Category: Community Groups

25th Anniversary Celebration

 

In Madeleine’s absence, vice president Margaret welcomed members and guests to our 25th anniversary celebration party on March 15th, postponed from March 1st. Members from Dinas Powys, Culverhouse Cross and Penarth institutes joined us, together with Carol Atkinson, June Humphrey and Helen, who has made our lovely banner. There was a silver and Welsh theme, with silver tableware, music, daffodils and a Welsh quiz. Everyone had fun trying to link up childhood photos of our committee with the right member. The banner was launched during this important occasion and we had a wonderful buffet with a delicious cake, made and decorated by Natalie, Lyn’s daughter in law

WI business included plans for the literary lunch in Porthcawl on March 22nd and the holiday to Norwich at the end of the year.

Next month’s speaker is Mansel Thomas on the Rotary Doctor Bank – a good follow up to last years talk by Keith Moger on the history of Cardiff hospitals. Guests are most welcome. Madeleine’s letter to all members is printed in this month’s magazine.

 

 

Clytha

Clytha – It was the middle of March and snow flurries persisted as we drove east, the hills to the north of the M4 soon had a dusting of white. We started at the National Trust car park at Clytha Park. Clytha is an18thC landscaped estate consisting of the park, house and castle near Abergavenny.

It was bitterly cold in a brisk easterly wind. Taking the footpath to the river Usk we walked south along the river, which was high and flowing very fast. Immediately we spotted mistletoe high up in the tops of many trees, outlined against the winter sky. South of Clytha castle we turned west taking footpaths across farmland and began our main ascent of the day.

Clytha Castle folly is a castellated and romantic Gothic retreat overlooking the Usk valley. William Jones, of Clytha Park, moved back to Wales in 1787 from London with the intention of creating his own personal memorial to his recently deceased wife, Elizabeth (last surviving child of Sir William Morgan of Tredegar house). The folly was designed by John Davenport. A tablet set into the wall bears the inscription ‘it was undertaken with the purpose of relieving a mind afflicted by the loss of a most excellent wife’. The impressive gateway was designed by John Nash. The castle was connected to the Park by a carriage drive that crossed the Clytha Gorge via a suspension bridge. For a time it was used by a gamekeeper. Empty since 1948, the Landmark Trust rescued it in the 1970s; it stands on the slopes of Clytha hill, at the edge of a grove of chestnut trees.

Turning north towards Twyn farm and then Whitehouse farm where we joined a road which would take us across the A40 via a bridge. The ground was very wet and heavy clods of earth decorated our boots, something we would enjoy many times on this walk. Even the lanes were flooded in places but keeping to the centre of the road we navigated them without anyone getting wet feet. We spotted a huge flock of seagulls on the edge of a pond which had formed in one field.

Soon the Skirrid, then Sugarloaf and finally the Blorenge came into view, all of them covered in snow and glowing against the dark sky. These hills were to form a backdrop to much of our walk, glowing whenever the sun touched them.

We walked through Clytha village, spring flowers and even a cherry tree bloomed lifting our spirits. It has a Roman Catholic village school, Ysgol Clytha, built in1858 and now a private house. Behind the school we were surprised to see a Roman Catholic cemetery which is still in use. The church, St Bridget’s, is at the other end of the village. Clytha village was home to the Monmouthshire polo club, the first polo club in Wales, founded 1872.

At a T junction we crossed the road to head northeast, glancing to the right we could see an impressive gateway to Llanarth Court. Hats were drawn down to eyebrow level and hoods raised as the icy wind came straight at us. Now it was lunchtime so we hunkered down behind a hedge for shelter and a short rest.

A farm had long-horned cattle, a bull and cows in the muddy farm yard looked bedraggled. Continuing we turned right at a road, walking along it for a short way and then heading across country towards Llansantffraed Court hotel, a splendid house with a fountain and picnic table in the grounds. From here a tunnel took us under the dual carriageway and back to the banks of the river Usk. Walking south we caught a glimpse of Clytha castle on the wooded hill and were soon back at the car park.

We had spotted lots of spring flowers in different locations – the last of the snowdrops, primroses, daffodils and the first swathes of anemones.

Despite the bleak and bitterly cold day it had been a lovely walk and we agreed that we felt thoroughly refreshed, if a little tired at the end. It was 8 miles with 650ft climb.

We stopped at the Secret Garden centre, Pontypool on the way home. The greenhouses were a riot of colour, as they were full to overflowing with primulas brought inside to protect them from the weather. Chickens wander freely and they were hiding under the shelving, crowing loudly as we passed. Tea and the warmth of the café were very welcome.

 

 

ST DAVID – WALES AND BEYOND

ST DAVID – WALES AND BEYOND

St David was born in Pembrokeshire around 500 AD to Sant, a prince of Cardigan, and St Non, the daughter of a chieftain. Little is known about his life. He was brought up near Aberaeron and is said to have been baptised by St Elvis of Munster. David was educated at a monastery under St Paulinus who, recognising his great potential to spread the word of Christianity, sent David on pilgrimages around Wales, Cornwall, Britanny, Ireland and Jerusalem.

St David died on March 1st, 589. His remains were buried in St David's Cathedral. Although his shrine was later removed by Vikings, a new shrine was constructed there in the 13th Century.

It is said St David founded 12 monasteries and performed several miracles. Canonised by Pope Callixtus in 1120, St David has been recognised as patron saint of Wales since the 12th century.

St David’s Day is celebrated by Welsh societies around the world. St David’s Day celebrations are still held by the descendants of those who emigrated from Wales to Patagonia in 1865.

 

• While preaching to a crowd in the West Wales village of Llanddewi Brefi, David is said to have performed his most famous miracle. The crowd were finding it difficult to see and hear the sermon, when a white dove landed on David’s shoulder. As it did, the ground on which he stood is said to have risen up to form a mighty hill, making it possible for the gathering crowd to finally see and hear him. The dove became St David’s emblem, often appearing in his portraits and on stained-glass windows depicting him.

• Monasteries founded by St David were known for their extreme austerity. Monks abstained from worldly pleasures and carried out hard farming duties on a basic diet. Some monks were so fed up of St David’s harsh regime they even tried to poison his bread. Fortunately he survived.

• The 17th century diarist Samuel Pepys noted how Welsh St David’s Day celebrations in London would spark wider counter-celebrations among their English neighbours, with life-sized effigies of Welshmen being symbolically lynched.

 

Welsh tradition says that during a battle against the Anglo-Saxons, David advised the Welsh warriors to wear a leek in their hats or armour so that the warriors might distinguish themselves from their enemies. Ever since then, the Welsh wear leeks every March 1st in memory.

 

 

History of the Village Hall

 

The Village Hall (big white building adjacent to the school & opposite the Community Centre) is one of our local charities. It is built on land owned by the Wenvoe Estate for a peppercorn rent to the residents (then known as Villagers) to build a Village Hall in memory of their loved ones at the end of the First World War.

Back in the early years it was known as the ‘tin shack’ by residents which was eventually replaced and rebuilt by the Committee and residents in 1974 into the building you see today.

The hall is run by a Voluntary Management Committee of residents who adhere to a lease signed and agreed between themselves and the trustees to the land.

One of the conditions in the lease is that the Village Hall must have a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 residents from the Parish of Wenvoe known as ‘The Committee’. If the hall fails to adhere to this then the land will be passed back to the Landowners and the Village Hall will be no more.

The Village Hall was built very much with the community in mind. It is the home of the Playgroup who will be celebrating their 50th Birthday next year. The Playgroup was formed in 1969 by the residents of Wenvoe.

We have 3 badminton classes each week, 2 Karate Classes, along with Annette’s Children’s dancing and adults exercise classes Wednesday and Saturday.

There is Ballroom dancing Saturday evenings with Afternoon Tea Dances held every Tuesday from 2 – 4pm throughout the year. Tuesday group hold their meetings in the Annexe the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month and of course it’s a great hall to hold big events such as; Coming of age Birthdays, Weddings, Anniversaries and Children’s Parties.

The Vale Village Church are at the hall every Sunday morning from 10:30am and also hold an evening service, the first Sunday of every two months (the next evening is 1st April).

All contacts are at the front of this magazine.

The Wenvoe Wheelers hire the hall for the winter months on a Thursday evening and some exciting news from Thursday June 7th for six weeks, we have a Circus Skills Workshop hiring the hall. Watch out for the advert. It’s for all the family we are told, so lots of fun to be had in the Summer evenings.

As you can see from the above number of classes and events, the Village Hall is well used. If you would like more information about the Village Hall then please email us on wenvoevillagehall@yahoo. co.uk.

 

 

February Report

 

The president welcomed our new member, Maureen. We were all delighted to hear that Mair is making good progress and so is Eira. They are hoping to join us on March 1st. Our speaker was Janet Young who spoke about ‘The Glorious Reign’ ie the reign of Queen Elizabeth I, who was the second daughter of King Henry VIII. We learnt about the various plots and conspiracies during her reign – there were six serious attempts to Walter kill Elizabeth herself. Elizabeth ruled wisely and set about re-establishing the Protestant faith with great determination. The Elizabethan age was one of great adventure and included Sir Raileigh bringing back potatoes from America.

Members were reminded of the coffee morning in Dinas Powys on February 24th and the lunch at the High Tide , Porthcawl on March 22nd. Our banner is ready for its launch at our 25th Anniversary party on March 1st. Members were thanked for their donations towards the party buffet.

 

 

WENVOE SPRING CRAFT FAIR

 

WENVOE SPRING CRAFT FAIR

SUNDAY 20 MAY 2018

WENVOE COMMUNITY CENTRE 10am – 4pm

Wenvoe Craft Workshop™️ presents the second annual Wenvoe Spring Craft on Sunday 20th May. Mark the date on your calendar and come along and see a variety of hand crafted items made by talented local crafts people! There are quite a few stalls that have not so far attended one of our fairs so there will be plenty of different products on offer and, of course, there will be some old favourites as well. We see a return of Tricycle Treats with their fabulous ice cream flavours on sale from a beautiful 1940’s style stop-me-and-buy-one trike. If you think you might be a little thirsty you could always taste some locally made cider and buy a few bottles to enjoy at home. We also have locally made artisan fudge on sale in some sensational flavours as well as jewellery, garden products, woven basket ware (our lovely crafter will be doing some crafts in action on the day), textile, paper, card and wood crafts to name but a few. Why on earth would you want to miss that? Then when you’ve shopped you can drop – in to the refreshment area where you can indulge in a hot or cold drink and a slice of home made cake. There are some lovely prizes in the charity raffle and this time the proceeds will be going to the Wenvoe Wildlife Group to help enable them to continue their sterling work around the Village. A member of the Wenvoe Wildlife Group will be in attendance on the day to give visitors information about their invaluable work. Do come along, it will a good, entertaining day where you can meet both present and past Wenvoe residents and have a chat and a catch-up.

If you have any queries you can contact the Organisers, Glenys and Mike Tucker, by email at pukkatucker@gmail.com or by phone on 079 2210 9721.

 

 

January and February Events

 

Rosemary Scadden was our speaker on January 24ty, with one of her new talks “On the edge”. Rosemary told us of villages along the edge of the Severn Estuary, some we had not heard of. This was followed on the 31st by Annette Bracey giving us some keep fit exercises to do.

We are pleased to welcome many new members. We do hope you will enjoy our Wednesday afternoons and continue to do so.

The Dance Band Days was the theme of Mr Wayne Warlow’s talk on the 7th February. Mr Warlow played us music from many famous band leaders, such as Geraldo, Billy Cotton, Bert Amberose and many more.

Following on the 14th February, Rhiannon Chamberlain, of the Dog’s Trust, Bridgend, gave us an insight into the wonderful work this charity does, not just rehousing, but helping many owners.

On March 7th we have our fish/chicken and chips lunch followed by a game of bingo. Please let us know if you are coming, the cost is £3.50. Please arrive by 1.30pm, if you do not wish to have lunch, bingo will follow at our usual 2.15pm

 

 

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf

This book follows a single day in 1923 in the life of Clarissa Dalloway, an upper class London society hostess, preparing for a party. The day interweaves her thoughts, reflections on the past, life choices and actions, with several other characters, including Septimus Smith (a war veteran, suffering from post traumatic stress) and Peter Walsh (an early admirer). The day ends with the suicide of Septimus and Clarissa’s party.

The book published in 1925, is considered a classic, an example of ‘stream of consciousness’ storytelling. It touches on suggestions of a Lesbian relationship, mental illness and lost love.

However, the majority of our group did not enjoy it. People found it repetitious, with overlong sentences, the characters hard to visualise, lacking in story and boring. Several members did not finish the book.

Those in favour rated it as a favourite read and beautifully written. The reader gets to know the characters really well and they are cleverly connected at the end.

 

 

Shopping in the Old Days

 

Our Spring/Summer session of Tuesday Group began with a social evening. Everyone had a pleasant evening catching up on the latest news. A big thank you to everyone who helped by supporting the Bring & Buy and by laying on a very tasty spread. The funds raised will be used to support charities.

Our first speaker was Rosemary Scadden whose talk was entitled “Open All Hours”. Rosemary had contacted The Grocer magazine for information about shopping practices and was provided with contacts who she interviewed about life behind the counter.

Unlike today shopping was a very personal service and a slow process. Most items arrived at the store in bulk so everything had to be weighed and bagged before it could be sold. As there was no Cellotape available, folding paper into bags became quite an art. Someone recalled having to whistle while weighing out fruit as it is difficult to eat whilst whistling,.

Tea came direct from the plantations in large wooden chests. The dregs that were left in the bottom were sold as low grade tea.

In some shops the coffee was roasted in-house filling the store with a distinctive aroma As it was standard practice to leave food uncovered the coffee aroma often mingled with other interesting food smells. A standard feature in many stores was the scarlet bacon slicer.

The Weights and Measures Act was introduced in 1770 when it became illegal to sell short measures. It was said that a grocer never went to heaven as many cunning tricks were learned by grocers to make as much profit as they could from sales.

Funeral teas became a very good source of income for shops. Tradition fare included beef wrapped in dough and then roasted and slab cake.

The Coop only employed men – women were confined to being cashiers. However, this all changed when firms such as Maypole, Liptons and Home and Colonial started employing women to work behind the counter. It was also noted that women were more careful driving the delivery vans.

Delivery vans were an essential part of rural life as they were a lifeline for rural farms as some women were virtually trapped on farms looking after children.

The cooperative movement started in Rochdale in 1840 and sought to provide ethical and moral trading – this ethos continues today.

Shops were the heart of a community and the shopkeepers knew their customers and often chairs would be provided so that shopping became a sociable occasion where women met and exchanged local gossip. Market days were also very important. It was not unusual for a farmer’s wife to offer butter and eggs in exchange for provisions.

In hard times shopkeepers arranged credit for customers so that families could survive although the poorest had to manage with whatever they could get from the Poor Board.

Harrods had a nationwide delivery service which is said to have been used by Tredegar House.

The modern day supermarket that we all know was introduced in America in Memphis in 1916 and was called Piggly Wiggly. This revolutionised shopping and self-service was set to take over from all the myriad of small grocers on our High Street. A lot of shops were forced to close as they were too small to convert into self-service shops.

I am sure many members of the group remembered the shopping experience as it used to be but judging how many new supermarkets continue to open I think they are here to stay.

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