FEATURES

Bridgend Soroptimists Fashion Show

funds !! The villagers then assist in the digging of the school’s foundation by hand under Stanley’s supervision. Termites are a real problem in Monze, they eat virtually everything except concrete, steel and plastic so quickly destroy books and wood. Termites mean no wood is used in construction and chemicals need to be added to the concrete foundations to deter them.

So far Friends of Monze with the support of partner charity Zambian Women and Girls Foundation have built and equipped 13 schools in the Monze region!

Contact us: www.friendsofmonze.org.uk or Facebook

Belinda Green

Cycling Without Age

Speaker Steve gave us an interesting talk on the Porthcawl Joy Riders, at the Porthcawl Stroke Club.

On 22nd March Bridgend Soroptimists held a sell-out Fashion Show at the Heronston Hotel, Bridgend. Samantha B boutique of Ewenny provided a wonderful range of outfits to suit all occasions and club members took to the catwalk displaying the fashions for the coming spring and summer seasons. The audience enjoyed a glass of wine together with a raffle for an impressive range of prizes so generously donated in support of Cruse Bereavement Council. The event raised a total of £2,000. If you are interested in learning more about Bridgend Soroptimists follow us on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/ BridgendSoroptimists or the website http://sigbi.org/bridgendand-district/ New members welcome.

Eileen Bayley Publicity/Communications Officer

FRIENDS OF MONZE ( ZAMBIA)

Porthcawl Joy riders!! what a brilliant idea, which started up in Demark is International with 52 countries now involved England, Scotland, Ireland and Porthcawl being the first in Wales.

The voluntary organisation is linked to the World Development Agency; who cater for the wellbeing of individuals that can enjoy social freedom in their communities. A breath of fresh air, nothing like it, especially in a seaside town like Porthcawl.

Age is no barrier, they cater for special needs schools, care homes, any individual living at home, who have restrictions from their health and wellbeing. Doctors’ surgeries are now using social prescriptions to enhance, enrich and extend the lives of the older folk and the less abled of Porthcawl and Bridgend.

The Trishaw rides are free and are active all through the year, the ride can be for 30minutes or up to one hour; with a stop on the way for tea, coffee, or ice cream, obviously, people would have to pay for those themselves. All volunteers are fully trained and qualified riders.

Contact Steve on Tel:07791101081 or face book.

Barbara Matthews

Sker Wi

We are a Bridgend based registered charity that helps rural villagers build a school for their children. Many areas do not have a school and children are ‘educated’ under a tree or in the back room of a shop without a qualified teacher.

Once there is a water supply, the villagers have made 17 000 bricks, collected sand and made stone chippings, then our Zambian partner charity visits the village to review the quality and quantity of everything.

Once satisfied they call in Stanley the local experienced builder and his team to build the school – provided we have adequate

The next meeting for Sker WI will be on the 11th May at St David’s Church Hall at 6.30pm. I will be our Annual meeting together with a Buffet for members to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles III. There will be a link meeting at Margam Abbey on the 10th May, it will be good to be able to connect again with our Link WI’s.

Jackie Jones

We had a very interesting talk on April 5th given by wellknown historian Dean Powell about the history of our Welsh choirs, it was fascinating listening to the amazing things they’ve achieved over the years and the things they got up to, including a windy hillside and a toupee, enough said! this was followed by our very successful and well-attended AGM. April also saw a reorganisation for some our groups which included changes of venues, changing days or times, and some changing completely, our members have taken everything in their stride and in a very good-natured way, but I do wonder if anyone forget and turned at the wrong time or place! We added a new interest group as well this month, Rummikub, this was devised in the 1930’s from the card game Rummy and Mah-jong, please come along and give it a try, it’s very interesting, check out our website for details. Our Sunday lunch group is restarting after a break, and we have plenty to look forward to as we move into the summer months. Website: porthcawlu3a.org.uk

Porthcawl Townswomens Guild News

Once again last months meeting started on a sad note as members were asked to stand in memory of Ruth Lloyd. Ruth was a long-term committee member and ran our craft group. She will be greatly missed. Dreadful weather yet again caused the cancellation of our speaker, with car problems. So we had a social afternoon always good to catch up on chat not possible on busy guild days. Our chairman Helen told us of interesting new ideas for guild activities and welcomed suggestions. We are looking forward to our Coronation lunch on May 4th, suitably dressed!

This months meeting is on Wednesday May 10th 2.00 p.m. at The Grove Golf Club when Debra John will be our speaker. We are assured of a good afternoon with Debra so do drop in at the Grove and hear what she has to say. All welcome!

Dorothy Thomas

Tel: 01656 772157

Mynydd Cynffig Wi

We were in the Talbot Center Kenfig Hill on Tuesday 11th April, members braved the weather to meet and enjoy each other company. WI business discussed and sorted our walking, scrabble and lunch clubs organised We are also attending Federation AGM in Port Talbot also the National AGM in Cardiff both days out will be very enjoyable. we went on to discuss what is happening next month our AGM plus our coronation tea. Members were asked to ware something that included red white or blue so watch this space We meet the 2nd Tuesday of the month 2pm to 4pm you can pop in to meet us we are a very friendly group and you can have tea and biscuits as well.

Christine Callaghan

Email:

Porthcawl RNLI volunteers had to leave the wedding of one of their own crew, Reverend Mark Broadway when the pagers sounded on Saturday 18 March. The vicar, Reverend Wayne Massey had started the service by saying, ‘switch off your phones, unless you’re lifeboat crew’ but hadn’t expected the pagers to sound, just 17 minutes later.

Swapping suits for drysuits the crew launched the charity’s Atlantic 85 Edna May and D Class Hugo Missen following reports that two people were cut off by the tide at Dunraven Bay, Southerndown. Due to size of the surf breaking onto the shore a decision was made that the safest method of extraction would be by Coastguard Rescue Helicopter, which landed at the base of the cliffs to extract the casualties.

Following the callout the D Class crew stopped off at All Saint’s church with the lifeboat to congratulate the new Rev. Mark Broadway and Mrs. Jessie Broadway.

Chris Page

Foster Wales Bridgend Prepares For Foster Care Fortnight

Foster Wales Bridgend is your local authority fostering service in Bridgend and we’re part of the national network of all 22 Welsh local authority fostering services.

Every May we celebrate Foster Care Fortnight, raising awareness of the need for more foster carers/families. It showcases the passion, dedication, and commitment of the foster carers we already have, and hopefully inspires more people to consider fostering with us.

Children, babies, and young people in Bridgend need a safe place to call home. The stories you hear in the news about fostering are often negative but Foster Care Fortnight helps to shine a light on all the positive, real and heart-warming elements of fostering too.

We encourage you to learn more about fostering, and how fostering with Foster Wales Bridgend means putting local children first. It’s making the commitment to do what’s best for them, in an area that they’re already familiar with, through a not-for-profit service.

Visit www.bridgend.fosterwales.gov.wales for further information on types of fostering, who can foster, and to request a chat with our friendly recruitment officer.

Join us on socials @fosterwalesbridgend this Foster Care Fortnight!

Rotary Club Golden Anniversary

Newton Wi

The April meeting commenced with a minute’s silence, in memory of a dear and very much loved member : Barbara Thomas. Barbara was a faithful and active member of Newton WI for many years, she was a wonderful lady and will be sadly missed.

Easter bonnets and decorated eggs were the order of the evening, the bonnet parade was tremendous fun with our Ladies looking resplendent in their fabulous creations. Unfortunately there can only be one winner, and this year the prize went to Pat Richards. The winner of the very cleverly designed egg, was Liz Richards.

At the end of the month we are looking forward to attending Shirley’s lunch at the Globe Inn, also the summer outing, which is in the process of being organized for July.

Lots to look forward to in the weeks and months to come.

M Freeman

Rnli Volunteers Awarded For Lifesaving Rescue Of Surfer

Porthcawl Rotary Club recently held a special Golden Anniversary dinner event at the Hi-Tide in honour of Rotarian David Morgan for his continuous 50 years’ service to Rotary. Porthcawl President Carol Llewellyn presented the certificate. The Rotarians, together with members of the Inner Wheel Club and other invited guests, enjoyed an evening of reflection and Rotary fellowship. Many Rotarians paid tribute to David and reminded him of his past achievements including becoming President of Rotary Great Britain and Ireland. David gave a wonderful speech; reflecting on his time with Rotary and some of the projects he was instrumental in developing. He spoke with pride about his years in Rotary and is looking forward to future projects.

President Carol Llewellyn thanked everyone for attending this special occasion and being part of celebrating all David’s achievements.

Rtn Robert Lee

Porthcawl RNLI volunteers have been presented with awards for their courage, selflessness and determination in rescuing a surfer in challenging conditions.

The surfer had been swept around a headland in a rip current and was trapped beneath cliffs at Monknash in January 2020. Luckily, some bystanders realised the surfer was in trouble and called the Coastguard on 999. There was a heavy swell and the tide was still incoming; time was against the crew.

‘The conditions were fairly challenging with 1-2m breaking waves but I managed to position the lifeboat in the surf zone so that the crew could pull the surfer from the water’ said Chris Missen, helm of Porthcawl Lifeboat.

Chris has been presented with a Chairman’s Letter of Thanks and volunteer crew members Christopher Kitney, Angharad Masson and Ryan Lecraw have received a Lifesaving Operations Director Commendation

Chris Page

THE GOLDEN AGE OF HOLLYWOOD: FAY WRAY

Of Welsh ancestry, Fay Wray (September 15, 1907 – August 8, 2004), made her movie debut in 1923 in Gasoline Love.

Fay achieved fame as Ann Darrow in her 58th movie, King Kong, which was released in 1933. Selected as one of the “WAMPAS Baby Stars of 1926”, her career developed and spanned six decades.

Regarded as one of the early “Scream Queens” she featured in a variety of roles until her retirement in 1980.

According to Fay Wray, Jean Harlow had been RKO’s original choice for Ann Darrow, but because of her MGM contract, she was unavailable. Fay received $10,000 for her portrayal of Ann Darrow, the equivalent of $200,000 today.

Along with co-star Robert Armstrong, Fay filmed The Most Dangerous Game at night and King Kong during the day, both movies utilising the same jungle sets in Hollywood.

Later in her career, James Cameron invited Fay to play the part of Rose Dawson Calvert in Titanic, 1997, with Kate Winslet playing her younger self, but she declined the role. Gloria Stuart stepped in and won an Oscar nomination. Hannah Howe, author of Tula, a novel about an actress in the Golden Age of Hollywood. https://hannah-howe.com

The Buffs Of Porthcawl

Thursday 16th December 1915 an article appeared in the Porthcawl News inviting ‘all who are interested in forming a Buffalo Lodge at Porthcawl to meet at the Brogden Hotel’ the following Monday. The aim of ‘The Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes,’ known colloquially as ‘The Buffs.’ was, and still is, to aid members and other charities. Nationally formed in 1822, in WW1 The Buffs had supported the war effort through supplying ambulances to bring wounded soldiers back from the front; each one manned by ‘Volunteer Buffs.’. Yet, although the war affected National membership with many lodges closing, in February 1917 the Porthcawl Brogden Lodge held its first annual dinner at the Brogden Hotel. In the 1920’s the Lodge had moved to The Rock Hotel. (photograph)

The Brogden Lodge grew steadily forging links with other lodges. In 1932 Seven Sisters Lodge’s annual outing was to Porthcawl. Brogden Lodge also had outings in its own vehicle. (Photograph - Note the Buffalo head on the bonnet.)

Although references to The Brogden Lodge continued until after WW2 it seemed to have disappeared until the new ‘Porthcawl Pride’ Lodge was inaugurated at the Brogden Hotel in March 1978. It too must have ceased as today the nearest lodges are in Pencoed and Port Talbot.

Ceri Joseph

SOME LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL?

It’s amazing just how a few months of volatility can have such an effect on our lives, especially where financial matters are concerned.

With over a million UK mortgages due for renewal over the next month or so, there will be people coming off rates of around 2.5% to 3% to find that this will now be around 4.5% to 6%, which could be a real challenge for some. However, the rates we are now seeing have actually come down from the levels seen in January and are nearing the rates that we all had only 5 years ago, which is when a lot of people took out a mortgage, perhaps for the first time.

What’s changed now is that along with the increase in the cost of living and inflation hovering still at around 10%, affordability is the key to financial stability.

However, there is plenty of help to guide you through, so don’t try and ignore the problem as it will just sit there, prolonging the uncertainty, when you could pick up the phone and arrange a chat with us. We have access to the whole market and could help you secure a new deal, which could help lessen the financial blow, subject to certain conditions being met. The same issue exists for those of you in or near retirement, where you have a mortgage that has to be redeemed and you don’t have the capital to repay it, which is a very real problem situation. Or it could be that you need capital for home improvements or essential repairs or even helping family members who are in need of assistance.

Again, interest rates here for later life borrowing, although not yet back to the levels of last summer, have recently started to decrease markedly and could provide you with the answer when there seems you have nowhere to go to find a solution. This is where our expertise and experience of the needs and solutions for this section of the population comes in – and again, we have access to all the specialist lenders that will be looking to help you, again as long as certain conditions are met.

Talking to us at our office place or your home is free of charge and without any kind of obligation, so you’ve nothing to lose but possibly very much to gain. Call us on 01656 782545 or 07768 418308, and we’ll either answer immediately or come back to you smartly if we’re busy with others when you call. Weekend calls to the mobile number will be answered over that weekend where possible.

PAUL FIELDING

Dragon Financial

01656 782545 / 07768 418308

DISASTEROUS INVESTMENTS & MISTAKES

We all make mistakes, some bigger than others. Mine was being beguiled by oil shares many years ago, having taken a tip from an old friend. As investors waited impatiently for companies to strike oil in the Outer Hebrides and Falkland Isles, we bought more shares, so prices shot up further in anticipation of making a fortune, and investors got totally carried away in the mele. It’s what they call the fear of missing out or ‘FOMO’ if you like acronyms. Then the dreaded day came when they all hit ‘dusters’ and no one spoke of it again. Then there was the African gold mine ‘100 bagger’ they said, well now it’s just a hole in the ground along with the one in my pocket. Those experiences are the best but most painful of lessons, as you learn ‘buy on fact and sell on rumour’.

Bit coin and crypto currency have taken over from all of that, but we won’t go there will we! Some poor chap in Newport is still trying to find his computer hard drive that he accidentally threw on the tip, to find his crypto coding went with it, along with a couple of million, allegedly.

Human nature can be quite perverse. We actually like to hear disastrous stories as it makes us feel better as we were not the ones to lose out or feel foolish. That’s the reason why you only hear about bets on winning horses and seldom on losers. Buy value art in an auction they said. I bought an original Luis Wain at a tasty price and hung it in pride of place for years. At a recent valuation they said it was a fake! God you cannot trust anyone!

I always chuckle when I think of the man who built a boat in his garage, which proved too big to get out through the doors. Then nearer to home my ex-gardener who put a new chain on the chainsaw back to front, and then took it to Newton Mowers claiming it was blunt.

So what’s the moral coming out of this? If you are going to do or buy anything important, seek expert advice. Don’t be a gambler and don’t take tips from strangers and especially not from friends. If you ever go onto blogging sites for investment tips, they like to warn you to do your own research ‘DYOR’. Me, I’d find a financial advisor these days, as it happens it’s my daughter Pippa, she’s more qualified than me!

Philip Vaughan is a Director at Abacus Assurance Financial Services Ltd Porthcawl 01656 772222

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:

Trusts

A trust enables a ‘settlor’ to give away assets on terms set out in the trust deed. This deed identifies the trustees, beneficiaries and dictates how it is to operate. Legally, ownership of the assets (the trust property) passes from the settlor to the trustees of the trust - the trustees become the owner of the assets, instead of the settlor. However, the trustees must look after the assets according to the trust deed.

The trust can provide that different beneficiaries may receive different benefits from the trust. For example, a settlor might want prevent assets passing to a child until they reach a specified age, or to ensure that a spouse can continue to benefit from certain assets even after they (the settlor) has passed away.

A settlor can set up a trust during their lifetime or can provide for a trust to be set up in their will. It is recommended that the settlor write a letter of wishes regarding the trust. These are not legally binding but can be helpful in instances where the trust is discretionary in nature, or the trust deliberately excludes relatives, for example.

The trustees have a legal duty to act fairly, balancing the interests of the different beneficiaries and can claim expenses and professional charges (if applicable) from the trust. There are various types of trust that can suit a wide variety of circumstances. An example is a bare trust, the simplest form of trust in which the beneficiary is absolutely entitled to the trust property (provided the beneficiary is 18 or over and mentally capable). These are often used to hold investments for children, or where the settlor wishes to remain anonymous. Another example is an interest in possession trust, under which a beneficiary is entitled to the net income of the trust. In a discretionary trust, the trustees have more discretion over how they distribute income and capital, often providing income to each beneficiary when the need arises, to pay for a child’s education, for example.

Accumulation trusts are now seldom used due to their tax advantages being cut back.

Taxation of the trust should be considered when deciding to set up a trust. The best course of action as far as taxation is concerned is to contact a qualified tax expert. Make an appointment with a legal professional to identify which type of trust is most suitable for you.

Social Media Policies

The BBC sports presenter Gary Lineker was recently suspended from work and temporarily removed as presenter on Match of the Day, following a tweet which saw him compare the language used in the Government’s new asylum legislation to that of 1930s Germany.

Lineker was eventually reinstated at the BBC which issued an apology for any confusion caused by “grey areas” of their social media guidance.

It is important for an employer to have robust, clear and appropriate policies surrounding employees’ use of social media that clearly demonstrate what is, and what is not acceptable. In doing so, employers could be protected from serious potential disrepute especially in terms of social media, where posts can quickly spiral out of control and create negative publicity for businesses.

Social media policies are vital in ensuring that businesses are able to promote and control their reputation, whilst also ensuring the correct information is communicated to its members of staff and clients. There are a large number of issues that can arise for employers if a member of staff inappropriately uses social media, such as:

• Potential unauthorised disclosure of confidential information.

• Liability for discriminatory or defamatory comments posted by employees.

• Reputational damage.

As social media platforms continue to thrive, and the law is consistently developing, it has never been more important for employers to ensure that they are conducting regular reviews of their policies and are amending these to ensure that they offer adequate protection which accurately reflects the ever-changing law, the business sector within which they operate in, and their personal business values.

The Employment Team at Redkite Solicitors has a wealth of knowledge of advising on and drafting social media policies. The Employment Team is also able to provide comprehensive advice on the best practice for dealing with breaches of policies, such as social media.

Red Kite Law LLP

01656 782070

01792 65 00 00

Laleston Gardening Club

learnt all about the flowers and foliage we should be growing in our own gardens and were given many tips from the Head Nurseryman at Cardiff’s Bute Park. Our April Practice night is titled ‘Welcome to spring’. We will be making a triangular arrangement with spring flowers.

Our May demonstration is by Barbara Cummings and we have a club competition in June. We also have Practice nights on May 24th and and June 28th. There is a social trip on May 20th and more in the planning stage.

We are always delighted to welcome new members and visitors are also welcome at our meetings. You may enrol at any time if you wish to join. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday evenings of the month at Awel y Mor Centre at 7pm. Please check out our Facebook page and WhatsApp group for more information.

Alison Thomas, Club Secretary 07581 048448

May is a wonderful month of new beginnings in the garden, but I still ere on the side of caution and don’t plant out tender plants until the end of the month. The occasional frost and cold winds can still catch us gardeners out. Bedding plants should be hardening off in cold frames or sheltered places, it’s time to plant up root cuttings and pot on those root bound perennials in pots. If your tomatoes are established start removing side shoots and feeding. Plant out sweet peas, outdoor tomatoes, sow hardy annuals outdoors straight into the soil, water newly emerging crops in dry spells and earth up early potatoes. Weeds and lawns are growing too so plenty to keep everyone busy, but don’t panic if you can’t get to everything, sit down and enjoy the view.

Our plant sale will be held on Saturday 13th May entry at 10am, early birds will get the best of the plants. We will also have a cake stall, a hand made card stall and a coffee morning in the hall. As usual we will be holding one of our bumper raffles so don’t forget your ticket. All funds raised contribute to the upkeep of our wonderful Cliff Cottage. Our new six windows are now installed and looking good! Grateful thanks to the National Lottery Community Fund.

Susan Ford

Porthcawl Floral Arrangement Society

Cefn Cribwr Gardening Club

We are celebrating spring in our club and are making the most of the abundance of flowers and foliage available. We had a practice night in March, which allowed us to accessorise our displays with hats, gloves and jewellery. We then enjoyed a wonderful talk by Kevin Thomas in our next meeting. We

A beautiful garden in May is the very best life can offer (Monty Don).

Time to cut back certain herbaceous perennial (phlox, sedums and Echinacea) once they start growing robustly, to keep them looking neat and encourage a second burst of flowers. This is called the ‘Chelsea Chop’ as it’s done the same time as the flower show! I’m sure your plants are worthy of Chelsea! Divide clumps of primroses (Latin for first rose) they are sweet and easy going plants, responding well with new healthy growth – well worth it!

Warmer weather and fresh new growth makes springtime pests paradise! All the nasties flourish like slugs and aphids (I can’t include snails because they are cute!) Best to deal with them early, beer traps are good but make sure they stick up from the ground otherwise helpful pest predators like ground beetles and spiders will also be lured to their doom!

May is designated “no mow month” to create a homely habitat for bees and insects. In previous years it has been found that 80% of uncut lawns support around 400 bees a day taking nectar from dandelions and clover, how lovely (saves you cutting the lawn every week!)

Chris Early