Month: June 2026
July Church News
July Church News
Greetings from the congregation of St. Mary’s to the wider community of Wenvoe and St. Lythan’s. We invite you to join us online at ipcamlive.com/stmarywenvoe
The world in which we live, has during the month of June been taken up with all the trials and tribulations of the FIFA World Cup taking place across the pond, in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Who will win the Cup remains to be seen and President Donald J. Trump will exploit the occasion to the full.
The main event in the church was the occasion of the Ordination of the Revd. David Harrison to the priesthood, at Llandaff Cathedral on 20th June. David and other Deacons were blessed by Bishop Mary in a service that was both solemn and joyful. We wish David and all the other candidates every blessing on their ministries ahead of them. A coach conveyed congregations from Wenvoe and Sully to the Cathedral to support David and his family at this important stage in his life. We look forward to his first celebration of the Eucharist on June 21st.
Christian Aid: Jude Billingham has issued a preliminary report on the fund raising activities (page 5). Jude and her dedicated team are to be congratulated on the result. Fund raising is never easy these days when the cost of living is high. So thank you to all who have helped in any way to and of course thank you to all who donated so willingly to help those who are not as well of as we are. The final amount raised came to £2,840.29 including Gift Aid. Well done and thank you.
The month of June, we are told, has been one of the wettest of times with gales and strong winds causing many problems. There was some damage to the laurel trees in the churchyard. Thankfully Mike Tucker was able to clear up the damaged branches and create a semblance of order in this hallowed ground. During the month, as part of the Valeways programme, we had a number of parties of walkers asking to visit the church and grounds. They are always very impressed with how well kept the church and her surroundings are. We are fortunate that we have a small band of volunteers, including Mike, who work so hard to give that good impression of St. Mary’s that visitors leave with.
Food Bank: A steady flow of donations to the Food Bank continues to be received in the collecting boxes within the church porch. The food warehouse in Barry readily acknowledges that the St. Mary’s collection point is one of the most regular contributors to their stock and always greatly appreciated. It is a sad reflection of the times we are living through that things like the Food Bank have become a necessity for so many families so that they can put food on the table. We thank all donors for the items they bring each week; please consider donation of money or cheque which can be safely deposited in the secure post boxes in the porch and church hall to save you the time and effort in bringing your gifts to the church
Chattery: On the second Thursday of every month at 10.30 am, the Chattery meets in the church hall for coffee and a chat. This is arranged by church volunteers to offer a safe space to meet and catch up. All are welcome whether you come to church or not. The free raffle is a riot of humour and hilarity.
This is not the only opportunity in Wenvoe for older folk to join in with others for a time of fellowship and company. In the Hub during opening hours, a Welsh group meets in two sessions on a Monday morning. A men’s group meets on Tuesday morning, On Wednesday afternoon the Golden Girls get together, often with cakes and tea or coffee and attempt to put the world to right. On Friday morning, out of hours, the Silver Foxes come out of their dens for a time of natter about any subject under the sun. We meet as friends and leave as friends even though we do not always agree with the topic under discussion. We know that this is a privilege given to this group and so we always make a donation to the running costs of the Library.
Liturgical Colours: What are these you may well ask? The answer lies with the history of our earlier Jenner rectors who were greatly influenced by the Oxford Movement in the 19th century. Wenvoe to this day has always been a church with colour in the vestments worn by the priest, the frontal at the altar and the Pulpit and Lectern falls. The rotation of which colour is in use is governed by the Lectionary the church produces year by year to set out the readings and any commemoration of the saints.
At present we are in green; the season is Trinity. The colour green is in line with growth in the natural world, and in the church is associated with the growth of the early Christian church following the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus and how Saint Peter was the rock on which the church was founded. So which colour the priest wears is not at the whim of him or her but set down universally in all Anglican churches. The other colours are white/gold, red and violet. We also possess a throw over Laudian Frontal called “All Seasons” which has all the four colours incorporated into the design of the brocade fabric. So there you have it. When you see a change of colour that should alert you to the fact that something has changed since the previous week.
The holiday season is upon us. Let us hope for fair weather. Wherever you travel, keep safe and God Bless.
Parry
Shady And Jack Are Prone To Mishaps
VILLAGE ENVIRONMENT GROUP
Shady And Jack Are Prone To Mishaps
The morning started so well, with Kim joining the team to clear up the mess at the roundabout area of Greave Close. When we are at full strength, tasks are easily completed.
Greave Close is home to two of our members – Shady and Jack Tar. We are not quite sure why, but Shady and Jack are prone to mishaps. This time Jack’s wife rang to say that he was being held against his will in the porch of their house. As it was close by, we went to investigate. He was definitely trapped as we could see his face against the glass of the front door. Jack had purchased an out-of-date life raft from Temu to use as a paddling pool in the garden. The cord, which sets off the inflate mechanism, had caught in the door jam, the raft had inflated and pinned the poor fellow to the door. We had to drill a hole through the door and into the raft to deflate it. Still, it was a lovely morning.
Our next outing will be on 13th July in the underpass at Vennwood Close
Pontrhydyfen & Llwyn-Onn
Pontrhydyfen & Llwyn-Onn
Pontrhydyfen
We parked at Rhyslyn, Afan Forest Park in late spring, and set off on the Richard Burton birthplace trail soon spotting clumps of cowslips.
Crossing the viaduct towards Bethel Chapel we looked down on the river and over to a second viaduct. As we turned the corner of the chapel, we noticed that high up in the stone wall was a gap filled with a different material; bees had obviously made this their home and were busy coming and going.
It was a lovely day, and we walked in dappled sunlight beside trees. This was yet another walk where we were able to see bluebells (one of 6 this year). A long line of at least nine bee hives sat along the edge of a field. Next, a line of caravans and motor homes were awaiting their summer excursions. A donkey and a horse took an interest in us and our equine lovers said hello.
As the day progressed it warmed and lambs could be seen gambolling in the fields. We had an early lunch sat amongst the roots of an old hedge line which also provided shade as the ‘hedge’ had grown to a line of trees. The view was a pastoral idyll of green fields, rolling hills and sheep with just a few houses in the distance.
At one point we could see Port Talbot steel works in the distance, quite odd as there was no smoke and no sign of activity. Since then, one of the main Tata steel cylinders has been demolished.
We were at the highest point of our walk and came across a bench with a heart-shaped dedication to a dog – ‘always by my side, forever in my heart’. It was now hot and the views expansive. The wall of a property totally overgrown with greenery had several pottery animals dotted about – a horse’s head, a pig and some sort of bird.
The return was a pleasant walk along the river and another bench with a dedication ‘Sit with me and watch the world go by’ – this time for a 26-year-old.
Before long we were back in Pontrhydyfen, and wandered over to the Bethel chapel café, where hot and cold food is available. ‘In 1984, hundreds of mourners, including locals, fans and A-list stars gathered here to bid farewell to Richard Burton.’ The place is full of memorabilia as well as some pithy sayings such as ‘skinny people are easier to kidnap, stay safe and eat cake’. So, we did as it was someone’s birthday and we sat outside in the balmy air to enjoy it.
As we walked back to the cars a friendly local chatted to us and pointed out the house where Richard Burton was born, rounding the day off nicely.
Walk 6.8 miles 1000ft Map OS165
Llwyn-Onn
We parked in the Forrest holidays site, west of the reservoir where a wooden sculpture of the BFG stands. This was an excellent route for a hot day with plenty of shade.
Although we were circumnavigating the reservoir, we could not see it for most of the walk. Birdsong accompanied us all day and there were bluebells once again but at the end of their display. The paths were edged by many orchids – early marsh, common spotted and others. An unusual yellow flower turned out to be common cow wheat and buttercups covered fields. White pignuts were plentiful in one area.
We sheltered in the cool shadow of a tree for lunch and were swamped by swarms of midges – some of us suffering for days afterwards with the resultant bites.
The old Taff trail proved very difficult in parts where the trees and shrubs were reaching across the path with a barbed wire fence on the other side. Towards the end of the walk the footpath disappeared so we changed route and walked beside the reservoir, stepping into it where gentle waves lapped the path.
At Garwnant visitor’s centre, information boards cover the geology of the Brecon Beacons and information on an arboretum. It was a beautiful hot sunny day and the walk ‘a bit of an adventure’. When we told a ranger at the visitor centre the problems on the old Taff trail. he said, ‘he wouldn’t go down there these days.’
We enjoyed drinks here and many of us also had ice-cream!
Walk 7 miles 1000ft Map OL12
Strange Greyish Formations
Prolonging The Flowering Season
THE VILLAGE GARDENER
Prolonging The Flowering Season
It’s now all about prolonging the flowering season. All the work that’s been done to get to this point shouldn’t be in vain by slowing up on the basics. Hoeing weeds before they set seed is a must. Picking sweet peas for the house will keep them producing new blooms, along with removing seed heads. Alstroemeria also benefits from being picked and these flowers last a long time in a vase. Cut back early flowering plants like delphiniums and herbaceous geraniums to ensure a second flush. You won’t get as many flower heads but it’s well worth doing. A second and last feed for the roses along with deadheading is essential. The roses have been brilliant during early June. The week of wet weather followed by the sunshine at the end of May seemed to be just perfect for them. Try to keep up with the watering, especially the pots and any newly planted flowers. One house in the village has put in a watering system with timers and soaker hoses, it is working very well for them as they are away a lot and control the system from an app on their phone. It can be a bit expensive, but it suits them.
One exception to watering regularly is the lawn. Unless you are prepared to waste reservoirs of water and time on it then don’t even bother as you’ll do more harm than good. Just sprinkling a bit of water on your grass will bring the roots nearer to the surface searching for the small amount you had time to do. This would mean that a dry spell will leave the roots, now nearer the surface, exposed to drought and this weakens the grass more than anything.
If you are starting an allotment now, chances are it will be overgrown with brambles and full of weeds. There may, if you’re lucky, be some veg you can use. Don’t try and attack all of it in one go, just clear a little at a time and cover the cleared ground with weed control fabric until you’re ready to plant. There’s a lot of veg to plant now – broccoli, cabbage, kale etc. The one thing you won’t be short of is advice. Allotment folk love to share their knowledge and they’re a good bunch.
The gardening club at the hub is going well and with the likes of Joyce Hoy there you are guaranteed to get both good advice and the Latin names of plants.
The village show will take place at the community centre on Saturday 29th August, so bring your produce along and show what you’ve accomplished.
“The Names” by Florence Knapp
“The Names” by Florence Knapp
The book describes 3 parallel universes where a boy’s character is affected, partly by his name, but as much by the malevolent presence of his father and the effect he has on his mother and sister as well. Navigating through the sequencing of three stories was often confusing and was a challenge for some!
Is it our name that forges our identity or living with decisions made by ourselves and others and the consequences they have on our personalities? Many Page Turners thought the book was more about the effects of the horrific domestic abuse that the mother had to endure, rather than the names the child was given. Indeed, many readers thought the descriptions of the abuse were overly graphic and extremely upsetting.
The book covered some interesting themes, including the maturity of the sister in protecting both her mother and brother in a maternal role, even though a child herself and a mother’s need to protect her children at all costs. But the violence Cora endured was the overarching memory of the book.
The overall score was 3, with scores ranging from 0 to 5. Not an easy read.
Noticeboard Has Been Vandalised Again
Wenvoe Wildlife Group
Noticeboard Has Been Vandalised Again
Visitors to the Upper Orchid Field will have been disappointed to see that our main noticeboard has been vandalised again with all our notices removed and taken away. This is the fourth occasion on which it has happened and coupled with the damage to the Council’s padlock on the main gate there is a suggestion that someone is trying to deter visitors to the Nature Reserve. Police are investigating. If you see anyone taking down notices and feel comfortable doing so, please ask them what they are doing. WWG members are the only ones who should be doing this and will be happy to dis-cuss it. If not, please report it to the police – our PCSO is Stephen Davies 07584 771040 – ideally with a photo.
On a happier note, our latest Wildlife Junior Workshop took place at the Elizabethan Orchard on a fine day and the 7- to 11-year-olds enjoyed raking the cut grass and jumping on the pile of cuttings, hunting for mini-beasts and, generally, engaging with the countryside. Our thanks to Angela Peterken from Wild Thymes for running the workshop.
July 2026 Diary of Events
Out And About in the Vale This Summer
ARTICLES of GENERAL INTEREST
OUT AND ABOUT IN THE VALE THIS SUMMER
With Summer here at last and hopefully with weather to match, there is plenty going on in the Vale, just some of which feature below. As ever, there will be something musical, sporting, cultural or perhaps with an historical bent to tempt you from the garden.
If it’s culture you’re looking for check out the latest offering at Dyffryn Gardens. Our local National Trust property is hosting an exhibition based on the very popular BBC drama ‘The Other Bennet Sister’. The exhibition focuses on the costumes created by Sian Jenkins and worn by the cast of the show including Ella Bruccoleri, Ruth Jones and Indira Varma. The stunning display of elaborate period costumes brings the world of the Bennet sisters vividly to life. Alongside, you’ll find the accessories that complete each look – many worn in the scenes filmed in Dyffryn House. While there, you can also explore parts of Dyffryn House re-opened after a spell of conservation work. This includes the Morning Room, Red Drawing Room and Blue Drawing Room. Here you can learn more about Dyffryn’s history, behind-the-scenes photography and how filming supports the work of the National Trust. Normal admission charges apply but the event is free. The venue and the exhibition is open Fridays to Mondays, 12 – 3pm until 31 August.
Providing an altogether different experience the annual GlastonBARRY live music tribute festival returns to Romilly Park, Barry this July! This year features 22 tribute acts covering the likes of Coldplay, Pink, the Foo Fighters, Queen and Tina Turner. There will be two stages used over two days, on Saturday 25th and Sunday 26th July, between 11am and 9pm.
If food is your thing, you may be tempted by this year’s Fantastic Fete at St Donat’s
Castle. The fete will be held in the grounds over two consecutive summer-holiday weekends (July 31st/August 9th). The grounds will be filled with family fun, including silly games, curious competitions and roaming entertainment. Alongside will be an array of the best street food from across the globe. Street Food Circus traders include the return of Hang Fire BBQ and SFC debutants Mama Lala Sichuan street food, along with regulars such as Two Lads Afghan Street Food, The Dough Thrower, The Bone Cartel, Mar y Fuego, The Queen Pepiada, Pasta a Mano and Burger Bros with sweet options from Paletas Mexican-style ice lollies and Drizzle desserts.
If you’re feeling energetic why not join one of the Glamorgan History Walks delivered by local historian and broadcaster Graham Loveluck-Edwards? The walks aim to bring history to life as you travel through the places where significant events happened. Examples are a walk around Cowbridge on Thursday 9th July (8pm) and Dunraven, St Brides and Ogmore on Saturday 18th July (10am). Walks cost £10 per person. You can find out more by visiting the website: https://grahamloveluckedwards.com/
Finally, The Vale of Glamorgan Agricultural Show returns on Wednesday 12 August. Now the biggest one-day event in the Vale of Glamorgan, the show attracts more than 20,000 visitors to The Showground, Penllyn, Cowbridge – every year. As usual there will be over 200 trade stands, livestock displays, crafts, local food, and thrilling competitions. With gates open from 8am to 7pm there will be plenty of time to explore. Free on-site parking will be available as is forward parking for Blue Badge Holders. Dogs are allowed on a short lead, but predictably not permitted in the livestock areas or marquees.