Month: May 2021

A Right Royal Ticking Off

A RIGHT ROYAL TICKING OFF

It was a bleak day in Belfast in the spring of 1981 when I opened a smart-looking envelope with a Royal crest. The writer said, in rather formal language, that His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales had asked whether I would be prepared to be an usher at his forthcoming wedding to Lady Diana Spencer? I guess it was one of those offers in life that one could not refuse. In fact, I was thrilled to be asked and delighted to accept and it put a spring in my step for days to come. Years before I had the honour to serve as an equerry to the Prince of Wales which is why I was called back for this special occasion. An equerry is historically an officer of the household of a prince or noble who had charge over the stables. These days an usher is more of an executive assistant, though officially he is an officer of the British royal household who attends or assists members of the royal family.

It was a couple of months later that I was asked to attend a rehearsal in St Paul’s cathedral. There were many of us present as there were going to be 3500 wedding guests attending and there was going to be a good deal of organisation and ushing required on the big day. We were shown which part of the magnificent cathedral we would be responsible for and exactly what our task would be. It was an added pleasure that my wife had been included as a guest at the wedding and she took pleasure in choosing a suitable dress, hat and shoes to wear for the day.

A second invitation, printed on the thickest of white card with a gold rim, had arrived inviting us to attend a grand ball to celebrate the marriage. This was to be held in Buckingham Palace two days before the wedding. The dress for men was “White Tie” and I had never worn that before in my life. So it was off to Moss Bros where I could hire the full suit which is the most formal in traditional evening Western dress codes. For men, it consists of a black dress coat with tails worn over a white shirt, Piqué waistcoat and the eponymous white bow tie worn around a standing wingtip collar. To ensure we were fully prepared for this special occasion we even went to ballroom dancing classes to brush up on skills which in my case were very lacking.

The reception and ball were certainly very grand affairs. I remember that after a fine glass of champagne on arrival we joined a line to be introduced to Prince Charles and Diana, and how radiant she looked. We then walked on and found Kenny Ball and his Jazzmen were playing in one of the staterooms and that music certainly appealed to the younger generation, while a small orchestra was playing waltzes for the more sedate guests in the main ballroom. Dinner was a magnificent buffet laid out in a few of the rooms and, given the numbers, there was no formal seating so one sat at any table and you could be sitting with the leader of a Highland clan or a gamekeeper from a royal estate. The decorations for the party were breath-taking and included some helium balloons with the Prince of Wales Feathers. As we were thinking of leaving, I noticed some people taking down balloons as souvenirs. With the best of wines inside me, I dared to join them and soon I was holding four balloons. At this point, the Queen passed by me and remarked that “four was a bit greedy”! She was quite right of course, but I said they were for the others in our small group. I felt properly admonished by the highest authority in the land!

The wedding itself was a stunning occasion of pomp and pageantry. With three choirs the cathedral was full of wonderful singing and the elegant guests I was responsible for all turned up and sat where they should. My mother watching on TV at home in Cardiff was as proud as punch that I was on duty and was convinced that she saw me in my blue uniform and crimson sash. We drove home later that day and our children were delighted with the fancy balloons we gave them.

 

 

A Wenvoe Forum

A WENVOE FORUM

Considering Today and Tomorrow

Please can you help?

Following a call out issued at the beginning of March a small group of like-minded people have met on Zoom to create a think tank or forum to bring together the ideas and aspirations of the village.

We have lived through a sometimes strange and troubling year or more, with the path through to an acceptable existence alongside Covid still a bit un-clear and a pressing future need for a rebuilt and changed economy that takes account of climate change and environmental issues. However, throughout all, the Wenvoe community has proved itself caring, resourceful and in good spirit and well up to the job of helping to create that future in a very positive way.

The future belongs to all of us and particularly to the younger residents, families, children and young people who will be living with the consequences of plans, decisions and actions taken now for the rest of their lives. It’s important that everyone feels able to have a say in shaping the plan.

A “Considering Today and Tomorrow” may sound a little grand, but be assured a grand plan is usually made up of lots of small actions.

So how can you contribute your ideas and help to see them come to life.

1.The group would be delighted to have a few more individual members so that it is more representative of the whole community. If you are a family with children, a young person, the owner of a local business or any resident of the village, with an hour to spare every 3 weeks or so the please contact us –

e-mail:  gareth.stone1@btinternet.com

2.The forum is keen to build on the very strong community groups and networks that already exist. We don’t want to duplicate what is already happening but to plug any gaps. Sharing information and ideas is the key. Individual members of the forum could link directly with your group or you could put forward a representative. Please make contact via e-mail gareth.stone1@btinternet.com

3.We have already discussed lots of ideas and would love to know whether you think we are on the right track.

We have created a very short 2 minute on line survey – please fill it in there:-

4.We want to hear from people of all ages so several members of the household can each complete their own survey.

 

We want to hear your ideas too, please send them to gareth.stone1@btinternet.com

Thank you, we’re looking forward to hearing from you.

 

 

Searching Desperately for a Treasurer

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WOMEN’S INSTITUTE

Hopefully all members, their families and friends are safe and well. May is the time of the year when we would normally hold our Annual Meeting.

It is really important that members are aware that we are still searching desperately for a Treasurer to re-place Jayne so that we can move forward and save our WI. If you feel you could fill this position Madeleine would be DELIGHTED to hear from you (02920593212). Please remember that lots of help and support will always be available.

A big thank you is extended to all members who have re-joined us. A receipt will be forwarded at a later date.

May is also “Resolutions Month”. However due to the current situation a different plan is in place regarding the voting system. WIs have until 9th July to cast their vote so members still have a considerable amount of time to decide how they want to vote. All details regarding the Resolution, which is “A Call to Increase Awareness of the Subtle Signs of Ovarian Cancer” can be found on page 17 of the April 2021 edition of WI Life.

Another special article in the same magazine is the story of four members from Peterston WI working at a vaccination centre. It was very interesting to read about Nurse Sharon Chapman’s appearance in the media both here and in the United States.

Hopefully by now our sunflower seeds have had some warmth to help them on their way. We are all curious to see who can grow the tallest sunflower and we are looking forward to seeing photographs of “Sunflowers in Bloom”.

As soon as we are able to meet up again members will be notified straight away – we are all looking forward to that special time.

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

Members are still staying in touch in various ways and hoping it won’t be too long before we can have a social gathering. In the meantime –stay well and stay safe – stay in touch.

 

 

Teacher Adventures: School Trips

Teacher Adventures: School Trips

“Would you like to accompany 30 children to Madagascar on their French language trip?” asked the French teacher at the school I was working at in Kenya.

“Oui, merci,” I replied, rapidly recalling my GCSE francais! The French teacher assigned to the trip was ill, so fortunately for me, I was drafted in as a last minute replacement.

Two weeks later, 30 very excited students gathered at Jomo Kenyatta airport in Nairobi, for the flight to the capital of Madagascar, Antananarivo. The trip was an opportunity for the students to practise their French (both Malagasy and French are both official languages of Madagascar) and to experience a different culture and way of life. Madagascan culture is renowned for its colourful fusion of influences drawn from seafaring Borneans and Bantu Africans, Arabic and Tamil traders, and French colonisation (unlike the British colonisation in Kenya).

Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean, approximately 250 miles off the coast of East Africa. Madagascar is the world’s second-largest island country and the nation comprises the island of Madagascar (the fourth-largest island in the world) and numerous smaller peripheral islands. We were to be based in a hotel on the east coast of the island. Days were planned to include French lessons in the morning, followed by a swim and snorkelling in the Indian Ocean or swimming pool; excursions were organised for the afternoons to allow the students to experience some of the historical, cultural and artistic attractions of the island.

The students loved visiting the capital, Antananarivo, known locally (and considerably simpler) as Tana. They had the opportunity to admire the beautiful colonial architecture in the old Haute-Ville area of the city, visit one of the art galleries and museums and to spend their money in the open air market stalls at Analakely. Other trips were planned to see the truly alien landscapes of the limestone karsts in north western Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park and the Avenue of the Baobabs, where 25 baobab trees over 100 feet tall are strung out along the Tsiribihina dirt road.

Undoubtedly the highlight of the trip was the visit to see the lemurs. As a result of the island’s isolation from neighbouring continents, Madagascar is home to various plants and animals found nowhere else in the world. Approximately 90% of all plant and animal species found in Madagascar are endemic. There are many bizarre and wonderful creatures to be seen on the island, but lemurs are the creature most closely associated with Madagascar. The students, and staff, were thrilled to find and see these charismatic primates in the forest and their saucer shaped eyes were peculiar, but strangely endearing. All agreed they were an amazing, very special sight.

 

Near the end of our week’s stay, our idyllic routine was severely interrupted. In Madagascar, the combination of south eastern trade winds and north western monsoons produces a hot rainy season with frequently destructive cyclones. Unfortunately, tropical cyclone Kamisy coincided with our visit. Kamisy was considered the worst tropical cyclone to affect northern Madagascar since 1911 and winds reached up to 105 mph. Throughout Madagascar, a total of 68 casualties were reported, and 7000 buildings were destroyed, including 1020 schools and 450 hospitals. Following the storm, emergency food and medical supplies were supplied to the nation from French rescue missions.

For our Nairobi students, a cyclone was a novel, and frightening experience. Confined to the hotel they could watch from the windows of their rooms as the trunks of trees were blown to 45 degrees, as the sea was whipped up to a frenzy, as the sand billowed uncontrollably along the beach and as the swimming pool water was thrown against the dining room windows. Lights flashed on and off as the electricity supply was interrupted and hotel staff were unable to arrive at or leave the hotel as roads were covered with fallen trees.

We were confined to the hotel for the final 2 days of our trip. We could not travel across the island as roads were blocked. The pool was out of bounds due to damage caused by the cyclone and the landscape in the gardens of the hotel had changed completely: debris from trees was scattered everywhere and some trees swayed perilously after the storm.

A change of programme was necessary. French lessons continued in the morning and in the afternoons it was my responsibility to provide entertainment…..Fortunately I had packed some dance tapes and spent the afternoons teaching an assortment of dance routines to very eager, enthusiastic and excitable students, who soon forgot they should have been enjoying the delights of Madagascar! The high spot was, remember this, FLASHDANCE…the routine was repeated innumerable times, in pairs, in trios, in fours, as a mass dance….all that was missing were the leotards and leg warmers!

After 2 days we were allowed to leave the hotel to travel to the airport. We could see the destruction caused by the cyclone as we travelled through the countryside: buildings destroyed, houses without roofs, vegetation uprooted. It was a gloomy, depressing sight. We had some wonderful memories of Madagascar, but also realised that the people who lived on this beautiful island sometimes had to endure, at times, some very unforgiving, harsh conditions.

 

 

Union Flag At Half Mast

News for May

The flying of the Union Flag at half mast, on the church tower, was a signal that we were joining in with the country, on hearing the sad news of the death of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. In church, prayers were offered for HM the Queen at the loss of a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and we also included in our prayers the loss of loved ones all over the country to the ravages of COVID-19, at whose passing, funerals were held under strict covid rules. May they all rest in peace and rise in glory.

The church has been open for Eucharistic worship on Sundays and Wednesdays, under the strict covid rules, where places have to be booked in advance, and bookings often exceed the numbers allowed. It is hoped that the next Government announcement on May 17th will allow a greater relaxation of the rules and some kind of a NEW normality can be introduced, so we wait to hear.

THE TOWER.- Mention was made in last month’s “What’s On” of the security tape placed around the base of the tower to prevent public access, as the mortar infill was falling due to the severe frosts we have had in the month. Steeplejacks were engaged to scale the tower and report on the condition of the fabric; their report is very worrying. There is extensive degradation of the mortar infilling of the stones and the church architect was made aware of the report. The repair work must be put in hand as quickly as possible, using lime mortar which can only be applied in frost free conditions. This will mean scaffolding around the tower, and once tenders have been received, the work carried out before the winter is upon us. At the present moment our Building Fund, is limited as we have already accepted estimates for the redecoration of the interior of the nave and chancel ceiling. This work will take place during the early part of May and the church will have to be closed for all worship, due to the scaffolding erected etc. within the building. We will not know the costs involved for the tower repairs, until the tendering process has been completed, faculties have been applied for, and grants may well have to be sought to carry out the work. A public appeal is also being considered as this unexpected work is beyond the finances of the church. We acknowledge with thanks how church members have responded to maintain St Mary’s during the past year, the contributions made to the building fund by the 200 club over the years has funded the normal maintenance work needed on a Grade II* building. We appeal to all who value the presence of the village church, to respond in some way to keep the church building in good and fair condition. Any contribution you are able to make will be most welcome and gratefully received.

As a sign that church worship is returning, a wedding is planned to take place in May,

This will be the first wedding for over a year. The number of guests is limited, and of course receptions cannot take place in doors. Jon has a number of other weddings planned during the year, which have all been postponed due to the covid rules. Baptisms cannot be held at present, but as the covid situation improves, relaxation of the present rules could well be relaxed, as we strive to make the NEW normal the way ahead.

The annual Church Vestry Meeting has taken place on ZOOM with all officers and members of the PCC voted into office for the remainder of the year. This will be the last PCC meeting in the parish of St. Mary in Wenvoe. As from January 1st 2022 the PCC will be reformed as the Devolved Church Council (DCC) when we become a part of the NEW MINISTRY AREA of “de Morgannwg” bringing together nine churches merging as one grouping, whose mission is to bring the love of Christ to our communities. This will mean a change of status as a self governing parish. It is over 900 years since parishes were formed following the Norman Conquest, and when we merge we will be parishioners in the wider Ministry Area. This will entail a new Electoral Roll of church membership, a bringing together of all the individual church finances. For this year it is a work in progress, with Zoom meetings taking place with representatives of the nine churches trying to find a common ground within the ministry area.

The Christian Aid Appeal

“Making Steps Matter”

This year’s Cristian aid appeal was launched in church on the 4th Sunday of Easter, in readiness for our LOCAL CHALLENGE of counting and sponsoring the many steps we take during the day in our normal lives. Sponsorship forms can be collected from the church porch or Springfield Stores , Donations and results can be given to Rev. Jon Ormrod or posted through the church letter box. So let’s get walking and giving.

We continue to support the Barry Food Bank with collections from the church porches of Wenvoe and Sully churches on Thursday mornings. The need for food banks is greater than ever and contributions can be left in the church porches during the week. All food items gratefully received, especially requests for tinned potatoes, 100gram jars of coffee, treats for children, men’s toiletries, and tinned meats. Many thanks to all who donate on a regular basis.

Keep well, God Bless

Parry Edwards

 

 

Oak Apple Day

Oak Apple Day

Saturday 29th May is Oak Apple Day so don’t forget to celebrate our wonderful oak trees. Take the time to admire them, give them a hug, write a poem about them or paint or photograph them. If you have children, make sure they can identify an oak with its very distinctive leaves and its acorns. You won’t have to go far to find them as they are in the school playground next to the pavement.

So what is Oak Apple Day all about? When Prince Charles (the Stuart one!), who was eventually to become King Charles II, was being pursued by the Parliamentarians (Roundheads) he hid in an oak tree near Boscobel Hall in Staffordshire. The oak is still there and is known as the Boscobel Oak. Those who supported the restoration of the monarchy would wear a sprig of oak and if you did not you might have your bottom pinched – so, Wenvoe – beware! The day also became known as Pinch-Bum- Day. It is celebrated in many places with processions and the drinking of beer and eating plum pudding. The nearby Battle of St Fagans in 1648 between the Royalists and Parliamentarians was probably the largest battle ever to take place on Welsh soil. There are an estimated 467 pubs in Britain called the Royal Oak, most featuring an Oak Tree, Prince Charles or a Crown and some with Parliamentarians prowling in the vicinity. It is possible that the Royal connections took over a much earlier pagan tradition.

There are two native oaks in Britain. The more common around here is the Pedunculate or English Oak – Quercus robur. Then there is the Sessile Oak – Quercus petraea – which is more frequently found in the North and West of Britain, often on higher ground. To tell them apart, the English Oak has its acorns on stalks, the Sessile Oak has them attached directly to the twig. But, as always, just to make things awkward, the two species do hybridise. An impressive total of 1,455 Sessile Oaks have been planted recently in Whitehall Quarry. There are many types of non-native Oaks planted in our Parks and larger Gardens including the Turkey Oak.

But what is an Oak Apple? It is a gall, that is a malformation in the bud, leaf or twig of a tree caused by tiny wasps or fungi. The common gall on Oak is the Marble Gall – this is hard and looks very much like a Malteser. Many people think these are Oak Apples but they have only appeared in the last couple of hundred years and need Turkey Oaks to be around as part of their life cycle and they were only introduced to Britain in the 1700s. The Oak Apple is much less common and is only very occasionally seen around Wenvoe. It is much larger than the Marble Gall – up to 4 centimetres across and is soft and spongy. One very similar to the one shown in the photo was found near Goldsland Farm. If you come across one, do let the Wildlife Group know as they can then be recorded. In the meantime, celebrate your Oaks and wear your sprig with pride!

 

 

Wenvoe Playgroup CIO Update

WENVOE PLAYGROUP CIO UPDATE

It has been sometime since we last wrote in the What’s On, which was mainly due to the constant changes and paperwork throughout the pandemic. We hope that moving forward we will be able to operate a little more ‘normal’ moving into the Summer months. To see what we have been doing, please view our gallery on our website www.wenvoeplaygroup.co.uk

The paper work that Covid-19 brought with it was tremendous, especially trying to keep everyone updated due to social distancing. How we have missed chatting alongside the Parents and Carers this last year.

Of course with the heavy paper load, came the need for storage space. We would like to thank Simon of Office Visions Ltd in Pentwyn for the fabulous filing cabinet that was donated and delivered to our door. One moan to Chris Evans and he was on the phone to Office Visions. Thank you both so much for your support.

As many of you know, the Playgroup has operated for over 50 years as a Charity, relying upon the support of the community for its success. There are many people behind the scenes supporting the group which is going from strength to strength and we thank you all for your tremendous hard work and dedication. From sprucing up the garden, to managing the web-site, fundraising and supporting the Management Team to operate as a Registered Charity. We couldn’t do it without you.

We are now fully booked for the Summer, with over 40 children on our registers. We have high waiting lists for September 2021 which we will be dealing with as you read this and a waiting list has been started for children up to September 2022.

We take payments via the Welsh Government Tax Free Childcare scheme and of course we are signed up to The Welsh Government’s scheme for both The Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff

’30 Hour FREE Childcare Offer’. If you would like more information on the 30 Hour Free childcare offer then please email us at wenvoeplaygroup@ btinternet.com

We offer:- Breakfast club for reception and year 1 children who attend Gwenfo School age 4 – 6 years: 8am until 8:50am: £5 per day

We mainly care for pre-school children under 5 offering; Breakfast from 8am daily for £5 a day and on into Playgroup or across to Gwenfo Nursery for 9am

From 9am until 11:45am £13.50

Until 12:45pm and/or onto Gwenfo Nursery for 1pm £18.00

We pick up daily from Gwenfo Nursery at 11:20am and care for the children until 12:45pm, known as lunch club for that extra few hours @ £8 per day

Wednesday and Thursday we pick up at 11:20am until 15:15pm – cost £18 per day.

For those parents who are eligible for the 30 Hour FREE childcare offer (the term after their Child’s 3rd birthday) then up to 4 days per week could be free paying a small fee for the fifth day.

If you would like more information then please email Sandra on the group email wenvoeplaygroup @btinternet.com who can send further information.

You may find it useful to visit our website www.wenvoeplaygroup.co.uk and view our Statement of Purpose and Admissions Policy. There are numerous policies and procedures for your information on our website.

We hope to plan a socially distanced open day in June or July, so watch this space and hopefully we will see you all soon.

 

 

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

OFF THE SHELF

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

This month’s book was Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens. Two stories are entwined into the main character of Kya, who grows up in the 50s in the marshes of North Carolina. Her mother walks out on her abusive, alcoholic father leaving her youngest child Kaya and her siblings in his care. One by one her siblings leave. There is a short period when her father tries to care for his young daughter, but he soon returns to his drinking and gambling, he abandons Kya leaving the seven-year-old to fend for herself in their remote shack. Ever resourceful, Kya becomes self-sufficient by growing her own vegetables and picking and selling mussels to local trader Jumpin’ and his wife who take her under their wing. Despised by the ‘respectable’ people of the nearest village where she is known as the filthy ‘marsh girl’ Kya keeps to herself and avoids going to school. Finding her mother’s water colours Kya paints the flora and fauna of her surroundings. Although illiterate Kya has become a knowledgeable naturalist. As a teenager she becomes friendly with Tate who teaches her to read and write. Kya goes on to write illustrated books on nature and becomes a popular writer. The second part of the story involves Chas a wealthy spoilt boy who takes advantage of her. The story ends with a surprising twist.

It’s difficult to believe that this brilliantly crafted story is the author’s first novel. It rapidly became a bestseller and is about to be made into a film. It transported us to a different place and time, and we were gripped by the poignant struggles and triumphs of this little girl. Most of us thought it was one of the best books we had read and gave it 9/10 points.

 

 

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