Bridgend & Porthcawl GEM - January 5, 2012

9.7 MB·English

by  Tindle Newspapers

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Weekly audited distribution (52 weeks) to 31/12/10 - 41,621 www.bridgend-today.co.uk www.porthcawl-today.co.uk THURSDAY, JANUARY 5TH, 2012
(GEMSeries). Audited by David Pinder &Co Ltd. Chartered Accountants.
For running or swimming,
try Porthcawl at Christmastime!
Council’s denial after ABOVE: It’s Boxing Day and both serious and fun
runners are on the move in Porthcawl. (See page 21 for
a report and more photographs by KEITH E MORGAN).
‘regeneration delay’ Pictureby GLYNEVANS
rumour in Porthcawl
B R I D G E N D Mort. In the statement, that the plans need to go
County Borough he said: “Porthcawl before Tesco’s board for
Council (BCBC) SHOUT wishes to final approval, and that
has denied that the express its serious con- this is scheduled to take
Porthcawl regener- csoer-nc altlheadt evenP onrotwhc atwhel pla“cIen l athteer mtheias nmtiomnet,h .t he
Wedding ation scheme is fac- regeneration scheme has
council remains fully
ing a delay of 12 been effectively put back
Exhibition months. yapetp aenarost herto y eadre alsa yT esictos cdoelmivmerityt eodf ttohwe ahrdasrb othuer
Speculation in investment even further. refurbishment scheme.”
This Sunday... Porthcawl was rife over “Also, there is the The GEMspoke to
the Christmas break. An
question of the knock-on Des Rees, the Porthcawl
exact source has proved
effect of delay in the SHOUT representative
difficult to trace, but it
could be linked to a New promised harbour repairs on the Porthcawl
YtPhoeera trh cstaawtcelhm SaeiHrnmOt aUisnTs u, eCdl ibvoyef aitrsneed.Hd” otnhweew eiv mheepra,o ltrhtaa cnat rBpeC rcoBemnC-- Rwbaehsgoee dsn aeoidrna: tt“ihMoen y f accotnF tcoherarunt m aist, OPCohNrrCtihsEtcmaawagsla’ isSnw,im srowaf naim ammlmileeor sstto w aga eqltku teaodr ttaehnred StrCikhirniAsgtB maO apVso Essew: iamt !the
bFlalazet s“cthpToaeoutskn cecosit lmhh eaaa vnne y rne orgieten sgndpieivocrenaandtt iietoohdnne: emrheaapecverheet isoneofgnffset arteotihdvf e en stoh l eoae sfx tfp oTlrefauosnmcuao-r, ppproeorinivoted do, f td oteh sbepe fi teaes thiivgeh s2toe,0arT0s, h0wc ehth oepi elr3ero, e0acd0ne s0 tesh isseoptminem c wotaanat-es.d (mSeoaern epd ap 4gic0et suf or7re, s8)
plans will be delayed by tion for the fact that grey skies and and led from the Hi-Tide COPPER
POLICE in a year. Tesco has not signed the rain, which started Inn to the beach by
Bridgend are investi- “Our understanding is final documents.” as a light drizzle, VictorDavies and THEFT
gating a suspicious Police in hunt and gradually got Chris Hughes – each
fire at Gorwyl Flats, heavier! with 45-plus swims to POLICEin Bridgend
Ogmore Vale at for attackers It was certainly theirname. are appealing for
S11u.n0d0aaym 8 - J4a.0n0upamry 2012 ££33..0000 aDlfafeilgrraefe“oettc I duetwe .amnixas dst bb eg esenrtlr2asoieir.uvtv31enee15ddld,a y d tm whedfalh liatob imtoceohrnhre-- PttCWihgOhaeartLst ititsI noRtCmgooE kaaa nsdap r,lEaaesv ciseena viounenlts- pdtheeecsTTictrhher edieeba y tfer wrldway oce a 2trssue0 umr ssel.aped sen tjc aistnwse e.a nre mwowflaanharii Wnlgsetd htenne ireh troth ethgtti a hredoarorane tedusnee an dw oolyd!afaf ,s fts ttobh h sryueen ettyo haiewrtea,r oaKVhavnteae e dS8lniers5 w v J!ittieshham temceem o rUoenaelsKnfd rio esd sft sew fotOrn oioetmkgn mtm tmhp raoaaaelrtrnrlett iiuib2nnn0neg ft.oWow craecem eusbntapu tiVDrieogideenl caw,epr ,mry fBo obapleeltetor wrwat1sny--,
Fthaen tdaasyti cin ccolumdpinetgi t‘iWonisn a av aWilaebdldei nogn aowatnfea d“Blsy T rI.hi,h ”duwa grntoDe knuiSfndlud lC tPlhayaIisDu sk l isnanMancoiidy-ado.oseonnnneet weuBanarrkAsliyn da3 oghs2wsoe-anuynu redlasats e.rbs d-ayo ii lltndaw ntmohtsea, nas rofoufrn PN naoeinnlwiygcoce ina nase tr tlwehe e iaHt hpdip ilirlene.a fclotiirno-gn –w aaPtnedrO t–h meL toirdIeeC tahtaE lno wM900AN(CJOONAN PTIAILNGUEE E4DD) csactaomoupAloespeunedln raa.trn gdep o aifpan mi neogxdu taenmntws aigvaoeesf
Dress’and ‘Win £500 worth of who was in the area at the he was walking home mation to contact APOLICE Inspector, who now lives in Contact Detective
Wedding Stationery’and many more. time or anyone who has from the town centre. Bridgend CID on 01656 Bridgend, has been jailed for 30 months Constable Rebecca
any information to con- The incident 679518 – or Crime and has been placed on the sex offenders’ Merchant at Bridgend
Pdleeataseils v oisnit twhew ewve.entte.Irfn yitoyuw pitrhel-orveeg.icsote.urk o fnolri nfuell tacBt ruisd.g”end CID can be o4c.3c0uarmre da nbde t5waemen and Stoppers, free and in rpeogrinsotegrr aapt hSyw oafnfesenac eCs.rown Court for child CCIrDim estoonpp ers1,0 1a,n onoyr-
the Bride or Groom goes for free!! contacted on 01656 the victim was treated confidence, on 0800 (SEE PAGE 27 FOR AFULLREPORT) mously, on 0800 555
679518. in hospital for a sus- 555111. 111.
2 - THE GEM www.bridgend-today.co.uk • Thank you for saying you saw it in The GEM Thursday, January 5th, 2012
P
MBE FOR
LOOKING BACK ON A YEAR OF
TURBULENCE, AND SUCCESS PORTHCAWL
FOR WORLD CITIZEN POWER
COUNSELLING
JANUARY2011 saw for greater parliamentary rep-
the start of the Arab WESTMINSTER resentation and were charged PIONEER
spring with uprisings NOTEBOOK by mounted soldiers with
in Egypt and Tunisia. sabres. More than 600 were
Tunisian President Zine al- Bridgend MPMADELEINE injured and 15 killed.
AAbrainbeia B, ethne An liin f lFedeb trou Saaruydi McoOluOmNn w frroitmes W aens temxcinlusstievre mweeTrneht etahnne,d ad tsrh inev oehwrisg, ohuf nc teohmset p polaof syfso-ioodn AwoPmOanR TwHhCoA WhaLs r3a0n. gAinllg h bavetew ceoemn p1le5t eadn da
HdEogowysnpnit ,aM as fuptebrreasr3iad0k ey nsetta eorpfsp iend sifoonrs aTcrhoess GthEe MMi.d dle East I focused on the MENA fgreoofrvo cerhmrna.mngeen.t Tchraecnk, eads dnooww,n t hoen bcoeuenn sae llpiniogn eienr tfhore tvweroEy-d ylweeaaisrn ta.c ousrasied,: at “Nthoe
power. and North Africa (the MENA). because here there were Any meeting calling for area, received the matter how many volun-
Mubarak had seen British Demonstrations in Syria, unarmed populations demon- reform was labelled as “an MBE in the New teers were available to
PMs from Wilson to Cameron Yemen and Egypt were strating and demanding greater overt act of treasonable con- Years Honours List. us, we were always over-
come to leadership through the repressed by military forces. freedom against ruthless spiracy”. The Manchester Edwina White, who whelmed by demand,
ballot box – but it was people In Libya, the disparate regimes happy to use their Guardian was founded to has lived in Porthcawl and that is still the case
ihiaspnmtsiaa m cTpTtnhe oadhd.ehs ieA oneir rwgdnep v oSrndoio-q.livfl cultebytsarar r oatzLeougo irwganbsihey hng taosw a tt ith banhlesro eo Mnrcuegaagdprhtcuthre gNmcotoorfa oo ndOCtvuitroroecpaondtlwsool a wib nolnb eefThta rlomic r cG bakThonr aro Bssmdituipr dtgoiaoiatohfdlif insteit h aha tau hlnepn pe dCldc a tdoo gnhpeuuaeelanniasntctnhreisyld. ppifcltieoorsmcen lOctsiis,ctis ut tef,atir ah znr ardeeet nlpn efypdrmrso o e.pmmoswusci es,lri ihrattt .o ac oaWrryfnty udtie hrst oe snon tesasroeeinutv d dpwpe -t ekiottroih-ll rFiMsgteii aopviEcAsnoee N snrsbit nAom oIo t o,P lne tokiah toc tk eohiaki sfeusu f tnispeoateorsvnr i twef st ooieinamnrrvtr gseIdce,r n o. iattn nhont hce t2theeh0r eatn1et;2n i,-t fdctachowooireruue a nncr5tdstso0oee w frllol ylinirneon, ag hfg r.er ster h csaseeeen rirdvvTv eiyicidc see E stt hlhitinoees ABOVE: Edwina tfrbhfoooeredfrara“ enaltGrt8hychr.0ehPa elrssrspeee, se rftorve. fwri crcahetehlsinsle t e aa moccccfoe ootnohuutuennarrltt
of Laurent Gbago, President of and ships. In November, Ali power – be they government, is an election. She told The GEM: White, who received “We get some funding
Ivory Coast, five months after Abdullah Saleh stepped down big business or media who In November of this year, “When I received the let- an MBE for services from the NHS, but finan-
he triggered a civil war when after 33 years as president of seek to abuse their power. we will be called upon to ter in November, I to counselling. cially it has always been
losing an election. Yemen after months of fight- This year has brought suc- directly elect a Police and thought it was the tax- a struggle. We could do a
The news that Osama Bin ing in the streets and many cess as citizen power has Crime Commissioner for each man! In fact, Edwina did great deal more with
Laden had been killed by US deaths. brought changes to NHS police force in the UK. “I was absolutely tell her three children, more funding.”
Special Forces in May To end the year, December reforms, the role of the Chief These new commissioners astonished when I but they were sworn to A while ago, the
shocked the world. April was brought an outbreak of sectari- Coroner and union negotia- will almost certainly come opened it, and keeping secrecy and no-one else Porthcawl Counselling
not a good month for those an killings in Iraq after tions and strikes have brought from the political parties, as quiet about it was very in her family knew. Service changed its
wpSMSbmusdarpi–waSmeeunarseueeehogeiceltmtdrrnpapMIJnahoonuuibb n nuitmrtgdt c tonrse ihi dnatossmiaiirBhsmndoeeatnc y era.oiyedse sitw aig, ntbpnruwdt l .dwoih rJ fi ceo mr a mBctaorumabaew rawtattars lseadtyoriisiyacn eeo leynhn. aarl,siermtdrn s ettr lwsoeA.sl aisa ss et ptrwrTormi so ta ueatcyntaow ul hhsgpdp,aogus r r eaoauqreeroonbapree rnsr csud sit yBoets antadiiieerRa ls snttrones gialre itirSuclatc avsedvno e aetaenrytpdteedsvkseih dir,ot ma pedoaiiee tpnnarotnh dieentu rdeehtn-lomea-r ATrAtttTtriAotgtEsiiihehchhcnieimroushnon emrfgeeeegoeeatnIregsn s i yew kv mesdbeto, ilhs,ir dthioaever ni ni,bo xaoLsoi eennynane ,cel vtmvSaru. lgdofnte hanrleesoitenya ,c,ta annhe u snrrgtaiwrftcnw fd ti innhio tltuaiuicntat r oatn eieclhk hegtogst,tiswlmrs u hhe ne eolo t p ta vsphe nt sgiaovppcrbahnen tile y o eoslU o eodbado s oifs mrlnMnlnenr y wfaenK yempdt ont lpgmitnmyttiBthEe.fdnhhhyteta c rohiWeN ueertrelre enaoan ydinew ne ang ANzdw ese rhtdtdiriag e,ior adyetH ts elohnaw thhrlr ,ev?leovramai d Seer.oilpocsci vged noatetnkiw-sa,hntgnn-,--e.-- iccstqwhnittaDtM8menoohthhnuao0rroa eaaavdaet,BvaspNPWAr u0 nnnt,se cPasore tril0otcgg oco mhodphiteoifa0htteoeeov oetn ee panla enesspune anolscaildrdr. slonmeen sc a nntcolt oeIht r o etemHhdgwa itfem.fafhorrnoee nnuoe ethauea csoi dtMatl dmgdnownv,tsh tn d ecoo lhpescessAitatd mrg t tharoo,th sobbr h erMuepe tifsaIaawyeosphkt g pannthTesr rEueeeicudipgeod neoannistarNs meeru r h,eonesrttdp ost Aht iilfssdteee1,oiiorepo s encme ami8basnl, rSt lnb ercsdra1eueblooqai iaekges9thgbeunutltrei.erlehl-n-oasnesrtrdn.,ee ottsPoanNwtpanwitihihunnclnfoonoooaloieer ga lnlldtBnlATW1es vplyli icd- baes ttd9caheoy tbpieha iste e chmaoolr pheopaip.e ioietnrunbh otelarnna bpcfaiidew o anec dctefstpoitstiivetmi .an uirihvceiolhtim.leelniy ciem inl.le tal aBd fphi iea trctt enplcuu,a ,ero wiuh l lisrpcinaSrdera seat.iotaooleii ec sorninsnsmltgmrleodtu ,ocghigti psenc eaote ree aa h aveeepra nnm gnnoroe idpon Weatnidsbfwit rilsdouse tfe eieeaeoau a c,gtssrsc hdlrins eeri soeanh to ,atdnlir’s mthlgenasprcoeeltai cveighaaerrtan-tdyel-indgec-- BaaCaotidhniArhtnCfRhe eftsABe hiagM IcaLaaeHrDreuBld liinPawlBrFdtGt eIyr.efarg”rAOoc iEayPOoABedhsrdsgnN, oi RyettOEw2dINyhoDn - pekdeRoY4I lA K rL fa.MaS1F e Tpirnl8oayeeLCn ’t oaniYhorApisnnleg 1act‘mEhfichmrcieoanhciCe ohm o9eefede eese cslnluu7idIWSawtpppu nn onothvrn0l h hlcttclindaeipshpstaa newhnatin,vwe f eeeeall ia sa ctfsdr emlonholhc iiaielea r seftp piiosadsdsielsheewncldshlllt uatid ,ldseeh aghahs :teton,.Ebt., ’ i rt e e h“wrsotrtads kahieeLacenfhcbthwhwledlastoos a ktle roatrts rihuitwaaa, wnid ne. i,rbwstwn rtgr ia istpt,oe ,tcno eq, Aeae hccerc Ihso d.rsukoo to ae se hhk s abiumutmp r Anhhea lovuilllinngdyddaeeeeaaa--ftt nCopoeostbbwsPhfcsoraoioxuifaatreooomhefh ia sumpctrEESdimudom netcnaapo:hhnddo ergce u snlaife cswwp haa hyne“ snde iaterielW e niiswhyl newltnnnrla i hec e inVetataa ilnii aehoddr. g iynnrsi”g enn e wof:aaco.tsvt fe, e’ aroot n, m“oeoteo er awm sIrleul rgTen rvestistlMndhesr o adoeyrrdt ed eativa m oui chnSaasv tpmvil.to pagteciet eertoe krutooes een ocl edEecStnmrv a tscepeea o clhcehuutittiglaetili.dohonneeeess--llt,
Christmas, as the who donate books on GP, Dr Richard Jenkins, leagues and clients, and I
almost every subject about the need for doc- really do feel that this
under the sun. tors to be able to refer award is for everyone
people for counselling, who has been involved
Victorians knew it We would be most
and that led to the start with this counselling
grateful, therefore, if of the Porthcawl service. I have accepted
you could draw atten- Counselling Service.” it on their behalf.
VISITORSfrom tion to our appeal for That service started “It has been a great
Bridgend county bor- books in the Glamorgan with five volunteers, privilege to see coun-
ough and further GEM. seeing clients in a room selling develop as a serv-
afield joined in the Donations can be in St Clare’s School, and ice. There was a time
Victorian Christmas handed in at the YMCA, also in Trinity Church. when the widespread
themed weekend at Angel Street, Bridgend, Over the last 15 years, attitude was ‘pull your-
Children mastering their circus skills. Bryngarw House and on weekdays from 9.am the service has grown, self together’but now it
Country Park in to 5pm. with the number of is an essential part of
Thank you for Brynmenyn Arrangements can be counsellors doing volun- mental health treat-
Bridgend. made for larger quanti- tary part-time work ment.”
WchEhialvde renH’osrs e pgubilfict hsouse, gBrreiTadhtg ese unwcdec Ceeksoseu nfnodtr ywas a tdoiinoaenb swl ooh,n ep ejlualetgedg slvipenilgno,nc tiihnpege,de EsCtnohcrryios utomnft aehsro sww teo alul ilVndig ch ttaohvreeian t(tieBelser iptdohg oebnnei dnc ogal:rl-ee ac toednly) by H(IUGNTHILTJIADNEUATRIYM1E2)S
received a Coychurch, as a result Borough Council’s and balloon modelling. played out in the house. 0845 833 9582 – or e- The high tides listed in this week’s GEM are
huge dona- of the community ral- Healthy Living Service, During the weekend, The highlight was the mail: bookfair@brid- those in Porthcawl. It should be remembered
tion of presents from lying around and with more than 1,000 storytelling sessions main man himself – gendlions.org.uk that along the coast, high tide times will vary.
Bridge FM, which donating within a visitors in attendance were a great success at Father Christmas – who HENRYTRIMLETT For instance, in Barry, the high point
have kindly been two-day period. each day taking part in Bryngarw House, with made an appearance on (Book Fair committee will be 20 – 25 minutes later.
donated by various These presents have a number of Christmas actors from Chance both days. chairman)
odmwreiagltTihnavh ynewe ripssheeaedo oth ipbaoarlynvee se u w. c sbue etr oewrneonrtk- atCwnhlahhsetoio elC dbwtarheiereelntln f t’tr osdhe yoeHlsenn ot aodmt ieosedst,he tmeori- frotrraeipadmppCdeooisihrtl rtiyisteolu uddancnrc.aheitltni yavf ashitt ioaisre gdwesr n,tio hnjiuoteg nywdas PcrOaLshI CEoFnin vaNesotvitgeamatibneglr a f1ca3ta lr hroaaavdesknhAown s patohkaetp stwhoep mPaeneu gesaoati dml: ot“oIrt cairs D000567A T TF ShEraui tr T A000im7M68...3e51 410 H M t 999 . ..766 TP 121M9i09m...4 21 e7 69 H M 999..t.443
homes within the bor-
ly experiencing diffi- ough. boats and a cup and renewed an appeal for informa- was being driven along Cemetery 08 Sun 08.44 9.5 21.00 9.1
cultie. We would like to saucer ride, as well as tion. Road into Tramgarth, towards the 09 Mon 09.16 9.3 21.31 8.8
dCMehTeliirhvltdeehryryee rhnda’M stv oHea CwaolamrsroRet f,boraeeelden, ethmoxe aplepkrveeeed sras y a caonh ndhiel ud dwg’osehn otahtaedn ktso ctedhlvuaeecFs rkcsr aoi.pcnco cospitnusau llaalts nrs, d hhi noyPco halkuinn ddaei anthsg,e jTmuraneTtcmehtliegyo a n5ri pnthomc,fi d aWeQnnuditla dirmnorvceiocllllul,av r eardRet dotaw apdoap tv rwoetihxhtiihe-- jdaupennp“cT rtosihoaoencu h tmwhinoi tgtha otl rhQocneyu gcsa alremQr eweull aajaurs R rnebcoletaliaidon n.g R. Troiahdde- 111W102h i T lWTeu hTeeuhsdr e G E M 101 019m...2a054k51e s e v e r898y.. .20e7f f o r t t o 22 2c322h..e.204c22k2 t h e 788...851
Bridgend. Christmas very spe- Victorian characters cles – a silverPeugeot 206 and a blue collision occurred as the Peugeot accuracy of tide tables, we recommend that anyone
We have also cial. from Pick ‘n’Mix Yamaha DT125cc motorcycle. entered Quarrella Road.” putting out to sea, or walking in an area where they
received anotherhuge Karen Powell Circus, entertained with The motorcycle was being ridden Anyone with is asked to contact the could be cut off, should always check with a tide table
donation of presents Mental Health Matters their circus skills, by Adam Lee (19) who sustained roads policing unit on 01656 655555, specific to their location.
from The White Wales including demonstra- fatal injuries. or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
E-Mail Contacts:[email protected] • [email protected] • Tel [phone] www.facebook.com/gemnews
Published by: Glamorgan GEM Ltd., 53 Eastgate, Cowbridge. CF71 7EL. Printed by NWN Ltd. www.twitter.com/gem_news
Thursday, January 5th, 2012 www.facebook.com/gemnews • www.twitter.com/gem_news THE GEM - 3
P
Porthcawl author
LEFT:
Back row: Ellie Fry,
group manager – raises the bar
regeneration, BCBC
and Ian Jessop, Kall
Kwik South Wales. with his new book
Front row (left to
right): Anthony
Williams, United BOOK REVIEW
Graphic Design, Coun
by PHILIP
Mel Nott, Wynne
IRWIN
Evans, Dr Jo Farrar,
Gareth Bray, chair-
R O B E R T
man of BBFand
MINHINNICK has
Alison Hoy, vice chair
of BBF. been Porthcawl’s
most prominent
author for some
The Bridgend Business Forum’s time now – with a
back catalogue
including collec-
festive lunch is beyond compare!
tions of his poetry,
prize-winning
books of essays and
MORE than 100 local busi- were Gareth Bray, chairman, and polemics, and one
ness people attended the Alison Hoy, vice chair of the novel (Sea Holly)
Bridgend Business Forum’s Bridgend Business Forum, Coun Mel which was shortlist-
Cy-hMriwstsmtwars lHunoctehl , atC tohyec hCuorecdh-, NMCooautytn,o rl Meoafad rBelerr indoegf e TnBhdCo CmBoCaus,n, ttyah neBd o DrDoepur ugJthyo, ePdr ifzoer. the Ondaatje ABOVE:
Bridgend.
Farrar, chief executive of BCBC. He has followed this The cover of
Guest speaker at the lunch, organ- Coun Mel Nott, said: “This event with his second novel, The Keys of Babylon.
ised by Bridgend County Borough has been thoroughly enjoyable and The Keys of Babylonand
Council (BCBC), was Wynne Evans, extremely well organised and I am – whether it finds its way
the Welsh tenor, who is also famous proud of BCBC staff’s commitment onto any literary prize RIGHT:
for his role as the flamboyant ‘Gio and hard work.” shortlist or not – it is a Robert Minhinnick.
Compario’in the Go Compare TV definite step up from his
adverts. The event was sponsored by first novel. who has walked through
Wynne entertained guests at the Bridgend Business Forum members In this book, we meet the desert for a better life
lunch by recalling his rise to fame Business in Focus, United Graphic 12 characters, and as in America, and she talks
from humble beginnings, working at Design and Kall Kwik South Wales. they say on the X-Factor about her life in a home
the Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen, right The Mayor’s charities were also and Strictly, they are all for the elderly in
through to his recent collaboration represented at the event and more on a journey. Arizona.
with Andrew Lloyd Webber on the than £611 was raised for the Mayor’s All but one of these Nothing dramatic
25th anniversary celebration of Civic Charity Appeal Fund characters have travelled happens but the story of
Phantom of the Opera. 2011/2012 in aid of The Stroke to a foreign country in how her good nature and together..”
He ended with a heart-warming Association Bridgend and District search of a better life. kindness helps her to get The problem for me
special Christmas carol for the Stroke Group, Glaze Prostate Charity We meet Albanians by is really quite mov- was the word ‘momen-
Bridgend Business Forum guests, to Wales at The Princess of Wales working in London, an ing. tous’. It overhangs the
the tune of the Go Compare adverts. Hospital, Bridgend and Bridgend ABOVE: Argentinian working in We meet a cynical book and suggests some-
Among the dignitaries at the event County Riding for the Disabled. Wynne Evans entertains the guests. New York, and a Polish green activist who was thing dramatic is on the
girl in Bridgend at the there at the start of the way.
It’s My Shout at centre Decorating is time of the ‘Bridgend movement, and who is a I remember thinking
suicides’, trying to make more than touch embit- that there was no good
of an awards ceremony a piece of cake senTshe eo f it all. exception, tbeerceodm, fee elcionrgp othraatt ei t ahnads rtoeagseothne r,t o abnrdi ngI thweams
because no foreign trav- has been swallowed up dreading something naff
AcaeprGperRmeAnotnDicyUe fsAo arTnIdON wasenicdtMth oCiarn un stlakhtguieler laidsnl cbdSoyuku siCntlrlcrysei.,l a tfthiovere THE sfpeoakrer aCt theoitMyutto nW. TheI Li!nk erubilnie rdiddse w ri mnatvthacoenh l viinnewgfdl h,u oeipsn ocacse ot mmmofaae rnas- bbwyuh sAoign otehvsaestw.r nisoCm mbaenaans’ntte dia mnodnaf g!robinimge ttsJahuakemlyimn e7g .a Llplo lagncedeto tin–n gs buoucnsh tohanes
eoASccbSbhTsSdCRaGESPotfzirpneeifmeecieifhucahyouoor mlprel eclsAF5eoermlgheodvs toeesottsppcaR7touxehe, ouecshe bup att rnnpilrr ahrrdhooriemcotte ponr atpe dr e B arrP f Das’aSpowlmg,,ayseevpn‘ tn,erurlg wSaPCdIaaea teeiataae it reor trten kSr lsirncnnirakoeiabtt’sorn ccdeviiroannsetmsefindylntBoe ateetk llc ,is y tae itgsly tWcns tmMhesieteh uilaCa,sa,bh hgdonvia rnhs epp vwlesWore ’eoWel eea ryoiFpss,e p Fieunl t phWd eep lisiarareauvlagGsunveieeseahanl -anleluhnsteeetnsdcleerd tnodeir lslrda,eo- scoits.ettbdtn,shvf,a-hndydele. peatirnmteii eovapRsp e‘s ls liooIptaenrtygne o ’gcmWsAeadnae r kgMeBiarc nineBleuOne rytmlsu sgt iVwku,Snr o irranEo lhnaetltrheslos: yk telui.uffhln loo ctteodr’irrn u,cfe ges--, titfwavmtaiNCAACCMsepCVMCahniinrcntmbeacoaowaoooraanredcuhwednrleentlEAemrtsll legptunseenms uillc.udn rtl mpo eell m sisahuandrt eCdreoCettggn ocrneniioym aarsppreyoe pooeeeia oadisobre nd’aal eemsna, etspflhlo fyrre arci rs lottrsoti Ce vCOi,thye seunoc,trFnB pn trr s Aeegacaeoaeomdtat apwr , ri ;Chnhvr2er swâfa d toba ieMsdlme si,eidnGe0dndwanirnt e oli i v h Chi1gal mtrfafrdaasarTancW ,hdue,feya2e awn,pyor lasW hi icnvensin,adcGn,p leelnggoe turaed edgnunvircweeatioarolglsiehe,dlo,leskwntntlttwysnuderodnrmu .ghtai-r- terhnabs--arlel NCSdwoswrwtbCmCTtotaiWBtdhhhrke rfeteryeehheooipDDeec eeeeaHiaieltrrzhelmaruviler ymivhteuleetleefasgiiiiai ie rs yeiccs sv, sotsadbnehFncy am.aitn eou eenam eeftphmWcteiel m‘rdng uisnlsrsdebArasr nJ ashig CtsalddtioebkegaI.alehttm ieeas ypmf i arvrhenr eruds ‘howenC-eoratcappr vetdsmsn oiddeaeurliaadhrtesisife,ss’ndsa htkeieon ras remt crowa,–ts csso eteumird eoirbcntisstuwo .fdsehtnce irNrtehyaaa’tcirdmglmeeadhdanh eelsanawo irRet t o,dfebgelatlete b ilitiiiain oeesdytpontynohcrancnsfg-se ctwdrDJnBtpB‘WtrnpcfmpfCrehororeeaaaareureuroheooruTI- easirriaeonywAlirtdcsxetsiemeemdoeeds lhgnt tseereaitar et ewayyl, egrpnemideos s emsartnren tt eMse . ar e.fW cfh h snaE–etpsbtbgn loa ashpedhsereenr al,r vedrcgtIdt aesv e eeeraorioMhtaFa,ee,sancsmmi wwiyn fnn otcamwc rmekbcb laeachndtsesteie PPeoeehoef ohr h ,e sndo. ao rwu oooecnxoyon ees c tidnbnhrnlpre e gdctfa aiaeahPTiai agece snirayttsslnntntni’ao qglo eoh i hivh nsetggdhopoeadseiiilueheuedennng a if ,redttt we-iefrnggulon,-deadpes- wtntgettdlpswatihpwrhHchahohnhetarhiaeriieelhooropetiva sseecypareysdSRTIaw tolrvueeihfrt, a . lepdrop’ho utas ‘ oinyo hr simmiott I r,ciornt,wbtdwn weet s euiuwmotf fpd aelat o evitr naiasilrwhlentokrossrentiap1io inha tcnyrsoa tdoer rn nhw d2yycd fa h adgswosu c ro,uu tl na ani sso usamoesentoracrspn wd Mrshtar r a uglerhkaco ate n vseawehklohsrn’nhen ksaiilno ioha ,reninrda r diayyfe htvtucdsyse y tyu.hee r sb ai erowratstoarsmtrtlai.iooiuohlam,dmhosl nag ncul,i f tomn t leb atrtnut h ae mhiriykgaerStecnioio.ittath n rnucecaheehooutniinrisondkhndgann.aeaeesf-ft,, CdswAhhdNskelrortacsThlhweeeipeinahreeenaaoreanmaemeaecrasrredssa owETTsrv vdigta tivpd r n-,ebhmhiliahhem ee natefsoynigreettahcisbeirrfoc l hiaattsn e ss ft-ophli ce otlunke he, rsn elnp ausca yoo dnnroaeoee oerg eanacnsipofRsgd lntstwclfn u’a a r edeeul e emgthwsuyi eslrsn oite srrnttltwiaenohpids caerioroeefan hw ghn,aine sukr dnr ut ntgtelavsatg oitroiahj n romisg.hertnsriue s,n eeeo nae o ‘ etgdvp s1et ebrhotFannn, dtio ei,aea2 w ob n eifdt ,ceb,pnlnttu s hm owygkie l oho.rru tnalssaok s hsoubveootth.estt nuaphehhioobnuretk waislodpndeeeaeaes-rr--tlt,. ilderanirowsoothCYicaditssheeorfhuonnnoaav o a rewwfeinyvatt ewieIIRTsnauo ah hatgnf. rh asea e’h r n hht iaoW trter rbthrntet hecidtdrsafh sriooSAag arosieaat talnsneeustnoKlene o dln tnsdl deart tl rkalwnimoife ehtaos,posistns’or otof y ur,e awsm.nuhhsege ttinesnnwaehyhhshwmee wa d te m gosaaoidbhivoh ad hr sooetftttowa ief o G iehatlpenl csfsmcr tlemet ueso tBa–.ihroe.a fr qosl pe reofet wvemeao .Hut a o sarSds iebnWetos ‘mctbtwtoetl lswoiy hiYa hhtuoltare onloimhgeheg.eeeeilooonnei ngtunarraeae’tiindkhugnesssssrrr-ttttt,
since July 2010. better equipped with the for their apprentice prayers written on theirautumn plough- author’s voice. blurb on the back cover. but Robert Minhinnick
The apprenticeships necessary skills for towards their wages them, were created by man's supper. In this book, you get It reads: “Then, on the clearly has affection for
are a way of ensuring securing employment from the Welsh Margaret Evans, Mary The AGM is on simpler characters who same hour on one his.
Government’s Youth Poland, Elaine January 25 in Coity don’t talk that way. We momentous day, he They are all hard
Would you like an honest, reliable, Recruitment Programme. Shepherd and Ann Church Hall at 7.30pm. meet a Mexican woman draws the characters workers who deserve a
affordable, police checked Simon Dancey said: break, and you get the
CLEANER “The graduation ceremo- MP backs ‘Breaks for Kids’ scheme feeling that he would
for your home. ny was a great way to have liked to give each
Typically £10.50 per hour inc. celebrate the success of of them a happy ending.
•• DInasiulyr,a wnceee kplryo, veitdce.d. ‘aIst ’tsh Mat yo fS ah onuutm’abse rw oefll BMRaIdDelGeiEneN MD oon is encoMurP- vtiaetsi vfeo rw thayems .t oY HcrAeatbee loiepvpeosr tiutn iis- wit“hT thheeyir o sfcfehro uopl otor y5o0u pthe rg creonutp o.f reaIln litfhee tehnadt , giot t isi no nthlye
• All dTomIeMsticE cleaFniOng Rund eYrtaOkenU. oeCmtrhepearlto iavypeep rArse pinnpt irmceenastk iacinnegsdh tihpe agrgoinugp s sicnh tohoel caonndst ityuoenucthy rpaeneaodlp llylee a rihmna vpaeto rtththaeen stc ahmtahnea ctt eim atloel agyseo tt uhoneuygt ttihinoecn o cmfooesrt hoyofo uufsoneoghd op laednosdp lsaeoc cfrotohmmatm lotohdweay-- waTy.h e Keys of Babylon
DOMESTIC CLEANING SchFeomr efu ar trheearl iitny.f”orma- thoe lpse et hehmow wtihthe tYhHeiAr nceawn dweivlle cloaprr ysk tihllesm a nthdr ocuognhfi dtheen cree stth oaft cthaeni rt akyeo uptahr t hino sat evlsis itw tioth o nteh eoifr iSse rpeunb lBisohoekds ,a tB £r8id.9g9e nbdy,
01656 [email protected] tion on how to get ‘Breaks forKids’scheme. their lives. school or group. and is available from
01443 625019 Miskin, Nr Cowbridge i2n0v4o4lv 1e9d5, teemleapihl:one 029 She commented: “YHAwant to “YHAare offering bursaries so More information can be found galosood f robmo oSkUsShSoEpDs,, Jaonhdn
www.timeforyou.co.uk [email protected] help young people in the con- that as many young people as pos- on www.breaksforkids.co.uk, or Street, Porthcawl
stituency and are working on inno- sible have the chance to travel by telephoning 0800 652 4885.
4 - THE GEM www.facebook.com/gemnews • www.twitter.com/gem_news Thursday, January 5th, 2012
P
Hundreds
TREK AND CLIMB IN AID OF ALZHEIMER’S.
Student Nick makes
brave swim
New Year resolution
challenge
...to conquer Kilimanjaro!
REPORTby TIM CHAPMAN
INTREPID 22- dementia support pro-
year-old student fessionals to help those
Nick Smith is to living with the condi-
tion and a Dementia
climb Africa’s Community Roadshow
highest mountain that will travel around
in February – to the UK raising aware-
raise funds for ness of the condition.
“The roadshow will
the Alzheimer’s also encourage people
charity. worried about their
He will be the only memory to visit their
Welshman in a group of GP.”
ABOVE: 24 people aiming to Kilimanjaro is a dor-
Chris Parry of Bridgend with four Australian friends, who discov- conquer the 5,896 mant volcano located in
ered that Porthcawl in December is not much like Bondi Beach. metres of Kilimanjaro one of Tanzania’s
for the Alzheimer’s national parks.
(CONTINUED many different genera- so farout, actually in Society and Alzheimer’s Nick explained that
FROMPAGE 1). tions of the same fami- line with the break Scotland. he had personal reasons
Among the swim- ly taking to the sea, water, that this would Nick,who lives in for wanting to make the
mers were four male with many in fancy deter some swimmers Dinas Powys, told The trek. effect that Alzheimer’s will be helping more ABOVE:
vwCB“wcoiIrohhs n“iiuordtdtIoil hg isdrteo wi tsnouh afendgirprns;hoe p Pkmth Cr aee gthrArtchurehriuay,aiee sst sty t etr ss taa hftlieihedooalyefft:, dmssft“reiwOrnoeaeAi,gmndms iscenI .et a igh tn Csaea ed gosnslSuafwlpd.ltri eorni imdcokn, tuueg iwcords oipne,n m escgs hrmaa saatriohvidrotneee:-l fwntashronoaoert“Hdlm s kH hheb asi touapwoptwdca pitkkedmthevheienentmedi ”srgs: ,.ece “ryoattWsel.hh’ laeeaerc st ht pliowooodnpnniidlges-l GaabhreineeEmsdtletpM“ e atitMrhnor: cegw yhhi rite,f to lufhpp anf r mduodsenvurimaldifidfi eesenesinren etlwgiriavs webiyll ithdimwnaisgvop““t er TIdooe irhhssfstu saiaemsifvnan fecstyeg e hr tw r.oeaa ed rinlmti adntfyte reid o vsibemsseebe sv cidtleah itrutihyassete- hfiKaale sayhir s,l“Ieu i, Ecrm wg,na aeaobric lentumlh r jtj ska uos arntasroleoatns plowwdoe nI- tif tbhl rthltoaie haeakioetnrce s dItsf t ueasuar.mpfs ,-- pddhmeeot/tomnNpYpao:ie/lctun/eekw t cTlibwiaarvy.enw. ek”v . dKjiwusoiisenlttiliagmln tigweavinintjhga.rcoo WwNMehicloosku hoi wnnwfm i t2ilF allK4l ne b ibb pleieiren mu cot lahapaimr elngey jb.or aoinrnuolgyp
homesick when I been grateful to all help us to make gener- How Auld Lang Syne
reminded them that who supported our ous donations in the
tehnejyo yicnogu lad thoatavlel yb deeifn- sbwerim o–f anpdeo tphlee nwumho- Ncheawr iYtieeasr. to the swim’s replaced Dydd Calan in
ferent swim in turned up was fantas- “Ourmain benefici-
Australia.” tic. ary this yearwill be the New Year celebration
The swim is a truly “I was concerned Wales Air
family event with that with the tide being AmTbhuel aswncime” .committee THE observation of a New would splash the house dwellers with
RECYCLE TREES chairman, Nicola Year on January 1 dates the water using the twigs in order to
Willis, said: “As a back to 153 BC, during the receive money.
FOR CHARITY small committee, we rule of the Romans. Before this Traditions like these are no longer
are delighted the way celebrated date was set, March 25 in practice in our modern world, as
RCbsltcBB(otrfoihoeBiuleordhrocicrtHinE Cn yiernoraa dtco iogBh ugllsgSutmw eiu o tgCsne cmiieg Ihgtntnio)hrbhh,ni.a eDl dom oale isl ieotsu d nticEn hmes atcftertreoCe eth sieCNwdrirxds ov aeco ceo csaeunkrhTvrouu n aiaeenelst atnlnrcSriupicebeorbgaytauciyeynse’---lltl tmTedt2mpwMNNM–ahidae i0ohieiaedau rlwyn.neBwilk o y.rii astr hCeormonrbyT i besrfud eBthcu eret’ca esdhseChme Gtsu A ,r wseep aCe Ltcl m ild/ewh llsinaAhw eYot imei rcasnZanilbdxB olilroa sEal Jte iylb knn ttlabtw eirlypieeewdonenPea cay yc enugcArtr clyoeriy a otopmoaonlfcirshllopansif lytlees i treate y cn£nheh 9itacttt3annodgneee---l. wetsbsmseectpdsihpawwdvnruremeaotaeeo dp““isi ionwncmmenvoihaITannt yte nkradorao m ce . issvt wfe t tesnwu eoheedts aaw dachr rheao tlybhgssh sehbtlaus, e a e ovey lsaaeiti wda soenentnon hwoc msaed d mthuewrrsiihf els,lvm uceoo ipnaui gac ikpsourkd ’mceot selgpfiny eushoen aoestc eodsao t hnfrara hulekstutitssilraoooerrs----l.,, uPOcprlalpaat aw iinwtayh Kn pdelen aAi yMaertrroosrn hsfr riSso,o m Dnt gPaOhneeunierclsao trH.edo mlwReFallCs : wnaDfnlnysbetuhiudnaieeiraacgonrsomatlITTykarihustrtpgoe, i hh yetg mlta v uwdeibee cwhohsenrbdd ooetfa eaeda dce n nstaf‘ std iacot tbJhds nheaautat naui.hgeorr tbudsnoore eo e asPnuetN nu en Nibroa iwmg niuetterrpseth hgywnidahhaewwnet tsn et i gGth at Yl G1yoth sefYo cr e e1r u bgeob aeec fa7lgroeonguaalbrni5o von.rrlsosce2cm riihdgri lydu ei’Nws o.ahtetl,n ha honlroehowtutae n wefipecctcdh dce at khi ohu b Bclf. Yneates hoeronstw e irgOop wttda itahtemaranbhhnairas’rneeeeesss-tt, mrcwLSlooanytLaheenupoecaasopeoldaorewnnAGTte rlr r n takgebthee tthwcu ac os i r aihiostStrhea suenrhhahnis dtyselrm enete ccu,P a nlH d dstooyrepdoeshdiye fmo t .t-,rseow emr tftgtihmwtoopehoarnihmboa lkrytc-gh.eeh tosmd ae ahii stN lnwa lcno eNb p aotghfea atleanefoelh w nyrc r teeiowr.eeemhtsot ir wY gee miinictsmgs Yosdeh ottl e,iroaoionee ne kla reddnaci ltacdn g xhor kaentui,olhreclon tousidwitiseracfdtwco,n ipeo ninsknfn.ynw atm rd giaegTodafo ifilaao,trmaoMn hn hrAorhryrfgi .y uas isoouttt r nv ihhhoultieitidondeeeesssr-t
to charity. Charity Wales, the ing down on us, on a to make way for a new beginning. eerie stories, and has its own tales of
They are being asked Bridgend and District day that saw more peo- for campaign On New Year’s Day, children from ghosts who enjoy making their pres-
to call the council’s main Stroke Club and ple in the water than our early world would dance from ence known around the time of
01656 643643 number at Bridgend County Riding most summer bank house-to-house, singing songs before Christmas and the New Year.
least one day before for the Disabled. holidays”. EIGHT-year-old playing such a vital part noon – collecting gifts such as coins, The mysterious sound of church
Orla Galton from in helping Orla to fight apples and sweets. If they failed to bells has been heard ringing out into
Who wants to build Bridgend, has taken and recover from complete the singing before midday, the darkness at midnight from an
leukaemia. they would be labelled as fools. invisible place of worship, sending
on a massive chal- “At this seasonal time The ‘first footing’tradition at the shivers down the spines of its witness-
what and where? lenge – to recruit of giving presents, her stroke of midnight gave the belief that es.
150 blood donors – courage and bravery the first person to enter through the One legend maintains that the bells
after she benefited will remind our regular door would bring good luck for the from a forgotten church are rung out
Mr Darren Lewis – Land adj 2 J PProperty Maintenance – Land off from countless donors that blood dona- year ahead. by legendary religious inhabitants
Bridgend Road, Aberkenfig – New Street, Pantygog, transfusions during tions are very special In Wales, Dydd Calan was celebrat- from a bygone era. But who could
Change of use of land to garden use Pantycymmer – Reserved matters gifts – and will help us ed from dawn to dusk. Young boys these people be, and why would they
and erect 6ft wall in block. application for 2 no. dwellings. her fight against to motivate new and would carry a cup or jug of water with want to perform this deed in a place
Mrs Sarah Harries – 28 Gorslas, Mr G Tainton – Land at and adj to leukaemia. lapsed donors to make twigs from evergreen trees, and visit that has no relevance to our traditions
North Cornelly– External ramp (with Gwalia House, Dyffryn Road, On December 29 at that life-saving choice to houses around their neighbourhood today?
dwarf walls and handrails) and new Maesteg – Change of use of the Welsh Blood Service give blood.” whilst singing. Mischievously, they The 19th Century bridge in Moor
fardoanptt ieonnt.rance door and shower room odfwfiecleli/nstgo raangde abluteirldatiinogn ttoo 2re sniod.e nbtieadl cpllianyiecr isn f rToamlb oPte Gncroeeedn, Bridgend Bridge Club Locacnuer reisn ckens,o wannd faot r miitds nisguhpte ran ahteuarda-l
Mr and Mrs Turley – Maes yrHaf, RFC joined friends and less horseman has been seen thunder-
Heol Yr Ynys, Bridgend – New curtilage. family to kick off the RESULTS of the Bridgend Beard and Liam Sheridan; ing across it before disappearing at the
access off highway to accomodate 2 Mr S Denny – 8 Vernon Street, campaign and become Bridge Club on Wednesday, third, Graham Jones and blink of an eye.
no. parking spaces. Bridgend – Loft conversion with official life-savers! December 21 were: first, Glyn Williams. Could this chilling image be a reen-
Mrs B Lewis – The Old Police dormer window. Dr Geoff Poole, Alan Grant and Sheila In addition to the regular actment of an unforeseen tragedy from
House, Maesteg Road, Tondu – Mr TJones – Greenacres Bungalow, Director of the Welsh Storer; second, Dave club nights on Wednesday the structure’s distant past, or just
Retention of constructed retaining Bridgend Road, Newton– Change of Blood Service said: “It Barwood and Jane Brook; and Friday evenings at 7pm another misjudged figment of imagi-
wall, reduction of ground level and use of land to cattery and erect 3 no is wonderful to see Orla third, David Bowen and in Nolton Church Hall, there nation? Myth or legend? Only you
erection of 1.2m and 1m timber fence. sheds. so fit and well. I feel David Crompton. are now lessons for beginners can decide...
Mr B Robertshaw – 24 Coychurch Mr and Mrs M C John – 3 Vale View, very proud of our December23: first, Irene on Wednesdays at 2.30pm HAYLEYWILLIAMS
Road, Pencoed– Provision of exter- Cymdda, Sarn– Side and rear two donors and staff at the Thomas and Jenny and improvers on Fridays at [email protected]
nal lift and ramp. storey extension. Welsh Blood Service for Vaughan, second; John 7.30pm.
Thursday, January 5th, 2012 www.facebook.com/gemnews • www.twitter.com/gem_news THE GEM - 5
P
Ted celebrates 100th
LEFT:
Standing
(left to
right): birthday in style
Bethany
Lewis,
Sam
Burns,
Shanice
Stokes
and
Courtney
Ball.
Sitting
(left to
right):
Shaylee
Stokes,
Hannah
Ball, Avril
Butler,
Cerys
Hurley
and
Nicole
Bennet. A LOCAL man ment and staff of Picton Ted with members of his family and the
completed his cen- Court. Mayor of Porthcawl, Coun Barbara Stubbs,
Young lantern makers tury just before Ted was also visited and consort Bill Stubbs, who presented
Christmas, and was by the Mayor of him with a bouquet on behalf of
the centre of atten- Porthcawl, Coun Barbara Porthcawl Town Council.
light up their village tion at his home in Stubbs, and her consort
Bill, who presented him Reportand pictures
Porthcawl. with a bouquet on behalf byKEITHEMORGAN.
Ted (Edward) Davies, of Porthcawl Town
AGROUPof young people lit up Caerau The youngsters, who attend the youth club at who lived in Bridgend Council.
forChristmas – by taking part in a free Noddfa Chapel in Caerau, used theircolourful until he was 95, has been Born in Cardiff, Ted
lantern-making workshop, organised by creations at the local lantern procession, and at living at Picton Court, was employed in the Ely
Bridgend County Borough Council. a Christmas carol concert on December21. Nyeoatrtsa.ge, for the last five PCaaplleerd M uipll sd fuorri n4g2 Wyeoarrlsd.
He celebrated his
ARE any of the following your New Year resolutions? Lose weight, get fit- War II, he served in the
Step into ter, enjoy the open air, appreciate our countryside, meet new people, devel- 100th birthday in style on RAF before being sec-
December 21, surround-
new year op Bar itdagseten dfo Rr armeabll earlse coarn p hrealcpt iycoeu y owuitrh W aenlys ho.f these; Welsh speaking avail- ed Nbyo th is ofanmlyi ly.did he oGnudaerdds . to the Welsh
with the agtobr ainlmiintmye iems oniflo ettsh )gr euaean rdwa asnhltkeoser det v (befouruty roS ftutoen nsd iaaxyv m,a liiollaenbsg)l .e(m. Roerea lt haalen i1s 0o pmtiiloensa),l !m Wede iruumn (as epvreon- r1e0c0etihv eb irtthhdea yt rcaadrdit iforonmal wifHe e Emlsea rriine dt heh is1 9l4a0tes
Bridgend New walkers are always welcome, so come along to Bridgend Recreation Her Majesty the Queen, and the couple had one
Centre before 9:30am (9am for the long walks) and have a go. We also run fort- but he was also treated to son, Robert.
Ramblers nightly long walks on a Tuesday, meeting at Pyle Swimming Pool – gone by an extra special birthday Ted now has two
9am. See our website: www.bridgendramblers.co.uk or follow us on Facebook cake and sherries all grandchildren and three
as Bridgend Ramblers, Twitter @bridgendrambler. AM round by the manage- great grandchildren. ABOVE: Ted’s birthday cake.
No
w
O
n
6 - THE GEM www.facebook.com/gemnews • www.twitter.com/gem_news Thursday, January 5th, 2012
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NEWS ROUND-UP FROM THE PENCOED COMPREHENSIVE SCHOOL
PUPILS HAD CHARITIES IN MIND
AS END OF TERM APPROACHED
PUPILS and staff at Pencoed
RIGHT:
Comprehensive School contin-
Drama department staff and
ued with theircharity fundrais-
pupils dressed in their pyjamas
ing activities last term.
for Children in Need
November’s Children in Need was
the latest whole school event, raising Pupils and staff thoroughly enjoyed
more than £600 through a coffee the meal, as did the ‘regulars’from our
morning, face-painting, selling cakes, Senior Citizens Lunchtime Club, as
raffles, and a fancy dress day. well as visitors from the Llanharan
The food technology and health and OAPClub.
social care department donated Anumber of sixth form boys volun-
£161.50 to Ty Hafan, and staff also teered to help the kitchen staff and
raised £75 at the annual McMillan proved to be excellent ambassadors
Coffee Morning. for the school. Some also helped Ruth
The sixth form Interact Group Jones, our site manager, in leading the
meets weekly in school to organ- communal carol singing in the can-
ise different fund raising activi- teen. Senior citizens lunches resumed
ties for charity. on Tuesday (January 3).
Over the October half term, they Please feel free to join us at 12 noon
organised a Halloween party and every Tuesday and Thursday during
raised £339 for distribution to three the school term.
charities, Y Bont, Jennifer Trust for ALSO at the end of term, year- ABOVE: Mr Andrew
Spinal Muscular Atrophy and Aids 12 pupils organised a very suc-
Pearce as Elvis.
Aid. On Children in Need Day, they cessful Christmas fair in the
also raised more than £200 towards school’s sportshall as part of
Children in Need. their Welsh Baccalaureate
At the end of term, members of the course.
Pencoed Sixth Form took part in their A lot of work had gone into the
winter walk to raise money for their planning and preparation of the event,
sixth form fund. with a wide variety of stalls offering
They trekked from Merthyr Mawr to all sorts of refreshments and activities.
Porthcawl, over the sand dunes and Thank you to Mrs Louise Jones for
across Newton Beach, a five-mile hike. leading on this event and to everyone
Each member of the group, led by who came along and who donated
Elvis Presley (or as we know him, items for the various stands.
Andrew Pearce, the head of sixth The total amount raised for the
form) dressed up in a variety of cos- Noah’s Ark Appeal was more than
tumes. The day was very enjoyable £950.
although cold and wet at times. SCHOOLwill seem a very differ-
THANK you very much to Mrs ent place this New Year, as two of
Rhian Jenkins, Miss Elinor ourteachers, MrColin Smith and
Williams, Mrs Kay Smith and all Mrs Sandra Smith are retiring at
the pupils who took part in the the end of this term.
Christmas concert at Salem Both have given a long and dedicat-
Chapel on December13. ed service to the school, not only in the
The audience enjoyed a variety of Maths Department but with all other
items, all performed with great enthu- aspects of school life as well. We wish
siasm by the pupils. Pupils also laid on them both a very happy and enjoyable
a special concert in the afternoon for retirement.
the school’s Senior Citizens’Club and Also leaving at the end of this term
the Llanharan OAPClub. is Beth Roberts, teacher of ICTand
The concert reminded us all of the media studies. We wish Beth all the ABOVE:
sgpraetceifaul l mtoe aSnailnegm oCf hCapherils ftmora as.l loWwei’nrge besHt ofowre hveerr ,c haasn gstea fifn cleaarveeer,. we wel- The junior choir at
us the use of the chapel for the concert come their replacements. Catherine Salem Chapel.
and the rehearsals. Pope, a former teacher at the school isl
Everyone who attended appreciated joining us as head of mathematics. BELOW:
the hot refreshments provided by the Also returning to teach ICT and Santa’s Elves –
Friends of Pencoed Comprehensive media studies at Pencoed is Kate
School. Chamberlain. Other new staff appoint- Georgia Griffiths,
Thank you to everyone for their ed are Joseph Muler, teacher of maths Alana Hackett,
kind donations to the collection and Jay Davies, ICTnetwork manager, Jade Jones, Kerri
towards a new school mini bus. replacing Gavin Downes who left in Jones, Dani Hopkins,
PENCOED Comprehensive November. were dressed up for
School’s canteen staff prepared a Staff and pupils would like to wish the school’s
wonderful Christmas dinner everyone a very happy New Year. Christmas fair..
again this year.
ABOVE: Left to right: David George, headteacher; Mrs Williams, con-
sort to Coun Williams; Abigail Richards, BCBC Youth Mayor; Mr
Davies, consort to Coun Thomas; Coun Marlene Thomas, BCBC
deputy mayor; Coun Richard Williams, deputy mayor of Pencoed.
ABOVE: Left to right: Julie Hopkins (cook supervisor), Heidi
Tyrrell (cook), Kamal Phillips and Rhys Bargery.
Thursday, January 5th, 2012 www.facebook.com/gemnews • www.twitter.com/gem_news THE GEM - 7
P
Swimmers brave the cold and put on a real
spectacle for Porthcawl’s annual showpiece
PHOTOGRAPHS
by GLYN EVANS
Otherpictures are
available from this event.
Pictures can be purchased
by contacting:
e-mail [email protected]
telephone [phone].
Visit ourstudio in the Wool Barn,
Verity’s Court, Cowbridge.
There were
swimmers of all
shapes and sizes
in Porthcawl on
Christmas Day
morning – and
all types of
swimwear too!
Some took on the
long walk out to
the sea in the briefest
of costumes, while
others took the
option of fancy dress
to take the chill off
the adventure – as
long as they man-
aged to stay dry!
8 - THE GEM www.facebook.com/gemnews • www.twitter.com/gem_news Thursday, January 5th, 2012
P
Doesn’t everyone make a beeline for Sandy
Bay on Christmas morning in Porthcawl?
AGREATdeal of organisation goes into the Porthcawl Christmas
Morning Swim – and volunteers are needed to collect donations,
registerthe swimmers, look afterhealth and safety on the beach
and in the water – not forgetting handing out commemorative
mugs!
Keith E Morgan’s photographs of the day include some of the volunteers
who helped make the day happen – so congratulations to them on another
successful Christmas event!
ABOVE: Joint record holders for the most swims, Victor Davies and Chris Hughes (far right) lead the way.
Photographs by KEITH E MORGAN
Porthcawl mayor, Coun Barbara Stubbs, with some swimmers.
Thursday, January 5th, 2012 www.facebook.com/gemnews • www.twitter.com/gem_news THE GEM - 9
P
Family’s ‘Twinned’ loo
swim idea helps
effort
third world
helps
sanitation
charity
A COUNCIL loo “Three children under
has been ‘twinned’ the age of five die every
REPORT and
PHOTOGRAPH with a public toilet minute of the day
by KEITHE in Cambodia – to because of poor sanita-
MORGAN highlight the need tion and dirty water.
for safer sanitation “I realised just how
SOmany people in the world’s poor- much we take good san-
dive into the sea on est countries. itation for granted and as
Christmas Day at an environmental health
ABOVE: a Cnadm heisr omnu Bme,a Alen wnmitha rdiae.d , Gareth, Pa ogrotohdc acwaul sine –a iadn odf cBeorPrsou aubtgl iBhcr pidrogteencdtCi oConou uonnfcftiiy-l oeimcfftai cgweinrh,a icttihhoi nsc .”awpatsu rae dp rmojy- ABOVdEeen:p vuLitreyoe nl Jemaodneenerst a C(lg ohruoenau lpDth ma ovafindfia cSgeaerg rGe B,w CaenBirdCy dB pdCu WBblCiilcl is apemrnoisot.erc tion),
so many have a (BCBC) collected
story to tell. money to buy the new Gweirydd and his col- ✃
HAVE MWOVEED (t(waisohhgFnooe od rwsrt u nafCfoisfn arehemrMi)ss e t fafrhrroceoisne mein nnBds)ep ,Mairleaax- lCwthowaeoDm w cob.htnooaafdirtoliiietaroit netnws s iva‘naCirnl eloi anurggdsese.’o mdarv gabnil.ydal lpplaaenrhtaodrogui tniudotees go srGw ianPpna SherCr ec aoomfoon afrbo d ofwirdna tiamhatt eehesid–er. &KEOEUCPTUT
leukaemia. ‘Tearfund’ to support BCBC deputy leader,
Max, who lives in hygiene promotion and Coun David Sage,
LADIES ONLY Newton, Porthcawl, improve access to clean whose cabinet portfolio
FITNESS STUDIO went to Bristol to have water and safe sanita- includes public protec-
a bone marrow trans- tion. tion, said: “Well done to
NEW YEAR – NEW YOU! plant and made such a BCBC staff have cho- Gweirydd and his col-
No men • no mirrors • no aches &Pains qwuaisc kab rleec toov ecroym teh ahto mhee sine nC toam twboind iaa nwewit hl attrhienier leagues for raising St David’s Hotel & Spa
State of the art Hydraulic Equipment. forTCo hshrioswtm tahse.irsup- fcoivuircth flooorf tfoicileest on thine mcaounsee.y for such a worthy Havannah Street,Cardiff Bay,CF10 5SD
Get fDit eisni g3nxe3d0 fmorin aultle a wgoersk o&utfsit n3e tsism leesv eal sw.eek. pdchooirnltde frboeyrn ’tLsh Alee TugCrkeaHaet,m twhiaoerk BBrCiTdBhgCee nidsd.eenai ocra menev ifrroonm- aCgae“msS baeorvede raieal s ow wcaohtemirc mhs ohnon roitn-t Sunday 15th January
Call us now on 01446 722779 charity, Cameron, mental health officer only impacts their abili-
for a 1week FREE trial tAongnetmhearriwe iatnhd m duamd Gwhwoe ihryads dh ad Wfirisltl ihamansd, tpyl et o hgarovwe ftooo dr, ebsuotr pt eoto- SUNDAY 29th JANUARY 2012
(cid:2) FREE JOINING FEE (cid:2) Gareth, is well on tar- experience of public drinking water from THEVALERESORT(M4/J34)
FR(UENMEToI nSLSOad Zu3taPuny1ErdU dNsa-a tyFIM yN rJ1 i1dAG0a0Na ByaHmU mO7A A- aU -Rm2 R4Yp SpC-m :m28Lp0mA12S)S gtfCowwhoefhahr rtWts roohtf i uaogischskgritha vmhifartena alansignlsispe st b pnoamiDnyagnsa ogtressiyr tdopc£ e r ioS2,sns nuw,£h 0tsm5ii0hopm00er0s. hiOFoTneneevgala Ae llrottrtffhhwostuee einsr lwa hedPsstio eh prei klti(iwn OpMgaMpiMf niiatnsanenFsegri )in saao. vrgznwtii iasnciiritlethnye-, dshpisloaiellrennua“t ilyreAittcns ahers t aotsi phon,ur cendonoa . fdbwutc lesheoonemarn dllltdfs ea . atmbhhdayeiivn n peagbe t aaeotnodd- SDWASDUUEEsitNsNhVVoDD EEcfAARRaiYYabEE tu21eVVl69 oIIEttLLuhhLLv sFFAAe,EE GGnmBBtEEsRRo,, UUorSCenAAWA RRRinAYYDtNi Im22SF00EFa11At(22eM( MV4a/4J/l3 JS24)l2a)ter
PFeHurTelUslEao SCDlnAtaYharNyldI G THiEoTrSaa (wtEiiintqnh imugneim gpPb emlrPsahleinpa)nsnts CtjtnhohoaieetAnmr h‘ ,r CiieAnntrho grotud thnahr e’Fnusi adss rg wt nhhrBioaeemetnr a p.’dcl leaffuo,al nlrt-eogded Gts2dsoao.ow6 fmnea e’,sebt ik trpihy lrhlidciinavoodvganl el t eew tap oasoge osruo mhephieslnyee lwsgp tpoi hwei rtenhdherioodece thvmoailo vHlraeteeg h h eien atlhdkopyd ebgedBdei ea :Ca n C Bi“scIaaC tmf’ seb prs olnatadianccifdaeef SNSTHUUAETNN IDDBOAAANYYRA NL41 t1WAhtT hAM TBMAERARRYRCFNCHRIHC O2 HN02,10T B21 M 2RUECSOEUNM, SWANSEA
into the sea with the to go to the toilet. through this simple but SUNDAY 11th MARCH 2012
Friendly Staff rest of them. Gweirydd said: very effective scheme.” BESTWESTERNDIPLOMATHOTEL, LLANELLI
U3A enjoy a festive party time! SUNDAY 25th MARCH 2012
NOWAT: ST FAGANS NATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM
UNIT 2, BSC HOOD ROAD ON December14, the Cowbridge U3Aheld a Christmas con-
cert/sketches/party at the town’s Market Theatre, which was FREEADMISSION, EVERYONEWELCOME
THE WATERFRONT, BARRY well attended and very enjoyable. Of particularnote were the
OUR 20thYEAR!
mince pies and mulled wine which went down very well!
Telephone: [phone]
On January 14, there will be a talk on the Bridgend Arsenal in the
www.hydrofitness.co.uk Cowbridge Rugby Club at 2pm – speakerMike Clubb! (I am not joking!)
TB
A GALAXY OF STARS - EXCELLENT!
A
TChrist College Brecon we work hard to create a stable Cadet Force (CCF) and ourpupils’successes in the sporting, music and drama arenas are evi-
environment, with extensive choices under the one roof, dence of this.
where pupils can be happy, grow in confidence and matu- To registerforourOpen Events, please contact Mrs Stephens on 01874 615440 orvia
rity, and thrive academically and in every otherway. We pride [email protected].
ourselves on the pursuit of excellence, on encouraging ourpupils to find and develop
theirtalents and preparing them forthe world beyond school.
Forthe second yearin a row, pupils at Christ College witnessed a galaxy of stars as they
celebrated the best everhaul of top A* grades at the school. Top grades have also been award-
ed to the school as earlierthis yearChrist College was awarded the best possible inspection
results by Estyn, HerMajesty’s Inspectorate forEducation & Training in Wales. In its report,
the Estyn inspection team judged Christ College to be ‘Excellent’in all areas that it assessed
and identified significant examples of sector-leading practice.
The report recognised the high standards achieved at Christ College and the quality of pro-
vision and support provided to achieve these standards as the inspectors observed ‘Pupils of all
ages make very good progress and achieve particularly high standards in public examinations
at keys stage 4 and post-16'. Head Emma Taylorsaid: ‘We know that academic results open
doors, so we are committed to helping every individual maximise theirachievement in this area.
The 2010/11 UpperSixth continued the run of outstanding Alevel results with 18% of all A
level grades achieving the challenging A* top grade. These Alevel results were amongst some
of the best everseen here with 77% of all grades achieving the top A*-B grade. The GCSE
results were equally impressive with the best everhaul of top A* grades at the school as one in
three of all entries was awarded the A* grade. This is the second yearin succession at the col-
lege when more than 50% of all grades have been at AorA* level. It’s no surprise therefore
that Estyn observed that ‘pupils are extremely well motivated, show high levels of self-disci-
pline and are very effective independent learners.'
One feature that was particularly pleasing to the school was the observation that Christ
College's ‘extensive and enriching extra-curricularactivities programme contributes signifi-
cantly to pupils' personal and social development and theiracademic progress'. This acknowl-
edges that we teach well beyond and around the narrow requirements of examinations, and
believe that education takes place everywhere a pupil goes and not just in the classroom. The
high pupil participation rates in the DofE Award Scheme, the extremely popularCombined
10 - THE GEM www.facebook.com/gemnews • www.twitter.com/gem_news Thursday, January 5th, 2012
The Ghost Train ‘leaves’ Bridgend for Barry and...
PASSENGERS WERE LEFT STRANDED!
ABARRYengineersays he’s con- only showing as nine minutes late on their web-
cerned that Arriva Trains Wales is TIM CHAPMAN on the mystery of the missing 22.42 site?
running ‘Ghost Trains’– afterhe “Is this a case of Arriva Trains placing greater
and a numberof people were left “This we did and a very nice gentleman with an have been very unusual to say the least, as the importance on their statistics than the safety of
apparent Indian accent said that the train would be trains Arriva use are normally so loud they would their customers?
stranded late one night at Bridgend nine minutes late. wake half the residents in the local cemetery, then “Strangely enough, when I asked Arriva for the
Station. “Not the end of the world you may think, but we had just experienced Arriva’s latest offering to arrival time of this train – real or ghostly– at its
In what could have been a scene from a John guess what? By 11 pm there was still no train. its customers – ‘The Ghost Train’. final destination of Cardiff, they failed to
Carpenter Halloween movie, the small band of Another passenger tried to contact Arriva, but “Still having faith in the competency of Arriva, respond.”
travellers appeared to be forgotten on December there was no answer. Of course, there were no we expected a bus to appear at the station entrance He has logged a complaint with Arriva. In the
21 as the clocked ticked towards 11pm – while the Arriva staff at the station, either.” but, alas, their dedication to customer service meantime, Mr Cody has also informed the
company said the train was on the line, but had set The last thing anyone wants on a dark, cold sadly overlooked this courtesy as well. Minister of Transport, Carl Sargeant, and the Vale
off nine minutes late from Bridgend! winter’s night, just before Christmas, is to be left “So unless my fellow passengers and I fancied AM, Jane Hutt, of the problems he and his fellow
Mr Larry Cody, a senior engineer who works abandoned at a train station with no idea whether sleeping rough on the station for the night, we passengers experienced.
in Pencoed and lives in Barry, was waiting on the the service is going to arrive – and that’s when decided the only course of action was to hire a INVESTIGATION
platform for the final train back to his home town. there was a mysterious turn of events. mini bus at a cost of £60 to get us home to The GEM put Mr Cody’s comments to Arriva
It was scheduled to leave at 22.42. PREDICAMENT Llantwit, Rhoose and Barry. Trains Wales, who said they wanted to apologize
Mr Cody told The GEM: “Everything seemed Mr Cody explained: “Matters then started to “I expect this was a bit less than the cost of to the passengers who were unable to catch their
fine as the departure board ticked down the min- turn a bit spooky as my wife rang my mobile diesel fuel that Arriva saved – unless, of course, advertised Bridgend to Barry service on the night
utes, informing the waiting passengers that the phone to say that according to the Arriva website, ghost trains consume more fuel than the ones they of December 21.
train would be leaving on time. the train had left Bridgend nine minutes late and normally use!” The company explained that the service was
“At 22.45, no train had arrived and the informa- was now speeding its way to Llantwit Major! Although Mr Cody is now able to look back on replaced by a bus, due to Network Rail engineer-
tion board changed to show a message suggesting “Now unless this train had floated in and out of the situation in a humorous way, he points out that ing work.
we should contact National Rail enquiries. the station with no engine or lights, which would there was a very serious side to the predicament It stated that posters were on display at all the
faced by passengers. stations affected, but due to an error with the way
The Hair Studio New Year honours we“rAe mthoreneg ytohuonseg olaf duise sl etfrty isntrga ntod egde tt hhaotm neig thot dtreatiani lws awse srheo pwunt ianst or utnhne iinngf oornm ealteioctnr osnyisct edmis,p tlhaeys.
Llantwit Major. An Arriva Trains Wales spokesman insisted:
NEW YEAR OFFER! A number of people NHS in Wales. “They didn’t know one another and they could- “Arriva Trains Wales and Network Rail take the
in the Vale and Neil Robinson from n’t afford the taxi fare but luckily, the other pas- problem caused to our passengers very seriously
2 for 1 on Colours Bridgend areas have Bridgend, who is a sengers ensured they got home safely by helping and therefore, we are currently investigating with
been recognised in national sports coach with their fares. Network Rail to ensure this type of error does not
For you and a friend!!! with the Paralympics “I wonder whether the individuals working for happen again.”
the New Year’s GB table tennis team, Arriva Trains even considered the consequences The spokesman added: “Responding to cus-
Attend together and the cheapest Honours List. received an MBE for of their actions when they decided to cancel this tomer feedback is extremely important to us.
colour goes free!!!! Mr Jonathan Jones services to disabled last train back through the Vale and not bother to “We have acknowledged Mr Cody’s complaint
Offer ends February 2012 fdrioremc tPore noafr ttho,uwrhisom i s atnhde sports. replace it with a SreTplAacTemISenTt IbCusS service.” aonndce w thilel pinrovevsidtieg ahtiimon w hitahs ab efuenll cdoemtapilleedte rde.”sponse
Graham Douglas
Cut & Blow dry not included in offer. mWaelrskhe ting Gowveitrhn metnhte, Underdown from Barry serHviicthee, rwtoh,i cMhr h Ce ohdays hfoaus nbde evne ray fgaono odf iAn rrreivcae’nst K9 Leaders
Terms & conditions apply. received a CBE. also received an MBE – years. He even enjoyed a rail holiday round Wales
For further information Winston James for services to charity. in April using an ‘all Wales rover ticket’. Dog Training and Behavioural Services
Tel. [phone] Griffiths from Bridgend, Edwina Mary White But after the events of December 21, he had www.k9leaders.com
the chair of Abertawe from Porthcawl has also asked himself the question: “Could it be possible
or call in at Bro Morgannwg been honoured with an that the total disregard they show towards their • Aggression
The Hair Studio, Commercial Street, University Health Board MBE for services to customers is driven by a more cynical approach?” • Destructive behaviour
Llantwit Major CF61 1RB iOs BEh ofnoor usreerdv icwesi ttho tahne cWoaulness.e lling in south east theMir rf iCnoald yd essatiidn:a t“iTonh ef oarrmriv paal rtti mofe tsh oef s ttraatiinstsi cast • Se•p Laeraadti opnu lalninxgiety
provided to the UK Office of Rail Regulations, • Excessive barking
and the Welsh Government, in support of their
Also offering:
case to retain the franchise they have been award- • Puppy/Obedience training
ed to run rail services in Wales. ...and any other guidance
“Trains arriving within 10 minutes of their stat-
ed scheduled time are not registered as late – Nathan Beaver [email protected]
could this be the reason that the ‘ghost train’was 07837 394348 - 01446 772070