'Wonderful' women rewarded Overall winner at the inaugural Vale Woman of the Year awards, which highlighted some wonderful stories of the activities of local women, was council senior enforcement officer Denny White. See page 3 ValeWaveswww.valeofglamorgan.gov.ukes The Council’s Community Newspaper Summer 2008 | Issue 20 Take pride in your NewsStories local park

ove your local park week was a perfect reminder and look after it – to everyone to make the Vale-based author Phil Carradice that's the message most of their local park and L was the guest at the Vale Writers' enjoy the benefits that fresh from the council's parks Squad's spring session at the Cory and grounds maintenance air and exercise can bring. Education Centre at Dyffryn Whether you walk your team this summer. Gardens. See page 2. This month's Loveparks dog in them, go for a jog, relax with friends, play sports, read your book in a peaceful setting, take your kids to play, or just enjoy a stroll in them One of the Vale's many beautiful parks – during your lunch break – Alexandra Gardens in . appreciate and take pride in variety of activities. Parks are 46 full-time frontline staff and your local parks and look there for everyone, from tod- more than 20 extra tempo- Find out what's after them for future genera- dlers to the elderly, and are rary staff during the summer on in the Vale tions. one of the best places you months. this summer Phil Beaman, operational can be on a fine summer's The staff have diverse roles See page 5 manager (parks and grounds day. Make the most of them, looking after the local envi- maintenance), said: "All too but please use them responsi- ronment. Thanks to a real often we hear that people bly and help to keep them team effort, their variety of aren't healthy enough, yet we clean by picking up your litter tasks range from looking after have beautiful parks that are and dog mess at all times." parks, of course, to recreation free of charge to enjoy and The parks and grounds grounds, skate parks, lakes, can be used for such a wide maintenance team consists of rivers and much much more. Vale in the top 10 for quality of life According to a new quali- housing quality, weather, school pupils’ GCSE results 1. Buckinghamshire ty of life survey, the Vale crime, education and health. are among the best in the 2. Surrey Questionnaire of Glamorgan is one of The survey found that the country. 3. Berkshire We would like to know how the top 10 best places to Vale has the best quality of Other Welsh counties in 4. Bromley many residents are recycling and live in the UK. life outside the south of the top 50 were 5. Hertfordshire how they are going about it. Halifax Estate Agents car- England. In the Vale houses Monmouthshire (28), 6. Oxfordshire Please complete the short ques- ried out the survey, which are relatively large, and the Flintshire (39) and Powys 7. Suffolk tionnaire on page 7 and return scored counties across the county has an above average (40). 8. Vale of Glamorgan by Freepost by 14 July or save an UK according to factors such owner-occupancy rate, life The top UK counties for 9. Richmond upon Thames envelope and complete online at as employment, earnings, expectancy is high and our quality of life were: 10. Sutton. www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk Please ensure you recycle your copy of Vale Waves 2 ValeNews

ValeWaves Summer 2008 | Issue 20 www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk Newsinbrief Officers have head start Bethan’s best roublemakers are being cameras are particularly useful Police and council officers are trialling Seven- met head on in a new for filming disturbances and are new lightweight head cameras year-old Tinitiative organised by being used in anti-social Bethan the Safer Vale Partnership. behaviour hotspots across the Lowrie has Vale. Footage can be used as scooped Police and council licensing and trading standards officers evidence in court. the top Inspector Jim Hall said: "We are being equipped with prize in a have been using these cameras lightweight cameras that can be council on a daily basis and they strapped to officers' heads and promoted have proved very effective. feed images to digital recorders design a logo competition. Previously, when officers have The competition challenged on their belts. visited parents to inform them local schoolchildren to A deterrent for anti social their children have been design a logo for Prosiect behaviour, eight of the hi-tech involved in anti social Gwyrdd – a project through gadgets are being trialled and, if behaviour; many parents found which five local councils, the initiative proves successful, it hard to believe their children including the Vale, are more officers will eventually are capable of such behaviour. looking for the best joint have the equipment. Now, with the new technology solution for dealing with The portable systems can available to us we are able to non-recyclable waste. store hundreds of hours of play back the footage so they Bethan's winning design material and provide instant won her an iPod and £100 can see for themselves what worth of vouchers for her playback on a small screen. The their children have been doing.” primary school – Wick and Church in . Wick and Marcross They’re a real treasure headteacher Ceri Thomas Talented young writers in Vale hand to develop their talents, and provide said: “It’s a fantastic schools are continuing to develop writing tips and advice for future work." achievement for Bethan and their skills with the help of real life Prior to a spring session at the Cory we’re thrilled to receive authors. Education Centre at with vouchers that’ll help us do Formed in 2003, the Vale Young Vale-based author Phil Carradice, children even more great green work in the school." Writers’ Squad currently has 38 members were provided with a copy of his novel, from 19 Vale schools, and council 'Black Bart’s Treasure,' which is an curriculum development adviser (literacy) action-packed pirate story set in the Directory for youngsters Jane McCarthy said: "The council initiative Bristol Channel. During the day, children A special is providing a focus for the children to get discussed the novel with Phil and wrote directory together, encourage each other and pirate stories of their own. providing develop their natural writing skills. During the afternoon, parents, carers Vale of Glamorgan-based author Phil Carradice at young "The youngsters are meeting a range of and teachers were invited to hear the people in the the Vale Writers' Squad's spring session at the Cory Education Centre at Dyffryn Gardens. writers and authors who offer a helping children sharing their work. Vale with information about available activities has been As buzzy as a bee updated and improved. Launched nearly a year ago, The buzz of a bumblebee is species in the UK but you’re rough, long grass or an old the 'Activale Youth Directory' one of the first signs of likely to see only six of them – carpet tile in a quiet corner. now contains information on spring and one that lasts known as the ‘BIG 6.' These • Get involved in a survey to more than 320 organisations throughout the lazy species are the ones that have help ecologists find out where providing services and summer. But don’t be adapted to using our gardens different bumblebees live – visit activities for young people aged 11 to 25 years. misled by their name: the best. the Bumblebee Conservation Copies of the directory are bumbling bees really are Bumblebees can be told apart Trust’s website or contact us to available through schools and busy – beating their wings by looking at what colour their find out more. libraries and CDRom versions up to 200 times a minute in stripes are – basically there are Many local authorities also are available on request from their never-ending search three groups – white tailed, red manage some highway verges the council's Children and for nectar and pollen. tailed and brown! for their wildflowers – if you Young People's Information Bees are really important to us For a great guide visit know of any really good Early Bumblebee Service (CYPIS). It can also be – pollinating crops and flowers. www.bumblebeeconservation wildflower verges or have any accessed online through It’s been estimated that about a trust.co.uk. other queries, please contact the www.activale.co.uk and more third of the food we eat relies What can you do? council ecology team at than 5,000 'visits' have already on bee pollination at some point • Grow more native [email protected] been recorded. in its production. wildflowers or varieties that are or 01446 704855. Further information on the But our bumblebees are closely related to wild ones, such directory can be obtained under threat! as brilliant, towering foxgloves, • Back to Nature banner – through the CYPIS at the Changes in land use have nectar-rich honeysuckle, purple photos courtesy of Paul Roberts Dock Offices, Subway Road, made it harder for bumblebees scabious or pink knapweed. • Bumblebees - photos courtesy Barry CF63 4RT. Telephone to find the flowers they need. • Provide them with of Brian Valentine 01446 704704 (www.flickr.com/photos/lordv) There are twenty-two bumblebee somewhere to nest – areas of Buff-tailed bumblebee Top images: Lakes at , , peacock in Norton and the Old Harbour (Barry) ValeNews 3

www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk ValeWaves Summer 2008 | Issue 20 So much to celebrate Newsinbrief New mayor omen from all sectors of the the award on behalf of everyone in the St Bride's Major ward council- Vale community were hon- council's Visible Services division and the lor Audrey Preston has been Woured at an inaugural awards Youth Offending Team. Winning the first elected Vale of Glamorgan event. Vale Woman of the Year will assist in Mayor for 2008-09, with Cllr The Vale Woman of the Year Awards highlighting the ground-breaking work Emlyn Williams, who repre- were organised through the council with we are carrying out in the Vale and sents Barry's Illtyd ward, as the support and sponsorship of a num- ensure the Visible Crew team goes from her deputy. ber of organisations from the private strength to strength." The council's new cabinet, and voluntary sectors. Category winners were: Carer, with portfolios, comprises: The awards celebrated International Ann Daniel; learner, Christine Leader Cllr Gordon Kemp Women's Day and the event was organ- Prangley; businesswoman, Sian (finance, ICT and property), ised by Edwina Vaughan and staff of the Fox; public servant, Denny White; deputy leader Cllr Hunter Barry Community Enterprise Centre. The woman returner, Roya Rashidi; Jarvie (legal and public pro- host was BBC Wales presenter Jason community, Audrey Porter; sports tection), and Cllrs Anthony Mohammad. volunteer, Gwynedd Lingard, and Ernest (tourism and leisure), Overall winner was Denny White who young achiever, Rachael Jeffery. Jeffrey James (planning and works for the council and has responsi- Representing the awards steering transportation), Tony bility for dealing with people who com- group, Edwina Vaughan said: "This really Hampton (education and life- mit environmental crimes such as fly tip- exciting event has highlighted some long learning), Janice Charles ping, graffiti and abandoned vehicles. wonderful stories of the activities of (human resources and equali- Denny said: “I was honoured to receive women in the Vale." Denny White ties), Dorothy Turner (social and care services), Paul Church (housing and commu- nity safety), Geoff Cox (visi- Christine says Some ble and building services) and Rhodri Traherne (economic development and regenera- tion). handy hints Details of all councillors 'go for it' elected on 1 May can now be Pupils at Vale primary schools have been viewed on the council website Learner of the year Christine reminded about the importance of hygiene as www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk. Prangley is keen to encourage part of a series of hand-washing fun days. other adults to study. Organised by council environmental health offi- Meetings cers, the events allow pupils to take part in an inter- All members of the public are Christine, who left school at 16 active hand washing exercise. Environmental health invited to attend meetings of with two O levels and three GCSEs, officer Leah Harris explained: "Using a UV hand the Council which start at is currently studying for a social inspection cabinet, the children are able to see how 6pm in the Civic Offices work degree in Cardiff. She had well they wash their hands and identify the areas unless otherwise stated: various jobs before and after rais- frequently missed during hand washing." • Cabinet (2pm) – 25 June, ing a family, and embarked on her Following a visit to Evenlode Primary School, 9 and 23 July and 3 adult learning 'career' by gaining Penarth, headteacher Alun Jenkins said: “Health and September. two further GCSEs in mathematics hygiene are so important in every school. Simple • Council – 26 June. and business studies. things like washing hands properly after going to the • Planning – 3 and 31 July In 1995, after Christine took a toilet, and before eating a snack or a meal, are and 4 September. job as a support worker with adults essential everyday habits. • Voluntary Sector Joint with learning disabilities, the learn- "The children were fascinated with how the light Liaison – 16 July. ing bug really took hold. Two box showed up germs.” • Community Liaison (7pm) NVQs in care were followed by a – 23 July. counselling skills course at the Barry • Licensing (10am) – 1 July Community Enterprise Centre and and 2 September. a theotherapy counselling diploma ened of computers and actually Scrutiny meetings start at after five years of study at Coleg know what I think I’m doing." 6pm and are generally held at Glan Hafren, Cardiff. the Civic Offices: Describing herself as "not really During the diploma course, Chris an academic person," grandmother • Lifelong Learning – 7 and decided "not to take things easy" of four Christine says: "If you'd like 28 July and 8 September. and to embark on her current social to do a course and are not sure • Corporate Resources – work degree course (until June you can do it, I say, 'Go for it!' You 8 and 29 July and 9 2009). September. never know where it will lead and, As part of the degree course, • Social care and health – if it doesn’t lead anywhere, you will Christine has undertaken a 1 and 21 have enjoyed doing it. And that's European Computer Driving July and 1 September. all that counts.” Licence course, and she says: "I • Economy and Praising the support of her family, would recommend the fast track Environment – 2 and 22 friends and extremely patient July and 2 September. course at the Palmerston (Barry) tutors, Christine adds: "If I can do centre to anyone. The tutor was so • Housing and Public it, anybody can. I have gained a Protection - 30 June, helpful and made computers come Pupils who took part in the hand washing fun day at Evenlode great deal of confidence as well as Primary School, Penarth, are pictured with environmental 24 July and 3 September. alive for me in a way I never academic and valuable life skills." expected. I am no longer fright- health officers Fauzia Malik-Stephens (left) and Leah Harris.

Top images: ‘Balmoral’ at Penarth Pier, Town Hall, harvesting at Wick and Churchyard 4 ValeNews

ValeWaves Summer 2008 | Issue 20 www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk Newsinbrief Council tenants help New base Staff in council adult ser- vices have been brought together in one base in Barry. set the standard Over 80 staff from the learning disabilities team, nvesting heavily in its ants, a new newsletter is full of older persons’ service, and properties to bring them news about the investment physical and sensory impair- Iup to the Welsh Housing programme and what tenants ment and cccupational ther- Quality Standard (WHQS) can expect from the WHQS. It apy teams have moved into by 2014/15, the council is also includes articles on neigh- refurbished offices at working closely with ten- bourhood events and essential Canolfan Ty Jenner, opposite ants to ensure a housing information about safety in the Stadium. service tailored to meet home. There is a competition their needs. to name the newsletter, which Thanks to capital funding A new tenant engagement is expected to go out to all from the council, Canolfan team (TET) is raising awareness tenants four times a year. Ty Jenner has been trans- of housing issues and encour- The TET is also in the process formed from its previous use aging tenants to stand up and of setting up a tenant panel to as a respite hostel for chil- have their say. And, over the help the council make decisions dren with special needs into last few months, many tenants about housing issues. This will a modern facility, providing have contacted the housing consist of a group of tenants office accommodation and a service for the first time, eager who will meet regularly with A new tenant engagement team (TET) is raising awareness of housing specialist assessment unit. to get involved. the cabinet member for hous- issues and encouraging tenants to stand up and have their say. Delighted with the move, A new tenants’ association ing to ensure they have a important housing issues. If you are a council tenant has been set up at the Fairoaks direct influence on decision- Anne Lintern, Operational Council tenants can also get and would like to know more sheltered housing complex in making about their homes. Manager – Community Care involved in a number of other about starting a tenants’ asso- and Health, said: "Bringing , bringing the total Tenants will be asked for their number of groups in the Vale views on changes to the ways from filling in question- ciation, joining the tenant staff together into one to three. It is hoped that more responsive repairs service, the naires about their housing panel or getting involved in building has made a massive groups will be set up in the future programme of works to needs to attending public your housing service in any positive impact, making it near future. bring council properties up to meetings about developments other way, please contact the much easier for colleagues Delivered to all council ten- the WHQS and many more to the housing service. TET Team on 01446 709895. to share information and ideas.” Committed to meeting the and further reductions in heat- WHQS targets for its hous- ing fuel consumption should Press photographers ing stock, the council is cur- now be achieved. rently formulating a 30-year The new Permanite flat roof- Are you an experienced business plan. And, in the ing systems installed on the press photographer? short-term, has commenced and Shakespeare The council's communica- work on a two-year £10.8m estates in Barry are the very lat- tions unit is looking for pho- investment programme. est in waterproofing technology. tographers to add to its sup- The 2007/08 programme has With the cost of electricity and pliers list. You must have predominantly focused on gas rising, the benefits of the replacement windows and new roofing insulation system experience of taking press doors, roof renewals, central can help reduce heat loss by photographs, be creative, heating and electrical upgrades. approximately 40 per cent. What will it take for you to with a good portfolio of Some properties already meet New heating and hot water successfully published work. many aspects of the standard systems are now specified with switch to public transport? We are looking for someone and different homes will require a boiler up to 33 per cent more who is reliable, with good different improvements. efficient than some of the old Scenes like above are becoming too Sewta – the sustainable and back boiler systems. familiar. Journey times are getting integrated transport people - are people skills, familiar with To date, over 85 per cent of longer and parking facilities can be working with local bus and rail directing photos of groups homes have received insulation Ruth Leask (pictured), of expensive or even non-existent! companies and Traveline Cymru to get of people, including VIPs. Owain Court, , is look- Vehicles on these heavily congested you on board the green revolution and Preferably you will have ing forward to the advantages roads are producing high carbon help save the planet! of a more efficient heating and dioxide emissions which contributes to been on the staff of a news- To find more information on your hot water system. climate change. You can help reduce local public transport service call paper and have good con- Margaret Wilson, of Redlands these emissions by switching to public 0871 200 2233 or text your nearest transport. * tacts with the main Welsh Avenue, Penarth, is delighted bus stop’s code to 84268. newspapers. with her new windows that In many cases, travelling into Cardiff by Alternatively go to: rail is quicker than road. The number of have resulted in a much warmer www.traveline-cymru.org.uk If you fit the bill, please people opting to take the bus or train in or email the council's commu- and quieter home. The pro- South Wales is growing all the time. www.nationalrail.co.uk nications manager, Alison gramme for providing double Why not join them and help save the Tel: 08457 48 49 50 glazing uPVC windows and environment as well as save your Cummins - doors can cut heat loss and money. acummins@valeofglamor- * Calls cost 10p a minute from a BT landline. Your text message noticeably trim monthly utility will be charged at your standard rate the reply will be free. gan.gov.uk bills.

Top images: The British Airways Maintenance Cardiff Ltd hangar at Cardiff International Airport, sunrise over the Bristol Channel from Nell's Point and . Whatson 5 www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk ValeWaves Summer 2008 | Issue 20 What's On in the Vale this Summer June 11am and 4pm, the gardens at the as spaces will be limited. following locations can be viewed Mon 16 to Sun 29 – Wed 30 to Sat 2 August – – St Bride's C/W Primary School, St Midsummer Festival of Music Thoroughly Modern Millie, Donats Castle and Slade in and Theatre, Dyffryn Gardens and . Theatre The festival of music and theatre returns to Dyffryn's open-air the- July A high-spirited musical romp set in atre garden, and includes perfor- 1922 New York. Thoroughly mances of 'Madam Butterfly,' Thurs 3 to Sun 13 – Penarth Modern Millie is a story of two 'Pirates of Penzance' and Summer Festival girls, two men and two dreams – 'Pinocchio.' For details, call 02920 Shiver me timbers – the theme of but who ends up with whom? 593328 or visit www.midsummer- this year's festival is 'Pirates of Tickets, costing from £7 to £9, are festival.co.uk Penarth!' A variety of events will only available from the booking line on 01446 401822, and are Fri 20 – Thank You For The provide entertainment for the whole family, with a fun day at not on sale from the Memorial Hall Music, Barry Memorial Hall and and Theatre Box Office. Theatre The Esplanade on Saturday, 12 Tall ship 'Tenacious' on its way to the July. For more details, telephone Festival (6 and 7 September) Prepare for a sequin-studded, 029 2070 0721 or visit the festival August start at 6.30pm and will be staged programme, featuring UK ska leg- white-suited, platform-booted website www.penarthsummerfesti- Sun 3 – National Gardens on the Renaissance lawns set ends "The Beat" on Saturday spectacular evening which revives val.com the glittering careers of ABBA and Scheme, throughout the Vale against the dramatic backdrop of evening and "Big Mac's Wholly the Bee Gees. Tickets cost £12.75 Sun 13 – National Gardens As part of the National Gardens Castle that sits majesti- Soul Band" on Sunday evening, and the show starts at 7.30pm. Scheme, throughout the Vale Scheme, the following gardens in cally overlooking the sea. while the event will also include Call the box office on 01446 As part of the National Gardens Barry will be open to the public to The lawns will be open beforehand street entertainers, food and craft 738622. Scheme, the garden at 36 enjoy for charity from 2 to 6pm – so pack your sun cream and enjoy stalls and a number of fairground 11 Arno Road, 47 Aneurin Road a pre-performance picnic while live Sat 21 – National Gardens Brookfield Avenue in Barry, with its rides. Entry to the festival is free and 1 North Walk. musicians play music from Scheme, throughout the Vale water features and raised terrace, although charges apply for fair- will be open to the public to enjoy Shakespeare’s time. Despite the ground rides, steam train rides, the As part of the National Gardens Sat 16 and Sun 17 – Family Fun for charity from 2 to 6pm. show's title, it will be a perfect ships' tours and the workshops. Scheme, a number of beautiful Weekend, Dyffryn Gardens date for a summer outing. Tickets Call 01446 747171 for further local gardens are open to the pub- Tues 15 – Cafe Concert with From 10am to 6pm there will be a cost £15 and £14 (concessions). details. lic to enjoy for charity. Between Rory Russell, St Donats Arts wide range of activities for the Call 01446 799100 or visit 11am and 4pm, 77 Coleridge Centre whole family to enjoy. Call 02920 www.stdonats.com Townswomen's Guilds, Barry Avenue in Penarth can be visited, A matinee concert in the relaxed 593328 or visit www.dyffryngar- A non-political, non-religious while the following music café atmosphere of the dens.org.uk for details. September group of mostly seniors that meet Village Gardens are open from Glassroom. A graduate from the Wed 20 – The Vale of regularly to enjoy various talks, 11am to 5pm – The Byre, Sat 6 and Sun 7 – The Barry Royal Northern College of Music in Glamorgan Agricultural Show, slide shows, friendship, and of Elderberry House, House, Waterfront Tall Ship Festival 2007, Rory has established himself Castle Park course, a cup of tea. All are wel- Glen View, Gwal Eirth, Penmark Featuring the tall ships, 'The Prince as a leading young classical gui- come to join the group, meeting at Place and Sefton Bungalow. For A great family day out from William' and 'The Tenacious,' along tarist and chamber musician. The Salem Church, Beryl Road, Barry, further information about the 8.30am to 6pm. The show will with 'The Ruth,' a Baltic trading performance starts at 3pm while on the first Tuesday and second National Gardens Scheme, visit include a Rockwood dog display, ship, the annual festival is a high- tickets cost £4 and include tea and Monday of each month at www.ngs.org.uk food hall, horticultural show, home light of the local calendar. There cake. Call 01446 799100 or visit 2.15pm. To find out more, please produce marquee, laser clay shoot- will be live music over the two-day Sun 29 – Plants Fair, Dyffryn www.stdonats.com ing and over 200 trade stands. call 01446 412927. Gardens Mon 28 and Mon 18 August – Tickets from £8 adults, £4 children On the final day of the midsum- Circus Workshops, Dyffryn and £6 senior citizens. For further mer festival at Dyffryn, the gar- Gardens information call 01446 710099, dens are staging a plants fair, Why not try your hand at plate email [email protected] Listen to the where you will be able to purchase spinning, juggling, unicycling and or visit www.valeofglamorgan- a collection of rare and unusual much more under the expert guid- show.co.uk plants. The fair will take place ance of specialist tutors from NoFit Sun 24 – National Gardens before the pay point near the main State Circus. The workshops run Scheme, throughout the Vale council's website car park. from 2 to 4pm and cost £6 for As part of the National Gardens Sun 29 – National Gardens children and £8 for adults. Scheme, the garden at Bordervale You can now listen to the Scheme, throughout the Vale Children under 12 must be accom- in will be open to the council's website as well as As part of the National Gardens panied by an adult, and the work- public to enjoy for charity from 2 read it thanks to an innovative Scheme, a number of the finest shops are suitable for children to 6pm. ‘voice’ feature. local gardens are open to the pub- aged eight upwards. Please call 'ReadSpeaker' makes the website Sun 24 and Mon 25 – August lic to enjoy for charity. Between 02920 593328 to book in advance more accessible for people who Medieval Fair, Cosmeston are unable to read or prefer to lis- Medieval Village, Penarth ten. Representing more than 20 All the fun of a medieval fair from per cent of the population in most 11am to 5pm. Join the Lord of the European countries, these groups Manor for crafts, games, medieval of people include those with Punch and Judy, combat and have English as their second language, a go archery. For details, call learning disabilities, low literacy Head of Performance and 02920 701678. levels, and elderly people with Development Huw Isaac said: Sun 24 and Mon 25 - impaired vision. "ReadSpeaker is currently the lead- Shakespeare’s Globe Touring The new feature, combined with ing ‘voice-on-the-web’ service in presents 'The Winter’s Tale', St further accessibility features that Europe with millions of people Donats Arts Centre are being developed, means the using it every month. Adding this St Donat’s Arts Centre is thrilled to Vale council's website is now feature is yet another example of welcome the prestigious ranked second in Wales for site the council's commitment to mak- Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, with accessibility by national site evalu- ing our website a leader for acces- its unique style of open-air perfor- ation service 'SiteMorse'. To access sibility, allowing increasing num- mance, to Wales for the very first the feature, click on 'listen to this bers of Vale residents to be able to time. Part family drama, part fairy- site' in the bottom right hand cor- find out about the council's ser- Circus workshops at Dyffryn Gardens – 28 July and 18 August tale, these exclusive performances ner of each page. vices online." Top images: Sheep at and wheat fields at Siginstone 6 ValeNews

ValeWaves Summer 2008 | Issue 20 www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk What’s in your bin this summer? Step closer to becoming Improved centres Changes aimed at improving should replace the Sully site next year. In customer service have been the meantime, we can assure customers plastic bag free implemented at our recycling that we are working with Biffa to provide esidents are being encouraged centres at Sully and . the best service possible." to use reusable bags for Biffa, who have been awarded the Materials that can be recycled on the Rshopping to reduce the contract to manage the sites for the next site include wood, green waste, amount of carrier bags sent to three years, are pleased to be working in cardboard, batteries, glass, paper and landfill. Jute reusable shopping partnership with the Vale, and depot clothes. Our website bags are now on sale for £1.50 in manager Nigel Smith said: "Biffa are www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk contains council offices in Barry, Penarth, committed to recycling and providing an up to date details of all materials that can and Llantwit Major. excellent customer service. We will be be recycled at both sites. Please try not In the UK, over 13 billion bags are working to improve recycling rates at to use the sites for general waste and issued every year to shoppers – roughly both sites and making customer visits as recycle as much as possible. 220 per person every year. For the quick and easy as possible." Only domestic customers are allowed Vale, a figure based on population size Some of the most noticeable changes to use the sites, and residents can apply would indicate we use at least 26.6 are the new bright red bins, better for a permit for small vans and trailers by million bags per year. signage and more staff to help. calling 01446 700111. While some of these bags will be re- Council waste development manager Customers can also recycle with our used once or twice, only one in 200 are Nicola Williams said: "We hope it is now kerbside service – paper, glass, cans, recycled, meaning that billions of much easer to recycle items at both of plastic , cardboard and green waste. shopping bags are sent to landfill. our sites. Recycling doesn’t get much easier than Many of these will be plastic bags that "We realise that there are queues at that! can take over 400 years to break down. Mum Dawn and daughter Georgina with reusable Sully during busy times, and ask our bags now available from council offices. Head of visible services Miles Punter customers, if possible, to use the site said: "We want to make it easy for our Residents can currently use up their during quieter times such as between residents to do their bit to help the remaining plastic bags by using them 9am and 11am, to consider whether their environment. If everyone in the Vale for the recycling service; all these bags waste could be put our for the kerbside cut the numbers of carrier bags they are recycled. service instead, or take their waste to use by just one a week that’s six million Llandow. bags they'd be saving every year." Head of visible services Miles Punter said: "A new site is being developed on Scoop the Poop this summer the in Barry which With summer approaching, we would like to remind anyone with a Get them before they’re gone dog to make sure they remember to Free compost bins are available to Discounted compost bins are also ‘Scoop the Poop.' pensioners and those on benefits Puppies and dogs are fantastic available to all Vale residents priced companions and walking them is a in the Vale. from just £10. Please call 01884 841 Alan Bollingham (pictured) collected healthy pastime. However, they do 515 for details. come with responsibilities and the his compost bin, and is looking forward council urges everyone to carry a bag to using it this summer. when out with their dogs so they can We still have 600 bins available and, clean up after them. Free bags are Rachel Fowler, with pet Oscar, helping to if you would like one of these, you can remind residents that puppies and dogs come available from all main council offices. with responsibilities. collect it from the Alps depot on either Failure to clean up is an offence that can a Tuesday or Thursday between 9am result in an on-the-spot fine of £75. residents for their support. Sadly, there and 4pm. To receive a free compost The council has been working hard to is still a small minority who do not clean bin, you need to show proof of up after their animals and we will target combat the problem of dog fouling in eligibility and provide your name and these by continuing to patrol known the Vale and, since the launch of its address. ‘Scoop’ awareness and enforcement problem areas. We also urge residents to campaign in 2005, complaints have inform us if they have problems with fallen considerably. dog fouling in their area." Great start to garden waste collection Senior enforcement officer Denny Dog owners are reminded that they A big thank you to everyone who is stock and can be bought from the council White explained: "We are delighted with can use any plastic bag and the waste participating in the garden waste offices in Barry (Civic), Penarth, Llantwit the results of our ‘Scoop’ campaign and can be disposed of in any bin, as long as service. Over 224 tonnes of garden Major and Cowbridge. The would like to say a big thank you to the bag is securely tied. waste was composted during March, biodegradable bags are priced at three for . 2008, treble what was collected £1 and the re-usable bags are £1 each. Recycling update > > > > > > > during the same time last year. Garden waste can also be taken free of The bags are collected once every two charge to special skips at Llandow and Our recycling rates are continuing to and green waste can all be recycled using weeks on the same day as your plastic Sully Household Recycling Centres. The improve and that’s all down to you our kerbside service. Other materials and cardboard for recycling. green waste from these sites is also – thank you. During 2007/8, we such as batteries, electrical items, Both types of bags are now back in composted locally. recycled 25 per cent of our waste tetrapaks, wood, and clothing can be and composted 10 per cent. We For further information on any of the above please contact need to do better still to meet recycled at our recycling centres. Please • C1V on 01446 700111 future targets and avoid being fined. check our website for more information • e-mail C1V@valeofglamorgan. gov.uk Paper, glass, cans, plastic, cardboard on what and how you can recycle. • or visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

Top images: Winners of the council’s Christmas card recycling competition for local schools - from left, St Joseph’s RC Primary (Penarth), St Richard Gwyn RC High (Barry) and Ysgol Maes Dyfan (Barry) ValeNews 7

www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk ValeWaves Summer 2008 | Issue 20 ✃ Win £500 worth of vouchers of your choice

n the Vale of Glamorgan, we currently recycle and compost around 35 Q6 If you are currently not recycling any of your waste, what would per cent of our waste. We need to increase this level to 60 per cent encourage, or help you to do so? Iover the next few years and, to help us achieve this we would like to More information about recycling ❑ find out how many people are using the service and in what way. More places to recycle waste ❑ Complete this short questionnaire and be entered into our prize draw for a The introduction of fortnightly rubbish collections ❑ chance to win a first prize of £500 worth vouchers of your choice or second and More green boxes ❑ third prizes of Nintendo DS lites. All recycling collected in one box/container ❑ The results of this survey will be used to look at how we can improve our recy- Other ❑ cling services in the future. Thank you for helping us to recycle more. If other, please specify ...... What's in your bin? ...... The Vale of Glamorgan Council would like to know how many residents ...... are recycling and how they are going about doing it. Q7 Are there any other materials which you would like to be able to Please could you complete the short questionnaire below and return it to: recycle but are not sure if or where it is possible to do so? Waste Management and Cleansing, ...... FREEPOST, ...... The Alps, ...... , ...... CF5 6GZ ...... by 14 July 2008 About you or save an envelope and complete online at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk Q8 Can you please tell us your postcode? ...... Q1 Do you currently use any of the following recycling services? ...... Yes No ...... Kerbside recycling ❑❑ ❑❑ Garden waste collection service Q9 What sort of property do you live in? Recycling centres, eg Llandow and Sully ❑❑ Flat ❑ Terraced property ❑ Semi detached house ❑ Detached house ❑ Supermarket recycling banks ❑❑ Bungalow ❑ Sheltered accommodation ❑ Other ❑ Town centre recycling banks ❑❑ If other, please specify ...... Local public house recycling banks ❑❑ If you answered yes to any of the above options please proceed to question Q10 How old are you? two, otherwise please go to question five 16 - 24 years ❑ 25- 34 years ❑ 35 - 44 years ❑ 45 - 54 years ❑ 55 - 64 years ❑ Over 65 years ❑ Q2 How often do you use each of the services? Weekly Every Once Rarely Never Q11 Are you? ❑ ❑ other a Male Female ✃ ✁ week month Kerbside recycling ❑❑❑❑❑Q12 How would you describe your ethnic origin? We need this informa- Garden waste collection service ❑❑❑❑❑tion for the purposes of equal opportunities monitoring. Recycling centres eg Llandow and Sully ❑❑❑❑❑(Please tick one box only) ❑ ❑ ❑ Supermarket recycling banks ❑❑❑❑❑ White British Asian British Black Welsh White Welsh ❑ Asian Welsh ❑ Black English ❑ Town centre recycling banks ❑❑❑❑❑ White English ❑ Asian English ❑ Black Irish ❑ Local public house recycling banks ❑❑❑❑❑ White Scottish ❑ Asian Irish ❑ Black Scottish ❑ White Irish ❑ Asian Scottish ❑ Caribbean ❑ Q3 On average which of the kerbside collection services do you find the White other ❑ Indian ❑ African ❑ easiest to use? Mixed white and Paper, glass and cans ❑ Plastic and cardboard ❑ black Caribbean ❑ Pakistani ❑ Black other ❑ Mixed white and Q4 On average, roughly how much of your household waste do you black African ❑ Bangladeshi ❑ Chinese ❑ recycle each week? Mixed white and ❑ ❑ ❑ ❑ Nearly all of it Around threequarters About half Less than half Asian ❑ Other Asian ❑ Other ❑ ❑ ❑ About one quarter None Other mixed ❑ Black British ❑ Q5 What type of waste, if any, do you take to the recycling centres If you have ticked any of the 'other' options, please specify your ethnic origin . . . . (Llandow and Sully)? ...... Electrical items ❑ Green waste ❑ Cardboard ❑ Household items ❑ Wood ❑ Tetra Pak (juice/milk containers) ❑ Other ❑ Q13 If you would like to be entered into the prize draw please provide If other, please specify ...... name, address and contact telephone number ......

......

...... Thank you ✃

Top images: Local school children have recycled 14.1 tonnes of old Yellow Pages directories - top primary schools, from left: , St Helen’s and Ysgol Gwaun y Nant 8 ValeNews

ValeWaves Summer 2008 | Issue 20 www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk Newsinbrief Making your home more Three routes New orienteering routes have been set up to help explore the much-loved Country Park in energy efficient Barry. The course was designed n these days of soaring fuel prices and evident climate by the South Wales change, it is essential for us to improve the energy effi- Orienteering Club in con- Iciency of our homes. junction with the council's The Welsh Assembly Government wants new homes to pro- ranger service, and was duce net zero carbon emission by 2011. made possible thanks to For those of us in older properties we, too, can do many things funding from a Sports to reduce carbon emissions and the costs of fuelling our homes. Council for Wales There are new subsidies available for ALL householders to help Community Chest grant. with the installation of cavity wall and loft insulation. Partial There are three routes with grants are available to everyone whilst grants are available for distances ranging from FREE insulation to householders with at least one occupier over 1.5km up to 4km. the age of 70 years and the household in receipt of certain quali- Ranger Mel Stewart said: fying benefits.For further information on these grants, please “The perma- contact OneVale on 01446 700111. nent orien- Don’t forget that you can also save significantly simply by teering course switching electrical devices off at the mains and not leaving is open for them connected or running on standby. schools, groups and visitors to the Can the Vale Health Through Warmth park and will scheme help you? be comple- Health Through Warmth aims to provide warmer and healthier mented by a living conditions for those people living with cold and damp new wildlife aggravated health conditions such as respiratory problems, heart trail." disease, arthritis and many other illnesses. For more information con- Having a warmer home can help to improve comfort and the tact 01446 733589 or email quality of life. porthkerry@valeofglamor- Health Through Warmth may be able to help with home insu- gan.gov.uk lation measures and heating system improvements including boiler replacement/repair. Be considerate These measures not only make your home warmer, but save Parties, especially outdoors, energy and therefore money on your heating bills. can be a great way of relax- In the majority of cases grants are available to pay for the ing, socialising and catching work, however where grants are unavailable, funds may also be up with family and friends. available from other sources depending on individual circum- Just bear the following in stances. mind, say council environ- mental health officials, when If there is someone living in a property with a long the party gets into full term debilitating illness, regardless of their age or the swing: tenure, then we are here to help! • if you are planning to For further information on how the scheme can help, please Penarth couple Granville and Kay French enjoy their have a barbecue, let your contact the Health Through Warmth co-ordinator on 01446 home with the help provided through Health Through neighbours know; maybe 700111. Warmth. you could even invite them; • if you are playing music inside or outside your Could energywatch help you get Useful contacts: house, keep the volume • Health Through Warmth – for insulation grant down; more from your gas and enquiries or for more information on the Health • if you stay out in the Through Warmth scheme – 01446 700111 garden, remember that electricity supplier? noise travels … especially • energywatch – gas and electricity consumer energywatch, your gas and electricity watchdog, has set up a Priority at night; watchdog – 0845 688 9597 or Consumer Team to make sure consumers are not missing out on the many • bass or low frequency www.energywatch.org.uk free services and support they are entitled to such as: music travels a long distance • Energy Savings Trust – tips on how to save energy and is difficult to reduce so • free services - from bills in accessible formats to free gas safety checks; – www.energysavingtrust.org.uk or 0800 512 012 remember to switch off any • free, clear and accurate information on who is the cheapest supplier • Low Carbon Buildings Programme – grants for the extra bass system, and based on your household needs. This could save you up to £100 per installation of micro generation technologies such • people tend to have year and maybe more if you have never switched supplier; as solar panels, wind turbines, ground sourced their windows open in the • help claiming the many grants available for insulation and new heat pumps etc – summer – remember that www.lowcarbonbuildings.org.uk/home or heating systems; noises can be heard easier 0800 915 0990 than you think. • advice on benefits, and support in sorting out high bills and metering • EAGA – details on the Welsh Assembly Home Enjoy the summer, but problems with suppliers. please remember to be con- Energy Efficiency Scheme grants – siderate to your neighbours. Contact energywatch to find out more on 0845 688 9597. www.heeswales.co.uk or 0800 316 2815

For further information, contact Health Through Warmth on 01446 700111