The Official Wenvoe Homepage
The Stress Buster Strollers
There were no rainbows to be seen on the Stress Buster stroll this month; however the multitude of colourful coats worn by the strollers provided enough colour as they walked in windy conditions along the Knap promenade!
Colourful coats are not obligatory, just enthusiasm for a walk!
THE VILLAGE GARDENER
Jan Bird
Gwen Williams
Lawns do not need a high nitrogen fertiliser now as this will encourage a lush growth that will be damaged by Autumn weather. The lawn should have a fertiliser with a high potassium content to encourage root growth. Ant nests have been a big problem this year; it’s best to sweep the mound before mowing.
Camellia and rhododendrons should be watered well now to encourage bud development for next year’s display. The dahlias will need extra staking to hold up the heavy blooms. Time to take cuttings of fuchsias and pelargoniums to increase stock. Black spot on roses gets more prevalent as summer goes on; damaged and fallen leaves should be put in bin or burned and not composted. Rose clear is an effective remedy for this along with other rose diseases. Lily beetle can devastate your lily displays; the brown sludge they leave is their larvae, so wipe off the leaves. To catch the culprit, you need to venture out after dark and pick them off the plant. We are told about the overuse of weed killer and the damage it can cause to the environment but used carefully it is extremely effective. During the early Autumn it can be used to kill off persistent perennial weeds like ground elder and bindweed before they start to fade and recoup for next year. Trying to eliminate these weeds by digging out is soul destroying.
On the veg patches and allotments a lot of produce will be ready for harvesting. Feed sweetcorn with tomato fertiliser to get the best cobs. This feed is also good for cucumber, pepper and aubergine plants. Keep removing the leaves below the first trusses on tomato plants to increase circulation and help prevent disease. Pinch out the tops of runner beans to increase side shoots and hopefully more beans. Keep picking the beans before they get stringy. Runner beans freeze well. The spent canes of summer fruiting raspberries can be cut down to the ground leaving the new canes for next year.
Of course, the dreaded cabbage white will be laying eggs on the underside of your brassica leaves so squash them in your fingers, as if they are left alone the crop will be devastated.
Next month sees the long awaited return of the Village Show, so if you are at all competitive then enter some of your produce. There will also be baking and craft competitions.
Take care and happy gardening.
VALEWAYS WALKING FESTIVAL 2022
2022 will be the twelfth year of the Vale of Glamorgan Walking Festival, organised by volunteers of the charity Valeways who are working to ensure the sustainability of the festival in future years.
Booking is required. Tickets are £3 per adult per walk, (children walk for free) and are available from
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/valeways.
Alternatively call 0333 666 4466
Then just turn up at the stated meeting place and time where you will be greeted by your named Walk Leader; children under 16 must be accompanied.
Walkers arriving without tickets will be allowed to walk if there are sufficient spaces available and will be charged the same rate.
There are walks for all ages and abilities. No matter if you are an experienced walker, a leisure walker or a family there will be something for you. Walks will be of varying duration and challenge in a variety of different geographical areas – coast, clifftop, open countryside, hill, woodland and park as detailed on the website.
A description of each walk, the distance, what can be experienced, the terrain, hospitality, transport and parking is available on the website
. Planning Updates
The following applications have been approved.
A discussion took place with two directors of the Library over their aims and methods of funding. A suggestion of possible Vale Council involvement was raised and will be perused, together with options over the rental arrangements.
It was agreed to accept proposals from the Environment group over the siting of the Blacksmith’s Anvil and Vice on Council land adjacent to the Church Hall.
Quotations have been received for replacement windows at the Community Centre. These were discussed and it was agreed to let the contract to the company offering the best value for money bid. Quotes were also considered for the Hub patio and a contractor was agreed, but it was also decided to approach Bredon Quarry to see if they might be prepared to contribute some material towards the work.
A suggestion had been made that the Council should consider installing Speed Limit reminder signs on Old Port Rd, but after seeking the views of the Highways Authority it was concluded that the proposal was impractical.
Mention was made of the theft of Council papers from the clerk’s office which might mean that stricter security would need to be installed.
A complaint had been received from a local resident, via the Vale Council, that the Toposcope at Twynyrodyn has a misspelled place name. This will be followed up with the provider to see if it is possible to correct the error. It was also agreed to explore the cost of providing a signpost directing people to the Toposcope and the Quarrymens Memorial.
IT’S ALL HAPPENING IN THE VALE THIS AUGUST
The Vale of Glamorgan Show returns on Wednesday 10 August. This August the Vale Show, which regularly attracts more than 20,000 visitors, moves back to its roots in Penllyn. The Show hosts a large Craft Fair and Horticultural Show along with a Home Produce marquee, Dog Show and Rabbit Show. Horse Classes run in the main ring until 3pm when there is a spectacular Grand Parade of all the Prize Winning Animals. Alongside the livestock and horse showing there will be more than 200 Trade Stands, selling a huge variety of goods. A Food Court will be centre field, selling produce, most of which has been grown or made in the Vale.
Admission: Adults £12.00; Children £5.00; Family Ticket £30.00 (2 adults, 2 children). Tickets available online: https://valeofglamorganshow.ticketsrv.co.uk/tickets/
How about some outdoor theatre in Penarth? Join Illyria on Thursday evening 25th August ,for an outdoor theatre production of The Pirates of Penzance in the beautiful Kymin Garden, Penarth. It could be an idea to bring a picnic but as there is no shelter be sure to dress for the weather. The performance starts at 7.00pm although doors will be open at 6.00pm. The show runs for 2 hours 10 minutes, including a 20 minute interval. Light refreshments will be available.
Plot reminder: Frederick, apprenticed to the Pirates since a child, learns that he was born in a leap year on 29th February, and that he is contracted to the Pirate King until his 21st birthday, not his 21st year. With only the inept Penzance constabulary to protect him, how will he resist being forced to endure a life of crime until he is 84 – and will his sweetheart, Mabel, wait for him that long? Described as ‘hilarious melodrama, sharp satire and glittering wit’ the show is packed with memorable songs such as To be a Pirate King!, Modern Major General and A Policeman’s Lot is Not a Happy One.
Admission: Adult £18.00, Child (under 12 years) £12.00 – booking fees apply. Tickets are available online at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-pirates-of-penzance-at-the-kymin-gardens-by-illyria-tickets-325162478727
Could you be tempted by art and flowers in Cowbridge? Cowbridge has been running an Open Art Competition and prize winners (over £2,000 of prize money on offer) will be exhibited from 1st – 13th. The Art and Applied Art winners can be seen in the Old Hall Gallery (open 10.00am – 5.00pm each day) and the Print section will be in the public areas of the nearby Bear Hotel. All work will be for sale. The town also plans to look blooming lovely as the Cowbridge Festival of Flowers takes place throughout August. Plans include flower installations thoughout the town and workshop events such as Fizz & Flowers and a Fun Flower Fairy Trail.
What about the Barry 10k and fun photo marathon? The Barry Island 10K and family fun run returns on Sunday 7th August at 10.00am. To add to the feel-good atmosphere, the day also includes a Family Fun Run and Toddler Dash taking place along the promenade. Barry is also running a fun photo marathon with prizes, also beginning 7th August. Join a test of creativity, photography skills, endurance and sense of humour! The format for you/your team on Sunday 7th August is 6 topics, 6 photos, 6 hours. We encourage you to explore the whole of Barry and find some great shots! Shorter 2-hour events follow during the week. Full details can be found: https://www.barry.cymru/visit/photobarrython-2022
