News

Radyr resident Keith Griffin has been awarded the OBE in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List in recognition of his services to music in Wales.

One of the leading musical administrators in the UK, he spent a 40 year career providing invaluable support, advice, practical help and planning to a host of musical organisations – from community brass bands to the visit of Pope John Paul II to Wales in 1982. He founded the Welsh Amateur Music Federation (later to become Ty Cerdd) as well as the National Youth Brass Band in 1982, followed soon after by the
National Choir, National Jazz and National Youth Wind Band
organisations.

A gifted musician in his own right, he conducted the Cardiff County
Youth Band for over 20 years and composed numerous works for the
Salvation Army.

We congratulate him on this magnificent achievement

We are delighted to announce that David Cargill has been awarded the British Empire Medal in the 2013 New Year’s Honours List in recognition of his work in the Radyr & Morganstown Community.

David, a Vice-President and former Chairman of the Radyr & Morganstown Association, has taken charge of the annual May Festival for the past 25 years and, in doing so, has raised many thousands of pounds for local charities. He has also been a leading light in both the Tennis Club (where he was Chairman for a period) and the Golf Club (where he is currently Treasurer). In the wider community he served as a Magistrate for many years.

As Chairman of Imaging 2000 he is well known as ‘the man behind the camera’ in many local events so he seldom appears himself on this website. We are delighted to correct that in the accompanying picture.

Simon Kealy (of The White House Restaurant in St Fagans) has opened his new café and delicatessen in Station Road, called Toast.

At present Toast is only occupying the premises previously used by ‘Seasons’ and only coffees and snacks are being served. Within a couple of weeks they plan to knock through to the greengrocer’s shop next door. The coffee shop and delicatessen will then be established there and the present cafe will revert to a restaurant serving ‘bar-type’ meals.

We hope his business will be successful providing a service to the residents of Radyr and Morganstown. A place for friends and neighbours to meet for coffee and a meal.

Contact details and opening hours on our Directory page.

Friday the 7th December saw the lighting of three Christmas trees. One in Morganstown, Radyr Sidings and Windsor Gardens. The pupils of Bryn Deri Primary School sang carols at Morganstown and the tree was lit by the Festival Queen. Pupils from Radyr Primary School sang two carols at Radyr Sidings and the tree was lit by the Festival King. The combined choirs joined up to light the tree at Windsor Gardens. The carols were led by the City of Cardiff (Melingriffiths) Brass Band. The large crowd then re-assembled in Station Road for the switch on of the street lights. Jason Mohammad of BBC Wales (and Radyr) led the count down to the overhead lights being switched on. The crowd were entertained to Christmas music organised by Chris Dale. They mingled, taking samples and purchasing presents from the local shopkeepers and stall holders. The barbecue, mulled wine and noodles bar were busy. Father Christmas kept the young children entertained and they all went home with a small gift. The winner of the Shop Window display was Nicky’s Sandwich Shop. It’s with thanks to the Community Council and the Association for their hard work and good planning, including the weather. We all now can look forward to a happy Christmas with this good send off.

A large crowd attended the Armistice Day parade at the War Memorial. The service led by the three churches, supported by the City of Cardiff Melingriffith band led a large procession of organisations representing our community. 30 wreaths were laid at the Cenotaph including pupils from the Comprehensive School, Radyr Primary and Bryn Deri Schools. Cllrs David Suthers and Cain Thomas gave the responses. Cain was a serving officer in the RAF and served in Iraq and Kosovo. This event is growing in support with all the troubles around the world. The police did a good job in holding back the traffic down the busy main road.

On Friday 7th December Christmas trees will be lit at three locations: The Granny Park Morganstown, Lychgate Gardens Radyr Sidings and Windsor Gardens in the centre of Radyr. Our 2012 Festival K ing and Queen and their attendants will light the trees. The two primary schools will sing carols at all three locations. The music at Windsor Gardens will be provided by the City of Cardiff Melingriffiths Brass Band. Following the tree lighting the new extended street illuminations will be lit in Station Road by Jason Mohammad of BBC Wales. Father Christmas will arrive in his sleigh providing gifts for small children. The Station Road shops will be open and supplemented by a host of stalls selling Christmas goodies. There will food and drink and plenty of sound provided by Chris Dale (Disc jockey RPG). Come and enjoy the evening, which will kick off at 6pm. See the leaflets and poster (below) for more details. Station Road will be closed to all traffic from 5.0pm. Please do not park after that time!

Dr Rhys Jones of BBC Wales is giving a talk on his new programme “Rhys Jones’ Wildlife Patrol” at the next R & M Association meeting being held at the Old Church Rooms at 7:30 on Monday 19th November. Rhys is an ex resident of Radyr and was educated at Radyr Comprehensive School. All welcome to attend – bring a friend.

Radyr Golf Club held their Annual Dinner on Friday 26th October. Garry Richardson, the sports reporter for Radio 4 was the guest speaker. A presentation was made to the Green staff who collectively have over 100 years service to the Club. A framed photograph of three scenes of the course, where their handywork has improved the golf course.

Another guest was John Jermime, late of Radyr, who is the Chairman of the Welsh Golfing Union and a member of the Ryder Cup team who brought this prestigious event to the Celtic Manor Hotel and Golf Course in 2010.

Update October 26 2012

R&MCC is studying the latest LDP document and preparing a consultation response on behalf of our community. We are also working in partnership with St Fagans and Pentyrch Community Councils since so many of the issues are common to the wider area of NW Cardiff.

In the Village Plan, most residents opposed further development in R&M. Whatever Cardiff Council’s finally approved number of houses and business development across Cardiff, and in the north-west in particular, R&MCC feels that a key issue is whether the plan provides sufficient new infrastructure to match. Just considering the road network, anyone living in R&M will know what the traffic conditions are now, the state of road maintenance and that no significant improvements have been made despite the fact that R&M has grown by over 40% in recent years. You will also know that at either end of R&M lie the bottlenecks of 19^th century Llandaff and Ynys Bridge.

R&MCC feels strongly that planning any new development without appropriate infrastructure can only lessen the quality of life for everyone, existing and new, living in the area. The wording of the Preferred Strategy does not give us confidence since few of the infrastructure improvements referred to are funded and/or are unlikely to be built in the life of the LDP.

We have, therefore, commissioned a traffic survey from Traffic Planning Associates, as have St Fagans CC. This will include a study of the existing highway network at peak flow, analysis of the existing routes into Cardiff, M4, A470 and other strategic locations such as Radyr railway station. There will be predictions of additional traffic numbers from the LDP housing allocation and impacts of that allocation including on public transport, the highway network and railway station car parking.

The resulting study will be used by R&MCC to inform its consultation response and provide hard professional evidence for our arguments. It will be published on the website.

We welcome your comments on the LDP which can be made by email, letter and via the Soapbox. A full version is available here. We will be at Cardiff Council’s public LDP event at Radyr Library on Monday November 19 where you can examine documents, ask questions of Cardiff officers and give your views to R&MCC. The Library event will run from noon to 6pm. You can also sign up to attend an R&MCC meeting on November 26 to make final comments.

The council’s LDP subcommittee is collecting information and will draft the response for presentation to the full R&MCC meeting on November 22. Members will also attend the various consultation events held by Cardiff that have been listed in the Capital Times and are listed on the R&M website notice board and R&MCC LDP page.

Helena Fox

Clerk

Monday 22nd October 2012

The cash machine outside the Newsagents in Station Road is now charging £1.50 for all debit cards withdrawals. Free cash can be obtained from the Post Office inside the store.

See Soapbox for reactions

Tenovus Coffee Morning

On 11th October, arguably the wettest day of the year, supporters of Tenovus met at Radyr Golf Club to see friends, to enjoy a cup ofcoffee and to browse the very interesting stalls which featured cards, locally made bread and cakes, glass engraving, embroidery, knitted and other crafts, beauty products, flower arrangements, colourful scarves and books.

There was also an opportunity to view and buy original work, v ery kindly created by local artists and a photographer, to raise funds for the Charity. Many grateful thanks are extended to Keith John, one of the artists,who organised the production of cards displaying prints of the images. Packs,containing six beautiful cards,suitable for all occasions, to use with your own message, were on sale. This is a wonderful new venture to mark the 70th anniversary of Tenovus and the adoption of the Charity for the 2013 Festival. Cards are available for purchase from the number below.

The event was also kindly supported by Enerchi with an interesting and informative talk by Janet Thompson,a specialist in lymphoedema treatment, who is available for private consultations.

The morning proved to be very enjoyable for around 150 people and the magnificent sum ofalmost £2,000 was raised on this occasion. Many sincere thanks go to all who braved the weather to support the Charity and to those who contributed to the event with their time, and in other very generous ways, to help the Friends of Tenovus to make the event such a wonderful success.

For purchases of cards showing the work of local artists please ring Lucille Sharp 20843108

For Christmas card purchases please ring 20843051 and for information regarding the work of Tenovus and future events please ring 20401872 or 20842096.

B.Fitzgerald

Bryn Deri School welcomed their new head teacher Mrs Claire Davies at the start of the Autumn term. On her introduction to the school, she thanked the school pupils and staff, but also the community of Radyr and Morganstown for the warm welcome. She commented on her invitation to our 2012 Festival celebrations and experienced the wonderful community spirit with the villages. Her goal is to make Bryn Deri “the best school in Cardiff and beyond. She recognised the number of successful organisations within the community and sports facilities. She believes the success of the school will be due to “team work” including pupils, parents, staff and the community at large. Bringing together all their skills and talents will make a real difference at the school.

Dance Angels, who train at the Old Church Rooms each week were delighted to be invited to perform at Disneyland Paris on the weekend of the 11th and 12th August. This follows their success in reaching the semi finals of Britain’s Got Talent last year. The troupe took 50 dancers to perform at the Disney Parade celbrating 20 years of the Paris Disney World. Dance Angels are also in the process of auditioning for the hit TV show Sky 1 Got To Dance. Further details of all their activities can be found on their website – www.danceangels.co.uk

During week commencing Sunday 6th August four teams from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales competed in an Under 18’s girls International tournament at Radyr Golf Club. Following the practice days on Sunday and Monday the competition commenced on Tuesday with a foursomes competition in the morning and a singles competition in the afternoon. Each country played each other over 18 holes. The contest was close right up to the last day when in the final match between Wales and England the match was won by England on the 17th hole. This resulted in England winning the tournament, with Ireland second, Wales third and Scotland fourth. Georgia Hall of England is the sixth best lady amateur golfer in the World. The presentation was made on the patio in bright sunlight in front of a large crowd by the ladies captain of Radyr Golf Club, Mrs Katherine Collier. Ron Jones, Club Captain, thanked the teams for their quality play and making the week so enjoyable. The President of WLGU, Jill Edwards and the International team organiser praised the golf club on their warm welcome, the club facilities, the excellent course and all the staff and volunteers who had scored, ball spotted and provided refreshments and support when needed. This was a superb event and puts Radyr Golf Club on the International map for the future. The Tournament will be featured on SKY SPORTS 1 Television early in September.

The bells of Christ Church, Radyr, were chimed on 27th July for 3 minutes from 08:12 as part of the music project to mark the
start of the Olympics.

Attached is a photograph of the
ringing band.

On July 1st the Tenovus ladies prepared over 100 strawberry teas for sponsored walkers and local residents, families and friends at the New
School Rooms Christchurch. Many supporters took the opportunity to enjoy the delicious scones, strawberries and cream on the lawn,in the sunshine.

There were nearly 50 walkers, including a group of yoga enthusiasts who were sponsored and walked as a tribute to Mollie Tilley, who had supported this Tenovus event since the first Walk in 1995. Mollie was sadly missed this year.

The walkers met at Cardiff Castle and enjoyed the walk along the Taff Trail on one of the rare fine afternoons of this summer. They were served refreshments at Hailey park and then looked forward to a free Strawberry Tea at the end of the walk when they reached Christchurch.

The Walk and Strawberry Tea together usually raises a total of approx £4,000, but the final figure is not known until all sponsor money has been collected. There are a number of sponsored walkers who were unable to walk on July 1st, but will do so in the next few days. Many thanks are extended to all those who helped to make the event a success.

Jonathan Davies has hailed Radyr Lawn Tennis Club after they unveiled a host of new facilities. The investment into the club is the biggest in Welsh sport in 16 years and will now offer year round access at one of Cardiff’s biggest outdoor clubs.Upgrades to the facility include three artificial turf courts with perimeter fencing, seven sets of floodlighting, modernisation of the clubhouse and a new bar.

The work was made possible thanks to a £99,000 loan from the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and a further £99,000 grant from the sport’s governing body, while the club contributed £130,760 towards the £418,426 total.

And the rugby legend is eager to come and try out the new facilities. He said: “It’s a fantastic facility that the club now has and with my daughter having tennis lessons here as well I think it will encourage not only me but plenty of other people in the Radyr community to joining and play tennis at the club for years to come.”

LTA Councillor Steve Clarke added: “The significant financial support that the LTA have been able to provide Radyr LTC along with other partners will enable the club to offer more all year round tennis and will no doubt contribute greatly to the increase participation.”To celebrate the occasion the club put on a free taster day with numerous matches being played on the new courts. The day’s finale saw some of the club officers play an exhibition match with old white balls and wooden rackets.

Despite intermittent rain the new all-weather courts allowed members to continuing playing throughout.

The LTA makes financial support available through its resources and ensures investments will deliver the maximum return for British tennis through more people playing and across Britain. There will be an increase in the number and standard of facilities nationwide which will be available to the whole community at a reasonable, affordable cost.

To find a playing partner, a local court or coach, register at www.allplaytennis.com

Thanks to vital funds from the LTA, Cardiff Council, Sport Wales and member donations, there is now the opportunity to play under seven floodlit courts, enjoy social tennis throughout the week and get some vital tips from our new head coach Drew Lumb.

The extensive refurbishment has doubled the size of the old clubhouse, making it the perfect venue for the many social events in the tennis calendar. With our famous teas still served every Saturday at 4.30pm, there is also Ladies’ Night on Tuesdays and Men’s Night on Thursdays, Drew runs cardio-tennis three times a week, rusty racquets (for those who’ve decided to take up tennis after a break) on Wednesdays and social mix-in at other times.

Junior night on Mondays is proving very popular with the younger members and there are plenty of opportunities for juniors and seniors to play competitive tennis. Each year we also run two in-house tournaments, with all members having the chance to compete, as well as the infamous beer and wine and Celts v English.

We keep members fully informed throughout the year, with Facebook and Twitter, and our newly-designed website –www.radyrtennis.co.uk – which tells you everything you need to know about joining, playing and what social event is coming next.