Category: Uncategorized

Garden 7th Cavalry has Arrived!

Firstly, a big thank you to Trevor for all the good work he has put into his column over many years. Trevor is still available for advice as there is no substitute for experience.

Gardening, whether it's a postage stamp or at a country house, is well known for lowering stress levels. It's easy to get involved, especially in Wenvoe, with allotments, wildlife group, environment team (under Trevor's watchful eye) and, of course, the produce show in September. It's a well known fact that Gardeners love to share their knowledge. So here we go, first bit of advice, if you can get on to your lawn at this time of year, brushing off the worm casts is a must as weed seeds attach to the little mounds causing more weeds than you can shake a stick at.

If you haven't already, cut the dead flower heads of hydrangeas just above first bud or to a lower bud if the plant is outgrowing its space.

Start to grow seeds on the kitchen windowsill and cover seeds and compost with vermiculite to stop the annoying fungus fly laying eggs We are all tempted by the seed and plant catalogues that come via magazines and through the post, but beware that these young plants may be smaller than you expect and will not be hardened off. If given the right care they will be worth the effort.

You should, by now, be chitting [getting them ready to plant] your early potatoes by putting them in open egg boxes in a sunny, frost free place until stalks are shooting. Basic stuff, but I still need to be reminded. Also, plant some peas in pots and keep in a sheltered spot as it is so worth trying to get them to grow early . Eat them straight off the plant – they are truly lovely.

Before the gardening season takes off, there's lots to get ready. Seed trays and pots need to be cleaned, make sure all hand tools are fit for purpose, mowers need to be serviced and if you have a greenhouse it needs to be cleaned with disinfectant.

Did you get an Amaryllis at Christmas? If so when flowers start to fade cut them off but leave the stalk and leaves. Feed and water sparingly and when foliage has died back keep in a cool place ready for next year.

One last thing, I recently put some chive seeds in a pot, sealed in a clear plastic bag, on the kitchen windowsill and they were up in 8 days.

 

Happy gardening!

 

 

The End of the line

rip02Unfortunately this month saw the last of the Wenvoe whist drives. Numbers have been falling steadily over the last few years and there has been a lack of volunteers to help running it. It is sad to see it go, but it has been serving an ever smaller number of the Wenvoe community, with most members coming from outside the village.

Our last winners were Joyce, Bert, Gwynne and Julie.

I would like to thank everyone who has donated time, prizes and money over the years. If anyone would consider starting it up again, please contact me and I will hand over the equipment.

Meike 2067 9108

 

 

History of Pilates

pilates01Joseph Pilates was born in Germany in 1880 and, through his early life, suffered from asthma, rickets and rheumatic fever. His drive and determination to overcome these ailments led him to become a competent gymnast, diver and skier.

Evolution of the Pilates method – It was only after his death that his work became known as Pilates or the Pilates method. The Pilates method has gradually evolved and integrated current biomechanical thinking. However, the roots of the technique are steeped in the philosophy + movement patterns designed by Joseph Pilates over 70 years ago.

What is Pilates? – A refreshing mind-body workout by emphasizing proper breathing, correct spinal and pelvic alignment, and concentration on smooth, flowing movement, you become acutely in tune with your body. You actually learn how to control its movement.

In Pilates the quality of movement is valued over quantity of repetitions. Proper breathing is essential, and helps you execute movements with maximum power and efficiency. Last but not least, learning to breathe properly can reduce stress.

If you’re a runner, footballer, swimmer or just like playing sports, Pilates helps improve muscles flexibility and joint mobility so you’re pilates02less likely to be injured. As for lower-back pain that affects so many, Pilates exercises can work wonders because lower-back pain is often caused by weak stomach muscles and bad posture.

Speaking of which, Pilates is also the ideal solution for poor postural habits such as too much computer usage, slouching, rounded shoulders and general sofa slumping. In fact, by focusing on stretching, lengthening and opening tight muscle groups, you’ll feel an improvement in your posture almost by the end of your first class. Now that’s what you call results.

Pilates – Wenvoe Community Centre Every Thursday 6:15pm – 7:15pm

(Please bring your own mat)

Contact Lynda on 07964378251

Lyndaharr@hotmail.com

 

 

 

August news

Although we had a rather small gathering, we still spent a very enjoyable evening as usual. Winners were Joyce and Sheila.

I want to take this opportunity to question the viability of the group as it is now, with only 2 tables on several occasions. Furthermore, I shall find it difficult to keep running the group on my own, particularly in the winter months, starting from October, due to other commitments. Therefore I am asking for volunteers to take over from me during the winter. If anyone is interested, you can call me (see What's On page 2), or come to the September whist to discuss it with the others.

Please note that there will NOT be whist in August as many of us will be on holiday

Village Whist

We were delighted to welcome three new members this month: Viv, Mike & Lynette. And despite having never played the game before, Mike went on to win first price! Well done! Second gent was Trevor and the winning ladies were Marian, first, and Margaret, second.

Congratulations to all! Hope we see you all back next month.

2016-03-04 Village Whist

Although we were only four tables, we spent a very pleasant evening with old friends. Winners were Bert and Mieke, second came Gwynne and Marie. Congratulations!

I also want to call your attention to the Military Whist in the Golf Club on Thursday 31st March at 7.30pm. If you wish to take part in this event, you need to organize a table of four. If possible, let Beryl know. If not, just turn up and enjoy!

With Easter being so early this year, our Easter whist drive will take place after Easter, on Thursday 14th April. I also want to ask that the people who suggested last year’s charity, Welsh Hearts, get in touch with me to arrange the donation. Hope to see you all again next month!

Parish News

On the fourth Sunday in June, the first All Age Communion Service took place at 9.30a.m. with all the “Pebbles” taking part. Many with their Mums and Dads. The church was full and the informality of the service went down well with the congregation, with gusty hymn singing, some with actions, clapping etc. The next All Age Communion Service will be on the last Sunday in July.

The past month has seen much work carried out in the churchyard. For many years the churchyard has been left to “mother nature”, and she has been a vigorous grower of lots of vegetation which we do not need. Contractors, at a cost of £500, have taken away the ivy, saplings and undergrowth which has been festooning the boundary walls of the churchyard and the collapsed dry stone wall between the churchyard extension and the Community Cemetery. This wall is an important feature of the churchyard, being the old boundary wall of the Rectory Orchard, and the wall will be rebuilt, using a local craftsman, once the trees which have been allowed to grow on the top have been removed. This is likely to be a costly exercise but one which the Parochial Church Council agreed to be the correct course of action to take. It will make a much better and well built wall for future generations to admire.

The large Poplar Tree near to the Churchyard Cross has also been removed at a cost of £350 and the stump will be ground out during the coming weeks. It is sad to have to remove trees at any time, but this tree has been cause of much damage around the plinth of the Cross, and as it was likely to grow much taller, removal was the sensible action to take.

The table tomb dedicated to the memory of Morgan Morgan who died in 1776 had been giving concern for some time becoming unstable. So in accordance with Health and Safety Rules it has been lowered to ground level. The vault entrance stone to the Nell family grave near the Tower has also been repaired and made safe, Mossfords carried out this work at a cost of £2010.

The PCC at its recent meeting authorised the payments for all these works which amounted to £4709, the bulk of which has been taken from the results of the Church Appeal which has raised £3875 to date and will remain open to receive additional funds to enable us to carry on with the other jobs scheduled for the next five years.

From the Church Quinquenial Report of December 2014 the lightning conductor on the church tower needed to be checked, this has been carried out at a cost of £127.20 and it was reported that remedial work needed to be carried out, again at a cost of £628 plus VAT to ensure the safety of the building.

Also the church and church hall has been checked for any Asbestos used. The church was found to be free of it, but the church hall has low grade Asbestos in the Artex used on the ceiling and in the roof tiles. The cost of this survey came to £780. The building has had smoke and heat detectors fitted and a carbon monoxide detector in the kitchen area.

The congregation of St Mary’s has risen to the challenge of providing the funds for this work to be done, and as we today enjoy the work done by previous generations, we too have a duty to ensure that the buildings we worship in are fit for purpose for the generations which lie ahead of us. We get no funding from central church funds for this work to be carried out, and our income comes from what is given freely on the collection plate at our services, the 200 club contributes from its funds towards the repair of the building and of course we make sure that we get our contribution from H.M Gov on Gift Aid refunds. That is why the St Mary’s Appeal remains open for future contributions to this vital work to keep the roof secure, the lights on and more importantly the church door open.

Plans are being made for events surrounding our celebration of the Harvest on September 26/27th Scary things will be going on in the churchyard with a Scarecrow Competition for scariest, the funniest, on the Saturday and Sunday afternoons. The church will be open to view the Harvest Decorations, there is planned to have a talk on our church history, refreshments will be available in the Church Gazebo erected in the churchyard, all in all this is going to be a great occasion to show the church to the village and also to welcome our new villagers from the “Redrow” Grange site, who should have moved into their new homes by that time. The scarecrow competition is open to all ages, all groups and families so get your thinking caps on and join in the fun.

We continue supporting the Food Bank with regular weekly collections in church, Tradecraft products are on sale at The Chattery and the Coffee morning on the 4th Sunday of the month and this year the fresh produce from the Harvest will be donated to the Salvation Army and the canned and dry goods passed on to the Food Bank in Barry.

Summer seems to be late in arriving this year, but who knows what August has in store for us.

Parry Edwards

Village Whist

Twenty one players managed to play a full 24 hands, which is no mean feat! First lady was Jenny, second came Gwynne. First gent was Terry, with John second.

Due to holiday commitments of all experienced in leading the whist drive, August whist is unfortunately cancelled this year. We will convene again on Thursday 10th September. Please spread the word, particularly to members who might not receive the What’s On!

NO WHIST IN AUGUST!

 

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