Porthcawl Town Twinning Association

Committee Meeting

30th April 2025

17.30 11 Fulmar Road Porthcawl

MINUTES

            Present:

            Mary Emment Lewis - Chair

            Bobby Lewis - Porthcawl TC representative

            Rob Lee - Webmaster

            Dave Bush - Membership Secretary

            Cathryn Hodges - Treasurer

            John Hodges - Secretary

1. Apologies - Elaine Winstanley

2. Welcome - Mary welcomed Janet Hanbury back to the committee, on a co-opted basis pending the AGM. Janet has previously been Twinning Liaison officer, a role which was in abeyance since active engagement with SSSL ceased, and is happy to reassume this role

3. Minutes of 22nd April 2025 - Cathryn had already been in contact with Gaelle at Porthcawl Comprehensive School, and is awaiting details of a contact person in the Ploudalmezeau school. Dave is no longer Chairman of Porthcawl Badminton club, but continues to be linked, and will be happy to mention the possibility of a tournament to the club Minutes otherwise approved.

4. Feedback on visit of the Ploudalmezeau committee. The visit went well, was enjoyed by our French visitors, and they have confirmed their desire to proceed to formal twinning. We spent quite a lot on Sunday lunch and Monday Brunch, but feel this was worthwhile. The involvement of the current and prospective Porthcawl TC Mayors was a good idea since both are up to speed, and enthused.

5. Communication from France since the visit. Mary has received a message, as mentioned at 4 above, and also telling us that they have a meeting booked with their mayor on 7th May. Cathryn has received a WhatsApp message with some photographs taken during the visit, which she will forward to Rob for uploading to the website. ACTION: Cathryn and Rob

6. The Way Ahead

1. Contact with Porthcawl TC. We need to: -
1. Invite the Mayor to our AGM. The change of Mayor will take place on 22nd May, ahead of our AGM on 28th. ACTION: John
2. Write to the Council inviting it to formally resolve to twin with Ploudalmezeau. ACTION: John
2. Potential visit 5-9 September 2025.
1. These dates need to be formally mentioned in the letter to the council, so that dates can be fixed in the council diary. ACTION: John
2. In her apologies for tonight’s meeting, Elain had mentioned that she is busy 8th-10th September.
3. How to travel? Discussion of hiring a minibus, but Cathryn noted from previous experience how expensive this could be, so it may be that we travel in 2-3 cars. We don’t know how many Council members may wish to attend if this is to be the formal signing of a twinning charter. Rob noted that he will already be in France from 20th August and could attend if the event takes place between 5th-7th September. Revisit once dates are confirmed and numbers known.
3. Next publicity, and next event?
1. The next event is the AGM on 28th May at the Hi-Tide. Preliminary notice has already been sent out. Formal notice to follow asap. ACTION - John Agreed that a presentation about Ploudalmezeau would be good, with photographs etc. and using the IT kit at the Hi-Tide. Cover not just Ploudalmezeau, but Brittany more generally. Cathryn is happy to do this. ACTION - Cathryn. Order of events - AGM, meal, presentation, raffle, quiz. Tell members there will be a quiz, to bring prizes and cash to buy tickets. Ask people to let us know if they plan to attend. ACTION- John
2. Existing committee members prepared to stand again, but Dave will be standing down as Membership Secretary after carrying out that role for many years. He suggests that the role could be incorporated into the role of the Treasurer or Secretary, and will share his computer records with his successor. Jenny Worthington may be willing to join the committee.
3. Exchange visit with Ploudalmezeau. Pencoed are visiting France in June 2025, so it may make sense for us to invite Ploudalmezeau here in 2026. Cathryn confirmed that Sounds Familiar choir are very interested in a joint concert with the Ploudalmezeau choir when it passes through Porthcawl on the way to/from Newport, Pembs in April 2026. Perhaps a twinning visit at the same time?

4. Discuss future events to raise numbers and funds once the AGM is out of the way.

4. Ongoing contact with Ploudalmezeau. Cathryn mentioned that Ploudalmezeau have a group e-mail address for their committee. Rob confirmed that we can create one linked to our website. All agreed that this would be useful, so that we are all kept in the loop. ACTION: Rob

      6.  AOB

a.    Subscriptions have been £5 per year for many years. Perhaps we should increase? On the one hand, the figure is very low but, on the other, an increase may cause some people who have continued to pay without being actively involved to review their membership. Perhaps a family membership category? Discuss at AGM

b.    John Bunker has been a loyal member from the outset, despite failing health. Dave proposed that he should be made an Honorary Life Member. Agreed. Secretary to write to him. ACTION - John

Meeting closed at 18.30