Gower News: e-News Publication - Issue 3 - 20th August 2011

GOWER NEWS Gower’s Independent Online News, Event and Information Guide

Issue 3 and 4 20th August 2011 Picture © Emma Jones - www.AmbienceFineArts.com

www.gowernews.co.uk

From the Editor Gower is Great for Getting Exercise!

A study published online in the Lancet this week suggests the minimum amount of physical activity that you need to do to live a longer, healthier life is 90 minutes a week.

New research from Taiwan involving 400,000 people shows that being physically active for an hour and half each week could reduce someone’s risk of death by 14 per cent and increases life expectancy by three years compared with inactive people.

Maureen Talbot, Senior Cardiac Nurse at the British Heart Foundation, said:

“This research was encouraging because it showed that even exercising for 15 minutes a day at a low intensity is still better than doing nothing.

“It could prove helpful for anyone who finds exercise daunting and needs some motivation, especially as getting started can be the hardest part.

“It should be easy for everyone to get active and that means we need safe routes to walk and cycle to work, opportunities to be active at lunchtime and affordable ways to enjoy sport and recreation.”

With lots of short easy walks, the Gower peninsula is a great place to get your 90 minutes of exercise a week, whilst experiencing Gower’s natural beauty!

Welcome to the combined third and fourth published edition of Gower e-News: a place for Gower related news, events and information from a truly local perspective!

As a local, independent online epublication produced on the Gower peninsula, Gower News is committed to promoting all things Gower!

Gower News www.gowernews.co.uk Twitter www.twitter.com/gowernews Facebook www.facebook.com/gowernews YouTube www.youtube.com/gowernews Flickr www.flickr.com/gowernews RunKeeper www.runkeeper.com/user/ gowernews

Don’t forget!

Email your news and event details to: editorial@gowernews.co.uk

This week’s Gower wildflower picture was taken by Gower News’ Editor on the cliffs at Southgate - between the National Trust car park and Hunts Bay. With beautiful pink petals and green foliage, the wildflower is quite common in these parts and can be seen between June and October.

around Gower

out and about

GOWER NEWS 20th August 2011 Editor / Design / Illustration Ian Ambrose Publisher Gower News | www.gowernews.co.uk editorial@gowernews.co.uk Gower News is an independent and privately

Common Centaury

owned online publication.

This Week’s Contributors Emma Jones (Cover Picture) www.AmbienceFineArts.com Chris Ridgway (Weather and Feature) Steve Pleydell (Weather Feature Picture) Susan Rainey (Gower Ancestry) National Trust Gower Marine Conservation Society Dan Santillo (Shout Out) Distribution

around Gower

This e-publication is freely distributed through Local photographer, Dan Santillo, posted a picture on his Twitter profile this week showing the deplorable damage to Rhossili church left by thieves who have wrenched the church car park honesty box from its walls.

Read more in this week’s ‘Shout Out’ section - p32.

out and about

Gower News’ e-newsletter and online media network: www.gowernews.co.uk www.facebook.com/gowernews www.twitter.com/gowernews Views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Gower News' Editor. Gower News does not accept responsibility for the products, goods or services featured or advertised throughout this e-publication. Gower News does not personally endorse any business, organisation, product or service featured in this publication. Every effort is made to ensure the information contained within this publication is accurate and up to date. The contents of this publication are subject copyright and must not be reproduced in any way without the express prior permission of the publisher.

Contents 5 Gower in the News 6 Events around Gower 8 Produce and Craft Markets 9 Producer of the Week 10 Oak Leaf Challenge 11 Spare a Saturday?

12 Gower Cycling Festival 14 Beachwatch Big Weekend 32 Rhossili Church Honesty Box Theft

18 Mumbles Tide Predictions 20 Weekend Weather 22 Weather vs Climate 26 Ask Sue: Gower Ancestry 28 Emma Jones: Ambience Fine Arts 32 Shout Out 34 Public Engagement

10 National Trust Gower: Oak Leaf Challenge

Picture Š 2011: Chris Russell-Jones

4

Gower Dialect

Gower in the News Aug

The “Save Swansea Coastguard” campaign has planned a floating protest on the water off Knab Rock in Mumbles on Sunday 21st August.

21

Campaigners are urging all water users - from surfers to sailors - to get in the water off Knab Rock at 11am to show their support for the closure threatened Swansea Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre. The station, based in Mumbles, will shut by 2015 as part of a review announced by the UK government in a move which could put lives at risk not just off the Swansea and Gower coastlines but across the entire Bristol Channel.

An official petition is being circulated throughout the community in Swansea and is available online at www.saveswanseacoastguard.co.uk for the public to sign to show their support for the cause.

In addition to the local floating protest, a similar protest is planned on the River Thames outside Parliament around the time Gower MP, Martin Caton, is due to raise the matter in the House of Commons in September.

Illegal Camping on Gower The issue of illegal ‘anti social’ campers on Gower hit the news this week. A joint effort by Swansea Council, National Trust Gower, Countryside Council for Wales and South Wales Police is set to challenge the issue head on by targeting known hotspots around the peninsula.

5

Gower in the News

Swansea Coastguard Needs You!

Events Around Gower Event details believed to be correct at time of publication. Event charges may apply.

Check event contact for further details and booking information.

Date

Time

Details

Contact

Sat 20th

09.30-12.30

Penclawdd Produce & Craft Market Penclawdd Community Centre, Penclawdd

01792 850162 Link

Sun 21st

10.30-16.30

Craft Market The Countryman, Scurlage

-

Sun 21st

10.00

RSPB Walk Meet at Middleton Village Hall

01792 816250 Link

Sun 21st

11.00

Floating Protest Knab Rock, Mumbles

01792 460200 Link

Sun 21st

13.00

Charity Auction, Music and Barbecue Mumbles Pier, Mumbles

01792 365220

Tue 23rd

10.30-12.30

Flea Produce and Book Market Port Eynon Village Hall

01792 390419

Wed 24th

10.00-14.30

Food Fayre Port Eynon Village Hall

07766 305291

Thu 25th

9.00-17.00

Dan Santillo’s Photograph Exhibition Ostreme Centre, Mumbles

01792 862376 Link 07917 358724

Thu 25th

18.00

Owain Glyndwr - Family Show Gower Heritage Centre, Parkmill

01792 371206 Link

Fri 26th

N/A

Real Ale Festival - Bank Holiday Weekend Poundffald Inn, Three Crosses

01792 873428 Link

Sat 27th

10.00 - 13.30 Clydach Produce and Craft Market Moose Hall, Beryl Road, Clydach

07707 787791 Link

Sat 27th

09.30 - 13.00 Llangennith Produce and Craft Market Llangennith Hall, Llangennith

01792 386262 Link

Sat 27th

10.00 - 13.00 Three Crosses Produce and Craft Market Three Crosses Community Centre

07834 816242 Link

Sun 28th

18.00

01792 402359 Link

Mumbles Raft Race Norton slipway, near Mumbles

6

Website

Link

WhatsOnGower.co.uk Tell us about your Gower or Swansea Bay event.

Email your event details to: editorial@gowernews.co.uk

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Pontarddulais Produce and Craft Market Second Wednesday of every month between 9.30am - 12.30pm The Institute, 45 St. Teilo Street, Pontarddulais Mumbles Produce and Craft Market Second Saturday of every month between 9.00am - 1.00pm The Dairy Car Park, Oystermouth Square, Mumbles Gorseinon Canolfan Food and Craft Fayre Second Saturday of every month between 9.30am - 1.00pm Canolfan Centre, Millers Drive, Gorseinon Pennard Produce and Craft Market Second Sunday of every month between 9.30am - 12.30pm Pennard Community Centre, Pennard Penclawdd Produce and Craft Market Third Saturday of every month between 9.30am - 12.30pm Community Centre, Banc Bach, Penclawdd Clydach Produce and Craft Market Last Saturday of each month between 10.00am - 1.30pm Moose Hall, Beryl Road, Clydach Llangennith Produce and Craft Market 27th August and 24th September 9.30am - 1.00pm Llangennith Hall, Llangennith Three Crosses Produce and Craft Market Last Saturday of each month between 10.00am - 1.00pm Three Crosses Community Centre, Three Crosses

Local Produce

‘Local Producer of the Week’ ~ Cupcakes by Rachel ~ Rachel Rees - Cupcakes by Rachel - from Loughor produces cupcakes from her home kitchen on a part-time basis alongside teaching. Her most popular flavours are vanilla, chocolate, lemon, coffee & walnut, carrot and Turkish Delight. Rachel said: “I have made cupcakes for weddings, birthdays and corporate events such as Ladies Day at Parc Y Scarlet. All cupcakes are made using eggs from my own free range hens!”

Rachel started her cupcake venture after the success of a cupcake tower that she made for her son's Christening.

“After many requests from friends and family I decided to set up as a small business - it has just snowballed from there,” said Rachel.

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Moon

with R

achel

Rachel runs the Three Crosses Produce Market on the last Saturday of each month at Three Crosses Community Centre (10am-1pm). She also sells her locally produced cakes at Llanrhidian Produce Market on the last Friday of every month.

Rachel said: “I love attending the local produce and craft markets as a seller and a customer - the best thing about selling cupcakes is that I have met lots of new friends with similar interests.”

Three Crosses Produce and Craft Market ~ Last Saturday of Each Month - 10.00am - 1.00pm Three Crosses Community Centre

& Craft Markets

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Enjoy the great outdoors while helping the National Trust to keep Gower special!

Held once a month, the National Trust Gower ‘Saturday Volunteering Group’ undertakes a range of tasks such as litterpicks, scrub clearance, vegetation management and fencing.

The Saturday Volunteering Group is family friendly - children must be accompanied by an adult!

If you would like to help or want further information, please contact Claire Hannington on (01792) 390636 or email claire.hannington@nationaltrust.org.uk 3rd September - Cheriton: Bracken Clearance 1st October - Whiteford: Pine Pulling/Fencing 5th November - Mewslade: Gorse Clearance 3rd December - Bovehill: Scrub Clearance

10-17 SEPTEMBER 2011 The Gower Cycling Festival is an opportunity to explore some of Britain's most beautiful countryside. If you're a visitor seeking a relaxing way to see the sights, an experienced cyclist looking for a new area to explore, or a local resident expanding your cycling horizons, there is something to suit you.

www.gowercyclingfestival.org

OWER

F

ES

www.gowercyclingfestival.org tel: 01792 371206

AL

G

Cycling

TI V

SUNDAY 11th SEPTEMBER

THURSDAY 15th SEPTEMBER

r 6 10.00 Railway Inn, Killay

r 12 10.00 Railway Inn, Killay

KIDWELLY

Follows the beautiful coastal cyclepath through the Millennium Coastal Park hugging the Loughor estuary. Beautiful views to north Gower across the sea. We shall cycle through Pembrey Park with lunch at ‘Time for Tea’, Kidwelly.

Leader: John White | Challenging | 48 miles | All day

MONDAY 12th SEPTEMBER

r 7 10.00 Railway Inn, Killay

IMAGE: Sustrans library

GOWER CIRCUIT

SATURDAY 10th SEPTEMBER Official Festival Launch by Martin Caton MP and Reena Owen 10.30 Blackpill Lido

r 1 11.00 Blackpill Lido (next to Junction Café) FAMILY FUN RIDE TO MUMBLES

An easy ride on cyclepath around Swansea Bay. With beaches café’s and Lido there is fun for all.

A grand circuit with views of the famous beautiful Worm’s Head. We’ll ride close to vast and spectacular west Gower beaches, with a lunch stop at Hill End, Llangennith.

Leader: David Naylor | Moderate | 32 miles | All Day

r 8 10.00 Railway Inn, Killay SWISS VALLEY

Away to the north on quiet roads we’ll climb high and drop into the Gwendraeth Valley which has a rich industrial heritage. Lunch at Caffi Cynnes in Pontyberem. Then it’s nearly all downhill back via the Sustrans Swiss Valley (route 47).

Leader: Martin Brain | Challenging | 42 miles | All day

Leader: Nick Guy | Gentle | 4 miles | 2 hours

r 2 11.00 Blackpill Lido (next to Junction Café) A GOWER TASTER

A mountain bike and part road ride via Clyne Common, across Bishopston Valley and Pennard Common, over Cefn Bryn with fantastic sea views to lunch at the Heritage Centre before returning to Blackpill.

Leader: Rob Wachowski | Challenging | 30 miles | All day

SUNDAY 11th SEPTEMBER

r 4 10.00 Gower Heritage Centre OFF ROAD OVER CEFN BRYN

If you have a mountain bike that’s never been off tarmac before, come and get some dirt on your tyres by climbing Cefn Bryn for spectacular views. No special mountain-biking skills required. End with BBQ at Gower Heritage Centre.

Leader: Claudine Conway | Gentle | 12 miles | Half day

r 5 10.00 Gower Heritage Centre CEFN BRYN PLUS

A ride over Cefn Bryn into west Gower. A character-building hill or two will reveal great views and a visit to King Arthur’s stone. The ride will take us through the heart of Gower’s ancient history. Rewarded by a BBQ at Gower Heritage Centre.

Leader: Phil Jones | Moderate | 15 miles | Half day

Leader: Nick Guy | Gentle | 15 miles | All day

r 13 10.00 Gower Heritage Centre A GOWER TRAVERSE

A route of contrasts exploring the differences between north and south Gower. We’ll visit the old yew tree at Penrice Church and seek the tomb of murdered Mary. Lunch at the Greyhound Inn, Oldwalls.

Sponsored by: Gower Farm Campsite, Reynoldston Leader: Don Ashman | Moderate | 22 miles | All day

FRIDAY 16th SEPTEMBER

14 10.00 Railway Inn, Killay r (10.45 Gower Heritage Centre for walk only)

THREE CLIFFS BAY RIDE AND WALK

Cycle to the Gower Heritage Centre via mid Gower road and Green Cwm. We’ll leave our bikes there to walk down Three Cliffs valley to the beautiful beach. Lunch at Three Cliffs café, Southgate before walking along a higher route. Then cycling back to the Railway inn via Ilston Church.

r 15a 9.00 Railway Inn, Killay

CARREG CENNEN CASTLE: SCENIC

Leader: David Naylor | Moderate | 25 miles | All day

r 3 11.00 Blackpill Lido (next to Junction Café)

A gentle ride along the flat Sustrans NCN route 4, almost all on cycle paths. Time to explore the Wildfowl and Wetland centre at Penclacwydd (entry charge and café). Just before we finish visit the Ddol Farm vinyard for tea and cake.

Inexperienced cyclists welcome.

Leader: David Naylor | Moderate | 12/4 miles ride/walk | All day

A circular route on cycle paths and quiet North Gower roads.

Stunning views over the salt marshes. Lunch at the Greyhound pub, returning via the picturesque Green Cwm.

GOWER COMBINE

SUSTRANS RIDE TO PENCLACWYDD

TUESDAY 13th SEPTEMBER

r9

SWANSEA CITY HEIGHTS

10.00 Railway Inn, Killay

Make the most of Swansea’s terrain. Approach our hilly city with determination and be rewarded with spectacular views and a new perspective on Swansea. On urban roads but low gears or strong legs needed. Lunch at Railway Inn.

Leader: Claudine Conway | Challenging | 20 miles | Half day

10 r 2pm Bikeability Centre, Dunvant Rugby Club

BIKEABILITY RIDE FOR PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITIES AND DISABILITIES

A gentle ride down the Clyne cycle path to Blackpill, featuring a variety of specially adapted bicycles. A refreshment stop at the Junction Café with Lido, beach and play area.

Leader: Bikeability | Gentle | 4 miles | Half day

WEDNESDAY 14th SEPTEMBER

r 11

HENRHYD WATERFALLS, NEATH VALLEY

10.00 Railway Inn, Killay

A longer ride up the Swansea Valley to the impressive Henrhyd Waterfalls. Back down a different valley and finishing around Swansea Bay. Bring sandwiches.

Leader: John Cardy | Challenging | 62 miles | All day

A long ride with some testing climbs, taking in one of the most breathtaking castles in Wales! Lunch at the Ferryside Café on the Towy estuary. Mostly on minor roads, a tough hilly route.

Leader: Claudine Conway | Challenging | 70 miles | All day

r 15b 10.00 Railway Inn, Killay

CARREG CENNEN CASTLE: DIRECT

Up the Loughor valley with stunning views to the west and then up to the castle for lunch. Back the other side of the valley.

Leader: Phil Jones | Challenging | 48 miles | All day

SATURDAY 17th SEPTEMBER

16 r 11.00 Civic Centre (East car park)

TEENAGERS RIDE AROUND SWANSEA BAY

A gentle flat ride along the Swansea Bay cycle path towards Mumbles and back, with a lunch stop at the Junction café, Blackpill. Adults can join us, if accompanied by a teenager.

Leaders: Rachel Guy & Claudine Conway | Gentle | 6 miles | Half day

r 17 10.00 Railway Inn, Killay NORTH GOWER CIRCUIT

This classic route is hilly on the way out but flat on the return home! The beautiful high Cilonnen Road offers views to the west from Welsh Moor (NT) and across the estuary to the north. We descend to the Salt Marsh road then pass through the village of Crofty, hub of the cockle industry.

Leader: Bob Smith | Gentle | 17 miles | Half day

r 18 10.00 Gower Heritage Centre

HERITAGE TRAIL: MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDE

A challenging mountain bike circuit over the highest points of Gower, with spectacular views over Rhossili beach. Discover Gower’s natural charms including swooping single track roads, bridleways and rocky terrain. Please ride suitably equipped and wear a helmet. Lunch at Hill End.

Leader: Roy Church | Challenging | 30 miles | All day

FESTIVAL PARTY SAT 17th SEPTEMBER 7pm Gower Heritage Centre £5 (Children Free) A chance to reward ourselves for all the riding! Live music, Great venue, and unusual auction Licensed bar and food available.

Hosted by: www.gowerheritagecentre.co.uk

Start points and facilities All start/finish points have car parks nearby - charges may apply.

Blackpill Lido SA3 5AS. Public toilets, café. On cycle path NCN 4.

Gower Heritage Centre SA3 2EH. Toilets, shop, cafés.

Railway Inn, Killay SA2 7DS. On NCN 4 – no public toilets.

Dunvant Rugby Club SA2 7RU. Free parking and toilets.

Civic Centre East Car Park SA1 3SN. Toilets, café.

Marine Conservation Society ‘Beachwatch Big Weekend’ 17th and 18th September 2011

According to the Marine Conservation Society: Wales hit an all time high in average litter levels at 3,372 items for every kilometre surveyed. In 2010, 755 volunteers across Wales collected 62,694 items of litter!

Beach litter has almost doubled over the last fifteen years, and in 2010 alone, average litter levels across the UK jumped an alarming six percent compared to the year before. The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) wants to break this rising trend, and the charity says they cannot do it without public support.

Photo: Š 2011: T Fanshawe

People of Gower and Swansea can help by taking part in this year’s MCS Beachwatch Big Weekend which will be taking place on the 17th and 18th of September - the event will see thousands of volunteers taking to the beaches all and around the UK coast.

They will clean up and record the rubbish they find, as part of the International Coastal Cleanup which takes place in 80 countries worldwide.

Some of our best loved marine wildlife is under threat from hazardous litter in our seas. Hundreds of species of marine wildlife accidentally eat, or become tangled up in litter - and it’s also hazardous to people.

The data collected during beach clean up and survey events shapes MCS’s beach litter campaigns and keeps the subject matter firmly on the Government’s agenda.

MCS Beachwatch Officer Lauren Davis says it’s crucial we do something to tackle rising litter levels: “We’d like to see much more involvement around the UK coastline. Right now, we’re especially on the look out for people who can help us organise a beach clean in the area, and anyone can simply volunteer to take part.”

Lauren says a beach clean is a great way to gather vital data: “It’s great to have the help of so many enthusiastic locals of all ages who are clearly passionate about getting involved and improving their local marine environment. It’s amazing what you can find, on the last survey in July we came across part of a bed post, far bigger and heavier than the young volunteer who was determined to drag it quite some distance off the beach!” // How to Get Involved \\ Beachwatch Big Weekend 2011 – be part of the biggest and most influential fight against marine litter in the UK. Events are set to take place on beaches around Gower. So far, ‘Beachwatch Big Weekend’ events are planned for Rhossili, Langland and Three Cliffs Bay. Find out more at www.mcsuk.org/beachwatch or telephone 01989 566017

Marine Conservation Society Beachwatch Big Weekend

“

In July we came across part of a bed post, far bigger and heavier t h a n t h e yo u n g volunteer who was determined to drag it quite some distance off the beach!

”

Photo: © 2011: Matt Oldfield

Get Involved!

17th and 18th September 2011

August 2011 | Mumbles

Mumbles Tide Date

Low

High

Low

High

Low

MUMBLES

Times shown in British Summer Time.

Saturday 20

04:13

10:41

16:25

23:02

-

Sunday 21

04:46

11:16

17:03

23:42

-

Monday 22

05:29

12:03

17:57

-

-

Tuesday 23

-

00:37

06:33

13:10

19:27

Wednesday 24

-

02:00

08:14

14:47

21:07

Thursday 25

-

03:37

09:38

16:12

22:18

Friday 26

-

04:45

10:39

17:10

23:12

Saturday 27

-

05:39

11:28

17:59

23:58

Sunday 28

-

06:25

12:14

18:44

-

Monday 29

00:40

07:09

12:56

19:28

-

Tuesday 30

01:23

07:53

13:39

20:11

-

Wednesday 31

02:05

08:35

14:21

20:54

-

Predictions Low

High

Low

High

MUMBLES

Times shown in British Summer Time.

Thursday 1

02:46

09:16

15:03

21:36

Friday 2

03:28

09:58

15:45

22:18

Tide Predictions: © Crown Copyright and/or database rights. Reproduced by permission of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office and the UK Hydrographic Office (www.ukho.gov.uk).

September 2011 | Mumbles

Date

weekend weather

Community Gower Weather Weekend Weather: 19- 22 August 2011 Forecast by Chris Ridgway This week has seen the continuation of our weather being dominated by Atlantic weather systems: a series of low-pressure systems (rain) followed by ridges of high pressure (sunny days). Coincidently, this weekend’s weather is following a similar pattern to last weekend’s hopefully any significant rainfall this weekend will occur in the overnight periods.

Friday a ridge of high pressure is pushing in from the south west. After a misty start it will be a dry day with sunny spells and light winds.

There will be increasing amounts of cloud as the day moves on - this is due to a lowpressure system centring itself off the north west coast of Scotland, bring rain overnight Friday into Saturday. Noticeable winds picking up.

Saturday a warm weather front straddles North Wales into Northern England, bringing us another variable day: cloud, sunny spells and occasional rain. The wind direction is from the south west so should feel relatively mild.

20

Community Weekend Outlook Sunday a cold front will cross over us overnight Saturday into Sunday bringing rain. Sunday is looking like a slightly better day weather wise with sunnier spells, although there is a chance a trough (an area of relatively low pressure) forming just off the coast of West Wales in the Irish Sea. This may bring an increased risk of showers and cloud into the afternoon and evening.

Monday Will see a dry start to the week with cloud and some sunny spells. However the general outlook for the rest of the week remains variable and continues to be dominated by weather off the Atlantic.

The temperatures over the weekend should range between 16-19째C. Have a good weekend, whatever you are doing!

Chris.

Specific detailed daily forecasts can be obtained from professional organisations like the Met Office: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/wl/ swansea_forecast_weather.html

21

‘Climate’ vs ‘Weather’

By Chris Ridgway As part of my weekly weekend weather report, I also want to provide you, the reader, with an insight into Earth Science: how the dynamic interactions of atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and geology are intrinsically interlinked and affect the world around us.

The world of science, like many another fields, has its own terminology and jargon; I will try not to use too much of it by explaining topics and issues in “layman’s terms” the best I can.

Many of the topics that I will discuss can be quite complicated - I could write page after page just on one aspect. So apologies if it seems I am just generalising, but the idea is to provide a general insight.

As I am providing weather outlooks, I thought a topical place to start would be to talk about Climate and Weather.

Picture © 2011: Steve Pleydell

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Climate As we can probably remember from our school days, the world has dierent climate zones ranging from the Tropics at the equator to the Poles. So what defines a Climate?

A particular Climate is defined from the accumulation of LongTerm Metrological Trends: Temperatures, Rainfall, Atmospheric Pressure etc.

Weather Weather on the other hand is the day-to-day temperature and rainfall activity that occurs within a particular Climate - Short-Term Metrological Trends - which can vary on a daily basis. This is something we know all too well here in the UK! The accumulation of weather information over Time is what defines the Climate. Therefore Climate does not constitute the vagaries of daily Weather, so to identify any Climate Change there would have to be long-term changes in the metrological trends within a climate.

➤ 23

Microclimates Here in the UK, we live in Temperate Marine Climate Zone as with most of North West Europe. Our weather tends to be dominated by the Atlantic Ocean. However, even within the UK Microclimates can be identified not only on a regional level, but also on a localised one.

South Wales and the South West Peninsula (Devon and Cornwall) exhibit similar microclimates: both are dominated by the influence of the sea and their hilly terrain. Generally speaking, we often experience milder and wetter conditions compared to the South East of England, for example, which has more of a continental influence.

Gower The Gower itself, to some extent, has its own microclimate: the main cause being that the sea in three directions surrounds the peninsula, hence the influence of a relatively warm sea, compared to the land, brings milder sea air and generally earlier springs.

24

Swansea Swansea also has its own m i c ro c l i m a t e, a l t h o u g h artificially created, known as the Urban Heat Island (coupled with its proximity to the sea). This is most profoundly noticeable in the winter where rural areas can be well below zero. In contrast, Swansea can be a degree or two above. The Urban area has the ability to store heat from the Sun within its concrete structures.

Coupled with the internal heating of buildings, this heat slowly realises into the a t m o s ph e re d u r i n g t h e overnight period creating a warm air mass above the city.

➤ 25

Over the next few weeks I will touch more upon how the Earth’s weather works. Next time I will talk about the weather patterns we experience here in the UK and how it affects our Temperate Climate.

Ask SUE!

Weather Folklore I quite like these old weather sayings, many come from the days before modern science and were probably derived from human observation.

Some have more actual scientific basis than others, but it is always a bit of fun to try them out - just to see how right they are! ~~~

“The first week be warm (August), the winter will be white and long.”

Ruth Madoc with Susan Rainey from Gower Ancestry

Are your ancestors from Gower?

Who do you think they were?

Send us your questions and we will ask sue to answer as many as possible by publishing them in future editions of gower e-news!

~~~ “If St. Bartholomew’s be clear, a prosperous autumn comes that year.”

St. Bartholomew’s Day 24th August

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Last year Susan Rainey from Gower Ancestry conducted research for BBC Wales’ Coming Home series featuring the famous Welsh actress, Ruth Madoc.

Susan said: “Ruth's ancestors came from Swansea, Llansamlet, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire. Unfortunately none from Gower.

“I was with Ruth all day at the filming of the programme in Swansea I even arranged for her to meet long-lost relatives from Llangennech.”

One of the highlights of Susan’s research was the discovery that Ruth Madoc was related to former British Prime Minister, David Lloyd George.

GOWER ANCESTRY 27

Emma Jones | Ambience Fine Arts GOWER is without doubt, a place of natural wonder and outstanding beauty - arguably it is the ultimate photographer's paradise. Never will the exact same photographic image from around the awe-inspiring peninsula be duplicated, regardless of how many times its famous landmarks and scenes are captured by photographers. Granted, there are many favourite scenes around Gower, but the way in which individual photographers - amateur and professional alike - capture the often dramatic scenes and stunning landscape scenes, is truly unique.

Like many people, Emma Jones - one of Gower's many ‘resident’ photographers - has fallen under Gower's magical spell, unable to resist capturing on camera the wonder and splendour that each new day brings as a result of living on the Gower peninsula.

“

Photography

is a medium of capturing

moments that we unknowingly forget.

”

Listening to Emma's story, you can see why she is so passionate about her local environment.

"Really speaking, it has been a hobby and a passion for as long as I c a n r e m e m b e r. To m e , photography is a medium of capturing moments that we unknowingly forget; creating those favourite images that we pass down for generations - something which, in my eyes, is priceless,” she said.

Emma's love of photography began in childhood with a 110 film camera, as well as the other basic 'point and shoot' types.

Later she moved on to using an SLR camera, and eventually a DSLR. Emma said, "I inherited a bit of money after sadly losing my nan, but as I was in my early teens, it was put into bonds. When the money was finally released, I knew exactly what I wanted: an SLR camera. I wasn't sure how my family would react, but photography has always been something that is really important to me - I knew it would be put to good use. After some time, I went on to purchase a DSLR. From that point on, I never looked back - it was a fast-track-ride to where I am now!" ➤

Emma hasn't formally studied anything close to photography or the arts. She currently works five days a week as a medical secretary at a local hospital, taking the camera out on weekends, after work, and even before work to capture glorious sunrises. "As I live on Gower, it probably goes without saying how I appreciate the beauty of the natural world! Seeing the colour schemes change throughout the year is fascinating - even the difference between an hour at sunrise or sunset can capture amazingly different colours," explains Emma.

After constant encouragement from the people around her to sell the images she has captured, Emma decided to take the plunge and launched her website - www.ambiencefinearts.com - in October 2009 to showcase and sell her work. Emma’s ultimate dream is to make the love of photography a full-time career at some point in the future. We wish her every success.

All Images © Copyright 2011: Emma Jones | Ambience Fine Arts http://www.ambiencefinearts.com

throughout the year is fascinating - even the difference between an hour at sunrise or sunset can capture amazingly different colours.

”

Emma Jones | Ambience Fine Arts

“

Seeing the colour schemes change

Shout Out! “Save Our Station�

Campaign Take part in a floating protest to save Swansea Coastguard.

R T OU

!

S U O E AG

Sunday 21st August 2011 at 11am The floating protest will take place on the water off Knab Rock Please Wear Red If You Can

Thieves Attack 13th Century Gower Church

From surfers to sailors, your support is needed!

Local people and visitors alike have condemned a recent attack by thieves who wrenched the car park honesty box from the walls of the historic Anglo-Norman church in Rhossili. The damage is clear in the image posted on Twitter this week by local Gower photographer, Dan Santillo.

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For years I've been wanting to photograph Rhossili Down when the heather is out and, finally, this was to be the year.

This week I parked in the Rhossili church car park like I always do, got my camera equipment out of the boot, found a pound coin in my pocket and walked to the honesty box to pay my pound - like I always do. But something was different. This time there was a pile of rubble that had tumbled into the car park where the honesty box had been. It turned out that someone had ripped the honesty box from the wall, presumably to steal the coins that were in it.

I'm a modern male, very little shocks me and events don't leave me astounded but for some reason, this angered me more than words can describe. I just couldn't believe that a person (or people) would go to the effort of destroying the wall to get access to a couple of quid. And now, as a result of their selfish, thoughtless action, the wall will have to be repaired and the honesty box replaced.

The recent riots have prompted the courts into taking hard action against those vandals, mostly by jailing them. Were I to sentence whoever did this, their punishment would be to fundraise for the money to pay for the wall to be rebuilt whilst carrying a placard that said "I'm a thoughtless vandal who demolished a church wall to steal a couple of quid". The money raised would then pay for the materials and for someone to oversee them repair the wall properly themselves.

For the first time, I didn't pay my pound like I usually do; I'm keeping a tally and when the box is replaced, I shall be making a donation.

Dan Santillo | 18-08-2011

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Public Engagement

Swansea Council how the y perfor are keen to ha ve m The cons ultation w in a number o your opinion o your say, complete ill run until Frida f important ar n eas. y the Coun cil’s onlin 26th August. To e questio have http://w nnaire: ww.swans ea.gov.uk /index.cf m?article id=44877

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Public Meetings ➡

Swansea Council: Partnership Overview and Scrutiny - 22nd August 2011 at 11.00am

➡

Swansea Council: Children and Family Services Overview and Scrutiny - 24th August 2011 at 4.15pm

➡

Swansea Council: Cabinet - 25th August 2011 at 2.00pm

35

Advertisement

This year the Mumbles Gower OceanFest will host the Welsh Longboard Classic, Bay 6K Paddle Enduro and the Gower SUP Surf Classic. With stand up paddle boarding and surf clinics, expert advice and free board demos, there'll be plenty of opportunities for newcomers to the sports and also anyone wishing to progress.

The event sees the long-awaited return of the Welsh Longboard Classic, a prestigious surfing tournament which was considered one of the premier longboarding events in the country.

The Longboard Classic ran for two decades and over the years attracted some distinguished names in the international field of surf stars and world champions, including Californian greats Jay Moriarty and Robert 'Wingnut' Weaver, star of the cult surf classic Endless Summer.

Whether competing in the tournaments or just chilling at the beach and soaking up the atmosphere, the event promises to deliver a spectacular experience for everyone.

For more information or to register for the tournaments visit: www.mumblesgoweroceanfest.com or contact the event organiser Jay Doyle on 07970 577879

www.mumblesgoweroceanfest.com

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Gower Surfers’ Map - Reproduced with Permission from Publisher

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FREE CONSULTATION

Flute LessonS

If you are a beginner, the consultation lesson will allow you to try a flute and get advice about hiring or buying an instrument, if you then decide that you wish to start.

If you play already a longer consultation will be appropriate. Individual weekly or fortnightly lessons can then be arranged of any length from 20 to 40 minutes depending upon age, standard and stamina.

Theory lessons and pre-instrumental classes are also available. Pre-instrumental lessons are usually taken in groups and prepare children for learning any instrument. The Curwen and Dalcroze techniques used help develop the child's aural awareness and aim to get them feeling music as well as reading it before beginning to play.

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To find out more and/or to arrange a time for a consultation lesson:

Tel: 01792 233978 or for texts 07772 533891 e-mail: crclement@hotmail.com

‘Gower Labradors’ www.gower-labradors.co.uk

Labrador Retriever Puppies

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www.gower-labradors.co.uk Pedigree Retriever Labradors Puppies > Available Early November 2011

> Dam and Sire Kennel Club Registered

> Dam and Sire Excellent Hip Scores/Clear Eyes

> Puppies: To be Microchipped, Given 1st Vaccine and KC Registered with Endorsements

> For More Information & Register Interest Online

www.gower-labradors.co.uk

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CLICK FOR LOCAL ACCOMMODATION

Coffee and Croissants Networking Breakfast Event

ÂŁ10/person To register, send an email to: editorial@gowernews.co.uk Includes: coffee/tea/croissants and homemade cakes - plus a chance to network with people from local businesses and organisations.

Proceeds to Macmillan Cancer Support.

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no trees were chopped down to produce this online e-publication

GOWER NEWS www.gowernews.co.uk

Issue 3 and 4 - 20/08/2011 - Copyright 2011 - All Rights Reserved