SpringSpring 2015 2015 site. He,his wife Lilianand twosons charge and wasexpected to liveon in madeofficer was Evans Inspector offered theuse oftheHouse. In1941 bought DyffrynfromMiss Cory, Colonel Traherne, whohad recently major risk ofdamage. Thethen County, should bestored away from important documentsinthe Cityand local officials decided that all aresult Park were bothhit..As Arms other damage theCathedral andthe air raid onCardiff whenamongst there wasaparticularly bad German recruited civilian wardens. In1941 Defence and ARP training for newly appointed officerin charge ofCivil Glamorgan PoliceForce was In 1937Inspector EmlynEvansofthe during theSecondWorldWar Living atDyffryn House By Colin Evans By ColinEvans FRIENDS

Friends ofDyffrynGardens NEWSLETTER rooms, alounge overlooking the gardens. Colin remembers large floor nearest thecurrent walled duly doneutilising theend of thefirst was apartment forthe family. This converted part ofthebuildingtoan would onlymoveiftheauthorities dismay and her ultimatumthat she Emlyn canstill seehis mother’s family toseetheirnew home and Acarwasprovided totake the taken atthetimehavegone missing. Unfortunately thefewphotographs about his memories ofthistime. He talkedtoTheFriends ofDyffryn wrote his story forhisgrandchildren. education and afterhisretirement on toaverysuccessful career in 10 yearoldbrother. Colinlater went seen through his eyes and that ofhis Colin Evans, thenaged 7years,as Thestory oftheseyearsistoldby lived thereforovertwoyears. moved from Canton intoDyffrynand Newsletter

Spring 2015 Evans forthe risktheyhad run. later theywere punished by Inspector village and climbed right through - entrance that goes uptowards the the children found the culvert to meteoutpunishmentas oneday was notonlythegardeners whohad and another family livingnearby.It the boyshad thegardeners’ children many yearsof pleasure. Forfriends attraction and gaveColina basis for The billiardroomwasagreat swim init)despitelackofcleanliness. police andthe boys(wholearnt to swimming pool was usedby the ongoing war with thegardeners. The cricket onthe lawns and were at Colinand his brother played resumed afterleavingDyffryn. went tochurch buttheirattendance remains surprised thatthey never these trainees. Looking back Colin unpaid counsellor and confidante to Colin remembers hismother being an lived atDyffrynduring their training. older reservists anditwas thesewho with tobereplaced in totheservices but latertheyoungpolice were called ‘Policing’ was areserved occupation wardens. Atthebeginning of thewar training both thepolice and ARP locked rooms onthefirstfloor,butfor store documents, probably inthe Thehouse was used not onlyto family inWestLodge. his deputy MrOakleylived with his the entrance to thepavedcourtwhile head gardener livedinabuilding near but by1941onlytwowereleft.The looked aftertheextensive grounds InMiss Cory time32gardeners main kitchen. garden and stairs leading down tothe

approval withhis newsletter included inthis is Colin gave toFriends ofDyffryn and Thisarticle is basedon the talk about 1946. remained apolice training centre to Whitchurch in 1943.Dyffryn for familyleftDyffryn TheEvans Grammar school 11+ scholarship forCowbridge a number ofthechildren passing the cane. Howeverhis results did leadto arithmetic and poor results ledtothe had dailyspelling andmental was oftheoldschooland all children Thehead teacher, MrJenkins, visit bytheCanadian Ambassador. the familyleftonoccasion ofa strips butitwasmacadamed before along alane with 2narrow paved headmaster. Thewalk toschool was 11, theoldest grouptaken by the three classes forchildren from4to building still stands.There were Wales school inStNicholas– the Bothboysattended theChurch in rabbits shot byColin’sfather . was possibly supplemented bythe against hisprobable profanity. Diet his mother toclose her windows advised who Guards DrillSergeant Colin also remembers an ex-Welsh were bussed in eachdayfromBarry. coal range. Thecooks and theclerks done with electric oroil a wood or estate socooking must have been and staff.Therewasnogastothe brought inwith thatforthetrainees that thefoodforfamilywas ever going shopping.possible Itis Colin hasnomemoryofhis mother Foodmust have beenrationed but 2 Spring 2015 July, superb –more likeaverygood day in It wasgood and theweather was flying display was spectacular cake inthevintageteashop. The race trials were funandthe teaand monster vegetables. Thegun dog curly chrysanthemums and the much toenjoy, particularly thegiant of theshow ground. There was so Welovedthe picturesque setting tea! Ralph’s cider andnumerous cups of helped along by Cornish pasties, was pants, plantsand moreplants Something for everyone but forusit plus point tobesonear the entrance. arealMary forarranging it.Itwas Wehad alovelyday.Thank you our countryside atmosphere and isacelebration of This show has arealend of term and something tointeresteveryone. beautiful weather Alovelyday, years been working ontheproject for2 England and mentioned thattheyhad fromthenorthof to.Hecame spoke young farmers, oneofwhom we fantastic and a great credit tothe the FirstWorld War –theywere on thetheme of ‘theanniversary of farmers’ Association flower displays P.S. SpecialnoteoftheYoung Mary once again forawonderful day bus with allher ‘buys’.Well done Mary at4.45pm steaming up tothe return shattered. Agreatsightof journey, early arrivalgood, 5o’clock Wonderful weather, shortand easy By members FOD Malvern AutumnShow

tired andhappy. flowers, amazing veg.went home organised, no needtodrive, fabulous Wonderful day –splendidly exotic. have anextravagant flairforthe such patience needed –somepeople Flower arrangements exquisite – relieve myachingneck. – Iboughtone andhope to itwill Bamboopillow –verycomfortable reasonably priced. Roast lunches good and interesting. some cases –amusing attimesand owners can runasfast as the dogs in Sheep dog trials excellent,the varieties ofbirds –most interesting. Poultryshow was superb – many sample. food, plentytoseeand lots tobuy& experience –lovelyweather, good Weallenjoyed thewhole Giant carrots andleeks 3 Spring 2015 the first time. the first of Wight–willtrytogrowsome for Boughtsome garlicfromthe Isle etc. cheeses, sweet potatocrisps, wines Enjoyedthefreesamples of think. designs, Imustbeolder thanIliketo vintage tomeasIgrew up with those sale, someof itdidn’tseem too Vintageclothes and furniture on made and attractive. some things quite pricey but well bags, clothes potteryetc.,forsale – Manyhandmade crafts,jewellery, house would be lessexpensive. summer house, maybeasummer I wouldputon inmygarden fora interesting, ifIhad£12,000 tospare, Theshepherds’ huts forsalewere caravan and cardisplay. plants tobuy, Interestingvintage Fantastic flowerdisplays,lots of pleasant –quite hotandsunny. Ihadagreat day out,weather was my achingneck. us and Ibought yetanotherpillowfor Wehad agood day,sun shone for Sept. wonderful. Ahotsummer dayatthe endof Another wonderful dayout. was good and wewere well satisfied. Isaw halfofit,whatwesaw not think show itselfwasfullofinterestbutdo which added to ourenjoyment. The Theweather was wonderfully dry entrance. parkto fromcoach walk short as thegates were opened, onlya We wereatthe show almost as soon and everything went The arrangements were firstclass proved as good asthefirst. the Friends of DyffrynGardens and it dayoutwith my was second This

like clockwork. master atorganisation. splendid outing –youare a past Thank youMary foranother couldn’t carry themhome. the beautiful grasses on showbut Would haveloved tobuysomeof quick lunch. Learnedhow to cook rabbit fora the foliagefrom theside. be abletosee himexcept through audience –wewere abittoolateto Monty Donand Joe Swifthadahuge Allthetradersveryhelpful. with afewbulbs. have onethere socontented myself could havefilledalorrybutdidn’t I etc., forsale, bulbs So manyplants, the flower was asbig asher head. with onedahlia bloominher hand, Isawone lady leavetheshow my legs. footballs, sticks ofcelery biggerthan top totip.Cabbages bigger than some were over ameterlong from seen such long carrots and parsnips, Markethallfantastic, have never cream whenin bloom. promise tolook likecones ofice Boughtsome tulipbulbs which Aerobatics 4 Spring 2015 By Eileen Body CastleandGardens Powys flight ofstepstothe descended flightafter the topterraces as we admire theviewsfrom to We hadlittletime area is atthebottom. nursery andglasshouse and –ofcourse, the castle isontopofthehill nursery area. The staff atourofthe first gaveDyffryngarden who gardenstaff, Castle Neil, amember ofPowis the partywas greetedby Arrivingatthecastle engine. and anold railway display ofmilkchurns complete with a Rooms, Centre, Gallery andTea Erwood StationCraft has been re-invented as old GWRRailway and Stationis based onan about 1962. Erwood had been closed in old railway station that break and stopped atan were ready foratea Bymid-morning we pleased toaccept. and 5ofus were invite thegardenstaff, were kind enough to Castle. TheFriends forward tovisitingPowis Gardens, looking coach and left Dyffryn 2014 we boarded a On Thursday 31

By Val Caple Scheme (HHSS) Horticultural Skills The Heritage st July broken down andready consisting offresh,semi compost heaps garden is kept inthree green waste from the that takestwoyears, aprocess any runoff.In catching and purifying includes areed bedfor composting area generation and the extraction and energy space for water sales. Theareahas garden and forplant range ofplants forthe growing an impressive overwintering and needs being used for adapted to21st century nursery hasbeen blew down. The castle which hidthem fromthe croquet lawn after trees from what isnow who had them moved Violet, (1865–1929), on theorders ofLady sheds. They were built glasshouses andbrick around theEdwardian areas situated inand frames and standing out area consists ofcold visitors. The nursery as theareas opento thought and knowledge care, with thesame Theseareas are run nursery. service area and Erwood Station Erwood Borders Glasshouse castle Powis sustainably. Investment, tunnels heated glasshouses andpoly The range of and watered when dry. turned once a month to use.Theheaps are 5 Spring 2015 the feelingof toinvoke to growflowers Though Laura isaiming flowers forthe house. togrow Dyffryn is walled kitchen garden at one ofheraims inthe interested Ceridwen as the cuttinggarden. This career-ship trainee,is done byLaura, their Arecent new project, water needed. reduce theamount of overhead wateringto rather thanfrom fedthrough water is on sand beds where Standing out areas are onsite bore hole. froman Water comes and machinery costs. saving on gardener time been put tograss, company. Theareahas totheenergy back sold electricity generated is another field,thesurplus from photovoltaic cells in by electricity generated Powered temperature. sudden falls in heaters copes with electric glasshouse system ofconventional heating ducts.. A field feedsthe overhead ground inan adjoining about ametreunder the system ofcables buried to beinstalled. A source heating system has allowed a ground sponsored byNpower

shapes. As fashions fashions As shapes. trimmed cone orobelisk 1680’s and began lifeas was firstplanted inthe It particular interest. the topterrace was of The giantyew topiaryon the terraced borders.. Edwardian period, and Violet hadcreated inthe garden which Lady overview the formal Wehadtimeto perfect state of repair”. “the most complete and the gardentoreturn Powis, whichenabled financial futurefor and provided a sound Clive ofIndia)in1784 Edward Clive (sonof Herbert who married named after Henrietta The tearoom paths. is trees bordering the under planting round the hedges. Weliked the borders and clippedyew time toadmirethe back uptothe toptaking callingso weheaded to ourhosts, lunch was After bidding both gardens. farewell flowers are favourites of majus with itslacywhite sweet peas and Ammi Shrub roses, Dahlias, for Edwardian interiors. common with growing Ceridwen found muchin Dutch flower paintings, seventeenth century Borders Castle summer, but inside in themselves forthe were outside sunning The potted under theterraceabove. old Orangery istucked the central terrace,the Located midway along view tothehillsbeyond. the eyetopanoramic ‘Cloud Hedge’ leading the shape itistoday-a changed, itevolvedto Citrus 6 trees trees Spring 2015 By Gerry Donovan HeadGardener Alex Luker, Dyffryn. In her 5 years 5years Dyffryn. Inher that shewillnotreturnto and has now decided been unwell recently, As youknow, Alexhas sum could be doubled in Wehope that this year. inthisfirst income added over£200 toour Wehave subscription. AID repayment onyour now eligible forGIFT to theGardens weare our subscription asentry we nolonger paypartof pleased tohear thatas All members will be By JoanAndrews Subscriptions &GiftAid Stable Pond, stopped toadmire the within thegardens. We different placebutstill transporting us toa “woodland wilderness”, through thecontrasting gentle pathdown thehill made our way alonga terraces behind, we Leaving theformal for acquired Dyffryn. one wehave recently fern, ferns, notably theRoyal impressive arrayoflarge the cool shade was an

Osmunda regalis,

(Honorary Treasurer)

wish her well for the her wellfor wish National Trust.Weall least themove toThe number ofchanges, not garden team through a still havetocomplete return. Thosewhodo to completean annual even ifnolonger having many willbe paying tax form. Rememberthat membership renewal declaration on the theGiftAid complete eligible taxpayers members whoare the coming year ifall sandstone castle and to afineviewofthered the garden welookedup reaching thebottomof bath. Eventually regularly took acold where Cliveof India in analcove.Saidtobe a square stone tankset groundcover, wespotted shrubs and planted areas oftrees through thedensely water. Continuingon and skyonthe still the images ofthetrees dramatically reflecting

brought the Alex has at Dyffryn

on page 11. you one.Mydetailsare would behappy tosend on thewebsite –orI you –arenewal formis forward tohearing from subscription –welook yet torenewtheir Afewmembers have in thiswayifyoucan. own taxbill.Pleasehelp rebate against there course claim Gift Aid such aform can of near future. for areplacement inthe Wewillberecruiting time. for thegarden inthat everything she hasdone future andthank her for next day. of thegarden staffthe were enjoyed bytherest the remaining chocs round thecoach, and chocs was passed back, ofcourse thetin of won thequiz on theway you. Andohyes,we and informative daywith for another enjoyable Thank youFriends in frontofus. the grass maze laidout 7 Spring 2015 back totheearly 20 panelled ballroom dating coffee inthe oak greeted withteaand Onarrival we were Bristol Channel. Severn Bridge andthe glimpsed views ofthe Racecourse with above house whichsitsonahill romantic old garden and This is a Grade IIlisted gardens and discovered wander thepeaceful walled kitchen garden. fromthe courgettes result ofaglut and limewhichwas the the unusual courgette can highly recommend homemade cakes and I sumptuous arrayof ceiling. intricate rose sculpted wooden floors and features ofoak panels, century withitsoriginal contrast toeach other. which werein sharp visited twogardens coach fullofmembers remained mostly dry,a day, whichhappily autumnal rather misty In lateAugust ona By MaryEvans Gardens House Veddw Wyndcliffe Court& Wyndcliffe We werefreeto

There was a

th

Hestercombe reminiscent of reclining otters is The Lilybasin, with2 September wouldfollow. dry andsunny record gloriously warm, did we know thata soon beautumn. Little reminder that itwould toturn,a already starting mode and the trees were were inlatesummer Manyoftheplants two storey gazebo. garden isan attractive focus ofthewhole woodland dell. The small pools of waterand borders, sunken garden, yew topiary,long and paths oflocal stone, style withitsterraces example ofArts&Crafts sculptor. Itisafine interest anygardener or have muchtodelightand extensive restoration and undergoing by HenryAvrayTipping Thegarden, designed my 3yearold grandson. can be safely ‘chimed’by from myapple treeand apples which now hang were modest: twometal sculptural acquisitions sandstone house. My &Craftred Arts with thebackdrop ofthe several garden rooms the attractive setting of attractive sculptures in many unusual and ,

The house was designed 1910 forthe Clay Family. It was commissioned in curve inthe . probably named afterthe on theHouse, whichis by anunscheduled talk enjoyable meal followed Lunch was an Otters Ballroom Wyndcliffe 8 Spring 2015 Gazebo every success. gardens which deserve restore theneglected to thankfor starting to It isthiscouple wehave exhibitions ofsculptures. organised seasonal when theyhave Wyndcliffe in2013 since took overthe running of Baxter andAlexBrown held intrust. Christine Betty Clayandisnow occupied byPatrickand For over 50years itwas including . , Tipping's other houses in also thearchitect of by Eric Francis who was Terraces

reached byazigzag pink, wave-form bench its blackdyed water and the reflecting poolwith surprise of the garden is Themost dramatic remembered. and history thanI featured more colour appearance and visit asithas softened in more thanonmyfirst of agarden’. that ‘ some ofour members were heardlaterfrom certainly did!Comments discussion and it garden would provoke Annhoped the the past. who worked thelandin memorial tothepeople Population Gate, a ruined cottage andThe behind thehouse toa in thevalleyclimbingup enclosed garden rooms These make a series of Monmouthshire hills. the undulating hedges clipped toreflect interlocking grid ofyew its landscape with the garden is tied tothe us and explained how Wareham. Anngreeted tempered gardener and self-styled “bad- Hawes andjournalist photographer Charles garden byitsowners, contemporary romantic It isdescribed asa Veddw HouseVeddw it wasn’ttheir idea I likedit

, Ann Richardson). Gardeners” (Tim new Sussex for Daily Telegraph as“the was described inthe Wales whichlastyear gardens inthispartof contrasting Welsh successful visit to two Ponting fororganising a Thanks toMary fascinating in Wales. controversial and one ofthemost garden which isprobably ona toreflect location Certainly itprovideda others foundit calming. here agrim experience, members found sitting wave hedges. Some descent through the Border Pool andhedges 9 Spring 2015 Friends News Friends News are coming you tosay DyffrynGardens contact E-mail [email protected] or Dyffryn pleasecomealong. about volunteering opportunities at If anyoneisinterested infindingout March 12that 11am Volunteer open day Interpretation andLearning Officer From Rhiannon Gamble, held inDyffryn Gardens National TrustEventstobe by theU3Achoralgroup atmosphere and great music, supplied Athan GolfClub. Greatfood, great 50 members enjoyedtheparty atSt From ValCaple Members ChristmasParty photographs etc. atanytime, Please send mearticles, issue. receive itemsfromyoufor the next Newsletter, andIam always happyto These areYOURWebsite and Website and Newsletter From ValCaple

them using addresses opposite. Pleasepost itemstomeor email Dyffryn gardens, especially oldones I amalwayslooking forphotos of members. would liketo share withfellow or horticultural interests which you about Dyffryn oraboutother gardens Iamalsohappy toinclude articles which wehave organised. especially thoseonevents and trips www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyffryngardens website at contact Dyffryngardens or visit their For information onallevents please 3 May—Guided walk Dawn Chorus Mid ApriltoMid-May Vale ofGlamorganArtist Exhibition 13 June, 18July,15August 21 March,18 April, 16May Botanical Art again Many thanks Mary—you have doneit 10

Spring 2015 with thisissue. included application forms required using the limited pre-bookingis Where numbers are stated. only, unless otherwise Talks areopen tomembers Major, CF61 1UF. [email protected] or MrsBarbaraHodges, Greenfields, Glamorgan, C717LU, [email protected] Mrs Mary Ponting, 4Church Terrace, St MaryChurch, Cowbridge, Vale of For moreInformation, pleasecontact Programme ofEvents 2015. October 2015 Thursday 22nd August 5th Wednesday June 2015 17th Wednesday May 2015 13th Wednesday May 2015 6th Wednesday March 2015 4th Wednesday February 2015 Thursday 12th

Right: Friends atthe Christmas Party

10.30 amintheCory EducationCentre Cowbridge Physic Garden Coffee Morning. Talkbya volunteer from the See Application Formfor details Yeo ValleyOrganic garden See Application Formfor details June Wellfield BarnandTheBishopsPalace, Wells PLEASE SUPPORTYOURCOMMITTEE 2.00 pmintheCoryEducation Centre. Annual General Meeting. See Application Form for details Kidderminster Packwood HouseandThe Museum ofCarpet, See Application Form for details 10.30 amintheCory EducationCentre of theVeneto Coffee Morning. TalkbyJoanAndrews on theGardens 10.30 amintheCory EducationCentre Dyffryn’s WalledKitchenGarden’. Walled Garden Supervisor, entitled‘TheRestoration of Coffee Morning. TalkbyCeridwen Davies, Dyffryn

Eagleswell Road, Boverton,Llantwit

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