Public Spaces Protection Order

 

The Vale of Glamorgan Council is committed to tackling anti-social behaviour in relation to dog fouling

The Vale of Glamorgan has often been described as one of the best places to live in Wales. We, as a Council, are proud to have been awarded Green Flag status in a growing number of parks and Blue Flag status at Whitmore Bay and are working continuously to maintain these high standards.

The Vale of Glamorgan is a dog-friendly county. There are a number of parks, open spaces and beaches for dog walkers to take advantage of. However, there are a small number of dog owners who do not take responsibility for their pets when it comes to enjoying these open spaces.

Despite several educational interventions, such as the Dog's are Clever campaign, there continue to be issues across the Vale of Glamorgan with some irresponsible dog owners, specifically where dog faeces is not being removed. We know that the majority of dog owners are responsible and we do not want to prohibit them from enjoying the open spaces that the Vale of Glamorgan has to offer.

In order to tackle these ongoing issues the Council has the power to serve a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) under the Anti-social Behaviour Crime and Policing Act 2014. The purpose of a PSPO is to restrict persistent anti-social behaviour in public spaces. This would replace the byelaws and restrictions that are currently in place. The PSPO can last for 3 years and if breached an authorised officer could issue a Fixed Penalty Notice up to £100, which if not paid could be increased to £1000.

Proposed Restrictions. In order to introduce restrictions in the form of a PSPO the Council must consult with the community. We have produced a list of areas, based on current byelaws, and would like your input as to whether these should be covered by a PSPO.

In summary, it is proposed that the current restrictions are retained and that byelaws are replaced with Public Spaces Protection Orders. The current restrictions can be summarised as follows:

• Dog faeces should be removed from all public places by the dog owner

• Dogs are prohibited from marked sports pitches during that sports' season

• Dogs are prohibited from enclosed children's play areas

• Dogs are prohibited from a number of beaches from 01 May to 30 September.

 

Drop-in Sessions during August. – Officers will be at the following locations at the following times to discuss the proposals and capture feedback from stakeholders.

Porthkerry Country Park, Lodge near Café, Thur. 2 August, 3pm – 6pm

Celtic Way Community Centre, Rhoose , Mon 6 August, 3:00pm – 6:00pm

Buttrills Community Centre, Barry, Tues 7 August, 2:00pm – 4:00pm

Cowbridge Leisure Centre (Reception area) Tues 14 August, 3:00pm – 6:00pm

This consultation will run from 27 June until 22 August 2018. If you have any questions please contact: consultation@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk or complete the on line survey

 



 

Wenvoe School Choir Visit

 

We always enjoy a visit from the children of Wenvoe School choir and their visit on June 20th was no exception.24 children and their teacher crossed over the road to come to entertain us and gave us a lovely afternoon.

On 27th of June Bruce Hawkins gave us a talk “Naughty Women in History”. His list was endless, some were known to us , many not, but all of them unbelievably cruel and callous.

We sat down to strawberries or raspberries and cream on July 4th and followed it with a picture quiz.

On the 11th of July Pat Summers brought along lavender from her garden and showed us how to make Lavender Dollies. Using ribbons, she wove around the lavender head. We were invited to have a go .Two members volunteered but it was not as easy as it looked

The Autumn programme is now ready, if anyone would like one please ring me 02920 592822

There will be no meetings during August

 



 

“Crafty Surprises”

 

In Madeleine’s absence Pam led our July meeting with a special welcome for our speaker, Eva Leslie and our visitor, Pat Weavers. Eva gave a talk on “Crafty Surprises” during which she created a selection of animals such as sheep and dogs from felt by making stabbing action with a two pronged pin. Pam E and Judy had a go themselves and produced a lovely heart and star. Eva has had stalls at many craft fairs including St. Fagans and donated a red heart to be given to Madeleine-such a very king gesture and much appreciated . We finished our meeting with strawberries and cream.

Three members attended the Link meeting at Penarth and two will be going to the Highlight coffee morning on the 31st July. Our summer lunch is on August 7th at the Wenvoe Arms .Future events include a trip to the Botanical Gardens on August 15th (£22) and a trip to Worcester market on Dec.1st (£18), both arranged by Dinas Powys WI. Culverhouse Cross has invited us to their harvest supper on Oct 11th( date to be confirmed).

As there is no meeting in August , our next will be on the 6th Sept. in the Church Hall at 7pm when we will be presenting our cheque to the speaker from Air Ambulance Wales. Visitors are very welcome.

 



 

The Legacy of Elizabeth Pringle by Kirsty Wark

 

The Legacy of Elizabeth Pringle by Kirsty Wark

Kirsty Wark is the respected BBC television presenter. This, her first novel, was mostly a disappointing read for the Page Turners.

We are introduced to Elizabeth as a nonagenarian who harps back on her single life and some love but little excitement. She bequeaths her house on the island of Arran to a passing stranger whose daughter becomes the beneficiary.

We found the plot of the novel to be somewhat turgid and annoying. We had little empathy for any of the various characters, but enjoyed some of the historical facts about Arran. Between us we offered only a few positive adjectives for this month’s read. However the majority of us did finish it and we scored it an average of four out of ten.

 



 

5 Community Green Flag Awards

 

So Wenvoe has its 5 Community Green Flag awards with the addition this year of the Wild Orchard at St Lythans. This puts us ahead of many towns in Britain and even several cities. It is a great achievement and down to the efforts of a small handful of volunteers and our principal partners, the Reader family, the Community Council and the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Dare we go for 6 next year? The site is there but we will have a lot of work to get it ready to meet the exacting requirements of the Green Flag judges – see photo.

The dry weather has taken its toll of the trees and shrubs, although most of the fruit trees should survive provided we get some proper rain – soon! The Victoria Plum at the Community Orchard has succumbed and will be replaced in the Autumn. A new bare-rooted hedgerow at Goldsland has not survived and we are still waiting to plant out the wildflower plug plants (which have been potted on) when the ground softens up. The pond in the Community Orchard has never been so low and there is insufficient water in the adjacent stream to top it up.

With the focus on fungi, funded by Grow Wild, we have constructed and filled a series of raised beds at Goldsland and seeded some with mycelium which should sprout up into mushrooms in the Autumn. Some, we hope, will turn up naturally. Next month we shall be announcing the details of some competitions – photography, art and crafts with fungi as the theme.

 



 

Another School Year Come and Gone!

 

Well, we can’t believe that another school year has come and gone!

We would like to say a very big thank you to our PFTA who have raised over £4000 this year. We really do appreciate all their tireless work in raising funds to enhance the children’s learning experiences.

The children have enjoyed super school trips this past year; Years 1 and 2 visited Green Meadow Farm where they saw Dipsy the Cow being milked, rode on a tractor and enjoyed a lemonade ice lolly. Reception children visited Porthkerry Park; they went bug hunting in the woods, ran through the meadows with butterfly nets and built dens in the woods; the den ranger tested to see if they were waterproof by throwing a bucket of water over them! Great fun was had by all.

Year 6 had their Leavers Assembly last Friday. It was super occasion, with the children sharing memories of their time in Wenvoe. There was a lovely slide show of baby photos and the staff and children alike all enjoyed guessing who was who! Following the Leavers Service, they then went to Cosmeston Lakes for a barbecue. We wish them every happiness and success as they move onto the next stage of their education.

Our musicians and choristers gave a wonderful musical soiree on Wednesday when they entertained family and friends with their wonderful recitals. Thanks must also go to our music teacher, Mrs Jones, for her excellent work and dedication.

Councillor Penrose (Vale of Glamorgan) and Alun Cairns, MP, visited school this morning to present certificates for the runners up and winner of the Vale of Glamorgan 500 Word Writing Competition: Highly Commended was awarded to Sienna Kelly, Amelia Rees, Poppy Davies, Taryn Tyson and Oliver Fulthorpe; In third place was Tori Bellamy; second place went to Rhys Hill; the winner was Milly Jorna. A very big well done to all who took part and of course to the winners.

We are very sad to say goodbye to Miss Kerry Williams, our reception teacher, who leaves us today to return to Pembrokeshire. Mrs Woodiwiss, our dinner supervisor and LSA support is also leaving today. Mrs Maunder is beginning her maternity leave today. We wish them all every happiness for the future.

We wish you all a very happy summer – fingers crossed that this beautiful weather continues.

WE look forward to seeing you again in September!

The Gwenfo Team.

 


 

The Mercy Ship Fund Raising

 

The first major fund raising event held in Wenvoe to help raise money for Helen Ormrod's work on the Mercy Ship in Africa was held in May, when Johnny Tudor and Olwen Rees gave us a musical tale of their lives in showbiz. This was reported in the June edition of the What’s On , and was a very successful evening, and a hard act to follow. But I think all who attended our second event on Saturday 23rd June will agree that we achieved another "Double Whammy".

This time, we were entertained – and enlightened – in the most interesting way, by Derek Brockway and Nicola Smith, both of BBC1 Wales fame. The ‘Weatherman Walking’ gave us a fascinating insight in to the mysteries of meteorology, as he had become fascinated by the weather since a child. (As he said, all the British talk about the weather, especially the Welsh!). He served the Met Office in various places from Cardiff Airport to the Falklands, where he did some vital work for the Army, RAF and Navy. As the islands are so remote and very barren and windy, conditions are hard, but he managed to take some lovely photographs of the wildlife there. My favourite was the 3 penguins, all lined up for a photo shoot, just for Derek! (Attenborough, eat your heart out!).

Derek did a special Forecast for Wenvoe for the week ahead, which he assured us would be sunny, hot and "toasty", and said there is a strong possibility that this summer will be very dry (bad news for all you gardeners).

After the interval (for refreshments and raffle!) , we were introduced to Nicola Smith, the BBC1 news reader, whom half the audience knew already as "one of us". Nicola recalled how she and her twin sister Sian, lived in Orchard Close, Wenvoe with their parents for many years, and spent happy hours with their grandmother, Mrs Margaret Barton, whom lived in Walston Road. Many of us remember her fondly as a lovely, jolly, kindly, sociable lady who was a staunch member of the Choir at St Mary's Church.

Nicola was married and christened in St Mary's Church, and a rranged for her own two children, Isobel(7) and Will(5) to be christened there too. (Husband George was babysitting on 23rd so Nicola could talk to us, so "Thank you, George"!). Nicola said she was pleased to be asked to talk to her home village- and in aid of such a good cause.

Nicola described her career rise, and loves her job as it is so varied, no 2 days are ever the same and we now feel we can appreciate more all the hard work which goes in to the outside broadcasts and interviews, often in very inclement weather, for long hours, which only results in 2 minutes of screen time! She showed us photos of the inside of her car boot – stacked with wellington boots, hiking boots, macs, a sleeping bag, change of clothes (and maybe a snow shovel from November on?).

Both talks were humourous. Light-hearted and very entertaining, but also educational with food for thought. We are extremely grateful to both Derek and Nicola for giving so freely of their precious leisure time, and we know that Helen Ormrod joins us in

thanking all who supported this Event, including Tony Williams, who helped us with the venue at the Community Centre, Cath and Andy who ran the bar so well, the Church Social Committee, and donors of the raffle prizes.

Diolch yn Fawr i chi!!

 



 

Bus Trip – Our trip to London was a complete success. Positive feedback was received from all. Following suggestions, we shall be making a trip to Bath and the Christmas Market sometime in December.

Book Sales – Many thanks to the Horse and Jockey for continuing to collect donations for our pre-loved books. We’re extending this provision to other venues in the village and any book donations would be very much appreciated. Please drop off your donations during library hours.

Clwb Clonc – Our opportunity for conversation practice for Welsh learners continues to flourish. We currently have ten people attending our weekly sessions on Mondays at 11am in the café at Pugh’s Garden Centre. For further information contact: Janet Tabor janet.tabor@hotmail.com

New Scientist and other magazines – We have been kindly donated with current science and history magazines for you to browse through in the library.

ADVANCE NOTICE

Summer Reading Scheme – Nicola the Head of Wenvoe Junior School has told the children that anyone who comes back to school with a medal for completing the Reading Challenge would start the year with 10 house points. Additionally, there will be a quiz throughout the summer with hidden pictures, which children will have to find in the library. We have two prizes, one for the older children and one for the younger.

Books, Bakes and Bric-a-brac – Saturday 10th November, at the Community Centre. Join us for refreshments, delicious cakes, with Christmas bakes for sale.

NEW BOOKS FOR AUGUST

We have a real mixed bag for you this month; these are just some suggestions:

A Grand Old Time by Judy Leigh – Evie Gallagher is regretting her hasty move into a care home. She may be seventy-five and recently widowed, but she’s absolutely not dead yet.

Strange Fascination: An Essex Witch Museum Mystery by Syd Moore- The Museum has been re-launched with a new wing and picnic grounds. When the centuries-old Blackly Be boulder, said to mark the grave of a notorious witch but now in the car park of the Seven Stars, is moved, all hell breaks out.

Guilt by Amanda Robson – When the body of a woman is found stabbed to death, the blame falls to her twin sister. But who killed who? And which one is now the woman behind bars?

The Curious Heart of Ailsa Rae by Stephanie Butland – Ailsa Rae is learning how to live. She's only a few months past the heart transplant that – just in time – saved her life. Life should be a joyful adventure. But . . .

The Silenced by Stephen Lloyd Jones – Grim, gory and gripping from the outset,

Doctor Who: The Christmas Invasion by Jenny T Colgan – Earth is under attack by power-hungry aliens. This is no time for the Doctor to be out of action.

An Orphan’s Courage by Cathy Sharp – Heartache and hardship in London’s East End, from the bestselling author of The Orphans of Halfpenny Street

 

OFF THE SHELF

Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie was our book of the month. The story is told from the viewpoint of a young Nigerian girl, Kambili, whose life is ruled by schedules of prayer, sleep, study, and prayer. Her father is fanatically religious and at times a cruel man who shuns traditional culture and rules his family with a rod of iron. Outside the family compound he is seen as a pillar of society giving generously to all and supporting dissent from the ruling party at a time of political upheaval. In contrast, his sister finds it hard to make ends meet for her family and treads cautiously at her university. It is this sister who gradually realises the intolerable situation her niece and nephews are living in. She opens up another world for Kambili and her brother Jaja, helping them to understand local culture and providing them with aspirations and a refuge.

This was a book that most of us could not put down. It was beautifully written. The characters were well described and developed; you felt you were living their lives with them. The story was realistically set in the clash of cultures and state of political unrest. There was much food for thought; was not a book to skip lines or pages, each word was necessary. We highly recommend it and gave it a score of 9/10.

 

WENVOE COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Tel: 02920 594176 (during opening hours)

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

 



 

Courgette and Tomato Tart

Courgette and Tomato Tart

375 ready rolled puff pastry

200g cherry tomatoes, cut in half

250g good mature cheddar cheese

3 – 4 medium/large sized courgettes, cut into rounds

Olive oil

1 tbsp dried mixed herbs

Fresh black pepper and sea salt

I egg beaten

Heat oven to 195C. Lightly oil a 25cm x 38cm bak-ing tray. Roll out pastry [if required to fit tray]. Transfer pastry to the tray and score a 2cm border around the edge of the pastry. [Don’t cut through]. Spread the cheese over the pastry up to the score line. Cover the cheese with the sliced courgettes, over lapping as required. Gently brush the courgettes with olive oil. Scatter the cut tomatoes evenly on to the courgettes. Sprinkle the mixed herbs over the top. Add the black pepper and sea salt. Brush the edge with the beaten egg. Bake in the oven for about 20 – 25 mins until the cheese has melted and the edge has risen and golden.

Serve with baby, buttered new potatoes and a selec​tion of meats cooked on the BBQ.

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