Month: September 2019

September Review

September Review

At our September meeting a warm welcome was extended to everyone, especially our visitors Ann and Paula. We sincerely hope they will visit again soon.

The evening commenced with a minute’s silence in memory of Shirley Harris. Shirley was a long-standing member of our Institute and had been on the Committee for a number of years. She will be missed greatly and our thoughts and prayers are with Shirley’s family at this sad time.

Our speaker on this occasion was Abi Reader MBE. Abi has always enjoyed farming and the countryside. Since graduating from the Royal Agricultural College at Cirencester Abi has completed a Farm Business Management Course and a Rural Leadership Course. She farms on the family farm – Goldsland Farm, Wenvoe – and it is evident that she thoroughly enjoys all aspects of it. She is truly passionate about farming. Abi was the first female County Chairman in Glamorgan and she was also the youngest Chair by about 20 years.

She has worked tirelessly setting up and taking around the ‘Cows on Tour Road Show’ to schools all over the country – raising a lot of money for charity at the same time. Cows are a big part of Abi’s life. The 200 cows at Goldsland Farm are Holstein Friesan and Dairy Shorthorn and they are all homebred. Farm Open Sundays are becoming popular and Abi has joined this initiative. In 2014 they were anticipating 50 visitors but 300 turned up. Within a few years this figure has risen to 3,000!

Abi is one amazing lady! Her advice to us, in order to support the wonderful work of our farmers, is ‘Buy Welsh, buy British and look for the Red Tractor logo’. The MBE she has been awarded is thoroughly deserved and we wish her well with all her plans for the future.

WI business consisted mainly of collecting names for various events, including our Fish and Chip Supper in November. Members were reminded that they will need to pay for this at our next meeting.

Our October meeting is on Thursday, 3rd October at 7pm at Wenvoe Church Hall. Our speaker will be Susan Dickson Davies. She will be giving us an insight into “The Breast Centre” at Llandough Hospital (our charity for this year). We will be presenting a cheque for £400 – the result of our recent fundraising events. Visitors can be assured of a warm welcome and there is no charge.

 

 

A Good Year For Apples

A Good Year For Apples

Generally it has been a good year for our apples and many of the trees in our orchards have been heavily laden with fruit. Also doing well are the insects, particularly wasps and butterflies, that appreciate apples that have started to over-ripen. Our camera traps are also showing foxes and badgers taking advantage of the windfalls and with the first frosts blackbirds and thrushes will be tucking in. One revelation this year has been the size of some of our traditional apples, the photo showing different varieties but with a conventional apple in the middle. These are dual purpose apples, good for both eating and cooking and those in the photo all weighing in at around three-quarters of a pound (0.34 kilograms) each.

 

Also doing well are crab-apples which often turn up in our hedgerows and are covering a pavement near one of the village road exits. This is our traditional apple and was once a very common tree in our hedgerows but the apple that we eat originates in the Tien Shan mountains in Asia and eventually worked its way down the silk roads to reach Britain, no-one is too sure when but was well-established in the mediaeval monasteries. The heritage varieties we have planted often date back several hundreds of years so the apple you could be sampling might also have been tasted by Shakespeare although he made few references to them other than examples like ‘There is small choice in rotten apples

 

 

Hailey Park

Hailey Park

On a warm and sunny day 19 people set off from Hailey Park in North Llandaff. We walked north along the River Taff to the Melingriffith Water Pump, where a feeder and canal run parallel to the River Taff.

The pump was installed circa 1800 for Glamorgan canal and Melingriffith Tinplate Works. For over 130 years the pump provided a reliable water supply for the canal that ran from Merthyr to Cardiff docks via Pontypridd and Tongwynlais.

By 1836 over 200 barges (mostly carrying coal and iron) were working on the canal, able to travel the 25 miles from Merthyr to Cardiff in around 20 hours (negotiating some 51 locks). The growth of the railways led to the closure of the canal.

In the early part of the 19th century, disputes occurred between the owners of the Melingriffith Tin Plate works and the Glamorgan Canal Company. There were problems obtaining a continuous supply of water from the Feeder which ran from Radyr weir to the Melingriffith works, especially in the summer months, because the canal company had directed most of the water supply upstream of the Melingriffith works to their waterway. Following court action in 1806 the canal company agreed to pay £700 for the construction of a water pump.

Now we walked between the feeder and the river heading towards bird hides where it is possible to see kingfishers. A heron posed for us and an abundance of ducks, moorhens and coot were on the water but at the bird hide we saw a solitary dunnock on the grass just outside the window. We returned via the Glamorgan canal and retired, after 5 miles, to a favourite cafe for refreshment.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capel-y-ffin

Capel-y-ffin

Getting to Capel-y-ffin (the Chapel at the end) is not easy. We drove to Llanthony and then along the valley following a narrow windy lane for over 2 miles; parking is restricted. A red kite swooped over us as we travelled. This and the sight of a cyclist (male) in day glow pink leggings and baby pink shoes assured us of an interesting day. Indeed we were following in the footsteps of William and Dorothy Wordsworth; this was one of their favourite areas to walk. Bruce Chatwin used to cycle here as a child, he later called it one of the emotional centres of his life.

Setting out along the road we crossed Nant Bwch to follow Afon Honddu and could see a large building, to the west, in the distance. This was the Grange, a monastery and ruined chapel built by Joseph Leycester Lyne, known as Father Ignatius, in 1870. He tried to reintroduce the monastic tradition to the Anglican Church. His builders took advantage of his unsuspecting nature and skimped on foundations, damp proofing etc. The monastic idyll disintegrated along with the buildings and the chapel is fenced off with a ‘Dangerous structure’ sign. The monastery is now a trekking centre.

Soon we were climbing a fairly steep hill to the south eastern end of the ridge. As we rested to look back at the glorious view of the valley towards Llanthony we met a group of 4 young men coming down. They had come from Birmingham and were walking to Hay-On-Wye (10miles). One of them, an Italian, was blown away by the beauty of the place – he didn’t know this country held such treasures.

The path along the ridge was easy though slightly uphill. Dark clouds gathered in the sky creating a dramatic atmosphere. The boggiest section was paved and the surrounding area covered in lines of fleeces. Apparently they help the land to recover. At the end of the ridge, Lord Hereford’s Knob, the spectacular view opened up to the northwest across relatively flat land and you could see for miles. It was lunchtime and we were ready to eat but a fierce wind had got up and we continued to an outcrop of rocks a little to the southwest. Even the rocks couldn’t protect us so we turned our backs on the view and started down the valley. In no time we were on the banks of a small stream in the sunshine – lovely.

The descent through the valley was gorgeous. A herd of ponies and their foals tossed their manes in the wind. In the protected valley, Nant Bwch shimmered in the sun and heather clad banks glowed. The sheep were the whitest I had ever seen and stones beside tributaries also glowed white in places (presumably limestone). And it was so quiet it was heavenly. We had heard no cars, aeroplanes or other manmade noise (apart from voices) all day and only met a handful of people.

Crossing Nant Bwch we walked along a lane passing Talsarn Farm and the Grange to come back into Capel-y-ffin. Walk 7miles 1500ft ascent. Map OL13

 

 

September Parish News

ST. MARY’S PARISH CHURCH NEWS

September has been a busy month at St. Mary’s when we welcomed our “Pebbles” children back from their Summer break. We also had a number of new parishioners who joined us in worship and it was good to be back in harness for the equally busy time that is planned in the run up to Christmas.

The plans we have presented to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for the church extension seemed to have reached an impasse. We were asked to prepare a ‘justification statement’ on the need for the project, which they did not accept. However, we will continue to work towards the vision we have to bring all our church activities on to one site.

During the month a lot of work has been taking place in and around the church. The historical tiles in aisle and chancel are being continually mopped and are gradually looking better. They will look cleaner until the restorers are able to bring them ‘back to life’ when they start work in February 2020.

The ‘blown’ plaster near the altar and behind the organ bench has been removed and will shortly be repaired with lime plaster. In the churchyard a number of the stone crosses on the older graves were found to have a ‘wobble’ and they have been reset and re-pinned with stainless steel rods to make them safe. Lastly, the wrought iron archway leading to the churchyard extension, has been removed for restoration and will shortly be back in situ with new stone caps and rewired for a new light, hopefully in time before Winter. Donations towards the cost of all these projects are welcomed. We get no grants to help us undertake the work. Our income is totally reliant on our fund raising. Please help us with digital giving or old fashioned cheques. Thank you.

Apart from our normal services on Sundays and midweek in September, three funerals and four baptisms have taken place in St. Mary’s. We also had a surprise wedding for the guests at one of the baptisms, and the music from friends in opera and “Only Men Allowed” was especially appreciated. It is good to see the church being used to mark the milestones in lives well lived.

Did you know that during the family service at St Mary’s Church on Sundays there is a children’s group called ‘Pebbles’? We meet every week during term time, starting at 9:30 in the church hall. During this time the children engage in fun activities with the aim of promoting values for life such as being kind, caring and thoughtful to others. Children age 4+ can be dropped off at the hall and will be walked over to church for the final part of the service. Pre-school children need to be accompanied by an adult.

‘Pebbles’ is led by an experienced Primary School teacher with the additional support of a parent. If you would like to find out more you can ring Alison on 02920598313 or just turn up! A warm welcome awaits you.

The Chattery continues to meet on the second

Thursday morning in the Church Hall at 10.30, bringing old friends and new friends together for a chat and coffee/tea plus a free raffle. The cost is £2.00 and is an opportunity to get out of the house and meet up with really friendly church going and non-church going folk..

At a recent meeting of the Parochial Church Council it was decided that the loose cash and notes in the special collections at the Harvest Festival services would be donated to the Christian Aid Harvest Appeal. The fresh produce to the Salvation Army and the tinned/dry goods to the Food Bank in Barry. The money at the Remembrance Sunday service will be donated to the Royal British Legion and the collections at the Community Carol Service and ‘Waiting for Jesus’ on Christmas Eve, will be donated to the ‘Neo-Natal’ ITU Unit at the UHW Hospital, Cardiff. There will be an opportunity to bring toys and games to church during November for the appeal for toys for the Food Bank for distribution to families in difficulties in the Vale, and Christmas “Goodies” nearer to Christmas.

The Vale Foodbank: Helping People in Crisis

“The foodbank was there when we really needed it, it was an absolute lifeline.”

We don’t think anyone in our community should have to face going hungry. That’s why we provide three days nutritionally balanced emergency food and support to local people who are referred to us in crisis. We are part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.

Last year the Vale Foodbank provided emergency help for 3,833 people of these 1,414 were under16. That was an increase of 11% on the previous year. All of the six centres continue to be busy with no sign of requests slowing down. Currently they have been able to meet all the requests; however some items have run low on occasions and much needed funds have been used to buy in essential goods.

Regular support from all three churches is much appreciated by the staff to ensure stocks are maintained. A boost from harvest festivals will be gratefully received to replenish stock for the winter months ahead. Recipients from the Foodbanks are so grateful for emergency food to help them in times of crisis. In addition staff can give advice as to where help for their individual situation can be found, whether that be housing, benefits, employment or other needs. Goods can always be left in the Church Porch or brought into church on Sundays or the occasional Wednesday morning service

Reports on the “Scarecrows” and associated events during the afternoon will be in the November issue.

Blessings to all our readers and warm welcome awaits you at St. Mary’s.

Parry Edwards

 

 

September Planning Updates

September Planning Updates

 

Planning Updates

The following applications have been approved:

  • The Firs, 6, Church Rise. Work to four trees covered by TPOs.
  • 9, Tarrws Close. Loft Conversion and rear dormer
  • 64, Burdons Close. Conversion of existing integral garage to habitable space.
  • 48, Gwern Close, Culverhouse Cross. Convert garage to extra living room.
  • The Old Rectory, 10-12, Old Port Road. Residential conversion of the Old Rectory and coach house, application has been withdrawn.
  • 3, Hill Terrace, Twyn yr Odyn. Change of use of land to domestic use has been refused.
  • Poundfield Farm, Pound Lane. The refused application for the change of use of existing garage/store into a grannie annex has gone for appeal.
  • Glenburnie, Port Road (first property east past the Walston Castle roundabout travelling south). Notice has been issued that Castle Care Development Ltd are intending to apply for full planning permission for the demolition of the existing structure and the erection of a care home. Copies of the proposal application, plans and supporting documents will be available to view on Friday 27th September at the Village Hall between 3.00 and 8.00pm or on-line at www.asbriplanning.co.uk/statutory-pre-application-consultation.

 

The Council were given a presentation on waste collection and recycling in the Vale. See separate article on page 17.

The Vale report that the previously used polling locations at Twyn-yr-Odyn and Brooklands Terrace are no longer available. It has been suggested that all Wenvoe Community residents use the Community Centre in future to cast their votes in an election. The Council considered a voting point should still be available close to Culverhouse Cross and have suggested the parking area in Brooklands Terrace as a possible location for a mobile station.

The library project has obtained some additional funding and the preferred contractor has been asked to review the quotation with minor alterations to the original design. If the final design and costings are acceptable and the available funds sufficient, it

would be anticipated that construction could commence early next year.

The Grange Park new play equipment cannot commence until the new soak away receives permission and is constructed. The equipment installation is not expected to commence before December. The start of the installation of play equipment at Twyn-yr-Odyn is expected shortly.

Numerous health and safety updates have been installed at the |Community Centre. A quotation for new emergency lighting was agreed.

Members reported the poor bus service lately, it is thought to be connected with a shortage of drivers but further inquires are being pursued. Reports of dangerous driving incidents at the new lights at Brooklands Terrace/Port Road/Old Port Road have been witnessed, this will be reported to the highways department.

The stile on footpath 20 which runs from Port Road, (near the garage) to Burdonshill where it crosses the drive to the Garden Centre has been removed and a fence installed. The footpath officer will be informed

 

 

September Planning Applications

Planning

The council raised no concerns over the following applications

  • Starbucks Drive Thru, Brooklands Retail Park. Car park, building and drive thru’ signage to a new Starbucks site
  • 4, Old Port Road, Wenvoe Erection of an out building for a sauna, gym and storage
  • Woodside Grange, Wenvoe Works to trees covered by TPOs
  • Dyffryn Gardens, Duffryn Lane. The reintroduction of a Mawson style green house to the lower walled garden and alteration work to the garden and bothies

 

 

 

 

Film Rules In The Vale

FILM RULES IN THE VALE THIS MONTH

Early October sees the finale of the Vale of Glamorgan’s very own film festival. There is still a chance to catch up with some of the events which run until October 6th. The aim of this pilot project entitled ‘The Hidden Here’ is to test interest in a film festival celebrating film in unique venues across the rural Vale of Glamorgan.

The event which started in September, has already included a variety of films, workshops, creative talks and immersive events as varied as dinosaur puppets and films in St Donats, animation in Cowbridge, ‘Buster Keaton’ in St Hilary Church and a unique screening of ‘Apocalypse Now’ in GJD’s Air Museum and Hangar in St Athan. There were multiple screenings of ‘Ice Age’ and ‘Early Man’ in Cosmeston Medieval Village as well as build and escape from the shower block ‘Hut 104’ from ‘The Great Escape’ at Dresd studios; the only Film Studio that reuses and recycles film / TV set props.

On October 3rd at St Hilary Village Hall there will be an opportunity to learn about the Bollywood film industry, taste authentic Indian street food and see a performance of Bollywood dancers.

 

On Saturday, 5th October (09:00-22:o0) Atlantic College, St Donats hosts a full day screening of Jurassic Park movies from the original in 1993 through to Jurassic Park World Fallen Kingdom (2018). The films are being shown back-to-back with the ticket price being £5 entry to St Donats Castle.

Sunday 6th (16:00-19:00) sees an attempt to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORD for the largest film quiz ever! The event will be held at St Athan Aerospace Park as part of the festival finale. Film and quiz fans will find themselves immersed in props, sets and costumes from a multitude of feature films and well known TV shows. ‘There are 50 teams available to book onto so rally up your friends for our Guinness World Record attempt in a truly unique setting.’ If you are a smaller group, you will be matched up to ensure you are sitting with a full complement of 10 contestants. Quiz tickets cost £3.

On Wednesday 30th October, Penarth Pier Pavilion is also holding a film quiz titled ‘Halloween Film and TV Quiz (18)’ Organisers promise a creepy, gory, goose-bump-inducing evening with the opportunity to try to win a prize! Questions cover a variety of film and TV categories, music, video and a few surprises. Tickets are £3 per person. The event which starts at 7:30 pm is open to over 18s only. To enter email info@snowcatcinema.co.uk, with your team name and number (maximum 6).

If your interest lies more in music, St Donats Arts Centre is hosting a tribute show to the music of Paul Simon, both as a solo artist and as one half of Simon and Garfunkel. The tribute event, featured on The One Show, features a full band, video clips, stories, and memories from the last 50+ years under the title ‘Sounds of Simon.’ The event takes place on Saturday, 12th October (19:30- 22:00). Tickets are £15.50.

A little differently, on Sunday 13th October (12:00 – 15:00), St Hilary Village Hall hosts the St Hilary Foragers Produce Market. A vast array of local produce will be on sale including savoury and fruit pies, jams, cake, piccalilli and other fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

 

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