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The Diary | News Archive 2001 to 2005 | News Archive 2006 to present

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2005      

Everyone in St. Brides Major School (169 on the day) took part in THE BIG-SING Guinness World Record attempt at 2.45 pm on Friday, 9th December, 2005.  This was set up to raise funds for the African Children's Choir (who help children in Africa who have suffered as a result of war, sickness or poverty) and kids' cancer charity CLIC Sargent.  Ms Dynamite, Joss Stone and Lemar led youngsters in the song Lean on Me at the Royal Albert Hall, London which was broadcast over the radio and set a new musical record for the largest number of children singing at the same time.  St. Brides School raised £272 for these good causes.  Earlier in the day, the School Choir entertained shoppers at The Pines (McArthur Glen Designer Centre) with a variety of modern and traditional carols.  On 8th December, 2005 local radio station Bridge FM taped the school singing Lean on Me in preparation for the event and interviewed several children as well as Mrs. Jones.

Macmillan Cancer Relief was chosen by the parish of Cowbridge as the Christmas Tree Festival charity for 2005.  A "Tree of Thought" was placed in the grounds of Holy Cross Church and people invited to sponsor a light on the tree in memory of someone who could not be with them at Christmas.  St. Brides Major Primary School children attended on Saturday, 3rd December, 2005 and the Choir sang.  Sponsorship of a willow weave tree made by a group of members of the School Gardening Club decorated with lights and a photograph of every pupil help raise funds for the church and Macmillan.  There were 40 trees on display.  A dedication service was held on Sunday 4th December. 

Several wayside seats were placed in Ogmore-by-Sea thanks to the Vale of Glamorgan Council, and then handed over to St. Brides Major Community Council during November and December, 2005.  Constructed of Karri Wood (an exceptionally hard wood) and stone, it is hoped the seats will offer welcome rest to walkers for a long time.

November, 2005 saw the completion of refurbishment and extension of St. Brides Major Church Hall that had begun in July, 2005.  A new foyer, meeting room for about 20 people and toilets for the disabled were added to the building together with installation of gas central heating and fitting of a new floor.  The project was funded by a Welsh Assembly grant from the Rural Regeneration Fund and St. Bridget's Church.  To show their support for the Church Hall renovation, the Vale Council subsidised and ran taster Adult Learning Courses in the hall during December, 2005 so that they were free of charge to all participants. 

Following the overnight snowfall on Thursday, 24th November, 2005, two brothers visiting St. Brides Major made an igloo in the front garden big enough to walk inside.  They gathered the snow together and used old ice cream containers to make blocks of compressed snow which were then used to build the igloo. 

Children of St. Brides Major Church in Wales School raised £679.41 for Children in Need 2005 by taking part in a sponsored bounce organised by Mrs Alexander and Mrs Jury. 

Cheltenham Racecourse on Wednesday, 26th October, 2005 saw a Welsh National Hunt Jockey originally from Ogmore recover and go on to win the opening event by one and a half lengths after nearly being unseated when his mount, Darrias, slipped and collided with runner up Double Dizzy.  Later on the same day he also won a race on 10-1 Nazimabad, owned by the Fox & Hounds, Llancarfan, syndicate, giving trainer Evan Williams a win at Cheltenham for the first time. 

Three scouts from St. Brides Major along with two from Llantwit Major, attended a presentation evening at Cardiff County Hall in 2005 to receive the Gold Chief Scouts Award.  They were the first Vale Scouts District members to receive the award under a new programme introduced in 2003.  Each scout completed at least five challenge badges as well as further personal challenges to demonstrate leadership, organisation skills and personal achievement. 

Members of the Glamorgan Youth Orchestra between 1949 and 1974 were invited to a reunion weekend at the Ogmore Centre Trust (formerly Ogmore School Camp/Ogmore Education Centre) from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th September 2005.  Donations were given to the Russell Sheppard Memorial Trust and the Ogmore Trust from the money raised.

The Sealawns Hotel and Restaurant, Ogmore-by-Sea closed in 2005. 

Licensing and induction of the venerable Father Philip Morris as priest in charge of St. Brides Major and Ewenny Benefice took place on Wednesday, 31st August, 2005 in St. Bridget’s Church.  On Sunday, 11th September, 2005 a service was held to inaugurate the new Parish of Ewenny with St. Brides Major and the venerable Phillip Morris, Archdeacon of Margam, read the diocese decree uniting the two parishes which had been apart since the Reformation.  Thus history has repeated itself by bringing the two parishes together again.  The collection was given to the Disasters Emergency Committee Fund for America. 

Cyclist Nicole Cooke won the Silver Medal in the World Championship Road Race in Madrid in 2005. 

To commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the second World War on 10th July, Marion organised a Forties style Victory Party/Dance with licensed bar selling beer/wine.  It was held on Friday, 8th July, 2005 in St. Brides Major School Hall by kind permission of the Head Teacher as the Church Hall was undergoing alterations and refurbishment.  Over 110 tickets were sold for this event, at which 40's dress was optional, and extra funds were raised via a raffle to make a grand total of £430.  Proceeds went to the WWII Anniversary Appeal by the Royal British Legion.  The nation's biggest thank you for victory in 1945 by staging the nation's biggest Victory Party/Dance. 

LOGS (League of Ogmorian Gentlemen!) from the villages took part in the Three Peaks Challenge on the weekend of Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th June, 2005 and raised money for Tenovus Cancer Charity.  The challenge was to climb the three highest national peaks in the UK in 24 hours, namely: Snowdon, Wales, at 1,085 metres; Scafell Pike, England, at 978 metres; and Ben Nevis, Scotland, at 1,344 metres. 

Apprentices from Lovell Partnership spent two weeks in May, 2005 redecorating a section of one of the four accommodation blocks at the Ogmore Centre Trust.  The team of four were supervised by sub-contractor Wynne Jones Decorators Limited of Swansea who also provided the materials for the project.  Participating in the task enabled the Lovell employees to complete a unit of their NVQ qualifications as well as gain practical experience. 

The Watermill in Ogmore, along with another Brains pub, the Duke of Wellington in Cowbridge, won a prestigious Welsh Food Hygiene award in April, 2005 and was commended for its commitment to excellent food and hygiene standards.  In 2002 Welsh local authorities and the Food Standards Agency Wales began awarding gold, silver and bronze medals to businesses who had received unannounced visits from environmental health officers and were found to have high standards of food hygiene and cleanliness.  A silver medal was presented to The Watermill by the Mayor of the Vale of Glamorgan, Councillor Emlyn Williams, at a national awards ceremony which was also attended by cabinet member of legal and regulatory services, Councillor Hunter Jarvie. 

Southerndown beach, together with Rest Bay and Trecco Bay in Porthcawl, qualified to fly a blue and yellow flag when they were given a Seaside Award in April, 2005 in recognition of the quality of water, disabled facilities and visitor enjoyment. 

Outsider Royal Auclair at 40-1was ridden to second place in the Aintree Grand National on Saturday, 9th April, 2005 by a local jockey.  Owing to the marriage of the Prince of Wales to Mrs. Camilla Parker-Bowles earlier in the afternoon, the steeplechase was delayed by 25 minutes to allow BBC1 to broadcast live at 4.10 pm.  A record 107 entries were remaining at the forfeit stage - there is a maximum field of 40 for this race.

Gardens at Slade, Southerndown, were open for charity as part of the National Gardens Scheme on Sunday, 3rd April, 2005.  Guides and Brownies served refreshments and there were plants for sale. 

Eight members of Southerndown WI entered a quiz held in Nolton Church Hall, Bridgend, in March, 2005 and came a close second to Coychurch WI.

Vale beaches again achieved stringent water quality levels, set by the European Bathing Directive, in March, 2005.  Southerndown, Jackson's Bay and Cold Knap (Barry) were judged as complying with EC guideline standards and Whitmore Bay (Barry) as complying with mandatory standards.

St Brides Major Schoolchildren held a Red Nose Day on 11th March, 2005.  A video was shown giving information about Comic Relief and highlighting the plight of children in Africa.  Pupils donated £1 so that they did not have to wear school uniform on the day and by selling drinks, cakes and biscuits, raffles, tombola, Joke Corner and games plus other stalls they raised more than £300 to help others.

Southerndown WI Darts team won the district tournament play-off held at Aberkenfig Pensioners Hall on 5th February, 2005 and went through to the country rounds in Cowbridge.

Frolics Restaurant came top in the Dining Out in Wales guide and was upgraded from silver to gold in 2005.  In addition, their 20 year old sous chef made it to the final cook-off in the National Junior Chef of Wales contest held in Llandudno on 8th February, 2005 and came second overall.

Father Michael Komor left the Parish of St. Brides Major and Ewenny following the service on Sunday, 9th January, 2005.  Father Michael took up the Parish of Coity with Nolton and a service was held at St. Mary's, Nolton, on 20th January, 2005 for his inauguration as Rural Dean.

Various sections of the community raised funds and/or collected items for for those affected by the tsunami in East Asia which occurred on 26th December, 2004, such as:

The Watermill, Ogmore, held a charity night on St. David's Day with raffles and auction; St. Brides Major Spar shop collected £300; Church Wardens from St. Bridget's Church and All Saints, Southerndown, received donations from parishioners; St. Brides Major Community Council gave £250 from the community; Fox & Hounds, St. Brides Major, held a charity blind auction in January with many donated prizes and raised almost £1,300; Farmers Arms, St. Brides Major, took a collection of well over £200 following their New Year Party. 

St. Brides Major School gathered together items to send to the disaster area, including: towels; bedding; shoes; light clothing; dried food such as pasta and rice; sugar; bottled water; and dried milk.  The children had a sponsored dressing-up day with the infants as characters from films and cartoons, and the juniors as pop stars.  This raised around £310 to help other children whose lives were devastated by the force of nature. 

Members of Southerndown Surf Life Saving Club raised money for the tsunami DEC appeal by bravely diving into the rough sea at Dunraven Bay at 11.00 am on New Years Day.  They then stood in the car park for a further hour and managed to collect almost £200 from onlookers, walkers and the public.

2004        Back to top ▲

Washing powder brand Surf sent a make-over team to revamp Ogmore Centre, Ogmore-by-Sea on Wednesday, 27th October, 2004.  As part of a new UK wide community project "Brighten up Life" the residential educational centre was chosen to be the first beneficiary of funding, which went towards renovating classrooms, bathrooms and dormitories.  In addition, new mattresses, duvets, curtains and digital interactive whiteboard were purchased.  Members of the Surf London office, staff at Ogmore, celebrities (Olympic athlete Jamie Baulch, BBC Radio & TV broadcaster Roy Noble as well as Wales and Cardiff Blues rugby player Gareth Williams) and volunteers all worked together to renovate one of the Accommodation Blocks.  Many people helped by posting a message on their joint web site - Surf pledged to fund the project up to the sum of £25,000 by donating £1 for every message of support posted. 

Members of St. Bridget's Church held a successful Quiz and Auction Night on Friday, 15th October, 2004.  The varied questions, such as contemporary news, national anthems and general knowledge, kept everyone entertained.  Chris the Auctioneer proved to be excellent at encouraging enthusiastic bidding for items such as a local artist's paintings, gardening products, meal for two with wine, and having a bag of ironing dealt with.

Ogmore Centre Trust were chosen to be the first beneficiary of a new UK wide community project called "Brighten up Life" by washing powder brand Surf in October 2004.  The Mayor of Bridgend presented the Chairman of the Trustees, Mr. Roger Lewis, with an extended 99 years lease on 22nd September, 2004 and acknowledged the hard work undertaken by staff at Ogmore Centre.

Supported by the Vale Council, DEFRA (Environmental Action Fund) and Crown Estates, a  survey and "Beachwatch" clean up organised by the Marine Conservation (MSC) took place on Saturday 18th September, 2004 at Ogmore when 24 volunteers collected 142 kg of rubbish.  This was part of a 12th annual event focusing on making a difference to local beaches and to raise money for the charity through sponsorship.  In 2003, nearly 2,700 volunteers took part at more than 240 beaches and a total of 279,847 items of litter were recorded!  

One of the three winners from the Bridgend Deanery of a Poetry Competition held by the Mothers' Union  to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the UN Year of the Family was a St. Brides Major School pupil.  The competition to write a poem entitled "My Family" was open to all primary school aged children in the Diocese of Llandaff. 

Vale Cricket Club 1st XI won Division Two of the Welsh Club Cricket Conference in 2004.  The 2nd XI just missed promotion on the last day of the season, finishing in third place.  The under-13 cricket team completed a league and cup double when they beat Whitchurch Heath at St. Fagans.  Southerndown beat Port Talbot to win the Hywel Evans Memorial Cup. 

Cyclist Nicole Cooke won the Giro Donne in Italy in 2004. 

Southerndown Lifeguards attained 4th position overall in the Welsh Surf Lifesaving Championships in 2004.  There were many great individual performances and the 100% team effort paid off when they achieved their highest ever position.  The junior section (ages 11-16) came third in this competition and then a week later came 7th in the British Youth Championships.  In all, 18 gold, 21 silver and 11 bronze medals were won.  As with all lifesaving clubs in the area, all competitors must have spent at least 16 hours patrolling local beaches to compete - thus they all contributed to a valuable voluntary service during the summer months.

About a week after the torrential flood in Boscastle (which occurred on Tuesday 16th August, 2004) a direction sign for the village was washed up on the Heritage Coast shoreline. 

Southerndown WI special Charity coffee morning held on Thursday, 19th August, 2004 raised £363.  Proceeds of this event were given to the Raise the Maize appeal to provide widows and orphans in Tanzania with an income-generating scheme - training in the cultivation and growing of maize (a staple crop) together with purchase of seeds and equipment.

Afternoon cream teas sold at a villager's home in Ogmore-by-Sea on Saturday, 24th July, 2004 in aid of the National Osteoporosis Society (Bridgend & District Branch) raised £912.  This amount was matched £ for £ by RWE Innogy, Aberthaw, making a grand total of £1,824.   

Two parishioners who entered the villages section of the Vale in Bloom 2004 competition were successful in the best front garden category when a resident of St. Brides Major was awarded second place, and third place went to a resident of Ogmore-by-Sea.  St. Brides Major Primary School received third place in the best commercial entry category.

Vale Cricket Club (newly formed from Southerndown and Ewenny & Corntown cricket Clubs) under 13-side were unbeaten in the 2003/04 season.

Ogmore Down Scouts group entered a team for Vale-trek 2004 and came away with the first prize.  The event consisted of the team navigating from St. Mary Hill to Peterston-Super-Ely with a night's camp at Tair Onen. 

St. Brides Major Church in Wales Primary School won a Special Award for Continued Excellence in the Schools Section of the Best Kept Village School Award in 2004 (a new category) with prize money of £50.  Pupils and teacher attended the annual presentation on Wednesday 14th July, 2004.  St. Brides Major School won the junior section of the Vale of Glamorgan Best Kept Village Competition for the fourth year running in 2004.  The judges commented on how astounded they were that already established grounds could be developed further again and that the knowledge and enthusiasm of the pupils was to be commended.

Three local beaches received the coveted Blue Flag award in May, 2004, one of which was Southerndown in the Seaside Award, resort category.  In all, 35 Welsh beaches had their water quality and beach management recognised in this way.

Frolics Restaurant was put into Michelin's BIB Gourmand guide for good food at reasonable prices in 2004.  Proprietor and chef Doug Windsor was very pleased as he had only opened the restaurant in September 2003.

2003        Back to top ▲

A villager of Main Road, Ogmore-By-Sea, received the Vale in Bloom award  for Best Kept Garden in 2003.

Sunday, 14th December, 2003 saw the last Service to take place in Horeb Chapel in St. Brides Major.  Many villagers and friends from the surrounding community attended a wonderful event, tinged with sadness.  Membership had been decreasing steadily until they were very few in number. 

Cyclist Nicole Cooke won the World Cup in August 2003 - the first Briton to take the title and the youngest ever victor at the age of 20. 

Community Councillors and members of the public took part in a pilot scheme during July and August, 2003 in an effort to reduce speeding through the village.  The 16 volunteers were issued with a laser gun speed detector and, after appropriate training from South Wales Police, started to monitor traffic.  Villagers worked in pairs (wearing luminous yellow vests and carrying identification) one operating the camera and the other noting vehicle registration.  Although they were unable to issue fixed penalty notices, the South Wales safety camera partnership had the power to send warning letters to persistent offenders.  If deemed a success the scheme could be used across South Wales - it has already been operating in some parts of England.  Several other local villages expressed an interest in joining the scheme. 

An open air baptism took place at 2.00 pm on 20th July, 2003 in the River Ewenny of a member of Brackla Baptist Church.  A music teacher from Pen-y-fai was baptised by the Pastor following a normal Sunday morning service.

St. Brides Major Church in Wales Primary School won the Schools Section of the Best Kept Village School Award in 2003.  On Friday, 18th July, 2003 a cheque for £100 was presented by Assembly Member Carwyn Jones and Judge Mrs Pinkard commended the children.  Mrs Marion Webber from Keep Wales Tidy applauded the school on its achievements.  Also during this ceremony a £750 cheque was presented from Legal & General for being the regional finalist in the Greenfingers Challenge, 2003 and the school going on to represent Wales in the UK finals. 

The school was a national runner up in the BECTA Creativity in Digital Video competition.

A St. Brides Major School pupil represented the Vale in the Chess Championship in Monmouth in 2003 and won a gold medal.  Congratulations and well done.  Adam and Aled also represented Wales in Devon.

A St. Brides Major School special needs and sustainable development co-ordinator was nominated and won the Rural Schoolteacher of the Year category of the National Farmers Union (NFU) Countrywide Awards held in London in July, 2003.  The awards recognise work that has a positive impact on rural areas.  Thanks to Clare's efforts the school has been awarded Eco School status.

Headteacher and colleague of St. Brides Major School attended a garden party in June, 2003 in the presence of Princess Anne to celebrate the achievement of the Basic Skills Award.

An excellent Quiz and Auction Night was held on Saturday, 10th April, 2003 by members of the St. Bridget's Church.  Tony was the expert Quizmaster, testing memory and general knowledge, and Chris the Auctioneer testing nerve and pocket!  The friendly, relaxed atmosphere made it a most enjoyable evening.  Well done!

2002        Back to top ▲

St. Brides Major School became UK champions when they won the national final of the 2002 Greenfingers Challenge, organised and judged by The Royal Horticultural Society.  Presentation of the Award was held on 29th October, 2002.  The school also won the Wales in Bloom final.

The World's Biggest Coffee Morning to support Macmillan Cancer Relief was held on Friday, 27th September, 2002.  St. Brides Major Village Shop raised a total of £350 which included £30 from a mini event held at the Heritage Coast Home in Ogmore-by-Sea.  A Southerndown WI member at Ogmore, raised over £250 and raffle prizes were donated by Revlon and L'Oreal as well as Mrs Yeoman who kindly gave some beautiful pansies.  Macmillan Cancer Relief is a UK wide charity dedicated to improving the lives of people living with cancer.

Cyclist Nicole Cooke won her first senior international title when she won Gold in the Commonwealth Games Road Race in Manchester in August, 2002. 

Carnival Day on Saturday, 20th July, 2002 was a wonderful event.  Stalls and attractions for all the family and a party spirit throughout the day.  The winning float was entered by St. Bridget's Church & Sunday School - picture in the Gallery.  If you were unable to go along, please see Carnival Committee page (via Clubs and Organisations link) for more details.  

St. Brides Major Church in Wales Primary School won the Best Kept Village in Vale of Glamorgan (Schools Section) in 2002 and were also selected to represent Wales in the UK Green Fingers Competition.  The school was a regional winner in the Tesco Computer Competition.  In addition to being awarded the All Wales Quality Award, Basic Skills Quality Mark and Healthy School status, they also achieved the best Key Stage 2 SATs results in Wales.

Southerndown Home for the Blind & Elderly had their Summer Fete on Sunday, 7th July, 2002.  Barclay's Bank manned a football game which kept many youngsters happy.  There was a balloon race, Magic Show and Bouncy castle/slide for the children.  Both RAF St. Athan Brass Band and St. Brides Major music group performed expertly as usual.  A cheque was presented by Steve James of the Bridgend Lions.  

St. Brides Major School Summer Fayre was held on Saturday, 22nd June, 2002. There was a lot to do and see.  Outside there were pony and horse rides, coconut shies, BBQ and throwing the wet sponges at the prisoner in the stocks.  Inside there were many traditional stalls plus face painting and candy floss  ....and much much more! (see pictures on the school Gallery page)  It was good fun for all, so don't miss the next one.

On Friday, 7th June, 2002 a 'Jubilee Bingo' evening was held in the church Hall when winners had to shout  'Jubilee line' or 'Buck House' in order to claim their prizes for winning lines.  After the games, remaining prizes were auctioned to raise further cash.  There was a good attendance and the proceeds went to the Carnival Committee funds.

The Old Fashioned Sports Day on Monday, 3rd June, 2002 was a huge success despite earlier bad weather. It was followed by a tea party for all the local children at the Pavilion in St Brides Major, in celebration of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. The day raised £400 for the Carnival Committee funds.  Very well done to all those concerned on the day and huge thanks to the committee for all their hard work.  Later the same evening there was a Barn Dance at Pitcot Farm, and villagers danced the night away to the live music of  'Calennig'.   

There was lots of fun at St. Brides Major School on 30th May, 2002 with their 'fun day' to celebrate the Jubilee in 2002.  Hot dogs, ice creams, Union Jack flags and face painting all contributed to a special day for everyone.  The day concluded with the children being presented with an Ewenny Pottery commemorative mug each, thanks to the PTA and Community Council.

On Saturday, 25th May, the 2002 Junior Welsh Grand Prix Chess Final was held in St Brides School. Councillor Anthony Powell, (Vice-chairman, Vale of Glamorgan) presented the prizes.  Many thanks to Jill Jury for her hard work and efforts in organising the various events leading up to these finals.

The Three Villages Carnival Committee held  a very successful 60s, 70s & 80s dance on Saturday, 20th April, 2002 in the Church Hall.  All the proceeds went towards The Three Villages Carnival.  

SCHOOLS EXTRA AWARD - our village school was awarded a certificate in recognition of their outstanding commitment to out-of-school-hours learning in 2002.  Well done and keep it up.

HEY, WE'VE BEEN IN THE PAPER!!!  Many thanks to Pat, our local correspondent, for including a piece in her column in the Glamorgan Gazette about the impromptu presentation of our  web site to the Ladies Thursday Club.  (This occurred when the expected guest speaker was unable to attend.  We were pleased for the opportunity of telling the club about our web site.)

.............and now we've mentioned the GLAMORGAN GAZETTE on the web, ........TWICE!

PS  We've also been spotted in Thailand........  see our guest book

The school in St. Brides Major won £1,000 in the 2002 Vale of Glamorgan Yellow Pages Competition. That's £500 for collecting the most per head and £500 for collecting the most overall. WELL DONE ST. BRIDES SCHOOL.  A new bicycle shed, plants for their new 'Senses Garden'  and tables were purchased..

An open day in the school was held on Monday, 25th March, 2002 for the planting of the Senses Garden.   Everyone was welcome to go along and help. 

In 2002 the school Easter Service was entitled 'Way of the Cross'.  There was an Easter Bonnet parade with refreshments afterwards.

2001        Back to top ▲

After being runners up in previous years, St. Brides Major Church in Wales Primary School won the Junior Section of the Best Kept Village Award in 2001. 

Whilst still studying at Brynteg School, Nicole Cooke won three world cycling titles in 2001, building on her many successes.  Nicole was the youngest ever champion of the British Elite Road Race Championship in 1999 and won many British Youth Titles in Mountain Bike, Cyclo Cross Mountain Bike and Time Trial events.

The Diary | News Archive 2001 to 2005 | News Archive 2006 to present
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