Produced by the Friends of Tintern – July 2007

 

Does Tintern Need a Festival?

 

The public meeting held at The Abbey Hotel on June 4th at 6pm only attracted a small number of people but there was no shortage of enthusiasm for all that.

The group slit into pairs and each worked on a SWOT analysis of Tintern to try to find out what the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats were for running a potential festival in Tintern in the future.

Although no firm decisions were made at the end of the evening it was generally felt that there is potential for a festival in the village perhaps taking the form of a “Walking Festival” or maybe a cultural exchange between the other Celtic Countries, with music, dance and crafts being the focus.  If you feel you would like to know more and maybe contribute to the organising of such an event please contact Louise McGuinness on 01873 736035.

 
TAP

 

Attached to this edition of Tintern News is a schedule of concerns over the hydro-electric scheme proposed by TAP Ltd.  This schedule was prepared by residents of the Angiddy Valley most likely to be affected by the piped hydro-electric scheme.  The schedule was issued to TAP Ltd. in May, so that TAP Ltd. would have an opportunity to prepare replies before calling a formal public meeting in the village hall.


TAP Ltd. have not responded, nor acknowledged receipt of it.  We, the Concerned Angiddy Residents for the Environment (CARE), would welcome your support in getting TAP Ltd. to call a formal public meeting, not a "drop-in" meeting, so their proposed scheme can be presented to the public, and members of the public can ask questions of TAP Ltd. directors and specialists.  Please tell your Tintern Community Councillor that TAP Ltd. must organize a public meeting.


N.B.

The 300 copies of the TAP attachment were supplied by Barry Saunders et al and is on paper donated by the group and collated by them.

 

Tintern Angiddy Hydro-Electric Project

 

Further to the correspondence on this topic in the last two editions of Tintern News and other media publicity: 

 

I must first state that I have an open mind on the project and would support a plan that has been properly researched and which can demonstrate sufficient positive benefit without damaging  the special environment that exists in the Angiddy valley.  As stated by previous correspondents the limited  detail  in the proposal  is not  sufficient to reach any conclusion as to viability at this time.   To  help form an initial opinion  I have  done some  broad brush calculations and estimates based on the information  so far published  with results as follows:

 

It has been stated  that the generation capacity will be 30 kW with a flow rate of 200 litres per sec.  I have not accurately measured the head available over the proposed  route but having walked it many times my estimate is about  25m.  Allowing for an overall efficiency  for pipe loss, turbine and generator of 50%  this produces an available output of about 25kW ;  I do not disagree  with the figure of 30kW proposed  which should be based on a more accurate head measurement.

 

The pipeline has been stated as being 1km of  0.45m (18 inch) diameter pipe.  To assess the  pipe diameter required I have calculated the viscous flow head loss  for 200 l/sec flow for several pipe diameters (and length 3000ft) as follows:

 

Pipe Diameter                     Head Lost

12 inch                                43 ft

18 inch                                  6 ft

24 inch                               1.6 ft

 

I do not disagree that an 18 inch diameter pipe is the correct choice.  A 12 inch pipe would lose about half the water power in friction loss in the pipe whilst a 24 inch pipe would be unnecessarily expensive.   It should be noted that a big pipe is required not because a huge volume of water is to be bypassed from the river but in order to keep the friction loss down over the long pipe length.  In the original  2004 study proposal short 6inch diameter steel pipes were to be used ;  working backwards from the power figures in that study the flow rate would have been about 170 l/sec , not much different from the flow now proposed in the long 18 inch pipe.  

 

So far so good , what about economics ?    If the project  was able to generate a full 30kW  for 100% of the time that would be  262800 kW Hrs per year.  If sold at a price in the range of  6  to  8 pence per kW Hr  it would be worth  £ 15768  to  £21024  per year.

A certain minimum flow has to be left in the river however and there may be outages when , for example , Beaufort pond is cleaned.  100% is not a  realistic  figure.  In the 2004 study  it was stated that typical energy capture figures were in the range 40 – 50 %  for small UK rivers.   This is an area that needs to be investigated very carefully in the case of the Angiddy project as the figure has to balance the needs of the river and the fishponds against the revenue generating capability.  The value makes a big difference to the economics.   I feel that the figure may be higher than 50% in this case but there is a need for detailed river flow data to assess what it might be.   Taking a figure of 50%  as an example  the income to the project from the sale of electricity is likely to be in the range  £8000  -  £10500  per year depending on actual electricity price obtained.

 

I am not a civil engineer and there are elements of construction cost that I find hard to estimate but laying 18 inch pipe is not cheap.   The project looks to me to have a cost in the area of £200 000.- .   Taking that as an example and assuming a 50% grant can be obtained  there could be  £100K  to finance at commercial interest rates of around 7%.  That would be an annual interest charge  of £7000.   Allowing for maintenance and replacement fund costs there would probably be no net income left from the sale of electricity.   The project would generate renewable energy but no income.   If  different assumptions are made and there is for example a higher level of grant finance ,  a higher energy capture figure than 50%  and lower capital cost  then the project  could produce income as well as energy.   This is an important area that has to have sound figures.

 

Overall the project looks as though it could be viable.   I am concerned  about the damage that  could be done laying the pipe.  The precise route has not been  stated but laying a big pipe like this could leave a big footprint that could take a long while to heal.  It would probably require much more than a baby digger and big machinery may need to cut a wide swathe through the woodland for access.

 

Finally , on a less objective matter ,  it seems a pity  that not one of the  20 or so Angiddy water wheels have survived (apart from the turbine at the wireworks).  One could possibly be re-instated  at some time in the iron works.  The benefit would not be  financial from the sale of electricity but it could add significantly to the tourist interest of an improved iron works site.  If the big pipe is constructed  and it follows the route of the old leat from Beaufort Pond to the ironworks  consideration could be given to a little bit of spare capacity which could be tapped off at a future date.

 

Bernard Bradshaw  10 Parva Springs 

 

A Wonderful Sunny Hot Sunday

 

The ‘Church Musicians’called the ‘Almighty Sound’ preformed at Abbey Mill on Sunday 10th June.  It was a wonderful sunny, hot Sunday and £150.00 was raised for the ‘Watota Ministries’ Orphan children in Uganda.  Our thanks to Chris & Shelley and all the staff at Abbey Mill for donating time, food and drink and allowing us to raise funds.

 

I have attached a short write up on the work that the Watoto Ministries are doing so that you can see the wonderful work the money raised is going towards.

 

Jean Earl

Caerwent

 

There are approximately 1.7 million children in Uganda who have been orphaned by civil war and the deadly aids epidemic.

 

Since 1992, Watoto has been rescuing orphans from a hopeless life on the streets.  These are war orphans and Aids orphans.  They provide more than just food and shelter and focus on the total development of the child. The specific goal is to care for the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of every child by providing food, shelter, education, health care, family life and family values and they believe that these children will make a lasting impact upon the nation of Uganda.

 

Watoto Ministries build villages and their 3rd village, Suubi (which means HOPE) is progressing.  Already it has 63 homes, 33 classrooms in the primary, secondary and vocational schools, teachers housing, clean water and electricity.  It will eventually include 162 HOMES, housing for 100 teachers and staff and a total population of over 1,600 people.

 

This is where my heart is pulling me.  It costs £8,000 to build and furnish a home.  This consists of 3 bedrooms, a kitchen, a living area and a bathroom.  This will take another 8 orphans off the streets and give them a home and a mother and a wonderful chance in life and, most importantly, they will come to know Jesus.

 

By 12th November this year I want to raise this money and, with a team of up to 24 volunteers, take it over to Uganda and we will actually do the work necessary to get another 8 orphans off the streets and into a home.  I know that this will only make a small difference but to those 8 children it will change their lives.

 

Otters are back on the Angiddy

Dear Editor

After an absence of many years, otters are back on the Angiddy. I was thrilled to spot one on the Furnace pond and my neighbours have seen otters on the Beaufort pond and on the stretch of river between the ponds. I have also seen a water vole on the river bank. Everyone says to report the sightings, but no-one seems to know to whom. The Environment Agency have not acknowledged my email, can anyone offer any advice?

Sue Samuels

 

Tintern VPA

 

Our monthly meeting was held on Friday 15th June in the Village Hall when Miss Brenda Jones gave us a talk , illustrated with a large selection of  material from her garden , on Scent and Colour in the Garden.

 

Our next meeting is the annual Garden Party  to be held at the home of  Mike and Diane Taylor at 4 Parva Springs  at 6.30 pm on Friday  20th July.  Bring along a plate of nibbles to share and something to drink.   New members are always welcome ; if you are interested and would like to know more come along to a meeting or call 01291 689877 (Bernard or Christine Bradshaw).

 

Addendum to VPA entry in June 2007 issue of Tintern News.

 

A note was sent to the editor by a reader relating to the accuracy  of the wording on   Mounton House  and  Mathern  Palace.  The location of Mounton House was described as Mathern  when in fact it is to the north of Pwllmeyric.  The house once belonged to Lewis of St Pierre and was purchased in 1910 by Henry Avray-Tipping who rebuilt it in the Arts and Crafts style with surrounding formal , water and wilderness gardens.  It was later for many years an “approved school” but has since been sold  and converted for residential use.  Nearby is Castle Hill School which used to be an Annexe of Mounton House and which is still an “approved school”.   The old palace of the Bishops of Llandaff at Mathern  is a CADW listed site but is privately owned and not maintained by CADW as stated.   Thank you for the interest in Tintern News and the correction.      

 

Tintern WI

 

For the June meeting we visited St Pierre.  Firstly we looked round the lovely old Church and the gardens.  After tea and cakes we continued our tour with an inspection of the swimming pool and the gym.  The gym was full of very fit, slim young people so maybe those machines work!  Diane Taylor was thanked for arranging this visit which we all enjoyed. 

 

Our next meeting on Monday 16th July will be a visit to Tintern Vineyard.  We will meet there at 2.00pm and the cost will be £2.50 per person. If any non-members would like to join us on this visit you are very welcome to come along.  For more information on the WI please get in touch with Jean Davey on 689212 or Christine Bradshaw on 689877.              

 

Beware

 

A word of caution to those on living Trelleck Road! On the evening Saturday 23rd June 2 chairs were stolen from a garden. It looks as though this was an unplanned exercise however the police have been informed so they can keep track of the crime in this area. Readers might just want to be careful about what they leave outside during these balmy summer evenings.

Exercise Classes

 

Is there anyone in Tintern who is prepared to run some form of exercise class one evening per week during the Autumn and Winter months?  A few residents have expressed an interest but a leader is needed! 

 

 

 Tapped for Cash?


 TAP Ltd. are applying for grants to cover the costs of their hydro-electric scheme.  TAP claim that profit  from their proposed hydro-electric scheme will benefit the local community.  If the scheme costs more than they expect, they will be able to borrow money.  To repay that money they will need to use the   "profit" from selling electricity to the National Grid.  It is possible that loans and debts will bankrupt TAP  Ltd.  Are the directors of TAP Ltd. liable for company debts?   Would the local community be liable for TAP Ltd. debts?   Are those who support/contribute £1 to TAP Ltd. liable for TAP Ltd. debts?  It is likely that the liquidators of any bankruptcy of TAP Ltd. would sell the assets of TAP Ltd.to repay debts.  Any new owners of the hydro-electric scheme are unlikely to pay any "profit" to the local community.


Barry Saunders, in CARE

 

Tintern Community Council

 

Replacement Post-box in the Trellech Road

 

Despite repeated correspondence and telephone calls with the Post Office and their ‘Watchdog’ organization POSTWATCH we have made no progress in replacing the post box removed from the Trellech Road last year. The following letter has now been received from POSTWATCH which seems to be the end of the line – sadly;

 

‘The provision of post boxes in rural areas has no set guidelines. If this was an
urban area the requirement would be - each postcode area where the delivery
point density is not less than 200 delivery points per square kilometre, not less
than 99% of users or potential users of postal services are within 500 metres of
a post office letter box. But this does not stand for rural areas like yours.

Regardless of the gradient of the land, or the fact that 58 houses are in the
mid-point, Royal Mail are not obligated to review their decision. They will have
already taken these factors into consideration before making their mind up.

Royal Mail have explained that the two post boxes currently in place are
sufficient to deal with the volume of mail that is posted in them.

I can appreciate that you will remain dissatisfied, but I know from experience
that further appeals by Postwatch will not have any impact on this, so we will
not be referring your case back to them at this time.

If the population increases or the post boxes are being filled on a daily basis
Royal Mail will automatically review their decision and consult with the local
council about the introduction of another post box.

I regret that we could not have been of more assistance with your complaint. If
you wish to discuss this further, please contact me using the details above.’

 

Roger Hopson – Clerk to the Council

 

Flooding in Tintern

 

After the recent very heavy rain and the numerous incidents of flooding and near flooding that happened in the last couple of weeks two positive actions have occurred;

 

1.      Firstly the neighbourly co-operation of residents in the area fighting the water flow would be commendable in any community and was remarked on by long term residents and new comers to the area. Also the quick action by locals to clear a lane on the A466 when the tree fell across it 19th June. Thanks to all.

 

2.      The concerns of the residents was noted by the large number who attended Monday’s (25th June) meeting of the Community Council and expressed concern that this type of incident has been happening for many years and nothing is being done about it.

 

Consequently I spent the following morning with County Councillor Ann Webb and an official of the County Councils Highways department walking through the area and discussing what could be done fairly quickly. The outcome of this meeting was that the only practical and financially viable solution would be the provision of ‘cattle grids’ across the road at strategic points. This would solve the problem and be within the budgetary constraints of both the County and Community Councils.

 

The exact positioning of the grids will be left up to the Community Council and we will need to consider the following points when deciding;

 

1.      Traffic crossing these grids makes a noise which will be unacceptable close to residential property.

 

2.      A natural water flow must be close in order for the water which collects in the grid to be channelled into.

 

3.      The road must be wide enough for a pedestrian and animal crossing to be provided next to the grid but at a height which will preclude any water escaping through it.

 

If any resident has any ideas on positioning please let me know.

 

We haven’t forgotten the flooding problems in the rest of the village and will be chasing Monmouthshire County Council to do some urgent work in Glyn Road and on the A466 in a couple of areas.

 

PLEASE NOTE THAT SANDBAGS ARE KEPT IN THE ABBEY HOTEL & THE WYE VALLEY HOTEL FOR EMERGENCIES AND THE KEYS TO THE CONTAINERS ARE AVAILBLE AT THE RECEPTION DESKS IN BOTH HOTELS.        

 

Dawn Floyd – Chairman of the Community Council

 

 

Monthly Report of April and May 2007 Meeting

 

Apologies for not including a summary of the recent council minutes in the ‘News’ but meeting dates and printing dates for the “News’ conflicted and then we lost our clerk through illness for a month and so it has not been possible to get a summary created on time.

 

In April the car parking over the Easter Bank holiday was the first major issue. A large number of vehicles were parked on the A466 from the Abbey to Dead Man’s Bend. This had meant that pedestrians had to walk on the road at this dangerous location. Constable Mason stated that vehicle owners contravening parking regulations had been noted and would be prosecuted. Other vehicles (over 40) had not been recorded because of the constable’s concern regarding mass prosecutions for obstruction which could harm the tourism business.

 

Several villagers had commented that the vehicle activated speed sign on the northern approach to the village was in need of repair as a large number of the lights were not working. Sadly this is still the case despite repeated letters and phone calls to Monmouthshire Highways department.

 

The following planning applications were considered during the two months. DC/2007/00064, replacement dwelling & garage, 8 The Cot. This was approved. DC/2006/00190, Phase 1 – To lay 500 metres of 12¼ inch railway track from existing signal box to Brockweir Bridge; to erect a steel carriage shed (clad in wood) to house engine & rolling stock – sited by play area. Phase 2 – to continue track southwards by 280 metres. The Old Station, Tintern. This was approved. DC/2007/00396, To construct a conservatory, 1 The Globe Cottages, Tintern. The Council recommended this be refused on the following grounds;

1. This is a contravention of the planning permission for the dwelling which stated that no additional building should take place outside of the original building footprint.

2. Conditions of the new building stated that landscaping of the curtilage should be completed before the building is considered complete.

DC/2007/00586 Wain-y-parc Farm Trellech Grange, formation of access track. This was approved.

 

In May the Council held its annual meeting and re-elected Councillor Dawn Floyd as Chairman.

 

The cause and solution to the landslip in the middle of the village had never been properly explained by the Forestry Commission and the Council felt that this was a bad mistake by that organisation as it affects all villagers especially those living along the Promenade. It was agreed to pursue this matter with our Member of Parliament.

 

Concern was expressed by the Council over the lack of clarity of the plans and extent of the Tintern Angiddy Project. The Council has a representative in this organisation and she will endeavour keep the Council, and all the community up to date with progress.

 

The annual accounts for 2006-2007 were presented to the Council in April and are available for public viewing at any time.

 

Councillor Dawn Floyd

Chairman of the Community Council

 

Update on the outcome of the PACT Meeting held Tuesday 19th June 2007 in Tintern.
 
Unfortunately, ten minutes before the meeting there was a torrential downpour and thunder and lightning, even so a dozen residents braved the elements. A number of concerns and issues were raised and discussed. Following a presentation on Neighbourhood Policing by Sergeant Steve Keenan a vote was taken on the issues; and the following were the top three priorities:


1. Speed and parking of traffic through the village on weekends and Bank Holidays.
2. The junction of the village hall with the A466
3. Speed of traffic on the Trellech Road btn 7am - 9am and 4.30pm - 6.30pm


The meeting was hastily brought to a close when reports of the landslide and tree down were received.


The residents present decided that the next PACT meeting should be in January 2008.
 
PC 363 Andrew Mason

 

Road names in Tintern

 

Well done to Barry Saunders for his letter in the Free Press using the correct address, as Forge Road as it has always been known. Not the Angiddy Valley, this runs from the Royal George to the second pond. SB

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Lights

 

Through the month of December sponsor a light in memory of someone or a special date/anniversary, or just because you want to help fund the lights. The fee to sponsor a light will be £5.00 for a day or £35.00 for a week. The Friends of Tintern are struggling to run the lights at £1,200.00 each year. The names of sponsors and dates will be published in the November issue of the Tintern News, so please send dates and names plus sponsorship fee to Elspeth Reid at Wye Barn, Tintern NP16 6SZ by 25th October at the latest ( 01291 689456) or contact Sue Ball (689629) or Janet Hill (689591). Thank you. SB

 

Tuesday Club

 

It is with regret that the Tuesday Club (over 60s) has ceased running due to the lack of response and support, plus running costs.  The Tuesday Club used to meet every second Tuesday in the month  either at the Village Hall or at a member’s house.  A history of the Tuesday Club this is available to read on the Tintern website. SB

 

Personal Notices

 

Bill Graham - 09 March 1915 - 20 February 2007
 
He came to Tintern with my Mother, Betty, having just married, in the winter
of 1947 and managed The Beaufort Hotel.  He then moved to The Anchor and
then back to The Beaufort, as the new owner.  He also owned The Kings Head
in Chepstow and The Ferry Hotel at Beachley, but his greatest success was
with St Pierre Golf and Country Club, which he bought in 1965.  He retired
to the Isle of Man in 1975 where he spent a happy retirement and died in
February of this year, in his 92nd year. He leaves Betty and two daughters,
Gill and Penny and four grandchildren.

 

Penny Wolter

 

St. Michael’s Church – cleaning rota

 

Fortnight beginning:

 

2nd July            Janet, Sue and Barbara

16th July           Tintern WI

30th July           Hermoine Ford

13th August     Jude Spooner

27th August     Trudy and Nine Phelps

10th September Elspeth and Karen

 

 

Diary - Tintern Events

 

Wednesday 11th July  – Bingo at the Anchor

 

Events at the Vineyard include:

 

Saturday 7th July – Sunday 22nd July – Art Exhibition

Weekends during December – Nativity with live animals

 

Tintern Recreation Hall – Events

 

Tuesday 3rd July 1-4 Crown Lodge
Wednesday 4th July 6.30-8pm Tintern Youth Club*
Thursday 5th July 7 -10pm Tintern Social Club *
Monday 16th July 2 - 5.00pm WI
Monday 16th July 7.30 - 10.00pm Village Hall Committee

Friday 20th July 7.30pm – 10.00pm – VPA

Saturday 21st July 7 -10pm Private Function
Monday 30th July 7.30 - 10pm Tintern Community Council

* The Social Club hope to meet every Thursday evening in the small room.
Tintern Youth club has the whole of the Hall every Wednesday evening.

If you would like more information about these clubs and activities, or you wish to organise a private function, a social event or need a venue for meeting please contact Terry Evans (01291 689587) or Pat O’Connor (021291 689611)

 

Tintern Youth Club

 

The Youth Club is open every Wednesday from 6:30 until 8:00 for everybody aged between 8 to 13 and costs only 50p per week.

 

Events this summer include:

Sports and Well Being, Funky Dragon and lots more great fun every week!

 

The club is now celebrating its first birthday and it can only get better.

 Other activities are being planned for the Summer Holidays so look out for notices in the next Tintern News

 

Please come along or contact Dawn on 689705  at Tintern Antiques

 

 

Catbrook Memorial Hall – Events

 

A new term of Yoga classes at Brockweir and Catbrook village halls 

will be starting in June. Dates and times are as follows:

Friday, 10.15-11.45am Brockweir village Hall - classes start June 8th

Monday, 10.15-11.45am Brockweir Village hall - classes start June 18th

Thursday 10.30-12am Catbrook Village hall - classes start 7th June

Tuesday 7-9pm Catbrook Village Hall - classes start 12th June

 

For details contact Ruth Routh on 01600 860 648

 

7th/8th July - Art for Africa.

Saturday 15th September – Wine Tasting evening

24th October –  rescheduled date for the Fashion Show.

Sunday 11th November – Remembrance Day Service with Monmouth Band

Saturday 17th November – Race Night

Friday 23rd December – Christmas Carol Service with Monmouth Band

Coffee Mornings held on the third Tuesday of each month at 10.30 a.m.  All welcome.
Whist Drives on  Friday 31st August, Friday 30th November, Friday 14th and 28th December.

For details on all events or to hire the hall contact Rosemary Stephens on 01600-860451.

 

Advertising in the Tintern News

 

The Tintern News is delivered to approximately 250 houses in Tintern.  If you would like to advertise something in the News the current rates is £5.00 for a small ad./half a page, and £10.00 for a full page (per month).  Please send items to the editor at the address below with full contact details.

 

 

Items for the Newsletter – dates for the August 2007 edition

 

Items for the Tintern Newsletter can be sent by email to andrew.elspeth@virgin.net delivered to Wye Barn, Tintern, or tel 01291 689456.

 

Items for the August edition of the Newsletter should be received by Sunday July 29th 2007

 

A note from the Editor

 

The Tintern News is a vehicle for the expression of opinion by all members of the Tintern community. While it does not necessarily endorse the views of any particular contributors, it does wholeheartedly support the promotion of lively debate on the development of the village and of freedom of speech in general. However, it will reserve the right to edit any contributions in order to preserve moderation and a spirit of good intent in the presentation of arguments. Thoughts from everyone in our community will continue to be very welcome. Please note that the Editor now has an assistant, Jackie Langdon of 5 Park Glade, Tintern, telephone 01291 689782 e-mail address: jackie.langdon@tiscali.co.uk  and she can also be contacted regarding news items. ER

 

 

        Parva Farmhouse Hotel

        & Restaurant

         Tintern.Monmouthsire

         NP16 6SQ

          

 

 

 

Restaurant open to non-residents

 

We serve simple traditional food that people like, done well!

2 courses from £14   //  3 courses from £18 approx.

 

Enjoy pre-dinner drinks in our Informal restaurant with

Lounge, with chesterfield sofas, Inglenook fireplace

and log burner

Small parties (up to 16) catered for

All in a totally non-smoking environment.

 

Please Book

For reservations tel. Peter or Angela on 01291-689411

 

 

________________________________________________________________________

 

Car Treasure Hunt

Sunday 15th July


Llandogo Millennium Hall 2pm
 proceeds to Llandogo School & New Llandogo Playgroup
£5 per car
Refreshments

contact Karen 01291689707 or Rachael 01291689833