SEASIDE NEWS: March 2022 issue by Seaside News

PORTHCAWL & BRIDGEND EDITION

ESTABLISHED 1998

ISSUE 266 MARCH 2022

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Contents LETTERS.......................................................... 8 BOOKS......................................................... 10 PHOTOGRAPHS....................................... 12 POEMS...........................................................22 HEALTH........................................................ 26 PUZZLES...................................................... 28 NEWS............................................................ 30 SCHOOLS.................................................... 36 FEATURES.................................................... 38 HISTORY...................................................... 48 FINANCE...................................................... 50 LEGAL............................................................ 52 ARTS.............................................................. 54 GARDENING.............................................. 56 WHATS ON.................................................58 SPORT........................................................... 60 TIDES............................................................. 61 DIRECTORY.................................................62

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 Available to pick up from the following places: Porthcawl Nottage Stores, Rose & Crown, Library, Beale’s Fish & Chips, Finnegans’s, Bargain Booze Newton, Grove Golf Club, Rest Bay Cafe. Other Areas Kenfig Nature Reserve, Pyle Garden Centre, One Stop Bryntirion, POW Hospital Bridgend, Halo Bridgend.

Next deadline Tuesday 15th March - for April 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 town you live in. Please send any images as attachments.

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® 1998-2022 VAT Registration No: 879 7077 54 | Seaside Publications Ltd is registered in Wales, company number 09413904.

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LETTERS THANKS TO THE GOOD PEOPLE OF PYLE & KENFIG HILL Dear Editor, I felt the need to write publicly to express my thanks to the good people of Pyle, Kenfig Hill and surrounding areas. As Chair of Trustees for the Talbot Community Centre, their commitment to ensuring that their neighbours were safe and secure during the pandemic, was exemplary. Nothing was too much trouble, from delivering hot meals to those less fortunate, prescription and shopping deliveries, befriending those more vulnerable within the community, foodbank parcels that were essential to some of our residents in dire straights and well-being packs, full of isolation/lockdown activities for both children and adults. They all undertook the training that was required of them to assist us, food hygiene, financial management and safeguarding are just a few that were required in order that we could keep our volunteers safe as well. We were overwhelmed with their generosity of their time and community spirit at a time of great uncertainty and anxiety. We were fortunate also with the generosity from local businesses, with donations of foodstuffs, items for foodbank distribution, financial funding and even the loan of an insured vehicle to ensure the delivery of hot meals and prescriptions. None of the above would have deliverable had it not been enormous input of the residents surrounding us so my heartfelt thanks doesn’t seem to be enough. What we achieved was transformational and we even conformed to A Healthier Wales agenda by default; a collaborative, preventative, community led agenda achieved by mobilising our community army, our volunteers, who were committed to the delivery of the scheme, and all committed to learning new skills in order that we kept people safe. So our lunch provision has now resumed in the Talbot, and we’re always looking for new members and volunteers to engage and participate in a wide range of activities on offer, so we look forward to seeing you, and again I reiterate my unreserved thanks to all those volunteers who were the backbone of many communities during an unprecedented period in our history. Jane Gebbie, Kenfig Hill

PORTHCAWL REGENERATION Dear Editor, I entirely agree with Mr Tony Harris regarding the Porthcawl Regeneration plans. However, it should be remembered that the former Bridgend Borough Council had agreed plans with a major developer for the redevelopment of the harbour and Salt Lake Car Park. The scheme comprised a larger marina to provide berths for about 250 boats, houses, apartments, restaurants and retail outlets, similar to that at Swansea Marina. The development was to be linked through to John St via Dock Street by a pedestrian way with a leisure centre in that area. The completion of the deal was delayed by objections of two local members of the County Council, the highway authority at that time. There followed several meetings with the County Council but before the objections could be resolved the housing crash in the late 1980s occurred and the developer had to withdraw. In my view, Porthcawl missed the boat, no pun intended, over thirty years ago. Dennis Batten, Bridgend

8 | seaside news

BUS SERVICE TO TON KENFIG Dear Editor, In February’s issue of the Seaside News, Conservative MP Jamie Wallis writes about his support for reinstating a bus service to Ton Kenfig. While this is an admirable cause, he blames its loss on the lack of funding from BCBC and the Welsh Government. This is misleading. From 2010 to 2020, the Conservative UK government’s austerity agenda saw Wales’ block grant reduced by 5% in real terms: an effective £6 billion cut per year by 2020. In turn, local authorities were forced to make significant cuts. Between 2016 and 2020, for example, BCBC had to cope with budget reductions of more than £50 million. It is rather cynical of Mr Wallis to blame others for cuts in local services when it is his party in the UK government that imposed these cuts in the first place. Would he be making the same arguments if his party were in control at BCBC? We should also remember that it was his party that, forty years ago, privatised and deregulated all bus services in Wales. Overnight, this made profit the motivation instead of public service. It also encouraged the cancellation of non-profitable routes. According to a 2021 report by the Centre for Human Rights and Global Justice, “This arrangement, which is almost unique among wealthy nations, has delivered an expensive, unreliable and dysfunctional service.” The people of this area are not stupid, Mr Wallis, and you would do better to avoid such cynicism in the future. C. Jenkins, Porthcawl Sources: • www.cardiff.ac.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/1699776/WFASpending-Round-2019-Briefing.pdf • www.bridgend.gov.uk/my-council/equalities-and-engagement/ consultations/closed-consultations/shaping-bridgends-future/ • www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/jul/19/uk-busprivatisation-has-caused-poverty-and-job-losses-says-un • www.chrgj.org/2021/07/19/press-release-public-transportprivate-profit-the-human-cost-of-privatizing-buses-in-theunited-kingdom/

FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR PYLEPORTHCAWL RAIL LINK Dear Editor, Divide and rule is a reliable Conservative tactic. Our local MP, Dr Jamie Wallis, has certainly pinpointed an issue to provoke local people: paying for a feasibility study to reopen the PylePorthcawl rail line. Whilst we all mourn the loss of the Porthcawl rail link, we need our elected leaders to be honest and upfront with us about big infrastructure projects. A quick search on the internet is all that Dr Wallis needs to understand the huge costs involved in this particular project. Re-establishing a junction at the current Pyle station would require evicting and rehousing hundreds of people who live in areas developed since the line closed. Grove Golf Course, Danygraig Holiday Park, the M4, important wildlife habitats and the dual carriageway built over the old line at the Porthcawl end are other obvious obstacles. Experience shows us that rail re-openings are only feasible and affordable where the trackbed is still available and in use (e.g. Maesteg, Ebbw Vale, Vale of Glamorgan, Okehampton). Dull as it may sound, the South Wales Metro plan for a more regular bus link to Porthcawl is both realistic and deliverable. I would appeal to Dr Wallis to lend his support to those plans –

Have your say info@seasidenews.co.uk rather than wasting valuable time, public resources and dividing local opinion over a lost rail link. Recent flops including the much-touted Scotland to Northern Ireland bridge/tunnel and the HS2 link to Bradford and Leeds (both dismissed as unaffordable) make me wary of the current strain of Conservatism, which seems to thrive on dividing opinion over unrealistic and undeliverable infrastructure projects. David Robinson, Porthcawl

HAVE YOUR SAY Email: info@seasidenews.co.uk DOG MESS Dear Editor, I am writing in response to the letter in February’s Seaside News regarding dog mess. I’ve recently moved to Porthcawl and have to say that I’m appalled by the amount of it on the streets. Walking through the town is akin to living in the 1980’s, when I had to keep my head down for fear of walking into some! I have written to the Town Council about this (still awaiting a reply almost 2 months later!), and Bridgend Council. I have suggested that dog poo bag dispensers are put up in problem areas. I’ve noticed some people have put up their own makeshift ones, and they have been used well. If this, combined with more bins, came into effect, I’m sure even the irresponsible and lazy dog owners would use them. In the meantime, I’ll continue to email cleanupthecounty@ bridgend.gov.uk every few days to report for the dog mess to be removed, and I encourage all readers to do this. The more it’s reported, the more likely the council will be proactive rather than reactive. Mark Worrall, Porthcawl

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BOOKS NEW BOOKS AT PORTHCAWL LIBRARY FICTION

NON FICTION

FICTION INVISIBLE Danielle Steel

THE GREEN PLANET Simon Barnes

ANYTHING COULD HAPPEN Lucy Diamond STANDING ALONE Stephen Leather THE HORSE WOMAN James Patterson QUICKSILVER Dean Koontz THE ROSE QUEEN Katie Flynn THE MAN IN THE BUNKER Rory Clements

THE BETRAYAL OF ANNE FRANK: A COLD CASE INVESTIGATION Rosemary Sullivan RAG RUG TECHNIQUES FOR BEGINNERS: 30 PLANETFRIENDLY PROJECTS USING RAGRUGGING METHODS FROM AROUND THE WORLD Elspeth Jackson THE BBC – A PEOPLE’S HISTORY David Hendy STILL LIFE Susie Johns

SHOULD I TELL YOU? Jill Mansell THE LAST HOUSE ON THE STREET Diane Chamberlain KATE BLADON Facebook: PorthcawlLibrary | PyleLibrary Porthcawl Library Tel: 01656 754845 | 01656 754850 Email: porthcawl.library@awen-wales.com pyle.library@awen-wales.com

BOOK OF THE MONTH Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention - Johann Hari An intriguing book that looks into why people feel they can’t sustain focus on very much these days. According to the author, “Teenagers now focus on one task for only 65 seconds, and... office workers on average manage only three minutes.” The book examines how the social media and software giants have developed technology to keep our attention on their products, by methods such as “Infinite scroll” and using “Artificial Intelligence” algorithms to keep us online. Attention Deficit Disorder, the medication industry surrounding it, and the things professionals do to help the person who has it, is also investigated. Thankfully, the author has listed twelve ways in which we can get our focus back. An eye-opening read, and highly relevant for our modern times. 10 | seaside news

CUSTOMER REVIEW Born Survivors – Wendy Holden The Lives Of Three Ladies Priska – A well-educated, multi linguist whose family owned a respectable coffee shop in a pretty area in Czechoslovakia. She was loving life and living a dream. After being befriended by Tibor, with everyone’s blessings, they were later married. Anka – A carefree law student who also learned six languages. She loved, played and also taught music. Whilst on holiday skiing in Austria, she heard that it was being ‘invaded’. She wondered what this would mean to her, but back home, she married her beloved Bernd and life was almost perfect. Rachel – Her grandfather owned the textile factory near Lodz, Poland’s second largest city. From a big family (she was one of eight children), they were all educated well, fed well and Rachel, a perfectionist, kept their five-bedroom apartment immaculate whilst Mum cooked etc. At twenty years of age, she met and married Monik and for her too, life was good. Within months, these three ladies were rounded up, put into a ghetto, transported in boxcars to labour camps and put to do manual work. Starved and unclothed, they were swept along with unbelievable terror. Each had realised that on entering the concentration camps, they had to keep their pregnancies secret from Dr Mengele. Their stories are harrowing and I realise some may not be able to read them, but these ladies’ strengths, friendships and sheer hard work with emaciated bodies toiled through the war and survived with their babies. Their experiences needed to be told. We need to thank the writer and applaud these wonderful family members who now enjoy life to the full (albeit tinged with sadness). New Newsletter For more new books and other library information, sign up to our forthcoming newsletter. https://www.awen-libraries.com/

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Digwyddiadau | What’s On NCI Porthcawl Choral Evening

Crimes, Camera, Action

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The Manfreds

Curtis Stigers

Andy Fairweather Low

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Come What May:

Sad 19 Mawrth Sat 19 March 7:30pm £25.50

Mer 23 Mawrth Wed 23 March 8:00pm £30

Shirley Valentine

Rhondda Symphony Orchestra

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Mer 30 Mawrth – Gwe 1 Ebrill Wed 30 March – Fri 1 April 2.00pm / 7:30pm £10–£15

The Ultimate Tribute to Moulin Rouge

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seaside news | 11

PHOTOGRAPHS A PRICKLY CUSTOMER

COLD DIP AT REST BAY

Nathan Thomas, Bridgend

Luke Jones, Porthcawl

CLOUDY SKIES AT REST BAY

DISCOVERING BROMBIL

Kirsty Davies, Kenfig Hill

TAKEN IN BRIDGEND TOWN Kate Strong, Porthcawl

FEBRUARY SUNSHINE

Alun Betty, Bridgend 12 | seaside news

Pat Thomas, Porthcawl

Email us your pictures info@seasidenews.co.uk

PORTHCAWL SUNSET

DANCE OF THE TAILS

Suzy Tunne, Porthcawl

EVENING STROLL Marilyn Cook, Bridgend

PORTHCAWL PIER

Emily-Jayne Meredith, North Cornelly

FOLLOW THE LEADER

David Spencer, Kenfig Hill

SHORTENING SHADOWS

Malen Jones, Porthcawl

Anthony Callaghan, Porthcawl seaside news | 13

PHOTOGRAPHS PORTHCAWL HARBOUR

DOG ON A LOG

Adrian Jones, Porthcawl

FROSTY MORNING IN ST BRIDES Callum Gillings, Bridgend

OGMORE-BY-SEA

James Kendall, Bridgend

PORTHCAWL SEAFRONT

Ellie Wines, Porthcawl 14 | seaside news

Noreen Crowder, Porthcawl

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seaside news | 15

PHOTOGRAPHS REST BAY

TRECCO BAY

Pat Lathey, Penyfai

SUNSET OVER TRECCO BAY

Sandra Beer, Porthcawl

WINTER SEAS

Alan Thomas, Bridgend

THE FAIRIES DANCE

Veronica Williams, Port Talbot 16 | seaside news

Avril Tatchell

MOTH IN OUR GARDEN

KENFIG NATURE RESERVE

Joanne Thomas, Bridgend

RAINBOW OVER BRACKLA

John Western, North Cornelly

MARGAM PARK

Pat Baddeley, Cefn Cribwr

RIO AT OGMORE CASTLE

Pat Lathey, Penyfai

SEND US YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS Email: info@seasidenews.co.uk Please remember to give your photographs a caption title and include your name and town you live in.

Harry Walters, Porthcawl seaside news | 17

PHOTOGRAPHS PIER SUNRISE

IN NEED OF REPAIR

Martin Nugent, Porthcawl

REST BAY SUNSET

Callum Gillings, Bridgend

REST BAY

Sandra Beer, Porthcawl

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Email us your poem info@seasidenews.co.uk

THE TILES ARE CHIPPED

LOOKING OUT

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The tiles are chipped So much so I’m starting to like it It’s authentic at least It’s definitely not lying to me But the criss-cross pattern of checkers is starting to peel away The dark dirty degrading grout is showing No attempt has been made to even patch it up No extra tiles have been added to cover it up And absolutely no effort to redo the whole floor has been made Maybe because it’s beneath people, they simply don’t notice it Why would you? It is literally under their shoes, it’s what they step on to go places It has no meaning or significance to people It just simply is where it is Doing its pointless job And trying its best to look good doing it But it’s like as if the people who walk on it Like it’s their job to damage it Because they do it so easily and with no quarry or second thought To just STOMP STOMP on the chipped tiles Like a stampede of elephants But this is a school and to suggest that people are elephants is rude I know In their black and brown school shoes Tipping and tapping, stepping over and around It doesn’t really matter where you step because now because the chips surround you They no longer stay close to the cracks or the grout They spread like a wildfire burning everything in sight Revealing the cold and ugly truth The tiles are no longer chipped Well they were but now we have carpet It’s cheaper Cerys Powell, Cefn Cribwr

Wind blowing, face feels cold, Turbines turning with blades so bold, Red lights shine from the centre of one wind turbine. As darkness falls a song thrush sings his evening song, repeating every note that he has sung. I walk on home, the path heads down The view is gone, but will be found once more, when I come again to the edge of the bowl, where quietness reigns, at a special place, near ‘ Sandy Bay, Porthcawl.’ Judith Holden, Porthcawl

I open my eyes and it’s dark, All I can see is this inky blackness, Everywhere I turn, And I feel cold, so very cold. I can’t move, my limbs are stiff, All I can hear is the steady beat of my heart, It feels heavy and I feel all alone. If this is death I don’t like it, I don’t want it. I call out but my voice is so croaky, I am weak, I am tired... But I don’t want to be here, so I call again, And I wait. I try to remember good things, But the cloak of despair is heavy, The inky blackness too strong. But I am not going to give up.... Then I see it, a tiny star, Flickering in the sea of blackness. And I watch, and I wait, and I hope... As it grows I start to feel lighter, warmer. As this brightness gets closer, I hear a faint rustle in the air, I smell the fragrance of beautiful flowers, And then suddenly I am engulfed in whiteness, I can feel the power and softness of the wings, As I am lifted into the arms of an Angel. The cloak of despair falls away, And I know that my voice was heard. Marilyn Cook, Bridgend

OVER THE WALL Up through the hawthorn, over the lawn Along climbing roses and over the wall The bushy-tailed squirrels whisked through Porthcawl, Clambering, scampering, cheekily peering, Hurrying, scurrying, nut-burying, Busying, squirreling, luring, scaring The tittle-tattling neighbours to come out of hiding, Distancing, mask-wearing, easily fearing. Now they’re chatting again, over the wall. Sally Richards, Porthcawl 22 | seaside news

MUMMY My mother My armour My safety from drama You fight my woes And brighten my lows You are my best friend My creator and hero You manage to fix everything When my ability to function is zero So many memories The good, bad and sad We’ve been together forever Not once did we need my dad You never once turned away Even amidst my darkest disarray For that I just wanted to say Happy Mothers Day Tuesday Turner, Bridgend

NATURE WALK Clear blue sky in the morning As I stepped out for my walk. Bumped into our mate Billy, And stopped a while to talk. We talked of walks in nature, The experience you get. Then we went our separate ways, Walking targets to be met. I walked along the quiet lane, Birds chirping in the trees. The sun shone down upon me, To warm that winter breeze. When I reached the coast path, Cars and people broke that spell. Then I saw the view before me, What a tale that scene could tell. That clear blue sky and midday sun Did a perfect image make. Reflected in a sea so still It could have been a lake. Judy Dee, Porthcawl

EMAIL US YOUR POEM info@seaside news.co.uk WELCOME TO PHOEBE Welcome our dear little Phoebe Another servant of our Lord! Days of expecting now over So spread we your joy abroad. Who knows how far or high you’ll reach, But we know you’re in the hand Of the One who formed and purposed you And you’ve come as your God has planned. Your name foretells your ministry Now so surely will you grow, And step by step with certainty Christ’s glory will you show. Pauline Lewis, Porthcawl

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HEALTH

Email your article info@seasidenews.co.uk

COST OF CANCER NEWS

TIME TO SPARE?

Spring is almost upon us and we’ll be really glad to see the back of the darker nights won’t we? To help lift your mood why don’t you come down to the Hi-Tide on the 17th March for the Porthcawl Lions Musical Night. All proceeds are to be donated to Cost of Cancer and I can’t tell you how pleased we are. Thank you to Gloria and all involved in the event. Doors open at 6:30pm and the show starts at 7:15pm. You can get tickets from us or you can contact Gloria on 07882331978 and they’re only £10 each. I for one cannot wait. If you are looking at getting your teeth into something, why don’t you get on your bike with us and do the Euro 3 City Cycle. This is over 4 days, and we will cycle from London to Amsterdam and then onto Brussels. If you are interested, please do get in touch. If you know anyone who’s finding life a struggle whilst they’re going through treatment for Cancer please do point them in our direction. Finally, please do follow us on all social media platforms and remember we help those who are finding life a struggle financially whilst going through treatment for Cancer. Nicky, Emma & Cath Trustees

Have you noticed how so many of your daily thoughts can be the same thoughts repeated over and over? Maybe regretting the past or worrying about the future. However, the past cannot be changed and the future has not arrived, the only moment we can truly choose to live our life is right now, yet so many of our thoughts echo, should have, could have. Why? Asks the child who queried everything, unaware of the past or future, just playing, reading, running, splashing, cycling until a voice calls them back. Somehow, we have stopped playing and instead listen to the voice of regret or worry. What can we do? You are the controller of all the thoughts in your head. Yes you! So choose wisely. Find a comfortable place where you can sit, stand or lie down where you know you will not be disturbed and set a timer for five minutes. Take a long slow deep breath in through your nose and gently let it go then another breath and repeat, before you know it the timer will sound then slowly open your eyes. Do this once a day to begin with and, when you feel ready, slowly increase the time. Well done! Margaret Brown

CAN YOU DO US A LITTLE FAVOUR? VITAMIN D Vitamin D is known as the sunshine vitamin because your body can produce it when your skin is exposed to the sun. This essential, fat-soluble nutrient helps keep bones healthy and strong, promotes cell growth, and benefits immune function. It may also play a role in depression, as researchers have noted that many people with depression have low vitamin D levels. A review of 7,534 people found that those experiencing negative emotions that received vitamin D supplements noticed an improvement in symptoms. Vitamin D supplementation may help people with depression that also have a vitamin D deficiency. Another study identified low vitamin D levels as a risk factor for more severe fibromyalgia symptoms, anxiety, and depression. Some foods contain vitamin D naturally, and others are fortified with it. You can find vitamin D in the following foods: Salmon, Sardines, Herring, canned Tuna, cod liver oil, beef liver, egg yolk, fortified yoghurt, milk and orange juice. Vitamin D has many potential benefits. It may reduce the risk of certain diseases, help improve mood and reduce depression symptoms, and help with weight management. It’s hard to get enough vitamin D through your diet alone, so you may want to ask a healthcare professional for a blood test and consider taking a vitamin D supplement. Taken from www.healthline.com/health/food Supplied by Glyn Hardwicke

If you know a man who seems a bit low, could you tell him about us? We’re a bunch of blokes having a brew and a chat. That’s all he needs to know. Andy’s Man Club Porthcawl. Every Monday 7pm at Porthcawl Town FC, Locks Lane, Porthcawl, CF36 3HY. #ITSOKAYTOTALK #ANDYSMANCLUB

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NEWS

Email us your views info@seasidenews.co.uk

ENCOURAGING YOUNGER PEOPLE TO VOTE

PILOT SCHEME TARGETS UNADOPTED STREETS

Cynffig Comprehensive School will be taking part in a unique pilot scheme when council elections are held in May as part of a plan to encourage more young people to have their say and get involved in local democracy. The pilot, which is the only one of its kind in Wales, will create two special polling stations within the school. Eligible students aged 16 and over who live in either the Cornelly ward or the new Pyle, Kenfig Hill and Cefn Cribwr ward will be able to use them between 8.30am - 4.30pm on the Tuesday before polling day to cast their vote. To help boost turnout in wards where people have previously voted in low numbers, 20 existing polling stations will also open for early voting in the week running up to the election. These will be located in the new wards of Cornelly, Pyle, Kenfig Hill and Cefn Cribwr, Brackla East and Coychurch Lower, Brackla East Central, Brackla West, Brackla West Central, and St Bride’s Minor and Ynysawdre. This is a great way of encouraging young people to get involved in the democratic process by utilising familiar surroundings, and to also make it easier for residents to cast their votes.

I was delighted to see how Ynyslas in Porthcawl has been transformed using £230,000 funding from a new Welsh Government pilot scheme which is targeting streets that have not been adopted by local councils. The upkeep for Ynyslas previously rested entirely with residents and property owners, but following repairs and upgrading work, the street will now be maintained by Bridgend County Borough Council. Designed to help Welsh Government better understand the cost implications of tackling the historical backlog of unadopted streets throughout Wales, the work at Ynyslas has included full surveys, reconstructing footways and carriageways, repairing the highway drainage and other associated works to make the street suitable for adoption. It was selected for the scheme because of the poor condition of its footways and concrete road, which was severely broken up, and the number of properties it served. A review of other unadopted streets in Bridgend County Borough is now underway to determine the costs of bringing further streets up to an adoptable standard, and making them part of the maintainable highways network. If further funding is made available from Welsh Government, we will be looking at how similar opportunities for improving unadopted streets can be delivered in the future.

COUNCILLOR CHARLES SMITH Cabinet Member for Education and Regeneration Bridgend County Borough Council Tel: 01656 643643 www.bridgend.gov.uk

MATERNITY CHAMPIONS APPOINTED Undoubtedly, the ongoing implications of COVID-19 have affected the experiences of maternal and neonatal care for parents and babies. Constituents have spoken about loneliness faced by parents, and the intense anxiety around birthing during a global pandemic. The Welsh Government has announced a national Maternity and Neonatal Safety Support Programme supported by £1.15million in funding. For Bridgend, this means appointing a local Maternity and Neonatal Champion to work collaboratively with the Chief Nursing Officer for Wales, improving safety, experience and outcomes for parents and babies. The Health Minister, has said that they will address key improvements and priorities and consider the impact on services from the pandemic. However, we must consider that appointing local champions reflects something much more fundamental to healthcare. Rather, this change is about restructuring the system so that those who experience services are the driving force for decision making and changes for improvement. I trust that those undergoing or have undergone services are equipped with the experience to make healthcare services more positive for our community. As the Member of Senedd for Bridgend, I intend to push for this same approach to all areas of healthcare, ensuring that we create a more equal system for all. SARAH MURPHY MS Member of the Senedd for Bridgend

30 | seaside news

COUNCILLOR HYWEL WILLIAMS Deputy Leader Bridgend County Borough Council Tel: 01656 643643 www.bridgend.gov.uk

SENIORS OPEN SET TO RETURN When Porthcawl hosted the Senior Open golf tournament in 2014 and 2017, the events drew in 75,000 visitors and generated more than £15m for the local economy. As well as being a huge boost for local businesses, the international television coverage and praise for the excellent course and facilities offered by the Royal Porthcawl from worldclass players such as Bernhard Langer, Colin Montgomerie and Nick Faldo did wonders for the area’s tourism appeal. The announcement that Porthcawl will host the Senior Open tournament for a third time in 2023 is excellent news, not just for the town but for the county borough as a whole, and Bridgend County Borough Council recently agreed to support the event by contributing towards costs relating to parking arrangements, highways control, staffing, promotional activities and more. Work is already underway alongside the Royal Porthcawl, Welsh Government and The R&A and PGA Tour Champions to ensure that the Senior Open 2023 delivers as many benefits for the local area as possible. We are also looking at ways in which we could capitalise upon the event further, and build upon its success to attract more events to Porthcawl that will support businesses and help to boost the local economy. COUNCILLOR HUW DAVID Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council Tel: 01656 643643 www.bridgend.gov.uk

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We support adults or children in the community either in their homes or in residential settings.

Os oes gennych y gwerthoedd a’r agwedd gywir i weithio gyda ni, rydym eisiau i chi ymuno â’r tîm.

If you have the right values and attitude to work with us, we want you to join our team.

Darperir hyfforddiant, nid oes angen profiad na chymwysterau blaenorol.

Training is provided, previous experience and qualifications are not necessary.

Ewch i bridgend.gov.uk/social-care-vacancies i weld ein cynigion diweddaraf o swyddi. Go to bridgend.gov.uk/social-care-vacancies to view our latest job offers.

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NEWS WE MUST PROTECT KENFIG DUNES I have been contacted by constituents in Cornelly about unauthorised extraction of sand alleged to have been taking place on part of Kenfig dunes. This is an environmentally fragile area close to the Kenfig Nature Reserve, which is a site of Special Scientific Interest. It provides habitat for the rare fen orchid and carver bumble bee. I have been in contact with Neath Port Talbot Council as the extraction site is in their area and they tell me that an officer has inspected the site and a Stop notice has been served on the land-owner so that further investigations can take place. All extraction work has ceased at the moment. I welcome their action in halting this activity and it is to be hoped that the sand extraction will now permanently cease at this location. I want to commend local residents for their vigilance in spotting what was going on and then drawing it to the attention of the appropriate authorities. Mineral extraction can be a lucrative activity and it is a necessary one as there is massive demand from builders and developers for sand and aggregates but this is not the right place to do it. DR ALTAF HUSSAIN Welsh Conservative Regional MS for South Wales West

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GOLF BRINGS IN THE PUNTERS TO PORTHCAWL I HAVE long thought that golf could be one of the main drivers (pardon the pun) for tourism in Porthcawl. We have three first class golf courses in the vicinity. So I recently met with local clubs located across Bridgend to explore what opportunities exist to attract major golf tournaments to the area including the most prestigious of them all – The Open. Royal Porthcawl has made a good start to this campaign by being selected to host three of the Senior Open Championship events starting in 2014 when 43,000 people attended and the local spend on accommodation and other businesses amounted to £2.16m with a further £5.2 million of publicity from the massive TV coverage. It returned in 2017 when 32,000 people attended with publicity values at £7.8m from the global TV coverage. And it returns again in July 2023 when organisers are hoping for a £3 million boost to the local economy and 600 hours of priceless global TV coverage. BCBC has responded to calls for funding to develop golf locally by donating £50K to this event. This is a welcome start but more must be done to develop golf tourism in the area. Next stop? The Open. JAMIE WALLIS MP for Bridgend

TOURISM TAX WOULD DEVASTATE BUSINESSES Let’s not beat around the bush here, introducing a tourism tax in Wales could have disastrous consequences for our towns and businesses. We should be doing all we can to rebuild our economy and get it fired up again after the pandemic, instead of looking at ways to damage it further. Labour and Plaid Cymru seem hellbent on introducing a tourism tax and last week announced a consultation on the plans would get underway later this year. A tourism tax poses grave dangers for Wales. Not only would it be devastating for businesses and the economy, but it would also leave jobs hanging in the balance. Labour and Plaid Cymru seem to have their priorities all wrong. They should be focusing their energy on delivering a strong economic recovery and tackling ridiculously long NHS waiting lists rather than penalising businesses at this crucial time. A tourism tax was mooted in the last Senedd, but were dropped because of widespread anger and opposition from the Welsh Conservatives. It is imperative that Labour ministers drop these barmy proposals once more before people’s livelihoods take a hit. TOM GIFFARD Welsh Conservative regional Senedd member for South Wales West

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GREENSPACE AND LESS HOUSING ON SALTLAKE! Early February A Voice for the Future met with the Principal Regeneration Officer from BCBC and asked for an update following the placemaking event. We were thrilled to hear that all of the responses and effort from Porthcawl residents had resulted in some key changes to the vision for Salt Lake. The two main takeaways being the significant reduction of houses now planned for the area and, equally exciting, the proposal of a fairly substantial park/greenspace parallel to, what will be, the newly revamped Eastern Promenade. It was also reassuring to learn that there would be further opportunities for the community to engage in the shaping of this greenspace and that the council would be keen to work with residents to make this a space in which we, and the Future Generations, can be proud. Ideally, of course, there would be no houses on Saltlake. But life is about compromise and following confirmation/acceptance at Cabinet level, our focus will be on positively shaping this linier Park; fighting for a green developer; and working with the Regeneration team….who, do at least, truly seem to be listening. Maybe all that positive manifesting paid off! We believe BCBC will be revealing plans early March so watch this space and get involved. It’s as important as ever to help shape the future of Saltlake and make it something really special. AFVTF@gmail.com

WHAT’S ON

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SCHOOLS ST CLARE’S SCHOOL

Despite the challenges COVID has presented over the last two years, St Clare’s has adapted and continued to offer the very best education. Our teachers adapted extremely quickly to online-learning before the first lockdown and have continued to adapt since returning to school. They have offered face-to-face teaching in school whilst live-streaming lessons to pupils who have had to self-isolate. The school’s performance has continued to be monitored throughout the pandemic, in the same way as every other school in Wales. We were part of a very successful thematic review this year and we were involved in regular engagement calls with Estyn. We were delighted to see that St Clare’s was mentioned in the Estyn Annual Report 2020-21, for its distance learning curriculum programme and the support offered to pupils and parents during lockdown. St Clare’s provides an exceptional education for pupils aged 2 ½ in Nursery through to Sixth Form. We are extremely proud of our Day nurseries UK Top 20 Nursery (Wales) 2021 Award. Our A-Level and GCSE results are consistently well above the national average and St Clare’s have been in the top 5% of top-performing A-Level schools in the UK for ALPS (A-Level Performance System) since 2018.

HWYL FAWR A MWYNHEWCH ‘MRS JONES LIFEBOAT’

Once again, we are asking you to join us in saying a fond farewell to another long-serving member of the Nottage family as retirement beckons for Mrs Aileen Jones MBE. For many years, Aileen has led Forest School activities with our 36 | seaside news

Email us your report to: info@seasidenews.co.uk youngest learners and it was while she was at a Forest School training event in 2005 that she received news, which would catapult her into the headlines! That year, Aileen became the first ever lifeboat-woman since Grace Darling, to be awarded the RNLI Bronze Medal of Gallantry from that moment on she was known as ‘Mrs Jones Lifeboat’! In 2016, Aileen was again in the news and once more as she was honoured with her MBE for services to the RNLI. Thanks to Aileen, hundreds of Nottage pupils will have learned at an early age that life really is better outdoors and there is no such thing as bad weather when you’re in your wellies and puddle suit! They will certainly never forget their trips to the lifeboat-station, watching the tractor and lifeboat get washed and marvelling at how quickly the crew put on the dry suits! Your Nottage family wish you calm seas and many glorious sunsets!

PORTHCAWL COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

We enjoyed a visit recently from Sarah Murphy, our Member of the Welsh Senedd who came into school to see what we are all about. She met with the Head Team and members of the School Council who had a chance to ask her questions about her job in the Senedd, and they chatted about the local regeneration scheme as well as their aspirations as young people, what their plans are for the future and the topics that are important to them. She had a tour of the school and saw the huge range of opportunities available at PCS. “It was reassuring to know that members of the Welsh Government are interested in the work young people are doing to help improve schools and to make our voices heard. It was an amazing opportunity to be able to ask questions regarding changes taking place in the Senedd and how we as young people can get involved.” Seren Cole, Amelie Symmons and Will Morgans – School Council members. Once again this year, our Eisteddfod has been a ‘virtual’ experience, but we are delighted that this will be available to parents to enjoy through the Parent App. Results will follow in the next edition. Andrew Slade

Together We Can. Gyda’n Gilydd Ni’n Gallu.

Calling all Tiddlers!

Are you thinking about a school place for your toddler? Why not pay a visit to Nottage Tiddlers, a purpose-built nursery tucked safely away at the heart of Nottage Primary School? Here, you will find a team of experienced practitioners waiting to welcome your little one into the wonderful world of Tiddlers! To find out more, contact us on 01656 815540 or send an email to admin@nottageps.bridgend.cymru or visit our website www.nottageprimary.com you can even like us on Facebook @NottagePrimary Nottage Primary School, Suffolk Place, Porthcawl, Bridgend, CF36 3ED seaside news | 37

FEATURES NEW INSHORE LIFEBOAT HUGO MISSEN GOES ON SERVICE AT PORTHCAWL RNLI

The lifeboat has been named in memory of Helm Joseph Missen and his fiancé Jessica Entwistle’s son who sadly lost his brave fight against cancer in December 2016 aged just 15 months of age. Hugo was also the grandson of Porthcawl RNLI’s Lifeboat Operations Manager, Philip Missen MBE. The new D Class lifeboat D861 Hugo Missen replaces the relief lifeboat D776 Super G II that has been temporarily based at Porthcawl since 2020. Porthcawl’s previous D Class D714 Jean Ryall has now returned to the Inshore Lifeboat Centre in Cowes. The new lifeboat Hugo Missen has been funded by several donors from restricted funds and was launched on a training exercise for the very first time on Wednesday evening with Joseph Missen as helm. Subject to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be a special naming ceremony and dedication for the Hugo Missen to be held in Porthcawl later this year. Chris Page, volunteer helm and press officer for Porthcawl RNLI said, ‘The arrival of the new lifeboat has been both an exciting but poignant time for the volunteers at Porthcawl RNLI. Whilst Hugo was never able to serve on Porthcawl’s crew himself, it is a fitting tribute to the very bravest of young boys that the new lifeboat is named in his memory and that his name will be associated with saving lives at sea here at Porthcawl for many years to come.’ The D class carries medical equipment to provide casualty care and is also equipped for use at night. In the event of a capsize the boat can be manually righted by crew and the engine restarted. All D class lifeboats are built and maintained at the RNLI’s Inshore Lifeboat Centre at Cowes on the Isle of Wight. Chris Page

Catherine Tanner BMus(Hons) ARCM

PIANO TEACHER *Beginners up to Diploma level * 25 years teaching experience * Progress through ABRSM Grades, or just for fun! * All ages welcome

(01656) 782946 07779 555312 38 | seaside news

ENGLISH TUTOR (BASED IN NOTTAGE, PORTHCAWL)

20 years of teaching experience as a comprehensive school teacher of 11-18 year old students

TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE

Well here we are into the beginning of the new year, with the hope that a new normal, whatever that means, is with us. The Toolies have been working throughout the pandemic refurbishing tools for kits ready to be sent to the Charity’s contacts in Africa and we are assembling the most common kits used so that we may be able to meet the demand. Various tools for tinsmiths have been completed and are destined for the Mwanza Workshop in Tanzania via TFSR Cymru. The pandemic has caused problems throughout the world affecting us as much as any other charity. The Charity’s HQ. has had its fair share of problems such as container costs and staffing in respect of lockdown. We as a group have been pleased to have new volunteers join us, bringing their own skills. We are planning the first of this year’s table sales to be held on Saturday 26th March outside on the Trinity Church’s forecourt, weather permitting. Finally the group would like to take this opportunity to thank the Porthcawl Rotary Club for their recent most generous donation. Mark T James, Group Chairman

KIDNEY WALES DONATION The Rotary Club of Porthcawl has made a donation of £500.00 to the Porthcawl Kidney Wales fundraising Committee. We know that the past few years have been particularly hard when trying to organise fundraising activities and we would like to send our appreciation and thanks to all members of Porthcawl Rotary for this generous donation. Kathryn Roper

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THE INNER WHEEL CLUB OF PORTHCAWL SKER WI Although unable to have our January meeting, the meeting on the 10th of February was well attended. The Speaker was a Home Safety Officer, called Marlene, from South Wales Fire Service. She gave a very interesting and informative talk on safety with regard to electrical goods and information on smoke alarms etc. The resolutions were discussed and voted on and the President gave details of future events. The was a very special announcement on the achievement of one of our member, Greta Owens, who has been a member of Sker WI for 50 years. She had received a card fro NWI and was presented with a bouquet of flowers. Our next meeting will be on Thursday, 10th March, 7pm when Emmaus the Charity for the homeless will be our speaker. Jackie Jones We did have our meeting in February as we had planned as everyone had recovered. The District Assembly was held on 10th Feb and all our recycling was taken there for collection. We were lucky to be donated several knitted blankets which were also taken to the meeting. £50 donations were also given to The Stroke Club and Mercy Ships in the new year. District 15 is having a friendship Tea in Court Coleman in March and some of our members will be attending. We are now working on celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. If anyone is interested in finding out more about the Inner Wheel, please come along and meet us you will be made most welcome. Liz Jones

PORTHCAWL LIONS After several month’s enforced disappointment and inactivity the club is going into overdrive this month and beyond. Check our website for details of: 1. by the time you read this you may be too late for our Celtic Evening on 4th, at the Hi-tide, replacing the ever-popular Burns Night with some added St. David’s leekages; 2. on Thursday 17th we are running a concert of local talent, also at the Hi-tide, supporting Cost of Cancer; £10 a ticket. Starring West Park Primary choir, Porthcawl Comp music and drama, Sounds Familiar, the Community Orchestra and more; 3.and arrangement’s are in hand for the club’s Charter Night at The Grove on Sat 26th; 4 and we will be supporting the Marie Curie street collection weekend. Looking further ahead there are plans for a coffee morning, a fashion evening and of course we really hope to be able to restart the sadly missed Car Boot Sales this summer. Also Book sales, (happy to collect books in good condition) and a project to support local schools As ever we would dearly welcome new members - anyone looking for the chance to serve the community in a fun friendship group - new to the area? Time on your hands? Contact any member or membership@porthcawllions.com

THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES Dear friends! Not sure what your story is but whilst in the whole lockdown period I certainly hit a few emotional and mental walls. It seemed that the responsibilities of life along with the pandemic issues challenged me like I haven’t been challenged for a while. As I do these days, I prayed and asked Jesus to help. As always, he was there for me. He reminded me of the importance of mediating on God kind truth and to ask God to put that truth deep into my heart. You know, it’s one thing to say you have peace and another to actually have it. When we meditate on Jesus we give the Holy Spirit space to work in our lives and impart truth into us - and that becomes a solid foundation. We are living in a very turbulent world where you don’t even know if you can trust most of what we hear these days! Well, at times like this it’s good to get back to the good old-fashioned truth about Jesus. I want to encourage you to get close to Jesus (he’s closer to you than you might think) and to meditate on the truth of Jesus. He is good and loves you and wants a personal relationship with you. He’s what we need! God bless. NEIL HARVEY Through Christian Eyes

PORTHCAWL PHYSIOTHERAPY & SPORTS INJURY CLINIC WE HAVE MOVED! OUR NEW PREMISES ARE NOW: 1 The Portway, Porthcawl CF36 3XB. Tel: 01656 782362

www.porthcawlphysiotherapyandsportsinjuryclinic.co.uk

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Chartered Physiotherapist

Awarded Best Sports Injury Clinic 2016 – South Wales by Healthcare & Pharmaceutical Awards 2016

Member of the Organisation of Chartered Physiotherapists in Private Practice

Physiotherapy has been shown to be very beneficial in helping: • Whiplash • Sports Injuries • Headaches • Soft Tissue Injuries • Arthritis • Post Surgical Rehabilitation • Stress-Related Disorders • Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) • Back & Neck Pain (Including Sciatica & Arm Pain) • Custom Foot Orthotics All Private Medical Insurance accepted | Domiciliary visits on request

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FEATURES FROM KENFIG NATURE RESERVE

COYCHURCH WI NEWS

We are looking forward to Spring at Kenfig Nature Reserve and as promised Chris and I have started to put a programme of events together for everyone to enjoy. This is not a definitive list but just to start these will include: -

Unfortunately, after disappointedly having to cancel January’s meeting due to Covid restrictions there was an excellent attendance at this month’s meeting. President Sandra Davidson welcomed four new members Ann James, Adrina Johnson, Louise and Noreen Thomas and wished everyone a Happy New Year. With new subscriptions due soon Sandra explained how the money is distributed and has organised a coffee afternoon in The White Horse, Coychurch to explain how the WI as an organisation operates. Member Maria Card is forming a walking group that will meet initially fortnightly commencing on Tuesday 15th February. There was interest shown by some members to form a whist group. Various events have been arranged for April and May with plans afoot hopefully to arrange a special event to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Following on from the business members enjoyed the fish/ chicken and chips lunch with delicious desserts made by committee along with tea/coffee. As from this month members’ birthdays will be recognised birthday. Lucky member Joan Rees won the raffle. A Welsh Themed meeting will be held on 1st March between 1.30-3.00pm in The Williams Memorial Hall, Coychurch. For further details please contact Sandra 01656 669232 or Natalie 07581 256026

Our regular Farmers Market on the first Sunday of the month. Saturday 26th March between 10am and 2pm there will be an Artisan Market – selling some pretty special and unique products! For more details email post@gweni.co.uk Wardens Wild Walk – Sights and Sounds of Spring at Kenfig takes place on 26th March and starts at 9.30am from the Reserve Centre for up-to-date information on all Warden activities check Twitter @kenfigwarden. Take a break from the Easter Bunny for a day and come to our Dark Skies Planetarium Event on Saturday 16th April 2022. There are 2 sessions one at 11am the other at 12 noon – check out on Eventbrite or contact the Reserve for details 01656 530089. Later in the year Chris will be organising more events and there will be a special Moon Gazing event in July!! Just as a reminder there are also other classes going on at the Reserve throughout the year so if you are interested, please contact the organisers. Tiny Toes Ballet – bridgend@tinytoesballet.co.uk Pilates - samfitzness@gmail.com Flower Arranging - enquiries@jonathansflowers.co.uk U3A classes to include Wildlife, Literature and Book Reviews u3asites.org.uk/porthcawl/home Other than that, please call up to see us, grab a coffee at the Hyde Out or an ice cream from Vintage Whippy and just enjoy the splendours of one of Wales top sand dune Reserves. We look forward to seeing you! Ceri John -Reserve Manager Kenfig Nature Reserve 01656 530089

KENFIG CORPORATION TRUST Registered Charity No 214084

Applications are invited for donations from Kenfig Corporation Trust Eligibility is confined to those who reside within the area of benefit: From the railway line at Pyle, south to the Pyle and Kenfig Golf Club, West to Water Street and east to South Cornelly. Applications must be emailed to the Clerk no later than FRIDAY 1st April 2022. Please provide full contact details when submitting your application Ceri John Clerk to Kenfig Corporation Trust Email: kenfigtrustclerk@outlook.com

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PORTHCAWL U3A Porthcawl u3a was back to normal last month with the usual full programme of over 40 different interest groups meeting mostly in the Rugby Club, Y Centre and at Kenfig. We offer our usual diverse range of activities and members are free to try as many as they wish. From Art and Astronomy, French, Gardening, Mindfulness, Painting, Photography, Scrabble, Walking to Writing, and lots more in between. Members have renewed their subscriptions in pleasing numbers and we have introduced some new groups recently, including Mythology and Sustainability. There are some interesting monthly talks planned for this year plus a guided history tour of Porthcawl and visits to Atlantic College and Cardiff Bay. If you are partly or fully not in employment and wish to take up another interest or learn something new in a friendly group atmosphere why not see what Porthcawl u3a has to offer? Our remit is wide-ranging and new members are always welcome. Interested? Either go on our website porthcawlu3a.org.uk or come to the Open Day and coffee morning on 9th April at Trinity Church and meet the group leaders and members in person. Carolyn Perren, Vice Chair

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#BREAK THE BIAS

During the pandemic, we learnt that Covid-19 has disproportionally affected black and minority ethnic people, and tragically, many lost their lives to this disease. Bridgend Labour Women were horrified, to also realise that it is not just Covid-19. Here, in the UK, black women face a 40% higher risk of pregnancy loss than white women do. We were aware of some of the difficulties that disproportionally face women but were startled to realise that the injustices, that women, particularly BAME women, face, is a matter of life and death. The 8th of March is International Women’s Day and this year’s theme is #Break the Bias and so we will be holding a Coffee Morning, particularly for women, where we can support each other and share our stories that affect us, endometriosis, menopause as well as pregnancy and childbirth. Sarah Murphy, our Member of the Senedd, will be with us, to listen to us and feed back to the Senedd what she has learnt. We will be meeting at the Talbot Community Centre, 9 Prince Road, Kenfig Hill, on March 8th from 10am to 12pm. No need to book-Everyone welcome. Elaine Winstanley Bridgend CLP Women’s Officer 07493933690 Facebook @BridgendLabourWomen

PORTHCAWL TOWNSWOMENS GUILD NEWS The year started with a disappointment when we had to cancel January’s meeting due to restrictions. But last month we had an excellent meeting with nearly a full house and four new members. Our speaker was Eryl Ring on “The Life of a Camp Follower at Waterloo”. She and her husband have taken part in many reconstructions of the battle so it was most interesting. She brought many items of clothing worn by the soldiers and their women. She also had weapons of the period and explained where the phrases “Flash in the pan” and “ Cock up” came from. This months meeting is on Wednesday, March 9th at 2.0p.m. at The Grove Golf Club. This is our AGM but we will also have Phil Styles showing a video of the Coastguard work. We have a full programme of speakers until next year so do come along and find out more. Dorothy Thomas 772157

CAKES FOR THE CREW

On Sunday 13th Feb, four best friends Phoebe, Madeleine, Olivia & Skyla set up their cake stall at Sweet Pea Photography and kindly welcomed in the local residents of our community to raise money for Porthcawl’s RNLI. After watching BBC’s documentary ‘Saving Lives at Sea’ the girls asked what they can do to help the charity and their crew. The RNLI is the charity that saves lives at sea and is funded primarily by kind donations. The incredible crew are ready to launch their boats and race to the rescue within minutes of a cry for help - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whatever the weather. The day was a huge success and girls raised over a whopping £600! Treats and cakes were kindly donated by local cake bakers The Sweet Retreat Bakery, Leah Marie Bakes and Cupcake Jem. The crew members of the RNLI turned up at the studio with their lifeboat to personally thank the girls, this was a fantastic surprise and the girls felt very special and proud. Victoria

LALESTON WI We met on Wednesday 2nd February at 2pm. Resolutions were discussed and voted on. As we had no speaker for this meeting our members had plenty of catch-up time this was our first get together since our lunch in November. Barbara Rees took the meeting. Next month our speaker is to be Rev. Clive Williams who gives a talk on classical composers and also plays music by the same composer. Our W.I. meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 2pm at The Blandy Hall, Laleston. Prospective new members are welcome to join us as a visitor. More information from Diane Marshall 01656 656600 seaside news | 43

FEATURES

HAVE YOU PAID A VISIT TO THE KAKADU PLUM HEALTH STORE IN BRIDGEND YET?

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2019, a condition which they have as a family looked to treat with diet and supplements. Melanie now studies Naturopathic nutrition on a part time basis on the weekend at the School of Naturopathy in Cardiff. Keith is a crop nutritionist and was brought up on a farm in Welshpool. They both have a keen interest in naturopathy, the body’s ability to heal itself. The store offers an extensive range of some of the best selling vitamins, minerals and superfoods along with a great vegan and vegetarian range. The store stocks brands such as SOLGAR, NATURE’S AID, A VOGEL, VIRIDIAN, LOVE HEMP, TREE HARVEST PLUS MANY MORE! The prices are competitive and many products are cheaper than Holland and Barrett! Customers can also sign up for the Store loyalty card which gives 4p in the pound to be redeemed against future purchases!

Melanie and Keith Evans opened the store in May 2021. It is named after the Australian fruit Kakadu Plum which is grown in the Northern Territory and which has the highest concentration of Vitamin C of any food on the planet! Based in the centre of Bridgend at 40 Nolton Street, Bridgend, opposite Wilkinsons and to the front of Melanie’s solicitors’ practice, Melanie Lazarus and Co.

Melanie is delighted to have on board the lovely Rose Jenkins who will be a familiar face to many in Bridgend. Rose has over 15 years’ experience in the Health Food Industry, having worked in the local Holland and Barrett. She has been welcoming new and old customers to the store and can be trusted for her discreet, sympathetic and knowledgeable guidance.

Melanie recognised the need for an independent Health store following the closure of the local Holland and Barrett in the town centre in early 2021. Her interest in the health food industry began following the diagnosis of her daughter Izzy with an autoimmune condition in 44 | seaside news

Pop in and take a look at the lovely store which can also be found on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM! Liz Jones THE KAKADU PLUM - Health Food Store Email: thekakaduplum@outlook.com Tel: 07864 811426 THEKAKADUPLUM.COM

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FEATURES BRIDGEND ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY

Following the success of the society’s short courses last year, we have once again decided to re-run our popular ‘Astronomy for Beginners’ course. Both members and non-members are enjoying the fun but informative eight week offering. Enrolees of all ages will learn about our solar system, the Moon and constellations, the lives of stars plus much more! March 14th sees the astronomy world celebrate Mars Day. In fact, the whole week from the 14th to the 20th sees events and talks taking place nationwide to help lovers of the Red Planet explore the Martian world and beyond. Bridgend Astro will of course be taking part. In astronomy news, the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), has now reached its final observing point in space known as Lagrange point 2. The JWST (pictured) is designed to observe the oldest and most distant objects such as the first stars and galaxies. First images from the JWST are expected around June or July! Watch this space – literally! We will return to ‘in-person’ talks for our March meeting, which will take place at our usual venue, Bridgend Tennis and Bowls Club. Jonathan Powell will deliver a talk entitled “Falling off the Edge of the Earth”. Wednesday 16th March 7:30pm. To join, contact us, visit our website or our Facebook group. Contact: secretary@bridgendastro.org.uk Find us on Facebook/Instagram/Twitter www.bridgendastro.org.uk

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BRIDGEND SOROPTIMISTS We will meet on Zoom 9th March 7pm. Speaker from LLAMAU (Women’s Aid). On 23rd March Fashion Show with Samantha B at The Heronston Hotel, Bridgend 7pm. Tickets £10. Proceeds to Young Carers and ROSA Foundation. Contact us: http://sigbi.org/bridgend-and-district Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BridgendSoroptimists Eileen Bailey

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NEW PORTHCAWL ROTARY PRESIDENT It was with joy that Porthcawl Rotary was able to welcome Clive Edwards as its new President. Clive is a long serving member of Rotary, is a pass President and has held several key roles within Rotary. Bobby warmly welcomed everybody and gave his outgoing speech, thanked all who supported him as President during his term of office and commentated on how pleasant it was to meet up as a group to celebrate our new president. Clive gave his welcoming address and thanked Bobby for all his hard work, commitment and enthusiasm during these difficult times. It was with great pleasure the new President was able to announce that the club had an excellent fundraising Christmas therefore was able to confirm that 7 local charities would benefit from the club’s efforts. i.e., Porthcawl Kidney Wales, LATCH, Hearing dogs for the deaf, Marie Curie, Tools for selfsufficiency, Porthcawl First Responders and Porthcawl Coast Watch. The club has also donated this year £5,233 to other local and International Charities. The President would like to thank the general public for their continual support of Rotary and for their generous donations. Rtn Robert Lee

MYNYDD CYNFFIG WI Tuesday 8th February and we were meeting in the Talbot Center Kenfig Hill. We were determined to have a good meeting even if the weather was dismal. We had a good turnout of members and our meeting got off to a good start with Katherin reading out minutes of our last meeting and Enid informing our members of all the programs that Federation house have organised. Enid gave a talk on the history of the WI, which was very informative. Our WI has organised a scrabble group, walking group. saving club and a lunch club, we have a book-lending table and several other events are in the pipeline. When you join the WI any ideas that you might have can be discussed by the committee and hopefully you’ll come up with an idea that all the members will enjoy, this is the beauty of the WI we all meet to listen to the speaker that has been arranged for us, partake in any of the trips and clubs arranged by Federation House. We all enjoy our cup of tea and biscuits the chatter and laughter which always accompany a WI meeting the only thing missing is you come and join us we meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 2pm we finish at 4pm you’ll receive a warm welcome. Christine Callaghan

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NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION – PORTHCAWL During January 2022 our watchkeepers dealt with 5 incidents; a small van fire at Ogmore By Sea, dealing with Coastguard concerns for a person reported entering the sea fully clothed, a broken down fishing vessel, Coastguard concerns for objects afloat and tidal cut-offs at Dunraven Bay. More recently our watch hours have changed to 0900hrs until 1800hrs to reflect the slightly longer hours of daylight. These will extend further during March. Our watches now return to double-crew, to the great relief of those who have run them single-handed for some time! Our trainees are also now on watch, under the scrutiny of mentors, as part of their ongoing training regime and it is hoped they will be passed out in time for the busy summer season at Porthcawl. Nick Weedon, Media Officer

Deadline date for the April issue is: TUESDAY 15TH MARCH

TRINITY CHURCH We are delighted to announce that our Messy Church monthly sessions will be starting back on SUNDAY MARCH 27TH. We have had a long gap due to Covid but hope to welcome back children who have previously enjoyed attending and also see many new faces. The group is available. To children of all ages and their parents/carers. We will have games, play, songs and stories and hope everybody will have fun. We plan to hold the group every month on the following dates between 2 and 4.30pm: 10th April, 15th May, 19th June, 17th July, 21st August, 18th September, 16th October, 20th November and 18th December. Our Trinity Bargain Store is also up and running and our church services are almost back to normal. We held a special service to commemorate the Queen’s jubilee in February followed by coffee and a special celebration cake. We continue to hold our services virtually via Zoom as well for those unable to attend in person. Please contact the minister if you wish to receive a link. Please visit our Facebook page or website for any further information. Alison Meredith Thomas, Communication Secretary. www.trinitychurchporthcawl.org

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HISTORY THE OLD PORTHCAWL POLICE STATION Part 1 “Being a seaport, … drunken squabbles and other intolerable disturbancesconstantly occur here. A police station is sadly needed.” (Cardiff Times 20th May 1876) The growing population and dock area, led in 1880 to Mary Brogden giving land in John Street to the county so that the town could have its own Police Station. Designed in the Tudorbethan style by architect John Pritchard of Cardiff, it was completed by 1882, with PC Thomas Protheroe being its first policeman. In 1900 the population had risen to 1500 with three policemen, one of which was Sgt Jenkins (middle front); appointed as Porthcawl’s first sergeant in 1897. Before the outbreak of WW1, the town’s population had grown significantly to 5,500, necessitating 6 policemen and a connection to the telephone exchange. Yet it was not until May 1922 that the station qualified to receive incoming calls from the public directly. The appointment of an Inspector Rees Davies fulfilled the stipulated requirement. Most crimes tended to be localized drunkenness, sheep stealing, speeding drownings, damage to property, assault and in March 1922, and the tragic case of the suicide of a former soldier with shellshock. The inquest was one of many held at Porthcawl Police Station. Ceri Joseph

THE COTTAGE HOSPITAL The Cottage Hospital was originally built largely as the result of the combined efforts of the Bridgend Eisteddfod Committee, the Earl of Dunraven and Henry John Randall. It took seven years to raise nearly £1,200 and it was decided to build it at the bottom of Court Road on land leased from the Earl of Dunraven at a peppercorn rent of one shilling per annum. The final cost was £1,542 4s. 5d and the furnishings cost £300. As well as the Eisteddfod Committee money was also raised by various local organisations, individuals and businesses including David, Watts 48 | seaside news

and Morgan from the sale of a pig. Mrs. J. P. Turberville opened the Hospital in 1896. In 1928 100 patients were admitted and the vast majority were cured and sent home. Miners were often admitted with severe internal injuries, external wounds and hernias. Labourers were also treated for injuries caused by accidents. The 1928 Report announced the conversion of Fitzhamon Court, Church Road (now Merthyrmawr Road North) into the new Cottage Hospital. This new, larger hospital with male and female wards of 7 beds each, an Out-patients department, a large Operating Theatre and an X-Ray Department was opened in 1929. Ian Hutchinson Bridgend & District Local History Society

MEET MY ANCESTORS

My 7 x great grandmother Sarah Wildsmith was born in London in 1698 to affluent parents. On 23 October 1719 she married Philip Spooner, a ‘gentleman’. However, an air of mystery surrounds the marriage for it was a Clandestine Marriage, a Fleet Marriage, pictured. A Fleet Marriage was an example of an irregular or Clandestine Marriage that took place in England before the Marriage Act of 1753. The social status of the couples varied. Some were criminals, others were poor. Some were wealthy while many simply sought a quick or secret marriage for numerous personal reasons. In 1729 Philip found himself in a debtors’ prison. He died that year possibly from gaol fever contracted at the prison. Alone, and in financial difficulties, Sarah had to regroup and rebuild her life, which she did. Her fortunes changed in 1731 when she married Gregory Wright, my direct ancestor. Gregory was also a ‘gentleman’ running a successful stable and coach business. With Gregory, Sarah found happiness. A child followed in 1739, my 6 x great grandfather William Wright, born in St Dunstan in the West. Patterns are often repeated in life and it’s worth noting that Sarah and Gregory’s marriage was also a Clandestine Marriage. Hannah Howe, international bestselling author https://hannah-howe.com

WHAT’S ON

www.seasidenews.co.uk seaside news | 49

FINANCE TAX EFFICIENT FINANCIAL PLANNING Another tax year is coming to an end and it’s important to ensure investors have made use of their tax efficient savings vehicles, but what if you have already maxed out on your pension and ISA allowances? Well, some sophisticated investors put their hard -earned cash to work in the form of Venture Capital Trust Investment. These products invest into young growing companies. To encourage investment in this crucial and higher risk area, the government offers investors generous tax benefits, including 30% income tax relief when you invest, tax-free dividends and tax-free capital growth. The Dragons Den turned down the young company Gousto when they pitched for investment in 2013, however a VCT provided them with the capital they needed to grow and are now an industry ‘unicorn’ with a valuation of £1 Billion. The tax tail should never wag the investment dog- the downside of this investment is the higher risk factors surrounding young companies mean that together with the success stories there are also companies that fail so it is in the hands of the VCT managers to invest in a good mix. You can also spread your investments across several types of VCTs from generalist, specialist and AIM in the same tax year to diversify your investment further. VCTs can be an invaluable financial planning tool, both leading up to and in retirement. After ISA and pension allowances have been used, VCTs could be the next port of call for tax-efficient investing. Investment needs to be held for 5 years to qualify for tax relief. Remember tax rules can change and benefits depend on individual circumstances. VCTs are not suitable for everyone - If you would like to find more about tax efficient investing contact us at 01656 772222.

very different to the average Client, whose needs may be vastly simpler. The result of the visit was that we were able to inform them that an arrangement could be made not only to move to the bungalow but also would permit them the additional cash they needed to adapt the new home. I called the Estate Agent to give them the good news that the sale of the property could proceed and that I would be handling the matter of the finance on the Clients’ behalf and would keep the Agent informed as we went along towards completion of the transaction – we even arranged with the Solicitor who could represent them throughout. At the time of writing, the Clients have just moved into their new property and the Agent was very pleased, the Clients are now settled and happy for life and as Adviser we are simply delighted to have yet again, come up with the answer. Whatever your needs, please call on 01656 782545 or 07768 418308. PAUL FIELDING Dragon Financial 01656 782545 / 07768 418308

Pippa Vaughan-Avery is an Independent Financial Adviser at Abacus Assurance Financial Services.

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HAPPY AGENT, HAPPY CLIENT, HAPPY ADVISER We recently had the latest example of helping save a difficult situation, from which everyone was a winner. Mr and Mrs S. had the need to move from a standard house to a bungalow in Bridgend but having looked at their financial situation, they sadly had to phone the Estate Agent to say that they had miscalculated their figures and were about £20,000 short – they were selling their house for £220,000 but the bungalow was priced at £240,000. In addition to this, there would be the cost of carrying out at least some modification to the property. With Mr S. having suffered a recent stroke, making his mobility an issue, the thought of a bungalow on one level seemed the perfect answer – no more the need to climb stairs. When they called their daughter to give them the bad news, she suggested that they should perhaps give us a call, as the daughter remembered reading in one my previous articles that we may be able to assist with such an issue. Indeed, she was right! I arranged to visit the Clients at their home to go through the options available to retired people like them whose needs can be 50 | seaside news

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CALL US ON: 01656 782545 MOB: 07768 418308 / 07960 613111 EMAIL: camfin@btopenworld.com 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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LEGAL COERCIVE AND CONTROLLING RELATIONSHIPS AFTER THE PANDEMIC For many, living through a global pandemic and being fortunate enough to come out the other side has made them re-evaluate their life, their life style and their aims/objectives for the future. Many people have been left feeling they wish to divorce or separate from their spouse/partner but are unsure where to turn before taking any action. Many wish to ensure they are financially stable and protected in the future. Many people have been left with the urge to plan their future by making sure their Will is up to date leaving their estate to their desired beneficiaries, by considering who can and will assist them if they suddenly became unwell or lose capacity to make their own decisions. Many wish to plan their care needs and express their preferences and many have turned their minds to inheritance tax planning. Sadly, many people may have suffered loss during the pandemic and require guidance and assistance in dealing with their loves one’s affairs. It is always advisable to seek legal advice to explore your options, gain professional advice and guidance on these complex issues. You can access legal advice with us in various ways such as via telephone conference, video conference or traditional face to face meetings, arrangements can be made according to your preference and safety measures taken according to Covid-19 guidelines. Your solicitor will explain the processes and the pro’s and con’s of any decisions you intend making. Your solicitors can draft documents which best meets your needs now and in the future. It may also be beneficial to understand what other agencies and organisations are available to assist you and your family. Should you wish to discuss any of these issues further please contact us. SWANSEA | MUMBLES | PORTHCAWL | CARDIFF | 01792 65 00 00

In the recent TV series, The Responder, one of the main characters is in an abusive relationship. Despite being a Police Officer, this character allows her partner to bully and control her. The 29th December 2021 marked the six-year anniversary of the Serious Crime Act 2015 in which coercive and controlling behaviour was established as a criminal offence. Coercive control is at the heart of almost all domestic abuse, yet only a small minority of survivors who experience it see justice. In England and Wales, between April 2020 and March 2021, there were only 1,403 defendants prosecuted for controlling and coercive behaviour despite 33,954 offences of coercive control being recorded by the police in the year ending March 2021. If a person meets the requirements– ie they can show that they had one of the relevant relationships with the respondent, there are other means of getting protection from an abusive partner. Under the Family Law Act 1996, it is possible to obtain a non-molestation order with a power of arrest which protects a person from domestic violence, whether it be from physical abuse, emotional abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse, or coercive control. In addition, an occupation order will exclude a respondent from a property and prevent them from coming within a certain distance of it. These orders usually last between six and twelve months, but can be granted for a longer period in certain circumstances. If either order is breached by the respondent, then enforcement action can be taken. However, this means a further application in the civil court before the police become involved and this delay is often detrimental. The Responder illustrates how harm in an abusive relationship escalates. There are several ways of obtaining help to escape from this and the series highlights the importance of seeking that help. MADELINE RAND King Davies & Partners

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seaside news | 53

ARTS STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK

musicians young and old, past and present, amateur and professional who, over the 50 years that the orchestra have been performing, have been touched by the guiding hand of the local musical legend that was Mr Jeff Lloyd. It includes Mozart’s Magic Flute Overture and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony both of which featured in the RSO’s first ever concert, a new commission by the composer and RSO ex-member, Neil Day, and solos from Carl Darby, ex-BBCNOW, whose first violin teacher was Jeff Lloyd. The evening will also include speeches and memories of the great man from his family, friends and colleagues. The concert is on 2nd April at 7pm at the Pavilion. Tickets available from the Box Office 01656 815995 or www.awenboxoffice.com/ grand-pavilion

A FILM MAKER’S POINT OF VIEW

A Porthcawl theme to the column this month. With the lockdown over, the music news is back, flooding in. Well done to Amanda at the General Picton for honouring a show that was cancelled two years ago because of Covid. Prog man Frank Carducci and the Fantastic Squad plays there on Saturday March 12th as part of their British tour. Support is the brilliant Last Flight to Pluto. This is a big scoop for the venue so get your tickets now! Well done to singer/songwriter Rebecca Hurn for her welldeserved latest music award. And a big thanks to Mark Moss for contacting me about his CD. He composed it himself, inspired by grief and love after his wife passed away last year. I’ve only heard one song so far, but it’s based on our local area, and all proceeds go to Charity for the Homeless. It’s available from Supervalue, John Street, Porthcawl. Also keep an ear out for singer Jasmine Rose. Her recent release, “Sweet Love”, contains four tracks, which are driven by her emotions drawn from her life experiences, which forms an eclectic range of music. Check her out, it sounds good. Stag Marks 07549 728356 Picture: Frank Carducci & the Fantastic Squad

CONCERT TRIBUTE TO JEFF LLOYD BEM The Rhondda Symphony Orchestra return to the Porthcawl Pavilion on 2nd April to celebrate the life and work of Jeff Lloyd BEM, the orchestra’s founder, first conductor and president. A resident of Porthcawl in his latter years, Jeff was known across South Wales as an inspirational musician and music educator. Under his baton and, since retirement, his watchful eye, the orchestra has gone from strength to strength. This concert brings together 54 | seaside news

I asked myself a question the other day: what is it that makes a black & white film so compelling to watch? It is simply that an image composed essentially of many differing tones of grey is presenting its audience with an abstract, surreal view, entirely unlike reality? Because, in the traditional world of celluloid film, it does not involve the use of layers of coloured dyes, it has a clearer and sharper look to it, aided by the grain of the film – its chemical structure – to bring the moving image to life. And, of course, it is a historical fact that when the photographic process was first invented, the developed image was in black & white. It would take several decades to come up with a reliable system of colour reproduction. Kenneth Branagh chose to shoot his 2021 film, “Belfast”, in black & white and yet he did so using digital cameras, which is an interesting concept because the digital era is one of colour so the cameras were made, by electronic means, to work in monochrome. And digital means pixels, not grain, so however hard one tries; the look is never quite the same. Anthony Hontoir Downwood Films 07510 934299 Picture: Anthony Hontoir filming with 35mm Arriflex camera (photo: Louise Jones)

Email your article info@seasidenews.co.uk

PYLE & PORTHCAWL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY We recently held our 2022 Malcolm Nugent Portfolio Competition. Each member could enter a set of four digital images or prints in the competition, one from each of the following genres: Abstract or Still Life, Landscape, Nature and People. Congratulations to Richard Craze who was the overall winner with 4 excellent prints. We’re a very friendly camera club with a mix of male & female members and welcome new members of all ages and skill levels, it’s all very informal so if you have an interest in photography why not join us, on Thursday evenings at 7:30pm at St Clare’s School, Newton CF36 5NR. Our meetings are held within the social distancing rules and guidelines. Our program is available at www.pyle-porthcawl-ps.co.uk

Deadline date for the April issue is: TUESDAY 15TH MARCH

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seaside news | 55

GARDENING LALESTON GARDENING CLUB

Email your report info@seasidenews.co.uk All meetings are at Arlington Road church at 7.30 but the Afternoon tea will be at 2.30 in the Grove Golf club. If you would like to join our group and for further details of our full programme and events please consult our Facebook page or ring 01656 222985. Alison Thomas, Club Secretary

CEFN CRIBWR GARDENING CLUB

The first month of Spring hurrah!! We appear to have Covid on the run, let’s hope we can get back to some kind of normality and getting back out in the garden can help that. This is the time of year to prune roses, plant onions and shallots & summer flowering bulbs. We can lift and divide those clumps of perennials, keep those weeds under control and protect those lush green new shoots from slugs & snails. If the weather is kind and we get a spell of dry weather, the lawn mower can be readied for action and with blades in a higher position, the first cut made. So much to do! Seedlings to be pricked out and nurtured under glass, the new season is underway. At Cliff Cottage we are ready to receive our first three new windows in our hall and it is hoped that activities can resume properly towards the end of March. We would like to thank all our members for their patience and understanding throughout the Covid period, and assure you all we will be in touch very, very soon with our Committee’s plans for getting back into action. Our shop is fully stocked and is open now every Saturday morning 10am - 12 noon. We have new products including a range of peat free composts. We look forward to supplying our members needs and seeing you all again. Our range of perennial plants are coming along nicely as are the annuals, keep in touch through our Facebook page and website for more news including dates for our Plant Sales and social events. Susan Ford

PORTHCAWL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY We had a delayed start to 2022 due to Covid but our demonstration on 9th February was worth waiting for. Jonathan Lloyd-Davies gave us some fascinating insights into memorable events while creating 4 varied and modern floral designs. The BP Llandarcy oil refinery tower was created with a variety of white flowers to represent the clouds. A boat design was followed by a modern linear slate arrangement. He finished the evening with a burst of multicoloured roses and bright summer flowers in an urn. Lucky raffle winners took home the arrangements and hopefully we will be inspired for our next meeting where we can practice making a low table arrangement or a petite linear design. In March we have a speaker meeting on 9th and our afternoon tea on 23rd with Terry Walton the radio gardener. The April demonstration is on 6th with Adrian Cooke. 56 | seaside news

“March is the humblest month of the year, most of it is mud, every imaginable form of mud and what isn’t mud is late season snow, falling on the ground in muddy heaps” (Vivian Swift) There’s Cheerful! The first day of spring is March 21st that’s something to look forward to! Deadhead daffodils as they fade allowing the foliage to die back naturally, feed the bulbs with tomato plant food to encourage beautiful daffs you can brag about next year! Joy of joys its time to start cutting the lawn regularly again. (my husband is delighted!) Check the underside of your mower regularly and scrape of any sticking clippings, it makes it much easier to push, (he needs all the help he can get!) Weeds grow as fast as the plants, keep on top of them before they take hold, digging them up with a hand fork is best, lets you get all the roots • Grass Cutting • Hedge Trimming up • Tree Services Give rhubarb a boost with • Turfing high nitrogen food like chicken • Decorative Gravel pellets, the first sticks should be • Fencing ready to pull in April, yummy rhubarb crumble! Did you know 90% of the worlds sweetest rhubarb is RELIABLE LOCAL SERVICE grown in the “Rhubarb Triangle Call Rhys Home: 01656 745560 “ in West Yorkshire. Mobile: 07854 911166 Chris Early Mobile: 07805 138819

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What’s on PRINCE OF WALES BOWLING CLUB We are currently recruiting experience and novice bowlers. The club is located in Penylan Avenue, Porthcawl with excellent bowling and social facilities. Please contact our Club Secretary if you are interested in joining. Elwyn Williams (Club Secretary) 01656 788345.

MONDAY A TASTE OF YOGA, KENFIG 1.30-3pm & 6.30-8pm @ Kenfig Nature Reserve. Cost: Four Sessions £28. To book contact Angela 07980 936198 or Email: angelarock11@ hotmail.com

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY COR BRO OGWR, BRIDGEND A mixed choir based in Tabernacle Church, Derwen Road, Bridgend CF31 1TH. Rehearsals are 7-9pm. No audition required. www.corbroogwr.com Contact 07972 245089. SLIMMING WORLD, PORTHCAWL Trinity Church, John Street 9.30am. Contact Millie - 07765 040006.

THURSDAY SLIMMING WORLD, KENFIG HILL Talbot Community Centre, Kenfig Hill 9.30am, 5.30pm and 7pm. Contact Millie - 07765 040006.

ART CLASSES, PORTHCAWL Beginner, experienced or just keen to learn? A variety of classes offered throughout the day by professional artist and tutor Lesley. Call 07484 630706 for details.

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Digwyddiadau | What’s On NCI Porthcawl Choral Evening

Crimes, Camera, Action

Iau 3 Mawrth Thurs 3 March 7:00pm £15

Iau 10 Mawrth Thu 10 March 7:30pm £17

The Manfreds

Curtis Stigers

Sad 19 Mawrth Sat 19 March 7:30pm £25.50

Mer 23 Mawrth Wed 23 March 8:00pm £30

Shirley Valentine

Rhondda Symphony Orchestra

* Welsh language performance *

Mer 30 Mawrth – Gwe 1 Ebrill Wed 30 March – Fri 1 April 2.00pm / 7:30pm £10–£15

The Burlesque Show Sad 16 Ebrill Sat 16 April 8:00pm £24 – £27

Sad 2 Ebrill Sat 2 April 7:00pm £5 – £15

Snow White and the Seven Drag Queens - Adult Pantomime Iau 28 Ebrill Thurs 28 April 8:00pm £29.50 – £44.50

www. grandpavilion.co.uk 58 | seaside news

Andy Fairweather Low

Sad 12 Mawrth Sat 12 March 8:00pm £25.50

Come What May:

The Ultimate Tribute to Moulin Rouge

Sad 26 Mawrth Sat 26 March 7:30pm £24.50

An Evening with

Shane Williams

Mer 6 Ebrill Wed 6 April 7:30pm £28.50

Grand.Pavilion.Porthcawl GrandPavilion porthcawlpavilion

WHAT’S ON

www.seasidenews.co.uk seaside news | 59

SPORT PORTHCAWL RUNNERS

The cold hand of winter still has its firm grip on us but the signs of spring should be just around the corner. The annual Boxing Day Run was to go ahead at the end of the year, which has been run for so long by The Porthcawl Lions Club and now is organized in conjunction with Porthcawl Runners. It was another event unfortunately cancelled at the very last minute due to restrictions. However, it was made virtual and as a result we still managed to raise £651 for the charity. Keep an eye out for details of a further Lions Club charitable event this Easter open to all. Recruits for the ongoing Couch to 5k are continuing to improve during the tough dark nights and Parkrun started up again after a brief hiatus with milestones being broken by various club members new and old with a select few managing to actually finish in first place at Porthcawl and other local parkruns. The West Glamorgan Cross Country races started again despite another unfortunate last minute cancellation in January. This time the race in Margam Country Park went ahead in February and even though the weather and underfoot conditions were not helpful, there was an excellent turn out from Porthcawl Runners of all abilities. It is a cross club event though, therefore consideration was given to the more competitive runners in the club and in this respect there was an extremely strong effort from both the Men’s and the Women’s elite teams with some outstanding individual performances. With some additional strong runners unavailable this time, and others bubbling under ready to break through, this bodes well for the winter league and future events coming up in the summer. This shows a great strength in depth at the higher end, which will hopefully filter down and ultimately benefit the club as a whole. Nick Middleton

PRINCE OF WALES COURT BOWLING CLUB Prince of Wales Court Bowling Club, situated in the RMBI Rest Home in Penylan Avenue, was established in 1974. The Club plays competitive bowling, with the Men and Ladies playing in local leagues. We have a healthy sized membership but we are on the lookout to recruit more members. We have social 60 | seaside news

bowling with mixed Ladies and Men club games on the Bank Holidays. Covid regulations permitting we hold social evenings (food and dancing) on special occasions. Bowls can be played by all ages. Bowls is good for you because it improves concentration, helps to improve alertness, reduces the risk of heart disease, reduces stress, helps to improve flexibility, increases muscle tone, helps better balance. Come along and try the experience. We have coaches available for your tuition. We also have a “buddy” system whereby you will be designated a club member to help through your initial weeks when you join. We celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2024 and will be holding special events. Join us now to participate in our events and make new friends. If you are interested please contact: Elwyn Williams, Secretary Tel 01656 788345, Mob 07816 394721

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CYCLING WITHOUT AGE Momentum is gathering for the proposed Porthcawl JOY-Riders (Cycling Without Age) initiative and we already have support from areas of local and national government. This will spur us on to begin our operation, hopefully sometime during the summer. Our thanks to Tom Gifford MS for his support (see photograph) along with Cllr. Jonathan Pratt who very kindly attended one of our meetings recently. We are still in need of trustees to help successfully run the scheme so please contact Steve McCreery on 07791 101081 or email smccreery@hotmail.co.uk if you have some time and energy spare to help in this very worthwhile cause. We are still looking for premises to store and charge the Trishaws and would welcome any suggestions from the local community. Our next meeting to be held at the YMCA in John Street, Porthcawl on Tuesday 8th March 2022 at 7.00pm

TIDES

REST BAY

Low Tide: Lower Number (m)

High Tide: Larger Number (m)

2022

MAR APR

LIFEGUARD CLUB

REST BAY Nipper section are now recruiting children born between 2010 and 2014.

If you would like your child to learn important lifesaving skills, how to be safe in the sea and have loads of fun at the same time with like minded kids, then get in touch.

Our club’s Nipper section are aged between 7-13. As a Nipper your child will be taught surf safety, basic lifesaving skills, surf and beach sports (wading, surf swimming, boardpaddling, beach flags, beach sprints and relays).

We also run lifesaving training sessions at Pyle pool all through the year. Children are also able to obtain various national surf safety awards and are taught valuable lifesaving and safety skills at both the beach and the pool.

We are a family orientated club and also run a Junior, Senior and Masters section for all to join in. If you would like more information please contact: Nipper coordinator: Melanie - 07792 107340

5th Mar Pyle RFC (A) 12th Mar Pencoed RFC (H) 26th Mar Morriston RFC (H)

Senior Men’s Squad

Senior Women’s Squad

Youth Squad

6th Mar

West Swansea Hawks RFC (H)

13th Mar Whitchurch RFC (A) 20th Mar CRCC RFC (H)

5th Mar Baglan RFC (A) 12th Mar Bontlands RFC (H) 26th Mar Bryncoch RFC (A)

Friday 11th March

Wales v France

KO 8pm

Saturday 19th March

Wales v Italy

KO 2:15pm

Come and join us for food half time and a great atmosphere.... the best place to watch rugby....is in a rugby club!

Membership for the 2021/22 season is still available, Contact us for details.

Tide Times are BST adjusted (so no need to add an hour!). The time you see above is correct Datum of Predictions = Chart Datum : 5.30 metres below Ordnance Datum (Newlyn)NATIONAL OCEANOGRAPHY CENTRE: COPYRIGHT RESERVED

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SEASIDE NEWS: March 2022 issue

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