Category: News

Place-Names Derivation – ABER, BRYN, CWM, PONT

THE DERIVATION AND MEANING OF PLACE-NAMES

We’ll now look at some common elements in Welsh Place-names.

ABER

I’m sure you’ve seen this element in many placenames. The word ‘aber’ means ‘the confluence of two waters’ and because so many places containing this word are situated on the coast, it is often translated as ‘estuary’. ‘Aber’ usually precedes the name of the river. There are plenty of examples from which to choose – Abertawe (Swansea), Aberafan, Aberaeron, Aberdaron, Aberdyfi, Aberystwyth.

But some places are situated inland and, in such names, ‘aber’ translates as ‘the confluence of two rivers’ – where one river flows into another – eg

Abercynon – the confluence of the rivers Cynon and Taf.

Aberdâr – the confluence of the rivers Cynon and Dâr.

Aber-fan – the confluence of the rivers Taf and Fan

Aberhonddu (Brecon) – the confluence of the rivers Wysg (Usk) and Honddu.

The name Abertridwr is an interesting one. It is made up of three elements -aber – confluence, tri – three, dŵr – water.

It refers to the confluence of three streams – Ilan, Cwm-parc and Cwmceffyl.

This element is seen in placenames in many different parts of Britain – where the Celts have left their mark – Aberdeen, Aberfeldy etc.

 BRYN

‘Bryn’ is the Welsh word for ‘hill’ and the element that follows it can be an adjective or a geographical position – eg

Bryn-mawr – big hill

Bryn-teg – fair hill

Brynna – hills – from the plural form ‘bryniau’

Bryn-glas – blue (i.e. green, verdant) hill

Brynbuga (Usk) – the hill of Buga. The identity of Buga is lost.

Brynaman – the hill near the river Aman

CWM

‘Cwm’ is the Welsh word for ‘valley’. It is often seen in English place-names with Anglicized spelling -‘coombe’ and it is also used in its Welsh form as a mountaineering term.

Cwm-bach – little valley

Cwmafan – valley of the river Afan

Cwmbrân – valley of the river Brân

Cwm-du – black,dark valley

Cwm-ffrwd – valley of the swift flowing stream

Cwm-yr-Eglwys – valley of the church

Cwm y Glo – valley of the charcoal

PONT

‘Pont’ is the Welsh word for ‘bridge’.

Pontardawe – bridge on (the river) Tawe

Pontarddulais – bridge on ( the river) Dulais

Pont-y-Clun – bridge on ( the river ) Clun

Pont-Rhyd-y-Fen – bridge at the ford of the wagon.

(Traditionally the ford was known as ‘rhyd-y-fen’ as

it was used by wagons. It was eventually replaced by the bridge.)

Pen-y-Bont ar Ogwr (Bridgend) – end of the bridge (over the river) Ogwr

Two local place-names are worth a special mention.

Y Bontfaen (Cowbridge) – the stone bridge.

The Welsh name refers to a stone bridge whereas the English name refers to the bridge over which the cows walked to the market – the Cow Bridge. It is possible that these were two different bridges.

Pontypridd – As it stands this name translates as ‘bridge of soil, earthen bridge’. But the present name is a contraction of the original name which was ‘Pont y Tŷ Pridd’ which translates as ‘the bridge (near) the earthen house’.

Next month – the last contribution – Caer, Pen, Tre, Ystrad, Ynys.

Ann. M. Jones

 

Why Not Visit Auntie?

WHY NOT VISIT AUNTIE?

What really goes on and has gone on at the BBC in Wales? There are currently two opportunities in Cardiff to delve into ‘Auntie’s’ past and present in the Principality. One is an exhibition at the National Museum and the other what seems to be a fascinating tour of the shiny new BBC headquarters in Central Square. So why not visit the exhibitions and find out more about ‘Auntie’ in Wales?

The first broadcast in Wales was on 13 February 1923 from the radio station 5WA at 19 Castle Street, Cardiff. So, to mark the centenary of the BBC in Wales the National Museum has put together an exhibition ‘BBC 100 in Wales’ which runs until 16 April 2023. The exhibition offers the experience of a walk through time to discover more about the history of the BBC in Wales and how 100 years of broadcasting has evolved.

There is an opportunity to see the technology, programmes and costumes of the past through objects and archive foot-age. Dr Who exhibits are much in evidence, along with items from recent programmes like ‘Sherlock’ and ‘His Dark Materials’. You can even relax in a 1970s living room and watch some Christmas TV. The exhibition has been co-developed with a group of young people to question the representation of communities on the BBC and how the future may evolve. ‘We want to hear from you, too – join the conversation’ they say and ‘tell us about your BBC memories and viewpoints on your visit to the exhibition. Tickets are free and available online or as daily walk-up visits. The museum opens at 10am and closes at 5pm, although it is now open until 9pm on the first Thursday of every month. Parking is available at the rear of the museum and costs £6.50 via a pay station accepting card payments only.

BBC Wales itself is providing an interesting opportunity to step into the future of broadcasting with a tour of the new headquarters in Central Square. ‘Ever wondered how sound effects are added to your favourite podcasts? Or what it’s like to read the news? Join our friendly guides for an exclusive behind-the-scenes award-winning tour of BBC Cymru Wales.’ BBC Central Square has received a coveted Visit Wales gold award for the quality of its tours, during which you visit one of the largest BBC newsrooms ‘packed with cutting-edge technology including augmented reality, virtual reality and robotic cameras.’

Each walking tour lasts approximately 90 minutes. As a live and working broadcast centre, no two tours are the same. Tours take place Thursday-Sunday with a choice of three times 10.30am, 12.30pm, 3pm. There are security checks before each tour. You are advised not to bring large shop-ping bags or rucksacks as BBC Wales do not provide cloakroom facilities for storing bags or lug-gage. Tickets can be purchased online with adult tickets priced £13, with students, those under 62 years and registered unemployed £10. Over 25s and disabled person tickets are £16.00. You can also get a family ticket (1 Adult and up to 3 children or 6 Adults and 6 children) £38.00

Incidentally no one quite knows where the BBC got the nickname ‘Auntie.’ The BBC written archives say that it was used in the 1950s to contrast BBC’s prudish, cosy and refrained image with that of the much brasher ITV. Another explanation is that it comes from the early days when BBC bosses, largely of middle class origins, demonstrated daily that they knew what was best for listeners and later on the viewers. This was derided by critics as the “Auntie knows best” syndrome. Hence the shortened version of “Auntie”. Another fun explanation is that it came from the term ‘Auntie Beeb’ used with mock-affection by the comic broadcaster Kenny Everett who likened the BBC’s repressed attitudes to those of a maiden aunt.

 

February Letters

 

 

 

Dear Community Council,

Upon reading January’s CC News, your article
mentioned the brief update regarding the planned
scheme for a Solar Farm at Parc Worlton. (name
spelt incorrectly by CC).

This is just an observation but having lived in
this area for over 40 years I can say that I didn’t
know and wouldn’t have known its location from
your news update. I appreciate this is not the first
mention; however, as articles/meetings can be
missed clarity on location should be paramount.
There are concerns that many residents will
overlook the scale and size of such a proposal
because they are not aware of where it is to be
positioned eg in a Special Landscape Area right on
their doorstep. Parc Worlton is a historic name
which is being used as a development name and
does not reflect that it is in Dyffryn and is far
reaching towards Barry. Not only that but when
cumulatively added to other proposed Solar Farms it
covers more than 700 acres of used farmland
between St. Nicholas, Dyffryn & Barry and will
totally change the landscape for the next 40 years.
Whilst I accept the CC may wish to remain
neutral on this subject I would like to think that they
have a duty to the community to be as informative as
they can about projects of this scale, size and
location. If topics such as this cannot be
communicated through your platform do you have
any suggestions where it can?

You are more than welcome to circulate or print
these observations.

Kind regards,

Wendy

(For information here is a plan of the proposed development

and further information can be found here:-

Parc Worlton Solar Farm, Dyffryn (parcworlton-pac.co.uk)

Pilgrimage On The Holy Mount Athos

A DAY OF PILGRIMAGE ON THE HOLY MOUNT ATHOS IN GREECE

I woke to the sound of a wooden semantron being beaten with a mallet, it was three in the morning and I was in a small dormitory in a Greek Orthodox monastery on Mount Athos. This was the call to prayer and as a pilgrim, I quickly dressed in warm clothes, as it was chilly before dawn, and made my way silently to the large church where the service of Orthros was soon to begin. As I left my room and entered the great cloister all was dark and silent, only moonlight guided my path. Historically this main service is held in the quietest time of the night as the monks then feel closer to God.

At the door of the church hung a great thick curtain, more like a rug or carpet. I moved it aside and it was just as dark on the other side. As my eyes became accustomed to the darkness, I could make out a faint glow and this guided me onwards. I knew that as a non-Orthodox Christian I was not allowed into the inner nave but could hear and join the service from the narthex to the rear. I took my place in one of the rows of stacidia or chairs and lowered the seat so I could sit before the service began. The light turned out to be coming from a small lamp fuelled with olive oil and soon a monk began with a general blessing and then a reading of one or more of the psalms. As he read so dark shapes appeared from left and right and moved slowly and silently in different directions. This was rather ghostly, but I later learnt that these were monks in their black flowing cassocks joining the service, and as they arrive they venerate or kiss, the icons and holy relics which are all around the church.

As the liturgy progressed so the numbers of monks and pilgrims grew, many candles were lit in massive candelabra and the volume of chanting and singing rose. It was very pleasant and restful, so much so that some of the older monks were dozing away and failed to stand at the appropriate times. This service is the last of the four-night offices or services, which also include vespers, compline, and midnight office. It begins at three and continues until dawn at about seven o’clock. This four-hour service is generally extended on Saint’s days and Sundays.

On leaving the church at the end of the service the monks and many pilgrims move to the refectory or trapeza where the main meal of the day is being served. This will be a substantial vegetarian meal. The table will be laid with mounds of fresh bread, salad, fruit and bottles of olive oil and vinegar. The platters of hot food soon arrive. There is water on the table as well as wine, though wine is not served on a fasting day. Feast days, on the other hand, see fish, octopus and even snails served as a treat. For those pilgrims who fail to get up for the service and wander down for breakfast, it is always a bit of a shock for them to find snails and wine on the table where they had ideas of eggs, bacon, toast and coffee.

After breakfast, the monks move off to their allotted tasks. Some may sit down to paint Icons, others will take to the fields as they aim to cultivate all their produce, while a few return to the kitchen to prepare the next meal. There may be fifty monks with an equal number of pilgrims. There are many mouths to feed.

Everyone comes together again for Vespers at about five in the afternoon. Unlike the Anglican church, there is some flexibility over the arrival time for services, but it is expected that one arrives before the censor comes around with his incense. Vespers is a relatively short service and as it ends everyone troops into the trapeza for the evening meal. This is eaten in strict silence as the duty monk reads from the book of the saints. When he shuts the book the meal ends, a bell is rung, and a prayer is said as thanks for the meal. As we leave the cooks are there to be acknowledged and the bell is ringing to call us to Compline the last service of the day. This too is a short service and when it is over everyone returns to their cells or dormitories, and movement in the cloisters is discouraged. As the sun sets the great wooden doors of the monastery are closed in a tradition that goes back a thousand years which was then to keep out any marauding Saracens. Exactly at sunset, which could be six or seven o’clock, the clocks are set to midnight as the monastery runs on Byzantine time. For the pilgrims whose watches are on European time, this can be confusing. It means that getting up at three in the morning is actually eight or nine o’clock monastery time which is why the “breakfast” served at twelve midday is a lunch meal rather than a breakfast! As I retire to write my diary, I dig out my bottle of ouzo and pour myself a generous helping, add the tap water, which is surprisingly cold, and settle down for the night..

Alun Davies

 

Wenvoe Advent Windows 2022

WENVOE ADVENT WINDOWS 2022

We hope that you all enjoyed visiting the Wenvoe Advent Windows in 2022. We were delighted with the mix of people who generously provided a display for everyone to enjoy, some of whom were included for the first time, others came back after taking a year out. However, the majority displayed a window for the third time.

We began on 1st December with a display of Santa’s Workshop, and went on to include, Reindeers in every shape and form, a Christmas Boutique, Crinoline Ladies, Pokemon and friends, Stars of every size, Animals in the snow, Charlie Brown at Christmas, Shepherds (with musical accompaniment), a Christmas train, Robins of all sizes, the Grinch, Christmas Trees displayed in many forms, Village winter scenes, Christmas hearths waiting for Santa, the Dove of Peace, Nativities in different forms and displays, and Gwenfo School incorporating their window with the School’s open air concerts and the service on Christmas Eve.

There were many ways in which displays were provided. Unusually there was a nativity made completely from recycled materials (no paint or embellishments), characters made with silhouettes, transparencies, many different styles of crafting

which must have taken a great deal of time and effort, and some displays extending outside the window.

Some windows were made by the house holders and others helped by children, grandchildren and neighbours. One in particular has kept part of her window display by her grandchild up throughout the three years! Our granddaughter in particular enjoyed this throughout the summer always checking when she is passing that it is still there.

A new idea this year included a story behind the display originating from a Ukrainian folk tale, that could be downloaded from a QR code in either English or Welsh. This Window was lit on 18th December and had 38 hits before Christmas Eve.

Indeed, as usual all the Windows were different, portraying the build up to Christmas and providing us all with an excuse to wander around the village, meeting others and enjoying everyone’s work and expressions of Advent and Christmas.

We are very grateful to all who provided a window and to all who have supported us in a variety of ways including planning, developing the map, promoting the event and encouraging one another.

 

Annual General Meeting

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Annual General Meeting

The Wenvoe Neighbourhood Watch AGM will be held at 8.00pm on Wednesday 8 February 2023 in the Community Centre. Any Resident is welcome to attend. Reports will be received and officers elected for the coming year.

Crime Nationally

A national Crime and Security survey took place in Autumn 2022 in England and Wales. It was an online survey resulting in just over 25,000 replies of which only 263 were from Wales. Whilst caution should be taken in interpreting results from such a survey, there was some interesting information.

30% think the police in their area do a good or excellent job.

23% of respondents had been a victim of crime in the past year. Of these the type of crime experienced was:

  • Street harassment 36%
  • Criminal damage 24%
  • Online crime 16%
  • Vehicle theft 15% (items from a vehicle or the vehicle itself)

 

Figures for burglary were interesting in that only 12% had been subject to burglary in the past year yet 63% worried about becoming the victim of a burglary.

Perception of crime levels also varied. Locally, concern centred around fly tipping (73%), speeding (73%), burglary (67%), and car crime (66%). Similar topics are reported at Co-ordinators meetings in Wenvoe. At a national level concern was about arguably more serious crimes, for example, terrorism and modern slavery.

Alan French

 

January Report

JANUARY REPORT

Welcome to this month’s report on the activities and events that have taken place in our churches during January. The first Sunday of the year just happened to be New Year’s Day, and the congregation in St. Mary’s were offered a musical treat following the service when Rob Lloyd our organist played J.S. Bach’s “New Year Chorale”. What an uplifting piece of music, composed to celebrate the arrival of a new year. To watch Rob’s hands, co-ordinating with his feet on the pedal board, was simply amazing and the resulting sounds were wonderful to hear and appreciate, resulting in a round of applause from all present.

The Feast of the Epiphany was kept to commemorate the visit of the three Magi, or Wise Men, to present their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the infant Jesus. The crib will remain until the feast of Candlemas, which brings the Christmas season to an end for this year.

The Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday February 22nd, with a Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes at 10.00am at St. Mary’s and also at St. John the Baptist in Sully at 7.00pm. It is during this service that the congregation are marked with a cross on their forehead with the words “from dust you came and to dust you will return”. It is a reminder that we are mortal and that our lives will end at a time chosen by Almighty God. During Lent we shall be discussing the words written in the Catechism, as a reminder to us all of our preparation for Confirmation, and the promises made so many years ago. Lyndon’s sermons will echo this theme and there will be an opportunity to discuss points raised after the service, should any of the congregation wish to stay behind. Lent can be used in many ways as not only an opportunity to give something up, but also take on aspects of our faith which we may not have given much thought to since the heady days of our own confirmation by the Bishop.

An evening informal Eucharist and discussion group will be meeting in Sully on Wednesdays at 7.00pm. Look out for details in the church newsletter.

On Mothering Sunday on March 19th there will be an opportunity to join with our Ministry Area of De Morgannwg to attend the service of Choral Evensong at the Cathedral. This is very appropriate to be at the mother church of the diocese on this day. Expressions of interest will be sought with a view to providing transport to and from our churches nearer the time. The morning services will be at the usual time and maybe there will be flowers, to give Mums and others, to mark the specialness of the day.

We all know only too well how our household bills have risen as a result of the war in Ukraine and the cutting off of the supplies of gas from Russia has increased the cost of heating our homes. The church is not immune from this and the rising cost of other bills to keep the church functioning is a real worry for church officers, trying to balance the books at the year end. The church survives solely on the income that comes from the offerings on the collection plate, the scheme of Giving Direct via our bank accounts, donations, fund raising and our precious reserves. Our largest outlay is the monthly payment to the PARISH SHARE to the Diocese, to cover the salary of the incumbent and other expenses in the financing of the diocesan policies. So the question we need to ask ourselves is this….When did you last review your weekly giving to the work of the church? Since COVID and the lockdowns we are seeing fewer people at our worship, yet the bills keep rising for a church that is in every sense a church for the community at large. The church door is open to all, at most times and Vicar Lyndon welcomes enquiries about donations, large or small, to help today’s generation to hand the building on to the future generations yet to be born. As a Church we have good reason to be thankful to the many generations who have gone before us. Through their good Christian stewardship and generous legacies they have provided for the mission and ministry of the Church over many centuries, the fruits of which we continue to enjoy today. So another question we can ask ourselves is Have I made provision in my will to help foster the work of the church after my days? Congregations in every church are commended to remember their spiritual home to help the work of mission and ministry by leaving a Legacy which can make a vital difference in maintaining a church that can be used by the whole community when the needs arise.

Looking ahead, the arrangements for Holy Week and Easter will be announced in next month’s What’s On. Following that we will have the celebrations for King Charles III’s coronation. In June we hope to run the OPEN GARDENS in WENVOE scheme which was so successful a few years ago prior to COVID. This will be a good fund raiser for church funds organised by Glenys and Mike Tucker.

Thank you as usual for reading the church news. There is always a welcome to join our services. The church door is not a barrier, it is the means of joining a warm loving community ready to greet you.

With every Blessing

Parry Edwards

 

Oxfam Shop Penarth

OXFAM SHOP PENARTH

Regular readers of What’s On will know that I have been volunteering with the Oxfam shop in Penarth for the last 13 years. My responsibility along with two other colleagues is the music section which includes vinyl records, sheet music, small musical instruments (working or broken), pre-recorded cassettes, gig posters, programmes, fanzines and tickets, CDs and old music magazines. Even shellac 78’s (that break easily) if anyone remembers those!

Vinyl records have become increasingly popular in recent years and the shop sells records of all genres-pop, rock, folk, jazz, easy listening, punk and classical. Vinyl is welcomed in all formats – LPs, singles and 12 inch.

The shop with its impressive music section has built up an excellent reputation for selling good quality second hand records and other music related items at fair prices. In the last financial year approximately £17,000 was taken in the music section which goes towards Oxfam’s work across the world.

My colleagues and I research all the donations to ensure that any donations that are received achieve the best possible price.,

Caroline Mumford the shop manager, said “Everyone at the shop has been very grateful to those Wenvoe residents who have made music donations over the last few years. We could not offer our loyal customers such a choice of records and make so much money without your help. Unfortunately at the moment our saleable donations have run really low. So we are appealing to anyone who has music related items that they no longer use to consider donating them to Oxfam here in Penarth”.

If you are a music fan please pop into the shop when you are in Penarth and have a browse around. You never know what you might find!

I live in Wenvoe so I can pick up any donations you may have from your house. Alternatively if you prefer you can contact the shop at 8 Windsor Road, Penarth to arrange a pick up. The shop number is 029 20706358. My number is 07895 157629.

Thank you

Nigel Billingham

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