Category: News

New Dogs Trust Homing Centre

The charity have at last received planning for a brand new homing centre in Cardiff. It will be sited in Splott. With the number of stray and abandoned dogs in Wales totalling 4,900 last year, our only centre in Wales, at Bridgend is always full to capacity and the new centre, due to open in 2020 will go a long way to alleviate the pressure on Bridgend and continue to provide for the welfare of dogs in our country.

I have spoken on occasion of dedicated volunteer Jenny Thomas who has raised thousands of pounds for Dogs Trust over many years. In 2017 alone she raised over £30,000, enough to sponsor five kennels for a year and this by sorting and selling your unwanted stamps, albums and foreign currency. Please keep them coming as every one is gratefully received. As usual they can be picked up from the What’s On box or can be sent directly to Jenny Thomas, 15, Wentworth Ave, London, N3 1YA.

 

 

LEARNER DRIVERS

 

LEARNER DRIVERS

on motorways from 4 June 2018

From Monday 4 June 2018, learner drivers will be able to take driving lessons on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales.

This will help to make sure more drivers know how to use motorways safely.

Learner drivers will need to be:

• accompanied by an approved driving instructor

• driving a car fitted with dual controls

 

Any motorways lessons will be voluntary

It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough for them.

Until the law changes, it’s still illegal for a learner driver to drive on a motorway.

 

 

International Women’s Day

 

This International Women’s Day I had the incredible opportunity to be on BBC Radio Cymru with some of the most incredible young women. Speaking about a subject so close to my heart in my native language is a high I feel I can’t come down from. But more importantly, the women I got to speak with on the radio all have incredible personalities and views, and I can’t wait to see what they do.

I missed blogging on International Women’s Day, but I felt like I couldn’t express how important it was to me then – I was too caught up in seeing the ways women were uplifting other women and men were taking the time to thank the women around them. But now I know what it means to me. It means a future filled with possibilities and hope. It means that maybe by the time I come to have children, I can tell them how the women I was surrounded by helped to change the world, in a similar way to the Suffragettes 100 years ago.

This International Women’s Day I want to celebrate all women. Women who have expressed themselves enough and are strong enough to come out to the world. Women who accomplish the phenomenal even when those around them limit them due to their race. Women who own their femininity and those who choose not to. Women who have to fight with the world to be seen as women. Women who don’t

let disability stop them from achieving the extraordinary. Women who are survivors of domestic abuse or sexual assault. Women who are bosses and run countries and empires. Women who have to battle every day against their mental health. Women who support other women.

I can’t help but be in awe of the young women I am surrounded by and see on the news. The girls I see every day breaking stereotypes and controlling their own destinies. The young women who inspire me every day. The young women I see supporting men and women when they feel down. The young women I see in school, achieving their goals and owning it. The young women in the media like Zendaya and Tavi Gevinson and Emma Gonzalez creating a path we didn’t previously think existed.

This International Women’s Day I was grateful to be surrounded by incredible women. And incredible people, in general. I was grateful for my brother always encouraging me to chase my goals, and grateful to have parents who work tirelessly every day and prove the importance of hard work. I was grateful for my sensational friends who support each other under all circumstances. I was grateful for a family who is always there to listen. I was grateful that the women I am surrounded by prove the impossible is possible (I’m not grateful that I’ll have to follow in their footsteps, however!).

Time’s Up is still a movement which is incredibly important, and with the UN Women working against child marriage and for equal reproductive rights for women, a change is imminent. With the age of marriages being raised to at least 16 in many countries, a change is clearly possible. We need to keep this change on the up-rise. This International Women’s Day I came to appreciate that the women who inspire me every day don’t simply have to be the women I see on my newsfeeds. They’re the women I see day-in and day-out. The women who are going to blow us all out of the water.

Who knew the world was filled with dozens of Wonder Women?

By Tirion Davies

 

 

February Parish Report

 

The solemn season of Lent is now with us, and you will notice that many of the ornaments in the Chancel and Sanctuary have been removed and replaced with more simple items, in line with the church’s teaching of self-denying during this period running up to Easter.

The services during Lent are simpler, with less singing and with more emphasis on hearing the Word of God in the Readings and Gospel narratives. Mothering Sunday is on March 11th when the children from “Pebbles” will be encouraged to bring the daffodils they have grown from the bulbs given to them last Harvest Celebrations, to decorate the church and to present their Mum’s with a gift of flowers,

The meeting to discuss the sale of the Church Hall took place on Thursday 8th February with a good crowd of people in the Community Centre Hall. This meeting called and hosted by Wenvoe Community Council to measure the public reaction of the Community Council purchasing the Church Hall. Jon, our Parish Priest was keen to impart the vision of St Mary’s looking forward to how the Church wishes to develop both the building and the congregation in the 21st century. The present hall was not seen as being part of that vision and was becoming a burden on the church as expenses are exceeding income. In addition, the hall need to be updated with improved kitchen and toilet facilities. By building a hall/meeting room facilities on to the North Side of the church that will enable the church to extend its role of hospitality both to the congregation and community. St Mary’s Church Council has worked very hard over the years to keep the church building in good order, with money raised from the Church Appeal and generous donations and grants, plus the income from our very successful “200” club. We are not state aided or supported by the Representative Body of the Church in Wales in any way, and we have to thank the generations that have gone before for what we enjoy today, and it is our responsibility to hand on to the generations yet to be born, a church building worthy of the 21st century.

An interesting debate was held about what the Community Council would do with the hall should they purchase it. This was the real purpose of the meeting to allow the council to gather a feel of the public opinion The Council will do doubt discuss their findings in due course. The alternative is to place the Hall on the open market, once we have the design of the church extension agreed by the many parties involved. Watch this space!

The Parochial Church Council met recently and was pleased to accept the Quinquenial Report from Mr Richard Dean, of Page and Dean Consulting Ltd. It is a very thorough report on the church fabric with items needing investigation. The council decided to appoint Richard as our Church Architect, which he has pleasure in accepting. The immediate work on

the drainage on the South Side of the church has been delayed as we have decided to include additional drainage on the East Wall which was not included in the Faculty. This will save us money in the long run, with the Archaeological surveys which have to be taken when any work is carried out in the churchyard. The churchyard is looking very pristine due to the work by Mike, the village gardener. He is keeping an eye out for any work that is needed during the months/seasons.

The Treasurer reported that our finances are in a healthy position, and recommended that we create a separate account, within the general account for money’s specifically given for the Building Fund. This would mean that money in the building fund would be “ring fenced” and could only be used for the repair and maintenance of the building fabric. The Christmas Collections from our three churches for the Ty Hafan Children’s hospice came to £1404.26 which is a wonderful result. Thank you to all who donated to this worthy cause. We have also received a donation of £103 from the Wenvoe Craft Workshop Christmas Fair for the Building Fund. Many thanks to Mr and Mrs Tucker. The “200” club had also made a payment of £1800 in December, once again many thanks to all are shareholders, in helping to support the building work necessary to keep on top of repairs and maintenance.

Events coming up in March. Mothering Sunday on March 11th. Special Service on Palm Sunday 25th March. Agape supper in the Church hall March 29th. Good Friday March 30th March and Easter Day on April 1st. All are welcome to these services, keep an eye on the notice boards in the Church Porch.

Blessings to all our readers.

Parry Edwards

 

 

The Facebook Alternative

 

To others of my generation who still do not and cannot comprehend why Facebook ever exists, here’s what I’m doing to gain a better understanding. I am trying to make new friends without using Facebook, but while applying the same principles.

Every day I walk down the street and tell passer-bys what I have eaten, how I feel at the moment, and what I have done the night before, what I will do later, and with whom. I give them pictures of my family, my dog and of me gardening, taking things apart in the garage, watering the lawn, standing in front of landmarks, driving around town, having lunch and doing what anybody and everybody else does every day.

I also listen to their conversations, then give them the ‘thumbs up’ and tell them I like them, I also promised to exchange holiday photos. And it seems to be working.

I already have four people following me: two police officers, a private investigator and a psychiatrist!

 

 

February Letters

 

A big heartfelt "Thank You", to all the Saturday Walking Buddies, whose thoughtfulness and innovative way of announcing to the Vale and surrounding areas, the occasion of my last big birthday, despite me being on the other side of the world. Very touched, you know who you are! Salt of the earth and blessed to know you all.

Glen Stevens

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I would like to thank the Community Council for taking the time to hold the meeting in February with regard to the future of the Church Hall. I feel it is now clear that the Church ARE selling the Church Hall and that the Church are offering the community the chance to purchase the hall to ensure that it has a future within our community.

Below is a contact which may help. I have also written to the Community Council.

Glamorgan Voluntary Services (GVS), BARRY, Heritage Lottery Funding 1-2-1 advice. Thursday 15th March 2018 Phone Andy Harris 20234155 or email andrew.harris@hlf.org.uk

Buildings do not have to be historic according to their advert. They help save community buildings.

Sandra Morgan

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The family of the late Michael D’ Arcy thank all our friends and neighbours who gave us wonderful support, beautiful flowers, gifts and cards. It was also a great comfort to us to know that so many were able to attend the Requiem Mass for Michael.

Thanks and peace to all,

Peggy, Helen, Elizabeth, Christopher and John.

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Mervyn and Family would like to thank everyone for their support and sympathy wishes during this difficult time.

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Cambrian Park Village

CAMBRIAN PARK

Cambrian Park retirement village is a novel and attractive housing development on the outskirts of Wenvoe just beyond Brooklands Terrace, near CulverHouse Cross. The retirement village was originally a green field site, which in 1952 became a caravan park. The site evolved and people started living there in static caravans but the infrastructure was of poor quality and site became run down.

Cambrian Park was purchased by the current owners Maguire Park Homes in 2007 and managed by Maguire Park Homes. It was then brought up to a high standard with mains water, gas and electricity.

Agnes, the Park Director, is currently project managing the development, which when complete will have 145 new owner-occupied detached homes.

The bungalow-style efficient double-glazing and energy-efficient homes range from £139,000-£175,000.The standard two-bedroom property comes with carpets, curtains, white goods…

Purchasers have a choice of fixtures and fittings or they can have their home built to their own specification.

All residents of Cambrian Park must be over the age of 50 and the estate aims to offer a safe and secure community, which is overseen by a site warden. Although many residents have second homes overseas, most have downsized and see this as their last house move.

The Park is enjoyed by mature people who want a safe home in their retirement, or singles and couples who want the security and peace of mind of belonging to a community of people of similar age, but who do not want to move to managed accommodation. As the Park is for the over 50s children are welcome but only to visit for holidays and weekends…

It is an exceptionally well kept Park and close to bus stops and convenient for shopping at the stores at CulverHouse Cross, with a bridge to Ely shops and services including a GP practice.

In addition to this residential Park, the Maguire family have several in Wales and England with plans for more. Each Park is initially project managed by the adult children of the Maguire family.

Maintenance agents and sole traders and other services providers, while not officially recommended, are nevertheless on an approved list.

It was pleasing that several residents of Cambrian Park attended the ‘Welcome to Wenvoe’ event at the Community Centre, towards the end of last year. A few residents have plots on the Wenvoe allotment site in Twyn-Yr-Odyn.

As mentioned above, further homes are being built, so happily those in Wenvoe will have more residents who may wish to enjoy the many meetings and activities published in Wenvoe What’s On. Residents receive copies of Wenvoe What’s on, with some taking full advantage of Wenvoe’s social associations.

This article was written with the kind assistance of Angus Maguire.

 

 

Community Centre Meeting

 

Thursday 8th February – 7.00pm

An Open Meeting is to be held at the Community Centre on 8 February at 7 pm. The meeting will be hosted by St Mary’s Church and Wenvoe Community Council.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the future of the Church Hall. Some residents may already be aware that St Mary’s is considering building an extension to the church in order to rehouse activities currently undertaken in the Church Hall. The Church has determined that the Hall is no longer suitable for their needs and that maintenance costs make the building unsustainable.

As a consequence the Church are considering selling the Hall. This could either be for redevelopment or possible purchase by the Community Council

The purpose of the meeting is, therefore, to further explain the options and to gauge the views of residents.

We hope that as many residents as possible will be able to attend the meeting. For:those who are unable to be there we would welcome your views if you would care to email the Council at. wenvoecc@googlemail.com

Colin Thomas . Chairman

 

 

Winter Activities

 

Following on from all the activity in church over the celebration of Christmas, the month of January has seen the church settle in to a quieter time as we bring ourselves into the New year of 2018, and the plans we are making for the year ahead. 2017 was a continuing year of progress in the life of the church, and we intend to make 2018 another year we can be pleased, to look back on.

At a recent meeting of the Parochial Church Council (PCC), Vicar Jon gave a summary of his welcoming to the parish of Bishop June, who visited as part of her progress around the diocese, getting to know the different parishes of her diocese. This was very informal and the day ended with the Bishop meeting all the churchwardens of our six churches, where the discussion was how she saw the way forward and equally how the wardens saw their roles in supporting the clergy in making the church more proactive in the years ahead.

The other main item under discussion was the receiving of the Quinquennial Inspection (QI) report. This report is a very thorough statement of work needed to be carried out over the next five years. The PCC resolved to appoint the inspector Richard Dean as our church architect to oversee the works he has highlighted as most urgent. We will shortly see work beginning to remove the concrete channelling on the south side of the nave and chancel, to be replaced with a “French drain” to cure the dampness which is spreading up at the base of the walls. Other immediate work will be on the roof of the tower, dealing with slipping slates, drainage problems and vegetation infestation. This work will amount to some £12,000 pounds which will be met from the Building Fund.

Plans for the annual Christian Aid Appeal are well in hand and will be launched in the parish with a “Big Breakfast” in the community centre on the morning of Saturday 12th May 2018, more details to follow later.. The usual house to house collections will take place during the following week.

Announced at the meeting was the plan to change our present Ministry Area status to that of a Rectorial Benefice. Apparently as a Ministry Area we are not a legal entity recognised by the Church in Wales, so we cannot apply for any loans we might need, however as a Rectorial Benefice we have that legal status restored and parish are now working to adopt that model as in Barry and Penarth, In essence we would carry on much as we do at present, keeping our own church council, our own bank account, and will give us the flexibility to adapt and develop things as we may need to in the future. All PCC’s have to approve these plans once they have been formulated, with the new status coming into effect in early 2019.

As already announced, a Public Meeting hosted by the Wenvoe Community Council and St. Mary’s Church will be held in the Community Centre on February 8th 2018 at 7.pm. to discuss the possibility of the Community Council purchasing the Church Hall. Full details of the reasons why we need to sell the Church Hall…can be found in the January edition of “What’s On”.

Looking ahead in these dark days of Winter. February is the month for birthdays in our house. The next Faith in Film night at the Rectory is on 3rd February at 7.30 pm. Remember the public meeting in the Community Centre on the 8th February at 7 pm.. The Chattery meets in the church Hall at 10.30 am on the 8th February. Do you look forward to the postman dropping a card through your door on the 14th St. Valentines Day. Pancake Day on the 13th followed by Ash Wednesday on the 14th. (The beginning of the season of Lent) then the Quiz in the Community Centre on the 17th at 7.30pm.

The season of Lent is often called the “spring cleaning of the soul in readiness for Easter” there are opportunities hear and take part in discussions on the Lenten theme.. see the notice board in church and also the weekly newsletter and “Connections” parish magazine.

Thank you for taking your time to read about what’s happening and the plans for the month ahead…every one is welcome to St Mary’s at the times of services and also when Jon has his “Open Door” in church.

Parry Edwards

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