News

Festival 2012 – 25^th Anniversary Celebration

The Festival Queen, Grace Morgan, stated “I auditioned last year for the position and was unsuccessful but I was determined to try again. I was so excited when I was told that I was to be this year’s Queen”.

Nicky Piper MBE, Commonwealth light-heavy weight champion joined the Camelot Parade to set off our 25^th Anniversary Festival. Over 150 children and their parents dressed in colourful costumes and paraded from Windsor Road to the Old Church Rooms for the Fete, opened by Nicky and the Festival King, queen and her attendants. The City of Cardiff (Melingriffiths) Brass Brand led the parade followed by King Arthur on his horse and the Festival Queen in her open top car. This was one of the most colourful parades yet, thanks to Jane Morris who organised the schools to make costumes and encouraged them to play musical instruments. It is a big thank you to both primary schools for their support. In the words of the Festival Queen “It was spectacular and I felt amazing waving to everyone.”The King, Daniel McKerlich commented “I reallyenjoyed riding Bella as King Arthur”April Spiteri “My favourite was the Festival parade with all the beautiful costumes and being in their roofless car was great fun.”

The Fete, organised by Nick Hawkins and Liz Fraser was centred on the Old Church Rooms. Lower Park Road was closed to accommodate all the stalls and a large crowd followed the parade into the grounds to see dancing from the Nicole Miles dancers and the Zumba class. Thanks to Chris Dale for his technical skills on the sound system. The bouncy castle was well used with young children enjoying a dry sunny day. Teas by the NSPCC, Barbecue, bar and all stalls were busy whilst Imaging 2000 showed off over 75 photos in their annual competition. The winner photograph this year was taken by Hannah Welbourne. Second and third prizes went to Niek Saal. A number of entries were highly commended by the judge, Martyn Pinches of Cardiff Camera Club.

The Radyr Tennis Club opened its new courts to the general public for the Festival and it is hopeful that their membership will grow. Our local Rotary Club organised a concert with the South Wales Police Band entertaining a responsive audience at Morganstown Village Hall in the evening.

The weather was good on Sunday and the biggest Radyr Rangers Football tournament kicked off at the Mound Fields. The bucket collectors were out for the Festival Charity, George Thomas Hospice Care. This event attracts hundreds of people from across South Wales. Allan Cook met up with a large group at the Radyr Court Inn to start the walk “in the footsteps of the pilgrims”, which included a visit to the parish church of St Johns’ and to see the remains of stonework from Rebecca’s toll house from Radyr Chain. The walk proceeded through Danescourt covering the first part of the pilgrims trail to Merthyr Tydfil.

The Community Council invited our local MP Kevin Brennan, AM Mark Drayford , County Councillor Rod McKerlich and Margaret Pritchard of GTHC to the Community Service and Reception. The service was led by Reverend Canon Jenny Wigley representatives from the Catholic Church and the Methodist Church and circuit. Reverend Dr Stephen Wigley gave the address. Margaret outlined the work of GTHC at the reception, which was started by the late Viscount Tonypandy, George Thomas. Many families have received benefit from this charity when family members have suffered terminal illness. It was Chris Wills, a volunteer of the Charity, who proposed GTHC for this year’ s Festival charity.

Monday, the weather was on the decline. Over 100 runners started the 5k run from Radyr Primary School down to the River Taff and back. Mr Jonathan Bussy, head teacher at the school joined the run and was able to recover sufficiently to present the winners with their prizes. The first time in 25 years we had to take the Crowning Ceremony and Maypole dancing indoors. So it was off to the Old Church Rooms – the WI collected all their cakes to set up in the OCR. A temporary pole was erected for the Bryn Deri dancers. The floor was cleared for the folk dancers from Radyr Primary and the Skidmore school of dance. A large crowd packed into the hall with many finding themselves on the stage behind the Queen and her party. Cllr Tyrone Davies performed the crowning ceremony of Grace Morgan, along with her attendants, April Spiteri and Cerys Howard Cook. King Arthur, Daniel McKerlich was there to make sure the proceedings were in order. Grace was heard to say “This was one of my favourite events as I got to sit on a special throne on the stage, I loved watching my friends dance around the Maypole and I even took part in the Sherman dance in my special dress.” The party then went for the traditional visit to Dan y Bryn Cheshire Home to see the residents and all their lovely new facilities.

More events on Tuesday with staff, governors, parents and pupils of both primary schools, all playing boules under the watchful eye of the Twinning Fellowship. Allan Cook organised a Noson Gymreig inviting Dr Alun Evans who spoke about the Eisteddfod in Caerphilly in 1955.

The weather continued its downward path for the Wardens Walk whilst the audience was assembling at Morganstown Village Hall for the presentation of Joyce Grenfell’s amusing comic sketches presented by Rowena Petty from West Wales. Rowena spends a good part of her time in London theatres. She kept the audience amused with sketches from the classroom and songs from a fictional community. A big thank you to Allan Cook who organisers all our concert events with a professional skill and balance.

Nick Holmes, the Tenovus quiz master, was in good form for the traditional Festival quiz. This year the Community Council were missing as they had a business meeting so their title was taken by Geoff Williams’ team, who had been training all year at the Golf Club quiz nights.

The Twinning Fellowship Jazz evening was a sell out for the performance by CUBE. Raymond Rivron and his group kept the audience awake and toe tapping with lively traditional jazz music. A very talented group of musicians who perform a variety of popular music. The Twinning Committee thanked them for their generous support.

The car boot sale arranged on behalf of the Horse and Pony Rescue Society had to be relocated to the Old Church Rooms car park as the fields at Ty Gwyn farm were too soggy for vehicles. Although not many punters turned up the sellers seemed content with their morning, perhaps it was because the sun shone on them.

Bev Lewis led the families on their bikes from the allotment on the River Taff down the trail and back. 28 adults and children joined in the fun. No accidents and all enjoyed the experience! Some even went further, which gives Bev the idea that next year the route might be extended!

David Silver arranged the Ceilidh, a traditional barn dance in the evening. He was concerned that ticket sales were slow, but he was pleasantly surprised with the final numbers who danced the night away. This event certainly would suit all families as everybody can get involved. Cat’s Claw played with gusto and encouraged all dancers on to the floor with clear instructions to all the steps. The bonus of the evening was that they waived their fee and donated it to the Festival Charity.

Sunday brought us to two major events – the junior cricket which gave young players chance to show off their skills. The club laid on food and drink for the spectators.

ABBA at RADYR – 150 members and residents squeezed on to the patio at the Golf Club to enjoy a meal and listen to Octave take on ABBA. Terry Fitzgerald made sure that everybody had a seat and left enough room for a few dancers in the middle. Despite a strong westerly wind the day was bright and everybody sat out and sang along with the group.

Again the weather took its toll on Pam Williams’ Garden Party which had to be relocated to the Old Church Rooms. Despite the weather everybody turned up in force for tea and cakes in support of the Festival Charity – GTHC. All that slogging that David did a few days before, cutting, planting, weeding and pruning was all for nought – they will have to do it again!

Another party on Wednesday, when the Good Neighbours, last year’s charity, invited senior citizens and friends to a grand tea party. This was enriched with songs from the Bryn Deri School choir. The girl guides opened the hall for their annual beetle drive, organised by Julie Davies, who tells me it was a lively night. She is still looking for volunteers in the community to help out with guiding.

Later in the evening the Association celebrated its 25^th Festival anniversary with a dinner at Radyr Golf Club. Guests were Margaret Pritchard, her husband Dr John Copley and Nicky Piper MBE. Margaret gave a brief overview of work of the Charity whilst Nicky conducted an auction, which raised the grand sum of £125. He also helped with a fun quiz based upon the life of the village over the last 25 years.

Christchurch was the venue for the lunchtime concert, the next day, when one of local talents, Tomos Xerri entertained a large audience with a first class performance of harp playing. He played pieces from Fauré, Hindemith, Bach, Handel and Chopin making the harp sing. For a twenty one year old prize winning student of Trinity College he should look forward to a glittering future.

Mick Sullivan’s preparation of slides and music kept the audience enthralled at the Audio Visual Night with extracts of last year’s Festival, a trip up the River Wye, Cardiff flower show and the current year Festival photos. This was followed in the second half with extracts from the Parish Music Group presentation of Iolanthe, Is there Anybody There and Festival 2012.

Friday – this was the end of the second week of activities. Donald Sturrock, Roald Dalh’s biographer gave a potted history of his life and times as a child in Radyr, a young man in the RAF and his plane crash, and as an older man and his writings for film and TV, including one of the Bond films. This was in addition to his many books for children, for which he is more famous. Unfortunately little is left of his childhood home “Ty Mynydd” except his reminisces of ”thebighouse, acres of gardens, the greenhouses and of course the pig sty”.

The next day we set up the barbecue for another outdoor event – The Festival Gymkhana – where over 25 horses competed for fancy dress, dressage, races and jumping. Another well organised event by Val Allen. The Festival Queen presented rosettes to all the winners.

In the evening it was the turn of the Radyr Parish Music Group to entertain a packed Morganstown Village Hall for their “Little Knight Music” concert. Ably presented by Nick Hawkins as compere. The concert was conducted by Tessa Davies for her last time as both Gill Evans and she are retiring from active duty – they will be missed and hard to replace. Gill gave an amusing poetic account of her open garden day as it slid into next door’s garden! Gill raised over £1000 for Velindre Hospital. Cyril Williams, Chairman of the Association presented a cheque to Tracy Wheeler of GTHC for £3000 as a down payment to the Charity. The final cheque was for £4250 plus the street party cheque for £125 and a late donation of £100 making a grand total of £4475.

Sunday – the last day! The Duck Race on the River Taff, started at Gelynis Farm. Daniel commented “I helped release the ducks and then dashed back to see if I was a winner.” Grace Morgan, the Festival Queen stated “I enjoyed particularly riding the tractor.” This was followed by a demonstration by members of the Radyr Youth Club on their skateboards.

Whilst all this was going on the team were setting up at Lychgate Gardens, Radyr Sidings for the “Val Allen” Dog Show and motor bike exhibition. Over 50 dogs appeared – all very well behaved and all spruced up for the occasion. The Festival Queen and her entourage assisted in presenting all the rosettes to the winners. The week was rounded off with a “Songs of Praise” at Christ church with Gareth Davison leading the singing for the last time. He has presented this event for a number of years and we are indebted to him. The Bryn Deri School choir filled the air with beautiful sounds under their leadership of Gary

Waters. This was the last Festival for the head teacher, Dianne Moverley and we wish her a long and happy retirement at the end of the summer term. Bob Roberts, treasurer of the Association for the last 25 years was presented with the Ken Innes Bowl by the Chairman, Cyril Williams.

All the girls and Daniel have expressed their thanks to Maggie Roberts for looking after them all during the Festival fortnight. Grace commented, “I’ve had the time of my life and I am very grateful to have had this chance”. April said, “I am sad that’s It’s all over but I have happy memories and lots of photos to keep. I would like to thank Maggie for helping me through this brilliant fortnight.” Ceri Howard Cook was heard to say “this was the best time of my life and it was very difficult to choose the most enjoyable event”.

On behalf of the Festival committee I would like to thank all the sponsors, advertisers, supporters, barbecue chefs and all those who have given their time and skills in making this Festival one of the best. We still need more help and we are always seeking new members to our team. If you have an interest in working in the community with a dedicated team of volunteers please let us know .(David on 20842034 or Nick on 20842561).

David Cargill

Festival Chairman

Now for all those winners:

Radyr Fun Run

1^st Radyr boy Ollie Jackson 1^st Bryn Deri boy Daniel Sage

1^st Radyr girl Nia Riley 1^st Bryn Deri girl Eloise Volsey

Girls 3-4 years 1^st Jemma Lai 2^nd Ella Jackson 3^rd Sian Hughes

Boys 3-4 years 1^st Alex Griffiths 2^nd Callum Dyer 3^rd Jonathan Harris

Boys 5-6 years 1^st Ollie Jackson 2^nd Daniel Sage 3^rd Maxwell Goode

Girls 5-6 years 1^st Nia Riley 2^nd Issie Tustin 3^rd Eloise Voisey

Boys 7-9 years 1^st Nick Lai 2^nd Huw Brown 3^rd Harvey Hughes

Girls 7-9 years 1^st Emma Lighthart 2^nd Katie Long 3^rd Ella Powell

Boys 10-13 yrs 1^st Jack Gooch 2^nd Sam Longfield 3^rd Iona Phillips

Girls 10-13 yrs 1^st Lucy Harvey 2^nd Bethan Munt 3^rd Ffion Brown

Adult Males 1^st Nick Simms 2^nd David Welch 3^rd Tim Green

Adult Females 1^st Julia Tustin 2^nd Elaine Whamby 3^rd Nicola Bowman

Colouring Competition – Original artwork by Keith John

Radyr Primary School Bryn Deri School

Under 8 Under 8

1^st Erin Collins 1^st Chloe Thomas

2^nd Frances Davies-Walsh 2^nd Katie Houston

3^rd Tomos Olsen 3^rd Sharmeela

Highly Commended Highly Commended

Emma Harris, Frances Sawley, Bobby. Abigale, Theo Felman, Jessica fin Brind

Over 8 Over 8

1^st Emma Harvard 1^st Sophie Thomas

2^nd Jonathon Harries 2^nd Annabelle de Graf

3^rd Amy Healy 3^rd Daniel Cole

Highly Commended Highly Commended

Orla Davies, Jacob Cairnduff Drew Cleaver, Rianna Man, April Spiteri

Gaby Rogers, Kate Ais. Lauren Cleall

Festival Prize Draw

1^st 2 nights at Laugharne Karen Whitecross

2^nd 4 ball at Radyr Golf Club Sylvia Middleton

3^rd Sunglasses from Radyr Eyecare M. Hodges

4^th Meal for two at Seasons David Silver

5^th Voucher from Welsh’s Greengrocers Ann Jones

6^th Voucher from Headway J. Waddon

7^th Voucher from Radyr Cleaners Morgan

8^th Cardiff Tour Liz Husband

9^th Chocolates from Martins’staff Sarah Jackson

10^th Voucher for Enerchi Sarah Harris

11^th Chocolates Mrs Wright

Wine bottles M. Butler, W.Fortt, Una Scott and Sarah Jones.

Duck Race

1^st £50 461 Emma Jones

2^nd £25 9 Callum Gough

3^rd £10 455 Ben Farrell

The Radyr youth journalists group have interviewed the new head teacher at Radyr comprehensive school. Mr A. Williams from Penarth took over from Mr. S. Fowler in January this year.

He originally went to Letterston Primary School and then Fishguard Comprehensive. Mr Williams has been teaching for 17 years across 4 schools, 8 years of which have been at Radyr as deputy head teacher. Before becoming Deputy Head in his previous school, he was the head of Mathematics.

Mr Williams took his degree in politics and economics at Cardiff University before working in London for 4 years before moving to Oxford to do his teaching Certificate (PGCE). Whilst at Oxford Mr Williams enjoyed playing rugby, especially against Cambridge.

When we asked Mr Williams what the best thing about teaching in Radyr is, he said “I love teaching at Radyr as I like seeing young people mature in education and ensuring their well-being”. Mr Williams also said that he finds the teachers at Radyr excellent as well as being really supportive. He also mentioned that he was passionate about pupil voice and thinks very highly of pupils’ ideas, as well as having many new initiatives for the school.

When we asked Mr Williams what his likes were, his first response was “Food, especially Jaffa cakes and Italian ”. Mr Williams also likes coaching Rugby for Penarth rugby team, where his two sons go which takes up most of his spare time.

Reported by: Ryan Bailey, Max Taylor-Swann, Rachel Kirk, Mathew Walker and Nikita Jordan.

Good Neighbours held a Jubilee tea party at the Old Church Rooms on Wednesday 15th February. Over 60 guests enjoyed a cream team with the Lord Mayor of Cardiff – CClr Delme Bowen proposing the toast to the Queen. Barbara Willis and her team prepared sandwiches, savouries and cakes for the party. Entertainment was provided by a string quartet from the Welsh College of Music under the direction of Peter Eswood.

Auditions were held at the Guide Hall on the 8th February. 12 young people from the three local schools auditioned for the 2012 Festival. The results will be revealed in the Festival Programme coming out soon with the next edition of Radyr Chain.

Ron Jones, the new captain of Radyr Golf Club introduced a panel of sports personalities for a Sports Forum at Radyr Golf Club last night. Huw Llywellyn Davies chaired the panel comprising Johnathan Davies (rugby), Peter Corrigan (the golf hacker and sports writer), Nigel Edwards (golf – Walker Cup captain) and Ian Walsh (soccer). A large audience of members and guests enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining evening of sports anecdotes, stories and opinions in response to questions from the floor. A Welsh rugby shirt was raffled in aid of the junior golf fund.

An amusing write up of this evening can be found on Peter Corrigan’s website – www.thegolfinghacker.com “Walker Cup Hero avoids the Hacker”

A story page has been created detailing the celebrations 10 years ago in the village, with street parties, concerts and commemorative events held to celebrate the Golden Jubilee. See the page by clicking here.

Work on the refurbishment of the Radyr Library is expected to finish on time with the re-opening in June 2012. We have been very impressed with the consideration shown to the community by the contractor, ISG. Here is their latest newsletter and information on book and toy recycling.

The refurbishment plans are in the R&MCC office in the Old Church Rooms. Click here for information on the opening times of other local libraries.

The library is due to open on Saturday 23rd June 2012. Come and have a look at the new facilities.

Radyr Cricket Club has secured sponsorship from TalkTalk to help with the costs of ground maintenance and new practice nets.

Radyr Cricket Club has more than 160 members, both adults and juniors who play and train regularly at the club. There is a thriving youth section and the club provides opportunities for all ages from 7 to 15 years and at senior level to play the game. Radyr Cricket Club welcomes anyone interested in getting involved in the sport, and offers them a fun way to enjoy exercise and play regular cricket.

Chris Hitchings, Chairman of Radyr Cricket Club says:

“We are delighted with the support provided by TalkTalk. The donation of £500 will be put towards maintaining the grounds and will help pay for new practice nets for Radyr Cricket Club. These changes will make a huge difference to everyone over the coming years and we are extremely grateful to TalkTalk for their help and assistance.”

Tristia Clarke, Commercial Director at TalkTalk says:

“We are expanding our Next Generation Network in the area, which gives customers access to fast, reliable broadband services for all of the family’s needs. We are proud to be supporting Radyr Cricket Club. They are in the heart of the community and we wish them every success with their endeavours over the coming seasons”.

Pupils from Radyr Primary and Bryn Deri Primary launched the lighting of trees at the Granny Park, Morganstown, Lychgate Gardens and Windsor Gardens with carols and Christmas songs. The weather dramatically improved in order for most of the planned events to take place. The shops were open, stalls were erected and the lights were switched on. Our celebrity guest Dr Rhys Jones, ex Radyr, was introduced by Johnathon Davies of rugby fame. Rhys referred to his happy days living in Radyr and was genuinely pleased to be asked to open the lighting ceremony in front of a very large audience. Santa sitting in his sleigh was greeted by a large queue of young children, who had patiently waited for him to arrive. Many thanks to the Community Council, who funded the event, to the R&M Association and supporters for planning and setting it up, to the shopkeepers for giving their support and to the police for supervising a very successful evening.

The station has been awarded a £1m grant in the Government’s Access for All programme. The Department for Transport say all work in the programme will be completed by March 2014. We will update you as soon as we hear anything more. Here is a link to the DfT’s website : http://www.dft.gov.uk/publications/access-for-all-mid-tier-funding

NatWest Bank in Radyr has announced that they will shortly be closing on Tuesday and Thursdays. The new opening times will take effect from Monday 20th February.

They are: Monday 10am to 2pm, Wednesday 10am to 2pm and Friday 10am to 2pm.

See our SOAPBOX for public reaction to this.

The Christmas Tree has arrived in Lychgate Gardens, Granny Park Morganstown and Windsor Gardens.. The team have been busy erecting and decorating the trees for our Christmas festivities on Thursday 8th December, when the pupils of Radyr Primary School and Bryn Deri will singing carols around the trees.

Dear Members of the Radyr Community

I would like to take this moment to thank all the residents of the Radyr and Danescourt area for supporting me and accepting me into your communites over the the last two months.

I wish you all a Merry Chrsitmas and a Happy New Year.

Regards

Your Big Issue Vendor

Matt

The 2011 Armistice Day parade was bigger than ever, with lots of young people representing guides, brownies, scouts, and cubs. The parade was led by the City of Cardiff Melingriffith Band conducted by Colin Evans. A very large crowd stood around the War Memorial as the wreathes were laid on behalf of many service organisations. Col David Suthers introduced the organisations whilst the salute was taken by Lt Col Guy Clarke, and all the churches were represented for the short service. The police were out in force making sure that the traffic did not interrupt a very professional and moving ceremony.

The Association has put together a Welcome Pack for new residents who have moved into Radyr and Morganstown recently. This contains a coloured folder with the history and facilities in the village. Leaflets on organisations, clubs and community groups, neighbourhood watch and a map of the village. Any new resident who would like a Welcome Pack or if you know of a new neighbour please get in touch with the Association – d.cargill@ntlworld.com or any member of the Association. Go to the Welcome Pack

The floodlit all weather pitch is now open for use at the Comprehensive School. This new facility has been funded from Section 106 monies from the housing development in the village. This will be of significant benefit to both the school and voluntary sports organisations in Radyr and Morganstown. It is thanks again to our County Councillor, Rod McKerlich for persuing this project with the Cardiff County Councill.