Month: December 2020

December Letters

December Letters

 

My mother Jean Austin passed away on 21/11/20. She had been suffering from dementia from 2013. We moved to Wenvoe around 2000 and over the years have got to know quite a few of you. I would like to thank, on her behalf, and mine, all of you who have been such good neighbours over the years. You have been great, especially recently. She was buried in Wenvoe on 14th December.

Alex Austin Woodside

 



 

In the last year or so the young children of the village community have benefitted from new play facilities on several sites. The older children have nothing. In the summer, they play on the field opposite the school or on the playing fields. In winter, the fields are too muddy and instead they congregate on street corners or in the car parks of the village hall and community centre which is not entirely welcomed by some members of our community.

The Section 106 funds provide a one-off opportunity to provide the older children/teenagers with some decent all-weather facilities. What is required is a multi-use games area (MUGA) as seen in other play/games areas. This would provide for various ball games including football, netball, and basketball.

Placing it next to the playground opposite the school would create something of an eye sore and it would not be in keeping with the nature of our semi-rural community. One solution, which has a number of benefits (outlined below), could be to situate it in the corner of the school playing field. There could be a gate from Station Road preserving the security of the school site. It could be screened by hedges/trees from the houses on the opposite side of Station Road.

If this is appropriately designed it could also be used by the school as an additional facility with access via a locked gate directly from the playground i.e. it could be for school use during school hours and community use out of school hours and in the holidays. The facility could also be used by other local community groups such as Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. It would also support community fitness, health and wellbeing.

The cost of such facilities is very variable, depending on size, the playing surface (the cheapest being Tarmac) and particularly whether or not they have lighting. I would suggest that there is no lighting, partly to reduce the cost and ongoing maintenance requirement but also it will then not encourage people to congregate after dark which could be a nuisance to neighbours.

I have shared this suggestion with the School. The Headteacher feels it would benefit the community and is open to discussion with the Community Council. I have also shared this idea with some older children in the village who were very positive.

Hopefully, the project could be financed from Section 106 funds but, if it’s too expensive, then it’s possible the school may have access to funding streams for such facilities or there may be sponsorship possibilities for local companies – for instance, maybe Cemex would donate building materials for the surface?

This suggestion would provide additional facilities for the school and the village community whilst preserving the green heart of the village. The older children of the village deserve better and with this Section 106 funding, the village and the Community Council now have a real opportunity to make a real difference for the current generation of young people and future generations.

Dave Roylance, Old Port Road

 

 



Thank you to everyone who organised or participated in the Advent windows and all the villagers who lit up their homes. The village looked great. After such a difficult year it was a real lift to everyone’s spirits.

A Happy and Healthy New Year to everyone.

Annie Bennett, Walston Rd

 

 

Sirhowy Valley Country Park

Sirhowy Valley Country Park

Sirhowy Valley Country park is south of Caerphilly, with 4 miles of flat well surfaced path along the former railway track. The entrance to the park follows the old railway and we drove past Full Moon, once the site of the Full Moon Inn and a small community of cottages but all that remains is the crossing keeper’s cottage. We parked at Nine-mile point car park.

It was a gloomy morning, but the air was fresh as we set off, not along the level railway but straight up the hillside to reach Mynydd Machen Common. The steep valley walls of bare cliff made it seem steeper than it is. A large tree had fallen across the path but luckily it was a good distance off the ground and we easily ducked under it.

Up here we had good views across the valley, houses old and new nestling into the red hillside rising behind them. Ferns lift the spirits at this time of year in their winter russet coats (if you can look at them from a distance rather than walk through them!). The rain-soaked ground beneath our feet was soft but, in most places, there were stones beneath the surface, so we did not sink far.

A feature of the walk was the number of fungi we spotted. Some traditional mushroom shaped glowing an orange colour, lacy frills around twigs and fallen tree branches and some climbing through dead trees. The trees looking as if they are being eaten alive by the fungi but of course they are only there because the tree is dead, and they are clearing the dead wood with many insects helping them.

 

The trees form sculptures as bereft of their leaves you can see their structure. A fallen tree covered in moss looked like a creature stalking through the wood. Old beech hedges, now several trees, with their lower limbs and roots exposed and wrapped around one another along a boundary were fascinating. Two trees apparently reaching out to each other as two branches were wedded together about 3ft from the ground, created a seat. An old stone wall was steadily being destroyed by a tree pushing its way through the restriction.

The sun came out and we enjoyed its heat and the views all around us. We found a relatively dry, grassy ledge to sit on for lunch, and gazed out at the distant Channel watching clouds blow across and then towards us, the view disappeared just as we finished.

Now it was time to head downhill. Partly on a tarmacadamed road but also along a stretch of particularly muddy path, luckily there was a stream flowing down it and we walked in the stream to use the stones for purchase. Then the stream ran out and one of us (me!) slipped and almost ended up with their face in the mud! Apparently, it looked quite dramatic, but the landing was soft, and the only damage was a small graze and muddy hands and trousers. Some long, wet grass took care of the hands and we were on our way. Before long we arrived at the railway with a level walk back to the cars.

To the miners of the valleys a ‘journey’ meant a line of coal trams joined together. The Sirhowy Valley has been a place of journeys for the past two centuries. Iron and coal travelled down the valley by horse, canal, road and rail. Salmon and trout made their way up and down the river to mate or find their way back to the sea.

An intricate metalwork sculpture stood at the top of a post showing horse drawn carts, steam trains, cyclists and trees. Bright pink open-ended boxes hung from lots of the trees and we decided they were for detecting the presence of small mammals. It was a while before we could see the river at the bottom of the valley even though we could hear it and narrow waterfalls tumbled down the hillside to it.

The Sirhowy valley tramroad joined the Monmouthshire canal tramroad at Nine-mile point on its way to Newport. Sir Charles Morgan, of Tredegar house, and his business partner John Jones had a colliery at Blackwood and needed a new tramroad to get their coal to Newport. The Sirhowy company fought the construction of the new road. Only the threat of an Act of Parliament brought agreement and the Penllwyn tramroad was built by1824. By 1864 the practical use of the tramroad was finished as it was replaced by the railway. Penllwyn Tramroad Bridge crosses the river near Nine-mile point. it has an impressive arch and is a grade II listed structure, with the original stone sleepers still visible.

Walk 8.3 miles Map 166

 

 

Cheeseboard Muffins

Cheeseboard Muffins

250g SR flour

1/2 tsp mustard powder

1/2 tsp salt

1 large egg, beaten

250ml whole milk

50g unsalted butter, melted. Extra to serve

75g medium hard cheddar cheese, grated

50g blue cheese [ stilton or gorgonzola ] crumbled

3 sage leaves chopped

Preheat oven 180C Fan. Line a 12 hole muffin tin with paper cases. In a large bowl, combine the flour, mustard powder, salt and some fresh ground black pepper. In a jug, mix the egg, milk and the melted butter. Stir in the two cheeses. Make a well in the centre of the flour mix and pour in the milk mixture. add the chopped sage and mix until almost all fully combined. Be careful not to overmix. Spoon the muffin mixture into the paper cases, bake for about 18-20 minutes, until risen, golden and springy to touch. Transfer to a wire rack to cool a little. Serve warm or at room temperature with extra butter.

We all make a turkey curry, why not try an alternative. Use the turkey to make a take on a chilli-con – carne Using a packet of schwartz chilli- con- carne mix. Make as per packet instructions but use turkey instead of minced beef, add a chopped med onion and chopped mushrooms during cooking Serve with rice and pitta breads.

 

 

Turkey and Ham Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Onion Marmalade

Turkey and Ham Mac ‘n’ Cheese with Onion Marmalade

375g macaroni

75g unsalted butter

75g plain flour

1 tsp mustard powder

900 – 950ml whole milk

350g extra mature cheddar cheese, grated

350 – 375g cooked turkey and ham [or all turkey] cubed or shredded

100g onion marmalade

Preheat oven 180C Fan. In a large pan cook macaroni as per packet instructions, until al dente. Drain then return to pan. In another pan melt the butter over a med heat add the flour and mustard powder, season and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring. Pour in the milk, a little at a time, stirring until smooth before adding more. You should end up with a smooth, creamy sauce and may not need any more milk. Stir 2/3 of the cheese into the sauce, until melted. Pour into the pan with the macaroni, add the meat and mix until the pasta is coated. Tip into a large, deep dish and spread out evenly. Dot with the onion marmalade, then scatter over the remaining cheese. Bake for about 35 – 40 mins, until bubbling and golden on top.

Use other cheeses in the recipe or a mixture. Coarsely grate or slice as needed.

 

 

Goodbye 2020: Hello 2021

MARY’S PARISH CHURCH NEWS

So it’s goodbye to 2020 and hello to 2021, farewell to all the problems during the past year and now we look forward to better times in the New Year.

Our Christmas programme in church, which was always dependent on the Wales Gov’t and Church in Wales directions and regulations, took place in such different conditions from any year anyone of us can remember. No Community Carol Service could be held, so we had an online Carol Service at 6.oopm on Sunday 20th December, with contributions from a virtual choir, readings, prayers and carols sung some of which were “signed” – how wonderful was that. We have so much talent in our churches and through the miracle of the internet, we have been able to worship together, have Bible Study and so much more. To take part in these activities, we have to be computer literate, and it is amazing that so many of us have turned out to be “silver surfers” with the world of knowledge and interactive information at our fingertips.

NEW MINISTRY AREA

The momentum to the forming of the enlarged Ministry Area, when we welcome Porthkerry, Rhoose and Penmark into fellowship with us, is gathering apace with the first steering committee being held in January. There is much to discuss and agree on, and as the formation of the enlarged group will be brought into being by the Bishop’s Decree, we have no choice but to do as we are commanded. It is our intention to cooperate with each other’s churches so that we can agree amicably between ourselves, to avoid being told what we will do. This new arrangement is far reaching, with all financial affairs being pooled into one Ministry Area account. Governance of the new group will be under the leadership of Jon, who has been appointed the leader by Bishop June. He will be assisted by one Parochial Church Council, made up of members from each of the nine churches. The chair of this new council will be a lay person, who with an area treasurer and secretary will oversee all the business and work of the individual churches. Each church will then have a local church council to manage the affairs of their particular church, but will have to refer to the Ministry Area PCC to agree any items they want to pursue. This sounds very complicated and bureaucratic but with willingness and co-operation between us, let us hope that it will turn out to be a workable plan for the future of all the churches, under the bye line of

“NINE CHURCHES WORKING TOGETHER IN HARMONY TO DO GOD’S WORK”.

NEW YEAR APPEAL FOR St Mary’s

At this time of the New Year, it is the time to make a gift, in appreciation of some kindness received in the preceding year. St. Mary’s church is in great need of your gift in recognition of the part the church in Wenvoe has played throughout the past year and the hundreds of years before that. A gift in memory of a loved one, a special occasion, or just simply wanting to see the church in Wenvoe remain at the heart of the village for many years to come. Please make your cheques payable to St. Mary’s Church Wenvoe and can be slipped under the church door. Thank you.

FOODBANK

Thank you all for your generous donations to the Foodbank during the last two months. It has been a privilege to transport everything to the centre in Barry. In particular all the Christmas goodies were amazing and will be well used. Indeed, we have never seen the centre so busy receiving donations, packing the goods and sending them out making deliveries of basic foodstuffs and treats for Christmas. The staff and volunteers have really got to know us again and have been really pleased with what has been achieved.

Of course help will still be vital after Christmas when people may have precarious work patterns during lock down periods. The last date we made a delivery in December was on 17th December and we will then make the first one in the New Year on 7th January 2021..

THE BIG WRAP

This year due to the pandemic restrictions The Big Wrap needed to make alternative plans to help families who would find it hard to give their children Christmas presents. Our usual method of giving toys needed to change and following discussions with the organisation we decided to make a monetary donation. We were overwhelmed with your generous donations and were able to give them our collection of £810 from the three churches. Again, they were so pleased with what we achieved and alongside other donations they will be working with social services to buy appropriate toys and gifts.

Many thanks for all your gifts

Jude ( Food bank organiser)

 

 

Pausing To Review 2020

WILDLIFE GROUP

As we head into a New Year it is worth pausing to review how we got on in 2020. Covid managed to affect many people’s lives and for those who had friends or family catch the virus it may well have been a difficult year. However, one consequence has been the number of people who have started exploring the countryside and discovering our Community Orchards and Nature Reserves. These have been created by the Community and for the Community and without the following we would not be where we are today. First a thank you to the landowners, principally the Reader family who have allowed us to create several wildlife oases on their farms. Then there are those who donate and in the last few months this has included 4 benches (Tricia, Ann and Abi), some tools and a small pond (Pat) and not least, the Tuckers who managed to raise a fantastic sum for the group from the Reindeer event. We refurbished and installed two new noticeboards donated by the Village Hall Committee and Community Council. Some individuals have donated plants (Sue & Mike) and many have volunteered for the Group either by clearing bramble, cutting back trees, planting hedgerows and fruit trees, painting noticeboards and repairing benches. Lee and Dominique walk all the way from Barry before working hard at the Goldsland sites. John Smith cut the Goldsland Orchard for us saving goodness knows how many volunteering manhours. Many helpers are from outside Wenvoe (Peter from Radyr, Pat and Roger from Llanishen, Phil and Shirley from Dinas Powys). So to all those who have helped, particularly those who have not been mentioned but do sterling work for us, a sincere vote of thanks. We hope to be in touch with you all again this year.
And for those who wondered about the photo we included in our article last month, this is East Orchard castle near St Athan – a surprising ruin complete with house, barn, chapel and dovecote.

 

RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

RSPB BIG GARDEN BIRDWATCH 29-31St January 2021

Many readers will already know about the Big Garden Birdwatch and many will have taken part previously. It is free and easy to take part. Here are the basic things you need to know. If you require more information or need a guide to garden birds go to rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. It’s a great activity whether you live alone or within a family and you can even do the birdwatch if you are house-bound.

Pick a time;- You can choose any hour between 29 and 31 January.

Tell RSPB what you see:- Count the birds that land in your garden or park, or on your balcony. Ignore any birds that are still in flight. To avoid double-counting just record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time – not a running total. e.g. if you see one starling back and forwards that counts as one. If you see 2 together then that counts as two etc.

Submit your results:- Online: You can submit your results online at rspb.org.uk/birdwatch from 29 January until 19 February. By post: If you’d rather send your results by post, you can download a submission form. Please post your results to RSPB before 15 February. Every count is important so, if you don’t see anything, please submit your result. Finding out which birds don’t visit your garden or park is as important as understanding those which do.

Have fun!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My Mother’s House by Lily Tobias

OFF THE SHELF

My Mother’s House by Lily Tobias was written around 1930, so the style of writing is different, in so far as it is lyrical, explanatory and very vivid.

The story concerns an intelligent boy who wants to break away from Judaism. The beliefs and actions of Judaism are well explained during that time.

The story is fascinating and examines the meaning of having a faith and feeling a foreigner in your own country. The book was well received by the Book Club with a score of 8/10 and we can recommend that you read this book. Ann Gill

 

 

Gardeners World Tips for January.

THE VILLAGE GARDENER

Gardeners World tips for January.

  1. Establish new colonies of snowdrops by purchasing the plants in flower.
  2. Remove diseased leaves from helebores.
  3. Press mistletoe berries into apple tree bark to, hopefully, have your own supply in future.
  4. Check the alpines don’t become smothered by leaves.
  5. Continue to prune climbing roses while dormant.

Environment team to do list.

  1. Check on begonia corms and dahlia tubers, remove any that show signs of rot.
  2. Make a list of jobs in your new diary.
  3. Order some peculiar seeds for a change.
  4. Dead head the pansies to keep them flowering.
  5. Feed the birds and make sure to keep breaking the ice on the water.

Here we go again, full of enthusiasm for the forthcoming year. A good start would be to get the mower serviced and sharpen all the pruning tools. Cleaning all those pots, which you have been promising yourself you will do, will help in controlling any disease. Open the greenhouse once a day to allow fresh air to circulate.

It can be the coldest time of the year right now but with days getting longer you will notice some things in the garden will start to move. The first thing to address are the worm casts on the lawn. Left alone these manage to catch any weed seed in the vicinity then proceed to germinate it. Just brush over the lawn to flatten them. Branches taken off the now defunct real Christmas tree can be placed around plants to help warm up the soil. Apparently, this method is used quite a bit on the continent. Be careful not to tread on any bulbs you may have planted in the lawn. If allowed, windowsills are great for bringing on early plants but don’t panic as those grown later cause less work and they do have a habit of catching up. Sowing lobelia seeds is a tedious job but the end result is spectacular if you can plant them thin enough. If ever you are not sure how well you should be doing just sneak a peek at Mr Crumps garden in Rectory close, if you can’t see over the fence go to Ieuans a couple of doors down as these two never get it wrong. I Have to mention Mr Frank Millar of Grange Close. Those of you that have met him will know what an incredible man he is. When the body stopped him gardening at ground level, veg trugs were the answer. Last year Frank grew some lovely stuff, mostly veg. Mr Millars past is an incredible story, which I hope he puts into print if he’s not too busy.

Christmas usually means that some of your gifts will be plants, Amaryllis are quite popular but along with pots of daffs are sometimes neglected. Just follow the advice on the label, it’s well worth it.

Just a note to say that British Soil will be closed until Jan 8th.

Take care and happy gardening.

 

 

Private Gardens In The UK

Nature Notes

Private Gardens In The UK

Private gardens in the UK cover an area bigger than all the Nature Reserves combined, estimated at over 10 million acres. Just as our countryside and woodland is shrinking, so is the amount of garden space which wildlife can use as more gardens become wholly or partially paved over or covered with decking, replaced with artificial grass or sheds and offices. This is the season for New Year resolutions so please take some time to think about how you and the family impact on your environment. Anyone can feed the birds or leave a little patch of lawn or flower-bed to go a bit wild. Will hedgehogs become an animal that our children only read about in books? In the last 20 years numbers have declined by 30% in urban areas and 50% in rural ones and this on top of massive declines in the 20th century. But there are several things you can do to help, such as by creating small gaps in your fence to allow them to move from garden to garden. Try planting pollinator-friendly plants, shrubs and trees – for more on this visit the Bee Loud Glade near the Goldsland Orchard. And what about a pond?

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

They do not have to be large. The one in the picture cost 97p with a black bucket popped into a hole. It includes two plants, Purple Loosestrife and Marsh Marigold (Kingcups). In the summer it was full of Rat-tailed Maggots which may sound awful but are the larvae of the attractive Hoverfly, the Drone Fly. So, why not make a difference yourself.

 

 

1 2