Category: News

Coronavirus – New Guidelines for Places of Worship

Coronavirus – New Guidelines for Places of Worship etc

Dear All,

I am writing this letter on Wednesday in Easter Week – the week that follows Easter Sunday and am acutely aware that anything that I write may well be out of date by the time “What’s On” goes to print. Before I say anything else can I just thank the editors for allowing me to make a very late change to my letter in last month’s magazine in order to incorporate the new guidelines that emerged when places of worship were closed by the government. Thank you also to our editors and all involved with “What’s On” and to all the contributors for keeping the magazine going which is such an important part of village life.

I think it is also important to thank the many other people who are keeping village life going. In particular I would like to thank Anwar and all involved at Premier Stores in Wenvoe for remaining open for us. There have also been many great random acts of goodness going on in our society both locally and nationally and thank you to all those who are doing so much for our neighbours and families and friends. As I stand on a Thursday evening and applaud the key workers I also hold in my prayers and my applause all those who are also contributing to help us all keep on keeping on. Thank you.

One thing this time has taught me is the importance of being with one another. As a church and as your parish priest I continue to be here for you. Even if I am unable to shake your hand or visit you in your home or meet up with you, I am still here for you. We have as a church tried to keep connected through our Facebook page on:facebook.com/sullywenvoeandstlythans or using the following QR Code

In order to remain worshipping and connected with one another there will be regular services live on our facebook page at the following days and times:

Wednesday 10.00am Daily Prayer

Sunday 10.30am Agape Service where we share bread and wine together

6.00pm Evening Prayer

However should you wish to contact me directly you can do so by email on revjonormrod@yahoo.co.uk or phone me on 02920595347.

Although the church is closed at the moment – as your Parish Priest I remain open to be here for you.

Take care, stay safe and let us all look forward to the end of this time of trial.

Blessings

Jon Ormrod

 

 

Postponed Ve 75 Celebrations

 

POSTPONED  VE 75 CELEBRATIONS

As you will have realised by now the planned VE day celebrations have had to be postponed. As this was a government driven plan of celebrations we will have to wait and see if they suggest a date in the future when the plans that have been made can be put into place. Until then, we can all still celebrate in our own way. On Friday, May 8 we will be decorating our house and garden to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day and we think it would be a lovely idea if everyone else did the same. That would make the one daily walk allowed very interesting. There has been an online suggestion that people hold a ‘street party’ in their house and garden. Individuals simply have to decorate in any way they can and have a picnic in their garden. Take a walk past our house and we will wave to you and be really happy to see you.

Take care all.

Glenys and Mike Tucker

 

 

Pandemics – We’ve Been Here Before

WE’VE BEEN HERE BEFORE…..
FOLLOWED THE RULES………AND SURVIVED!

FASCINATING EVIDENCE OF THE GREAT PLAGUE

During the outbreak of bubonic plague in London in the summer of 1665, people were just as keen to know casualty figures as we are today. By mid July over a thousand deaths a week were reported on handbills that were stuck up in public places to warn people that the plague was growing. The bill of mortality below, covering a week in September, recorded 7,165 plague victims. Just as interesting are the other causes listed as well. Several illustrate the high infant mortality at the time; 18 chrisomes, or infants who died in the first month of life; 121 teeth, or infants who died when still teething. Fifteen people died from worms or parasites in the body. 42 women died in childbed, which was a bacterial infection after giving birth. 101 people succumbed to spotted fever (probably typhus). Rising of the lights was probably illness characterized by a hoarse cough or difficulty breathing so could have been asthma or pneumonia. Some of the other causes of death were strange indeed!

In spite of being over 350 years ago, the authorities reacted to the Great Plague of 1665-6 in ways remarkably similar to the measures in place to deal with the coronavirus today. Even back then they realised that isolation and lockdown were key policies.

The Great Plague affected many parts of the country but London was particularly badly hit with 68,596 deaths recorded – about 15% of the population. DNA from victims found during the building of London’s Crossrail, tell us it was a form of bubonic plague. Charles II and his courtiers left in July for Hampton Court and then Oxford. Many other people who could, including most doctors, lawyers and merchants, fled the city. As now, Parliament and other public institutions were suspended.

The Government published by Royal Command ‘RULES AND ORDERS’ to be enforced by all Justices of the Peace and other officials aimed at stopping the spread of the disease.

  • Clearly there was concern about public gatherings as ‘no more Alehouses be licensed than are absolutely necessary’ and strangers entering towns had to have a certificate of health.
  • It was ordered that no unwholesome food including stinking meats and fish could be sold.
  • No swine, dogs, cats or tame pigeons were permitted to pass up and down in the streets.
  • Isolation was taken seriously with some people housed in remote huts ‘for the preservation of the rest of the family.’ Officials were ordered to investigate anyone with plague symptoms like swellings under the ears or armpits, or upon the groin and even various blemishes or spots on the breast or back, commonly called tokens. The house involved was then shut up for 40 days with warnings i.e. a Red Cross and a sign saying ‘Lord have mercy upon us’ in capital letters on the front door. Wardens were appointed to bring them necessities and to keep them from conversing with others. After 40 days a Red Cross was replaced with a White Cross put onto the door for a further 20 days and no stranger or lodger was allowed to enter until this period ended. Before the restrictions were lifted houses of victims had to ‘be well Fumed, Washed and Whited all over within with Lime’ and it was not permitted to remove any clothes, or household items into any other house, for at least three months.
  • A special poor rate was levied to help the lower classes.
  • Some people, like doctors and surgeons were allowed to break lock down rules.
  • There were to be no fairs or trade with other countries – causing economic disruption and job loss.
  • Public prayers on Wednesdays and Fridays were to be strictly observed.

 

AND SO IT ENDED… Colder weather in the Autumn and Winter of 1665 began to kill the rats and fleas carrying the disease and the plague began to disappear. The population of London recovered surprisingly quickly and things soon got back to normal. The King returned and there was a general mood of celebration with a sudden rise in the number of marriages and births. Lord Clarendon, the Lord Chancellor, stated “… the streets were as full, the Exchange as much crowded, the people in all places as numerous as they had ever been seen.’

 

(Editor’s note

An earlier event of bubonic plague ‘The Black Death’,  in the 14th C, was the only period in the history of mankind where the global population declined.)

 

 

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day

It was recently International Women’s Day, so Happy International Women’s Day!

I have always been surrounded by incredible women. Between my Mam championing STEM and balancing a full-time career with twins, to my aunt who has raised my three cousins solo since they were young and doing so whilst starting her own business, to all of my cousins who are clever and brave and beautiful. To another aunt who, as a nurse, has spent Christmas Days caring for others, and another aunt who spends her life making everyone’s lives better by being attentive and caring.

To my Nana, whose life was spent supporting and caring for my dad and his siblings and attempting to better their lives and my Mamgu, who was a teacher and has travelled the world and who is always there to brighten my day with her stories. To my friends, old and new, who show me every day that the future truly is female.

I will always be surrounded by incredible women. Because I’m lucky enough to not only have role models within my own family, but also within popular culture. Between Greta Thunberg and Malala Yousufzai, Serena Williams and Taylor Swift, Stacey Dooley and Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka there are plenty of women to look up to.

I’m glad I have these role models. They’ve made me a better person. I’m keeping myself informed on important matters and I’m learning how to improve myself each day. I’m not perfect and I still find it hard to ask for help when I need it, but having the support of the amazing women around me and being able to look to these role models allows me to look to them for guidance and ways of improving myself.

I see the young women around me, and I have hope for the future. They are witty and bright and have the power to change the world if they want to. From my friends hoping to be doctors and save people, to those who want to pursue a career in teaching so that they can shape young minds. To my friends who want to be translators or writers or bankers or actors. To my friends who, like me, are pursuing a career in journalism and hope to change the world through the press and media.

They have the world at their fingertips, and I cannot wait to see them reach their full potential.

International Women’s Day is never about bashing men. It’s about celebrating the women who are often left in the shadows and don’t make it to the history books. It’s about celebrating the women who have survived domestic abuse and supporting their journey. It’s about remembering the young girls who are married before they even start their period; the ones who deserve change because they deserve better lives. It’s about remembering the women who have shaped the world without the world even knowing. It’s about celebrating the women who live with conditions like endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome but remembering that often, their pains weren’t believed. It’s about remembering that most women aren’t believed when they report sexual assault. It’s about encouraging the new generation of women to break through glass ceilings and showing them, they have the power to do so.

Regardless of whether you were born a woman, if that is how you identify you deserve to have people use the correct pronouns and treat you with respect. Regardless of whether you are able to reproduce or whether complications mean it might never be possible or whether you never want children, you deserve to have your value seen as more than just your womb. Regardless of the colour of your skin, you deserve the same rights as anyone else. Regardless of any disability, you deserve to be treated with respect.

Being a woman can be hard. Between inequality and periods and misogyny, it’s a tough world. But women need to support women. Men need to support women and women need to support men, too. Everyone needs to support everyone. Imagine how much of a better place the world would be if we all supported one another in achieving our goals, instead of building up barriers and causing roadblocks.

Regardless of your gender, you have a right to equal pay and equal opportunity.

By Tirion Davies

 

 

NHS-Funded Minor Eye Conditions Clinic Opens

NHS-Funded Minor Eye Conditions Clinic

First for Barry as new NHS-funded minor eye conditions clinic opens.

People with urgent eye problems across the Vale of Glamorgan are now able to receive a free NHS assessment by a local optometrist thanks to a new service based in Barry.

Patients with problems such as eye infections, minor eye injuries or sudden loss of vision will be among those who’ll benefit from the new clinic being run by Vale Eyecare.

Anyone with an acute problem with their eye or vision can be seen at the NHS funded clinic, which is based at Highlight Park Medical Practice on Lakin Drive, behind the Tesco Superstore. The new clinic is part of the Wales Eye Care Service (WECS), a scheme created to relieve the pressure on GPs and A&E departments.

Optometrist Tanya McNabb believes her new clinic is the first of its kind locally, where an optometrist provides only clinical care and doesn’t sell glasses.

She said: ‘Hundreds of GP appointments and A&E visits across the country are taken up every year for eye-related problems that could be assessed by a community optometrist, so I’m delighted to be able to offer this NHS-funded service to local people.’

‘Optometrists have the skills and equipment to ensure that patients are quickly assessed and treated or referred to the hospital if there is a more serious problem. Our clinic is dedicated to providing this service and for convenience has plenty of availability for a same-day assessment. We also have good transport links and a large free car park so we are hopeful that we can help reduce pressure on our local GPs and hospital.’

Patients can self-refer and simply call to book an appointment or can be referred to Vale Eyecare by their GP, pharmacist, health visitor or school nurse.

Other conditions the clinic can help with include painful eyes, foreign bodies in the eye, sudden changes in vision or new onset visual disturbances such as flashes, floaters or double vision.

The service is initially being offered Monday to Friday 9am to 1pm at Highlight Park Medical Practice on Lakin Drive in Barry. To book a free appointment, call 01446 484114

 

 

This Month’s Parish News

This Month’s Parish News

In last month’s Parish News, we were looking forward to a glorious Easter, when we celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord with colour, flowers, great hymns and full churches. How so much has changed since then. The coronavirus has changed all that, with most of the world’s nations withdrawing from contact with each other as they close their borders in an attempt to combat the virus, and to protect their people from the ravages that we have seen on our T.V. screens for the past month.

The advice from the Church in Wales Bench of Bishops, is that all church services are to be suspended immediately. Baptisms can be held with only 10 persons present. Weddings are all postponed until 31st July 2020. Banns will not be called. Funerals can only be taken at the graveside, with a memorial service arranged later in the year. Confirmation services and Ordination services at the cathedral are also suspended. The Annual Church Vestry meeting has been postponed with all church officers remaining in office until formal elections can be arranged. The children’s ‘Pebble’ group on Sunday mornings is also affected by this decision, as is the monthly meeting of the Chattery.

The financial implications of these guidelines are enormous and church members are asked to maintain their weekly contributions to the work and maintenance of the church. This can be done digitally by the StM appeal or saved up until the time comes when our church will be open again for worship. Although the church may be closed for formal acts of worship, it is a lot more than just buildings. It is a community of believing people who have accepted Jesus Christ into their lives, bringing his message of salvation and hope to the wider world around them.

The church is duty-bound to reach out to all in the community of Wenvoe and elsewhere. The message of HOPE is there in the Gospel readings and the Psalms for all to read, and it is that hope that will carry us through in the days, weeks and months ahead as we self-isolate from the worst of the virus contagion. God Bless us all as we pray for the world and for all around us, especially the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. Please read the letter Jon, our Parish Priest has written on page 4.

However it is not all such negative news, for we have completed the restoration of the historic floor tiles, and they are looking so much better. The painting of the chancel is also complete and the freshness really does show up the condition of the walls in the Nave… another job for the future. The next project is the re-varnishing of the West, South and Priest doors, with the metal work being cleaned and repainted; this will be followed in the summer with more work on the boundary walls.

Within the church, information panels have been set up with photographs, showing the work carried out on the floors, before and after, in an attempt to raise awareness of the costs involved. We appeal for donations to complete the programme of work as detailed in the last church building survey. The church is available for all in the community and the regular congregation have been very supportive in fund raising from the activities such as the Quiz Night and the Chattery. We also encourage those who use the church for occasional services to consider donating in memory of loved ones who may have had a previous connection with St Mary’s in the past.

The Annual Fun Quiz 2020 brought all eyes on the final scoreboard. Grateful thanks to Ian Moody our quizmaster extraordinaire and everyone who supported the sell-out event, especially the Sully contingent who battled through floods to join in! A most enjoyable evening and the excellent sum of £644.37 was raised for St Mary’s Church. Diolch

Future Plans….The many events we had been preparing for in the coming months are now postponed including the VE75 celebrations. Perhaps we should plan for a VE75+1 for 2021. Given the severity of the current situation, we must accept that for the foreseeable future our lives as we have known them are to be put on hold.

Please stay safe; follow the Government’s advice on all health matters. We will get through this. Keep washing those hands. Don’t panic and carry on.

Parry Edwards

 

 

The Story Of A Steak Sandwich

The Story Of A Steak Sandwich

It had been another long hot day in central Africa, and I was driving a fast RIB – a rigid inflatable boat – down the river Congo at full speed. We were flying across the water, but I was steering carefully between the floating clumps of water hyacinth as we headed downstream to the capital city of Kinshasa.

We had started early, and I had loaded extra cans of petrol on board as it was a long push from our campsite at the side of the river to reach Kinshasa, but the leader of our expedition needed to be there as soon as possible. There were three of us in the small boat and the floor was literally covered in petrol cans. The cool of the morning soon warmed by the inevitable sun and by mid-morning it was baking hot. The metal petrol cans were too hot to touch, but thankfully the Mercury outboard was pushing us along at about 30 knots, so the rushing air was keeping us reasonably cool.

The first few hours saw us speeding along the calm river. Waves or rapids would have slowed us down but here the river was running deep and the surface was flat. The banks here were jungle and the trees really came down into the water, I am not sure if they were all mangrove trees but there are three types of mangrove and we probably passed them all. It was the same on both sides of the river which in this area was a couple of hundred metres wide. We were making good time.

We drank from our water bottles as we didn’t really have time to stop and make a brew of tea. It would have taken too long to gather the wood to make the fire to boil the water. The problem with our water is that it came from the river and it was best to strain it in a muslin filter to take out the animal and vegetable matter that was present. There were about 20 grains of foreign matter in each litre of water. So we strained the water and then put it in our water bottles along with chlorination tablets to purify it and kill any germs. The good news was that the water was now palatable, but the bad news was that it was like drinking disinfectant. But we needed to drink in that heat to stay well.

Our eyes were always sweeping ahead, partly to avoid hitting an object in the river and partly to see if we could catch sight of any wildlife on the banks such as hippos or monkeys in the trees. At the same time, we would look for landmarks to try and pinpoint our position. About the time we felt we were nearing the city we began to see some high-rise buildings poking out on the horizon above the great moabi, iroko, ebony and mahogany trees that formed the jungle canopy.

After another thirty minutes, we came upon the long dirty brown wharves where wood, palm oil and vegetables were unloaded from the river barges. Then further on we saw the manicured bright green lawns of what turned out to be a smart yacht club, with many small and larger boats bobbing on their moorings. Above the lawns was a single storey clubhouse neatly painted and with bright flags flying from an impressively tall flagpole. This seemed to be a sensible place to tie up and find a vehicle to take us into the city and to the British Embassy who were expecting us.

It was about midday and we had been on the river for over four hours and I was starving. Breakfast had been a rotten plastic mug of tea and some dried biscuits and I was looking forward to grabbing a bite to eat wherever we could. Having secured the boat, we walked up to the Clubhouse and were rather conscious of our scruffy appearance in soiled and sweaty shirts and petrol stained cotton trousers below which were wet boots dripping with river water. We must have looked an odd and unusual sight to the kindly barman who stood on the veranda as we approached. He was a Congolese man of about forty who spoke fluent French and was dressed in smart dark trousers with a white jacket, white shirt and bow tie. I briefly explained who we were in my stumbling French as he ushered us through the doors of Kinshasa Yacht Club into the bar area. Coming in from the strong sunlight my eyes adjusted to take in the fine carpet and comfortable looking armchairs around us but more exciting was the bar promising cold drinks and possibly food? I asked, with some trepidation, if there was anything we could eat for lunch to which I heard the immortal reply “Would sir like a steak sandwich?”. As the barman called the order to the chef in the adjacent kitchen, he poured the first chilled larger into a frosted glass and I was at the gates of heaven. The succulent steak sandwich soon arrived – a tender piece of sirloin steak in a fresh baguette. It was delicious and how hard it was to eat slowly. In no time at all the glass was dry and the taxi was waiting to take us to the Embassy – the spell was broken.

Kindly contributed by a Wenvoe resident

 

 

Be A Responsible Dog Owner

 

BE A RESPONSIBLE DOG OWNER

There has been a number of incidents of dog waste not being picked up and dog waste bags being left on the pavements, on walls, hung on bushes, trees etc. Dog waste bags can be placed in any one of the many waste bins around the village; they are not restricted to one of the special dog waste bins. If no bin is available take the bag home and dispose of it in your own bin.

Dog owners are reminded to keep their dogs on leads and off residents property when walking through the village. Concerns have been raised regarding dogs running across residents gardens and even fouling on house lawns. If you see any dog fouling please help by reporting it at; https:// forms.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/en/DogFouling

Wenvoe Community Council recognise the area most affected following resident complaints and are in the process of purchasing a dog waste bin which will be emptied by WCC and not the VoG. This will be on a trial basis and if abused the Dog Waste bin may be removed.

Vale of Glamorgan waste bins are emptied once a week. If any are full you are requested to take the waste to another bin or take it home. Do not leave any additional bags alongside waste bins. Note – The large green bins located in the cemetery are for cemetery waste only and nothing else. These bins have a special emptying contract.

 

 

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