Category: Community Groups

Wenvoe WI is 25 years old

 

Wenvoe WI is 25 years old this year and in Madeleine’s absence, vice president Margaret accepted two certificates on our behalf. One from NFWI was presented by Carol Atkinson, WI advisor, and the second from June Humphry, Federation secretary, was from GWFI.

Viv Truran who has spoken to us on many occasions, gave us an insight on how she started in the antiques business. It all came about with her decision to de-clutter her home. She sold some articles andenjoyed it so much that she was hooked, working in her spare time, together with her full-time job. After taking redundancy she sold antiques full-time. As always Viv donated her fee to our charity-this year Wales Air Ambulance.

We have received an invitation to the Link meeting at Penarth Conservative Club, June 16th at 2pm. The guest speaker will be John Sheen.

Several members enjoyed the social evening hosted by Culverhouse Cross WI and Pam and Lyn enjoyed the NFWI annual meeting held at the Motorpoint Arena in Cardiff

A summer lunch is –planned at the Wenvoe Arms for Tuesday August 7th at 12.30 pm. Menus will be available at our next meeting which will be on July 5th in the Church Hall at 7pm when Eva Leslie will be talking about “Crafty Surprises”.Visitors are welcome and with no charge.

 

 

June Talks

 

Mr David Harrison gave us an interesting talk on May 23rd about graveyards, mostly in the Monmouth area ,where he lives,and where a lot of history is attached. On the 30th of May, Ann Callen brought her vast collection of patchwork quilts to show us. She told us how she first became interested in this craft and how much of her work focuses around a theme or special occasion.

We arranged afternoon tea for June 6th.The table was full with sandwiches, cakes and scones with plenty of cream. Apart from eating we were able to chat to each other .It was quite a change and a pleasant afternoon

Mr Donald Knight, who specialises in Bonzai trees ,brought along some of his collection on June 13th. We heard how this pession of his grown over the years, and how he has turned his own garden and previous ones into Japanese gardens, which have featured on TV and any magazines and are open to the public at certain times

We are fast coming to the end of our Spring/Summer session. I hope you have enjoyed it .The Autumn programme will be ready by the end of July

 

 

June Walk

 

The sun was shining. The sky was blue. The grey clouds had passed by. The strollers had gathered at the Cosmeston information centre…….it must be the first Thursday of the month and time for the living with cancer strollers to have a gentle walk, around the lake.

June's walk was completed in ideal sunny conditions. The orchids were blooming across the fields and were a splendid sight. Ducks and swans swam serenely across the lake.

The benefits of exercise for an individual's health and wellbeing are well known and walking is a particularly gentle exercise which is suitable for all ages. Add in some chat and a coffee and you have a recipe for an excellent morning's outing!

We welcomed a new walker in June and we hope more people may be tempted to join us for July's stroll :10:30 at Cosmeston on the first Thursday.

 

 

Wenvoe Spring Craft Fair

 

Huge thanks go to all of you lovely people who came along on the day and made the Wenvoe Spring Craft Fair on 18 May such a roaring success. The weather could not have been better and this was especially good news for the Vale Cider Company and Tricycle Treats Ice Cream who were working flat out all day. All of the traders did well and thoroughly enjoyed chatting with their customers. The proceeds of the raffle (and some of the Village Gardeners plant sale), which came to a whopping £421, was donated to the very deserving Wenvoe Wildlife Group. Their table was busy all day and the free saplings and wildflower seed packs were very much appreciated, as was the information that was passed on during the day.

Tables are now almost all allocated for the Wenvoe Christmas Craft Fair which takes place this year on Sunday 18 November. Save the date and start your Christmas ( I’ll wash my mouth out with soap for saying the C word in June) shopping with a day of hand crafted and unique items in a friendly, festive atmosphere. We will be delighted to see you.

If you have any queries please contact the organisers, Glenys and Mike Tucker, at pukkatucker @gmail.com or on tel. 07922109721

 

 

Telephone Scam Warning

 

South Wales Police urge all members of the public to be alert to a recent telephone scam that has started to become widely used Nationally and locally.

The Scam involves a person telephoning the victim claiming that they are a Police Officer and that there has been a suspicious transaction on their bank account.

They urge the victim to withdraw all the money from their accounts as they claim the bank accounts are not safe and to box them up for a courier to collect so that the Police can keep it safe for them.

They often give the telephone number ‘161’ to ring should the victim encounter any problems.

When the victim rings this number they are reassured that the officer is genuine.

A number of victims locally have become a victim of this type of crime and have lost substantial amounts of money. South Wales Police state that No officer will ever contact an individual asking them to withdraw money and send it them for safekeeping.

The Public are urged to be aware of this SCAM and not to respond but report the matter to South Wales Police using the Non Emergency No 101 or if somebody turns up at your door to ring the Emergency Number 999

 

 

Mercy Ship Funding Event

ONE AMAZING EVENING

About 80 people (mainly villagers, but a few friends from Sully, Miskin and Swansea too), attended the Community Centre one wet Friday evening on 25th May for an Evening of Entertainment by John and Olwen Griffiths (better known in Media circles as Johnny Tudor and Olwen Rees).

We soon forgot the rain as we heard some very interesting tales of life in showbiz, a wee bit of gossip here and there. with tales of extravagant parties, doomed romances, glitz and glamour. These stories from both John and Olwen were interspersed with songs. duets, fancy footwork by Johnny, whose tap dancing is as good as ever, and a beautiful rendering of Eli Jenkins' Prayer from Under Milk Wood, by Olwen, which brought a lump to the throat.

90 minutes had flown by, so the interval was later than planned. The very tasty cheese buffet was much appreciated, and Nick Cook, our expert Sommelier, was kept busy at the Bar.

Helen Ormrod had made the trip from London especially to thank the Parishes for supporting her in raising funds for her to join the Mercy Ship, which she did in the interval. Helen also invited us to view the Mercy Ship Display in the ante-room, and said how much she is looking forward to going on a 4 month adventure which will be very hard work, in difficult circumstances., but SO rewarding , for the medics and even lifechanging for the patients.

Johnny Tudor had already said he was happy to do an encore, so he sang more songs after the interval, inviting the audience to join in – which they did with gusto. (Fortunately, our grannies had taught us all those old songs which of course were before our time!). The atmosphere was so warm and convivial that we were sad to see it end, but over £700 was raised, towards this very worthwhile cause.

Rev Jon, Mrs Sheonagh and Miss Helen Ormrod would like to thank everyone who supported the evening, the Social Committee of St Mary's Church, especially Nick Cook, those who donated Raffle Prizes, Mr Tony Williams for his generous co-operation, and , most of all, Mr and Mrs John Griffiths, who gave their time and talent so willingly.

DIOLCH YN FAWR IN CHI!!

V.Roberts

 

 

THE HISTORY OF SCARECROWS

For thousands of years scarecrows have helped save crops from birds and other animals and provided an outlet for human creativity. Scarecrow genealogy is rooted in a rural lifestyle. The Egyptians used the first scarecrows in recorded history to protect wheat fields along the river Nile from quail flocks. Farmers installed wooden frames in their fields and covered them with nets. Then they hid in the fields, scared the quail into the nets and took the bird’s home to eat.

Greek farmers in 2,500 BC carved wooden scarecrows to look like Priapus (the son of the god Dionysus and the goddess Aphrodite) who was supposedly ugly enough to scare birds away from the vineyards and ensure good harvests. The scarecrows were painted purple with one hand holding a club to scare the birds and a sickle in the other for good harvests. As the Romans marched across Europe they followed the Greeks and introduced Priapus scarecrows. Simultaneously the Japanese had scarecrows called kakashis shaped like people. They dressed them in raincoats and a straw hat and often added bows and arrows to look more threatening. Kojiki the oldest surviving Japanese book from 712 features a scarecrow known as Kuebiko who appears as a deity who cannot walk but knows everything about the world.

In Germany scarecrows were made to look like witches whilst in medieval Britain children were used to patrol the crops and wave their arms and throw stones. Later on farmers stuffed sacks of straw, made faces from gourds and leaned the straw man against a pole.

During the Great Depression in America scarecrows could be found across the whole country until after the Second World War when farming began to use chemicals to protect their crops. For thousands of years scarecrows have helped save crops from birds and other animals and provided an outlet for human creativity. Scarecrow genealogy is rooted in a rural lifestyle. The Egyptians used the first scarecrows in recorded history to protect wheat fields along the river Nile from quail flocks. Farmers installed wooden frames in their fields and covered them with nets. Then they hid in the fields, scared the quail into the nets and took the bird’s home to eat.

Greek farmers in 2,500 BC carved wooden scarecrows to look like Priapus (the son of the god Dionysus and the goddess Aphrodite) who was supposedly ugly enough to scare birds away from the vineyards and ensure good harvests. The scarecrows were painted purple with one hand holding a club to scare the birds and a sickle in the other for good harvests. As the Romans marched across Europe they followed the Greeks and introduced Priapus scarecrows. Simultaneously the Japanese had scarecrows called kakashis shaped like people. They dressed them in raincoats and a straw hat and often added bows and arrows to look more threatening. Kojiki the oldest surviving Japanese book from 712 features a scarecrow known as Kuebiko who appears as a deity who cannot walk but knows everything about the world.

In Germany scarecrows were made to look like witches whilst in medieval Britain children were used to patrol the crops and wave their arms and throw stones. Later on farmers stuffed sacks of straw, made faces from gourds and leaned the straw man against a pole.

During the Great Depression in America scarecrows could be found across the whole country until after the Second World War when farming began to use chemicals to protect their crops.

 

 

 

A Love Story by Maureen Richards

True Love

by Maureen Richards

Sitting quietly on a rocking chair in the corner of the old farmhouse kitchen, resting her weary bones, Beatrice warmed her cold calloused weathered hands, near the log burning stove. The candlelight fell gently across the room, catching a glimpse of her ageing frame.

Although time had fetched its cruel grooves of life experiences onto this beautiful face and the long hair that once hung like ebony silk now grew with strands of silver and gold was drawn neatly back into a bun held with a pretty clip. She could still turn heads. Her eyes, the deepest ocean blue, still held the charm, kindness and love that once captured the hearts of many a young handsome soldier, hadn’t changed at all with time.

As she sat, her eyes closed and the warmth flowing around her like a thick woollen blanket, her thoughts led her back to the many bitter sweet memories that this time of year held for her …

There he stood by the kitchen range, his uniform pristine, the gold buttons glistened in the early winter sunlight breaking through the small leaded window. How dashing he looked, his thick brown hair groomed and his brown eyes had a twinkle of devilment. His face framed with a beard well trimmed and clipped. His smile, “Oh, his smile” sighed Beatrice. How perfect. How handsome. Although he had the air of an officer, she also knew his gentleness, his love, his devotion to her. Her man, her soldier!

They were too young, everyone said, but they were in love. They knew this was True Love, deep strong and lasting a life time. In secret they got engaged. This sealed their love. They knew things were changing war was looming. Soon he would be called for duty. Their stolen hours of love spent in each others arms would sustain their parting. His orders arrived, he had to go.

At the station along with hundreds of families and armed forces Beatrice was held tightly in his arms. His body trembled, he couldn’t speak. Beatrice stifled a sob from deep inside her. Why must there be wars? All this emotion, the wrench from loved ones arms. All so young. All so brave! Finally, as Beatrice looked deep into her dearest Edward’s eyes she whispered, “bring yourself back to my arms and our ‘Love Child’”. He was ecstatic, their stolen hours of love had borne fruit. This gave this handsome soldier a feeling of completeness. He was so proud, he would be the perfect father. His darling Beatrice would be a perfect mother and in the meantime, she had a little of him with her until his return. Oh! How they wished war was over so they would be together a complete family.

The months trickled by. How she missed him! His letters from the front encouraged her, as no doubt her were to him. Her family were wonderful, their love and support helped her to cope. Her time was near for the birth of their ‘heavens blessing’. She longed for Edward to be with her at the baby's arrival. He tried desperately to get compassionate leave but the intensity at the front had increased in magnitude.

Many a soldier longing for home and peace knew this would only be achieved by determination and bravery.

Holding her beautiful baby girl in her arms she gazed at her all night. She was adorable, thick brown hair like Edwards and deep ocean blue eyes of Beatrice. Her new grandparents were so proud. With just a glimpse of this new arrival, their hearts were bursting with joy. If only Edward as here, Beatrice would ask him to name her. They hadn’t decided, not knowing whether a boy or girl. At that moment baby stirred. Cradling her close baby was fed. Beatrice cuddled baby all night.

She watched the candle flicker its light around the room gradually diminishing with the hours.

Suddenly a voice she had longed to hear whispered “My darling Beatrice, she is beautiful. Please call her Edith my little Edie. I am proud of you. She has the beauty of her mother. My Beatrice, I love you”. His face gently brushed hers as he left a gentle kiss on her lips. She watched as he walked towards the kitchen range still alight keeping the room warm. He turned and smiled, blew a kiss, then was gone. Had she imagined it? Her dearest Edward here with her?

Thew next morning Beatrice announced to her parents her baby's name, Edith and repeated what she had heard from Edward, “ my little Edie”. After that special night Edward’s letters stopped coming. Beatrice grew more worried every day that passed. Her parents could only support her and pray. Days turned to weeks, weeks into months, little Edie flourished. Beatrice was such a good mother, loyal, attentive and so protective. How she loved her! But Beatrice parents could also see their daughters heart breaking longing for news of Edward, they saw the sparkle in her eyes grow dim. This perfect mother slowly dying inside. She always put her baby first, she was the reason for living. Beatrice worked hard on their farm and any spare time she spent making bread, cakes and pies, depending oon supplies and sold them in the village store, they were a great success.

Little Edith’s extended family adored her. Grandparents took her for walks and visits to relations daily, her little life was idyllic. But at night when the house was still and silent Beatrice waiting for Edward’s return.

Occasionally she would see him standing, as she remembered by the kitchen range smiling at her. So young, so handsome. Held out his arms to her, but she couldn’t leave with him, she must stay with her little Edith. She promised love and protect her forever. This she did. This was how they found her sitting in her rocking chair near the kitchen range. Her heart broken but a gentle smile remained upon her lips.

Many times on the cold winter’s nights villagers reported seeing Beatrice sitting by her kitchen range warming her hands, in her old rocking chair waiting for her Edward’s return from war. She never did leave the old farmhouse or broke her promise to little Edith.

 

How she loved them both, so completely.

 

 

 

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