Category: News

Walk For Ukraine

WALK FOR UKRAINE

Distressing and disturbing pictures of people fleeing the conflict in Ukraine have been in the newspapers and on the television. Many thousands of people, of all ages, have been trying to walk to safety. Walking is something that lots of us do well, so some of the strollers from the different walking groups (described in the What’s On every month!) decided to do a sponsored Walk for Ukraine.

The idea was to sponsor yourself to walk around Cosmeston, then all money raised was to be sent to Ukraine to support the need for blankets, food, medicines….everything. Fortunately, the group gathered under glorious blue skies for the start of the walk. One lady walked past as we were preparing to leave and hearing what we were up to, donated money! Another lady in the group had talked to her 99 year old neighbour about what she was doing, and the neighbour insisted on giving her £30. She said she couldn’t walk anymore, but she wanted to support the Walk for Ukraine.

The group raised over £400…and counting, which is a truly magnificent amount. In a small way, we have supported people who are losing everything, but are attempting to walk to a better life. Walking really is life changing! Very well done to all who participated. I’m very proud of you!!

 

 

Christian Aid Week

CHRISTIAN AID WEEK

15 – 21 MAY

The drought in Zimbabwe is the focus for Christian Aid Week this year. In local communities the Climate Crisis is a matter of survival, and information and personal stories from those who have been helped by Christian Aid will feature in the morning service in St Mary’s Church on Sunday 1st May.

Our 2022 appeal begins with ‘Coffee – Cake – Bookstall’ which will take place in the Church Hall on Saturday 14th May from 10 30am till 2 30pm. Any donations of books you may have can be placed in the ‘Book Box’ in the Church Porch at any time, or taken to the Church Hall on Friday afternoon 13th May from 4pm.

This year the envelope collection will resume after two years absence due to the coronavirus. This will be a new type of envelope that will be delivered by volunteers with drop off points for householders to return them.

Gwenfo School will hold their annual ‘Big Brekkie’ during one of their lunchtimes and have a non- uniform day.

Thanks to your generosity last year we were successful in raising £3,000 (including Gift Aid) and we are hopeful of an equally good response this year.

Jude Billingham

 

 

 

 

Prostate Cancer Is A Potential Killer

PROSTATE CANCER IS A POTENTIAL KILLER

Are you around 50 years of age-ish ?

Do you know anybody who is? (father, family or friend)

Have they ever had a PSA Test and Digital Rectal Examination to identify if they may have prostate cancer?

If not tell them to go to their GP and ask to be tested.

It is treatable if identified in time. It can be deadly if not identified.

Did you know that you are approximately twice as likely to get prostate cancer if your father had it before you?

Please pass this on to ALL the men you know in this age group, and younger for future reference. Yes, even you Ladies who have fathers, brothers , friends etc. and employers with staff.

I had it and was able to be treated – Over to you !

Alan Richardson

St Lythans

 

 

March 2022 News Update

March 2022 News Update

March 2022 has seen the relaxation of most of the COVID restrictions imposed by the Welsh Government to safeguard the population against contracting this most awful disease. Churches were treated no differently from other organisations and the wearing of masks, social distancing, and lateral flow testing, became a part of everyday life. Now we are returning to a ‘new’ kind of normal. As of the end of the month, the wearing of face coverings in church will be up to the individual. Seating will be as before Covid and singing will be used during the services. The Easter Day Eucharist will be a sung eucharist to honour this most important day in the church’s year. The church will be decorated with the traditional Easter Lilies, donated by the members of the congregation in memory of loved ones who have passed into greater glory. Do please feel free to join us in this celebration. A most warm welcome is assured, ‘come old, come young, come those who are fearful to meet the risen Lord’.

This has been a time of anticipation and frustration in the church during March. Anticipation because we are awaiting the appointment of a new priest for Wenvoe, St. Lythan’s and Sully. The selection panel has met to assess and interview the three candidates who had applied for the position. The decision has been made and we await the timing of the announcement from the Bishop.

The frustration is due to the delay in the work on the tower. The exploratory work has revealed much more damage to the stone than was at first discovered. This has meant that extra costs will be involved, and then there is the discussion on the correct shade of lime mortar to be used. All this takes time and we are anxious that the work is put in hand as quickly as possible.

During the season of Lent, a series of Lenten talks have been held with church members in Sully on Zoom on the theme of ‘Growing Good’. This takes the analogy of a garden prepared for growth. Not just one season but many seasons are necessary for a garden to produce results. And likewise it is much the same with our churches. We have gone through two years of stagnation, and we, like many others have lost worshippers but are hoping that they will return to the fold in good time. Our future as a church will be to welcome our new priest who will lead us into fresh pastures, in the company of younger families from the community. We have a wonderful church school in Wenvoe and we look forward to a closer working relationship with the staff and the pupils in the months ahead. We have to nurture our children in every way we can and the church will be open to any ideas to help them grow into loving, compassionate members of the community. Likewise with the scouting organisations. All are welcome to use the facilities which the church can offer.

Christian Aid – During the month we watched on our TV screens the horror that is taking place in Ukraine. The school appealed for clothing, bedding

and other goods to be sent to relieve some of the suffering of the population. They were overwhelmed with the response. In church we decided to support the Christian Aid appeal for money and here is Jude Billingham’s report.

Collection for Ukraine – Many thanks for your donations that raised £200. The Church has topped this up to £500 and it has been sent via Christian Aid. A contribution was also sent from St.Lythan’s for £100. Thank you to all who gave so willingly.

Christian Aid Week 2022 – As part of our fund raising this year we will be holding a ‘Coffee, Cakes and Bookstall’ on Saturday 14th May. Any books you have surplus will be much appreciated for either adults or children. A box has been placed in the church porch for your donations which will be emptied regularly.

Regards, Jude

The Ministry Area Council of De Morgannwg has met and have agreed the procedures for the setting up of Church councils. Here we will have a joint church council, with St. Lythan’s joining with Wenvoe for administration purposes. There will be no changes to the arrangements for services and the benefits from the new arrangements have yet to be seen. A new Electoral Roll of all members of the nine churches is being drawn up and application can be on line or on hard copies available in our churches. This remains an important part of church life as it gives an indication of the strength of the churches and the option of being a part of any voting that may be required for the positions of wardens who will look after the church buildings and with the Vicar will help forward the mission of the church to the community. The closing date for all applications is 30th March.

We are affected, like the rest of the nation in the cost of heating our homes and the church is no exception. We have kept the heating on during the winter months on a minimum setting to keep the building safe from condensation. The bills are very high and the decision has been made to lower the temperature even more during the week in the Summer months so that the thermostat will only bring the heating on, on very few occasions. Likewise our new lighting system will be by LED lighting and that will also help towards keeping our energy costs as low as possible.

On that cheerful note, we look forward to the future and welcome you all to be part of the journey together with our new Vicar.

God bless and thank you for reading,

Parry Edwards

 

 

Back in Harness After 2 Years

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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH

Back in Harness After 2 Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch Co-ordinators met for the first time in 2 years on 23 February 2022 in the Community Centre. The Chairman welcomed 6 new Co-ordinators who had joined during this time. He also welcomed 2 PCSO’s who were in attendance, one who had served Wenvoe in the past and the other who was new to the Force.

A new national website has been established www.ourwatch.org.uk to disseminate information and best practise. It works on a national, regional and local level. Wenvoe Co-ordinators are encouraged to register and it is understood members of the public can also register.

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour have occurred in various parts of Wenvoe. Teenage youngsters were responsible, some caught on surveillance camera resulting in Police visits to their homes. The PCSO’s at the meeting said the following action could be taken:

  • Call 101 or if very serious,999. Report date and time of incident.
  • A report can be sent to www.south-wales.police.uk particularly if photo evidence is available. Numerous reports can result in a pattern emerging.

 

The existence of Wenvoe Community Support Group on Facebook was noted. Posts often are the first notification of potential criminal activity.

Problems with dogs were reported. The PCSO’s said that this was not a police matter unless a dog attacked a person. Dog problems can be reported to the Vale Dog Warden on 01466 700111.

There was also a report of car racing in the car park at the rear of the St Lythans Estate. Report to 101 if further occurrence.

Alan French

 

 

Tuckers Spring Plant Sale

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Wenvoe Craft Workshop™️ presents

TUCKERS SPRING PLANT SALE

Saturday 30th April, 10.00am-4.00pm

29 Vennwood Close

Not long now until our Spring Plant Sale on 30th April so save the date and come and snap up some garden bargains. You can choose your plants, take a look at a few local craft tables and then buy a slice of Glenys’ homemade cake. There will be other local growers selling their plants and more free gardening advice than you will know what to do with. There will, of course, be the usual charity raffle with some lovely prizes including a homemade and decorated cake and gardening hamper.

The proceeds from this raffle will once again go to the Wenvoe Wildlife Group to help them continue their invaluable wok around the village. WWG will also host a table and can answer any enquiries you may have.

Come and have a chat and pick the Village Gardener’s brains. Entry is free and we would love you to join us.

 

The Man Who Helped Change The World

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THE MAN FROM THE ‘DIFF’ WHO HELPED CHANGE THE WORLD

Most people have not heard of a Cardiff based Post Office engineer called George Kemp, but his important contribution to the history of radio communications, alongside the more famous Gugliemo Marconi, cannot be denied.
As Marconi’s right hand man George Kemp helped make history when, on 13 May 1897, the two men transmitted a radio signal across open sea (from Lavernock Point to Flat Holm) for the first time. Many will have seen the bronze plaque unveiled by the Cardiff Rotary Club, inside the courtyard of the closed St. Lawrence Church, Lavernock, which marks this achievement.
George Kemp was born in 1857 and spent most of his childhood in the port of Southampton. At the age of 17, like many of his friends, he joined the Royal Navy. Kemp took part in some famous naval operations, including, in 1879, the bombardment of Alexandria in the Anglo-Egyptian War, fighting alongside John (later Admiral) Jellicoe. On his return home, he studied at a famous Torpedo and Gunnery School, where he was in the same class as Prince George (later King George V). At the final passing out examination, the talented Kemp obtained a record 97%. In 1887 he was promoted Chief Torpedo instructor, going on to experimental work on torpedo design and the use of electricity on ships. Kemp left the navy at the age of 38, his skills getting him a prestigious appointment to the engineering staff at the Post Office based in Cardiff.


Kemp (on the right of the picture) had held this appointment for only a few months but had already impressed his boss Sir William Preece. Preece decided Kemp, with his background and experience, was the ideal person to help Marconi realise his dream of becoming the first to create a system of long range wireless telecommunication. Marconi had already managed to send a message in Morse Code over a distance of two miles on his father’s vast country estate. With little interest shown in his exciting work in Italy though, Marconi decided to move to London, hoping to develop a system of messaging between ships, which would find enthusiastic customers in the Royal Navy and merchant fleets. Marconi and Kemp hit it off immediately. In July 1896 Kemp, who had three children to look after, gambled on his faith in Marconi, gave up working for the Post Office in Cardiff and soon became head of engineering development with the Marconi Company, a position he held for the next 36 years until his death in 1933.
After transmitting messages between government buildings, in 1897 the two men successfully sent Morse code signals over nearly 4 miles on Salisbury Plain. Living in the area, George suggested the south Wales coast as the ideal location for the experiment to transmit across open sea. Following days of testing, Marconi took up position on Lavernock Point while Kemp and his nephew Herbert were positioned three miles away on Flat Holm. Kemp’s diary detailed early set backs as the fate of the experiments ‘trembled in the balance.’ ‘An inspiration saved it’ he wrote. It was a simple one. The apparatus was carried to the bottom of the cliff increasing the overall aerial height to 50 metres. Marconi sent an initial message in Morse code. It read: “CAN YOU HEAR ME”. Shortly after, Marconi received a reply from Kemp: “YES LOUD AND CLEAR”. The recording slip for this first message is now kept at the National Museum of Wales. Another followed by successfully transmitting nearly 10 miles across the Channel to Brean Down Fort near Weston Super Mare.
Kemp remained at Marconi’s side for his most memorable achievements, including the first wireless transmission across the Atlantic Ocean in 1901. The two men grew to be close friends, so much so, that Kemp was even in charge of Marconi’s personal diet. In 1909 Marconi shared the Nobel Prize in Physics with fellow pioneer Karl Ferdinand Braun, in recognition of their ‘contributions to the development of wireless telegraphy’. The contribution of the Cardiff based Post Office engineer should also not be forgotten.

 

 

February Letters

 

 

Graham Davies R I P

Pat and family would like to thank everyone for the kind messages sent to us after the death of Graham at home on 3 January 2022. We have been overwhelmed by all the flowers, cards, letters of sympathy and support that we as a family have received.

Pat Davies.

Ann, Darren, Claire & children would like to thank friends & neighbours for all cards, flowers and offers of help during their resent sad and sudden loss of Philip. Thank you all and God bless.

Ann Dwyer

Carbon Monoxide (The Silent Killer).

I write this letter with regards to the potential hazards of carbon monoxide poisoning due to defective appliances. I write out of genuine concern for people’s safety.

It’s that time of year when central heating boilers have been adjusted from providing twice a day hot water to providing all day heating thus having to work a lot harder. If there is a fault the winter months will find it but also, as my wife and I experienced, any faults can lead to more serious issues such as a build up of potentially lethal levels of CARBON MONOXIDE. You have seen the adverts for the ‘silent killer’ but when we were suffering all sorts of symptoms we did not put two and two together. Our boiler had been a stalwart for over 20yrs and reliable so ‘ why change it’. Despite the symptoms which didn’t exactly match the normal ie we had, tingling skin, redness of complexion; apart from not being able to get up in the mornings, and a long career in the fire service we just didn’t twig it, until, on starting to put the heating on all day at this time of year the penny finally dropped as one evening we both felt awful and I finally ‘twigged it’.

What an idiot. The rest is history, shut off boiler, got emergency gas out etc. My wife and I visited our Doctors for blood tests and both had levels of CO equivalent to a cigarette smoker but neither of us had ever smoked. So it appeared that our symptoms were a very slow poisoning process which went over months until the boiler’s weakness was finally exposed, (incidentally we had a CO alarm which was testing OK but we can only assume the levels through summer months with daily ventilation etc did not trigger the lower limit sensitivity of the device, although it was an old detector).

We changed boiler of course and now have an ANNUAL GAS SAFETY CHECK (approx. cost £50 to £100) depending on Gas Safe or OFTEC engineer, but it is worth every penny to protect yourself and loved ones. Of course it is not just old boilers that go wrong so as a matter of course have your boiler checked annually.

And install a Carbon Monoxide Alarm or Alarms in accordance with the relevant manufacturer’s instructions.

The principle of course applies to the checking of all fuel burning boilers / heaters etc. but the message is the same and is simple – Annual Gas Safety Check of Appliances and an appropriate provision of Carbon Monoxide Detectors for your property.

Of course an annual gas safety check doesn’t prevent subsequent leaks but combined with a suitable provision of Carbon Monoxide Detector it is very obvious that this protection improves the odds in favour of you and your loved ones.

When installing new appliances always use the relevant Gas Safe or Oftec Registered engineers to ensure the appliance’s safety from the outset.

Just to add some footnotes to this don’t forget that if you, or anybody you know, live in rented accommodation your Landlord has a legal duty to organise a competent engineer to carry out an annual safety check of any gas boiler in the premises.

You may also wish to check that any self-catering accommodation that you book for holiday breaks eg the very popular ‘air B& B’s’ have had appropriate safety checks carried out to relevant appliances.

St Lythans resident

 

 

Port Road History

 

    PORT ROAD

Named Port Road because it connected Cardiff to the port at Aberthaw which existed long before a port was constructed in Barry

Port Road construction past the village © 1930

 

Port Road Nant Isaf junction © 1975

 

Port Road new junction to Wenvoe quarry© 1980

 

Village fete parade along Port Road on its way to Station Road playing fields © 1987

 

Port Road – start of Covid lockdown March 2020

 

 

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