FEATURES THE INNER WHEEL CLUB OF PORTHCAWL SAMSON ZULU
Every year we hold a Birthday Party to celebrate the start of Porthcawl Inner Wheel and this year we had a delicious afternoon tea in the Grove followed by a quiz and raffle. Some of our members have not been too well and have had spells in hospital. We hope they all feel much recovered before too long. Our District Chairman Maria arranged for a social gathering of all District 15 members that were able to attend in Court Coleman, where another afternoon tea was enjoyed by all who went. Some of our members attended Porthcawl Rotary’s International Night in the Hi-Tide. We were entertained by the very talented cast of Porthcawl Comprehensive singing songs from their next show, Legally Blond, which is on in the Pavilion in the Summer. After a meal of steak and chips, we had talks from the students from Atlantic College, who told us all about their countries and their thoughts on Wales. Looking back, March has been busy with friendship and food and we have lots more to look forward to as the year goes on. If anyone is interested in finding out more about the Inner Wheel, please come along and meet us you will be made most welcome. Liz Jones
Before taking part in a training course with Tools for Self Reliance, Samson was working on the streets selling mobile phone accessories. He had completed school, but had no skills, and felt that he had no real hope of improving his life without the means to earn more money. He found out about the training course through his local pastor, and signed up to learn metal fabrication. Samson said that at the beginning of the course, he struggled with the new skills, and didn’t think he would be able to manage – but with the encouragement and support of the staff, he persevered. He not only completed the training programme, he went on to undertake additional training and sit for a TEVETA Level 3 certificate, formally recognising his skills. He now works as a metal fabricator at a local company, and can afford to pay for the things his family needs. He said he is a changed man, and that his wife is very proud of him, “It is very important to support and help others to learn skills. Skills can move someone from bad habits, and get them to help others.” David Cook
COYCHURCH WI PORTHCAWL TOWNSWOMENS GUILD We have really settled back into our usual meetings now. Last month we had a good turn out and an interesting speaker. Phil Styles from the National Coastwatch Institution showed a video of their history and their work. It is all run by volunteers who undertake training before starting. Porthcawl station is now the busiest in the UK, and we have cameras at Rest Bay Newton and Ogmore By Sea to help save lives. Prevention and advice is also part of their work. St. Donats now has a station manned by students from the Atlantic College. Flowers were presented to two members Kath Davies and Freda Rodgers, who had celebrated notable birthdays during lockdown. A short AGM this year as officers and committee remained the same. A vote of thanks was given to our officers, Helen Taylor, Jean Dorrington and Janet Anderson who had carried the Guild through a difficult two years. This months meeting is on April 13th when our speaker will be John Sheen, always an interesting afternoon so do come along and try us out! Dorothy Thomas 01656 772157
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In February albeit a month later than arranged (Covid restrictions) we enjoyed our fish/chicken chips lunch along with the delicious desserts made by the committee. As our next meeting was on 1st March we celebrated St. David’s Day and the hall was decorated accordingly. The majority of the members wore traditional Welsh dress or rugby shirts and on each table Welsh fare was set out to be enjoyed along with tea/ coffee. It was a most interesting afternoon along with our guest speaker Rosemary Scadden as she demonstrated the various ways of how to fold and wear scarves. She brought along scarves in different fabrics, colours and shapes and showed how they could enhance an outfit immediately along with costume jewellery and scarf clips. She stressed not to hide scarves away and to hang them on scarf hangers. Two sub groups have been formed: a walking group meeting every alternate Monday morning (weather permitting) and every Monday afternoon a Tai chi group. We look forward to the varied and planned interesting programme of future events. Next meeting will be on 5th April at 1.30pm in The Williams Memorial Hall, Coychurch. For further details please contact Sandra on 01656 669232.
