Month: March 2018

About Lichens

We mentioned Lichens in a previous issue of Whats On and with the launch of the new Lichen Trail down at Goldsland Farm in the next few months it is worth reviewing why they might be on interest to anyone. As soon as you walk out onto the pavement you will find yourself treading on round or irregular white and yellow blobs. They are on walls, roofs, fences, trees and the gravestones in the churchyard. In fact they are the dominant species on 8% of the world's land surface whether on the frozen tundra, arid deserts or forests.

They have their uses. They are eaten not only by reindeer but by people – Iwatake is a delicacy in Japan. They have been used for dyeing for centuries and are mentioned in the Old Testament. They were once a considerable cottage industry with the lichens being scraped off rocks by people with metal hoops or even seashells and then processed in factories. One near Glasgow covered 17 acres and worked its way through 250 tons a year.

They have been used in the perfume and cosmetics industries since the 16th century and if you use Calvin Klein, Estee Lauder or Yves St Laurent you will have been applying some lichen extract to yourself. Some have antibiotic properties and were used in babies nappies in New Zealand. Popular in folk medicines and used to indicate pollution levels and the presence of metals, they are now being considered to help clear up or extract toxic or valuable metals.

Despite the fascination of lichens very few people study them so experts are few and far between. If you are a teacher, particularly at the Primary level, the topic opens up all sorts of possibilities linking into other disciplines such as design, medicine, art, environment and nutrition. If you are interested, get in touch with the Wildlife Group who will be happy to work with you to produce audio-visual presentations, teachers notes and short outdoor activities.

The Wildlife Group commissioned a survey at Goldsland in preparation for the Trail and this identified 21 different species close to the barns. Interestingly, there were no examples of the lichen featured in the photo which is an Usnea species. These are intolerant of high levels of nitrogen which is exactly what you would expect in and around a dairy farm. This photo was taken on the trees close to the library in the centre of Wenvoe.

 

 

Spring Activity Report

 

By the time you read this the Upper Orchid Field should have been cut. We are delighted to be working in conjunction with a local contractor and by ensuring that the field is not only cut but the vegetation removed this will help the wildflowers to flourish. It will be cut again in late September and thereafter annually in the Autumn. We have heard that we have been successful in obtaining a grant from Grow Wild. This money will be used up at Goldsland farm where we shall be planting wildflower plugs and creating an orchard meadow – a relatively rare habitat in Britain. Our main focus will be on the creation of fungi beds which will enable visitors to understand and get close to fungi. We have started planting a new orchard at Goldsland which will include some rare and interesting fruit trees such as Gabalva and Kenneth. Cadwallader is an example of a cider apple and we have three varieties of specially grafted Perry Pears, namely Gwehelog, Gwehelog Red and Blakeney Red. Work continues around the Watercress beds where we have pushed back the brambles and cut down some willows – see photo. The latter will regrow from the base and produce material that can be used for basketry and other woven goods.

 

 

 

Spring Craft Fair

WENVOE SPRING CRAFT FAIR

Sunday 20th May 2018

Community Centre 10am – 4pm

Not long now until the Wenvoe Craft Workshop™️ second annual Wenvoe Spring Craft Fair on Sunday 20th May. Save the date and come along and see a lovely selection of hand crafted items made by talented local crafts people! As well as some old favourites we have some extraordinary new products on offer from crafters who are new to our craft fairs. Vale Cider will be offering taster sessions and selling their delicious locally made cider to thirsty customers. We see a return of Tricycle Treats with their fabulous ice cream flavours on sale from a beautiful 1940’s style stop-me-and-buy-one trike. We also have locally made artisan fudge (and locally made salted caramel sauce!) on sale in some sensational flavours as well as jewellery, woven basket ware (our lovely crafter will be doing some crafts in action on the day), textile, paper, felt, natural body products, and a variety of different medium greetings cards to name but a few. We have a couple of wood work stalls with a much welcome return of Wenvoe’s very own Gwyndaf Breese, whose craftsmanship has to be seen to be believed. Mike, the Village Gardener, will be selling plants and giving out gardening advice to those who want it ( and very possibly to those who don’t! ). We also have a local couple who make and sell safe children’s scientific experiment sets which may well be demonstrated on the day so bring along your budding scientists! Why on earth would you want to miss all that? Then when you’ve shopped you can drop – in to the refreshment area where you can indulge in a hot or cold drink and a slice of home made cake. There are some lovely prizes in the charity raffle, including an item donated by Gwyndaf, and this time the proceeds will be going to the Wenvoe Wildlife Group to help enable them to continue their sterling work around the Village. A member of the Wenvoe Wildlife Group will be in attendance on the day to give visitors information about their invaluable work and maybe ( rumour has it ) have some wild flower seeds to give to those interested. Do come along, it will a good, entertaining day where you can meet both present and past Wenvoe residents and have a chat and a catch-up.

If you have any queries you can contact the Organisers, Glenys and Mike Tucker, by email at pukkatucker@gmail.com or by phone on 079 2210 9721.

 

 

March Was Rained Off

 

In spite of weather warnings the snowfall still took us by surprise as it’s not usual to have so much in these parts. However, the village community soon rallied round with help in many ways to those friends and neighbours who needed it.

Once again our planned monthly meeting in March was rained off. Surely things should improve in April so we’ll try to meet again on April 16th.

 

 

Birds Don’t See Windows

A recent BBC item highlighted the problem of birds crashing into windows mistaking them for openings or seeing a tree reflection with tragic consequences. The city of Toronto in Canada sits on a major migratory bird route and every year is witness to huge numbers of bird deaths due to this phenomenon. They have now changed their building rules so that new constructions must incorporate bird friendly initiatives such as recessed windows to prevent reflection and smaller glass panes rather than buildings shrouded in vast glass panels. The article demonstrates a significant reduction in bird strikes and deaths indeed in one building alone down by a massive 90%.
Here in Wenvoe many residents love to feed garden birds with large numbers of feeders and bird tables across the village. As we now approach spring the birds are becoming more active in courtship and nesting so using more energy than normal. These feeders create a dichotomy as birds become dependent on them and less territorial in nature. That means birds often congregate in smaller areas given the ready supply of food. Territorial competition is part of nature and as birdsong is wonderful to us humans it's actually a robust warning message to other birds to stay away and go elsewhere.
This congregation of many different breeds of birds at garden feeders creates excitement and competition amongst our feathered friends often resulting in fights and disputes which creates confusion and disorientation. All too often birds in their haste mistake dark windows as open gaps or see reflection of sky or trees resulting in impact. Smaller birds weighing only a few grams can survive these collisions but bigger birds like wood pigeons and crows or fast flying birds like green woodpecker are often killed by breaking their necks or at the very least badly stunned.
This is easily preventable. The RSPB recommends breaking up the dark window (not literally!!) by closing curtains to prevent reflection; putting plants on the windowsills as a visual deterrent or by adhering stickers to windows to show there's an obstruction. There are varied and lovely stickers available on the RSPB website and other outlets which are not too expensive and a great way to support these beautiful little gifts from nature. See  http://shopping.rspb.org.uk/bird-window-stickers.html

 

 

 

Jobs Plannned for April

 

The snow and cold weather of early March brought Redwings and Fieldfares to the Grange Park and village gardens, we don't see them every year, only when conditions get too difficult further north. The Redwing is the UK's smallest true thrush ( I just read that ). The poor conditions held back Spring, but nature soon catches up. The snow brought out the best in people with neighbours helping the less able. Its rare to have had these condition in this area,but when we do a lot of people step up to the plate.

RHS Top Jobs for April

1. As ever keep weeds under control

2. Protect fruit blossom from frost

3. Tie in rambling and climbing roses

4. Sow hardy annual and wild flower seeds outside

5. Start to feed citrus plants

6. Increase water to house plants

7. Feed shrubs and roses.

8. Sow new lawns and repair bare patches

9. Prune fig trees

10. Divide bamboo and water lilies

Apple trees are so vulnerable at this time of year, frost can ruin the blossom. To prevent this, cover with fleece if any frost is forecast. It's the time of year to start feeding most plants. Please read instructions on packaging as over feeding can have adverse effects especially on roses and can make them leggy and with not enough strength in stems to hold up blooms. A general fertiliser on beds and borders will always make for a better show, just be careful not to get any on new growth as this can cause burning. Remove the fading flowers and seed pods of Daffodils and Tulips but don't remove leaves as they feed the bulb for next years blooms. Keep up with the dead heading of pansies and primulas. Self-seeded forget-me-nots while looking good can over power beds and stunt growth of less vigorous plants. Pull up the plants that are smothering the border. Once you have forget-me-nots in the garden they will be hard to get rid of so don't worry about pulling a few up. Plant supports where needed should be put up now before plants start to grow.Either a few sticks with string tied between them or those frames you can buy. These supports will be hidden as plants grow up amongst them. Don't delay on this as it's difficult to support the plants when in full bloom.

The 13th of April sees the start of the RHS Spring show in Cardiff. It's on from Friday to Sunday. I have usually gone on the Sunday myself as there are some good bargains to be had on the last day. It’s a good day out to see show gardens and get all the expert advice you may need.

Take care and happy gardening

 

 

Longer Opening Hours and More to Do

 

Additional Opening Hours – We are delighted to announce that as from April 9th we are extending our opening hours. The library will then be open from 3- 6pm on Mondays. This should make the library more accessible for children to call in after school and to those who want to visit us outside working hours.

New Book Club – Page Turners has been running with its maximum of 10 members for seven years. Building on this success we have registered a second book club. If you would like to join please contact Isobel Davies: davies.isobel @yahoo.co.uk

New Library Books for April – We have an enticing selection of new books. See what’s new on Facebook.

What’s On? – Full details of all these events are in the Library and on Facebook.

7th &14th April Lego Challenge

10:30-12 noon for children 4-10.

An adult must accompany their children.

23rd April, National Gardening Week

We’ll be displaying a wide selection of gardening books to encourage your springtime horticultural activities.

12th May – National Limerick Day Competition Celebrate the day with us by entering our limerick competition. A bottle of Prosecco is awarded for the most humorous and creative limerick.

Books and Bake. Saturday May 19th 10:30- 12:30.

Join us at the Community Centre for refreshments and the sale of pre-loved books, DVDs and delicious home baked cakes.

Tuesday Family History Sessions – Have you always wanted to trace your roots and learn more about your ancestors? We are holding weekly drop-in sessions for beginning and more experienced genealogical researchers.

On-line genealogical sources via Ancestry and FindmyPast are freely available for in-library use. The library also has free Wi-Fi so you are encouraged to bring your laptops/tablets. Tuesday mornings from10:30-12:30. There is no need to book. Fee £2 a session.

Wednesdays Digital Champions – Did you know that one out of five people in the Vale of Glamorgan are not confident in using the Internet? That’s why the Vale is offering a range of FREE 1-to-1 support sessions to help you get you started, increase your confidence, or build on your existing skills in using your mobile phones, laptops and tablets. Sessions need to be booked in advance so why not call in or ring us to reserve your place?

Wednesdays Knit ‘n’ Natter 2-4 p.m – If you enjoy knitting/crocheting and good conversation, then contact Janet Williams: jjwilliams23@hotmail.com

New members – Over the next few weeks our volunteers will be calling on The Grange, Cambrian Park and St Lythans Park with library membership packs outlining the many library services offered.

Visit us: Find us in the car park behind the Community Centre.

Opening Times

Monday  3.00pm – 6.00pm

Tuesday 10.00am  – 1.00pm

Wednesday 10.00am- 12.00pm and 3.00pm – 5.00pm

Thursday Closed

Friday Closed  

Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm

Keep up to date on news and events. Like and follow us at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

Recycling – Remember that we sell recycling bags and bags for garden, food, and dog waste.

 

 

 

ALL IS FAIR IN LOVE AND RUGBY

 

Second from the TOP

Didn't Wales do well in the end in the six nations rugby competition. All seemed well on the first weekend when we gave Scotland a shock. That woke them up a bit and improved their play. In the past I was always in awe at how France played ‘basketball rugby’ with high passes and adhesive palms before velcro was invented. Sadly, this year when we tried it against Ireland there was a leprechaun ready to intercept and steal a win away from us with a try. Not that we had had a great game. Ireland seemed to play ‘special rugby with a few dull phases. We seemed to play ‘ordinary rugby with a few special moments. It was a shame that Scotland pipped Italy at the post to deny them a consolation win to go with the wooden spoon. But our hard graft against France, and hard graft it was, edged us into second place in the table. In the words of many of my school reports: “satisfactory progress, could do better".

Second from the BOTTOM

Eddie Jones recently had to apologise for insulting the Welsh and the Irish during an after dinner speech last June. Better late than never I suppose. Happily, Celts have a sense of humour. Sadly, he is arrogant enough to have meant the insults, and the super rich English Rugby Union and players have the same personalities. All water under the Severn Bridge. He set his squad up to ride roughshod over the other five teams, and he did win, just, over Wales. But the French cockerel pecked them in their ‘derrieres’. Ireland taught them the final lesson about all round fifteen man rugby. Gauls and Celts can smile while the Anglo-Saxons take comfort that they didn’t come last.

AyJay

 

 

I Had to Laugh – Social Media

 

I had to laugh at the item in March What's On ‘Living Without Facebook'. I love reading and it reminded me of some paragraphs that had jumped out at me.

I have recently re-read JRR Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings, first published in three parts in 1954-55. Every time I read it something new always surprises me and this time it was a short paragraph which brought to mind our modern focus on ‘seeing' news through social media, being kept informed by sound and video bites on mobile phones and i-pads. Some of the Fellowship of the Ring were returning to the Shire after the One Ring had been destroyed and the Dark Lord had been defeated. Pippin, the Hobbit, had earlier had a bad, frightening, dangerous experience looking into a Seeing Stone (a Pallantir) and seeing the evil eye of Sauron. In spite of that experience, he still yearned for

“ a Stone that we could see all our friends in, and .. We could speak to them from far away".

This seems to be 50 years ahead of it’s time, yearning for the powers of Skype, Facebook, Snapchat etc. But Pippin's earlier bad experience of naively using the seeing stone without parental or any other access controls also foretold the pitfalls and risks.

I have also been reading a 2014 book by Orlando Fires- a History of Revolutionary Russia 1891 – 1991. In these days news is spread by social media wild fires so it was interesting to read this in relation to the year 1916. Russia was transitioning from the Tsar’s autocracy, through the first world war and deprivation, into the dictatorship of the Bolshevik Communist Party. A resident of the then capital Petrograd was quoted.

“ Rumours filled the lives of all inhabitants. They were believed more readily than the newspapers….The public was desperate for information, for almost anything, on political subjects, and any rumour was bound to spread like wildfire. What gave these stories their power and significance was how far they accorded with the general mood and with previous rumours that had shaped that mood. Once a rumour, however fake, became the subject of common belief, it assumed the status of fact, informing the attitudes and actions of the public. All revolutions are based in part on myth.”

This seems to be 100 years ahead of it’s time when seen against the backdrop of social media frenzies, of anti-austerity momentum, of the disease of trumptweets and fake news, of the revolutions against established norms that seem to be commonplace.

Lastly, and more up to date is Dan Brown's Origin, 2017. One of his characters is sad because

‘What had been life's quiet moments of solitary reflection – a few minutes alone or on a train, or walking to work, or waiting for an appointment, could no longer be borne. People impulsively reached for their phones, their ear buds, their games, unable to fight the addictive pull of technology. The miracles of the past are fading away. Whitewashed by a ceaseless hunger for all-that-is-new sound and video bytes.”

Spanning over a hundred years, these quotes show that technology may change, but human behaviour adapts more slowly. On a lighter note, for many years I thought that the textspeak acronym LOL stood for Lots of Love. Finally I was educated that it stands for LAUGH OUT LOUD. Thank goodness I still can do just that…..

 

AyJay

 

 

OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS

 

OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS

The recent spell of cold and snowy weather couldn’t have come at a worst time for our native birds. By March stocks of natural food such as berries are dwindling at a time when birds are needing to be at their healthiest to breed and raise their young. When food is scarce especially when covered by snow our birds become even more dependent on the food that we put out for them and so with the advent of this recent spell of bad weather it was worth the struggle to get to my feeders to ensure that the birds had a plentiful supply of food and equally important drinking water as any other sources would be blocks of ice..

I was amazed at how my efforts were rewarded as over the weekend I saw an amazing variety of birds. I have listed the birds I saw and would be interested to hear if anyone saw any other species.

 

 

 

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