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COVER PHOTO: John Hughes, Porthcawl
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Dear Editor, Margaret (Peggy) Morris formerly of 5 The Burrows, Porthcawl, now a resident in Picton Court, celebrated her 105th birthday on Friday 27th March. Peggy lived in Ton Pentre, Rhondda until 1945 when she moved to Oxford after her wedding to John (Jack) Morris in 1944. She has outlived four brothers and two sisters. A party was held in Picton Court on Sunday 29th March attended by family, friends and staff. Robert Morris, Porthcawl
THE GRAND PAVILION REFURBISHMENT
Dear Editor,
On 4th March I, with some friends, spent a couple of hours at a coffee bar on Porthcawl seafront and watched, with amazement, some work being carried out on the shuttering around the Pavilion Theatre. This was the section facing the seafront.
A 'crew' of two workmen, sometimes boosted to three workmen, were observed fixing advertising signs for 'ANDREW SCOTT Ltd' (but not the 'work area' signs) as well as a strip of dual colour tape to the shuttering - presumably to highlight the corner at Esplanade Avenue. The accuracy and precision of the work was quite impressive with a tape rule, spirit level and battery powered screwdriver being employed to attach the signs to the shuttering. However, we were confused as to why it took two or three attempts to fix many of the signs in place even after multiple measuring, marking and checks with the equipment previously mentioned. Up to three men, five signs - two hours - really! Of equal interest to the observers was the sheer number of signs, many dozens of them along the shuttering, used to inform the public that 'ANDREW SCOTT Ltd' are the main contractors for the work. How many man-hours for those? WHY so many?
Surely, the quantity of manpower, time, money and material that is being used to advertise 'ANDREW SCOTT Ltd' could have been better used on the pavilion itself. Over many months the public has seen scaffolding going up, then taken down - then going up again and just recently being taken down again. The same thing has happened with the shuttering. Over recent weeks shuttering that had been in place for months was partially dismantled, possibly moved a bit toward the pavement edge and then rebuilt and painted - In the 'ANDREW SCOTT Ltd' shade of blue. What a waste of time and money!
Lynne Hendra, Port Talbot
MARIE CURIE RECEIVE AWARD
Dear Editor,
The Bridgend and Porthcawl fundraising group were very honoured to be the recipients of a Mayor’s Citizenship Award for their contribution to Charity. It was presented by Mayor Huw David and recognised the group for raising £248,000 since the group’s formation. Their target of £250k will soon be realised. This amazing amount of money has enabled the nursing staff to go about the county helping patients in this area. It has been achieved by choral evenings, fashion shows, very successful tea parties and Christmas wreath making evenings along with the great Daffodil appeal each year.
The chairperson Helen Thomas would like to extend her thanks and appreciation to all the residents in the county who have contributed financially or by attending events for them to reach this amazing amount of money.
There are just nine members in the group And they would love for some new members to join them so that the group can do bigger events and reach the next target. Please message if interested.
Helen Thomas Chair Bridgend & Porthcawl
FR Group
THE GREAT TRAIN ROBBERY
I should like to send you some information that affected my family at the time.
The robbers involved in this crime hid in Leatherslade Farm, Buckinghamshire, which was about 3 miles down the road from the small village of Long Crendon where I lived at the time. The robbery took place around my 7th birthday, and we knew nothing about them literally being on our doorstep until they were caught.
My father was called for Jury Service at the time and was really worried he'd be on that jury, which he knew would go on for weeks due to the number of men being tried. His job was in London, and he was worried he'd lose it should he be stuck for weeks on jury duty. He turned up on the allotted day, and 12 names were called out - he was number 13 which proved lucky for him as he was sent to another jury involved with other crimes and he was only tied up with it all for 2 weeks.
PORTHCAWL ROYAL MAIL
Dear Editor,
The Royal Mail founded in 1635 has received much criticism in the media. This contrasts with my experience with the Porthcawl Royal Mail delivery service which I have received over the last two decades. The service has been rapid and efficient and the postmen and the office staff behind them have been friendly and competent. Some four years ago, I changed my address and informed all the relevant agencies but one, despite written and face to face contact, continued to send letters to my old address. Porthcawl Royal Mail staff however demonstrated competence and delivered these letters to my new address. Fortunately, the agency is now using the correct address.
The staff at Porthcawl have my sincere thanks, indeed admiration.
Margaret Edwards, Porthcawl
3B BUS VIA KENFIG POOL
Dear Editor,
Residents along the bus route From Porthcawl to Bridgend Via Kenfig Pool will have noticed That their bus service 63B is again running. It needs to be advertised to all so it will well used. So, thank you to councillor Neelo Farr and all the other people have lobbied for e-instating this service.
Roger Doe, Kenfig
PASSING ON A FAVOUR
Dear Editor,
There is a lovely gentleman who is a CNN parishioner at our church who sadly has Parkinson’s Disease. He’s asked me a few times if I could put a verse about others who suffer. He also praises Sandville for their support.
He doesn’t want me to use his full name, but I know him as Jerome. The verse in question is as follows:
Heavenly Father, we pray for those with Parkinson’s Disease. Grant them strength, comfort and courage as they face daily challenges.
Please bless their doctors, therapists and researchers in their work and guide their treatments and therapies. May those affected find a strong support system and feel your presence, hope and peace through it all. If it could be included it would be amazing.
Chris Bale, Porthcawl
PROPERTY
SPRING PRICE RISE MEETS STRONG COMPETITION IN THE WELSH HOUSING MARKET
The arrival of spring has brought the usual seasonal lift in new asking prices across the UK property market. However, the latest data from Rightmove suggests that while prices are rising modestly, the number of homes available for sale is now at its highest level for this time of year in more than a decade.
Rightmove’s latest House Price Index shows that the average asking price for newly listed homes across the UK increased by 0.8% in March, rising by £3,023 to reach £371,042. This type of increase is typical as the market moves into the busy spring selling season. However, pricing remains crucial for sellers, particularly as the supply of homes has reached an 11-year high, giving buyers far more choice.
Despite global uncertainties, the housing market activity remains resilient. A real-time snapshot of daily activity shows that the number of sales currently being agreed is just 2% behind the strong market seen at the same time last year. Meanwhile, the number of new properties coming onto the market is only 3% lower than last year but sits 7% above 2024 levels.
Buyer demand had already been slightly lower than in last year’s particularly busy market, but importantly it has not declined further since the start of the Iran conflict. Affordability
continues to play a major role in driving activity, particularly in what remains a very price-sensitive market.
Rightmove also highlights a clear regional divide, with the North of England, Scotland and Wales experiencing stronger annual price growth compared with the South.
Closer to home in Wales, the average asking price now stands at £266,119. This represents a 1.3% increase compared with the same time last year and a 1.1% rise from the previous month with the average Welsh property currently taking 85 days to secure a buyer.
In today’s market, setting the right asking price from the outset is more important than ever. Sellers who price their property realistically and competitively from day one are far more likely to attract early interest and secure a sale, rather than relying on later price reductions in a market where buyers have plenty of alternatives.
For more information or to discuss any aspect of the housing market, contact McHattons Estate Agents on 01656 331577, email us at enquiries@mchattons.co.uk, or visit your local high street branch.
Once the process begins, there can be no going back, we will always be together… Laurie is sixty-five and living with Alzheimer’s. Her daughter Amelia can’t bear to see her mother’s mind fade. Faced with the reality of losing her forever, Amelia signs them up to take part in the world’s first experimental merging process for Alzheimer’s patients, in which Laurie’s ailing mind will be transferred into Amelia’s healthy body and their consciousness will be blended as one. Soon Amelia and Laurie join a group of other merge participants: teenage Lucas, who plans to merge with his terminally ill brother Noah; Ben, who will merge with his pregnant fiancée Annie; and Jay, whose merging partner is his unwilling addict daughter Lara. As they prepare to move to The Village, a luxurious rehabilitation centre for those who have merged, they quickly begin to question whether everything is really as it seems.
NEW BOOKS AT PORTHCAWL LIBRARY
FICTION
BERWICK
L.J. Ross
THE WEEKEND
T.M. Logan
FELICIA'S FAVOURITES
Danielle Steel
UNDERDOGS
Stephen Leather
THE INVITATION
Veronica Henry
ANTIHERO
Gregg Hurwitz
THE MERSEY QUEEN
Katie Flynn
THE HARD LINE
Mark Greaney
THE LOST WOMEN
Tim Weaver
THE ISLAND RETREAT
Cathy Kelly
WHAT HAPPENED THAT NIGHT
Nicci French
DORA'S DREAM
Annie Murray
JUDGE STONE
Viola Davis and James Patterson
THE CROSSROADS
C.J. Box
THE DEVIL'S BIBLE
Steve Berry
NON FICTION
WILLIAM & CATHERINE: THE INTIMATE INSIDE STORY
Russell Myers
YOU WITH THE SAD EYES: A MEMOIR
Christina Applegate
GORDON BROWN: POWER WITH PURPOSE
James Macintyre
WISE: FINDING PURPOSE, MEANING AND WISDOM BEYOND THE MIDPOINT OF LIFE
Frank Tallis
A MODEL SPY: THE INCREDIBLE TRUE STORY OF THE GERMAN SPY WHO SEDUCED AND DECEIVED HIGH SOCIETY
MOSTYN & THE DRAGON SAVE THE DAY by SEAN ALAN EDWARDS
Mostyn & The Dragon Save the day is a follow up story to Mostyn & The Dragon. This time our Elvis Presley loving dragon with the help of his best friend Mostyn. Embark on a journey to save the annual Christmas day swim. A huge ogre has built a huge wall that has dammed the Bristol Channel. Preventing the tide from reaching the shoreline. This is another delightful story that all youngsters will love. Again, written in poetic format. A tale of forgiveness and happy endings.
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PHOTOGRAPHS
I DON'T GIVE A HOOT
MYSTERIOUS VIEW, ANGLESEY WAY
NIGHTFALL ON THE SEAFRONT
KING OF THE CASTLE
DUNRAVEN BAY
Sandra Beer, Porthcawl
Adrian Jones, Porthcawl
Steve Potts, Porthcawl
Pat Lathey, Penyfai
Mehmet Polat, Bridgend HARBOUR WATERS
Judith Holden, Porthcawl
SPRING HAS SPRUNG
STREAMING
SAHARA DUST
LONE RIDER, NEWTON BEACH
Pat Thomas, Porthcawl
Susan Wilkins, Tondu
AT PORTHCAWL
Julia, Porthcawl
Steve Berry, Porthcawl
A SEA VIEW
Anthony Callaghan, Porthcawl
PHOTOGRAPHS
ANCHORS AWAY
STORYTIME JUST GOT SERIOUS!
CWM BROMBIL RESERVOIR
SPRING ARRIVES
Sophia Purcella, Bridgend
Marilyn Cook, Bridgend
Steve West, Porthcawl
Amy Rolls, Porthcawl
PHOTOGRAPHS
ADVENTURERS ON A SUNNY DAY
CLOUD FORMATION
LOCAL HIGHLAND COW
RARE FEBRUARY SUNSET
Claudette Evans, Kenfig Hill
Justin Badman, Cefn Cribwr
Nicola Harris, North Cornelly
John Hughes, Porthcawl
Andy Wicks, Porthcawl
Steve Berry, Porthcawl
Alan Thomas, Bridgend
SPOTLIGHT
ASBESTOS AWARENESS
GLOBAL ASBESTOS AWARENESS WEEK RUNS ANNUALLY FROM APRIL 1ST - 7TH FOCUSING ON THE CONTINUED RISKS OF ASBESTOS EXPOSURE IN THE UK
Asbestos awareness plays an important part of home safety, particularly for properties built before the year 2000. Many homeowners are surprised to learn that asbestos can still be present in everyday building materials, often hidden in ceilings, insulation, floor tiles, and garage roofs. While these materials are generally safe if left undisturbed, problems can arise when they are damaged or altered during home improvements.
Asbestos becomes dangerous when tiny fibres are released into the air and inhaled. These fibres can remain in the lungs for many years and are known to cause serious health conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Because of this, it is essential that homeowners take the right precautions before starting any work that could disturb potentially asbestos-containing materials.
A recent survey has highlighted this issue locally, following the identification of asbestos-containing textured ceiling coatings (Artex) within the well-known Gables Estate in Nottage, Porthcawl. This has come as a surprise to some residents, particularly as the estate is considered relatively modern. However, it is important to understand that certain asbestoscontaining products continued to be used in the UK beyond the late 1990s, especially in decorative coatings and finishes.
recommended that you seek professional advice beforehand. An asbestos survey carried out by a qualified specialist can identify whether asbestos is present and advise on the safest course of action.
Attempting to remove or interfere with asbestos materials without the proper training and equipment can be dangerous and is not recommended. Instead, using licensed and experienced professionals ensures that any risks are properly managed in line with current safety regulations.
By staying informed and taking sensible precautions, homeowners can continue to maintain and improve their properties safely. Awareness is the first step in protecting both your home and your long-term health.
For expert advice and professional asbestos surveys, contact Check4 Asbestos Ltd — your trusted local specialists
The presence of asbestos in these ceiling coatings does not necessarily pose an immediate risk. In fact, such materials are typically classified as low risk when they are in good condition and left undisturbed. The risk increases when activities such as drilling, sanding, scraping, or general refurbishment work take place, as these actions can release harmful fibres into the air.
For homeowners in the area, the key message is awareness rather than alarm. If you are planning any kind of renovation, refurbishment, or even minor DIY work, it is strongly
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POEMS
AN IMPOSSIBLE GOODBYE
No matter where or how much warning Impossible to fathom tomorrow morning Facing the fight without you here Unable to speak without your loving ear For my entire life you raised me well And a burning heartbreak does now dwell
Facing goodbye is simply unthinkable I forever thought of you as invincible But as you lay here in this hospital bed I squeeze your hand tight and kiss you on the head
Unable to fathom my life without you You’d live forever I always believed to be true
But witnessing heaven calling your name I cannot help but resent God amidst my pain
Choking on tears I tell you you’re free This is your time do not worry about me I’ll miss you beyond what words can express Tomorrow without you I cannot even guess
Your chest rises for one last time And I brace myself as the angel’s chime Following their tune your soul does depart
And the hole you left now fills my heart. Tuesday Turner, Bridgend
THE SUN ON MY BACK
The winters of home drove me away, Austerity of the east, long left behind. Freedom, choices day to day, The ‘Garden of England’ my journey’s end.
I’ve lived my happiest life, decades, hard work,
Harvesting the land’s riches. The sun on my back, soothing the dull aching throbs of my body, the rewards are mine; I sleep well.
But these choices are now taken away from me,
The referendum was lost, and I am forced to return, from whence I came.
Few wish to replace me in the sun, The land still provides, however, too much stays rooted, rotting and like me, is wasted.
Selwyn W Jones, Kenfig Hill
AN ODE TO APRIL
April enters with a laugh — its showers bring flowers, not quite warm, not quite done with winter; yet hope stretches a little further each afternoon, and bluebells gather in woodland glades. The tax year resets — nothing says spring like paperwork.
Cherry blossom drifts, undecided whether to stay.
Swallows return without comment, finding barns and eaves remembered by instinct.
The cuckoo calls across pasture and common land, a sound both solitary and shared — nesters beware.
Oars slice the Thames. Passover passes through, and Easter loosens Lent with chocolate pleasures.
Hot Cross Buns linger like a gentler reckoning.
Morris dancers, bells on shins, keep time. Ribbons turn around maypoles in village greens, and St George lifts a flag, the Bard sharing his day.
April does not promise — it prepares. It teaches the light to linger, and hands the year, quietly, towards May. Claudette Evans, Kenfig Hill
UP AT THE PEARLY GATE
When it’s time to leave,
To the heavens up above, I will not forget,
Our forever love.
All the promises stated, On the day we got wed, Whilst we are in good health, Or when we are both dead.
Until eternity we promised, With our eternal love, No matter who leaves first, We will wait up above.
Just like the time we met, On our very first date, I will wait for you again,
Up at the pearly gate.
David Boyce
Brackla, Bridgend
BRYNLEY THE CAT
I hear a commotion
And outside I see
He’s ginger and white
And screaming at me
A small pile of feathers
And a dead mole
The garden’s a mess
Have you been digging a hole?
Sat on the patio
He wants to be fed
How does that loud noise
Come out of his head?
Face in his bowl
And don’t think him rude
But ‘Leave me alone, I’m eating my food!’
Would love to stop
And have a chat
He’s gone in a flash
The neighbours are back
So, if you hear a commotion
And you wonder ‘What’s that?’
He’s not a nuisance
He’s Brynley the cat
Mark Griffiths, Margam Village
THE ROBIN
I've been watching you my feathered friend and you've been peeking out at me in curious hesitation...I, in utter fascination, did you think I could not see? You are such a welcome soul, catching sight of you I could have cried, picking you out through skeletal branches bare bone framework, no place for you to hide.
Little or no camouflage at times like this while Winter's firmly keeping Spring at bay and all around the landscape stark, your blaze of red.... dead give-away. Winter too has stripped your food source clean so, you'd appreciate a wholesome gift, a welcome supplement while times are lean, these nuts and seeds through my splayed fingers sift.
Patiently I await my feathered friend, for this frozen ground beneath our feet to melt and warm as nature did intend, then yet another cycle is complete. Catherine Millard Payne, Bridgend
COPD
I have to carry oxygen everywhere I go! It is COPD just in case you didn't know.
I always feel that I'm a pest, but I try to do my best, to get things done it really isn't much fun!
And when it's hot it gets far worse, it really is quite a curse!
Anyone who has this too, my sympathies go out to you!
My family and friends, it has to be told, have all been as good as gold! In helping me out, there really is no doubt.
Beryl Richards, Bridgend Email us your poem info@seasidenews.co.uk
DON'T YOU JUST LOVE IT
Don’t you just love it when you open your eyes,
To a warm sunny day in the spring? To the smell of fresh grass, to the budding trees, To the birds as they chirrup and sing. Don’t you just love it when the smell of fresh bread, Comes wafting along in the breeze, And the smell of the bacon as it sizzles, A bacon butty no less, oh yes please! Just put these thoughts in your memory banks,
And keep them for when you feel low, Then call for them like a long, lost friend, And watch those sad thoughts shrink and go.
Marilyn Cook, Bridgend
LOVE
I reach for her hand And together we go to every beautiful place
My soul inspired my heart in bliss
Because we are together. Derek Boon, Bridgend EMAIL US
Deadline date for the May issue is: WEDNESDAY 15TH APRIL
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NEWS
PORTHCAWL TOWN COUNCIL
Dydd Gwyl Dewi
What a wonderful way to celebrate our first public event for st David’s day on Sat 28 Feb at Cosy Corner where we did “ the little things/ y pethau bychain” by sharing daffodils, welsh cakes, stickers and face painting. Diolch to the working group, all partners and BCBC for their support in a successful event. The day ended in the company of the fabulous Porthcawl Male Voice choir with special guest Ann Wilkins.
Butterfly forest
We are pleased to report that The Wilderness “ butterfly project” is nearly complete, with wildflowers, replanting of trees and a live hedge installation thanks to the wonderful volunteers.
The pupils of Porthcawl primary school will soon see their artwork on display and all Porthcawl pupils can use the space as a forest school.
Maesteg 200
Llongyfarchiadau to Maesteg who celebrates its bicentenary from the 24th March, recognising its 200 years history, following on from Porthcawl on 10th June 2025.
Diolch Rotary Porthcawl for your wonderful international evening, celebrating personal stories about our cultures in the company of Atlantic College students from around the world.
Congratulations to the Christmas swim committee who raised a staggering £24k in 2025. Gareth Edwards' charity was one of the supported charities this year, well done to you all for what you do for our town.
Da iawn to all the pupils at Porthcawl Comprehensive School, particularly the award winners at their evening showcase. Diolch Bethan Price for being my community consort.
The information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has highlighted issues when using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to send correspondence. It warns about The Inaccuracy Risk, claiming that “Generative AI models are probabilistic, not deterministic, meaning they predict words rather than verifying facts, which often leads to inaccurate information”
Toilets
No report is complete without something about toilets! After a tricky start, we can report that the tender for John St toilets will be finalised shortly. We are seeking a Grade II listed construction specialist to support this work and look forward to bringing them back to their former glory.
Griffin park toilets will soon be part of a trial to make them free over the summer season, helping us work out if this is feasible for the future.
Diolch
CLLR ELEN JONES Mayor, Porthcawl Town Council
Danygraig Care Home
OUR SERVICES
Residential Care Home specialising in providing long term care for older people, those living with dementia, mental health conditions and/or cognitive impairment. We also offer respite care.
There are 48 bedrooms arranged over four communities. All bedrooms have ensuite facilities, many with beautiful views of the parkland.
Residents have access to safe and secure outdoor areas, including an internal garden and a spacious decked area. Individuals can also use kitchenette facilities, supporting independence and choice.
On-site amenities include a hairdressing salon, visited several days a week by a local hairdresser. We also welcome regular visits from a chiropodist, dentist, optician and a GP linked with Porthcawl Medical Centre
In addition to our residential services, Danygraig provides high-quality, community based domiciliary care and support for older people living in the Bridgend and Porthcawl areas.
Danygraig is a beautiful Grade 2 listed building set in 2.5 acres of landscaped gardens with views overlooking the Bristol Channel and surrounding areas of parkland.
At Danygraig, every individual is supported to live their best life in a way that maintains their dignity and independence and ensures they are treated with respect. We focus on promoting people’s wellbeing and enabling individuals to enjoy a high quality of life in a way that helps them achieve their aspirations, with their preferences front and centre of their care.
Fully regulated by Care Inspectorate Wales, we deliver care that puts you first.
✅ Person-centred care
✅ Award-winning Care Provider
✅ Local, trusted, experienced
FROM PLAYGROUPS TO LOCAL BUSINESSES
It’s been another busy month in Aberafan Maesteg, meeting residents, visiting local groups, and hearing from the businesses.
It was a pleasure to visit North Cornelly Community Playgroup, where I saw the outstanding support, they provide for children aged 2–4, including those with additional learning needs. The team’s inclusive, nurturing approach shines through, and their recent Early Years Award with excellence is truly well deserved. In London, we marked St David’s Day with a reception at Number 10, and I was delighted to welcome fantastic constituents, including Lee Turner, Chief Executive of Tollgate in Pyle. Tollgate is one of Wales’s fastest growing engineering firms, and it was a pleasure to celebrate their success in Downing Street.
Another thriving local business is The Steel Shop in Pyle, a superb structural steel fabrication and installation company. It was great to meet Laura and the team and hear how UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund investment is helping them expand, invest in new equipment, and create new jobs. I’ve also been out and about picking up casework — if you need support with any issue, please do get in touch. My team and I are here to help.
KINNOCK
SENEDD ELECTION QUESTION TIME FOR PORTHCAWL
Porthcawl based charity Sustainable Wales/Cymru Cynaliadwy is holding a public Question Time prior to the May 7 Senedd election.
It takes place 7pm, THURSDAY, APRIL 16 in the YMCA 25 John Street, Porthcawl, CF36 3AP. All political parties are invited to attend and alert their supporters. The chair for the event will be Margaret Minhinnick, Director of the charity.
Questions will be divided into sections, including climate change, our dramatic loss of biodiversity, and regeneration of Porthcawl. Representatives of the leading political parties contesting the Senedd election will take part. Entrance is free, but there is a discretionary collection for the charity.
Margaret commented: “May 7 is a vital day for the future in Wales. Our charity urges local people to attend. Questions can also be forwarded in advance. mm@sustainablewales.org.uk. Check website www.sustainablewales.org.uk
Margaret Minhinnick Director Sustainable Wales
PORTHCAWL SOS: FIGHTING FOR A BALANCED FUTURE
To our fellow residents, supporters across the Porthcawl and border wide community, we feel it’s time to give you an honest update on our journey to protect Porthcawl’s future. As you know, the Porthcawl SOS Group has been working tirelessly to ensure that regeneration plans offer a true balance—a future where leisure and community spaces are prioritized alongside housing.
From the outset, our aim has never been to halt regeneration— it’s to ensure it’s done right and fairly. We’ve consistently advocated that Porthcawl’s identity as a seaside destination must be preserved. That means ensuring leisure-led regeneration—open parkland spaces, recreation areas, and visitor amenities—takes precedence over an excessive housing scheme.
A key concern with many is the need for sufficient in town front parking. This especially with the opening of the new pavilion, a proposed lido, a hotel, and other future leisure enhancements, we must prepare for increased future visitors.
Question is will these very important visitors still come regularly if the town is led prominently by housing swallowing up key frontline areas.
Will these vital aspects for infrastructure and facilities become inadequate diluted unable to support or encourage a thriving leisure economy.
Unfortunately, despite repeated efforts, we’re facing a wall of silence. Since Christmas, our group has struggled to get any meaningful response from the council. We have asked for the results from their questionnaire responses, we have tried to work collaboratively, submitting ideas and questions, asking for dialogue, and urging reconsideration of the housing numbers—but we’ve been met with silence.
It’s not just the council administration—many local councillors have been reluctant to support our calls for balance. We understand the pressures, but ignoring the voices of residents is not the answer. We deserve to be heard. We are not opposing development far from it —we’re calling for a regeneration that respects Porthcawl’s identity. Without leisure at its core, and without proper infrastructure like parking, we risk becoming just another housing estate by the sea.
We need your continued support, and we encourage everyone to keep asking questions and to write their concerns.
Porthcawl’s future should be leisure-led—ensuring our town remains vibrant and regenerated to its full glory a real seaside destination we can all cherish. We will continue to fight for that future one where housing is balanced alongside leisure, not the other way around. Let’s ensure Porthcawl gets the balanced future it truly deserves.
PORTHCAWL SOS
STEPHEN
I’M BACKING BRIDGEND & PORTHCAWL
The Bridgend Borough’s got potential. Welsh Conservatives champion good jobs as a way of driving improved life chances, giving encouragement to those aspirational people who want to get on not just get by. So, going into May's key election, we would re-establish a dedicated development body like the once-great WDA as a vehicle to transform people's prospects by harnessing inward investment, and advance good jobs or promotion prospects to those living locally. Additionally, we would deliver improvements in local transport to enable greater mobility, delivering on essential infrastructure like the M4 relief road after a disastrous decision by Wales's Labour Government cancelled important improvements, alongside a pledge to give 16–24-year-olds free bus passes plus discounted railcards. For many families, their travel costs can often determine decisions like which opportunities they take (whether work choices, education or re-training.) Moreover, we would provide parents and teachers, stronger support by banning mobile phones in classrooms given that they disrupt learning. Equally, signalling support for Westminster-led social media bans for under-16s. Likewise, we would guarantee outdoors education opportunities helping enhance resilience given nature's influence on health & wellbeing. That's our offer: being bold in improving life chances for working people through practical policies, and ambitions of a Wales where everyone realises their personal potential.
DR ALTAF HUSSAIN MS
Welsh Conservative Senedd Member for South Wales West
SPREADING EASTER CHEER!
Thank you to everyone who donated to this year’s Easter Egg Collection, run alongside Bridgend Foodbank and Awen Libraries across the Bridgend & Porthcawl constituency. Thanks to the generosity of local people and the dedication of the Bridgend Foodbank team, donations reached many families in time for Easter, spreading lots of smiles! I’d also like to thank everyone at Awen Libraries for their support—it’s wonderful to see our community come together like this.
Another recent highlight was our 10th annual Funding Advice Day at the Hi Tide in Porthcawl on 27th February. Local groups and funding bodies, including the National Lottery Community Fund, Heritage Fund, the Arts Council of Wales, and Sport Wales, came together to share ideas and explore opportunities. A big thank you to Huw Irranca-Davies MS and Sarah Murphy MS for their support. If you missed the event, you could download the information pack at my website. I’ve recently launched a survey to gather views on online safety for children and young people. The UK Government is exploring potential age restrictions on social media, and I want to hear from parents, carers, and young people about what these changes could mean. Share your views at: www.chriselmore.wales
CHRIS ELMORE MP Member of Parliament for Bridgend & Porthcawl
www.ChrisElmore.wales
SCHOOLS
PORTHCAWL COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL NEWS
As well as sports fixtures, science trips and debating competitions there have been a lot of extra-curricular activities taking place at PCS. In February, Year 7 attended a residential trip to Llangrannog. Year 8 have experienced ‘Welsh Beat Boxing’ workshops with Mr Phormula. Year 11 and Year 9 have completed their option choices, and a high number of pupils (150+) will once again join our Sixth Form in Year 12. Year 9 have been working through their FirstGivesocial action projects in support of their chosen charities and the final is taking place very soon. Pupils and teachers have attended the National Safer Internet Day, hosted by the Welsh Government. In addition, the Year 12 Government & Politics class have visited the Senedd. Once again, two of our Sixth Form students have visited Auschwitz as part of the Lessons from Auschwitz Project; a significant moment for reflection and remembrance. Years 8 and 10 look forward to a skiing trip to Marilleva in Italy during the Easter holidays, and I look forward to telling you more about this wonderful trip soon. Photos show pupils on our recent trip to Lille. We would also like to support Mr. Pucella who will be taking part in the London Marathon on Sunday 26th April to raise awareness and funds for the ROHHAD Association charity: https://2026tcs londonmarathon.enthuse.com/pf/angelo-pucella Mr Stephens, Head Teacher
PORTHCAWL PRIMARY SCHOOL NEWS
March is always a busy month at PPS as we celebrate two fantastic events – St David’s Day and World Book Day. Our St David’s Day celebrations were so big this year that they lasted a whole week! Throughout the week, pupils took part in a variety of activities including poetry, art and sporting events, all competing to earn points for their houses. The celebrations ended with our annual Eisteddfod, where pupils performed and we discovered our winners. After an exciting week of competition, Team Coch was crowned overall champions and Esme was named our Bard after writing an incredible poem about Wales. We were also very lucky to enjoy a special performance from the Porthcawl Male Voice Choir! World Book Day was just as exciting. Pupils and staff came to school dressed as their favourite book characters and spent the day taking part in book-themed activities. We also held a book swap and finished the day with a fantastic World Book Day disco organised by Friends of PPS. It was a brilliant way to end the day, and all the funds raised will go towards purchasing new equipment for the pupils. A huge thank you to Friends of PPS for all the hard work they do! Contact us: 01656 815660 admin@porthcawlps.bridgend.cymru www.porthcawlprimaryschool.co.uk
NEWTON PRIMARY SCHOOL – UPDATE
Newton Primary hosted our annual Eisteddfod to celebrate St Davids Day. It was a day of Welsh culture, musical performances, competition results and culminated with our chairing of the bard ceremony. Our Criw Cymraeg presented awards and certificates through the medium of Welsh. Our musicians performed incredibly well in front of the entire school. We currently offer brass, woodwind, string lessons alongside Rocksteady Band sessions, Newton University creative enrichment and the highly successful ‘Newton Singer Songwriters‘ music club.
A huge Congratulations to Susan in Year 6 who won the overall writing competition and was crowned as the best writer in the school in our 'Chairing of the Bard' ceremony' –Llongyfarchiadau.
We are also proud to announce that Newton Primary has been Highlighted in Estyn's Annual Report and is cited as a leading example of excellence in Welsh education. The school’s primary achievement lies in its strategic approach to professional learning, which has directly translated into superior classroom outcomes. A standout feature is "Newton University". It was specifically highlighted by Estyn as a "particular strength" because it moves beyond the standard curriculum to provide pupils with real-world, high-value experiences.
Henley Jenkins
NOTTAGE NEWS –SPRING TERM HIGHLIGHTS
The spring term has continued in wonderful style at Nottage Primary, with pupils and staff enjoying a vibrant celebration of World Book Day. The school was filled with colourful characters from muchloved stories, and children across all year groups shared a range of delightful tales throughout the day.
Our Early Years pupils were especially excited to welcome a performance of puppetry and song; ‘Granny Pearl-A magical tale of the sea!’ with fantastic storytelling and play.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to our PTA, who generously provided a free book for every child, alongside their official World Book Day voucher. Their support ensures that reading remains at the heart of our school community.
Our older pupils have also been busy taking part in workshops and fitness sessions delivered by Ospreys in the Community, helping them stay active while learning new skills. Although we only managed to fit in a couple of rugby and netball fixtures this term, our teams showed great teamwork and enthusiasm. Finally, a huge thank you to all the families who attended our March Open Afternoon. Your support means so much, and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.
Nottage Primary School
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FEATURES
KENFIG NEWS
Bridgend College Volunteers
A group of students on a Countryside Management Course at Bridgend College carried out maintenance work on the ‘Green Trail’, one of a series of circular walks around the Nature Reserve. They cleared part of a small cliff face to expose the ferns, mosses and flowering plants growing on the rock face, which were in danger of being smothered by brambles and bracken.
New parking machines
A new company has taken over the parking system at Kenfig, with new machines and improved signage. It is hoped that the new machines will eliminate some of the problems that occurred with the previous system.
When you park at Kenfig, you pay by card on leaving the car park. Payment is by card, or through an app which can be downloaded onto your phone. The app can be found at evologyparking.com.
When the Centre is open, you can pay by cash – talk to the Centre Manager or the Warden. The basic payment is £1 for 90 minutes.
Most of the car parking charges go towards the maintenance of the Nature Reserve and Centre. If you take out an annual parking pass (cost £45) , all of the money goes to the Reserve. If you have any problems with the machines or payment, please contact the Centre Manager on 01656 530089 or 07949 304007
Trust Donations
The Trust gives grants to local charitable organisations, and the current round of applications need to be received by the end of April. For further details contact trustclerk@kenfignaturetrust. co.uk
FRIENDS OF MONZE (ZAMBIA)
Although we are a Bridgend based charity we work in close collaboration with a Non-Government Organisation based in Monze - Zambia Women and Girls Foundation (ZWaGF). The group is led by Charles Dinda a Women's rights lawyer and the team have various members with invaluable local and Zambian knowledge and experiences. Members include a banker, teachers, a nurse, ex department of education officers, expert conservationist and permaculture specialist. Fortunately for Friends of Monze English is the common language used in Monze as rural communities all have varying dialects of Tonga. ZwaGF are in frequent contact with Deana via Wats app, zoom or the internet almost daily sending videos and photographs of progress also. ZWaGF are vital for communication with local village headmen, villagers, parent teachers’ association, pupils and farm workers. Information and health promotion messages are often given using the traditional custom of performing and storytelling with humour. This is particularly important as levels of literacy in some areas is very poor and is also culturally appropriate
This photograph shows ZWaGF members in green T shirts and Deana at the opening ceremony of Kasaka school. www.friendsofmonze.org.uk mobile: 07807 660543
Belinda Green
THROUGH CHRISTIAN EYES
Why do Christians focus so much on the cross of Christ? Swiss theologian Emil Brunner explained the Easter message of the cross in this way. “In the cross of Christ God says to man: ‘That is where you ought to be. Jesus my Son hangs there in your stead. His tragedy is the tragedy of your life. You are the rebel who should be hanged on the gallows. But lo, I suffer instead of you and because of you, because I love you despite what you are. My love for you is so great that I meet you there on the cross”.
The Apostle John explained it this way: 'For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (John3:16) Would you give your life to save someone you love? Jesus did, he died to save you and me! The love that saw Jesus Christ give his life to save us is the true measure of the love of God for us.
This Easter please look beyond the chocolates, bunnies, lambs and flowers and ask what life is really all about. To find out more about Christian please faith contact us at www.gilgal.co.uk Happy Easter!
Rev. Martin Gillard Gilgal Baptist Church, Porthcawl
PORTHCAWL INNER WHEEL NEWS
Well, as Birthday parties go, our 75th was brilliant at the Grove. Our ‘Secret Speaker’ was The High Sheriff of Glamorgan Sharon Dixon a friend of President MEL’s. Her talk was on how she became the High sheriff and what it entails. Her attire alone was £1,500, she explained as it was a voluntary position she had to pay for it all herself.
Our District 15 Chairman Sonia presented us with out 75th Charter certificate and the Mayor of Porthcawl Ellen Jones gave us her thanks on our work in the community. Some of our members went to the Rotary International night at the Hi tide to listen to students from The Atlantic College on how they became students here in Wales.
We look forward to Easter when we hope to have an Afternoon Tea at the Sandville Self Help Centre when we will have a Raffle and sumptuous tea made by our members to raise money for them, along with Rotary who will be accompanying us.
If you wish to know more about us: Call President Mary Emment-Lewis on 07974 42956. SJ, Club Correspondent
TALBOT COMMUNITY CENTRE
Our weekly Friday Warm Hub surprised all who attended our St Valentine’s Day. Before our Hubbers arrived, our staff had decorated the Rees Hall with red hearts and balloons and even laid a table on which sat a choice of cakes and biscuits. To say they were surprised would be an understatement!
Our next function is open to all members of the Talbot and members of the local community. Sunday, 5th April 2026 is Easter Sunday, and over the past years we have put on an Easter Sunday three course roast lunch – for £10, children will be charged £5. The doors open at midday, and we would like to have all seated by 12.15pm. We will have a visit from the Easter Bunny who will help kiddies with the Easter egg hunt. For the adults we will hold an Easter Bonnet competition and the inevitable raffle.
Just a reminder – Tuesday morning is Ladies Coffee Morning. The coffee, biscuits, (and local news) is free, but we ask that you put a £2 donation in the pot. Gentlemen – we have a couple of empty mornings available so if you wanted to start a Man Club…?
Easter is a time for children, so Porthcawl Lions are holding an Easter bonnet parade and egg hunt in the Community Hall in North Cornelly on Monday 6th April. So why not bring the children along from 12.30 until 3pm? Entry is completely free and there may even be some small prizes.
On Sunday 19th April the club is holding its annual Charter lunch during which two members will be awarded their 45 year-long service bars, two will receive their 25-year -long service bars and twenty, ten, and five year awards will also be awarded.
Despite the club being active for so many years surprisingly few residents know anything about it, what it does or who it benefits. Members meet twice a month to organise events and decide where the donations are most needed. Money raising events can be anything from a coffee morning to the annual Boxing Day run. Other events like the Christmas grotto are for the benefit of the town and its residents. When donating the club tends to give to smaller, local charities and organisations. If you would like further information, please phone Pauline on 01656 859505.
JMC
Deadline date for the May issue is:
WEDNESDAY 15TH APRIL
MYNYDD CYNFFIG WI
In line with our national WI resolution of 2025/26, ‘Dental Health Matters’ our WI presented our local ‘Flying Start project ‘representatives with 45 home-made cotton draw string bags each filled with appropriate age-related toothbrushes, toothpaste and a pack of tissues. Together with our members donations and a generous donation from Asda Supermarket, Pyle we were also able to present a bag of refills to be used as and when required.
We also donated 90 knitted red poppies to the ’Standing with Giants’ project. This visually powerful and moving display of 1475 figures brings home the scale of sacrifice made on D-day and reminds us not only of those who fell but of the lasting effect on families, friends and communities. They are moving this display to a field above Gold Beach in Normandy for display from April to September, to remember 82 years since D Day.
Our speaker was Geoff Henderson who is a representative from the Porthcawl Museum. Who gave us an excellent and extremely interesting presentation on 5 of Americas first ladies and their achievements in helping the less well off during their time in office.
Normal WI business was undertaken with future plans being discussed about 2026/27.
Our next meeting is 14th April at 2pm.
Katherine Hier, President
FEATURES
NEWTON PORTHCAWL WI
February proved to be a lively and productive month for our committee as plans continued for our annual summer trip, afternoon tea, and several other activities we hope members will enjoy in the coming months.
Shrove Tuesday was celebrated in traditional style with plenty of freshly made pancakes for our ladies. A lively pancake tossing contest followed, bringing lots of laughter. Our winner managed an impressive forty tosses, while the unlucky loser was presented with the wooden spoon with great ceremony and good humour.
Our St David’s Day evening was equally delightful, with tables bright with daffodils and plates full of delicious homemade Welsh cakes. A Welsh quiz caused much head scratching and laughter, and several lucky members received boxes of chocolates.
Congratulations to Pat, winner of the tabletop competition with her beautiful plant.
Our monthly lunch is held on the third Wednesday of each month at the Globe, always a cheerful gathering. Several members will also attend the WI AGM in Aberystwyth. We look forward to many more enjoyable events together as friends in our wonderful WI community. Pam Powis
TOWNSWOMEN’S GUILD NEWS
March saw us successfully launch our newly formed Townswomen’s Guild (TG) and the election of officers and committee. A programme of speakers and events for the forthcoming year was issued to members and was unanimously approved of. The officers and committee would like to express their gratitude to all members for their unwavering loyalty encouragement and support.
Our April meeting will be the first in our newly formed TG and its incorporated new ideas along with our successfully tried and tested ones. Our speaker on the 8th will be Mr John Richard’s and John’s talk will be on the famous Bayeux Tapestry. In the second half of April on the 18th, we have extended an invitation to members and guests to join us in a celebratory lunch and mark this inaugural occasion. If you feel an interest in joining us, then do please come along to our meeting and sample our hospitality. We meet on the second Wednesday of the month in The Grove Golf Club at 2pm.
Finally our members would like to wish every reader a happy and fun filled Easter with family and friends.
Pat Ladlow
INTERNATIONAL NIGHT
Porthcawl Rotary Club recently hosted its much-anticipated Annual International Night, celebrating the talents and diverse cultures of eleven international students from UWC Atlantic College.
Rotarian Andrew Singer warmly welcomed guests and introduced pupils from Porthcawl Comprehensive School, who delighted the audience with excerpts from their forthcoming production of West Side Story. Their confident and polished performance captivated everyone present, setting an impressive tone for the remainder of the evening.
Rotarian John Hodges then presented the international students, who hailed from Ukraine, England, Germany (two students), India, Norway, Uganda, The Netherlands, Egypt, Vanuatu and Cyprus. Some wore traditional dress, adding colour and authenticity to their presentations. Each student offered fascinating insights into their homeland, culture and personal journey. One student even baked and shared small samples of traditional German bread, which proved popular.
President Dr Alison Jones extended a sincere welcome and thanked attendees for supporting Rotary’s charitable work. Guests enjoyed a delicious supper of braised steak, chips and peas, with alternative options available.
Funds raised during the evening will support the charity, WaterAid. Rotarian Hugh Moatt closed proceedings, thanking everyone for attending and wishing them a safe journey home.
As the evening concluded, it was clear that the future rests in the capable hands of these inspiring young people.
Rtn Robert Lee
HAVE AN OPINION ON ANYTHING PUBLISHED IN THIS ISSUE, OR AFFECTING THE LOCAL AREA?
FEATURES
PORTHCAWL U3A
Porthcawl u3a is a great place for anyone with a competitive spirit. Apart from several groups based on well know games, including Scrabble, Whist, Table Tennis, Rummikub, and Canasta there is a quiz each month to test our general knowledge.
The monthly talk on April 8th is based on the story of Percy Dowten, a WWI soldier, as told by Gareth Scourfield; then on May 13th we will hear about the Siege of Coity Castle from Gareth Jones. All monthly talks are held in the Hi Tide from 2.15 and are open to members and non-members alike. So, everyone is welcome to come along.
Upcoming trips include Tewkesbury and the Abbey on April 22nd; and Tintern Abbey and Chepstow on 20th May.
If you are thinking of joining Porthcawl u3a you are welcome to try a couple of groups before making the decision to join. Just check the latest newsletter on the website and contact the leader of any group you would like to try so that they can welcome you on arrival.
To find out more about Porthcawl u3a please see the website: https://porthcawl.u3asite.uk/ e-mail: info@porthcawlu3a.org.uk or phone: 07531 062146.
SKER WI REPORT
In February we held a Beetle Drive as part of our fundraising events. We had a Welsh theme to the evening with members enjoying homemade Welsh cakes and Bara Brith made by committee members. with plenty of chatter and laughter a good time was had by all.
Our March speaker was Graham Watkins, who spoke of his journey to becoming an author of many books on Welsh Myths and Legends. He gave an overview of the reality behind the myths and legends and how many were invented as a means of attracting tourists to the areas associated with them. Our forthcoming events include our annual Birthday Supper in April when we will be celebrating 60 years as a W.I. May is our Annual Meeting with a buffet provided by the committee. June will see many members attending the Glamorgan Federation meeting in Maesteg and in July we will have our summer outing.
We meet on the 2nd Thursday of the month in St. David's Hall, Florence Street Visitors are welcome to come and sample our friendship and hospitality and have 3 free visits.
Wendy Williams
CHURCHES TOGETHER IN PORTHCAWL
Our AGM this year was carefully scheduled to take place on Shrove Tuesday – so of course we enjoyed some crempog/ pancos! We were delighted to welcome the Bishop of Llandaff, Mary Stallard as our guest speaker. She gave a reflection on Lent referring to the ingredients for our pancakes: Flour as prayer, giving stability to our lives; salt as generosity, enabling others to contribute; the cloudiness of milk reminding us to pray for reconciliation; eggs signifying the Easter tomb - victory about to break out; and butter or oil representing God’s blessings that we find in all God's people. It was a real pleasure also to welcome Margaret Minhinnick from Sustainable Wales and our Mayor, Cllr Elen Jones, who together gave a presentation on Fairtrade Churches.
At the time of writing, we’re part-way through a series of Lenten soup lunches. It’s been a joy to share fellowship, reflect and renew our faith together.
This month you’re invited to a Prayer Walk on Saturday 11th April (meet outside Trinity at 12pm) and a beach clean on Thursday 16th April (meet outside Sussed at 11am).
In May we’ll celebrate Christian Aid Week with a Joint Service on the evening of Sunday 10th; a beach clean on Monday 11th and a big coffee morning followed by a prayer walk on Saturday 16th. Full details next month!
Follow our Facebook for the latest updates (@ Porthcawlchurches), or email markworrall90@gmail. com to join our mailing list.
Pob bendith, David Robinson
Fill each cell of the grid so that each row, each column, and each 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9 exactly once. No guessing is required – only simple logic is needed.
Surf life saving is a very diverse sport and can offer something to suit everyone! At Rest Bay we provide high quality surf life saving, swimming, ocean and beach training.
If you would like your child to learn important life saving 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, first aid, surf and beach sports such as wading, surf swimming, board paddling, beach flags, beach sprints and relays.
Our Youth section is between the age of 13-18. During the summer months we train at Rest Bay beach, and also at Pyle Swimming pool throughout the year. Our focus is to teach our youth how to save lives.
Lots of youth members also like to compete in regional, national and international competitions. Our youth section also train to become Lifeguards and carry out voluntary patrols as part of our training programme.
Our aim is to provide the lifeguards of tomorrow with training to help keep themselves and others safe whilst enjoying our wonderful beaches.
If you would like more information please contact:
HISTORY
APRIL 1964 - BBC2
At 7.20 pm on 20 April 1964 Britain received its third television channel, BBC2 joining BBC1 and the ITV network. Prior to BBC2’s launch, the channel was promoted through advertising campaigns featuring animated kangaroos, Hullabaloo and her joey, Custard. In the months leading up to the launch day BBC2 broadcast a daily schedule for engineers to test the reception. Many of these Trade Test Transmissions later became cult viewing.
Even though BBC2 was envisaged as a cultural station, the schedule for its first evening leaned towards light entertainment - The Alberts, a comedy troupe; Cole Porter’s Kiss Me Kate; a Soviet comedian. The evening would conclude with a firework display from Southend Pier.
However, at 6.45 pm a huge power failure, originating from a fire at Battersea Power Station, cut the power to Television Centre and most of west London. At 10 pm the decision was made to postpone the programmes until the following day.
On 21 April 1964, Play School became the first official programme to appear on BBC2. When the transmission opened in the evening, presenter Denis Tuohy (pictured) blew out a candle, a reference to the power cut. Initially, only eight million householders owned television sets equipped to receive BBC2 and, on a nightly average, three million of them tuned in. Hannah Howe, author of the Swinging Sixties Mystery Series https://hannah-howe.com
H. M. COASTGUARD PORTHCAWL STATION NO. 267
1809, in response to smuggling, the Preventative Water Guard was formed by the Board of Customs. By 1816 there were 151 P. W. G. Stations in 31 districts. They soon became responsible for rescuing crews of wrecked ships which resulted in 1822 being renamed Coastguards.
Porthcawl’s First Station was established near the breakwater in 1834 with five staff; all of whom tragically drowned on 7th February 1839, during the rescue of the crew off the ‘Charles’ wrecked on Scarweather Sands.
In 1860 Porthcawl Coastguards received their first Breeches Buoy Equipment followed by the support of a Rocket Apparatus Company in 1872. Coastguard Houses moved from Lias Cottages in 1900 to South Road. A new Coastguard Station was built where South Road joined John Street, (photo) to house the Coastguard Cart (photo) and Equipment. In 1925 the whole organisation was officially re-named H.M. Coastguard. On April 23rd, 1947, H.M. Coastguard Porthcawl attended the worst tragedy of its existence. The Samtampa Disaster. By 1960 the Coastguard Station had moved to Lock’s Lane and in 1971 Porthcawl Coastguards acquired their first official vehicle, a Hillman Imp. Our local Coastguard team is still made up of volunteers.
A new’ Coastguard Exhibition’ is one of the new attractions on show when Porthcawl Museum opens on 28th March. Ceri Joseph, Porthcawl Museum
CELEBRATING MAESTEG 200
Porthcawl Museum was visited by members of the Maesteg 200 group led by Cllr. Gavin Thomas Mayor of Maesteg. The group were greeted by Porthcawl Town council Mayor Cllr. Elen Jones when they arrived on a veteran bus.
Porthcawl Museum chairman Paul Joseph hosted the get together and spoke of how the history of the two towns are closely linked.
David Swidenbank
HEALTH
COST OF CANCER - WHAT WE DO
Don’t forget there are still a few tickets left for our event in 96 Deg in Cowbridge in aid of Cost of Cancer. Tickets are available from our website www.costofcancer.org.
uk for £20 per person which also includes food. We have the amazing singer Kate Layland and her band to entertain everyone.
We’ve got our 10th Anniversary charity ball which will be the 24th October at The Bear in Cowbridge, more details to follow. We will need volunteers for this event so please do reach out to us if you are free on the night of the 24th October. We sold all of the 10 places available for this year’s Cardiff Half which we were really pleased about. Anyway, thanks in advance to anyone who likes, follows and share the page and for those who have already done it you’re awesome.
Nicky, Emma & Cath Trustees Cost of Cancer
WHAT HEALTH HABITS ACTUALLY PROTECT YOUR BRAIN AND LONG-TERM HEALTH?
In this episode, Professor Tim Spector shares the seven health ideas he has changed his mind about after reviewing new research. From oral health and inflammation to vitamin D, sleep, and exercise, Tim explains the daily habits he now prioritises and helps us understand what we should do differently if the science changes. Tim revisits 7 common health beliefs and explains how new evidence has shifted his thinking. He explores the link between oral health, inflammation and brain ageing, and discusses vitamin D, sunlight and omega-3s. The conversation also looks at sleep timing, exercise and how everyday habits interact with our biology.
Tim also shares the small changes he now makes in his own routine and provides practical ideas for incorporating them into your daily life.
We all know that science evolves as new evidence emerges, so if the research changes, should our daily health habits change too?
Jonathan: What developing area of science are you most excited about in 2026?
Tim: I am really into the brain and the gut-brain connection I just think is fascinating and a lot of that has come out of the Zoe studies that have, you know, pointed in that direction. Areas we didn't think about when we started Zoe. You can watch, listen or read the whole interview by going to the Zoe website: https://zoe.com/learn/tim-spectors-7-health-habits-for-2026
Supplied by Glyn Hardwicke
OH NO!
How many things did you do wrong yesterday? I’m sure there is quite a list.
Did you forget to set the alarm, miss breakfast and be grumpy with yourself and those around you as you spend your day trying to catch up. As you rushed did you have petrol in the car? Wear your slippers to work?
Maybe you failed to pack an item you needed and kept telling yourself you were stupid for not doing so. Or maybe it was PE kit for your child?
Perhaps you didn’t upload a document because you were interrupted? Or mixed a day up and didn’t meet a friend?
Each one and many more opportunities to berate yourself for not living your life to your exacting standards.
Now have a think about how many things you did right yesterday. Too many to count for sure and yet those best efforts are ignored.
Be bold remember one, just one, and congratulate yourself on a job well done.
How does being kind to yourself make you feel? Why stop there? Begin to name another success from your day every day. You might even make it a habit.
Be gentle on yourself.
Margaret Brown
SPRING CLEAN YOUR PAPERWORK
Spring is a time for fresh starts
- but instead of the traditional spring clean at home, why not tackle your paperwork?
Sorting and organising your documents can save stress later and make life a lot easier.
Tips for a clutter-free system:
• Keep only what you need: Important documents like wills, insurance papers, and medical records.
• Digitise where possible: Scan or photograph important papers
- it’s safer and easier to search.
• Use clear folders or labelled boxes: Make it easy to find what you need quickly.
• Set a review date: Once a year, go through your files and recycle anything outdated.
A little time now can save a lot of panic later - and it feels surprisingly satisfying!
If you’re not sure where to start, Age Cymru West Glamorgan’s LifeBook has everything you need to remember, all in one place, complete with prompts, suggestions on how best to gather information, and details for your loved ones.
Head to www.agecymruwestglamorgan.org.uk to download your digital version of the LifeBook from or call 01792 648 866 to request your physical copy.
For more information about our services, and to read our Beyond 50 newsletter for quarterly updates and resources, please visit our website: www.agecymruwestglamorgan.org.uk
Age Cymru West Glamorgan
FINANCE
THE ROADS ARE FULL OF FLAT SQUIRRELS!
I picked up this little anecdote from Will Greenwood when he was waxing lyrical about England’s rugby defeat against Italy for the first time. It translates well into all aspects of our lives and peoples financial planning isn’t immune.
It’s quite simple really it all comes down to indecision and not taking advantage of circumstances and getting run over in the mele. When your ill, you’ll ring the surgery for an appointment to see your doctor and you hope you’re not 40th in the queue. Same with your dentist as you can’t fix your own teeth.
Similarly, you’ll see a ‘physio when your back is killing you. When it comes to your finances getting into a tizz it’s nearly always a ‘tomorrow thing’ as it’s not hurting, but you can call a financial advisor any time for an appointment.
Procrastination is the thief of time or putting it more brutally the thief of life. Why am I telling you this, well it’s to disturb you into action and thinking about it isn’t enough you need to have that conversation.
Here’s an example of the recent calls we’ve received you might recognise a similar issue you might need advice on.
ABACUS ASSURANCE
‘I have four pensions and a flood of paperwork every year driving me mad. Is there anything I can do to simplify this? Such as, can I combine them, and how do I do it?’
‘I keep reading that I might have an Inheritance Tax problem and need to know how to resolve it if it’s not too late?’
‘I’m retired but need to know if I can access any money from my house to pay for home improvements, is this ‘equity release’ and how does it work?’
‘I’ve just inherited a large amount of money can you help me invest this in a tax efficient way?’
‘I need to place money in trust for my children how do I do this please?’
There’s so many ways we can help you with tax, trusts, pensions and investments. We give one hour’s free advice after that we reserve the right to charge. Just remember doing any of the above yourselves could cost you a lot more as mistakes are expensive, ask the squirrel!
GET TAX-SMART FOR THE NEW TAX YEAR
April is upon us! As one financial year ends, let’s take a moment to look at how you run the money side of your business, and plan for the 12 months ahead. It starts with these five easy steps: Squeeze all you can from your allowances, now before they reset. Make sure you’re claiming all you’re entitled to – both personal and business. Stay organised. No more drawers stuffed with receipts – record everything in one place, and you’ll always be on top of the numbers.
Plan ahead. Put money aside for VAT and corporation tax, so you can spend with confidence - knowing there are no surprises lurking round the corner. Don't miss deadlines! Late submissions bring penalties, so mark important dates in your diary and pay what you owe, on time. Trust a professional. Regulations and allowances are changing all the time, so work with an expert who’ll get to know your business – someone who’ll keep you compliant while finding legitimate ways to minimise your tax bill. Start the new year with a fresh perspective - get in touch with Tungsten Corporate Solutions today.
Darren Talbot
Tungsten Corporate Solutions 01656 783420
We’re not just here to keep your books in order. At Tungsten, we’re your finance team, with one eye on today and one on the horizon.
Working with you, to grow your business as you want it to grow.
So yes, we offer the staple services - accounts, tax planning, payroll. But much more, from funding your plans to helping you sell up and exit.
www.tungstencorporatesolutions.co.uk
Tungsten
LEGAL
SECURING YOUR LEGACY WITH A LIFETIME TRUST
Navigating the uncertainties of life can be challenging both for you and your loved ones, but securing the future of your loved ones need not be. With a Lifetime Trust you can enjoy the peace of mind of knowing that your assets have been safeguarded and will benefit your chosen loved ones exactly as you intend.
Many still believe that Lifetime Trusts are only for the wealthy, but this is no longer the case with ordinary folk now owning their homes and looking to protect their assets. Westminster Law has made Lifetime Trusts an affordable and practical solution and has made it possible for anyone to secure their family's future with the same protection and foresight that the wealthy have enjoyed for centuries.
Why choose a Lifetime Trust?
•Avoid the cost and delays of probate: Grant immediate access on your death to some or all of your assets held in trust without the need for probate.
• Control and protection: Claim full control over your assets and shield your family’s inheritance from divorce, creditors, and other predatory challenges.
• Ensure future care of your beneficiaries: Guarantee that the trust capital can assist your loved ones for generations; for example, for education, health care, and first homes.
• Retain more of your wealth: Strategically reduce or even eliminate potential inheritance tax liabilities for yourself and future generations.
Many believe setting up a trust means losing control; however, the reality is quite the opposite. With the right planning, a Lifetime Trust allows you to maintain full control over your assets both during your lifetime and after death. A Lifetime Trust ensures that your wishes regarding your assets are meticulously realised with precision and care.
By setting up a Lifetime Trust you can preserve your legacy, ensuring your intentions are fulfilled not just for the present, but also for future generations.
Westminster Law assesses the circumstances of couples and individuals and arranges the Trust that will provide the best protection for them, their loved ones and their assets.
JOSEPH COLEMAN Westminster Law
HOW TO BALANCE GENEROSITY WITH REALISM WHEN HELPING FAMILY OUT WITH MONEY
For many young couples, buying a home is an unattainable dream without financial assistance from family. So, it has become common for the older generation to give early inheritances to children and grandchildren to help them in these circumstances. Such gifts are often made with inheritance tax planning in mind, but it is understandable to want to put in place safeguards to ensure that the money will remain in the family in the event of the couple separating.
There are various ways to keep monetary gifts safe from an unsuccessful marriage. Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements are normally associated with the super wealthy, but these can be used as a tool to ringfence any gifts of cash from family members in the event of separation. A cohabitation contract can be used in a similar way.
Gifts from family members are welcome at the start of a relationship when the couple are head over heels in love, but such generosity will inevitably cause issues if the relationship breaks down. Irrespective of where the money came from, if a house is owned jointly, the courts dictate that sale proceeds will be divided equally. This problem can be avoided by registering a trust deed at the Land Registry to ringfence the contribution towards the deposit.
Another way to offset potential problems is to set up a trust to allow the trustees to control the assets within it and to make adjustments if circumstances change, such as a beneficiary getting divorced. The changes will protect the assets in the trust and potentially keep them from the marital pot.
If you require assistance with any of the above issues, then please contact our team of experts at Red Kite Law who will be pleased to assist you.
GARDEN & NATURE
CEFN CRIBWR GARDENING CLUB
The glory of gardening is patience. April rewards it with tulips in full song! (Arthur Austin)
Protect new shoots of Hostas, Lupins and Delphiniums from slugs and snails, these are their favourites and they enjoy a good munch!
Keep on top of the little jobs, remember10 minutes a day beats 2 hours at the weekend!
Plant maincrop potatoes later this month providing the soil has reached 7-10C, pick a sunny spot potatoes thrive in open areas with fertile soil. Also plant pot grown fruit trees and bushes, ideal when soil moisture is high.
Let's do something different- try 'Chaos' gardening in a spare patch, scatter a random mix of seeds, annuals, herbs and wildflowers, then let nature decide what thrives! It's unpredictable, colourful and excellent for wildlife.
Buy a shiitake of oyster mushroom plug kit, inoculate a hardwood log (with no rot or mould). The moist conditions are ideal for colonisation. You'll have your own gourmet mushroom sauce by autumn, how posh is that!
Mushrooms are more closely related to animals than plants, they breathe in oxygen and C02 out just like us!
Falling in love is like eating mushrooms, you never know the real thing until it's too late!
Chris Early
LALESTON GARDENING CLUB
A burst of growth returns in April, making it one of the most rewarding months in the garden. This is the moment to set the season’s rhythm: prepare soil, plant early crops, and stay ahead of weeds and pests before they surge. Feed your soil, work in garden compost or wellrotted manure to refresh beds after winter. Healthy soil sets up stronger flowering and fruiting later. Sow hardy vegetables - Carrots, beetroot, parsnips, peas, and broad beans can all go straight into the ground now. Keep rows moist but not waterlogged.
Plant early potatoes — Choose a sunny, sheltered spot and earth them up as shoots appear to protect from late frosts. Divide perennials — Clumps of hostas, asters, and daylilies can be lifted and split to rejuvenate growth and create free plants.
Prune spring shrubs after flowering — Forsythia, Camellias, and early-flowering currants respond well to a tidy-up once their blooms fade. Stay on top of weeds, young weeds lift easily in April’s soft soil; removing them now prevents a summer takeover. Support climbers, install canes or trellis for sweet peas, clematis, and climbing roses before they put on rapid growth.
April rewards every hour spent outdoors. At Laleston Gardening Club the April lecture will take place on Monday, 13th April at 7.30pm when Dot Williams will give a talk on butterfly conservation. Our shop is open to members every Saturday morning 10am - 12 noon, for all your composts and gardening requisites.
Susan Ford
ARTS
PORTHCAWL MALE CHOIR
The choir started its St David’s Day events with a sellout concert at All Saints Church. Musical Director Alec Brooks put together a very well received programme with a mix of Welsh and English songs.
To enhance the evening Malcolm Evans read two pieces of poetry appropriate to St David’s Day. Gareth Lewis also gave a moving rendition to Dylan Thomas’s Sunset Poem. The guest singer for the evening and a real showstopper was local soprano Anne Wilkins who has sung with Bryn Terfel on the Michael Mcintyre Show. The audience was in awe of Anne’s singing, and a well-deserved standing ovation was given. A donation from the choir has been given to Bridge VIS, a charity close to Anne’s heart. A big thank you to the Porthcawl Swim Committee who again this year kindly contributed to the costs of the concert.
We also joined in the activities provided by Ospreys in the Community at Porthcawl RFC. The final St David’s Day event was with the pupils at Porthcawl Primary School. Singing in the community is very much enjoyed by the choir.
Contact: Secretary Noel Williams 07902 333559.
Matthew Bates Public Relations Officer
NEWS FORM KENFIG HILL MVC
Kenfig Hill and District Male Voice Choir performed another fantastic, sell-out St. David’s Day concert at the Cornelly Community Centre on Saturday, February 28th. The evening was made even more special by the presence of our guests, The Thornton Community Choir.
Under the expert direction of our amazing Musical Director, Rhian Thomas, and with the support of our talented accompanist, Miss Rachel Starritt, the choir delivered a memorable performance.
Our very own chorister from Bottom Bass fame, Ryan Davies, made his debut as our compère for the evening, keeping the audience and the visiting choir entertained throughout the celebration with his dad jokes and anecdotes.
The choir’s repertoire included some classic Welsh favourites
such as Gwahoddiad, Working Man and Llef, followed by some contemporary pieces such as Creep and One Day Like This. Joint items were American Trilogy and Calon Lân, which our visiting choir performed in Welsh—amazing!
We sing for the joy of it, but more importantly we sing for our community, because without your support there would be no reason for us to perform. Thank you to those who attended.
Paul Butterworth, Chairman
Our members are busy creating new paintings for our Spring exhibition, especially for our next competition with the theme ‘landscape’. Come along to enjoy our new exhibition starting at the end of March. Voting for the landscape competition will remain open during April so come along and vote for your favourite.
The gallery is open to the public 11-3pm Wed, Thurs, Fri, Sat and other days too when volunteers are available. It’s free to come in to enjoy the talent of all our local artists.
Members meet on Wednesdays 1-3pm and 7-9pm, upstairs in the Old Police Station, above the museum in John Street. We are open for new members, please feel free to pop in for a cuppa and a chat where a warm welcome awaits.
Tricia Simon (Secretary) www.porthcawlart.co.uk Facebook/PorthcawlArt
A FILM MAKER’S POINT OF VIEW
I bought my first movie camera in 1970, when I was in my early teens. I had been captivated by the concept of moving images – stringing together a series of still pictures on a length of celluloid film to make a scene come magically to life – for as long as I could remember, and it only seemed natural that I should want to make films myself. The camera was a very
basic Super 8mm model, but by the time I had saved more money, enough to buy a projector and an editing machine, I knew that I could make my own rudimentary films. From then on, for several years, all my pocket money was spent on buying cassettes of Kodachrome Super 8mm film. My early productions, roping in family and friends to act, only served to make me think of doing bigger and better things.
In the late 1970s, I applied to the BBC in Cardiff for the position of trainee assistant film cameraman, but failed to get in. Ironically, ten years later, I purchased an Arriflex 16BL from a retired BBC Wales cameraman, and that camera is still part of the equipment belonging to my company, Downwood Films. Anthony Hontoir 07510 934299
Photo: The Arriflex 16BL movie camera
Deadline date for the May issue is:
WEDNESDAY 15TH APRIL
BRIDGEND MALE CHOIR NEWS
As we flourish towards Spring with some BBC coverage last month, Bridgend Male Choir are excited to start preparing for the Weddings season, as well as forthcoming concerts in Llandudno and Manchester in May (more details to follow). We are proud to announce our Annual Luncheon, with a very special guest speaker in Mr Shane Williams, MBE. We are anticipating a full house, so please visit our website at to secure your tickets for what promises to be a great afternoon at Tondu Cricket Club at 1pm on 3rd July 2026. Also, high on the agenda is our hosting of an Open Evening, on 30th April, at the Masonic Hall, Bridgend, CF31 2AP (from 7pm) where we invite music lovers to experience the power and tradition of Welsh male voice singing in a relaxed environment. The evening promises a friendly introduction to the Choir, with visitors able to hear the Choir perform and discover how rewarding it is to join one of Bridgend’s most established musical families. No previous choral experience is required—just enthusiasm for singing and a willingness to be part of a thriving musical community. E-mail contact@ bridgendmalechoir.co.uk or simply turn up on the night. Jason Curtis, Marketing Officer
STAG’S WORLD OF ROCK
Sorry to The Mighty RA band for missing your show at Bridgend’s Black Cat, and to Cardiff band Splinter who recently played locally. Singer Lyndon invited me down for a photo and some free beer but was in the studio, so make sure you check this great Ska band out. We will meet up soon, as I’m never one to give up free beer. Remember that big TV advertisement, Drink Canada Dry? I flew over and did it!
I finally got Interstella Boy’s new C.D. entitled Anvil Sand. Singer/songwriter Wil Williams has top musicians on it, including guitarist Mark Jones and keyboard wizard Chris Bartlett. The opener is an instrumental, “Schizoid Dream”, followed by up-tempo, “Waiting for the Ding”, with an early Beatles feel to it. But it’s the ballads that stand out, including “Life in a seaside town”, “One Soul”, “Short letter to Cannes (Elaine)”, “More life in a seaside town”, and the haunting “Mud-larking in Rotherhythe”. This masterclass in songwriting is available in Sussed, James Street, Porthcawl and on the band’s Facebook site. You won’t be disappointed. Keep the news coming, and I’ll try and give you a plug!
Stag Marks 07549 728356 Picture: Interstella Boy’s Richard (Wil) Williams
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY NEWS
We have had a busy and successful month here at PPPS, coming first in the Welsh Photographic Federation mono competition, with a panel of four images entitled "Summer and Winter", and second place in our own inter-club competition. In addition, we had our Dennis Lines Memorial internal competition which was won by Neil Woods for his stunning image "Emerald Ascension". A busy month indeed, but we are not just about competitions, and you don't need a camera to join our club. We can provide advice and encouragement whatever your level of experience, equipment and interests are. If you fancy giving us a try, we meet in the church hall at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 201 New Road, CF 36 5BN, which has ample parking facilities and disabled access."
Bill Robertson
ARCHWILIO EXPLORE
WHAT’S ON
BRIDGEND RAMBLERS
Fancy walking in the fresh air? Bridgend Ramblers arranges several walks each week, ranging from 3 to 12 miles. Try us out for free. Details at www.bridgendramblers.org
MOVE WELL CLUB
Strength and balance classes for active older adults who want to stay steady, strong and confident. Physiotherapist-led sessions with a friendly, supportive approach. First class free. £10 per session or £35 for four. Bryncethin Mon 11–12; Brackla Mon 1.30–2.30; Laleston Tues 11–12 & Fri 11.30–12.30; Cornelly Thurs 1.30–2.30. Book: 07733 102825.
PORTHCAWL U3A
Provides a huge range of daytime activities for people no longer in full-time employment. It is a great way to meet people and engage in any of the over 40 fun, physical, educational, creative or thoughtprovoking activities. All of which are available free to members. Annual membership is £52. Website: porthcawlu3a.org.uk; phone: 07824 133777; 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, PORTHCAWL 10.30-12pm & 6.30-8pm @ KStella Maris Catholic Church, New Road Porthcawl CF36 5BN. Cost: Four Sessions £36. To book contact Angela 07980 936198 or Email: angelarock11@hotmail.com
CANTORION COETY MIXED
VOICE CHOIR
New members can join us at rehearsals / practice from 7.309.00pm at Gilead Chapel, Coity, CF35 6AU. An ability to speak Welsh is not essential. Contact Sue Prosser 07967 211718. Email: prosser36@hotmail.co.uk www.cantorioncoety.cymru
CREATIVE COMPANIONS
We are a very welcoming and supportive group of artists and crafters of all abilities working on our own projects whilst enjoying each others company. Meet every fortnight 10.30am-12.30pm at Porthcawl Town AFC clubhouse, Locks Lane.
Further information please contact Deb McCann 07886 377040.
FIT FOR LIFE LADIES & GENTS
With Hannah Bowen Exercise Specialist 20yrs PT and groups @ Awel-y-Mor Community Centre, Porthcawl. Qi Gong Tai Chi for balance both body and mind 2.003.00pm. Also Thursdays -Functional5 Fitness 9.30-10.30am, enquiries: 07886 487853.
KENFIG HILL & DISTRICT
MALE VOICE CHOIR
New members can join us at rehearsals every Monday & Thursday evening from 7pm until 9pm, in the Chorister Suite at The Greenacres Motel, Heol Fach, North Cornelly, CF33 4LH. Find us on Facebook, or at www.kenfighillmalechoir.wales
If you’d rather speak with someone, please contact the choir Chairman, Paul Butterworth on 07813 128060, or Secretary, Anthony Howells on 07817 844335. Singing nourishes the soul!
ROTARY PORTHCAWL
Meet @ 12.45pm, The High Tide, Mackworth Road, Porthcawl, CF36 5BT. New members always welcomed. For further information please contact John Hodges on Telephone: 01656 867610 Mobile: 07957 289927. Email: john. hodges57@gmail.com Website: https://www.rotary-ribi.org/clubs/ homepage.php?ClubID=953
TUESDAY
PORTHCAWL COMMUNITY CHORUS
If you want an enjoyable time, singing both in unison and in harmony, then why not come along and join our friendly mixed choir as we explore a varied repertoire of music, finishing up with a cuppa and a chat? No auditions and no necessity to read music: just a love of singing essential. We meet at Gilgal Church Hall, Park Avenue, on Tuesdays: 1.30 -2.45. Please contact Maggie Jemmett on 07932 793355 or email Maggie. jemmett@live.co.uk
PORTHCAWL LIONS
Porthcawl Lions meet in the Hi-Tide on the first and third Tuesdays of every month. For more information please phone Pauline on 01656 859505.
PORTHCAWL MALE CHOIR
New members welcome. Rehearsals Tuesday and Friday evening 7-9pm at Lady Of The Sea Catholic Church, New Road, Porthcawl. Further details contact Choir Secretary, Noel Williams at (noel.williams185@ btinternet.com) 07902 333559. Check out our website and Facebook page for further details.
PORTHCAWL SEA CADETS
If you’re aged 10–17 and looking for maritime adventure, the chance to develop valuable life skills, then why not come along to a Sea Cadets evening? Gilgal Church Hall every Tuesday & Friday 7-9 pm. Check out: https://www.sea-cadets.org/ or https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MIE8esgukeg Just come along or contact: co@porthcawlseacadets.org.
RISING STARS MUSIC & DRAMA GROUP
This fun programme for 8-11 year olds is lively and stimulating. The children learn skills and gain confidence and self-esteem almost incidentally as they involve themselves in a wide range of music and drama activities, with the option to take part in musicals and choir performances. The sessions are at Gilgal Church Hall, Park Avenue on Tuesdays: arrival from 4.15 for a 4.30 – 5.30 session. Please contact Maggie Jemmett on 07932 793355 or email Maggie.jemmett@live.co.uk
SOUNDS FAMILIAR
Simply easy to join us! We sing a huge variety of music in English and Welsh! We are seeking men to fill our spaces in our BASS and TENOR sections. 7pm to 9pm,upstairs in The United Services Club, on Station Hill in Porthcawl. Contact choir secretary Cathryn Hodges, mobile: 07968 178589.
MA’S YOGA @ KENFIG NATURE RESERVE. Mixed ability class: 9.30am till 11am - £40 for 4 weeks, or £12 drop in. If paying for a block you will receive a recording if you miss a week. Evening class @ Kenfig every Thursday. To book contact: Michele – 07793 544956 or email michele@masyoga.co.uk www.masyoga.co.uk
WEDNESDAY
CÔR BRO OGWR CHORAL SOCIETY
A large, welcoming, mixed-voice choir. Rehearsals: 7-9pm Wednesdays, Tabernacle Church, Bridgend CF31 1TH. No auditions. Performances in Porthcawl and Bridgend. www.corbroogwr.com or search Côr Bro Ogwr on Facebook or Instagram.
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 HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
The Garden shop in Heol-y-Goedwig is open every Wednesday & Saturday, from 9am to Midday. Apart from a selection of packets and loose seeds, a range of SEED potatoes, shallots, onion sets are available as well as usual garden needs. All welcome to visit, advice freely given.
PORTHCAWL STROKE CLUB
The Club which meets at the Masonic Home, Porthcawl 2-4pm, provides social support and a range of activities for stroke survives and their families. New members always welcome, to find out more contact the Club Chairman Mr Keith Duggan and Mrs Mary Duggan on 01656 773376 or 07484 250988, or e-mail Club Secretary, Sue Ward, suizward66@outlook.com. If you are interested in volunteering with this community club, please do get in touch.
WHAT’S ON
SLIMMING WORLD, NORTH CORNELLY
Cornelly Public Hall, Heol Las, North Cornelly, CF33 4AS. 5.30pm. Contact Millie - 07765 040006
Come and join a friendly bunch and have a listen - rehearsals Thursdays, 7.30pm, Oldcastle Primary School, Bridgend, CF315ED. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME.
GRACE COMMUNITY CHOIR
Join a fun, friendly choir for all ages and voices – no auditions, no experience needed. Grace Central, Lias Road, Porthcawl (opposite CoOp) 7:30–9:00 Contact: Hyelim Morris – 07949 684401
PYLE & PORTHCAWL
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Meetings at The Church Hall, Our Lady Star of the Sea, 201 New Road, Porthcawl, CF36 5BN. 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-andporthcawl-photographic-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 7.30am and 9.00am. Contact Millie: 07765 040006.
FRIDAY
FRIENDSHIP CAFE, NORTH CORNELLY
Friendship Cafe is open every Friday morning at the Methodist Church hall, Heol Fach, North Cornelly from 10am till 12 midday. Join us for a cuppa and companionship. All welcome!
Saturday 11th April CÔR BRO OGWR SPRING
CONCERT
At 7pm, Tabernacle Church, Derwen Rd, Bridgend. At this year's Spring Concert, Côr Bro Ogwr will present an evening of music exploring the rich diversity of the American choral tradition in a programme curated to complement the beloved Welsh hymn Gwahoddiad — a piece of music that began its life across the Atlantic before finding a cherished home in Wales.
In this 250th anniversary year of the United States, the concert will feature music of the pre-Revolution era, arrangements of traditional hymns and spirituals, and by celebrated composers Amy Beach and Samuel Barber. The evening will culminate in a vibrant medley of music from West Side Story by Leonard Bernstein. This concert will be a celebration of the ties that continue to resonate in song across the ocean — a tribute to shared heritage, enduring cultural bonds, and a hope-filled vision of compassion, creativity, and understanding for the future.
Tickets on the door or www.corbroogwr.com
Thursday 30th April BRIDGEND MALE CHOIR OPEN EVENING
At The Masonic Hall, CF31 2AP. Rehearsals every Thursday evening, 7.30pm, Oldcastle Primary School, Bridgend, CF31 3ED. Come and have a listen!
If you’re aged 10–17 and looking for maritime adventure, the chance to develop valuable life skills, then why not come along to a Sea Cadets evening? Gilgal Church Hall every Tuesday & Friday 7-9 pm. Check out: https://www.sea-cadets.org/ or https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=MIE8esgukeg Just come along or contact: co@porthcawlseacadets.org.
SATURDAY
LALESTON GARDENING CLUB
Varied activities throughout the week. Located at Cliff Cottage, Laleston, next to the Parish Church. Open every Saturday 10am-12noon. Please call in. Visit our website: www.lalestongardenclub.co.uk Or our Facebook page.
PORTHCAWL HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY
The Garden shop in Heol-y-Goedwig is open every Wednesday & Saturday, from 9am to Midday. Apart from a selection of packets and loose seeds, a range of SEED potatoes, shallots, onion sets are available as well as usual garden needs. All welcome to visit, advice freely given.
SUNDAY
PORTHCAWL COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA
Rehearse every Sunday, 6-8pm in Awel Y Mor centre, Hutchwns Terrace, Porthcawl CF36 5TN.
Visit: www.porthcawlorchestra.co.uk to find out more.
Parcio am ddim ar gyfer 1 car ym Mharc Gwledig Margam, Parc Gwledig y Gnoll a Pharc Coedwig Afan – yn ddilys am 1 flwyddyn o'r dyddiad prynu Unlimited car parking for 1 car at Margam Country Park, Gnoll Country Park and Afan Forest Park – valid for 1 year from date of purchase
SEA & SPORT
FISH NET ZERO BEACH CLEANS
Prevention is better than cure…it’s as simple as that. We clean the beaches but that’s only a sticking plaster…a small dam in the river of debris that ends up on our beaches every day. The older ones of us remember a time where nothing was single use or disposable, so there was very little to drop onto the beach into the river or put down the toilet. Since than the rise of disposable…well…everything, has pretty much taken everyone by surprise. It’s now the norm to buy your coffee in a plastic (disguised as cardboard) cup, your drink in a single use plastic bottle and veg wrapped unnecessarily in plastic. Our generations have simply missed the boat; many are trying to make amends for the past by doing the most they can but it’s simply not enough.
But it’s not too late. The ‘prevention’ is education. These disposable items are only manufactured for profit so if they are not bought, they are simply not made. The key to this is educating the younger ones in our community who don’t have our bad habits, so they don’t evolve into the same disposable cycle we have.
So, on that subject It was an absolute pleasure to discuss all things beach cleaning, marine conservation and whale poo with the most engaging pupils from Greenfield Special School in Merthyr last week. They were so passionate and willing to learn about what we get up to and why, not to mention, hear all about Elvis the rescued Porthcawl seal pup. They came out with so many valuable suggestions on how to turn the tide…it was an absolute privilege to spend the morning with them. Education is key so we would love to come and give our passionate, informed and engaging talk to any other schools, clubs, groups or organisations who would like to hear it…and its free! Just contact us on the email below or come and see us at our next beach clean for a chat.
If you’d like to join us on any of our beach cleans, or contact us to retrieve a net, or book a presentation please check our FishNetZero FB and insta pages. Check out the Pantri-Box window for dates and times. If you join us on the beach those lovely folk at Grow and Grind will give you a fab discount on your post clean coffee too!
Get in touch info@greenbritainfoundation.co.uk It’s for their Ocean!
Elkz, Porthcawl
JULIE AND PHIL TO RUN THE TCS LONDON MARATHON FOR PORTHCAWL RNLI
Porthcawl RNLI are delighted to have two runners in this year’s TCS London Marathon which takes place on Sunday 26 April. Julie Perkins and Phil ‘Barney’ Jones both successfully secured ballot places for the London marathon and have decided to use the opportunity to raise funds for their local RNLI lifeboat station at Porthcawl. Both Julie and Phil have run marathons previously, but this will be the first time either have run the London marathon.
Julie has run the Newport marathon 4 times, the Great Welsh marathon twice and Marathon Eyri twice. Phil’s first marathon was the Edinburgh marathon which he ran in aid of Porthcawl RNLI in 2024. Since then, Phil has run an ultra (33.5 miles) from Penarth to Ogmore and last year ran the Berlin marathon.
Please support them if you see them out running as they complete their final few weeks of training. Porthcawl RNLI is grateful to both for choosing to raise funds for Porthcawl RNLI and wish them well for marathon.
To sponsor Julie: https://www.justgiving.com/page/ julie-perkins-1
To sponsor Phil: https://gofund.me/cb6e947c9
PORTHCAWL NCI REPORT
You may have noticed a set of shiny new steps at our station tower which replaced the old ones at the end of last month. The metal powder coated steps had been in place since the station opened ten years ago, but due to their location, they are constantly at the mercy of the sun, wind, rain and sea. The steps had rusted significantly, so thank you to the council and the Harbour Master for helping to organise, plan, fund and replace the whole structure in one go.
May this year will be Porthcawl NCI station’s 10th Anniversary, and we will be organising a celebration event on 20th May, ten years to the day when the station was officially opened by Carwyn Jones, the then First Miinister of the Welsh Assembly. We are hoping this event will be equally well attended so put the date in your diary and come along and say hello. There may be tea and biscuits!
Another significant piece of news is that our station has been nominated for the Kings Award for Voluntary Services (KAVS) which is the highest honour that can be given to a voluntary organisation. Thank you to everyone who participated in or contributed to the nomination process, the winners will be announced in November this year.
Laurence Bater, Station Manager Porthcawl NCI
TIDES
PORTHCAWL SURF REPORT
An epic winter of almost 3 months of swell continued to run towards the back end of March relentlessly pounding our local beaches, reefs and points whilst keeping everyone on their toes with quickly shifting winds and fast-moving tides often creating absolute perfection one minute followed by blown out garbage the next and back to perfection all within the same hour. Water temps seem to be inching towards tolerable and we’ll all soon be ditching the wetsuit rubber in earnest and enjoying the added flexibility of spring suits and the benefits of being able to feel our fingers and toes properly within 2 hours of having a surf. The distinctive winter surfers (face only) tan will soon also include the neck, hands and top of feet, hopefully from some long-awaited sun, some serious water time and the long walks to some our favourite off the beaten track summer swell magnets.
The highlights over the last few months have been too numerous and differ from surfer to surfer depending whom you ask but from a personal perspective seeing the next generation of local groms gaining confidence in bigger and better waves, pushing each other’s performance levels and being full of lip and banter is always a highlight and they definitely bring a bundle of energy to every lineup they infest. These groms were all set and frothing to take on some the best WCSC senior rippers ,geriatrics (yes, that includes the author of this report) and everyone in between in a highly anticipated club open contest at Rest Bay during early March but unfortunately a Sewage alert meant that as a surf club we couldn’t in all consciousness run a contest so everyone just went surfing anyway. The rumours that an unofficial comp on the same day aptly named the Poonami cup was won by local plastering pinup boy Rudder Rava have not yet been confirmed.
The Point, Esp and pink have all seen absolute banner days and highlights included James Kinsella scoring an absolute keg of a barrel at his beloved Esp that was beautifully captured by ace lensman Tony John. In a lowlight for former mid length poster child Sean Whare he managed to destroy his favorite crowd thinning plank aka ‘the blue scourge’ by getting caught up in the moment on a lovely peeling right hander and pretty much riding up onto the 18th green at the Royal Porthcawl via every rock in golf bay. In other news, a few of the top club juniors (Coby, Tom O and Summer) made the journey down to Croyde Bay in Devon for a contest and scored what is one of the best beach breaks in the UK absolutely firing and got the added bonus of witnessing a potential world tour surfer Newquay’s Lucas Skinner putting on a masterclass in the barrel and above the lip, inspiring stuff indeed. Anyway, it’s time for all those land lubbers (including editor Mat) to make good on the yearly promise to start surfing when it warms up a bit so hopefully, I’ll see you all out the back soon. Gary Lewis
Deadline date for the May issue is: WEDNESDAY 15TH APRIL
