Hemiptera. or “Bugs” to You


“Bugs”


Some people call all insects bugs but ‘true’ bugs are of the order Hemiptera. All of these have piercing mouthparts designed for sucking juices from plants or animals. So, the following are not bugs – Ladybirds, beetles, earwigs, crickets, grasshoppers etc. There are 1,830 species of bug in Britain compared with just 59 resident species of butterfly.

Anyone with a garden with live plants, shrubs or trees will have bugs in them. Some are less than welcome such as aphids, but most bugs are harmless and often quite colourful. And they do have some wonderful names such Shieldbugs, Leatherbugs and Firebugs. There are Stiltbugs and Lacebugs – not to mention Bedbugs although hopefully you will not have encountered those! The Assassin Bugs hunt Bed bugs, Silverfish, Harvestmen and spiders. In the water you might find Pondskaters, Backswimmers and Water Boatmen. Then there are Froghoppers, Lacehoppers and Leafhoppers. Some have descriptive common names such as Stinkbugs and Squashbugs.

The Parent Shieldbug protects its offspring by sitting over the eggs before they hatch and then guarding the young nymphs. The photo shows a couple of Dock Bugs which could be found in large numbers down at the Watercress Beds in September. The Red-legged Shieldbug seems to have done well in Wenvoe this year and is often associated with Apple, Birch and Hawthorn.

So, look out for the ‘true’ bugs and unless they are aphids encourage them to flourish and they will repay you by keeping down some of the garden pests that might not be so welcome.

 



 

World’s Biggest Coffee Morning

 

WORLD’S BIGGEST COFFEE MORNING, WENVOE 2021


 

Macmillan has been organising coffee mornings to raise funds for their support with people with cancer since 1990.The first nationwide coffee morning took place in 1991 with 2,600 supporters participating. It has grown to a massive event and in 2016 £29.5 million was raised. The money is spent on running online community forums, enabling a cancer patient to attend a health and well being event, to pay for a holiday for a family affected by cancer, to pay for a Macmillan nurse. The money raised enables Macmillan to support people with a cancer diagnosis to live their lives as fully as they can.

To support this worthwhile charity, a coffee morning was organised in Wenvoe by the Living with Cancer Strollers and the Page Turners book club. Under bright sunshine, a rarity this summer, the group enjoyed a fantastic variety of home-made cakes: Jenny’s Victoria sponge, Nicola’s brownies, Bethan’s carrot cake cup cakes…..and many more. A raffle was held and the winner of the Prosecco was Trish, who was celebrating her 80th birthday the following weekend. Fun, laughter, gossip…and a huge amount of calories were enjoyed by all. And the excellent news at the end of the afternoon was that as a result of this indulgence in the garden, £245.00 was raised to donate to Macmillan to enable them to continue their good work. Well done everybody

 



 

Classes Are Slowly Returning

 

THE VILLAGE HALL


We hope everyone is keeping well and we wanted to let everyone know, that regular classes are slowly returning to the hall, and you should contact your group for further information.
Can anyone who usually hires the hall on a regular basis and has not as yet returned, contact us via the email please wenvoevillagehall@yahoo.co.uk to keep us up to date. Thank you
Although things are slowly returning, risk assessments are in place to keep everyone as safe as possible. Therefore, we regret to say that we have decided that the Children’s Halloween Disco will not be taking place this year. It has also been discussed and decided that we will not be doing our Christmas Draw again this year. Fingers crossed for next year.
Children’s party bookings are now being taken for Sundays along with other family events. Please email wenvoevillagehall@yahoo.co.uk for availability.

 



 

A Flurry Of Activity

VILLAGE ENVIRONMENT GROUP


September saw a flurry of activity on the footpath leading to the sports field. Our youngest member, Martin, had been repeatedly stung by wasps while clearing bamboo in the community cemetery before we elders had risen. The impetuousness of youth was the main cause, we of an older generation decided.


 

Of course, we have other members who worry us, like big John who has been missing in action before. So, when he arrived a tad late this time we were worried, but he said his dog had got other ideas about spending time outdoors and took John for a walk. Gareth’s enthusiasm had to be quelled or we would still be there now. Stalwarts Alan, Brian, Ian and the ageless Ieuan always give it their all and the footpath is all the better for it.

Our next meeting will be at the village green on Monday 11th October at 9.30am.

 

 

 

 



 

‘Musical’ Tips

THE VILLAGE GARDENER

Must Do Gardening Tips for October


 

This month’s tips are from two musicians in Wenvoe.

Firstly, virtuoso

Mostyn Davies:

Every weed picked now will save ten in the Spring.

Leave hydrangea heads on to protect the plant from frost.

Give pots and containers a wash before storing.

Always leave gaps between potted shrubs to avoid disease.

Rake up leaves to keep the lawn clear.

60s Legend Brian ‘Guitar’ McConky :           

Bring potted plants next to the house to protect from wind.

Order your Spring plants now, to get the best selection.

Water butts should be covered to prevent leaves getting in.

Inspect crevices to look for snails starting to hibernate.

Ericacious feed for acid loving Spring flowering shrubs can still be applied now.


Autumn Gardens

Some will see Autumn gardens as a bit untidy, as plants start to die back, and leaves start falling. We can keep things in shape by removing dead plants but leaving things like alliums, poppies and grasses as they add structure to the borders. Penstemons are best left with their top growth intact until the Spring to help protect the crown of the plant in frosty conditions. Pelargoniums need to be brought in now, cutting them back to about 10cms. The pelargoniums lifted from borders should be potted up in moist compost and will not require much watering over the dormant period. Spreading mulch on the borders now will help protect tender plants and improve the soil structure. Gordon Jones of Belgrave house suggests a minimum of four inches of mulch to give adequate protection. This will also help in keeping weeds at bay. Spent compost is good for mulching. Many keen recyclers use cardboard as a weed barrier, especially on veg patches where they don’t have to cut it up too much, as they have more room at this time of year.

From late October until December, it’s tulip planting time. The colder temperatures help to kill off diseases which can infect your bulbs. Planting late is the traditional means of tulip bulb protection. If you’re planning to reuse bulbs and corms then you need to feed them with a tomato feed as the flowers fade, up until the leaves start to die back. The price garden centres want to charge for a piddly bag of bulb compost is beyond. Just use multipurpose compost and any make will suffice. Garden centres are places we love to visit if only to browse and have a coffee but, if you do purchase something that you need, when you get to the till it feels like Dick Turpin is fleecing you.


Ann Davies of Tarrws Close has perfected the ideal mix for homemade weed killer. 2tbs of salt, 1tbs of washing-up liquid and 500mls of vinegar. Mix well and douse the weeds. Don’t put it on your chips.


The National Allotment Society says that October is a time for lots of lovely digging. Well, whatever rocks your boat! Some people at the allotments have put in a couple of rows of peas and broad beans to grow over the winter. They should be ok but will need protection if we have a long period of cold weather. Tall plants like Brussel sprouts and kale could do with a stake, especially up at Twyn Yr Odyn.


The Reindeer Sale will also have a life-changing supplement made from produce acquired at Eric’s allotment. You will not believe the difference this will make.

Take care and happy gardening

 



 

October Notes

WENVOE COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Tel: 02920 594176 – during opening hours or wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Like and follow us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/WenvoeCommunityLibrary

For general enquiries you can email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com


New Library Building and parking

The old library has been demolished and the new building is under construction. As you can see, building work is progressing and the shell is already in place.

Thank you all for your co-operation particularly the residents of Wenvoe Close and the lower part of Walston Road from refraining from parking in the road thus allowing access throughout the day for lorries and cranes carrying parts to the site.

We can’t wait to see you in a month or so in our new library hub. We still need more volunteers, so please email us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com if you would like to join our team.


Click and Collect

We shall continue to supply you with books on a click and collect basis during library closure. We’ll be at hand in the Community Centre on Tuesday and Thursday mornings between 10-12 to help you with on-line ordering and general enquiries. You can phone us during opening hours on 07526 478740 whilst we are closed

 



 

Planning Updates September

Planning Updates September


Planning Permission

The following applications have been granted planning permission.

  • Wenvoe Community Centre, Old Port Road. Removal of Conifer tree due to damaging of wall and associated health and safety concerns.
  • Enfield Cottage, 22, Old Port Road, Wenvoe. Insertion of two new window openings at first floor level in North elevation.
  • 46, Heol Collen, Culverhouse Cross. Rear single storey extension.
  • Glenburnie, Port Road. Development of a Care Home and associated works. Discharge of planning conditions 5, 7 and 15.

New library

The old library has been demolished and removed. The new building is now on site and the work is progressing well. By the time you read this, landscaping should be complete, and most of the internal fitout as well. Flooring will be finished during the first week of October, leaving only commissioning and testing of lighting, plumbing, data, alarms and air conditioning. Then the library group can start moving in! A sub-committee has been formed to plan an opening ceremony.


Public Benches

Following a report which examined the condition of all 24 public benches, excluding those located on the Wildlife Group’s maintained areas, the Council have purchased eight new benches for the community and installation is being arranged. These are for locations suggested following the public consultation and any replacements where required.


Audio Equipment

The hall has been examined for the installation of improved audio equipment and the fitting of acoustic panels to the ceiling. Quotes are awaited.


Village War Memorial

HistoryPoints.org is a group that produces historical information about buildings and locations around Wales. They are collating information regarding the village war memorial and people living in Wenvoe. Once the work is complete a QR code will be produced and located near the memorial. The council agreed to support the a Royal British Legion this year by purchasing a ‘Tommy’ figure to be located near the war memorial.


Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

2nd June 2022 is the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The Council is seeking volunteers to organise a suitable celebration for the community. If you wish to volunteer or have ideas for the event please contact the clerk (see page 2)


Defibrillator

A demonstration was held at Brooklands Terrace to explain the use of a defibrillator. A further machine has been installed at Twyn-yr-Odyn on the Horse and Jockey building. A local display will be arranged on the use of the machine. Anybody interested in attending, please contact the clerk.


Conifer Tree Roots

During rebuilding of the Old School House wall it was noted that a section of the Community Council wall was bulging. This was due to a conifer tree roots. Permission for its removal has now been granted (trees in a conservation area require permission before they are felled or trimmed). The defective area will now be repaired.


Hand Rails

Hand rails for the steps from Tarrws Close to the Grange Park – planned to be installed in September.


New Burial Ground

A cemetery sub group have met and are looking at a number of suggested locations for a possible new burial ground

 



 

Planning Applications October

Planning Applications October


Whitegate, Old Port Road. Proposed two storey rear extension. Due to the construction, including a second storey balcony, they felt it should have frosted glass fitted to reduce the loss of privacy for neighbouring properties.

Coedhirion, 8, Walston Road. (a) Create a basement level to accommodate plant room, home cinema and shower room. (b) Re-location of GFL WC and corridor adjustment. (c) Alterations to elevation fenestration. This is a lawful application.

 



 

Halloween Treats In Store

 

HALLOWEEN TREATS IN STORE


Many local children will be looking forward to Halloween at the end of this month. Historians have lots of ideas about why Halloween is associated with ghosts, ghouls and goblins. Some think Halloween’s origins stretch back to a Celtic festival called Samhain when people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Others suggest Halloween as the season of spectres and spooks because 31st October falls on the day before two very important Christian holy days. In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated 1st November as a time to honour all saints. Soon, All Saints Day incorporated some of the traditions of Samhain. Halloween means ‘All Hallows’ Eve’. That is because it is the day before All Saints’ Day on 1st November – a day to honour all ‘hallowed’, or holy, people. All Souls’ Day, which is a day to remember the souls of all those who have died, follows on November 2nd.

Preparations for Halloween in the past, involved carving ghastly faces into turnips, to make them resemble demons and devils. These shining turnips were called ‘Jack o’Lanterns’ and were named after ghostly lights rumoured to be seen in marshes and bogs that were believed to be the spirits of the dead. To ramp up the scare value burning candles were placed into the hollowed out turnips.

In recent years pumpkins have become part of the Halloween experience in the UK. It is often thought to be a tradition imported from America. However, it actually started here, before being taken, along with many other British traditions, to the United States by emigrants in the 19th century. Instead of carving hard turnips, they made their Halloween lanterns out of the softer and more common pumpkins they found there.

With up to date information available on the relevant websites there are several Halloween themed events in our area. The popular Cardiff Pumpkin Picking Patch, located on the A48 between Culverhouse Cross and St Nicholas, is open in the lead up to Halloween. As currently advertised, the site will be open 10-11, 17-18 and 24-31 October, from 9.30am until 4pm. There, you can pick your own pumpkins (from £1 each). In addition to finding and selecting your own pumpkins children (and adults of course), can check out the photo opportunities and famous pumpkin house. You can even make your own witch’s broom or craft your own magic wand.

Fonmon Castle has lined up an event called Halloween Daytime (10.00am-3.00pm) with fancy dress, games and scary fun. If are you brave enough to survive ghostly goings on adult tickets are available at £13.50 and those for children and concessions £9.50.

The real fun for many children will of course be trick or treating, which is still popular around the world. It has been around a long time. Interestingly Shakespeare mentions trick or treating in his comedy The Two Gentlemen of Verona, which he wrote in 1593, when Speed accuses his master of ‘puling [whimpering or whining] like a beggar at Hallowmas.’

Trick or treating of course can be fun and scary at the same time. In Mexico this practice is called ‘calaverita’ or skulling. Children ask ‘Me da mi calaverita?’ They ask for a little skull made of sugar or chocolate. While for most children trick or treating is harmless fun, it is important that they understand and respect that some elderly or vulnerable adults can be alarmed and upset by it.

The practice of trick or treating is thought to have evolved from a tradition whereby people in some countries impersonated the spirits, or the souls of the dead, and received offerings on their behalf. In Scotland and Ireland the tradition was called ‘guising’ and goes back to the 16th century. The term ‘trick or treat’ has only been used relatively recently. Prior to this, children in Ireland would commonly say “Help the Halloween Party” at the doors of homeowners.

 



 

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