Category: News
The Vernal Equinox And The Porthkerry Witch
ARTICLES of GENERAL INTEREST
THE VERNAL EQUINOX AND THE
PORTHKERRY WITCH
Along with St David’s Day, St Patrick’s Day and Mothering Sunday, March brings the vernal equinox, celebrated in both Christian and pagan traditions. In 2026 it occurs on March 20 at 10:46 a.m. marking the astronomical start of spring in the Northern Hemisphere and bringing nearly equal lengths of day and night worldwide. In Christianity, Easter is linked to the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox. In pagan traditions Ostara (named after a German goddess) is celebrated honouring fertility, rebirth, and new beginnings.
Through the ages, Ostara has been celebrated by witches holding rituals and performing spells that focus on growth, abundance, and new beginnings. For most of the Middle Ages the term ‘witch’ meant the local healer, someone who made poultices and medicines and perhaps had charms or spells for healing farm animals. From the middle of the 15th century, things changed with supposed ‘witches’ being used as scapegoats and blamed for everything from bad harvests to untimely deaths. Surprisingly this darker period began with the publication of Malleus Maleficarum (The Hammer of Witches). Written by a Catholic clergyman, it set out legal and theological theories to endorse the extermination of witches. Based on it, in 1484 Pope Innocent III gave the existence of witchcraft ‘official’ status by issuing a papal bull sanctioning inquisitors and starting a witch hunting hysteria, not fully lessened in Britain until laws against witchcraft were abolished in 1736.
From 1450 to 1700 in Europe alone, about 35,000 people, mainly women, were hanged or burned at the stake as suspected witches. While over a thousand people were sent to their deaths in England, curiously only 5 in Wales appear to have suffered the same fate. In 1579, Gwen ferch Ellis from Bettws in North Wales, was executed for witchcraft. She was a healer but for some reason she was persuaded by another woman, called Jane Conway, to leave an evil charm at Gloddaeth, the home of aristocrat Sir Thomas Mostyn, who died soon afterwards. Gwen was brought before a packed court in Denbigh. Seven witnesses stood against her, claiming her charms had broken bones, bewitched ale, and even stilled a young man’s heart. Gwen was convicted of murder by witchcraft and hanged.
Apart from punishing them, people looked for ways to defend themselves from witches. The National Museum at St Fagans houses a collection of 17th-century witch-related artefacts, featuring “witch bottles” designed to counteract suspected bewitchment. These bottles, often containing pins, nails, and human urine, acted as counter-magic, with the sharp objects meant to break the witch’s spell and cause them pain.
One local story concerns a lady who used to live in a cottage at Porthkerry Park. A rich young man was persuaded to pay her for a love potion, to win over the girl of his dreams. Seeing how old and frail the witch was, his servant pocketed the money and refused to pay her. Angered by the deception she cast a spell over the two of them uttering ‘May these men never leave these woods.’ The two men only got as far as the edge of the woods before turning into two trees. Research has revealed there was a woman called Ann Jenkins known as a provider of potions and remedies, inspected for witch marks by the Cowbridge magistrates. There is no record of the outcome. Official records register Ann Jenkins as being buried in the yard at the church of St Nicholas in Barry, unlikely if she had been proven to be in league with the devil.
What Do You Have Hiding
 |
What do you have hiding, waiting to be repaired or fixed?
February would be a good time to dig out such items. The Repair Cafe Wales annual “FIX-IT-FEB” campaign will start on January 29th in Cardiff, Hodge House 1.00pm- 4.00pm, with support from the Deputy First Minister, Huw Irranca Davies. Subsequently you are bound to see this publicity in and around Cardiff and the Vale. The campaign encourages a reduction in items being sent to waste by having items repaired / fixed. There will be a lot of publicity and we look forward, not only to the work of fault finding and repairing / fixing but also the consequent development and sharing of experiences and skills amongst our volunteers.
We would welcome more volunteers, of any age. Youngsters might want to include work with a charity on their assessments for Duke of Edinburgh or other awards. Every volunteer will expand their knowledge of repairing / fixing.
Please do not forget to bring items for repair (free of charge) at Wenvoe Repair Cafe in the Community Hall on February 28th.
And think about potentially revitalising old PCs by swapping to open-source software e.g. Linux as outlined on page 13 of the January WWO.
Report from the Hub March 2025
WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB
Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com
Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary
For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com
Report from the Hub
March2025
OPENING HOURS
We are now open Monday, Tuesday and Wednes-day 10 am – 4 pm and Saturday 9 am – 1 pm.
Coming Up
New Books
Don’t Forget me, Little Bessie by James Lee Burke.
A young girl takes on overwhelming forces.
The Masquerades of Spring by Ben Aaronovitch.
A Rivers of London novella.
A Senior Citizens Guide to Life on the Run by
Gwen Florio. Retirement isn’t as restful as Alice thought it would be.
Claiming the Princess by Charis Michaels. USA Today bestselling author.
Children’s: Beast Quest by Adam Blade Makroxa. the tunnelling terror.
Cuppa with a Coppa
This will be held on 11 March at 3.00pm in the Hub.
Talk at the Hub
Dyffryn Gardens: History & Horticulture in the Vale of Glamorgan
Friday 20 March at 7.00pm
Tickets £5.00 per person
This talk will provide an insightful introduction to the magnificent Edwardian gardens. Led by a member of our dedicated volunteer group, the history of the Cory family, who envisioned and created the house and gardens we see today. You will learn about the ongoing restoration efforts at Dyffryn for both the house and gardens, and the work of the team as they chart a course towards a sustainable nature-focussed garden.
We hope you enjoy this journey through the beauty and history of Dyffryn Gardens. Feel free to ask questions and engage with our knowledgeable volunteers after the talk.
Hay Book Festival
Saturday 30th May
Tickets for coach travel only are £30pp and available now from the Hub.
Travel details
Depart Wenvoe outside Wenvoe Arms at 8.00am.
Depart Hay at 4.00pm.
Important booking information
To avoid disappointment, please book your preferred talks asap.
Tickets for festival events must be booked individually and are available online via the Hay Festival website.
January Events
WOMEN’S INSTITUTE
January Events
Unfortunately, we had to cancel our talk on “The Spanish Armada of 1588” on January 8th due to the weather,
but we will add it to our programme as soon as we can.
Our lunch at the Horse and Jockey on January 15th was excellent; thanks to the staff for making us so welcome. We are looking forward to going back again.
On February 5th, Charlotte Archibald, the Engagement & Fundraising Manager of our 2026 chosen charity, The Vale Domestic Abuse Service, is giving a presentation on the work of the service and ways that we can support the charity during the year.
The following month we welcome local author Marc Harris who will be giving us a talk on the Wildlife, People and Places of South and West Wales.
Visitors and prospective members are always welcome to our meetings, which are held in the Church Hall at 7.00pm, usually on the first Thursday of the month.
Please ring 07881853032 for further details.
Carol Charlson (President)
The New Year Has Not Been Kind to the Team
VILLAGE ENVIRONMENT GROUP
The New Year Has Not Been Kind to the Team
The new year has not been kind to the team. Most got up to see in the new year, only because they needed a wee or had forgotten a tablet. Their new year resolutions have had a serious impact on numbers at our January meeting, where we cleaned up the border in front of the Community Centre. Our concern for absent members was well founded. Ieuan and Shady had been persuaded by their spouses to join a gym. Not quite sure what they were expecting; it certainly wasn’t the inability to get to the loo unless aided after the first visit. Another bright spark convinced his mate that he should join a slimming club. This has resulted in frayed tempers, no energy and starving. Tony, our thespian, has attempted to resurrect the Temperance Movement by canvassing outside the local hostelry. We didn’t think his heart was in it. After some short and choice words from the clientele he joined them inside and has since ditched his calling for holy orders to last orders. As with every January, this phase will pass, and we will have learnt a lesson. You don’t get this old without doing something right.
A huge turnout is expected at the junction of Walston Road and Pound Lane on 9th February
Our Biggest Wild Animal
Our Biggest Wild Animal
The biggest wild animal we have in the Parish is the Badger and this has been the case for hundreds of years ever since the last wolf was hunted to extinction. But this could all be about to change. The deer is Britain’s largest land mammal, and the species is gradually spreading throughout the mainland. The population is believed to be about 2 million, an increase of 1.5 million in the last 50 years. Deer come in all shapes and sizes with the largest being the Red Deer. However, the species most likely to appear first in our Parish is the Muntjac, shown in the photo. Around the size of a dog it has been spotted in Lisvane so should not take long to spread through the Vale. Although taller than a badger it is not heavier so it could be argued that the badger will continue to be our largest until other varieties such as Roe or Fallow put in an appearance
Muntjac (Muntiacus reevesi) buck showing tusk
So, is this good news? Many would argue otherwise as deer can cause significant damage to crops and your gardens. They browse on young trees so prevent regrowth and reduce biodiversity. They can be a hazard on roads causing accidents for drivers and damaging vehicles, particularly during the mating seasons when they are more active. Around 350,000 are culled every year but this has done little to check the increase in their populations.
But there is another mammal which could become our largest. Weighing in at up to 200 kilograms – a badger may get to 35 kgs – these can also cause major damage to gardens, parks and other green spaces. Whilst well-established in the Forest of Dean there have been occasional sightings near Cwmcarn. This is about 25 miles away by road – less as the crow flies. Once a common feature in the Welsh countryside and featured in the Mabinogion it is, of course, the Wild Boar.
“Orbital ” by Samantha Harvey
OFF THE SHELF
“Orbital ” by Samantha Harvey
This book made a strong impression on our group.
The novel takes us into the lives of astronauts orbiting the Earth, following the course of a single day in which they circle the planet nine times. From this unique vantage point, Harvey invites the reader to reflect on humanity, fragility, and perspective, as the vastness of space contrasts with the intimacy of the astronauts’ inner lives.
We felt both the tension and the quiet wonder of their experience – the fear, the discipline, and the profound sense of achievement. The writing is thoughtful and atmospheric, encouraging reflection long after the final page.
It was very much worth reading, and our group rated it 9 out of 10.
Ann Gill
The Shepherd and the Songbird
ARTICLES of GENERAL INTEREST
THE SHEPHERD AND THE SONGBIRD
Synopsis
This story unfolds across two timelines. The present day is set in New York, where one of the protagonists – a world‑famous opera diva – hosts a dinner party. The past takes place in mid‑rural Wales, near Lake Vyrnwy, where both protagonists’ lives briefly and mysteriously intersect.
Characters
Mrs Katrin Lloyd Evans (known as The Songbird; accent shifts between South Wales Valleys and American)
Mr Kevin Wiess (Katrin’s American manager)
Tommy (Katrin’s driver; Cockney accent)
Huw Jones (the Shepherd; strong Welsh accent)
Mrs Williams (pub owner; strong Welsh accent)
Part One
The sound of opera music, laughter, and clinking glasses.
Kevin: Oh, I don’t believe in ghosts – and neither should any of the twelve people sitting around this table.
Katrin: Well, I do, Kevin.
Kevin: Really, Katrin? And what experience, pray tell, convinced you? (Light laughter around the table.)
Katrin: If you’re going to laugh, I won’t tell you at all.
Kevin: Oh come on – will it be set back on your old home turf? Go on, my fine Welsh songbird. Tell us all, on this balmy New York night.
Katrin: Not exactly my home turf – but it is set in Wales.
Kevin: And what were you doing there?
Katrin: I was born in a village called Taffen in the South Wales mining area, but this happened years later, in mid‑rural Wales near Lake Vyrnwy. It was before you became my manager. I was working on the London opera scene and had been sent to sing at the Eisteddfod in Llangollen.
Kevin: That famous music festival.
Katrin: That’s the one. The company sent a driver – Tommy.
Kevin: Ah yes, the cheeky Cockney cabbie.
Katrin: He picked me up from my apartment in Kensington in the Rolls, and we set off for North Wales.
Part Two
Car doors close. Footsteps. The engine starts.
Tommy: Right, Katrin – straight to Llangollen, or any stops on the way?
Katrin: Just the usual comfort breaks. How long should it take?
Tommy: About four hours, traffic permitting.
Katrin: And please stop calling me “Madam.” Call me Katrin.
Tommy: Right you are. Off we go.
The car drives on. Opera plays quietly on the radio.
Tommy: Looks like a standstill ahead. We could cut through mid‑Wales and take the A roads.
Katrin: Whatever you think best. I’ll have a little nap.
Later. The engine cuts out.
Tommy: Katrin – sorry to wake you. We’ve got a problem.
Katrin: What’s happened? Why is it so foggy?
Tommy: It came down suddenly. The radio and sat‑nav went haywire, and I didn’t want to risk driving blind.
Katrin: Do we know where we are?
Tommy: Afraid not. Phones are dead too.
Katrin: Let me try mine.
Static.
Katrin: Nothing. How strange.
Tommy: I saw what looked like a building down the road. I’ll go and look for help.
Katrin: Good idea. I’ll stay here.
Tommy walks away. The fog thickens.
Part Three
Katrin wakes alone in the cold.
Katrin: Where on earth is Tommy?
A sound outside the car.
Katrin: Tommy? Hello?
Footsteps. A cough in the distance.
Katrin: Wait – please stop and call out!
She slips and falls down a slope. Sheep bleat. A dog barks. A man sings an old operatic aria.
Huw: Helo – wyt ti’n iawn?
Katrin: Please – stop shaking me!
Huw: English, are we? Jock, lie down.
Katrin: I’m Welsh, actually – the Valleys.
Huw: Ah. You’ve hurt your foot. I can strap it and take you to my hut.
Katrin: A hut
Huw: Just down the valley.
He helps her to her feet and supports her as they walk.
Katrin: My name’s Katrin.
Huw: Huw Jones. And this is Jock. I’m the shepherd here.
Part Four
Inside the shepherd’s hut. A fire crackles.
Huw: Sit down. I’ll put more logs on. Tea?
Katrin: Please.
Huw: No sugar, I’m afraid.
Katrin: That’s fine.
Huw: You asked where you are – you’re in the Vyrnwy Valley.
Katrin: And Llangollen?
Huw: Forty miles or so, as the crow flies.
Katrin: You sing beautifully, you know.
Huw: It passes the time. The sheep don’t complain.
Katrin: You could sing at the Albert Hall.
Huw: What’s that?
Katrin laughs.
Huw: Rest here. I’ll look for your driver.
Later, they walk together, singing as the fog lifts.
Huw: We’re close to the road. I’ll go on ahead.
Katrin: Thank you, Huw. Truly.
He walks away, singing.
Part Five
Katrin alone again. The fog returns.
Katrin: Huw? Can you hear me?
Knocking on glass.
Tommy: Katrin! Open the door!
Katrin: Tommy! Did you see Huw?
Tommy: Who?
Katrin: The shepherd—he helped me all day.
Tommy: Katrin, I’ve only been gone half an hour.
Later, in a pub.
Mrs Williams: His name was Huw Jones?
Katrin: Yes.
Mrs Williams: Come and look at this photograph.
Katrin: That’s him.
Mrs Williams: Taken in 1888. He drowned in 1892, saving my grandfather when the reservoir was new. That’s why this place is called The Drowned Shepherd.
Katrin: It felt so real.
Mrs Williams: Around here, we’d say you had… an experience.
Epilogue
Weeks later, back in Wales.
Katrin walks alone. Mist gathers. A dog barks.
Katrin: Jock?
An operatic voice drifts through the fog.
Katrin: Huw…
BBC News Report:
Police have suspended the search for the missing opera singer Katrin Lloyd Evans, who disappeared three weeks ago while on a walking holiday near Lake Vyrnwy in mid‑Wales.
Page Turners Reading List
Page Turners Reading List.
Secret Santa did an excellent job in giving preloved books to all the Page Turners. At the first meeting of the year, everyone was asked to provide a brief synopsis of their book (with no spoilers) and a recommendation for its inclusion (or exclusion) on the next Page Turners reading list.
We will be reading the following books in the forthcoming months. Why not read along with us and decide if you agree (or disagree..!!) with the reviews that are published in What’s On every month?
February The Place of Tides, James Rebanks
March The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store, James McBride
April An Equal Music, Vikram Seth
May The Wonder, Emma Donoghue
June The Names, Florence Knapp
Happy reading