Printed by J & P Davison, 3 James Place, Treforest, Pontypridd CF37 1SQ Tel. 01443 400585

It is with great regret that with this issue, we say goodbye toJerry Bray. Jerry has been in charge of advertising in TheChain for the past fourteen years. He took over at a timewhen the financial future of Radyr Chain was far fromsecure and it is due to his enthusiasm and hard work that itis now reasonably comfortable. We thank Jerry and wishhim every future happiness.

In his place, we welcome Linda Turner and look forward toco-operating with her in the coming editions.

A RETIREMENT AND A NEW MEMBER

We are very pleased to announce that Val Allen, who lives inRadyr, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM)for her Voluntary Service to Rider and Equine Safety. Sincethe early 1980s Vale has trained young riders for the BritishHorse Society and Pony Club riding and road safety test.As a member of Pentyrch Pony Club in the 1950s, shedecided to give something back and started her own club.

For many years, Val has been on the Radyr andMorganstown Festival Committee and has herself organisedboth the Gymkhana and the Dog Show for the Festival. Shehas also raised large amounts for charity.Congratulations for a very well deserved award.

Radyr Library ClosureProtest

A large crowd of residents and schoolchildren gathered at Radyr Library toprotest at the proposed news of closure.The library was only rebuilt in 2012 at acost in excess of £500,000. Most of thismoney came from Section 106 fundsassociated with Radyr Sidingsdevelopment. It does not seem very longsince the community were discussing thefuture location of the library!

Our local Community Council isconsidering a number of options.However, the residents of Radyr andMorganstown are clear in theirdemands – “Keep our Library Open”.

continued on page 11

VAL ALLEN AWARDED BEM

RADYR CHAINNumber 216 February 2015

Free to every home in Radyr and Morganstown

Bryn Deri Primary School unveils results of £100K Energy Makeover

£100k to help improve the energyperformance of their school*. BrynDeri entered the competition as itwas fitting with the school’s aim to“act locally, think globally aboutour environment”. Bryn Deriwanted to give pupils a morehands on and exciting way to learnabout the importance ofsustainability and teach them whyit is important to look after theplanet. The Energy Makeover hasfurther enhanced the goodpractices already embedded by theschool’s existing Eco Committee.

A range of exciting new technologyhas now been installed, includingsolar panels, LED lighting andcontrols and hot water pipeinsulation. A new interactivedisplay screen, which presents liveinformation such as energygeneration from the solar panels,weather and energy saving tips isdisplayed to the children, teachersand parents. continued on page 5

Winning pupils of British GasGeneration Green EnergyMakeover competition meetlocal MP Kevin Brennan andAM Mark Drakeford

9th January, 2015: Pupils at BrynDeri Primary School in Cardiff met

with local MP Kevin Brennan andAM Mark Drakeford today toreveal the results of a £100k BritishGas Energy Makeover, won in2014.

In the spring, British Gas offeredschools the chance to win anEnergy Makeover worth up to

Letters, articles, reports and other contributions are invited and should be submitted byMarch 15th. Submissions may be subject to editing at the Editor’s discretion.The views expressed in the Radyr Chain are not necessarily those of the Editors.Editor - Mary & Robert Pearce, 91 Dan-y-Bryn Avenue, Radyr CF15 8DQ. 2084 2615E-Mail address - Chain@radyr.org.ukWhat’s On - Mary Pearce, 91 Dan-y-Bryn Avenue, Radyr CF15 8DQ. 2084 2615Advertising - Linda Turner, 19 Sycamore Tree Close, Radyr. 2084 3562E-Mail address - lturner4@btinternet.comHon. Treasurer - Ellis Jenkins, (to whom donations may be sent; they will begratefully acknowledged) 62 Windsor Avenue, Radyr, CF15 8BYDistribution - Chris Wills, 1 Llwyn Drysgol, Radyr. 2084 2197

COMING EVENTS

N.B. Details of all coming events can be found inthe Diary section of the website

www.Radyr.org.ukFebruary7 Library Closure Protest. A second protest

photo call is being held outside Radyr Library at 11am. Please bring your posters.

11.00am9 Radyr & Morganstown WI. History like your

teacher never taught you - talk by Phil Caradice 7.30pm

11 Festival Auditions for the position of Festival Queen and 2 attendants will take place on Wednesday 11th February at Radyr Guide Hall. Applicants should be 11 years old or nearly for the Festival in May. Please make sure your diary is clear to attend all requiredFestival events. Festival will run from Saturday 2nd May until Sunday 17th May inclusive. Further details from Maggie 2084 2995 or Julie 2084 2923 or e-mail bobandmaggieradyr@hotmail.com 19:30

11 Radyr, Morganstown & District Gardening Club. "Natural Histories - The Art of Small Things". A talk by Laurie Young who will discuss and show examples of botanical illustration. All Welcome. New School Rooms, Christchurch, Heol Isaf. See Village Notice Boards or contact Richard Gregory (02920842084) or richardjgregory@btopenworld.com 19:30

11 RCTS South Wales. Island Lines - Survey ofthe Isle of Wight since 1948. OCR 7.30pm

12 NSPCC soup & sandwiches lunch at Radyr Golf Club. From police constable to chief constable - stories along the way; with PeterVaughan 19:30

12 Radyr and Morganstown Local History Society. Annual General Meeting. Old Church Rooms. All are welcome. 7.30pm

18-21RPMG Presents - The Pirates of Penzance– the popular comic opera by Gilbert and Sullivan, performed with an orchestra, at theBishop of Llandaff High School. For tickets go to www.ticketsource.co.uk/rpmg or call Maggie Roberts on 029 2084 2995 or Sue Thomas on 029 2031 0894. On sale now!

7.30pm19 R&MCC Monthly Meeting. OCR: 7:30pm20 Lent Lunches. Christ Church New School

Rooms. Home-made soup, bread & cheese, tea/coffee. £4.00. Profits to Christian Aid. Short Reflective service in Lady Chapel at 12.15pm. 12.30pm

26 Film Night. Showing by the R&M Associationof 'What we did on our holiday' in the Old Church Rooms. Tickets £4 from ener-chi in Station Road, Nick Hawkins, 2084 2561 andAllan Cook, 2084 3176. For full details and on-line sales go to rma.ticketsource.co.uk 7.30pm

www.radyr.org.uk is…a one-stopshop for local information 3

27 Lent Lunches. Christ Church New School Rooms. Home-made soup, bread & cheese, tea/coffee. £4.00. Profits to Christian Aid. Short Reflective service in Lady Chapel at 12.15pm. 12.30pm

March5 R&MCC Committee meetings. OCR:

Finance (7pm) and then Environment (7:45pm) Committees 7.00pm

6 Lent Lunches. Christ Church New School Rooms. Home-made soup, bread & cheese, tea/coffee. £4.00. Profits to Christian Aid. Short Reflective service in Lady Chapel at 12.15pm. 12.30pm

9 Radyr & Morganstown WI. Folk dance from Morris to Mazurka 7.30pm

11 Radyr, Morganstown & District Gardening club. "A Mongolian Challenge in aid of Help For Heroes". An Illustrated talk by Diana McCrea who will trace her treck through Mongolia and the flora and fauna seen.All Welcome. New School Rooms, Christchurch, Heol Isaf. See Village Notice Boards or contact Richard Gregory (02920842084) or richardjgregory@btop 7.30pm

11 RCTS South Wales. Steam on the Mainline 2014. OCR 7.30pm

13 Lent Lunches. Christ Church New School Rooms. Home-made soup, bread & cheese, tea/coffee. £4.00. Profits to Christian Aid. Short Reflective service in Lady Chapel at 12.15pm. 12.30pm

13 Twinning Wine Quiz. Twinning Fellowship Wine Quiz. Old Church rooms on Friday 13th March starting at 7.30pm. Teams of 8.Bar. Cheese & pate platter Raffle. All welcome..if you are on your own or with a smaller group do come along and we will sort the teams. Tickets £8.00 from Maggie 029 2084 2995 or any committee member.

7.30pm19 Conservative Coffee Morning. Coffee

Morning at 50 Heol Isaf, Radyr hosted by Mrs Louise Rigby. Tickets £2 from committee members or Sue McKerlich on 20842764 10.30am

19 R&MCC Monthly Meeting. OCR: 7:30pm20 Lent Lunches. Christ Church New School

Rooms. Home-made soup, bread & cheese, tea/coffee. £4.00. Profits to Christian Aid. Short Reflective service in Lady Chapel at 12.15pm. 12.30pm

21 Radyr and Morganstown Choral SocietyConcert at Christchurch featuring Faure's Requiem. 7.30pm

26 NSPCC coffee morning. to be held at Radyr Golf Club. Silent auction, cakes, tombola, jewellery, raffle. Tickets £2 10.30am

26 Film NIght. Showing by the R&M Associationof 'Mr Turner' in the Old Church Rooms. Tickets £4 from ener-chi in Station Road, Nick Hawkins, 2084 2561 and Allan Cook, 2084 3176. For full details and on-line sales go to rma.ticketsource.co.uk 7.30pm

27 Lent Lunches. Christ Church New School Rooms. Home-made soup, bread & cheese, tea/coffee. £4.00. Profits to Christian Aid. Short Reflective service in Lady Chapel at 12.15pm. 12.30pm

RADYR &MORGANSTOWN SCOUT

POST 2014 This year’s Christmas Scout Post wasagain a successful fund raiser for the

group.I wish to thank the staff of the

following local businesses for theirefforts in selling scout post stamps

this year:Ener-chi, Station RoadPugh’s Garden Centre,

MorganstownPzazz Hair Designers, Castle Court

Radyr Library, Park RoadSolo Hair & Beauty, Main Road,

Morganstown

Thanks also to our Leaders,volunteers, parents and the

youngsters who helped sell stamps,sort and deliver post.

Scout Post is organised by the Cardiffand Vale Scouts for the collection anddelivery of Christmas greetings in theCardiff and Vale area. The collectionand delivery of post is organised by

local area scouts and voluntaryorganisations in areas where there is

no scout group.During this year’s Scout Post our

team handled around 50,000 cards inthe scout hall.

Finally, I would like to thank theresidents of Radyr and Morganstownfor supporting their local scout group

by purchasing stamps locally.We look forward to your continued

support again next Christmas.JBT

Radyr & Morganstownduring the Great War

The AGM of the History Society willtake place on Thursday, 12thFebruary at 7.30pm at the OldChurch Rooms when the existingprogramme for 2015 will be unveiledincluding three visits outside Radyrand Morganstown.

Once the main business is finishedaround 8pm, Allan Cook will give atalk on Radyr and Morganstownduring the Great War. He has beenresearching the subject through theParish Records and found interestingdetails like the installation of the firstgas lights through the village, theDig for Victory campaign and thatperennial thorn in the flesh, Radyr’sown Fire Brigade.

www.radyr.org.uk is…a photo-archive for our local community 5

of investment and schemes such asGeneration Green which can make areal difference to the school. It’s greatto see their energy bills will be reducedas a result”.

Mark Drakeford Amp said “It’s greatto see that Bryn Deri’s energy bills willbe reduced as a result of the EnergyMakeover. I hope that the childrentake these messages about savingenergy back home and into thecommunity”.

Abi Robins, Director of CorporateResponsibility at British Gas said

from front cover…

The school will now expect to see anominal reduction in its gas usage anda reduction in electricity of nearly 40%.Last year, the British Gas GenerationGreen programme invested £1 millioninstalling energy saving equipment inschools. Previously the 2013’s winningschools saved an estimated £100,000. ayear on energy bills**.

Head teacher Claire Davies said “Weare delighted to have made Bryn Deria more energy efficient place for thechildren to learn. The school has nowachieved the Eco-Schools Wales GreenFlag award for the third time and isworking towards the Platinum Award.The interactive display screen allowsfor the children to see how muchenergy we’re saving in a reallyengaging way and our new technologywill be used to each children aboutenergy efficiency for years to come”.

Kevin Brennan MP said “It’s fantasticto see how the energy makeover willhelp the children learn about energyand how it will improve the school’senergy efficiency. I welcome this type

BRYN DERI PRIMARYSCHOOL UNVEILS RESULTS

OF £100K ENERGYMAKEOVER

“We’re glad the children and teacherslove their new energy savingtechnology and they enjoy learningabout the benefits of being energyefficient. The investment will providea lasting legacy of energy and carbonsavings to the school for the nextgeneration of young people”.

For more information about theBritish Gas Generation Green and to

register for free-of-charge learningresources, please visit

www.generationgreen.co.uk

Bryn Deri Primary EcoCommittee ReportOn Friday, 9th January, the ECOCommittee at Bryn Deri PrimarySchool welcomed some specialvisitors. Representatives from

British Gas, local Cardiff West MPKevin Brennan and AM MarkDrakeford arrived to see the£100,000. Energy Makeover that hadbeen carried out in the school.

Bryn Deri won this prize by enteringa competition run by British Gas in

the South Wales Echo. Mrs. JoVigliotta, the ECO teacher co-ordinator had to take part in atelephone interview to win themoney.

The ECO committee took thevisitors on a tour around the schoolso that they could see the solarpanels, the boiler insulation and thenew sensor lights in action. Theyalso looked at the energy monitorand ECO display. Over some teaand biscuits, especially, theshortbread, there was discussiontime. We talked about the otherenvironment-friendly actions wetake part in at school such asrecycling pens and batteries. Year 5talked about their project to learnabout renewal energy and Year 6told our visitors all about the FoodCoop that we run every Friday.

We are very pleased with themakeover and we can already see itmaking a difference to save energy.This should help us win ourPlatinum Green Flag Award.

www.radyr.org.uk is…a window on our local history 7

TheSchoolmistress

Pinero’s classic Victorian farce wasplayed out in the round with verve andenergy by a last cast who certainlywouldn’t have fitted on the stage safely!

Directed by Allan Cook ably assisted byGill Evans, it takes place in the premisesof a school for young ladies. Theseinclude the recently married[unbeknown to him or his wife]daughter of a rear-admiral.

Actors purposefully veered around theset including being perilously close to asplendid celebratory cake, causing stagemanager Nicky Webber palpitations.

Suitable period music relayed by TonyWatson was interspersed throughoutalongside costumes resourced by SheilaPhillips for this era.

The standout performance was that ofPeter Griffiths playing the much-vexedHon. Vere Queckett; a good-for-nothing,impecunious, foreign gentleman fromminor aristocracy. He combinedexcellence in accent, timing andexpressions, together with hilariousphysical comedy.

The schoolmistress of the play’s title,Miss Dyott, was carried well in bothstature and bearing by Julia Hallinan.She combined that part of her life withthat of a delighted blossoming musicalcomedy star on the side – compensatingfor her increasing disappointment withher prospective betrothed, the wretchedVere. [The Drama Society steadfastlydenied refunds afterwards to those withexpectations arising from the publicityposters depicting a more scantily cladcharacter].

The music comedy or oratorio [or was itthe other way round?] had been writtenby the enthusiastic and persistent OttoBernstein – Brian Willis in full throttleGerman comic accent mode.

Roger Page grumped and frowned hisway very effectively through thebumbling and curmudgeonly AdmiralRanking.

While Pauline Watson transformedseamlessly from his twittery down-trodden wife into assertive mother atthe end.

Hayley Jenkins discharged her soberrole well as their daughter, while JoshuaWilliams enjoyed himself as herbelligerently jealous husband, Paulover.

The schools young ladies included theyoung governess Miss Hesselridge,played with tremendous skill and verveby Helen Blundell and another of the

pupils Gwendoline, portrayed withobvious delight by Bev Jones.

As is the way of such situations indrama they met up with and paired offwith naval officers attending the partyto celebrate their colleagues’ wedding.No Shakespearean complications arose.

Ian Ogden was a perfect such Officer,Lt. Jack Mallory, in both bearing andcommanding voice. Will Fox as anexhausted Junior officer, Mr. Saunders,acted well both asleep and awake andhis character notably perked up whenseized upon by the predatoryGwendoline.

No institution would be completewithout long-suffering servants addingtheir pragmatism and reality to theother-worldly inhabitants. HuwWilliams as the manservant, Tyler andJane Sinclair, as Jane Chapmanconveyed these well, includingappropriate grumblings, asideobservations and rubbing of bad backs.

Tyler’s penchant for fireworks resultedin a fire burning down the school.

This led to the appearance of twofiremen played by Messrs. Willis andWilliams both wearing quite splendidbrass period helmets. The helmetsdesigned an constructed by the everresourceful Raymond Rivron wereworth an act of their own, as was thesplendid reproduction photograph.

One of the play’s best moments isduring the fire when the manic Verefinds he has not posted off the fireinsurance premium despite his havingpreserved it alone from the funds lefthim by the schoolmistress – the resthaving gone on goodies includingchampagne, for the party.

This was Geoff Davies’ last illuminatingsession, his having lit every play but thefirst since RDS’s start. This was markedby a presentation.

Thanks went too to Adam and Samfrom the Comp, who lent much neededand welcome assistance in many areasthroughout the production.

NSPCC – RADYRFESTIVAL 2015

NSPCC volunteers in Radyr andMorganstown have announced thatmore than £560. was raised forchildren and families in Wales duringthe switching on of the Christmas treelights. The fundraisers were out inforce during the evening in Radyr on5th December.

Jan Doody, chair of the Radyr Districtbranch of NSPCC fundraisingvolunteers, said: ”Despite inclementweather, the switching on of theChristmas lights proved its usualsuccess and more than £560. wasraised for the NSPCC through the saleof baubles and Christmas chutney, abran tub lucky dip, a tombola and abucket collection, supported by ourown “Teddy Bear” mascot”.

“We are absolutely delighted with theamount raised. All those who attendedfrom Radyr and Morganstown have beenincredibly generous in supporting us withour fundraising to help children andfamilies through the NSPCC’s serviceshere in South Wales”.

LENT LUNCHESFor six weeks – commencing onFriday, 20th February – lunches

areServed at 12.30pm at

Christ Church New School Rooms.Delicious home-made soup, bread

andCheese, tea or coffee - £4.00.

All profits are donated to Christian Aid.

At 12.15pm in Christ Church LadyChapel

There will also be an opportunityto

Come together for fifteen minuteReflections – gentle music,

readings,Meditation and prayer led by

membersof Christ Church and Radyr

Methodist Church

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARYOn 30th March, “A Flurry of

Flowers”, Library Knitting andCrocheting Group Family CoffeeMorning with a floral theme andactivities for children in aid of the

Cardiff Branch of the Motor NeuroneDisease Association. Radyr Library

10.30-12.00

KEYBOARD CLASS INRADYR

Do you fancy learning to play thatelectronic keyboard of yours in aninformal and friendly group? We

have just a few places available inour class which is held in the SchoolRooms at Christchurch from 10.00 till12.00 each Monday morning. Please

contact Martin Coysh on 02920842954 or martincoysh@outlook.com

for details.

www.radyr.org.uk is…a place for you to air your views on local matters 9

Radyr andMorganstown

District GardeningClub

A Happy Gardening New Year to youall, not that the current weatherencourages much outdoor activity. Inthe time taken to write this piece therehave been squally winds, thunder, hail,sleet, rain and even some waterysunshine! Over the past few weeks seedand plant catalogues have beendropping on the doormat so at leastwhilst this weather persists one candream of how the garden and allotmentcould look later in the year. And formore inspiration why not join us at aGardening Club meeting.

The second half of our 25th seasonstarted with an illustrated talk by RoyBayley-Wood which he called “Orchids IGrow”. He first introduced the genuswhich is not confined to the tropical rainforests but has over 25,000 speciesworldwide, 55 occurring in the UK and35 of these in Wales. Mr. Bayley-Woodwent on to discuss the two or threeorchid varieties most commonlyavailable as house plants, before talkingabout some of the wild orchids to beseen in Wales and particularly in SouthEast Wales. We then came to theunusual Masdevallia species which arehis main interest. In the wild thesegrow principally in the North Westernreaches of South America up as far asPanama and at altitudes up to 3,500metres; he grows many of thefascinating and unusual hybrids of thisspecies and these were described andbeautifully illustrated by an enthusiastwho gave us a fascinating insight intothe world of orchids.

Our 25th season continues through toApril with:

11th February - “Natural Histories – TheArt of Small Things”with Laurie Young.

Laurie Young is an artist and illustratorand will talk about botanical

Illustration.11th March - “A Mongolian Challenge in

aid of Help for Heroes” with DianaMcCrea. Diana McCrea will talk about

her trek through part of Mongolia,undertaken to raise funds for Help for

Heroes and in doing so some of the floraand fauna seen during the trek.

8th April - “Gardens and Plants in ScienceFiction” with Peter Graham,

Think of ‘Triffids’ and Peter Graham will

show how science fiction writers andprogramme/film producers have taken

everyday plants and imagined how theywould look and perform in alien

conditions.

Full details of these talks and the rest ofthe programme are available on theRadyr website.

Meetings are open to all and take placeon the second Wednesday of eachmonth from September to April (withthe exception of December) withillustrated talks and demonstrations.Some speakers bring examples of theplants they talk about and others bringplants for sale.

Visitors and New Members will bemade very welcome – so come alongand get some garden inspiration.

All meetings (apart from visits) are atthe New Church Rooms, Heol Isafstarting at 7.30pm and are followed byrefreshments.

Please see village notice boards andRadyr website (www,radyr,org.uk) forprogramme details and any changes orcontact any committee member or ourChairman – Richard Gregory (029 20842084)

Harp ConcertOn 6th December, 2014, the Over 30musicians gathered together in Radyr tocelebrate ‘A Harpy Christmas Concert’.Under the direction of Harpist ShelleyFairplay, the concert includedperformances by the two Radyr basedharp groups “Dynamic Harps”, harpsolos from primary and secondaryschool children from South Wales andsongs from the Canu O’r Galon quartetwith vocalist Deborah Morgan Lewis.The event was in aid of CardiffFoodbank and the students raised over£200. for the charity and a substantialfood collection was taken to theFoodbank following the event.

In September 2014, Radyr residentShelley launched two new harpensembles, Dynamic Harps who meetweekly to rehearse at Radyr MethodistChurch. They have now enjoyed fourwonderful terms together playing musicfrom a vast array of genres, rehearsingand working together on ensemble andgeneral harp playing skills. Many of thesongs the ensembles learn come directlyas request from group members and arethen arranged specially for the group.

The next performances for DynamicHarps take place on the 25th January atthe Swansea National Waterfrontmuseum and then on the 7th Februaryat Cardiff Metropolitan University aspart of the Camac Harp Weekend’sSaturday night harp concert: The ThreeStrands; Passion, Sorrow and Joy. Onthe 13th/14th June, they are very excitedto be returning to perform at theNational Botanic Garden of Wales‘Hand-on-Harps’ weekend!

Dynamic Harps meet on a Monday andTuesday during term time. For furtherdetails on the harp ensembles nextperformances, please visitwww.dynamicharps.co.uk For thosewho have never played the harp beforevarious hands-on-harps events takeplace regularly, including Shelley’swww.harpistforaday.co.uk With eventssuch as this everyone can have theirchance to try the truly incredibleNational Instrument of Wales!

The musicians involved in the Decemberperformance would like to thank theaudience members for their attendanceand support, with special recognition toHuw James for arranging the MethodistChurch Hall hire, Helen Nolan fromCardiff Foodbank for coming andaddressing the performers on the nightand finally to Bob Pearce from RadyrChain for supporting the group and thisarticle!

www.radyr.org.uk is…a record of the work of our Community Council 11

What’s happened to Bert Chapman, “The Shoe Repairer”?

. His neighbour Maldwyn “The Green Grocer” is usually

on hand with an explanation. Bert has retired at the age

of 72. Bert was part of the fabric of the village life.

Taking shoes for repairs while you wait. Bert set up in the

village in 1922 when his workshop was lit by candle light,

then gas and finally electricity, which enabled him to buy a

lathe, a grinder and a polishing machine

Bert’s shop was situated where Nicky’s Sandwich Shop is

in Station Road.

Fund Tops £5000

The Guide Association is intent on providing a HQ for the

Guide Movement in Radyr. At the moment the biggest

problem is the procurement of a suitable plot land.

The Guide Hall was subsequently built in Bryn Derwen

In 1983.

Super Hot Dogs

This pop group was formed a year ago. There are six

members of the group . They have recently bought a set of

drums making the band more effective. They make up

their own songs and have three songs of their own. They

are available for children’s and adult discos. Contact either

Matthew Griffiths or Stephen Pitt to make a booking.

They need a piano for their performance!

Danger - Chain Gang at Work

Consists of a small group of people who spend

two months assembling the Radyr Chain. The

Chain is funded from advertising. The cost of

printing each issue is around £150 and income

from £120. The gap is made up of a generous

grant from the Community Council. Once the

adverts and articles are collected they are typed

ready to be stuck on to sheets. The paper is then

taken to the printer. The work does not stop

there, for next is delivery to every house in the

village. This is the way in which Radyr Chain

reaches your door

Chess

A Chess tournament was held at the Central

Hotel in Cardiff to find the best Primary School

players in Wales. The tournament attracted

150 children. 4 members of the highly successful

Bryn Deri team entered the competition.

Edward While and Nicholas Thornbury gained

2 ½ victories. Stephen Brownsell gained 3 points.

Most successful was Stephen Gait who was

unlucky not to finish with maximum points and

share the title. Bryn Deri School Chess team has been

in existence for one year is still unbeaten in Cardiff.

.

1979 Floods

Elizabeth Nicholas aged 7 from Radyr Primary

described the floods in lower Radyr.

On Thursday 27th December lots of people’s

houses were flooded in South Wales. I saw the

River Taff over flowing. My mum said it was the

first time we had seen it overflow in all the time

She had lived in Radyr. (18 years)

A week later I walked along the Taff Trail to find

lots of litter clung to the trees, sand and mud was

everywhere and trees had been uprooted.

One of my friend’s house was flooded and all five

rooms on the ground floor were flooded. His

family are now staying in a hotel until everything

can be put straight again.

Radyr Library Closure Protestfrom back cover…

More protests are likely to take placein the New Year so keep looking atthe website – radyr.org.uk theSoapbox, the village Facebook pageand the poster board in Station Roadfor more information. CarolineNoall, who retired as the seniorlibrarian in November has beencollecting signatures to present apetition to the County Council inJanuary.

Radyr Library serves a large area ofNorth West Cardiff, includingPentyrch, Creigiau and Gwaelod-y-Garth. Hopefully these communitieswill be supporting us in ourcampaign. If the County Councilcarry out their plans for 7000 new

homes along the Llantrisant Road abigger local library will be anecessity.

David Cargill

Radyr Library PetitionUpdate

This came about not through anyofficial body but through aspontaneous surge of feeling byordinary Library users. Despite ashort time span at a difficult time ofthe year, over 1400 signatories attestedto the high local value placed on ourLibrary, the closure of which wouldsave relatively little public money.Thank you to all signatories andapologies to the many who wouldhave liked to sign but whom we didnot have time to access. Particular

thanks to those individuals, especiallybusy mothers of school-age children,who canvassed for signatures and tothe local shops, businesses and societieswho all gave what support they could,some with heartening fervour. TheCommunity now owes a further debt ofgratitude to recently retired Librarian,Caroline Noall, for her unstinting workon behalf of the Petition and herinvaluable knowledge of and researchinto the current situation.Caroline and I were given a deadlineof Thursday, 8th January to present thePetition to the Economy and CultureScrutiny Committee where I waspermitted to speak for three minutes inits support. Later Caroline was giventhe opportunity to outline to theCommittee the importance ofProfessional Librarians. The Membersof the Scrutiny Committee,representing all the main politicalparties, listened with close attention.Unfortunately this Committee onlymakes recommendations to TheCabinet which insulated from contactwith members of the general public,makes the final decisions.Also speaking to the Committee wererepresentatives of the newly-formedFriends of Whitchurch Library and acouple speaking about Lisvane,Llanishen and Rhiwbina Libraries.The blatant discrimination of CardiffCity Council against Libraries in NorthCardiff was made manifest.This fight, and I am afraid many moreon behalf of Cardiff as a City where wehave been proud to bring up ourchildren, is not over. I am not hopefulthat our current effort has achieved agreat deal. However, I would pass onto other reluctant campaigners theencouragement afterwards given to usby the courteous Local GovernmentOfficer who has guided us through theexperience. He thanked us for whatwe had done, told us that first handrepresentation by members of thePublic was more meaningful thananything that could be said by theOfficers and asked us to make furthercontact about any local issues whichwere of concern. Zoë Pearce

FOR SALECOSTA DEL SOL

Delightful 2 bed cortijo nestling in thefoothills of Frigiliana overlooking thecoastal towns of Nerja and Torrox

just 15 mins. away and set in 1.25 acres.First to see will buy.

Only 185,000 euros (+/- £145,000)

Telephone: 07708 797882

CHAIN COOKERYCORNER

Baked Sausages withPears, Honey and

Rosemary

Very tasty and quick. Irecommend low-fat good flavoursausages. Serve with jacketpotatoes and buttered cabbage.

1 Tbs Olive Oil

8 good quality sausages

1 large onion cut into wedges

2 large (just ripe) pears

4 sprigs rosemary

15g (1/2oz) butter

6 tbs honey

2 tbs balsamic vinegar

Heat oven – 190C/375F or Gas 5

Heat oil in frying pan

Prick sausages with fork and brownall over. No need to cook throughMove to ovenproof dish, largeenough to hold these and pears insingle layer

Place onions in pan and cook untilpale golden. Add to sausages

Halve and quarter pears – do notpeel. Remove cores.

Add to dish with rosemary sprigs

Heat butter in small pan. Addhoney and balsamic vinegar. Stirto melt.

Pour over items in dish. Tosseverything around to coat.

Finish with pears cut side up

Bake for 45 minutes

Taste and season if needed (itdepends on spices in sausages).

The pears should be golden andthe sausages cooked through.

A.M.P.

Following the article by Rhodri Morgan “Reunion with Radyr wartimerefugee Bruno Sussemilch” in the last edition of Radyr Chain, do anymembers of the community remember or recognise those in thesephotographs.

Rhodri Morgan would be interested to know and can be contactedthrough the editors.

Radyr Guide Centre celebrated it’s re-opening by saying ‘Thank you’ to friends from the local community who hadsupported their fundraising over several years. All their hard work made it possible to repair the damage that subsidencehad caused to the main hall and also refurbish the Guide Centre. The Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Playworks After SchoolClub, Yoga & Extend class members are now enjoying their weekly meetings in a safe, warm and friendly environment. Radyr Guide Centre is available to hire for parties, meetings etc – for further details please contact our Booking Secretary on029 2084 3537www.radyr.org.uk is…a place for you to air your views on local matters 19

www.morganstown.org.uk is…a one-stopshop for local information12

A DATE FOR YOUR DIARY!

RADYR DRAMASOCIETY

presents

THE SUNSHINE BOYS by NEIL SIMON

This is a fabulously funny comedyby Neil Simon, the world’s mostsuccessful playwright, who has haddozens of plays and almost as manymajor films produced.

The play introduces our audience toa retired, vaudeville duo, known asLewis and Clark, who have not

spoken to each other for more thaneleven years. The stubborn, irascibleWillie Clark has hated and blamedthe wiser Al Lewis for breaking upthe Act all those years ago. WhenCBS, a television company, invite thetwo to reunite for a Special on thehistory of comedy, Willie’s nephew,Ben, has the onerous task of trying toget the cantankerous pair to meet upagain.

We have a great cast lined up,including some new faces and someold favourites. We hope ouraudience will also include some newfaces and some old favourites! Wecontinue to appreciate the supportthat we get from you all.

Performance dates are Thursday,23rd April – Saturday, 25th April. AtMorganstown Village Hall. Checkour website for ticket details or call2084 2585/2084 3176.

News from Radyr &Morganstown WI

It seems a long time since the treelighting ceremony on the 5thDecember but those of you who werethere must have been impressed by thecolour and vibrancy of the event. OurWI stall raised £81., which will bedonated to the WI’s own charityAssociated Country Women of theWorld (ACWW) whose aim is to helpunder privileged women in the thirdworld.

Our last meeting of 2014 took place on8th December and was hosted by theCommittee. This year the surprisespeaker was John Sheen, uncle of theactor Michael Sheen, a retired headteacher, public speaker and amateuractor. This was a repeat visit as Johnhad given an entertaining talk at oursummer group meeting. His talk inDecember was “My Twelve ChristmasCrackers”, a miscellany of Christmaspoetry, prose, jokes and personalmemories. The Committee servedcanapés, sausages and nibbles to helpsoak up the Prosecco and the eveningended with Christmas Carols.

Our speaker on Monday, 11th January,2015 was Jane Masters and her talk“Don’t Put your Daughter on theStage” was just what we needed on awet January night. This vivacious ladyhad a background in musical theatreand was the daughter of a stage struckmother who had begun her career in

the theatre, whilst still in her teens, inthe Ralph Reader Gang Shows whilstserving in the Women’s Air Force inWWII. Jane followed her mother’sfootsteps and now her own daughteris in west end theatre productions.Jane has her own theatre company“Applause” and puts on shows invenues in and around Cardiff,including St. David’s Hall. One of thelocal venues in which her groupperforms is De Courcey’s Manor inPentyrch. Her energy, humour andvitality launched our 2015 programmeand got the year off to a great start.

Our programme this year is very wide-ranging covering history, mental health,folk dancing and GI’s in South Wales inWWII, to name only a few topics.Other extra-mural activities for the nextfew weeks include a meal at The Clinkon 29th January, a theatre trip to see“One Man and Two Governors” on12th February and the St. David’s DayWalk on Monday, 2nd March, followedby lunch at Morganstown Village Hall.On 24th March, the GlamorganFederation is organising a guided CityWalk of Bristol.

2015 is in important year for the WInationally. The first WI meeting in theUK was held in Llanfairpwll, Angleseyon 16th September, 1015. Now, at thestart of its centenary year, theorganisation is the largest women’svoluntary organisation in the UK withover 212,000 members in 6,600 localinstitutes. Special events are being

held at local, federation and nationallevel. On Saturday, 7th March, aservice and banner parade will be heldin Llandaff Cathedral. Our Institutewill be represented by two committeemembers and two institute membersselected by ballot. Space will be at apremium as all Glamorgan Federationwill be represented.

To find out more about theorganisation at all levels, contact us onradyrandmorganstown.wi@gmail.comor ring our President, Pat William on029 2084 3843. Happy New Year! L.H.

LIBRARY KNITTING ANDCROCHETING GROUP’S

COFFEE MORNING IN AID OFTHE ALZHEIMER’S SOCIETY

The Knitting and Crocheting Groupwould like to thank all those whoattended their Christmas CoffeeMorning and who gave so generously.Thanks as always to the Librarianswho supported us in every way. Acheque for £261. has beenappreciatively acknowledged by TheAlzheimer’s Society.

Our next fund-raising coffee morningwill be on Monday, 30th March 10.30-12.00 in aid of the local Motor NeuroneDisease Association. Children will bewelcome and there will be an activitiestable for them. There will be a floraltheme so come and buy something todecorate your Easter Bonnet or Bowlerwith!

BEAVER NEWSCongratulations to 1st Radyr BeaversSection who have received an“Understanding Disability Award2014” in recognition of their work inpromoting a positive understanding ofpeople with disability.

Leo Taylor has Down’s Syndrome andhas been an active member ofWednesday Beavers for a number ofyears. He has achieved a number ofbadges including The Chief ScoutBronze Award which he has proudlyattached to his Beaver jumper.

Leo received the award for the sectionfrom the Lord Mayor of Cardiff at anawards evening last November. Alsopresent were Ruth Goddard, theWednesday Beaver Leader and RhysGoddard who has supported Leo inBeavers.

Leo has now moved on to theThursday Cub section of the Group.JBT

www.radyr.org.uk is…a one-stopshop for local information 13

On 18th-21st February, 2015, at theBishop of Llandaff School, the RadyrParish Music Group will beperforming one of Gilbert andSullivan’s most popular operettas, ThePirates of Penzance. The Music Grouplast performed ‘Pirates’ in 1992 and afew stalwart members from thatproduction will be on stage once again,together with many new faces.Pirates of Penzance combines all of theessential G&S ingredients for a well-rounded thoroughly enjoyableproduction: Swashbuckling Piratesunder their Pirate King played byChris Dale, a Squad of very NervousPolicemen under their Sergeant,played by Ian Ogden, a Major-Generalplayed by Kevin Morgan, with a bevyof beautiful daughters, love interestbetween Apprentice Pirate Frederic,played by Joe Moore and Mabel, oneof the daughters, played by Sarah JaneGriffiths and as usual, a series ofGilbertian coincidences, pus andmisunderstandings!With Director Jane Tabbener andMusical Director Ben Pinnow and aRadyr Orchestra conducted by SimonDavison, songs include ‘ThePoliceman’s Lot’ and Major-GeneralStanley’s infamous Patter Song.Tickets are available from MaggieRoberts on 029 2084 2995 and SueThomas on 029 2031 0894. Orpurchase online atwww.ticketsource.co.uk/rpmgAn evening to remember!Licensed bar open from 6.30pm.It is still not too late to become a‘Friend of Radyr Parish Music Group’.By becoming a ‘Friend’, you canprovide vital financial help to thegroup and in return receive valuablebenefits. Our Friends’ Coordinator,Tessa Davies, tessajdavies@gmail.comwould be happy to send you details.To find more about our friendly group,go to www.music.radyr.org.uk or findus on Facebook underradyrparishmusicgroup or evenTwitter@RPMGweb.Martin CoyshChair – Radyr Parish Music Groupmartincoysh@outlook.com

Wales and SouthAmerica

In October, Radyr resident Sir MartinEvans gave an informative illustratedtalk on a cruise that he undertook tosouthern South America. By coincidencethis was a fitting introduction to the 2015Radyr & Morganstown Festival whichtakes as its theme Wales and SouthAmerica. Think Rio Carnival, the WorldCup, Gauchos, the Tango, Incas, Aztecs,Mexico and all the colour of thatamazing continent.

The reason for choosing South Americaas the theme of the 2015 Festival is that itis the 150th anniversary of theestablishment of a Welsh colony inPatagonia – Y Wladfa in Welsh.

The colony was set up by ProfessorMichael D. Jones a Welsh nonconformistminister from Bala. The reason whyPatagonia was chosen was that theArgentinian Government were happy togive the settlers 100 square miles of landaround the Chubut river in southernPatagonia. On 28th July, 1865, 153 Welshsettlers arrived in a ship called TheMimosa from Liverpool. It cost £12. foran adult and £6. for a child. Welsh menand women continued to join the colonyuntil the early twentieth century, butthereafter colonists tended to come fromother parts of Europe.

To this day as many as 12,000 people insouthern Patagonia speak Welsh as theirfirst language and another 25,000 speakit as their second language, their firstlanguage being, of course, Spanish. There are towns like Treliw and Trevelin

with Welsh names and the point onwhich they made their first landfall iscalled Puerto Madryn after the Welshestate, Porth Madryn.

The Parade on the first Saturday of theFestival should be a colourful affair andalready events with a South Americantheme are being booked.

We hear that classical guitarist RishartArwel is coming to give a lunchtimeconcert of classical guitar music andmusic with a South American flavour.The Welsh Academy of Voice, thatfinishing school for the operatic stars ofthe future, is also whispered to be givinga lunchtime concert.

Two other events which are hotly tippedare Eddie Butler, the journalist and well-known Rugby commentator, who will betalking about his first published novel,The Head of Gonzo Davies, also on arugby theme. The closing concert,proceeds from which go to the FestivalCharity, the NSPCC, will be given by theRadyr-based but internationally knownChoir, The Ardwyn Singers.

Viva Mayo.Rishart Arwel

Stephanie Gibson

Fred Jones

www.radyr.org.uk is…a window on our local history 17

HAPPY NEW YEAR!FROM ANNE AND JEN

AT RADYR LIBRARYWe would like to thank everyone for yourcontinued support of Radyr Library and fortaking the time to complete the consultationdocument over the Christmas period. Theconsultation period has now ended and wewill keep you updated with any news.

We have some lost property items in thelibrary, which include a hat, an umbrella,some soft rabbit toys and a small pursewith money in. If you think any of thembelong to you, please pop in and we canreunite you with your property.

We are pleased to say that our storytimesessions are still going strong, with onaverage twenty children in the morningand fifteen in the afternoon (not forgettingMums, Dads, Nannies, Granddads andChildminders) helping to raise the roofwith nursery rhymes and fun every week.If you’d like to join us, sessions are free andrun Tuesdays (term time only) 19:15 and2:15, we’d love to see you.

We also have an Amster Stori session on aWednesday run by Menter Caerdydd. Thisagain is a free session and starts at 10:30.Come along if you’re a Welsh speaker,Welsh learner or just fancy learning someWelsh rhymes.

Our knitting and crochet group still meetevery Monday in the library 10-12noon.We would like to thank them for all theirhard work and effort knitting somegorgeous stockings and decorations thatwere for sale over the Christmas period.They did a fantastic job hosting a coffeemorning in December which raised over£260. for the Alzheimer’s Society.

The next charity coffee morning will beheld on Monday, 30th March 10:30-12, withan Easter theme. Call in for somerefreshments and give a small donation totheir chosen charity (to be announced).

We would like to congratulate RadyrPrimary School who had the highestpercentage of finishers of the SummerReading Challenge in the whole of Cardiff.As a reward, they have won some Amazonvouchers. We hope that they come inuseful and would also like to thank all thechildren for taking part in the challengethis year. Radyr Library had the secondhighest number of finishers in Cardiff, onlycoming second to Rhiwbina Library by lessthan 20. Hopefully this summer we cancome first! We have been told that RadyrLibrary has ranked sixth in the whole ofWales for Reading Challenge finishers. Notbad for a part-time library!

Don’t forget we still provide greenrecycling and food caddy bags here in thelibrary. We would like to apologise on

behalf of the waste team for the lack ofbags over Christmas and the New Year –this was due to supply problems.Hopefully by the time you read this, weshould have had some delivered (fingerscrossed!) Can we politely ask people toconsider the number of rolls of bags thatthey take as we only get a limited numberof bags per week and are running out quitequickly.

If you had a new tablet or computer forChristmas and don’t know where to start(like Anne!), pop down to the library on aFriday afternoon between 3:30 and 5 forour computer assistance drop-in sessionsrun by communities 2.0. There’s no need tobook, just turn up and John will try andassist you.

Hope to see you in the library in the nearfuture. Anne and Jen

Open to all Residents aged 60+

Treforgan WI

And

Radyr and

Morganstown

Community

Council

Friday March 20th The Old Church Rooms

2.30pm

Come to catch up with friends

and enjoy some delicious cakes

Spring Tea

Tickets £1 Booked via RMCC

Clerk 20842213 or

clerk@radyr.org.uk

Present a

Rachel, who recently ran theCardiff Half Marathon, wanted todo even more for the care centre. “The care that George ThomasHospice gave my dad and thewhole family was first class. Evenlittle things such as a bereavementcard meant so much. If I can takepart, stay fit and give somethingback I’m more than happy.”

The 5K run starts at BlackweirChanging Rooms at 10am onSunday 8th March and goesthrough beautiful Bute Park.Everybody that takes part gets aT-Shirt, goody bag and medal

It is £10 to enter and people canregister by phoning GeorgeThomas Hospice Care on 029 20524150 or visiting www.gthc.org.uk.Once registered, the charity willsend out sponsorship forms.

George Thomas Hospice care is themajor provider of specialistpalliative care to those sufferingfrom cancer and other life-threatening illnesses in Cardiff.The hospice also provides care tothose in the Vale of Glamorganwith its consultant-led multi-disciplinary team.

The hospice is presently caring forseveral hundred patients and theirfamilies and takes on over 12 newpatients every week. Since itsestablishment in 1984 GeorgeThomas Hospice Care hassupported over 22,000 patients.

To fund its core services, thehospice has to raise over £1.3million each year.

George Thomas Hospice CareTy George Thomas

Whitchurch Hospital GroundsPark Road, Whitchurch, Cardiff

Telephone: 029 20524150Email: info@gthc.org.uk

Rachel Jones

Rachel Runs Again forHospice

On Sunday 8th March, hundredsof runners will again be supportingGeorge Thomas Hospice care’scharity 5K Fun Run, this yearsponsored by Watkins and GunnSolicitors.One of the joggers taking part willbe Rachel Jones, whose father wascared for by the hospice.

GREENHOUSESize 6’ x 4’ needs a new home,

missing a few panes of glass butotherwise in good condition. To becollected from current location in

Radyr.

Offers please.Please contact Linda on

02920 843562

www.radyr.org.uk is…a photo-archive for our local community 15

“BOOK EARLY TO AVOIDDISAPPOINTMENT”

Treforgan WI has been to clink. Noclanging doors, no uniforms witharrows on but tasteful décor andsmartly dressed young men. ‘Clink’ for us meant a restaurant justoutside Cardiff prison walls. Wewent for lunch – a sophisticatedmeal prepared and served in aprofessional manner by youngoffenders. They are workingtowards gaining NVQ qualifications– training with a forty hour weekand hands-on experience just likethe real world, to enable them to beabsorbed into the community andavoid re-offending. Mentoringcontinues after the offenders releasewith help to deal with theireveryday concerns. For example,using a bank account is somethingmost of us take for granted but theseyoung people often find difficult.Clink charity is there to help.We saw only ‘front of house’personnel but behind the scenes,training continues to grow, maintainand produce as much of the food weate as possible – even meat andhoney. The young men learn howto print the menus, make thefurniture we used, look afteruniforms, in fact anything connectedto this enterprise is covered. Therange of skills is amazing andalthough taught in theenvironments of the restaurant, arerelevant to all sorts of jobs in theoutside world.There are souvenirs to be bough –pens, mugs etc., perhaps a ‘Clink’apron to wear while on WI tea duty.So we were able to support thischaritable project in the easiest mostenjoyable way. We ate a deliciousmeal prepared from sustainable,organically produced Welsh food incomfortable surroundings[vegetarians and coeliacs are cateredfor]. More fun than marathons inthe rain – no matter how laudablethey are!As well as Cardiff, there are Clinkrestaurants in Brixton andHighdown. Another is due to openin HMP Styal in Spring 2015.Have a look for yourselves attheclinkrestaurant.-com Information about Treforgan WIfrom sallybateman@doctors.org.uk

Barbara Sylvester

Cardiff West Rotary ClubYoung Musicians of the Year 2015Cardiff West sponsored Ben Lewis, whoattends Radyr Comprehensive, in thisyear’s Area Final held at WhitchurchHigh School.

Christmas Parade on the Saturdayevening. One of the many highlights wasa train ride through the undergroundmaristone caverns. We walked past amile-long queue waiting to go into theChristmas Market in the caves to board asmall train to take a guided drivethrough the caves, which date back toRoman times. We saw the wall paintingsfrom the different periods of the cave’shistory. It had served as a source of stonefor the castle, a hospital in both worldwars and had been enlarged to provide ashelter in the Cold War period.

We arrived home safely, already lookingforward to our next trip. If you wouldlike to know more about your localRotary Club, please contact our secretary,Phil Head on 029 2089 0675.

A Big Thank You to all the residents ofRadyr whose kind donations to ourChristmas collection raised over 500 kilosof groceries for the Food Bank.

We would like to thank the staff of RadyrLibrary who continue to help us byhaving a drop off point in the Library.

We were really pleased to receive anotheroffer of help from Angela Stone who wasinspired by our collection to organise acollection in her workplace.

Thanks also to everyone who gave ustoiletries, which were taken to Women’sAid.If you would like to learn more aboutRotary in Radyr, please contact ourSecretary, Phil Head (029 2089 0675).

Ben played J.S. Bach’s Cello SonataThird Movement and Cello SuitePrelude and Allemande. There wereten competitors in the Instrumentalcompetition and five in the Vocalcompetition. President Geoff Pollardand Liz Davies joined Ben tocongratulate him on his fineperformance. The audience was treatedto a wonderful evening ofperformances, which would havegraced any professional stage.

The task of choosing the competitors togo through to the District Final fell toChristiana Mavron and Frank Kelleher inthe Instrumental competition and KateWoolveridge and Gail Pearson in theVocalist competition.If you would like to know more aboutyour local Rotary Club, please contactour secretary, Phil Head [029 2089 0675]

Local Rotarians go International!Eric Blackwell and Liz Davies of theRotary Club of Cardiff West joinedmembers of Cardiff East and PortTalbot on a trip to Valkenburg andMonschau. The party arrived in time tojoin in the celebrations for St. Nicholas.There were plenty of fellowship helpedalong by the gluwein, the holidayatmosphere in the towns and theChristmas markets. Monschau is asmall German town whose historydates back to the twelfth century.

Our base for the trip was the Dutch townof Valkenburg. Here we saw the

www.radyr.org.uk is…a one-stopshop for local information 21

Two big issues have dominated R&MCCin the last couple of months: the LDP andthe future of Radyr Library.

You will no doubt know that CardiffCouncil is proposing to close RadyrLibrary, along with others, as part of theirbudget cuts. We have met with seniorCardiff officers and members of theCabinet and argued against this becauseof all the benefits to community well-being that the library brings. In the nextfew weeks we will know Cardiff’sdecision. In the meantime, R&MCC haslooked into the possibility of acommunity-run library funded by thecommunity through R&MCC, with someservices still provided by Cardiff, a coupleof staff members and many volunteers.This is a back-up plan if Cardiff goesahead with closure either now or in thefuture. Our initial investigation suggeststhat this will cost the community some£30,000 a year. Before R&MCC makesany formal commitment to such a plan wewill consult with the community. We have

Radyr & Morganstown Community CouncilCyngor Cymuned Radur a Threforgan

allocated £10,000 in our budget for 2015-16 in case the library does close, you doagree to run it as a community facility andwe need to prepare for the transfer of theservice and assets to us. We will keepyou informed.

Before the LDP becomes a statutorydocument it has to be examined by aPlanning Inspector who may makebinding changes to it. The Hearing forthis started on January 13 with sessionsrunning until the end of February. We areattending all the sessions that relate toour concerns for NW Cardiff and R&M inparticular, eg infrastructure, transport,housing and developments, green belt.The sessions are attended byrepresentatives of Cardiff Council,sometimes Welsh Government,landowners and developers, bodies likeDwr Cymru and RCT County BoroughCouncil, Cardiff Civic Society, concernedresidents speaking for themselves,community councils and residents’associations. Most of the people in

agreement with us are there asvolunteers and the city owes them thanksfor giving so much free time to argue forthe public interest. Without them, thedevelopers would have little opposition.Our arguments were strongly supportedby our AM, Mark Drakeford at the sessionon Site C – the land mostly south ofLlantrisant Road which is planned tohave 5,970 homes and other communityfacilities. The Examination is our lastchance to have the LDP amended toreflect what we feel are the realisticeffects on Cardiff of development in NWCardiff. We continue to argue for theMetro to precede development. We maynot get that but we may be able to slowdevelopment and tie it more tightly toneeded infrastructure.

Helena Fox - Clerk to R&MCCThe Old Church Rooms,

Park Road, Radyr, Cardiff CF15 8DFTel. 029 2084 2213

Email : clerk@radyr.org.uk

FILM CLUBThose selecting the films seem tobe showing a particular skill atchoosing winning films. TheJanuary choice Boyhood won threeawards at the Golden Globes inHollywood, including best filmand is also nominated for theOscars. The September choice,Grand Budapest Hotel, won theaward for the best comedy in thesame competition.

I wonder how well the Februaryand March choices will do? TheFebruary choice is What we did onour Holiday a heart-warming,uplifting comedy for all the family,from the creators of the BBCcomedy series Outnumbered. Whatwe did on our Holidays can be seenin the Old Church Rooms at7.30pm on Thursday, 26thFebruary.

Doug (David Tenant) and Abi(Rosamund Pike) and their threechildren travel to the ScottishHighlands for Doug’s fatherGordie’s (Billy Connolly) birthdayparty. It’s soon clear that when it

comes to keeping a secret underwraps from the rest of the family,their children are their biggestliability …

The March choice, to be seen at7.30pm on Thursday, 26th March isMr. Turner. The film explores thelast5 quarter century of the great ifeccentric British painter, J.M.W.Turner (1775-1851). Profoundlyaffected by the death of his father,loved by a housekeeper he takesfor granted and occasionallyexploits sexually, he forms a closerelationship with a seasidelandlady with whom he eventuallylives incognito in Chelsea, wherehe dies. Throughout this, hetravels, paints, stays with thecountry aristocracy, is a popular ifanarchic member of the RoyalAcademy of Arts, has himselfstrapped to the mast of a ship sothat he can paint a snowstorm andis both celebrated and reviled bythe public and by royalty.

Timothy Spall who plays Turners,will no doubt collect an awardsomewhere along the line for thismonumental performance. The

film is directed by one of thegreatest British film directors, MikeLeigh.

Tickets are still £4.00 and can bereserved from Ener Chi, StationRoad, Radyr, Allan Cook 2084 3176or Nick Hawkins 2084 2561 and online at www.rma.ticketsource.co.uk

www.radyr.org.uk is…a record of the work of our Community Council 23

CRICKET FESTIVALWEEK

Programme of Events – 25th July – 2nd August, 2015

Saturday, 25 July - League Fixtures1.00pm, Vice Presidents Lunch 12.30 for1.00pm Beer & Cider Festival 3.00pm[first pint drunk by Radyr CC Patron]Live Music in the Marquee – “TheCoalition” 8.30-11.00pm

Sunday, 26 July - Sunday League Fixture– 2.00pm

Monday, 27 July - Welsh Club CricketConference Select XI – 2.00pm Sponsoredby Glamorgan Telecom

Tuesday, 28 July - MCC – 11.30am [Theworld’s most famous cricket club willplay Radyr CC for the first time]

Sponsored by CGI

Wednesday, 29 July - Jamie & NickyRobinson Celebrity XI 20/20 game –5.30pm [the two former Wales RugbyInternationals and Radyr members willbe leading a Celebrity XI]

Thursday, 30 July - Radyr CC Under 18’s–v- Radyr CC Over 45’s

Friday, 31 July - The Royal HouseholdCricket Club – 1.00pm [the cricket clubwho play in the grounds of Windsor Castleand whose Patron is Her Majesty theQueen and President is the Duke ofEdinburgh play at Radyr for the first time]

Saturday, 1 August - League Fixtures –1.00pm Live Music in the Marquee “TheCrisis” 8.30-11.00pm

Sunday, 2 August - Sunday LeagueFixture – 2.00pm

RADYR CRICKET CLUB 125THANNIVERSARY IN 2015

In 2015 Radyr Cricket Club is 125

years old and to celebrate thismilestone a series of events have beenarranged throughout the year with thehighlight being a Cricket Weekbetween 25th July and 2nd August.

Games have been arranged against theMCC; the world’s most famous cricketclub, the Royal Household, whosePatron is Her Majesty the Queen and aCelebrity Invitation XI led by theformer Wales internationals, Nicky andJamie Robinson. A marquee will beerected and as well as a Beer Festivalon the first weekend, there will be livemusic on both Saturday evenings. OnThursday, 30th July, a whole day willbe dedicated to our junior membersand their parents – a day for the wholefamily. Visitors will be most welcomethroughout the week as while this is aclub event, it is also an event for thewhole of Radyr and Morganstown.

News from the Autumn term atRadyr Primary School

Staff ChangesAt the close of the Summer Term we saidgoodbye to Mrs. Frances Hollington whoretired at the end of term. Mrs. Hollingtonhas worked at the school for fifteen yearsand leaves us with many happy memories.The governors, staff, pupils and parentswould like to convey their thanks for herhard work and commitment to the schooland also their best wishes for a long andhappy retirement.

There was also a change at the top duringour first governor meeting of the year asCllr. Rod McKerlich stepped down as chairafter nine years as chair of governors. Wewere delighted that Cllr. McKerlich isstaying with us as school governor and arealso delighted that parent governor JaneGriffiths was elected as new chair ofgovernors. Mr. Nathan Jackson (also aparent governor) was voted in as vicechair. We were sad to lose Mrs. RosemaryHardy who’s term of office as communitygovernor finished this term and we gave awarm welcome to former Headteacher Mr.John Wilson who has been appointed asnew community governor.

Finally, after 29 years of service to theschool, Mrs. Jeanette PryceMorris took thevery difficult decision to step down fromher teaching post at the end of the AutumnTerm. We are delighted that Mrs.PryceMorris is able to work with us on apart time basis for the remainder of theacademic year, providing support for theleadership term and teaching staff withregards our assessment practices.

EventsRoad Safety Officers from Cardiff Councilprovided tuition to our Year 6 pupils in the

art of ‘Safe Cycling’ and Mrs. Wernockfrom Cardiff Road Safety, along withparent volunteers Mrs. Ashby, Mrs.Christian, Mrs. Edwards, Mrs. Wales andMrs. Treharne helped our Year 2 pupilsdevelop their Kerbcraft skills.

Just before her retirement, Caroline fromthe library visited school to present afabulous number of medals and certificatesto those pupils (and Mrs. PryceMorris)who successfully completed the CardiffLibraries’ Summer Reading Challenge. Inaddition, we were delighted to learn thatWilliam in Year 2 was selected out of theCardiff draw of Challenge Completers towin £50. worth of Amazon vouchers.William had a clear idea as to how tospend the vouchers. He had seen a gap inour stock of Horrid Henry books anddecided to donate the vouchers to school inreturn for (in his words) ‘all the help theyhave given me with my reading’. And ifthat wasn’t enough, we learned this weekthat Radyr Primary School had the largestnumber of pupils complete the challengefrom one school and therefore we havebeen awarded a further £100. of vouchersto spend on books. Reading books truly isamazing!

Our Eco-Council have been workingtirelessly in preparation for Green Flagassessment and following a visit fromassessor Julie Giles, we were awarded ourfirst Eco Schools Green Flag in October.The Eco Council developed an action plantwo years ago to address issues such asenergy waste, food waste, the amount ofpaper we use and using areas of the schoolto grow our own produce. Ongoinganalyses carried out by the Eco Councilhave proved that the school have becomean eco-friendly school. The children werefabulous during the assessment and wereable to provide detailed answers for all ofJulie’s questions. Many thanks also to

pupils and staff who have worked with thecouncil to reduce our waste and specialthanks to Mrs. Bale who has co-ordinatedthe work of the council.

In January, we were delighted to raise theflag for the first time thanks to a fabulousdonation of a brand new flag pole by staffat Waterstone Homes who are currentlyinvolved in the MorganstownDevelopment. School governors JohnWilson, Gail Davies-Walsh and DavidCurrie joined our Eco Council and Mr.Thomas to witness the event (eagle eyedreaders will note the flag in an upsidedown position on the photograph; we didrectify this shortly afterwards).

Finally, in December, our choir travelled tothe Motorpoint Arena to take part in ‘1000Voices’ which combined children fromschools across South Wales along withperformances by Nu Skool and Bars andMelody.

Another very busy term awaits.