Month: March 2019

Your Garden Programme for March

There will be a lot of activity on the allotments as the month goes on. The people you see there will be waiting patiently to move the plants they have been growing on window sills, under cloches or in the greenhouse, into the soil. It is an exciting time of year with longer days and, hopefully, less cold. Anyone with any heart at all cannot fail to be moved by the way things start to grow. Every year we try to start things growing a little earlier, but nature tells us when. Plants always seem to catch up once the weather improves.

Temptation to get stuck in once the better weather arrives can lead to all manner of aches and pains. We all tend to do too much. There are lots of treatments out there to get you through the pain but the best thing is to do the work a little and often.

If, on the off chance, you haven’t got much garden or you’re new to it and would love to learn more then why not join the Environment team who meet on the 2nd Monday of each month at 9.30am for an hour to tidy up the green areas around the village. With the likes of Ieuan Williams and Brian Jones on the team you will be gardeners in no time.

RHS top tips for March

1. Protect new spring shoots from slugs.

2. Plant shallots, onion sets and early potatoes.

3. Plant Summer flowering bulbs.

4. Lift and divide overgrown clumps of perennials.

5. Top dress containers with fresh compost.

6. Mow the lawn on dry days.

7. Cut back cornus grown for its colourful stems.

8. Hoe and mulch weeds to keep under control.

9. Start to feed the fish and use the fountain.

10. Prune bush and climbing roses.

I have, for a number of years, tried to grow asparagus. Having followed the instructions to the letter I just can’t seem to stop the crowns from rotting. A friend suggests growing from seed so that they will acclimatise to my soil better. It will be worth persevering as fresh asparagus is lovely.

Once you have pruned your roses they will need a feed, but read the label on the fertiliser about the amount you should be giving them as over feeding is a waste and can be costly. This applies to all plants. Plug plants are a good way of keeping the costs down, rather than buying established plants ready to go in the ground. They will need a little more looking after but it is worth it.

This time last year garden centres were being signed up to take part in a plastic pot recycling scheme. The uptake was slow and everything seems to have gone quiet. If you’re concerned about this then ask the centres if they have signed up. Almost all of us will be buying plants, especially at this time of year. We as consumers can help persuade growers to change.

Lastly, I know it’s early but the village show in September will be a good place to show off your prize veg and plants so keep it in mind.

Take care and happy gardening

 

 

Scams – How to Stay Safe

STAY SAFE

SCAM – We have recently had a number of victims of a scam in the Penarth/Barry area. Each time these individuals were called and asked to withdraw large amounts of cash from the bank. Each time they alleged they were police officers and not to tell anyone. If the bank ask why you need the money they are giving the victims a number of excuses, e.g. new kitchen, new car.

Please let’s encourage everyone to talk openly about Scams. The police will never ask you to take money out. Always contact 101 or 999 but ensure the line is cleared before dialling. (Listen for a dial tone).

VISITORS – Please be vigilant when letting people into your homes.

There has recently been a theft in a Barry property, where by a man has alleged to be from the water board. He has entered the property to speak with the resident, whilst another male has entered the property and has stolen a handbag.

Do not let strangers into your home, ring companies to clarify and always check for ID.

 

 

Ron Jones’ story ‘The Auschwitz Goalkeeper’.

Those of us who gathered to hear the harrowing accounts of Ron Jones’ experience during World War II, would agree, that it was a privilege. This gentle man and natural story teller had seen and suffered things that no person should ever experience when he was taken Prisoner of War in January 1942 and kept in Auschwitz for two years.

The stories however, also served to remind us of Ron’s resilience, good humour and respect for people – qualities which undoubtedly contributed to his survival during the war and his recovery afterwards.

The story unfolded as Ron, at 101 years old, stood to talk to his audience for almost an hour. Born in Rogerstone to an industrial blacksmith and a tailoress, Ron’s father insisted he left school at 14 and follow him into the steel industry. Being in a reserved occupation, Ron would have avoided active service in World War II, had it not been for a mistake made by a typist at Guest Keen Works.

After training with the South Wales Borderers, Ron was posted to Egypt in August 1941 and captured in January 1942. He spent eight months in appalling conditions in a POW camp at Alta Mura in southern Italy; covered with lice, freezing cold at night and reliant on Red Cross parcels for survival. With conditions so bad, a few hundred of the POWs offered to work. They were put on a passenger train, thinking they were heading for Milan. When the train stopped, they were in the Brenner Pass and were handed over to the Germans. It was August 1943. They were loaded onto cattle trucks; the destination was Auschwitz. Approaching the camp they saw men in striped pyjamas digging trenches in the freezing cold. Ron said: ‘They were all bound for the gas chambers; we were looking at dead men walking. We had arrived at our final destination, in more ways than one’.

Cigarettes were currency in Auschwitz. By giving the guards some, the British POWs were allowed out into the field to play football every Sunday. When the Red Cross realised this, they brought footballs and shirts in the colours of the home nations. Ron’s mother had taught him to sew and he decided to use his skills to embroider the Prince of Wales feathers onto the Welsh shirts, using thread from old socks.

With the Russians advancing into Poland, the

German guards forced Ron and the other POWs to march towards the Austrian border. In what became known as The Long March or The Death March, the POWs trudged wearily for 17 weeks, with little or no food and sleeping in fields in temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees. Some six hundred miles were covered. Two hundred and sixty men soon became less than a hundred. Ron remembers the time when he ate a raw chicken. ‘It was lovely’ he said.

When liberated from a barn by US forces, Ron weighed 7 stone (half his original weight), was covered in lice and sick when he ate anything. ‘But I was still alive’, he said. In May 1945, Ron returned home to his dear wife Gwladys and to a community which supported his long road to recovery. ‘It took me four of five years before I was back to normal again’.

Ron joined the Royal Legion after he retired and worked tirelessly to raise money through the selling of poppies .

Our thanks are to Ron for sharing his experiences with us and to the Friends of Wenvoe Library for organising what is hopefully the first of many ‘Meet the Author’ evenings.

Read all of Ron Jones’ story in ‘The Auschwitz Goalkeeper’.

 

 

Church News for February

January and February are traditionally quiet months in the life of the church, here in Wenvoe and elsewhere, following on from the hustle and bustle of Christmas. This year we have had a mild wet Winter, and this has kept our congregations attending church services in good numbers. Weather does play a great role in our lives, and when we have nothing else to talk about, it is always the weather that we fall back on. The daffodils in the churchyard are already in bloom with primroses and crocus in abundance in our gardens and parks…this tells us that Spring is not far away, and that these days March 1st is the beginning of the meteorological season of Spring, as well as being the Feast of our Patron Saint St David.

During the month the “Chattery” on the 14th February brought a good crowd to the Church Hall when the theme was “St Valentine’s Day” celebrated with heart shaped chocolates and much more besides.

On Saturday the 16th February the Family fun Quiz was a “sell out” long before the night and a great enjoyable time was had. This was a good social occasion with “quizzers” from our sister parishes of Sully and St. Lythan’s. We are indebted to our Quiz Master, Ian Moody and his assistants for setting the challenging questions. Thanks are also due to the social committee who work hard to arrange gatherings such as these, which in turn helps to raise money for the projects we have planned to improve and so often repair the ravages of time in our lovely church building.

CHANCEL FLOOR SCHEME

The decision of the Diocesan Advisory Committee to the proposed scheme to lower the chancel floor to a gradual slope, taking away the chancel step, is awaited. Watch this space.

MESSY CHURCH 2019

Messy church has become an established event in the life of the church in Wenvoe and in lots of other parishes. The dates are been announced for the programme for 2019 with four sessions throughout the year, with the first on 30th March with the theme of “Mothering Sunday”. The Wenvoe Community Centre is the place to be from 3.30 pm to 5.30pm with craft work, storytelling, singing, and a meal to round off the afternoon. Children accompanied with their parents are always made welcome at these gatherings and of course it is FREE. Adults of any

age are always encouraged to attend, often to share in the activities and to encourage the children to give of their best in the craft work. Messy Church is organised with helpers from the Vale Village Church who meet to plan the programme for the year, with sessions in June, September and November… more details nearer the time. A big THANKYOU to all who give of their time to arrange these most enjoyable afternoons.

Dates for your diary of events in March

March 1st Faith in Film at the Rectory when the film will be “Pride” with a 15 certificate

Shrove Tuesday at Sully on March 5th. With a PANCAKE EVENING in the Old School Hall in Sully at 7.00pm. Tickets are available from Carol Wyllie at £4.00 children are FREE. Bring your own drinks with plenty of pancakes of course. There will be a Pancake Tossing Competition and a Beatle Drive and a guarantee of lots of fun and laughter.

March 6th ASH WEDNESDAY see the notice board for times of services in our churches for the beginning of the solemn season of LENT.

March the 31st is MOTHERING SUNDAY, normal times of services.

With blessings to all our readers

Parry Edwards

 

 

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

 

 

Goldsland Orchard Now Has 27 Trees

 

February saw the completion of our fruit tree planting at the Goldsland Orchard which now has 27 trees including Cider Apples, Perry Pears, Medlar, Quince and Plum – see photo. Bulbs planted in the Autumn include Bluebell and the native Daffodil and these are just showing through the soil. The hedgerow is also in the process of being planted with about 30 in the ground but a further tranche of 60 shrubs due in March courtesy of the Woodland Trust. These include Hazel, Hawthorn, Crabapple, Spindle and Holly. The Victoria Plum in the Community Orchard which died last year has been replaced and we have also planted Medlar and Quince in the Welsh Orchard. We are steadily replacing the bamboos in the many bee hotels we have where they were pulled out by people, birds or squirrels (or a mixture of these) but in the future they will be covered with wire netting. The wildflower patch in Grange Park is being prepared for wildflower seed sowing and Wenvoe Primary School children will help to spread the seed again in early April. Some branches of Sycamore trees which are overhanging fruit trees in the Wild Orchard are being cut back which should make the area lighter and encourage the fruit trees to grow upright.

 

Seven Good Reads

 

This month, we each reviewed a book of our own choice that we had enjoyed.

‘The tattooist of Auschwitz’ by Heather Morris.

This book is based on the real life of Lale Sokkolov a survivor of Auschwitz, interviewed by Heather Morris. It is the love story of Lale and Gita, who met in the concentration camp. Lale’s role as a tattooist gave him a little more freedom, enabling him to exchange jewellery and cash from murdered prisoners, for food.

‘Tombland’ by C.J. Sansom

(Also reviewed by ‘Off the Shelf’ last month) This is the 7th in the Shardlake series of historical mystery novels. In 1549 Shardlake is requested by Princess Elizabeth, to investigate a murder. He travels to Norwich and becomes embroiled in the peasant rebellion. “Historical fiction at its best.”

‘Normal people’ by Sally Rooney.

Follows the see-saw relationship between Marianne and Connell living in Dublin. The balance of their relationship alters as Marianne transforms from a skinny, anxious girl to become a popular student at Trinity, while Connell gives up football after being a star. “Couldn’t put it down.”

‘Tip of my tongue’ by Trezza Azzopardi.

Set in 70’s Cardiff, it is one of a series of books retelling fables from the Mabinogion. ’Geraint, son of Erbin’ is retold, seen through the eyes of Enid, a nine year old girl from Splott. She goes to live with rich relatives in Devon when her mother dies and her father sinks into depression. “The relationship between Enid and Geraint (her cousin), is thought provoking and well written.”

‘Painted girls’ by Cathy Marie Buchanan.

In the late 1800’s in Paris, after the death of their father causing their mother to turn to drink, the Van Goethem sisters need to earn money. Antoinette, the eldest, finds work as a stage extra, while her sister Marie goes to the Paris Opera to train as a ballet dancer. Marie becomes a model for the painter Edgar Degas. The book links in historical newspaper reports from that time. A very good read.

‘Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine’ by Gail Honeyman.

Eleanor aged 30, rarely says a word at work not related to her job. At weekends, she does not speak to anyone from Friday night till Monday. Then she meets someone who connects with her. The plot has a clever twist at the end. An excellent book that draws you right in. Other members of the group who had read the book, agreed it was very enjoyable.

‘One good turn’ by Kate Atkinson.

Jackson Brodie, a retired detective, in Edinburgh to support his girlfriend Julia, who is performing in the fringe. Jackson witnesses a violent road rage incident. With dark humour, the book then introduces a series of distinctive characters, who slowly become linked to this

 

 

The “What’s On” is your magazine

 

WHAT’S ON MAGAZINE

This is your magazine.

We have a team to format articles and build the magazine but we do rely on YOU to supply the material to put in each edition. Thank you to all of you who supply us with regular items.

There is no charge for anything you want to have included in the magazine except for commercial advertisers.

Why not write a letter, an article about your holidays or something you have seen or taken part in locally or you consider of interest to others. E-mail your item to one of the team on page 2. If you cannot communicate electronically please leave the item in the What’s On box in the library or Village Shop.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

 

 

The Reassuring Sight of Wales Air Ambulance

 

As the crow flies Wenvoe is directly in between Cardiff and RAF St Athan which is the reason the South Wales Police helicopter can be seen often overflying our village. A common sight, the blue and yellow liveried aircraft has now become a routine crime fighting tool. It is based at RAF St Athan but covers both the South Wales and Gwent Police areas. Neighbouring forces of Dyfed Powys and North Wales have their own aircraft.

Helicopters have become an important vehicle with modern day emergency services with 3 in use with the police and another 3 bright red Air Ambulances covering the whole of Wales. Able to respond very quickly, unaffected by terrain or traffic jams, they can reach their destination with relative ease and then provide ground staff with all manner of specialist support. Even the Fire Service have experimented with helicopter support

Some interesting facts – Air Ambulance

  • The aim of Wales Air Ambulance is to reach, treat and transport patients with the greatest speed possible. A pilot can have the helicopter airborne within 3 minutes of receiving an emergency call.
  • The aircraft can travel at 140mph – over 2 miles per minute – and can reach anywhere in Wales within 20 minutes.
  • Wales Air Ambulance responds to over 1,000 missions every year and approximately 40% of missions are to road traffic collisions.
  • Treatment within the ‘Golden Hour’ improves the chances of a patient’s survival and early recovery.
  • A helicopter has the capacity to carry 1 pilot, 2 paramedics and 1 patient. The new EC-135 can also carry the parent of an injured child.
  • The cost of running the service across Wales is £5-million per year with each mission costing approximately £1,200.
  • Wales was the last country and region in Europe to have an air ambulance service, but it has since grown to become one of the busiest air ambulance operations in the UK.

 

Some interesting facts – South Wales Police Air Support Unit

  • The helicopter can carry up to 7 people to include passengers, specialist officers and casualties.
  • The helicopter will soon have a dog carrier on board for police dogs and has a stretcher on board for casualty evacuation.

 

  • It has the latest camera technology along with digital image management and recording systems. The Star Sapphire Camera has four camera capabilities and can clearly record images.
  • It can transmit images from its ‘heli telly’ system enabling ground commanders to see real time pictures of incidents, disasters and major events.
  • It is a faster flyer, more efficient, has greater endurance, more powerful engines, and has a lower noise footprint which means it is much quieter than the old helicopter.
  • It regularly features in ITV Wales’ programme titled ‘Sky Cops’
  • It is available to be called on to assist front-line police officers in exactly the same way as any other police specialist such as dog handlers or firearms experts.

 

Whether its the Air Ambulance or police Air Support Unit they are a reassuring sight in our skies.

 

 

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