Month: August 2025

September 2025 Church News

September Church News

Greetings to you all from the congregation at St. Mary’s Church.

Traditionally September is known as the season of mists and mellowness. This year, autumn seems to have arrived earlier with the trees already shedding their leaves. September is also a time of change for our young people as they change schools or move up to another school year. It can be a very unsettling time for them, leaving old pals behind and making new friends, very often far from where they are living. It is all called “part of growing up” and we as a church wish them and their teachers well, knowing that they will come to enjoy the new school year.

The month of August has been a busy one for those of us connected to St. Mary’s. We are so often complimented on how well looked after your church and grounds are kept. Mike keeps the grass cut, the paths swept and bushes removed. Before you enter the church, you know that great care is taken of this jewel in the community. Inside our visitors are again amazed at how well presented the interior is. Our lighting scheme plays a part in this, highlighting certain parts – the wall monuments to the Thomas family of Wenvoe Castle, the Rood Screen, the reredos at the altar. We opened the church on Saturday afternoons in August for visitors to explore our church. Numbers varied, but the volunteers who were present, reported the appreciation shown by those who came. There will be more opportunities for OPEN CURCH during September.

Church Hall with a New Look

The report in last month’s “What’s On” of the refusal of the local authority to support our application to extend the church, has spurred us on to look afresh at the Church Hall, known locally as the Reading Room. Money that had been kept in reserve for the church extension has now been released to refurbish the Church Hall to “make it fit for purpose” for today’s use. So far, the lighting has been renewed in the lobby, the toilets and main hall. The reveals of the windows have been repaired and painted. The damp in the Gent’s toilet will be eradicated and the fittings etc. refitted when the building work is complete. Hot air hand dryers have been fitted in all three toilets.

This current work has also been possible due to some generous donations received. The most generous response is the offer to decorate the hall and exterior woodwork. The kitchen area will have a revamp to bring it in line with today’s food preparation regulations. Finally, it was time to tackle the store cupboard/room which had over the years become a dumping ground for all sorts of things. Many black bags later, the space is now usable for the things that are needed. So, thank you everyone – you did a great job. Thank you also to those who donated towards this phase of the refurbishment, knowing that there are other works that are planned, which will need local authority agreement.

The Church Hall is sited, in a most prominent part, of the centre of the village and has been greatly enhanced by the development of the garden around the bench seat by Mike Tucker and will be the setting for the Village Show on September 6th. The hall has been valued in the community ever since it was given to the church by the Randolph family for use in the then parish, having been provided by Mrs Laura Jenner of Wenvoe Castle for her tenants to read the newspapers, warm themselves by the fire, chat to each other and generally as a place to meet and relax. Our long-term plan is for this to continue to be a place for hire for family occasions, parties and other meetings.

VJ80 A Day of Solemn Reflection

This took place on August 15th. HM the King paid tribute to all who suffered greatly under their captors and moving ceremonies were held around the UK. The main ceremonies took place at the National Arboretum away from London, though a lone piper played a lament at the Cenotaph in the early morning in Whitehall. The war ended by the dropping of two atom bombs on the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki with a tremendous loss of life and injury to the Japanese people. Their suffering is still present in the population to this day and many retold how their current ailments are related to those terrible events of 80 years ago.

There have been two funerals at St. Mary’s during August. On the 14th Barbara O’Grady was laid to rest in the community cemetery. The church was full to support her grieving family, and our condolences go to Mike and his children. The congregation was saddened to hear of the passing of Ian Moody after a short illness. Ian’s funeral was held on the 26th August and he was buried with his late wife Carole in the community cemetery. Ian was a well-respected and active member of the community and our condolences are sent to Kim and her family.

Dates for your Diary

Ministry Area Barbeque will be held in Rhoose on September 6th

Harvest Thanksgiving is on September 28th

An afternoon concert by Sian’s Singers will be at 3.00 pm on October 19th.

For those of you who may be unable to attend church in person, all services at St Mary’s are live streamed at http://www.ipcamlive.com/stmarys church

Thank you for reading,

Parry

Making the most of September’s best ingredients, what about aubergines for a lasagne and apples for a lovely apple cake

Aubergine Parmigiana Lasagne

Ingredients

  • 3 large aubergines – thinly sliced
  • 4 tbsp olive oil
  • 250g mozzarella (vegetarian optional), drained and grated
  • 50g vegetarian Italian-style hard cheese grated
  • 1 bunch basil, roughly chopped
  • 8 dried lasagne sheets

For the tomato sauce

  • 2tbsp olive oil
  • 6 garlic cloves, finely sliced
  • ¼ tsp caster sugar
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 3 x 400g cans chopped tomatoes

Method

For the sauce

  • Heat the oil in a large pan over a medium heat and fry the garlic for 1 min until golden.
  • Add the sugar and vinegar, simmer for 30 seconds, then add the tomatoes. Season with salt and return to a simmer. Bubble for 10 mins, then remove from the heat and set aside.
  • Heat a large frying pan over a medium-high heat.
  • Brush the aubergine slices on both sides with the olive oil and season with a little salt, then griddle in batches until the slices are softened and slightly charred (ensure the heat isn’t too high or the aubergine will char before it softens).
  • Transfer the cooked slices to a plate as you go

 

To assemble

  • Lay a third of the aubergine slices over the base of a large rectangular or square baking dish, then pour over a third of the sauce.
  • Scatter with a small handful of both cheeses (you’ll want to keep most of the cheese for the top) and half the basil, then top with half the lasagne sheets. Repeat once more, then finish with a final layer of aubergines topped with the rest of the sauce. Scatter over the remaining cheese.
  • Heat the oven to 200C/180C Fan/Gas 6.
  • Put the dish on a baking tray and bake for 30 mins until the cheese is golden and the sauce is bubbling at the edges. Leave to cool for at least 10 mins, then scatter with the reserved basil and serve

Dorset Apple Cake

Ingredients

    • Heat the oven to 180C/160C Fan/Gas 4. Butter and line a deep 20cm cake tin with baking parchment.
    • Mix the flour and cinnamon together in a large bowl. Add the butter and rub into the flour using your fingers, until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.
    • Stir in the light brown sugar.
    • Beat in the egg followed by 6-8 tbsp of milk – add it gradually until you have a smooth, thick batter.
    • Add the apples and sultanas and mix to combine.
    • Scrape the batter into the prepared tin and gently level out.
    • Sprinkle over the demerara sugar, if using, and bake for 30-40 mins or until golden and a skewer, inserted into the middle, comes out clean.
    • Allow to cool in the tin for 15 mins and then carefully turn out onto a wire rack to cool further.
    • Great served still warm with a little custard.

Report from the Hub September 2025

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

Report from the Hub

September 2025

JULY 2025 IN OUR COMMUNITY LIBRARY / HUB

NEW OPENING HOURS

We are now open Monday, Tuesday and Wednes-day 10 am – 4 pm and Saturday 9 am – 1 pm.

New Books

Romance: Medanie Matisse by Sophie Haydock.

“An intoxicating and evocative read.”

Crime: Murder Below Deck by Orlando Murrin.

One superyacht, One dead guest, Who will be next?

Non-Fiction: A Calorie is a Calorie by Keith Frayn.

The Inescapable Science that controls our body weight.

Children’s: Pinocchio by Michael Morpurgo.

“I’m more than just bits of wood and string.”

Why “A Cuppa with a Coppa” Matters: Keeping Wenvoe Informed and Safe

Each month at the Wenvoe Library Hub, our local Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs) hosts A Cuppa with a Coppa – a friendly drop-in session offering updates on local crime, safety tips, and practical advice. While it may seem like a casual chat, these sessions are proving to be a quiet but powerful tool in keeping our community connected, informed, and protected.

A Friendly Face – And a Vital Service

Wenvoe is fortunate to be a relatively crime-free village, with low levels of reported incidents compared to urban areas. The close-knit nature of the community, combined with active local groups and vigilant residents, plays a big part in maintaining this safe environment. However, staying informed is key to keeping it that way.

For many in Wenvoe, especially our older residents, the ever-changing world of scams, online fraud, and rogue traders can feel overwhelming. Criminals are becoming more sophisticated, targeting people through phone calls, doorstep visits, and increasingly through digital means. It’s no longer just a matter of “don’t answer the door” – it’s about recognising the signs of financial fraud, identity theft, scam emails and more recently scam letters.

That’s where A Cuppa with a Coppa comes in. These relaxed, informal sessions are designed to make important safety information accessible.

More Than Just Crime Prevention

It’s not just about staying safe – it’s about staying connected. For some, these sessions offer a valuable social opportunity: a chance to share concerns, get to know our village PCSOs by name, and feel more confident navigating local services. For others, it’s reassurance – knowing someone’s looking out for the community.

The sessions also help bridge the gap between older residents and a changing world. With scams moving increasingly online, having trusted officers who can

explain things clearly, answer questions, and point people toward further help is invaluable.

Why You Should Come Along

Whether you have a specific concern or just want to stay informed, A Cuppa with a Coppa is a simple but effective way to protect yourself and your neighbours. Next Session: tbc

Look out for future talk dates from September onwards at the Hub.

 

 

A Thriving, Sustainable Community

WENVOE FORUM

Considering Tomorrow Today

Wenvoe – A Thriving, Sustainable Community

Nestled in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, Wenvoe is a shining example of what it means to be a sustainable and connected village. Here, community spirit and environmental care go hand in hand, creating a vibrant and welcoming place for all ages.

Wenvoe boasts three vibrant village halls, each a hub of activity throughout the year. From fitness classes and arts and crafts to community meetings and seasonal celebrations, there is always something happening. Children and toddlers are well catered for too, with opportunities such as dance sessions, Scouts, and other youth activities. These welcoming spaces bring people of all ages together, helping to keep the village lively, inclusive, and full of community spirit.

The Library Hub, not only provides books and resources but also houses a friendly community café. Regular events include a Toddler group; a Wellbeing Group, visits from our PCSOs and much more. Local talks, and day trips are organised from the Hub, helping residents to stay connected and engaged.

Sustainability thrives through the work of the Environmental Group, who care for public spaces, and the Wildlife Group, which manages a nature reserve, four community orchards, and an orchid field, a community woodland plus a wildlife garden in the school grounds. From conservation work to wildlife walks and foraging events, they encourage everyone to connect with and protect local biodiversity.

The Wenvoe Forum acts as a hub for community dialogue and practical action on climate and environmental issues. It brings together residents, organisations, and volunteers to explore sustainable living, share ideas, and shape a greener future for the village. The Forum worked closely with the Community Council during the preparation and launch of the Wenvoe Council Community Plan. It played an active role in promoting the plan to residents, ensuring that as many people as possible were aware of its aims and proposals.

The Wenvoe Hops Group is an initiative where residents grow hops in their gardens and allotments. Each autumn, these are harvested and collected to be brewed into a special village beer in partnership with a local brewery – a symbol of both community collaboration and sustainable, local enterprise.

Education and inclusivity are key pillars of Wenvoe life. Gwenfô Church in Wales Primary School nurtures every child’s talent within a caring, Christian environment where happiness, safety, and respect come first. St Mary’s Church also plays a central role, welcoming all to its Anglican services and village events.

For everyday essentials, the village shop and post office offer a warm welcome and a range of services, while several pubs, restaurants, and the golf club – complete with a thriving croquet membership – provide places to relax and socialise.

The community calendar is always full, with annual village fetes, Christmas fairs, plant sales, a monthly farmers’ market, and a repair café, all of which support sustainability and local enterprise.

To keep everyone informed and included, the monthly What’s On magazine is delivered throughout the village, packed with news, upcoming events, and stories from local groups – a testament to Wenvoe’s commitment to strong communication and a shared sense of place.

What makes Wenvoe truly special is that most of these initiatives are run by volunteers, demonstrating a collective dedication to caring for both people and place. With its mix of nature, culture, and community spirit, Wenvoe is not just a village – it’s a model of sustainable living.

Forum Group

A challenge – When the above article was offered as our regular contribution we felt pleased to live in such a nice place, full of activities and more conscious, on the whole, of the need to adapt to Climate change in small and large ways. However there are no doubt, gaps that could be filled. Let us know what!

Are there any activities that you would like to join in that are not available in Wenvoe, that might be easy to put on. Or is there some service that would make life easier for you or perhaps a practical course that you would like to do. Send us your suggestions. Gwenfo.forum@gmail.com

Attention Hop Growers

It is likely that along with many other crops the hops will be ready early. Simon, the brewer at Pipes has moved the hop picking and collecting dates forward a week to the 5th and 6th of September. Sian and Steve will be at home ready to receive your hops and then just make one environment friendly trip to take them into Cardiff. Many thanks to them for their work in coordinating this every year.

To join our Facebook group, please ‘friend up’ with the GwenFo account @ https://www.facebook.com/gwen.fo.1 and then jon the Wenvoe Forum @ https://www.facebook.com/groups/635369267864402

Some further information and updates, blog site https://wenvoeforum.wordpress.com/. Any Wenvoe community member is welcome to join the Forum meetings, via Zoom, which are normally held 19.00 on the second Thursday of each month. E-mail gwen-fo.forum@gmail.com if you wish to join

Abbey Dore

Abbey Dore

Abbey Dore

This walk took us to Herefordshire, where we parked outside Dore Abbey. Crossing the road a footpath went south across quite a steep field and signposts indicated that we were on the Herefordshire trail. Ewyas (pronounced you us) Harold Common presented us with a plethora of footpaths through dense, high bracken. Woodland areas have a tree canopy which is mainly English oak, silver birch, ash, sycamore, field maple and wych elm.

The common covers 50ha on a plateau above Herefordshire’s Golden Valley. Parts of the common are bounded by ancient sunken lanes, and other parts by medieval parish boundaries. All the common British reptiles have been found here including slow-worms and common lizards. A spring that rises on the common, through limestone outcrops, is known as St Martin’s well and it supplied water to many generations of people living close to the well. Several old boundary stones mark the border between Ewyas Harold and other parishes.

Emerging onto a hard track we could hear a horse and were surprised to see a lone horse with no rider trotting down the track. It seemed to follow us, but in a while the rest of the herd were spotted grazing on the common and the puzzle was solved.

We had views of the surrounding hills and the rolling English countryside. We passed through Ewyas Harold village where the primary school displayed a colourful wall of tiles created by the school pupils in 2017. The village boasted two pubs, a butcher, post office and other businesses. Outside one house ‘the old malthouse witch no. 29’ made from twigs, stood guard and fruit, vegetables and flowers were for sale with an honesty box.

Just outside the village a noticeboard declared that we were at the remains of Ewyas Harold Castle, which is believed to have been built by the Saxons before the Norman conquest. Today only earthworks remain. Nearby ‘Old King Street farm’ has holiday cottages where it is possible to walk with llamas.

Now we walked west and came across clusters of unusual fungi on large old trees. Herefordshire boasts a high concentration of ancient oak trees due to a combination of historical land management practices and the favourable conditions for oak growth in the region. Specifically, the Norman Conquest in 1066 led to the establishment of deer parks and royal forests, which, while intended for hunting, inadvertently preserved ancient oaks. These areas with their woodland and grazing practices, provided ideal habitats for oaks to thrive and reach great age.

The day had heated up and as we approached a trough, Misty – a spaniel decided it was time for a dip and instead of just taking a drink jumped into a trough. She gave us all a laugh.

We passed Dulas Court, originally a 16th century house; it was rebuilt in the mid-19th century and incorporates some of the original house – oak panels, Norman doorway. The original church was demolished and the site cleared to make a lawn! It is now a care home.

There is a dilapidated church down the road (closed and barriers surround it) where we stopped for lunch. The churchyard had a row of identical gravestones each of which was dedicated to a musician. They all died in the 1980s in their 80s and 90s; we wondered about their story. A military 1940s grave of someone from the Hereford regiment is pristine.

Now we entered a nature reserve and found ourselves climbing over some very high, slightly rickety, ladder stiles. After walking across open grassland, we realised why as a herd of deer ran in front of us!

A brief walk along the road past Abbey Dore Court brought us back to the beginning of our walk and the highlight of the day, Dore Abbey. There is free access, and we spent some time exploring the magnificent church. Established in 1147, it was founded by Cistercian monks from Morimond, France. The Abbey was dissolved in 1536, but Dore is the only Cistercian Abbey in the country still used for worship as a Parish church. The original medieval altar was found on a local farm being used for salting meat and making cheese. The Abbey expanded its land holdings, particularly through the acquisition of good quality farmland granted to them by King John in 1216. This enabled the Abbey to become wealthy especially through the sale of wool. It is well worth a visit.

A return to Ewyas Harold by car enabled us to enjoy refreshments in one of the village hostelries after a satisfying day.

Walk 6.7m 915ft Map OL13

 

Ian Moody And Gwenfô Gynt

 THE WENVOE HISTORY GROUP

IAN MOODY AND GWENFÔ GYNT

It was sad to hear of Ian Moody’s passing as we have lost a positive influence on village life, a man with many achievements, one of which included recording the rich and varied local history of Wenvoe. Soon after we moved to Wenvoe in 1995 I met up with Ian as we shared an interest in local history and as a newcomer, I wanted to know more about the village we were now living in. Meeting regularly with like-minded local residents, Ian led a committee to plan, write and finance the publications the group wanted to produce which would comprise Ian (chairman), myself (secretary) and Eira Jervis (treasurer) with Brian and Gillian Hopkins and Allan Jenkins.

The Wenvoe past and present map, a millennium project and our first publication, was illustrated by Roger B. Davis.

This was followed in 2000 by the booklet; Wenvoe Past & Present: Local History and Descriptive Walks Around the Village and Surrounding Areas. As well as line drawings, this had some photographs but we were keen to get out a fuller photographic history of Wenvoe and this was realised with Wenvoe and Twyn-Yr-Odyn published by Tempus Publishing Limited as part of their Images of Wales series in 2003.

The next booklet was inspired by, and drew from the work of, Margaret Greenwood who had organised the recording of those who had lived through the second world war in the village, this was Wenvoe at War: Personal Memories of Life in Wenvoe During the Second World War (2010).

Before this Brian and Sandra Jones joined the group with contributors including Una McElveen, whose father was Hubert James Williams (his name is on the Wenvoe war memorial, but spelt in the booklet as Herbert). Lastly, in terms of publications, was a short history leaflet to the churches in the parish of Wenvoe with St Lythans available for those visiting the church. Some of the royalties from the Wenvoe and Twyn-Yr-Odyn book went to Wenvoe School to purchase a ‘friendship’ bench there.

The books/booklets carried the ‘Gwenfô Gynt – The Wenvoe History Group’ logo, which was based on the distinctive house gable bracket which can be seen on the Wenvoe Castle estate houses around the village. In addition, we organised an annual History Group talk in the Community Centre with talks ranging from Brunel, the Second World War and why ‘Heritage Matters’, but Covid, as with many things, disrupted us.

Gwenfô Gynt – The Wenvoe History Group, has been around for some twenty-five years, is there an appetite to continue?

At this year’s Village Show I intend to have a presence. Copies of the Wenvoe map will be available at a nominal charge, with a contribution to the Village Show fund as well as copies of the booklets Wenvoe Past & Present and Wenvoe at War, and I would be pleased to hear your views. One idea is that we use any booklet income and the group’s remaining funds to commission a permanent display panel in the village. This in fact was the last history group matter I discussed with Ian so it would be a fitting conclusion to what, with Ian’s passing, is the end of a chapter.

Stephen K. Jones

 

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