Month: March 2023

Geothermal Energy From Mines

WENVOE FORUM

Considering tomorrow today

Geothermal Energy From Mines

During lockdown I signed up for Senedd updates on Covid statistics. As the crisis receded, I discovered a wealth of other information available at the click of a button, all freely accessible via this portal. One of the available links – to the BGS (British Geological Survey) – looked interesting; imagining dinosaurs and heliotropes, earnest students and crusty old academics imparting pearls of wisdom suitable for quiz questions, I clicked. The first thing I came across was this, almost throw away, notification of a symposium: –

“Following on from the successful events in 2021 and 2022, there is now an Open Call for Contributions for The Mine Water Energy 2023 Symposium, which will be held on 19-20 April 2023.” “WHO KNEW?” – certainly not me! Intrigued, I discovered an article from which I quote extensively below.

According to the coal authority, one quarter of the UK’s residential properties sit on the coalfields. Abandoned mines often fill with water that is warmed by natural geothermal processes, these are now being developed as a source of low carbon energy to heat homes and businesses.

“In December 2020 BGS and the Coal Authority released an interactive map showing where the mines are and the extent by which temperatures increase with depth. The mapping tool is freely available to use by developers, planners and researchers to identify opportunities to investigate the use of UK mine water as a sustainable heat source. It is the first time the data have been brought together in this way, and illustrates the long-term feasibility of heating homes and buildings using this zero-carbon energy source.” Project leader Gareth Farr, BGC geoscientist said

“This has been a very exciting piece of work. It’s the first time we have been able to visualise the temperature of Britain’s coalfields. We have found records of heat temperatures going back over 100 years and compared them to temperatures in the mines now and found them to be quite similar. This is a clear indication that geothermal processes that create this heat will be here for a long time to come. Combined with other layers of data, the maps provide an important groundwork for developers, local authorities, and scientists to explore new mine water heating schemes, and we are hopeful they will be of value to inform policy decision making”

The article continues “It is recognised that geothermal energy from mines, combined with heat pump technology, could provide a sustainable energy source for these networks that is both local and low cost. Technical specialists at the coal authority say there is potential to kick-start a new renewable industry, creating employment, tackling climate change, and attracting investment to the coalfield communities previously disadvantaged by mine closures. When aligned with the government’s ten point plan for a green industrial revolution, the warm water in abandoned coal mines is now being seen as a viable new form of sustainable energy with the potential to play a vital role in making homes and public buildings greener, warmer and more energy efficient.”

Jeremy Crooks, the Coal Authority’s Head of Innovation added,

“When miners were working in hot, dusty conditions, they would not have known that their efforts and the heat they worked in, would one day create a sustainable source of energy for hundreds of years to come. We are currently reviewing over thirty potential heat network opportunities using geothermal mine energy. Seaham garden village and Gateshead are the first two such schemes to secure funding from the government’s £320 million heat network investment programme, with others to follow. Heating accounts for 44 per cent of energy use in the UK and 32 per cent of its air pollution. It’s ironic that mining coal, a fossil fuel, would provide access to a low carbon, clean air, energy source that will last far longer than the 200 years of intensive mining that created this opportunity.”

Surely this is an exciting opportunity that we can exploit in Wales. Maybe the excessively wealthy oil companies could sink (no pun intended) just some of their vast profits into what could be a very successful, viable scheme?” – Glenys Stone

For a longer version of this article with links to web information see our blog site https://wenvoeforum. wordpress.com/

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Some further information and updates, blog site https://wenvoeforum.wordpress.com/. .

 

‘Dansette’ Will Be Returning

WENVOE VILLAGE HALL

Save the date, Friday 19th May 6063

Due to the success of our 100 years celebration ‘Dansette’ will be returning to the hall for a night of music and entertainment.

Tickets will be available from all Committee mem-bers, Playgroup and by phoning Lisa on 07904 869001

Due to the last event selling out fast, please phone Lisa to secure your interest and to arrange tickets.

Don’t miss what’s sure to be a great night. See you there.

Should you wish to hire the hall for your special event or party, please contact our email wenvoevil-lagehall@yahoo.co.uk

Is Ours A Loveless County?

A loveless county?

Is ours a loveless county? Judging by the records of Mistletoe growing in the Vale of Glamorgan, you might think so. The wildlife database, Aderyn, only has two records for the Vale of Glamorgan – one in Wenvoe and two in Dinas Powys. The photo shows the one in Wenvoe. Of the two in Dinas, one has gone when the branch it was growing on collapsed but there are two clumps growing on an apple tree which appear to be in good health. Mistletoe is usually associated with apple trees but also grows on Hawhorn, Poplar and many other tree species. The Wenvoe clump is growing on an Acer which is uncommon but not unknown.

There is plenty of Mistletoe in Cardiff, particularly around Llandaff and near the Taff where it mainly grows on Poplar. With all the orchards that used to grow in the Vale one might have expected there to be more around and we have asked via Facebook for people to get in touch if they know of other locations. At time of writing we are following up some leads and will keep you informed. If you know of cases, do get in touch with the Wenvoe Wildlife Group with photos. Mistletoe can get confused with larger bird nests or tree growths such as galls.

Some gardeners believe that Mistletoe kills trees. It is a parasite (strictly speaking hemiparasitic) but it would require a very heavy infestation to do any serious damage. But benefits are that birds enjoy the sticky berries and some species, like the Mistletoe Weevil, are mainly associated with it. It can either be male or female but it is only the female plants that bear berries and then only if they have been pollinated by a male plant nearby. You can use berries bought at Christmas on Mistletoe to try to propagate it on existing mature trees but generally only a few seeds will germinate. But still worth having a go! That was how the Wenvoe Mistletoe got there.

 

A Busy Wenvoe Womble

VILLAGE ENVIRONMENT GROUP

A Busy Wenvoe Womble

The members started by clearing the border at the front of the Community centre. With a full team present short work was made of this task. The team then followed Ian’s lead by clearing brambles and young ash trees from beneath hedges. While doing so we came across a busy Wenvoe Womble ( pictured ) gathering litter. This chap has been seen in numerous locations around our community keeping the village tidy. Apparently his appearances on a Friday at the library hub make this meeting standing room only, which means the Womble has his own set of steps to make sure he gets his point across.

He has now become a dear friend of our team.

Next meet up will be at the roundabout in Greave Close on 13th March at 9.30am

 

“The Reindeer Hunters” by Lars Mytting

“The Reindeer Hunters” by Lars Mytting

For the Page Turners, the Reindeer Hunters was an eagerly anticipated read, after the first book in the trilogy, the Bell in the Lake, had received unanimously good reviews from all the book club members. However, there were disappointing reviews from the majority of the Page Turners and a rapturous reception from an enthusiastic minority. All agreed it was well written, but most were unhappy with the pace of the story and found it boring and uninteresting! Those that enjoyed the book were drawn into the book by the characters, and the description of a rural Norwegian village and the hardships that were endured at the beginning of the 20th century. Some were looking forward to the publication of the final part of the trilogy….others were definitely not!

A range of scores, with an average of 7…so have a read, and see what you think!

A score of 10 for Helen’s brandy ice cream was agreed by everyone!!

Rosemary Chicken with Tomato Sauce & Cheese, Ham & Olive Loaf

Rosemary Chicken with Tomato Sauce

1 tbsp olive oil

8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 rosemary sprig, leaves finely chopped

1 red onion, finely sliced

3 large cloves of garlic, sliced

3 anchovy fillets, chopped

400g can chopped tomatoes

1 tbsp capers, drained

75ml red wine

Heat half the oil in a large pan, then brown the chicken all over. Add half the chopped rosemary, stir to coat, then set aside on a plate. In the same pan, heat the rest of the oil and gently cook the onions for about 5 mins until soft. Add the garlic, anchovies, and remaining rosemary, then fry for a few mins more until fragrant. Pour in the tomatoes and capers with the wine. Bring to the boil and add the chicken pieces to the pan. Season with S & P. Cover, then cook for about 20 mins until the chicken is cooked through. Season again if needed. Serve with a crisp green salad and crusty bread.

 

Cheese, Ham & Olive Loaf

150 ml dry white wine

4 large eggs

150ml olive oil

250g self-raising flour

140g Gruyere cheese grated.

200g thick sliced ham, cubed.

140g good quality pitted green olives, halved if required.

140g good quality pitted black olives, halved if required.

Heat oven to 170C fan. Butter a 900g loaf tin and line with baking parchment. In a bowl beat the wine with the eggs until frothy. Add the oil and sift in the

flour, mixing until smooth. Stir in remaining ingredients to combine. Season with S & P. Pour into the prepared tin, smoothing the surface with the back of a spoon. Bake in the oven for about 50 – 60 mins until golden brown and firm to touch. Cool on a wire rack before cutting into chunky slices. Serve with a good spoonful of onion chutney or a bowl of homemade soup.

Two New Walkers

LIVING WITH CANCERSTROLLERS

The Living with Cancer Strollers welcomed two new walkers at Cosmeston. The walk was a real adventure (or misadventure!) as the strollers navigated their way through the muddy route planned for them! Limbo dancing skills and high jump talents were revealed by Anne and Helen as a particularly muddy stile was negotiated….don’t worry these skills are not usually employed on this walk…..if you would like to join in!!

 

Place-Names Derivation – ABER, BRYN, CWM, PONT

THE DERIVATION AND MEANING OF PLACE-NAMES

We’ll now look at some common elements in Welsh Place-names.

ABER

I’m sure you’ve seen this element in many placenames. The word ‘aber’ means ‘the confluence of two waters’ and because so many places containing this word are situated on the coast, it is often translated as ‘estuary’. ‘Aber’ usually precedes the name of the river. There are plenty of examples from which to choose – Abertawe (Swansea), Aberafan, Aberaeron, Aberdaron, Aberdyfi, Aberystwyth.

But some places are situated inland and, in such names, ‘aber’ translates as ‘the confluence of two rivers’ – where one river flows into another – eg

Abercynon – the confluence of the rivers Cynon and Taf.

Aberdâr – the confluence of the rivers Cynon and Dâr.

Aber-fan – the confluence of the rivers Taf and Fan

Aberhonddu (Brecon) – the confluence of the rivers Wysg (Usk) and Honddu.

The name Abertridwr is an interesting one. It is made up of three elements -aber – confluence, tri – three, dŵr – water.

It refers to the confluence of three streams – Ilan, Cwm-parc and Cwmceffyl.

This element is seen in placenames in many different parts of Britain – where the Celts have left their mark – Aberdeen, Aberfeldy etc.

 BRYN

‘Bryn’ is the Welsh word for ‘hill’ and the element that follows it can be an adjective or a geographical position – eg

Bryn-mawr – big hill

Bryn-teg – fair hill

Brynna – hills – from the plural form ‘bryniau’

Bryn-glas – blue (i.e. green, verdant) hill

Brynbuga (Usk) – the hill of Buga. The identity of Buga is lost.

Brynaman – the hill near the river Aman

CWM

‘Cwm’ is the Welsh word for ‘valley’. It is often seen in English place-names with Anglicized spelling -‘coombe’ and it is also used in its Welsh form as a mountaineering term.

Cwm-bach – little valley

Cwmafan – valley of the river Afan

Cwmbrân – valley of the river Brân

Cwm-du – black,dark valley

Cwm-ffrwd – valley of the swift flowing stream

Cwm-yr-Eglwys – valley of the church

Cwm y Glo – valley of the charcoal

PONT

‘Pont’ is the Welsh word for ‘bridge’.

Pontardawe – bridge on (the river) Tawe

Pontarddulais – bridge on ( the river) Dulais

Pont-y-Clun – bridge on ( the river ) Clun

Pont-Rhyd-y-Fen – bridge at the ford of the wagon.

(Traditionally the ford was known as ‘rhyd-y-fen’ as

it was used by wagons. It was eventually replaced by the bridge.)

Pen-y-Bont ar Ogwr (Bridgend) – end of the bridge (over the river) Ogwr

Two local place-names are worth a special mention.

Y Bontfaen (Cowbridge) – the stone bridge.

The Welsh name refers to a stone bridge whereas the English name refers to the bridge over which the cows walked to the market – the Cow Bridge. It is possible that these were two different bridges.

Pontypridd – As it stands this name translates as ‘bridge of soil, earthen bridge’. But the present name is a contraction of the original name which was ‘Pont y Tŷ Pridd’ which translates as ‘the bridge (near) the earthen house’.

Next month – the last contribution – Caer, Pen, Tre, Ystrad, Ynys.

Ann. M. Jones

 

“The Boy with Two Hearts” by Hamed Amirii

OFF THE SHELF

“The Boy with Two Hearts” by Hamed Amirii

 

There is so much press coverage around refugees and asylum seekers currently. It is interesting to read the perspective of a young boy and his family who have gone through the harrowing and often dangerous process to get to a safe country.

The narrator recalls his memories of himself as a 12-year-old schoolboy and his brothers, one of whom has a serious heart complaint (this had been treated in Iran previously, but now the Taliban were in power there was no way to legally leave the country). The three boys and the parents escaped a Taliban death threat from the small village in Herat, Afghanistan.

There were mixed feelings about the book and the discussion was lively. Most of the book club felt that the mother of the young boy put her family’s life in danger when she spoke to parents in their local school about not allowing their daughters to be denigrated by boys and men. It was this, thought by many of us, reckless speaking out that led to a death warrant being put on the parents. We have no idea why Hamid’s mother did this and it is not written about, we only have his recollections of events from Hamid himself, his parents refused to speak of it. What is clear from the book, is Hamid himself had huge respect for his mother and her actions.

The book does give the reader insight into the hazardous and often extremely dangerous undertaking to get to a safe country and the reliance on dangerous traffickers to deliver them to whatever country they could. In this case it was the UK, but it seemed to be on the whim and facilities of the traffickers and often, situational opportunities. It also gives insight into how ruthless the traffickers are with little or no thought of the vulnerable people who pay dearly (with everything they own and sometimes with their lives) to get them to their destination. It took this one family, everything they owned to pay for the trip and over a year to get to a safe country and new life.

The book was certainly thought provoking and insightful and made the reader think about how lucky we are to be in such a safe and, in the main, protected country where we will never need to make those decisions that Hamid’s parents made. We gave this book a score 7/8

Tina Alwyn

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