Issue 16 | Summer 2007 | The Council’s Community Newspaper | www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk Nell’s Point Coastwatch team is first in

Make space for wildlife Schools, community/town councils and residents urged to offer a helping hand to wildlife. 2

Is Serbia the best value skiing in Europe? Discover for yourself just how much the Serbian resort of Kopanonik has to offer the budget conscious skier.

Inset: Council Leader Cllr “Activale” Margaret Alexander unveils a plaque to mark the official Directory opening of the new station. So much information on organisations and summer activities now available for young people 3 One of the most knowledgeable members is Doug Jones, a working Master Mariner.

Since its official opening in trained to a set national standard. information in the local press or ask at informal introduction. February, the new National "During a watch, observations of the Nell’s Point station. There is exhibition space on the Coastwatch Institution station at marine activities are strictly logged Ð If you would like to volunteer to station’s ground floor that the Vale Nell’s Point, Barry Island, has been passing vessels and small craft, join the team of watchkeepers, invite local organisations such as manned five days a week in daylight surfers, people on lilos, swimmers, telephone Station Manager Clive clubs or schools to use. Contact Is Serbia the best hours Ð pretty impressive for a marine mammals and water pollution Wilton on 07969 435787 or join the Malcolm Drysdale at the Docks value skiing in Europe? group of volunteer watchkeepers, are all noted. Any emergency is team any Wednesday evening at the Offices on (01446) 704745. most of whom, six months ago, immediately reported to Swansea RAFA Club in Road for an Discover for yourself just how didn’t know each other. Coastguard Station where appropriate much the Serbian resort of From a meeting last August, emergency services are put into The £370,000 project at the former Commander Tony King, of the NCI, Kopanonik has to offer the volunteers from all walks of life came action." Coastguard Station was undertaken said: "The excellent refurbishment budget conscious skier. together to form the present team who The team at Nell’s Point is part of by the Council with support funding of the watch level in the old range in age from 28 to 78. Some are the national network of coastwatch from the Welsh Assembly Coastguard building has enabled retired, while others are working stations being set up all over Britain Government. our volunteer watchkeepers to people. and, with pride, is the first in Wales. Council Leader Cllr Margaret significantly enhance the safety of “Home cooked” As the group's publicity But, like all others, is entirely self Alexander said: “I am delighted this all who use the waters in and officer/treasurer, Glynis Parsons, supporting. As a registered charity, project has the full support of around Barry Island.” meals for explained: "There is so much more to each station must raise funds to the volunteers and the local community. Another key partner is Associated Vale pupils watchkeeping than just having a quick extent of about £2,000 annually to "The Council is keen to work with British Ports who operate a radar look round. Qualified keepers have to cover running costs. partners across a wide variety of installation at the station to provide Vale catering services has the know about weather, buoyage, tides, The Nell’s Point team, who meet sectors, and the station project information to shipping using this “Appetite” to meet charts, plotting, flags, first aid and socially every week, is organising a provides a focus for voluntary busy part of the channel. revolutionary nutritional emergency procedures as well as number of events throughout the year activities and community challenges developing a background of local and welcome the support of local participation." coastal knowledge. Volunteers must be people. Look out for posters and 6 Turn to Page 5 for a comprehensive guide of what’s on in the Vale this summer Children “Excellence Wales” award for hooked on helping prevent homelessness Dragon Sport Helping to prevent homelessness Member for Housing and has earned the Council national Community Safety, said: “This recognition. service has dramatically reduced the The Council's Homeless number of homeless acceptances by More than 800 youngsters have Prevention Team was commended at the authority from 314 in 2004 to the 'Excellence Wales' awards under 165 in 2006. the 'Our Homes' category for its “The Homeless Prevention Team outstanding work with people has not only reduced the number of threatened with losing their homes. homeless acceptances, it has enabled The Homeless Prevention Team many vulnerable individuals and works closely with clients to prevent families to remain in their homes a breakdown in their existing and to avoid the disruption and stress accommodation, and offers a number of moving into temporary of options, including financial accommodation.” Vale Cabinet Member for assistance for those eligible, to either Welsh Local Government Tourism and Leisure Cllr Gwyn remain in their current Association director Steve Thomas John joined youngsters at the accommodation or to help find a said: “Once again our national Dragon Sport Extraveganza new home. awards scheme shows that councils More than 800 youngsters have Where a tenancy cannot be across Wales are achieving the saved, the team helps eligible clients highest level of performance in enjoyed a host of sporting activities at an inaugural Dragon serving their communities." to find alternative accommodation Sport Extravaganza at the with assistance from the Vale For further details about the National Indoor Athletics Centre Assisted Tenancy Scheme (VATS) in work of the Vale Council's Homeless in Cardiff. Cabinet Member for Housing and Community Safety Cllr Margaret the private sector. Prevention Team, contact Hazel The event allowed youngsters Wilkinson and staff celebrate the "Excellence" award. Cllr Margaret Wilkinson, Cabinet Allen on (01446) 709467. to indulge in 10 sporting activities, including golf, hockey and cricket, Overall satisfaction levels with the The encouraging results further toilets and access and provision of and aimed to entice them away service provided by the Council revealed that the number of people public transport information. from simply watching our elite Proud to have risen from 74% in 2005 to who feel able to influence decisions Satisfaction levels are increasing sportsmen and women on television 86%, according to a 2006 public affecting their local area has increased in a number of areas including refuse and, instead, emulating their opinion survey. from 34% to 47%, while the figure collection, street lighting, the library achievements. The Lottery-funded Dragon The third large scale survey for the number feeling proud to live service and adult education services. live in designed to gain an insight into public Sport scheme Ð Wales’ biggest in the Vale remained high at 87%. The results of the survey are campaign to get primary opinion of Council services involved There were, however, some areas being shared with appropriate Council schoolchildren hooked on out-of- the Citizens' Panel Ð a group of Vale where satisfaction levels have slightly departmento ensure they are aware of school-hours sport Ð is helping the Vale residents whom the Council regularly declined slightly, including public the public perception of their services. draw more children into sport and consult with on a range of issues. increase activity levels and has exceeded all expectations since its launch in 2000. Vale Cabinet Member for Great ideas to encourage wildlife Tourism and Leisure Cllr Gwyn John said: "Dragon Sport has made In the last 40 years, farming within town/community councils to give Leave a logpile Ð Piles of logs, sand so that any animals walking a significant contribution towards physical activity in primary schools. the Vale has become more them a helping hand. twigs and leaves provide a place for over it will leave clear prints. To Participation in the programme has intensive, woodland has dwindled Ecology Assistant Richard May lots of animals to hide, hibernate and make a permanent record, carefully also helped schools to offer a wider and urban areas have expanded. said: "The leaflets have been reproduce. Longhorn and lesser stag spray it with hairspray to keep the range of activities." All this means that the pressure designed to enable everyone to beetle larvae feed on dead wood Ð sand in place and fill in the tracks Participating Vale schools were on native plants and animals has create, manage and enhance a space sometimes for up to seven years with plaster of Paris Barry Island, Jenner Park and Ysgol never been greater and so it’s for wildlife. The leaflets are full of Plant a tree Ð Trees support loads For further information on the Sant Baruc in Barry and St Joseph's essential to give them a helping practical ideas, showing you how to of minibeasts (oak trees can have initiative, contact Richard May on RC, . For more information on hand. create ponds, build bird or bat boxes, over 300 species), which, in turn, (01446) 704855 or email Dragon Sport in the Vale, contact Wildlife areas outside farmland, establish wild flower meadows, provide food for many other animals [email protected] Rachel McGuinness or Pete such as gardens, are thought to feed small Become an expert tracker Ð Fill a Hardwick on (01446) 704681. support 75% of the shallow scrape in the garden with frogs in the UK, and one sixth of the food fed by blue tits to their chicks is from bird By-election tables. Now a new member winner of the Council's Ecology Team has started work to The Council by-election in the ward following offer guidance on how to the death of Cllr John Readman create, manage and was won by Sally Bagstaff enhance small open areas (Llantwit First Independents) for as much wildlife as mammals, who polled 1,062 votes. will fit in! plant a hedge and In a turnout of just over 34 per cent, the other candidates were A series of leaflets, Make Space encourage butterflies." Ralph Austin (Conservative), 640; for Wildlife, is being produced to The leaflets will soon be Barry Doughty (Labour), 443; help schools, community/town available from the Ecology Team and Rusell Downe (Independent), 365; councils and the people of the Vale. at www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk but, Simon Stephens (Plaid Cymru), 99; Two bird boxes will also be until then, here are three great ideas James Thorley (Liberal Democrats), 75. available for each school and for individual wildlife areas: 2 Top images: Cosmeston Lakes, cyclists in , fishermen at Ogmore and We want to hear your views. Contact Vale Waves on (01446) 709454 or email [email protected] Really useful Play day at Young people in the Vale can now involved throughout. country park find out about local activities by Project officer Steve Maher accessing the "Activale Youth commented: “Information for young Directory." people wasn’t available from a single The directory contains information source. Hopefully, this information on more than 250 initiative will help more young organisations providing services and people use the services that are activities for young people aged 11- provided for them and encourage 25 years. them to make better use of You can access all of the information providers in the area. information ‘on line’ at "We also hope that groups and www.activale.co.uk. organisations find the directory a Barry's Porthkerry Country A directory and a supply of CD useful guide for both signposting and Park was the venue for an versions are also available from every to identify areas for development.” inaugural "Get Out and Play" school and library in the area. Day involving more than 80 The directory has been created The Activale Summer Brochure 2007 children and adults. and produced by the Council's will be available at the end of June. The successful event was Children & Young People’s This will list all activities taking place organised by the Council's Play Information Service (CYPIS), during the summer holidays for Development Officer, Jo Jones, through a steering Group of children and young people up to 16 who worked in partnership with representatives from the Young years of age. the authority's Parks Department People’s Partnership (YPP) and 14-19 and was supported by Re-create The brochure is being produced by (Cardiff and the Vale Play Network. the Children and Young People’s CYPIS already provide an Resource Centre) along with the information service to parents and Information Service (CYPIS) and will Vale Play Forum. It was funded carers, about childcare available in contain information on all Council- by the EYDCP (Early Years the Vale as well as other services for run services such as leisure and Development and Childcare children aged 0 Ð 10 years, tourism and libraries. Partnership). information on tax credits and how to You can request a copy by The day provided an excellent set up childcare provision. This contacting CYPIS on (01446) opportunity for children and project has expanded the database of young people to play and for 704704 or email parents and carers to develop information to include services for [email protected]. young people up to age 25 years. It skills, and to raise awareness and has been funded by the Welsh The information will also be confidence of working with the Assembly Government, and young available ‘on line’ at elements. Jo said: "In the Vale we are people and youth groups have been www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/cypis. Local youngsters launch the "Activale Youth Directory." lucky to have beautiful country parks that lend themselves to a wealth of outdoor opportunities." Spotting a dodgy deal Parents reported that children Secret ingredient to prevent had the "time of their lives." Holidaymakers jetting off to the sun vulnerable who end up suffering the For more information on play school burglaries have been warned not to be seduced most." in the Vale, telephone Jo on by offers from bogus holiday club Vale Principal Trading Standards (01446) 704809, email [email protected] firms. Officer Simon Wilkinson said: "The or visit Trading standards officials most prevalent scams affecting Vale www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/playd targeted people setting off from residents are fake lotteries and prize evelopment Cardiff International Airport to tell draws. Trading standards officers' them the dangers of conmen who advice is to be sceptical - if the offer might approach them while they are is too good to be true, it probably is." away. Staff from the Vale of Glamorgan Other scams are: Driver and Cardiff councils and the Office of ¥ pyramid selling and free gift Fair Trading spoke to passengers and schemes refresher handed out leaflets explaining how to ¥ working from home schemes spot a dodgy deal. ¥ online dating Kate Palmer, consumer education ¥ investment opportunities/shares courses School cleaners at Llantwit Major Comprehensive are among those officer with Vale Trading Standards, ¥ miracle health cures The Council's Road Safety who have been supplied with personal attack alarms. said: "Holiday clubs often promise far ¥ phishing scams Department continues its highly more than they deliver. After spending In a campaign to prevent burglaries, “Not only that, they know they successful driver refresher thousands of pounds, many security measures have been tightened don’t have to force an entry or overcome courses. across the county's 88 schools. alarms.” consumers find that they have bought With criminals increasingly As part of the initiative, the Free to Vale residents, the little more than access to an internet course consists of an informal targeting expensive hi-tech IT Council’s Building, Cleaning and booking service." equipment such as overhead digital Security section has provided funding presentation by an ex-police The airport initiative was part of driver, a session giving projectors and laptop computers, schools for 300 personal attack alarms. the annual OFT scam awareness have welcomed the campaign, a key PC Collins and PC Davies added: participants the opportunity to component of which is the proactive and “If they come across an offender, they’ll month which aims to highlight the raise issues or concerns regarding continued support from cleaners. activate the alarm and contact the police techniques used by scammers to con road safety, a talk by a local Crime Reduction Officer PC Dick immediately. Most importantly, UK consumers out of £3.5 billion per optician on eyesight Collins and Schools' Liaison Officer PC however, the cleaners have received year and give consumers the requirements/ legislation, and Phil Davies, who came up with the training in how to keep the school knowledge and skills they need to health checks (blood sugar unique initiative, explained: “The secure. recognise, report and stamp out mass levels/blood pressure) are also cleaners can play a pivotal role in “From now on, the cleaners will market scams. There was also a major available courtesy of Age helping to prevent crime at their school. follow best practice by locking campaign surrounding lottery and Concern. This is because the majority of themselves into the area that they are prize draw scams directly affecting An optional one-hour drive burglaries at schools occur at the end of working in so, therefore, preventing an Welsh residents. the school day, whilst the school is still intruder from entering the school in the Kate Palmer (right), consumer education with an approved driving open and occupied by cleaners and first place.” Head of Scambusters at the OFT officer with Vale Trading Standards, has instructor is offered at a later teachers. Simon Bowden, Cleaning and Mike Haley says: "Scammers are been warning holidaymakers travelling date. “The offenders know that the pupils Security Manager at the Council, said: finding more ruthless and through Cardiff International Airport For further information and to are leaving in large numbers and the “We really welcome this initiative as the sophisticated ways to con the public register your interest, please volume of people traffic that this cleaners are often isolated when they are of money by preying on their hopes If you feel you have been a victim of contact Shirley Dodd-Clark on provides allows the offender a level of going about their duties and can, and fears. Though anybody can be a scam, please contact Consumer (01446) 704783 or e mail sdodd- anonymity. therefore, feel vulnerable.” conned, it is always the most Direct on 08454 04 05 06. [email protected] Top image: Sunrise at Llantwit Major Beach 3 A Council project, which has saved road and ended up falling into the hundreds of rare great crested kerbside drains. Good news for the newts newts from going down the drain Undertaken through a partnership and been featured in a BBC between the Council’s Ecology team, documentary programme, could be the Vale’s voluntary newt surveyor, adopted at similar sites across the Stephen Lowe, and the Council’s country. Highways Division, with match In 2005, the Council’s Highways funding from the Countryside Division pioneered a new approach Council for Wales, the work involved to protecting the internationally moving the drains away from the threatened species which centred on kerb, leaving a little ledge for the a local authority-owned pond Ð home newts to walk along. to South Wales’ largest population of The problem was initially the newt. highlighted by Stephen Lowe, who The newts (Triturus cristatus) reported that hundreds of newts a need somewhere to hunt for food and year were starving and dying after to shelter during cold or very dry falling down the drains. Now, times of the year and, to get to these recently published survey results sites, were forced to cross a nearby suggest that the kerb changes have had a dramatic and successful effect, with just 65 newts found in the drains in 2006 compared to 318 in the year before works were undertaken. Highways chief Keith Jones said: “These works demonstrate the commitment that the Council has made to conserving the great crested newt. "The drain modifications have proved to be a great leap forward in protecting this rare species."

BBC film crew in the Vale.

Britain’s largest and most spectacular newt species, the great crested newt, is protected by UK and European wildlife law. Photo by David Kjaer. Classroom experience is a step back in time Inspiring rural projects Youngsters from Barry's experiencing life as it would have A project helping to improve life in support for the Gladstone Primary School enjoyed been 100 years ago. the rural Vale is planning to extend project, Leader a step back in time to help with the Susan Lewis said: “I am proud to its work. Cllr Margaret official launch of the centenary think that the inspectorate has played Launched three years ago by the Alexander says: year of Welsh education its own part in securing improvement Council's Economic Development "CRC helps inspectorate Estyn. for generation after generation in Unit, Creative Rural Communities is communities in A publication outlining Wales.” a regeneration programme led by the the rural Vale developments in schools, the first “The interests of the learner Council in partnership with public, acquire the knowledge and area of responsibility given to the remain at the heart of our work as private and voluntary sector Welsh inspectorate, was launched by we look forward to the challenges organisations. skills needed to Susan Lewis, Her Majesty’s Chief and opportunities presented by the Creative Rural Communities is take direct funded via the Welsh Assembly responsibility Inspector of Education and Training 21st Century." Government's Rural Community for their own in Wales, to mark the occasion. The centenary year celebrates Action scheme, and has also been regeneration The launch was held at the Estyn’s continuing contribution to able to access Article 33 funding for and to realise National History Museum at St raising the standards and quality of their own ideas. capital projects. education and training in Wales "Key to this Fagans and, among the guests, were Thanks to CRC, more than 30 More than £770,000 has been invested in the last major success the group of Barry children through inspection and advice. community building projects have three years in the development or refurbishment of story has been 11 village and community halls, including received a cash injection from Article the enthusiasm 33 of over £2m and, with match and energy of Based at the Old Hall, funding, this has led to a total capital the community groups. Cowbridge, CRC is constantly on the investment of £3m. "I know that recent rural Most of the projects have been roadshows were full of suggestions lookout for projects ideas which will initiated and delivered by community for a range of exciting new schemes, improve the quality of life for rural groups through a combination of and CRC will be continuing to build communities Ð Barry, Penarth and time, skill and commitment. relationships with community groups are excluded Ð over the Decisions on funding are made to help make these ideas a reality." next six years. They hope to place by a Vale Rural Partnership chaired CRC and the Council have been more emphasis on initiatives by farmer Norman Jenkins, who working hard on securing new funds involving women and young people. says: "I am pleased that over the past to not only continue the good work If you are a resident in the rural three years we have been able to help but to increase the scope of the Vale, or a member of a rural such a wide range of varied and project over the next six years. community group looking for some interesting community projects to support and guidance in the fruition." Examples of where support and development of community projects, Speaking of the Council's close funding might be available are: please feel free to contact the CRC ¥ training; team by emailing ¥ feasibility studies; [email protected] or ¥ community-led events; ¥ community planning; by calling 01446 774634 ¥ revenue projects benefiting the Susan Lewis, HM Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales, wider community, and ¥ capital projects visits the schoolroom at St Fagans to meet children from Gladstone Primary School, Barry. 4 Top images: Creative Rural Communities - Dunraven Bay, , Major Music, Cowbridge Physic Garden, and tourism signs All residents are urged to recycle their copy of

What's on in the Vale this summer June Sat 7 & Sun 8 Ð "Ivor the Engine" weekend, Vale of Glamorgan Fri 22 Ð Ballroom dance, The Paget Railway, Barry Island Rooms, Penarth A new event for the railway with the All are welcome at this friendly social first ever visit of "Ivor the Engine." evening. Suitable for anyone who has Support the little engine from Wales! mastered the basic ballroom steps or is For details, call 01446 748816, email familiar with a few popular sequence [email protected] or visit www.valeglamrail.co.uk dances. Tickets: £4, available on the Entertainment from youngsters at the Vale Show. door. For further details, call Wed 11 Ð RHS Talk and Walk, Alan Taylor on 07890 707759. Dyffryn Gardens Sat 28 - Farmers' market, Penarth Tue 14 to Mon 27 Ð Guided tours of Sun 26 & Mon 27 - August Fair, The project manager will give a Westbourne School from 10am to castle and Renaissance Cosmeston Medieval Village, Penarth Sat 23 Ð Llantwit Major special guided walk introducing the 1pm. Call 01656 729305 for details. Gardens All the fun of a medieval fair. Join the Victorian Fair Fancy taking a peek inside one of the Lord of the Manor for crafts, games, new plant collection. Call 02920 Sat 28 & Sun 29 - Day out with An all day fair with a Charles Dickens oldest continually-inhabited castles, medieval Punch and Judy, combat, 593328 for more information. Thomas, Vale of Glamorgan theme. Call 01446 795378 for more visited by Celtic Kings, Romans, have a go archery - a great family day Thurs 12 to Sun 22 Ð The Penarth Railway, Barry Island details or visit Winston Churchill, Charlie Chaplin out. Call 02920 701678 for further Summer Festival More fun with the cheeky tank engine. www.victorianfairday.co.uk and John F Kennedy? Times: 2.30pm information. A variety of events for the whole For details, call 01446 748816, email and 3.30pm. Tickets: £4.50 (adults) Sat 23 Ð Summer fete at Ysgol Erw'r family culminating in a fun day, [email protected] or visit September £2.50 (children). Call 01446 799100 Delyn, St Cyres Road, Penarth parade and firework display on Sat 21. www.valeglamrail.co.uk or visit www.stdonats.com for details. Sat 1 & Sun 2 - Tall Ship Festival, From 11am and featuring face For details, call 029 2070 0721. Mon 30 Ð Circus workshops, Barry Waterfront painting, children’s fancy dress, pets' Wed 15 - Vale of Glamorgan Sat 21 - Farmers' market, Cowbridge Dyffryn Gardens Tall Ships, crafts, fairground rides, corner, tombola, children’s games, Arthur John's car park from 10am to Agricultural Show, Try your hand at juggling, unicycling, street entertainers, demonstrations, plant stall, raffle, books, bric-a-brac, etc 1pm. Call 01656 729305 for details. Castle Park plate spinning, and much more under food, live bands and steam train rides. A great day out for all the family from Sat 21 & Sun 22 - Day out with the expert guidance of the specialist Further details from 01446 747171. Sat 23 & Sun 24 - Off to the wars, 10am to 6pm. Attractions include: Cosmeston Medieval Village, Penarth Thomas, Vale of Glamorgan tutors from NoFit State Circus. From Rockwood dog display, food hall, Sat 1 Ð Farmers' market, Cowbridge What does it take to go to war in the Railway, Barry Island 12pm to 2pm. For more information, horticultural show, home produce Arthur John's car park from 10am to 14th Century? Meet the troops and the A great opportunity to meet that call 02920 593328. cheeky chappie Thomas the Tank marquee, BSJA show jumping cattle, 1pm. Call 01656 729305 for details. crafts people that keep them in action! Engine. "Daisy" the DMU will also be August sheep, pigs and goats, craft fair, KC Call 029 2070 1678 for more information. dog show, laser clay shooting, Tue 4 to Sun 9 - Vale of Glamorgan available to shuttle Thomas' friends Fri 3 - Modern jive dance, The from the Waterfront to Barry Island. agricultural marquee, and over 200 Festival of Music, St Donats Arts Sun 24 Ð Music in the Garden at Paget Rooms, Penarth For details, call 01446 748816, email trade stands. Cost: £8 adults; £4 Centre Dyffryn Gardens Get on the dancefloor for a good night [email protected] or visit children; £6 senior citizens. For The Vale of Glamorgan Festival is On the last Sunday of every month up out. Tickets: £5, available on the door. www.valeglamrail.co.uk details, call 01446 710099, email dedicated to the work of living until September 30, you can relax in Call 07977 901562 for details, or visit [email protected] or visit composers and has an international the gardens whilst listening to a range Sun 22 Ð 'Summer Splendour' www.southwalesmodernjive.com reputation for featuring world-class concert series, St Donats Arts www.valeofglamorganshow.co.uk of music. For further information call performances in atmospheric venues Centre Sat 4 - Farmers' market, Cowbridge 029 2059 3328. Fri 17 - Wind in the Willows, around Cardiff and the Vale. For Following the success of Arcata’s Arthur John's car park from 10am to Dyffryn Gardens Sun 24 Ð Farmers' market, Penarth concert last year, this professional 1pm. Call 01656 729305 for details. details, call 01446 799100 or visit Enjoy an evening of family Westbourne School from 10am to ensemble returns to St Donats to www.stdonats.com entertainment as Illyria perform Wind 1pm. Call 01656 729305 for details. in the Willows. Details from ¥ A staggering 81% of Vale of Tues 26 – Café concert, St Donats 02920 593328. Glamorgan residents attend arts Arts Centre events according to the Arts Sat 18 & Sun 19 Ð Family fun Council of Wales - that’s 96,626 The centre's beautiful Glassroom is weekend, Dyffryn Gardens people. What was the last arts turned into a relaxed music café from A wide range of activities for the event you attended? A panto, a 3pm for you to enjoy your favourite whole family. Call 02920 593328 for film, or perhaps live music down pieces of classical music performed by further information. the local? highly talented musicians from the Royal Welsh College of Music and Sat 18 Ð Farmers' market, Cowbridge ¥ A website has been launched to Drama. Tickets cost £3.50, with free Arthur John's car park from 10am to help the people of Wales find out tea and cake for everyone! Call 01446 1pm. Call 01656 729305 for details. what arts events are going on 799100 or visit www.stdonats.com Mon 20 Ð Circus workshops, throughout the country. Audiences Thurs 28 to Sun 1 July Ð Cowbridge Dyffryn Gardens Wales, a marketing and audience Jazz Festival Try your hand at juggling, unicycling, development agency, has Something to please every lover of plate spinning, and much more under established jazz, whatever the style. Climaxes the expert guidance of the specialist www.whatsonwales.co.uk, the first with a six-hour open air concert Let battle commence – Cosmeston Medieval Village tutors from NoFit State Circus. From bilingual arts listings website in starring the internationally renowned 12pm to 2pm. For more information, Wales. The site is a one-stop "Temperance Seven." For bookings perform music by JS Bach, Thurs 9 to Sat 11 Ð Welsh national call 02920 593328. resource for planning a night out Sheepdog trials, from theatre to pop music, gallery and news, visit Rachmaninov, Dag Wiren, Meuryn Fri 24 Ð Ballroom dance, The Paget Hughes, Grace Williams, Karl Jenkins Around 150 competitors will be in exhibitions to dance, comedy to www.cowbridgejazz.co.uk Rooms, Penarth and other composers from Wales. The action at Redland Farm to compete for opera and much, much more. More dancefloor fun from 8:00pm to July concert starts at 3pm and tickets cost a place at the international 10:30pm. Tickets: £4, available on the £12 or £10. Call 01446 799100 or visit championships. Further details at Fri 6 to Sun 8 Ð Beyond the Border, door. For details, call Alan Taylor on ¥ Visitors to the site can search for www.stdonats.com www.sheepdogchampionships.co.uk St Donats Arts Centre 07890 707759. specific events in their region, sign Britain’s leading international festival Wed 25 - Day out with Thomas, Vale Fri 10 - Ballroom dance, The Paget up for a weekly e-newsletter and Sat 25 - Farmers' market, Penarth of storytelling is a three-day of Glamorgan Railway, Barry Island Rooms, Penarth enter competitions to win tickets More family fun with the cheeky tank Westbourne School from 10am to celebration of world myth, legend and More dancefloor fun. Tickets: £4, for events around the country - engine. For details, call 01446 748816, 1pm. Call 01656 729305 for details. folktale featuring storytellers, available on the door. For details, call prizes so far have included tickets email [email protected] or to the Brecon Jazz Festival and musicians, poets, singers, writers and Alan Taylor on 07890 707759. Sat 25 to Mon 27 - Diesel weekend, visit www.valeglamrail.co.uk Guys and Dolls at the Millennium artists from around the globe. Vale of Glamorgan Railway, Mon 13 to Sun 19 Ð SMILE Centre. Call 01446 799100 or visit Fri 27 - Ballroom dance, The Paget Barry Island Summer Sounds Music Festival, Visit www.whatsonwales.co.uk or www.stdonats.com Rooms, Penarth All the BIR diesel fleet in operation, Great dance floor fun and a good Llantwit Major www.golwgargymru.co.uk to find with DMU's and visiting traction. For Sat 7 Ð Farmers' market, Cowbridge atmosphere guaranteed. Tickets: £4, A week-long festival of music for all out what’s going on near you. available on the door. For further tastes and ages. More details can be details, call 01446 748816, email Arthur John's car park from 10am to [email protected], or visit 1pm. Call 01656 729305 for details. details, call Alan Taylor on found at www.llantwitsmile.org 07890 707759. www.valeglamrail.co.uk Top images: River mouth at Ogmore at sunset and Penarth Pier at night 5 Meetings All members of the public are invited So much food for thought to attend meetings of the Council The Council's Vale Catering which start at 6pm in the Civic Offices unless otherwise stated: Service is bouncing back after a couple of tough years and is more ¥ Cabinet (2pm) - July 4, 18 and 25, and September 5. than ready to take on ¥ Council - July 11 revolutionary nutritional ¥ Planning - July 19 and September challenges set by the Welsh 6 Assembly Government. ¥ Voluntary Sector Joint Liaison - The much-publicised 'Jamie July 10 Oliver effect' had an enormous ¥ Community Liaison (7pm) - July impact on school meals and, while 18 the majority of people support the ¥ Licensing (10am) - July 17 campaign to get children eating Scrutiny meetings start at 6pm fresh, tasty and nutritious food, the and are generally held at the Civic TV series, unfortunately, caused a Offices: slump in school meal uptake ¥ Lifelong Learning - June 25, nationwide. July 23 and September 10 Although the schools featured ¥ Corporate Resources - June 26, certainly had massive problems, that July 24 and September 11 is not the case everywhere, as ¥ Community Wellbeing and catering boss Rita Hicks said: "The Safety - July 16 and September 3 Jamie Oliver series implied that all ¥ Economy and Environment - schools had outdated menus full of July 17 and September 4 unhealthy, processed junk foods. "In the Vale, we provide a prime cooked service, which means that For the past two years, Barry's Romilly Junior School, in conjunction with Vale Catering Services, our school meals are 'home cooked' have organised a special event for parents and pupils to sit down together for lunch. with fresh produce, with chips only Alleygates served once a week. All of our However, it's school meals that amount of work for us. Thankfully, required on behalf of parents and the menus are assessed by dieticians and are currently very much at the top of the Vale is already ahead of most children themselves, as Rita said: success each meal contains one third of any the agenda, and the challenge is Welsh local authorities in working "Children can eat a healthy meal child's daily nutritional about to get even tougher. towards these further improved each day in school but they undo More than 3,200 properties in requirements." The Assembly has raised the bar standards, and we will cope thanks any good work if they then go Barry are now covered by the With parents becoming with their five-year 'Appetite For to having a very committed team." straight down the takeaway, sweet extremely successful Alleygates reassured, the childen are returning Ð Life' scheme which involves caterers For the state of children's health shop or eat badly at home." initiative. school meal uptake has increased in looking further into their menus to to improve, an equal commitment is The crime reduction project the last year, and continues to rise. actually consider led by the Council, Barry Police Rita credits this to the continuing the nutritional Wednesday Ð Spaghetti bolognaise and and South Wales Fire Service compounds of the A typical primary school cheese served with pasta spirals, salad involves the sealing off of back high standards maintained by her foods.. garnish and French bread; fruit yoghurt. lanes to reduce opportunities for staff, who, she says, are "second to weekly menu: none." Rita said: "This individuals to commit burglaries, Monday Ð Homemade cheese and tomato Thursday Ð Roasted Welsh beef and It's not just the staff in 54 Vale scientific approach vandalism and other anti-social pizza served with chipped potatoes, Yorkshire pudding served with boiled and schools that Rita would like to praise is obviously activities. baked beans and crusty bread; apple roast potatoes, carrot roundels, shredded Gates Ð more than 200 to date though. Over 300 people work for fantastic news for spice crumble and custard cabbage and gravy; orange sponge and Ð have been erected at both ends Vale Catering Services, which also youngsters who will custard. of pathways, back lanes and provides catering in 18 welfare reap great benefits Tuesday Ð Oven baked chicken fillet with alleyways, and only residents and units, Cosmeston Country Park, of finely tuned boiled and roast potatoes, cauliflower Friday Ð Baked salmon fingers, with authorised bodies are given Dyffryn Gardens, vending machines meals, but it florets, peas and gravy; rice crispy bar and jacket wedges, raw vegetable platter and unique keys. at Council offices, and hospitality involves an fruit slices. wholemeal bread; fruit flapjack and Alleygates earned national functions. astronomical custard. recognition in 2005 when it was named as the “Best Community Initiative” at the annual Association of Public Service Our website – did you know? Excellence (APSE) awards. It is now six months since the 2. Homes4U 5. School holiday dates your street, you can report these, or Contributions to the latest project have been received from Council’s new and improved website If you are seeking accommodation Planning a trip next year and want to other problems to the Council online. the Safer Vale Partnership and the was launched. Thanks to the hard work from the Council, you can find details find out the school holiday dates? You Living / Report a problem European Funding Office, and of staff, a vast range of interesting of the Homes4U scheme and listings of can find all the dates for the Vale Cllr Rob Curtis, Cabinet Member features can be found on the site. Here all current Council properties for rent. school terms up until 2010 here. 8. Welsh for Visible Services, said: “This are eight useful features available at Living / Housing / Homes4U Living / Schools & holidays As well as the English language successful partnership is a great www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk website, there is also a Welsh version example of how the Council, 1. Recycling 3. Pay your bills online 6. View planning applications at www.bromorgannwg.gov.uk. Over Police and Fire Service are The recycling section of the website You can pay your council tax, business In addition to comprehensive advice 61% of the English site has currently addressing crime and disorder gives you everything you need to rates, council house rents, council and guidance on the planning process, been translated into Welsh, and the together.” know about going green in the Vale. mortgages, and more online. a weekly list of planning applications figure will continue to rise. There are Chief Inspector Nigel Lewis, As well as the details of every site in also plans to develop the Welsh site in from South Wales Police, said: Our Council / Online payments that have been submitted to the the county that you can take your Council is available to download. You a way that reflects the needs and "The Alleygates project produced interests of Welsh speakers and remarkable results in the three- materials to be recycled, and what 4. Activities for young people can also view proposals for major materials can be recycled there, you planning learners in the Vale by promoting year period to 2005, with a 73% The Activale youth directory contains Welsh resources that are available in reduction in house burglary, 60% can also enter your street name or applications such as the Penarth over 280 services in the Vale for young the Vale's Libraries, developing cut in burglary of commercial village to find out what day your Heights housing development. people aged 11 - 25, so there is no resources for schoolchildren such as property, 74% reduction of thefts refuse is collected, and what day your Living / Planning / Planning excuse for any youngster to be the homework help pages and of vehicles, and 44% reduction of recycling is collected. bored this summer! Applications theft from vehicles. People are Living / Recycling & waste developing resources for Welsh Living / Life in the community / learners. also telling us how they feel safer (From the 'Living' section on the Activale 7. Report a problem and that, for me, is a real measure website's home page, click the If you have a problem with abandoned of the scheme's success." 'recycling & waste' link) vehicles, fly-tipping or potholes in 6 Top images: Waterfall at Nash Point, Penarth Seafront Gardens and tall ship Prince William off Penarth Issue 16 Summer 2007 The Vale of Glamorgan Council’s Community Newspaper What’s in your bin? Great news on garden waste!

The Council is thrilled to announce and we have also seen a marked that, thanks to the support of increase in the amount of recycling residents, its new kerbside garden being placed out for collection.” waste collection service is proving to If you haven’t used the service be a huge success. yet, it’s really easy. Just buy bags from Over 5,000 bags for use with the one of the offices listed below and service were sold within the first four place them out on the same day as we weeks of its launch in April resulting collect your cardboard and plastic for in a massive 92 tonnes of garden recycling. waste being collected for composting. All garden waste collected in the This was three times as much as Vale is taken to a local farm where it was collected during the same period is composted. This compost is then last year and we have continued to used on the farm, providing an collect an average of five tonnes per environmentally friendly method of day ever since. waste disposal. This means that over 700 tonnes Barry resident Steve Hilton is very of waste (equivalent to 700 average impressed with the service. He said: “I Vale households not putting out any used to take my garden waste to the rubbish for a whole year!) will have tip in Sully but now all I have to do is been composted by the end of October place it out on collection day. It’s also which is a huge achievement. good to know that it’s being Head of Visible Services Miles composted locally and not ending up Punter said: "The response to the new in landfill.” service has been excellent and the Please note kerbside collections results so far speak for themselves. for garden waste will stop on October "We introduced a kerbside 31 when we will revert to a ‘ring and collection to make the service more request’ collection service. From user friendly and to help us reach November 1, 2007, to March 31, challenging targets set by the Welsh 2008, please call 029 2067 3000 to Assembly which require local arrange a collection. authorities to recycle and compost at In order for the service to continue Sam, aged three, of , has been having great fun helping to fill up garden waste bags for his least 40% by 2009/10. to be successful, please remember the mum and dad. "Our composting rate has shot up following: 1 Ð We can only collect most bizarrely a lawn mower and a 5. You can use your local 01884 841515 or e-mail compostable garden waste Hoover! Household Recycling Centres [email protected] to Yes please order. Vale Show 2. Your garden waste is collected Garden waste can be taken free of For advice on waste ¥ grass cuttings charge to the garden waste skips at minimisation, recycling and home ¥ hedge clippings between 7am and 7pm There has been a significant increase Llandow and Sully Household in the number of residents ordering composting visit the council’s ¥ shrub prunings Your collection is on the same day as waste management stand at the Recycling Centres. The Llandow site bins this year which is great news. ¥ leaves we collect your plastic and cardboard Vale of Glamorgan Show on is on the Llandow Trading Estate, However, we are aware that some ¥ plants for recycling. Please place your Wednesday, 15th August. Garden Sully is on Hayes Road. people have experienced problems ¥ flowers garden waste bag(s) out by 7am as waste bags will also be on sale. getting through to our supplier, your collection times can vary 6. You can compost at home Original Organics. We apologise on For further information on any of Bags containing anything else will be depending on how much waste the Garden waste, along with other their behalf and they assure us that the above, please contact Visible left. There is no restriction on the crews have to collect. Please note, organic waste such as fruit and the problem has now been rectified. Services on 029 2067 3000, e- number of bags you can put out. your bag(s) will be picked up later in vegetable peelings, can be composted If you do have any problems getting mail Please do not place plastic bags the day than your recycling as they [email protected] at home. Discounted compost bins through, please let us know by inside your garden waste bags as are collected by a different vehicle. or visit calling 029 2067 3000. these cannot be composted and are available to all Vale residents www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk contaminate the process. 3. You must use council bags priced from just £10; please call No thank you: We will only collect garden waste ¥ Logs or soil placed out in council bags as they ¥ Rubble of stones need to be easily recognisable for our ¥ Turf crews. Do not use plastic bags as ¥ Any kind of plastic including bags these contaminate the composting and plant pots process. We will not collect black ¥ Kitchen waste, including vegetable bags containing garden waste. ¥ peelings ¥ General rubbish 4. Bags are available from ¥ Animal Waste Reuseable and biodegradable bags ¥ Invasive weeds eg Japanese can be bought from the council Knotweed offices in Barry (Civic and The Docks), The Alps, , Penarth, Our crews were very surprised to Llantwit Major and Cowbridge. The find the following placed out for biodegradable bags are priced three collection - a roll of chicken wire for £1 and the re-usable bags are £1 (inside a biodegradable bag), beer each. cans, plastic bottles, house bricks and

Top images: Recycling materials to make greetings cards; pupils from Ashgrove School, Penarth, visit the Alps, and mascot “scoop the poop’ at The Knap Gardens, Barry 7 New Warm feelings to grants scheme tourism Now in its fourth year in the Vale, David Powell says: "Our scheme as well as finding out about keeping a grants scheme has helped more helps residents with health conditions warm for less money, visitors may than 1,000 people who were viewed whose homes are in need of also find they're entitled to receive brochure as being at risk living in cold and insulation measures and heating two free low energy light bulbs that damp homes. repair/replacement. HTW helps all can cut their electricity bill by £16 a Health Through Warmth (HTW) ages, and whether people own their year. has trained more than 800 key homes or rent, as long as they have a There will be Health Through workers, who regularly visit health condition." Warmth events at Barry Market on vulnerable people through their Individuals who may be eligible Tuesdays, July 24 and October 23 work, to recognise when someone's include homeowners aged 60 and (9am-3pm). health is being affected by their over who are entitled to a £500 Anyone working regularly with living conditions and to refer them insulation grant and those aged 80 vulnerable people who would like to for help and advice. and over who are entitled to a £3,600 arrange HTW training for themselves The scheme is run by the Council grant for energy efficiency measures. or colleagues and, indeed, anyone in partnership with npower, To help householders take wanting information, please contact Neighbourhood Energy Action, the advantage of the scheme, a series of HTW on (01446) 709847. NHS and other local health and Health Through Warmth events are community bodies. Energy Manager taking place in the Vale this year and, The many attractions in the Vale and Bridgend areas are once again highlighted in a joint tourism brochure. Rewarding The free 2007 Glamorgan The Vale of Glamorgan Adoption Heritage Coast and Countryside Valued role of carers publication is informative and Agency is looking for people from all stylish. walks of life who could consider The tourism departments in Do you help and support a adults to maintain their ¥ There are a variety of Vale-based adopting a child. the Vale and Bridgend County partner, child, neighbour, independence within the support groups for carers from Adoption can be challenging and Borough Councils have once relative or friend, either community as far as is possible. Crossroads for carers of those with rewarding, and adoptive parents need to again teamed up to produce the practically or emotionally? A range of support is available dementia to the Parents' Federation be able to offer a lifetime commitment prestigious 44-page brochure Would they be able to manage to carers including: for people caring for someone with to a child. which showcases the region's without your help? a learning disability. Adoption Team Manager Jean attractions and promotes a You may be a parent that cares ¥ Training in moving and handling, ¥ If you are over 16 and look after Letton said: "There are many myths diversity of quality recreational for a disabled child or a stress management and first aid. an adult on a regular basis, you are about who can become adoptive ideas. husband/wife of someone with Training in other skills, identified parents, and people assume that they Vale Tourism Chief Claire entitled to a carers' assessment Evans said: "The brochure Alzheimers, for example. If you by carers themselves, will also be which looks at whether you are have to be married, wealthy and of a are providing unpaid help to made available. complements our range of entitled to any help, such as certain age. literature, ‘Days Out, Fascinating someone due to their age, physical ¥ Events to celebrate Carers' Week breaks, household services, "What we are looking for are Towns, Country Parks and or mental illness, addiction or and Carers' Rights Day offer emotional support, in your caring people who can match the needs of Legendary Villages.’ We are keen disability, then you are a carer. individuals a chance to meet other role. children wanting adoption, people, for to highlight that the area boasts A child or young person under example, who could take the younger or people in the same situation. For further information, visit the all year round opportunities.” the age of 18 carrying out older child or maybe a child with a To obtain a copy of the significant caring tasks and ¥ If you are a carer and would like council's website at disability or, perhaps, could keep brochure, visit assuming a level of responsibility to get involved in the decision- www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk/livi brothers and sisters together by www.visitthevale.com or for another person, which would making process, we are always ng/social_care/looking_after_som adopting a sibling group. telephone the Vale tourism unit on normally be taken by an adult, is a looking for carers to be part of our eone.aspx "We welcome applications from (01446) 709328. young carer. development group or to get or contact Kate Isaac, Carers' everyone irrespective of relationship The Council recognises the involved in one off work like Development Officer, on (01446) status, age, sexuality, ethnic background valuable role carers fulfill, developing our local strategy for 704604. or wealth." enabling vulnerable children and carers, etc. Anyone requiring further Knowing information or just looking for a chat about the process can contact Team Manager Jean Letton or Assistant Team their rights Manager Chris Williams on 029 2035 Vale Mayor Cllr Nic Hodges 0954 or hosted a visit by a team of e-mail students to mark their hard work Special Volunteers [email protected] and commitment in a national trading standards competition. The excellent work of including dance, bingo and Following their success in the local heat of the annual Young volunteers in running various hobbies. Consumers of the Year event, community centres across the Vale community development organised by the Council Trading Vale has been recognised at a officer Siân Vaughan said: Standards Division, the teenagers civic reception. “Community centres make a big from Llantwit Major Hosted by Vale Mayor Cllr difference to the lives of local Comprehensive School reached the Nic Hodges, the event was people, with some of them semi-finals of the Welsh round before being edged out in a close attended by individuals welcoming 600 customers per battle. representing 12 of the area's 22 week. Teams are quizzed on a wide centres and recognised their "A recent satisfaction survey range of topics including consumer invaluable help in the past year. showed that 95% of customers law, credit and finance, food and Providing affordable facilities feel they receive good value for drink, the environment and social for local people to meet on a money when they attend an responsibility, current affairs and regular basis and participate in a activity. This is all down to the politics. Congratulating the Llantwit wide variety of activities, the commitment of these special team members and teacher Helen centres are located across Barry, volunteers.” Hatton on their success, Cllr Penarth, and the For further information on Hodges said: "The Council's rural Vale and are used by all community centres, contact Siân Trading Standards Division actively members of the community from Vaughan on (01446) 704828 promote this worthwhile event as it the very young (usually attending Vale Mayor Cllr Nic Hodges and the Mayoress, his wife, Shirley, were makes competitors aware of their joined by Cabinet Member for Tourism and Leisure Cllr Gwyn John and responsibilities as well as their a playgroup or a parent and rights and gives them essential life toddler session) to senior citizens community development officer Sian Vaughan at a civic reception for skills as they prepare for the world who participate in activities community centre volunteers. of work." 8 Top images: Duck pond near St Bride’s Major and monkswood in blossom near Broughton