Category: News

General News Update

 

The last Sunday of the old year of 2018 was marked with a United Eucharist Service at St. Mary’s with members of the congregations of our three churches coming together to celebrate a fitting end to a year that has been good in parts. Weather wise we had the coldest season of Lent with the “beast from the East” dumping so much snow that many were unable to get to church, followed by the hottest summer for many years. Church attendance can be affected by weather conditions, be it heavy rain or gales or heat, but the church doors are always open to offer worship to the God that loves us.

Back in the Summer, when Bishop June visited the parish, she was concerned by the number of services Jon was taking each Sunday, in the three churches, and he was asked to consider cutting back on the work load he was carrying.

Jon,s response has been to arrange for a retired priest, Canon John Oeppen to take the 9.30am Eucharist at St. Mary’s on the first Sunday of the month, and a similar arrangement is also in place at St. John the Baptist Church in Sully. Our pattern of services will remain as at present, but Jon will have cut back on his work load; let us hope the Bishop will accept this arrangement.

The Building committee has received the plans for the proposed lowering of the Chancel step and floor from our new architects Sutton Davies. The recommended work includes the removal of the blue carpeting at the Altar, the Chancel and the Nave of the church. When inspected, the underlay and the carpeting were soaking wet and rotting, resulting in the historic tiling on the floors being damaged with a build-up of salts on the surface of the tiles. This can be seen on the nave tiles where there is a white layer of salt quite visible. The plan is to restore the Chancel to what the Victorian restorers had in mind, and the tiles are quite decorative and after restoration and cleaning will look more suitable for a building that has a Grade ll* listing. There are only 700 buildings in Wales with this category of heritage listing, so our church is very special in the grand scheme of historical buildings. A Faculty for the work has been submitted to the church authorities and a meeting of the committee, which decides on these matters, has met in the church and we await their decision. In the meantime, a Notice of an Application for a Faculty has been affixed to the church door for the proposed works as described above. Any person wishing to make representations regarding the proposals has 28 days in which to do so. Copies of the relevant plans and documents may be examined at St. Mary’s Church.

Jude Billingham, who looks after our Fair Trade and tradecraft products in the Parish, has reported another good trading year from all the stalls set up during the year. In total, since we first had the products on sale since 2005, we have achieved sales of £41,403.12, a great result and Jude and her team of many people over the years have to be congratulated. Long may it continue.

Our Christmas Charity in 2018 was Shelter Cymru and collections were taken at the special services over the Christmas period. This charity helps people in Wales to get expert advice when in need of housing by providing free independent expert housing advice and they campaign to overcome the barriers that prevent people having a secure home in Wales. The total amount raised came to £1,034.42 and this has been forwarded to the charity. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful amount from the congregations of St. Mary’s and St Bleddians’s churches.

Dates for your diaries in February…

Faith in Film… the next film will be “Invictus” at the Rectory on Friday 8th February.

The Chattery meets on 14th February at 10.30 am

Annual Fun Quiz in the Community Centre on February 16th at 7.00pm with Ian Moody as Quiz Master. Tickets on sale at £6.00 from Carol or Sandra. No paid bar this year. Bring your own drinks and snacks.

Have a good month Parry Edwards

Advice From Action Fraud

Action Fraud has received more than 5,000 reports about fake emails and texts purporting to be from TV Licensing. The messages contain links to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information.

Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.

For more information about how to stay safe online, visit cyberaware.gov.uk

Action Fraud has also experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls, voicemails, text messages or emails to members of the public purporting to be from HMRC. (HM Revenue and Customs)

The fraudsters state that as a result of their non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable to prosecution or other legal proceedings such as repossession of belongings to settle the balance but can avoid this by arranging for payment to be made immediately by method such as bank transfer or by iTunes gift cards.

If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, bailiffs or in cases where the victim appears to be of overseas origin, deportation.

Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact.

It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature.

What you need to do:- Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.

Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using iTunes Gift Cards, or any other type of voucher.

Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.

Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, report this as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud.

 

 

Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station

 

Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station is discreetly located in what’s called ‘The Outer Harbour’ which is next to Jacksons Bay on Barry Island. Unlike many other RNLI stations it is not an imposing building on the seafront, nor does it have any wonderful or imaginative launch mechanism like a tractor or impressive slipway. Indeed the current station is an old recycled office from a wood supply business that was once based on the dock.

The lifeboat also sits out of view, permanently moored on the water alongside a floating pontoon which is secured to the dock wall. A big, beautiful orange and blue beast of a machine always ‘on the starting blocks’ with engines kept warm ready to go from a standing start to full power at a moments notice.

However it wasn’t always like that. The RNLI is forever changing, improving and upgrading. Innovation is a massive part of the seafarer’s world as old technologies become redundant to be replaced by newer, safer, more hi-tech alternatives. And so the story goes…..

Work on the first Barry Dock Lifeboat Station started in 1884 as part of the larger development of Barry Docks itself. The initial lifeboat station built with a slipway then received its first Thames type lifeboat in 1901 and became operational which cost £600 and was named “John Wesley” after her benefactors the Wesleyans. She was a 43’ long sailing boat with no internal engine but she was equipped with 10 oars rowed 5 a-side by the crew. She remained on station for 21 years before being sold for £135 having launched on 41 occasions and saved 1 life.

In September 1922 the station received a new 40’ Watson class lifeboat named Prince David which cost £8,000 and stayed in service until 1937 when she was replaced by another 41’ Watson Class boat named Rachel and Mary Evans which cost £6,400. She was the first Barry lifeboat to have an inboard engine driving a single propeller, a fantastic innovation for the crew! This boat saw much service during the war years being called into action with much gallantry on many occasions. Regrettably she

met her end smashed onto rocks at Western Super Mare in 1969

In 1967 a brand new style of Waveney Class of lifeboat was delivered to Barry Dock named “Arthur and Blanche Harris”. This was the station’s first steel hulled lifeboat with much more power from twin Cummins marine engines and was much faster. Also, her metal hull meant she was to be left permanently afloat rather than garaged in a lifeboat station. She had a crew of 5 but could rescue up to 35 casualties in one journey – a huge leap forward. In 1974 she was replaced by an Arun Class lifeboat which didn’t have a name but had the RNLI designation of 52-01. This was a fast craft capable of 18 knots with a crew of seven. In 1997 she was replaced by another Arun Class named Margaret Frances Love and in 2003 was further replaced by a third Arun Class named Mickey Salvesen which stayed there until 2006.

In 2006 the existing boat was delivered – a huge, powerful, fast and very capable Trent Class lifeboat named “Inner Wheel II” after the popular ladies charity organisation. Inner Wheel remains the only All-Weather Lifeboat covering the entire Severn Estuary (there are several other types of lifeboats around the area). She has 2 huge diesel engines which put out vast power to her twin-screw propellers and her wake at full power is something to behold. She carries a volunteer crew of 7 and has the most up-to-date navigation and lifesaving equipment. She is also a self-righting boat in the event of a capsize, keeping her crew safe in a watertight wheelhouse. This is one hugely capable boat supported by a very experienced crew.

If you want to know more about Barry Dock Lifeboat you can follow us on Facebook. If you would like to donate you can contact our Barry Dock Fundraising Manager Avril Kitchen at kitchenavril@gmail.com or you can find out more about the amazing history and equipment of the RNLI at www.rnli.org

 

 

IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN FEBRUARY

February of course, is known for St Valentine’s Day, Shrove Tuesday 9 but unusually it’s in March this year) and every four years the 29th or leap day. The month however, has some other notable and often less well known associations.

In Wenvoe in addition to our many groups and community activities, on Saturday 16th we have the St Mary’s Church annual fun quiz.

In Wales, The Crickhowell Walking Festival begins on February 24th and features 89 guided walks. There is something for everyone, from short and level walks in the Usk Valley, to harder routes which take walkers through some of the most magnificent scenery to be found in Wales.

February is also Black History Month. This is observed annually in the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands and the United States (where it is known as African-American History Month). California and Missouri take this further, celebrating Rosa Parks Day in honour of the civil rights campaigner. The day is celebrated on her birthday, February 4th, while in Ohio it is celebrated on the day of her arrest in December.

 

Among the less celebrated dates is Rare Disease Day, held on the last day of February. Established in 2008 by ‘The European Organisation for Rare Diseases’ this aims to raise awareness of the issue and to promote access to treatment and research.

International Stand Up to Bullying Day on the last Friday of February, takes place in schools, workplaces, and organisations in around 25 countries. Participants sign and wear a pink ‘pledge shirt’ to take a visible, public stance against bullying.

International Polar Bear Day is celebrated every February 27. It is organised by ‘Polar Bears International’ to raise awareness about the impact of global warming and reduced sea ice on polar bears. The day encourages people to reduce their carbon output by turning down their thermostat, driving less or getting energy efficient insulation in their houses. On the day, zoos encourage conservation and visits to polar bear exhibits.

Ending on a lighter note is Ice Cream for Breakfast Day, on the first Saturday in February. It was invented in 1966 by Florence Rappaport in Rochester, New York. The mother of six created it on a snowy February morning, when her children complained there was nothing to do. Not surprisingly perhaps, her off-spring loved the idea and reminded her of it the following year. A tradition began which spread across the world thanks to Florence’s grandchildren, who travelled extensively. As a result celebrations have been recorded as far and wide as China, New Zealand, Nepal, Israel and Honduras.

 

 

Behind-The-Scenes of the RNLI

 

The story in last months WWO about our local lifeboat crews and stations was just to whet your appetites about the local RNLI. Most of you will have viewed BBC2’s programme “Saving Lives At Sea” about the day-to-day work of the RNLI but I thought it’d be a bit more interesting to find out about what goes on behind-the-scenes of the RNLI. How does it operate? What equipment does it use? Where are our local stations? What have they recently responded to? And more importantly who are those volunteers who press ‘pause’ on their lives to respond in times of need.

So firstly a pen picture of the RNLI – it was formed in 1824 by Sir William Hillary and since that time has saved an incredible 142,200 lives. It is 100% a charitable organisation receiving no support whatsoever from either the UK nor Irish governments and is wholly dependant on voluntary donations. It costs over £177 million to run the RNLI including its 238 stations strategically located around the entire coast of the UK and Ireland and its UK HQ base in Poole. It is staffed by about 4,600 people mostly volunteers from local communities who undertake a multitude of tasks within and across the RNLI and keep the ‘oils wheeled’ and the propellers turning!

Locally there are 3 RNLI lifeboat stations; Barry Dock, Penarth and Porthcawl and each has its own allocated jurisdiction broadly covering the western coast of the entire Severn Estuary. However they all support one another whenever needed so geography is largely irrelevant. Each RNLI station is equipped with boats; equipment and staff according to its specific role. Those stations covering large expanses of ocean and unpredictable, turbulent seas are provided with the larger boats like the Mersey and Trent class whereas those covering inland coastal areas are equipped with smaller, more agile RHIB’s (Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats) like the Atlantic 85 or inflatable such as the D Class. The RNLI also uses craft specifically for unique waterways such as hovercraft for large mudflats and estuaries and the very fast E Class on the Thames. More on those in future articles.

Locally Barry Dock uses a large Trent class All- Weather Lifeboat named “Inner Wheel II” which is moored permanently afloat alongside a floating pontoon in Barry Dock. Penarth and Porthcawl are both equipped with an Atlantic 85 RHIB and a D Class Inshore Lifeboat (ILB) which are kept in purpose built lifeboat stations on their respective seafronts. Recently however Barry Dock has also been upgraded to a two boat station with the allocation of a further D Class ILB. Again, more of that in future articles.

So, that just starts to paint the picture of what is a fascinating organisation with an amazing history staffed by incredible people and brilliantly capable equipment. If you want to find out more feel free to visit the excellent RNLI website at www.rnli.org

where you can read about everything RNLI.

Looking ahead I will hopefully provide photos and updates on rescues (or “Shouts” as they’re called) and pen pictures of our volunteer crew members who live in our communities here in the Vale Of Glamorgan

 

 

Reflections on the Past Year

Reflecting on the past year has been incredibly hard, but also somewhat of a blessing in disguise. I can easily confirm 2018 to be the hardest year so far for me emotionally and mentally. Exams all but broke me and the wait for my results was heart-wrenching. My first term at university has just come to an end; the beginning was rocky, and I was worried that the feeling of faliing would mean I would never find my own feet amongst the feelings of uncertainty and anxiety. 2018 was rough mentally and by this point of the year, I’m practically a mess. But when I began to reflect on the social aspect of my 2018, I saw a very different side to the story.

2018 has been the year of me. Absurdly cheesy and cliché, I’m very much aware. But I really feel I’ve come into my own this past year in a way I don’t think I had before. I became published officially this year in ‘Buzz Magazine’ whilst I was working there on a work experience placement. I’m a full-fledged journalist now, ladies and gentlemen – I did my first ever interview and everything! The experience allowed me to explore journalism and expand my skills, as well as explore the environment I may hopefully work in some day. I got the chance, thanks to a family friend, to shadow her when she was invited to be interviewed on BBC Radio Wales; the staff were incredible and took the time to explain to me the different aspects which surrounded the workings of a radio show, for which I’m forever grateful. I was also on BBC Radio Cymru myself on International Women’s Day with some of my friends, which was an experience and a half!

Although I may be one of the only people to ever quote Joseph Stalin in my personal statement (don’t worry! It was in order to mention how I aim to refute the quote ‘A single death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic’ in my lifetime), I received five university offers! The university I had my heart set on offered me the lowest grade of all the others, and despite the fact it made the emotional aspect of A Levels that much harder because I was so desperate to earn my place, it worked out perfectly in the end. Since being at university (I’m studying Welsh and Journalism) I’ve learned so much about Journalism and the fact I’m so incredibly excited to potentially become a Journalist just proves I made the right choice. Since being at university, I’ve appeared on the Welsh radio show ‘Cicio Sodle’’ and it feels like I’m really coming in to my own! I’ve also filmed an advert for the Welsh Government in support of ‘Having a Chat’ about Organ Donation in Wales – a matter I believe very strongly in (I Opted-In this year and I feel it was the best decision for me!).

Reflecting on this year means reflecting on my friends and on my own personal growth. At the beginning of 2018, I felt as though I had a complete lack of self-esteem concerning my appearance. With the help of my incredibly supportive friends, and the ‘I Weigh’ online movement, I’ve become far more confident in my own skin. It was once a rarity to see below my shoulders in a photo, but now it’s common place to see a full-length picture of my body. I’ve learnt to embrace my body and understand that being skinny doesn’t define beauty. Okay, I’m not completely healed of hating my body. HOWEVER, this past year I’ve learned to stop caring, and I’ve realised that I worry about people looking at my stomach when I sit down. I don’t care what other people’s stomachs look like when they sit down – which means no one’s going to care about me and my little tummy. Wearing bikinis has never been my thing, but this year I embraced it, and I felt more in my element wearing bikinis and form-fitting one pieces than ever before.

I’ve found myself surrounded by a support system of sensational people this year. My best friends are the people who are always there to listen to me and who don’t care if I say something stupid. I mean, yeah, they’ll bring it up for the rest of my life, but that’s true friendship – I know they’ll be around for the rest of my life. Two of my best friends moved to a completely different city this year; they’ve both found this first term difficult but considering they’re two of the people who’ve taught me the most about strength, I know they’ll be fine. If it’s not fine it’s not the end (thanks Mam and Dad for being so great this year). Finding new friends when you’ve become accustomed to people you’ve known since you were eleven, or even four is incredibly hard. To everyone who’s made it easy to be friends with at university: I thank you all.

This year I’ve changed. 2018 was the year of me; I learned a lot about myself and despite it not being my best year, it’s by far not my worst. To everyone reading this, I thank you for following my journey. I’m not sure you understand how thankful I am to you. I’ve changed, but I’m still me.

By Tirion Davies

 

 

2018 Roundup

A Happy New year to all our Readers…

January is called after the Roman god Janus who was the god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, passages and endings. He is usually depicted as having two faces, one looking to the future and one looking back to the past. This month is the time when looking back into the year that has ended, reminds us of what has happened in St. Mary’s Church and what we are hoping and looking forward to in 2019. It is a time of reflection, a time of recalling events in the year of 2018, a time of taking stock of the position we find ourselves in the life of the parish church in the community of Wenvoe.

There have been times when our church has been bursting at the seams with the nave and transept full and people standing in the tower vestry. The Remembrance Sunday service when we marked the 100 years since the signing of the Armistice in the 1st World War, was one such occasion. The services and Carol Concerts during the Christmas celebrations always bring in the crowds. We have conducted some very large funerals, with many standing in the churchyard, unable to get a seat inside the church. The Scarecrow Festival and Harvest Celebration in September, despite the bad weather, brought hundreds of visitors to the church. Our Parish Priest Jon works tirelessly in producing services that catch the mood of the seasons throughout the year, and the congregation really appreciates all that he does to enliven the message of salvation that he brings to each and everyone in the community.

He is supported in his work by the many volunteers, who give cheerfully of their time, who see to the daily running of the church. The two Churchwardens, the men and women who are on the church cleaning rota, the men who wind up the church clock, week by week, those who raise and change the flags flying on the flagpole on the tower, the ladies who arrange the flowers, the members of the Social Committee for catering and providing delicious cakes etc, at the many times during the year when hospitality is offered to visitors, and to all who donate cakes and biscuits so willingly during the year. Mention must be made of the members of the Music Group who play at the all Age Service on the 4th Sunday of the month. This informal worship is enhanced by their playing, and the hymns and songs often go with a swing and much clapping. The Chattery meets in the Church Hall on the 2nd Thursday of the month, offering a time for Tea/Coffee and a chat, with a raffle and a Tradecraft Stall. There are many regular customers but there is always room for more with a great welcome thrown in. Our 200 Club continues to grow and there are now more than 300 shareholders at £12 per share. The prizes are drawn at the Coffee/Tea in the church hall following the morning service on the 4th Sunday of the month. Dickon Oliver is pleased to welcome more shareholders as the proceeds are a major

contributor to our Building Fund, which is used to fund many of the day to day repairs to the fabric of the church building.

Mention must also be made of the two services recorded for BBC Wales in October with one broadcast on Advent Sunday and the other will be broadcast on Epiphany – Sunday the 6th January 2019.

Our churchyard is often commented upon as to how well it is being kept, thanks to Mike Tucker who keeps an eye on it, and who also works in areas not seen such as the tower, roof and gutters. Our electrics are kept in order by Neil Bainbridge, who for a number of years has replaced fittings and bulbs when necessary. All these people and many more all work together to keep the doors of St Mary’s open, to offer a welcome into God’s house that is sincere and caring for everyone’s wellbeing.

During the year our Pebbles Group, who meet in the Church Hall, join with the 9.30 am congregation and what joy and happiness they bring with them. Leaders and parents we thank you for being with us and sharing the activities they have been working on during their Sunday morning session. There is always room for more and Alyson Williams and her team are ready to welcome new children at any time. Likewise the Messy Church sessions on selected Saturday afternoons are well supported. These are run with the Vale Church and are great fun with worship, singing, craft activities and at the end a meal is shared and all of this is FREE.

So much for what has been happening, now we look forward to seeing the plans for relaying the chancel floor into a gradual gradient, to take away the chancel step, which is considered a hazard to the congregation and wheelchair users alike. We also await the revised plans for our proposed church extension on the North side of Nave; they will be different from the previous plans we were considering, but will be more user friendly. So we welcome 2019 in, knowing that the future looks bright, and that there remains much work for willing hands.

A date for your diary The Family Fun Quiz will take place on Saturday 16th February 2019 in the Community Centre, Wenvoe at 7.00pm for a 7.30 start with our quiz master Ian Moody ably assisted by his daughter Kim. Raffle and nibbles available. Tickets on sale NOW..

A Blwythyn Newydd Da. Happy New year 2019 — bring it on!

 

 

THE TWELVE THANK YOU NOTES OF CHRISTMAS

Dec 25 – My dearest darling Edward, What a wonderful surprise has just greeted me! That sweet partridge, in that lovely little pear-tree; what an enchanting, romantic, poetic present! Bless you, and thank you.

Your deeply loving

Emily xxxxx

Dec 26 – Beloved Edward, The two turtle-doves arrived this morning, and are cooing away in the pear-tree as I write. I’m so touched and grateful!

With undying love, as always,

Emily xxxxx

Dec 27 – My darling Edward, You do think of the most original presents! Whoever thought of sending anybody three French hens? Do they really come all the way from France? It’s a pity we have no chicken coops, but I expect we’ll find some. Anyway, thank you so much; they’re lovely.

Your devoted

Emily xxxx

Dec 28 – Dearest Edward, What a surprise! Four calling birds arrived this morning. They are very sweet, even if they do call rather loudly – they make telephoning almost impossible – but I expect they’ll calm down when they get use to their new home. Anyway, I’m very grateful, of course I am.

Love from

Emily xxxx

Dec 29 – Dearest Edward, The mailman has just delivered five most beautiful gold rings, one for each finger, and all fitting perfectly! A really lovely present! Lovelier, in a way, than birds, which do take rather a lot of looking after. The four that arrived yesterday are still making a terrible row, and I’m afraid none of us got much sleep last night. Mother says she wants to use the rings to “wring” their necks. Mother has such a sense of humor. This time she’s only joking, I think, but I do know what she means. Still, I love the rings.

Bless you,

Emily xxx

Dec 30 – Dear Edward, Whatever I expected to find when I opened the front door this morning, it certainly wasn’t six socking great geese laying eggs all over the porch. Frankly, I rather hoped that you had stopped sending me birds. We have no room for them, and they’ve already ruined the croquet lawn. I know you meant well, but let’s call a halt, shall we?

Love,

Emily xx

Dec 31 – Edward, I thought I said NO MORE BIRDS. This morning I woke up to find no more than seven swans, all trying to get into our tiny goldfish pond. I’d rather not think what’s happened to the goldfish. The whole house seems to be full of birds, to say nothing of what they leave behind them, so please, please, stop!

Your Emily xx

Jan 1 – Frankly, I prefer the birds. What am I to do with eight milkmaids? And their cows! Is this some kind of a joke? If so, I’m afraid I don’t find it very amusing.

Emily x

Jan 2 – Look here, Edward, This has gone far enough. You say you’re sending me nine ladies dancing. All I can say is, judging from the way they dance, they’re certainly not ladies. The village just isn’t accustomed to seeing a regiment of shameless viragos, with nothing on but their lipstick, cavorting round the green, and it’s Mother and I who get the blame. If you value our friendship, which I do (less and less), kindly stop this ridiculous behavior at once!

Emily

Jan 3 – As I write this letter, ten disgusting old men are prancing up and down all over what used to be the garden, before the geese and the swans and the cows got at it. And several of them, I have just noticed, are taking inexcusable liberties with the milkmaids. Meanwhile the neighbours are trying to have us evicted. I shall never speak to you again.

Emily.

Jan 4 – This is the last straw! You know I detest bagpipes! The place has now become something between a menagerie and a madhouse, and a man from the council has just declared it unfit for habitation. At least Mother has been spared this last outrage; they took her away yesterday afternoon in an ambulance. I hope you’re satisfied.

Jan 5 – Sir,

Our client, Miss Emily Wilbraham, instructs me to inform you that with the arrival on her premises at 7:30 this morning of the entire percussion section of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and several of their friends, she has no course left open to her but to seek an injunction to prevent you importuning her further. I am making arrangements for the return of much assorted livestock.

I am, Sir, yours faithfully,

I. Creep,

Attorney at law.

 

 

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