Report from the Hub April 2025



WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com


Report from the Hub

April 2025


Our Community Library / Hub

Just four years ago, the corner of our village that now buzzes with conversation, laughter and the comforting clink of coffee cups was little more than a tired terrapin building clinging to the last threads of usefulness. It is today a thriving hub of activity – a modern, welcoming space that has become the centre of our community.

Reborn as a Community Library / Hub, it is run by a team of four directors and powered by the unstoppable energy of 30 local volunteers. But it is far more than just a library, it’s a place where stories are shared, friendships are forged and community spirit is alive and kicking.

Step inside and you’ll find a warm, light-filled space where people come not just to borrow books, but to connect. The coffee bar is always busy and wholly welcoming. It’s the kind of place where you pop in for five minutes and end up staying an hour, catching up with volunteers, neighbours or meeting someone new.

The hub pulses with life thanks to a rich programme of activities. There’s a vibrant Welsh language group that’s helping keep our heritage alive, a supportive men’s group that offers connection and camaraderie and a magical weekly preschool storytelling and singalong session that fills the space with giggles and imagination. But that’s just the beginning. You can improve your French in a relaxed and friendly setting, chat with your local PCSOs over a coffee, or come along to one of the many guest talks that spark lively conversation and learning.

The Hub is proud to be dementia-friendly, creating a welcoming and accessible space for all. And for those looking for a bit of sparkle midweek, the Golden Girls session brings together local women for laughter, support, and a good catch-up – all part of a community that looks out for one another. There’s always something going on. It’s no wonder that the Hub has become a testament to what happens when community comes first – when people rally together to build something lasting, meaningful, and joyful.

From modest beginnings to a flourishing future, our community hub isn’t just a building. It’s ours. And it’s thriving.

Heulwen Davies

New books in the Library

Spy Thriller: Final Traitor by Andy McDermott. The mission comes first, you are a desirable asset. Betrayal is punished by death.

Fiction: My Favourite Mistake by Marian Keyes

Everywhere she turns, her mistakes are waiting. But might they just save her?

Romance: P.S. I Love You by Cecelia Ahern

A bittersweet storyline guaranteed to tug on your heartstrings.

Non Fiction: Richard Beauchamp by David Brindley

Medieval England’s Greatest Knight

Childrens: Mermaid Academy – Harper and Splash. Dive into Magic

Report from the Hub

  • Our monthly leaflets are available in the Hub for a full monthly list of activities.
  • Reminder: The Library no longer takes second hand jigsaw puzzles, books or magazines due to lack of space.
  • Please remember that with increasing reliance on technology, we are happy to assist with accessing information on-line. Help is also available from Citizens Advice, Age UK and One Stop Shop.

Future Activities

  • Cuppa with a Coppa – meets on Wednesday 4th June, at 2.00pm in the Hub.
  • Wellbeing Group – meets on Friday 6th June between 2.00pm and 3.00pm in the Hub.

 


 

Report from the Hub May 2025



WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com


Report from the Hub

May 2025


New books are in the Library again!

You are Here, David Nicholls : Marie and Michael find themselves alone on the most epic of walks and on the precipice of a new friendship

Long Island, Colm Tobin : “It occurred to him that he really wanted to ask if she had thought much about him over the years”

The Life Impossible, Matt Haig : A beautiful novel full of life affirming wonder and imagination.

Mr Einsteins’ Secretary, Matthew Reilly : Hanna Fischer is catapulted into a new and extraordinary life, as a secretary, a scientist, a sister and a spy.

The Sience Factory, Bridget Collins : A delicately woven novel with an utterly original premise, it ensnared me from the very first page.

Children’s Fiction

The Case of the Poisonous Pigs, Nick Sheridan : Three unlikely detectives, one big mystery.

Report from the Hub

Along with the other Vale libraries and Community Libraries, our Hub has been designated a warm space, so come on in for a warm, coffee and a chat.

Our monthly leaflets are available in the Hub for a full monthly list of activities.

 

Reminder: The Library no longer takes second hand jigsaw puzzles, books or magazines due to lack of space.

Please remember, that with increasing reliance on technology, we are happy to assist with accessing information on-line. Help is also available from Citizens Advice, Age UK and One Stop Shop.

Look out, coming soon. Easter Chicks and Dinosaurs (with chocolate egg) at a cost of £1.50 each

Our Library’s Spring Raffle will take place in May 2025 – watch this space!

 

Future Activities

 Cuppa with a Coppa – will meet on a Wednesday in April 2025 at 2 pm in the Hub TBA

 Wellbeing Group – will meet on a Friday in April 2025 between 2 pm and 3 pm in the Hub – TBA

 Our talk in May is ‘Wonderful things about bees’ by Professor R Rickard. Tickets will be available after Easter in the Hub.

 

Very Early Notice

Hay Festival 2025 dates: 22 May – 1 June 2025

Programmes have been sent for so will be available in the Library for perusing. Keep watching for further information in What’s On.

 


 

Report from the Hub April 2025



WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com


Report from the Hub

April 2025


New books are in the Library again!

You are Here, David Nicholls : Marie and Michael find themselves alone on the most epic of walks and on the precipice of a new friendship

Long Island, Colm Tobin : “It occurred to him that he really wanted to ask if she had thought much about him over the years”

The Life Impossible, Matt Haig : A beautiful novel full of life affirming wonder and imagination.

Mr Einsteins’ Secretary, Matthew Reilly : Hanna Fischer is catapulted into a new and extraordinary life, as a secretary, a scientist, a sister and a spy.

The Sience Factory, Bridget Collins : A delicately woven novel with an utterly original premise, it ensnared me from the very first page.

Children’s Fiction

The Case of the Poisonous Pigs, Nick Sheridan : Three unlikely detectives, one big mystery.

Report from the Hub

Along with the other Vale libraries and Community Libraries, our Hub has been designated a warm space, so come on in for a warm, coffee and a chat.

Our monthly leaflets are available in the Hub for a full monthly list of activities.

 

Reminder: The Library no longer takes second hand jigsaw puzzles, books or magazines due to lack of space.

Please remember, that with increasing reliance on technology, we are happy to assist with accessing information on-line. Help is also available from Citizens Advice, Age UK and One Stop Shop.

Look out, coming soon. Easter Chicks and Dinosaurs (with chocolate egg) at a cost of £1.50 each

Our Library’s Spring Raffle will take place in May 2025 – watch this space!

 

Future Activities

 Cuppa with a Coppa – will meet on a Wednesday in April 2025 at 2 pm in the Hub TBA

 Wellbeing Group – will meet on a Friday in April 2025 between 2 pm and 3 pm in the Hub – TBA

 Our talk in May is ‘Wonderful things about bees’ by Professor R Rickard. Tickets will be available after Easter in the Hub.

 

Very Early Notice

Hay Festival 2025 dates: 22 May – 1 June 2025

Programmes have been sent for so will be available in the Library for perusing. Keep watching for further information in What’s On.

 


 

Report from the Hub March 2025



WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com


Report from the Hub

March 2025


For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com. Like and follow us and keep up with news and events on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

 

Latest news – new books arriving shortly!

Report from the Hub

  • Along with the other Vale libraries and Community Libraries, our Hub has been designated a warm space, so come on in for a warm, coffee and a chat.
  • Our monthly leaflets are available in the Hub for a full monthly list of activities.
  • Reminder: The Library no longer takes second hand books or magazines due to lack of space. At the time of print, the British Heart Foundation are also not taking second hand books.
  • Please remember, that with increasing reliance on technology, we are happy to assist with accessing information on-line. Help is also available from Citizens Advice, Age UK and One Stop Shop.

 

Future Activities

  • Cuppa with a Coppa – will meet on a Wednesday March 2025 at 2 pm in the Hub.
  • Wellbeing Group – will meet on a Friday in March 2025 between 2 pm and 3 pm in the Hub.
  • Our talk on 28 March will be given by Ross Thomas. The subject being King Charles I – Martyr or Traitor? The road to the scaffold. Tickets are available at the Reception desk in the Library.

 

Very Early Notice

Hay Festival 2025 dates: 22 May – 1 June 2025

Programmes have been sent for so will be available in the Library for perusal. Keep watching for further information in What’s On.

 

Like and follow us and keep up with news and events on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary


 

Report from the Hub Feb 2025



WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com


Report from the Hub


 Coffee at the Hub – why not come in and have a coffee, tea or chocolate. We also sell Fruit Shoots (sugar free) and a small selection of ice creams / popsicles.

 Christmas Raffle – Clare Ellis has provided the Hub with more wonderful hampers this year. The lucky winners were: Wendy and Cathy (no surnames supplied)

 Our monthly leaflets are available in the Hub for a full monthly list of activities.

Reminder: The Library no longer takes second hand books or magazines due to lack of space. At the time of print, the British Heart Foundation are also not taking second hand books.

 

Watch this Space

 Cuppa with a Coppa – will meet on Wednesday 19 February 2025 at 2 pm in the Hub

 Wellbeing Group – will meet on Friday 21 February 2025 between 2 pm and 3 pm in the Hub

 Our talk in 28 February is being given by our own Joyce Hoy – Travellers Tales. Again it will start at 7.00 pm – tickets will be available after the January talk. Joyce will be showing photos of some her trips as well as anecdotes.

 The talk on 28 March will be given by Ross Thomas. The subject being King Charles 1 – Martyr or Traitor? The road to the scaffold. Tickets will be available after the February talk.

 

With the temperatures falling drastically, pop into the hub for a browse and/or a chat. You will always be greeted with a warm welcome and a friendly face and it you want, a cup of tea, coffee or hot chocolate. Also, please remember, that with increasing reliance on technology, we are happy to assist with accessing information on-line. Help is also available from Citizens Advice, Age UK and One Stop Shop.

 

WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

Tel: 029 2280 5574 – during opening hours. For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

 

Like and follow us and keep up with news and events on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary


 



WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com


Report from the Hub


Happy New Year from the Volunteers of the Library


Report from the Hub

  • Coffee at the Hub – why not come in and have a coffee, tea or chocolate. We also sell Fruit Shoots (sugar free) and a small selection of ice creams / popsicles.
  • With winter here and shorter, colder days, please feel free to pop into the hub for a browse and/or a chat. You will always be greeted with a warm welcome and a friendly face. Also, please remember, that with increasing reliance on technology, we are happy to assist with accessing information on-line. Help is also available from Citizens Advice, Age UK and One Stop Shop.
  • Christmas Raffle – Clare Ellis has provided the Hub with wonderful hampers this year. We will report who won the hamper in our next edition.

 

  • Reminder:

The Library no longer takes second hand books or magazines. At the time of print, the British Heart Foundation are also not taking second hand books.

 

Watch this Space

  • Cuppa with a Coppa – will meet on Wednesday 15 January 2025 at 2 pm in the Hub
  • Wellbeing Group – will meet on Friday 17 January 2025 between 2 pm and 3 pm in the Hub
  • Our next talk is on Friday 24 January 2025 at 7.30 pm in the Hub by Professor John Miles on ‘Cayman Islands – 50 years on’
  • Our talk in February is being given by our own Joyce Hoy – Travellers Tales. Tickets for both talks available in the New Year

 

Library Hub – December 2024



WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com


Library Hub – December 2024


Books New Arrivals – our selection

Children’s fiction: The Glorious Race of Magical Beasts by Alex Bell

Crime: Safe Enough by Lee Child. New collection of short stories

Fiction: Such Charming Liars by Karen M McFarlane. ’It’s their last heist and they only have one shot’

Non Fiction: Most delicious poison by Noah Whiteman. Spices to vices – The Story of Nature’s Toxins

Report from the Hub

Coffee at the Hub, why not come in and drink a coffee. We also sell Fruit Shoots (sugar free) and a small selection of ice creams / popsicles.

As winter approaches and the days shorten and become colder, please feel free to pop into the hub for a browse and/or a chat. You will always be greeted with a warm welcome and a friendly face. Also, please remember, that with increasing reliance on technology, we are happy to assist with accessing information on-line. Help is also available from Citizens Advice, Age UK and One Stop Shop.

Christmas Raffle – Clare Ellis has provided the Hub with more wonderful hampers this year. Look out for it in the Library – tickets £1.00 each. Monies raised will go towards the upkeep of the library

Reminder: The Library no longer takes second hand books or magazines due to lack of space. The British Heart Foundation in Barry will accept books.

The Community Library/Hub organised a very successful trip to Westonbirt Arboretum in October. Apart from the initial shower of rain, it was a long walk but seeing the trees in their autumn colours was wonderful.

Keep an eye out for our next trip in the new year.

Watch this Space

  • Cuppa with a Coppa – tba at 2.20 pm in the Hub
  • Wellbeing Group – Friday 13th December 2024 between 2 pm and 3 pm in the Hub
  • On Saturday 16 November. Wenvoe Library joined with Dinas Powys and Sully community libraries for a local Christmas Post. Each card posted will cost 40p and will run until Saturday 14 December 2024. Full list of streets accepted will be displayed in the Library. All monies will contribute to the running of the Library.

 


 

Community Library November Events



WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com


Library Hub – November 2024


Books

New Arrivals – Our selection

Crime:

Pursued by Death by Gunnar Staalessen – a fiercely good crime novel.

Romance:

The Secret Orchard by Sharon Gosling – A long lost romance.

Fiction:

So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison – sharp, comedic vampire novel.

Non Fiction:

Biology – 100 ideas in 100 words – Science Museum.

Young Readers:

Meet the Maliks – Twin detectives by Zanib Mian.

Report from the Hub

  • Coffee at the Hub, why not come in and drink a coffee. We also sell Fruit Shoots (sugar free) and a small selection of ice creams / popsicles.
  • As winter approaches and the days shorten and become colder, please feel free to pop into the hub for a browse or a chat. You will always be greeted with a warm welcome and a friendly face. Also, please remember, that with increasing reliance on technology, we are happy to assist with accessing information on-line, or completing any applications. Help is also available from Citizens Advice, Age UK and One Stop Shop.
  • Christmas Raffle – monies raised towards upkeep of library
  • The Library no longer takes second hand books or magazines due to lack of space. The British Heart Foundation in Barry will accept books.
  • Children who signed up for the Summer Reading Challenge were presented with their certificates at a school assembly.

 

Watch this Space

  • Cuppa with a Coppa – tba at 2.20 pm in the Hub
  • Wellbeing Group – 15 November 2024 between 2.00pm and 3.00pm in the Hub
  • Gail Griffiths will be giving a Talk on Friday 22 November at 7.00pm on Hot Air Ballooning. Tickets £3.00 each at the Library.
  • Wenvoe Library has joined with Dinas Powys, Llandough, Michelston le Pit and Sully libraries for Christmas Post. Each card to be posted will cost 40p and will run from middle of November until Saturday 14 December 2024. Full list of streets accepted will be displayed in the Library.

 

COMMUNITY LIBRARY / HUB

CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS

We are recruiting more volunteers to join our team.

The Library / Hub offers a wide range of services to our Wenvoe Community

You can choose how and when you work, full training is given.

Many of us have been working together since 2016, we always welcome new volunteers.

For a job description and further information, please call in or contact us on wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

 



Community Library October Events



WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com


Library Hub – October 2024


Books New arrivals – Our selection

Crime: Inside Threat by Matthew Quirk. The White House has been breached.

Romance: Better Left Unsent by Lia Louis. Pure romance magic.

Fiction: The Midnight Hour by Eve Chase. A golden family, a buried secret and a clock ticking down.

Non Fiction: Kier Starmer – the biography by Tom Baldwin

Young Readers: Photo Skills – How to be a brilliant photographer.

Report from the Hub Team

Coffee at the Hub; why not pop in for a coffee and a chat. We also sell Fruit Shoots (sugar free) and a small selection of ice creams / popsicles.

As winter approaches and the days shorten and become colder, please feel free to pop into the hub for a browse or a chat. You will always be greeted with a warm welcome and a friendly face. Also, please re￾member, that with increasing reliance on technology, we are happy to assist with accessing information on-line, or completing any applications.

Volunteers – we are in need of more volunteers. If you are interested, pop in for a chat. See separate advert.

Don’t forget to measure the height of your sunflower at the beginning of October and register it with the Library

Watch this Space
Cuppa with a Coppa – tba at 2.20 pm in the Hub
Wellbeing Group – tba between 2 pm and 3 pm in the Hub

Westonbirt Arboretum

We now have a date for the trip to Westonbirt Arboretum – 25th October 2024. The coach will be £25 per person. Entry to the Arboretum is £14.40 but if we block book there is a 10% discount taking it to £12.96.

This is in addition to the coach cost.

The coach will leave at around 9.30 am from the usual place outside the Wenvoe Arms and pick up for return around 4pm. A £10 non-refundable deposit will be required.

The Arboretum can provide wheelchairs and motorised scooters but we would need to let them know as early as possible of how many would be needed.

Don’t be disappointed as numbers are limited. Pop into the library to book your seat.

Summer Reading Challenge 2024 – until we meet again next year

The aim of the annual Summer Reading Challenge is to encourage children to keep reading during the sum￾mer holidays, ensuring they are ready for a great start to the new term in the autumn. Children set a reading goal and collect rewards for reading anything they enjoy.

As it has done each summer for the last seven years, the Hub launched the Summer Reading Challenge 2024

on the first Saturday of July, this year being 6th July. All Primary School and Nursery children were invited to take up the Challenge.

And it has been a successful year. Sixty-eight children aged from 3 to 11 took up the challenge. In total fifty children have read at least 2 books. Seventeen completed the challenge, each having read six books. A fur￾ther six read more than 6 books each. These ‘Super Readers’ will be awarded an additional prize in the form of a book token from the Hub as a special ‘well-done,’

Certificates and prizes will be handed out to all successful challengers at a whole school assembly just before October half-term.

Well done everyone! It has certainly been a bumper year for readers.

Alina Trigger

 



Community Library September Events



WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com


Library Hub – September 2024


New arrivals – Our selection

Crime: Mrs Pargeter’s Patio. Mystery fans seeking pure escapism fun will be rewarded.

Family: An Ideal Husband by Erica James. Wonderful on family dynamics.

Fiction: SAS Hero: Gold Red by Chris Ryan.

Non Fiction: One Thousand Shades of Green by Mike Dilger. A year in search of Britain’s wild plants.

Young Readers: The Library Mouse by Frances Tosdevin & Spolina O’Connor. Quill the library mouse is a dreamer. He longs to write stories and share them with children at his beloved library.

Report from the Hub Team

  • Coffee at the Hub. Now the warm weather is here, why not come in and drink a coffee on our patio. We also sell Fruit Shoots (sugar free) and a small selection of ice creams / popsicles.
  • Volunteers. We are in need of more volunteers. If you are interested, pop in for a chat.

 

Watch this space

  • Cuppa with a Coppa – tba at 2.20 pm in the Hub
  • Wellbeing Group – tba between 2 pm and 3 pm in the Hub

 

Wenvoe Village Mother and Toddlers

What is there to say other than the group is extremely popular and well attended. We had a peak attendance early in July of 39, which includes the children & parents/grandparents & childminders.

We have been running long enough now to see our initial cohort of children move on to playgroup or nursery, they seem very old at three! So the majority of children coming now are aged 1 – 1 ½ & our play activities & stories reflect this.

It is a great outlet for grandparents, some who have recently moved to the area to support the care of their grandchildren. Some weeks it is like a mini Clwb Clonc as a few of the grandparents and parents speak Welsh.

We had the second of our annual summer outings at the end of June – a walk across the Barrage to the children’s play area plus a picnic. Short of being blown over we didn’t get as far as the play area but returned to a cafe for shelter & a chat. The children didn’t seem to mind at all.

Here are some comments made by a few of the adult attendees:

The children’s group on a Wednesday morning is absolutely fantastic. My eldest daughter, attended when she was younger and I have no doubt that it greatly contributed to her developing language, love of singing and books. I have no hesitation in now bringing along my newborn daughter. A lovely welcoming group for all to enjoy.

This group has been a pleasure to attend both for us as grandparents and the children – to see them develop skills has been a blessing. The volunteers are delightful and nothing is too much trouble for them. The children really enjoy learning songs and listening to stories.

The joy the children get from books is wonderful to observe & families are encouraged to register the children with the Library as early as possible.

Westonbirt Arboretum

We now have a date for the trip to Westonbirt Arboretum – 25th October 2024. The coach will be £25 per person.

  • Entry to the Arboretum is £14.40 but if we block book there is a 10% discount taking it to £12.96. This is in addition to the coach cost.
  • The coach will leave at around 10am from the usual place outside the Wenvoe Arms and pick up for return around 4pm.
  • A £10 non-refundable deposit will be required.
  • The Arboretum can provide wheelchairs and motorised scooters but we would need to let them know as early as possible of how many would be needed.
  • Don’t be disappointed as numbers are limited. Pop into the library to book your seat.

 

Tuesday mornings in the Hub

A collection of retired gentlemen meet at the Hub on a Tuesday morning, enjoying each other’s company and varied topics of conversation. A cup of delicious coffee served by very cheerful ladies keeps the gents well lubricated and allows the conversation to carry on flowing.



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