SEASIDE NEWS: MARCH 2023 ISSUE

YOUR ARTICLES, VIEWS, NEWS & REPORTS

View

WHERE WE DELIVER

Door-to-door delivery to 99% of homes in the following areas: Porthcawl, South Cornelly, North Cornelly, Kenfig, Maudlam, Pyle, Kenfig Hill, Cefn Cribwr, Penyfai & Laleston.

And now available to pick up from selected outlets in the following towns: Broadlands, Whiterock, Bryntirion, Cefn Glas, Litchard, Coity, Brackla, Ewenny, St Brides Major, Southerndown & Ogmore by Sea.

PICK UP A COPY

Available to pick up from the following places:

Porthcawl Library, Nottage Stores, Rest Bay Cafe Bar, Beale’s Fish & Chips, Bargain Booze Newton, Grove Golf Club, Kenfig Nature Reserve, Pyle Garden Centre, The Great House Laleston, One Stop Bryntirion, Phil’s Cafe Bridgend Industrial Estate, Pendre Post Office/ Newsagents, Cefn Glas Fish Bar, Nat West Bank Bridgend, POW Hospital Bridgend, Halo Bridgend, Coity Post Office.

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.

CONTACT US

Email: info@seasidenews.co.uk

Website: www.seasidenews.co.uk

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® 1998-2023 VAT Registration No: 879 7077 54 | Seaside Publications Ltd is registered in Wales, company number 09413904.

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

Our friendly team of local travel experts combine personal service with the knowledge that comes from years of experience in the travel industry. Using cutting edge technology we can save you time and money by selecting the best

Word Search

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

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

Nippers are aged between 7-13. As a Nipper your child will be taught surf safety, basic lifesaving skills, surf and beach sports such as wading, surf swimming, board paddling, beach flags, beach sprints and relays.

Nippers train indoors at Pyle pool throughout the year, and at Rest Bay beach during the summer months.

Nippers are able to obtain various surf safety awards, and are taught valuable lifesaving and safety skills at both the beach and the pool.

If you would like more information please contact:

BOOKS

BOOK OF THE MONTH Act of Oblivion by Robert Harris

1660. Colonel Edward Whalley and his son-in-law, Colonel William Goffe, cross the Atlantic. They are on the run and wanted for the murder of Charles I. Under the provisions of the Act of Oblivion, they have been found guilty in absentia of high treason. In London, Richard Nayler, secretary of the regicide committee of the Privy Council, is tasked with tracking down the fugitives. He’ll stop at nothing until the two men are brought to justice. A reward hangs over their heads - for their capture, dead or alive.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Craft Workshop - Monday 13th March 10:00 – 12:00

Create a bouquet of paper roses from old books.

Creative Writing Workshop - Tuesday 14th March @11am

This is a session for both new and experienced writers where the emphasis will be on learning through enjoyment. All welcome. Booking is essential. Please call us on 01656 754845 or email us at porthcawl.library@awen-wales.com in order to reserve your space.

Cuppa with a Copper - Friday 17th March @10.30am

NEW BOOKS AT PORTHCAWL LIBRARY

FICTION

A WINTER GRAVE

Peter May

A MARRIAGE OF FORTUNE

Anne O’Brien

STILL STANDING

Stephen Leather

HOUSE OF WOLVES

James Patterson

THE HOUSE AT THE END OF THE WORLD

Dean Koontz

ENCORE IN DEATH

J D Robb

THE LAST REMAINS

Elly Griffiths

THE ENGLISH FUHRER

Rory Clements

PROMISE ME

Jill Mansell

DOLLY’S DREAM

Dilly Court

DEAD OF NIGHT

Simon Scarrow

THE ONLY SUSPECT

Louise Candlish

DEATH OF A TRAITOR

M C Beaton & R W Green

VICTORY CITY

Salman Rushdie

THE PRIVATE LIFE OF SPIES

Alexander McCall Smith

NON FICTION

OTHERLANDS: A WORLD IN THE MAKING

Thomas Halliday

FITWAFFLE’S BAKED IN ONE : 100 DESSERTS USING JUST ONE TIN

Eloise Head

THE FAST 800 KETO RECIPE BOOK

Dr Clare Bailey

SEAFRONT SUNRISE

SAND HEART

SHEEP AT MARGAM

PORTHCAWL GOLF CLUB

SOLE SURFER

NEWTON BAY SUNRISE

Nia Patterson, Porthcawl

Andrew Giles, Kenfig Hill

John Hughes, Porthcawl

Erica Burt, Porthcawl

Pat Lathey, Penyfai

Joel Peterson, Porthcawl

SUNSET

RED SKY WAUN BANT

Sandra Beer, Porthcawl

Claire Downs, Cefn Cribwr

Glenys O’Hagan, Pyle

Sophie Carter, Bridgend

Gwyn Richards, Kenfig Hill

LETTERS

CONGER EEL RESCUE

Dear Editor,

My niece was running at Rest Bay this week and came across a conger eel on the sea edge tangled up in discarded fishing line. With the help of a dog walker and a surfer she freed it and got it into the sea and it swam away. My niece Sarah was able to slip the tangled fishing line off the eel’s head and body, but then realised it was also caught on the hook. She sent a photo to her husband (who has done a lot of fishing). He identified the species and Sarah enlisted the help of a dog walker so that her husband could talk him through the process of extracting the hook from the fish. They then returned it to the sea but it kept getting washed back ashore. A passing surfer wearing neoprene gloves then entered the scene and took the eel out to deeper water, where it was released and swam (quite happily as far as we know) away. So a real team effort with a happy ending.

Margaret Williams, Porthcawl

BECOME A CIVIC TRUST MEMBER

Dear Editor,

As Membership Secretary of the Porthcawl Civic Trust Society, I am asking Porthcawl residents to consider becoming a Society member.

The Society was formed in 1970, and over the past 53 years has raised a large number of issues with the local authorities, many of which have been resolved to the Society’s satisfaction although others have met with disappointing results. The Society doesn’t want another ‘disappointing result’ when it comes to the proposed plans by BCBC to ‘Regenerate’ our town. We are urging BCBC to consult with all Porthcawl residents on the plans for Salt Lake and Sandy Bay before any final decisions are made. If you share this view, please consider joining with the other 300 plus members of the Society and visit our website (porthcawlcivictrustsociety.co.uk) to download a membership application form. Alternatively, email us at porthcawlcivictrust@ hotmail.co.uk and we’ll send one to you. Membership is only £6 per year (£8 for a family). The bigger our membership, the louder our voice. This is the one chance we have to tell BCBC what we want for our beautiful town. Thank you.

Marilyn Smith, Porthcawl

AN EVENING OF SONG Dear Editor,

On Friday the 10th of February I held a concert in St Theodore’s Church and Well-Being Centre, Kenfig Hill, which aimed to promote music and singing within the younger community in Wales. Appropriately named ‘An Evening of Song’, the concert had a wide selection of songs from across multiple genres of music. Joining me for the evening was Loud Applause Rising Stars members, Lauren Elizabeth-Williams and Heather Jones as well as young talented soloists, Esther Thomas-Bizjak and Alexander Durston. All four guest soloists were a hit with the sell-out audience and showed everyone what a bright future the have. Accompanying the evening was the ever-talented and gifted pianist Andrew Chinnock.

It was a fantastic evening, which showed to the whole of our community that the Welsh tradition of song is not dying but is truly alive and flourishing.

A massive thank you to everyone who helped organise the event with special mention to Jayne and Paul Hughes of Kind Regards Greeting Cards, Cerith Owens (Loud Applause Rising Stars), Patricia O’Neill Wheatley and last but not least my eversupportive and devoted family and friends.

Thank you to all who came and supported not only the four guest soloists and I but also music within the younger generation in Wales.

Josef J. Gray Fmr. Head Boy at Cynffig Comprehensive School

In the last issue for February 2023 (print version), an old advert from 2022 was printed in error for Swansea Building Society on page 37. The correct advert was placed in the online version for February 2023, and subsequently the correct advert is in this issue for March 2023 - in the Finance section, page 37. The Seaside News would like to apologise for any inconvenience or issues this may have caused.

info@kagglass.co.uk Bridgend (01656) 657744

STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK

11th March at All Saints. Tickets will be priced at £5, and will be available at the door. The concert will start at 7pm.

We are pleased to have had a number of new members this year, but are always on the lookout for more enthusiastic singers. If you’re interested, please contact the choir, or just turn up at Arlington Road Church on either a Friday or Tuesday at 7pm. You will have a great welcome. contact@pothcawlmalechoir.co.uk

Or Noel Williams on 07902 333559

PYLE & PORTHCAWL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

We recently held our annual Club Competition 2, expertly judged by Rob Mitchell from Neath. Richard Craze was the winner of the Print section and Howard Evans won the Digital section. Congratulations both.

I should have been reviewing Those Damn Crows’ new album and Last Flight to Pluto’s great Planet Rock gig. However, I learned of the recent passing of South Wales bassist Mal Preest. Mal was performing in Shakin’ Stevens’ band and we were both based in Cornelly in the late 70s. I had just finished a British tour with Warchild and was working on a solo project named The Stag Marks Gang. Mal offered his services to help. I had written a song, “Ain’t No Fun On The Dole”, but something was lacking until Mal came up with this terrific bass riff and the song was born and got released. The record got mega radio plays and publicity and opened many doors for me. Mal’s contribution put the song where it is today – a collector’s record – and I will be forever grateful to him. Our paths later went in a different direction and he moved out of the area, but we kept in contact. Before Mal’s battle with his illness, he performed with the Luke Doherty Band as his bassist and was a regular extra on Welsh soap “Pobol y Cwm”. Mal was always happy-go-lucky and fab to be around. I’m going to miss him but his contribution to music will live on.

Stag Marks

07549 728356

Picture: Mal Preest and Stag

PORTHCAWL MALE CHOIR

We’re a friendly camera club with a mix of male and female members and welcome new members of all ages and skill levels. It’s all very informal, so if you have an interest in photography why not come along and join us.

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

www.pyle-and-porthcawl-photographic-society.co.uk

The choir was honoured to sing at the show dome in Trecco Bay this month. Parkdean holidays held their annual staff conference at the resort, with over 300 delegates from all over Great Britain attending. Parkdean are the largest holiday camp company in Europe and Trecco Bay is their largest resort. Beki Gaskin, the event organiser said, ‘I wanted this event to be the biggest and best held to date and thought Porthcawl Male Choir would be a great way to open the event’. The delegates enthusiastically received the choir and the combination of traditional Welsh male choir music and some more modern pieces went down well. Our next public event will be a combined concert with visiting Hertfordshire based choir, Amici Cantate, scheduled for Saturday

NINETY AND STILL CLIMBING

Not yet, not yet to reach God’s mountain peak

Still heights to challenge on His chosen way

Not ours to choose our time for reaching home

So let’s cheer each other in God’s Pilgrim Way

He’s giving us fresh garments to put on And songs of praise to sound our joy abroad

New strength when ours seems almost gone

Join with God’s church to welcome children home

Thank God for every birthday we have passed

And those who walk with us this Pilgrim way

Reaching old age with all his promises

We’ll joyful know his blessings day by day

Pauline Lewis

ME AND BANKSY WATCH THE BLUE AEROPLANES IN BRISTOL

Over by that dead tree in Castle Park a homeless lady chases pigeons, Her arms move languidly from her meds as she stabs at the air, she stumbles and falls.

She calls herself a “fat, lazy bitch!” Kicks away a life through carrier bags. We work out she was a girl when we first watched them here.

Pony Boy’s left a message - shoots fireworks over the Avon.

Bristol breathes, Banksy listens

“everything we do is art”. One night only, thirty years And Stones on....

Me and Banksy lift the pigeon pugilist from her bags, Momentarily weightless our muscle memory moshpit mesmorises.

Gerard, Wojtek and the crew are incandescent guiding muses. Something flashed for a minute, then it vanished and was gone.

Wilfy Edwards, Porthcawl

SAME OLD

Behind us now, the constant ringing of the Supermarket til, Crazed people in ‘Buying for the sake of Buying’ mode’.

Fridge-freezers crammed to ‘overfill’, Generators shock from overload. Branded! Latest Upgrade! Niche and Artisan!

A never ending supply to sate our constant need

Perpetuating stress on wealth, health and mind.

We pay the toll, a heavy price for all this greed.

Once the strains of Auld Lang Syne have faded from our brains And festive clutter looks somewhat out of place.

We look ahead with hooded eyelids to the coming year, Forgotten resolutions and overspending must be faced.

Temptation looms to tantalise and lure us from our sleep, The ‘too expensive’ items that we just could not afford, REDUCED!! So to the SALES, seduced we follow on like sheep, Before the ever-turning treadmills stop, we are back on board.

Catherine Millard Payne, Bridgend

MARCH

The first of March, St David’s Day, A national day of pride. We wear our leeks and daffodils, Maybe a dragon, side by side. We sing our National anthem, And seek out some tasty treats. Bara brith or Welsh Cakes May be your special eats. March moves along thereafter, Who knows what it will bring. The thing that we all want to see? Those early signs of Spring.

Judy Dee, Porthcawl Marilyn Cook, Bridgend

AN OPEN LIBRARY

Print spills across pages, Frog-leaping from books, Flicking like tadpoles in a pond. The cat curled on a chair

Nicely ignores encyclopaedias, Purring sonorously.

Insomniac sentences flare from shelves, Lights glare from computers. The friendly librarian, Who has no time for endless chatter, Scurries around books, Smiling, stamping, scribbling, sorting, squinting at screens, Assisting sympathetically With endless patience, Until finally the lights go out, The cat is fed And the last customer Leaves the universal warmth Of open, lit rooms, Shut for the night.

Sally Richards, Porthcawl

A MOTHER’S DAY POEM

Hi Mum, it’s Mother’s day, It’s a chance for me to show, How very special you are to me Just in case you didn’t know,

A chance for me to say the words, That are always on my mind, But we live in such a busy world, No time to stop and unwind.

No time to show my gratitude, To say a simple thank you, To give you an extra cuddle, That’s very much overdue.

But you know how I feel about you, You know me better than me, You know I love you very much, For without you where would I be.

Marilyn Cook, Bridgend

Tanner BMus(Hons) ARCM

COST OF CANCER

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

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

Nicky, Emma & Cath Trustees

RED WINE, GOOD OR BAD FOR YOU?

Red wine is made by fermenting dark-colored, whole grapes and is high in antioxidants, drinking moderate amounts has been shown to be good for health. Some people believe that red wine is responsible for the good health of the French population but In fact, a healthier diet and lifestyle may be a larger factor in these results. The powerful plant compounds in red wine have been linked with many health benefits, including reduced inflammation, lower risk of heart disease and cancer, and extended lifespan. Drinking 1–2 glasses of red wine each day may lower the risk of heart disease and stroke. However, high amounts may increase the risk. Moderate red wine consumption may reduce dementia and depression. It may also increase insulin sensitivity and resistance to the COVID-19 virus. An excessive intake of alcoholic beverages may cause alcohol dependence, liver cirrhosis and weight gain. It may also increase the risk of depression, disease and premature death. Moderate intake of red wine is defined as 1-2 glasses per day but it is also recommended that you have at least 1–2 days a week without alcohol.

Read more at: www.healthline.com

Supplied by Glyn

Hardwicke

KNOWLEDGE AND WISDOM

What do these words mean? A Zen Proverb may have the answer: Knowledge is learning something every day. Wisdom is letting go of something every day.

What do you want to learn?

Take steps to try extra features on your phone, cook simple food, return to activities you once enjoyed? Take a new route to work, change job, socialising, gardening, dancing or decorating, you get to choose what to learn.

You also get to choose what to let go of.

Maybe release a past event or hurt, large or small, intended or mistaken, which you cannot change. Ruminating over a selfimage of being too fat, thin, tall, or short.

One of my early memories is a friend’s mother criticizing her son as to why he was not tall like the neighbour’s son!

What is your earworm?

Would you repeat your own negative unkind phrases to a loved one over and over? How does being unkind to someone you care about make you feel inside?

Now recall any negative or unkind words or phrases you may have repeated to yourself over and over.

Perhaps, as the Zen proverb advises, it may be time to gain wisdom and let go of being unkind to yourself.

Margaret Brown

www.valelaser.co.uk

Emsella Chair treatment treats stress incontinence, urge incontinence and mixed incontinence, vaginal laxity and erectile dysfunction

The Emsella Chair is a medical device which uses HIFEM (high intensity focussed electromagnetic) technology to strengthen muscles non-invasively.

SAFEGUARDING THE FUTURE OF THE GRAND PAVILION

I was delighted to hear that the UK Government’s Levelling Up fund has agreed to provide Porthcawl’s iconic Grand Pavilion with £18m funding following a successful bid that was submitted by Bridgend County Borough Council and Awen Cultural Trust.

This will enable a major re-development of the Grade II Listed building which will add new features while tackling issues with its concrete structure, ensuring that it will remain at the centre of the community for many years to come.

Among the planned new facilities are a rooftop café and function space offering stunning views across the Bristol Channel, community use rooms, a new studio theatre, a new changing places facility, additional space for new businesses and much more.

The new funding has really helped to secure the building’s future, and represents a great deal of planning and partnership working alongside our colleagues at Awen. It will enable us to carry out much-needed structural improvements to the building, and to progress our exciting plans to create an even better arts and cultural venue for future generations.

To view a ‘fly through’ virtual tour, which shows what the completed project, will be able to offer, head over to the council’s Facebook page.

Cabinet Member for Regeneration Bridgend County

Borough Council

Tel: 01656 643643

KEEP LOCKS COMMON SAFE FROM FIRE

Recent activity at Locks Common saw South Wales Fire and Rescue and Bridgend County Borough Council working together to redefine and widen the existing fire breaks. The work has been carried out carefully to minimise disruption to wildlife and avoid the bird-nesting season. Specialist cutting equipment, including a remote control flail, helped to limit the effect on natural habitats.

The fire breaks were cut into the scrub several years ago to limit the effects and spread of potential future blazes. They were installed after a series of exceptionally hot summers coincided with fires breaking out, and the recent work should be complete by the time you read this.

In other news, I’d like to congratulate pupils at Mynydd Cynffig Primary who have raised funds to purchase essential medical resources and equipment for Ukraine.

The children raised more than £1,000 by working with local company NatureQuest to create shelters, cook outdoors and find out more about what it is like to be a refugee.

A Ukrainian teenager shared her experiences of fleeing the war, and Porthcawl resident Mike Hynda spoke to them about the 4,000 mile humanitarian trips he continues to make to deliver much-needed supplies – a fantastic effort by all concerned.

GRAND PAVILION SCHEME WILL BOOST TOURISM

News that Porthcawl’s Grand Pavilion is to receive £18m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund is very welcome. I backed the bid from Bridgend County Borough Council and met ministers and officials from the Department for Levelling Up to help make the case. These bids crucially required local authorities to work in conjunction with their members of Parliament.

This money will be used to refurbish an iconic building which has anchored the seafront in Porthcawl since the 1930’s. This is an exciting project, which will create a range of additional facilities to the building as well as promote new jobs and boost the local economy.

The Levelling Up Fund, which was announced in 2020, is aimed at upgrading and improving infrastructure throughout the country especially in those communities that may have been overlooked historically.

I am delighted that the case we put to the UK Conservative Government has been heard and that we are delivering on our manifesto promise to level up Bridgend and Porthcawl and ensure that local businesses thrive in our communities.

At the end of the day, Porthcawl will have a multi-purpose arts facility that will enhance its status as the leading seaside resort in south Wales.

JAMIE WALLIS MP for Bridgend

GP ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS UNDERWAY

I know that many people locally have had issues with accessing their GP surgeries for appointments and treatment. But new access standards coming into effect have been designed to eliminate the 8am rush where some practices were allocating all their appointments for the day at that time, leading to people waiting in long telephone queues and then being told that all appointments had gone.

Surgeries have been told in a joint letter from Welsh Government and the British Medical Association that contact should be provided throughout the day to avoid the 8am bottleneck and the practice of releasing all appointments at 8am, or in another narrow time frame, is no longer acceptable. The new standards also require all practices to provide telephone services rather than just internet and to ensure that they have enough phone lines to cope with the demand. The digital access offered to patients should only be for non–urgent access but should be in addition to in-person and telephone contact. As a retired hospital consultant, I am well aware of the pressures that the entire NHS is under but primary care plays a crucial role as the gateway to all hospital care including cancer referrals.

DR ALTAF HUSSAIN Regional Senedd Member

Deputy Leader Bridgend County Borough Council

01656 643643

COUNCILLOR NEELO FARR

COUNCILLOR JANE GEBBIE

VISIT TO YSGOL GYFUN GYMRAEG LLANGYNWYD

I was delighted to join Jeremy Miles, Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Huw Irranca-Davies MS, Cllr Huw David, Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council and Cllr Jon Paul Blundell, Cabinet Member for Education, on a visit to Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd

I was impressed with the way in the school is using the new curriculum to teach art and creative studies and was blown away by the quality of the work being produced by pupils. A big thankyou to all the staff and pupils for such a warm welcome and I hope to see you all again soon.

Roeddwn i’n falch iawn o gael ymuno â Jeremy Miles AS, Gweinidog y Gymraeg ac Addysg, Huw Irranca-Davies AS, y Cynghorydd Huw David, Arweinydd Cyngor Bwrdeistref Sirol Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr a’r Cynghorydd Jon Paul Blundell, Aelod Cabinet Addysg, ar gyfer ymweliad ag Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd.

Fe wnaeth y ffordd y mae’r ysgol yn defnyddio’r cwricwlwm newydd i addysgu celf ac astudiaethau creadigol argraff fawr arnaf a chefais fy syfrdanu gydag ansawdd gwaith y disgyblion. Diolch yn fawr i’r holl staff a’r disgyblion am groeso mor gynnes ac rwy’n gobeithio y caf eich gweld chi i gyd eto yn fuan.

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

BETTER PORTHCAWL: REGENERATION UPDATE

We would like to formally introduce our new community group, Better Porthcawl - a collaboration between A Voice For the Future of Porthcawl and Sustainable Wales. Our group’s aim is to positively and constructively engage with the community of Porthcawl and Bridgend County Borough Council (BCBC) on the regeneration plans for Porthcawl seafront. We want the local community of Porthcawl to have a greater say in the future of the town and to ensure the development is sustainable and responds to the climate change emergency. Separately the groups have made inroads, but we believe we’ll be all the more effective together! We are engaging with BCBC in a positive and constructive way in order to achieve the best possible regeneration of our beloved town; for residents now but also the residents of the future. Better Porthcawl, along with other community groups, were invited to a workshop to discuss the community’s desires for the open spaces set out in the plans. The event was really exciting

and encouraging; we went on a walk through of the regeneration site and were shown where public open space would be situated. Our main objectives are to maximise green space, prioritise community wellness (both physical and mental) and ensure sustainability/eco-living.

We invite you to our community meet up on Sandy Bay on 1st of March, 4pm, Newton Primary entrance, where you can have your say on what you want for the open spaces in Porthcawl. We can walk the site, show you the map and relay what we have learnt from the council. Groups, schools, individuals all encouraged to attend!

Look out on our socials for more info. This is prior to a BCBC public consultation event (penciled in for 8th March Pavillion), which we will clarify when we know more.

Better Porthcawl will be reaching out to other groups within the town to grow this community and very much welcomes any enquiries: ella.williamson@sustainablewales.org.uk

NEW METROLINK IS ON THE WAY

Porthcawl is set to benefit from an all-new Metrolink facility after Bridgend County Borough Council agreed to increase funding that will ensure the project can be delivered as planned.

Using money from the Metro Link fund which has been provided as part of the Cardiff Capital Region city deal and the council’s own Porthcawl Regeneration budget, a total of £3.8m will now be invested to deliver the best facility possible while also meeting increased market costs associated with the scheme.

Based at the heart of the regeneration area alongside the Portway and Salt Lake, the Metrolink will form part of the wider Metro Plus programme, which seeks to improve public transport links across south-east Wales. Able to accommodate up to four buses at a time, it will feature a covered shelter and station building, space for a kiosk and potential cycle hire facility, outdoor seating areas, an environmentally friendly ‘green’ roof, a rain garden and more.

As one of our largest towns, Porthcawl needs a modern transport interchange, and with fast, efficient access both into and out of the town, this is going to benefit residents and visitors alike while ensuring that we can provide the best Metrolink facility possible.

COUNCILLOR HUW DAVID Leader of Bridgend County Borough Council Tel: 01656 643643

SARAH MURPHY MS

Member of the Senedd for Bridgend

C y f l o g a d w y e d d P e n - Y - B o n t a r O g w r

L l e o l i a d a u C y m u n e d o l

Rydyn ni'n dod atoch chi yn eich cymunedDewch i mewn am sgwrs i weld sut y gallwn ni eich helpu chi!

When contacting advertisers, please say you saw them in the Seaside

PORTHCAWL COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

I shall start by expressing my sincere thanks to everyone involved in our school production of ‘Footloose’ at the Grand Pavilion. It was the 44th production at that beautiful theatre, and it goes without saying, we are already looking forward to next year! To the pupils and staff, your work ethic, talent, and commitment is something to behold – I am in awe! With sell out performances, delivered to over 2000 people, I know all who attended will agree when I say this - it was, quite simply, outstanding! Thanks to Dan Minto for taking the photographs. This month, there is certainly a lot to talk about! We recently held our Sixth Form Open Evening and are delighted that a large intake of around 170+ students will join us in September. Our Wellbeing Ambassadors have been actively promoting Wellbeing across the school community, supporting Mental Health Week, where our community came together to wear items of ‘Green’ in support. Numerous sport and extra-curricular activities have taken place each week – too much to capture in one article! Most recently our U16 Netball team performed very well at the Ann Smart tournament and our Year 7 Basketball team travelled to Aberystwyth to participate in a Basketball Wales event. We are currently preparing for our Junior and Senior Eisteddfod and we look forward to our annual Eisteddfod at the Grand Pavilion.

M Stephens, Head Teacher

NOTTAGE NEWS

Can you believe it’s March 2023 already? I know that we can’t. 2022 ended on a high as we were once again able to open our doors for Christmas Concerts. It was a pleasure to invite families back into school and join us to celebrate the season and spread festive cheer. Our pupils took part in a variety of services, entertained the residents of the local retirement home and even performed our very own Glee Club pantomime. Oh yes we did! Porthcawl Comprehensive performed their spectacular production of ‘Cinderella’ for pupils of Year 2-6 who were in awe as they performed the classic tale with much wit and style. The children sang, danced and laughed as they transformed our hall into Cinderella’s ballroom.

Our mission is to achieve the Silver award in our Rights Respecting School journey. Our School Council are Rights Ambassadors, raising awareness of the different articles and implementing changes across the school. We also have our very own working group focusing on promoting inclusion and equality It is formed with teachers, parents and pupils as we collaboratively strive to make a difference across Porthcawl and the wider community.

We are very excited to begin our new Cynefin topic as we are embracing our locality and community spirit.

Our Early Years Forest School taster was a huge success with children making pinecone birdfeeders and toasting marshmallows. Pupils love the stunning woodland space they use for weekly Forest School.

Our data has shown over many years that a child who joins in Year 7, on leaving the school in Year 13, will attain a grade higher per subject than a child of a similar ability in another school. Our culture of aspiration is entwined with the curriculum, delivered by our teaching staff and reflected in our academic outcomes. Our personalised approach allows for more tailored teaching and learning at every stage of school.

Last year, more than half our new pupils joined mid-year for a range of reasons: relocation; pupils who were more able and needed academic stretch; pupils who had not settled or were unhappy in their current school; or possibly even gaps in learning caused by the pandemic. Whatever the reason, we can help. We are very used to and experienced with the process of welcoming children mid-year. Find out just how beneficial a mid-year start could be and how we create a warm, welcoming environment for new pupils, with our buddy system and curriculum catch-up packs.

Helen Hier, Head Teacher

Tuesday 28th March 2023

Wednesday 29th March 2023

Doors open 6:00pm, show starts 6:30pm

Tickets £5 adults, £3 concessions Available from school reception.

This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.mtishows.co.uk

Book by Music Dennis Kelly Lyrics by Tim Minchin

BRYNTIRION COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL

Life continues to be busy at Bryntirion, with lots of fundraising underway! Our “Wear Red for Velindre” day raised a fantastic £850, so a big thank you to all who contributed. Year 8 have now started their First Give charity work, with each form class selecting a worthy cause to raise awareness and to find ways to fundraise. We wish them all lots of luck! A group of Year 9 pupils were invited to Ty Hafan last month after organising a whole-school collection of computers, tablets and mobile phones, which were recycled and raised funds for the hospice, da iawn! Huge congratulations to Ryu Roberts-Hayamizu, who represented Wales at the Omni Sport: Next Generation race in the Netherlands and placed a top 10 finish! The Performing Arts department took 49 pupils to London and visited the famous Pineapple Dance Studios to take part in some workshops. What a fantastic experience for our young people! The department would like to extend a warm welcome to this year’s school production of Beauty and the Beast, which takes place on April 19th, 20th and 21st. Tickets will be available shortly from the school office.

Mrs K Poole

Pupils from years 7 - 9 thoroughly enjoyed experiencing ways to improve their wellbeing at our ‘Wellfest’ event. Providers such as Kooth, Valleys Steps and Community Ospreys were invaluable in raising pupil’s awareness.

Our year 8 - 11 Seren pupils, (a programme to support our brightest pupils), have started their Seren Star Challenge. They will complete six challenges with the Open University to boost their skills and gain a certificate - the ideal addition to future University applications.

Our Student Parliament have been learning about how they can contribute to a fairer and more peaceful world with WCIA. Pupils completed workshops on ways to tackle conflict and encourage peace.

Pupils have been out and about with Art students visiting the Art Galleries in London, Year 8 pupils completing outdoor activities with Nature Quest and Year 7 pupils conducting field visits on employment in our area.

Our Year 9 pupils have been busy focusing on their future. Thank you to those parents and carers who joined us at our ‘Option Showcase’ to discuss their children’s next steps. We look forward now to our Sixth Form Option Evening. Join us on March 9th to find out more about our Sixth Form, which supports both academic and personal success.

Hannah Castle, Head Teacher

NEWYDDION SGÊR

We have been very busy since returning in January. All pupils have enjoyed two days of Outdoor Learning. The Foundation Phase participated in a range of activities in the school grounds and forest area, whilst KS2 ventured out into the local area, learning about road safety and mapping out the park.

Year 5 and 6 visited the Sony Theatre to watch a performance of “Grease” by Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Llangynwyd. It was wonderful to see two former pupils, Mali Morse and Yestyn Lambert, playing the lead roles. Year 6 also attended a transition day where they learnt songs and dances from the show.

Mr Coleman and his companion, Doug the Dog, held an allschool assembly on the Lost Sheep. Everyone listened intently to the message. PC Jenkins has also visited to talk about “People Who Help Us”.

We have started preparing for the Urdd Eisteddfod and practising our folk songs ready for the “Noson Lawen” to be held on St David’s Day. We also held the first netball and rugby matches of the new year, welcoming Ysgol Cefn Cribwr to Sgêr. We are looking forward to a musical workshop by Ffa-la-la to celebrate Dydd Miwsig Cymru and KS2 are visiting Cardiff Castle as part of our Wonders of Wales theme.

Bethan Morgan

RAISING ECO ENTREPRENEURS

Their uniform may still be red but West Park Primary are definitely looking a little more Green! This week marked a landmark for the school as they reached the £1000 mark in sales in their eco-shop. The school, under the direction of Mrs Morgan, teamed up with Newton based zero waste community interest company, The Pantri Box, in 2020 to build their very own in-house zero waste shop. Working with owner, Gemma Lewis, the year 6 cohort examined the impact of single use plastic, the problems it is creating and some of the many solutions. They then created marketing and advertising material, worked out their finances and finally chose, purchased and sold their eco alternatives. Eco Green Leaf was born and to date they have sold over 100 L of refillable hand soap, 99 toothbrushes, 32 deodorants and much more!

Each Easter the budding year 6 entrepreneurs pass the project down to their predecessors to continue the eco warrior baton. And the school and Gemma are extremely excited to continue to grow the project, both in depth and breadth. Imagine every school in Porthcawl/Bridgend had their own in house zero waste shop where the children’s work allows the adults to make more eco-friendly consumer choices. Thanks to West Park for your enthusiasm and support, and The Pantri Box customers for allowing this project to grow.

Do contact Gemma at thepantribox@gmail.com if you’d like any further information

Porthcawl Lions are holding a concert at the Hi-Tide on Wednesday 15th. March. Profits will go towards building and equipping a dialysis unit in Bridgend. Tickets, price £10, are available from Gloria, tel. 07882 331978.

During January club President Rhys and members of Porthcawl Lions went down to Porthcawl Museum to present them with a cheque to thank them for their support with Santa’s grotto. Donations were also made to St. John’s Ambulance and John Nelson, who walked 2222 miles during 2022 in aid of Wales Air Ambulance. The club also made its regular donation to Porthcawl Pantry.

In order to support these charities and others like them the club must hold fund raising events, but to do this it needs people to help. Therefore Porthcawl Lions are looking for people who would like to help and also enjoy some social occasions, perhaps not wishing to commit on a regular basis but willing to help in a more informal way. If this is you, or if you are interested in joining Porthcawl Lions, please contact Pauline on 01656 859505.

Finally don’t forget the Concert, for a friendly, enjoyable evening.

JMC

PORTHCAWL ROTARY

On Saturday 11th February at St John’s Church Hall, Newton, Porthcawl Rotary Club held a post-Christmas 2022 event to thank all the members, volunteers and friends of Rotary who gave up their time throughout the year and over the festive period and helped raise over £4,000 for local and Rotary charities.

The invited guests included members of the Inner Wheel, church ministers and a large number of volunteers. Many Rotarians also came along to make this an event to remember.

We were treated to hot drinks, delicious cakes and biscuits. Our special thanks to Rotarians Jean, Carol, Alison and Andrew’s wife Liz for organising the catering.

President Carol gave thanks to the members and especially to everyone who consistently support Rotary activities in Porthcawl.

Porthcawl Rotarians Laurence, Alison, Hugh, Andrew and Denzil then treated everybody by reading an extract from “Under Milk Wood” which was widely appreciated by everyone present.

Judith then read a very impressive poem titled ‘Peace’ which was written by the winner of the Rotary Young Writer competition. Rotary Porthcawl would like to thank the public for their generous support of the club during 2022.

Rtn Robert Lee

TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE

The picture above shows a typical ‘group’ carpentry kit. Carpentry kits are the most popular as they enable people to make, repair and build in many environmental situations. The kits we send to Africa start with a size to suit an ‘individual’, these contain 24 tools, enough to do most jobs. The next size is the ‘group’ kit containing 46 tools; this is designed for a small group. The biggest size is a ‘training’ kit consisting of 98 tools, this will be for a training centre and used many times over. Since 2008 we have sent 78 carpentry kits of various sizes to several parts of Africa. The kits are sent as part of a project that covers business training, health and safety, financial and record keeping so the people receiving the kits have comprehensive training to enable them to earn a living and get them and the family out of poverty.

We are always grateful for your tool donations, as we could not operate without them.

If you have any tools of any kind in any condition please contact John on 01656 786367. You can either bring them or we can arrange to collect.

David Cook, Workshop Manager

THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES

Jim Carrey said, “I wish everyone had as much money as me because then people would realise that money doesn’t really satisfy, deep down.” People have always looked for true fulfilment and meaning in life. It’s like we all know that ultimate fulfilment is not found within ourselves. This will sound biased but I believe that a genuine sense of fulfilment is only found through a personal relationship with Jesus. I think we were created by God and so at our core we are spiritual beings. The bible tells us that when we are in relationship with God, He lives within us and we can then know a sense of completion, joy and peace that goes deeper than anything else. That’s my story anyway! When I really came to discover the reality of Jesus, I suddenly felt like I had come home. It was like life made sense on a whole different level. The love I also experienced was ‘out of this world’. It was a love on a whole new level. Friend! I would encourage you to get know Jesus. Look for a good local church or seek out my good friend Martin Gillard from Gilgal Baptist Church in Porthcawl if you would like to speak with someone. Help is available.

Neil Harvey

FRIENDS OF MONZE (ZAMBIA)

We are a registered charity that has been working in Monze for 10 years. The first step to helping a remote community is to provide a borehole. Some villages have NEVER had a potable water supply - this is amazing in the 21st Century. Water is necessary for building a school but of course is incredibly important in improving the health and hygiene. Before a borehole is in place the whole village is generally dehydrated, there are often outbreaks of diarrhoea and hand hygiene is unknown. The drilling of a borehole is an exciting moment for the village, children come from lessons and all the locals come to watch. As the noisy, dusty drill goes deeper and deeper into the spot the geologist has said there is water there is quiet. Then the clear, cool water whooshes high into the air and then there is shouting for joy, dancing and ulating (high pitched wailing from the women). The top of the pipe is then sealed and left to settle for 3 days before the hand pump is fitted. SUCCESS. Contact: www.friendsofmonze.org or via our Facebook page.

Belinda Green

PORTHCAWL NCI REPORT

It’s surprising how quickly the length of the day changes in March, which is reflected in the stations opening times. At the start of the month, we were open from 0800 to 1800 but by the end of the month it will be 0800 to 2000. During these opening times two watchkeepers will be manning three watches each day, covering 3hr, 3.5hr or 4hr watches depending on the above openings.

We have lost a few trainee watchkeepers through family and business commitments but the six remaining are well into their training period with them now rostered for two man watches with a mentor watchkeeper. Hopefully they will all successfully complete their assessment next month, so they will be ready for the busy times ahead from Easter onwards. It was a fairly quiet period last month with no major incidents. However, with Porthcawl seeming to be very busy, even this time of year when the sun comes out, we are anticipating an extremely eventful summer.

Remember, providing the watchkeepers are not dealing with an incident, we welcome visitors up to the tower to have a look around. Just give us a shout and we will show you around and explain our role.

Laurence Bater – Media Officer

NEWTON WI NEWS

The February meeting gave, as usual a very warm welcome to all our members. We were especially happy to receive two visitors who we hope will eventually join us.

The WI Business was discussed. The Glamorgan Federation celebrates its centenary anniversary this year, so therefore a busy and interesting year ahead.

There were two 80th birthdays to celebrate this month. Each of the two ladies was presented with a bouquet of flowers also a delicious cake, which the rest of the members shared. The Resolution Votes for 2023 were counted and submitted. Our speaker for the evening was Bev Gully, who certainly took us on a journey down memory lane, with her talk on ‘TV Media Trivia’ and its music. Amazing how many radio and TV programmes and adverts from years past we remembered just by listening to a short extract from a musical recording. The evening was great fun, which we all enjoyed.

M Freeman

PORTHCAWL TOWNSWOMENS GUILD NEWS

A hint of Spring at last as members gathered at the Grove Golf Club for a talk from Rev. Clive Williams. His subject was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and what a short but productive life he had. He wrote over 600 pieces of music including 17 operas. He was a child prodigy who was taken with his elder sister to perform all over Europe! Mozart died at the age of 35 and is buried in a paupers grave! We always learn something new from Rev Clive. This time it was that a piano is a percussion instrument as the strings are struck and a harpsichord is a stringed instrument as the strings are plucked! Now did you know that?

Our meeting this month is on Wednesday March 8th, 2pm at the Grove Golf Club when it will be our AGM. Also a speaker from the COOP on women’s finances. Now that could be helpful? Come and find out.

Dorothy Thomas (01656) 772157

SKER WI

The meeting was opened by Lesley and Jerusalem was sung. The meeting was conducted in reverse order with the speaker going first followed refreshments and ending with the meeting Our guest speaker was Mr Clive Tranter, a former security officer attached to the Royal Household and the Royal palaces. He outlined his recruitment to the security forces and how he became assigned to the Royal household due to a colleagues sick leave. Although he had many tales to tell for security reasons he was unable to go into details. He met the Queen on several occasions and had fond memories of her. She was particularly astute and was aware that politicians might try to pull the wool over her eyes, but she was aware of this and often thwarted them. Nora Williams gave the vote of thanks. Mr Tranter was asked to judge the competition. Lesley conducted the business meeting.

Upcoming event: Birthday Supper, 24th April at the Hi Tide. Margaret Ashworth won first prize in the raffle and potential new member Lily took second prize The meeting closed with the national anthem.

Jackie Jones

THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD: MYRNA LOY

Myrna Loy was a highly gifted film, television and stage actress. Trained as a dancer, Myrna’s breakthrough in movies arrived with the role of Nora Charles in The Thin Man, 1934.

In The Thin Man, Myrna played opposite William Powell. The banter between them was the highlight of this and subsequent Thin Man movies.

William Powell credited Myrna with that banter and her ability to listen, a gift not all actors are blessed with.

Myrna’s ‘screen test’ for The Thin Man was somewhat unusual – at a Hollywood party director W.S. Van Dyke pushed her into a swimming pool to test her reaction, a situation she handled with great aplomb. Van Dyke reckoned that Nora Charles would behave in that manner, so Myrna landed the part. Away from acting, Myrna was active in social issues, especially regarding housing and race discrimination. During the Second World War she focused much of her time and energy working for the Red Cross. She was so fiercely outspoken against Adolf Hitler that he placed her on a blacklist and banned her films in Germany.

Hannah Howe, author of Tula, a novel about an actress in the Golden Age of Hollywood. https://hannah-howe.com

PORTHCAWL LIONS

Following another successful Santa’s Grotto operated by the team from Porthcawl lions at the museum, a group of Lions visited the museum this week to thank the volunteers of the museum for hosting the grotto at the museum.

The strong relationship between both sets of volunteers keeps this popular Christmas attraction which is enjoyed by many local children wishing to meet Father Christmas a part of the towns

seasonal events.

The Lions, President Rhys Lewis handed a donation cheque for £200 to Museum Chairman Paul Joseph in recognition of the support to the lions Christmas events by the museum. Paul Joseph commented “ it’s been a great pleasure to once more provide the Lions with the space and the facilities of the museum for their hard work for the community “

David Swidenbank, Porthcawl Museum

PORTHCAWL RAILWAY PROPOSALS

Porthcawl had two railway stations. The original one c1865 was situated at the top of Station Hill, whilst the new station, sited at the end of Dock Street, was opened on 5th March 1916.

Within the following fifty years proposals to change or develop the Porthcawl Branch Line were considered. Unsuitability or financial constraints were the reasons given that neither was adopted. Yet just after WW2 work was started but curtailed on widening the line between Cornelly and Nottage. (See photo)

The two main proposed developments were 1936 and 1946. The proposal of 1936 suggested that four additional platforms be constructed at the new Porthcawl Station, with the building being transferred to the end of the line instead of at the side. The sidings be removed from south of the station and transferred to north of the line on the Pyle side of the level crossing, passed where the original station had been.

The 1946 proposal was for six new platforms and a new station be constructed adjacent to the original station’ just off South Road. This was in response to complaints regarding the holding up of traffic when the crossing gates were closed at the top of Station Hill.

Despite all proposals the line closed on 1st February 1965 because of Beeching cuts.

Ceri Joseph

WELL ABOUT TIME TOO… THAT’S MUCH BETTER

It doesn’t seem so long back, weeks really, since we were all bemoaning the kind of mortgage rates that had last been seen a few years back. Yet here we were with rates up around the 5% to 6% region, adding to the cost of living crisis and hikes in heating costs.

Maybe it’s Spring being just around the corner but at last rates seem to be dropping every day, with several lenders not offering below 4% rates, with several in the 3 point-odd bracket, far more in line with what we might see as reasonable, given the circumstances.

The big boys are leading the way with something of a price war taking shape between the big names in the market – we deal with them all, of course – as well as some smaller building societies – and we deal with those too, deals you would never find yourself and lender criteria that makes allowances for difficult circumstances, where they treat you like a person not just a number.

So, if you’re looking to make that move or get into the ladder for the first time, things are happening again and we could help, if you can also help yourself, based on income, deposit, etc. Call us for a chat; we’ll know what’s new and happening right now. For those of you at the other end of the scale and nearing or already in retirement, you haven’t been forgotten. Whilst rates are coming down more quickly in the standard mortgage market, the over 60s sector is also seeing some welcome movement and making rates more sensible again, much to the relief of all concerned. There are hundreds of special schemes for your age group and type of borrower and we know and have access to them all.

Rates are around where they were 5 years ago before they dropped in more recent times but many people could still be helped. It is estimated that between now and the end of May, there will be four million mortgages falling due for review or even full repayment of capital for interest-only cases. Do NOT shy away or ignore a mortgage problem, talk to us about it – we may well be able to help you through it and avoid possible serious consequences when the lender comes looking for you to pay off the loan, especially interest-only, where you may not have the cash to do so. Call us on 01656 782545 / 07768 418308 – it costs you nothing for us to take a look at it.

PAUL FIELDING

Dragon Financial

01656 782545 / 07768 418308

IT’S A FAMILY AFFAIR! ESTATE PLANNING AND ASSET PRESERVATION

As Financial Advisers we help our clients throughout different cycles of their lives from saving for their first home, obtaining the best mortgage rate, the best Life Cover, school fees planning, tax planning and investing for the future, only to begin the process again once the kids are old enough to start their own financial plan. Being a Family run business helps when it comes to relating with clients that financial planning should be a family affair, not just with the family at mind but the family at the centre. From making the most of spouses allowances to starting a pension or ISA for a child to ensuring that it is your nearest and dearest that eventually benefit from your assets whether that be written in your will or put in trust in your lifetime.

Shoring up the foundations of the estate you have built up over the years focuses strongly on asset preservation and estate planning. Our clients can access our bespoke service to ensure their assets pass to the exact people they wish and can protect against divorce and bankruptcy. Writing a Will may also help you to reduce your Inheritance Tax Liability payable at a whopping 40% on the value of your estate above the current threshold of £325,000. Did you know if you die without a will, you could be leaving your family with an avoidable Inheritance tax bill? If you die intestate, IHT would be payable on the value of the residuary estate that passes to children, as they are not exempt from IHT. This tax can easily be avoided if a will is prepared in which the estate passes to your surviving spouse who is IHT exempt!

Another important arrangement is a Lasting Power of Attorney to ensure you can give someone you trust, usually a family member, the power to make financial or health decisions on your behalf should you not be able to. The truth is, you could lose mental capacity at any time — either from a serious injury or accident, a disease or illness. By the time you need it, you may be too late if you haven’t set up a Lasting Power of Attorney. One of the most important things anyone can do is to secure the future for their family and loved ones and Writing a Will and arranging an LPA should be one of the cornerstones of your financial planning.

CIVIL PARTNERSHIPS

A civil partnership gives couples very similar rights and responsibilities to marriage and can be registered or dissolved in much the same way. It is available to both same-sex and opposite-sex couples. It is regarded as an alternative to marriage.

You can register your civil partnership at a register office or at any venue that has been approved for registering marriages and civil partnerships.

The process of registering the partnership is a brief civil ceremony, conducted by a registrar. You each sign the civil partnership schedule, with two witnesses.

Once your UK civil partnership has been registered, you receive a civil partnership certificate.

A key advantage of registering a civil partnership is it provides a higher degree of financial security for each party (particularly the more financially vulnerable party) than if they only live together in a relationship.

Civil partners are treated in the same way as married couples for taxation purposes. This can have a major advantage in terms of inheritance tax (IHT), because assets passed to your partner are not taxed.

If a partnership has not been registered, the surviving partner may face significant financial difficulties, such as having to sell the family home to pay the IHT bill.

Civil partners are also treated as married couples in terms of capital gains tax (CGT), allowing them to pass assets to each other without any CGT liability. However, if you both own a home you will no longer each be able to claim CGT exemption for your own home; one home will have to be nominated as your main residence. Gains on the other may be taxable. Registering a UK civil partnership is a good opportunity to review your financial planning generally, including pension arrangements, life insurance and so on.

In addition, registering the partnership automatically revokes any existing wills. Each partner will have an automatic right to inherit at least part of the other’s estate on death, but this may not provide the outcome you would want - so you should each prepare a new will.

If the relationship breaks down, either partner may be able to make a financial claim in the same way as when a married couple divorces – with the provision of property, or money, or pensions, or ongoing maintenance support.

THE ROLE OF A SOLICITOR WHEN YOU ARE SEPARATING FROM YOUR PARTNER

People are often concerned at the cost of getting a solicitor involved in their case and think that by doing so they will complicate matters.

It is important to take legal advice at an early stage after you separate from your partner. Despite what some people think, a good family lawyer will not try to turn an amicable split into an acrimonious one. Being well informed of your rights, responsibilities and the likely outcomes gives you the best information to help keep things from turning sour.

It is best to take advice before entering into negotiations with your ex-partner. You may find you agree something that you’re happy with at the time, but if circumstances change you might not feel as happy later. A lawyer will help you consider the implications of different scenarios and may also suggest options you haven’t thought of, for example trying to resolve your difficulties via mediation.

It can be very difficult to maintain a good relationship with an ex-partner if you are trying to backtrack from an agreement that you reached without legal advice. It is much better to know where you stand before you start those negotiations.

Lawyers do not just help couples who are unable to reach an agreement. Sometimes clients do agree on the way forward, and they simply want lawyers to formalise that agreement or assist them with making an application for a clean break order – a binding order preventing either party from coming back for more money later on.

It is important to remember that simply reaching an agreement about what will happen does not mean that you are protected in the future from a claim if your ex-partner changes their mind. However, if a lawyer draws up this agreement, you will have the best possible protection against a future claim.

CEFN CRIBWR GARDENING CLUB

PORTHCAWL FLORAL SOCIETYNEW VENUE

We are delighted to announce that we will be returning to our old home at Awel Y Mor centre from March 2023. We have spent over 30 years at this venue and will continue to meet on the second and fourth Wednesday evenings of the month at 7 for 7.30 start. Our first meeting will be on March 8th for a demonstration by Donald Morgan.

Spring is here! Now the work really begins!

“March is a tomboy with tousled hair, a mischievous smile, mud on her shoes and a laugh in her voice” (Hal Borland). So watch out for late frosts and lots of rain!

I always think of March as a dividing month, dividing perennials regularly (on a dry day) will ensure healthy vigorous plants, which will perform year after year. When you replant them they will be raring to go! A lovely lot of free flowers. Love it. Lots to plant in the vegetable garden, lettuce, peas, broad beans, onions and beetroot. Fab!

Onions are such a versatile veg. Plants must be growing strongly by late spring as the lengthening of days trigger the formation of bulbs. The more leaves the plants have at this time the better the onions will be! Avoid overhead watering as this can lead to fungal disease. Remove flower stems as soon as they shoot otherwise the plants’ energy will go into producing flowers and not into swelling the bulbs.

Did you know in the early Olympics Greek athletes ate pounds of onions and drank onion juice for strength? Bet they defeated their rivals with their breath alone!

Chris Early

LALESTON GARDENING CLUB

We gardeners long for Spring, you may be guided by meteorological spring starting on St David’s Day or by the Spring Equinox on the 21st, but either way we all know how unpredictable the March weather can be. If it’s mild enough and not too wet we can spread blood, fish & bone on perennial borders, fork it in and mulch. It will benefit those border plants no end and can be repeated later in the year, perennials can also be divided. Our lettuce and veg seeds can be sown in the greenhouse/propagator temperature should be at least 12 - 15 degrees C. Outdoor veg can be sown if the weather is mild, but beware of icy temperatures.

Much to look forward to now, new beginnings, lighter days and the prospect of beautiful gardens. Laleston Gardening Club will be celebrating St David’s Day with a supper and this follows on from our very successful Chinese New Year Banquet. Many of our plants are underway in readiness for our plant sale in May. Our Shop is now open every Saturday morning and do look at our Facebook page for many other activities.

Susan Ford

We all enjoyed a concert at the Masonic Home on February 3rd, which raised funds for the Music and Flower Festival. This will be held at All Saints Church on Saturday September 2nd 2023. Superb performances were given by Col Canto, Maesteg Male Voice Choir and Porthcawl Community Orchestra. Visitors are always welcome at our meetings and can enrol at any time if they wish to join. As well as demonstrations and Practice evenings with tuition, we have a few speaker meetings and a club competition in the Summer. We also plan to arrange some excursions and social events and have a Facebook page and WhatsApp group for more information.

Alison Thomas Club Secretary (0758 1048448)

What’s on

PORTHCAWL U3A

Is an organisation for people no longer in fulltime employment who want to keep socially, physically and academically active. We have over forty groups. Website: porthcawlu3a. org.uk. Email: info@porthcawlu3a. org.uk

PORTHCAWL LADIES BOWLS

CLUB

Ladies have you thought of giving bowls a try? No experience necessary. We are a small friendly club at Griffin park offering free individual taster sessions, followed by free membership for a year. For more information please contact Sue Bowen 07969 813540.

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

KENFIG HILL & DISTRICT MALE

VOICE CHOIR

New members can join us at rehearsals on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm at The Choral Suite, Greenacres Motel, 111 Heol Fach, North Cornelly, CF33 4LH. Find us on Facebook, or https://www.kenfighillmalechoir. wales Or contact the secretary Tony Ulberini at tonyulberini@ gmail.com Tel: 07866 742452. Or Terry Thomas, Vice Chairman: terrypaulthomas1962@gmail.com. Tel: 07577 406605.

LEARN TO ROCK N ROLL 50S STYLE

Every Monday evening at Royal British Legion, Pyle, Bridgend, CF33 6AE. 7.30pm till 10pm. Entrance £5. Contact Frank on 07400 080101.

ROTARY PORTHCAWL

Meets Mondays @ 1pm, The High Tide, Mackworth Road, Porthcawl, CF36 5BT. New members always welcomed. Further information contact Andrew Singer on Telephone: 01656 785628 Mobile:07817 095992. Email:

andrewbsinger@icloud.com Website: https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ homepage.php?ClubID=953

TUESDAY

PORTHCAWL LIONS

Meet at Hi-tide 1st and 3rd

Tuesday’s of the month, 7.30pm. See website: www.porthcawllions.org.uk Or call: 01656 784939.

PORTHCAWL MALE CHOIR

New members welcome. Rehersals

Tuesday & Friday evening 7-9 pm at Arlington Road Church, Arlington Road, Porthcawl.

Further details contact either Choir Secretary, Noel Williams at (noel. williams185@btinternet.com) 07902 333559 or Public Relations Officer, Ian Williams (ianwilliams54@sky. com) 07927 219544. Check out our website and Facebook page for further details.

YOGA WITH MICHELE

@ Kenfig Nature Reserve. Mixed ability class - 9.30am till 11am - £36 for 4 weeks. Zoom also available plus a recording of the session if you miss a week. To book contact: Michele – 07793 544956 or email michele@michelelambertyoga.co.uk Head to www.michelelambertyoga. co.uk for further info on all Michele offers.

WEDNESDAY

BRIDGEND SOROPTOMISTS

We meet at Heronston Hotel 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month 7pm. See website sigbi.org/ bridgend-and-district

Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ BridgendSoroptimists. New members welcome.

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.

NEWTON WI

We meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7pm. Venue: Scouts Hall, Woodland Avenue, Porthcawl. Visitors welcome.

PORTHCAWL ART SOCIETY

Weekly workshops at 1pm and 7pm. New members welcome. Art Gallery open most days 11-3pm. Above the museum, Old Police Station, John Street. www.porthcawlart.co.uk

PORTHCAWL FLORAL ARRANGEMENT SOCIETY

Fancy creating exciting floral displays? Join our friendly group at Awel Y More Centre, Hutchwns Terrace, Porthcawl, CF365TN. We meet on 2nd /4th Wednesdays at 7.30pm. Beginners and visitors welcome. We have tuition, demonstrations and social events. See our Facebook page or call Alison on 07581 048448.

PORTHCAWL STROKE CLUB

Meeting at the Masonic Home 2-4pm. Seeking volunteers who are CRB checked, or are prepared to have one. Contact Chairman Mr Keith Duggan & Mrs Mary Duggan on (01656) 773376 or 07484 250988.

SLIMMING WORLD, PORTHCAWL

Trinity Church, John Street 9.30am. Contact Millie - 07765 040006.

THURSDAY

BRIDGEND MALE CHOIR

Do you enjoy singing? The Choir Practice, 7.30 – 9.30 pm at Oldcastle Primary School, South Street, Bridgend every Thursday. Why not come, have a listen and check us out. New members and visitors very welcome. Contact Dave Deeley 07799 616120 or www.bridgendmalechoir.co.uk. Motto - Friendship through Music.

PYLE & PORTHCAWL PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

Meetings at St Clare’s School, Newton, Porthcawl CF36 5NY. Thursdays at 7.15pm. Sept to May inc. We’re a very friendly camera club with a mix of male & female members and welcome new members of all ages and skill levels. www.pyle-and-porthcawlphotographic-society.co.uk

SKER WI

We meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7pm in St David’s Church Hall, Porthcawl. Visitors are most welcome.

SLIMMING WORLD, KENFIG HILL

Talbot Community Centre, Kenfig Hill 9.30am and 5.30pm. Contact Millie: 07765 040006.

SOCIAL TABLE TENNIS

Join a mix of fun and non-league competitive women and men for 2 hours playing ping pong at Kenfig Table Tennis Club located upstairs at Lasers Are Us on Kenfig Industrial Estate. Starts at 4:30pm

FRIDAY

SLIMMING WORLD, PORTHCAWL Trinity Church, John Street 9.30am. Contact Millie - 07765 040006.

SATURDAY

LALESTON GARDENING CLUB

Varied activities throughout the week. Located at Cliff Cottage, Laleston, next to the Parish Church. Open every Saturday 10am12noon. Please call in. Visit our website: www.lalestongardenclub. co.uk Or our Facebook page.

PORTHCAWL VETERANS HUB

At the Bowls Pavillion, Griffin Park, Porthcawl. 10am - 12 midday. All veterans, serving military and families welcome. We offer support, guidance, chat in a relaxed atmosphere. Refreshments provided.

PYLE & KENFIG HILL VETERANS ASSOCIATION

Royal British Legion Pyle Club, 10:00hrs-12:00hrs. Serving personnel, veterans and their families. Support, networking and advice available from peers. Refreshments available - food and beverages.

SUNDAY

PORTHCAWL COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA

Rehearse every Sunday, 6-8pm in Nottage Scout Hall (The Precinct, by the Seagull pub), Porthcawl, CF36 3RF. Visit: www.porthcawlorchestra. co.uk to find out more.

WEDNESDAY 8TH MARCH

INTERNATIONAL WOMENS DAY

Bridgend Soroptimists Business Meeting at Heronston Hotel Bridgend 7pm. www.facebook.com/BridgendSoroptimists http://sigbi.org/bridgend-and-district/

SATURDAY 11TH MARCH

VINTAGE & COLLECTABLES SALE, PORTHCAWL

@ NEWTON INSTITUTE: 1-3pm, FREE admission. Come along and browse to find yourself some bargains. Hope to see old and new faces. A warm welcome awaits all.

WEDNESDAY 22ND MARCH

FASHION SHOW BY SAMANTHA B

Bridgend Soroptimists at Heronston Hotel Bridgend 7pm. Tickets £12 with glass of wine available from Andrea Harries 01446 775590 or andrea.harries@btinternet.com

Proceeds to Cruse Morgannwg and Soroptimist charities

SATURDAY 1ST APRIL

RHONDDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA SPRING CONCERT

At All Saints Church, Victoria Avenue, Porthcawl, CF36 3HD at 7pm. They present a programme of symphonic classics,

beginning with a gallop through Rossini’s William Tell Overture, continuing with Mozart’s Horn Concerto No. 4 and finishing with the ever-popular Brahms’ Second Symphony. The soloist is Branwen Thistlewood, a young and exciting French Horn player from Cardiff. An Oxford University music graduate, she has many national honours to her name. It promises to be an excellent concert, so come and support local community musicmaking at its best! Tickets are available via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/rhondda-symph

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

Nippers are aged between 7-13. As a Nipper your child will be taught surf safety, basic lifesaving skills, surf and beach sports such as wading, surf swimming, board paddling, beach flags, beach sprints and relays.

Nippers train indoors at Pyle pool throughout the year, and at Rest Bay beach during the summer months.

Nippers are able to obtain various surf safety awards, and are taught valuable lifesaving and safety skills at both the beach and the pool.

If

Men Youth

Women

Washing machines, tumble dryers, cookers or any type of metal or electrical items, bric a brac. Along with postage stamps, foreign or old coins.

collecting bric a brac & clothes again

of the above items will be used to help S.C B.U. (Special Care Baby Unit) at the Princess of Wales Hospital Bridgend. Please telephone/text Steve on: 07734 264732 Photographic I.D. carried at all times.

Clear Out 4 You