Month: March 2018

The Joys of Bee Keeping

 

Our programme continued with a talk by Alun James on the Joys of Bee Keeping. Alun began his talk with a brief history of bee keeping. The honey bee has certainly been around for a long time – fossilized remains date back some 135 million years. Some of the earliest records of bee keeping are to be found in prehistoric drawings.

The Egyptians practised a form of bee keeping using simple hives and the beeswax was used in embalming and also turned into writing tablets. Jars of honey were found in the tomb of Tutankhamun.

Alun’s grandfather was a bee keeper and so it was that Alun decided to carry on the family tradition. A friend happened to be downsizing and so Alun was able to get the equipment needed for him to start his new hobby. Following a trip to Ammanford to a bee auction the nuclear collection of bees purchased was brought back to Cardiff and after a few incidents all were safely installed in their new homes.

Alun then went on to explain the structure of modern hives – honey bees are social insects and form a colony in the hive. This is made up of the queen, whose sole purpose is to lay eggs, female worker bees who collect the nectar to produce honey and male drones whose function is to mate with the females.

Once the honey has been deposited in a cell it is capped off with a wax coating. The moisture content of honey is very important and should be no more than 20%. Alun explained how the honey was collected and all the steps that have to be adhered to in order to gain a hygiene rating of 5 so that it can be sold.

Bees perform a waggle dance – this is a form of communication between the bees giving information about where to go for the best sources of food. By measuring the angle of the dance in relation to the sun and the length of time the bee waggled its abdomen researchers have been able to map the distances and locations where bees forage.

In winter damp can be a problem for bees and supplementary honey is provided for them as food. Alun finished his talk by telling us of the problems that can be encountered such as the varroa mite. Pesticides are also a problem and in parts of Sichuan province in China bees have been wiped out and the pear orchards have to be fertilised by hand to sustain the fruit industry.

Alun has a colony of bees at Insole Court and jars of his honey can also be purchased there. Bees are very important as some one third of human food is dependant on pollination by bees. It is good that this is a flourishing hobby and anyone interested should contact Cardiff beekeepers (www.cardiffbeekeepers.co.uk)

After all the cold weather and snow it was good to have a reminder that Spring was just round the corner. We were treated to a fashion show by M&Co organised by Lorraine, the manager of the Penarth branch assisted by Jill and Cineade.

Our models for the evening were Sandra, Jill, Irene and Christine. It was good of our members to give up time to choose their outfits for the night but they all looked very glamorous on the catwalk. I am sure we all found something we liked and will be going to the shop to see what else they have to offer.

 

 

February and March Events

 

We had a relaxing musical afternoon on the 21st February when Mr. Joel Jordan played his guitar and sang to us. He sang songs from the 40's onward which were all well known to us, from the Beatles. Patsy Kline, etc. We had a delightful afternoon.

On the 28th Mr. Allan Underhill gave a talk on sugar and the start of sweet making production. Sugar being such an expensive item in those days.

We started March with a fish and chip lunch, brought to us by a local shop and this was followed by a game of Bingo. Margaret has produced a great selection of prizes.

Mr. David Salter entertained us on the 14th with his amusing talk on how Picture Postcards became popular. They were a very cheap form of contact and also an extremely fast one with seven deliveries a day.

 

 

Strolling in The Arctic

The Beast from the East did not deter the who battled through the snow on St David's Day. The walks always take place on the first Thursday of every month at Cosmeston Park at 10:30am. This was the strollers first experience of strolling in the snow, as up to this date, the group have basked in the sun as they walked around the lakes and through the woods. Hopefully, next month's walk will see a return to warmer weather. Join us if you want some gentle exercise, a chat in good company and refreshments in the café afterwards!

 

 

New Dogs Trust Homing Centre

The charity have at last received planning for a brand new homing centre in Cardiff. It will be sited in Splott. With the number of stray and abandoned dogs in Wales totalling 4,900 last year, our only centre in Wales, at Bridgend is always full to capacity and the new centre, due to open in 2020 will go a long way to alleviate the pressure on Bridgend and continue to provide for the welfare of dogs in our country.

I have spoken on occasion of dedicated volunteer Jenny Thomas who has raised thousands of pounds for Dogs Trust over many years. In 2017 alone she raised over £30,000, enough to sponsor five kennels for a year and this by sorting and selling your unwanted stamps, albums and foreign currency. Please keep them coming as every one is gratefully received. As usual they can be picked up from the What’s On box or can be sent directly to Jenny Thomas, 15, Wentworth Ave, London, N3 1YA.

 

 

LEARNER DRIVERS

 

LEARNER DRIVERS

on motorways from 4 June 2018

From Monday 4 June 2018, learner drivers will be able to take driving lessons on motorways in England, Scotland and Wales.

This will help to make sure more drivers know how to use motorways safely.

Learner drivers will need to be:

• accompanied by an approved driving instructor

• driving a car fitted with dual controls

 

Any motorways lessons will be voluntary

It will be up to the driving instructor to decide when the learner driver is competent enough for them.

Until the law changes, it’s still illegal for a learner driver to drive on a motorway.

 

 

25th Anniversary Celebration

 

In Madeleine’s absence, vice president Margaret welcomed members and guests to our 25th anniversary celebration party on March 15th, postponed from March 1st. Members from Dinas Powys, Culverhouse Cross and Penarth institutes joined us, together with Carol Atkinson, June Humphrey and Helen, who has made our lovely banner. There was a silver and Welsh theme, with silver tableware, music, daffodils and a Welsh quiz. Everyone had fun trying to link up childhood photos of our committee with the right member. The banner was launched during this important occasion and we had a wonderful buffet with a delicious cake, made and decorated by Natalie, Lyn’s daughter in law

WI business included plans for the literary lunch in Porthcawl on March 22nd and the holiday to Norwich at the end of the year.

Next month’s speaker is Mansel Thomas on the Rotary Doctor Bank – a good follow up to last years talk by Keith Moger on the history of Cardiff hospitals. Guests are most welcome. Madeleine’s letter to all members is printed in this month’s magazine.

 

 

Clytha

Clytha – It was the middle of March and snow flurries persisted as we drove east, the hills to the north of the M4 soon had a dusting of white. We started at the National Trust car park at Clytha Park. Clytha is an18thC landscaped estate consisting of the park, house and castle near Abergavenny.

It was bitterly cold in a brisk easterly wind. Taking the footpath to the river Usk we walked south along the river, which was high and flowing very fast. Immediately we spotted mistletoe high up in the tops of many trees, outlined against the winter sky. South of Clytha castle we turned west taking footpaths across farmland and began our main ascent of the day.

Clytha Castle folly is a castellated and romantic Gothic retreat overlooking the Usk valley. William Jones, of Clytha Park, moved back to Wales in 1787 from London with the intention of creating his own personal memorial to his recently deceased wife, Elizabeth (last surviving child of Sir William Morgan of Tredegar house). The folly was designed by John Davenport. A tablet set into the wall bears the inscription ‘it was undertaken with the purpose of relieving a mind afflicted by the loss of a most excellent wife’. The impressive gateway was designed by John Nash. The castle was connected to the Park by a carriage drive that crossed the Clytha Gorge via a suspension bridge. For a time it was used by a gamekeeper. Empty since 1948, the Landmark Trust rescued it in the 1970s; it stands on the slopes of Clytha hill, at the edge of a grove of chestnut trees.

Turning north towards Twyn farm and then Whitehouse farm where we joined a road which would take us across the A40 via a bridge. The ground was very wet and heavy clods of earth decorated our boots, something we would enjoy many times on this walk. Even the lanes were flooded in places but keeping to the centre of the road we navigated them without anyone getting wet feet. We spotted a huge flock of seagulls on the edge of a pond which had formed in one field.

Soon the Skirrid, then Sugarloaf and finally the Blorenge came into view, all of them covered in snow and glowing against the dark sky. These hills were to form a backdrop to much of our walk, glowing whenever the sun touched them.

We walked through Clytha village, spring flowers and even a cherry tree bloomed lifting our spirits. It has a Roman Catholic village school, Ysgol Clytha, built in1858 and now a private house. Behind the school we were surprised to see a Roman Catholic cemetery which is still in use. The church, St Bridget’s, is at the other end of the village. Clytha village was home to the Monmouthshire polo club, the first polo club in Wales, founded 1872.

At a T junction we crossed the road to head northeast, glancing to the right we could see an impressive gateway to Llanarth Court. Hats were drawn down to eyebrow level and hoods raised as the icy wind came straight at us. Now it was lunchtime so we hunkered down behind a hedge for shelter and a short rest.

A farm had long-horned cattle, a bull and cows in the muddy farm yard looked bedraggled. Continuing we turned right at a road, walking along it for a short way and then heading across country towards Llansantffraed Court hotel, a splendid house with a fountain and picnic table in the grounds. From here a tunnel took us under the dual carriageway and back to the banks of the river Usk. Walking south we caught a glimpse of Clytha castle on the wooded hill and were soon back at the car park.

We had spotted lots of spring flowers in different locations – the last of the snowdrops, primroses, daffodils and the first swathes of anemones.

Despite the bleak and bitterly cold day it had been a lovely walk and we agreed that we felt thoroughly refreshed, if a little tired at the end. It was 8 miles with 650ft climb.

We stopped at the Secret Garden centre, Pontypool on the way home. The greenhouses were a riot of colour, as they were full to overflowing with primulas brought inside to protect them from the weather. Chickens wander freely and they were hiding under the shelving, crowing loudly as we passed. Tea and the warmth of the café were very welcome.

 

 

London Visit

 

Gwenfo Pupils visit to Westminster Abbey and 10 Downing Street.

Eight lucky Y6 pupils accompanied by Miss Starke (Acting Headteacher) and Mrs Gordon (Acting Assistant Head Teacher) travelled to London on Monday 12th March to attend the inaugural Big Commonwealth Lunch held at 10 Downing Street. Unfortunately, the Prime Minster was called away to the House of Commons, but we met Damian Hinds MP and Ainsley Harriot the infamous TV chef who helped us learn about how sharing food with each other can help build communities. After a delicious lunch we walked down the famous spiral staircase and left via the black door (opened from inside by a Police Officer!) We walked through the rain to Westminster Abbey where we spotted lots of famous faces entering the Abbey. We enjoyed seeing the Royal family arrive and stood to welcome Her Majesty the Queen with a trumpet fanfare. We enjoyed the service, the beautiful singing of the choristers and just sitting in such a magnificent building. We listened to the Commonwealth message of looking towards a common future and loved listening to Maori singers, Gospel singers and even Liam Payne from Direction. We also enjoyed spotting iconic London landmarks such as the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye and red London buses!

If you would like to hold your own community big lunch please pop in for details or go to www.commonwealthbiglunches.com for more information.

 

 

International Women’s Day

 

This International Women’s Day I had the incredible opportunity to be on BBC Radio Cymru with some of the most incredible young women. Speaking about a subject so close to my heart in my native language is a high I feel I can’t come down from. But more importantly, the women I got to speak with on the radio all have incredible personalities and views, and I can’t wait to see what they do.

I missed blogging on International Women’s Day, but I felt like I couldn’t express how important it was to me then – I was too caught up in seeing the ways women were uplifting other women and men were taking the time to thank the women around them. But now I know what it means to me. It means a future filled with possibilities and hope. It means that maybe by the time I come to have children, I can tell them how the women I was surrounded by helped to change the world, in a similar way to the Suffragettes 100 years ago.

This International Women’s Day I want to celebrate all women. Women who have expressed themselves enough and are strong enough to come out to the world. Women who accomplish the phenomenal even when those around them limit them due to their race. Women who own their femininity and those who choose not to. Women who have to fight with the world to be seen as women. Women who don’t

let disability stop them from achieving the extraordinary. Women who are survivors of domestic abuse or sexual assault. Women who are bosses and run countries and empires. Women who have to battle every day against their mental health. Women who support other women.

I can’t help but be in awe of the young women I am surrounded by and see on the news. The girls I see every day breaking stereotypes and controlling their own destinies. The young women who inspire me every day. The young women I see supporting men and women when they feel down. The young women I see in school, achieving their goals and owning it. The young women in the media like Zendaya and Tavi Gevinson and Emma Gonzalez creating a path we didn’t previously think existed.

This International Women’s Day I was grateful to be surrounded by incredible women. And incredible people, in general. I was grateful for my brother always encouraging me to chase my goals, and grateful to have parents who work tirelessly every day and prove the importance of hard work. I was grateful for my sensational friends who support each other under all circumstances. I was grateful for a family who is always there to listen. I was grateful that the women I am surrounded by prove the impossible is possible (I’m not grateful that I’ll have to follow in their footsteps, however!).

Time’s Up is still a movement which is incredibly important, and with the UN Women working against child marriage and for equal reproductive rights for women, a change is imminent. With the age of marriages being raised to at least 16 in many countries, a change is clearly possible. We need to keep this change on the up-rise. This International Women’s Day I came to appreciate that the women who inspire me every day don’t simply have to be the women I see on my newsfeeds. They’re the women I see day-in and day-out. The women who are going to blow us all out of the water.

Who knew the world was filled with dozens of Wonder Women?

By Tirion Davies

 

 

Easter Chocolate Fudge Cake and Spanish Orange and Almond Cake

 

Easter Chocolate Fudge Cake

150g unsalted butter, softened

150g light muscovado sugar

40g cocoa powder

150g self-raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp bi-carb of soda

2 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

142ml soured cream

2 tbsp. golden syrup

For the ganache;

250ml double cream

250g dark chocolate [Bournville is ideal ]

To decorate;

1 chocolate flake, crumbled

120g tub mini eggs

Heat oven to 180C, grease and line two 200mm sponge sandwich tins. Beat together the butter and sugar until pale. In a separate bowl, sift the cocoa, flour, baking powder, bi-carb and a pinch of salt, mix well together. Add to the creamed butter and sugar. In a jug, whisk the eggs with vanilla, soured cream and syrup. Pour over the dry ingredients and beat together. Divide the mixture between the two tins. Bake for about 20 – 25 mins until springy. Leave to cool for a few mins and transfer to wire racks to cool completely. For the ganache. In a bowl over simmering water melt the chocolate and cream together until the chocolate is completely melted. Remove from the heat, stir briefly until combined and smooth [DON’T OVERSTIR]. Leave to cool for about 1 hr, or thick enough to spread. Use slightly less than half to sandwich the cakes together. Spread the remaining ganache all over the cake [top and sides] the decorate with the eggs and flake.

 

 

Spanish Orange and Almond Cake

2 oranges, about 280g in total, scrubbed and rough-ly chopped [ with skin ]

5 eggs, separated

200g caster sugar

225 ground almonds

2 tbsp. flaked almonds

sifted icing sugar to decorate

Put the chopped orange in a small sauce pan, dis-carding any pips. add 1 tbsp. of water, cover and gently simmer for about 30 mins until all excess liquid has evaporated. leave to cool. Preheat oven to

180C. Line the bottom and side of a 23cm spring form tin with parchment. Finely chop the oranges in a food processor. Put the egg whites in a large bowl and whisk until they form stiff peaks. Gradually whisk in half the caster sugar, then whisk for 1 min. Using the same whisk, whisk the egg yolks with the remaining caster sugar in another bowl for 2 – 3 mins or until pale and quite thick. Whisk in the finely chopped oranges, then carefully fold in the ground almonds. Stir in 3 table spoons of the egg white to loosen the mixture, then gently fold in the remaining whites with a large metal spoon. Transfer the mixture to the prepared tin and level the top. Sprinkle with the flaked al-monds. Bake for 50 – 55 mins or until the cake is golden and a skewer inserted in the centre comes out clean. Check the cake after 20mins and again at 30mins, and cover lightly with foil if it is browning too quickly. Leave cake to cool in tin, then transfer to a serving plate. Dust with icing sugar. Cut and serve.

 

 

 

1 2 3 4