Month: June 2018

Llandegfedd Reservoir

 

It was a bright, sunny morning as we parked at the visitor and watersports centre in Coed y Paen near Pontypool and Usk, just a few miles north of Newport. Our walk was to follow ‘the Reservoir Trail’ which circumnavigates Llandegfedd reservoir. The route is possible because Welsh Water have made two sections of their land permissive paths; the remainder of the trail is public footpaths or roads.

The reservoir was constructed after Cardiff Corporation was granted permission in 1958 and it was completed in 1968, covering 434acres it has a capacity of 5,300million gallons. Only 3% of the water is rainfall the remainder is pumped from the river Usk. Llangedfedd reservoir has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its importance to over-wintering wildfowl and because of this the reservoir is closed to all activities from 1st November to 1st March each year. Its northern edge has nationally important grasslands which are managed as hay meadows encouraging biodiversity. Flowering plants include several orchids and yellow rattle as well as orange foxtail grass and adders tongue fern.

From the car park we followed the tarmac path down a steep slope to water level, passing 5 red pictures on posts, if you look through the viewing rectangle at the side of the path all these magically line up to produce a single image of a pike. The British record pike (46lb 13oz) was caught here in 1991.

We crossed the dam enjoying the peace and quiet of the water in the morning sunshine (though we had to avoid some cars travelling towards us). At the far end of the dam we turned left and immediately climbed into the shade of woodland, where we spotted our first foxgloves of the season. After about 1km we passed a bird hide on the edge of the lake and then followed an inlet of the reservoir, which is a breeding ground for otters. We were not lucky enough to see any.

At the end of the inlet we turned north passing the entrance to Trostra Farm, their metal signpost drew admiration from all of us and gorgeous purple clematis in full bloom grew nearby. Continuing through woodland the men of the group helpfully held up a large fallen tree so that the rest of us could pass under it (in reality it was set in its location).

Going through Twyn y Cryn woods, we came out at the top of a field. We stopped here for lunch, even though it was only just after noon, as there were good views of the reservoir and surrounding landscape. One sheep in the field showed a little interest in us but the rest continued grazing.

Near Yew tree farm a late Bronze Age hoard (the Glascoed Hoard) was found and is on display at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. Soon after we passed another bird hide which is in the area that is closed in the winter. From here we continued south enjoying open views of the lake and spotting a fisherman wading in the water. There were stretches through woodland that were very muddy and slippery underfoot but it was dry in the more open ground. Woodlake Park golf course was on our left and a number of wooden seats were available for anyone wanting to relax.

Despite the warm day, we arrived back at the visitor centre at 1.30pm – one of the earliest finishes for one of our walks, having walked just over 6 miles and climbed 650ft. This was partially down to the good quality of the paths but also the pace set by those in the lead!

We took advantage of the refreshments on offer at the award winning centre. It was named ‘Welsh Building of the Year’ in 2016 by the Royal Society of Architects.

This would be an excellent walk for anyone new to walking who wants to get out into the countryside, throughout the walk there are fingerposts directing you around the reservoir trail. Parking at the centre is free and the facilities very good. The area was bustling with families and people enjoying the many water sports available at the reservoir. Map152 or use walk leaflet no 7 ‘The Reservoir trail’ created by Llanbadoc Community Council.

 

 

The “Ideal Summer Body”!

 

As the idea of a ‘summer body’ becomes more and more relevant, so does the idea of the ‘ideal summer body’. I’ve struggled a lot with how I look, and the size of clothing I wear doesn’t count as ‘plus-sized’ but neither does it count as ‘the ideal body’. I stand in that weird, medium section – otherwise known as size 12 wearers – where because of the size of clothing I wear, I count as the middle ground no one wishes to be in.

Because the world, and fashion magazines put such an importance on looking ‘perfect’, telling everyone my clothing size as I just did is a big step for me. Because I’ve always had the impression that a size 12 is ‘too big’. Stupid, really isn’t it? I always feel happy when I fit into a size 10 easily. And then I always feel guilty, because I’m not really that size. But why should I feel guilty? Why have I created this idea in my head that a size 12 is less than ideal? According to reports, the average dress size of a UK woman in 2017 was a size 16. But my question isn’t only why do I feel ‘fat’ for being a size 12, but also – why do sizes have such an importance in my brain? And why does what clothing size I am make me judge myself, when I tell everyone else they’re stupid for thinking too much of theirs?

I had a conversation with one of my best friends recently, where we were talking about our clothing sizes. The two of us wear about the same size, and when we opened up the conversation to the rest of the people around us, I was surprised when a ‘skinny’ friend of mine said she wears size 12 trousers. And I suddenly hated that I put a certain expectation on the size of clothing I wear. But I also realised that, by talking about your clothing size with the people you admire around you, you become more aware that the size of clothes you wear means absolutely nothing. Honestly. It may sound hypocritical of me, after my rant in the last paragraph, but really – it doesn’t actually mean anything.

So many people all over the internet have tried jeans or dresses from different shops. All of those clothes might have said the same size, but it doesn’t mean that all of the similar items of clothing fit the person trying them on in the same way as the one before. A size 12 from H&M actually usually equates to a size 8/10 everywhere else if you’re trying on their jeans (trust me). We’ve put such an importance on the size of clothing we wear, believing that the person processing your order behind the counter at Primark is judging you for buying a certain size, but nobody cares, really. Have you ever told a friend, “oh I wear a size 12” and they’ve turned and said “it’s time to lose some weight, hon”? If you have I would advise you run as far away as possible, because from my experience they’ve just looked at me as if to say “am I supposed to act like you’re a beached whale or something?” I’ve always found that I care more about my own size than I do anyone else’s. Someone else telling me they’re a size 12 and acting ashamed always makes me angry; so why don’t I feel the same way about myself?

The model and ‘The Good Place’ actress Jameela Jamil started a campaign recently called ‘I Weigh’. After seeing a post on the social media platform Instagram, where someone had posted a series of photos of the Kardashians and had included how much each of them weigh, comparing them with one another, Jameela Jamil decided to speak up. To some extent, I suppose that’s what’s affected me in the past. The idea that you see celebrities who’ve ‘gained SO much weight!!!’ but who truly just look healthier affect the way you think of your own body. Jameela Jamil herself had experienced body shaming, which is why she created the ‘I Weigh’ campaign, encouraging women and men all over the world to post a photo of themselves with reasons for why they are who they are. I was part of the campaign fairly early on, too, with my own post on Instagram. The campaign is about the importance of more than what the scale says; of having more substance than the numbers you see. The campaign is about removing the grasp sizing and weight has over all men and women, due to what we see in the media, and more about valuing yourself for what you’re worth, and what makes you, you.

I’m going to continue to support this campaign for as long as I can, because I know first-hand the significance a stupid number has over a person. This summer, I’m not about a ‘beach body’ and more about giving the beach whatever body I have, and trying my very best to be confident in that body. This is the body I’ve been dealt, so this is the body I’m going to try to love.

By Tirion Davies

 

 

Star of Bethlehem

 

You will see the logo of the Wildlife Group on noticeboards, leaflets, posters and social media. But what does it represent and why? The 6-petalled flower is Spiked Star of Bethlehem, also known as Bath Asparagus. It is related to garden asparagus and used to be eaten. More common in the Bath area there are records of it being for sale in greengrocers up to the 1970s – elsewhere it is localised from Wiltshire up to Huntingdonshire. Some say it was introduced by the Romans, hence being common around Bath. So why the link with Wenvoe? It is well-established growing in a hedgerow near Greave Farm and this is probably its main, if not only, site in Wales. Whilst isolated records do appear elsewhere these may be garden escapes but the Wenvoe plants were first recorded in the 1990s and are spread over 100 metres of hedgerow. It is a mystery how and why they should have become established here but there are many plants, the quick count for 2018 showing up around 20 spikes. It is also known as French Asparagus, Prussian Asparagus and Pyrenean Star of Bethlehem.

 

 

IS THAT REALLY THE BANK OR THE POLICE?

 

IS THAT REALLY THE BANK OR THE POLICE?

We know fraudsters are going round impersonating the police and your bank. Never trust any claims you hear which involve you sharing personal information, disclosing bank details, or making payments.

 Be extremely wary of unsolicited calls from your bank or the police.

 End the call, and call back from a different number. If not possible, wait at least a minute before calling back.

 Call the number found on your bank card, or the police on 101.

 Check with friends or family. Don’t trust claims by cold callers.

 Never share your PIN with anyone.

 Never hand over money, bank cards or make purchases following an unexpected call.

 

REMEMBER

Your bank or the police will never ask for your PIN, bank card, or for you to withdraw money or buy items on their behalf.

 

 

 

June Meeting Report

At our June meeting we were all involved in fitting the new window boxes at the Community Centre. You may recall that the old wooden ones had finally rotted away. The new ones are up and running and are fully planted up. Hopefully they will last for many years.The rest of the village is now complete with the usual summer bedding. Our next meeting will be on the 16th July at 9.30am.
Towards the end of June I was invited to join the Beavers on their litter pick. There was a good turn-out and the leaders divided them into two groups. They spent almost an hour in Grange Park and Station Road, including over the footbridge. We could all learn a lot from these little people who were so eager to do their bit for the environment and I was very pleased to be involved. WELL DONE BEAVERS.

Trevor Case.

 

 

Cod with Tomato and Thyme

Cod with Tomato and Thyme

1 tbsp. olive oil

1 onion finely chopped

400g tin chopped tomatoes

1 heaped tsp light brown soft sugar

few sprigs of thyme, leaves stripped

1tbsp soy sauce

4 good sized cod fillets or Pollack

Heat the oil in a large frying pan, add the onion, fry for about 5 – 8 mins until lightly browned. Stir in the tomatoes, sugar, thyme and soy sauce, bring to the boil. Simmer for about 5 mins, then add fish to the sauce. Cover and gently cook for about 8 – 10 mins until the fish flakes easily. Serve with boiled potatoes and a green vegetables.

 

 

Roast Chicken Thighs with Asparagus and Garlic

Roast Chicken Thighs with Asparagus and Garlic

8 chicken thighs, boned, skin on

750g Jersey Royals, cut into bit sized pieces

1 large whole garlic bulb, cloves separated

1 tbsp. garlic olive oil

1 lemon

small handful fresh rosemary sprigs

300g large asparagus, woody ends removed

2 med leeks trimmed, green end removed

Heat oven to 180C. Par boil potatoes for about 5 mins, drain and set aside. Half the lemon and squeeze out the juice, cut the lemon halves into chunks. Cut the leeks into about 1 inch lengths. In a large bowl add all the ingredients except the aspara-gus and rosemary. Mix well to cover with the oil and lemon, transfer to a large baking tin or casserole dish. Arrange the chicken on the top of the veg. Roast for about 30 mins, stir now and again. Re-move dish from the oven stir in the asparagus and rosemary to coat with the juices. Cook for about 15 mins more until the potatoes are tender. Serve with buttered green beans and broccoli or veg of your choice.

 

 

Hot Tips for July

HS tips for July

1. Check Clematis for wilt.

2. Care for house plants while on holiday.

3. Keep tubs and new plants well watered.

4. Dead head bedding plants

5. Pick Courgettes before they become Marrows.

6. Treat Apple scab.

7. Clear algae and blanket weed from ponds.

8. Order catalogues for next years Spring flowering bulbs.

9. Give the lawn a Summer feed.

10. Harvest Apricots, Peaches and Nectarines

During the Summer most house plants benefit from being outside on the patio. It will save them from baking behind glass and lessen some pest and disease problems. House plants will need regular feeding during the growing season as with all plants. Damp down the greenhouse on hot days. Any old leaves or side shoots of Tomato plants need to be taken out of the greenhouse, as this can be a major cause of disease spread. Pelagonium and Fuchsia cuttings can be taken now and kept in the greenhouse.

Cuttings of Choisya and Hydrangea will take now. It's also time to prune Philadelphus and Weigela after flowering.

A long spell of dry weather can weaken the grass, so raise the cutter height on the mower. July is the last month a summer feed should be used. New grass will need extra watering. Most lawns will be covered in ants nests at this time of year. Just brush them off before you mow.

Trim back Dephiniums and Geraniums after the first flush of flowers to encourage new growth, and then feed. Blackspot on Roses can be prevalent at this time so treat straight away. Leaf cutter Bees like to alter the shape of your rose leaves in particular, but I'm assured by an expert that this is not a menace and it is kinder to live with it for the sake of the Bees.

Dyffryn Gardens, under the ownership of the National Trust, has come on in leaps and bounds and is a good day out. My only gripe is the price of their plants because, as good as they are, they are not worth the prices charged. It certainly is a good cause but they surely can't justify those prices.

Having talked about some of the better known gardeners in Wenvoe in the last issue. I would like to draw your attention to some other gems. For a garden with a difference, Mr Breese in Greave Close has a plot that needs closer inspection. If he's in the garden ask him about its history. He has objects from practically the beginning of time and it all blends in so well and is so interesting. Things are not always what they seem. Betty James does a brilliant job keeping her garden lovely to see, along with Frank Miller of Grange Close. It just goes to show that being over thirty is no hinderance to having a lovely garden. Opposite Frank is Rita and Rob's quite formal garden and it doesn't matter what time of year it is, it's always neat. Next to Rita is the famous Audrey, whose front garden is a picture with

the Roses in bloom. Brian & Sandra of Walston Road, have a cottage garden that would be on any gardeners list of must sees. If you like well looked after, neat and tidy then Mr & Mrs Lawrence of Gwenfo Drive have a garden that is worth a look. Roses are always lovely to see and if you want to see them at their very best then those belonging to Mr & Mrs Cottle of Gwenfo Drive are not to be missed.

Take care and happy gardening.

 

 

June News

 

 

In last month’s “What’s On” mention was made of the “French Drains” being dug on the south side of the nave to cure the dampness creeping up the walls inside the church. That was delayed but the good news is that it is now happening. Talking to Mike our “digger” and Justin the archaeologist in attendance, during the “dig”, an amount of bones were found in the excavations, which is not surprising in a churchyard, but it revealed that years ago it was common to dig a new grave where burials had been interred before. When this happens the bones are collected together and re buried in the ground adjacent to the fresh burial. There has been talk of “French Drains” for some now and the name originates not from anything to do with the country across the English Channel, but to an American, Henry Flagg French 1813 – 1885 of Concord, Massachusetts who designed the trenches filled with a perforated drain pipe and different grades of aggravate to drain water away from penetrating the walls of buildings.. We know they work, as the similar drains dug around the base of the tower some years ago, has made the interior walls much drier than they were.

At the recent visit of the Archdeacon, Peggy Jackson, she raised the possibility of opening the church during the week for visitors to call in to look around. Our insurer the EIG is in favour of keeping church building open wherever possible and while the PCC expressed an interest in pursuing the matter, a number of concerns were raised regarding security and safeguarding of the building when it was left unsupervised. This will be discussed further as the concensus was that it would be a good idea to keep the church open rather than locked up.

The “Evening Entertainment” in the Wenvoe Community Centre was well attended and thanks must go to Johnny Tudor and Olwen Rees, who during the evening entertained the audience with showbiz details and songs. The evening raised a goodly amount towards the fund to enable Miss Helen Ormrod to be on The Mercy Ship helping to provide health care to impoverished parts of the world. The next event will be the Silent Auction on July 7th , when the marine artist Nick Rees has kindly donated a signed limited edition print “The

early evening light, The Holms, Bristol Channel” .

A forthcoming event will be another evening on June 23rd in the Wenvoe Community Centre with weatherman Derek Brockway and Nicola Smith will again be sharing lots of funny and entertaining things that have happened in their careers with the BBC. Nicola was born in Wenvoe and raised in Walston Road. Her Grandmother, Margaret Barton will be remembered by many in Wenvoe when she and her husband Thomas Barton farmed at Garn Farm

A Family Fun Quiz is planned for Saturday July 14th at 6 pm in The Church Hall, Tickets are £10 per family or £3. Single. Tickets on sale soon.

 

The Food Bank in Barry continues to be well supported

 

, and the Tussel Trust thanks the churches for contributions to the Food bank. In short supply this month are tinned potatoes and tinned meat in gravy. As always every item of food is very gratefully received. The Food Banks have been in the news recently as more calls are made on their resources where Universal Credit has been rolled out, and so many people have difficulties in making ends meet while awaiting their welfare payments.

Christian Aid appeal for 2018

The count of all the monies raised in the house to house collections, gift aid, Lent lunches and the funds raised at the Gwenfo School non uniform day came to £2,670.38 which is a wonderful result. Many thanks to the organisers, the collectors, the Lent Lunchers, and Gwenfo School for their support in helping to raise this amount of money for Christian Aid, Da Iawn Diolch.

John Custance R.I.P

We were saddened to hear that John Custance had died suddenly. He had been in hospital and released home when he had a relapse and was readmitted to hospital. John was a regular communicant in church and he helped in so many ways. His technical background with the sound systems in the BBC enabled him to install the loudspeakers for the playing of a recording of church bells in the tower of the church. He devised the automatic machine for drawing the winning numbers of the 200 club. He was also involved in the Christmas Post with the Wenvoe Scouts and in recent years had helped with the Chattery meetings in the Church Hall. He will be sorely missed by Jackie and his family and with all his friends in church and community. “Well done thou good and faithfull servant”

 

Now that summer is officially with us, we wish all readers a happy holiday and a return, refreshed for the Autumn programme of activities in planning in church and in the community

Parry Edwards

 

 

 

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