Month: January 2019

First Meeting Report

President Madeleine welcomed us to our first meeting of 2019, wishing everyone a healthy and peaceful year ahead. We were all sorry to hear that Mair and Pat were in hospital and hoped they would both be returning to good health and home soon.

Our speaker on this occasion was Julia Wylie. After teaching in Hong Kong, Canada and the Philippines, Julia has brought her love of yoga to Wenvoe. She gave a very informative and interesting talk and then it was our turn! We had a wonderful time as Julia showed us lots of different ways of performing yoga sitting in a chair. Everyone really enjoyed the time Julia spent with us. It was a great way to start a new year!

After refreshments we proceeded with WI business. Madeleine thanked all those who donated mince pies for the carol service, Pam for reading on our behalf and Janet for playing the church organ. We are extremely grateful to Rev John Ormrod for planning and leading the WI Link Carol Service at St Mary’s. It was a very special occasion as it was the first time our Banner had been at a church service. Each member present voted for one of the six Resolutions with the most votes going to “A Call Against the Decline in Local Bus Services”.

Our February meeting will be at 7pm on Thursday, 7th February at Wenvoe Church Hall. The speaker will be our very own Janet Young who will be recalling what it was like “From the Other Side of the Desk” – stories from that wonderful world of teaching. Visitors can be assured of a warm welcome and there is no charge

 

 

General News Update

 

The last Sunday of the old year of 2018 was marked with a United Eucharist Service at St. Mary’s with members of the congregations of our three churches coming together to celebrate a fitting end to a year that has been good in parts. Weather wise we had the coldest season of Lent with the “beast from the East” dumping so much snow that many were unable to get to church, followed by the hottest summer for many years. Church attendance can be affected by weather conditions, be it heavy rain or gales or heat, but the church doors are always open to offer worship to the God that loves us.

Back in the Summer, when Bishop June visited the parish, she was concerned by the number of services Jon was taking each Sunday, in the three churches, and he was asked to consider cutting back on the work load he was carrying.

Jon,s response has been to arrange for a retired priest, Canon John Oeppen to take the 9.30am Eucharist at St. Mary’s on the first Sunday of the month, and a similar arrangement is also in place at St. John the Baptist Church in Sully. Our pattern of services will remain as at present, but Jon will have cut back on his work load; let us hope the Bishop will accept this arrangement.

The Building committee has received the plans for the proposed lowering of the Chancel step and floor from our new architects Sutton Davies. The recommended work includes the removal of the blue carpeting at the Altar, the Chancel and the Nave of the church. When inspected, the underlay and the carpeting were soaking wet and rotting, resulting in the historic tiling on the floors being damaged with a build-up of salts on the surface of the tiles. This can be seen on the nave tiles where there is a white layer of salt quite visible. The plan is to restore the Chancel to what the Victorian restorers had in mind, and the tiles are quite decorative and after restoration and cleaning will look more suitable for a building that has a Grade ll* listing. There are only 700 buildings in Wales with this category of heritage listing, so our church is very special in the grand scheme of historical buildings. A Faculty for the work has been submitted to the church authorities and a meeting of the committee, which decides on these matters, has met in the church and we await their decision. In the meantime, a Notice of an Application for a Faculty has been affixed to the church door for the proposed works as described above. Any person wishing to make representations regarding the proposals has 28 days in which to do so. Copies of the relevant plans and documents may be examined at St. Mary’s Church.

Jude Billingham, who looks after our Fair Trade and tradecraft products in the Parish, has reported another good trading year from all the stalls set up during the year. In total, since we first had the products on sale since 2005, we have achieved sales of £41,403.12, a great result and Jude and her team of many people over the years have to be congratulated. Long may it continue.

Our Christmas Charity in 2018 was Shelter Cymru and collections were taken at the special services over the Christmas period. This charity helps people in Wales to get expert advice when in need of housing by providing free independent expert housing advice and they campaign to overcome the barriers that prevent people having a secure home in Wales. The total amount raised came to £1,034.42 and this has been forwarded to the charity. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this wonderful amount from the congregations of St. Mary’s and St Bleddians’s churches.

Dates for your diaries in February…

Faith in Film… the next film will be “Invictus” at the Rectory on Friday 8th February.

The Chattery meets on 14th February at 10.30 am

Annual Fun Quiz in the Community Centre on February 16th at 7.00pm with Ian Moody as Quiz Master. Tickets on sale at £6.00 from Carol or Sandra. No paid bar this year. Bring your own drinks and snacks.

Have a good month Parry Edwards

Shifting Baseline Syndrome Explained

So a new year and an opportunity for some New Year resolutions! Will we as individuals choose to make things worse, do nothing, or maybe, just maybe, do something to improve the environment. The choice is ours but what is clear is that within the parish if we do not do anything, no-one else will. Those working in conservation now refer to Shifting Baseline Syndrome and this means that each generation has a lower expectation of wildlife and the wild places that (for the time being) surround us than the previous generation. If you were alive in Wenvoe 20-30 years ago you would have heard the Cuckoo, regularly each Spring. You took it for granted – it was the norm. But the Cuckoo is no longer heard in the parish so the norm, the expectation is no Cuckoo. We still see hedgehogs but if their current decline continues they will soon be a thing of the past, read about in books like the Tale of Mrs Tiggywinkle but never seen pottering around our gardens. Remember the windscreen test? After a long summer car journey your windscreen used to be splattered with squashed flies, moths and other insects. Now you might just find one or two.

So are we part of the problem? The RHS reports that over a ten year period the percentage of front gardens lost to paving, gravel or concrete rose from 8% to 24%. And back gardens are changing as well as they shift to fake lawns, decking, paving and outdoor rooms – one estimate being that plastic grass in increasing by a rate of 10-15% each year. Not only is this bad for wildlife but it is bad for us and our health. Plants help to reduce the effects of climate change, roots absorb water and help to prevent flooding, branches reduce the velocity of wind and leaves help to lower temperatures during hot spells. People who can see trees and greenery recover from illness quicker and mental health can also benefit. Yet 5 million front gardens have not a single plant growing in them. It is said that we are shifting from green to grey.

Thousands of people have now signed up to the Greening Grey Britain campaign run by the RHS. They pledge to do something positive like planting a tree or shrub – even a small window box. So do we cut down that tree in the garden because it might appear at times to be a bit of a nuisance; do we plasticise our lawn so that we do not have to mow it or do we cover our gardens with decking or concrete slabs because it makes life just that little bit easier. It is worth thinking about – talk it through with your partner or a friend. Most importantly discuss it with the younger generation because they will inherit what you do.

 

 

Advice From Action Fraud

Action Fraud has received more than 5,000 reports about fake emails and texts purporting to be from TV Licensing. The messages contain links to genuine-looking websites that are designed to steal personal and financial information.

Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information in case it’s a scam. Never automatically click on a link in an unexpected email or text.

For more information about how to stay safe online, visit cyberaware.gov.uk

Action Fraud has also experienced an increase in the reporting of malicious calls, voicemails, text messages or emails to members of the public purporting to be from HMRC. (HM Revenue and Customs)

The fraudsters state that as a result of their non-payment of tax or other duty, the victim is liable to prosecution or other legal proceedings such as repossession of belongings to settle the balance but can avoid this by arranging for payment to be made immediately by method such as bank transfer or by iTunes gift cards.

If the victim is hesitant or refuses to comply, the suspect makes a threat such as immediate arrest, bailiffs or in cases where the victim appears to be of overseas origin, deportation.

Often, the period for which the tax is allegedly due is distant enough to guarantee the victim will have little, if any, paperwork or ability to verify the claims. Once the money is paid the suspects sever all contact.

It is vital that the public exercise caution when receiving messages or telephone calls of this nature.

What you need to do:- Always question unsolicited requests for your personal or financial information. Just because someone knows your basic details (such as your name and contact details), it doesn’t mean they are genuine. Instead, contact the company directly using trusted methods such as a known email address or phone number.

Listen to your instincts. If something feels wrong then it is usually right to question it. No genuine organisation will ask you to pay taxes, bills or fees using iTunes Gift Cards, or any other type of voucher.

Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. Under no circumstances would a genuine bank or some other trusted organisation force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.

Report Phishing attempts. If you receive a call, text or email of this nature and have not lost money, report this as a phishing attempt to Action Fraud.

 

 

Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station

 

Barry Dock RNLI Lifeboat Station is discreetly located in what’s called ‘The Outer Harbour’ which is next to Jacksons Bay on Barry Island. Unlike many other RNLI stations it is not an imposing building on the seafront, nor does it have any wonderful or imaginative launch mechanism like a tractor or impressive slipway. Indeed the current station is an old recycled office from a wood supply business that was once based on the dock.

The lifeboat also sits out of view, permanently moored on the water alongside a floating pontoon which is secured to the dock wall. A big, beautiful orange and blue beast of a machine always ‘on the starting blocks’ with engines kept warm ready to go from a standing start to full power at a moments notice.

However it wasn’t always like that. The RNLI is forever changing, improving and upgrading. Innovation is a massive part of the seafarer’s world as old technologies become redundant to be replaced by newer, safer, more hi-tech alternatives. And so the story goes…..

Work on the first Barry Dock Lifeboat Station started in 1884 as part of the larger development of Barry Docks itself. The initial lifeboat station built with a slipway then received its first Thames type lifeboat in 1901 and became operational which cost £600 and was named “John Wesley” after her benefactors the Wesleyans. She was a 43’ long sailing boat with no internal engine but she was equipped with 10 oars rowed 5 a-side by the crew. She remained on station for 21 years before being sold for £135 having launched on 41 occasions and saved 1 life.

In September 1922 the station received a new 40’ Watson class lifeboat named Prince David which cost £8,000 and stayed in service until 1937 when she was replaced by another 41’ Watson Class boat named Rachel and Mary Evans which cost £6,400. She was the first Barry lifeboat to have an inboard engine driving a single propeller, a fantastic innovation for the crew! This boat saw much service during the war years being called into action with much gallantry on many occasions. Regrettably she

met her end smashed onto rocks at Western Super Mare in 1969

In 1967 a brand new style of Waveney Class of lifeboat was delivered to Barry Dock named “Arthur and Blanche Harris”. This was the station’s first steel hulled lifeboat with much more power from twin Cummins marine engines and was much faster. Also, her metal hull meant she was to be left permanently afloat rather than garaged in a lifeboat station. She had a crew of 5 but could rescue up to 35 casualties in one journey – a huge leap forward. In 1974 she was replaced by an Arun Class lifeboat which didn’t have a name but had the RNLI designation of 52-01. This was a fast craft capable of 18 knots with a crew of seven. In 1997 she was replaced by another Arun Class named Margaret Frances Love and in 2003 was further replaced by a third Arun Class named Mickey Salvesen which stayed there until 2006.

In 2006 the existing boat was delivered – a huge, powerful, fast and very capable Trent Class lifeboat named “Inner Wheel II” after the popular ladies charity organisation. Inner Wheel remains the only All-Weather Lifeboat covering the entire Severn Estuary (there are several other types of lifeboats around the area). She has 2 huge diesel engines which put out vast power to her twin-screw propellers and her wake at full power is something to behold. She carries a volunteer crew of 7 and has the most up-to-date navigation and lifesaving equipment. She is also a self-righting boat in the event of a capsize, keeping her crew safe in a watertight wheelhouse. This is one hugely capable boat supported by a very experienced crew.

If you want to know more about Barry Dock Lifeboat you can follow us on Facebook. If you would like to donate you can contact our Barry Dock Fundraising Manager Avril Kitchen at kitchenavril@gmail.com or you can find out more about the amazing history and equipment of the RNLI at www.rnli.org

 

 

Pobol y Cwm

The BBC recently used the Wenvoe Community Centre to film scenes for the Welsh language series Pobol y Cwm.

These scenes will be screened on Monday, February 11th at 7.30pm, and also on Sunday on the Omnibus edition (all 5 episodes) of the week, it normally starts at around 5.00pm but the omnibus time can change

 

 

 

Benefits of Gardening and Tips

Gardening on times can seem to be hard work and it is easy to stay indoors when it’s cold or wet. The garden at this time of year is not at it’s best; we are still waiting for most of the bulbs to emerge to cheer us up. The main thing not to forget are the benefits of being in the garden and working with the soil. There have been numerous studies over the years and some of the pluses of gardening they all agree on are as follows.

  1. It can reduce the risk of a stroke.
  2. It burns up calories.
  3. Heavy gardening can reduce the risk of heart disease and other life-threatening diseases.
  4. The chances of osteoporosis developing can be reduced and for people who already live with the condition gardening is a good workout.
  5. Stress levels are reduced. A study in the Netherlands proved that it is better than most other leisure activities at reducing stress levels.
  6. Being surrounded by flowers improves ones health as they are a natural moderator of moods.
  7. Digging in the soil has actual health and mood boosting benefits. There is a natural antidepressant in the soil called Mycobacterium vaccae. This stimulates serotonin production which is the stuff that makes us happy. It has been known for sometime that children exposed to soil in formative years develop healthy strong immune systems and have a lower incidence of asthma and eczema.
  8. Gardening may lower the risk of dementia. Research shows that the physical activity associated with gardening can lower the risk. Two separate studies of people in their 60s and 70s over a sixteen year period showed a 36% to 47% lower risk of dementia than non gardeners, even when other health factors were taken into account. If only half of the claims of these studies are to be believed, then gardening can only improve our lives.

RHS top tips for this month

  1. Prepare vegetable seed beds and sow some vegetables under cover.
  2. Chit potato tubers
  3. Protect blossom on peaches, apricots and nectarines.
  4. Net winter vegetable crops.
  5. Prune Winter flowering shrubs that have started to fade.
  6. Divide snowdrops and replant while still in the green.
  7. Prune wisteria.
  8. Prune evergreen hedges and renovate deciduous ones.
  9. Any climbing plants in conservatories can be cut back now.
  10. Cut back deciduous grasses left uncut over winter. Remove dead grass from evergreen grasses

Note: start using those gloves you were given for Christmas or your partners will think you didn’t appreciate the well chosen gift.

Dahlia tubers can be started now. Place in a warm, well lit area to start sprouting before planting up. You may need to spray with water to avoid drying out. Sweet pea seeds can still be sown now under a cloche. Keep up with dead heading of Winter pansies and primula and these will continue to flower well into the Spring. Cut off the old leaves of hellebores to expose the flowers.

Towards the end of the month, top dress the borders with a well balanced fertiliser such as growmore or blood fish and bone to feed perennials as they start to grow. Please follow instructions as to how much you need to use or the extra will only wash away

If you’re thinking it’s too early to plant tomato seeds then think again as the likes of Colin Thomas and Brian Foster will already have seedlings on the window sill.

 

 

Dogs Trust, Bridgend Appeal

Dogs Trust, Bridgend are asking for donations of towels, blankets and quilts which are used as bedding for the many dogs in their care. Most of the bedding is washed and reused but much has to be disposed of due to hygiene issues and damage from the dogs so supplies are always in need of replenishing. Indeed, as the Dogs Trust is a charity totally reliant on donations, it would welcome support of any kind, including dog food, dog toys or charitable donations via its website.

If you have anything to donate please let me know and I will collect it and deliver it to the Dogs Trust.

Thanks / Diolch yn fawr,

Martin Thomas – 07581 192108

 

 

FREE Childcare Regulations

 

Here at Wenvoe Playgroup, we are signed up to the Welsh Government’s 30 Hour FREE Childcare, for children the term after their third birthday who live in Cardiff. All Cardiff Children who are eligible, are now beginning to access their FREE 17.5 HOURS OF CARE.

From April this year, the ‘30 Hour FREE Childcare offer’ is coming to the Vale of Glamorgan including Wenvoe, so we want to be sure that you are ready. This is sooner than originally thought/planned.

The 30-hour FREE care is offered as 12.5 hours of Nursery Education and 17.5 hours of Care. You can use the 17.5 hours between Playgroup, Day-care or a Childminder as long as the provider is registered with Care Inspectorate Wales.

If the Government are offering 17.5 hours of ‘Free Play’ and you fit the criteria, then why not take them up on it? Some children on our books apply for as little as 4 hours, it’s all about what your Child needs. We have attached some examples for a better understanding.

As long as Parents fit the following criteria your child may receive FREE care from April 2019 if living in The Vale of Glamorgan.

It is available to Children the term after their 3rd Birthday. If your child is 3 between:

* 1st Sept – 31 Dec they will be eligible in January

* 1st Jan – 31st March they will be eligible in April (after the Easter Hols)

* 1st April – 31st August – they will be eligible in September

  • if the Child is living with 2 parents, both parents must work a minimum of 16 hours or more per week at National Minimum Wage (NMW)
  • if the Child is living with 1 parent, then they must work a minimum of 16 hours or more per week at NMW.
  • if you earn more than £100,000 per parent then the Child is not eligible.

 

Please contact Cardiff Family Information Centre (FIS) for those living in Cardiff Tel: 02920 351700 E-mail@fis@cardiff.gov.uk

or from 4th March 2019 The Vale Family Information Centre (FIS) for those living in The Vale of Glamorgan Tel: 01446 704704 E-mail: fis@valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Before applying for the offer, please contact us here at the Playgroup on 02920 597494 to ensure that we have availability. We have limited space at this time and will need to employ further staff perhaps to support your needs. We have a waiting list for Summer Term at this time due to the funding being rolled out from April.

We have children with us at this time from Cardiff who are benefitting from our wrap around service with Gwenfo Nursery and are receiving up to 17.5 hours of their time FREE at Playgroup.

 

Please see the example for guidance on how this works for us with Cardiff families. Your Child could benefit with 4 days wrap around care at £0.00 or for as little as £3.75 per week, attend 5 mornings 9 to 1pm and onto Gwenfo Nursery.

A contract will have to be completed prior to taking up the offer and your placement confirmed at the Playgroup. We expect to be very busy.

If you require further information then please contact us at wenvoeplaygroup@btinternet.com

 

If you search www.gov.uk/30-hours-free-childcare it will advise you that you can also use your workplace voucher scheme (if already enrolled) and Tax-Free Childcare vouchers to top up any hours or fees above 17.5hrs.

 

 

Pilates has come to Wenvoe!!

 

Pilates has come to Wenvoe!!

Now if you haven’t got a clue what Pilates is (and don’t worry you won’t be the only one); read on!

Pilates is a form of low-impact exercise that aims to strengthen muscles while improving postural alignment and flexibility. Pilates moves tend to target the core, although the exercises work other areas of your body as well. “It strengthens and stabilizes your core body, which is your foundation, so that you can move efficiently while improving your posture, flexibility, and mobility.” Kath Sweeney Pilates has been running for nearly 5 years now and she holds classes across the Vale and Cardiff including Cardiff’s 5* Saint David’s Hotel & Spa. Pilates is a great accompaniment to most sports – golf, running, cycling and horse riding. For example golfers with bad posture lack the ability to move with fluidity; runners generally have tight hamstrings and hip flexors; for cyclists – core stability plus hip flexibility is integral to producing power on the bike; and horse riders, muscles around your pelvis and hip joints can go into low-grade spasm as a protective mechanism. Pilates aim is to lengthen tight muscles and strengthen weak ones! Which will in turn improve posture. Through breathing techniques we work the core muscles in each exercise and aim to improve flexibility, balance and create a connection between mind and body! The plank is a common Pilates exercise but there are so many more! Kath Sweeney Pilates runs every Thursday 8-9pm in Wenvoe Village Hall; £5. Suitable for all abilities so don’t worry if you haven’t a clue what to do, we’ve all been there!!

Feel free to come along mats supplied! Or you can contact Kath on 07738957638 or have a look on Facebook:

Kath Sweeney Pilates

 

 

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