Month: March 2021

April’s Letter From Jon

 

April’s Letter From Jon

It is wonderful to be able to write to you all with some Good News. As Easter approaches, I am happy to report that now that the Welsh Government has moved from its instruction of Stay at Home to Stay Local that it has been decided that we can now re-open our churches in Wenvoe and St Lythans for public worship. This will be from the end of March onwards.

The format will have to be the same as we were operating under prior to the lockdown in December this will mean that the services will be as follows:

Sundays

9.30am Said Eucharist at St Mary’s, Wenvoe

10.30am Online Service

3.00pm Said Eucharist at St Bleddian’s, St Lythans

6.00pm Online Service

Wednesdays

10.00am Said Eucharist at St Mary’s, Wenvoe

Please note that all the services in church will need to be booked for in advance. You can do that by the following means:

For Services in St Lythans. Either email: howard.rees2020@yahoo.com or phone Howard on 07812 383298. For Services in Wenvoe. Either email: stmaryswenvoebookings@gmail.com or phone Carol on 029 2059 265

Please also note that you will still be required to socially distance and that you will have to wear a face mask and cleanse your hands.

There will also be some additional services during Holy Week and on Good Friday details of which can be found in the porches of the churches.

Easter is a time when we look forward to new life; for Christians it is a new life in Christ. It is the ultimate season of hope and joy. It is therefore with joy that I wish you all a Blessed and Happy Easter, and with a real sense of hope as we look forward to a new start of being in communion with one another.

 

Services for Holy Week and Easter

We hope that following the announcement of the Welsh Government we will be in a position to open our churches for public worship as from Sunday 21st March. If we are able to reopen, it is important to note that we will still be under Social Distancing Rules and people will be required to book in advance with places being limited. It is also unlikely we will be able to sing. But assuming we are able to open we HOPE to be able to offer the following services during Holy Week and Easter.

Sun 21st March – Passion Sunday

9.30am Said Eucharist at Wenvoe

10.30am Agape Service streamed online only

3.00pm Said Eucharist at St Lythans

6.00pm Said Eucharist at Sully also streamed online

Wed 24th March

10.00am Said Eucharist in Wenvoe

Thurs 25th March

10.00am Said Eucharist at Sully; also streamed online

Sun 28th March – Palm Sunday

9.30am Said Eucharist at Wenvoe

10.30am Agape Service streamed online only

3.00pm Said Eucharist at St Lythans

6.00pm Said Eucharist at Sully; also streamed online

Mon29th March – Monday in Holy Week

10.00am Morning Prayer streamed online only

Tues30th March – Tuesday in Holy Week

10.00am Morning Prayer streamed online only

Wed 31st March – Wednesday in Holy Week

10.00am Said Eucharist at Wenvoe possibly streamed online

Thurs 1st April – Maundy Thursday

10.00am Said Eucharist at Sully; also streamed online

7.00pm Agape Meal; streamed online only

Fri 2nd April – Good Friday

10.00am All Age Good Friday Worship streamed online only

1.00pm Good Friday Prayers at St Lythans

1.30pm-2.15pm Walk of Witness from St Lythans to Wenvoe streamed online

2.15pm Good Friday Meditations at Wenvoe and possibly streamed online

2.15pm Good Friday Meditations at Sully

Sun 4th April – Easter Day

6.45am Sunrise Service at Sully also streamed online

9.30am Said Eucharist at Wenvoe

10.30am Agape Service streamed online only

3.00pm Said Eucharist at St Lythans

6.00pm Said Eucharist at Sully also streamed online

Please note that ALL these services are subject to change. Services which are online only are noted. Services in the churches will be confirmed closer to the time via the Facebook page and newsletter and will need to be booked in advance.

With Blessings

Jon Ormrod

revjonormrod@yahoo.co.uk

 

 

 

Good Feelings Books

THE PAGE TURNERS

The Most Funny, Uplifting, Joyous, Happy Books

The lockdowns and government restrictions have led to a huge boost in the number of people reading. Readers have sought endless escapism from the unexciting, monotonous routines of day-to-day life in lockdown. As lockdown continued into March, Page Turners were unable to meet yet again. As an alternative Page Turners were asked to suggest their most funny, uplifting, joyous, happy book which left them with a feel good sensation….and would help What’s On readers get through these lockdown days…and beyond. Here are their suggestions…

Nicola’s choice of a feel good novel is a young person’s book by Susan Cooper, The Dark is Rising Sequence. Nicola has read and re-read this adventure involving magic and incorporating myths numerous times; and she always loses herself in it!

Sandra selected a book which gave her the feel good factor from beginning to end, Four Seasons in Rome by Anthony Doerr. Sandra believes this book is filled with the pleasure of travel and she describes it as funny, perceptive and tender. Does anyone remember the experience of travelling somewhere?!

Jenny’s choice is Blott on the Landscape by Tom Sharpe. Jenny remembers this 70s novel for the sheer emotion of laughing out loud A LOT! Jenny describes Blott as simply a very fast moving farce with many an amusing quick-witted turn of phrase (some rude!). She has enjoyed revisiting it, having a good chortle and reminding herself of its downright ridiculous storyline!

Helen also chose a Tom Sharpe novel, Peterhouse Blue, a humorous and well observed book about life in a fictional college at Cambridge University. Helen maintains it is both acerbic and mocking of an elite educational institution; it is a story of hypocrisy and pomposity with a surprising twist at the end and Helen believes it is very much a “laugh out loud” novel.

May’s selection of a joyful book is Mary Berry’s, Fast Cakes. During lockdown, this book made her feel good: who wouldn’t feel good reading about and making lemon drizzle cake, shortbread, tacky gingerbread, brownies, drop scones…..do I need to write on?

A character in Lynne’s pick of a feel good book would have approved of May’s choice as she loved to eat and drink and party and enjoy life…..Bridget Jones, from the Helen Fielding’s books. Bridget Jones is a binge drinking, chain smoking publisher who tries (and fails) to keep her life in order. Her attempts to enjoy life end with her in some tight spots that most people can identify with….and laugh along with…

Sylvia selected the book that the film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel is based on, These Foolish Things by Deborah Moggach. Enticed by advertisements for a luxury retirement home in India, a group of strangers leave England to begin a new life. Their experiences are hilarious and poignant and certainly provide readers with many uplifting, joyful moments.

The Keeper of Lost Things by Ruth Hogan is Babs’s choice of a thoroughly heart warming and enjoyable read. The novel alternates between two main story lines and is a pleasant, sometimes humorous, easy read with interesting characters and a good ending.

Our final Page Turners selection of an uplifting read is from Jill who opted for two books by Barbara Kingsolver, The Bean Trees and Pigs in Heaven. Jill really loved the characters and well drawn plots. The second one was a satisfying follow-up and gave an interesting description of the Cherokee Nation.

If the lockdown restrictions, or even the weather are keeping you indoors, why not try one of these books that Page Turners have enjoyed….?

 

 

Village Hall Volunteers

A PLEA FROM THE VILLAGE HALL VOLUNTEERS

Over a period of a couple of weeks in lockdown, youngsters playing football in the carpark of the village hall caused damage to the central heating overflow pipe, guttering and two outside lights Unfortunately the broken glass, found when the playgroup arrived, had to be swept up before the children could be allowed in.

The hall was painted last summer to create a warm welcome to groups returning to use the facilities. The walls have now had to be washed because of footballs being kicked up against them. Our cleaner generously did this, without being asked.

The Covid situation means we have been unable too pen so there is no money coming in except from playgroup. The cost of the repairs and the possibility of having to install CCTV is a concern to us.

There is a sign in the carpark saying ‘No football’. The boys have been asked on a number of occasions not to play in the car park but have just ignored us. The police have been informed of the damage caused and are looking into it.

The hall is there for all in the village to enjoy and residents are very supportive of this facility. So we are asking the parents of these youngsters to help us by informing them to please not play football in the village hall carpark. Thank you.

 

 

The Tuckers Spring Plant Sale

THE TUCKERS

SPRING PLANT SALE

Saturday 1st May

 

Come along to our socially distanced Spring Plant Sale on Saturday 1 May. There will be six Wenvoe growers with plants to sell and there will be more gardening advice than you could shake a stick at!

There will be a small raffle with proceeds going to our Wenvoe Charity of choice, Wenvoe Wildlife Group. Glenys will be making cakes again which will be sold by the slice. Covid rules will be observed. Come and grab yourself some jewels for your garden and have a chat with our growers.

This will be held at our home at 29 Vennwood Close. We are so looking forward to seeing you.

 

 

April Planning Updates

Planning Updates.

The following applications have been approved.

  • Wenvoe Library, Old Port Road. Replacement of existing library
  • 2, Seaview Cottages, Twyn Yr Odyn. Installation of solar pv panels on roof of existing dwelling

 

Land at Vianshill Farm, Grants Field, The Downs, St Nicholas. A solar park (65MW), battery storage, transport interchange facility including electric vehicle charging station and ancillary development. The Planning Inspectorate observation report raised no objections to the development but request certain conditions are met. This application will be delt with by the Welsh Assembly. A presentation to the Council on this proposal is planned for next month.

The delay in receiving planning permission for the new library building has resulted in the supply company being unable to fulfil our order now until September.

The Council are progressing with the feasibility study for the construction of a MUGA (multi-use games area) in the school grounds adjacent to Station Road. The school would have exclusive use during school hours and it would be available to the

public at other times.

The advert for office assistance at the Community Centre has received several enquires.

Local litter picks in the area are being planned for around Easter time, please look out for further information on local Facebook sites and notice boards.

A survey of the burial ground has been conducted. The report indicates adequate space for grave spaces (at the present usage) existing for the next 15 to 20 years. There is no foreseeable problem with cremated remains burial plots within the cemetery. A sub-committee was formed to examine possible future land available for use.

The footpath officer has examined the hedge overhanging footpath 34 along the edge of the Community car park and will take action to get it cut back.

Problems with a dog on Burdonshill attacking other animals has been reported to the police.

Western Power are continuing their work within the village on replacing overhead line poles.

A new 3-year local community grass cutting contract has been granted to the present contractor, John Crockford.

 

 

April Planning Applications

The Council continued to conduct their monthly meeting using Zoom.

Planning applications

• 5, Burdons Close. Single storey side extension. No objections raised by councillors.

• 46, Burdons Close. Conversion of existing internal garage to habitable room. No objections raised by councillors.

• 56, Burdons Close. Loft conversion and rear single storey extension. No objections raised by councillors.

• 11, Ty Pica Drive. Proposed dormer extension. No objections raised by councillors but considered that obscure glass should be used to allow a similar extension, if required, on adjoining property.

• 6 Walston Close. Existing garage to front of property to have the roof raised to allow for adaptations. No objection.

• Land adjacent to Station Terrace, Station Road East. Proposed construction of Berm house. There was no objection to the design of the proposed property. (Berm house is built into a hill or has earth slope built against one or two walls). The plot for the house is outside the village curtilage and hence could be setting a precedence. This would be considered by the Vale planning officers. Concern was also expressed at the water table level in the area.

• Vishwell Farmhouse, St. Andrews Road. Demolition of existing WC/shower block and bin enclosure; construction of new WC and showers with recycle bin enclosure and notice boards. This being a replacement at the same location no objections were raised.

 

 

 

Official Census Facts

I’M AN ARTIFICAL EYE MAKER AND FOLLOWER OF THE

JEDI RELIGION

 

Following our efforts in March, many will have been cheered by the news that the Government is exploring ways to gather information other than by census. Throughout history censuses have been unpopular, often because, as in the case of William the Conqueror’s Domesday Book in 1086, they have been used by governments to aid with the collection of taxes. Objections often relate to the right to privacy or suspicion of the Government’s motives. For many it is simply an onerous task even though it can now be done online. The modern census has been used in the UK since 1801 although evidence suggests that the idea goes back at least to the Babylonian Empire of 3,800 BC, when livestock and quantities of butter, honey, milk, wool and vegetables were counted. Unpopular or not, filling in your census form is not a matter of choice. Under section 8 of the Census Act 1920 people can be fined for a failure to complete census forms in line with the regulations. Exceptions exist for refusing or neglecting to respond to questions about religion, as stipulated by the Census (Amendment) Act 2000.

The law has not prevented some people attempting to avoid completing forms or using the opportunity to make their point. In 1841, artist JMW Turner rowed a boat into the Thames so he could not be counted as being present at any property. The famous suffragette campaigner Emily Davison saw the publicity value afforded by the 1911 census. Emily hid in a cupboard in Parliament on census night and had her address recorded as the House of Commons. Sadly she was killed when she stepped in front of the King’s horse in a protest at the Epsom Derby in 1913.

Census questions tend to reflect the time they are taken and the kind of information required. The UK census seems to have become more intrusive as time has passed. Many objected when the 1841 census became the first to record names, alongside age, gender, occupation and birthplace. The 1871 census asked whether anyone was blind, deaf and dumb, an imbecile, an idiot, or a lunatic. When the British carried out a census in India in 1871, people were reluctant to participate because of rumours that the goal of the count was to identify girls to be sent to England to fan Queen Victoria. The British officials wrestled with an inappropriate standard list, which made it difficult to classify such occupations in India as jokers and story-tellers, hail averters and prayer mutterers. In the UK that year, professions with the lowest counts included one bee dealer, 19 peg makers and 9 artificial eye-makers.

Officials in the UK have often been challenged by responses on household occupations. In 1911 a family from Birkenhead included a tom cat, listed as a mouse-catcher and a family from Dulwich included Roger, their watchdog. In the same year there were questions on medical ailments. In this section, John Underwood from Hastings described his children as, ‘quarrelsome’, ‘stubborn’, ‘greedy’ and ‘noisy’, himself as ‘bad-tempered’ and his wife as suffering from a ‘long tongue’.

From 1951 until 1991, households were asked if they had an outside toilet. References to “housewife” for example, were seen in the 1971 and 1981 census but by the 1990s the term had been replaced with the gender-neutral option “looking after the home or family”. Religious belief was included in the census for the first time in 150 years in 2001. Beforehand an email campaign tried to persuade people to record their religion as Jedi and 390,000 people declared that they had adopted the Star Wars religion. Ten years later, the number of Jedi believers had fallen somewhat – but at 176,632, it was the UK’s seventh most popular “religion”.

 

 

1 2 3 4 5 6