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)