Category: Community Groups

A Belated Happy New Year!

 

WENVOE FORUM

Considering Today and Tomorrow

A belated Happy New Year!

Our apologies. We hadn’t realised that the New Year WO copy date was early and we missed the deadline for the January issue. However, our article on Making 2022 happier can still be read currently on the home page of our blog site. Happy reading https://wenvoeforum.wordpress.com/

For February let’s have a quick look at what the Forum has been up to recently.

Welcome Pack

The ‘Welcome to Wenvoe’ pack that has brought together information provided by many of our community organisations and services, is ready for distribution. If at any time you have new neighbours who have moved into Wenvoe from elsewhere please let us know and we’ll deliver you a printed Welcome Pack to take to them. (gwenfo.forum@gmail.com). The pack will also be available on the blog site (see above) to download. If we have missed anything out or you want to update the information, please get in touch.

From Happiness to Hoppiness

A couple of Wenvoe residents have been involved in the Cardiff Community Hop Growing Group. Members grow one or two hop plants in their gardens and then in mid-September the hops are picked and the harvest pooled to create the Taff Temptress beer brewed by Pipes Brewery in Llandaff. Contributors are entitled to some free or reduced price beer. We were thinking that it would be nice if a few more Wenvoe residents grew some hops and we were able to harvest enough for a ‘Wenvoe’ brew.

Hop rhizomes can be planted in the next couple of months and should produce a small harvest even in their first year. They are very easy to grow, and like to climb, (up to 20ft!) but need not take up a lot of ground space. Dwarf versions are also happy climbing along a fence as long as you give them a bit of encouragement to follow the route you want them to take. Current growers can provide growing advice, though all are beginners.

If you think this is a fun idea please join in. Steve and Sian Jones (gwenfo.forum@gmail.com) are willing to coordinate the link to the Cardiff community while we recruit enough growers for a Wenvoe Beer in the future – suggestions for good name anyone?

Community Energy Scheme

Forum members have met with some Vale of Glamorgan Council officers who are working on reducing carbon footprints to discuss potential community energy generation and other energy efficiency schemes. Ideas are beginning to develop and we hope to hold a meeting with wider community representation soon.

If you want to be part of the discussion and help to shape any future scheme please get in touch. (gwenfo.forum@gmail.com)

 

 

Llantrisant Walk

Llantrisant

 

Parking downhill from the Bull Ring in the centre of Llantrisant, we set off back to the top of the hill and straight down the other side, where we joined a footpath. From here we walked a wide circle around the town, in a clockwise direction.

At times we came close to the busy network of roads around the town, Talbot Green shopping centre and even the Royal Glamorgan hospital. We walked through woodland, followed a tributary of the river Ely, and then the river Ely.

It was firm underfoot for almost the whole walk with good paths, sometimes tarmacked including a disused railway. But where they weren’t solid, they were still firm as the ground was frozen which was lucky as it was muddy where ice had defrosted.

At one point we walked past a sign ‘Private Land Keep Out’ followed by ‘The owners accept no responsibility for loss or injury to persons trespassing on this land’ – we were on a legal footpath which was soon confirmed by an RCT footpath sign!

For lunch we distributed ourselves on mossy walls, logs, and leafy mounds, looking for all the world like a group of gnomes.

The end of the walk involved a long climb from the bottom of the valley to ‘Billy Wynt’ on the hilltop of Y Graig. The squat tower is generally believed to be the remains of a 13th century windmill, but records suggest it was an auxiliary tower of the castle.

The tower was restored as a folly in 1890. Some of us climbed the spiral stairs inside the tower to emerge on the perimeter wall and all of us took in the 3600 views, including the whole of the walk we had done. As we gathered to leave a man came over to talk to us: a Freeman of the town, he was attending to animals in the adjacent field. As a Freeman he is allowed to graze animals, and has a horse, a Billy goat and 3 Nanny goats. He also has beehives which are still active as the winter weather has been so mild. He is continuing a long tradition, Llantrisant common has probably been grazed by Freemen’s animals for over a thousand years.

Returning to the town via a grassy footpath we passed in front of some tiny cottages at Heol y Graig and found ourselves surrounded by history.

Llantrisant has a notable history, today we are all aware of the Royal Mint in the town, but we were surprised by the wealth of history which is still evident as you walk around it.

The Bull Ring has shops and the ‘Model House, craft and Design Centre’ and has been updated with memorial benches for World War II and a memorial stone for the dead of World War I, but it is still dominated by the statue of Dr William Price (a fully qualified doctor and surgeon who promoted Welsh culture, proclaimed himself Archdruid of Wales and was a militant leader of the Chartist cause). Dr Price felt cremation was healthier than burial as it avoided contamination of the water supply. He attempted to cremate his baby son who died at 5 months but was stopped by a constable. A landmark court case followed in Cardiff. He defended himself brilliantly, was found not guilty and later cremated his son. This enabled the Cremation Society to further their cause and the Cremation Act was passed in 1902. He was cremated on 31 January 1893 before 20,000 people.

A Blue plaque indicated that four cottages were one of the first workhouses in Glamorgan (1784). Behind the large parish church of St Illtyd, St Gwynno and St Dyfodwg is the historic part of the town. Here are the remains of the castle which was fortified by Richard de Clare in 1246. It was damaged during the 14th century and King Edward II was imprisoned at the castle in 1326. Owain Glyndwr may have inflicted further damage. In 1767 the estate came to the 1st Marquess of Bute and the tower was dismantled. Local houses (including the police station) were built or restored with its stone and sections were transported to rebuild Cardiff Castle.

A stone commemorates the 650th anniversary of the charter to the town and the presence of Longbowmen from this area at the battle of Crecy 1346.

The Guildhall was established in 1346 and rebuilt 1773, where the Hundred Court was held, dispensing local justice, and governing the ancient borough. In 2017 it was refurbished to become a heritage and visitor centre.

Beating the Bounds is an ancient tradition, a ceremonial seven-mile walk took place in May or June to avoid spoiling the harvest, this ensured that prior to maps, knowledge of the boundary was understood. It continues every seven years and attracts over 10,000 visitors to the old town. I wonder how much of the route we walked.

Walk 7.8 miles, 750ft. Map 151.

 

 

 

Stress Buster Strollers

STRESS BUSTER STROLLERS

Stress Buster strollers took on the blustery wind, fine drizzle, grey and blue skies and warm sunshine as they walked around the Knap and through the parade gardens. By the time tea and hot chocolate were enjoyed in bright sunshine, the stress created by boilers not working, burnt turkey and missing passengers on a bus….were forgotten!

 

 

December Walk

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THURSDAY WALKERS

Walkers meet at the front of Wenvoe Village Hall. If you are interested in a walk, just turn up.

Thurs 9th December, 10.00am. Meet for a morning walk. We plan to visit city parks and to include coffee and cake to celebrate the walkers’ Christmas. We are hoping this will be at Insole Court around midday. This will enable anyone who is unable to walk on the day to join with us at the café. Many thanks, Bert.

This is not a formal club, but only an opportunity to walk in company: all are welcome, but you come at your own risk.

 

 

Gone: A Girl, A Violin, A life Unstrung By Min Kym

.  Gone: A Girl, A Violin, A life Unstrung

By Min Kym

At 7 years old Min Kym was a prodigy, the youngest ever pupil at the Purcell School of Music. At 11 she won her first international prize. She worked with many violins, waiting for the day she would play ‘the one’. At 21 she found it: a rare 1696 Stradivarius, perfectly suited to her build and temperament. Her career soared. She recorded the Brahms concerto, and a world tour was planned. Then, in a train station café, her violin was stolen. In an instant her world collapsed. She descended into a terrifying limbo land, unable to play another note.

This is Min’s extraordinary story of a young woman staring into the void, wondering who she was, who she had been. It is a story of isolation and dependence, of love, loss and betrayal, and the intense, almost human bond that a musician has with their instrument. Above all it’s a story of hope through a journey back to music.

This is a book that most of the group said they would not have read if it hadn’t been recommended by a musician in the group. Having said that, there was overwhelming praise for the book despite over half saying that they found it full of sadness and loss – the violin, her childhood, the lack of a paternal presence in her life – with many gaps and things unsaid in relation to Min’s family and her recovery from depression. Many felt they were left with questions after finishing the book.

There was some discussion about whether the pressures Min was put under to play and excel, her acquiescence with male domineering figures in her life might have been in some part due to her cultural background. It was agreed that the book was brilliantly written and gave a fascinating insight into the relationship between a musician and her instrument, the life of a musical prodigy and solo performer. The book may well have been written as a cathartic process for Min coming to terms with her loss.

Average score 8.

It was interesting to learn that many musicians are always self critical of their own performance and that for musicians, music always comes first.

Many thanks to our host for the toasty warm fire and cakes!

 

 

Celebrate Consciously

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WENVOE FORUM
Celebrate Consciously Today to Preserve Tomorrow

If each of us changes just one or two things to cut pollution, waste and carbon emissions during the Christmas celebrations and into the New Year, together, it adds up and makes a difference. Here, some of our members share their ideas.

Hello, I am Diane and I’ve joined the Wenvoe Forum as I feel that we can all help the cause. This Christmas I’m aiming to send Christmas cards that have the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) mark. This can be found on the back of the card and guarantees that the paper has been produced sustainably and ethically. After Christmas I will recycle my cards or pass them onto friends who will turn them into present tags or decorations for next year.

 

Gareth and Glenys Stone. We have lived in Wenvoe for almost 10 years now. We joined the Wenvoe Forum with a view to doing ‘our bit’ and working with others to build on the existing, strong community spirit. Our family have festive fun with the e-bay challenge. We set a price limit and a theme for family presents to be bought second hand on e-bay. We have a lot of fun buying the best present for £5 and in the past they have included Lego, headgear and even original works of art. As we open them together at Christmas we can also enjoy the stories and adventures of e-bay auctions won and lost, as well as the presents themselves. Reducing, reusing and recycling whilst having a fabulous time.

Hi. I am Heulwen and I shall be making my own Christmas present labels from handmade seed paper embedded with various flower seeds for recipients to plant. No waste card to deal with and I’m looking forward to a spring and summer full of flowers that will also encourage pollinators.

My name is Nicola Starke and I am the Headteacher at Gwenfo Church in Wales Primary School. My green festive tips include:

  • Donating old Christmas dressing up costumes to the school to loan to other children during our Christmas concerts.
  • Make a funny Christmas video to send friends and family instead of a card
  • Over the festive period swap your car for a lovely walk around the village to spot the advent windows
  • Shop locally and support small businesses when buying gifts and festive food.

 

I am Sian Jones and live in the village. I am a member of the Gwenfo Forum because I want our Wenvoe Village to be a cleaner safer environment in which to live. I think it would be good for us to embrace the New Year 2022 by thinking of ways to help our carbon footprint, less pollution in the village. For example think about ways to dispose of our Christmas wrappings and cards. Look at buying gift wrapping paper that can be recycled. Christmas cards being bought without glitter and buy from charities to support their cause. My goal for 2022 is for all of us to think and act now before it is too late!

 

 

 

More environmentally friendly ideas on our blog see below.

The Forum is always open to fresh suggestions, creative ideas and especially to new members and contributors.

Twitter @ForumGwenfo, Facebook: Gwen Fo @ https://www.facebook.com/gwen.fo.1/ and Wenvoe Forum @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/635369267864402

Blog site https://wenvoeforum.wordpress.com/

Any Wenvoe community member is welcome to join the Forum meetings, via Zoom, held at 19.00 on the second Thursday of each month. E-mail gwenfo.forum@gmail.com if you wish to come along.

 

 

Back Up And Running

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WENVOE VILLAGE HALL

Hall Now Back Up And Running

The hall is now back up and running, with many classes returning along with children’s parties and adult events. It is lovely to see everyone living life a little more ‘normal’ with the added masks and sanitisers still in place for some.

During the COVID period we noticed a high rate of vandalism in and around the hall. Our booking secretary highlighted this by writing an article in the What’s On. The owner of Concept Fire & Security read of our troubles via the What’s On and offered to help, by installing CCTV free of charge. We would like to show our appreciation to our resident Steve whose company Concept Fire & Safety Solutions Ltd saved us thousands of pounds to protect our hall. Your member of staff pictured, was very knowledgeable, helpful and efficient. Thank you so much for your generosity from everyone at the hall. Should anyone need security or fire support, we would highly recommend: Concept Fire & Security Solutions Ltd, for a most professional, efficient service Telephone: 0800 458 2757. Thank you again Steve and staff.

During the pandemic and with classes closed, we took a financial hit. Although supported with a grant from the Vale, it is the residents and the regular classes who keep the hall alive. Without the fantastic Management Committee and roles that people take in the community, the hall would be handed back to the Landlords and maybe a block of flats or a couple of houses would be built in its place! That would mean no more Playgroup, Dancing, Badminton, Wheelers, parties etc.

The Village Hall is situated on land owned by the Wenvoe Estate, to whom we pay a ‘peppercorn rent’. This came about in 1918 after World War I had ended, as a gesture of goodwill to those who lost loved ones. The estate allowed the residents to build a hall for their community events with the condition that they take care of its upkeep and manage its costs. The hall as you see it today was rebuilt in 1974 with the Landlords extending the lease. A group of 12 residents adhere to the constitution written by the Landowners and keep the Village Hall operating as a Charitable Management Committee.

All rents paid by hirers pay for the up-keep of the hall along with any fundraising and donations. It’s thanks to the community that we are still able to keep the hall today. If you are interested in helping on the Management Committee then please contact us at wenvoevillagehall@yahoo.co.uk. We have many new residents in the village who we hope will think of continuing the good work that people started over 100 years ago.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from us all at the hall.

 

 

December Update

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WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Our members met on November 4th for a Fish and Chip Evening, courtesy of the Fish Shop at the Murch, Dinas Powys. There were 24 members present and we all enjoyed our meal, as well as a Word Quiz. Our President entertained us with the customs and foibles of eating in the 1950s.

We have a busy December ahead with a Christmas Party on the 3rd, followed by our annual Christmas Lunch at the Wenvoe Arms on the 8th and finally a Christmas Coffee Morning on the 15th.

We intend to commence the New Year on January 6th with a sale/auction of unwanted Christmas presents and other items.

Our WI meets on the first Thursday of the month in the Wenvoe Church Hall at 7.00pm and new members are very welcome.

On behalf of all our members, I send all readers and residents best wishes for Christmas and the New Year.

Janet Young ( President)

 

 

Cancer Strollers Cosmeston

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CANCER STROLLERS

Amazingly blue, cloudless skies welcomed the living with cancer strollers to Cosmeston. A new walker joined the group and was quickly catching up with a staff member from Gwenfo School who knew her children…from a long time ago!!

‘J’ joined us again and is part way through a course of chemotherapy and welcomed the chance for some fresh air and a chat. The walkers basked in bright sunshine as they drank their various beverages at the end of the walk, a highlight of the activity for many!!

 

 

Stress Buster Strollers Nov Walk

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STRESS BUSTER STROLLERS

Autumn colours in the leaves in Romilly Park, were followed by grey, moody skies as the walkers made their way along the Knap promenade and through the parade gardens. Oggie, another Valeways walk leader, joined the group and shared interesting information as local landmarks were passed. History, chat, coffee, good company and cake…what more could you want on a chilly October day?

 

 

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