16 March 2021 Update

 Good evening everyone,

I hope you are all well and looking forward to positive changes in the coming months, and let's hope at least the weather is warmer?

Firstly, many thanks again for my birthday wishes and gifts, I still can't accept the fact that I've been around for three score years and ten, despite the fact that it looks like longer!

Below are the minutes of our meeting on the 2nd of March, as for our next zoom meeting, I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Zoom Talks

Trish - No Dig date TBA

Bryony - Hydroponics TBA

Trevor - Wild Flowers TBA

Gardening Visits

To be announced once Cv-19 restrictions allow.

Virtual Summer Show

It was agreed to have a summer virtual show, please see attached document for rules and categories, the email address for all entries is llantegshow@gmail.com

YouTube Channel

Our Llanteg Gardening Group YouTube channel is up and running, and it was agreed that we upload short helpful hints videos to the channel along with zoom talks/meetings.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk7_bM4CYd6BCVme9yR-OUA

If anyone has a short video to upload to the channel, please forward it to Trish at Trish@cormack.net

Maintenance of Community Areas

We agreed to maintain the grounds at the; Old School Garden, Claypits and Mountain Chapel, in return for an annual payment from Amroth Community Council, and the cost of hiring or buying equipment would be paid for by ACC.

Our thanks go to ACC for agreeing to placing new seating at the OSG and Mountain Chapel, the old rotten wooden seats have now been removed from the OSG and the new ones will be installed soon.

Wild Flowers - Fruit Trees/Bushes

All the fruit trees/bushes have now been planted at the OSG and the wild flowers will be sown by Trevor when conditions allow.

Also, a further fifty oak saplings have been planted at the OSG, thanks to Caz for obtaining these for us.

Plant Sharing

Pauline confirmed that some people have come forward to participate in the plant sharing, if you would like to take part, then please contact Pauline on critchlow23@btinternet.com. Although, if you have any surplus plants or are looking for some, then please get in touch anyway.

Tree Planting in the community

Theri suggested we plant a memorable (statement) tree(s) in the community, areas suggested include near the bus stop and on the land opposite Stanwell. With regard to Stanwell, it was agreed to ask Tony Brinsdon if he had a preference for a particular species of tree that could be planted opposite Stanwell. More info to follow.

See https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/press-release/national-trust-launches-blossomwatch-to-emulate-japans-hanami-

Finances

Since the Gardening Group does not have a constitution or a committee, then we decided at our previous meeting that we ask Llanteg Village Hall committee to hold any money the Gardening Group has in a subsidiary account and under the control of the officers of LVH, and that Mary Megarry (VH Treasurer) would expedite this as soon as possible. Just to be clear, all money belonging to the Gardening Group shall be held by LVH but for the express use of the Llanteg Gardening Group.

Forming Gardening Club

We agreed to remain as we are and not to set up a formal Gardening Club.

Quiz

We agreed to have a further quiz in April, date and time to be agreed.

AOB

Chris Taylor (Warden Coastal Path) is giving a talk to ACC entitled Improving areas for pollinators, I will contact Chris and ask him about giving us a talk in the coming months.

Jake Rayson from Forest Garden Wales is going to create a YouTube video on the subject of creating a forest garden, the charge would be £50 for a thirty minute video, we await a response.

Theri raised the issue of PCC cutting the hedgerows and grass verges at times of the year that can damage habitats, it was discussed that we raise this matter via the community council.

Kind regards,

Roy

26th January 2021 Update

 Good afternoon everyone,

I hope you are all warm and keeping well, and that you don't have to venture out in this snow/rain, but if you do, then take care.

Many thanks for attending the zoom meeting on the 26th of January and I appreciate the apologies from those who couldn't make it, all in all the numbers are very encouraging.

The following is a brief description of the items discussed, I appreciate it's not easy to debate things properly on zoom, but at least we could see each other, (I've had a hair cut since and locally).

Gardening Visits: It was agreed that we plan for future summer garden visits, but that this would depend on any restrictions from Government and WAG...

Places we may visit: Aberglasney - Abergwili - Stackpole - Llwyngarreg - Panteg - Glynbach plus any other NGS gardens you have a preference for, so if you've any further suggestions, then please email me.

Virtual Summer Show: It was agreed that we continue with a virtual show and try to obtain sponsorship for winners of each category, more information to follow.

YouTube Channel: It was agreed that we contact Jake Rayson about uploading Creating a Forest Garden video to our YouTube channel for all GG members to view at their leisure. It was also suggested that we create our own short videos to upload to our channel, any suggestions please.

Maintenance of Common Recreational Areas: Amroth Community Council has asked our Gardening Group if we are interested in maintaining the grounds at the; Old School Garden, Claypits and Mountain Chapel in return for an annual payment.

It was agreed that we identify what we could achieve with our physical resources and hours required to maintain these areas and feed back at the next meeting.

Although, at the moment the Claypits is being cut by John James and the Mountain Chapel area will be cut by Roger Harries. Also, some annual maintenance is currently being carried out by members of the GG.

Wild Flowers - Fruit Trees/Bushes: The fruit bushes have been planted at the OSG, thanks Pauline, and there are three Apple trees (received from Keep Wales Tidy) which will be planted at the OSG soon.

Plant Sharing: It was agreed that if possible we would grow plants for the coming season and share surplus plants amongst our GG, Pauline will be in contact to ask if you would like to take part, and who's going to grow what, thanks again to Pauline.

Forming Gardening Club: It was agreed to stay as we are and that we wouldn't need an annual membership fee, but simply charge people who attend future presentations/meetings at the village hall.

Quiz: We are planning for an online quiz, so we should be in contact with you soon with dates etc.

Our next zoom GG meeting is on the 2nd of March at 7pm, thanks again to Trish for hosting this for us.

4 Dec 2020 Update

 Good afternoon everyone,

Albeit a little cold out there, but at least it's dry and more importantly the sun is visible at times, or at least it was when I started this email!.

Don't forget it's the shortest day on the 21st of this month, and being positive, things can only improve thereafter.

Many thanks for coming along to Aberglasney last Friday, we were very lucky with both the weather and to have a very interesting walk and talk around the garden with Joseph the head gardener.

I can't help but feel inspired with gardening enthusiasm after a visit to Aberglasney and listening to his helpful advice, who knows it may lead me becoming an average gardener, only time will tell!

I hope you all enjoyed yourselves and are looking forward to future visits to all sorts of gardens in the coming spring and summer months.

As far as the gardening talks in the village hall, I have decided to put them all on hold until at least we have a clearer view of a safe way forward, apologies for this, it's the very last thing I wanted. I will endeavour to look at walks and talks, and get back to you when I have a plan.

Finally, can I remind you that the closing date for the Virtual Christmas Show is the 7th of December, so please send your entries to llantegshow@gmail.com as soon as possible.

Also, we are desperate for show entries in the Children's section, so entries would be greatly appreciated. Please remember, you don't need to be a resident of Llanteg to enter the show.

Kind regards,

Roy

23 Nov 2020 Update

 Good evening everyone,

I hope you all had a good day and that you spent some time outdoors enjoying the best of the weather.

I've arranged a visit to Aberglasney along with a walk and talk with Joseph Atkin (Head Gardener) on Friday the 27th of November, sorry for the short notice, but it looks like from the weather perspective, then Friday may be the best day of the week.

I'm hoping that we can meet up at Aberglasney at 11am and then either have a w&t with Joseph before or after lunch, obviously social distancing and the wearing of face covering indoors applies, and if there are any other precautions in place, then I will make you aware.

As I understand, the entry fee for non members is £9:50 with vouchers to the same value and for use in the restaurant on the day, see Aberglasney notice below.

Can you tell me if you are attending on Friday please, just to give Joseph an idea of our numbers, also note that the cost of the w&t will be £60 which will come out of our existing funds.

Kind regards,

Roy   

16th Nov 2020 Update

 Good afternoon everyone,

Hope all is well with you all and that you are either in the warm, or if your outside, then your wrapped up well.

As for the Aberglasney visit, we have enough interest, so I'm looking into the weather crystal ball to find a suitable date.

So I will get back to you soon.

As for the Christmas virtual show.

We could do with a few more entries across all the categories. So we would appreciate your help please, after all it's important to raise our spirits at this time, and to show how creative you are.

Cheers,

Roy

9th Nov 2020 Update

 Good evening everyone,

I really wish it had been a better day, what dreadful weather, still it's good to be able to move around a little! 

With regard to our planned gardening talk with Joseph Atkin on Wednesday evening at the village hall, unfortunately since meetings are still not recommended, I've had to cancel our talk.

However, if anyone is interested in a talk and walk around Aberglasney in the coming weeks, then please get back to me and I will ask Joseph for a suitable date and time?

Many thanks to everyone who helped in weeding and cleaning up the Old School Garden recently, unfortunately we had to defer our last planned session because of lock down, but I'm sure there will be other opportunities.

Thanks also to Pauline and Ken for planting the eighty bulbs (bluebells and snowdrops etc) and six fruit bushes we received from Keep Wales Tidy and all planted at the OSG.

In addition, many thanks to Roger and the Amroth Community Council for improving the access to the OSG and for the work at the Clay Pit entrance and Mountain Chapel, along with the new seating near Lansdowne and Stanwell. 

If you're still looking for gardening inspiration, then have a look at the following, although others gardens/gardeners are available on YouTube:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_UOU_Qd6DU&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Qq33VwH_RE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-NwFjiXv0I&t=886s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhY4saekvnk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3lefiNCY_Q

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkUmwlJ5RQ8&list=RDCMUCeaKRrrpWiQFJJmiuon2WoQ&index=11

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpVkmpQnlDc&list=RDCMUCeaKRrrpWiQFJJmiuon2WoQ&index=12

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dbd7qo6nS9g&list=RDCMUCeaKRrrpWiQFJJmiuon2WoQ&index=17

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFGpmovWOqY&list=RDCMUCeaKRrrpWiQFJJmiuon2WoQ&index=16

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNVA0eC8Ucg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CfMfnCxiHos

But if that doesn't help, then what about sending a few entries into our Virtual Christmas Show, the closing date is the 7th of December, so plenty of time to create and capture your entry. The email address for entries is; llantegshow@gmail.com

Also, thanks to everyone who completed the Village questionnaire, your views are appreciated, so any further questionnaires would be greatly appreciated.

Finally, Llanteg Village Hall has been chosen as one of the Co-ops local charities to benefit from their community fund, so if you've a Co-op card then please go on line and nominate Llanteg Village Hall, the more nominations we get the better.  

Many thanks, and stay safe,

Roy.

Llanteg Virtual Winter Show 2020

 

Llanteg Christmas Virtual Gardening/Craft/Photography/Painting Show

Please be aware you don't have to be resident in Llanteg to enter, or be an expert in a particular field.

For all entries, you should email a photograph of your produce/creation along with your entry details by 10am on the 7^th of December 2020 (closing date).

All virtual winners will be posted on the Llanteg Facebook page and website and blog in late December.

Some of the winning entries in each category could be included in a virtual 2021 calendar, which is under consideration.

Virtual Rules

All entries will be judged by independent anonymous judges, their decision will be final.

No entries will be considered if they are submitted after the closing date/time.

Virtual Certificates shall be awarded for First, Second and Third places in each category, and there will be no entry fee or prizes.

To enter just send an email to llantegshow@gmail.com and the entries should include the following:-

·        Your name (age for children).

·        Picture of your show entry.

·        The category your entry is being submitted into.

·        The first line of your address.

·        You can submit two entries (photos) in each category.

·        Only photographs can be submitted.

·        A category is defined as Art or Craft etc.

Note if you don’t want your photograph (entry) on our Face book page and or website and blog etc, then please say so.

Here's a breakdown of what you can enter:- 

For Children’s Categories:
Age 5 & under

Age 6 – 11

Age 12 - 15

Art

·           Christmas card either a drawing or painting.

Craft

·           Christmas decoration made from natural materials like:- driftwood/pebbles/leaves/pine cones etc.

Photography

·           Photograph of one or more of the following; wildlife, a plant or your pet, but photographed in your garden/home.

Cookery

·           Any cookery creation with a Christmas theme and decorated by you.

 

Adult 16 & over

 

Art

·           Recreate a Christmas song or carol in fancy dress or a photographic image.

·           Draw or paint a winter scene with an animal or inanimate object as the focus.

Craft

·           Make a Christmas door decoration from natural materials.

·           Make a Christmas decoration from driftwood or wood found in your garden or hedgerow

Photography

·           Photograph of an Autumn/Winter scene you have created within your garden or community area.

·           Photograph of any wildlife found in your garden or community area.

Floral Art

·           Create a floral display in a tea cup/mug.

·           Create a table centrepiece decoration from greenery etc.

Flowers and Vegetables

·           Take a picture of any flower(s) growing in your garden during the Autumn/Winter.

·           Take a picture of any vegetable(s) growing in your garden during the Autumn/Winter.

 

Digital Craft

·           Create a digital logo for Llanteg Gardening Group.

 

13 October 2020 Update

 Good afternoon everyone,

I hope you are well and not too busy, although we can at least see blue sky and the , so just enjoy!

If you step outside tonight, then have a look in the Eastern sky and the bright red planet (Mars), will be the brightest it's been since 2003, or you can wait till 2052 (year).

Meanwhile on earth, I have confirmed a visit to Llwyngarreg garden on Saturday the 17th of October and starting at 2pm, anyone wishing to come along can either meet us at Llwyngarreg or we can travel in convoy from the village hall (leaving at 1:15pm). The charge is £5, and we can wear masks, apply social distancing, and sanitize.....

Just take care.

Many thanks to all who cut and weeded the Old School Garden (OSG) last Saturday, it really is looking good now, and hopefully in the spring the snowdrops and bluebells will have a chance to bloom again. There is a little more cutting and weeding to do, so we are planning another session on Saturday the 24th of October and between 1pm and 4pm, so any help would be appreciated.

Also, we have some fruit bushes to plant out and there are a few apple tree's on their way from Keep Wales Tidy, so we can create a community orchard, and in the spring there is a plan to sow some wild flowers, so hence the need to cut back the brambles and ivy etc at the OSG.

As for our zoom meeting on Friday, can we discuss having a virtual Christmas show and along the lines of the summer show please, we should have some more information regarding the village hall ? 

Finally, if you are interested in cutting the weeds/grass at Crunwere churchyard, then please get in touch?

Kind regards,

Roy

8 Oct 2020 Update

 Good day everyone,

Many thanks to all who submitted entries into the virtual show and for the quality and creativity of your entries, all of which is much appreciated.

 

The judges have now made their choices and thanks go to all the judges for their time and effort in making their decisions, well done.

Appreciation also goes to Ruth Roberts for creating the virtual show blog and for all the virtual certificates and for hosting our zoom meeting, and making this all work. Can’t thank you enough Ruth!

 

When you open the virtual show blog (link below), then you can see all the entries and the judges choices, the virtual certificates are available to print, although Ruth will be emailing all certificates to the successful entrants.

https://llantegshow2020.blogspot.com/?zx=cfda33eda336c93b

If I’ve missed any entries, then my sincere apologies! 

We are contemplating holding a Christmas Virtual Gardening – Craft – Photography – Painting show, more information to follow soon. Any suggestions are welcome. 

 

As for the winter gardening talks (see below), the hall remains closed at the moment, so not looking good for the talks!

The WAG is strongly advising us to carry out activities digitally and to avoid indoor activities such as meetings.

So with this in mind and after contacting Liz and Paul O'Neill, we've had to cancel the talk on the 21st of October. 

However, if you're interested in visiting Llwyngarreg on Saturday the 17th of October and at 2pm, then please get back to me ASAP. If you've not visited before, then use the link below to have a preview. 

https://youtu.be/d-NwFjiXv0I

October 21^st         Paul/Liz O’Neill (Llwyngarreg) Plants we’ve Killed

November 11^th      Joseph Atkin (Aberglasney) Title to be confirmed

December 9^th        Carole Whittaker (Glynbach) History of Medicinal Qualities of Monardas

January 20^th       Jake Rayson (Forest Garden Wales) the Making of a Forest Garden

February 17^th       Piers Lunt (Abergwili) Designing Hidden History

March 10^th            Trish Cormack (Llanteg GG) No Dig

April **                 Bryony (Georgina’s daughter) Growing Crops by Aeroponic Methods

 

With regard to the Old School Garden clean up. Then weather permitting, it should be Saturday the 10^th of October (not Sunday typo), otherwise, if the heavens open, it’s the 24^th of October and between 1pm and 4pm.

Any time you can spare us would be a bonus, as long as you can identify weeds and in particular brambles, and apply social distance rules!

Also, there is a plan to cut around the churchyard, date and time to be announced, so if you've got the bug by then (sorry not Covid), then you are more than welcome.

Finally, our Gardening Group zoom meeting is on Friday the 16th of October and at 7pm.

Trish is kindly hosting this for us.