News

The Twinning Fellowship held it’s Bi-Annual Quiz Night in the Old Church Rooms at the beginning of April. It was a full house as 9 teams competed for the prestigious gold medals.

Mr Alan Doe, from Radyr Golf Club was our Quiz Master once again and as usual was assisted by Mr. Dale Edwards. A variety of general knowledge questions keep us all busy. Several questions about France had us scratching our heads, this included a French man, school teachers and members of the Twinning Committee. The winners by just one point were the Bar Stewards and they were delighted to receive their golden (chocolate) medals and the genuine bottle of Champagne.

A tasty supper was served during the evening and everyone enjoyed themselves in true Twinning Fellowship style.

M.R.

The recently completed Sports Hall at Radyr Comprehensive School is a new multi purpose facility and can cater for many different sports and activities.

Whilst it will be used by the school during the normal working day, it is now being made available for hire outside school time.

It will be available for community use from 6-10 p.m Mon-Fri, and during both day and evening at the weekend.

The school prefers prospective “customers” to block book several sessions in advance over a period lasting between 4 and 10 weeks.

As well as the sports hall at Radyr Comprehensive School, there is also a fitness gym which will be opening during April 2005. This is a fully furnished, top class gym, and will be available to the local community for a small charge. Everyone who wishes to use the gym must first sign up as a member which includes health check up and induction. Again, the gym will be open Mon-Fri 6-10 p.m, and at weekend.

Another great opportunity for people to try something new is the recent Arrival of the Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain and are currently looking to attract new members of all ages and abilities to come and try this Martial Art (with the first session free).

Also at Radyr Comprehensive School Sports Hall from 6 – 7 p.m every Thursday.

At a ‘Youth Forum’ chaired by Councillor Marion Drake on Tuesday, 7th December it was confirmed that funds were now available for the construction of a ‘Multi-Use Games Area’ in Cwm Farm Park adjacent to Radyr Gardens.

The all weather facility has been designed by an enthusiastic group of local youngsters who attend the Youth Forum. It will cost in excess of £50,000 and will provide teenagers with a place to play football, basketball and a range of other sports. Construction will start soon and should be complete by the end of March 2005.

Senior members of the Cardiff Kyokushin Karate Club, which meets in Morganstown Village Hall, travelled to ‘Ware’ in Hertfordshire on Friday 5th November to compete in the Annual Tri-Nation Knockdown Tournament, competing against England and Scotland.

Due to circumstances beyond their control – cancelled flights – the Scottish Team could not attend and for all we know could still be sat on the tarmac at Prestwick Airport.

In spite of this set back, the event, which was well supported, went ahead. The Welsh Team, consisting of fighters from both Cardiff and Barry Kyokushin clubs acquitted themselves admirably.

In the Wuko section of the competition, where full contact is not allowed and is won on a points scored basis … Wales won conclusively … winning 4 out of their 5 fights. Later in the knockdown, where full contact is allowed – all techniques are permitted except punching to the face and head … although kicks in this area are perfectly legal!!!

Again Wales triumphed, winning 3 out of their 4 fights.

The event was rounded off with presentations, a wonderful buffet and a disco. One further event put on by the Welsh Team was a full rendition of the ‘Full Monty’ … showing off their Welsh thongs to the delighted/shocked audience.

We look forward to showing off the skills and abilities of the fighters – both Junior and Senior – at the forthcoming ‘Christmas Bash’ on December 19th in Morganstown Village Hall.

The Cardiff Kyokushin Karate Club, based at Morganstown Village Hall, exchanged their normal “fight night” for a more fitting “fright night” this Halloween.

The spookily decorated village hall was filled with in excess of 50 youngsters dressed in a wide range of scary outfits ranging from vampires and demons to skeletons and Captain Hook!!!!

Mums and Dads entered into the spirit too, with many a green faced witch being sighted … Shihan Gary Bufton dressed as a ”Kabuki Warrior” along with Sempai’s Huw Manning – “Darth Maul” & Terry Birkett as a “Ninja”, took the children “Trick or Treating” around the neighbouring streets.

Several Tonnes of sweets later, this was followed by a great spread of party food and – party games both for children and parents!!!!

Shihan Bufton would like to thank all those who helped out, making the evening such a success special thanks going to Saranne Bufton – buffet, Sempai Steve Crane – music, Paul Ridgway – face painting – Jim Ridgway – cooking, Ivy and Ken and Julie Williams, Tracy Morrison and “Moley” for all their help!!!!!!

Six members of the Kyokushin Karate Club based in Morganstown Village Hall will be representing Wales in a competition against Scotland and England in Hertfordshire on the 6th November.

On the 11th – 13th November, Club Instructor Sempai Huw Manning will also represent Wales at an invitation only International Tournament in Sweden.

We wish them all success.

It has just been confirmed by GMX, a Property & Planning Company, that McCarthy & Stone have re-submitted their planning application for the development on the Radyr Arms site of 46 sheltered apartments for the elderly. Given that, regretfully, we have lost our pub and thus the prime reason for rejecting the application, planning permission is likely to be accepted.

Goodness gracious Gregson! Playing Edward Gregson`s ‘PARTITA’, Radyr & Morganstown (Melingriffith) Band won first prize in the Fourth Section at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea, when taking part in the Regional Boosey & Hawkes Championships.

Competing against 14 other bands they gained a massive 176 points, ‘The People Challenge Tribute’ Cup, a Cheque for £200 and a place in the UK finals on 11/09/04 at Harrogate. Their performance was described by the Adjudicator Steve Pritchard-Jones as “ Confident and rhythmic” with special praise to Euphonium soloist, Colin Evans.

This is the Second major trophy in recent times winning S.E.Wales Competition at Treorchy in November. The Band is still searching for a Percussionist, and interested in taking part in all the varied 17 engagements the band take part in each year. Further details can be found at the bands popular website: www.radyrband.co.uk

The band will next perform on Tuesday 6th April at 7.00pm in the Penygrawsi Pensioners Concert, Llantrisant. Those wishing to attend see contact details on band web site.

It has been announced that the Radyr Arms will close, and on 1 December 2003, the Building will be boarded up and all its contents removed. It will then be allowed, by its owner, to deteriorate to the point where it will need to be demolished.

Following demolition the owner expects to be able to get the planning permission it was refused earlier. If this should happen, the wishes of the residents of Radyr and the findings of a National Assembly inspector will have been totally ignored.

We are therefore challenging the Noble House Pub Company Limited’s plans through both the Council and the Assembly.

At long last Morganstown United FC and Radyr Rangers FC (both junior teams) have an official home ground at the Mound Field.

Morganstown United have the first Fixture, today Saturday 13th at 10:30. I have received numerous comments on how good the Mound field is looking lately, (which now has junior and senior football posts and line markings, well cut grass area`s which are litter free).

This open space is a credit to our community and a step in the right direction for the Radyr & Morganstown sports development trust.

On behalf of Morganstown United F C I wish to thank:- Councillor Marion Drake : Radyr & Morganstown sports development trust : Mike Clark Highways and parks : Western District grounds maintenance : Adam Beach (Outdoor leisure) : Cardiff and District league [hr>] This item is based on an email from Dave Jenkins (Clerk of Works to Cardiff Council) and sent for publication by Cllr. Marion Drake.

For everyone`s information, the National Assembly led Inquiry into the future of the Radyr Arms (will the planning application to turn it into 46 sheltered homes) has now finished.

Good arguments were heard on both sides. A petition of 600 names and 83 letters supporting the pub were noted. Well done everyone for showing interest. Evidence was presented by Cllr Marion Drake, members of the Association and the public. I cannot predict the outcome, but I have my fingers crossed. The Inspector said his ruling would take about four weeks – so we should know by mid September.

In the meantime, keep using the pub!

Radyr Residents should be aware of the following planning application 02/02751/W for The Radyr Arms, Station Road, Radyr, Cardiff, made by McCarthy & Stone Developments Ltd.

They wish to demolish the existing building (The Radyr Arms) and carry out redevelopment to form sheltered apartments for the elderly, including house manager`s accommodation, communal facilities and landscaping.

The Radyr Arms situated at the heart of the village provides a great community asset and its loss would surely be missed.

What about the residents – of how many hundreds? – of houses soon to be built at Radyr sidings (who, planners say, will never use their cars to go to work since they can walk to the station). Oh dear! they will now have to get their cars out to go to the pub (and encourage drink driving). Will they buy their houses on the strength of local facilities to find that an important one of them just vanished overnight?

Maybe we need sheltered housing. We have some in Radyr, not all of it full, and just half a mile away (as crows fly) in Velindre Road a very large development of this type has recently been completed. Also if its a priority, why weren`t they planned into Radyr Sidings?

Do we want this to happen? What can we do about it? You can start a campaign. Put your comments in the guest book. Write to your councillor. Scream and shout. Do it now or “Complacancy Rules OK”.

At the Council Planning meeting on Wednesday, 18th January, Council Members overturned the Council Officers’ recommendation to accept the planning application by Taylor-Woodrow to build 136 houses as the first tranche of building on the ‘Sidings 2’ site.

The attack was led by Councillor Marion Drake and supported by Nick Hawkins (Chairman of the R&M Association, who was able to speak due to a petition having been raised against the development). The Community Council, which did not have the right to speak, was represented by Cllr Judith Marsh. The Council has been involved at all stages and endorsed the representations which pointed out to Members that the plans showed an overdevelopment of the site (more in line with London densities). There was inadequate parking provision; the proposed ‘courtyards’ were not being built to public highway standards and would not be adopted by the council but would fall under the control of a management company (yet to be defined); Waste Management had offered no comments, which meant that the practicality of access by refuse trucks etc was unproven and also that the positioning and usage of wheelie bins was unclear; and that the security of the site was poor, with pathways designed with doglegs and uncertainty over the lighting of some of the public areas. One of the responses by the developer to the security issue was to propose to ‘gate off’ various areas. As Councillor Drake pointed out, ‘gating’ areas is a response to a problem which should not occur if the site was properly designed.

The Council Members were extremely sympathetic to all the concerns raised and asked many pertinent questions. They would probably have liked to have thrown out the whole application, but this was not technically possible due to many of the fundamental issues (including the traffic implications) having been ‘lost’ when Outline Planning Consent was granted in 2002. Consequently, consideration of the application was deferred for one month for the police to be fully consulted on the safety, lighting and security issues. (The police had, in fact, issued a statement that they had ‘no comment’ on the design, but Members doubted that the plans had been looked at in sufficient detail).

It is certain that this development, hopefully with amendments, will be approved in the near future but there will be many meetings over the next month aimed at removing the worst aspects of the design. The developers (and Council Officers) have also been given a clear message about designs for the rest of the site.

The following item was sent by email. Dee is Community Ranger for the Ebbw District of the Forestry Commission.

For information Coed y Gedrys and Coed Rhiw’r Ceiliog are on the lower slopes of Garth Hill either side of Gwaelod-y-Garth.

After Listening to you during a process of public consultation back in March 2005 in Taff’s Well, Coed y Gedrys and Coed Rhiw’r Ceiliog now have new Forest Design Plans.

We have taken on board what local people said, as we started to work through our Forest Design planning process to produce the Forestry Commission blueprint for the future of the two woods. What you want from the woods has been balanced with the needs of the woods for conservation, biodiversity, recreation and timber.

The majority of these woodlands will generally be subject to gradual thinning to restore semi-natural ancient woodland, as these woodlands are designated as ‘Plantations on Ancient Woodland Sites’ (‘PAWS’ for short). In both cases we will be leaving the broadleaves and encouraging more to grow through natural regeneration; and some planting if there are any problems with the natural regowth of broadleaf trees. So, this will make those of you who said that wanted more broadleaf happy as we start to increase the chances of this over time.

At Coed y Gedrys we shall be starting to take out conifers soon. In terms of Coed Rhiw’r Ceiliog, however, due to problems with access we’re not too sure when work will actually start on site; watch local newsletters or web-sites for up-dates.

We’ve taken down trees that were encroaching at the backs of some houses and hedges along the entrance lane have been cut back and will be trimmed every year from now on.

In terms of other issues people were concerned about, we have made a start in addressing them. The improvements you asked for to the entrance to Coed y Gedrys have already happened, opening up the forest roads and putting in new gates for people and horses.

Water problems behind houses will be investigated further in the New Year i.e.when the land is at its wettest.

So the Forestry Commission is listening – and the local area Ebbw Team will carry on listening and trying to make the work in our woods fit in with what you want; any issues you want to discuss, please ask to speak to the Ranger, Dee Ashurst on: 02920 886 863.

With you, the local people and users of FC woodlands talking to us, we can make a real difference to both of these woodlands, not just for peoples’ enjoyment now, but for future generations as well.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this consultation process and I want to say a special ‘On your Bikes!’ to the local young people getting out into the woods on their mountain bikes and getting some exercise; it’s great these woodlands are well used by you all. Please talk to us before you do as in January we will be looking a lot more closely at what is possible locally with the involvement of local people. But please note if you do want to see something positive happen, you have to think about what you can help out with; so get talking to each other and your local community centre. Forestry Commission will not do everything; we need you on board to make it work. Mountain biking is a great sport and we’re all for it !

Meantime, the good news for anyone looking for more extreme cycling we have a cross country trail at Cwmcarn Forest Drive near Crosskeys, with a purpose bult downhill trail. Also, there’s a jump spot at Caerphily in Coed Park Van Woodland on Vann Road too. Play safe, and enjoy !

So, Forestry Commission Progress so far:

• Hedges along the lane to the woodlands have been cut. 

• The entrance to Coed y Gedrys has been made easier, particularly for horses and people with prams or mobility difficulties.

• Conversion to broadleaf woodlands is imminent in terms of clearance of conifers.

We have a very special and spectacular visitor on the Glamorgan Canal Reserve – a Wood Duck, which is native to North America.

How it came to be at the nature reserve is a mystery – it is capable of flying freely (i.e. it is not pinioned) and it has no leg ring (which it would have if it was an escapee from a wildfowl collection). It appears to be in perfect condition, is feeding well and is in full breeding plumage.

You can also find more information about the visiting American Wood Duck at www.forestfarm.org.uk or www.glamorganbirds.org.uk.

Alternatively just walk along the tow-path. I understand the Wood Duck is socialising with the Mallards which you will always see down there.

This article has been supplied by Adrian Hopkins who runs an excellent website of his own photography of birds and wildlife at www.wales1.me.uk.

Caroline and Ann, our splendid librarians at Radyr library hosted a Coffee Morning on Friday the 2nd of December. All of their borrowers were invited but as the weather was “Pretty frightful” only a dozen of us attended. It was a jolly morning and we all enjoyed cups of coffee and mince pies. All things considered, to use that hackneyed expression, it was not a bad idea to sip coffee and reminisce with one’s chums on the pleasures of reading poems and listening to Caroline extolling the pleasures of and reading extracts from some of the latest editions to her collections.

At the same time she urged us to proclaim the joys of being a member of our Library. The oracles at Cardiff main library have given Caroline and Ann a target of attracting 100 new subscribers before the end of 2005. At this precise time they have gathered 37. We promised to spread the gospel. This is the least that we can do, such dedicated members of the staff deserve our full support. If you missed this event, another Coffee Morning is planned at Radyr Library – The Centenary coffee morning on 20th Dec. Look out for details.

At the Annual Mulled Wine and Mince Pie Evening the Radyr and Morganstown Friends of Tenovus Group presented a cheque for £7,000 to the Tenovus Charity, which will go directly to help fund important programmes. Grateful thanks were extended to all who helped the group raise this magnificent sum during the year and for all the support the group enjoys in so many ways from our community.

The event was enhanced, this year, by a Fashion Show, organised by Joan Bowgen of CC/Minosa at Howells, after an invitation from Audrey Skidmore was kindly accepted by Joan and her team of models.

The packed audience appreciated the chance to see the latest fashions and new colours for this season and the Tenovus Group was very grateful to the Howells team for, coming to Radyr and giving so freely of their time to help the Charity. A very large sum was raised for research, care and counselling, as a result of their help, and many thanks go to all who were involved.

The event was very enjoyable and many supporters took the opportunity to stock up on cards, and small gifts etc. and at the same time catch up with friends, while partaking of some Christmas cheer!

Many thanks and very best wishes for the Festive Season go to all who have helped the Tenovus Group during the year.

For information about the R&M Friends of Tenovus Group please ring 20842096 or any committee member.

The R.T.C (Radyr Tuesday Club), which meets every Tuesday evening from 7pm to 9pm in term time in the Methodist Hall, started in September and has already proved to be a great success. It has been set up jointly by the Radyr and Morganstown Association, Christ Church, the Methodist Church and the Baptist Church for our youth community. The club, for 11-13 yr olds, is already fully subscribed; any youths wishing to become members can be placed on a waiting list. R.T.C. would welcome any adults who would like to take an active role in this new venture. All helpers over the age of 16 have to be police checked.

On Sunday 2nd October, 18 R.T.C members took part in a ‘Community Campaign Clean-up’ picking up litter and cleaning off any undesirable graffiti in the Radyr area (see pictures). They worked very hard and with lots of enthusiasm. The team was approached by several residents who expressed their admiration and gratitude. A large carrier bag of sweets was given to the team by a resident. As one of them said ‘We all enjoyed the day and hope to do it again in the future’

The next R.T.C event will be on Saturday 3rd December at the Methodist Church from 10am to 4pm. It will include a Jazz Cafe, a display/sale of a variety of hand painted arts and crafts, several fun and game stalls, plus tea/coffee and cakes – all performed, run or provided by the youths themselves. If anybody would like to donate gifts for a raffle these would be received with many thanks. A team of youth members will also be washing cars in the Methodist car park. Half the proceeds of this event will go to supporting an orphanage in Tanzania. The children are primarily orphaned because they have lost their parents to AIDS/HIV infections. Donations of money are critical now for obtaining food, medicine and a farm project this project could make the orphanage more self sufficient.

If you require more information about the ‘Radyr Tuesday Club’ please contact Jane or Kevin Morris (029 20843487, janemorris17@yahoo.co.uk)

Radyr Drama Society’s November Production is the play Kes – about a boy who trains a kestrel.

The director for the play Chris Loring said that although they don’t need to be experts, the cast need to have a clear understanding of Falconry to be convincing on stage. It was therefore decided to make a group visit to the Welsh Hawking Centre and on the 24th September 24 members and friends enjoyed the display at the centre near Barry.

On display were birds of prey of all kinds – Eagles, Owls, Hawks, Vultures, Falcons Buzzards and Kestrels. The climax of the visit was the flying display when several individual birds were put through their paces.

In the play James Staniforth will play the part of Billy Casper who trains a kestrel. During the visit to the hawking centre, James got first hand experience of handling a bird of prey.

The play has quite a large cast and rehearsals are progressing well. Radyr and Morganstown audiences have seen Chris Loring’s performances on stage numerous times, but this is her debut as director. This play is particularly challenging.

Kes will be performed in Morganstown Village Hall from 10th to 12th November 2005. Tickets will be available soon.

by The Hall Management Committee – 03/08/2005

As part of the process of continuing to restore the Old Church Rooms, and enhance the facilities, the boundary wall has been repaired and new railings installed – similar in design to the original ones. The work to the wall has been done by Barclays Builders and the railings installed by ARC Services. We think they have done a grand job – see picture.

You may notice that, part of the garden adjacent to Heol Isaf has been ‘Astroturfed’, and additional gates fitted. This is actually a new children’s play area that will be used and maintained by the two nursery schools that meet in the Old Church Rooms during term time. We hope that the area will soon be as pretty a picture as the rest of the grounds (looked after wonderfully by Norman Clewer) – and make the building even more worthy of a Cardiff in Bloom award. (Judging for this year has just taken place, and we have our fingers crossed.).

Thanks to the Ysgol Feithrin and the Community Council, who have provided funds to make this project possible.

If anyone wants details of the facilities available on the Old Church Rooms, or wants to book any part of the complex, get in touch with the Booking Officer, David Cargill, on 029 2084 2034 or see Association webpages at www.radyr.org.uk/association.