Category: General Interest Articles

Articles of general interest on no particular subject

Our village Repair Café

WENVOE REPAIR CAFÉ

Our village Repair Café has been up-and-running now for 7 months; how time flies! The uptake from locals has been amazing so we thought it was maybe opportune just to compile a little article to support what Repair Café is and what it does….

Repair Café is simply ‘people power’. It is a local initiative powered by local people who care about their locality. There is no external funding and definitely no government or local authority influence; all our money comes from donations. It is about trying to make a very small difference to a huge problem. That problem is excess consumerism and the so-called “use and throw” mentality that prevails nowadays and most of us contribute to.

Repair Café was started in Amsterdam in 2009 by a Dutch environmental journalist named Martine Postma. Its aim simply was to reduce waste, promote a repair culture and strengthen community ties. In 2010 Postma created the Repair Café Foundation, and the idea took off across Europe and then worldwide. As of today, there are more than 2,500 Repair Cafes across 40 countries and it’s growing weekly. There are local cafes in Barry; Sully; Penarth; Llantwit Major; Ely and Cowbridge.

So, its simple objectives are (a) extend the life of everyday objects (b) reduce landfill waste (c) share repair skills and knowledge (d) build social connections within communities (e) encourage sustainable consumption habits.

Our Repair Café here in Wenvoe has really started to make a difference with all 5 of those principles. So, what do we do and how do we do it? Good question!

Firstly, any Repair Café needs volunteers – volunteer fixers to mend the items; volunteer servers to help with refreshments and volunteer coordinators to manage the through-flow of ‘customers’. Who are our fixers? Well in simple terms, anyone and everyone! Most of our volunteer fixers are just folks from our community and further afield who are prepared to simply have a go. Few have relevant skills (although one or two do have expertise) but are prepared to roll up their sleeves, grab a screwdriver, Duck tape or a needle and thread and try their best; nothing more. Anyone and everyone is very welcome to volunteer. If a volunteer has a particular expertise, then of course that is wonderfully helpful with complex fixes like clocks, computers, pedal cycles, electronics and some electrical items but many fixes merely require tenacity and persistence.

Fixes come in all shapes and sizes; there is no common theme. We’ve had fine ornaments, children’s toys, complex gadgets, family heirlooms, garden electricals and historical clocks to name but a few. Our success rate is very good with most items being fixed, but not all; sometimes we do encounter an item which is unfortunately beyond its repairable life. We carry a few everyday consumables like electrical plugs, fuses, super glue, small nuts and bolts etc but we do not carry any spare parts. Due to insurance reasons, we also cannot accept anything which has petrol or gas as its fuel.

When you arrive at the village Community Centre on the morning of the last Saturday in the month you will be greeted by our coordinator who will assess the broken item you have. You will then have to fill in a simple form authorising us to ‘have a go’. You will then take a seat in our café area to enjoy a cuppa and a biscuit whilst you wait to be allocated to a volunteer fixer station. Then it’s down to us to get stuck in and work our magic. Some items are fixable in 10 minutes; others can take quite a bit longer. We’ll assess it and discuss with you what we think. If you then agree we’ll try our best to get the item repaired. Handing back a fixed item is a very satisfying outcome and is a job well done.
So, we will go from strength to strength, but we always need more volunteers. More fixers are especially welcome as we can then repair more things. If you have an interest, skill, hobby or background which could help or you’re just prepared to muck in (like me!) then please do join us.

You can contact me on 07581 192108 or call into the Repair Café and chat to us to find out more.
Martin Thomas

Top Of The Christmas Pops!

IT’S NUMBER ONE – IT’S TOP OF THE CHRISTMAS POPS!

By the time What’s On readers read this article Christmas music will have been everywhere for months. Many people will already be fed up with hearing Merry Xmas Everybody by Slade, Lonely this Christmas by Mud, Wonderful Christmas Time by Paul McCartney and Queen’s Thank God its Christmas plus numerous others being continuously piped out of shop speakers. Some of you may love them in which case it’s probably not worth you reading further!! But go on….you may discover a few new faves for your Christmas playlist. I am going to share with readers some less well-known Christmas songs that you may want to explore as an antidote to the tried, possibly tired and tested Christmas ditties. But first a quick summary.

The Christmas chart number one has always been and continues to be a big event. In the 69 years the charts have been compiled you may be surprised to know that the word Christmas has only been in the title of the number one song 8 times. (9 if you include the word Xmas) The first time it was Dickie Valentine with his Christmas Alphabet in 1955 then Mud and Shakin Stevens. Five of the eight number ones were Band Aid (three times) and Wham the last two years with Last Christmas. It had taken Wham 39 years to get this song to Number one.

The first download number one was Killing in the Name by Rage Against the Machine after a fan led campaign to revive a 1992 single. Ladbaby hold the record for the most Christmas number ones five times from 2018 to 2022 although one, Sausage Rolls for Everyone, featured Ed Sheeran and Elton John. Whether you loved, hated or never heard their hits the good news is they donated all the profits to the Trussell Trust who oversee foodbanks throughout the country.

Has there been any Welsh involvement in Christmas Number ones I hear you ask? Well yes there has! There was Tom Jones in 1966 with The Green Green Grass of Home, Dave Edmunds with I Hear You Knocking in 1970 and 1985 when Shaky hit the top spot. That’s it as far as individual artists are concerned but Spencer Davis as part of the Spencer Davis group achieved the top spot with Keep on Runnin’ in 1965 followed in 1983 by Only You sung by the Flying Pickets whose lead singer Brian Hibbard was from Ebbw Vale. Of course, if you want to include John Peel’s festive 50 voted on by his listeners, Melys hit number one with Chinese Whispers in 2001.

Since our daughters were born over 40 years ago, the most played record has been an LP called Christmas Songs & Carols for Little Children by the Sunbury Junior Singers of the Salvation Army conducted by Joy Webb. Joy Webb was, and I am going off at a tangent here, a founding member of the Joy Strings who in the 1960’s had two minor hits in the charts with It’s an Open Secret and A Starry Night. All their performances had them dressed in Sally Army gear. The aforementioned LP has been played in our house each Christmas, admittedly sometimes only once!

So here are a few album ideas for an alternative Christmas sound track. I am forgetting Now’s The Christmas Album which has all the popular hits. The main contender has to be A Christmas Gift for You produced by Phil Spector. Amazing tracks by the Ronettes, The Crystals, Darlene Love and the wonderfully titled Bob B. Soxx and the Blue Jeans. They rattle through some standards with that famous Wall of Sound. Bob B sings The Bells of St Mary. Quite appropriate for us here in Wenvoe don’t you think! The album was overlooked, as on the eve of its release President Kennedy was assassinated.

One of my favourite LPs is the Waterson’s Sound, Sound Your Instruments of Joy which includes Martin Carthy who this year at the age of 84 was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize. The album cover states the record reminds “us of what we’ve lost since the flood of Victorian hymnals notably Hymns Ancient and Modern (1861) pushed out so many notable traditional melodies.” I appreciate unaccompanied singing is not everyone’s taste but give it a try!

I am going to pass over Elvis’ many attempts at Christmas songs LPs which are not to my taste. One album that is not in Jude’s fave list, although she is a big Bob Dylan fan, is his Christmas in the Heart album. She had the CD in her stocking one year and having played the first two tracks shouted out “that can go in the bin.” Santa was so upset! Sssh it’s still on our shelves!

Space is short, so here are a few other individual song suggestions – Steve Earle’s Christmas in Washington sung by Joan Baez, The Leisure Society’s The Last of the Melting Snow, Donovan’s Little Tin Soldier (what’s Christmas without a tin soldier and a ballerina falling in love!) and St Etienne’s I was born on Christmas Day.

My favourite Christmas song is Bing Crosby’s White Ch……. Only joking! My fave is a controversial choice and could result in my ostracisation (if that’s a word) from the village. IT IS, deep breath, the B side of John Lennon’s Happy Xmas (War is Over) which is Yoko Ono’s Listen the Snow is Falling. Give it a listen! Happy Christmas pop pickers!!

Nigel Billingham

 

The Horse Was Absolutely Terrified

The Horse Was Absolutely Terrified

It seems that Bonfire night passed without any major incidents but 2 nights later a private party set off fireworks with a very loud bang less than 100m from a horse in his nearby field. The horse was absolutely terrified and went into flight mode. Of all the animals, horses are particularly sensitive, and their natural instinct is to flee. Not even the most desensitised and well-trained horse can always suppress that instinct. Herding the horse into his stable helped but he remained very distressed.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary is working with a coalition of 18 organisations, to raise awareness of the impact of loud fireworks and is running a petition to the Government to reduce their maximum permitted noise level from 120db to 90db. The petition has reached well over the 100,000 signatures and will be considered for parliamentary debate. However the more signatures there are, the more likely it will be debated. Please add your signature to that petition at www.redwings.co.uk/fireworks and please consider animals whenever you choose to ignite fireworks.

New Wenvoe Author To Inspire Young Readers

NEW WENVOE AUTHOR TO INSPIRE YOUNG READERS

My name is Belinda Batey, I live in Wenvoe and I am a newly published author of children’s books, who is passionate about encouraging imagination and a love for reading among young learners.

I have recently gifted copies of my published children’s books, to Wenvoe Library and Gwenfo School, to support our children and local community.

These books are written to spark creativity, kindness, and curiosity in children, and I hope they will bring joy to your readers and our community alike.

The book titles are as follows:

The Tale of Charlie Corn Cob (age 3-10)

Ted and his Penny Farthing (age 3-10)

Mummy where’s my Dummy (age 3-5)

Scarlet the Snail and her Magic Home (age 3-10)

More detail about all of these books can been found on Amazon.

Tucker’s Final Victorian Reindeer Sale

TUCKER’S FINAL VICTORIAN REINDEER SALE

Mike and I would like to thank everyone who attended yesterday’s sale and made it such a success. Every reindeer was sold by lunchtime and orders placed for Mike to make in the next couple of weeks. Every scrap of cake sold, and the stall holders did a roaring trade. There was such a lovely atmosphere, and it was fabulous to see so many in Victorian costume – with a particular mention for Ebenezer Scrooge!

Our volunteers worked tirelessly, and we could never hold these events without them. We are extremely grateful to you all. Thanks also to Michelle and Julie for adding some lovely additions to the cake stall.

 

We had over 100 prizes in the raffle, thanks to the generosity of our ever-supportive community. We are always blown away by the way our supporters answer the call at our events like this.

The total raised so far for Wenvoe Wildlife Group stands at £1,406 and we could not have done it without each and every one of you. Thank you all so much.

Now mark the date for next year’s event which is still in the planning stage. On Sunday the 15th of November 2026 we will be keeping the Victorian theme and holding an Old Time Christmas Fair in the Community Centre. We will have games for children and adults alike with tombola and bran tubs too. There will be some craft stalls, the usual refreshments and you can have your fortune told if you dare!

Wenvoe Art and Well-Being Group

WENVOE ART AND WELL-BEING GROUP

Due to the success and interest in our Wenvoe Art and Well-Being Group we will be holding another class on Friday mornings from 10.00am – Noon. The lovely warm village atmosphere in Wenvoe helps students relax and rejuvenate as soon as they enter the well cared for old community centre.

The current group held on a Wednesday afternoon between 2.00pm – 4.00pm is full of kind and considerate students that give the class a lovely atmosphere. Some students travel from Cardiff, Barry and even Porthcawl for the experience. The group offers art tuition for all levels, from those with experience to those just starting out. Being creative is a wonderful way of letting go of any negative thoughts or problems one may be holding on to and filling your mind with the space we need to overcome them. Sharing time with others in this process offers the additional benefits of improving health and well-being. The process is so therapeutic and who knows you may even create an artwork that brings joy and uplift to someone for years to come!

If you are interested in joining a class or for further information please email glyn@glynpooley.com or ring Glyn on 07596759574. Our group is also on Facebook with examples of student artwork. All are welcome.

Local based, celebrated artist Glyn Pooley has taught many people to reveal their creativity through painting for over 30 years. More about Glyn can be found at his website www.glynpooley.com

 

Classes held Wednesday 2pm-4pm, and Friday 10am-Noon, at Wenvoe Old Community Centre.

 

 

Tucker’s Reindeer Sale And Cafe

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

 

TUCKER’S VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS REINDEER SALE AND CAFE
Saturday 15th November 10.00am – 4.00pm

 

Four weeks today will be what will, very sadly, have to be the last Tucker’s Reindeer Sale so let’s go out with a bang!

This year we are using a Victorian theme so join us and dress in Victorian costume if you would like (you don’t have to). We will play music of the era and have decorations with Victorian themes.

There will be other crafters joining us as usual – Trevor will be there with his beautiful Christmas houses and other decorations, Jemma (The Flower Bunker Wenvoe) will be with us selling her gorgeous flowers and Christmas wreaths and other decorations, Cath will be with us again selling her brother’s lovely turned wood items, there will be Jaci of Jaci Clark Ceramics selling her fab hand made ceramic items, Annette selling hand made cards, Justine (winner of this year knitting section in the Wenvoe village show) will be selling her beautiful, handmade blankets and we will be selling Christmas figures and small tree decorations.

We will have the usual cakes and drinks on sale with somewhere to sit and chat and a high quality raffle with proceeds going to the Wenvoe Wildlife Group which is our charity of choice and who will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

The man in red will be available to speak to your little ones which offers a free photo opportunity. There will also be another famous character roaming about the hall but we’re not telling who it is! You can sample some traditional Victorian Fayre too so why wouldn’t you want to come along and join in the fun? Mark the date on your calendar and we’ll see you there!!

Although this will have to be the last Tucker’s Reindeer Sale it won’t be the last Tucker’s Christmas event. More details will be available next year. You can’t keep a good man down!

From The Silent To The Topless

FROM THE SILENT TO THE TOPLESS:
BOOK CLUBS ON THE MARCH!

It seems that Gen Z and Millennials are catching on to what we in Wenvoe have known for ages – there’s nothing quite like a good book club as an antidote to today’s increasingly digital world. Free online event platform ‘Eventbrite’ report that local book club events have increased by over 40% in the last year. Even young celebrities like singer song writer Dua Lipa and model and actress Kaia Gerber are now hosting their own book clubs.

‘The Page Turners’ and ‘Off the Shelf’ regularly provide What’s On readers with reviews and recommendations based on their recent reads. It all sounds like great fun. The reported reviews, though brief, show the wide range of responses to the various titles under discussion. One recently reviewed title was described as ‘slow, unhappy and dreadful’ by one member but ‘tragic, moving and well written’ by another.

The book club renaissance seems to have gathered steam online during the pandemic as a way of meeting safely and filling those lock down hours. The digital boom in the book club soon found a younger audience who stayed with the idea when restrictions were lifted and a passion for books found its way into the real world. As book clubs boomed, a host of bespoke groups sprang up with a focus on everything from football to feminism.

The concept of the book club began to take shape in the 18th century, particularly in Europe, during the Age of Enlightenment, with its emphasis on reason, knowledge, and education. In France, writers, philosophers, and thinkers gathered to exchange ideas and discuss the latest books, giving rise to a culture of literary salons that shared some of the hallmarks of modern book clubs. One of the earliest known book clubs was the Edinburgh Book Club, founded in 1768. This club was a forum for intellectuals to gather and discuss literature, politics, and society. London’s coffeehouses, like Garrick’s Coffeehouse, also became venues for book discussions. In the 19thcentury the rise of the middle class meant more people had access to books and education and so book clubs emerged that resembled those of today. Women, who had historically been excluded from intellectual discussions, began to form their own book club sharing and discussing books about everyday life. Another precursor to modern book clubs, were circulating libraries which allowed readers to borrow books for a fee. They often functioned as informal gathering places for book discussions. In the 20th century of course the expansion of public libraries and the rise of commercial publishing led to a further boom in book clubs.

The latest fad is the Silent Book Club! The original, started in San Francisco in 2012with two friends – Guinevere de la Mare and Laura Gluhanich – reading together at a neighbourhood wine bar. There are now 1,600 of these clubs in 54countries, including over 100 in the UK. All readers are welcome- eBooks, audiobooks, textbooks, comic books etc. Friends and strangers gather at a set time and location, order food or drinks, share what they’re reading, and settle in for an hour or so of sustained silent reading. At the end of the hour, attendees can socialise- or not!

There are inevitably some very strange book clubs. The Peculiar Book Club focuses on strange history, medical marvels, and weird science. It has nothing it seems on the New York Topless Book Club! ‘Burn Bras, Not Books’ is the motto of this free-wheeling New York City book club. Members take advantage of little-known city laws that allow both male and female toplessness with alfresco reading sessions in public spaces. It’s apparently all done with safety and decorum. Somehow one doesn’t see this catching on in Wenvoe.

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