Month: July 2017

Wenvoe Statistics

 

 

Some interesting facts: Wenvoe Residents

 

From time-to-time the Vale of Glamorgan (like all local authorities and governments) will collect information to inform planning decisions on schools, roads, housing, business and other strategic developments. The information used here is taken from the most recent UK National Survey (published mid-year 2015) and the Vale of Glamorgan Public Opinion Survey undertaken in 2014. Together they help paint a population picture of Wenvoe and the Vale. The two surveys use different methodologies – hence slightly different results on age profiles.

Sense of Belonging

A result worth starting with is that over 80% of Vale residents feel a sense of belonging to their local area; with the highest satisfaction in rural areas; while almost all agreed that they feel proud to live in the Vale. Older residents -15% – had a stronger feeling of pride.

Vale’s Population

The Vale's population is just under 128,000.

The age profile is similar to the Welsh

Average: 20% aged 0-15, 60% aged

16-64 and 20% aged 65+.

Wenvoe’s Population

Wenvoe at the last census (which covers – Bonvilston, Brooklands Terrace/Parc y Gwenfô. St Lythan, St Nicholas, Twyn – yr – Odyn) had, 2,660 residents and 1,200 households..

Welsh Speakers

3% of Vale residents report being able to speak Welsh fluently. Of this small proportion one quarter reported using Welsh on a daily basis. Around 10% of Wenvoe residents speak Welsh.

Vale Residents with Disability

The percentage of Vale’s residents reporting activity limitations due to disability is one of the lowest in Wales..In the Vale it is 20%; in Wales it is almost 23%

Moving in and out of Wenvoe

Both sets of predictions should be tempered by people moving out of and into the Vale. In the recent past more people moved to other UK countries than moved into the area from UK countries.

Fortunate to live in Wenvoe.

Many residents enjoy a high living standard of living. Unlike other areas we benefit from less: disadvantage, unemployment, poor health, low educational achievement and levels of crime.

Community Diversity

The diverse population of Wenvoe should continue to enrich the community.

 

 

‘All residents can look forward to a bright future’. (A profile of the Vale of Glamorgan 2014) BD

 

 

 

July Planning Applications

 

 

• Land off Chapel Terrace, Twyn Yr Odyn. Construction of new barn to be used for stabling and animal shelter with areas for feed/hay storage and maintenance of plant and machinery in connection with the land. Due to the barn’s proposed prominent location on the site the Council would not support the application, the ridge slopes being part of a special landscape area.

 

 

 

July Planning Updates

Planning updates

The following applications have been approved

• 9 Tarrws Close, – First floor extension over existing kitchen.

• 9 Grange Close, Wenvoe Non-Material Amendment – Window alteration to the rear elevation. Discharge of conditions 8. 10 and 13 in relation to planning application 2015/00089/FUL

• Land South of Wenvoe and East of Port Road, Wenvoe Variation of Condition 1 of permission to allow a further period of two years for the implementation of the access and internal site works. The intension is to use the land as allotments.

• Woodview, Garn Farm, Wenvoe Variation of existing agricultural occupancy condition. There are still restrictions imposed on the occupancy of the property.

• Dyffryn Springs, St Lythans Road, Dyffryn Construction of a building to serve as a wedding venue to replace the present marquee.

• Brooklands Retail Park, Brooklands Terrace, Culverhouse Cross, Cardiff Reduce 3 Poplars and remove a single Poplar with TPO protection.

 

The latest drawings received on the proposed Community Centre extension incorporating replacement storage accommodation for the present users was not acceptable and a stand-alone structure will be considered. The Council has also been in discussion with the Vale about improvements to the play equipment to the parks in the community using available 106 monies. Improvements to the present muddy Station Road playing field parking area will also be considered.

Following complaints about the Port Road crossing area by the Walston Castle favoured cyclists and bus users either had to detour to use it or cross via an inadequate island a site visit was held. Although agreed the bus stops would have to remain in their present locations possible improvements will be examined. The restricted road width and problems caused by large vehicles turning into Nant Isaf will be examined at the same time.

The meeting received a welcome visit by the police. The latest crime figures were reported which included thefts from the Walston Castle and the golf club. The police reminded members of the 101 phone number to report any non-urgent matter. The police force across the Vale is looking at the problems associated with school parking and are considering permitting PCSOs to issue parking tickets in future.

Traffic survey measurements are being made on roads around the village to obtain meaningful data measurements are not usually conducted during school holiday periods due to the change in the pattern of vehicle movements.

Following discussions with St Mary’s Church representatives earlier this year concerning the future of the church hall the Council has now received communication from the Church of Wales Property Services with their proposed valuation of the structure. The Council will consider the matter after future investigation.

WENVOE LITTER PICK

If anyone doubted whether it was worth doing a litter-pick around Wenvoe our first organised litter-pick will have proved them wrong with 10 bags filled in just an hour. Not only does it improve the appearance of an area but it can improve safety. We found broken glass on the pavement outside the school, on Grange Park and in the tunnel and both people and animals can be at risk. Our thanks to Keep Wales Tidy for help in getting this programme off the ground but particularly to those who turned out on a miserable drizzly day to do the collecting. Look out for notices in Whats On and on the noticeboards for our next session.

 

 

 

 

July Community Library News

 

Most of the news this month has been in the digital realm, which is probably a sign of the times.

We have established a Facebook (FB) site of our own which can be found on FB by searching "Wenvoe Community Library". If you would "Like" and "Follow" us then that would be great; we can issue updates and reminders on a range of library and literary topics via the FB site.

Over the last month the Vale of Glamorgan Library Service has been switching over to a new Library Management System which will be common to all public libraries in Wales by the end of the year. The switch-over hasn't been as smooth or as quick as hoped but it's all running now. The ability to find and order a book held by any library service across South Wales is a great advantage to many readers. As a reminder, library members can go on line, search for books and reserve them as well as renewing existing loans; if your account needs upgrading ask for the application form in the library which confirms you have read and understood the Vale's policy for accessing their system.

We are hoping to hold some Storytime sessions during the summer holidays. If you and your children are interested please call in the library for details.

Summer Reading Challenge

The Children's Summer Reading Challenge has started and runs until September, please bring your children to the library to join in and receive their free booklet and bookmark.

FREE “HOW TO” sessions at Wenvoe Community Library

Newydd, Communities First and Vale of Glamorgan Council are extending their digital provision throughout the Vale of Glamorgan by offering free weekly IT “HOW TO” sessions at Wenvoe Community Library.

Start date is Wednesday September 6th from 10am to 12pm

We will offer these sessions each Wednesday morning through September, then will continue based on demand.

This session, along with digital drop ins running throughout all other libraries across the Vale of Glamorgan offer 1to1 support aimed at complete beginners wanting to learn new skills, or those individuals wanting to brush up old skills. By running the session in a 1to1 setting, and offering an unlimited number of sessions we can work specifically with the client to meet their needs at a speed that is good for them.

SO, if you have a mobile phone, a tablet or a laptop you are struggling with just bring it along and work with Scott. Who knows what new vistas will be revealed before you!

To book your session contact Wenvoe Library Tel: 02920594176 during opening hours (see first page of What’s On) OR email sylviaharvey@hotmail.co.uk

Lets go with Lego in the Library

Our Community Library is having some Lego sessions in the school holidays. Open to any child from 3 upwards, parents are welcome to come along too. We have a Wenvoe teenager, Cameron, who has volunteered to help out during the sessions. The dates are:

Saturday August 5th 10am to 12pm

Saturday August 12th 10am to 12pm

Saturday August 19th 10am to 12pm

Saturday August 26th 10am to 12pm

So how about it? We are hoping to make a Lego display with your handiwork

We have lots of Lego for everyone to use plus Duplo bricks

If you would like any further information contact Sylvia Harvey. Tel:- 02920592261 or Email: sylviaharvey@hotmail.co.uk

 

 

 

 

Glazed Plum Cake Courgette, Basil and Ricotta Tart

 

Glazed Plum Cake Courgette, Basil and Ricotta Tart

375g ready rolled puff pastry

1 x 250g tub ricotta

3tbsp grated Grana Padano cheese

! large egg beaten

handful of fresh basil

3 spring onions, trimmed and thinly sliced

75g thin parma ham, sliced into strips

1 large clove of garlic, crushed

3 med courgettes cut into thin slices

2tbsp pine nuts

Remove pastry from the fridge 10 min before using. Preheat oven to 180c fan. Line a large baking sheet with baking paper. Unroll the pastry and place on the baking tray. Score a 1cm border around the edge with a sharp knife. In a large bowl, mix the ricotta, 2 tbsp of the cheese, egg, spring onion, parma ham, garlic and most of the basil [keep some for the top-ping]. Spread the mixture over the pastry, avoiding the border. Arrange the courgettes over the top of the tart, overlap if required. Scatter the remaining cheese and basil over the top. Bake for about 20 – 25 mins. Sprinkle over the pine nuts and return to the oven for a further 5 mins until golden brown.

 

 

Glazed Plum Cake

Glazed Plum Cake

 

200g softened butter

8 red or purple plums

140g golden caster sugar, + 1 extra tbsp

grated zest of 1 large lemon

6 tbsp full cream milk

85g blanched almonds, chopped, not too small

6 heaped tbsp redcurrant or plum jelly

3 eggs, lightly beaten

175g self-raising flour

2 tbsp cassis or port

Heat oven 160c fan. Butter a 23cm spring form tin, line base with baking paper and butter the paper. Halve, stone and slice the plums. In a mixer beat the butter and sugar [not the extra] together until pale. Beat in the eggs and zest. With mixer speed reduced beat in the flour and milk. Stir in the almonds and spoon into the tin. Lay the plum slices on the top of the cake mix, over lapping them in circles. Sprinkle with the extra sugar and bake for about 55 – 60 mins or until a skewer comes out clean. Remove the cake and leave to cool on a rack for about 15 mins. In a small pan, melt the jelly and cas-sis or port with 2 tbsp of water until reduced to a thick syrupy glaze, about 5 mins. Brush over the cake and leave to set. Repeat if required to use all the syrup.

What’s In The Headlines?

 

What’s In The Headlines?

For as long as I can remember, I always wanted to be like my brother. He is not older than me – in fact, he is a minute younger than I am. But because of his writing talent, and due to his impeccably hardworking nature, it always seemed as though he could do no wrong. His praise was (obviously, correctly) sung all over for his immense talent for creative writing. A talent it didn’t seem had also been passed on to his female counterpart. I tried my best, and yet it was ever more apparent every time I tried that I could not express such beauty and imagery through my words in quite the way he could always, and continues to be able to do. I thought I’d better move on to a different hobby and leave the writing to him – I tried everything; I was never exceptional at anything in the same way he was at conveying emotion through a story. That is, until I reached my final year of primary school and it seemed a door had opened to finally give me such opportunities as his natural talent had given my brother.

When you’re eleven, a shy child who doesn’t think they know enough about the world to question a teacher on such matters, you generally go unnoticed. Which – if you were anything like I was – was a great thing. I would get on with my dodgy story writing and hope I wasn’t laughed at for my ludicrous attempts at an enjoyable story.

I don’t remember how it came about, or how it was me who was chosen, but one day I was summoned into my teacher’s class, amongst a crowd of about seven others, and pitched an idea about the school newspaper. I hadn’t done much factual work, but what I can remember, this idea appealed to me. But then the strangest thing happened. I was recognised for once. For – believe it or not – my writing abilities, and was asked to be the sole Editor of the newspaper. Sgoop only ran for one edition, but it gave me a version of writing I somehow succeeded at. And by the time I’d made it to secondary school (after that same teacher had told my brother and I he wanted to be reading my brother’s tenth novel in front of the fire, with me reading the news on the television in the background) I had no idea for the first three years that eventually I’d be doing something like writing for the What’s On? and writing my first Welsh language article for Hacio.

Around Easter of 2016, I had launched my own blog. I read about Tavi Gevinson and the way she took the plunge and just wrote about anything and everything – it inspired me to do the same. I had gotten from being this shy girl who would never want to challenge the rules, to a (still quiet) girl who’d read enough to know she had an opinion. My blog was my first step to being where I am now.

As soon as I’d made my decision on my future career plan, it was go time. Once I’d finished my exams and I’d gone back to school, I was starting to work on a new project. Another school newspaper. But one that I this time, had so much more pride in. Because – although I had to make up an IT design (never really a strong point) – it was solely mine. Our next edition comes out at the end of term. If I didn’t think I would want this, I wouldn’t have put myself out to ask Hacio if they’d consider my work; I’ve never had enough self-confidence, and when I sent my article for the Welsh S4C-owned website, I had no hope that it would ever be published. Yet my first email back from the correspondent I’d been speaking to (after a few days, which felt like weeks, I might add) said that he’d liked the article and already uploaded it. A shock and a half for the person who continues to miss the mark on story-writing.

Journalism is a field which is probably stereotyped as being filled with cocky know-it-alls, and to be honest, I hope I don’t fit that mould. But I think it’s also about being different and having a talent for writing, and enjoying what you write. I’m not sure if you would call what I have talent, but I’m willing to work until it is.

I think I’ll probably always envy my brother. His work still continues to blow just about everyone away. But I think now, I have my own writing style. One which won’t be stepping on his toes (though, as he’s practically a genius at writing by this point, it might just be the one toe) and one which helps to define us even more defiantly as individuals.

I love my brother’s work. But I have stories of my own to write. And this time, I hope I’ve not missed the mark.

By Tirion Davies

 

 

 

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