Category: Community Groups

Ideas Pointing in the Right Direction

WENVOE FORUM

Considering Tomorrow Today

“Ideas Pointing in the Right Direction ”

I recently read an interesting blog about a private sector attempt to provide a route to changing the NHS from a megalithic organisation that treats people who are sick and injured into one whose primary task in to keep the population well. The entrepreneurial team have devised a package that offers appointments at which all the latest tech including a full body scan is employed to try to detect any potential problems early, allowing for treatment, lifestyle change or whatever is recommended should take place before too much damage is done. This is not part of the NHS and seems to be targeted at the reasonably well off 30+ age group. At £300 an appointment it is not hugely expensive but well out of reach for the NHS’s biggest client group for whom poverty affects many, many of the determinants of health such as poor housing, unhealthy diets, low paid jobs, etc etc. They will not be in the position to have one appointment, never mind the follow ups every 2 or 3 years that will probably be needed.

Whether these assessments are useful, even for the well off, I don’t know and the Forum is not recommending them, nevertheless; there is an underlying idea which seems to points in the right direction. Intervening much earlier in life and persuading individuals to make appropriate changes could reduce the incidence of so many conditions that are life limiting both in terms of length and quality.

As the Covid pandemic demonstrated so clearly public health is the responsibility of government at all levels using all the tools available from legislation through to advertising and the work of the “Nudge unit” now known as the Behavioural Insights Team. Their combined force would not have succeeded without the willing cooperation of the public. Vaccination programmes that have hopefully defeated smallpox and certainly turned Covid into something we could live with have been worldwide efforts. In the UK the campaign to reduce sickness and death related to tobacco smoking is succeeding but has taken decades so far and if we are to make the changes needed to turn the NHS oil tanker, we the public will have to contribute to our own health not only with our taxes but with actions and fairly swift action too. But what can we, here in Wenvoe actually do?

Some things we can do for ourselves like improving our diet. Let’s use this as an example. It sounds simple and it sounds personal but to achieve it some people need some help. Working families are time poor and it is so easy to fill the supermarket trolley with quick to prepare, highly processed food which is less healthy. If healthy food were to be available on their doorstep it might just make the difference and change their behaviour especially if it were at a reasonable price. For some it’s a case of not knowing what is healthy and what is not and often the information is not clear and as time goes by further research changes the message, so a regular set of health lectures might be useful.

 

But I write as someone in their 70s making a suggestion from my perspective and I acknowledge that what would work for me might not be right for others. If we, as a community, are to see change that will benefit us all then we must all put on our thinking caps and our action shoes.

There is an opportunity to shape an imminent Community Planning Exercise which will undertake its main survey in the New Year. From the beginning of October to the end of the year your thoughts and ideas about what important topics are to be included in the new community plan should be sent tocpe@wenvoecouncil.org.uk. This is a real opportunity to express how you would like life in Wenvoe to be in 5, 10, 15 years time. All aspects of community life can be considered, planning, services, resources, green spaces, ecology, wildlife, environment… Working together it is possible to achieve so much, and it can be fun too, so if you have ambitious plans lets hear them. The results of the last planning exercise can be seen on thewww.wenvoecouncil.org.uk website.

On November 23rd, the Community Council will be bringing together some other organisations for an open day to get the ball rolling on collecting ideas. See the next edition of WWO for more details

IT’S YOUR COMMUNITY!

LET’S HEAR YOUR VOICE!

HAPPY HOP GROWERS – In mid-September,5.55Kg of Wenvoe grown hops were delivered by Sian and Steve Jones to PIPES brewery in Cardiff, where they are already in the brew that will be this year’s community brew of Taff Temptress. The harvest was much better than 2023 so we have great hopes for our hops.

 

 

To join our Facebook group, please ‘friend up’ with the Gwen Fo account @ https://www.facebook.com/gwen.fo.1 and then jon the Wenvoe Forum @ https:// www.facebook.com/groups/635369267864402

Some further information and updates, blog site https:// wenvoeforum.wordpress.com/. Any Wenvoe community member is welcome to join the Forum meetings, via Zoom, which are normally held 19.00 on the second Thursday of each month. E-mail gwenfo.forum@gmail.com if you wish to join.

 

Defynnog  and Swansea Valley

Defynnog  and Swansea Valley

Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brycheiniog

We have explored the Brecon Beacons this summer, a big thank you to everyone who has suggested or plotted walks. We have had a veritable feast of wild food finding hazelnuts, bilberries, blackberries, wild strawberries and raspberries, and in one field left fallow, fresh peas (amongst wheat, barley and other old crops) which were so delicious. Here are another two walks in this awesome place.

Defynnog

We set off from Defynnog, to make our way around Cwm Treweryn. A road led to Pantymaes where ponies grazed near the footpath, and we approached a quarry. Peregrines have been nesting here and successfully raising young. We saw some adult birds flying above the ridge and heard their screaming cries.

As we continued a flock of sheep walked in front of us until they ran to their mates in an open area. Shortly after we spotted an ewe which had got itself stuck in the roots of a tree. Its head was under a root, and it couldn’t back up as there was another root behind it. One of us lifted it out and it ran off bleating but not before giving its rescuer a kick.

To the east we could see the entrance to the valley we had walked last week. We spotted delicate blue harebells, explored the graveyard of a chapel with a hexagonal end and spotted a white chapel on the opposite hillside. We passed Glwydcaenewydd farm and walked through Crai before walking along a flower strewn lane. Needing lunch, we trudged uphill beside a wood to reach a height where we sat on a bank and ate while gazing at the landscape spread in front of us.

Walking along a road for a while we turned homeward on a good path to another chapel, and we peered through dusty windows to see a small austere space crammed with pews and tiny porches in two corners. One of the stones in the graveyard had a picture of a tractor on it which led to a discussion about what type of tractor it was.

Views of the surrounding hills diminished as we descended and entered a sunlight dappled path through trees, whose roots reached like long fingers down the bank.

Returning to Defynnog we were disappointed to find the highly recommended International Rarebit Café shut so had to be satisfied with a visit to the pub.

Four of us went to the church to visit the famous Defynnog yew and were mightily impressed. There are several yews all obviously ancient but one is so large we were all able to climb into its centre. Wow! It is thought that the Defynnog tree is between 2000 and 3000 years old. Although we thought we saw several trees it is probable that they were one tree. It may have been used for large gatherings (Cantrefi or hundreds). Between the 12th and 13th centuries Cantref Mawr was the Defynnog Hundred which would have made Defynnog an important centre in Wales rather than the small village it is today. [Walk 8m, 1200ft. Map OL12]

Swansea Valley

This was a glorious walk. Starting at Tafarn y Garreg on the A4067, we walked up a rugged valley broadly following a stream, and steadily climbing. Waterfalls, rocks, grassland, wind beaten trees, leaps across streams and a climb across moorland all featured in the morning.

And then we arrived at the source of the stream, Llyn y Fan Fawr, which is in fact the source of the River Tawe. We were surprised to see several groups of people around the lake, as we had seen hardly anyone all morning – there is a shorter route from Sennybridge. It was wonderful to see its clear waters and a few of us immediately bared our feet to paddle; so refreshing.

We lunched on its shores and were visited by a red kite swooping down low over us. There were discussions about what we all felt capable of as there was a steep 400ft climb straight after lunch (which we try to avoid). Most of us were up for it, once we realised that it would be flat on the top of the escarpment that towered over us. We were surprised to achieve the climb easily; it is a good path reinforced with large stones. Meanwhile a couple of us walked around the lake and back down the valley.

The views from the top were fantastic but humidity meant they faded in the distance, producing impressions of mountains. At the end of the escarpment, we seemed to descend forever, quite steeply at times. Until suddenly, we were back near the beginning of the walk with a gentle stroll along a wooded river back to the cars.

A stunning day, it had been ideal for walking, dry and cool with occasional sunshine, and we rounded it off with a drink in the local inn. [Walk 7m, 2050ft. Map OL12]

 

 

October Thursday Walks

 

THURSDAY WALKERS

Next Walk

 

Thursday October 3rd, a five mile walk
based around Ogmore if weather permits.
An alternative walk is available if
conditions are not suitable . Meet 1pm
Wenvoe Village Hall. Bert

All are welcome but you participate at your own risk

 

 

 

Bright Blue Skies And Brilliant Sunshine

Bright Blue Skies And Brilliant Sunshine

 

 

Bright blue skies and brilliant sunshine for the Carers stroll this morning at Barry Island. Kath was missing today as she was celebrating her 80th birthday… a good excuse!!

Squalls of rain and swirling winds did not put the strollers off on the Carers walk around Friars Point today. Unsurprisingly coffee was the refreshment of choice rather than ice cream!

 

Search for the Grey  Phalarope

The Stress Buster Strollers

Rebecca and Jan lead the stress Buster strollers this  morning. They were hoping to find the Grey  Phalarope which had been spotted over the weekend  on the lake, but they were satisfied by spotting the  equally beautiful, but more common, swans and  ducks!

 

Support for Ty  Hafan

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

September Meeting of Wenvoe W.I.

Wenvoe WI met on 5th September in the Church  Hall for what is traditionally the first meeting of the  WI new year.

On this occasion, the meeting consisted of a Charity  Support evening, and our speaker was Lynn Hull  who is a delegate and representative of Ty Hafan,  our selected charity for this year. Lynn gave a very  moving account of the grand work and assistance  which this worthy charity, at TY Hafan in Sully,  provides for terminally ill and handicapped children  from all over South Wales. Further support for Ty  Hafan will occur on 5th October when our WI will be  holding a Coffee Morning in the Church Hall at  10.30am.

Later this term, Wenvoe WI intends to visit the ‘  Organ’ Factory’ in Treorchy on 31st October, where  we will have a demonstration and talk about  building organs , a mini concert and a cream tea will  be provided.

We were pleased to welcome several new members  to our WI and have been informed that we can  expect quite a few more in the near future.

Our next meeting, on 3rd October in the Church Hall  at 7pm, will be a Fish and Chip supper combined  with members reading their favourite poems. New members and visitors are assured of a good  welcome.

 

Jan Young ( President)

 

“Act of Oblivion” by Robert Harris

“Act of Oblivion” by Robert Harris

An historical novel that imagines one of the greatest manhunts in history: the search for two Englishmen involved in the killing of King Charles I and the merciless foe on their trail—an epic journey into the wilds of seventeeth-century New England, and a chase like no other.
1660 England. General Edward Whalley and his son -in law Colonel William Goffe board a ship bound for the New World. They are on the run, wanted for the murder of King Charles I—a brazen execution that marked the climax of the English Civil War, in which parliamentarians successfully battled royalists for control. Ten years on and the royalists are back in power and under the Act of Oblivion have tried the 59 men who signed the death warrant and found them all guilty of treason. Some have already been hung drawn and quartered but there are two,
Whalley and Goffe who have escaped to The New World. On the run and dependant on help from people with an award of £100 on their heads. Whalley and Goffe have to survive in an inhospitable, if magnificent, unknown wilderness and harsh weather conditions. The exceptional writing of Harris paints a picture of their surroundings. Living under a cellar in virtual imprisonment, having to develop survival skills, learning from and bartering with Native American Indians.
Fascinating story, great atmosphere- fear, danger, – incredible description- well researched, good pace, were comments heard during the discussion. Most of the group thought it was well researched and skilfully written. The incredible description of survival in caves and underground rooms for months on end in a very dark period in history. We were greatly helped to understand this period in history by Helen, one of our members. But none of us liked the ending which was imagined by the author and seemed implausible. .
A very enjoyable and thought provoking afternoon with our hostess Babs providing us with delicious cake. Overall the score was 8.5.

Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brycheiniog – Craig Cerrig Gleisiad

Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brycheiniog

Brecon Beacons / Bannau Brycheiniog

Craig Cerrig Gleisiad 

We parked near Forest Lodge cottages and set off along Sarn Helen, the 2000-year-old Roman road which runs from North Wales to Neath. The route would take us around Craig Cerrig Gleisiad Nature Reserve, Fan Frynych, climbing to the trig point and descending towards Twyn Dylluan-ddu before returning to Sarn Helen and the cars.

The first section along Sarn Helen is easy walking and we passed some interesting black and white sheep, cattle and lovely views. Taking a left turn we entered the nature reserve to walk along the valley and immediately spotted wind battered trees on the top of a hill. A noticeboard declared ‘It is a wild and craggy place and home to some arctic survivors. Glaciers carved out this special landscape. The steep rocky slopes, sharp escarpments and crags are home to rare arctic-alpine plants.’ The birdlife includes peregrines, kestrels, red grouse and rare ring ouzels. Archaeological remains found on the reserve show that the area has been inhabited for many thousands of years, including Iron Age huts.

As we progressed along Cwm du the state of the trees attracted our attention. On a visit 8 years ago, they were wind battered but now many seemed to have sparse leaves, one had a heavy crown of greenery. The path alongside the stream also seemed more overgrown but we had walked it on almost the same date last time.

The path gradually became more difficult with craggy, slippery rocks and narrow ledges. To continue past a waterfall, we needed to cross the stream. Large rocks were very slippery, so we went downstream, crossing to a bank of tall plants and made our way to a vertical wall with footholds cut into it. One of us is an experienced climber and she guided each of us until we were all safely at the top.

We were above the waterfall and followed the stream a little further before crossing it again to climb up to a grass covered area which proved much easier to navigate, following paths created by animals. We came across a herd of wild horses with foals which trotted off as we approached. The views were breathtaking, and we decided to stop for lunch looking back down the valley towards the Carmarthen Fans.

Arriving at a T-junction of paths we saw the first people we had seen all day and turned left towards Fan Frynych. At the trig point, we had awesome 360o views of the Brecon Beacons from the far west, north and around to Pen y Fan.

The path downhill led us back to Sarn Helen and the cars. The Mountain Centre provided a very welcome cup of tea and ice-cream. Looking at photos from 8 years ago, one person commented ‘we’re still wearing the same walking clothes’! Walk 7m, 1200ft. Map OL12

 

 

 

The Village Hop Harvest

WENVOE FORUM

Considering Tomorrow Today

“The Village Hop Harvest ”

Some readers will know that Sian and Steve Jones coordinate the Village HOP Harvest on behalf of the Wenvoe Forum. Our hops go to join a Cardiff community hop growing scheme that results in a beer called Taff Temptress. If you would like to join the hop growers then please get in touch via gwenfo.forum@gmail.com. Existing hop growers please read a message from Sian about this year’s harvest.

Hi village hop growers,

The hops have been a bit slow but I am sure like us you can see some flowering. We hope that you will be able to pick them on Friday 13th September for Steve to take them to Pipes Brewery on Saturday 14th. The Taff Temptress beer should then be ready three weeks later.

Like last year I don’t think we will have a huge crop but every little helps! We look forward to seeing you all on 13th September.

Sian and Steve Jones

 

To join our Facebook group, please ‘friend up’ with the Gwen Fo account @ https://www.facebook.com/gwen.fo.1 and then jon the Wenvoe Forum @ https:// www.facebook.com/groups/635369267864402

Some further information and updates, blog site https:// wenvoeforum.wordpress.com/. Any Wenvoe community member is welcome to join the Forum meetings, via Zoom, which are normally held 19.00 on the second Thursday of each month. E-mail gwenfo.forum@gmail.com if you wish to join.

 

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