Month: March 2021

March Letters

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March Letters

(The Editors are not responsible for opinions expressed, although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the information. The editors reserve the right to protect the anonymity of anyone who wishes to contribute articles or letters for the magazine provided they are aware of the identity of any such person. )

 

Elsie Thomas

The Wenvoe Village Hall Management Committee would like to thank the late Elsie Thomas estate for the wonderful gift left in her ‘will’ to support the Village Hall.

Elsie attended many an event at the Village Hall, probably more than we can remember.

Elsie always purchased raffle tickets for the Christmas Draw, donated in time of need and would find Jumble for us, for our many jumble sales over the years.

We are thankful that Elsie thought of the Village Hall, right up to the end of her days.

God Bless you Elsie x

 

 

 

Sylvia Edwards R.I.P.

Parry and his family wish to thank all who have send cards, messages and their thoughts and prayers, when Sylvia passed away at the end of January, after an illness of many years.

Sylvia will long be remembered for her lovely floral displays in St. Mary’s church, for festivals and weddings.

God Bless you all.

 

 

Fresh Hope From the Vaccine

WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Fresh Hope From the Vaccine

We hope that all members, their families and friends, are remaining safe and well. Recently Maureen Sweeney’s son passed away very suddenly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Maureen and her family. We send our deepest sympathy to all of them at this very difficult time.

It has been a long, dreary winter. The pandemic has caused:-

Pain, Anxiety, Nightmares, Death, Emotion, Misery, Isolation, Challenges,

along with much sadness in many homes. However, there is fresh hope in the form of the vaccine. HOPE – such a small word that can mean so much! We are all hoping for healthier, happier, hugging days to come.

No doubt members have enjoyed reading the “Stories of Hope” featured in the latest edition of WI Life. We hope it won’t be too long before we are able to meet up and be together again. It will be such a special time – it will also be a time when we can remember our dear friend Margaret in the usual manner, when we have lost a member.

Many thanks to all members who voted for their choice of resolution. The result will be given in a future edition of “What’s On”.

If you are celebrating a birthday in March please accept our warmest wishes for that special day.

In the meantime stay well, stay safe, stay positive and stay connected.

 

 

 

Cold Caller

COLD CALLER

(A true story) I was awoken just after 7am the other morning by the telephone ringing. Staggering out to the landing to answer it, I was greeted by a gentleman informing me that there had been suspicious activity on the internet corrupting my computer. As this was not a recorded message but a real live person, rather than slam the receiver down I asked the caller if he knew what ungodly time it was; having established that he was probably ringing from the UK and not some far off country I decided that having been dragged from my bed earlier than intended I now had time to spare to play along with his requests.

As usual with these callers he requested I switch on my computer. I pointed out that this was in another room and it would take a few minutes. So off I went to the toilet before returning to inform my caller that the computer was now switched on. Next request was the information about what I could see and I dutifully described my screen saver picture to him. Very patiently he asked me to enter my internet provider screen; off to clean my teeth. Next request on my return was to go to the ‘page from where I could call up the internet’. Off to have a shave.

On my return, he asked if I had a mobile phone or a laptop to save my having to wander off to perform each request; regrettably I lied that I possessed neither. Next idea was maybe I could move the computer nearer to the phone, this I informed him that it may be possible but I would need to unplug everything and set it up nearby and it would take a while, he agreed to wait. I went off and had a shower.

A very patient operator was still there, as I dried myself. He dictated a web site address I needed to enter. Poor hearing! I got it wrong, returned to confirm what he had asked me to enter. Now fully dry, time to think about what to wear today.

Few more delays and he was obviously coming to the conclusion that I was somebody who had little knowledge about computers and he could see an easy scam on the horizon; I did nothing to change his views.

One or two more delays, and I was fully dressed and ready to go and have some breakfast. With having to interrupt my morning ablutions to chat with the fellow, nearly half an hour had passed. I thanked my caller for being so patient with a brief explanation of what I had been doing during my numerous absences and hung up.

On reaching the kitchen the downstairs telephone rang; again, it was my computer man upset at what my scam had cost him in time and phone charges. With a smile on my face I happily went about my daily business

 

 

Local Walking – Wenvoe

Footsteps

Wenvoe

The winter rain has turned most footpaths into quagmires and more of us than usual are walking them but there are places we can visit on firm ground. You are advised to wear good footwear – walking boots, wellies or sturdy shoes on all but the driest days as the lanes around our village can be muddy, wet (either streams or large puddles) and sometimes icy.

Once again, the golf course has been closed to players and we have been allowed to explore the extensive grounds, if we keep off the greens, fairways and bunkers and keep any dogs on a lead.

The first and easiest route, which is used by lots of people, is to walk along the main road past the garden centre and take the first turning – Burdons Hill. It is uphill with snowdrops under a hedge and a 3D aeroplane on the side of a garage. You will come to a junction turning right goes north past Burdons farm and it is worth going past the stone stile, for a quick visit to the Elizabethan orchard on the left, which offers views across farmland, but then retrace your steps to the junction.

At the junction you follow the good track alongside the golf course (left turn from the top of Burdons Hill) that leads down to the golf course road. When you arrive at this road, turn left to come back to the Port Rd and another left leads to Wenvoe.

For a slightly longer walk on grass, another option, is to go through the kissing gate straight ahead and enter the golf course, to walk around its boundary. Stay along the top edge of the golf course and you will find a footpath sign. Currently, you can avoid this and stay within the golf course. Follow the boundary of the golf course until you see an opening onto the road, turn left onto the road and you will come back to the Port Rd.

 

This short walk has lots to offer – excellent views across the golf course, snowdrops and lots of birds – people have seen a tree creeper, nuthatch, wren and green woodpecker as well as the usual cheery robins, tits, blackbirds, crows, buzzards and sparrows chattering in the hedges. If you venture across the golf course road as far as the lake on the golf course you might be lucky enough to spot frog spawn. And on the way back to the main road you can see the sole lamb, that appeared in January, in amongst the sheep.

My second suggestion is to do a linear walk to Michaelston-le-Pit. Cross the main road using the pedestrian bridge and walk along Station Rd. A footpath on the left has purple crocuses growing along it – there were cottages here at one time. Continuing, you pass Station Terrace where the railway station used to be and walk over the old railway bridge. This is an area which often has mud and standing water (several inches deep). Carry on, there are fields either side of the road and as it winds it becomes narrower, I walk quickly here in case any cars come by – there is nowhere to stand aside. There are lots of lambs in one of the fields.

When you reach the T-junction turn right to follow the road to Wrinstone Farm. At the farm turn left up a stony track, near the top you will have views of the Channel in winter. Follow the footpath signs to the right near the top of the hill and soon head downhill to join a tarmacked road. Turning right leads to Michaelston-le-Pit. You will pass Cwrt Yr Ala (a large house which once belonged to the Raleigh Family) and then a footpath on the right (noticeable because there is a sign telling you all the things you must not do) at Salmon Leaps which will bring you back to Wrinstone farm, It is lovely, but the path can be slippery and muddy.

Carry on along the road to enjoy the water cascading down the weirs and spot ducks and sometimes a heron. The raised village green is covered in purple crocuses now. Can you find the stone protruding from its wall which is a foothold for mounting a horse? Opposite, behind the telephone kiosk, is a covered well which at one time was the village’s only source of drinking water.

A few minutes later you will arrive at the grade I listed, church lychgate, a World War 1 memorial to local soldiers. Enter St Michael churchyard, to explore and maybe have a rest on one of the benches supplied, the Yew tree is impressive.

 

Leaving the churchyard retrace your steps to return to Wenvoe (maybe via the footpath at Salmons Leap if the weather is good).

Walk 2-7 miles depending on which route is taken. Map 151

 

 

A Letter From Harold

A LETTER FROM HAROLD

It is important for all husbands to remember that, as a women grow older, it becomes harder for them to maintain the same quality of housekeeping as when they were younger. When you notice this in your wife try not to yell at them. Some are oversensitive, and there is nothing worse than an over-sensitive woman.

My name is Harold. Let me relate how I handled the situation with my wife, Debbie.

When I took “early retirement” last year, it became necessary for Debbie to get a full-time job along with her part-time job, both for extra income and for the health benefits that we needed.

Shortly after she started working, I noticed she was beginning to show her age.

I usually get home from the golf course about the same time she gets home from work.

Although she knows how hungry I am, she almost always says she has to rest for half an hour or so before, she starts preparing dinner. I don’t yell at her. Instead, I tell her to take her time and just wake me when she gets dinner on the table. I generally have lunch at the Crown and Anchor so eating out twice a day is not reasonable. I’m ready for some home cooked grub when I hit that door.

She used to do the dishes as soon as we finished eating, but now it’s not unusual for them to sit on the table for several hours after dinner. I do what I can by diplomatically reminding her several times each evening that they won’t clean themselves. I know she really appreciates this, as it does seem to motivate her to get them done before she goes to bed. Another symptom of ageing is complaining, I think.

For example, she will say that it is difficult for her to find time to pay the monthly bills during her lunch hour. But, boys, we take ’em for better or worse, so I just smile and offer encouragement. I tell her to stretch it out over two or even three days.

That way she won’t have to rush so much. I also remind her that missing lunch completely now and then wouldn’t hurt her any (if you know what I mean). I like to think tact is one of my strong points.

When doing simple jobs, she seems to think she needs more rest periods. She has to take a break when she has only half finished mowing the lawn, I try not to make a scene. I’m a fair man. I tell her to fix herself a nice, big, cold glass of freshly squeezed lemonade or orange juice and just sit for a while. And, as long as she is making one for herself, she may as well make one for me too.

I know that I probably look like a saint in the way I support Debbie. I’m not saying that showing this much consideration is easy. Many men will find it difficult. Some will find it impossible! Nobody knows better than I do how frustrating women get as they get older. However, fellows, even if you just use a little more tact and less criticism of your ageing wife because of this article, I will consider that writing it was well worthwhile. After all, we are put on this earth to help each other.

Happy retirement

Harold

Editor’s Note;-

Harold died suddenly on May 27th last year

The police report states that he was found with a Callaway extra long 50-inch Big Bertha Driver II golf club rammed up his posterior, with only 2 inches of grip showing.

His wife Debbie was arrested and charged with murder; however, the all-woman jury found her Not Guilty, accepting her defence that he accidentally sat down on it.

 

 

 

A Letter From Harold

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