Our Autumn/Winter Newsletter

After an incredibly hectic summer period, with groups of all shapes and sizes using the St Madoc Centre none stop - amongst other things, our very busy staff were looking forward to a well-deserved quieter autumn. Instead of a restful period we happily received a far busier season than we had anticipated. 

One of the largest jobs of our autumn was preparing for our latest VisitWales inspection. We received a four star evaluation for our first inspection, which we were incredibly pleased with as it meant our accommodation was the highest rated bunkhouse in South Wales. After 3 years of constant use our dormitories required a little bit of care and attention to meet the standard we had set previously. Our mammoth repainting, scrubbing and fixing of the entire building was interspersed by visiting groups who enjoyed the smell of wet paint and tried their very hardest not to get mud on the sparkling clean floors.
After two solid weeks of getting covered in off-white emulsion we were rewarded, not only with cake, but also with the four stars from VisitWales we had worked so hard to keep.

The option to have St Madoc staff cater for your stay has become more and more popular, with a 200% increase in groups being catered by our staff. This increase brought with it an inspection by Enironmental Health who increased our kitchen rating from three to five stars, which was quite nice of them really. :)

This Autumn we also had two school groups from Cardiff come and stay on site. A lot of the children from these groups came from families with a high level of social and financial deprivation and were reliant upon a bursary grant to be able to come. Many of the children who came hadn’t slept away from home before and some hadn’t been to a beach before. We were treated to surprisingly good weather for October, with most of the days being cold, but dry. The children enjoyed a vast array of activities, from scavenger hunts and outdoor cooking, to archery and wide games, which took place in a variety of locations, from the beach and sand dunes, to our playing fields and Cwm Ivy woods.

At the end of the children’s stay everyone, including the teachers, left tired, but happy. The head teacher, who bravely stayed for both weeks of the Primary School’s stay, rebooked for the following year as he left and sent us a very positive email, with the following comment within:‘...That is the impact of your work, it can change a life, change an attitude, develop a dream and inspire a community...’

Praise such as that, and the smiling faces of the children as they sprint down the sand dunes, or hide amongst the trees and experience these things for the first time make an already fantastic job all the better. These experiences remind all the staff at the St Madoc Centre why we do what we do.
We have recently been joined by two new members of staff. Geoff White, pictured, who joins us thanks to our links with A Rocha. Geoff will be working outdoors, with and without a chainsaw, to maintain the sizeable St Madoc Centre grounds, working alone and with volunteers. Our second new staff member is Haydn, who is mysteriously absent whenever the camera is out. Haydn is being worked hard as our new Caretaker, but seems to be taking it all in his stride.

We held our first Apple Day on the 16th of October. Having busied ourselves beforehand making pies, squashing apples and stuffing a mannequin with straw for our William Tell Challenge, we were very pleased with the number  of attendees. We arranged various different appley activities, like a quiz, apple squishing, painting and a baking competition. The event was well received with many people asking for it to become an annual event. 

We are also extremely thankful to the groups of volunteers we have had coming to help us look after our land. Volunteers from the Community Justice Intervention Wales organisation as well as several different secondary schools on the Welsh Baccalaureate programme have been working brilliantly on various different projects across our 76 acre site.
Upcoming Events:

Saturday 1st December: Carols and Crafts for Christmas
Our annual Carols and Craft event will be on the 1st of December this year. With live music, hot food and free mince pies. The event will be on from 10am-3pm and entry is free.

Friday 4 January  6.30pm-9.30pm  Star Party 
– free entry
We are pleased to welcome Swansea Astronomical Observers for a fantastic night of cosmic fun!  See impressive interactive presentations about the universe and see the heavens through telescopes.  Book your soup & roll in advance by calling 01792 386291 and pay £3.50 on the night.  The evening will take place whatever the weather!  Funded by Countryside Connections and Swansea Rural Development Partnership.

2nd Sunday of every month: Eco Tribe: 3-5pm
We have been running a new Sunday afternoon youth group at the St Madoc Centre since 2011. The group is for children and young adults and is called ‘Eco tribe’. The group undertakes a mixture of wildlife and outdoor activities, as well as fun and games. Over the last few months we have been pond dipping, star gazing, tree planting, snake hunting and eating toasted marshmallows over a bonfire. Eco Tribe runs on the second Sunday of every month. If you or anyone you know is interested in coming along get in contact with the centre.

Last Sunday of every month: Archery Club: 3-4pm
The Drawforce Archery club meets in the sportshall at 3pm on the last Sunday of every month. Suitable for children and adults. The first session is free. Ring us for more details!

The Ash Grove

Written by Sarah Leedham, Environmental Coordinator.

It’s a lovely sunny day here at St Madoc Centre and many flocks of birds are passing over our land on migration.  It’s that time of year when, everywhere you look you are reminded of autumn.  Bright green mosses are asserting themselves in the dunes and weird, black Earth Tongues are pushing through sand by the volleyball court, like fingers of liquorice.  Leaves in our woods are turning spectacular crimson, orange and amber tones.  But, wind may bring us Ash dieback disease.  If you pray, please pray that its arrival won’t become a UK disaster.  We want our children to know what the lofty, lichen-clad Ash is, not what it was.

The ash grove how graceful, how plainly 'tis speaking

The harp through its playing has language for me.

Whenever the light through its branches is breaking,

A host of kind faces is gazing on me.

The friends from my childhood again are before me

Each step wakes a memory as freely I roam.

With soft whispers laden the leaves rustle o’er me

The ash grove, the ash grove alone is my home.

St Madoc Centre secures Environment Wales funding

St Madoc Centre in Llanmadoc in Gower, South Wales has been awarded a much-needed boost to help develop an exciting new initiative.  The centre which is an A Rocha Associated Project has 76 acres of land, much of which is dominated by Bracken.  The Environment Wales award of £9,200 will be used to buy tools to encourage the flora-rich grassland back and survey equipment to collect data on plants, bats, moths, butterflies and birds.

Manager, Alison Holland said “This is a real encouragement to the team.  I’m looking forward to seeing previously untouched areas of the estate managed to encourage wildlife.”  Volunteers will be recruited to help target Bracken which has taken over much of the landscape.  It is hoped that rare and unusual plant species such as Bloody Cranesbill, Hound's Tongue and Squinancywort will increase and that Chough may be encouraged to extend their use of the Gower coastline North from Rhossilli to the St Madoc Centre.

For more information about the Environment Wales initiative, their core partners and the types of project it can support please contact the team on 02920431727 or email: info@environment-wales.org

Visit the St Madoc Centre website to find out more about the project and how you can get involved.  

A Volunteer's Blog

Written by Laura Miller, who stayed at the St Madoc Centre for a week on work experience.

At the beginning of July I completed my work experience with St Madoc’s Centre. I stayed on site in the Manse and was working with Sarah Leedham the Environmental Co-ordinator. Living in Llanmadoc  was a very different experience to the life I’m used to in London. The views from St Madoc’s centre are spectacular and you only need to walk less than 100 metres to see the sea.

Every morning I was responsible for making sure the chickens and pigs were fed and had enough water. I would collect any eggs the hens had laid and place them on the stall at the top of the drive.

I was able to carry out a butterfly transect, and a bird and a reptile survey all of which were new to me. Whilst doing these I discovered many animals which I had never seen before in their natural habitat, such as Adders and Reed Buntings. After carrying out these surveys, I then put the data on to the computer so the data can be used later.

A volunteer named Mark brought his Harris Hawk in which is used to help educate the children. I was lucky enough to be able to hold it. This was another first for me!

During my stay I carried out many other activities such as path clearing, harvesting vegetables and weeding the allotment.

The week gave me many new opportunities to learn about conservation. The team is like one big family and are extremely friendly and helped me to enjoy my week thoroughly. 

Time to breathe, finally.

Time to breathe, finally.

The busiest period of the St Madoc Centre’s year, the School Summer Term, has begun. Schools from all over Swansea will be visiting us over the next two months, and our staff will be entertaining the pupils with outdoor activities like beach scavenger hunts, wide games in the woods and shelter building.

We’re currently two weeks into the Summer Term and we've already had nearly 150 children visit us, from years 3 to 6. It’s been hard, but incredibly rewarding, work. I think it’s safe to say that this period of frantic activity is my favourite time of the year, putting smiles on the faces of children is one of the many perks of working where I do.

 The weather has not been especially helpful so far, but the forecast for the coming weeks is good, and we’re hopeful our stock of water-balloons will get used at some point. We have managed to get to our beautiful beach with every class so far, and we have been caught in the rain once or twice whilst there, but that just made us appreciate the sun more when it clambered out from behind the clouds.

After those frantic two weeks we’ve now got a week off, without a group on site, to prepare for our first class to stay for the full week. I’m sure I’m not the only member of staff who’s glad of the rest…

Upcoming Events:

Volunteer Day, 6th June, all day.

Art Exhibition, 6th June, evening only.

Experiences at St. Madoc Christian Youth Camp 1947 – 52/4

A fantastic account of various different visits to the Centre made by Graham Nicholas over 40 years ago.

In the summer of 2005 (or 4)! Four of us – Malcolm and Joan (nee Vaughan) Jones and my wife, Peggy (nee Phillips) and I, Graham Nicholas (known as Nick), decided to visit St. Madoc Christian Youth Camp. As we got to the top of the concrete lane we found a gate shut and a notice PRIVATE. As we were young and fearless and it wasn’t raining, we opened the gate and drove down the concrete lane and parked in the place below the chapel.

As we started walking up the path past the chapel we were spotted!! The look on the faces of those who had spotted us was as though the question going through their mind was “What are these geriatrics doing coming to a youth camp?”!! No, not really. When we explained why we were here and related some of our reminiscences at Llanmadoc, we were given a wonderful welcome, a conducted tour of the chapel, kitchen, dorms and finally, tea, biscuits and a lovely chat in the dining room. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and we hope that they had enjoyed our reminiscences.

During the summer of 2006, Howard Roberts, a very dear friend, and I, visited the camp on at least three occasions. We had a cuppa in the Café/Shop/Post Office which was opened up some time after the original was shut down. It was a village enterprise which an old work colleague of mine Randolph Jenkins and others were responsible for setting up and running. We returned there for a lovely light lunch after visiting the camp.

We walked from the café to the camp which Howard hadn’t visited before. We met Matthew and explained why we were here and told him of the precious visits made by others and me 59 years ago. By the second and third visit Matthew suggested that my old friends and I should put on paper what we had experienced all those years ago.

So this is it.

Although many, many others came from Jerusalem Baptist Church in Briton Ferry, these memories are based on what can be recollected by Malcolm and Joan (who have lived in Cardiff for 50+ years), Ian and Norma (nee Williams) Gower (who have lived in Hatfield, Herts for 50+ years) and Peggy and me who live in Neath. All three couples have celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversaries over the last few years, which is nice.

The war having not long finished, during which holidays were virtually non-existent, it was with eager anticipation that a group from Jerusalem Baptist Chapel, Briton Ferry, near Neath in South Wales were to be taken to Llanmadoc during August Bank Holiday Week (at the beginning of the month in those days) 1947. A smaller group had been there in 1946, Norma included, but this was the first time that Ian and I amongst others had been there, (Peggy, Malcolm and Joan started in 1949.) to taste the delights of Saint Madoc CYC as it was known then. All these holidays were arranged by a few people and we are indebted to all, but especially “Simsie”, the late Miss Eileen Sims. She was marvellous, and it was only in hindsight, that we realize how good she was to us.

Delights there were, and I mean it. There were none of the mod-cons of today 2008, but what wonderful carefree times we had, rain or shine; and we made our own entertainment.

So, what differences are there now?

Mode of Transport

Nowadays, all journeys are made by car right into the camp. In the early days, each with our cases we caught a bus from Briton Ferry to Neath. Then another bus from Neath to Swansea from where we caught a third, upstairs in a double decker bus, marvelling at the views we saw on the way down to Llanmadoc where we were dropped by the old Post Office.

For the first two or three years, we had to carry our cases to the camp. For the boys, this usually meant carrying 2 cases as we felt we couldn’t let the girls carry theirs – the journey was about 1 – 1.5 miles. In those days there were no wheels on cases. In later years, a tractor and trailer was available to carry the cases, but we still had to walk.

Costs etc.

The cost then was £2 or 2 guineas a week (2.20p), and we had to take our ration book! for a number of years. There were 100 – 120 of us there during the week. We were always joined by a smaller group from Bicester, while over the years there were groups from Ebbw Vale, Ystradmynach, Swansea, Llanelli and Port Talbot. In 1951 there was a group from mainland Europe comprising of French, Finnish and others.

Beds

These were iron framed, double-decker bunks with straw (later some were with kapok, a bale of which we found on the beach) mattresses (palliases) and pillows. Over the years single wooded framed beds were introduced. There were probably about 25 persons in each hut.

Toilets

As far as the men’s toilet was concerned they were fabricated huts containing 3 cubicles, each containing a chemical toilet. The ’door’ of each cubicle was made of sacking which completely covered the entrance. At the bottom of each’door’ was a piece of 4feet by 2inches wood the length equal to the width of the cubicle. This piece of wood held the ‘door’ in place. The chemical toilets were emptied into the cesspit every morning by the caretaker.

Washing facilities

Rainwater from the roof of the pavilion was channelled to run into large water tanks, one on each side of the pavilion. There was a bench by each tank and 3 or 4 enamel bowls also on the benches. They were dipped into the tank and then we washed in this water.

Water for drinking and cooking

In the early years, this water had to be carried every week day, from the pistle in the village. It was situated beyond the old Post Office and as far as I can remember, 6 or 7 people with various utensils were involved each of those days.

Various other points of interest??!

On Wednesday afternoon, (Foreign guests week 1951) all the campers were invited to visit the grounds of Mr. & Mrs. Burr’s house. We were given cakes/biscuits,pop/squash and played various games. A photograph is included showing some from the ‘foreigners’ trip playing one of the games.

The village shop was a great point of interest and adventure. It was run by a Mrs. Rees and her daughter, both of whom were very, very deaf. The shop was like Aladdin’s cave and looked a bit of a shambles but both ladies knew exactly where everything was. After initial communication problems, we spent many a pleasant visit there.

At night, when some of the heavy sleepers were in the land of nod, the pyjama collars were sown to the pillow case. This was usually successful. But when an attempt at the same time was made to tie a toe of a protruding foot to the bottom bed rail unfortunately the victim usually woke up.

The lighting was provided by paraffin lamps – 2 per hut, hung on the rafters; it was some years later that electricity and water were laid on, but still no showers, or proper washbasins in our time.

We were usually divided into groups carrying out various duties. Fetching water from the village: preparing vegetables: serving meals: laying tables and washing up. When cleaning the veg. and washing the dishes we sang hymns and songs of the times some of which were ‘My grandfather’s’ clock & ‘You are my sunshine.’ Even though I say it myself the harmony was really good – a combination of chapel upbringing and Welsh voices! Sadly there has been a serious decline in the ability to harmonise as is apparent in Rugby International Matches also the introduction of modern’ songs’ to replace hymns.

The washing of the dishes for 100 – 120 was carried out this way. 1 or 2 people did the washing up in 1 or 2 large zinc baths – incidentally the washing up water ended up looking rather a mess. The remainder of the team walked around in a circle, picking up the washed dishes, wiping them as they walked and then put them in piles ready for future use. The singing and banter helped to make all these tasks enjoyable.

One morning I was one of a team in the kitchen, and the tray of bacon rashers the cook was carrying tilted, depositing a fair number of rashers onto the kitchen floor. At the best of times this floor was very far from being in pristine condition. Unperturbed, she picked up the rashers one by one and wiped them, both sides, in her apron. When she had finished, she said with a gleam in her eye – ‘No one will know anyway!!

Another incident occurred, which I did not personally witness was that the cook’s teeth fell in the gravy! At least she didn’t have to clean them again that day!

It must be pointed out that the kitchen of those days was nothing like it is now. The cooking facilities were ancient & I have already commented on the condition of the floor.

Blankets

If anyone shook their blankets at the end of the week, quite a lot of dust and sand scattered about! I don’t know how often they were washed! I presume we took our own sheets – but I can’t remember.

Health

Despite the episodes with the bacon and the cook’s teeth, the blankets and also the state of the washing up I cannot remember anyone being ill with a tummy problem. There was one occasion when a young girl had appendicitis and an ambulance was called for. In those days, the track to the camp wasn’t wide enough for an ambulance to use it. Instead it had to come through the field where the caravans are now – there weren’t any then. On its return journey, the ambulance got stuck so a number of us went to help its progress. Unfortunately the rapid rotation of the wheels in the mud, left its mark on us, but it eventually got out of the field.

We always attended Sunday morning services in the chapel in the village, walking of course. Our evening services were held in the Barn/Chapel.

The Pavilion had a table tennis table which was in use for a lot of the time and various entertainments took place at night. For 2 or 3 years, meetings were held there in the morning. One year, Malcolm wouldn’t get to go there, so we carried him in his bed into the Pavilion to make sure he heard at least one talk!

In the evenings, Monday to Friday we gathered in the Dining Room for cocoa after the service I think and then the Sandpaper’ was read out by Bill Thomas (Editor). This was compiled by Bill and Steel Thomas (Chief Reporter) and comprised the various kinds of events which had happened during the day. This was eagerly awaited, listened to and always enjoyed.

On Friday nights – weather permitting – we lit a bonfire on the headland and it was always a nice occasion.

At least one year, Don Gibbon, who incidentally donated one stained glass window to the Chapel, brought his father along. He was in his 80’s or 90’s and slept in our dorm fitting in easily. On one or two nights, he must have been having a dream when he kept saying, ‘O dear, dear, dear, dear’. This woke quite a few of us and we started to say it ourselves in the same way. Well, we ended up laughing hysterically and probably woke the whole dorm. When we meet, we often talk about Llanmadoc, and usually this incident crops up and we start saying ‘o dear, dear etc’.

Earning our keep

For the first few years, Ian, Malcolm and I only came for one week and then only with the group from Briton Ferry. But then for 3 or 4 years, we stayed on after the main holiday to ‘earn our keep’ for 2 or 3 weeks. These too were great times. The first task we had was to widen the lane/track which led to the camp. This is now the wide concrete lane which is the only entrance, but wider still than in our days. Another task was to paint the chapel roof. This was really a large area but the task was expedited when I accidentally tipped one of tins of paint, so as to avoid a mess and save paint, I’m sure we did it in half the expected time.

Another task was to clear the ground and make a rockery under the apple tree across the path from the entrance of the chapel. There were 7 of us and we must have pleased Mr. Jeffreys who was the manager there. At the end of the working days, we held tools aloft in order to ’innocently’ hit down apples to the multiple of 7. Let’s say on our first ‘walk’, we got 6. So our second ‘walk’ needed 1! Say 4 fell - we needed 4! I think one day we got 21.

The last task I remember was this. The chemical toilets had to be emptied early every morning. This particular year, indeed for a few years the caretaker was Albert. He had a false leg, and we could hear him approaching before we were able to see him. One day, his leg gave up and he was expected to be away for a few days to get it repaired. We were assigned to carry out the task of emptying the chemical toilets into the cesspit, the existence of which we had never thought about, nor knew of its location. We drew lots for the first day, and Ian lost. He carried out his task courageously. Malcolm and I were overjoyed when Albert turned up after missing only one day. Ian was awarded the D.F.C. – Distinguished Filler of Cesspits.

It was after this noble task that a lyric was composed to the tune of the song London by night – if anyone can remember it.

A Cesspit by night is a wonderful sight
There is magic abroad in the air
Some people say they like Cesspits by night
But me I like Cesspits by day.

Regarding the beach, there were very few pebbles if any, just wonderful sand both sides of the headland, and certainly no reeds or whatever as is now on the Llanelli side of the headland.

We can remember most of our friends from Briton Ferry, a lot of who have sadly passed on. I hope the ones still alive will forgive me for not mentioning their names – they are too many.

We will mention David and Clive from Llanelli who sang a duet ‘The Bold Gendarmes’. Then there was Perti Palmio from Finland, who stayed a week with a foreign group and stayed on a week to ‘earn his keep’. Jackie Goode from Swansea, Keith and Martin Patton from Port Talbot.

If anyone who was at Llanmadoc reads this ramble, it would be lovely if you got in touch, and perhaps a reunion could be arranged for all us 70+ years old.

In 1973, my wife Peggy, our eldest daughter Karin and I were converted, saved, born again (see John 3: 3) or whatever term you use. Peggy and I were converted under the ministry of Rev. Neil Richards, of Neath Free Evangelical Church. There is always a close affinity with the minister under whose ministry one is converted, but we have never heard a preaching and teaching ministry to better what we heard then. It is our fervent prayer, that our other two daughters and their families, and the wonderful friends we have known over the years, will come to a saving knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ...

Thanks Graham!

A job done properly is a job well done?

During the winter months at the Centre, all is quiet and groups are not to be seen, just us folk who work the weekday shifts. Everyone is catching up on things they need to get done, and things slowly tick by. For me though, the deadline loomed, 5 weeks till the first group arrived on site, and I had a to do list of maintenance for the building as long as a novel (slight exaggeration) (it really wasn't an exaggeration ~Nathan).

As you may have gather from Nathan’s last blog post, I have spent the last 4-5weeks carrying out most of the maintenance on the building… from changing light bulbs to fixing door handles to poly-filling… and trust me, there was absolutely loads of that, the list was endless. Jan has deep - and I mean deep - cleaned everywhere, the place was spotless. The amount of painting she has done is surely not good for anyone, and could possibly turn the majority of us insane (though she did get some help from the rest of the staff in places, especially as time started to run out).

Now after a month and a bit of running round like a loon I can look back at all my effort and say that I'm pleased with what I have done. The building looks great, possibly the best I've seen it, and for now, everything works. Group are starting to come and go more regularly, and as the hustle and bustle of groups increases another deadline draws nearer.

The deadline that is the beginning of school season. In a little under 2 months my role of maintenance and outdoors worker will change to being one of the sites educational rangers/leaders. Nathan and myself will start leading groups and schools on activity sessions, with the help of Chris, who will be returning to the ranks to help with the chaos.

I love my job, and the majority of the things that I do (filling holes in dormitory walls is now not one of them), but I have to admit my favourite part of my job is school season. In no other job I have done do I get to have as much fun as I do here during the school groups. From the moment groups arrive to the time they leave it all great fun, whether its archery, shelter building or just a walk round the woods. Don’t get me wrong, it’s all hard work and the amount of hours you work a day increases. I’ve found myself still on site at 9pm or later, but it’s all worth it, and with out a doubt the amount of effort you put it shows with 1) how much the group/kids enjoy their visit, and 2) how much I enjoy their visit.

So, a job done properly is a job well done?

I would like to think so, or at the very least if you can say you have enjoyed it, you’re halfway there.

Robert Hooker

Maintenance Extraordinaire and Educational ‘Super’ Ranger.

Many thanks to Rob for his 'guest' post. Hopefully Andy will soon add his post, if I can cajole him into posting one... Andy is an A Rocha Intern, and our Environmental Officer. ~Nathan

Well, someone had to do something...

After our busier summer period, during which there are always groups on site, the winter and early spring bring a break from those hectic warmer months.

The slower season around Christmas allows our staff members a much needed cooling down period and a chance to catch up on any jobs that couldn’t be completed due to the constant stream of happy guests using our accommodation. For instance, Rob seems to have spent a solid month filling holes in the dormitories with pol

yfilla and Jan is almost definitely sick of the sight of Magnolia paint. There is something more boring than watching paint dry, and it’s painting the same colour for 2 weeks straight. The result of all this hard work, though, is definitely worth it, as the Centre is looking almost as good as it did when the new buildings were opened in 2008.

We have been fortunate enough to have been donated more trees from two separate organisations. The Tree Council have given us 15 apple and pear trees to start an orchard on site, which will hopefully start providing us with apples this coming autumn. We have also been given 420 trees from the Woodland Trust. These trees are of various different varieties like Hazel, Crab Apple and Elder. They will provide us with even more harvestable fruits in the autumn. The Woodland Trust have also given us an Oak, grown with seed taken from a Royal estate to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee.

We were joined by yet more piglets, with 8 arriving with a bang on Bonfire Night. Our very first pig, Nessa, was the mother and Rodney (who has now sired 15 piglets) was the father. These piglets have already moved on to greener pastures, having been adopted by Andy and Carol who have a farm in the Swansea Valleys. They are very happy in their new home, and are apparently trying to eat Andy and Carol out of house and home. Rodney went with his children to their new home and is also settling in well. This leaves us with our original two pigs; Nessa and Peppa, who are enjoying a bit of peace and quiet.

Breaking News!

The week after Rodney and the piglets were collected Peppa gave birth to even more piglets. At the time of writing all 8 piglets are doing well and are preparing to start eating their own weight everyday in pig-nuts. This latest litter of piglets takes Rodney’s total of children to 24!

The work on our poly-tunnels is nearing completion, with growing in the smaller of the two having started. The larger poly-tunnel is well on the way as well and we look forward to sampling the home-grown (is that the right word?) fruit and vegetables it will produce when finally finished. The main aim for the larger poly-tunnel is to allow school groups who visit us during the spring and summer to be able to take part in the harvesting of crops, which we can now start growing earlier in the year. Both poly-tunnels had a visit from a herd of cows, who helped fertilise the ground, which was nice of them. We aim to grow various unusual plants and vegetables like yin-yang beans, white aubergine and purple carrots.

To dig some fantastically straight trenches for the poly-tunnel we hired a lovely mini-digger. This was basically an excuse to use the following picture of a very happy Rob in the digger. Rob would like to make it clear that he did actually use the digger, and didn’t just sit in it.

Events:

2nd Sunday of every month: Eco Tribe: 3-5pm

We have been running a new Sunday afternoon youth group at the St Madoc Centre since last summer. The group is for children and young adults and is called ‘Eco tribe’. The group is a mixture of wildlife and outdoor activities, as well as fun and games. Over the last few months we have been pond dipping, star gazing, tree planting, snake hunting and eating toasted marshmallows over a bonfire. Eco Tribe runs on the second Sunday of every month. If you or anyone you know is interested in coming along get in contact with the centre.

Last Sunday of ever month: Archery Club: 3-4pm

The Drawforce Archery club meets in the sportshall at 3pm on the last Sunday of every month. Suitable for children and adults. The first session is free. Ring us for more details!

26-30th March: Reflections on God’s Creation - residential week £160

Take time out before Easter at St Madoc’s. Have time to wonder, wander and walk. Enjoy a programme of relaxed, optional activities with plenty of time to reflect, surrounded by God’s wonderful creation. See 27th below for day visitors too. See website to book, or give us a ring for details.

27th March: Reflections – focus on Caring for God’s Creation

Discover more about the work A Rocha and St Madoc Centre do to look after the environment. Hear inspiring talks and take part in walks and discussions. This is part of the Reflections residential week and is open to day visitors. Please book in advance. Chat to Sarah for further information. sarah@stmadoc.co.uk

19th May: Dawn Chorus Walk: 5:30am

An early morning walk led by A Rocha Intern Sarah to take in the musical dawn chorus. The walk will culminate in bacon butties and a brew at St Madoc Centre. Cost: £5 or £10 for a family. Please book in advance, sorry, no dogs.

June 6th: Arts and Crafts Fair

An exhibition of locally produced art and craft work.

11 August Bat discovery night 8.15pm

Join us for a walk around our grounds to spot some of our many species of bats! We’ll have bat detectors to use and our guide will be Rob Colley from West Glamorgan Bat Group. Please book in advance: sarah@stmadoc.co.uk

14th October: Apple Day: 1pm-5pm

Come along and help us celebrate the humble apple! Take part in appley activities eg juicing, apple games, and appley things to eat. With thanks to our Eco-tribe

volunteers

1st December: Carols and Crafts for Christmas

Our annual Carols and Craft event will be on the 1st of December this year. With live music, hot food and free mince pies. The event will be on from 10am-4pm and entry is free.

Volunteer at the St Madoc Centre:

We are always very happy to work with volunteers, no matter their age, skill or ability levels. If you are interested in volunteering at St Madoc Centre at any time please let us know. We do also hold Volunteer Days: 15th of February, 6th of June and 31st of October. Please book in advance. Sessions usually last from 10am-4pm.

If you are interested in volunteering at the St Madoc Centre, or would like more information about any of the events listed in this newsletter please contact us using the details found below.

A taste of Spring

In the chaos of New Year, people going on about the Euro and violent storms whipping across Britain, it's good to be reminded that the days will actually get longer, mornings will get lighter and I will no longer feel like a hedgehog searching for a pile of leaves to crawl under.

We've just put in the first of our wildlife info boards by the pond. By summer the presently naked wood will be filled with green leaves and Common Darter dragonflies will be skimming the surface of the pond. At the moment it's pretty bare and gale force winds are howling through it.

The apple trees are doing well and not bending too much in the wind. They've got years of life and hopefully loads of apples to produce. Planting a tree must be one of the best investments you can make.

"Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree." (Martin Luther)

Editor's Note~ not actually by me, actually by Sarah Leedham, one of our fantastic A Rocha interns.