CORNELLY, MAWDLAM & TON KENFIG

Send Your News To: Jeff Tildesley, MBE 23 Heol Fach, North Cornelly 01656 740320 Jht1@Btinternet.Com

Sandville – Royal Visit: Most people living here may not be aware that the Sandville Self-Help Centre in Kenfig, started life in the Sandville Hotel in Porthcawl.

Sister Gwyneth Poacher MBE looked for a meeting place in 1985, staying there for four years, until they went to Court Coleman.

They then purchased the current building in Kenfig in 1990, which had previously been both a night club and a restaurant prior to them purchasing. They opened the current building in 1991 – so Sandville has been in existance for 33 years in total.

Hundreds of patients visit for a day or even a week when they need to, each year. Its run by Gwyneth and many volunteers. Over the years a number of Royal visitors have visited Sandville. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, the most frequent visitor.

There is another Royal visit planned for for Wednesday, September 21. This visitor will be Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester, I believe she is the daughter in law of the Duchess of Kent - so keeping her family involved.

I shall be there, so I will tell you all about that visit afterwards.

Cornelly Striders: Cornelly Striders seem to have been here for ever! You might remember their 10k Bank holiday marathon – attracting more than 1,200 entrants. That marathon continued for more than 10 years.

Current chairman is longtime Cornelly resident James Mark. Their treasurer is longtime Cornelly resident Peter Turner.

Today Cornelly Striders still boasts more than 100 members. They train on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Some 40 to 50 members turn out for the regular 5-6 mile training sessions.

Training venue is the sports pavillion, Meadow Street, North Cornelly from 6.30pm. They cater for all age groups and new members are warmly welcomed.