Rich Dark Chocolate and Ginger Slice

 

Rich Dark Chocolate and Ginger Slice

175g ginger biscuits 100g butter 500ml single cream

4tbsp caster sugar

Whiz the biscuits in a food processor to fine crumbs. Melt half the butter and stir in the biscuit crumbs. Press into a deep 20cm spring rim tin. Chill in the fridge for 10 – 15 mins until hard. Heat the cream in a small saucepan until almost boiling. Remove from the heat and stir in the sugar and chocolate. Beat in the remaining butter and ginger. Pour into the tin and chill for about 2 – 3- hours. Remove the rim. To slice, dip a knife in hot water before making each slice. Serve with whipped double cream and fresh raspberries. Add a sprig of mint for decoration.

 

 

 



 

More February Events

 

Our speaker on February 22nd was Mr David Bray ,who gave us a humorous talk on his experiences of collecting rubbish, and of the odd and comical characters he encountered during his many years in charge of Cardiff Waste collections.

 

Our next meeting was on St David’s Day, when we held a social afternoon. Betty asked questions about Cardiff and we recalled many things long forgotten. We then enjoyed our cuppa with Welshcakes and Barabrith.

 

On the 8th February Annette Bracey visited and showed us exercises to improve breathing and posture, this was followed on the 15th with a talk by Lilian Charles who told us of the origins of all our well known nursery rhymes.

 

Our programme for April starts with a talk on WWI nursing by Rosemary Chaloner on the 5th, followed by our Easter party on the 12th. There will be no meeting on the 19th, and Lynne Tippett will be with us on April 26th to tell us of her work as a writer.

 

Wishing all our members a Happy Easter.

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Twmbarlwm

 

Twmbarlwm

The day dawned misty but the weather forecast was ‘clear by lunchtime’ as we left Wenvoe. We started in Fernlea near Risca, climbing some steep streets and walking past allotments. We found the route to the footpath was blocked so headed back the way we had come to take a detour through housing (and more very steep roads) and 2 children’s play areas. Skirting a new development we headed into countryside and northeast towards Pant Yr Eos reservoir.

On reaching a minor road we turned northwest in the general direction of Twmbarlwm. The flattened bodies of 8 frogs were spotted along a ½ mile stretch of the road no doubt caught by local traffic during their migration to breeding sites. As we climbed visibility decreased until we were in a thick fog. Now we were totally reliant on maps and GPS as we could see no more than about 50 yards. Spotting stiles across a field was impossible but a good track was clear once we arrived at Twmbarlwm Common. Twmbarlwm was invisible so we walked slightly further than necessary along this track now heading north. We turned west along another track, suddenly a dark shadow loomed over us in the fog. We had been walking uphill all morning and now we followed an excellent path which spiralled up Twmbarlwm.

Twmbarlwm is an Iron Age hill fort, which lies at the heart of the territory of the Silurian Celts. With commanding views over the Bristol Channel it must have played a large role in the 25 years of war which the Silureans fought against the Roman invaders. The impressive earthworks were constructed around 500BC, long before Rome invaded. The raised circular mound is a ‘motte’ built during the 12th or 13th century by the next invaders – the Normans. It must have supported a timber built castle, and the rest of the wider enclosure would have been the ‘bailey’ to protect the horses and live stock of the soldiers.

The magnificent views (on a good day you can even see the two Severn bridges) were totally hidden by the fog, so we admired the stonework in the footpath and walked to the highest point. Descending we headed northwest and ate our lunch when we reached the road where the ‘Raven Walk’ (a 12 mile 3000+ft circular walk) crossed our route. As we sat, a raven cawed high up in a tree – he was barely visible but stayed until we resumed our walk.

Now we shared a short but steep section of path with cyclists. Through Coed Medart we took a good track and as we continued to descend suddenly came out of the fog and could see the valley below us. The cycle track crossed our path and some daredevil cyclists came careering down the hill and disappeared out of sight down the opposite slope – bit too exciting for me. One cyclist had hit a rock and his front tyre had a deep ‘v’ stamped into it – he had his bike upside down and was attempting a repair.

Our return journey was a pleasant meander down good tracks in a southerly direction until we reached the Brecon and Monmouth canal.

This stretch of the canal is the ‘Crumlin Arm’ and runs for 16km from Cwmcarn to Newport. Opened in 1796 from Crumlin, it was worked until the 1940s. Over Greenmeadow bridge lie the shattered bodies of a number of miners who died in the Blackvein colliery disaster of 1st December 1860. An explosion of firedamp (an explosive coal gas found in mines) and the effects of afterdamp(a suffocating gas left after an explosion of firedamp) killed 142 men and boys working the rich vein of steam coal known as the Blackvein. Many of the dead, however were taken by their families to be buried in their home towns – in England. Locals refused to work the Blackvein as the pit had a reputation for high levels of firedamp, the lethal price of the prized steam coal.

The elegant curved bridges crossing the Crumlin Arm were built to withstand the gentle clip clop of horses’ hooves rather than the rumble and thunder of heavy motor vehicles. Afraid that the bridges would collapse, the Great Western Railway Company which took control of the canal in 1880, installed large diamond shaped warning signs to stop overweight vehicles in their tracks. Darran Bridge and others on this section of the Crumlin Arm now have extra protection having been awarded the status of ‘listed building’.

Cwmcarn houses a visitor centre built on reclaimed colliery land in the 1970s. It is known for Forest drive, bicycle trails and panoramic views and has become a tourist attraction.

An easy walk along the canal covered the final stretch, allowing our tired muscles to recover a little. Arriving back at the cars we had covered 8miles and 1500ft. Map 152

 

 

 

 

 

 



 

Up Coming Events for April

Wenvoe

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We will be holding a night with Marcia Bassey Jones on Friday 5th May from 8 until late. Please see Events.

Advance notice. Nataly Churchill, Spiritulist Medium will be at the Village Hall Friday 23rd June. Doors open at 6pm for Cakes and Tea, then audience will start 7pm until 9pm

We will be naming the event ‘Cakes and Tea with Nataly’ There will be no alcohol at this event. Tickets will be £10 per person to include unlimited Tea, Coffee, Sandwiches and Cakes

These events are always popular, so buy your tickets early. Tickets available from Lisa Bellamy 07904 869001, Sandra Morgan 029 20594724 and playgroup 029 20597494

As I am writing this we are preparing for our Cheese and Wine event. Thank you must go to everyone who has purchased tickets for the event to support the Playgroup. We have sold over 90 tickets to date, so it’s sure to be a sociable event. I will update you in May What’s On.

As always the Spring Term is a busy time at Playgroup. The Children have been enjoying various activities to support their learning by celebrating Chinese New Year, Pancake Day, St Davids Day and World Book Day to mention a few. The children have been busy planting, cleaning the garden and practising their songs most recently in time for our Easter Concert on Thursday 6th April. The concert is open to Parents, extended family and friends only. It is not a public event. However, don’t dismay, we will be sending What’s On some photographs of the children for the May edition.

Our next Open Day for parents and children will be on the 29th June from 1:30pm at the playgroup. In the meantime if you would like more information on Playgroup life or to see up-dated photographs then please visit our website wenvoeplaygroup.co.uk All contact numbers and emails are on our website.

 

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Bath Half Marathon

 

BATH HALF MARATHON
FOR BLOODWISE

In the last edition of Whats On you may have seen my article regarding me and my girlfriend Charlotte running the Bath half marathon in aid of Bloodwise.

I am writing this to say both Charlotte and I took part and completed the half marathon on 12 March. Although it was tough we were cheered on by family and friends around the course and overall had an amazing day.

I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone from the village who has supported us by donating to Bloodwise. It was this support, and the fact we were running to raise money to assist in research for treatment of blood cancer, that kept us going in the latter stages of the run.

Again thank you for all the support which has helped to raise £1778.00 so far. If anyone would still like to donate then they can online by going to https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joeandlottie or by popping to 3 Grange Avenue and Andy will arrange the donation on your behalf.

Thank you so much.

Joe Page

 

 

 



 

Easter Egg Hunt and Clean-up

 

 

We are doing the Easter Egg Trail again this year so from Good Friday why not take the youngsters up to the Upper Orchid Field to follow the trail and answer the questions. Take your completed form to the Wenvoe Village Shop – the first 30 correctly completed forms will earn you an Easter Egg or similar. Thank you to Kam and Punna for supporting this event for the third year.

With our Tesco’s money we have installed two benches at the watercress beds at Goldsland farm along with a noticeboard and bee hotel. We have placed 4 hedgehog 'homes' around the orchards to help these rapidly declining animals. Why not put one in your garden? – they cost between £20 and £30 and come with full instructions on what to do. They are not just for hibernation but can be used all year round.

 

 

More nest boxes are being put up along with insect homes and also butterfly boxes. All of these can be bought for around £3 or £4 each and are in local shops. With 5 ponds to keep an eye on we now have pond-dipping nets, trays and magnifying glasses. This is a great activity for children so if you are interested in learning what to do either with children in your family or as part of group activities run by the Wildlife Group, please contact us. We shall be arranging training sessions in the coming months.

 

 

 

Members of the Group helped out with a litter-pick in Barry in an area known as Tree Tops, near Holm View Leisure Centre. Over 120 bags of rubbish were collected in just under two hours. Clearing litter is not just about making places look better. Many animals both wild and domestic suffer or are killed by plastic bags, cans, glass jars, plastic can holders, rubber bands and balloons. Whilst Wenvoe has nothing like the litter problem that some areas have, we still have litter and it only takes one misplaced item to maim or kill a hedgehog, bird or your cat or dog. It is great to hear that the Community Council are considering the issue of litter-picking and we look forward to joining an event in the parish in the coming months.

 

 

 

 

 



 

Spring Craft Fair Reminder

 

Sunday 14 May 10am – 4pm,

Wenvoe Community Centre

There are less than 2 months to go now until the Wenvoe Spring Craft Fair (presented by Wenvoe Craft Workshop) and all tables are allocated. There will be an impressive line up of nearly 30 talented, local crafters and you can have a go at making a pot on a mobile potters wheel or try painting a ready made pot. Try an exceptional ice cream from Tricycle Treats Stop-me-and-buy-one 1940's style ice cream Tricycle and indulge at the refreshment stall with home made cakes and hot and cold drinks. Buy a ticket for a chance to win a fab prize in our Raffle with all profits going to village projects and good causes.

For more information you can contact the organisers, Glenys and Mike Tucker on 07922 109721 or you can find our event page on Facebook which is listed under Wenvoe Spring Craft Fair.

 

  This event is one not to be missed!  

 

 

 



 

March Walk Programme

 

 MARCH WALKS

 

SATURDAY 1ST APRIL – Cwmparc, Treorchy.

A 7½ mile walk,    Ian. (166)

 

 

THURSDAY 6TH APRIL – Taff Trail.

A circular walk based around the Taff Trail approx. 5 miles  Bert

 

 

SATURDAY 8TH APRIL – Llanvihangel and Llangattock Lincoed.

7 miles.     Vian (OL13)

 

 

SATURDAY 15TH APRIL – Abersychan, nr Pontypool.

About 7½ mile walk.    Ian (152)

 

 

SATURDAY 22ND APRIL – Kilgwrrwg Common,

Chepstow Park Wood 7½ miles    Mike (OL14)

 

 

SATURDAY 29TH APRIL – Dare Valley Park

An 8 mile walk.     Ian (166)

 

 

 

 

 



 

March Letters to the Editor

 

(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. )

 

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I would like to thank Mike Tucker for taking over the gardening spot in What’s On. It’s good to have a fresh approach and his first column in the March edition was most enjoyable and informative. I look forward to his future articles.

Good wishes,

              Trevor

 

 

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I would like to thank everyone who sponsored my walk for Hospice Care. Your generosity is much appreciated. I was able to give the charity £165 00

Thank you all.

          Ian Ellis

 

 

 

 

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EU Regulations on the Sale of CABBAGES

 

The entry on page 5 in the March 2017 edition of ‘Wenvoe What’s On’ is an example of how easily unsubstantiated, or erroneous, statistics can become embedded in the public domain. This very statistic was the subject of scrutiny by the excellent BBC Radio 4 programme ‘More or Less’ which analyses the validity data, particularly those that may have been used to support political arguments. Anyone who would like further specific information on this particular quotation might like to download the ‘More or Less’ podcast as the ‘statistic’ does have a very interesting history, but the short answer is that the number of words in the EU Regulation on the Sale of CABBAGES is not 26911, but ZERO, because no such EU regulation exists.

There are, of course, detailed and wide-ranging regulatory standards governing the production and sale of nearly all farm produce, and the most comprehensive are those of the product assurance schemes. Food from producers and processors who able to meet the necessary standards is eligible to carry the Red Tractor logo which provides an assurance to consumers that what they are buying conforms to the highest standards of quality and welfare. The specifications are very detailed and are subject to rigorous inspection throughout the chain from producer to retailer. However, these have little to do with the EU as they are primarily UK initiatives. They are also entirely

voluntary although most responsible producers and processors have elected to join and have invested the time (and money) necessary to meet the scheme requirements. So, look out for the logo – not only does it confirm the best quality and welfare standards, but any product that carries the Red Tractor logo will also be 100% British.

Robert Reader

Burdons Farm Wenvoe

 

 

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