David Davies – My Part In Preserving His Heritage




David Davies – My Part In Preserving His Heritage



The previous three editions of What’s On have contained articles by Ann Jones and Stephen K Jones about David Davies, Top Sawyer and Entrepreneur of Llandinam, Montgomeryshire.

It is now my turn to add personal recollections about this great man and his many achievements.

My story goes back to the late 1970s when I was employed by the then Penarth based consulting engineers Wallace Evans and Partners. This firm undertook many commissions for highway improvements and by-passes throughout mid and west Wales. These included a cluster of three projects in and around Llandinam that were being undertaken contemporaneously. I was posted to Llandinam to be the Resident Engineer to oversee the construction of these.

We learned from Ann’s article in What’s On that when David Davies initially moved on from farm and timber sawing his first project, in 1846, as a contractor was to construct the abutments for a new cast iron bridge spanning the River Severn at Llandinam. Included in that contract was the construction of a revetment wall some 3 or 4 metres high between the river and the road above. Whilst the work that David Davies did was perfectly adequate for the time, that road became the main trunk road between south and north Wales, ie the A470.

Increasingly heavy traffic was taking its toll on the integrity of the revetment, to the extent that the possibility of its imminent collapse forced the need to construct a new mass concrete retaining wall which was faced on the river side with the original revetment masonry.

Our reconstruction project became the subject of a national tabloid inspired controversy. The original contract envisaged that the retaining wall would be topped with a substantial metal parapet which was reported as being a motorway style crash barrier and totally unsuited for a rural village setting. Before our works commenced, there had been a low wall upon which local lads would sit to woo and canoodle with their lasses. Shock horror that such an amenity would be no more. The Sun newspaper mounted a campaign demanding that the erstwhile “Love Wall” be reinstated. After some while and deliberation by the then Welsh Office, it duly was!

The second project was a junction improvement in the village which required the construction of a tall reinforced concrete retaining wall to support the graveyard of St Llonio’s church. It is in this graveyard that David Davies is buried and it would have been embarrassing for him to have come crashing down into works being undertaken by latterday jonnies.

The third job was the removal of “Black Bridge” and a realignment of the A470 trunk road near Llandinam. The bridge carried the road somewhat dangerously with two double bends over the line of the then closed Llanidloes to Newtown railway. That railway was yet another David Davies contract constructed in 1855. As well as removing the bridge, the opportunity was taken to widen and improve the alignment of the A470. To achieve this land adjacent old road which was owned by the Davies family had to be acquired. This brought us into contact with the current Lord Davies who at that time lived in Plas Dinam. He is a Chartered Engineer, who as well as running a local construction company was also, and still is, heavily involved in many national enterprises such as the promotion of the Wales Millenium Centre, the Welsh National Opera and many development projects in mid Wales.

Plas Dinam had been bought by David Davies in 1884 but now the present Davies family have “down sized” and they manage the building as a Country House Hotel and Wedding Venue. Interestingly, for a short period during the war Gordonstoun School was relocated from Scotland to Plas Dinam to ensure the safety of the schoolboys. The house also housed an Agricultural College for a period after the war.

To close, a few words about Broneirion. This 20 bedroom Italianate Grade II listed building, which stands on the west bank of the River Severn in Llandinam, was built for David Davies in 1864. In 1946 Broneirion became the Welsh Training Centre for the Girlguiding Association and between 1992 and 1995 Girlguiding Cymru purchased the properties and grounds at a very advantageous price and have used them since as the HQ for Girlguiding in Wales. Sadly, in 2023, the Guides could no longer afford the upkeep of the property and therefore it was put up for sale. It could be yours, with lots of land and ancillary buildings, for a cool two and a quarter million (which has recently been reduced from three million pounds).

Tony Hodge



Explore Your Creativity



WENVOE ART AND WELL-BEING


Explore Your Creativity


Wenvoe Art and Well-being group is an opportunity to explore your creativity in a warm supportive environment with experienced professional artist Glyn Pooley. Creating art can be a wonderful, uplifting experience. Sharing time with others in this process offers the additional benefits of improving health and well-being.

Local based, celebrated artist Glyn Pooley has taught many people to reveal their creativity through painting for over 30 years. Whether you are a complete beginner or an amateur artist wanting to explore more advanced techniques and media, come along and learn in a warm, supportive, fun environment!

Classes are held every Wednesday from 2 pm-4 pm, at Wenvoe Community Centre. 22 Hour/10 Week Course – £90. Summer Term 2024 starts April 17th- June 19th

For further details or to reserve your place, please contact Glyn.

Email: glyn@glynpooley.com

Tel: 07596759574 www.glynpooley.com

 

ALL WELCOME

 

 



The Big Plastic Count




THE BIG PLASTIC COUNT



 

For one week in March, thousands of people around the country are going to count their household plastic waste and submit the data to the UK’s biggest investigation into household plastic waste.
The evidence will put pressure on the UK government to push for an ambitious Global Plastics Treaty to end the age of plastic for good.
The plastics problem is still with us. Together we can convince the government to act.
Sign up to take part. https://act.gp/3FlJ5lA

 

 



Update from Councillor Russell Godfrey




Update from your Vale of Glamorgan Councillor Russell Godfrey



On the 20th January we had the induction session at the outdoor exercise equipment at Station Road Playing Fields, which was attended by our MP Alun Cairns and many members of the Wenvoe Community. A good and informative time was had by all. Just to remind you tennis rackets and tennis balls are available for loan from the Wenvoe Library.

The new fencing around the Tennis Courts should be completed by the beginning of March.

On the Weekend of 3rd & 4th February, 8 drain covers were stolen along Old Port Road (38 across the Vale) these have now been replaced by the VOG.

We also appear to be experiencing an increase in Fly Tipping in the area. Can I please ask that if you see any suspicious activity, that you try to get a vehicle registration number (if applicable) and report it to either the Police or if applicable the VOG Council or myself.

The installation of the Toucan Crossing at the Walston Castle is now well under way. I have also been informed that the new Care Home on Port Road is planning to open in March.

I would also like to welcome the new owners to our Village Shop and to say farewell to Anwar and his family (although I believe they are continuing to live in the village).

If you have any issues/suggestions please do not hesitate to contact me or pop along to one of my monthly surgeries. On the third Saturday of every Month between 10am & 11am

Email: regodfrey@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Tel: 07927 588924

Russell Godfrey Councillor

Elected Member – Wenvoe Ward

 



Annual Oxfam Music Appeal




ANNUAL OXFAM MUSIC APPEAL


As regular readers of What’s On you may remember (you may not!) that I am a volunteer in the Oxfam shop in Penarth. My role is to price up everything music related. Last year was very busy with some great donations. Vinyl records made up 75/80% of the total music sales followed by CDs as the next best sellers. Thank you to everyone in the village who contacted me with donations. It is very much appreciated.

We are always looking for donations of all music related items – that includes vinyl records (singles, and LPs), CDs, sheet music, pre-recorded cassettes/ tapes, non-electrical musical instruments (in working order or broken) and music books. We are interested in music from any genre – rock, pop, classical, folk, jazz etc. We aim to obtain the best possible prices on donations. We also stock DVDs.

If you do not have anything to donate you could consider supporting Oxfam by popping in the shop if you are in Penarth – we stock a range of second hand goods as well as new fairtrade tea, coffee and crafts. You could even consider volunteering. There is presently a good team of volunteers but a number of volunteers retired during covid and we are still not up to full strength. Volunteers price up books, bric a brac and clothing, as well as serving in the shop. Sometimes a volunteer ‘specialist’ is required and I am aware for instance a philatelist willing to price up stamps is sorely needed.

If you have anything you would like to donate feel free to contact me nigelrbillingham@yahoo.co.uk or alternatively if you would like to arrange a pick up or speak to someone about volunteering please contact Caroline/Joe at the shop. Tel 02920706358.

Thank you.

Nigel Billingham (Oxfam Music Volunteer)

 



Exercise Equipment




EXERCISE EQUIPMENT


Have you made a New Year’s resolution to get your-self fit, lose weight, keep active etc in 2024? Thinking of joining a gym? Why not try the new exercise equipment provided for you in the Station Road playing field.

Around 15 different pieces of apparatus

Fresh air and pleasant views all around.

Free to use when you wish

and finish with a jog back home for a shower.

Induction session Saturday 20th January 11.00

to 12.00 and free water bottle to the first 90 people.

 

 

 



Scout Trek Cart




TREK CART


It was great to see the Scout trek cart back in use outside the Church Hall advertising the recently held Village Show.

When we reformed the village scout group back in the mid 1970s we had nothing. There was nothing around belonging to any previous group so we hunted down anything we considered could be of use to running the group. One day while in a Barry wood yard I spied an old red painted fire cart, probably used to carry fire hoses, sand buckets, pumps etc to the scene of any outbreak of fire helping to contain the blaze while awaiting the arrival of professionals. The cart was no longer in use. A discussion with the owner resulted in the village scout troop possessing a trek cart; minor repairs were completed and a fresh coat of paint was applied. It was a much loved item when I was a scout.

Around our annual camp sites the cart proved extremely useful for moving tents and boxes etc. One year some of the scouts pulled the trek cart from the village out to New Wallace farm with their camping gear for a weekend camp. Around the village we used it as a mobile cooking platform when we went around selling freshly baked Welsh Cakes in aid of a Red Nose day appeal. Wonderful to see it back in use.

 

Ian

 



Advent Windows 2023



ADVENT WINDOWS 2023

A St. Mary’s Church Initiative for the Whole Community


Following three previous successful years, we are inviting you to take part in lighting up your windows this Advent 2023.

During the last 3 years, lighting up the windows has encouraged us to wrap up warm and to view the different portrayals of Advent and Christmas. Each presentation has been very individual including Santa, Angels, Snowmen, Kings, and many more. People have used their imagination in what materials they have included. One Window last year was made of all recycled items, and another made totally of Christmas baubles. Some have been very artistic, building on their previous experience, whilst others have been made by children for the first time.

This community fun event will run from 1st – 24th December, with the final window at St. Mary’s Church. There is no entry fee, it’s not a competition and adults and children are welcome.

How it works:

We need a minimum of 24 participants to decorate their windows. Each entry will be allocated a date when they will light up their window for the first time and to continue lighting up each day until 24th December. For those of us viewing the windows this will mean every day from 1st December a new window will be lit up to go and see, so that by 24th December there will be 24 windows in total to view. The windows will be lit from 5.00pm – 9.00pm each evening.

The windows can be designed and constructed from any media including lights, mobiles, cut outs etc. They can be as simple or technical as your artistic tendencies take you. They can be internal or external displays as long as they involve decorating your window. All the displays should relate to Advent / Christmas and can be humorous, artistic or topical.

Each house participating will be asked to:

  • display a given number corresponding to the date their window is ‘opened’ to differentiate it from other residents who will have their own Christmas decorations.
  • keep their window a surprise as far as is possible before the designated revealing evening

 

If you want to participate you need to:

  • live in a house that has a window (upstairs or down) that can clearly be seen from the street without people coming onto your property
  • be happy to keep the window illuminated each evening after it is ‘revealed’ until December 24th

 

We are aware that many people give their time and money to support a host of different charities. If you would like to put a charity box outside your house you would be most welcome. Just make sure you empty the box each evening.

For more information ring:

Glenys and Mike Tucker: 07922 109721, or

Jude and Nige Billingham: on 07516 112897

Please let Jude Billingham know by October 27th if you would like to decorate your window. You will need to supply your name, address, email address, telephone number, and any preference when you would like to light up your Window. Contact via email (judebillingham@yahoo.co.uk), by telephone (07516 112897), or text.

Please be aware that in agreeing to participate you are also agreeing to have your address identified on the windows map that will be made available so people can look for your window. No names or email will be shared without your permission.

This is a St. Mary’s initiative for the whole community

 



Spring Forward, Fall Back




SPRING FORWARD, FALL BACK


 

On the 29th of this month many of us will bask in the joy of knowing that the clocks go back at 2a.m. and we get an extra hour in bed. The idea has been around a long time and so has the controversy over its benefits or otherwise.

The idea of aligning waking hours to daylight hours is usually credited to the American Benjamin Franklin who first proposed the idea in 1784. Franklin was dismayed by the wasting of daylight hours and so proposed a way in which everyone would benefit from getting up as soon as it was light enough. He published that old proverb ‘early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.’ In a satirical letter to the editor of The Journal of Paris, Franklin suggested that waking up earlier in the summer would economise on candle usage; and calculated considerable savings. He proposed, tongue-in-cheek, taxing window shutters, rationing candles, and waking the public at sunrise by ringing church bells and firing cannons!

British Summer Time, also known as Daylight Saving Time, was the brainchild of a builder from Kent called William Willett. On his way back from riding his horse in Petts Wood in 1905, he noticed many of the blinds and curtains in the neighbouring houses were still drawn, even though it was light. This led him to consider the idea of adapting the time to better fit daylight hours. It seems Willett had an ulterior motive for his suggestion. He was an avid golfer who disliked cutting short his round at dusk.

Willett’s proposal, which he published in 1907, was to advance the clock during the summer months. His original proposal was for the clocks to be put forward by 80 minutes in total, in four steps of 20 minutes each Sunday at 2am during April and turned back in the same way in September. He argued that this would mean longer daylight hours for recreation, improving health and also saving the country money in lighting costs. Liberal Party MP Robert Pearce introduced the first Daylight Saving Bill to the House of Commons on 12 February 1908 but it failed to become law.

The idea resurfaced during World War One when the need to conserve coal made the suggestion of daylight saving more pertinent. The Summer Time Act was finally passed in the UK on 17th May 1916. Backed by press advertisements, the clocks went forward one hour on the following Sunday, 21st May. To return to GMT on 1st October 1916, people were advised to put their clocks forward by 11 hours rather than turning the hands back an hour, as in those days this would break the mechanism.

Sadly William Willett died of the flu in 1915 aged 58 and didn’t live to see his ideas become law. Fittingly though, there is a memorial sundial in Petts Wood, set permanently to Daylight Saving Time, in his honour. His ideas still form the basis of the system we use today. Advocates for it claim the lighter summer mornings save energy, reduce traffic accidents and get people out leading to them becoming more active with associated health benefits. Critics claim darker winter mornings are more dangerous for children going to school and mean farmers working longer hours before daylight.

Whichever side of the argument you favour, the fact remains that we need to make a note to put our clocks back at 2a.m. on October 29th. Nowadays of course our mobile phones, computers and laptops do not need reminding of this momentous event

 

 



Public Rights Of Way




RIGHTS OF WAY


 

If you, like me, occasionally criticise government for focus on the short term then we should all respond to the VoG Council’s request for comments (by November 30th) on the plan that will direct their work on Rights of Way over the next ten years. Responsibilities for maintenance of the legal record of public Rights of Way might suggest the council’s role is passive but the VoG clearly recognises the benefits offered by rights extending over nearly 600 Km of paths, bridleways and restricted byways with their proactive plans including “The Great Glamorgan Way” and upgrade of some paths to bridleways.

Copies of the Draft ROWIP, in Welsh and in English, are available from reception at the Civic Office, Holton Road, Barry and local libraries. Searching for ROWIP on the VoG website enables you to download a copy or read-online. This opportunity to contribute your views is too valuable to be missed.

Kenneth Hansen

 



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