The Official Wenvoe Homepage
Thurs 4th May:- A circular bluebell walk from Twyn-yr-Odyn with some stiles approx. 5 miles. Bert.
Sat 6th May:- Parc Seymour, Wentwood Forest. A 7¼ mile walk. Mike (152/OL14).
Sat 13th May:- To be advised. V’Iain
Sat 20th May:- Tretower. A 7¾ mile walk. Ian (OL13)
Sat 27th May:- Llanbracach and Ystrad Mynach. 8 miles. Ian (166)
The president introduced our speaker Peter Cox to our March meeting. Peter is a former employee of G.C.H.Q-a British Intelligence and Security Organisation, responsible for providing the British government and the armed forces with information to keep our country safe. We were given an intriguing and interesting insight into 
the work at G.C.H.Q, touching on the story of Geoffrey Prime, who was a former linguist at G.C.H.Q who in 1982 was jailed for seven counts against the official secrets act. He had been interested in all things Russian, especially communism and was fluent in the language. There are several interesting social events for members in the coming months as follows:
April 19th – Dinas Powys fashion show with the Edinburgh Woollen Mill.
May 17th – Link Meeting at Sully and one at Wenvoe Community Centre on June 16th.
June 21st – Garden Party at Margam Park.
Our Table Top event is on May 6th, at 10.30 at the Community Centre. We would appreciate donations for the tombola or raffle prizes which can be brought to our April or May meetings
Our next meeting at the church hall on April 6th and Stephen Allen will talk about “Care in the Community”. Visitors are welcome.
Event in box. WI Table Top sale, Saturday May 6th, 10.30 Community Centre. Admission 50p, to include coffee and biscuits. There will be a raffle.
THE LIFE AND TIMES OF TOWYN WILLIAMS – CONTINUED
Towyn went to Rhoose Primary School and joined the school choir which came second in an Eisteddfod in Cardiff. After 12 months in Rhoose School Towyn moved to the Grammar School in Barry. He left when he was 14 – Towyn said he did not so much as leave, he just stopped going and it was the happiest day in his life. Towyn worked at home for his father at Ford Farm and at this time he became interested in bell ringing at Llancarfan church until he became less keen when the Vicar suggested that he came to church!.
In June 1946 Towyn saw an advert in a London paper inviting farmworkers to work on the land in Canada. Encouraged by the stories of Towyn's parents, on September 8th he sailed for Canada on the S.S.Moralgia with his friend Jim Bryer, They travelled by train to London, flew from Notrtholt, put down in Shannon then to Gander in Newfoundland. Stopped for 6 hours for an engine change then to Toronto. The long last leg was without food or drink supplied – there were no Air Hostesses on this long and tedious journey.
Towyn worked on a dairy farm near Lyndsey, Ontario, before moving on to a lumber camp with Jim. They worked with all nationalities, including indians.. A day's work would be to walk three miles through three foot of snow, cut down 60 trees using a cross cut saw – no chain saws then.Jim and Towyn had Xmas dinner on a farm about 80 miles from the lumber camp. To return they caught a bus to Whittin about 15 miles from the camp. They decided to walk hoping to get a lift from a passing motorist. They were out of luck.When they were within a mile from the camp they heard and saw a pack of wolves behind them. Not daring to stop they kept going. Later the older men at the camp told them if they had stopped to rest that would have been the 'end of them'. They were so tired and frightened that it took them a week to recover.
Jim continued to work at the lumber camp until 1938 when he came home to work on a farm near Swindon. Towyn stayed on in Canada moving out west to Saskatchewan. The following Spring Towyn left Ontario to work on the Priaries in Saskatchewan He worked on the Homestead that his father had left 25 years previously. The Homestead now belonged to another family. Everything here was big. Huge tractors were used to plough fields a mile long and it was difficult to keep awake while discing and ploughing.
Towyn had the chance of a trip home on a cattle boat, from Montreal to Manchester. Living conditions onboard were primitive. His quarters were at the stern of the ship and it was quite peaceful – when the propeller occasionally stopped ! There were 250 cattle on board, heifers in calf to be placed on farms all over the country.
In September 1950 Towyn married Audrey Taylor of Leach Farm near Carmel Chapel. They lived in a wooden bungalow just up the road from Ford Farm where Towyn continued to work for his father.
In 1953 Towyn took on Ballas Farm, Wenvoe where he stayed for the next 30 years bringing up his family – three girls and a boy. By 1978 Towyn, tired of milking 120 cows a day, decided to make a change. He sold the herd and bought Whitehall Farm near St. Lythans. Whitehall Farm brought a new adventure open to the public – Pick your Own fruit. He planted raspberries, strawberries, gooseberries. red and black currants with a back-up of potatoes and broad beans. This is what Towyn and Audrey did for the next 20 years finally concentrating on stabling and feeding around 15 ponies. At almost 80 he remained the 'hands on' farmer very attached to his old tractor.
Towyn's interests outside of farming included membership of the 'Glamorgan Flying Club'.After obtaining his pilot's license around 1960 he flew a number of single engined aircraft including a Tiger Moth. The cost when he started was £3 an hour and when inflation rose to over £20 an hour, and with the price of milk falling something had to give.
In the late 70's Towyn's brother, Edward, was exporting various breeds of horses to New Zealand and asked Towyn to help to look after 50 horses on a cargo plane. Towyn eagerly accepted the opportunity to meet up with his son Gareth who was working there at the time. The flight took him via Anchorage in Hawaii to Auckland, New Zealand. Towyn enjoyed flying as a passenger and flew across the Atlantic 39 times visiting Canada, U.S.A., Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, France, Germany, Spain , Portugal, Poland (a farm visit) and Ireland. He had also sat in Concorde, been up in a balloon, and flown a helicopter with an instructor.
Towyn's varied and interesting life came to an end peacefully at Whitehall Farm on 14 August 2016 at the good age of 90.What a fascinating life!
Allan Jenkins (February 2017)
The Love Song of Miss Queenie Hennessy
by Rachel Joyce
Rachel Joyce first introduces Queenie Hennessy in her debut novel, The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, when Queenie writes to her old friend Harold, with whom she has had no contact for 20 years, telling him that she is dying of cancer. Harold replies that he is coming to see her and embarks upon a 600 mile journey on foot.
Following the success of that novel, Rachel Joyce had the brilliant concept that Queenie’s character and story had not been fully portrayed and thus, the book she describes as a companion novel was written.
Queenie tells her story of life and death as she awaits Harold’s arrival, whilst being cared for in a nursing home in Berwick upon Tweed run by nuns. She recounts her life with portraits of her childhood and her days as a Classics Scholar in University. When taking a new job she meets Harold, a married man with whom she secretly falls in love. Queenie’s sudden departure following the tragic death of Harold’s son David, for which she partly blames herself, results in her journey to Berwick upon Tweed, where she lives for the next 20 years creating her Sea Garden.
Between these recollections of previous years, life in the hospice is brilliantly portrayed. We are enthralled by the characters of Queenie’s fellow patients and the nuns caring for them, including imaginary characters who were a manifestation of the morphine induced haze in which Queenie was living her final days.
The Page Turners all agreed that the book was well written and extremely descriptive although some enjoyed it more than others. Following what was generally considered a slow start, the majority found that we warmed to the story, which was sad, funny and thought provoking. The scores ranged from 6 to 8.5 and averaged out to a score of 7.
Our next speaker was Lynne Plummer who introduced herself as Sybil’s friend who blathers on about music. The talk that followed was anything but blather and gave us an idea of “Behind the Scenes at the Opera”. Lynne had worked at Covent Garden as a researcher producing “Talking Notes” for people whose sight was impaired. This involved meeting the folk behind the scenes and so as the talk unfolded we were able to see what an extraordinary job these people did.
The format of the talk was to hear a clip of an interview, followed by part of an operatic aria and then Lynne would elaborate on the interview.
We heard from Conductors, Wig Makers, Costume department, Production managers amongst others. We learnt how scale models are built of the sets so that any problems can be ironed out before the full scale set is built and how sloping stages can present problems for opera singers who often have difficulty as special shoes have to be worn to prevent them from slipping.
The Costume department must have been a fascinating place to visit and to see how the various distressed effects are created. The starting material has to be of the best quality to ensure that the costume will stand up to the rigours of many performances but it also has to flow correctly so that it looks good on stage. Also fabrics have to be dyed and this is a department in itself. The wigs that performers wear are made from Eastern European hair and each strand of hair is put on separately.
While all this work is going on behind the scenes the Chorus are busy rehearsing often for three hours in the morning and afternoon and the rehearsal schedule can include 2 or 3 different works at the same time. Another very important consideration is the set lighting which can produce very dramatic effects but has to be perfect as performers don’t want to be blinded by extraneous lighting
A feature that all the operas have in common is a book in which the music is written on one side of the page and the movements are written in pencil on the other side. This book is kept forever.
Thank you Lynne for a very different talk and showing us opera in a new light.
It was a great pleasure to see Anthea Guthrie in Tuesday Group once again. Anthea is one of the highest awarded garden designers in the UK having won six gold medals from the RHS and exhibited at Chelsea and Hampton Court Flower Shows. She is also a very experienced cruise ship speaker and botanical guide.
Her talk took us to many places around the world from the Caribbean to the Falklands and from Spain to Brazil.
Accompanied by beautiful photographs on the big screen the talk began with a whacky statue in Lisbon followed by Menorca and Amsterdam where small gardens were enhanced by pots of plants spilling out onto the streets for all to enjoy.
In Spain we saw the largest palm tree as well as badly managed water features that were green whereas in contrast Villa Carlotta in Italy demonstrated how to get a water feature right.
The famous fountains in the Peterhof Palace in St Petersburg showed continually running water which was piped in from 15 kilometres away.
Whilst in Russia we saw “dachas” that are seasonal or second homes for city dwellers. These could be a shack or a cottage but were in colonies with garden plots around your neighborhood as recreational getaways for the purpose of growing food in the small gardens. These were not unlike our allotments.
We also saw formal gardens in Sweden as well as Summer Houses with grass roofs, papyrus in Egypt and cacti in Lanzarote. Busy Lizzies grew in profusion in the shade in Brazil whilst the only proper garden to be seen in the Falklands was in the Governor’s House.
During the whistle stop tour Anthea dropped in a couple of tips for our gardens such as ‘make friends with foliage when you choose your plants’ and if undecided about what will grow well in your garden – take a stroll around your neighborhood to get some ideas.
She also suggested planting bulbs under rose bushes that will flower when the roses are just twigs.
Our thanks once again to Anthea for taking us on this floral tour of the world in about 45 minutes
Our speaker on February 22nd was Mr David Bray ,who gave us a humorous talk on his experiences of collecting rubbish, and of the odd and comical characters he encountered during his many years in charge of Cardiff Waste collections.
Our next meeting was on St David’s Day, when we held a social afternoon. Betty asked questions about Cardiff and we recalled many things long forgotten. We then enjoyed our cuppa with Welshcakes and Barabrith.
On the 8th February Annette Bracey visited and showed us exercises to improve breathing and posture, this was followed on the 15th with a talk by Lilian Charles who told us of the origins of all our well known nursery rhymes.
Our programme for April starts with a talk on WWI nursing by Rosemary Chaloner on the 5th, followed by our Easter party on the 12th. There will be no meeting on the 19th, and Lynne Tippett will be with us on April 26th to tell us of her work as a writer.
Wishing all our members a Happy Easter.
Twmbarlwm
The day dawned misty but the weather forecast was ‘clear by lunchtime’ as we left Wenvoe. We started in Fernlea near Risca, climbing some steep streets and walking past allotments. We found the route to the footpath was blocked so headed back the way we had come to take a detour through housing (and more very steep roads) and 2 children’s play areas. Skirting a new development we headed into countryside and northeast towards Pant Yr Eos reservoir.
On reaching a minor road we turned northwest in the general direction of Twmbarlwm. The flattened bodies of 8 frogs were spotted along a ½ mile stretch of the road no doubt caught by local traffic during their migration to breeding sites. As we climbed visibility decreased until we were in a thick fog. Now we were totally reliant on maps and GPS as we could see no more than about 50 yards. Spotting stiles across a field was impossible but a good track was clear once we arrived at Twmbarlwm Common. Twmbarlwm was invisible so we walked slightly further than necessary along this track now heading north. We turned west along another track, suddenly a dark shadow loomed over us in the fog. We had been walking uphill all morning and now we followed an excellent path which spiralled up Twmbarlwm.
Twmbarlwm is an Iron Age hill fort, which lies at the heart of the territory of the Silurian Celts. With commanding views over the Bristol Channel it must have played a large role in the 25 years of war which the Silureans fought against the Roman invaders. The impressive earthworks were constructed around 500BC, long before Rome invaded. The raised circular mound is a ‘motte’ built during the 12th or 13th century by the next invaders – the Normans. It must have supported a timber built castle, and the rest of the wider enclosure would have been the ‘bailey’ to protect the horses and live stock of the soldiers.
The magnificent views (on a good day you can even see the two Severn bridges) were totally hidden by the fog, so we admired the
stonework in the footpath and walked to the highest point. Descending we headed northwest and ate our lunch when we reached the road where the ‘Raven Walk’ (a 12 mile 3000+ft circular walk) crossed our route. As we sat, a raven cawed high up in a tree – he was barely visible but stayed until we resumed our walk.
Now we shared a short but steep section of path with cyclists. Through Coed Medart we took a good track and as we continued to descend suddenly came out of the fog and could see the valley below us. The cycle track crossed our path and some daredevil cyclists came careering down the hill and disappeared out of sight down the opposite slope – bit too exciting for me. One cyclist had hit a rock and his front tyre had a deep ‘v’ stamped into it – he had his bike upside down and was attempting a repair.
Our return journey was a pleasant meander down good tracks in a southerly direction until we reached the Brecon and Monmouth canal.
This stretch of the canal is the ‘Crumlin Arm’ and runs for 16km from Cwmcarn to Newport. Opened in 1796 from Crumlin, it was worked until the 1940s. Over Greenmeadow bridge lie the shattered bodies of a number of miners who died in the Blackvein colliery disaster of 1st December 1860. An explosion of firedamp (an explosive coal gas found in mines) and the effects of afterdamp(a suffocating gas left after an explosion of firedamp) killed 142 men and boys working the rich vein of steam coal known as the Blackvein. Many of the dead, however were taken by their families to be buried in their home towns – in England. Locals refused to work the Blackvein as the pit had a reputation for high levels of firedamp, the lethal price of the prized steam coal.
The elegant curved bridges crossing the Crumlin Arm were built to withstand the gentle clip clop of horses’ hooves rather than the rumble and thunder of heavy motor vehicles. Afraid that the bridges would collapse, the Great Western Railway Company which took control of the canal in 1880, installed large diamond shaped warning signs to stop overweight vehicles in their tracks. Darran Bridge and others on this section of the Crumlin Arm now have extra protection having been awarded the status of ‘listed building’.
Cwmcarn houses a visitor centre built on reclaimed colliery land in the 1970s. It is known for Forest drive, bicycle trails and panoramic views and has become a tourist attraction.
An easy walk along the canal covered the final stretch, allowing our tired muscles to recover a little. Arriving back at the cars we had covered 8miles and 1500ft. Map 152
Sunday 14 May 10am – 4pm,
Wenvoe Community Centre
There are less than 2 months to go now until the Wenvoe Spring Craft Fair (presented by Wenvoe Craft Workshop) and all tables are allocated. There will be an impressive line up of nearly 30 talented, local crafters and you can have a go at making a pot on a mobile potters wheel or try painting a ready made pot. Try an exceptional ice cream from 
Tricycle Treats Stop-me-and-buy-one 1940's style ice cream Tricycle and indulge at the refreshment stall with home made cakes and hot and cold drinks. Buy a ticket for a chance to win a fab prize in our Raffle with all profits going to village projects and good causes.
For more information you can contact the organisers, Glenys and Mike Tucker on 07922 109721 or you can find our event page on Facebook which is listed under Wenvoe Spring Craft Fair.
This event is one not to be missed!
MARCH WALKS
SATURDAY 1ST APRIL – Cwmparc, Treorchy.
A 7½ mile walk, Ian. (166)
THURSDAY 6TH APRIL – Taff Trail.
A circular walk based around the Taff Trail approx. 5 miles Bert
SATURDAY 8TH APRIL – Llanvihangel and Llangattock Lincoed.
7 miles. Vian (OL13)
SATURDAY 15TH APRIL – Abersychan, nr Pontypool.
About 7½ mile walk. Ian (152)
SATURDAY 22ND APRIL – Kilgwrrwg Common,
Chepstow Park Wood 7½ miles Mike (OL14)
SATURDAY 29TH APRIL – Dare Valley Park
An 8 mile walk. Ian (166)
MARCH WALKS
THURSDAY 2ND MARCH – Barry.
A circular walk based around Barry approx. 5 miles. Bert
SATURDAY 4TH MARCH – Margam Deer Park and woodland.
Around 7½ miles.Ian (165/166)
SATURDAY 11TH MARCH – Llandenny near Raglan.
A 7½ mile walk. Mike (152)
SATURDAY 18TH MARCH – Linear walk between Aberdare and Abercynon.
Around 7½ miles. Ian (166)
SATURDAY 25TH MARCH – Ascent of Tylorstown tip.
Walking from Llanwonno. Approx. 7½ miles. V’Iain (166)
SATURDAY 1ST APRIL – Cwmparc, Treorchy.
A 7½ mile walk with one steep climb. Ian. (166)