Category: New Items for August 2026
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August Church News
August Church News
Greetings from the congregation of St. Mary’s to the wider community of Wenvoe and St. Lythan’s. We invite you to join us online at ipcamlive.com/stmarywenvoe
The Church Clock
You may have noticed that time is standing still in the centre of Wenvoe with the church clock being silent. The clock installed in the tower of the church was gifted in memory of Capt. Robert Francis Lascelles Jenner who died on 8th May 1882. As an expression of the great esteem in which he was held by the parishioners it was decided that a clock was to be provided in his memory. A public subscription raised the money necessary, and the well-known public clock maker Smith of Derby was duly instructed with the order to proceed. The clock winding gear was installed within the tower on the first level, then the movement was arranged with cogs, gears and couplings to the second level, through the wall to connect with the hands on the face of the clock. It sounds simple but you can be assured that it is complicated and needs attention in addition to the annual service by an engineer from the original company who installed it in the mid-1880s. The problem in recent years is due in part to climate change, and the heat waves we have been experiencing. To put it mildly the mechanism is old and does not like the heat when the metal expands and so is ‘out of gear’. This is the present situation we find ourselves in.
The annual service was undertaken earlier this year, and all was well, but now the clock is far from being well. Church finances do not allow for expensive callouts, and the clock will remain silent for the time being. Unless a donor would come forward to cover the costs in memory of a loved one, or even a few donors to spread the costs. The church management team with Vicar Lyndon are willing to discuss any interest shown in this appeal to get the clock ticking away and the bell striking the hours. There is a well-known saying ‘If you don’t ask you don’t get’. We need help to get the clock going. Are YOU the person who will help us to get things all tickety-boo?
Christian Aid Venezuela Appeal
We have all seen the harrowing destruction as the result of the earthquakes in Venezuela, where many lives, homes and communities have been destroyed. A collection was arranged with Christian Aid in both our churches during the month. The amount raised will be known at the end of the month. Once again, we must thank Jude Billingham for organising this at short notice in supporting the provision of aid to those stricken by the disaster.
Hospitality in the Christian church.
Every week ‘LLANDAFF MATTERS’ is published online and reports on events and happenings within the diocese. Bishop Mary takes great care in relating her experience as a Christian pilgrim as she visits events within the diocese and elsewhere within the church in Wales. This week her theme was that of
the hospitality she experienced in North Wales whilst on a pilgrimage exploring the writings of Ann Griffiths nee Thomas 1776 – 1805. Ann was a Welsh poet and writer of Methodist Christian hymns in the Welsh language. Her poetry reflects her fervent Christian faith and thorough scriptural knowledge. Following the death of both her parents, she married Thomas Griffiths a farmer from the parish of Meifod and an elder of the Calvanistic Methodist church. However, she died in childbirth in August 1805 at the age of 29 and was buried at St. Michael’s church in Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfga.
The Ann Griffiths Memorial Chapel in Dolanog, Powys, is named after her and has a carved corbel head based on contemporary descriptions of her. Bishop Mary visited the chapel, and a photograph of the carved corbel was included in the account. It was here that Ann Griffiths lived and composed her poetry that we now sing as hymns.
It was a result of a day spent visiting the chapel that Bishop Mary commented on the hospitality of tea and abundance of cakes in the community hall. She was astonished to receive messages of thanks from those who had welcomed them, their hosts expressed their gratitude that they had been to visit them. Mary the Christian pilgrim returned home with a stronger understanding of Christian hospitality, faithful prayer and generous service.
Welcoming God, thank you for everyone who shows us your way of love. When we have an opportunity to welcome others fill our hearts with gratitude for the gift of friendships. Help us to be attentive to opportunities to serve you in small acts of generous kindness and care. Help us to find our place in your Kingdom of love, In the name of Christ our friend. Amen.
Here at St. Mary’s our small, dedicated catering team provide such hospitality at the bimonthly Eucharist service on a Wednesday morning, the monthly Chattery on the second Thursday of the month and following the morning service on the fourth Sunday of the month. Also following the Joint Eucharist on the fifth Sunday of a month.
Looking ahead in August we will be honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary at our Matronal festival service on the 16th August at 9.30 am. All are welcome.
Thank you for reading the news.
Parry
The Blackened Oak Tree
ARTICLES of GENERAL INTEREST
THE BLACKENED OAK TREE
1882
The sky went dark over the area. In the small village of Wenvoe near Cardiff, people took to their homes as a great storm was coming in from the west. At the east end of the village, towards Cardiff, was a field in which stood a large oak tree reaching one hundred and thirty feet high. The tree was around four hundred years old and stood dead centre of the field. Thunder and lightning began to hit the area. A bolt of lightning hit the oak tree, splitting it and setting fire to the tree.
The rain came down hard on the oak, putting out the fire. It was covered in soot and had been reduced to twenty feet high. As the storm moved away, something moved in a crack at the bottom of the tree and disappeared into it. A small plume of smoke came out of the top of the Blackened Oak Tree.
1943
The Wenvoe Women’s WRVS Choir Committee meeting was underway in the school hall. Doris Davies was the chairwoman, leader of the choir of fifteen women and my Mam. I was watching from the corner of the hall. I was seven years old. My name is Doreen. I would take over the choir in the early sixties when it would change its name to the Wenvoe Women’s Choir.
“Right” said Doris, “we will have a space at the Wenvoe Summer Fete in one weeks’ time to sing one song – any suggestions?”
Mrs Howarth, who was the doctor’s wife, suggested a song. “How about Greensleeves? That’s always a popular song and the choir already know it.”
Everybody in the choir nodded their heads including Doris, who thought it was a good choice.
“Right” said Doris, “we will meet in two days’ time to practice the song before preforming at the fete.”
It’s up to the WRVS to arrange the seats and food and drinks at the field of the burned-out oak. The oak tree had been burned out since the end of the nineteenth century. The field had always been nutritious and a great grower of crops. The owner of the field had been told never to take out the old, burned oak tree as it contained magical qualities. Little children from the village had always played there for years since the incident of the thunderstorm, saying there was a fairy living in the tree. This used to make their parents laugh.
Nearly all the men from the village had joined the war effort and the men who were left, worked on the land. A couple of days before the fete, I was playing with my friends in the burned-out field. Billy a lad from the village, about six years old and from a poor family in the village, had rickets in his legs and had come to the field to see the other children play. He sat with his back to the tree and laughed at the other children playing. Suddenly the sky went very dark and a blinding light came from the bottom of the tree.
A beam of light touched Billy’s legs and he cried out. The light disappeared and the sky was bright again. Billy slowly stood up and shouted, “I feel better.” Billy then began running around the tree shouting “I feel better” several times. Then he ran out of the field and down to his house in the village. The rest of the children in the field didn’t seem to notice what had happened. I felt I was the only one who saw it. Billy’s rickets never returned, and he went on to live a long and happy life.
The fete went off without a hitch with the choir singing ‘Greensleeves’ at the end of the show.
2010
Bernice Watkins was the choir’s new leader since 1988. Her mother was one of the Windrush generation and had come to Cardiff from Jamaica in the 1950s. She was a nurse at Llandough hospital and married Ronnie Watkins, a young copper from Grangetown. They moved to Wenvoe in the seventies.
The choir met in the new community centre for their weekly meeting. “I’ve chosen a song for the annual Wenvoe fete in the burned oak field. It’s going to be Home in the Meadow from the movie, How the West Was Won.”
“We have two weeks to learn the song”, said Bernice.”
The choir consisted of around twenty women from the village. Doreen would co-ordinate the seating from the hall to the field. I was now seventy-five years old and still a member of the choir. I had handed the reins over to Bernice back in the early nineties. I was still fit and was able to do the small tasks that were given me.
The day of the fete came quickly; it was a beautiful sunny summer’s day in the village. All the seats and food stalls where prepared in the field. The small stage was set-up next to the old oak tree in the middle of the field. All the people who did their acts came on and did well.
The choir was the last act to go on. They started their song. In the corner of her eye Doreen could see a light come up from the bottom of the tree and a glimmer around the choir. Then, the old choir from the 1940s appeared at the back of the new choir. One choir sang the new song, and the old choir sang Greensleeves. It’s what the people called a mash-up of voices. I was sitting in the front row of the crowd and a bright light shot out of the tree and landed next to me. A voice said to me from the light “It’s time to go now Doreen.” I closed my eyes and fell into a beautiful sleep. The song finished and everybody was clapping. Everyone got up to walk back down to the village. Bernice came over to the seats, “Come on Doreen wake up, it’s all finished now. Doreen! Doreen! Oh no – someone call an ambulance.”
Tomato Risotto & Sticky Plum and Custard Cake
August brings the end of summer, but it also brings the best produce, plenty of home grown tomatoes and plums…..Try these easy recipes and see….
Tomato Risotto (Serves 4)
Ingredients
30g unsalted butter
2 shallots finely chopped
1 garlic clove
250g risotto rice
100ml white wine
400g-500g fresh ripe tomatoes, blanch and peel and simmer to break down and reduce extra water or use 400g tin chopped tomatoes if preferred
2 vegetable stock cubes
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
50 g parmesan cheese (grated)
2 tbsp shredded or finely chopped basil
Method
Melt the butter in a large saucepan over a medium heat and cook the shallots and garlic for 5-6 mins until softened. Stir in the rice and cook, stirring for 2-3 mins more until the rice is hot. Add the wine and continue to cook until it has been absorbed, then tip in the tomatoes, pressing them down with the back of a spoon to break up any large pieces.
Once the tomatoes have softened, add the hot stock, a couple of ladlefuls at a time, stirring until it has been absorbed. Add another ladle of stock when the mixture looks dry, then continue this process until the rice is tender and looks creamy – you may not need to use all the stock. Stir in the balsamic vinegar along with half the parmesan. Season to taste, then serve topped with the basil and remaining parmesan.
Sticky Plum And Custard Cake
Ingredients
250g unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
250g golden caster sugar
4 large free-range eggs
250g self-raising flour
¼ tsp bicarbonate of soda
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
75g ready-made thick custard, such as Ambrosia
15 ripe but firm red and yellow plums, 5 chopped, 10 halved
50g flaked almonds
Golden syrup to serve
Method
Heat the oven to 180°C/fan160°C/ gas 4. Grease and line the base and sides of a 20cm x 30cm x 5cm cake or Swiss roll tin with baking paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the butter and sugar using an electric hand mixer until pale and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one by one, adding a little flour with each. Fold in the rest of the flour, the bicarbonate of soda and the salt.
Fold in the vanilla extract, custard and chopped plums, then pour the mixture into the cake tin and smooth out.
Bake for 25 minutes, then very gently, so the mixture isn’t disturbed, remove from the oven and lightly lay the plum halves, cut-side up, on top. Scatter with the almonds, then bake for another 45 minutes or until golden – cover with foil if the cake browns too quickly. Test the cake is ready by pushing a skewer into the middle, it should be slightly sticky but not wet.
Record Temperatures All Around
WENVOE FORUM
Considering Tomorrow Today
Record Temperatures All Around
Through the bleary eyes of someone who isn’t sleeping well it seems to me that tomorrow is here already. Record temperatures all around the UK, a shortage of water, especially in the southeast of England and excess deaths resulting from high temperatures in May and June estimated as 2700 for England and Wales. I suspect that most of the population are now prepared to accept that the climate crisis is beginning to rear its head and roar. But there are always optimists who suggest we can change tomorrow, mitigate the worst of the predictions and learn to live differently. I am happy to join then, and some of their very sensible ideas seem enjoyable too.
As it seems that our summers are likely to have much higher temperatures than we are accustomed to, I dipped a toe in using AI and asked for a collection of methods used in different parts of the world to keep houses cool during a hot summer
“Around the world, people use a mix of ancient architectural engineering, natural microclimates, and strategic behavioural habits to keep homes cool without relying entirely on modern air conditioning.”
Was the opening sentence of the reply, and I was pleased to see that modern air conditioning was not to confuse the discussion or analysis. But cautious as I realised that the AI had picked up from questions on completely different topics what approach was likely to appeal to me.
However, the huge array of ideas seems to fall in to three broad categories:-
- Architectural and structural
- Shading and Insulation and
- Strategic airflow and evaporative habits
A little more research brought up a fourth category, suggestions for actions that would change the slightly wider environment having impact in the neighbourhood more widely, of benefit to friends and neighbours as well as yourself.
While the often-beautiful Mashrabiya and Jali Screens seen in buildings in India and throughout the Islamic world could be used to work their magic here in the UK, I’ll focus on methods that have a closer fit with our UK architecture.
So here is what I take away from what I read about the sort of action that could make a difference in Wenvoe.
There are several bits of easy-to-understand science that underlie the actions that you can take and a little understanding, coupled with getting the different bits of Physics working together rather than against each other seems to be the key. Keep in your head that you are going to be using insulation, radiation, reflection and the effects of evaporation.
You will all have experienced the difference between standing in the shade and stepping out into direct sunshine. Anything wall, floor, furniture, watering can that is in direct sunlight is going to warm up and then release that heat into the air around it. If you can rig up some shade that will help. So when the sun is shining directly through onto the floor or something else inside a window then closing the curtains will help to stop the floor warming and then releasing the heat into the room, keeping the room cooler. You might think that opening the window might help but chances are the air outside will be hotter than the air inside and might only serve to warm indoors. If the hot weather becomes, as is suggested, then shutters or awnings may be a good investment and make sure they are in place before the sun gets on them.
Mastering the art of getting a draft moving through the house is down to observation and experience. Ideally you want downstairs windows/doors on the shady side of the house open and drawing in cooler air while the upstairs ones are open to let the warm air out. If these windows are in full sun they will need to be shaded. This is where the experience comes in, it all depends on air flow through the house. In Europe where they are more accustomed to hot summers shutters that can close on the outside and windows that open without disturbing them are very effective. Shade can also be provided by awnings.
To join our Facebook group, please ‘friend up’ with the GwenFo account @ https://www.facebook.com/gwen.fo.1 and then jon the Wenvoe Forum @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/635369267864402
Some further information and updates, blog site https://wenvoeforum.wordpress.com/. Any Wenvoe community member is welcome to join the Forum meetings, via Zoom, which are normally held 19.00 on the second Thursday of each month. E-mail gwen-fo.forum@gmail.com if you wish to join
Why It Has Not Been Removed
WHY IT HAS NOT BEEN REMOVED
If you happen to see the School Wildlife Patch you will see plenty of Ragwort growing in the grass. Some might throw up their hands in horror and ask why it has not been removed.
Probably more than any other plant it has been demonised but why is this? The first claim is that it is poisonous to livestock, particularly horses. But cattle have been grazing fields with Ragwort since time immemorial as Ragwort is not a new plant to the UK. It is unpleasant to eat so animals will avoid it along with Foxgloves, even Buttercups. True it can be dangerous if included in a hay crop as it is harder to detect, hence advice that farmers should remove it in these circumstances but otherwise it should create few problems. Some believe it is poisonous to humans but, again, you would have to eat a lot of it to incur any symptoms, and you would have to be pretty desperate to consume it in the first place.
But it also has a huge benefit for wildlife as many who have seen them covered in Cinnabar Moth caterpillars can confirm. Interestingly, the caterpillar is poisonous but gets poison by eating the Ragwort. It supports over 200 species of invertebrates providing a nectar source in late summer for bees, butterflies and hoverflies when other sources may become limited. So if you have a wildlife patch consider tolerating the odd Ragwort.
How The Silurian Tribe Of South Wales Took On The Romans
ARTICLES of GENERAL INTEREST
HOW THE SILURIAN TRIBE OF SOUTH WALES TOOK ON THE ROMANS
A Struggle for Dominance The Roman invasion of Britain in 43 AD marked the beginning of a series of campaigns that would extend Roman control over the island. Among the fiercest opponents the Romans encountered were the Silurians, a tribe inhabiting what is now South Wales. Their resistance was marked by a series of battles that epitomised the struggle between the Roman Empire and the native tribes of Britain.
The Silures: A Brief Introduction The Silures were a Celtic tribe known for their warrior culture and staunch independence. They occupied the region that includes modern-day Glamorgan and Monmouthshire. The tribe was characterised by its fierce resistance to any form of domination, and their territory was known for its rugged terrain, which provided natural fortifications against invaders.
Early Encounters and Initial Resistance The initial encounters between the Romans and the Silures were marked by hostility and violent skirmishes. The Silures, under the leadership of their chieftains, adopted guerrilla tactics, utilising their knowledge of the local terrain to launch surprise attacks on Roman forces. The dense forests and mountainous regions provided ideal conditions for these hit-and-run tactics, frustrating the Roman legions and impeding their progress.
The Campaigns of Ostorius Scapula By 47 AD, the Roman governor of Britain, Ostorius Scapula, recognised the need to subdue the Silures to secure the western frontier of the Roman province. Ostorius launched a series of campaigns aimed at breaking the resistance of the Silures. He initiated the construction of forts and defensive structures to protect Roman territories from Silurian raids. Despite these measures, the Silures continued their resistance with relentless ferocity. Historical accounts suggest that Ostorius faced significant challenges in his efforts to defeat the Silures, who remained defiant and unyielding. The death of Ostorius around 52 AD marked a temporary respite for the Silures, who continued to resist subsequent Roman governors with equal determination.
The Role of Caratacus A pivotal figure in the resistance against the Romans was Caratacus, a chieftain of the Catuvellauni tribe from south east Britain, who had fled to the Silures after his defeat by the Romans. Caratacus became a symbol of resistance and united various tribes in their struggle against the Roman invaders. His presence among the Silures bolstered their resolve and provided them with a strategic leader capable of coordinating their efforts. Caratacus’s large-scale organizing leadership was instrumental in attacks on Roman fortifications and supply lines. His ability to inspire and unite the tribes made him a formidable opponent for the Romans. However, his eventual capture in 51 AD and subsequent display in Rome as a prisoner of war marked a turning point in the resistance, although it did not signify the end of Silurian defiance.
The Continued Resistance and Final Subjugation The Silures continued their resistance even after the capture of Caratacus. The Roman governor Publius Ostorius Scapula’s successors faced persistent challenges in their efforts to pacify the region. The construction of additional forts and the deployment of more legions were necessary to maintain a semblance of control. It was during the governorship of Sextus Julius Frontinus in the late 70s AD that significant strides were made in subduing the Silurians. Frontinus employed a combination of military force and strategic diplomacy to weaken the Silurian resistance. He established a network of roads and forts to facilitate the movement of Roman troops and supplies, effectively cutting off the Silures from their sources of support. The decisive battle that led to the final subjugation of the Silures occurred around 78 AD. The details of this battle remain unclear, but it is believed that the superior organisation and discipline of the Roman legions ultimately overwhelmed the Silurians. The defeat marked the end of organised resistance in the region, paving the way for the establishment of Roman rule.
Legacy and Impact The Roman conquest of the Silures had a profound impact on the region. The establishment of Roman forts and settlements brought about significant changes in the social and economic structures of South Wales. The Romanisation of the area included the introduction of new agricultural practices, trade networks, and infrastructure development. However, the legacy of the Silurian resistance endured. The stories of their defiance became part of the cultural memory of the region, symbolising the struggle for freedom against a powerful empire. The rugged landscape that once served as a battleground for the Silure is now dotted with remnants of Roman forts and roads, serving as a testament to the tumultuous history of Roman-Silurian conflicts.
Conclusion The battles between the Romans and the Silures in South Wales represent a significant chapter in the history of Roman Britain. The fierce resistance of the Silures, despite the might of the Roman Empire, exemplifies the enduring spirit of the native tribes. While the Roman conquest ultimately succeeded, the legacy of the Silurian resistance continues to be remembered as a symbol of courage and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
Main references “Searching for the Silures” by Ray Howell & Wikipedi
Tony Hodge
Welcome Shade Under the Cosmeston Trees
Shady Came on His Shetland Pony
VILLAGE ENVIRONMENT GROUP
Shady Came on His Shetland Pony
On a beautiful sunny morning the team, although short in numbers, cleaned up around the village green and concentrated on the area around the memorial.
As you can see by his stance, Shady (2nd left) came to the event on his Shetland pony.
Gareth dragged the Rector along to give us some words of encouragement.
‘God will provide’, he said, and low and behold a spare green bag blew into view.
The Williams family were missing today because elder Ieuan had a scan in preparation for a knee operation and they found a sixpence from a Christmas pudding some 80 years ago, lodged inside him. He now wants it back and is refusing to leave the private hospital until it’s retrieved. Due to people trying to leave the group over the years, we’ve adopted the Ian Moody concept, where you could only resign at an annual general meeting, then we wouldn’t hold one. So, once you’re in, that’s it.
Our next meeting on 10th of August will be at the Community Centre, to tidy up before the Wenvoe Village Show on Saturday 29th August. Every member of the group has promised to enter an item in the show, except Shady, as he is one of the judges
People’s Emergency Briefing
ARTICLES of GENERAL INTEREST
PEOPLE’S EMERGENCY BRIEFING
I recently attended a showing of this UK documentary film on climate change put on by Climate Cymru. Hosted by the naturalist Chris Packham, it features leading UK scientists and experts discussing how the environmental crisis impacts everyday life. It emphasises that the position is shifting fast and the threats that it brings have wide ranging implications. For this reason, they say that action on the subject is vital at this time, but many people are unclear on what actions to take. They are calling for a government emergency TV briefing.
The areas they covered in the main were:
Weather events: these events are changing faster than climate models have predicted and contributed to flooding, extreme heat, fires, loss of usable land mass and negative impacts on food and water security.
Public Health: issues such as increasing air pollution, changes in food availability and cost, changes in disposable income and increases in illness rates, both physical and mental, are affecting the health of the nation and can strain the resources of the NHS.
National Security: global instability and migration of people, potential food shortages, conflict over resources and ecosystem damage threatens UK stability. Also, extreme events that may require help from the Armed Forces such as flood prevention all stress the system.
The natural world: the systems that support our climate are breaking down and the resulting effects of pollution, levels of carbon capture and release and the impacts on soils and water quantity and quality are serious.
Economics: the economics of continuing with fossil fuels and non-green energy systems do not stack up. The cost savings of going green are clear in the immediate term and in the long term.
The overall message that we took away from the evening was that as things stand, we cannot afford to do nothing. It may be that everything we need to make the necessary changes, the research, the expertise, the technological solutions and the finances are all available. The question is, why are they not being actioned?
If anyone is interested, the www.nebriefing.org/peb website can provide more information.
Sue Hoddell