News

A large group turned out to support the Alzheimer’s Society Cymru Beetle Drive on Saturday, 27^th January.  A good time was had by all and over £850 was raised for the cause.   Cheryl George, the Community Fund raiser for the Society, won the event and received a bottle of bubbly and a certificate.

As you pass along Heol isaf you will see that the War Memorial is covered in scaffolding.  We have asked who is doing what and have been told that, as part of a regular inspection programme of War Memorials, some key works were highlighted as being required.  CADW and the War Memorial Trust approved the bid for funding and work has just begun

The work will include a general clean of the memorial using a warm/steam method and all the defective mortar will be raked out by hand and re-pointed with lime mortar.  The bronze statue and sculpture will then be cleaned and the lettering restored.  It is not clear whether the lettering was originally of lead or of black lime mortar so some research will need to be done first.  All the pathways will be cleaned and repaired.

The work will take a little while as further funding will need to be agreed as the work progresses, however the intention is for the work to be completed in plenty of time for the 100 year anniversary of the end of WW1.

This year’s Christmas Tree lighting ceremony took place on Friday 8^th December. It followed our traditional format with trees, supplied by the Community Council, in three locations. A change this year was that a brass quintet had been hired to play in Morganstown prior to the lighting of the tree there at 6:00pm. The tree in Lychgate Gardens was also lit at 6:00pm where pupils from both Radyr and Bryn Deri Primary Schools sang carols conducted by Peter Esswood. Then on to the tree in Windsor Gardens where the choirs and the brass band joined forces to sing more carols whilst that tree was lit around 6:45pm.

We then all crossed to Station Road where the trees (provided by the R&M Association) above the shops (many of them open late) were shining brightly and colourful stalls had been set up selling all sorts of goodies. The Association was busy at the barbeque and also at the mulled wine stall, a beautiful aroma arising from both in the chilly air. Ladies from Radyr & Morganstown WI were also dispensing teas and coffees to ward off the chill. Attendance was high despite the chilly conditions and there was a bit of a hush to allow Aled Powys Williams, Classical Brit Award Winner and former member of Only Men Aloud to turn on the main Station Road lights. The Festival Queen and her attendants were there to lend a hand. He announced the arrival of Santa and then treated the crowds to a few carols of his own. On cue, the snow began to fall…

A great evening was had by all. Many thanks to Aled Powys Williams for switching on the lights in Station Road and the Primary School choirs for entertaining us. Thanks go to Chris Dale for providing the music, Peter Esswood for leading the choirs, St John’s Ambulance for looking after us, the police for making sure everyone behaved themselves, and to all the many helpers who made the evening such a success, especially those who were out in freezing conditions for six hours setting everything up and putting everything away after everyone else had gone home!

We should mention that the Association’s Charity for the year, Alzheimer’s Society Cymru, were well represented with a busy stall and bucket collectors. We know they raised a good amount of money and many of the stallholders made contributions as well. We have also heard that the Radyr Comprehensive School sixth form team enterprise has raised an amazing £1530.55 for the Charity. Well done and congratulations to everyone.

Three recently retired R&M Community Councillors have planted a Liquidambar tree in Windsor Gardens. This is to recognise their service over a number of years. According to the RHS “Liquidambar are deciduous trees grown for their alternate, maple-like leaves which take on brilliant and long-lasting autumn colour”.

Councillor Helen Lloyd Jones writes:

It’s always difficult to find a good way to publicly express one’s thanks to retiring community councillors. But when, the management plan for Windsor Gardens recommended planting an ornamental tree, fellow councillors felt it would be good to ask the recently retired community councillors to plant a Liquidamber tree in Windsor Gardens. Hopefully it will grow into a stunningly beautiful tree that we can all enjoy.
The photo shows retired councillors Mike Diment, Sue McKerlich and Chris St Leger immediately after they planted the tree. Our thanks go to Jim Goodwin, Chair of Radyr Woods Wardens who made sure the planting went smoothly.

At the start of National Tree Week 2017, Radyr & Morganstown Community Council started what may become a long standing tradition. They planted a Chair’s Oak in Radyr Woods. The decision was taken when Councillor Tyrone Davies was Chair of the Community Council, which is why he was the first to plant a Chair’s Oak.

Thanks go to Jim Goodwin, Chair of Radyr Woods Wardens who organised the event. The tree planted was a Sessile Oak. Who knows, it may live longer than another famous Sessile Oak from Chirk in North Wales, which was reputed to be 1200 years old.

Radyr Woods Wardens are always pleased to welcome new volunteers, and there are still some fluorescent jackets available.

First started in October 1957, Radyr and Morganstown W.I. proudly celebrated their Diamond Anniversary with a wonderful, fun evening.  Some of the members dug deep into their closets and dressed in 50’s attire, whilst others wore as much ‘bling’ as possible. The committee presented everyone with a ‘diamond’ tiara which they wore with style.

Everyone enjoyed a tasty buffet and most of us had a few glasses of wine to celebrate! We feasted on a beautiful cake, kindly made by Jane Parry and decorated by Anne MacLarg.

Entertainment was provided by the fantastic Porthcawl Ukulele Band who soon had most of us dancing the night away. It was certainly a memorable night!

Next month the Parish of Radyr will be holding its first ever Christmas Tree festival, over the weekend 1^st – 3^rd  December.

Schools, clubs and organisations have been hard at work each decorating a Christmas tree to represent their work. It is designed to be a celebration of our community life, a showcase for the many and varied activities that flourish here.  The associated picture shows Janet Rabeiro, Carol Bowring and Audrey Brierley, of the Radyr Library Knitting and Crochet Group, putting the finishing touches to their tree.

The trees will all go on display in Christ Church for people to ‘come and see’ – Christ Church will be open on Friday 1^st and Saturday 2^nd December 10am-6pm, and on Sunday 3^rd 1:30-4pm.

Entrance is free, and there will be information about the organisations whose trees are on display for those who would like to find out more about what goes on here in Radyr, Morganstown and Danescourt.  Welcomers from the church will be offering teas and coffees.

The festival will culminate in a carol service on Sunday 3^rd December at 6pm, with singing led by the parish choir and the service led by members of the different groups in Christ Church, St John’s and Radyr Methodist Church.  It will be followed by refreshments in the hall.

We hope to have a full church – and we will be inviting people to be generous in making their donations on the collection plate.  All proceeds will be given to 1FamilyCardiff, a project to enable a group of local churches to be recognised as community sponsors who will resettle a refugee family from Syria in the local area.

There will be more information about this project available in church during the festival, or you can read about it on our web site:radyr.org.uk/parish/events

The 2017 Remembrance Parade was attended by many local residents. It was really pleasing to see so many schoolchildren from our community present. Wreaths were laid on behalf of the Queen, Cardiff Council, The Community Council, The Radyr and Morganstown Association, military groups and local societies and schools.

The  wreath laying was followed by a service at Christ Church and then by a parade. We are not sure how many residents realise that each year we get a letter from Buckingham Palace thanking us for writing to the queen and for taking part in the Commemoration Services.
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HALLOWEEN

A number of young children enjoyed knocking on neighbour’s doors dressed in traditional halloween costumes  – quite frightening – especially this one!

The Treforgan WI Charity Fashion Show was enjoyed by several other local WI’s and friends in Morganstown Village Hall on Thursday 5th October.  Ladies from Treforgan WI showed off the beautiful clothes provided by Samantha B of Ewenny.  They hope to have raised a good sum of money to be shared by the R & M Association Charity for the year (Alzheimer’s Cymru) and the Salt Peter Trust.

A trip to Ewenny is recommended for any lady!

On Sunday 17th September, the ladies 1st team at Radyr Tennis Club took on their biggest challenge yet – competing in the Division 1 play-offs against Swansea. A win at this event could secure a place in the Premier League, an achievement not yet reached by a ladies team at RLTC in recent memory.

To get themselves in position for this exciting opportunity, the team fought hard in the summer league, playing with determination and tenacity to secure their win in Division 1, with plenty of close battles, skillful play and, not forgetting, winning shots!

The main players in the squad during the summer league were Zoe Hunter, Teresa Evans, Zara Cottle, Caroline Lai, Helen Quick, Rachel Evans and Dawn Hodnett. Liz Zyjewski , Lianne Booth and Chloe Taverner also stepped up as substitutes when required.

On the morning of the play-offs, Zoe, Helen, Teresa, Zara, Caroline and Helen met at the Radyr clubhouse for a pre-match team talk – everyone was feeling a bit nervous, a bit excited and very determined.
The first round of matches got underway on the tiger turf courts at Radyr and after the first three rubbers, Radyr were in a comfortable postion with a 3-0 lead. They were feeling confident, but wary of thinking that a win was definitely on the cards.

The team remained focused and the second round of matches proved as successful as the first. After several hours of competitve tennis against the Swansea ladies, Radyr secured their victory in some style with a 6-0 clean sweep.
This is a fantastic result for Radyr Ladies 1 and means they have achieved back to back promotions having only been promoted to Division 1 last year. So let’s give a huge congratulations to the team and wish them every success in the Premier League in 2018.

Well done ladies!

On Saturday 11^th July, Radyr Lawn Tennis Club hosted the finals of its annual Open Tournament.  The weather was glorious and the Tiger Turf courts looked immaculate, basking in the sunshine, thanks to the effort of groundsman, Jim Goodwin.

All in all, it was a great team effort with local volunteers from the club helping to organise the tournament, tending the bar and playing the important role of umpire for the hotly contested matches.

The matches themselves provided great entertainment for the supporting crowd with family and friends cheering on the finalists in high sporting spirits.  There were men’s, women’s and mixed finals, and plate events for competitors knocked out in their first rounds, giving everyone a chance to play more tennis.  It was great to see such a range of competitors with players from all age groups making it through to the finals.

We were all rather impressed with Teresa Evans who managed to secure a triple crown Grand Slam for the second year in a row by winning the ladies singles, the ladies doubles with Zara Cottle (wearing her lucky Wimbledon socks), and the mixed doubles with Dave Bono.  It was a really good performance by Teresa and not an easy achievement.  She was properly stretched by Caroline Lai in the singles, just winning by 7 games to 5 in the third set.  There was another close encounter in the mixed doubles, and youngsters Ellen Ambler and Meg Smith fought a hard battle in the ladies doubles too.

The men’s singles title was won by head coach Drew Lumb, who normally enters to provide club members with a challenge.  This year his opponent in the final was excellent junior player Nick Lai who put Drew under considerable pressure, taking the first set and only finally faltering towards the end of the third.  Drew also took the men’s doubles title with his skilful partner Nick Smith.

It was an excellent day for everyone who attended the finals matches, with the club’s traditional afternoon tea of sandwiches and cakes being taken on the lawn.  The event was topped off with the trophy presentations and a party in the evening.

Anyone for tennis?

The Mens Doubles Finalists

Radyr LTC is running summer tennis camps during the school holidays – fun sports activities for children.

Visit http://www.radyrtennis.co.uk/school-holidays for more details.

David Silver and Nick Hawkins, Chair and Secretary of the RMA, recently met Cheryl George, Regional Community Fundraising Manager for Alzheimer’s Society Cymru.  They agreed the following News Release:

The Radyr and Morganstown Association has been in existence since 1987 and was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2015.  The Association selects a charity to support and work with each year on events throughout the year in the run up to a two-week May Festival. In the coming year the RMA will be uniting with Alzheimer’s society Cymru to raise awareness and funds for those living with dementia.

David Silver, RMA Chairman, said, “The Radyr and Morganstown Association is delighted to be working with Alzheimer’s society Cymru over the next twelve months.  The RMA was set up to make our Community a great place to live and work and we aim to interact with all sectors and ages.  We are only too aware how dementia affects families as well as individuals.  We will raise money for the Charity but, more importantly, we will work with Alzheimer’s society Cymru to help set up an on-going local support group to which people can turn in the future.”

Cheryl George Regional Community Fundraising Manager, at Alzheimer’s Society Cymru said:

“Dementia doesn’t care who you are; it could affect us all. It’s set to be the 21st century’s biggest killer, with someone developing it every three minutes, and so many people are facing it alone.  Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is here for anyone affected by dementia. The charity carries out vital research as well as providing information and support to make sure people don’t feel that way and they know where to go for support.

“We are so excited to be working with the Association over the next twelve months and hope raise both funds and awareness that will make a difference in this community and across Wales. There are lots of events planned from the Christmas lights switch on through to the Festival celebrations next May. We are also looking to form a volunteer fundraising group over the course of the year. This will start with an open information session on 2^nd September in the Old Church Rooms in Radyr”

If you would like to hear more about getting involved in the local fundraising group then please contact Cheryl George 07484510012 or email cheryl.george@alzheimers.org.uk

Over 3,700 people have dementia in Cardiff.  Alzheimer’s Society Cymru is here for anyone affected by dementia. The charity provides information and support, to find out more call the National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or visit alzheimers.org.uk.

David and Nick show their support

The Radyr and Morganstown Friends of Tenovus presented a cheque to Alex Smith of Tenovus Cancer Care on Tuesday 4th July, which brought the total amount donated for the year to £9,500.  Grateful thanks go to all those who have supported the Charity in so many ways.

We look forward to our next event which will will take place at Radyr Golf Club on Tuesday 10th October at 10.30 am.  All are welcome.  Please tel. 20 401 872 for tickets or more information.

Paratoi ar gyfer Eisteddfod 2018!

Mae’r Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yn dod i Gaerdydd yr haf nesaf – ac, fel sy’n digwydd bob tro, mae cymunedau lleol yn brysur yn codi arian i gefnogi’r digwyddiad. Gofynwyd i’r gymuned leol yn Radur a Phentrepoeth i godi £30,000 erbyn mis Awst nesaf ac, i wneud hynny, mae pwyllgor codi arian wedi ei sefydlu, i helpu trefnu ystod eang o ddigwyddiadau difyr. Os ydych am gymryd rhan, neu am ddysgu mwy, cysylltwch â ni drwy Cylchradurgarth@gmail.com.

Cadeirydd y Pwyllgor yw Huw Onllwyn Jones (sydd hefyd yn is-Gadeirydd Cyngor Cymuned Radur a Phentrepoeth). Gweddill yr aelodau yw Bet Davies, Angharad Lewis, Allan Cook, Beth Tame, Sioned Nash, Catrin Williams a Wendy Owen.

Rydym yn arbennig o awyddus i glywed gan bobl ifanc a gan siaradwyr Cymraeg a’r di-Gymraeg fel ei gilydd. Ar y llaw arall, os nad ydych yn gallu rhoi o’ch amser, mae croeso i chi gyfrannu at yr achos drwy fynd, trwy Google, at dudalen ‘Just Giving Eisteddfod Caerdydd‘ (ond cofiwch nodi ‘Radur a Phentrepoeth’ ynghyd â’ch enw, pan fyddwch yn gwneud eich rhodd).

Diolch!

Getting ready for the 2018 Eisteddfod!

The National Eisteddfod is coming to Cardiff next summer – and, as is always the case, local communities are busy fund-raising to support the event. The local community in Radyr and Morganstown has been asked to raise £30,000 by next August and, to do this, a fund-raising committee has been established to help arrange a wide range of fun and enjoyable events. If you want to take part, or just learn more, please contact us via Cylchradurgarth@gmail.com

The Committee’s Chair is Huw Onllwyn Jones (who is also Deputy Chair of Radyr and Morganstown Community Council). The other committee members are Bet Davies, Angharad Lewis, Allan Cook, Beth Tame, Sioned Nash, Catrin Williams and Wendy Owen.

We are particularly keen to hear from younger people and from Welsh-speakers and non Welsh-speakers alike. On the other hand, if you can’t give of your time, you are welcome to donate to this good cause by going, via Google, to the ‘Eisteddfod Caerdydd Just Giving’ page (but please note ‘Radyr and Morganstown’ along with your name, when you make a donation).

Thank you!

(29 September 1939 – 17 May 2017)

It is with great sadness that we record the sudden death of Rhodri Morgan on 17^th May aged 77.  Rhodri was the President of the Radyr & Morganstown Association and took great pride and interest in what we did and in the development of Radyr & Morganstown.

Born in Radyr, Rhodri was the son of a Welsh academic, Professor Thomas John Morgan, and was second cousin to Professor Garel Rhys, who sadly died in February this year.  He gave a talk to the R&M Association in November 2011 at which he dwelt on his early life.   Born in the first month of the Second World War, he lived for the first 21 years of his life in the house on Heol Isaf next to the Methodist Church (then the Wesleyan Chapel).  Radyr was much smaller then.  It was primarily a railway village, dominated by the huge sidings, and with significant social barriers both within the Radyr Community (the Golf Club did not allow members ‘who worked with their hands’; such people had to play at Creigiau Golf Course) and between Radyr and Morganstown.  He went to school at Radyr Primary in Park Road from 1944-50.  The majority of the children (66%) came from Morganstown and, in his first year, the class was dominated by evacuees.  His family was very much Welsh speaking.

He went on to Whitchurch Grammar School (now Whitchurch High School), then to St John’s College Oxford studying PPE, and finally to Harvard University, where he gained an MA in Government.

Rhodri became MP for Cardiff West in 1987 and, from 1988 to 1994, was a Shadow Environment Spokesman.  In February 2000 he was elected First Secretary for Wales and became First Minister on 16 October 2000 when the position was retitled.  He stepped down from the House of Commons at the 2001 General Election and retired from politics altogether at the Assembly elections in April 2011.

Never, ever lost for words, Rhodri was seemingly unchanged by high office.  Interested in everything and everyone, he could talk for hours with enthusiasm and great humour.  When talking to the Association he mentioned that he had been taught the piano by Helena Evans, but regretted he had not paid sufficient attention.  He was hoping to restart his lessons in his retirement.  He was always pleased to come back to Radyr to attend events – often, it must be said, looking somewhat dishevelled.  But that was his charming style; he cared little for the trappings of high office; he simply believed in trying to make the right things happen.

So we are sorry to have lost yet another of Radyr’s ‘famous people’.  Our condolences go to his widow, Julie, and the whole family.

Work is going well on our Boardwalk in Radyr Woods. Following two working parties of the Radyr Woods Wardens, the old Boardwalk has been dismantled and we are on the second day of a four day programme to replace the Boardwalk with help from Cardiff Conservation Volunteers.

Their schedule is such that they won’t be able to come back and finish it until June, so bear with us. July should see everything looking lovely again and a handsome new Boardwalk for us to enjoy. Thanks to all the volunteer teams who are making this transformation possible.

You can read more about Radyr Woods here, including how to get in contact.

Cadbury’s bunny was sighted today in Bryn Derwen handing out chocolate eggs to children.  This is part of an advertising campaign, shortly to appear on their Facebook page.

The Festival Queen and her attendants were selected at a busy audition this week.  Caitlin Jewitt was selected as the Queen and her attendants are

Pheobe Coombs

and Sharmeela Bragg.

All three will be joining the Festival Parade and will help to open the Fete on 29th April.  Caitlin will be officially crowned at the May Day Ceremony in Windsor Gardens on 1st May.  We wish them well in their busy year of office!