your builders tea

My gosh it looked foul

Custard slices

Biscuits galore

Sugary doughnuts

How many more?

You gave me putty

While I watched you in awe

Who needed playdoh

To fix glass in a door

Our memories are precious

With our mum by your side

Today our pain

We cannot hide

We will love you forever, dad

And look after our mum

I made you a promise

As your job here is done.

Susan Burns, Porthcawl

Look To The Heavens

No matter how you’re feeling, or how bad your life seems to be, Remember to take just one step at a time, tackle one problem, not two or three. Sometimes talking can help solve a problem, someone there with a listening ear, To offload will lighten the pressure, until the pathway begins to clear.

If you find you’re becoming desperate, and you don’t know what else to do, Just look to the heavens for your Angel, They will swoop down and rescue you.

Marilyn Cook, Bridgend

The Streets Of London Reworked

Have you been on Tower Bridge

On marathon day in London?

Swollen with supporters

With their worn out shoes

In their eyes, you see the pride

Casts a spell that can’t be broken

Images of London

To chase away the blues.

So, how can you tell me you’re lonely?

And say for you that the sun don’t shine?

Let me take you by the hand

And lead you through the streets of London

Show you something to make you change your mind

Have you seen Mo Farrah

Who runs the streets of London?

Our finest athlete

As the race unfolds

He’s no time for gloating

He just keeps on floating

Carrying his hopes

In two magic golds

So, how can you tell me you’re lonely?

And say for you that the sun don’t shine?

Let me take you by the hand

And lead you through the streets of London

I’ll show you something to make you change your mind

Post race celebrations

At a quarter past eleven

Happy weekend warrior

Through experience grown

Looking at the world

With a multicultural lens

Pics that last a lifetime

No one wanders home alone

So, how can you tell me you’re lonely?

Don’t say for you that the sun don’t shine

Let me take you by the hand

And lead you through the streets of London

Show you something to make you change your mind

Have you seen the happy face

Victorious in mission?

Radiantly shine

Like bright medal that she wears

In our summer city

Hearts dancing to the ditty

As love makes charity’s heroes

And a world that really cares

So, how can you tell me you’re lonely?

And say for you that the sun don’t shine?

Let me take you by the hand

And lead you through the streets of London

Show you something to make you change your mind

Wilfy Edwards, Porthcawl

The Coronation Of King Charles Iii

Vast, cheering crowds line the dampened streets, A Nations flags wave freely overhead. Synchronized and under orders, troops begin to move, Marking time, thousands of heavy boots start to tread.

Urged on by Drum-horse and colourful Guards band.

Men, women and horses marching to the beating of the drum, Golden coach and Royal Couple safely flanked And rank-by-rank, the Colours steadfastly come.

The great Abbey and the congregation wait, As tones from choristers and heralds set the scene.

For a deeply religious ceremony steeped in tradition,

The Crowning of our King and his Queen. To receive the Holy Bible with a kiss, The Orb, the Sceptre, the Glove and the Ring.

To be anointed with Holy Oil and the ‘Promise to Serve’, And be crowned King Charles III, God Save the King.

Catherine Millard Payne, Bridgend

Reflections

I love to see reflections, On water oh so clear. Those lakeside colours doubled, Fill me with such cheer.

As I walk down my hallway, What do I see?

That face that the mirror Reflects back at me.

All those bygone years Wrapped in my memory.

I smile, hold my thumb up That face winks back at me.

Judy Dee, Porthcawl

Mermaid

Under the waves a vision comes to sight

A maiden crowned with Jewells shiny and bright

Though it’s my fantasy but can captivate you too

Because thought of her siren eyes can mesmerise is true

A creature with skin of gold and glistening hue, With mystic charm and beauty that pursue

Around her neck are pearls and corals so delicate

That fills every heart with pure etiquette A lovely fantasy not everybody can find

A myth that still captivates the human mind

A wondrous tale of magic, lovely mermaid in flash

All other beauties in front of her like Trash

Although she captivates with her illusion, She’s but a dream a fleeting exclusion Do not let your heart a bit swept away Inspite she tempts with all her beauty on display.

Dr Nadeem Iqbal Bridgend

Auntie Paula

So I got a tearful phone call

Saying Auntie Paula’s life was in danger

Blue lights speeding to the hospital

The surgery was going to be major Little legs and the biggest heart

We all despaired, she didn’t deserve such pain

But her heart needed repairing

So away the surgeons took her to be opened up again

We cried and prayed

Counting the hours the surgery took The most intense 14 hours passed by None of us were ready to say goodbye On life support she fought with courage

We waited for her to come around Uncle Boyd held her hand and asked if she could hear him

To which she squeezed his hand

The love from her family helped her fight Now she’s getting better and everybody wants a cwtch

Still delicate but time will heal

Because we all love her so very much. Tuesday Turner, Brackla Bridgend

Porthcawl Male Choir

extensive knowledge of the airport and its history, and has given me permission to include photographs of the Fairflight Tudors, as indeed has Robert Belcher, another local enthusiast who was happy to share his knowledge of the site in order to provide essential background information for the film. Without the willing help and support from people like Peter and Robert, and many others who have given invaluable information and assistance, it would be impossible for this film to be made.

Anthony Hontoir

07510 934299

PYLE & PORTHCAWL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

Our close relationship with organisations in the town continue, with us recently singing at Porthcawl Rugby Club’s sponsors day. We started off proceedings before special guests Lee Byrne and Tom Prydie spoke. Also in attendance was local MS and Choir Vice President, Sarah Murphy, a great supporter of the choir. Despite the inclement weather and an unfortunate Porthcawl loss, to top of the table Builth Wells, a great day was had.

Sadly, the weather also affected us at the Picnic in the Park for the Coronation Day celebrations. The choir was very disappointed that the event had to be cancelled.

The good news is that is that we will be performing at both the Newton Fayre and the Newton Fest this year, and we’re holding a joint concert with the Onllwyn Male Choir in July. Look out for further details of these on Porthcawl First or our Facebook pages.

Next on the itinerary is our tour to Llandudno. Two coachloads of choristers wives, partners and friends will be visiting the coastal town and performing at a joint charity concert at the town’s St. Johns Church.

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 few remaining scenes for my Llandow Air Disaster documentary film was shot during April and entailed making a trip to Blackbushe Airport in Hampshire. Its significance, as far as the film is concerned, is the fact that Blackbushe, originally a wartime RAF base, later became a busy civil airport and served as a home for the two Avro Tudor aircraft belonging to Air Vice Marshal Don Bennett’s Fairflight Ltd, one of which crashed at Llandow in March 1950. I needed to take a few shots to give some basic coverage of the airport.

A grateful thanks must also go to Peter Brown, who has an

We recently held our annual Club Competition 3, expertly judged by Gareth Martin from Aberavon. The winner of the Print section was Richard Craze and the winner of the Digital section was Geoffrey Baker. Congratulations Both.

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

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

We meet at St Clare’s School, Newton, CF36 5NR on Thursday evenings at 7pm. www.pyle-and-porthcawl-photographic-society.co.uk

STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK

As most of us are only too eager to raise money for a good cause, be it a cycle ride from Land’s End to John O’Groats, or run a marathon, it’s money that most charities badly need. Local musician, Porthcawl’s Phil (Barney) Jones, took it one step further – if you’ll pardon the pun – by completing the Artic Challenge recently along with a few colleagues and the odd polar bear for company. I’m glad to say Barney completed the gruelling task and lived to tell the tale. He and his band Cab along with a few other acts including Prognosis, Interstella Boy and E Type will perform at the General Picton on Saturday 17th June. Contact the venue for advance tickets, and all proceeds from Barney’s walk and his band night will go to Velindre Cancer Centre. Sounds a great gig and you might even get a chance for a selfie with yours truly.

I was informed that there is a regular jam night in Kenfig Hill’s Royal Oak so check the venue for details; I think it’s on Thursday evenings. It’s also good to see Kenfig Hill’s finest, Last Chance Heroes, back together gigging. Check them out!

Stag Marks

07549 728356

CÔR BRO OGWR’S SPRINGTIME CONCERT

On Saturday, 22nd April, the choir was in fine voice for its springtime concert at All Saints’ Church, Porthcawl. The concert got off to a suitably rousing start with Handel’s Zadok the Priest in honour of the coronation, followed by a varied programme of choral pieces, including Sous-Bois by Lili Boulanger, Geistliches Lied by Brahms, and Tydi a Roddaist, a setting of an Easter-themed hymn by T Rowland Hughes, with arguably the finest ‘Amen’ to be found in Welsh music!

The second half of the programme was given to Gabriel Fauré - his Cantique de Jean Racine, and the inspiring Requiem.

The choir was joined by soloists Sarah Jane Griffiths (soprano) and Simon Pratt (baritone), accompanied on organ and piano by Anita Datta, and very ably and warmly con-ducted by the choir’s musical director, Ben Pinnow. It was an evening full of musical delight and challenge, spanning the Welsh, French, Latin and German languages.

Côr Bro Ogwr is always eager to recruit new singers - all voices, all ages, and no auditions. Rehearsals are on Wednesday evenings, 7.00 - 9.00 pm in Tabernacle Church, Derwent Rd, Bridgend. We are particularly keen to expand the choir for our next concert on 22nd July when we will be performing Haydn’s Creation. Why not join us for this masterpiece of choral music!

Contact: Jan Bolland, Secretary 07972 245089/ jandavid@live.co.uk www.cor-bro-ogwr.com

Cost Of Cancer

Did you know that in May of next year we’re looking at taking on the National 3 Peaks Challenge. This means we’re going to be walking up Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowden all in 24 hours. If you feel up for the challenge, please do get in touch. We’ll be putting it live on the website very soon so please do keep looking on our social media platforms for more information.

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

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

Nicky, Emma & Cath Trustees

Healthy Nuts That Are Low In Carbs

Nuts are highly nutritious and low in carbs. They’re packed with vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and powerful plant compounds that can benefit your health in several ways. Adding more nuts to your low carb meal plan can enhance your heart health, promote weight management, and keep your blood sugar levels in check. Plus, they’re delicious, versatile ingredients that make a great addition to almost any meal or snack. Pecans, Macadamias, Brazil, Walnuts, Hazel, Pine, Peanuts and Almonds all have beneficial qualities. Walnuts are not only low in carbs but also loaded with nutrients, including B vitamins, iron, magnesium, zinc, antioxidants, and fiber. Brazil nuts are large, low carb nuts that are loaded with important nutrients. They’re also one of the best natural sources of selenium available, in fact, just one Brazil nut delivers over 100% of the recommended Daily Value. Macadamia nuts are an excellent source of B vitamins, magnesium, iron, copper, and manganese. Pecans are loaded with an array of important nutrients like thiamine, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc. Hazelnuts are rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, vitamin E, manganese, and vitamin K. Almonds are an excellent source of vitamin E, magnesium, riboflavin, copper, phosphorus, and manganese. Information taken from www.healthline.com

Supplied by Glyn Hardwicke

Aww Thank You

When was the last time you said those words? Today last week can’t remember? When did someone say thanks to you? Do you think that giving and receiving of thanks has declined or do you just not notice it? Where do you think kindness and thank you comes from? As usual the answer is you!

How to start? Maybe when you are driving try letting another car out of the junction, that usually cheers the other driver up and in turn they are likely to be considerate as their journey continues.

When you receive a supermarket coupon for a popular item that you don’t use place it on the store shelf for someone else to make use of.

Are there regular drivers bringing goods or services to your home? Maybe a snack, drink, biscuit, even a smile would be welcome as we all know what it is like to have a busy day or one when things don’t go according to plan. Say good day to someone as you pass them when walking. All of these are at little or no cost and yet they will improve someone else’s day. Who knows if enough of us do these acts of kindness one day it will be your turn to say thank you.

Margaret Brown

New Improvements For Frog Pond Wood

Frog Pond Wood, one of Bridgend County Borough’s lesserknown areas of natural beauty, has recently benefitted from a range of new improvements and is well worth a visit.

Located at Village Farm Industrial Estate in Pyle, the nature reserve recently expanded in size after incorporating adjacent plots of council-owned land. Designed to support existing wildlife, the newly expanded site now includes a mixed woodland environment to help strengthen the reserve’s levels of ecological resilience.

Thanks to a partnership between the council, Glamorgan Hedgehog Rescue and the Cwm Taf Nature Network, Frog Pond Wood has also become a haven where hedgehogs that have recovered from sickness and injury can be released back into the wild.

The rescue service has already treated more than 200 hedgehogs, and has released them once they have been assessed as being fit, healthy and free of disease. The nature network is also working closely with local nursery Little Acorns to develop new educational facilities at the reserve such as an interactive early years trail that can help to teach children about nature and the local environment. These new improvements are really helping to develop Frog Pond Wood as a community facility, and I hope that its popularity will continue to grow.

COUNCILLOR JANE GEBBIE Deputy Leader Bridgend County Borough Council

01656 643643