Category: News
Council Clerk Holiday Schedule
February Report
FEBRUARY REPORT
Dear Readers, Welcome to this month’s report on the GOOD NEWS to be given to the faithful worshippers in St. Mary’s every Sunday at 9.30am.
By the time you are reading this page, we will have been in the solemn season of Lent since Ash Wednesday on the 22nd February when the traditional ceremony of “ashing” was carried out during the Holy Eucharist service at 10.00am. Perhaps an explanation will help those who are not regular churchgoers. ASH WEDNESDAY is called because on that day Christians in church will be marked with a cross on their foreheads with ash, derived from the burning of last year’s palm crosses, with the words “Dust thou art and unto dust will you return”. It is a reminder of our origin and our mortality, and is a sign of penance for the starting of our Lenten observance. Church teaching during Lent was for us to give something up, that has changed now to doing something extra, to help your neighbour with a task if they are unable to do it themselves. To greet a perfect stranger with a smile. To go out of your way when you come across a need that needs to be addressed. The first Wednesday in Lent is also St David’s Day, Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant and David is remembered for his teaching to his followers “TO DO THE LITTLE THINGS AS YOU HAVE SEEN ME DO” that still holds good today, and echoes the message of Lent to do something extra. Following the service, there will be an opportunity for some hospitality in the Church Hall with coffee/tea and Welsh cakes. During Lent there will be a service in church each Wednesday morning at 10.00 am and all are welcome to join the faithful who will appreciate the additional service in mid week, which is normally a more quieter service than that on a Sunday morning.
The other piece of GOOD NEWS is the publication of the latest edition of “CONNECTIONS” our quarterly Ministry Area Magazine, which is full of the activities in the nine churches since Advent of last year, together with all the arrangements for observing the period of Lent, to Holy Week and the major church festival of Easter itself. Copies are available in all our churches, and are FREE but donations towards the cost of printing are always welcome, and a copy is always placed in the library at the Hub in Wenvoe, where you can read it, but why not have a copy at home to keep all the events at your fingertips. We also provide a digital copy if that is more convenient or you can forward it to a friend who has a former connection with Wenvoe.
Last month we reported how the church was facing up to the increased cost of maintaining the church as a warm comforting place during these Winter months. We are not alone with this, as many other churches are facing the same additional costs, just as we are in our own homes. That message is worth repeating again this month..
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. Thank you for reading this and if you are able to donate a gift, however small, it will be gratefully received.
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, and 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.
Thank you for reading the church news. We launched the CHRISTIAN AID appeal for the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, donations can still be made via our secure letter boxes at the Church Hall and Church Porch. There is always a welcome to join our services. The church door is not a barrier but a threshold to joining a warm loving community ready to greet you.
Every Blessing and Peace
Parry Edward
Wenvoe FC at Station Road in 1975
WENVOE HISTORY
This is Wenvoe FC in the playing fields at Station Road in 1975. In the background is Whitehall quarry which was still producing stone at this time and to the left of photograph is the old cricket pavilion.
The old cricket pavilion . When the present village Scout Troop reformed in 1976 they used the building as their meeting place for around 6 months.
Parc Dyffryn Proposal
Parc Dyffryn
As always, we want to keep you updated on our exciting Parc Dyffryn proposal, the Pre Application Consultation has finished and the full planning application has been submitted. We’ve just created a Virtual Interactive Site Map on our Parc Dyffryn website, which is designed to bring the scheme to life to give locals a flavour of what could become a reality We have also included information on our hugely important Environmental Enhancement Plans for within the proposal boundary and for land outside the proposal. There’s loads of detail on the website so please do have a click around and explore You’ll also see a link to the Welsh Government website where you can view the Full Planning Application.
Link to Parc Dyffryn Website: https:// www.parcdyffryn.com/
Many thanks for taking the time, we really appreciate it
Jessica King Projects Coordinator
OTHER SOLAR FARMS
There are proposals for large solar farms at Dyffryn
known as Parc Worlton , Bonvilston, East Aberthaw
and Taffs Well
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.