Buddy Magazine - December 2025 - The Vale & Cardiff by Buddy_Magazine

Strange But True

The rst arti cial Christmas trees were made of goose feathers.

In 19th-century Germany, people dyed feathers green and wired them together to save real trees from being cut down.

During World War I, soldiers on both sides stopped ghting for a Christmas truce.

In 1914, British and German troops came out of their trenches, exchanged gifts, and even played football together.

Japan’s favourite Christmas meal is KFC. A 1970s marketing campaign, “Kentucky for Christmas,” became so successful that people now preorder buckets weeks in advance.

Spider webs are considered lucky Christmas decorations in Ukraine. Based on an old folktale, Ukrainians hang glittering spider ornaments on trees for good fortune.

A town in Peru settles grudges on Christmas Day by st ghting. It’s called Takanakuy, and after the ghts, everyone starts the new year on good terms.

The song Jingle Bells was originally written for Thanksgiving.

James Lord Pierpont wrote it in 1857 for his church’s Thanksgiving performance — Christmas just adopted it later.

Rudolph was created to sell colouring books.

The red-nosed reindeer was invented in 1939 by Robert L. May for a Montgomery Ward department store giveaway.

Norway hides all the brooms on Christmas Eve.

Folklore says witches and evil spirits come out that night looking for broomsticks to ride.

In 1965, astronauts broadcast Jingle Bells from space as a prank.

Gemini 6 astronauts secretly smuggled a harmonica and sleigh bells onboard and pretended to report a UFO before playing the tune.

There’s a village in Peru called “Christmas.”

The village Navidad celebrates with reworks, food, and parades every year — all month long.

Christmas used to be illegal in parts of America.

In the 1600s, the Puritans of Massachusetts banned it, considering it a sinful, frivolous celebration.

The world’s largest Christmas cracker was over 200 feet long.

Pulled in Australia in 1998, it measured 63 metres and contained a giant hat and joke inside.

Santa didn’t always wear red.

He was depicted in green, blue, and brown until Coca-Cola’s 1930s adverts popularised the red-suited image we know today.

Reindeer eyes change colour in winter. In the Arctic, their eyes shift from gold in summer to deep blue in winter to adapt to low light.

There’s a Christmas market inside a cave. Valkenburg in the Netherlands hosts an underground market in old limestone tunnels every year.

The Queen’s (now King’s) Christmas Message began on radio in 1932. It was written by Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book.

‘Xmas’ isn’t a modern abbreviation — it’s ancient Greek.

The “X” comes from the Greek letter Chi, the rst letter of Christos (Christ).

‘Silent Night’ was written because a church organ broke.

In 1818, an Austrian priest needed a song for Christmas Eve, so he wrote Stille Nacht to be played on guitar instead.

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Why you should make putting your a airs in order your New Year’s resolution!

Afonwy Howell-Pryce, a Partner in the Wills & Probate team at Harding Evans Solicitors, explains why your resolutions for 2026 should include a ‘legal health check’.

Specifying what should happen to your dependants, your possessions and your nances after your death is arguably one of the most important things that you can do. Yet it is estimated that over half of UK adults do not have a Will.

Having a Will in place gives you peace of mind that your wishes will be carried out, simplifying the process of sorting out your estate for those you leave behind.

Without a valid Will, your estate is subject to intestacy rules, which may not be what you would expect. For example, if you are married, it does not mean that your entire estate will necessarily pass to your spouse. There is also no consideration for cohabitees or blended families.

If you have a Will but have experienced a life event, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or the purchase of a new property, it will need to be updated.

It is also worth considering a Lasting Power of Attorney, allowing you to appoint someone you trust to manage your a airs should you lose capacity.

While many think of losing capacity due to old age, or through developing an illness such as dementia, it is something that could hit any one of us at any time, such as through a sudden accident. It is crucial to plan for the unexpected.

There are two types of Lasting Power of Attorney: one that deals with property and nances, and another that deals with health and personal welfare. You can appoint di erent people to handle these various aspects, should you wish, and leave them clear instructions to follow on your behalf.

Planning for the future can feel daunting, but taking a bit of time to organise your a airs can help protect your loved ones and avoid any future complications.

If you wish to discuss putting in place a Will or Lasting Power of Attorney, you can contact Afonwy and the wider team on 029 2167 4274.

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December – A Month of Magic, Re ection and Celebration

As the nal page of the calendar turns, December arrives wrapped in glitter, warmth and nostalgia. It’s a month that invites us to slow down and look back, even as it sparkles with anticipation for what’s to come. From the twinkling lights that line our streets to the comforting scent of cinnamon and pine, December is more than just a time of year – it’s a feeling.

A Season of Sparkle

There’s something undeniably magical about December. The early sunsets and crisp air seem to make every light shine brighter. Across towns and villages, windows glow with fairy lights and decorations, creating a shared sense of joy and togetherness. Whether it’s a traditional tree adorned with heirloom baubles or a simple wreath on the front door, every sparkle tells a story of home, comfort and hope.

Christmas markets spring up with stalls selling hand-crafted gifts, mulled wine, and roasted chestnuts. Local high streets come alive with shoppers wrapped in scarves and smiles, searching for the perfect present or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere. Even the most ordinary errand carries a little extra magic in December.

The

Joy of Giving

December is a month built on generosity. Beyond the presents wrapped under the tree, it’s about the smaller acts of kindness – checking in on a neighbour, donating to a local food bank, or sending a heartfelt card. There’s a special joy that comes from giving without expecting anything in return, and it’s this spirit that makes the season truly shine.

For local businesses, December is also a time of gratitude. The year’s hard work culminates in a urry of festive trade, and communities come together to support independent shops, makers and markets. It’s a reminder that when we buy local, we’re not just purchasing a product – we’re helping to sustain dreams, livelihoods and community spirit.

Moments that Matter

Amid the rush of wrapping paper, parties and plans, December gently encourages re ection. It’s a time to pause, look back on the months gone by, and feel proud of how far we’ve come. Maybe it’s been a year of growth, challenge, or change – but every December, we’re given the gift of perspective.

For many, the quiet days between Christmas and New Year are a favourite stretch of the calendar. Those slow, in-between moments – when the kettle is always on, and the days seem to blur together – allow us to breathe, rest, and reconnect. There’s comfort in the simple pleasures: a long winter walk, a festive lm, or sharing leftovers with loved ones.

Looking Ahead

As the clock edges towards midnight on New Year’s Eve, December gives us one nal chance to dream. The countdown isn’t just to another year, but to new possibilities. Whether your resolutions are grand or gentle, something is uplifting about that shared moment of hope – a collective reset that reminds us all that endings are just beginnings in disguise.

So, as you hang the last decoration or light a candle in the window, take a moment to savour the season. December is more than a month of celebration; it’s a reminder to nd warmth in the cold, connection in the chaos, and gratitude in the everyday. Here’s to the magic of December – and to everything it brings.

Hear Clearly this Winter

Merry Christmas!

A huge thank you to all our wonderful readers and customers for your support throughout the year. We’re so grateful for every one of you! Wishing you a festive season ﬁlled with joy, laughter and plenty of sparkle.

The rst Christmas card was commissioned by Sir Henry Cole in 1843 in Britain and was designed by John Callcott Horsley

How it all started:

In 2000, the idea for ShelterBox was envisaged by the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall, following the Rotary Club's encouragement for members to develop projects to mark the Millennium. The club was an established group of people involved in a variety of charitable activities, both at home and abroad. "The idea was sparked by watching the news and wanting to do more after seeing that people seemed to be left with nothing after a disaster. The club loved the idea of helping in a practical way to make a tangible di erence. ShelterBox was launched by the club that same year. The initial hope was to help 8 to 10 families a year, with each box containing a family-sized tent, sleeping bags, water purifying tablets, trenching tool and pots and pans."

In 2024, Shelterbox reached an amazing milestone, having supported over three million people since 2000, thanks to the dedication of its supporters, volunteers, and partners, as well as the support of many Rotary clubs in the UK and abroad. ShelterBox teams supported communities a ected by conﬂict, extreme weather, and overlooked crises. It has been e ective in areas such as Burkina Faso, Yemen, Chad, Gaza, and Lebanon. It also supports families displaced by extreme ﬂooding and tropical storms.

"Shelter is the foundation for life – for survival, stability and dignity. It o ers a place to feel safe, stay together, stay healthy, earn a living and help children get an education" Today, over 120 million people around the world have been made homeless by disaster and conﬂict. ShelterBox is working to change this by providing emergency shelter and tools to families who have lost their homes due to a disaster. It is transforming despair into hope.

Barry & District Rotary is busy supporting Santa at many outlets throughout December. It is also supporting the recycling and collection of plastic sweet tubs, such as Roses, Quality Street, and Celebrations, over the Christmas period and into the new year. Please recycle your tubs at a Green King pub, such as The Ship in Barry, or look out for our Collection bins. If you're able to o er a space for a collection bin, kindly contact the club. Can't ﬁnd a bin? Please contact the club for possible collection arrangements.

Until the next issue, yours in Rotarian friendship,

Howard

You can follow the local club on Facebook, email barryrotaryclub@outlook.com for information, or visit www.rotary.org. You are also welcome to pop along to our meetings.

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Born In December - Michel de Nostredame (1503 – 1566)

What’s On - Llantwit Major

St Donats Chorale invite you to a Christmas Fantasia at St Illtud's Church, Llantwit Major, on Saturday 13th December at 7:30pm.

The programme features festive music and readings including Fantasia on Christmas Carols by Ralph Vaughan Williams. We are delighted that Matthew Welch has agreed to return as our guest baritone. The internationally renowned cellist, Ben Tarlton, will also be performing. It promises to be a wonderful evening of music.

For details please visit www.stdonats.org

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History – Y taﬂeisydd a’r doli:

by Shirley Hodge

From Bangor to Barry, ventriloquists in Victorian and Edwardian times bewitched audiences in both English and Welsh, showing that the talking dummy’s appeal was truly national. One of the best-known home-grown entertainers was Professor Ap Hari, a Welsh ventriloquist and mimic from Bethesda who became a familiar ﬁgure on the chapel circuit. He could bark like a dog, mew like a cat, and switch voices faster than a preacher turning pages. By 1909, he had become something of a reformed character, using his quick tongue for temperance and moral uplift. As he put it himself, his talent had once served “the devil and his followers,” by 1909 it was turned to better use. Even the most serious chapelgoer could enjoy his show without a hint of guilt.

Barry also had its share of homegrown ventriloquists, starting with small-scale local entertainment. One of the earliest examples comes from 1894, when the Witchill Hotel in Cadoxton hosted a “smoking concert” after a fancy-dress football match. Among the songs and recitations, Mr. Harry Abraham entertained the crowd with a ventriloquial act. It was one of Barry’s earliest reports of the talking dummy not on a grand stage but amidst the haze of beer and smoke. The audience likely laughing as much at the oddity as the jokes.

Not everyone was amused. By 1903, a ventriloquist’s request to perform in Barry’s schools was refused. The Council apparently preferred the young not be exposed to talking dolls. Then, in 1906, the Barry District Council Licensing Committee rejected an application from Mr. M. L. Harvey of London to give ventriloquial entertainments on the sands at Barry Island. At the same meeting, Pierrot troupes, photographers, and even religious book sellers were discussed but the man with the dummy was told “no.” Perhaps they feared his wooden friend would unsettle the holidaymakers. In contrast, nearby Porthcawl Council had a more relaxed view, allowing ventriloquists to perform on the beach as photographs show.

Barry’s talking dummy

In 1910, a local builder repairing a chapel roof in Cadoxton spotted what looked like a body lying in a recess high on the building. Alarmed, a fellow workman grabbed the “corpse” by the legs and ﬂung it into the street causing pandemonium below. The object turned out to be a ventriloquist’s dummy, left there the night before after a performance as a prank. The townspeople’s terror quickly turned to laughter. By the 1920s and 1930s, ventriloquists had become seaside regulars. Barry Island, with its Pierrot troupes and summer stages, was the perfect setting for novelty acts. Vint’s Electric Palace on Thompson Street part cinema, part variety theatre featured ventriloquists among its attractions. One of the most intriguing was Bessie Travis, a talented female ventriloquist who drew crowds. Her act blended charm and eeriness proving that the wooden-faced companion could be both funny and strangely lifelike. Even as radio and television grew, the talking dummy refused to disappear. In the 1950s, Archie Andrews, a ventriloquist’s dummy, became a huge hit on the radio, brought to life by Peter Brough. Their “Archie Andrews Lollie Club”, launched in 1951, amassed 100,000 fans in just two years, showing that a wooden companion could thrive without a visual stage. Radio did not kill the ventriloquist – if anything, it expanded the audience far beyond promenades and chapel halls.

Professor Ap Hari’s popularity reminds us that ventriloquism in Wales was far bigger than a seaside novelty. It moved easily between stage and pulpit, English and Welsh, laughter and lesson. Whether on the promenade or in the vestry, the talking dummy found a ready audience and a voice that spoke to every part of Welsh life. From Harry Abraham’s 1894 Witchill turn, to the dummy tossed off a Cadoxton roof, to Bessie Travis’s Electric Palace shows, Barry’s history with ventriloquists is one of laughter and unease in equal measure. Whether you found them hilarious or creepy, one thing’s certain – the talking dummy always got people talking.

Local News - Cowbridge U3a

Inter u3a Quiz, Pontyclun 28th October 2025

ARTIFICIAL

Cowbridge U3A has been busy with a series of events in its 30th anniversary year. Of course, our Open Day takes place on 15th November, which is too late for this edition, but hopefully, we will have lots of pictures for next month.

Cowbridge U3A entered two teams into this event, organised and hosted by Pontyclun U3A, alongside teams from Tonyrefail U3A, Bridgend U3A, Swansea U3A, Cardi U3A, and, of course, Pontyclun U3A itself.

After a Tabletop picture and puzzle quiz, and ve rounds of questions on Science and Nature, Sports and Pastimes, TV and Films, Art, Music and Literature and General Knowledge, the four members of the Cowbridge 1 team were level with the six members of the Swansea team. After a nail-biting tie-break question about the number of steps in the Empire State Building, the quiz was won by Cowbridge.

Cowbridge U3A quiz teams are in action on 15th November 2025 at the Cowbridge Rotary Charity Quiz, where they hope to repeat their success from the 2024 event, while raising funds for our nominated charities.

Future Events

10th December 2025, 2 pm - The Christmas general meeting will be held in the Ramoth Church hall (United Free Church) in Cowbridge, where all are welcome to join us for mulled wine and mince pies, and folk music by Paul and Christine.

18th December 2025, 10 am - Cowbridge Town Hall.

The history group will be hearing a presentation about the Mari Lwyd and other Christmas traditions in Wales, by Carys Whelan.

Winning Team

Across

1 Motion (8)

5 Reveal (4)

8 Furrowed (5)

9 Well-liked (7)

11 Be determined (7)

12 Purloin (5)

13 Wanton destroyer (6)

15 Soft breeze (6)

18 Anaesthetic (5)

20 Parentless children (7)

23 Wandering (7)

24 Group of lions (5)

25 Network (4)

26 Dusk (8)

Down

1 Middle-distance runner (5)

2 Deer meat (7)

3 Pattern (5)

4 A male relative (6)

6 Divide by two (5)

7 Songbird (7)

10 Arti cial gems (5)

13 Asian country (7)

Book Review by Tessa Blissett

The Kabul Beauty School by

Deborah Rodriguez

When American hairdresser

Deborah Rodriguez travelled to Afghanistan in May 2002 with non-profit organisation Care for All Foundation ( CAAF), she little expected to be there almost five years later. In those intervening years, she established the eponymous school and salon, which not only provided beauty and hairdressing services to Afghan and Western women but also gave young Afghan women an opportunity to learn skills which would enable them to earn an impressive income- all while trying to placate some Afghan men who disapproved.

When Afghanistan fades from the headlines, the news reports we see and hear regarding Afghan women’s lives recede in our memories, but this memoir, based on Debbie’s experiences and the stories of her students and colleagues, has some harrowing passages.

In the two decades since it was written, I have feared that the situation for women has sadly changed and deteriorated. This is not an easy read, but one I recommend.

Happy Reading!

14 Pungent (5)

16 Title at top of page (7)

17 Russia's capital (6)

19 Church songs (5)

21 Part of the eye (5)

22 Bed covering (5)

Local News - Jane Hutt MS

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Local News -Walking with Valeways

Valeways Walks – December 2025

Dec Time Name of Walk

Grade Start

1 Mon 10:30 Walking Books: Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee Nant Talwg Way, Barry, CF62 6LZ

4 Thur 10:00 A Christmas Walk Maes-y-Fynon, Bonvilston, CF5 6TR

7 Sun 10:00 Ely Valley and Cogan Pill Plymouth car park, Marconi Rd, Penarth, CF64 1SN

11 Thur 10:00 Iolo Morganwg Walk Physic Garden, Cowbridge, CF71 7BB

17 Wed 10:00 Circular Walk to the Coast & Back, Bilingual Chemist shop, St Athan CF62 4PF

18 Thur 09:30 Rhoose Loop Fontygary Leisure Park, Rhoose, CF71 7QA

21 Sun 14:00 Church and Castle Ruthin Quarry car park, Ruthin CF35 5DY

28 Sun 14:00 Barry to Barry Island Y Rhodfa, Barry Waterfront, CF63 4DF

1 Jan Tue 13:00 Dave’s New Year’s Day Walk St Peters Church, Dinas Powys, CF64 4BY

Progression Walks: Approximately 1.5 hours, gentle terrain with limited stiles, steps or steep inclines.

Secondary Walks: Approximately 2 – 2.5 hours with some stiles, steps or steep inclines.

Extended Walks: Approximately 3 –4 hours. Many stiles, steps or steep inclines. Bringadrink and a snack.

Valeways invites you to join one (or more) of our freewalksled bytrained walk leaders led by and enjoy the friendlyatmosphere and exercise in the beautiful Vale of Glamorgan.

For information on Valeways walks, strollers and volunteering, visit www.valeways.org.uk