The first twenty years
The First Exchange Visit to Radyr
It was in May 1986 that the first exchange visit took place. During this visit the Twinning Charters were signed by Chairmen of both councils and Chairs of the Fellowship. These Charters can be seen in The Old Church Rooms.
Twinning Plaque unveiled by the Chairs of the Fellowship giving a formal framework to the happy association of the two communities.
Tenth Anniversary 1995
Since that time the Fellowship has flourished with firm friendships formed between both Communities. We exchange each May alternating between visiting or hosting.
On the occasion of the 10th anniversary in May 1995 we presented the people of St Philbert with a red telephone box as a permanent reminder of their friends here in Wales. Also Chairman Cyril Williams and Past Chairman Ann Smith are made “Cheveliars” in St Philbert.
The next few years
The following year the French presented our community with a wine press, sited in the gardens of the Old Church Rooms, reminding us of happy times spent in their company.
May 2003 saw the French Council opening a Garden of Twinning and the telephone box re-sited.
.Although the telephone is still in working order it is minus the door and all the windows.
Throughout the years the Twinning Committee have held many events to raise funds for the exchanges. All have been well supported and a great deal of fun.
The Twinning Committee have supported both primary schools with grants when the French children visit Radyr schools.
Such events as: Boule, Float parade, Quiz nights, Dances, Café Jazz evenings, Bar-B-Q’S, Hog Roasts, Persian nights and not forgetting many evenings spent in Rene’ s bar.
A traditional Celtic Cross
To celebrate 20 years of Twinning fellowship and friendship, Maggie Roberts, Chair of Radyr & Morganstown Twinning Fellowship presents a traditional Celtic Cross to Alain Fourrier, Chair of St. Philbert du Grand Lieu Jumelage in May 2005.
Unfortunately this was badly vanadlised and has been taken into the care of the Council who, at some time hope to repair and resite the cross.
20th Anniversary Official Reception 2006
Official reception in gardens of Old Church Rooms with Chairmen Alain Fourrier and Maggie Roberts with guests Cll. Ghislaine Clavier on behalf of Mayor of St. Philbert, Chair of Community Council Cllr. Margaret LLoyd, County Councillor Marion Drake and the French Consul for South Wales Claude Annick Rapport. Translator Michelle Birard and Ron Smith.
Cutting the 20th Anniversary cake
Chairmen Alain and Maggie cutting 20th Anniversary cake with past Chairmen, Cyril Williams, Ann Smith, Collette Lepeaud, Bernard Hervouet and Adrian Hughes.