Category: Community Groups
June 2022 Book Choice
“The Lake of Dreams” by Kim Edwards
This book tells the story of Lucy’s homecoming to New York State a decade after her father’s unresolved death. Family secrets are uncovered, past passions rekindled and an heirloom tapestry and fascinating stained glass designs all contribute to a reconfiguring of her family history.
We Page Turners made widely varying comments about this novel. Some said it did nothing for them whilst others enjoyed the unfolding mystery and interesting characters. More negatives included “storyline too coincidental”, “superficial”, “ boring”. Positives included “ an easy read” “believable” “ a pleasant leisure time read”.
We universally agreed that the subjects of glass-blowing and stained glass design were very well researched and described as were the insights into the American suffrage movement.
We scored between three and nine out of ten, and agreed to differ!
Cosmeston Under Blue Sky
LIVING WITH CANCER
STROLLERS
The walkers gathered at Cosmeston under a suitably blue sky to start the jubilee celebrations with their normal monthly walk. There was nothing normal about the walking attire, as walkers were asked to wear red, white and blue, so Union Jack headbands, red trousers, striped t shirts and blue hats were dragged out of wardrobes. Some walkers even made crowns, adorned with elaborate jewels, fake of course! Bakewell tarts, being red and white, were enjoyed towards the end of the walk…
The lakeside gardens
The Stress Buster Strollers
Some strollers on the Stress Buster walk took the opportunity to take the weight off their feet when they found a bench, as they wandered through the lakeside gardens. New walkers joined the group and were soon laughing and chatting with others. Talking and walking is a great way of relieving stress….join us!
Another New Walker
LIVING WITH CANCER
STROLLERS
Another new walker was welcomed to the group at Cosmeston and was soon chatting to some of the regulars! The regulars now include 2 babies who are carried around the lakes in slings, enjoying the fresh air, flowers and bird song, like everyone else. All ages are welcome, though we cannot promise to transport you!!
Annual General Meeting
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
Annual General Meeting.
Wenvoe WI met this month as usual, and our meeting on this occasion was our Annual General meeting, held with a Glamorgan Federation advisor – Ms Viv Hayes – present.
Both our Secretary and Treasurer gave their annual reports which were accepted by the members present. This was followed by the President’s address, during which thanks were expressed to the following for their kindness and services rendered: Jennie and Digby at The Wenvoe Arms for their support and allowing us to use their outdoor premise during the Covid restrictions; to the Church of Wales and Mrs Carol Wyllie for the use of the Church Hall.
A new Committee for 2022-2023 was adopted:
President – Mrs Janet Young.
Deputy President – Mrs Madeleine Rees.
Treasurer – Mrs Debbie David
Secretaries – Mrs Pam Ewington and Mrs Diane Pate
Other Committee members – Mrs Pat Weavers, Mrs Jean Woodman, Mrs Alex Griffiths and Mrs Paula Johnston.
Our next meeting on June 2nd will be our Jubilee Party when members will wear their ‘Jubilee hats’. This will take place at the earlier time of 6.00pm in order to facilitate members who wish to join in with the village walk to the Lighting of the Beacon.
New members are always most welcome.
Janet Young (President
May 2022 Book Choice
Apeirogon by Colum McCann
This novel brought out many different emotions from the group. The book is based on a true story of a friendship of two men – an Israeli and a Palestinian – who were brought up to hate each other’s race but who were united by the grief of the killing of their daughters in the Israel / Palestine conflict by the opposite side. It shows how the two men are now journeying together, because of their grief, and striving to find the road to a peaceful future.
The book has a large number of stories weaving through it and describes the limitations under which both sides live daily, both emotionally and physically. It is written in 1001 chapters; some are only one single sentence long and some of the group felt it took a while to get used to this fragmented structure. The group’s opinion was divided about the book itself, with some members describing it as beautifully written, very creative and a wondrous read which had them thinking deeply about all aspects of it. Other members, whilst acknowledging the skill of the author in his writing and research, felt it was a very harrowing and difficult book to read and that some of descriptions were given in graphic detail.
It is a hard hitting and powerfully written book and the group were divided in recommending it; some recommended it very highly and others recommended it only to those people who had done some research before starting it. The groups average score for the book was 7.
It’s A Walk ‘N’ Talk Group
CARERS WALK
A chill wind helped to blow the strollers on the carers walk along the beach at Barry Island. It was great to welcome Alan back to the group as he has missed the last few walks with his caring responsibilities. There was a lot of chat, quite rightly, as it is a walk ‘n’ talk group. Join us – there will always be someone to chat with!!
