March 2022 Book Choice


About Grace by Anthony Doerr

 

This is the author’s first novel.

David Winkler is 59 and is going home for the first time after 25 years. He has been a lover, a husband, a father and a hydrologist. Since he was a child he has been plagued by premonitions. In one he dreamt of a flood; dreamt that he failed to save his baby, Grace, and so left before he had to see it happen. The consequences of this decision marks the rest of David’s life, first as an exile on a Caribbean island, then as an old man, come back to Alaska to find his daughter. Throughout he is determined to photograph the ephemeral beauty of snowflakes.

We had all read All the Light We Cannot See, one of the author’s later books. We loved this and found About Grace what we can only describe as a ‘let down’ and a disappointment. We didn’t warm to David as a character, he seemed fickle and strange in his decision making.

There was some wonderful prose describing the warmth of the Caribbean and the incredible cold of Alaska. The Aurora Borealis with its ‘shivering emeralds and blues trimmed with red, jade, violets and an eerie green’ But this prose was so protracted and went on and on. Just how many ways can you describe a snowflake, we asked ourselves!

The score for this book was one of our lower ones, a 5, and we were unanimous in not recommending it as a good read.

 



 

Least Favourite Wild Animals


The Adder 

The Adder is possibly one of the public’s least favourite wild animals yet it has an important role in our local ecology. Maybe its reputation as Britain’s only venomous snake does not help but cases of humans being bitten are few and far between, less than one case a year over the last hundred years and most of these occur when people pick the snakes up. Between 1950 and 1972 there was only one death from an adder bite in England and Wales compared with 61 who died from bee or wasp stings.

There should be records of them in the parish but there are none on the Aderyn database. Despite that there are several anecdotal reports of them, so if you do come across one locally, do get in touch with the Wildlife Group preferably with a photograph and details of the location. The snake is quite easy to identify with its characteristic zig-zag pattern, the female brown and the male black. You are more likely to come across a grass snake which is much larger and completely harmless. They have been seen at the Watercress Beds and the Elizabethan Orchard.

Like so much of our wildlife, adders are in decline. Much of this is down to habitat loss and disturbance by people and dogs. They are also predated on often by pheasants which frequently kill slowworms as well. Larger birds of prey, like Buzzards, are likely to be a threat. The future for this unique species does appear bleak.

 



 

Four Seasons Stroll

The Stress Buster Strollers


The Stress Buster stroll this morning turned into the Four Seasons Stroll as the walkers experienced winter winds, spring showers, summer sunshine and autumnal chills. But this intrepid group held onto their bobble hats, kept walking and talking and welcomed the drinks that were served in bright sunshine at the cafe

 



 

March 2022 News Update


March 2022 News Update


March 2022 has seen the relaxation of most of the COVID restrictions imposed by the Welsh Government to safeguard the population against contracting this most awful disease. Churches were treated no differently from other organisations and the wearing of masks, social distancing, and lateral flow testing, became a part of everyday life. Now we are returning to a ‘new’ kind of normal. As of the end of the month, the wearing of face coverings in church will be up to the individual. Seating will be as before Covid and singing will be used during the services. The Easter Day Eucharist will be a sung eucharist to honour this most important day in the church’s year. The church will be decorated with the traditional Easter Lilies, donated by the members of the congregation in memory of loved ones who have passed into greater glory. Do please feel free to join us in this celebration. A most warm welcome is assured, ‘come old, come young, come those who are fearful to meet the risen Lord’.

This has been a time of anticipation and frustration in the church during March. Anticipation because we are awaiting the appointment of a new priest for Wenvoe, St. Lythan’s and Sully. The selection panel has met to assess and interview the three candidates who had applied for the position. The decision has been made and we await the timing of the announcement from the Bishop.

The frustration is due to the delay in the work on the tower. The exploratory work has revealed much more damage to the stone than was at first discovered. This has meant that extra costs will be involved, and then there is the discussion on the correct shade of lime mortar to be used. All this takes time and we are anxious that the work is put in hand as quickly as possible.

During the season of Lent, a series of Lenten talks have been held with church members in Sully on Zoom on the theme of ‘Growing Good’. This takes the analogy of a garden prepared for growth. Not just one season but many seasons are necessary for a garden to produce results. And likewise it is much the same with our churches. We have gone through two years of stagnation, and we, like many others have lost worshippers but are hoping that they will return to the fold in good time. Our future as a church will be to welcome our new priest who will lead us into fresh pastures, in the company of younger families from the community. We have a wonderful church school in Wenvoe and we look forward to a closer working relationship with the staff and the pupils in the months ahead. We have to nurture our children in every way we can and the church will be open to any ideas to help them grow into loving, compassionate members of the community. Likewise with the scouting organisations. All are welcome to use the facilities which the church can offer.

Christian Aid During the month we watched on our TV screens the horror that is taking place in Ukraine. The school appealed for clothing, bedding

and other goods to be sent to relieve some of the suffering of the population. They were overwhelmed with the response. In church we decided to support the Christian Aid appeal for money and here is Jude Billingham’s report.

Collection for Ukraine – Many thanks for your donations that raised £200. The Church has topped this up to £500 and it has been sent via Christian Aid. A contribution was also sent from St.Lythan’s for £100. Thank you to all who gave so willingly.

Christian Aid Week 2022 – As part of our fund raising this year we will be holding a ‘Coffee, Cakes and Bookstall’ on Saturday 14th May. Any books you have surplus will be much appreciated for either adults or children. A box has been placed in the church porch for your donations which will be emptied regularly.

Regards, Jude


The Ministry Area Council of De Morgannwg has met and have agreed the procedures for the setting up of Church councils. Here we will have a joint church council, with St. Lythan’s joining with Wenvoe for administration purposes. There will be no changes to the arrangements for services and the benefits from the new arrangements have yet to be seen. A new Electoral Roll of all members of the nine churches is being drawn up and application can be on line or on hard copies available in our churches. This remains an important part of church life as it gives an indication of the strength of the churches and the option of being a part of any voting that may be required for the positions of wardens who will look after the church buildings and with the Vicar will help forward the mission of the church to the community. The closing date for all applications is 30th March.

We are affected, like the rest of the nation in the cost of heating our homes and the church is no exception. We have kept the heating on during the winter months on a minimum setting to keep the building safe from condensation. The bills are very high and the decision has been made to lower the temperature even more during the week in the Summer months so that the thermostat will only bring the heating on, on very few occasions. Likewise our new lighting system will be by LED lighting and that will also help towards keeping our energy costs as low as possible.

On that cheerful note, we look forward to the future and welcome you all to be part of the journey together with our new Vicar.

God bless and thank you for reading,

Parry Edwards

 



 

Hailstones Thundered Down

CARERS WALK


The hailstones thundered down as the time drew near to start the carers walk and it seemed to be in jeopardy…would any strollers turn up in this weather? Of course, they did! Everyone gathered in their waterproofs, but fortunately the clouds parted, the sun shone, the wind dropped and the strollers had a dry and enjoyable walk around Friar’s Point and along the beach to Nell’s Point.

One carer who was having a difficult time had to miss the walk, but hopefully will be able to return for the next walk. Carers are kind, compassionate, thoughtful people who put others first….and sometimes their responsibilities can seem overwhelming. This walking group is full of good natured, considerate folk who can provide support and a listening ear. Join us!

 



 

We Are Now the Wenvoe Community Hub

WENVOE COMMUNITY HUB

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


Wenvoe Community Hub – Serving the Community

Since we opened the new Hub in November, we have seen substantial interest from the community resulting in a significant rise in the registration of new members, a 30% increase in volunteers and an extension to our opening hours. We have several community groups who meet in our coffee corner as well as members of the public who regularly drop in for a chat over a cuppa. We are planning further activities including evening events, Storytime for babies and toddlers and much more.

Library news re Wenvoe School

Alina, our school liaison volunteer has forged close relations between the library and Wenvoe School. Initially, the head teacher had been invited to come to see the newly opened library and for an informal chat. A few initiatives were discussed, and a short plan of action had been decided upon. As a result of this initial meeting, the headteacher and all her teaching team met in the library in March to discuss how the library could play an active part in pupils’ learning. Quite by chance the staff also had the opportunity to meet the Vale’s peripatetic librarian who contributed to the meeting.

It was noted by all who were at the meeting, that due to the pandemic, many of the pupils have had no library experience whatsoever and this needed to be addressed. With this in mind, it was decided that the school would have a regular slot for their exclusive use of the library one whole day a week. Ideas were suggested for activities for pupils in line with the school curriculum. Hopefully, these will be taken on board over time as links between the library and the school are strengthened and developed. What is important is that the first steps towards closer links have been established.

Furthermore, pupils will have access to the library’s new IT suite which includes 3 new PCs and 5 Samsung tablets not only on their designated day, but like the public may, they will be able to access them freely during the library’s open hours.

If you haven’t yet visited the Hub, please call in for a friendly welcome

Opening hours
Monday 11.00am – 5.00pm
Tuesday 10.00am – 1.00pm
Wednesday 10.00am – 4.00pm
Friday 10:30am – 12:30pm
Saturday 9.00am – 1.00pm

Community library users can order items online from the Vale of Glamorgan catalogue. Books ordered in this way are delivered to Wenvoe, to be collected by the borrower at their convenience.

We also provide A4 and A3 photocopying and laminating at reasonable rates.

The library hub is run solely by our team of volunteers without whom our facility would not exist. We would like to extend a big thank you to the team and to the rest of the community who support us by working with us and using our facilities. If you would like to join the team, call in far a chat or contact us at wenvoelibrary@outlook.com

Easter raffle

As in previous years, we have a wonderful Easter hamper to be raffled. Tickets are for sale in the library. The draw will take place on Easter Saturday, 16th April.

Limerick competition – National Limerick Day 12th May

Please drop your entries with your name and contact number into the library post-box by 11th May. The best Limerick on the theme of the new Library Hub will receive a bottle of Prosecco.

Important dates

Official opening of the Library Hub building -Saturday May 21, at 2 pm.

Village Show – Saturday 10th September, Wenvoe Community Centre.

 



 

Volunteering At Gwenfo School

VOLUNTEERING AT GWENFO SCHOOL


Would you be free to volunteer a little time on a regular basis? If so please contact the school and we can chat to you about opportunities here. We would love to be able to open our doors up to our community again and need to rebuild our list of volunteers. We will help organise the DBS checks and will always provide a warm welcome!

Please pop in for a chat with Miss Starke if you are interested.

 



 

Part Time Clerk Wanted

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PART TIME CLERK TO THE COUNCIL AND

RESPONSIBLE FINANCIAL OFFICER

20 Hours per week

Salary SCP 6 – Full time equivalent £20,043

Job share considered

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates for the post of Clerk


The Wenvoe Community Council serves a population of around 2000 electorate and includes Dyffryn, St Lythans, Twyn-yr-Odyn, Parc Y Gwenfo, the Grange and St Lythans estates, and Wenvoe village.

The postholder is required to work Mon – Fri 4hrs per day, including attendance at evening meetings. Applicants for this post must be able to demonstrate a capacity to think and act strategically; be able to demonstrate experience of administrative management in a complex environment; understand local government law and procedure; competent IT skills; finance experience and knowledge; and a willingness to pursue training opportunities.

The Clerk will also be able to work on their own initiative in accordance with the requirements of the Council. A commitment to the provision of quality services to the community is paramount.

Please email wenvoecc@googlemail.com to obtain a copy of the Job Description. To apply please email wenvoecc@googlemail.com with a covering letter showing how you meet the Job Description with your CV. Alternatively, please send a postal copy to; Wenvoe Community Council, Old Port Road, Wenvoe, Vale of Glamorgan CF5 6AL

If you would like to discuss the requirements of the post please telephone the Chair, Cllr. Rhian Sexton on 07778536381

Closing Date: Friday 15th April 12 Noon

We reserve the right to close this position if sufficient applications have been received

 



 

Back in Harness After 2 Years

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NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH


Back in Harness After 2 Years

 

 

 

 

 

 

Watch Co-ordinators met for the first time in 2 years on 23 February 2022 in the Community Centre. The Chairman welcomed 6 new Co-ordinators who had joined during this time. He also welcomed 2 PCSO’s who were in attendance, one who had served Wenvoe in the past and the other who was new to the Force.

A new national website has been established www.ourwatch.org.uk to disseminate information and best practise. It works on a national, regional and local level. Wenvoe Co-ordinators are encouraged to register and it is understood members of the public can also register.

Vandalism and anti-social behaviour have occurred in various parts of Wenvoe. Teenage youngsters were responsible, some caught on surveillance camera resulting in Police visits to their homes. The PCSO’s at the meeting said the following action could be taken:

  • Call 101 or if very serious,999. Report date and time of incident.
  • A report can be sent to www.south-wales.police.uk particularly if photo evidence is available. Numerous reports can result in a pattern emerging.

 

The existence of Wenvoe Community Support Group on Facebook was noted. Posts often are the first notification of potential criminal activity.

Problems with dogs were reported. The PCSO’s said that this was not a police matter unless a dog attacked a person. Dog problems can be reported to the Vale Dog Warden on 01466 700111.

There was also a report of car racing in the car park at the rear of the St Lythans Estate. Report to 101 if further occurrence.

Alan French

 



 

Tuckers Spring Plant Sale

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Wenvoe Craft Workshop™️ presents

TUCKERS SPRING PLANT SALE

Saturday 30th April, 10.00am-4.00pm

29 Vennwood Close


Not long now until our Spring Plant Sale on 30th April so save the date and come and snap up some garden bargains. You can choose your plants, take a look at a few local craft tables and then buy a slice of Glenys’ homemade cake. There will be other local growers selling their plants and more free gardening advice than you will know what to do with. There will, of course, be the usual charity raffle with some lovely prizes including a homemade and decorated cake and gardening hamper.

The proceeds from this raffle will once again go to the Wenvoe Wildlife Group to help them continue their invaluable wok around the village. WWG will also host a table and can answer any enquiries you may have.

Come and have a chat and pick the Village Gardener’s brains. Entry is free and we would love you to join us.



 

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