Category: Community Groups

Festival of Remembrance Service

Festival of Remembrance Service from the Royal Albert Hall

At the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance Service from the Royal Albert Hall on 7th November, HRH the Duchess of Cornwall paid tribute to the nursing profession and spoke of 2020 in the following way: ‘This year has been one that we could never have anticipated.’
We certainly could never have anticipated the sudden loss of our dear friend Margaret who passed away earlier this year. When we are able to come together again we shall undoubtedly miss her friendly smile and warm welcome. Margaret’s memory will always live on. Her family has kindly donated a lovely scrapbook she had made and the gavel is al-ways an important part of every meeting.
Sue Webley has had a short spell in hospital and we send our very best get well wishes for good health to her. Members will be pleased to learn that Sandra Anstee has been home for some time following her recent surgery. We also send her our very best get well wishes as she makes her way along the road to recovery.
Most of 2020 has been spent with the uncertainty and the challenging times that the pandemic has brought. As we look to the future we hope it won’t be too long before we are able to be together – but in the meantime Stay Safe, Stay Well, Stay Positive, Stay in Touch.
If you are celebrating a birthday in December please accept our warmest wishes for that special day.
The Committee (Madeleine, Pam, Jayne, June, Ros and Jean) would like to extend Season’s Greetings with peace and good health in 2021 to all Members, plus their families and friends.

 

 

Pleasure of Reading Rediscovered

PLEASURE OF READING REDISCOVERED

Page Turners favourite books of 2020

The publisher Bloomsbury have claimed that people have ‘rediscovered the pleasure of reading’ in lockdown.

The firm, best known for publishing the Harry Potter books, said profits jumped 60%. Popular books included ‘Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People about Race’, ‘Crescent City: House of Earth and Blood’, ‘White Rage’ and ‘Such A Fun Age’. Page Turners already know the pleasures of reading and were asked to reflect on their year of reading and to decide which was their favourite book of 2020.

Babs’s favourite book this year was ‘The Lost Man’ by Jane Harper. The book tells the story of Cameron, the middle brother of three, who is found dead in the remote outback in Western Australia, having apparently walked miles from his car which was fully stocked with water and supplies. Babs says it is so atmospheric, descriptive and well written that it transports the reader to the unrelenting heat and isolation of the Australian outback.

May chose the ‘Collins Wild Flower Guide’ by Streeter, Hart-Davies, Hardcastle, Cole and Harper. May claims that during the first lockdown, when repeating the same walks, it gave her an interest. She started taking photos and noting small differences between the flowers she spotted. It is a large book that would probably not fit in most stockings, but would fit under the tree, next to the box of Celebrations!

Helen’s most memorable book was the, excellent and thought provoking ‘A Mad World, My Masters: Tales form a Traveller’s Life’ by John Simpson. John Simpson was the BBC World Affairs Editor and his riveting and beautifully written accounts of his experiences brought a new perspective to Helen’s understanding of many world events in the late 20th century.

Lynne’s choice was the Booker Prize Winner, ‘Girl, Woman, Other’ by Bernardine Evaristo. The book follows 12 very different characters, from different periods of time, on an entwined journey of self discovery in Britain. The vibrant book opens your eyes to the struggles and pains of many black British families.

Sandra’s selection was ‘Sweet Sorrow’ by David Nichols. Sandra really enjoyed this book which is a compassionate story about the pain and loneliness of a teenage boy and his life changing summer; a classic coming of age novel. Sandra claims this is a good read for sitting in front of a fire on a winter’s day and for anyone who has fallen in love….what better stocking filler for a romantic at Christmas time?

Nicola’s favourite book was ‘The Lost Words’ by Robert Macfarlane and Jackie Morris. There are magical words and spells to conjure words lost to the lexicon of children. Beautifully illustrated by Jackie Morris. Nicola says this is a delight to share with youngsters and to lose yourself in – particularly in these strange times when the natural world has gained in importance for so many.

Sylvia loved every minute of her favourite book of 2020: ‘The Small House at Allington’ by Anthony Trollope. It is the 5th novel in the series ‘Chronicles of Barsetshire’. It concerns the Dale family who live in the Small House on the estate of the Squire of Allington. It is a gentle slow story; it takes some of the characters two chapters to walk out into the garden!

Jill chose ‘The Secret River’ by Kate Grenville. It is set in the early 1800s and vividly follows the lives of a Londoner and his wife following their transportation to Australia. How they cope with many hardships, and bring up their family in desperate conditions amid the Aboriginals whose community they have infiltrated, is a thought-provoking reading experience.

Jenny selected ‘Half of a Yellow Sun’ by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie which she missed reading with Page Turners a few years ago. The story follows the course of the Nigerian-Biafran civil war in the 1960s. It is told through the experiences of ethnically Igbo characters, exquisitely written as lives intertwine. Jenny couldn’t put it down, and she doesn’t know why she has waited so long before reading this masterpiece.

 

What was your favourite book of 2020?

Maybe one of these suggestions from the Page Turners will find its way into someone’s Christmas stocking this year….if Santa is not in a lockdown in Lapland……..and is allowed to deliver presents!

 

 

Walking and Talking Book Review

The Page Turners ‘Novel’ Approach to Book Reviewing

Due to the current Welsh government lockdown restrictions on people meeting inside, the Page Turners have had to think of novel (great pun, Babs) ways of keeping in touch. As inclement weather ruled out meeting in a garden, as on two previous occasions,” Walking Books” was proposed.

Page Turners pulled on their walking boots and arranged to meet at the playing fields, to walk and talk about the latest book. Luckily the sun shone and the group walked, in pairs, maintaining the recommended 2 metres social distance, around the perimeter of the field. The book under discussion was the first in a series of books about adopted sisters,

“The Seven Sisters” by Lucinda Riley.

Lucinda claims she wrote the books to celebrate the achievements of women, especially in the past, where often their achievements are overshadowed by those of men. In the book we read, the main character, Maia D’Apilese travels across the world from Switzerland to Rio Dr Janeiro to search for her heritage…and finds love..and family. Reviewers of the book describe the novel in glowing terms, “delicious”, “compelling” , “spellbinding”. The Page Turners were divided in their opinions. Babs and Jenny enjoyed the first book and have already embarked on the book about the next sister. May thought it was a good easy read to escape into during these covid times. Helen could not think of one good word to describe the book, and would definitely not be finishing the series! A mark of 7 was given to what all agreed was an easy read. The highlight of the meeting was when Jenny produced truly delicious homemade cake and tea in a flask from her rucksack, which she had carried around the field throughout the discussions! Very resourceful from Jenny and very well appreciated by all.

Our next Walking Books venue is the Knap….a healthy body maintains a healthy mind..

 

 

On Chapel Sands by Laura Cumming

OFF THE SHELF

This month’s book was On Chapel Sands by Laura Cumming.

In 1929, Betty, the author’s mother then aged three, was kidnapped from a beach in Chapel St Leonard. Within a week or so Betty reappeared unharmed and throughout her childhood the secret surrounding her birth and subsequent adoption was kept by the village.

Laura Cummings, who has a background in art history, discusses the work of famous painters as a means to unravel her mother’s experiences. Most of us found this acutely irritating. Betty had a fascinating story to tell and for us, being taken up endless artistic cul-de-sacs detracted from, rather than enhanced Betty’s bitter narrative. On a more positive side, Cummings gave a brilliant description of Chapel St Leonard and Lincolnshire in general which delighted those in the group who were familiar with the area. We were all pleased that we had read the book but could only award it 7/10.

 

 

 

 

Pontypool

Footsteps To Pontypool

We started from the Pontypool active living centre. Soon we were walking through Pontypool park to climb up to the shell grotto (groto cregyn) and the Folly tower.

It was uphill to the grotto. As we climbed, we had good views of Pontypool behind us. The grotto itself was closed (coronavirus restrictions) but even from the outside it is an unusual building. It was built in 1794 and many improvements were made by Molly, the wife of Caple Hanbury-Leigh in about 1830. The inside is much bigger than the outside suggests. It is circular and built of rough stone with a conical stone tiled roof. The ceiling is vaulted and supported by 6 pillars decorated with stones and shells. The floor is reputed to be deer bones, but closer inspection reveals a mixture of backbones and teeth from a variety of animals. The grotto fell into disrepair at the end of the last century and was painstakingly repaired in 1996 with funds from Cadw and European aid.

This is arguably the first proper mountain spur in Wales. It is certainly a geographical fault line between the prosperous agricultural lands of Monmouthshire and the radical mineral belt of South Wales.

Continuing north along the Cambrian Way we glimpsed the Bristol Channel glistening in sunlight and the hills around us. Arriving at the Folly tower, we had an early lunch. The 230-year-old tower was rebuilt in 1994 after war time destruction. The views were brilliant in all directions: the channel sparkling in midday sun, Skirrid and Sugar Loaf shaping the horizon and Pontypool nestling in the valley. It had been showery with coats on and off throughout the morning but now the weather settled, though clouds returned briefly as we finished lunch.

The route took us towards Mamilhad via a Roman Road, it was a rough stony track leading downhill through woods and quite slippery after the rain. We were glad to reach the bottom of the road but admired the construction and longevity of the Roman Road.

At the bottom we came across a badge on a stone wall for the Brecon Beacons National Park. Now we turned onto the Brecon and Monmouthshire canal which was built between 1791 and 1812 to transport stone and lime to Newport. After decaying into stagnant disuse, it was reopened in 1970 and today is a vibrant leisure waterway. Navigable from Brecon to Pontypool and walkable for most of the rest of the route to Newport.

We followed the canal for about 3 miles and were bathed in sunshine the whole time. The Folly tower stood out on the hill above us and we passed the old 1960s British Nylon Spinners works at Mamhilad.

The flat canal enabled us to stride out and we were delighted with the local wildlife. There were lots of fish in the water – one of our group thought they were probably roach. Moorhens and ducks busied about the water and a heron, stood stock-still, in the field on the opposite bank, flying up just after we passed it. A large raptor took to the air along the canal just in front of us, reminding us that we had seen 3 buzzards at the Folly at lunchtime. Then best of all one of our group spotted a kingfisher as it flashed along the canal, the rest of us were sorry we had missed it but then we came to an area where the canal widened and there was a kingfisher perched on a metal railing – brilliant. A local told us that this is the kingfishers favourite fishing spot and he regularly sees two birds. A plant with arrow shaped leaves grew in the water, probably arrowhead.

Now we approached Pontymoile Basin, where two canals merge connecting Brecon with the coast in Newport, cause for much celebration in 1812. It was the Merthyr Tydfil ironmaster Richard Crawshay that pushed the project to completion, eager to ensure his iron reached Newport docks more competitively. We left the canal at bridge 52, Pontymoile junction, where there is a picnic area and small café. After a short walk along the main road we re-entered Pontypool park through the ornate Pontymoile gates, the original main entrance to the park. The gates are grade II listed and affectionately called the ‘Sally gates’ – Sally was the Duchess of Marlborough and legend has it that they were a present to the Hanbury family for help with the execution of her late husband’s will. Of particular interest on the pillars are the vines and bunches of grapes which originally, would have been gilded along with the acanthus leaves and finials of the gates. A short stroll took us back to the cars.

Map OS 152. Walk 7 miles.

 

 

Christopher Columbus’ Carers

Christopher Columbus’ Carers

On September 23rd 1493, Christopher Columbus embarked on his second expedition to the New World, setting sail with a fleet of 17 ships. On September 23rd 2000, members of the Carers walk, discovered one of Columbus’s ships in the Old Harbour at Barry Island! The ship was certainly a colourful sight and looked like it had survived many voyages on the seas, as can be seen in the photograph.

Our voyage around Barry Island took in both Nells and Friars Points and a stroll across the almost empty, freshly groomed golden sands. We are lucky to live in the Vale and during our local lockdown to have such a wonderful beach to walk on. Come and join us.

 

 

ChallengingTimes

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

As we head towards the end of this very strange year our members are still staying connected through our monthly Glamorgan Federation Newsletter and the WI Life Magazine. The WI Life is the essential link to our WI family and is extra important during these uncertain, challenging times when we are unable to gather for monthly meetings or social events. Our magazine gives us a sense of “belonging”.

The latest issue saw seven members from various WIs sharing stories of finding a home in the WI – all very different stories, but all very interesting. In the same edition there was also an opportunity for members to participate in a survey. The closing date is not until 31st January 2021 so there is plenty of time still left!

As it is the month of November we have sent our usual annual donation to the British Legion, in memory of all those who gave their lives and all those who have suffered as a result of conflict.

All members will be delighted to learn that Sandra Anstee is progressing well at the Heath Hospital, following recent heart surgery in Bristol. And so we send our special wishes to Sandra, hoping that she will be home soon.

If you have a November birthday, please accept our warmest wishes. In the meantime stay safe, stay well and if you need to have a chat “It is always good to talk”.

 

 

Hippocratic Sense

Walking Is Man’s Best Medicine.

Hippocrates lived a long time ago, but he spoke a lot of sense when he said, “Walking is man’s best medicine.” All the women who met at Cosmeston for the Living with Cancer Strollers, under a bright blue sky in glorious sunshine, would definitely agree with him.

In the uncertain times of a Covid 19 pandemic and the restrictions placed on people by local lockdowns, the certainties of the benefits of a walk in beautiful countryside can be reassuring.

In the photo accompanying this article, you can see some members of the walk deep in conversation, and I promise you this wasn’t posed! It’s what the walk is all about: relaxing in good company, chatting and laughing together, feeling the warmth of the sun (or the wet rain) on our face and feeling energised and a boost in mood when the walk is over. Come and join us!

 

 

Historical Choir Photo

WENVOE LADIES CHOIR

This photograph was taken by Suzanne Cook in the late 1980s early 1990s at St. David’s Methodist Church, Barry. The choir gave a concert for church members of hymns and songs from the shows .

Left to right top row. Ann Armstrong, Jean Williams, Maureen Hunt, Barbara (?), Mary Cook, Sylvia Fussell, Mrs. Fry, Mal T Jones, Roma Greenwood, Francis Rush.

Middle row. Pat (?), Peggy Williams, Esme Watts, Shirley (?), Pam Williams, Betty Wright. (Choir Mistress)

Bottom row. Sisters Christine and Mavis, and Phyllis Crump.

Several ladies have passed on now, but we have happy memories of many events including the Christmas concert in the hall, the Spring concert and the Christmas parties (all held after Christmas as everyone was too busy before the big day). The choir made many visits to care homes and churches in the Vale of Glamorgan.

The choir is still in operation but due to the pandemic it is on hold until a later date. The photograph also brings back memories of Carol Moody and Thelma Nash who could not attend that evening. I hope I haven’t missed anyone else.

Mary Cook.

 

 

Gathering in the Gloom

Barry Island Station  First Carers Walk

A small group gathered in the gloom outside Barry Island station for the first Carers walk since lockdown in March. Before starting the walk, the new procedures, particularly with regard to maintaining a social distance of 2m, outlined in guidance from the Welsh Government were shared, and a new walker was welcomed.


The group set off towards Jackson’s Bay as storm clouds gathered and the rain started to fall heavily. Enthusiasm for the walk was not dampened, however! For one walker, it was his first social outing since the lockdown was announced. He had spent the past months shielding with his medically vulnerable wife, who had been advised, like other vulnerable people to stay indoors. Needless to say, he was unaware of the rain and welcomed the chance to chat, socialise and exercise.
Trish’s husband rang halfway through the walk to see if she wanted to be rescued from the rain! She declined the offer, and finished the walk soaked through like everyone else! As a group we decided we were too wet to sit in any cafe, who we were sure would be unlikely to welcome saturated walkers spreading water everywhere!
I can’t promise what the weather will do next month but I can promise good company, a chance to chat and a relaxing stroll…..and hopefully a coffee! Come and join us!

 

 

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