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

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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

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

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

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

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FROM KENFIG NATURE RESERVE

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: -

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

COYCHURCH WI NEWS

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

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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

#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

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

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 recognised the need for an independent Health store following the closure of the local Holland and Barrett in the town centre in early 2021. 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 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.

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

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

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

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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