LALESTON & BROADLANDS
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Missing Rabbit: Sady the white knitted Easter Rabbit (pictured in the Gazette last week), positioned on top of the post box at the bottom of Parc Court Road, went missing before Easter. It is doubtful it ran away by itself so is there anyone in the vicinity who viewed the kidnapping? Who knows, there could be a reward of an Easter Bunny!
New Grandson: Congratulations and Best Wishes to Friend on Volunteer Reception Desk at the Princess of Wales Hospital, Pat Thomas on the birth of her eagerly awaited first grandchild.
Fraser Frederick Thomas was born at the Heath Hospital, Cardiff weighing 6lb 3oz.
He is the first child for mum and dad, Edna and Gareth Thomas who are thrilled with their lovely Easter arrival and Grandma Pat is on hand to help in any way she can.
Special Birthday: Many Happy Returns to Erica Weston, former colleague, who will celebrate in style her 70 plus plus birthday on April 4. Best Wishes from all the family and friends.
Bridgend Lions Charity Book Sale: Calling all avid readers. Bridgend Lions Book Sale will take place at the Westward Community Centre, Cefn Glas, on Friday, April 5 and Saturday, April 6, from 9am-4pm.
Entrance free with book bargains galore, including jigsaws too!
New Recycling Centre : Just a little reminder as I know some residents are unaware but Tythegston Community Recycling Centre closed down permanently from 4pm, on March 11 and the new site, based at Village Farm Industrial Estate, Pyle opened on March 14.
Plans for a re-use shop where household items that are in good condition can be sold on, are also in place.
Laleston Gardening Club: As we move into 2024, it is true to say that Laleston Gardening Club has hit the ground running. The remaining sash windows were installed in January, the shop reopened on February 3 and the lecture program is in full swing.
The social calendar started on Saturday, February 10 with a lovely meal to celebrate Chinese New Year, (the Year of the Dragon).
A new system has been developed for the shop following the retirement of our shop manager Dennis Roberts. Dennis had been shop manager for many, many years and had done a brilliant job.
It was decided that things had to change and the onerous job of running the shop should be shared among Committee Members.
Gavin Thomas readily accepted the position of Shop Supervisor, with responsibility for maintaining a new computer app, which records sales, stock levels and takings.
Sian James and Linda Thomas are responsible for buying and procuring stock. Store Assistants are drawn from Committee Members and a rota system is in operation.
Store helpers will still be on hand to help customers take goods to their cars, these helpers are drawn from volunteer members again on a rota system.
Members should be aware that peat based composts are now being phased out and when current stocks are exhausted only peat free composts will be available.
As far as lectures are concerned Chairman Sue gave a presentation on February 6, entitled Concorde, Queen of the skies and that was very well received.
On Tuesday, February 20, Sian James gave a presentation on seed and plant propagation and we are lucky that there are two such ladies within the Club that can deliver informative talks at no cost to the speakers budget.
Chris Jones, warden of Kenfig Nature Reserve, attracted a large audience on February 12 and gave an absorbing talk on this site of special scientific interest.
At our committee meeting, Chairman Sue said she was very pleased with the way the Chinese Evening had gone, it was a very successful evening.
She said the addition of Lucy Bloomfield and Heather Williams to the event team had made a huge difference and that it was a pleasure to work with them.
Lucy was to be congratulated on passing her food hygiene test and her certificate will be displayed in the Club.
Some 52 members had been treated to a delightful Chinese meal with delightful table settings and wonderful service from the events team in a warm and relaxing atmosphere.
Further improvements have taken place at Cliff Cottage following the prohibition of open fires within the building – a new log effect fire has been installed in the hearth where previously we had an open fire.
The Club are extremely grateful to Richard Worgan, son of Margaret, who generously provided funding for this fire.
Richard arranged the purchase and delivery from his home in Germany where he now lives. Sue has thanked him warmly and sent photos of his welcomed gift to the Club.
New wall heaters have been fitted in the main hall, one of the original heaters has been reinstalled in the old kitchen and the remaining two are shortly to be installed in the upstairs model railway room.
The new heaters and fire should ensure visitors to Cliff Cottage should never feel the need for thermals. Further improvements are being undertaken but details will be reported and can wait until another day. My thanks to Secretary, Patrick Stevens for this interesting update of the Club’s continuing hard work.
After School activities: At the Rhiw Arcade in Bridgend as follows:
Tuesdays, from 4pm-5pm: Colouring Club for ages four and up
Fridays, from 4pm-6pm: Art
Club for ages six to 14. Book via megartclub@gmail.com
Saturdays, from 9.30am-10.30am: Colouring Club for ages four and over.