Category: Community Groups

Last Formal Meeting

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Last Formal Meeting.

Wenvoe WI met again this month for what was their last formal meeting before the summer break.

On this occasion Mrs Viv Turan was our speaker. Viv is very much a ‘friend’ of Wenvoe WI and has a regular ‘spot’ each year in our July meetings. This time she regaled us with ‘Growing Up’ – a veritable ‘trip’ down memory lane as we all relived our respective delights, escapades and pastimes of hopscotch, skipping, marbles, first attempts at make-up, the hula hoop, cherished ambitions and the reality of a job. Viv’s talk was thoroughly entertaining and was enjoyed wholeheartedly by everyone. This was followed by the usual tea and on this occasion – cakes of different varieties.

During August, we intend to hold two informal ‘get-togethers’ in the Wenvoe Arms outside Barn or garden (depending on the weather). These will occur on the 8th and 22nd August at 2.00pm.

The next full meeting of Wenvoe WI is on 1st Sept. in the Church Hall at 7.00pm. This will be a ‘Fish and Chip and Quiz night. New members are always very welcome.

Janet Young (President)

 

Nuclear Power – Discussion Part 2.

Considering tomorrow today

Nuclear Power – Discussion Part 2.

Forum member Glenys Stone presents some ideas.

Are there any sustainable options?

The UK has some unique problems caused by inconsistency in the climate, little space to build and a NIMBY mentality in some of the population. It is difficult to grasp our detrimental effect on the planet without personally seeing the physical effects. While we will for a time reflect on the very high temperatures in July by September it will likely have been forgotten. This human failing is proven as we are only now, slowly taking notice of what scientists have been saying for years. Wildfires, drought, rising sea levels, crop failures, famine – and the consequent economic hardships – are increasing. Who can afford to install solar power or heat pumps? Is all property suitable? Will private landlords accept regulation requiring their property to be converted, with no personal benefit from the financial outlay? Higher rents make poor families poorer. Can local councils afford such expenditure without government grants? Europe now has economic concerns due to fuel shortages, blamed on a war that started in early 2022, but energy firms were going ‘bust’ before Christmas 2021. Huge profits are paid in dividends to those that don’t need the money while the poorest are asked to pay more for fuel and increasingly living in ‘fuel poverty’. We are exhorted to economise, implying that the profligacy of our consumption is causing our dire financial state and destroying of the planet. However, when making comparisons with our childhood are we extravagant? Economising was second nature; use as little as possible, waste nothing, replace only when beyond repair. We were frugal to finance upward mobility. Did the urge to give our children more opportunities and a better standard of living than we experienced, lead to us being thriftier.

TATA Steel in partnership with local universities, are developing an intriguing system to repurpose and reuse their waste whilst creating a saleable by-product used in the manufacturing of, amongst many other things, filters. This has financial and environmental benefits; and possibly more widespread industrial use if the investment is forthcoming. Imagine all factories recycling their waste while making money?

There is a cheaper, safer, and more efficient form of nuclear power – Fusion, but it could be 30 years before we have a viable system. This begs the question-“WHY?”. Covid vaccines were successfully and speedily developed when the ambition, resources and talent were made available.

The “developed world” is, throwing vast sums of money at the energy problem while the “undeveloped world” with no existing power grids, has the opportunity, but no finance, to start from scratch. Unfortunately, the COP 26 climate conference in Glasgow was unable to devise an urgent and unified approach. If rich countries financed the ability of poor nations to harness power from their natural, reliable resources, could we buy-back power, improving standards of living and offsetting our carbon footprint? Could offshore wind and wave farms in our territorial waters, or hydroelectric power (such as the 28 sites in Scotland and the Huka Falls in New Zealand) be more reliable and suitably NIMBY-proof solutions?

All governments’ decisions are made from a political and economic perspective. More jobs and lower living costs, sell well on hustings. But do we have influence? Could adjusting our personal actions have a ‘domino effect’ bringing about changes at local, national and ultimately global levels? Undoubtedly, actions by individuals and communities will have a personal and local benefit. So, can community projects make a difference to the country’s future, overall, domestic electricity consumption?

I try to have as little reliance on electricity as possible. I minimize my global footprint, reducing my direct and indirect use of fossil fuels by “Buying British” wherever possible and from companies that have Eco, Environmental or Climate-friendly symbols on their labels. I vote with my feet when considering purchases; is it planet-friendly or even necessary? I exercise my right to vote, then send emails or letters to whoever wins, making them aware of my opinions, regardless of my politics. They represent us all and must listen.

Lastly, and obviously, can we morally just do nothing? There is a proverb regarding hundreds of stranded starfish on a beach, they are all dying, it’s horrible. What can you do? You START by putting ONE back into the sea, and then, you put back another, and another, and another…

The above article and the previous part 1 of the discussion are on our Blog site https://wenvoeforum.wordpress.com/ If you have any comments on the articles please contact us via the blog site or e-mail.

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In the Forum we often say “Doing nothing is not an option”. If you have ideas about activities, projects, education opportunities that could turn Wenvoe into a Climate Conscious Community then please come and join us. We usually meet on the second Thursday of the month at 19.00 via Zoom – e-mail Gwenfo.forum@gmail.com for the link. All are welcome.

We are also on Face Book Contact us by befriending Gwen Fo @ https://www.facebook.com/gwen.fo.1/ and joining Wenvoe Forum @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/635369267864402

 

No Rainbows This Month

The Stress Buster Strollers

There were no rainbows to be seen on the Stress Buster stroll this month; however the multitude of colourful coats worn by the strollers provided enough colour as they walked in windy conditions along the Knap promenade!

Colourful coats are not obligatory, just enthusiasm for a walk!

Giant Hogweed Warning

GIANT HOGWEED WARNING

Just a reminder to walkers, especially now it seems summer has finally come, to be wary of Giant Hogweed when you are out in the country especially if you have your children with you. The picture below shows a young girl who suffered 2nd degree burns after coming into contact with Giant Hogweed

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nuclear Power – Discuss

What Can We Do?

Nuclear Power – Discuss.

Part 1 – Forum member Glenys Stone sets out a problem

Energy prices are through the roof. ‘In the short- and long–term, which if any of the available power sources is most practicable, safest and least harmful for the planet’? Is a cheap, sustainable solution even possible?

I am of the generation for whom this sort of “discussion piece” was routinely set by teachers. The idea being that, limited by a set number of words, the subject was addressed from both sides of the argument. No conclusions drawn, just “Food for Thought”. The style was set by which subject was involved, either one of the Sciences or one of the Arts. This one could be addressed from many perspectives, but will probably be one of emotion, so, is this a Scientific or Emotional problem? Column inches are also a major consideration so I will try to limit this enormous subject to just two parts.

I abhor nuclear energy.

The radiation leaks caused by the Tsunami in Japan and at Three Mile Island in the USA (and the subsequent cover-up) were to me, a wake-up call. Then there’s the concern shown by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), (during the recent Russian occupation) over the continuing need for micro-managing the huge amount of radioactive contamination in the area surrounding the damaged Chernobyl Plant in Ukraine. The nuclear fallout from this explosion spread, literally, all over the globe, notably for us on our Brecon Beacons and the resident sheep. Welsh lamb dinners were off the menu for many years. There are several hugely informative documentaries on this subject. One was aired very recently on Channel Five. Then last but by no means least, Germany! They closed their nuclear power plants in the wake of Chernobyl and solved (or so they thought) the problem of the obsolete fuel rods by storing them in their disused salt mines. They then proceeded to store (at a price) nuclear waste from other countries. Unfortunately, the damp salty atmosphere is corrosive and is now destroying the nuclear containers well before their original life expectancy. No-one seems to have a solution to this urgent problem, which is a potential environmental disaster for Germany and, if not contained, for the rest of the world, costing millions to resolve.

I am not reassured by small amounts of fallout being neutralised in a comparatively short time. Some areas already are and will be “no go” places for humans and domestic animals for tens of thousands of years. Most of my apprehension is about the storage of spent nuclear fuel rods. No one has currently come up with an effective way to dispose of, or even store, this nuclear waste. I have heard comments such as “Well someone, at some point in the future will find a way”. But is this a morally defensible position? I’m afraid that, to me, this cannot be the case.

So, my concern over this form of power is not only for our immediate safety but for the sake of our children’s, children’s, children ad infinitum: – What mentality assumes that storing anything as dangerous as spent nuclear fuel rods – for a future generation to deal with – no matter how far into the future, is an acceptable thing to do? But the aims of the Anti-Nuclear movement would appear to have been largely swallowed-up and forgotten, in the very real concerns about the planet’s immediate welfare.

The UK Government British Energy Security Plan includes increasing the proportion of our energy generated by nuclear power to 25%, touted as the cheapest immediate option (kicking the can down the road again?). This includes some Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) that can be quickly built, have a relatively short lifespan, estimated to be around 10 years. At which point they will need replacing as they will no longer be guaranteed as safe or capable of delivering enough power for our needs. Therefore, this cannot possibly be considered a future-proof solution! This little nugget of information was dropped unsuspectingly during an early BBC Wales news report about Wylfa on Anglesey, I notice that no one has mentioned it since the UK government’s sudden and wholesale embracing of the nuclear option. But if this solution is not future proof from a physical safety perspective, how can it be future proof economically?

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Should nuclear energy be part of the picture in Britain? Is it just too hazardous or can we “not manage without it”? Please leave a comment on the Forum’s Blogsite – https://wenvoeforum.wordpress. com/

Next month the discussion continues.

New Forum members are always welcome to join. Contact us on :-Facebook: Gwen Fo @ https://www.facebook.com/gwen.fo.1/ and Wenvoe Forum @ https://www.facebook. com/groups/635369267864402. twitter @ForumGwenfo e-mail us on gwenfo.forum@gmail.com

 

Let’s Not Go To The Dogs Tonight

OFF THE SHELF

Let’s not go to the dogs tonight. by Alexandra Fuller.

Alexandra Fuller writes her memoirs of her life as a child in Rhodesia with her somewhat dysfunctional family. It is an amazing childhood, and she clearly evokes that life for the reader. I think we can all agree that we liked the book and it initiated lots of discussion especially around the author’s mother and father. They seemed a strong, resilient, and tenacious couple who strived to make a life in often dire circumstances. The impact on the lives of their children, both positive and negative comes out eloquently through her well written prose throughout the book. I think we all agreed that this book was an excellent read with an overall score of 10/10.

Tina Alwyn

Make Caring Visible

MAKE CARING VISIBLE

As Carers week approached, 6 to 12 June, the walkers on the Carers stroll gathered at Barry Island. The theme of this year’s Carers week was to, “make caring visible, valued and supported.” This walk aimed to support the many unpaid Carers in Wales today who find themselves in a caring role. Before we set off, a lady enquired what we were doing. After the walk was explained she said she had just dropped off her husband at the dementia support centre and would love to be part of the next walk. Respite, relaxation and time for yourself is essential for all Carers. This is a supportive group who laugh, chat, and chat some more, whilst enjoying wonderful sea views, in rain, sun, and wind..join us!

Bluebells at Wentwood and Brecon Beacons

 Bluebells

The appearance of the first spring flowers always has Wenvoe walkers thinking about the arrival of bluebells. Spring this year was cool and we enjoyed wood anemones, daffodils, primula etc. for longer than usual. Then the blue bells arrived. You can spot them in lots of places in Wenvoe but many of them are the Spanish variety which overrun the English variety and spread rapidly (in your garden keep them under control or they will take over). English bluebells are daintier than their Spanish relatives (which stand straighter) with arching stems and hanging bells. You can find English bluebells (which I will refer to simply as bluebells from here on) near Wenvoe, including Wenvoe woods and Coed Nant Bran. The woods between Castell Coch and Pentyrch were a glorious carpet of bluebells mixed with wild garlic. We have enjoyed them on several walks:

Wentwood

Wentwood is northeast of Newport and is the largest area of ancient woodland in Wales covering 1000 hectares. In its 1000-year history it has been a hunting preserve for Chepstow castle and there is evidence of charcoal hearths and the remains of a mill. The woodland is a haven for wildlife and a peaceful place to visit with many ancient trees. There are paths for walkers, cyclists and horse riders, which are well – marked and graded. It is also a great place to see bluebells.

The wood is gradually being restored to native broad -leaved trees which were replaced by fast growing conifers for timber in the 20th C. Nature has a way though and as the conifers are removed seedlings of the original woodland are taking advantage of the light and growing.

We were a larger group than usual and were soon catching up with each other. The air was clear and the sun shining so that the newly opened leaves on trees were bright green. The trees sheltered us from the heat of the sun and walking was fairly easy

Occasionally we reached a clearing in the wood where we could see the hills – Sugarloaf and Skirrid.

But the stars of the day were the trees and flowers. The purply-blue of bluebells highlighted by stitchwort and the trunks of silver birches but mostly contrasting with the lime green of newly emerged tree leaves. And as if this wasn’t enough the air was full of the sweet scent which is unmistakably bluebell. (Some people find it difficult to smell bluebells – I recently learnt that it is easier to smell them if you draw air in lightly through your nostrils; if you take great gulps the scent can elude you.).

Passing through an area where a large swathe of trees had been cleared, we were able to see the Severn estuary and the Prince of Wales bridge. Soon we were back in the woodland and came to the ‘Curley Oak’. The oldest tree in Wales’s largest and oldest forest. There is something truly primeval about this hollow ancient tree, said to be over 900 years old. Yet, until the Woodland Trust launched an ambitious campaign to purchase over 350 ha of Wentwood Forest in 2005, few people even knew of its existence. The Woodland Trust has thinned the trees which tightly surrounded the Curley Oak to allow in more light and give it a better chance of survival. [Walk 7m 900ft Map 152]

Brecon Beacons

A couple of weeks later we went to the Brecon Beacons, parking above Pontiscill reservoir to walk in the Taf Fechan forest and above Pentwyn reservoir. Another fine day and a smashing walk. As soon as we stepped over a stile into open countryside a sea of bluebells was laid out before us. We travelled up the east side of the Taf Fechan to Torpantau station, stopping for long periods to watch the Brecon Railway steam train. Then we crossed the river at the bottom of the Taf Fechan reservoir which is being returned to nature with some excellent footpaths but no proper link to the east. We stopped for lunch alongside the reservoir and chatted to some people who had started at 8 a.m. and walked a long distance but were still springing down the path. As we descended on the western side of river, the ground was boggy for a while. Then we found more bluebells in the open, in an area where trees had been cleared. There were new buds on the various conifers and a huge area of trees which had tumbled down, partly felled and partly due to wind damage.

We were close to the Barn tea rooms and most of us went to get refreshments whilst our hero drivers walked another mile to retrieve the cars and came back to join us. [Walk 6.5m 850ft Map OL12]

In June I spotted a single bluebell on a walk from Merthyr Mawr – the last one for another year.

 

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100 Year Anniversary Celebration

Village Hall 100 Year Anniversary Celebration

Would like you to save the date of 7th October 2022 from 7pm. We plan to hold a night of music and dance to celebrate our 100 year anniversary that arrived in lockdown.

We have booked live music, have the support of a local well known entertainer and plan to add to the event as we move forward into the Autumn. Watch out for the posters coming soon and ticket sales during September.

For those of you who are new to the Village, here is a little history;

The land that the village hall stands on, was given to the residents for a peppercorn rent, by the Estate of Wenvoe back in 1921 (that’s the date on our lease). The purpose of this, was for the residents to build a hall in which they could hold their weekly dances.

Since 1921, the hall has been used for dancing, talent shows, village events, wedding parties, Judo and school dinners (before part of the new school was built in 1970 with its canteen).

The original hall had a wooden sprung floor, with a stage and kitchen facilities to the back of the stage (I can see it now). It was referred to as ‘The Old Tin Shack’.

In 1974, the hall was rebuilt by the residents on a very tight budget with the lease extended. This is how you see the hall today.

The hall is the home of the Playgroup, with many dance and badminton classes being held each week. Children’s parties and family celebrations are also held at the hall and we rely on the rents from all these hirers to pay for its up-keep.

The hall has been supported over its 100 years (101 this year), by many a voluntary Management Committee as a Registered Charity. The Management Committee support the up-keep of the hall at regular monthly meetings. Obviously, the Management Committee change over the years and we have no one on the hall committee today who is celebrating their 101st birthday ha ha!

Should you wish to join the Management Committee to support this wonderful venue, then please join us at our AGM on Tuesday 12th July from 7pm at the hall. Without a committee to adhere to the landlord’s lease, the land, which the hall stands on, will be given back to the landowner and who knows what will be built on it? A block of flats, a couple of houses? Your guess is as good as ours.

One last thing; If anyone has a singing talent and would like to support us on the night of 7th October, then please get in touch with us via our email wenvoevillagehall@yahoo.co.uk

Hopefully see you all soon at our AGM.

 

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