Month: September 2021

Gardening Tips for September

THE VILLAGE GARDENER

Must Do Gardening Tips for September

Tips from Carol Evans of Life Beyond the Patio.

  1. Let parts of your lawn go wild for a few weeks.
  2. Mow above mentioned parts before you get stung or bitten by the insects.
  3. Make sure your pots are off the ground as wetter weather is on the way.
  4. Collected rain water is perfect for acid loving plants such as camellia.
  5. Collected seed must be kept dry, use a sealed tin with some powdered milk to keep moisture at bay.

 

What to do, by have you got a pen Gwyn Williams.

  1. Plant daffodils this month to be sure of a good spring display.
  2. If a tradesman says he can start work the following day, be wary as all the good ones are busy.
  3. Keep drains clear of fallen leaves as Autumn approaches
  4. Try to leave the cutting back of shrubs as long as possible otherwise you will be doing them again before Winter.
  5. Put your glasses on before weeding or some of your precious plants will end up in the green bag.

 

September is a good month to sort problems out with your lawn, by either sowing seed or laying turf. Leather jackets are more of a problem on lawns with poor drainage. This larvae of the crane fly leaves dead patches on your lawn as they consume the grass roots. The only effective way of controlling this is with the right nematodes. To find out if they are the cause of the damage to your lawn, put a damp cloth over the area of concern and remove it in the early morning. you will see the larvae on the surface. When you see crows on the grass at this time of year this is what they are mainly searching for. Do not put a high nitrogen feed on the lawn at this time of year however tempting it is to use fertiliser you have left over from the summer. The high nitrogen content will promote top growth and weaken the grass. Always use a feed high in potassium, this will strengthen the root system and keep the grass healthy through the colder months.

The experts say that daffodils along with crocus and hyacinths should be planted by the middle of September to make sure you get good blooms in the Spring. Hold back a while on the tulips as they tend to rot if planted too early. One of the main reasons for a poor show is that bulbs are planted too shallowly, so always follow the instructions on the packet.

Continue to collect seed, as packeted seed seems to be a lot more expensive now for very few seeds. Dividing herbaceous perennials is a good way to get extra plants and to get rid of the dead material in the middle.

On allotments and veg patches harvesting is in full swing. Check apples are ripe by pulling gently, they should come away easily. Take any bad fruit off to stop disease spreading. Keep potting up strawberry runners. Take hardwood cuttings of currants and gooseberries now. Order bare root fruit bushes and trees, they are cheaper and will produce fruit next year. When the beans and peas have finished cut down to ground level but leave roots in ground as they will add nitrogen to the soil. Sow green manures on bare soil, this will help keep the weeds down over Winter and can then be dug in to improve the soil.

Over the past year I have received a lot of feedback from walkers who pass through and by the allotments. They have commented on how well kept they are. Some have asked if the man sitting against the tin sheets by the notice board has big hands or a small spade, they were hesitant to approach because he seemed so peaceful contemplating where to plant his next row of cabbages. I’ve told them who you are H, so expect to be signing autographs.

Take care and happy gardening

 

 

A Stroll Around Cosmeston

LIVING WITH CANCER STROLLERS

A Stroll Around Cosmeston

A grey day did not dampen the spirits of the living with cancer strollers as they set off around Cosmeston. Two of the strollers were enjoying chatting so much, the rest of the group had to keep stopping to allow them to catch up….but isn’t that the point of these walks, to chat, to stroll, to get some fresh air and exercise? See you next time in Cosmeston at 10 30, the first Thursday of every month.

 

 

September News Update

September News Update

It was with great sadness the news that the Rev. Jonathon Ormrod, our Priest in Charge, has decided to leave the parishes of Wenvoe with St. Lythan’s and Sully to take up a similar position at St. Martin’s church in Worle near Weston super Mare.

During his 7 years here he had endued himself as a wonderfully caring priest and a friend to all and we wish him and his family every blessing in his new post. Jon’s last service here will be on the 31st October.

We were able to be back in church on Sunday 1st August after a mammoth task of cleaning, and placing back things where they should be. We consider the church has never looked as good as it does at the present moment. The painting and plaster repairs have been most professionally carried out, and the standard of work from our craftsman, Mr Mike Mather, is to be commended. We opened the church on Saturday afternoons during August to let church members see for themselves, and this brought others in from the community to see how well cared for the church has been. The Saturday afternoon openings will continue in September to harvest time when the church will be decorated for the Festival.

The glass doors to the tower vestry have been taken away for re-glazing with hardened glass and the glass sculpture above is being investigated as to how we can illuminate it so that the colours in the glass features of the vine leaves and bunches of grapes, together with the Madonna and child, can be more clearly seen. This sculpture and doors, designed by the Penarth artist, Frank Roper, installed in 1981, deserves to be cherished, as his work is gaining the respect it deserves, and we have an excellent example of the “lost wax casting in aluminium” as a major feature in the church and one of our “treasures”

Recent research into listing of the church as grade 2* listing, made the church officers aware of the inclusion in J.Newman’s book “ The Buildings of South Wales”of our church building. In his opinion, “the wall monuments in the church are what makes the church worth visiting, three hanging monuments, outstanding in the county” He is referring to the two Thomas family monuments in the nave and the Peter Birt/ Jenner monument near the altar. The William Thomas monument of 1636 is almost of metropolitan quality and strongly influenced by Nicholas Stone (1587-1647). He was an English sculptor and architect. In 1619 he was appointed master mason to James 1 and in 1626 to Charles 1 He was responsible for many notable public buildings, including the Banqueting House in Whitehall, London

We have continued with the patterns of worship set under the guidelines of the Welsh Government and the Bench of Bishops. Recent discussions have taken place with the result that as from Sunday 21 August there was no need to book your seat in the church, and you can now sit in any pew, allowing for sensible spacing between worshippers. Masks are still required to be worn, and hand sanitising will continue. It is hoped that our “Pebbles” group will be able to meet from the 5th September in the Church Hall. Also at the same time a member of the congregation will be able to read the O.T. lesson and epistle from the Lectern. Hymn singing will also be introduced wearing masks. The celebration of the Harvest Festival will be on the 26th September at 9.30 am. and will be as in pre-Covid times, that is an All Age Service with the children taking part.

The Tower Appeal is being responded to in a number of ways. We need to raise £60,000 for the work required on the tower at St. Mary’s. You can donate in a number of ways, on line at http//StMappeal.com or alternatively drop a donation in the letter box in the church porch. Or donating your old IT equipment where Electric Amnesty will strip it down and we get 50% of the value of the raw materials recovered. For the youngsters join the “Everest Climb”, or support the Tucker family in their “Stones for the Tower” appeal. Thank you to those who have already donated to the appeal and to the continued support of the St. Mary’s 200 club. The work on the tower has been delayed until next Spring, while we raise the necessary funds and also the pointing of the stonework with lime mortar can only be applied in frost free conditions.

We continue to support the Vale Foodbank in Barry with deliveries made every Thursday from the collecting points in the churches at Sully and Wenvoe. This has been a difficult time for families during the school holidays so a special plea for support. Items currently in short supply include tinned potatoes, coffee, peanut butter, bars of soap and treats for children would be welcome.

The last eighteen months have been a very difficult time for everyone with the threat of Covid-19, and especially for places of worship. We have been fortunate that our faithful congregation has held firm in these troubled times, and despite many experiencing personal losses of loved ones during this time, the fellowship and caring qualities of the church has been wonderful to see and experience. Now we need to reassure everyone that a welcome awaits you at St. Mary’s, things are not quite as normal, as in pre Covid times but we are getting there

Sadly we have to announce the passing of two members of the congregation. Mr Gareth Davies and Mrs Muriel Andrews; both will be sadly missed and our prayers are with their families at this time.

Thank you for reading the church news. God Bless

Parry Edwards

 

 

Courgette Fritters [V]

Courgette Fritters [V]

2 medium courgettes, grated

2 tbsp SRF

25g parmesan, finely grated

1tbspolive oil

170g tub roasted red pepper houmous, to serve

In a bowl, combine the grated courgette, flour and parme-san. Shape into walnut-size balls, then flatten. Heat a non-stick frying pan over a medium heat, add the oil. Fry the fritters for 2 – 3 mins on each side until golden brown. Serve straight away with the red pepper houmous

 

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Mustered Stuffed Chicken

Mustered Stuffed Chicken

125g mozzarella, torn into small pieces

50g strong cheddar cheese, grated

1 tbsp wholegrain mustard

4 skinless chicken breasts

8 smoked streaky bacon rashers

Heat oven to 180C. Mix the cheeses and mustard together. Cut a slit into the side of each chicken breast, then stuff with the mustard mixture. Wrap each stuffed chicken breast with 2 rashers of bacon, not too tight, enough to hold the chicken together. Season, place on a baking sheet and roast for about 20 – 25 mins. Serve with green vegetables and boiled potatoes, or roast chunked sweet potatoes with the chicken

 

 

 

Upside- down Sticky Apricot Cakes

Upside- down Sticky Apricot Cakes

85g golden caster sugar

6 apricots, halved, stones removed

For the cake batter

200g butter, softened

175g golden caster sugar

2 large eggs

75ml full-fat milk

pinch saffron strands [optional] diluted in a little warm water

140g plain flour

140g SRF

100g ground almonds

Tip the sugar into a deep, oven proof frying pan. place over a high heat until caramelised, remove from the heat, then lay the apricots, cut side down, in the caramel, quartering some of the apricots to fit the gaps. Set aside. Heat oven to 180C. To make the batter, use a food mixer, cream the butter and sugar together. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then the milk and saffron[if using]. Fold in the flour and ground almonds, then mix until all combined. Spoon dollops of the batter over the apricots and smooth over. Bake for 40 mins until puffed up and golden. Remove from the oven !! Use gloves the handle will be hot!! Leave to sit for about 10 mins. Invert the cake onto a plate and leave to cool. Serve with double cream or ice cream

 

 

A Dedicated Small Contingent

VILLAGE ENVIRONMENT GROUP

Where to start…. A small contingent set off for the cenotaph and cut back the hedge. Dedication is a big plus with this group as shown by Brian, who delayed his wild water swimming, and Ieuan, who astounded the doctors by recovering in double quick time to be ready for duty.

The main group finished off the work from last month on Pound Lane. We were assisted by Tall Tony who joined the team today. Martin went out early to clear a path for the rest of us. Gareth meanwhile kept losing his equipment in the triangle. Alan and Big John have done many tours with the working party, so nothing phases them. Ian made sure that the area was ship-shape before allowing us to go.

This eclectic team of volunteers have for years tried to make a difference by tidying up around the village. The team meets on the second Monday of each month. Wenvoe has grown a lot over the years so, even if you can’t make the days when we meet, anything you can do to help improve your surroundings will benefit everyone. Litter pickers were out in force during early August so hats off to everyone; it can be a thankless task.

Our next meeting will be on 13th Sept at 9.30. We will meet on the village green where we will prioritise what needs doing. At present our main areas of concern are footpaths leading to the playing fields, the border in front of the community centre and bamboo in the cemetery

 

 

A Child In The Forest

We discussed ‘A child in the forest’ by Winifred Foley (no longer in print, but available as an audio book or second hand). The book was originally written for broadcasting on ‘Woman’s hour’. It is the autobiography of a young girl, born in 1914, growing up in a mining village in the Forest of Dean. She has a great love for her family, the Forest and her life there, in spite of their poverty ( no electricity, or running water and shortage of food). At the age of 14 she went into service, first in London, then in the Cotswolds and then on a Welsh farm. The working conditions were tough.

For many people in the group, the book provoked childhood reminicences of their own. There were interesting portraits of characters in the village. The descriptions of nature were good but we wanted more details about the forest. The book emphasised a child’s delight in simple things, in contrast to much of modern consumerism. A couple of readers found the vernacular was off putting and thought a glossary would have helped. Several thought the book was ‘not a page turner’ and preferred other autobiographies like ‘Cider with Rosie ‘ .

We all enjoyed the delicious cake and a chance to meet up again without restrictions. Score 7/10

 

 

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