Category: Miscellaneous

Various items that do not fit any particular category

The “What’s On” is your magazine

 

WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE

This is your magazine.

We have a team to format articles and build the magazine but we do rely on YOU to supply the material to put in each edition. Thank you to all of you who supply us with regular items.

There is no charge for anything you want to have included in the magazine except for commercial advertisers.

Why not write a letter, an article about your holidays or something you have seen or taken part in locally or you consider of interest to others. E-mail your item to one of the team on page 2. If you cannot communicate electronically please leave the item in the What’s On box in the library or Village Shop.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

 

 

The Reassuring Sight of Wales Air Ambulance

 

As the crow flies Wenvoe is directly in between Cardiff and RAF St Athan which is the reason the South Wales Police helicopter can be seen often overflying our village. A common sight, the blue and yellow liveried aircraft has now become a routine crime fighting tool. It is based at RAF St Athan but covers both the South Wales and Gwent Police areas. Neighbouring forces of Dyfed Powys and North Wales have their own aircraft.

Helicopters have become an important vehicle with modern day emergency services with 3 in use with the police and another 3 bright red Air Ambulances covering the whole of Wales. Able to respond very quickly, unaffected by terrain or traffic jams, they can reach their destination with relative ease and then provide ground staff with all manner of specialist support. Even the Fire Service have experimented with helicopter support

Some interesting facts – Air Ambulance

  • The aim of Wales Air Ambulance is to reach, treat and transport patients with the greatest speed possible. A pilot can have the helicopter airborne within 3 minutes of receiving an emergency call.
  • The aircraft can travel at 140mph – over 2 miles per minute – and can reach anywhere in Wales within 20 minutes.
  • Wales Air Ambulance responds to over 1,000 missions every year and approximately 40% of missions are to road traffic collisions.
  • Treatment within the ‘Golden Hour’ improves the chances of a patient’s survival and early recovery.
  • A helicopter has the capacity to carry 1 pilot, 2 paramedics and 1 patient. The new EC-135 can also carry the parent of an injured child.
  • The cost of running the service across Wales is £5-million per year with each mission costing approximately £1,200.
  • Wales was the last country and region in Europe to have an air ambulance service, but it has since grown to become one of the busiest air ambulance operations in the UK.

 

Some interesting facts – South Wales Police Air Support Unit

  • The helicopter can carry up to 7 people to include passengers, specialist officers and casualties.
  • The helicopter will soon have a dog carrier on board for police dogs and has a stretcher on board for casualty evacuation.

 

  • It has the latest camera technology along with digital image management and recording systems. The Star Sapphire Camera has four camera capabilities and can clearly record images.
  • It can transmit images from its ‘heli telly’ system enabling ground commanders to see real time pictures of incidents, disasters and major events.
  • It is a faster flyer, more efficient, has greater endurance, more powerful engines, and has a lower noise footprint which means it is much quieter than the old helicopter.
  • It regularly features in ITV Wales’ programme titled ‘Sky Cops’
  • It is available to be called on to assist front-line police officers in exactly the same way as any other police specialist such as dog handlers or firearms experts.

 

Whether its the Air Ambulance or police Air Support Unit they are a reassuring sight in our skies.

 

 

What Else Happened On St David’s Day?

WHAT ELSE HAPPENED ON ST DAVID’S DAY?

March1st is arguably the most widely known and important day in Welsh history and culture. Across the country we mark the death of St David, patron saint of Wales, who died on 1st March in 589 AD. Most celebrations take traditional forms, such as eisteddfodau or arts festivals. Perhaps one of the most unusual though, took place in 1956, when the Goons celebrated St. David’s Day by lighting cigarettes with leeks.

St David’s Day has many other significant and interesting events attached to it in recent Welsh history. On St David’s Day in 1827 the appropriately named St David’s College, Lampeter, now the University of Wales Trinity St David, was opened. Today it has campuses in Lampeter, Carmarthen and Swansea as well as another campus in London and learning centres in Cardiff and Birmingham.

On 1 March 1927 a crippling explosion at Marine Colliery, Ebbw Vale, killed no fewer than 51 miners. There had been worse mining disasters in Wales but this one, coming so soon after the tragedy of World War One, was a particularly poignant and painful event.

On a lighter note, on 1 March 1965 Tom Jones hit the number one spot for the first time with his single ‘It’s Not Unusual.’ Songs like ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’ and ‘Delilah’ are generally loved in Wales and beyond. No rugby international would be complete without at least one rendering of Delilah. It all began on St David’s Day.

St David’s Day in 1979 saw the rejection of devolution (by the huge margin of 4-1) in a referendum held right across the country. The idea of devolution disappeared from the Welsh political agenda for over ten years; only in September 1997 was a second referendum held, this time resulting in a narrow victory for the supporters of devolution.

Dylan Thomas, in many respects the traditional national poet of English-speaking Wales, was honoured on 1 March 1982. On that day a memorial was unveiled and dedicated at Poets’ Corner in Westminster Abbey.

St David’s Day 1986 saw the death of one of Wales’ great sporting heroes. Tommy Farr, the ‘Tonypandy Terror,’ who died at the age of 73. Born in Clydach Vale on 12th March 1913, Tommy became British and Empire Champion in 1937 and in August of that same year was matched against the great American world champion, Joe Louis, in a bout at Yankee Stadium, New York. Louis had carried all before him, knocking out all nine previous opponents. Nobody gave the Welshman much of a chance. In a brutal and close contest Tommy Farr lost on points and earned the respect of Louis and the American boxing fans. Indeed, when the decision was announced many of the crowd booed to show their disapproval. Tommy’s later life did not run smoothly and, having retired in 1940, he was forced to return to the ring to try to recapture some of his lost fortune. He tried singing and even ran a pub in Brighton for a while, but his moment of triumph (even though it was, in reality, a defeat) had come years before in his contest with Joe Louis.

 

 

Advice From Action Fraud

Action Fraud has received more than 5,000 reports about fake emails and texts purporting to be from TV Licensing. The messages contain links to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information.

Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.

For more information about how to stay safe online, visit cyberaware.gov.uk

Action Fraud has also experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls, voicemails, text messages or emails to members of the public purporting to be from HMRC. (HM Revenue and Customs)

The fraudsters state that as a result of their non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable to prosecution or other legal proceedings such as repossession of belongings to settle the balance but can avoid this by arranging for payment to be made immediately by method such as bank transfer or by iTunes gift cards.

If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, bailiffs or in cases where the victim appears to be of overseas origin, deportation.

Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact.

It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature.

What you need to do:- Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.

Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using iTunes Gift Cards, or any other type of voucher.

Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.

Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, report this as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud.

 

 

Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station

 

Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station is discreetly located in what’s called ‘The Outer Harbour’ which is next to Jacksons Bay on Barry Island. Unlike many other RNLI stations it is not an imposing building on the seafront, nor does it have any wonderful or imaginative launch mechanism like a tractor or impressive slipway. Indeed the current station is an old recycled office from a wood supply business that was once based on the dock.

The lifeboat also sits out of view, permanently moored on the water alongside a floating pontoon which is secured to the dock wall. A big, beautiful orange and blue beast of a machine always ‘on the starting blocks’ with engines kept warm ready to go from a standing start to full power at a moments notice.

However it wasn’t always like that. The RNLI is forever changing, improving and upgrading. Innovation is a massive part of the seafarer’s world as old technologies become redundant to be replaced by newer, safer, more hi-tech alternatives. And so the story goes…..

Work on the first Barry Dock Lifeboat Station started in 1884 as part of the larger development of Barry Docks itself. The initial lifeboat station built with a slipway then received its first Thames type lifeboat in 1901 and became operational which cost £600 and was named “John Wesley” after her benefactors the Wesleyans. She was a 43’ long sailing boat with no internal engine but she was equipped with 10 oars rowed 5 a-side by the crew. She remained on station for 21 years before being sold for £135 having launched on 41 occasions and saved 1 life.

In September 1922 the station received a new 40’ Watson class lifeboat named Prince David which cost £8,000 and stayed in service until 1937 when she was replaced by another 41’ Watson Class boat named Rachel and Mary Evans which cost £6,400. She was the first Barry lifeboat to have an inboard engine driving a single propeller, a fantastic innovation for the crew! This boat saw much service during the war years being called into action with much gallantry on many occasions. Regrettably she

met her end smashed onto rocks at Western Super Mare in 1969

In 1967 a brand new style of Waveney Class of lifeboat was delivered to Barry Dock named “Arthur and Blanche Harris”. This was the station’s first steel hulled lifeboat with much more power from twin Cummins marine engines and was much faster. Also, her metal hull meant she was to be left permanently afloat rather than garaged in a lifeboat station. She had a crew of 5 but could rescue up to 35 casualties in one journey – a huge leap forward. In 1974 she was replaced by an Arun Class lifeboat which didn’t have a name but had the RNLI designation of 52-01. This was a fast craft capable of 18 knots with a crew of seven. In 1997 she was replaced by another Arun Class named Margaret Frances Love and in 2003 was further replaced by a third Arun Class named Mickey Salvesen which stayed there until 2006.

In 2006 the existing boat was delivered – a huge, powerful, fast and very capable Trent Class lifeboat named “Inner Wheel II” after the popular ladies charity organisation. Inner Wheel remains the only All-Weather Lifeboat covering the entire Severn Estuary (there are several other types of lifeboats around the area). She has 2 huge diesel engines which put out vast power to her twin-screw propellers and her wake at full power is something to behold. She carries a volunteer crew of 7 and has the most up-to-date navigation and lifesaving equipment. She is also a self-righting boat in the event of a capsize, keeping her crew safe in a watertight wheelhouse. This is one hugely capable boat supported by a very experienced crew.

If you want to know more about Barry Dock Lifeboat you can follow us on Facebook. If you would like to donate you can contact our Barry Dock Fundraising Manager Avril Kitchen at kitchenavril@gmail.com or you can find out more about the amazing history and equipment of the RNLI at www.rnli.org

 

 

Pobol y Cwm

The BBC recently used the Wenvoe Community Centre to film scenes for the Welsh language series Pobol y Cwm.

These scenes will be screened on Monday, February 11th at 7.30pm, and also on Sunday on the Omnibus edition (all 5 episodes) of the week, it normally starts at around 5.00pm but the omnibus time can change

 

 

 

Dogs Trust, Bridgend Appeal

Dogs Trust, Bridgend are asking for donations of towels, blankets and quilts which are used as bedding for the many dogs in their care. Most of the bedding is washed and reused but much has to be disposed of due to hygiene issues and damage from the dogs so supplies are always in need of replenishing. Indeed, as the Dogs Trust is a charity totally reliant on donations, it would welcome support of any kind, including dog food, dog toys or charitable donations via its website.

If you have anything to donate please let me know and I will collect it and deliver it to the Dogs Trust.

Thanks / Diolch yn fawr,

Martin Thomas – 07581 192108

 

 

FREE Childcare Regulations

 

Here at Wenvoe Playgroup, we are signed up to the Welsh Government’s 30 Hour FREE Childcare, for children the term after their third birthday who live in Cardiff. All Cardiff Children who are eligible, are now beginning to access their FREE 17.5 HOURS OF CARE.

From April this year, the ‘30 Hour FREE Childcare offer’ is coming to the Vale of Glamorgan including Wenvoe, so we want to be sure that you are ready. This is sooner than originally thought/planned.

The 30-hour FREE care is offered as 12.5 hours of Nursery Education and 17.5 hours of Care. You can use the 17.5 hours between Playgroup, Day-care or a Childminder as long as the provider is registered with Care Inspectorate Wales.

If the Government are offering 17.5 hours of ‘Free Play’ and you fit the criteria, then why not take them up on it? Some children on our books apply for as little as 4 hours, it’s all about what your Child needs. We have attached some examples for a better understanding.

As long as Parents fit the following criteria your child may receive FREE care from April 2019 if living in The Vale of Glamorgan.

It is available to Children the term after their 3rd Birthday. If your child is 3 between:

* 1st Sept – 31 Dec they will be eligible in January

* 1st Jan – 31st March they will be eligible in April (after the Easter Hols)

* 1st April – 31st August – they will be eligible in September

  • if the Child is living with 2 parents, both parents must work a minimum of 16 hours or more per week at National Minimum Wage (NMW)
  • if the Child is living with 1 parent, then they must work a minimum of 16 hours or more per week at NMW.
  • if you earn more than £100,000 per parent then the Child is not eligible.

 

Please contact Cardiff Family Information Centre (FIS) for those living in Cardiff Tel: 02920 351700 E-mail@fis@cardiff.gov.uk

or from 4th March 2019 The Vale Family Information Centre (FIS) for those living in The Vale of Glamorgan Tel: 01446 704704 E-mail: fis@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Before applying for the offer, please contact us here at the Playgroup on 02920 597494 to ensure that we have availability. We have limited space at this time and will need to employ further staff perhaps to support your needs. We have a waiting list for Summer Term at this time due to the funding being rolled out from April.

We have children with us at this time from Cardiff who are benefitting from our wrap around service with Gwenfo Nursery and are receiving up to 17.5 hours of their time FREE at Playgroup.

 

Please see the example for guidance on how this works for us with Cardiff families. Your Child could benefit with 4 days wrap around care at £0.00 or for as little as £3.75 per week, attend 5 mornings 9 to 1pm and onto Gwenfo Nursery.

A contract will have to be completed prior to taking up the offer and your placement confirmed at the Playgroup. We expect to be very busy.

If you require further information then please contact us at wenvoeplaygroup@btinternet.com

 

If you search www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare it will advise you that you can also use your workplace voucher scheme (if already enrolled) and Tax-Free Childcare vouchers to top up any hours or fees above 17.5hrs.

 

 

Pilates has come to Wenvoe!!

 

Pilates has come to Wenvoe!!

Now if you haven’t got a clue what Pilates is (and don’t worry you won’t be the only one); read on!

Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. Pilates moves tend to target the core, although the exercises work other areas of your body as well. “It strengthens and stabilizes your core body, which is your foundation, so that you can move efficiently while improving your posture, flexibility, and mobility.” Kath Sweeney Pilates has been running for nearly 5 years now and she holds classes across the Vale and Cardiff including Cardiff’s 5* Saint David’s Hotel & Spa. Pilates is a great accompaniment to most sports – golf, running, cycling and horse riding. For example golfers with bad posture lack the ability to move with fluidity; runners generally have tight hamstrings and hip flexors; for cyclists – core stability plus hip flexibility is integral to producing power on the bike; and horse riders, muscles around your pelvis and hip joints can go into low-grade spasm as a protective mechanism. Pilates aim is to lengthen tight muscles and strengthen weak ones! Which will in turn improve posture. Through breathing techniques we work the core muscles in each exercise and aim to improve flexibility, balance and create a connection between mind and body! The plank is a common Pilates exercise but there are so many more! Kath Sweeney Pilates runs every Thursday 8-9pm in Wenvoe Village Hall; £5. Suitable for all abilities so don’t worry if you haven’t a clue what to do, we’ve all been there!!

Feel free to come along mats supplied! Or you can contact Kath on 07738957638 or have a look on Facebook:

Kath Sweeney Pilates

 

 

Behind-The-Scenes of the RNLI

 

The story in last months WWO about our local lifeboat crews and stations was just to whet your appetites about the local RNLI. Most of you will have viewed BBC2’s programme “Saving Lives At Sea” about the day-to-day work of the RNLI but I thought it’d be a bit more interesting to find out about what goes on behind-the-scenes of the RNLI. How does it operate? What equipment does it use? Where are our local stations? What have they recently responded to? And more importantly who are those volunteers who press ‘pause’ on their lives to respond in times of need.

So firstly a pen picture of the RNLI – it was formed in 1824 by Sir William Hillary and since that time has saved an incredible 142,200 lives. It is 100% a charitable organisation receiving no support whatsoever from either the UK nor Irish governments and is wholly dependant on voluntary donations. It costs over £177 million to run the RNLI including its 238 stations strategically located around the entire coast of the UK and Ireland and its UK HQ base in Poole. It is staffed by about 4,600 people mostly volunteers from local communities who undertake a multitude of tasks within and across the RNLI and keep the ‘oils wheeled’ and the propellers turning!

Locally there are 3 RNLI lifeboat stations; Barry Dock, Penarth and Porthcawl and each has its own allocated jurisdiction broadly covering the western coast of the entire Severn Estuary. However they all support one another whenever needed so geography is largely irrelevant. Each RNLI station is equipped with boats; equipment and staff according to its specific role. Those stations covering large expanses of ocean and unpredictable, turbulent seas are provided with the larger boats like the Mersey and Trent class whereas those covering inland coastal areas are equipped with smaller, more agile RHIB’s (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats) like the Atlantic 85 or inflatable such as the D Class. The RNLI also uses craft specifically for unique waterways such as hovercraft for large mudflats and estuaries and the very fast E Class on the Thames. More on those in future articles.

Locally Barry Dock uses a large Trent class All- Weather Lifeboat named “Inner Wheel II” which is moored permanently afloat alongside a floating pontoon in Barry Dock. Penarth and Porthcawl are both equipped with an Atlantic 85 RHIB and a D Class Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) which are kept in purpose built lifeboat stations on their respective seafronts. Recently however Barry Dock has also been upgraded to a two boat station with the allocation of a further D Class ILB. Again, more of that in future articles.

So, that just starts to paint the picture of what is a fascinating organisation with an amazing history staffed by incredible people and brilliantly capable equipment. If you want to find out more feel free to visit the excellent RNLI website at www.rnli.org

where you can read about everything RNLI.

Looking ahead I will hopefully provide photos and updates on rescues (or “Shouts” as they’re called) and pen pictures of our volunteer crew members who live in our communities here in the Vale Of Glamorgan

 

 

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