Category: News

Official Census Facts

I’M AN ARTIFICAL EYE MAKER AND FOLLOWER OF THE

JEDI RELIGION

 

Following our efforts in March, many will have been cheered by the news that the Government is exploring ways to gather information other than by census. Throughout history censuses have been unpopular, often because, as in the case of William the Conqueror’s Domesday Book in 1086, they have been used by governments to aid with the collection of taxes. Objections often relate to the right to privacy or suspicion of the Government’s motives. For many it is simply an onerous task even though it can now be done online. The modern census has been used in the UK since 1801 although evidence suggests that the idea goes back at least to the Babylonian Empire of 3,800 BC, when livestock and quantities of butter, honey, milk, wool and vegetables were counted. Unpopular or not, filling in your census form is not a matter of choice. Under section 8 of the Census Act 1920 people can be fined for a failure to complete census forms in line with the regulations. Exceptions exist for refusing or neglecting to respond to questions about religion, as stipulated by the Census (Amendment) Act 2000.

The law has not prevented some people attempting to avoid completing forms or using the opportunity to make their point. In 1841, artist JMW Turner rowed a boat into the Thames so he could not be counted as being present at any property. The famous suffragette campaigner Emily Davison saw the publicity value afforded by the 1911 census. Emily hid in a cupboard in Parliament on census night and had her address recorded as the House of Commons. Sadly she was killed when she stepped in front of the King’s horse in a protest at the Epsom Derby in 1913.

Census questions tend to reflect the time they are taken and the kind of information required. The UK census seems to have become more intrusive as time has passed. Many objected when the 1841 census became the first to record names, alongside age, gender, occupation and birthplace. The 1871 census asked whether anyone was blind, deaf and dumb, an imbecile, an idiot, or a lunatic. When the British carried out a census in India in 1871, people were reluctant to participate because of rumours that the goal of the count was to identify girls to be sent to England to fan Queen Victoria. The British officials wrestled with an inappropriate standard list, which made it difficult to classify such occupations in India as jokers and story-tellers, hail averters and prayer mutterers. In the UK that year, professions with the lowest counts included one bee dealer, 19 peg makers and 9 artificial eye-makers.

Officials in the UK have often been challenged by responses on household occupations. In 1911 a family from Birkenhead included a tom cat, listed as a mouse-catcher and a family from Dulwich included Roger, their watchdog. In the same year there were questions on medical ailments. In this section, John Underwood from Hastings described his children as, ‘quarrelsome’, ‘stubborn’, ‘greedy’ and ‘noisy’, himself as ‘bad-tempered’ and his wife as suffering from a ‘long tongue’.

From 1951 until 1991, households were asked if they had an outside toilet. References to “housewife” for example, were seen in the 1971 and 1981 census but by the 1990s the term had been replaced with the gender-neutral option “looking after the home or family”. Religious belief was included in the census for the first time in 150 years in 2001. Beforehand an email campaign tried to persuade people to record their religion as Jedi and 390,000 people declared that they had adopted the Star Wars religion. Ten years later, the number of Jedi believers had fallen somewhat – but at 176,632, it was the UK’s seventh most popular “religion”.

 

 

March Letters

Pen+ink

 

March Letters

(The Editors are not responsible for opinions expressed, although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information. The editors reserve the right to protect the anonymity of anyone who wishes to contribute articles or letters for the magazine provided they are aware of the identity of any such person. )

 

Elsie Thomas

The Wenvoe Village Hall Management Committee would like to thank the late Elsie Thomas estate for the wonderful gift left in her ‘will’ to support the Village Hall.

Elsie attended many an event at the Village Hall, probably more than we can remember.

Elsie always purchased raffle tickets for the Christmas Draw, donated in time of need and would find Jumble for us, for our many jumble sales over the years.

We are thankful that Elsie thought of the Village Hall, right up to the end of her days.

God Bless you Elsie x

 

 

 

Sylvia Edwards R.I.P.

Parry and his family wish to thank all who have send cards, messages and their thoughts and prayers, when Sylvia passed away at the end of January, after an illness of many years.

Sylvia will long be remembered for her lovely floral displays in St. Mary’s church, for festivals and weddings.

God Bless you all.

 

 

Cold Caller

COLD CALLER

(A true story) I was awoken just after 7am the other morning by the telephone ringing. Staggering out to the landing to answer it, I was greeted by a gentleman informing me that there had been suspicious activity on the internet corrupting my computer. As this was not a recorded message but a real live person, rather than slam the receiver down I asked the caller if he knew what ungodly time it was; having established that he was probably ringing from the UK and not some far off country I decided that having been dragged from my bed earlier than intended I now had time to spare to play along with his requests.

As usual with these callers he requested I switch on my computer. I pointed out that this was in another room and it would take a few minutes. So off I went to the toilet before returning to inform my caller that the computer was now switched on. Next request was the information about what I could see and I dutifully described my screen saver picture to him. Very patiently he asked me to enter my internet provider screen; off to clean my teeth. Next request on my return was to go to the ‘page from where I could call up the internet’. Off to have a shave.

On my return, he asked if I had a mobile phone or a laptop to save my having to wander off to perform each request; regrettably I lied that I possessed neither. Next idea was maybe I could move the computer nearer to the phone, this I informed him that it may be possible but I would need to unplug everything and set it up nearby and it would take a while, he agreed to wait. I went off and had a shower.

A very patient operator was still there, as I dried myself. He dictated a web site address I needed to enter. Poor hearing! I got it wrong, returned to confirm what he had asked me to enter. Now fully dry, time to think about what to wear today.

Few more delays and he was obviously coming to the conclusion that I was somebody who had little knowledge about computers and he could see an easy scam on the horizon; I did nothing to change his views.

One or two more delays, and I was fully dressed and ready to go and have some breakfast. With having to interrupt my morning ablutions to chat with the fellow, nearly half an hour had passed. I thanked my caller for being so patient with a brief explanation of what I had been doing during my numerous absences and hung up.

On reaching the kitchen the downstairs telephone rang; again, it was my computer man upset at what my scam had cost him in time and phone charges. With a smile on my face I happily went about my daily business

 

 

A Letter From Harold

A LETTER FROM HAROLD

It is important for all husbands to remember that, as a women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger. When you notice this in your wife try not to yell at them. Some are oversensitive, and there is nothing worse than an over-sensitive woman.

My name is Harold. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Debbie.

When I took “early retirement” last year, it became necessary for Debbie to get a full-time job along with her part-time job, both for extra income and for the health benefits that we needed.

Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age.

I usually get home from the golf course about the same time she gets home from work.

Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before, she starts preparing dinner. I don’t yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table. I generally have lunch at the Crown and Anchor so eating out twice a day is not reasonable. I’m ready for some home cooked grub when I hit that door.

She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating, but now it’s not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won’t clean themselves. I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed. Another symptom of ageing is complaining, I think.

For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. But, boys, we take ’em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days.

That way she won’t have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn’t hurt her any (if you know what I mean). I like to think tact is one of my strong points.

When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She has to take a break when she has only half finished mowing the lawn, I try not to make a scene. I’m a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade or orange juice and just sit for a while. And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me too.

I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Debbie. I’m not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible! Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older. However, fellows, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your ageing wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.

Happy retirement

Harold

Editor’s Note;-

Harold died suddenly on May 27th last year

The police report states that he was found with a Callaway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II golf club rammed up his posterior, with only 2 inches of grip showing.

His wife Debbie was arrested and charged with murder; however, the all-woman jury found her Not Guilty, accepting her defence that he accidentally sat down on it.

 

 

 

A Letter From Harold

Staying Safe When Walking on Country Roads

STAYING SAFE WHEN WALKING ON COUNTRY ROADS

During the current pandemic there has been a significant increase in people walking the country roads (lovely to see). However it is amazing how many people do not know the country code for walkers.

“Individuals or small groups should keep to the right hand side of the road so you can see oncoming traffic. Keep close to the side and be prepared to walk in single file. If you come across a sharp right hand bend with no view around it you should cross to the left hand side and cross back to the right hand side after the bend.”

Walkers should wear hi viz or light coloured clothing, especially at night. It is surprising how many wear black or dark cloths,; this is especially true of cyclists.

With social distancing it doesn’t help to have two people walking one each side of the road. This simply makes the road narrower and still endangers the person on the left hand side. The person walking in the opposite direction is forced to walk out into the road to pass.

Also, walking on the left hand side, with a dog and on your mobile is an accident waiting to happen.

A little reminder to drivers-please slow down when passing walkers, particularly when the road is wet.

Enjoy your walking

 

 

Playing Cards Facts

PLAYING CARDS FACTS

It is believed the first playing cards were invented in China about 1,200 years ago.

Each of the four suits stands for a different group of people in society. Hearts are clergymen, spades are soldiers, diamonds are merchants and clubs are peasants.

In 1685, French soldiers on duty in Canada were paid their wages in playing cards because coins were in such short supply!

The four kings, queens and jacks may look the same but there are small differences. For example, the jack of hearts and spades have moustaches.

 

 

Same Love

Same Love

February is LGBT+ History Month in the UK; a time where we can celebrate and amplify the voices of those within the LGBT+ community around us.

For those within the community, the struggle has spanned centuries, and their fight still continues to this day. Although the world is beginning to be more open about gender identity and sexuality, those within the LGBT+ community in many countries still face persecution, and many still face discrimination in the UK.

Section 28, a law passed in 1988 to stop councils and schools from “promoting the teaching of the acceptability of homosexuality as a pretended family relationship” was only abolished in 2003. For many, this law still feels as though it exists in many communities even in 2021.

In a time where sexual and gender identity is mostly celebrated in the media, it can be easy to forget that although celebration online is one thing, danger still lurks for those in the LGBT+ community.

Hate crime still occurs in our everyday society and many people feel afraid to be themselves because of the violence many of the LGBT+ community have faced, and continue to face.

Media, thankfully, has embraced the LGBT+ community, and we are beginning to see more representation on our screens. From Drag Race to Pose to It’s A Sin, the stories of those within the LGBT+ are beginning to be amplified.

Yet, shows like It’s A Sin, the Russell T. Davies drama which has been dominating headlines and television screens for the past few months, are still gaining backlash. It’s A Sin revolves around a group of friends who identify as queer battling through the AIDS epidemic of the 1980s and has been praised by many as not only an accurate depiction of the LGBT+ community, but also of the stigma surrounding HIV and AIDS present during the period in question.

But headlines in the media have shown that although we’re more tolerant as a nation than we have been, stigma surrounding homosexuality and the presentation of LGBT+ relationships still persists even if it’s unintentional.

Juxtaposing articles from tabloid newspapers have hit social media recently, with many drawing comparisons between the discussion of sex scenes in Netflix’s hit show Bridgerton, compared with the discussion of Channel 4’s It’s A Sin sex-scenes. Bridgerton shows mainly heterosexual sex-scenes, whilst It’s A Sin has predominantly same-sex sex-scenes.

Yet, hundreds of people noted that while Bridgerton’s sex scenes were branded ‘the hottest sex scenes ever’ by The Sun, the same tabloid newspaper called It’s A Sin sex-scenes ‘explicit’ and ‘raunchy’, claiming that there was ‘So much sex’.

Although it may not seem too significant a headline, it can be misleading. Even unintentionally, headlines

like these can form a narrative that homosexual relationships are taboo, and that heterosexuality is the norm. It shouldn’t matter who loves who, should it?

The Sun has since apologised for the misleading headline and has since updated it to include words such as ‘Liberating’. Yet, it’s unlikely the juxtaposing headlines will be forgotten anytime soon.

It’s A Sin has become Channel 4’s most watched drama series in its history, indicating that the stories of the LGBT+ community are stories millions want to see. Creating and producing stories with LGBT+ characters creates a community of tolerance, rather than bigotry and hatred.

Some shows have decided against the traditional ways of encouraging love and acceptance. It’s A Sin covers homophobia at the height of the HIV/AIDS crisis, but there are shows which choose not to address homophobia.

Schitt’s Creek, which features prominent LGBT+ characters and a healthy gay relationship at its core, swept awards at the 2020 Emmys for its final series. The show has garnered worldwide adoration for the fact that the show celebrates the LGBT+ community without showing homophobia.

Showrunner and actor Dan Levy, who plays main character David, noted at Vulture Festival 2018 why there was no indication of homophobia in the show, “I have no patience for homophobia… [in Schitt’s Creek] we show love and tolerance”.

There are still stories which have yet to earn a platform, but as shows with LGBT+ representation gain in popularity, there is a hope that there will be more opportunity for these voices to be heard. As shows like It’s A Sin, Pose and many others continue to do well, it indicates to studios that these are the stories we want to see. It indicates further that amplifying these voices should not be a ‘risk’.

We must also amplify the voices of the BAME members of the LGBT+ community, a section of the community often under-represented.

NBC News announced recently that, according to US LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD’s annual “Where We Are on TV” report, it is the first time we’re seeing more LGBTQ people of colour than white LGBTQ characters on our screens.

The report did note, however, that there are still improvements to be made. LGBTQ activist and editor for the queer media outlet Xtra, Tre’vell Anderson noted, “until there’s every type of LGBTQ person represented on screen, there’s still work to be done”.

Changes still need to be made to the way the LGBT+ community is treated. Understanding is becoming more a part of everyday life, but more still needs to be done.

During this year’s LGBT+ History Month, I implore you to use the time to learn about the LGBT+ community and to amplify their voices.

By Tirion Davies

 

 

First Abseiling Experience

FIRST ABSEILING EXPERIENCE

I really miss climbing but sadly I am no longer flexible enough or have sufficient strength in my hands and forearms. There are residents in Wenvoe who are far better placed to talk about climbing than me as there are some amazingly skilled young climbers from Wenvoe!

Indoor climbing is all very well, but what I loved was climbing outdoors and was fortunate to go to some incredible places in Wales, the wider UK and even overseas. One of my favourite places was climbing in Pembrokeshire on the sea cliffs – to be stood on a ledge above the waves crashing onto the rocks below, watching sunlight sparkling on the water, gulls, cormorants and even seals below me was absolutely magical. Outdoor climbing is largely weather dependent as it isn’t safe to climb in the wet, so the weather was always as Wales can be – glorious warm sunshine!

Pembrokeshire Sea cliffs

Abseiling is the technique used to perform a controlled descent usually on a rock face. When climbing indoors, your climbing partner ‘belays’ you and is therefore in control of your descent from the top of the wall, when you lean backwards and literally ‘walk’ down the wall. A belay device is used to control the descent. These can either be a ‘manual device’ or an ‘assisted braking device’. I always used a manual device.

When climbing sea cliffs, someone far more experienced than me would set up a belay point at the top using various pieces of protection, or gear, to fix a rope in place. You would then abseil down the cliff to the ledge below from which the lead climber would lead a route up the cliff placing various pieces of protection as they went which would break their fall should that be necessary. The second climber would pay out the rope as they went using their belay device to control the rope (and break their fall in the event that should be necessary). Once the lead climber was at the top, they would make themselves safe and the second climber would then climb the route and remove the protection as they went. All very exhilarating!

But to my first experience of abseiling outdoors.

I was by no means an experienced climber and felt very much out of my depth as all my companions were very experienced and as is often the way in such situations, there was an unspoken assumption that I too knew what I was doing. And I was too shy to expose my complete ignorance! I knew the principles of abseiling having climbed indoors and therefore abseiling down a cliff in theory is similar to an indoor climbing wall where you ‘walk’ down the wall, the only difference is that you are in control of your own descent.

So, picture a perfect Pembrokeshire day, good company and the prospect of a pint of beer at the end of it. We were climbing at Saddlehead along from St Govans. The belay was set up and it was my turn to descend to the ledge below from which we would be climbing. I gingerly lowered myself over the edge of the cliff, my heart pretty much in my mouth as it takes some courage to step backwards over a cliff edge while tightly holding onto the right part of the rope to lower yourself, at the same time desperately hanging onto any piece of rock or clump of grass, while trying to look cool as though you know what you’re doing. Then very slowly as your feet get lower, you bravely let go of solid earth and inch by inch start to walk down the cliff face, heart pounding, all the while paying out the rope hand over hand which only you are in control of. It begins to feel as though you are getting somewhere as the top of the cliff moves further away on the odd occasion that you are brave enough to look anywhere.

Then to my shock and horror, there was suddenly nothing under my feet! Absolutely nothing! What had gone wrong? No-one had thought to tell me that there was an overhang where we were abseiling, in other words, the cliff went in at that point. And so I found myself suspended in space, attached to a rope which fed through my belay device, connected to my climbing harness and I was supposed to continue to control my descent with nothing under my feet to walk down when I had no idea at that point if there was indeed anything solid beneath me at all! Not easy to continue to look cool but then, there was no-one to see me in any case or to hear my frantic talking to myself that all was sure to be well. To this day, I don’t know how I managed not to just let go of the rope in my panic and descend to the rocks below at breakneck speed with inevitable disastrous results!

I did manage to somehow keep my cool though, and did make it to the bottom with very, very shaky legs and proceeded to really enjoy myself, watching the sunshine sparkling on the sea and the gulls and cormorants below me and there was even a seal checking out this new climber who began to look as though she knew what she was doing!

But the dressing down I gave to my climbing partner at the end of that day for having made the assumption that I knew what I was doing made me feel marginally better. A lesson learnt that whatever the situation, never assume that other people are familiar with what is and will be involved and required.

Nicola

 

 

Wildlife Group Haiku

 

 

Haiku Poetry Competition

The Wildlife Group is running a Haiku poetry competition which anyone can enter. Originally from Japan, haiku are now written all over the world. Here is an example

 

JANUARY

Delightful display
Snowdrops bow their pure white heads
To the sun’s glory.

 

Typically a haiku has three lines with 5 syllables in the first and third and 7 syllables in the second. They were often written about nature and wildlife so what better than for you to compose a haiku (or two) inspired by any of village wildlife sites such as the Upper Orchid Field or the Orchards.

Send your entries to bruce7@btinternet.com or use the contact section on the website, http:// wenvoewildlifegroup.weebly.com/ or Facebook using the Wenvoe Wildlife Group page. You have until the end of March and there will be a small prize for the winner as judged by group members. Send in your haiku and say which site inspired you – give your contact details and age if you are under 16. Some of the entries will be shown on Facebook and the noticeboards on the sites. Good luck!!

 

 

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