Category: Miscellaneous
Various items that do not fit any particular category
Queen’s Birthday Honour
Queen’s Birthday Honour for Abi Reader of Goldsland Farm
Many people living in Wenvoe have been talking to the What’s On Team about the worthy MBE honour bestowed upon Abi Reader, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Abi farms with her parents John and Jennifer, and her uncle, Robert, at Goldsland Farm. The MBE recognises Abi’s services to farming.
As well as managing a herd of 180 Holstein Friesian and Dairy Shorthorns, Abi is the vice chairwoman of NFU Cymru’s Dairy Board, Glamorgan NFU Cymru county chairwoman, part of the Welsh Dairy Farm Innovations Group, the Wales TB Eradication Board, Cattle Vaccination Board and an AHDB Dairy Ambassador. She hosts Open Farm Sunday and writes in the Farmers Guardian.
Abi is also recognised for creating ‘Cows on Tour’ and travels around the country with her organisation, educating children and young people about food and farming.
With the added involvement in activities to raise money for the farming charities RABI and the DPJ Foundation, Abi is a worthy recipient of this honour. Congratulations, Abi!
Scout Group Award
National Urdd Eisteddfod – Congratulations
The What’s On Team were delighted to receive this letter of congratulation from Ann M. Jones:
‘Very many congratulations to Brennig Davies who won the Crown at this year’s National Urdd Eisteddfod – the largest Youth Festival in Europe – which was held in Cardiff last month. The adjudicators were unanimous in their praise of the winning entry. Brennig, who was educated at Ysgol Sant Curig and Ysgol Bro Morgannwg in Barry, is at present reading English at Oxford. His feat testifies to the success of Welsh Medium education in the Vale of Glamorgan. Readers of ‘What’s On’ are familiar with the monthly column contributed by Brennig’s twin sister, Tirion – who is studying Journalism at Cardiff. We, the villagers of Wenvoe, are very proud to have a National Winner living amongst us and we all hope he continues with his writing. Llongyfarchiadau mawr, Brennig’.
It gave us the opportunity to get in touch with Brennig and to read more about his entry in the prose competition at the National Urdd Eisteddfod.
Writing under the pseudonym Fleur De Taf, Brennig’s work was described by the judges as ‘brilliant and original’ and in a highly competitive field they chose ‘an author who is confident enough in himself not to need verbal fireworks. We went for one that unsettles. We went for a maturity that left us wanting more.’
Pictured here at the Crowning Ceremony, Brennig had this to say: ‘I’m really proud to have won the Crown this year, as it’s been a great way of keeping in touch with my ‘Welshness’ during the time I’ve been away at university, and it feels particularly special because the Eisteddfod was so local. Thank you to everyone who’s been so kind and supportive, and I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to write more in the future!’
Wenvoe’s Part In A Game Of Thrones
WENVOE’S PART IN A GAME OF THRONES
As Brexit heralds an uncertain future, it is worth a look back to what was going on in Wenvoe and other Vale villages during the turbulent summers of 1648 and 1649. Following a prolonged period of civil war between King and Parliament, our community was torn apart by the nearby Battle of St Fagans and in 1649 by the shocking trial and execution of King Charles I.
Civil wars are often the bitterest of conflicts dividing family members and friends alike. Ordinary people in Wenvoe however, probably did not understand what the war was about. For centuries they had been loyal to their King and Parliament. Farm labourers and their families in the local community suddenly found themselves on one side or the other. This decision was made for them by their social superiors and landlords, several of whom actually changed sides during the conflict.
The uncertainty and impact of these events must have been frightening. This cartoon from the time ‘The world turn’d upside down: or, A briefe description of the ridiculous fashions of these distracted times’ summed up how people would have felt about the perilous times in which they lived. It was a clever image summing up how ordinary life was undergoing strange and unpredictable change.
Local people had already suffered greatly in the years of conflict before 1648. Officials warned villagers if they didn’t pay wartime taxes they would be subject ‘at your peril of pillaging and plundering, and your houses fired and your persons imprisoned.’ Apart from those conscripted to fight, skilled craftsmen were forced to leave their homes to work for the armies.
The battle itself, in May 1648, involved around 11,000 men. It ended in victory for the well paid, trained and equipped Parliamentarian
forces. The Royalist army, who had hoped to restore Charles I to the throne, was routed. Many men from surrounding villages were ‘volunteered’ to join the Royalist army and bring their homemade weapons such as Welsh bills (a farming implement similar to a scythe) and clubs to the fight in the face of the cavalry, pikes, muskets and canon of the professional armies. The brutal fighting, much of which was close at hand, was reminiscent of what we saw in TV’s recent Game of Thrones. The exit wound of a musket shot was the size of a dinner plate and it was no surprise therefore that the River Ely was said to have flowed red with blood.
In the days following the battle, locals who had already witnessed horrific scenes and injuries were forced to help with mass burials of several hundred dead. One burial mound, which can still be found at Duffryn, is said to be the resting place of Royalists caught and killed when fleeing after the battle. Soldiers did not wear dog tags so once inevitably stripped of all possessions, bodies could not be identified. In local villages, the bereaved families never knew what happened to their loved ones. Survivors faced plundering at the hands of victorious soldiers. Diseases like bubonic plague and dysentery were spread by both armies. Farms were ruined. With food stores and farm animals seized for army use, starvation was inevitable. Vengeance was rife. Miles Button of Duffryn was captured and fined £5000 for his part on the Royalist side in the battle. His annual income was £400. His brother wasn’t so lucky. He was tried and executed for treason.
And what of the loyalty shown by our farm labourers to the King? Already by June 14th a poster appeared in Cowbridge calling all able bodied men between 16 and 60 to rendezvous with weapons and horse ready to fight for Parliament.
Ward Councillor Jonathan Bird Resigns
WARD COUNCILLOR – Cllr Jonathan Bird
As you may have seen in the press lately, I have decided to resign from the Conservative Group in the Council and therefore resign as cabinet member for Regeneration and Planning. I am not a person to court the press, I believe on getting down to work and get the job done, I feel that I do owe you all an explanation of what is currently happening in the Vale Council.
Some of my reasons for this action are the following;
Roads in the Vale of Glamorgan,
The new leader of the Conservatives wants to drop the work to provide a new road from Sycamore Cross to Junction 34 in favour of putting a Dinas Powys bypass in, I firmly believe that we need a new road to the M4 as the roads around the Vale and especially Wenvoe are approaching gridlock and without the new J34 road we will grind to a halt. We already see higher numbers of cars and lorries using the lanes and roads as rat runs and this will get worse as time goes on. I don’t believe that the bypass of Dinas Powys will give a significant benefit to Wenvoe or the whole of the Vale; just some minor local benefit and therefore not value for money.
Schooling in the Vale of Glamorgan,
Again the new leader of the Conservatives would reverse the decision to close Llancarfan school. My view is that as an old dilapidated school with very small numbers of children coming from the catchment (one this year) it is unfit for purpose and on a very small site not allowing improvements to the standards that are expected today for children’s education. Also with 70% or more of the children travelling from Rhoose daily, and a need for more places in Rhoose due to a huge amount of new housing, is it right to make these children travel or build a new school with all the facilities now expected within walking distance of their homes? Additionally, the money for a new school in Rhoose is available through a levy (section 106) taken from the builders in Rhoose and all in place, as is the land. The school in Llancarfan could not run if the children from Rhoose were to attend a local school due to financial reasons ie class sizes would be too small or have multiple years thus causing a huge deficit budget, therefore having an effect on the wider education budget affecting all children in the Vale. I could go on and on with reasons, I do hope you understand my stance on this.
Council Tax
The new leader of the Conservatives would not have rises in council tax. I hear you all say great, but he has no plan as to how he would pay for the services you all require. Currently the council has had to shave £60m off its budget over the last 10 years with another £6m needed to be saved for the next two years. My concern is that his idea of no council tax increase would lead to huge losses of services with very low levels of service. You are all aware that services are stretched to the limit now so further loss of funding will cause serious failure in many areas including Waste, Social Services and Education.
I firmly believe that we should ensure that we as a Council should ensure that all people, especially the young and vulnerable, receive decent levels of service and care. All this costs money and cuts will put people and services at risk.
I trust that you will understand my reason for leaving the Conservative group and I will ensure that I do all I can to make sure that the ward of Wenvoe continues to thrive. I will fight hard to ensure we get all the services and amenities we all deserve.
I have enjoyed my two years serving on the cabinet and I believe that I have done my best for the residents of Wenvoe and the whole Vale of Glamorgan in a very difficult financial time, as I have always done for the last 11 years while being your Councillor.
Thank you for your support and if you wish to contact me to discuss the issues above or any other problems you may have please do so. JBird@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk 07917142523.
Canadian Storyteller Dan Yashinsky
‘SWIMMING WITH CHAUCER
– A STORYTELLER’S LOGBOOK’
Canadian storyteller Dan Yashinsky will be making a stop in Wenvoe at the end of June to perform at a house party concert.
Dan is a storyteller, writer, and community animator living in Toronto. He has worked for the last five years as the storyteller-in-residence at Baycrest Health Sciences, telling stories in the psychiatry and palliative units. He was also the storyteller-in-residence at The Stop Community Food Centre, Toronto Public Library, UNICEF Canada, and Queen’s University Education Department. His most recent book is ‘Swimming with Chaucer – A Storyteller’s Logbook’.
‘I once memorized the Miller’s Tale’, says Dan. ‘It has accompanied me on long drives, long swims, long walks, and a long vigil for our son in the neonatal intensive care unit. Stories and poems are useful, especially the ones we carry in our heads and hearts. Mixing life stories and folktales, this evening explores how and why stories are such wise road-companions.’
While he is in the country Dan will be contributing to the volunteer training for a new project. A diagnosis of a neurodegenerative condition like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, MS or others, is a life changer. ‘Something is wrong in your brain!’ is the message, and it can feel like an assault on your sense of self, your very identity. It takes a bit of getting used to. Supported by The National Lottery Community Fund and hosted by storytelling charity Beyond the Border (Charity no 1144275) Slow Motion Selfies, is a programme of activity designed to help individuals affected by neurodegenerative conditions to find a new creative self. Donations received on the evening will go to the project.
Join us on Wednesday 26 June for a 7.30 start with refreshments to follow Dan’s performance; he always has an engaging and humorous take on life.
Places will be limited to 25 so please email philipthomas664@gmail.com or text/call 07870 212437 by 17th June to reserve a place and receive address details. Last time we sold out!
Please note that this is storytelling for adults and not intended for under 14s.
To find out more about Slow Motion Selfies contact eirwenmalin@beyondtheborder.com
Jan & Feb 200 club Draws
Wenvoe Neighbourhood Watch AGM
The AGM of Wenvoe Neighbourhood Watch took place on 20 February 2019.
Two new Co-ordinators were welcomed, one covering Springfield Close and the other Old Market. There are now 32 Co-ordinators covering the whole village including most of the new housing developments.
A small number of criminal acts were reported from within the village. Fly tipping occurred at St Lythams but was cleared very quickly by the Council after notification by the Co-ordinator. On another occasion vehicle headlights were stolen but the thief was caught, and the headlights returned. In one area it was reported that residents were proposing to install a surveillance camera in response to local thefts.
On the Saturday after the meeting some lead was stolen from the roof of the Church. If anybody has any information about this, please would they contact Vicar Jon.
Residents are advised to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or criminal act to their Co-ordinator. If unsure of your Co-ordinator please contact Alan French: 02920 59 8092.
Officers elected for 2019 are:
Chairman Alan French
Vice Chairman Trevor Case
Secretary/Treasurer Jackie Gauci
Minutes Secretary Bert Bates
Future Co-ordinators meetings in 2019 are July 3 and October 23.
Alan French
For The Love Of Libraries’
‘FOR THE LOVE OF LIBRARIES’
THE BRITISH LIBRARY, SUNDAY 10 MARCH
Faced with the threat of closure, it was the ‘Love of Libraries’ that underpinned the decision by members of our community to create the Wenvoe Community Library. Now, three years later, this group of volunteers are looking forward to the opening of the new library early in 2020 in surroundings which will be a hub for the community. Whilst funding from Welsh Government and the Vale of Glamorgan Council have made this possible, the volunteers are under no illusion that for the library to retain a place at the heart of our community, they need our continued support.
Authors Jaqueline Wilson, Philip Pullman and Salley Vickers shared their ‘Love of Libraries’ at the British Library in London on Sunday 10 March. Each author talked about the importance of libraries to them as children and how those libraries influenced their work as writers in later life. Sylvia and Cathryn Harvey write about an inspiring day.
For Jacqueline Wilson, the library served as a place of refuge during the summer holidays with arguing parents. She has wonderful memories of the silence, the smell and the blissful feeling of losing herself in the world of books. In this safe haven, she discovered books by Louisa M Alcott, Jane Austen and Mazo de la Roche. As a young mother later in life, she took her daughter Emma to her local library, letting her choose picture books like The Tiger who came to Tea and Where the Wild Things Are for them to read together. When Emma got older, the Nipper series became a favourite and served as the final inspiration to Jacqueline to fulfil the lifelong dream of becoming a writer. And the library also served an important role in Emma’s later life- she became fascinated by the French literature section and has gone on to become a professor of French Literature at Cambridge University. Jacqueline’s books focused on those stories not often heard, of children in difficult family situations in urban areas, that have become a staple for children across the country.
As the child of RAF parents, Philip Pullman moved many times throughout his childhood. Eventually, the family settled in Harlech, North Wales. Philip loved it, and it was there that his love of libraries and the stories they contain developed. A local lady ‘from the big house’ lent him books, and there he discovered HG Wells, the Tarzan novels, and The Moomins. As a teenager, the fortnightly mobile library introduced him to the Alexandria Quartet by Lawrence Durrell, and his school library opened his mind to great artists through the art history books published by Fontana. His university years at Oxford meant he spent a great deal of time in the Bodleian (readers of
his books will know how much this influenced his later work), and after graduating he worked in Charing Cross library for a time and as a teacher, before becoming a full-time author. In many of his novels, libraries feature heavily, particularly in His Dark Materials series and La Belle Sauvage, the first of the Book of Dust series.
Salley Vickers started her talk with her challenging childhood. As her parents were outspoken Communists, they often struggled financially, and the family was unable to buy books. As a result, Salley, from a very early age, spent much of her time in her local library, whose wonderful children’s librarian recommended books for her and let her choose her own. Salley developed a love for The Moomins, by Tove Janssen, especially the character Snuffkin, whose famous line, “all small creatures should wear bows on their tails”, has become one of Salley’s favourite quotes. Other discovered favourites included The Princess and The Goblin and other books by George McDonald, and Rosemary Sutcliffe’s The Eagle of the Ninth series. But her most treasured childhood book is Tom’s Midnight Garden by Phillipa Pearce. The wonderful librarian, a Ms Blackwell, whose guidance was so invaluable to Salley as a child, served as the inspiration for her latest novel, The Librarian. In the novel, Sylvia Blackwell’s goal is to inspire the children of East Mole to read, but elements of her personal life cause tension within the town, threatening the existence of the library altogether.
The discussion between the authors and the audience highlighted the importance of choice; for children to choose their books and for librarians to choose the books they believe their patrons would like to read. The current push for diversity has failed to take into account the treasure trove that is a library. Where else can you find the stories of so many people from so many different walks of life in one place? Reading and listening to stories teaches empathy and understanding in a way that nothing else can.
By investing in libraries, we are investing in the future by giving children a place to grow and develop ideas, and hopefully, help them become the best versions of themselves. We will leave you with this quote from an audience member: ‘A library is a treasure chest of Serendipity’. It is a place to be discovered and explored, with the unknown surprising you at every turn.
I do hope this will inspire you all as much as it did us. Please share your childhood memories of libraries with us on your next visit to the library or email us at sylviaharvey@hotmail.co.uk. We would like to display a collection of excerpts of your memories at the community events which will celebrate the opening of our new library.