FEATURES

CHOOSING A PUPPY CLASS

I would consider a Puppy class to be essential education, not just for the puppy, but also for the whole family and you’ll learn so much more than just obedience cues. As Dog Training is an unregulated industry, it’s wise to research and do your homework. Here’s a few helpful tips; Check out the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers), IMDT (Institute of Modern Dog Trainers) and ABTC (Animal Behaviour and Training Council). The first two hold assessments which covers theoretical knowledge and practical experience in great depth. They also have a code of practice and ethics which state that no harmful methods shall be used which makes training fun, safe and family friendly. Ask the trainer about their training methods. It’s a lot easier now to find fear free, kind, ethical, science-based trainers that don’t use ‘traditional’ punishment based, old fashioned methods. If they use words like ‘fun’, ‘games’, ‘rewards’ or ‘building a bond’, then great! Ask if you can attend and observe a class, this way you’ll find out if they practice what they preach. Look for happy puppies with their happy guardians. The pups should be working quietly with their handlers in a calm environment. I always welcome people that want to check out my classes to make sure I’m the right fit for them. Check out the trainers teaching skills too. Are they clear with their instructions, do they go around the class giving individual guidance and feedback to all the handlers and are they happy, enthusiastic and professional? Is there a teaching assistant and enough trainers to give all attendees personal time? Ideally there should be 6-8 pups/dogs with 1 trainer and an assistant, any more should have an extra assistant. Any trainer should be skilled at reading canine body language, this is important for predicting interactions and redirecting any inappropriate behaviours. A trainer should be prepared for the class they’re about to teach, lesson plans, extra rewards, different toys, a box of calming enrichment toys and chews, spare long lines, leads, harnesses and any equipment for that particular class. My next Essential Puppy Power UP Course starts 18th September. This includes: 6 weekly classes, goody bags, Puppy Vault of training videos with text, private FB support group with extra resources being provided if necessary, graduation certificate and rosette. .

Julie Williams APDT IMDT South Wales Dog Training Academy

DISTRIBUTORS WANTED

To deliver Seaside News in Porthcawl. Must be 18 plus, responsible and available the beginning of each month. Email for further details: info@ seasidenews.co.uk

STUDENTS – CAN YOU TAKE THE LEAD?

Are you a student or young person with the energy and drive to add high-profile project management to your CV? Guide Dogs marks its 90th anniversary this year and needs someone to take the lead in co-coordinating this year’s Guide Dogs Appeal. The project runs until the end of October and involves the planning, promotion, administration and co-ordination of a minicampaign to raise awareness and funds to support people with sight loss. This year’s appeal will focus on St David’s Shopping Centre in Cardiff, where Guide Dogs’ staff, volunteers, dogs and puppies will make regular appearances to meet the public. As the Guide Dogs Appeal Fundraising Ambassador, you’ll liaise with local businesses, schools and individuals who are running their own fundraising events, and will welcome your help in organizing posters and publicity. Jacquie Hughes-Jones of Guide Dogs said: “This is a rare opportunity for a student or young person aged 18-plus to prove they can manage a stand-alone project or mini-campaign for a national charity. It will be an eye-catching addition to a CV, and a chance to meet some of the cutest and cleverest canines around.”

To find out more, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/how-you-canhelp/volunteering-for-guide-dogs Or ring Jacquie Hughes-Jones on 07919 228635.

Caption: Trainee guide dog Enya

THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES

After this last season of lockdown, this month I felt God prompting me to write briefly about loneliness. Loneliness has been called ‘the great modern sickness of the soul’. Loneliness can be a terrible thing and those who have experienced it know how bad it can be. I want to encourage all those who feel lonely by saying that Jesus wants to come close to you. Take this message as if from him and not merely from me. I guess it would be worth clarifying that Jesus is certainly alive and real today, and that He knows all about how you feel. Turn to Him and allow Him to help you in that area. There are many, many people who have been right where you are and have found rest, comfort and healing in knowing God. God is the one who makes our lives complete and that is certainly something that every person needs. No one has it all figured out. A prayer to pray: Lord, I want to turn to you and know your presence in my life, which makes me whole. Help me to give it all over and find rest in you.

NEIL HARVEY Through Christian Eyes

TRINITY CHURCH

We were delighted that our Church Council agreed at a recent meeting that singing could be reinstated during our services. We still have to sing quietly and wear masks but singing to our church organ felt really special during recent services. Sunday mornings are beginning to return to normal! Our Messy Church for the youngsters continues to be suspended. However the team has created activity packs for the children and these were distributed at the beginning of August. Children are encouraged to email their pictures, which can then be displayed in the hall. We held a farewell service for Reverend Rachel Wheeler last month. She was one of the Ministers in our Bridgend United Area who has left for pastures new and we thanked her for her devotion and support. We continue to hold a live Zoom service for those who prefer to join from home. Recordings via email or CD are also available. The Trinity Bargain Store operates on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings, weather permitting. All proceeds are in aid of “Action for Children” and Trinity. Activities in the church hall have started to resume with strict Covid safety guidelines. Please contact our bookings secretary for further details. Group numbers are limited and kitchen/toilet facilities are not available. Please visit our Facebook page or website for any further information.

Alison Meredith Thomas Communication Secretary www.trinitychurchporthcawl.org

PYLE & KENFIG VETERANS RNLI DONATION

Porthcawl RNLI lifeboat’s fundraising team were delighted to have a visit from Pyle & Kenfig veterans golf society on Sunday 8 August to make a cheque presentation for £360. The funds were raised during their Cotswold’s tour and will go towards saving lives at sea here at Porthcawl RNLI lifeboat station.

SO WHAT IS A VOICE FOR THE FUTUREPORTHCAWL?

By now you’ve probably heard all about Porthcawl’s Waterfront Regeneration; the most exciting opportunity to reshape Porthcawl in decades. Or not? You see BCBC released the LDP back in May outlining the needs of the town. But out of the entire Borough, around 150,000, there were only 1500 responses. It was this lack of communication with the residents of Porthcawl that led a few of us to query what was going on and subsequently create this group- A Voice for the FuturePorthcawl. Our agenda is simple. We understand that some 900 houses may have to be built in the town but we are here to fight for the right to retain and develop Salt Lake Car Park for the community and future generations - with sustainability, the environment and mental and physical wellbeing at the centre of all decisions. We want to be part of creating a central hub that becomes a real destination. Somewhere full of energy and innovation that not only attracts visitors and draws them into the town but is so buzzing and current that it engages the locals and, crucially, stimulates the young. Houses are needed. But Salt Lake, with its unique positioning and breathtaking views, needs to be so much more than a housing estate. Wouldn’t it be better to have an indoor/outdoor cultural area; flexible community units; dynamic pump track. Changing facilities for all you cold water enthusiasts. Sprinkler park....trees; space for new initiatives to organically develop into something amazing. What is it you would like to see there? Hopefully this group can help become a platform to elevate your ideas and create a Porthcawl we can be proud of. We meet every Thursday to discuss the future of this site. We’d love your views! And we’ll post an update here every month. Please join us to give a voice for the Future-Porthcawl!

LALESTON WI

Members of Laleston WI met for lunch at The Globe, Porthcawl on 12th August, it was so nice for us all to see each other after so long. No arrangements have been made yet for our monthly meetings as we need to know the arrangements for the hall. We are hoping to have another lunch in September with the hope of getting back to some kind of normality.

Diane Marshall, President

KENFIG NATURE RESERVE MONTHLY UPDATE

Well, the Tractor is back! We are very pleased to announce that through team effort and amicable negotiations Kenfig Nature Reserve has its Tractor back…alongside some other very useful tools and equipment. This is very good news as it enables out warden and our lovely volunteers to carry out the necessary maintenance work throughout the Dunes.

Forthcoming events include:

* Wedding Fayre on Saturday 11th September. * Our Wardens Wild Walk will be taking place on Saturday 25th September. It starts at 10am and will finish around 12.30. If you are interested just come along to the Reserve Centre where Chris will be waiting to meet you. * On Saturday 2nd October join us for all things Fungi. As it is UK Fungus day, we will be running 2 fungi forays to search for the rare and exciting fungi that can be found at the Reserve. The event starts at 10am and will finish at 3pm. * Pleased to be able to confirm that on Sunday 3rd October there is going to be a Farmers Market! * The Greedy Pig will be making more regular visits to the Reserve on the weekends from 11th September onwards. * The Hyde Out will be celebrating its first anniversary at the Reserve in October so well done Emma! Toilets now open at the reserve 7 days a week between 10am and 4pm, big thanks to Cornelly Community Council for their assistance in making this happen. On a less positive note, we are sadly receiving an increasing number of complaints about dog fouling at the Reserve. We have recently purchased additional bins, which will be installed in the next couple of weeks, and dog bags are available at the Centre. So please, please, please, can you pick up after your dog when you visit us so that everyone can enjoy a clean and mess free site. Leading on from this Kenfig Nature Corporation are currently going out to public consultation to find out what is important to people who visit the Reserve, it is really important to us that we get your feedback. There is a survey on our website, but if you prefer a more direct approach, please feel free to place your ideas/concerns and general thoughts in the suggestion box in the reception area or just email direct to clerk@kenfignaturecorporation.com. Finally, I just wanted to apologise and admit that I made a faux pas in my last article, which should have referred to our talented and very helpful decorators as C M P Decorators.

If you are interested in hiring any of the rooms at Kenfig Nature Reserve or would like information about anything, please contact Ceri or Chris on 01656 530089.

A DAY OUT - AT LAST!

Thirty Bridgend Soroptimists were delighted to be able to enjoy a summer outing at last. On 28th July Members visited Llantrisant Guild Hall and Museum with local historian and author Dean Powell. Dean is well known for his journalistic experience and was able to bring the history of Llantrisant to life. Afterwards they enjoyed a delicious socially distanced tea in the local Church Hall. This occasion was the first time they could meet up face to face. The club has continued throughout the Pandemic to hold their monthly meetings on Zoom, which has proved vital in keeping everyone connected in this difficult time. For more information on follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BridgendSoroptimists SI Bridgend website: sigbi.org/bridgend-and-district

Eileen Bayley Publicity/Communications Officer Soroptimist International Bridgend

AGE UK SEEKS STOCK

It’s been a busy few months for the Age UK shop located at Porthcawl and we’re calling out to people in the local area to donate their unwanted items to help keep our shelves stocked. Since reopening we have enjoyed welcoming back local residents and we’ve been overwhelmed by the fantastic support from the community. Customers old and new have visited the Age UK Porthcawl shop helping to boost sales and providing us with an extraordinary amount of donations, for which we are extremely grateful. However, we need those donations to keep coming and we urgently need quality goods such as clothing and accessories, gifts, toys, household items and shoes. The Corona virus pandemic put a huge strain on charities, with Age UK’s services facing unprecedented demand when the crisis began and the impacts continue to be felt. All items help raise vital funds for the Charity’s work and services supporting older people. This includes Age UK’s Information and Advice, and Friendship services, which are a lifeline for those who have no one else to turn to. That’s why we are urging the people of Porthcawl and surrounding area to donate their unwanted, quality items to the Age UK Porthcawl shop. Donations can be maximised by signing up to gift aid. That extra money doesn’t cost a penny and helps us raise more valuable funds for people in later life.

Rhiannon Llewellyn Shop Manager, Age UK Porthcawl

PORTHCAWL LIONS

Sadly our Sandcastle Competition was twice postponed by the weather, but hopefully by the time you read this there will be some winners and pictures to put on our website. We are also looking to run a Car Treasure Hunt in early September, introducing visitors and reminding locals of some of the wonders to be seen within easy driving distance of our town. Check website and Facebook page for details. We are also looking ahead to our Christmas regulars , Santa’s Grotto, Fun Run and other ideas. Unfortunately the obstacles to Summer fundraisers - distancing, loss of venues, facilities - seem to have beaten us this year but we are at least meeting again and exchanging ideas. Age is also a factor - two of our founder members from 1980 are still among our most active members - and we really would welcome anyone seeking new outlets post-covid - supporting local causes and community activities in company with good friends.

Anyone interested please contact Sue at suemcarey@hotmail.com

WELCOME TO PORTHCAWL

As we gradually come out of the pandemic and life begins to return to some sort of normality, the team of volunteers looking after the iconic flower boat on the entrance to Porthcawl along the A4106 (Bridgend Road) has also been doing its bit for the community. The pretty little boat is a small but heartfelt gesture in support of all those who have helped others during the pandemic but it’s always a truly a big welcome to our town. This year, in particular, the display is dedicated to the memory of Jean Thomas. Just as with Porthcawl’s Covid Strategy Group, the iconic flower boat could not be maintained without the support of the many organisations and individuals behind the scenes including:- Claire Daymond and Mel Howells from BCBC Green Spaces who donated the plants; Cllr. Les Tallon-Morris from PTC, Kerry Williams from Positive Lifestyles and Jonathan Thomas lead volunteer of maintenance, who all planted up the boat. The boat comes under the overall auspices of Sustainable Wales - South Wales’ oldest environmental charity that also run SUSSED - the dedicated Fairtrade shop by the bandstand in town.

Saulat Abbasi

NATIONAL COASTWATCH INSTITUTION – PORTHCAWL

During July (another record-breaking month for us) we had 27 monitored and 15 logged incidents. These involved kayakers and paddleboarders in difficulty, missing children, a missing dog, swimmers caught in a rip, a fishing vessel in difficulty and a broken-down yacht. We logged and monitored 140 commercial vessels, 2575 leisure, 1 military and 44 other types. 372 hours watchkeeping were completed. We have recently seen a number of new cruise ships in the Bristol Channel. Two are operated by Saga Cruises, the Spirit of Discovery and her sister ship, the Spirit of Adventure. Both vessels, using Portbury Docks, were on their maiden voyages following a layup due to Covid and are currently engaged in the UK cruising market. Another, smaller, ship was the Hebridean Princess. This luxury vessel uses Cardiff Docks and is normally engaged in the Scottish market, but due to Covid restrictions, has made the decision to relocate to southern waters for a few months. HM The Queen has in the past chartered the vessel on a few occasions for a holiday cruise around the Scottish Islands. It’s quite unusual to see the ship in Welsh waters, but a welcome sight!

Nick Weedon, Media Officer Porthcawl NCI

TOOLS FOR SELF RELIANCE

We are back to normal or as normal as we can be, making kits of lovingly refurbished tools. We had nine kits completed by the end of July. We took a break through August, starting again this month. We sometimes get reports from Africa showing the tools being used, as we are usually unable to read the information on the crates in the photographs we decided to add a Welsh daffodil so we can spot our crates more easily. We were going to use a welsh dragon but apparently the image of a dragon is not well received in Africa. The nine crates of tools in the photograph contain tools and only tools for carpentry, building, automotive, leather working, electrical repair etc. If you are donating tools to the workshop please make sure there is nothing else included such as, screws, nails, nut and bolts, brackets, sink taps, wire, scissors, broken items etc. Anything other than tools has to be disposed of; this is a drain on time and effort. We do appreciate the tools you have kindly donated as we could not function without them. Thank you for your help,

David Cook Workshop Manager