Month: February 2024
February Diary Of Events
Valentine’s Day
DAVID DAVIES OF LLANDINAM 1818 – 1890
The man chiefly responsible for the development of the village of Barry into
the largest coal export port in the world.
In last month’s copy of ‘What’s On’ Stephen Jones mentioned the name of David Davies of Llandinam in his article, stating that he was one of the three main coal owners credited with the development which saw Barry grow from a small rural backwater which recorded a population of 500 in ‘the Barry area’ – 85 ‘in the village of Barry’ – in the 1881 Census to a thriving industrial town with a population of 33,760 in 1911. The reason for the extraordinary growth, of course, was the development of the Docks and the railway which carried the coal from the Rhondda Valley to be exported to all parts of the world. By 1913, Barry was the largest coal export port in the world.
As I mentioned, David Davies – together with other Coal Owners such as Archibald Hood, J. O. Riches, John Cory and others – was foremost in the development of the new docks at Barry. But who was David Davies? What do we know about this man who is known as ‘Wales’ first tycoon’?
He was born in the year 1818, in the village of Llandinam, between Llanidloes and Y Drenewydd (Newtown) in mid Wales, the eldest of nine children. He attended the village school at Llandinam, but was mostly self-taught, having left school at the age of 11 to work as a sawyer and farmer alongside his father. At the age of 20 he became the head of the family – responsible for his mother and eight younger siblings when his father died. He was successful from the beginning and in 1848, he took over a larger farm – and yet another one two years later.
During this time he became involved in creating the approaches to a new bridge over the river Hafren – Severn – at Llandinam – and this set him on the road to a career in contracting. In 1855 he built the first section of the Llanidloes and Newtown railway – and he subsequently built a number of other railways including The Vale of Clwyd, Oswestry and Newtown and Machynlleth, Pembroke and Tenby and others.
His railway building activities made David Davies a very wealthy man and in 1864 he took a lease of coal in the Upper Rhondda Valley and sank the Parc and Maendy pits. Later on new collieries were sunk – Dare, Western and Eastern, Garw, and Lady Windsor. In 1887 the output had so increased that he felt it was advisable to set up the Ocean Coal Company Ltd. The Taff Vale railway and the Bute docks at Cardiff were unable to cope with the Ocean traffic and this led Davies to promote a new dock at Barry with a railway connection from the Rhondda.
He was instrumental in the development of the coal mining industry in the Rhondda Valley.
In 1874 David Davies became a Liberal Member of Parliament representing the Cardigan district. He was returned in 1880 and again in 1885 – but in 1886 he fell out with Mr Gladstone over home rule for Ireland and in the following election, he lost his seat. He was also one of the first governors of the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, which opened its doors in 1872. Attending the National Eisteddfod of Wales in 1865, he addressed the audience – in Welsh – criticising those people who reviled the language – but urged Welsh people to master English because that was the best medium for making money!!
A Calvanistic Methodist by upbringing, David Davies was a rigid Puritan – a teetotaller who adhered strictly to Sunday observance all his life. He became an influential figure in Calvinistic Methodism, which had over 13,000 members in Cardiganshire alone, and funded the building of numerous chapels. He also generously distributed much of his wealth to educational and other good causes – and to needy individuals – never forgetting his own lowly upbringing. He died at his home, Plas Dinam in Llandinam, in 1890 – a mere year after the opening of his great masterpiece, Barry Docks.
He and his wife, Margaret left one son, Edward, who in turn had a son and two daughters. Edward’s son, also called David, became the Liberal MP for Montgomeryshire and Personal Private Secretary to David Lloyd George. He was a fervent internationalist, known as the Father of the Temple of Peace and was elevated to the peerage in 1932. His sisters, Gwendoline and Margaret Davies moved from Plas Dinam to another property in the area – Gregynog Hall – saving the ancient building from falling into decay. They devoted their wealth to fostering the culture of their native Wales. They amassed one of the great art collections of the 20th Century – and in time donated the collection to the National Museum of Wales.
A bronze statue of David Davies, studying the original plans for the new dock development, stands outside the old Dock Offices in Barry. It was designed by sculptor Alfred Gilbert. And the north-south road, the A470, runs past a copy of the same statue which stands on the roadside in the centre his native village of Llandinam.
Ann M. Jones
Pontsticill and Llanblethian
Pontsticill & Llanblethian
Pontsticill
After stating last month that we would be staying closer to home while the days are short, the last Saturday in November was so beautiful that we went to the Brecon Beacons. We started at Pontsticill reservoir. parking near the Brecon Mountain Railway. It was very cold with the first heavy frost of the year.
We climbed a good track between the Brecon Mountain Railway and Pontsticill reservoir. The steam railway station was shut at Pontsticill, but a Christmas tree was visible, and Father Christmas was walking along the platform; the railway features ‘Santa Rides’. We were lucky to spot the train coming up the line with its tell-tale smoke and lights.
At an outdoor centre there were several tents pitched in the valley. It made me shiver to think of camping out in this weather, but they were lucky as the centre had a café; we resisted the temptation to join them. Getting closer to the top, the firm track petered out at a woodland and the ground became very boggy in places. We could hear off-roaders revving their engines behind us as they ploughed through the soft soil. All too soon they were passing us, making a racket, sinking about 1ft into the ground, shooting earth everywhere and leaving the footpath badly damaged.
At lunchtime we sat amongst tall grasses. There was no wind and sunshine on our backs so although it was cold 4 layers of clothing, hat and gloves were sufficient to stay warm even when we sat for lunch. As we finished lunch some light clouds formed overhead, and we spotted shapes – a ‘butterfly’ and a ‘jellyfish’ were clear.
The views were amazing: to our left was the Pen y Fan range and to the right Sugar Loaf, Skirrid and Table Mountain. Looking behind us, we could see Pentwyn and Pontsticill reservoirs in the sunshine and ahead Talybont reservoir and Tor y Foel. At Talybont we could see the frost along the shoreline as we glanced down.
We carried on to a trig point surrounded by icy water. Even in the sun some puddles had ice thick enough to resist stabbing with walking poles. Frozen mosses and even brambles looked beautiful in the clear light as we started to descend.
The return walk along a road was very easy but we still spotted icicles. The sun was dropping quickly as we did the same and the light over the reservoirs was colder as we walked the last mile and glanced back at the craggy outline of Pen y Fan.
What a glorious day in the mountains; you cannot fail to feel glad to be alive and happy, if a little tired after such a day. [Map OL12 8.7miles 1000ft]
Llanblethian
A week later and another very deep frost welcomed us on Saturday morning, but this time there was mist and fog, so we walked from Llanblethian. We set off across fields towards St Hilary. Large holes littered the ground where livestock had grazed in the autumnal mud, but it was frozen solid, so we didn’t sink but walked carefully so as not to twist ankles.
Tackling a rickety stile, we were told they had been waiting 2 years for a kissing gate from the Vale, a sign of budget restrictions? As we joined a track, there was a surprise – tiny little lambs with their ewes. Ahh and Brrr!
At St Hilary the thatched Bush Inn was closed, so we couldn’t stop but continued towards St Mary Church/ Llanfair. A circular picnic table on the green next to the church had seating for eight, exactly our number so we settled there for lunch. Anyone walking past might think we were a bit crazy picnicking in December, but we needed the calories, and the chat was good.
We visited Old Beaupre Castle, climbing the stile into its grounds. It is a medieval manor house largely rebuilt in the 16th century, by Richard Bassett. The gatehouse is dated 1586 and a Renaissance porch added in 1600 is unique to Wales.
The Bassett family used Beaupre to display their wealth and influence. Considering that it is a ruin with no entrance fee there is a fair bit to explore, there is even a staircase. This led to 3 bedchambers, each with its own fireplace, en-suite toilet and four-poster bed. The Bassett family fortunes changed when they backed Charles I during the Civil war, lived beyond their means in London and had to sell Beaupre Castle in 1706. It is worth a visit.
As we left the castle the sun broke through the fog and mist and we could look up towards fog hanging over the valleys of South Wales, quite atmospheric. The Vale is normally muddy with lots of stiles and this walk was no exception but … all the footpaths remained frozen and our boots stayed relatively clean. [Map 151. 8.2 miles ]
The Shortest Day Has Passed
THE VILLAGE GARDENER
Happy new year everyone
Now that the shortest day has passed we can think about the year ahead. The plans we make now may not come to fruition but will give us hope that we can put some of our ideas into action. We all have our own thoughts of what a garden should look like, whether its colour, structure, neat or wild. The one thing it has to be is interesting. Small or large, all gardens have room for different aspects, it’s all in the planning. Some of the best examples of interesting gardens belong to Joyce Hoy & Heulwen Davies; these two library volunteers love to talk about horticulture.
Trying to keep interest in the garden throughout the year can be very trying and expensive if you get carried away by the plants in garden centres. Just try to remember that these have been nurtured in heated greenhouses. As soon as you get the plants home they will deteriorate unless you provide them with what they have been used to. January doesn’t offer much in the way of colour but winter flowering jasmine is a ray of light on dull days. This will shortly be followed by primroses and crocuses pushing their way through the frosty ground followed by daffodils and then tulips and then, before we know it, Spring will be here.
The allotments are still mostly in hibernation, with a bit of digging being done by some brave souls and repairs done to broken structures. Upturned buckets or pots on plots will be covering rhubarb which is being forced to give an early crop which will be tender and sweet. Any free standing apple trees can be pruned now; start by taking out any diseased branches followed by any limbs rubbing together. Like most fruit trees apple needs an open aspect to allow air through the tree. This helps with disease prevention.
The walls around the allotments will, along with tubs and old baths etc, be harbouring the dormant snails who will be waiting for the first crops to emerge so that they can start their constant battle against the plot holders. You know where they are at present so let the hunt begin. Don’t throw them over the wall as they are guaranteed to be back in time for your harvest. New allotmenteers will be given a warm welcome and plenty of advice by the old guard of Colin, Bernard and the cantankerous Herbie.
Take care and happy gardening
Exercise Equipment
EXERCISE EQUIPMENT
Have you made a New Year’s resolution to get your-self fit, lose weight, keep active etc in 2024? Thinking of joining a gym? Why not try the new exercise equipment provided for you in the Station Road playing field.
Around 15 different pieces of apparatus
Fresh air and pleasant views all around.
Free to use when you wish
and finish with a jog back home for a shower.
Induction session Saturday 20th January 11.00
to 12.00 and free water bottle to the first 90 people.
Mike And Glenys’s Reindeer Sale
Wenvoe Wildlife Group
Mike and Glenys’s Reindeer sale along with some separate donations raised £1360 for the
Wildlife Group – an incredible sum and our thanks to all who supported the event, bought raffle tickets and reindeer or gave donations. Thanks also to the Church who generously donated the hire of the Church Hall and tea and coffee sales. Huge thanks to Mike and Glenys for organising and running the event. We have received no other funding so every penny is spent directly on wildlife-related projects. Noticeboard refurbishment in the orchards and provision of picnic tables is already committed to the tune of £1200. Thanks also to Mike for donating two reindeer to the School which have been modified with holes drilled in the sides so that they double as Bee Hotels.
The Goldsland Orchard has been cleared of nettles and brambles by Sian so is looking quite tidy. Work is starting on the Watercress Beds followed by the Wild Orchard. We have submitted our 7 Green Flag applications so can now concentrate on getting the sites up to standard. A big thank you to Ian, Annie and Judy for turning out for November’s Conservation Session on the Upper Orchid Field. This is a regular event, usually the third Monday in the month – check What’s On for details. If you can spare a few minutes at any of the Orchards at a time and date to suit you, do get in touch.
The school children have also been busy in the Wildlife Patch constructing two more planters and filling them with 20 bags of soil. Shrubs planted include Mahonia, Caryopteris, Salvia and Escallonia. We have just heard that Rhys has been successful in obtaining funding from the Vale Nature Partnership team. In the new year, we will be beginning a species monitoring project across the Parish helping us better understand the animal species in the village to support our conservation efforts. This will involve the use of wildlife cameras and footprint tunnels at the Upper Orchid field, Elizabethan Orchard and Community Orchard. However, we would also welcome your help. We would like to encourage village residents to record what wildlife they see in t gardens, or when out and about in the village and countryside, letting us know what, where, when and who saw it and even better if you manage to capture a photo. Watch this space for more details on how to report your records.
Are You Ready To Celebrate?
ARE YOU READY TO CELEBRATE?
While February 14th is of course Valentine’s Day, a closer look at this month’s calendar reveals a host of ‘important’ events and milestones. If we obey February’s call to arms, we will be supporting a host of admirable causes as well as eating numerous Yorkshire puddings, somehow and preferably with a fine set of chopsticks.
Many of the key dates aim to promote good causes and positive outcomes. The United Nations has been behind many of them including on the first day of the month, the start of World Interfaith Harmony Week. The United Nations sponsored International Day of Women and Girls in Science follows on Sunday 11th.
Co-incidentally two of the celebrations are not only celebrated on the same day but were founded in the same year, 1995. Celebrated on the 17th of the month, we find Random Acts of Kindness Day, when we are urged to help elderly neighbours or others in need, smile at strangers and even pay for the coffee order of someone behind us in the queue! World Spay Day founded by The Doris Day Animal League is also on 17th. This promotes spaying, or neutering cats and dogs as a means of saving the lives of abandoned animals. In 2002, the goal was to spay and neuter 200,000 pets across the US. On that note, 22nd February, many Wenvoe residents will celebrate National Walking the Dog Day, which at least two of them, Dolly and Charlie, seem to think is every day….unless it rains!
In the UK some of our offerings although notable, are perhaps a little less noble. British Yorkshire Pudding Day, is celebrated on the first Sunday of February. The Yorkshire pudding first recorded in 1737, was devised as a way to conserve the fat that would drip off a roasting fowl or side of meal. In poorer quarters they would be served before the main meal to dull the appetite before the sparingly served meat course. If you are inclined to make your own, remember that according to the Royal Society for Chemistry, “A Yorkshire pudding isn’t a Yorkshire pudding if it is less than four inches tall.” Stranger still perhaps is National Chopsticks Day on February 6th. Practice using chopsticks, teach someone how to use them or have a family competition. If you join in remember there are several etiquette rules. Don’t point your chopsticks at other people and don’t leave your chopsticks stuck vertically in your food. That’s associated with death.
World Groundhog Day on February 2nd is celebrated in the US and Canada. If a groundhog emerges from its burrow on this day and sees its shadow, it will retreat to its den and winter will go on for six more weeks. If it does not see its shadow, spring will arrive early. The event started in Pennsylvania in 1887 when people named the forecasting groundhog Punxsutawney Phil, now a local celebrity. While Phil is the most well-known, other states have their mascots, such as Pothole Pete in New York or Buckeye Chuck in Ohio. Publicised by the Bill Murray movie of that name, current celebrations include festivals that draw crowds of around 40,000 people and are broadcast on TV. In the best quarters, matters are hosted by local officials, wearing top hats and speaking in Groundhogese!
Some ‘days’ don’t quite seem to have the best name. Did you know the average person spends 38 days of their lifetime brushing their teeth, a practice started by the ancient Egyptians c5000BC. While we should celebrate and promote this fine daily routine, perhaps a more positive title than National Toothache Day (February 9th) could have been chosen for this special day. Finally, we can all look forward to a really big day on Tuesday 27th.. Let’s all hear it for World Non-governmental Organisation Day!
New Year Traditions In Wales
NEW YEAR TRADITIONS IN WALES
As we in Wenvoe celebrate the arrival of the New Year with a bottle of fizz, watching the
fireworks from around the world on television, and by singing a few lines of Auld Lang Syne, there are many very old New Year’s traditions in Wales. These are deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of Welsh culture and history, reflecting a unique blend of ancient customs and modern celebrations. As the clock strikes midnight and the calendar turns, the people of Wales come together to welcome the new year with a combination of time-honoured rituals and contemporary festivities.
One of the most iconic Welsh New Year traditions is the custom of “Calennig,” a term that translates to “New Year’s gift.” Historically, Calennig involved the exchange of small gifts or coins as a gesture of good luck for the coming year. While the practice of giving gifts has evolved over time, the sentiment remains, and it is not uncommon for people to exchange small presents or tokens of goodwill on New Year’s Day.
The night leading up to the new year, known as “Nos Galan,” is a time for communities to come together for festivities and merriment. In some areas, the tradition of “Mari Lwyd” takes centre stage. Mari Lwyd, which means “Gray Mare” in Welsh, involves a group of revellers parading through the streets with a horse skull adorned with colourful ribbons and bells. This unique and somewhat eerie tradition is believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits. The Mari Lwyd party often involves singing and engaging in rhyming exchanges with residents, creating a lively and communal atmosphere.
In the Cynon valley the Nos Galan race is held on New Year’s Eve to celebrate the life of Guto Nyth Bran the son of a farmer who was helping his father herd sheep when he managed to chase and catch a wild hare. Once locals heard of this there were new rumours every day of him catching hares, foxes, and birds. One such legend has him running from his home to the local town of Pontypridd and back, a total distance of some 7 miles (11 km), before his mother’s kettle had boiled. Another tale is that he could blow out a candle and be in bed before the light faded.
As the new year dawns, many Welsh people participate in the custom of “First-Footing.” This involves the belief that the first person to enter a home after midnight will bring either good or bad luck for the coming year. Ideally, the “first-footer” is a dark-haired man, often bringing symbolic gifts such as coal, salt, and whisky. This tradition is a delightful way for friends and family to start the year on a positive note.
Music and dance are integral to Welsh New Year celebrations, with many communities hosting lively gatherings featuring traditional folk music and dance. People join hands in a circle, performing intricate steps to the tunes of traditional Welsh songs. These events not only showcase the talent and cultural richness of the community but also create an inclusive and happy atmosphere for all.
In recent years, the influence of global celebrations has integrated with traditional Welsh customs, leading to a fusion of old and new. Fireworks displays have become a common sight in urban areas, lighting up the night sky and symbolizing the collective optimism for the year ahead, and on television you can even see the fireworks in Australia on the bridge in Sydney harbour.
In conclusion, the New Year traditions in Wales bring together a beautiful blend of ancient customs and modern celebrations. From the age-old practices of Calennig and Mari Lwyd to the modern spectacles of fireworks and communal gatherings, the Welsh people welcome the new year with a deep sense of cultural pride and community spirit. These traditions not only connect the present with the past but also contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Wales’ cultural heritage.