Month: April 2024
Welsh Traditions
WELSH TRADITIONS
In this short series we’ll take a step back in time to remind ourselves of some of the interesting traditions which took place in Wales in the past. We’ll begin with a look at what in Welsh are called ‘Merched y Gerddi’ – literally translated, ‘The Garden Girls’.
During the 18th and 19th Centuries, it was the tradition for young girls and women to travel annually from impoverished rural Wales to London – to look for work in the market-gardens and parks of the city. They would travel in late spring or early summer, remain in London all summer – and travel back to Wales before winter set in. It was poverty and the lack of work that caused this exodus – and the name given to these girls and women was ‘Merched y Gerddi’.
A simple verse written by poet Daniel Ddu o Geredigion, mentioning this tradition, has survived.
O na bawn i fel colomen
Ar Sant Paul yng nghanol Llunden
I gael gweled merched Cymru
Ar eu gliniau’n chwynnu’r gerddi.
Oh that I were a pigeon
On St Paul’s in the centre of London –
To see the girls from Wales
On their knees weeding the gardens.
The majority of these women came from Ceredigion, although others from various parts of Wales would join them on their journey through Breconshire – Powys today – towards England. The tradition was centred on the town of Tregaron – which was also one of the main centres for the drovers – who drove their animals to the markets of London. It is possible that the drovers helped the women find work in the parks and gardens.
Of course, the romance and excitement of the journey to London appealed to the young women – and their hope was that they would meet and marry a wealthy young man whilst they were in London! But it was not only young women who undertook this annual tradition. Widows and married women also travelled – so long as they had someone at home to care for their children.
There was no transport to take them to London of course, so they had to walk all the way – following the drovers’ tracks. It is said that many of them walked barefoot in order to keep their clogs in good condition for wearing in London. They would sleep in the open air or in a barn – and many would gather fruit like bilberries or whinberries to sell along the way – thus putting a few pennies in their pockets. Others would knit stockings as they walked – and sell the finished articles.
After finding work in London, the women would have to work hard – and not many of them were able to afford to stay in lodgings of any kind – so they slept in warehouses and such buildings – with only straw and sacking to keep them warm. They lived on fruit and vegetables from the market-gardens where they worked – and no doubt this was often better than the paupers food they ate back home in Wales. Most of them worked up to 14 hours a day, 7 days a week – and only a few of them had a day off on Sunday. Those who did liked to go to the fair at Lambeth Marsh to buy a few goods and to listen to the ballad singers spreading the latest news through their songs. This is how Lambeth Marsh grew to be a well-known place in which the Welsh congregate.
By the middle of September, the work in the gardens and parks had dried up and it was time for the women to return to Wales. Once again, they had to walk – but now they had a little money in their pockets. Their pay in London was between 1 and 2 shillings a day (5-10 pence today) – and this was far more than they could earn back home in Wales.
This tradition had all but died out by the middle of the 19th century – as, by then, the population of London had increased to such an extent that far more people were looking for work. Also, the famine in Ireland had forced many Irish men and women to move to London to look for work. Fortunately, by this time conditions were improving in Wales – with new industries being developed in the South Wales valleys. At last, there was now more work for the men and women of Wales in their own country.
Up until then, life was hard – especially in rural Wales. I wonder how many of our readers had heard of this tradition – and how many people were aware that possibly one of their ‘foremothers’ had been forced to take part in this annual trek to London to earn a little extra money. We cannot begin to appreciate the hardship of the time – and should count our blessings today!
Ann M. Jones
Daffodils, Swans, Boats And Blue Skies
Old Entrance to Whitehall Quarry
VILLAGE ENVIRONMENT GROUP
Old Entrance to Whitehall Quarry
Having been given permission from Alex the narcissist, to work in Upper Wenvoe, the boys tidied up the verge at the old entrance to Whitehall Quarry. If you recognise the chap in the light blue conservative coat, first left, could you let the police know, as every time we work in this area he comes along and berates passing motorists on their driving. When a driver takes offence, big John has to save him from a battering. Apparently, he’s French so that may explain the behaviour. We’ve asked at the new home, but they haven’t started taking residents yet. Ieuan thinks he may be an onion seller, as he looks like one that used to reside in the village during the war.
Our next outing will be on 8th April at the Community Centre. We are of course grateful for the offer of biscuits from well-wishers when we’re on duty, but without tea to dip the ginger nuts, we find them too hard. We are mostly wanting Jaffa cakes!!
National Dog Walking Day
CARERS WALK
On National Dog Walking day, there were more Valeways walkers than dog walkers strolling around Barry Island. The horrendous rainstorm that was predicted, did not materialise and the strollers enjoyed just a damp drizzle for most of the walk.
The very stylish headgear modelled by many walkers (Sandra, Angela, Janice and Jill) kept any raindrops at bay!
April Diary Of Events
The Arrival Of Spring
THE ARRIVAL OF SPRING
Here we are in April and Spring has arrived at last, a delightful season of nature awakening from its winter sleep, giving the landscapes vibrant colours and filling the air with the sweet fragrance of flowers. As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, there is a real sense of renewal and joy all around us.
In Wenvoe there are some great examples of colourful Magnolia trees. In Clos Llanfair, there is a splendid Red Maple, while in the grounds of the church, there is a beautiful Japanese Flowering Cherry which is at its best in mid-April. Taking a leisurely stroll beneath these blooming canopies becomes a delight for the senses, with the gentle rustle of petals falling like confetti and the perfume of the flowers creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
As the temperature rises, spring heralds the return of migratory birds, and their birdsong is a pleasure to hear. The dawn chorus becomes a daily concert, with robins, blackbirds, and thrushes joining in a harmonious celebration of spring. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts eagerly anticipate this time, armed with binoculars to catch a glimpse of the feathered visitors that have travelled thousands of miles to enjoy the milder climate of the UK.
Spring also marks the beginning of the gardening season, as green thumbs eagerly get their hands dirty, planting seeds and tending to their flowerbeds. The Chelsea Flower Show, held annually in May, is a prestigious event where gardeners showcase their horticultural masterpieces, inspiring others to embrace the beauty of nature in their backyard. The council allotments at Twyn-yr-Odyn become a hive of activity as gardening becomes not just a hobby but a communal activity, with neighbours sharing tips and seeds, encouraging a sense of community.
Traditional festivities and celebrations add a touch of colour to the season. Known as Calan Mai or Calan Haf, the first day of May was an important time for celebrations and festivals in Wales, as it was considered the start of summer. May Day would be the time of year when herds would be turned out for pasture, and families would move their livestock from the valley (Hendre) to their summer pastures on higher land (the Hafod).
Years ago, at the dawn of May Day, people in villages and surrounding farms would be woken by May carol singers. They would visit each house, sometimes with a verse dedicated to the family. The aim of these visits was to bring good luck to each of the families and to wish them a fruitful summer after the hardship of winter.
In England, Morris dancers with vibrant costumes, adorned with ribbons and bells, perform lively routines to welcome the arrival of spring. Maypoles are erected, and villagers come together to dance and celebrate the arrival of spring.
At Easter, another ancient tradition brings families together for feasts and egg hunts. The sight of daffodils and tulips in full bloom serves as a colourful backdrop to Easter gatherings. Hot cross buns, with their spiced aroma, become a family favourite during this time, enjoyed with a generous spreading of butter. The cross on the bun reminds us of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Welsh countryside becomes a patchwork quilt of rolling green hills dotted with lambs frolicking in the fields. Spring is the season of new life, and witnessing the playful antics of these sweet lambs is a lovely sight that captures the essence of the season. Families and friends often take countryside walks to enjoy the fresh air, less muddy paths, and the sights and sounds of spring.