During this year’s Festival, R&MCC sponsored its third literary competition Festival Literary Competition 2015 for all primary and Y7 school-aged children living in R&M. The theme was Carnival, to match the Festival Parade, and the work was judged by Anna Bingham of Radyr Library, Non Morgan, Music Department, Radyr Comprehensive School, and Zoe Pearce. We thank the judges for giving their time and expertise so generously. The competition was a great success with entries from each school going forward for final judging. The judges were most William Smith, Bryn Deri Y6 winner Sophie Thomas, Radyr Comprehensive Y7 winner impressed with the standard of work. R&MCC donated a handsome glass Bryn Deri Primary School’s Y6 trophy trophy to each school to award to their winner says, “I have always like writing Year 6 winners and donated book tokens poetry; but the one about carnival was for each year group with gifts for the definitely a favourite, I was inspired by runners-up. The winning entries were visiting the Radyr Festival over the last put on display in Radyr Library where few years to write my poem! When I won many local people could enjoy them and the competition, I felt exulted especially be proud of our children’s achievements. since I didn’t know I was entered. It was We will run the competition every year lovely to receive a reward to make my from now. parents and School proud.” William Congratulations to everyone who took part! Jessica Fudge, Radyr Primary Y6 winner Smith Y6 continued on page 7

Aelodau Cangen Bro Radur ~ photograph by Irfon Bennett Merched y Wawr Bro Radur Davies. Wedi ein llongyfarch ar ein dylanwadau ar ei gyrfa aeth ati i’n Noson ddathlu oedd hi ar y 3ydd o llwyddiant anogodd hi ni i fanteisio ar diddanu trwy bortreadu “ei phobl”, pob Fehefin, dathlu pen-blwydd y gangen yn ein cyfle i groesawu’r merched o bob un yn gymeriad unigryw. Byddwn yn 25 oed. Daethom ynghyd yn brydlon a rhan o Gymru sy’n dod i’n plith yma cofio’n hir am Bethan Mair walltog, am y chael fod Irfon Bennett a’i offer camera yng Nghaerdydd a dymuno’n dda i’r wraig fferm radlon a’i gwregys “cordyn yn aros amdanom. Tynnodd luniau o gangen i’r dyfodol. beindar” oedd yn arbenigo mewn sawl holl aelodau’r gangen, o’r swyddogion Eirlys Davies gymerodd yr awenau i maes, am y gantores o fri nad oedd ers y dechrau ac o’r aelodau oedd yn ddiolch i sylfaenwyr y gangen ac i’r beirniaid yn ei gwerthfawrogi ac am perthyn rhwng 1989 a’r flwyddyn 1999. swyddogion a fu’n weithgar dros y sawl cymeriad lliwgar arall. Roedd Yna gwahoddwyd Mary Wiliam i dorri’r blynyddoedd, yn sicrhau’r twf a’r llawer ohonom yn chwerthin hyd gacen. brwdfrydedd. ddagrau. Croesawodd ein llywydd presennol, Ein gwestai Mair Penri Jones a lywiodd Diolchodd Eirlys Eckley ar ein rhan am Carys Pugh Williams, bawb ohonom i’r weddill y cyfarfod yn acen hyfryd noson hwyliog a chawsom wledd o dathliad a datgan ei llawenydd fod Nia Maldwyn ac yn nhraddodiad Penllyn. luniaeth wedi ei pharatoi gan y Jones, cyn-lywydd y gangen, wedi Roedd wedi dewis ei thestun — “Mair swyddogion a thamaid o’r gacen gwella ac yn bresennol. Braint i bawb Penri a’i phobl” ac ar ôl cyflwyno i ni ddathlu. Addas iawn oedd cydnabod ohonom oedd cael cwmni ein Cyn- ychydig o’i hatgofion cynnar am ei trylwyredd arferol ein hysgrifenyddes, Lywydd Cenedlaethol, Gill Griffiths, a’n phlentyndod ym Mhenybont Fawr ac Meri Griffiths, a drefnodd y noson. Llywydd Cenedlaethol presennol, Meryl Ysgol Llanfyllin a chydnabod rhai Eirlys Roberts

Printed by J & P Davison, 3 James Place, Treforest, Pontypridd CF37 1SQ Tel. 01443 400585 RADYR CHAIN Free to every home in Radyr and Morganstown Number 219 August 2015

Radyr Primary School News July 2015 judged against two criteria— the amount of energy produced and the overall dance performance. Radyr Primary competed against a school from North and the dances were judged by Jordan and Perri from Diversity. In the words of the judges, Radyr Primary School ‘smashed it!’ and we have been awarded the first prize of a £50,000 energy makeover. In addition, Jordan and Perri have invited the classes from both schools to visit the Diversity Studios in Essex in the Autumn Term. This is a fantastic achievement, the school have been £50,000 Energy were selected from across Wales to looking into ways to fund energy compete in the final. Catrin and saving technology for the last few Makeover Prize!!! Isabelle’s design was highly years and the children will now be Mrs Bale’s Y5 class travelled to the commended and they received involved with British Gas in the St David’s Shopping Centre on the Disney Vouchers for their survey and resulting makeover. 10th July to take part in the final of individual efforts. For the final, the Very well done to Mrs Bale and her the British Gas Generation Green children had to perform a dance on class and many thanks to Miss Competition. Children from across Pavegen Tiles (tiles which record Davies and Mrs Prycemorris who the school submitted designs for an the amount of energy generated) in supported the children along with eco-school and Mrs Bale’s class the shopping centre and were a fabulous parent cheering section.

Welsh FA School of the Year Finalists! Thanks to the votes of parents, the school have progressed to the finals of the Welsh FA Awards Evening for ‘Football School of the Year’ for promoting girls’ football. We now progress from the South Wales finals to the National Finals which will be staged later this year. This is a fabulous end to what has been a very successful year for girls’ football at the school. In total, the girls have played 13 matches (of which there were 11 wins and 2 draws) and have taken part in 3 festivals, one hosted at our school during which our Year 4 team were awarded the ‘Players’ Cup’ one held at Whitchurch and Ely where our girls took first place a pupil from Y2 who was also made conceded. Huge thanks to Mr Britton and the final festival at Ely where the honorary captain for the day by the and Miss Davies for their guidance football season finished with a well- older girls. At the tournament, the girls and to all of our parents for lift shares deserved final victory (see picture). played 5 matched and won 5 with a and cheering support. The team for the Ely Festival included total of 26 goals scored and only 1 more on page 5 COMING EVENTS used to help us in our battle to achieve the ultimate goal. Every event, every function no matter how small, will be a celebration because anything that helps defy cancer will contribute towards our aim of Victory over Cancer. N.B. Details of all coming events can be found in Patient Centred care is at the heart of the Diary section of the website Main Contact: everything we do and believe in here www.Radyr.org.uk Andrew Morris, Head of Fundraising at Velindre. Company Name: July 30 RCC U18s vs O45s. An afternoon not Velindre Fundraising Money raised from our Victory over be missed as the younger members of Telephone Number: Cancer campaign will be used to the club take on the more senior 02920 316239 and 07837 620291 ensure the best possible support is members. Teas will be served and the bar Email: offered to every patient, their families will be open! 2.00pm [email protected] and carers dealing with cancer. 31 RCC vs The Royal Household, Windsor Website: It will allow us to fund ground A prestigious day as we are joined by www.velindrefundraising.com members of The Royal household, breaking research, and buy specialist Windsor. Come and join us, cricket teas equipment, so our staff have access to will be served. With a BBQ to end this Velindre Cancer Centre is the the most up to date training and special day. 1.00pm largest non - surgical cancer techniques available. Hospital in Wales and has been September The incidence of cancer is rising by 1% 9 RCTS - The Railway Society Pot Pourri providing support and care to each year in Wales. It is estimated that over Six Decades 7.30pm cancer patients for nearly 60 years. 1 in 2 people will be affected by cancer 9 Radyr, Morganstown & District Gardening We are the premier provider of in Wales by 2020. Club "Not Just A Pretty Face - Practical Uses of Ornamental Plants" an illustrated radiotherapy and other specialised People in Wales living with cancer will talk by Willow West. New School Rooms, anti-cancer treatments in Wales. Access increase by 80% between 2010 and Christ Church, Heol Isaf. For more to radiotherapy is critical to improving 2030. information see Village Notice Boards, patient outcomes for cancer: the However cancer survival rates have Web site or contact Richard Gregory evidence tells us that approximately (02920842084) 7.30pm doubled in the last 40 years, meaning 40% of patients with cancer would that more people in Wales are 14 R&M ASSOCIATION General Meeting benefit from radiotherapy treatment, Meeting of the RMA in the Old Church surviving cancer because of better and recent advances at Velindre means Rooms. Speakers are our own David treatments and earlier detection Cargill and Brian Evans who will be that it can be delivered with remarkable precision. talking about the role of the Magistrate. People can show their support for our 7.30pm Facing up to, and dealing with cancer campaign by visiting: 14 Radyr & Morganstown WI Clarice Cliff - is one of the biggest challenges that www.velindrefundraising.com/victor talk by Marjorie Page. OCR 7.30pm anyone can face; it affects everyone - 17 Visit to Dyffryn Gardens The last of the yovercancer R&M History Society summer visits is to family, friends, work colleagues and Dyffryn Gardens. No coach has been ultimately how you live your life. It Join with President Jonathan Davies, booked but transport will be arranged for can be a very frightening time. Vice President Roy Noble those requiring it. To book or for more Patrons: information contact Allan Cook on 2084 At Velindre we support cancer patients 3176. 11.00am and their families through this difficult Annelies Brynmor Williams 17 R&MCC Monthly Meeting 7.30pm period, and our specially trained and highly committed staff strive every James Dean Bradfield 19 Friends of Tenovus 30th Anniversary Martyn Williams Event to be held at Radyr Golf Club. `Film single day to make this time as Show` featuring events over 30 years. comfortable as possible. Rhod Gilbert Sam Warburton Performance by Tenovus Choir Tickets We believe that every hour, every day, £20 to include celebration meal. Please Support our campaign and help us to and every month that someone contact 20842096 or 20401872 6.45pm achieve Victory over Cancer. survives cancer is a victory. Our 30 Coffee Morning. George Thomas Hospice Care are holding a coffee morning at Victory over Cancer campaign helps to Radyr Golf Club at 10.30 am. There will reinforce this positive message. be a cake and craft stall 10.30am Every pound that is raised will be

Letters, articles, reports and other contributions are invited and should be submitted by September 15th. Submissions may be subject to editing at the Editor’s discretion. The views expressed in the Radyr Chain are not necessarily those of the Editors. Editor - Mary & Robert Pearce, 91 Dan-y-Bryn Avenue, Radyr CF15 8DQ. 2084 2615 E-Mail address - [email protected] What’s On - Mary Pearce, 91 Dan-y-Bryn Avenue, Radyr CF15 8DQ. 2084 2615 Advertising - Linda Turner, 19 Sycamore Tree Close, Radyr. 2084 3562 E-Mail address - [email protected] Hon. Treasurer - Ellis Jenkins, (to whom donations may be sent; they will be gratefully acknowledged) 62 Windsor Avenue, Radyr, CF15 8BY Distribution - Chris Wills, 1 Llwyn Drysgol, Radyr. 2084 2197 www.radyr.org.uk is…a one-stopshop for local information 3 Cricket Wales South Wales and a signed City Football offered as prizes by Mr Williams), Finalists …from front cover Karaoke, Zorbs and a range of beach Our cricketers returned to Radyr accessories. The weather was Cricket Club in July to take part in the horrendous but the children took Cricket Wales Finals. The children won absolutely no notice and to be honest, 3 of the 4 group matches however, the party was probably the more despite appeals from our Mr Coley, the enjoyable due to the weather (for the team were eliminated in controversial children anyway!). Many thanks to style due to the ‘no LBW’ rule which Dawn at The Orchard. Mrs Jan Deem allowed an opposing team to kick the grounds and to then return to their and Mr Paul Hopkins from Makro, Radyr deliveries away. A great day coops ready for Mr Crocker to tuck Cardiff who supplied sweets and cakes however and fabulous sportsmanship them up safe and sound for the night. for the event and also special thanks to from all. The chickens returned to the farm over our cook Sue Jones who made a the summer holiday and will fabulous Leavers’ Cake for the Kids of Steel hopefully be back with us shortly. Also in July, 37 children from across Our musicians finished a fabulous Key Stage Two travelled to Newport year of learning with a showcase International Sports Village to take performance for parents. The part in the TATA Kids of Steel repertoire included a range of solo and Triathlon. This is the second time group performances including children have taken part and although recorders, orchestra, samba group, non competitive, the children had to choir and rock bands (including horn push themselves out of their comfort section and a few parent guests). zones with many trying activities they hadn’t tried before. Swimming was the Our Summer Fayre was a huge success children. They really have been a first stage followed by a cycle and then and thanks to the support of the PTA fabulous year group who have a two lap run around the track. and all who attended, the school raised exceeded all expectations this year. The a fabulous £2800 which will be put sky really is the limit for this group of Quad Kids Athletics toward the PTA total for the year. The friends and we have thoroughly money raised this year will be spent enjoyed all of the fabulous memories. on improving the range of reading Pob lwc pawb. books for the pupils and further developing ICT provision in the Sad to say goodbye school.

Best Wishes to our Year 6 Leavers Parents and staff enjoyed a fabulous and emotional afternoon with our Year 6 children at the end of term. The Leavers’ Afternoon started with a band of parent volunteers tasked with After qualifying in first place from the setting up activities for the end of year heats, our Year 6 athletics squad spent leaving party and then parents took the day at Leckwith on Tuesday 16th their seats as Year 6 outlined their June competing in the finals of the favourite memories, shared long held It was lovely to have Mrs PryceMorris Quad Kids Athletics Competition. secrets and then amazed us all with attend the leavers events also (she Eighteen schools from across Cardiff their skill during the I’m a Y6—Get me wouldn’t have missed them) and this competed on the day and with Out of Here!!! challenges. Parents then week marks the end of a fabulous 29 excellent times and distances in all returned to their duties and the pupils year’s service to Radyr Primary events, our talented athletes gained returned to a fabulous party which School. Also leaving us after ten years 3rd place overall. The team members included Sumo Suits, a Bucking of paid service (and numerous years’ each received medals for their hard Bronco, a Water Slide, Penalty voluntary service) is Mrs Julie Davies. work. Shootout (with tickets for Cardiff City We will also be sad to say goodbye to Miss Anna Sharpley and Miss Hannah In other news Cummings who are both commencing their Post Graduate Certificate of The Summer Term has once again been Education training from September. In incredibly busy and successful at the addition, Mrs Glynis Webb will be school. Mr Crocker and our eco- leaving us to take up a post at The council have introduced chickens onto Court Special School where we know our allotments. The chickens have she will continue to make a huge begun to lay their eggs and it is lovely difference to the education of pupils to see them wander the school with additional learning needs. www.radyr.org.uk is…a photo-archive for our local community 5 Festival Literary Every year in Wales 3000 people will collapse due to Sudden Cardiac CHAIN COOKERY Competition 2015 Arrest (SCA). Wales has the lowest …from back cover survival rate in the UK from sudden CORNER cardiac arrest (SCA), only around 3% Radyr Primary School’s Y6 trophy of people who have a SCA will [Two vegetarian recipes which winner says: “I was really happy when I survive. The reason for this is poorly can be served alone or as an won the competition, It is really important performed Cardiopulmonary accompaniment] to me because I’m not very good at other resuscitation (CPR) and the lack of things like sport, so being recognised for public access Automated External my writing means a lot to me. Our Defibrillators (AED) original theme was carnivals. We looked at Mushroom lots of different images and videos in class. We are pleased to announce with the Stroganoff I was inspired by the bright colours and help of Welsh Hearts Charity, Radyr themes from the carnival in Rio. I decided and Morganstown will be purchasing 1 tbspn olive oil to base my poem around the atmosphere an AED which will be in an the carnival creates and how people feel accessible location in Radyr Village, 200ml medium carton crème when they see and hear it. Writing is my near the shops. (Pugh’s Garden fraiche Centre have also been approached for hobby. I write a lot at home as well as in 1 dessertspoon capers school. I like writing adventure stories consideration of an AED being 160g (6oz) chestnut mushrooms, mainly, but, it can depend on how I’m placed for the Morganstown area – feeling. If I’m not in the mood for a story I we will update you on this once a wiped and sliced. might write about historical events with decision has been made) an added twist.” Jessica Fudge, Y6 Free training will be provided for the Put olive oil in pan on medium residents of Radyr and Morganstown heat Radyr Comprehensive School’s Y7 during September. Dates will be Sauté sliced mushrooms until trophy winner says: “I really liked the announced on the Radyr and juice runs dark [sprinkling a little Morganstown website and local theme of this year’s May Festival - salt with draw out the juices] ‘Carnival’. It inspired me to write my posters. Add crème fraiche, capers and poem. I love all the bright colours and Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) is a loud music of the Rio Carnival; having condition in which the heart stops little caper juice watched it on TV. I would love travel to beating suddenly and unexpectedly Keep on heat until sauce reduces Rio to experience it in person one day. due to a malfunction in the heart’s and thickens a little However, the Radyr and Morganstown electrical system. The malfunction that Serve with brown rice and Festival parade came a close second with causes SCA is a life-threatening parsley everyone dressed in colourful clothes (even abnormal heart rhythm; an if it was a bit wet!). I am glad that my arrhythmia. The most common poem captured the atmosphere of Carnival! arrhythmia is ventricular fibrillation Thank you.” Sophie Thomas, Y7 (VF). When in VF, the heart’s rhythm is Courgette and so chaotic (called “fibrillating”) that With thanks to Mick Sullivan and the heart merely quivers, and is unable Carrot Bake David Cargill for the photographs. to pump blood to the body and brain. [halve the recipe for 2] All of this can happen quickly - in fact, Cllr Sue McKerlich and Helena Fox in a matter of seconds... Sudden 3 courgettes (Clerk to R&MCC) Cardiac Arrest can strike anyone, at 6 medium carrots any time, any age, without warning. Unless treated immediately by CPR 25g (1oz) butter and defibrillation death will most 160g (6oz) strong Cheddar certainly occur within minutes - Every cheese minute counts! Seasoning Public access to defibrillators is so vital, and the heart charities are Oven at 200C, 400F or Gas 6 driving this forward. Their aim is to have AEDs in all public areas, schools, Grate vegetables and sweat in golf clubs and to train people to use butter this life saving equipment. Grate cheese, add to vegetables, Mandie Welch and Rachel owen season. Lightly grease ovenproof dish Place mixture in dish Bake for 30 minutes

A.M.P.

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RADYR CHAIN FROM JULY 1980

Nicola Densley of Radyr is trekking in HEAD-LINES! Patagonia in November of this year for Velindre Cancer Centre because it is a charity close to everyone’s heart. This is the village Festival charity for 2015/16. This event will mark the 150th anniversary of Welsh settlers arriving in South America with a challenging six day trek over the mountain ridges, amazing icefalls and stunning views of the snow-capped Andes. At the same time she and other volunteers, including local celebrities, will be raising funds to help Velindre continue to provide help and support for cancer patients in Wales. Nicola says “Velindre Hospital does such amazing work and I hope that I will get support from the community for this fantastic Anne Petherbridge and her daughter, Denise Coulter, opened a hairdressing salon in Bert’s old cause”. She has a daunting target of shoe repair shop in Station Road on the 3rd March, 1980, which they have named “Headway”. £6000. to hit but is confident that with They have lived in Radyr for more than thirteen years and vividly remember Denise with her the support of family and friends she twin sister, Jane, along with the other children of Radyr helping to hammer nails into Bert’s old can achieve it. stool. Little did Denise think that one day, she would be helping to run a salon in the place If you wish to support her trek you where she had spent so many happy days. As Bert looked after the feet of the villagers for so can donate at many years they now hope to look after the heads! www.justgiving.com/NicolaDensley Retirement - In 1964 Mr. Douglas Jones was appointed the head teacher of Radyr Primary Alternatively, cash/cheque donations School. Now at the end of this summer term Mr. Jones retires after sixteen years. When he are also greatly received by sending started there were 135 pupils at the school but as a result of new houses being built the your donation to 1 Graig Llwyd, number has increased to 485. Work started in 1967 to enlarge the school and parents decided Radyr, CF15 8BG that a swimming pool should be part of the extension. £1,000. was raised in twelve months towards its cost. We wish Mr. Jones a happy retirement. Year 12, Pembrokeshire based Celebrity Visit to Bryn Deri female student looking for School responsible host family in Radyr for Pupils at Bryn Deri School recently term time only (no weekends). met Police Dog Handler, Ray Requires own room; en suite Plummer and his black Alsatian preferred, breakfast and evening “Gelert”. Roy was the first handler meal Ð for reasonable fee. If in the Cardiff City Force and in interested please contact 1968 with his dog “Garny”, he was [email protected] awarded the Queen’s Commendation for Brave Conduct after disarming a Or man with a shotgun. “Garny” was Telephone 01437 731886 given an award for courage by the RSPCA. www.radyr.org.uk is…a place for you to air your views on local matters 9 News from Radyr & Donald Houston. He eventually appreciated. went into TV work and appeared Our evening ended with a Morganstown WI frequently on the small screen in celebratory glass of bubbly as we will series such as “It Aint Half Hot June proved to be a busy month for not meet again as a group until Mum” “Minder” and “Softly, Softly”. all Institutes throughout the country September when events are already as 2015 is the centenary of the And so we move into July via a lunch planned to take place. formation of the organisation. The at Arbennig Restaurant, a Welsh On Tuesday, 11th August, there will National Federations AGM, held on evening hosted by Pontcanna be a lunch at the Market Place Thursday, 4th June in the Royal Institute, an evening visit to Restaurant in Cowbridge. Albert Hall was attended by HM The Wyndcliffe Court Sculpture Gardens Meanwhile, members are currently Queen, HRH the Princess Royal and and the Federation Summer Walk being asked to volunteer for a litter Sophie, Countess of Essex. The from Rhossili. The last meeting prior pick a part of the “Keep Wales Tidy Queen accepted the Centenary baton, to the summer break took place on Week” on 15th September. The addressed the meeting and presented Monday, 13th July. Our Speaker was following day, Wednesday, 16th cups and awards for various Yvonne Rees, whose talk “Going September is Centenary day. We will categories to winning WIs, including going gone” was a personal memoir be celebrating in the New School the Huxley Floral Cup to the of her redoubtable “Auntie Glad”, a Rooms with lunch, displays and a Federation. The visiting lady aged 98 whose collection of toast. There will also be a guest speakers at the meeting were Lucy antiques, originally acquired through speaker. Worsley, the historian, Tanni Grey church humble sales, eventually came Meetings resume on Monday, 14th Thompson, the athlete and Helena up for auction in spite of some of September when the subject of a talk Morrisey, a business director. them having been promised to her long-suffering niece, Yvonne. Yvonne by Marjorie Page will be Clarice Cliff. Radyr and Morganstown WI was bid for them, purchased them and Should you need further information represented at this special AGM by eventually realised their value when visit our website at Jane Parry who gave us an she was advised to insure two items [email protected] entertaining account of both her for £10,000. This is just the bald m or phone our President, Enid attendance at the Centenary Royal outline of a tale told with charm, Brooker on 029 2084 3412. Garden Party at Buckingham Palace humour and great affection. Yvonne and her attendance as a delegate at Meanwhile – have a good summer! Rees has a natural gift of raconteur the Royal Albert Hall. Both events and her story telling was much L.H. were characterised by the many and varied outfits worn, the long queues and the impression of “women WELSH PGA CHAMPIONSHIP everywhere”. Radyr Golf Club hosted the Welsh National PGA Championship early in July. North Wales golfer, Garry Houston, former European Tour player won the event, Members of our WI had a lovely day beating Stephen Dodd and Sion Bebb in an exciting play-off after 36 holes of at Radyr Golf Club, watching a live competition. They each tied on three-under-par after they could not be separated transmission of the Centenary AGM. over two rounds. We felt as if we were there, The course and staff were highly praised for presentation, organisation and applauding and discussing hospitality for the event. comments. The Golf Club served a delicious buffet lunch. Thanks go to The last time this Championship was held at Radyr was in 1904. Houston Pat Williams and Gaynor Leaf for remarked “It’s a great achievement to come here and win this tournament – I’ve organising the transmission and to won the Welsh National”. Nick Holmes and David Cargill for setting up the technical equipment. Our June meeting took place on Monday, 8th June. The speaker was Dean Powell, a former newspaper editor and BBC journalist. He is the author of fourteen books, including The Memoirs of Glyn Houston. His very entertaining talk was entitled “Glyn Houston, the Black and White Actor” – the black and white referring to the black and white screen. Glyn Houston was born in Tonypandy and brought up by his grandmother. He entered show business via ENSA and became one of the “Tafia” group of Welsh actors which included Richard Burton, Stanley Baker and his brother, www.radyr.org.uk is…a photo-archive for our local community 15 Radyr & Morganstown Community Council Cyngor Cymuned Radur a Threforgan

We said goodbye to Cllr Liz Nicholas this generally will be a disaster. we say, lead to thousands of bus travellers month and thank her for her service to the replacing private car traffic and avoiding It is a huge frustration and disappointment community. She took a particular interest serious traffic congestion. to us that Welsh Government’s insistence in Radyr Woods and will continue as on a high level of growth has forced Our project to renovate and extend the R&MCC governor for Bryn Deri Primary Cardiff Council into a situation which is Old Church Rooms, our community School. We therefore have a vacancy on unreasonable and damaging to our capital building in Park Road, will start in early the Council; contact Helena Fox if you city. The LDP should and could have August and we have written about this in want to know more. aimed to create a bigger, better, more more detail elsewhere in this issue of the It’s hard to believe for those of working on sustainable Cardiff that was fully Chain. This project could not run well it, but the LDP is in its final stages. The supported by infrastructure including an without the support and time given by public consultation on the Matters Arising integrated public transport system members of the RMA, who are joint Changes Schedule (ie the Inspectors’ provided in-phase with development. The managers of the OCR with R&MCC. We questions to Cardiff Council) closed on elephant in this Plan is that it is distorted thank them for their continued hard work July 23 and we are waiting to hear if there by the pressure from Welsh Government and joint decision-making. We are will be any further Hearing sessions to deliver over 41,000 new homes and all delighted that R&MCC was successful in before the Inspector. The Inspectors’ associated development by 2026. No one securing a grant of £130,500 from the report is expected towards the end of the believes that that rate of construction can Aggregate Levy Fund Wales towards the year. be achieved. By forcing Cardiff to put a cost of the works. R&MCC’s and the NW Cardiff Group’s quart in a pint pot by 2026 it cannot Our WW1 commemorative exhibition was responses to this last consultation are on include the essential transport a huge success and Cllr Mike Diment has the R&M website. In summary, we do not infrastructure like the Metro that Cardiff written about that elsewhere in this Chain think that Cardiff has properly answered acknowledges it needs to achieve a 50:50 too. R&MCC again thanks everyone who the Inspectors’ questions. Although split between private cars and other forms helped make it possible, include Heritage developers can phase house building to of transport. Using the words ‘bus-based Lottery Fund Wales. provide schools (clearly a good thing), rapid transit’ to describe what is actually they and Cardiff refuse to do the same for conventional bus services on roads like Helena Fox, Clerk to R&MCC the transport needs of new and existing the A4119 is another fudge made The Old Church Rooms, residents. We continue to say that without necessary in an LDP that has to make the Park Road, Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8DF phasing new developments with a fixed- impossible appear possible. A few track public transport system the resulting sections of bus lane and traffic control Tel. 029 2084 2213 traffic problems for NW Cardiff and the city measures on our existing roads will not, Email : [email protected]

to provide a new meeting space back in working order as soon as and a new glass entrance with possible. room to get out of the rain. We The works will take some 20 weeks will also refit the kitchen to from the start of August and the commercial standards and upgrade OCR car park will be closed for the the lavatories and the heating and entire time. We apologise for any lighting systems which will be R&MCC is delighted to announce inconvenience that that will cause. more energy efficient. The old that it is moving ahead with If you have any questions or want police room will be demolished exciting plans to renovate and to see the drawings please contact opening up space for the new extend the Old Church Rooms Helena Fox. (OCR) in Park Road. This has entrance and restoring the Helena Fox, Clerk to R&MCC been made possible through a Victorian double entry from the The Old Church Rooms, generous grant from the Aggregate building’s old school days. An Park Road, Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8DF Levy Fund Wales of £130,500 with extension, making the building L Tel. 029 2084 2213 contributions from the RMA, shaped, will include the new Email : [email protected] R&MCC and the balance funded meeting space and new storage through a loan. room. The OCR is managed and Some of the internal works to the maintained by a joint committee of existing building will be done over RMA and R&MCC members and the school summer holiday so that this has been a successful Park Road Nursery can reopen in arrangement for over 25 years. We September. Use of the building have been working together closely will be severely restricted during on the plans for the building with that time. The extension and other the aim of bringing it up to 21st works will follow and we hope to century standards and expanding it have most of the existing building www.radyr.org.uk iis…a window on our local history 17 English isn’t as east which aren’t sweet, are meat. We IMAGING 2000 take English for granted. But if we as you think! explore its paradoxes, we find that VILLAGE CAMERA This guy nails it. quicksand can work slowly, boxing Posted 12 months ago by Tacoassassin rings are square and guinea pig is CLUB www.tickld.com/funny/t/763779 neither from Guinea nor is it a pig. Imaging 2000 starts again on And why is it that writers write Tuesday, 15th September with an You think English is easy? but fingers don’t fing, grocers open meeting and display of The bandage was wound around don’t groce and hammers don’t photos taken during the summer the wound. ham? If the plural of tooth is teeth, period. This group which meets on The farm was used to produce produce why isn’t the plural of booth, a fortnightly basis at the Old The dump was so full that it had to beeth? One goose, 2 geese. So one Church Rooms in Park Road, holds refuse more refuse moose, 2 meese? One index, 2 competitions, helps improvers, arranges speakers and presenters We mush polish the Polish furniture indices? Doesn’t it seem crazy that you can make amends but not one on photography of all subjects. He could lead if he would get the amend? If you have a bunch of The Club members display their lead out odds and ends and get rid of all work from time to time. The soldier decided to desert his but one of them, what do you call New members are very welcome – dessert in the desert it? please get in touch with David Since there is no time like the If teachers taught, why didn’t Cargill – [email protected] present, he thought it was time to preachers praught? If a vegetarian Mick Sullivan, our President, present the present eats vegetables, what does a recently won the Festival photo A bass was painted on the head of the humanitarian eat? Sometimes I competition. He is here having a bass drum think all the English speakers presentation made by Councillor When shot at, the dove dove into should be committed to an asylum Rod McKerlich. the bushes for the verbally insane. In what I did not object to the object language do people recite at a play and play at a recital? Ship by The insurance was invalid for the truck and send cargo by ship? invalid Have noses that run and feet that There was a row among the oarsmen smell? about how to row How can a slim chance and a gat They were too close to the door to chance be the same, while a wise close it man and a wise guy are opposites? The buck does funny things when the You have to marvel at the unique does are present lunacy of a language in which A seamstress and a sewer fell your house can burn up as it burns down into a sewer line down, in which you fill in a form To help with planting, the farmer by filling it out and in which an taught his sow to sow alarm goes off by going on. The wind was too strong to wind the sail Upon seeing the tear in the painting I shed a tear I had to subject the subject to a series of tests How can I intimate this to my most A THANK YOU… Hi, I just wanted to write to say Thank You to the residents of intimate friend? Radyr and Morganstown who have supported me recently while I set up Penelope’s Bento Lunches – particularly those who visited my stall at the R&M Let’s face it – English is a crazy Festival. language. There is no egg in I took a lot of orders that day and had lots of interest from children and parents eggplant, nor ham in hamburger; alike with the usual things I had for sale. I sell lunchboxes, lunch bags, Japanese neither apple nor pine in food picks, sandwich cutters, egg/sushi moulds, edible food pens, Yumboxes and pineapple. English muffins other lunch box/picnic accessories. weren’t invented in England or It was amazing to have such support, so I would like to say thank you! French fries in France. Sweetmeats Claire Bryant - Penelope’s Bento Lunches - are candies while sweetbreads www.facebook.com/Penelopesbentolunches www.radyr.org.uk is…a place for you to air your views on local matters 19 Radyr & We start again in September: an interest in gardens, plants and 9th September – generally growing things. So Morganstown “Not Just a Pretty Face – Practical come along – you will be very District Gardening uses of Ornamental Plants” welcome. An illustrated talk All meetings (apart from visits) Club by Willow West. are at the New School Rooms, I am writing this having just Meetings are open to all and take Heol Isaf starting at 7.30pm and returned, with club members and place on the second Wednesday are followed by refreshments. friends, from visiting two of each month from September to Pleas see village notice boards contrasting gardens close to April (with the exception of and Radyr website Bradford-on-Avon. We started at December) with illustrated talks (www.radyr.org.uk) for Iford Manor, a privately owned and demonstrations. Some programme details and any terraced garden on a steep-sided speakers bring examples of the changes or contact any committee hill above the River Frome. Iford plants they talk about and others member or our Chairman – Manor was the home of architect bring plants for sale. Richard Gregory (029 2084 2084). and garden designer Harold Peto. Visitors and New Members will He was particularly attracted by be made very welcome. We share the charm of old Italian gardens and in the early 1900s he developed his garden in the Italianate style; the current owners MOONWALK have restored the design and planting in accordance with Harold 2015 Peto’s vision. We followed this On the weekend of the 16th-17th May, fourteen fit and energetic ladies with a visit to “The Courts”, a from Radyr Tennis Club (plus one past member) took on an extraordinary National Trust property which is challenge of walking the ‘Moonlit Marathon’ through the streets of quoted as showing “… the English London. They walked the 26.2 miles overnight to raise money and country style at its best”. A garden awareness for Breast Cancer Charities. of rooms each with differing The group raised over £8,000. – thank to all their sponsors for their planting and interest. The day was generous donations, including the staff and customers at ‘The Orchard’ enjoyed by everyone, particularly Coffee Shop. as we benefited from a dry period Many thanks also to the four careful drivers (Rhodri, Mike, Justin and between wet weather systems! Graham) for all their support and encouragement. Our 2014/15 winter programme finished on 8th April with the club AGM; the current Committee was re-elected. The AGM was followed by an illustrated talk by Peter Grehan on “Gardens and Plants in Science Fiction”, who showed how science fiction writers have taken everyday plants and planting and thought how they may look in an alien landscape; he illustrated this with examples such as “Day of the Triffids” and episodes of Dr. Who. Our Programme Secretary has been working hard to put together an interesting and stimulating programme of talks for 2015/16 ranging from particular plant species through gardens and parks to the history of a little known Welsh born garden designer. The programme will be published in the “Chain”, the Radyr website and village notice boards in due course. www.radyr.org.uk is…a record of the work of our Community Council 21 provided by the Tenovus Sing With Us author Mark Brake will be visiting on Choir and an archived film show 4th August at 11am to talk about his presented by David Cargill. book ‘How to be a space explorer’ We look forward to seeing many of and the Exotic Pet Shop will be our friends and supporters from the bringing some exciting pets on 21st community whose help and generosity August at 2.30pm. For our younger Radyr & have enabled us to raise an amazing members (under 5s) we have Morganstown amount in excess of £300,000. during summer story time every Tuesday at the past thirty years. 2.15pm and a Teddy Bear’s Picnic on Friends of Tenovus Chairman Rosanne and her committee 18th August at 10.15am. Don’t forget This year’s Tenovus sponsored walk look forward to celebrating this to bring your teddy! took place on Sunday, 28th June where wonderful achievement with all of our You can still collect your recycling a large group of volunteer walkers friends who will be able to join us at bags at the library. Just ask at the gathered at the tennis courts in Cardiff our Anniversary event. Tickets - staff desk and you can collect 1 roll of Castle grounds at 2pm. Betty, who £20.00 to include a three-course dinner food and recycling bags per organised the sponsored walk was are available from Secretary, Betty (Tel. household. delighted to meet so many of our 2084 2096). regulars and some new supporters Alison Skidmore If you would like to donate to a taking part in our annual fund-raising Cardiff Food Bank, we have a afternoon. After a damp start the collection point. We also have a list weather improved and the walkers What’s Happening at of the foods they need, that you can enjoyed the picturesque surroundings Radyr Library? check before you donate. along the Taff Trail and when they There is a lot happening at Radyr If you have a laptop, smartphone or arrived at Hailey Park they stopped tablet that you would like some and enjoyed a refreshing drink. Library during the summer holidays. This year’s Summer Reading support or advice using then put When they reached Christ Church the Challenge theme for children is your name down for our IT help Tenovus ladies were ready to serve Record Breakers! For teens and sessions that will be running after the them a delicious strawberry tea with adults we are running the Summer summer holidays. Cardiff Libraries the tables neatly laid with blue and Six Book Challenge again. Complete also provide free downloadable white crisp tablecloths. As the walkers the challenges by reading any six eBooks, eMagazines and sat down to tea they were joined by books from the library. Along with eAidiobooks. Visit our website further local supporters who all the pleasure of reading books and www.cardiff.gov.uk/libraries or ask enjoyed the delightful strawberry tea at the library for more information. prepared by Janet Boyce and her team discovering new authors and titles of helpers. Plenty of freshly brewed there will be rewards for those taking Finally the summer will be a very tea together with strawberries and part in the challenges! Thank you to busy time for us. Please help us by cream and Janet’s home made scones everyone who came along to our bringing your library card on every were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. launch party – we got 155 pledges visit. Thank you for your patience at Every year Janet makes over 300 towards the Guinness World Record our busiest time and good luck to scones and is often asked for a copy of attempt and 87 children, teens and everyone taking part in the reading her recipe. adults signed up to the reading challenges. The sponsored walk raised in excess of challenge. We’ve got lots of books to Anna, Jen and Anne at Radyr Library £,000. and these much-needed funds choose from for adults, teens and will help Tenovus provide continued children but if you can’t find what help and support to all those affected you’re looking for or need some THE LATE VICTORIA MAY by cancer. We are very grateful for the inspiration, just ask a member of staff KEOHANE, NEE HOGG and we can help you find your next kindness and generosity we receive Through your pages may I from our friends and the local book. thank the many friends in and community who support us at all our Cardiff Libraries are also trying to set around Radyr who have written fund-raising events throughout the a Guinness World Record for the year. Should you wish to help to me, helped me and longest chain of book themed encouraged me through the Tenovus in any way please contact bunting so we need everyone’s help. difficult days before and after Chairman, Rosanne (Tel. 20401872). Pick up a bunting template from the Vicki's funeral. We very much look forward to seeing library or print from everyone in September when we will bit.ly/bookbunting and when you’ve As I have found before this be celebrating a rather outstanding completed it, hand back in to any village is a very special place achievement. A very special event will Cardiff library. The unveiling will in which to live and to raise a take place at Radyr Golf Club on take place at Central Library on 29th family and the incredible Saturday, 19th September, 2015. Radyr August. and Morganstown Friends of Tenovus support of such a community are celebrating thirty years of fund- There are Summer reading Challenge has meant so much to me and raising for Tenovus Cancer Care and events with stories, crafts and my family over the years. activities, every Wednesday at are holding a celebration evening Douglas Hogg dinner. Entertainment will be 10.30am for ages 5 up. In addition, 14 www.morganstown.org.uk is…a photo-archive for our local community and British Museum I was inspired by are inspirational and describe a wide range A Hidden History – their Chinese Tang Dynasty horses of equine activity and sport and possible Coal, Clay and Horses embellished using glazes and coloured by solutions to modelling and decorating legs, three metal oxides called ‘Sancai’ literally tails, hooves, manes, ears and eyes in clay. “When I bestride him, I soar. I am a hawk: he ‘Three colours’. As a ceramicist I am Learning from ceramic history has helped trots the air; the earth sings when he touches it; familiar with the challenge of making clay me develop my own way of hand building the basest horn of his hoof is more musical than stand up on four legs and marvelled at the as being faced with a shapeless bag of clay the pipe of Hermes” William Shakespeare. skill of these master potters whose love can be quite daunting and the horse is a Henry V (Act 3, Scene 7) and sensitive observation of their subject complex animal and shape to model. As a breathed life into these clay models over a student I was unable to find a ‘how to’ thousand years ago during the 6th-9th guide book to making horses in clay so century AD and spoke ‘Horse’. Many decided to develop my own by researching people believe that the Chinese were the history of the horse in ceramics. among the first to ride horses and valued bloodlines bred in the west. Emperors of Recently I have had the opportunity to the Tang dynasty kept their horses in observe first hand and examine two Tang elaborately built stables around the Tang Dynasty horses, one with a rider from the capital in the Shaanxi province of China. ceramic collection at the National Museum Only high status people rode and owned of Wales in Cardiff, with support from the horses they symbolised wealth strength ceramic curator. Being able to observe first and freedom and were prized for their hand and speculate potential construction domestic service and use in military and methods and a formulaic approach to sport such as polo. carving key features of the horse’s anatomy has helped in the development of my own These three colour figures modelling and building of clay horses. There have always been two passions in flourished during the Tang period and On returning home to South Wales to my life – Clay and Horses. As a keen rider apart from making objects for daily use further progress my career as a ceramic I grew up around them and this adoration pottery was made principally for funerary artist and produce a new exhibition I crossed over into my work as a ceramicist objects, warriors, guards of honour, needed a place to work. I was introduced and became a key element in being able to servants, cups, bowls, camels and horses to China Works Museum express myself as an artist in clay. some with tack ready to serve an emperor or member of a high status family in the through the Arts Regeneration Team at When I was young my grandmother used afterlife. Many of these tomb figures were Rhondda Cynon Taff Council. I to buy me brightly coloured plasticine never meant for public display and took approached them for help in developing strips and I would model horses and over from the earlier practice of live clay making opportunities within the south imagine myself riding them. I would sacrifice of servants and horses. The Wales Valleys. Growing up in the spend hours observing a pony that lived relationship humans have developed with Rhondda I was fully informed of its rich on some scrap land behind our terraced horses over time fascinates me and many heritage and coal mining background but house in the Rhondda Valleys. As my similarities exist in Chinese and Celtic was taken by surprise to learn of an interest in a creative career grew I worked symbolism and their affiliation with the alternative hidden history of towards entry onto a B.A (Hons) ceramic horse. production at Nantgarw China Works. It is course at the University of Wales Institute, situated on the upper side of the disused Cardiff. After gaining a first class degree I I have continued my research into the old Glamorganshire Canal and equidistant took up a position teaching art and design history of the horse in ceramics from Tang between Cardiff and Pontypridd. The and an apprenticeship with architectural dynasty tomb figures through to large- pottery has produced some of the world’s ceramist Gwen Heeney who inspired me to scale religious Indian terracotta horses finest decorated porcelain and later mass- become a professional artist; wanting to built and fired in situ. The mass-produced produced slipware pipes, tiles develop my career further I was awarded a Staffordshire figurines made from moulds and tableware. I was delighted to discover scholarship to the Royal College of Art in that there was a rich industrial ceramic London to study ceramics and glass. heritage so close to home. As a dedicated Whilst there I was encouraged by my tutor, ceramicist I had never come across this Allison Britton, to explore animal hidden gem in any of my studies and mythology and the horse to inform my wanted to find out more. studio practice. After graduation I set up a The pottery was active from 1813 and workspace and produced a body of work ceased production in 1920. It owes much to discover how I could use the plasticity of its artistic fame solely to the production of clay to express human emotions using of soft paste porcelain a secret recipe the symbolism of the horse. This resulted developed and exquisitely decorated by in a solo exhibition, Curiadau William Billingsley (1758-1828) produced at Calon/Heartbeats at MOMA Cymru – Y Nantgarw during a short period of 1813 to Tabernacl in Machynlleth, Powys and 1822. When fired it became glassy and started my journey to become a translucent with a bright white hue a professional ceramicist and emerging artist. perfect canvas of classic shapes for Through the development of my Billingsley to work his magic painting on dissertation whilst at the RCA and visits to porcelain with enamels developed from his research the ceramic collections at the V&A apprenticeship at the English Works. www.radyr.org.uk is…a record of the work of our Community Council 11 He became known as ‘The roses man’ and surface decoration inspired by Billingsley’s There’s no other place I’d like to be strove for artistic excellence. In the book roses and Pardoe’s pipes using mocha working and learning and feel proud to be Old Derby Porcelain (1925), Frank Hurlbutt diffusion made from tobacco juice mixed part of Nantgarw’s ethos of developing the wrote “Billingsley’s artistic skill and taste, his with oxides and the original pipe moulds site as a centre of ceramic art and craft white-hot enthusiasm for his creative trade, his to form makeshift polo sticks for my excellence as this opportunity is needed in love of beauty, of perfection itself, his power of horseback riders. Following Friend of the and around the South Wales Valleys. absorption of all that was most perfect and Museum Judy Cox’s tour and observing Sharing good practice with the resident beautiful around him, set him on a plane her adoration for Nantgarw’s history artists has been invaluable and the apart”. Billingsley’s dedication to his craft bringing to life Billingsley’s and Pardoe’s ingenuity of some of the trustee’s ideas to and to artistic perfection is evident in the work makes me feel proud to walk in these produce and make a living from ceramics quality and beauty of the surviving historic footsteps and confirm my choice of is inspiring. I have even been able to porcelain. The high wastage rates due to career to become a professional ceramic develop my Welsh language skills with slumping and breaking in the bottle kilns artist. trustee Gwen Griffiths, a first language during firing meant that the enterprise was I can relate to the energy of Billingsley and Welsh speaker. Horses, Clay, Welsh, what a commercial disaster though an artistic his constant striving for artistic excellence more could I ask for? Well maybe to success. Much of his work graced the pushing the boundaries of my own discover a fragment of William tables of the high society in London and it ceramics whilst learning about Pardoe’s Billingsley’s notebook with his secret recipe was his successor’s son W.H. Pardoe, the entrepreneurial skills and developing written on it! I would like to say a big eldest son of Thomas Pardoe (1770-1822) a wares for mass production has encouraged thank you to Jeff, Margaret and the entire porcelain decorator who found commercial me to make a range of slip trailed wares Trustees at Nantgarw for this opportunity success when he re-opened the pottery in depicting the boat horses at the pottery for and their belief and encouragement of the 1833 to produce over 10,000 hand mould mass production, a history of art and craft ceramic arts. I would also like to thank the pressed earthenware clay pipes weekly. combined. Arts Council of Wales for their financial backing and support with his project. Pardoe made tableware, tiles and pipes to I am constantly inspired by the ability of meet the needs and affordability of local clay to allow through its plasticity human Come and immerse yourself in Nantgarw’s people and the masses, unlike the exclusive hands to shape and record our emotional, rich history and find out about an high end production of Billingsley. It has spiritual and intellectual development alternative industrial past of the South been recorded that the Marquise of Bute, a throughout time helped along, of course, Wales valleys linking together horses, clay former customer, offered £1,000. to re- by the horse. My new body of work and coal. I am working at the museum commence the manufacture of porcelain focuses on the horse as a carrier and source from Wednesday-Sunday 10am-4.30pm but was turned down, the mass market of support a key to freedom moving and would be happy to show you around being too much a temptation and financial without fear towards a new life unafraid of and discuss my working practice. Keeping success. All this history was made possible expressing myself, my own personalised the history of this magical place alive is so by the construction and opening of the tomb figures. I hope the exhibition will important – a real addition to our rich Glamorganshire canal in 1794, the inspire young people of the creative cultural heritage. motorway of its time, connecting Merthyr potential of working with clay. Discussing Ceffylau Clai, Chwarae gyda Thân/ Clay Tydfil to Cardiff docks. possibilities of a creative life and career Horses, Playing with Fire opens to the The pottery was built in an ideal location and engaging them with the museum’s public at Nantgarw China Works Museum as clay and coal were transported by collection of fine porcelain and artefacts gallery on the 7th October for two weeks horsepower along the canal from the will ensure the wonderful history of 10am-4.30pm. Bryncoch drift mine in Taff’s Well during Nantgarw and our ceramic production past www.nantgarwchinaworksmuseum.co.uk Billingsley’s time and from the Rhondda fuelled by coal and horsepower passes on www.garethnash.com during Pardoe’s. A bottle kiln could use to new generations. up to five tons of coal during a three day Contact Mr. Jeff Pugh for all information On returning home I felt isolated from the and opportunities at Nantgarw China firing and a constant supply was needed. world of ceramics and the contemporary Boat horses connected these two industries Works Museum 01656 862 908 galleries of London, only to discover a rich [email protected] together working tirelessly to deliver coal ceramic heritage on my own doorstep. and raw clay to the pottery then transporting fired work to Cardiff docks for shipment to London and beyond. After contacting Sally Stubbings, artist in residence alongside Carol Feehan and the Trustees of Nantgarw China Works Museum, a group of passionate people who work tirelessly to preserve the history and legacy of Billingsley’s and Pardoe’s ceramics I was granted a residency and opportunity to produce a body of work for an exhibition in October, focusing on the history of the horse in ceramics. The passion and dedication of the Trustees at Nantgarw is infectious. I have been given access to the museum’s collection and enthused to develop new

12 www.morganstown.org.uk is…a one-stopshop for local information worked there. All were residents of Radyr World War 1 & Morganstown! Commemoration On the Saturday, two Great War Society re-enactors came to show uniforms of the Exhibition at the Old period as well as weapons, ammunition and other military hardware. For many it Church Rooms was a fascinating experience actually to hold and sight a very heavy WW1 rifle R&MCC held its WW1 exhibition over the with bayonet attached. The Western Front weekend of June 12-14. Funded by a Association was also on hand to grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund investigate family military records Wales as part of our two-year WW1 instantly online and provide advice on project, this three-day commemorative any follow-up research to be taken. event entitled "Radyr & Morganstown at Home and at War" was visited by over 900 people. It has been very satisfying to receive many complimentary comments and emails from visitors appreciating the Finally our commemoration came to an hard work put into staging the event. One end on Sunday with a bar & barbeque email in particular from Maria Moruzzi organised and run by the Radyr & said that "Joe was very impressed with the Morganstown Association. This, together men and their hands-on collection of arms with three traditional 'Punch and Judy' and equipment which he has seen in other shows, was a fantastic finale to a very exhibitions, but never been able to handle successful weekend. and touch. He thought that the exhibition was as good if not better than many he has seen in specialist WW1 museums". We are very grateful to Mark Drakeford AM and Kevin Brennan MP for their interest in our exhibition and for linking today's R&M and Cardiff with our communities during WW1 before Our small committee was supplemented officially opening our commemorative in April by three very enthusiastic ladies event. Councillors Sally Evans, Sue McKerlick Our small WW1 committee made up of and volunteer Ruth Diment who Community Councillors, local enthusiasts concentrated on home life during this era, plus our Clerk to the Council and to enable children to see exactly what life specially created Heritage Assistant, would have been like. After a visit to the (financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund). archive at St Fagans National History I would like to thank the many people, Work began in earnest some 12 months Museum, they met regularly to plan, clubs and societies who contributed to ago to bring something special to the discuss, source and make artefacts for our our event. In particular: village by commemorating 100 years since exhibition. As well as making clothing of Members of the WW1 Project Committee the start of World War 1. the period for children to dress-up in and a kitchen range, they investigated the craft Allan Cook and the History Society Local historian Allan Cook and David activities the soldiers would have David Warren Warren, a Trustee of The Regimental experienced whilst recovering such as Great War Society Museum of the Royal Welsh (Brecon), sweetheart cushions, and paper bead Western Front Association (South Wales were invaluable members of our necklaces. Lots of our visitors enjoyed Branch) committee. They carried out an enormous making these items. Radyr & Morganstown Association amount of research into R&M's War Pupils from Radyr Comprehensive Memorial and the names of the WW1 The toys of the period in the exhibition, School fallen, providing a great source of many of them very simple and home- Heritage Lottery Fund for funding our information, resources and artefacts. made, certainly engaged those who WW1 project. David added a very professional touch in visited. Over one hundred and twenty Helena Fox (Clerk to the Council) for the bringing the Great War Society re-enactors children from our two local primary successful application for funding. and the Western Front Association to the schools attended on the Friday afternoon Julie Hopkins (Assistant Clerk) event. and thoroughly enjoyed playing with the R&MCC Heritage Assistant toys and not an electronic game in sight! The main exhibition hall was filled with R&MCC for Staff match funding for the Some children made simple toys, such as medals, official records, photographs and event. peg doll or a card-jointed animal. WW1 memorabilia. The contents were sourced by committee members or loaned For many of the older generation it was a Michael Diment from many members of our community time to reminisce about some familiar Community Councillor & Chairman of who all contributed in no small way to items: an old school desk, pen and ink, a the WW1 Committee making this event such a great success. As stone hot water bottle, a flat iron, a treadle well as having a 1917 photograph of the and hand sewing machine and even a Red Cross Hospital located on Heol Isaf, darning mushroom! There was an we were able to display numerous opportunity to try World War 1 Trench employment records of staff and a metal cake made to a traditional recipe, which brooch worn by one of the nurses who was somewhat dry but quite tasty! www.radyr.org.uk is…a one-stopshop for local information 13