Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Issue 7

FR EE

At the heart of the community

Issue 7 March/April ‘10

WHAT’S INSIDE

Exclusive interview with rugby legend John Dawes History: Castle Coch - The Fairytale Castle

Competition: Win tickets to see Laughter in the Rain Pets’ Page

The Kitchen Garden Local Schools Debate

Kids’ Activities Memories of Whitchurch

Spring Recipes

With winter melting away comes the dawn of a new spring and the promise of longer, brighter days. With holidays approaching, there is a buzz in the community.

Enjoy your Spring Issue of Whitchurch and Llandaff Living

Welcome 3, 4 News 5

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8 10 11 15 16 19 22 27 29 31

Letters Letters to the Editors Competitions Win tickets to see a WMC show or a Cardiff Blues game

Welcome Croeso

Welcome to your new-look spring issue of Whitchurch and Llandaff Living.

Exclusive Interview Over the cold winter months, we have locked ourselves away and Wales and Lions worked hard at redesigning the magazine and website. We hope legend John Dawes that you like the new look!

This issue we were honoured to speak to Wales and British and Kids’ Page Irish Lions legend, John Dawes. With the Six Nations competition with Cyril the Squirrel now in full flow, his story to the top is inspirational.

Our history page this time features the well-known local landmark Schools Castle Coch. This historic monument serves to remind us not only More reaction to the of medieval history, but of the grandeur of Victorian design. latest proposals We start a new feature this issue with our Pets Page, kindly sponsored by the Pet Health Centre, Rhiwbina. We’ll meet some Pets’ Page local pets and Chris, the local vet will also be answering your questions.

History Fran Mullins steps out into her spring Kitchen Garden and advises The story of Castle us on growing our own crops. With produce prices steadily rising, Coch becoming self-sufficient is not only economical, but fun.

Whitchurch is fondly remembered by local resident Ann Sullivan Where Is It? on page 27. Her anecdotes may bring back a few memories or two Spot the landmark for older readers, and perhaps raise a smile to the younger generation.

Kitchen Garden Cyril the Squirrel gives a few tips to keep the youngsters busy in With Fran Mullins their spare time and we also have our regular recipe page for those who like to experiment!

Memories of You’ll find all the latest news here too, and with spring about to Whitchurch burst into full bloom, it’s an exciting time to be in Whitchurch, Llandaff and Llandaff North.

Spring Recipes Crossword

Enjoy this issue!

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living & Rhiwbina Living Editors/Advertising: Patric Morgan & Danielle Dummett Address: 222 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AG Tel: 07772 081775 and 07974 022920 Email: editor@whitchurchandllandaffliving.co.uk Web: www.whitchurchandllandaffliving.co.uk

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 2

Patric and Danielle

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility for errors or omissions, or for any matter in any way arising from the publication of this material. Every effort has been made to contact any copyright holders. Whitchurch and Llandaff Living is an independent, apolitical publication.

Advertising booking and copy deadline for Issue 8 19th April 2010. Issue 8 publication date - mid May 2010.

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living is published 5 times a year.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH with Bill Farnham

Cardiff West Neighbourhood Watch Association (which includes Whitchurch, Llandaff and Llandaff North) were unsuccessful with their recent application to the Home Office in 2009 for a grant to update and replace their Neighbourhood Watch Street Signs (see Issue 5).

They are hoping that monies will be made available by the Home Office this year for them to reapply. The latest Neighbourhood Watch Groups to launch successfully in Whitchurch are Old Church Road and Foreland Road, with talks still going on with residents of Heol Gabriel and Park Avenue, Whitchurch.

Anyone interested in setting up a Neighbourhood Watch should call 02920 527301.

The dates for PACT meetings during 2010 for the Whitchurch and Tongwynlais area, held at the Cardiff International Hotel, Tongwynlais are: 30th March, 11th May, 22nd June, 3rd August, 14th September, 26th October and 7th December.

The next date for Llandaff and Danescourt is 17th March and for Llandaff North is 4th March.

All meetings start at 4pm.

Please check at your local libraries and shops for locations of these meetings.

If you have any matters you would like to discuss further with the police in Whitchurch, don’t forget “Cuppa With a Copper” every Thursday at Whitchurch Police Station between 12 noon and 2pm.

News

HISTORIC PUMP TO GET A FACELIFT Melingriffith Water Pump is to be brought back to life after funding was secured to complete a restoration project.

Cardiff Council and CADW have agreed to jointly fund the restoration, which will cost £100,000 and which will see the pump and waterwheel restored to its former glory.

The 200 year old pump is the most recognisable part of the former Glamorganshire Canal and Melingriffith Tinplate Works. The canal, which closed in 1942, is one of the most important engineering structures in the area.

The pump was last restored between 1974 and 1989, but aided by the Friends of Melingriffith Water Pump, dismantling of the structure will start this spring.

Much of the work is to take place in workshops during the rest of winter and spring, including refurbishment of the timber and treatment of the metalwork.

The refurbished pump will then be reassembled in its current location. It is hoped the work will be completed this summer.

A qualified bat ecologist will also check that the pipistrelle bats that made the pump a summer residence have moved on over the winter.

Councillor Nigel Howells, executive member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, said: “This pump is not only a landmark for the area but an important reminder of this region’s industrial past.”

Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, said: “Our industrial legacy is a key component of the rich and diverse heritage of Wales and it is vitally important that it should be protected, preserved and promoted for the benefit of present and future generations.”

Stephanie Wilkins, chairperson of Friends of Melingriffith Water Pump, said: “As a local volunteer group, we are excited that this restoration project is underway.

“Working together with Cardiff Council and CADW will enhance awareness of this important historical site in the heart of North Cardiff.

“The structure and site is of importance to local people and those with special engineering and historical interests. As a group we will be working hard to make this project an ongoing success and urge people to get involved in safeguarding this unique structure for future generations.”

The pump is a scheduled Ancient Monument and is the only such one left in the world

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 3

News

LOCAL SCHOOLBOY WINS INVITATION TO BROADWAY

A local schoolboy has recently sung at a show on Broadway.

Chorister Geraint Llyr Owen headed to America for the performance of his life after being spotted singing on YouTube.

13 year-old Geraint’s performance was picked up on the popular website by show producers, and he subsequently received an invitation to perform as a soloist for Karl Jenkins at the prestigious Lincoln Centre on Broadway in New York just before Christmas.

Geraint’s solo performance of Pie Jesu at the Millennium Centre had been posted on the internet after he sang there in November last year. His performance was spotted by Distinguished Concerts International New York.

The Llandaff schoolboy was then asked to perform the same piece at the special Martin Luther King Jr Day Concert on January 18 held in New York.

“It was like an early Christmas present.” said Geraint. “I have always wanted to see Broadway, but to perform on Broadway is a dream come true.”

Geraint’s father Hefin said: “We were absolutely thrilled.”

WELSH WOMEN WALKING HIT THE HEIGHTS

15 women from Cardiff have raised nearly £100,000 for Breast Cancer Care and Ty Hafan after partaking in a sponsored climb of Kilimanjaro.

The women were part of the Welsh Women Walking project, which funded itself to

take part in the expedition.

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, rising to over 15,000ft.

Two Year 8 pupils from Whitchurch High School were recently selected to present a cheque to Geoff Lane, Director of the charity Rwanda Restored on behalf of Year 8.

The charity was created to ensure that children orphaned by genocide or AIDS, are provided with an education by building or improving schools.

They are currently in the process of completing their first boarding school. £600 of the money raised was from a Craft Fair held on Thursday 19th December by 8C and 8G. Various crafts

made by the Rwandan widows and orphans were sold. Parents, teachers and children attended the Fair in the library with the librarian, Miss Edwards and many pupils staying well after 6pm.

The following day, the remainder of Year 8s began their money-making activities, including events such as car washing, selling cakes, beauty makeovers, sponsored silence and one pupil, Toby, even had his leg waxed! The grand total of £1,220.11 was awarded to Mr Lane when all the monies had eventually been counted.

WHS PUPILS PRESENT CHEQUE FOR CHARITY

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Pupils proudly present their cheque

Letters to the Editors

Dear Editors, Just a few lines to say what a great piece of writing in the Winter magazine!

The article written by Steve Strange on the Glamorgan Canal was very informative and offered an excellent insight into this great achievement of construction.

Over this last year, I have tried to start a project outlining exactly the course of the canal. I still have a few missing pieces. If any of your readers can help, please feel free to contact me via email a.jones456@btinternet.com Thank you.

Alan Jones Heath

Dear Editors Having been a resident of the area for over 20 years, I have understood that our area has never been blessed with the luxury of car parking.

However, over recent years, I have noticed that what little car parking we do have is being snatched away from us by greedy students who now habitate the area.

I have seen cars parked on pavements, obstructing pathways and it’s easy to see the potential for an accident our children in particular are at risk.

I understand that efforts are being made to liaise with UWIC on this matter, but something needs to be done before we have a fatality on our hands.

Concerned Llandaff North

Letters

Keep your letters coming!

Address on the inside front cover

Dear Editors, I feel that it is time to highlight the poor provision of conveniences for shoppers in Whitchurch, who have only the one 'Mechanical' Toilet at the North Car Park. The design of these toilets is notorious for not working when you need them and is at a cost of 20 pence each time.

I am also forwarding this letter to Cardiff Council, to introduce this issue and to ask if they are aware that trade in Whitchurch (and other places around Cardiff) could be much improved if toilet facilities were

more abundant.

Personally, I'd love to spend more time in Whitchurch but can never spend more than 30 minutes each time so I tend to avoid the place. If I see a queue outside the Post Office, I immediately get a bus into town, knowing there are toilet facilities adjacent.

There will, of course, be the evergreen argument about vandalism but I feel sure some solution could be found if only the powers that be actually believed it should be done.

David Manning Llandaff North

Dear Editors I was recently handed a copy of Whitchurch and Llandaff Living from a friend. It was delightful to actually read articles of relevant local interest. I am interested to know if there were any plans to deliver the magazine.

Mrs A Jones Whitchurch

Editors’ response: Whitchurch and Llandaff Living is free from outlets across the area, including Asda Coryton, Tesco Park Road and Tesco Manor Way, the Spar in Llandaff and the Post Office in Whitchurch.

We also distribute the magazines to shops, cafes, surgeries and public places.

Whitchurch and Llanda Living Page 5

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Are you looking to promote your services to the local population?

Do you want to know exactly how

many copies of your advert are produced and how they are reaching potential customers?

Do you expect a friendly, reliable service?

Would you appreciate free design assistance?

Whitchurch and Llanda Living is produced bi-monthly and is available free of charge across Whitchurch, Llanda and Llanda North.

With 6,000 copies being produced per issue, and the magazine available online, we’ve got the local area (and beyond!) covered!

PRICES START AT JUST ÂŁ55

See also Rhiwbina Living at www.rhiwbinaliving.co.uk

Competitions

The story of one of pop music’s greatest singer songwriters has finally been brought to the stage. Follow the remarkable life of this Brooklyn taxi driver’s son through his years as a teenage idol in the innocent 1950s, the harder times of the 1960s and his return to the top of the charts in 1974 with Laughter in the Rain.

Oh Carol, Breakin’ Up is Hard to Do, Solitaire, Happy Birthday Sweet Sixteen,

Calendar Girl, Little Devil, Stairway to Heaven and Amarillo are songs that bring great memories flooding back for everyone who remembers the originals. And what a wonderful introduction to these iconic hits for those who weren’t lucky enough to have been there the first time around!

You’ll be fascinated by this inspirational true story of triumph against the odds, played out here in Cardiff.

Win Tickets!

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living is delighted to be able to offer a pair of tickets to see this fantastic show at the Wales Millennium Centre when it opens its doors on the 24th May. The show’s producers have had many smash hit Rock 'n' Roll musicals, including Dreamboats and Petticoats, The Roy Orbison Story & Elvis The Musical. You and a partner could be there by answering this simple question: What occupation did Neil Sedaka’s father have?

Answers on a postcard, or by email to editor@whitchurchand llandaffliving.co.uk by April 15th at the latest.

Please remember to include your name, address and telephone number.

Cardiff Blues fans have a chance to win a pair of match tickets for another big match at the Cardiff City Stadium thanks to Whitchurch and Llandaff Living, when the Cardiff Blues take on Ulster on Friday 26th March. Simply spot where the ball should be.

The picture (left) has been divided into a grid and the ball removed from the action, but which square has it been taken out of?

Email your answers to competition@cardiffblues.com with your name, date of birth and contact telephone number or send your entries by post to Blues v Ulster Competition, Cardiff City Stadium, Leckwith Road, Cardiff, CF11 8AZ by Monday 22nd March.

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 7

Exclusive Interview

DAWES John Dawes, former Wales and Lions player and coach, is taking centre stage as usual.

Flanked on either side by Barry John and Mervyn Davies, John is talking tactics.

Except this is not a colourful, riotous scene at the Arms Park on international day. Nor is this being played out on some hostile New Zealand pitch far away from home. Instead, this team talk is taking place amid the gentle banter of the Butcher’s Arms in Llandaff.

The three rugby legends are sat enjoying a pint on an icy January afternoon. The talk has turned to Wales’s chances in the Six Nations this year.

Mervyn Davies eventually gets to his feet and towers over us.

“I’m popping outside gents” he announces, pulling on his sheepskin coat and stepping

outside. Barry John flicks through a past copy of Whitchurch and Llandaff Living that is lying on the table in front of him, and he asks after his old pal and team-mate, Howard Norris.

John eventually takes us to a quiet table so he can unfurl his prestigious career in his own words.

“Soccer was always my first sport as a child. In fact, it wasn’t until I went got to Pengam Boys School that I was first introduced to rugby. I started off as a hooker and it wasn’t until I left school and started playing for Newbridge that I actually played at centre.”

Born in Chapel of Ease in Abercarn, John Dawes will always best remembered for his exquisite onfield skills as

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 8

well as being a master tactician of the game.

“I went to university at Loughborough and eventually moved to London where I became a chemistry teacher.

London Welsh in those days was a flourishing side, with many of the greats playing for us - Mervyn, Gerald, JPR and the like. There were no official leagues as such back then, but London Welsh was considered at the top echelon of rugby sides. The crowds that were packed to the rafters were testament to the type of exciting rugby we played.

My first cap for Wales came in 1964; we were in Dublin and there were no replacements allowed back then. DK Jones, the former Llanelli and Cardiff player dropped out and I was brought in. I was fortunate

enough to score on my debut.

The commentator said that I was ‘revelling in an outstanding game’ but I’m not sure which game he was watching as I only touched the ball twice throughout the whole match!”

Dawes went on to captain Wales to a Grand Slam in 1971.

“Winning a Grand Slam in the Five Nations was such an achievement. It was practically unheard of, but we had such a great team full of fantastic players.”

1971 was also the year that Dawes was appointed captain of the British and Irish Lions Tour of New Zealand. The tour was a success, and to this day, is still the only Lions team to have beaten the All Blacks on a tour. Dawes’ skills as a playmaker proved a pivotal role in their success.

“The tours of 1971 and the subsequent one of New Zealand for which I was coach in 1977, could not have been

Pictures courtesy of Western Mail

any more different from each other. As a player under coach Carwyn James, we enjoyed glorious sunshine. We never got wet. In 1977, we never stayed dry. The weather was awful. The two New Zealand teams were also grossly different to each other. For that reason, we had to adapt our skills and strengths. As it were, we went down 3-1 in the series in ‘77 but we did run them very close!”

Dawes had retired from international rugby in 1971, but did lead the 1973 Barbarians to their famous win over the touring All Blacks. Dawes played a starring role in ‘that try’, widely regarded as the best-ever try to have ever been scored on a rugby field.

Dawes went on to become the Welsh national coach from 1974 to 1979. The team has gone down in rugby folklore for its collection of Five Nations silverware.

“I went on to become the WRU coach organiser

Exclusive Interview

throughout the nineties. Rugby has been my entire life. It’s been good to me and I hope that I have been good to it.”

John Dawes will go down in history as one of the all time rugby greats. He will also go down as one of rugby’s true gentlemen - and a modest one too.

“I had a lot of help from the great players around me. The legends that came out of that era are still remembered and spoken about fondly today. But I also learnt a lot from the players I played against. I got to play against the best players and teams in the world. You’d be foolish not to learn from another team.”

Dawes scores on the Lions Tour of New Zealand

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Kids

Cyril the Squirrel’s Page Spring - Fun things to do Catch a Spider’s Web Equipment: Black card Spray adhesive White spray paint (optional) Scissors Instructions: 1. Locate a clean spider's web (preferably one in which the spider has left).

2. Spray the black paper with spray adhesive.

3. Spray the spider's web from each angle with white spray paint, being careful not to get any spray on nearby leaves, fence, etc. This may require the use of some newspaper as a dropcloth.

4. With the black paper behind the web, slowly bring the paper towards you until it touches the web. Then with the web on the paper, carefully cut the guy lines holding the web in place.

5. Document with chalk or pencil on the back of the paper the date and where the web was found.

Make a Nature Table

Get Out and About

A nature table is a great way to help you mark the seasons of the year. Every season gives us new gifts, so your display will be constantly changing.

Anywhere in your house will do. It might be a small table on your front porch or a shelf in your living room. If you find that space is a bit tight, you could even make a nature box that you could take with you to places. Any place where seasonal bits of nature are collected, handled and observed over and over again is perfect!

In the spring, your table could include things like a small vase of flowers, seashells branches fallen from trees, stones, seed pods, feathers or even some blossom.

As you go through the year, your display could reflect the changes that you notice outdoors.

Get on your bikes, roller blades, or skateboards and get moving. Find a safe, smooth area away from traffic, such as a bicycle path and mount your wheels. You can all do the same thing or try a variety of activities. Enjoy the feeling of freedom, energetic movement, and open spaces as you sprint along together in the open air and crisp breeze.

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 10

Volunteer More and more people are giving up their spare time to help volunteer. This could be for a variety of different projects - a canal might need clearing out or maybe you can find a sports class that are looking for mentors to help train people. Ask around you’ll be surprised at what things you can find when you start looking!

Schools

THE GREAT SCHOOLS DEBATE In our last issue, we published various viewpoints from the community concerning the planned reorganisation of our local schools.

In response, Fenella Bowden, Chair of Cardiff North Liberal Democrats, gives the Council’s viewpoint on the topic.

I would like to respond to the comments made in your last edition on the Whitchurch schools issue. After all, a debate requires more than one perspective to be valid.

I have always believed that local children should have the right to attend a local school within their catchment area, and under the Council’s School Organisational Plan that is precisely what would happen.

Parents also had a right to be fully consulted on these proposals for Whitchurch; and those of Whitchurch High School to seek Foundation School status. Sadly, in the case of the latter many parents of primary school age children within the catchment area were excluded from the consultation, as indeed were the local councillors for Heath & Birchgrove, and Llandaff North, who represent the many families whose children either attend Whitchurch High School, or would be attending at some point in the future.

In its quest for foundation status, Governors of Whitchurch High School have persistently failed to answer two key questions: their selection policy; and how they would replace the £9m of

Council investment in the school. This is a sum that is guaranteed to make a huge difference to the school’s buildings and facilities, so providing children with the opportunity to study in an environment fit for the 21st century. Openness and transparency? I don’t think so.

The Governors have been prepared to threaten the sustainability of other schools, both locally and across the city, together with the expansion of Welsh Medium education to meet the local demand. If approval is given by the Welsh Assembly for foundation status, parents may find themselves with a school that follows the pattern of schools around the UK which begin as non-selective foundation schools and then subsequently become selective. It can be a covert process, selecting in certain groups of pupils, and denying others. And what then for local children who fail to achieve entry?

There is understandable concern about the loss of small pieces of land at both of the High School sites, but this needs to be seen in context.

Of the 37 acres within the combined sites, the Council is looking for 3.25 acres; an area

smaller than the land leased by the School to the Powerleague.

Falling numbers of children in our area means changes in the landscape of education provision. We have to tackle the waste of £3m spent every year on surplus places in schools across the city rather than investing in front line education. And it is astonishing to find that councillors who were part of the unanimous approval of the School Organisational Plan in September 2006 have now changed their minds. As I have said before, one could be forgiven for thinking that this issue has less to do with children, and more to do with which of the two largest political parties are going to win the most votes in Whitchurch at the next general election.

Cllr Fenella Bowden

Please contact us if you would like to have your say on the future of our local schools.

We will aim to publish a varied selection of views.

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Pets

Local Pets sponsored by the Heath Veterinary Group Welcome to our new feature on the pets of Whitchurch, Llandaff and Llandaff North - kindly sponsored by Rhiwbina Pet Health Centre. Each issue, you will have an opportunity to quiz our local vet with all your animal questions.

Meet your local vet - Chris Troughton Chris Troughton qualified from the Royal Veterinary College, London, in 1983. In spite of being born and brought up on a dairy farm, he immediately joined a small-animal veterinary practice in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire and has worked entirely with domestic pets ever since.

In 1987, he moved to Cardiff and jointly purchased the long-established veterinary practice then known as Jessop Veterinary Group based in Whitchurch Road. This transformed into the Heath Veterinary Group, and branch surgeries were opened in Cyncoed and Rhiwbina. In 2008, the practice relocated its headquarters to the newly refurbished practice in Rhiwbina.

Chris has two sons and lives with his wife in Pentyrch, along with Ghillie and Tee (deerhounds), and Ickle and Parker (cats). In his spare time (what spare time?) he enjoys DIY and gardening.

Questions for Chris

I have a pet Labrador. What would be her ideal weight?

The published ideal weight for the Labrador breed is 28kg for the bitch and 30kg for the dog. However Labradors, like many other breeds, can vary in size a good deal, and so you should assess the individual dog to decide if her weight is correct.

To assess your dog’s body condition, first check her ribs. Running your hand over her side, you should be able to feel her ribs easily without having to press too hard. Her backbone should be easily felt but not too prominent.

Then look at her shape. Standing behind her and looking down, you should be able to see her waist narrower than her chest and hips not quite the classic hour-glass figure, but heading that way! Lastly, look at her profile from the side - she should have a neat "abdominal tuck".

If you have any worries, pop her in to your local vet's surgery where the staff will be able to weigh and assess her for you, and advise if she needs to lose (or gain!) weight.

Bring this coupon with you and claim

10% discount

Heath Veterinary on dog or cat worm treatment* Group when you buy a year’s supply from 123-125 Heol y Deri, Heath Veterinary Group Rhiwbina * prescription medicines are available only to Tel: 20621511 registered patients - telephone to find out how to register

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 15

Castell Coch a history of a fairytale castle

History

Castell Coch (the Red Castle) sits proudly on the side of a hill overlooking North Cardiff and the valley that carries the River Taff.

Its fairytale appearance belies the history that the building contains in its stones.

There has been a fortress on the site since the end of the 11th century when an earth and timber motte castle was built there by Norman lords to defend their land. Both Ifor Bach and Gruffud ap Rhys are two Welsh rulers of Senghennydd whose names are linked to the castle.

During the 13th century, the de Clare family, the Norman lords of Glamorgan made great gains against the Welsh in the upland regions of their disputed territory. It was during this time that it is thought the castle was reconstructed into a stone one, with a small oval courtyard with three circular

towers. It was probably Gilbert de Clare (the builder of Caerphilly Castle) who added the towers in the 1280s. It is the spur buttresses at the base of the round towers that suggest it was of Norman design, but it seems that the castle was abandoned in 1316 after Llewellyn Bren led an army against the de Clares in 1316. It was never repaired and the castle fell into ruin.

By 1871, like many other castles in Wales, the castle was an overgrown ruin.

Crucially however, it happened to be owned by John CrichtonStuart, the 3rd Marquess of Bute - one of the richest men in the world. The Marquess was a landed aristocrat and an industrial magnate, owing a lot of this wealth from his father who had risked a long-term strategy in building Cardiff into one of the busiest coal-exporting ports in the world.

Whitchurch and Llanda Living Page 16

Lord Bute had a great interest in religion, medievalism, the occult, and architecture. He had already enlisted the services of William Burges to remodel Cardiff Castle in his own unique style of gothic fantasy.

In 1872, Bute began his project of Castle Coch by asking Burges to look into the possibility of restoring the castle. Burges produced the report and work began in 1875. The castle was to be transformed into a summer home for the Marquess. The restoration was a complete one, but Burges was not to see the finished article. He died in 1881, ten years before completion of the work. His detailed drawings of the interiors allowed his team of craftsmen to complete the task without him. It took sixteen years for the castle to be transformed into the building we know and recognise today.

Photograph by Gale Jolly www.flickr.com (user name gtj-45)

The castle may have an authentic medieval look to the exterior but the interiors are Victorian fantasy, richly decorated and highly imaginative. After a visit to Castell Coch, it is worth visiting nearby Cardiff Castle to see the ultimate example of the collaboration between Lord Bute and William Burges. At the time of completion, the castle represented a medieval structure, but it did have all the modern conveniences of its time - flushing toilets, central heating and a working kitchen made it habitable. Burges also left behind some justifications for his use of the conical towers, which some historians question for authenticity.

Burges wanted them simply for visual effect.

The Keep Tower, the Well Tower and the Kitchen Tower incorporate a series of apartments; of which the main sequence, the Castellan's Rooms, lie within the Keep.

The Hall, the Drawing Room, Lord Bute's Bedroom and Lady Bute's bedroom comprise a suite of rooms that exemplify the High Victorian Gothic style in 19th century Britain.

However some of the poorer interior decorations can be attributed to work carried out after Burges' early death in 1881. Some of the painted decoration is based on patterns found in Welsh castles. The Drawing Room and Lady Bute's bedroom have ceilings and wall paintings that are almost equal to the best achieved at Cardiff Castle.

The decoration and even the smallest details - such as the

History

A Spring Walk

door handles and the window latches were carefully considered. Even some of the walls feature paintings of various animals, including birds, monkeys and squirrels, as well as mythological beings.

The uppermost story of the Keep Tower holds Lady Bute's Bedroom, painted in brilliant colours with gilt and mirrors lighting up the double-domed chamber. Apart from the large bed, the furniture in Lady Bute's Room is simplistic and uncomfortable - a result of Burges determination to keep true to the medieval character of the castle.

In 1950, the 5th Marquess of Bute placed the Castle in the care of the Ministry of Works. It is now administered by CADW on behalf of the National Assembly for Wales.

Castell Coch has made numerous appearances in TV and film productions. Drivers can also spot the magicallooking castle from the M4 as they pass the Coryton Interchange.

Start at the entrance to Castell Coch. There is a path to the left of the exit as you face it. Follow this path.

It will take you through the woods. You arrive at a post which has no markings.

Follow the smaller path down to the right. Two houses appear through the trees on the right. The path will lead down to Heol y Fforest.

Soon you will arrive at an information board. Continue ahead, passing the paths on either side. The path takes a sharp right. Stay on this path as it gently rises. You reach a marker post. Turn left onto the wide path that comes in from the left. Continue until you reach a road.

Cross over the road and enter into the forest. You will reach an arched entrance with the ‘Lost and Found Trail’ to your right.

Head through the archway and continue along the wide path to the ‘Sculpture Trail’.

A wooden barrier on the left will guide you to a viewpoint that overlooks the valley. On your right will be Craig yr Allt and on the left, The Garth.

Head left down the path with the wire fence on your right. You will reach a small cross-roads. Go straight ahead, being careful to follow the path that leads downwards. Continue until you reach the forestry track.

Turn right here and continue to the finger post on the left.

Follow the left path to take you back to Castell Coch.

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 17

Quiz

? t i s i Where

Test your powers of observation by correctly guessing where these local landmarks are. You’ll find them around and about the areas of Whitchurch, Llandaff and Llandaff North

2

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Whitchurch and Llanda Living Page 19

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The

Kitchen Garden

Outdoors

March

March is a very busy month; sowing seed outside starts in earnest. Broad beans, carrots, peas, spinach and cabbage as well as salad crops such as lettuce, radish and spring onions can all be sown outside under cloches.

Follow the packet instructions for spacing. Distances marked up on a pole can help with this task. Take the cloches off on sunny days, but make sure they are back on by dusk.

Now is the time to plant out shallots, onion sets and garlic. Although all garlic needs a cold snap to get it started, don’t be tempted to plant out supermarket garlic as these varieties usually hail from the Mediterranean and might not cope with our colder, wetter climate. Plant using a trowel rather than pushing them in, as the roots will have more room this way and won’t push the set out of the ground.

by Fran Mullins

Potatoes, surprisingly, can be grown in very small spaces.

They make ideal container crops and can be grown in commercially produced bags or even old dustbins or compost sacks placed on a warm patio. If using an old compost sack, roll it down and make slits in the bottom and sides for drainage. Add a layer of multipurpose compost and plant two or three chitted potatoes, and cover with more compost. As the leafy shoots grow taller, unroll the bag and add more compost. When the shoots start to die down they will be ready to harvest. Some take less than ten weeks, for example “Rocket”, or “Swift”.

As for fruit, we should be finishing off pruning our autumn raspberries and gooseberries. Fruit trees are often ignored once planted but do appreciate some feed, general compost or potash, which helps produce good fruits.

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 22

April

If you are planning your flower garden and think there’s not enough room for vegetables, why not consider planting them amongst the flowers?

The ferny leaves of carrots look lovely amongst large leaved plants such as hostas, and the properties of marigolds are said to keep away carrot fly. As we plant up the summer bedding we can add more colour with ruby chard or beetroot. Globe artichokes, sown in pots now, have a strong architectural nature and are a striking addition to a summer border.

Later on, a wigwam of scarlet runner bean flowers will add height and interest. Arrange the vegetables in groups rather than rows.

This is the month to start off tomatoes under cover. Bush tomatoes look particularly good in pots on a patio and there are even trailing varieties, which can be added to hanging baskets. Feeding and watering are easier when under our noses.

Sow fennel seeds now amongst the flowers, and enjoy the tall, feathery foliage and then the bulb in salad later on.

Outside we can plant carrots and potatoes, as well as trying to keep up successions of salad crops such as radish and lettuce. Peas and broad beans can go out too. Dwarf French beans will be fine as long as they are under cloches.

Winter brassicas such as broccoli, sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower can also be started now. Little cardboard collars around the base of the seedlings makes life difficult for cabbage root fly as they cannot get to the soil to lay their eggs.

Check any fruit trees for powdery mildew on the leaves. This will need spraying with fungicide. Let’s hope that after the cold snap we had in January, there are fewer pests and diseases. Slugs and snails are always around though, and we need to deal with them.

Aphids can be washed off with a spray of washing up liquid and water. Fruit bushes will need netting to protect them from the birds and will appreciate a monthly feed high in nitrogen.

It’s fine to divide chives now. As these don’t spread like mint or tarragon they can be used to make a pretty edging vegetable or flowerbeds.

Outdoors

Quick Guide to Growing Your Own

Where to put your vegetable patch

Not only are broad Have your patch in a sunny spot as near to beans one of the most your house as possible. It’ll save your legs nutritious vegetables when you are heading in and out of the house. you can eat, but they Most vegetables need direct sun so also add nitrogen to the somewhere south-facing is best. soil, benefiting following crops. When the soil The layout conditions are right, If you have the room, take a plot and split it varieties like ‘Imperial into narrow beds divided by paths. This is Green Longpod’ or known as the "bed system" and is the most ‘Super Aquadulce’. popular of layouts. This allows you to move

It is your last chance to plant garlic. Printanor is recommended for late winter and early spring planting.

Fran

about without any need to walk on the cultivated soil.

How to create beds

Create beds that are between 1 and 1.25 metres wide – it makes working much easier as you don’t have to stretch so far. If you can, have your beds running north to south so that all the vegetables get the same amount of sun each day.

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 23

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Memories

Memories of Whitchurch

By Ann Sullivan

My lovely Dad was Harman Williams, born at Melin House, Melingriffith, 5th August 1913.

He was one of a family of eleven children born to Jennet Ann and David John Williams.

Grandad Williams was superintendent of the Melingriffith Tinplate Works and they all lived in a very large house (it had to be with thirteen of them) and they were locally referred to as Williams The Gate, because theirs was the only house that sported a gate.

Dad was called Harman because that was his mother’s maiden name. She was born in the 1800s in a little cottage in Tongwynlais on the right hand side of Merthyr Road, just past the Lewis Arms those little cottages with the railings outside. I wish I knew which one but there’s no one to tell me now.

Dad was the youngest, but one of seven boys and he had four sisters. The boys went to school in Tyn y Pwll Road Dad stressed that Whitchurch and Melingriffith were entirely separate from each other.

Often when walking home from school they would catch sight of a man they called George the Oil. He had a horse and cart which delivered

oil, presumably for oil lamps, to all the houses in the area.

The children would run after the horse and cart all the way home to Melingriffith and were very out of breath by the time they reached Melin House.

None of Dad’s sisters worked when they were young. Nancy, one of his sisters actually had a motorbike - something called an ‘Indian’ which she rode around Whitchurch. She married a chap called Reg Arthur and they had the ironmongers shop in Taffs Well. Nancy used to play the piano for the silent films in the Rialto Cinema in Old Church Road.

Dad told me a story of how on Halloween he and his brother Cyril, who were about seven and eight years old at the time, were dressed up in white sheets and covered in flour by their Mum and went out “haunting”. They walked down by the canal which had some little hump back bridges over it. They decided to cross over the bridge and when they heard footsteps approaching, they would hover up over the bridge through the mist which had settled over the canal, and make moaning sounds to frighten people! This unfortunately had catastrophic

results. The woman who was walking down the path at the time had recently lost her brother who had committed suicide from that bridge. How were they to know that she would be the first person to come along? The screams were horrendous apparently as she picked up speed, running like something possessed to her house in Velindre Road. They in turn, were absolutely petrified and ran straight home telling their mother what had happened.

Realising the gravity of the situation, she cleaned the flour off them, removed the sheets and sent them back out to see what was happening.

By the time they got back to the scene of the crime, a mob of angry men had formed a kind of possé to seek out these heartless villains and sort them out! Dad and Uncle Cyril decided the best thing to do was to join the cause. Dad said he recalled walking up Velindre Road and seeing the poor lady in her front room, lying back in a chair being ministered to by various do gooders who were comforting her. The whole incident was written up in the local newspaper the next day. Dad and Cyril deliberately kept a low profile that day!

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 27

Recipes

Easter is a time for feasting with the family and what better way to do it than to cook it yourself? Here are a few ideas to try out if you fancy cooking at home.

Remember not to overdo it on the chocolate though!

Hot Cross Buns

500g strong white bread flour ½ tsp salt 2 heaped tsp mixed spices 50g caster sugar 50g butter, chopped into cubes 200g mixed dried fruits 7g sachet easy-blend dried yeast 200ml milk 2 eggs 3 tbsp plain flour honey or golden syrup for brushing

Heat oven to 220ºC/gas mark 7.

Tip the flour into a bowl and stir in the salt, mixed spices and sugar. Rub in the butter with your fingertips. Stir in the dried fruit, then sprinkle over the yeast and stir in. Gently warm the milk so it is hot, but still cool enough to put your finger in. Beat with the eggs, then pour into the dried ingredients.

Using a blunt knife, mix the ingredients to a moist dough, then leave to soak for 5 mins.

Take out of the bowl and cut the dough into 8 equal pieces.

Shape the dough into buns on a floured surface. Space apart on a baking sheet, cover loosely with cling film, then leave in a warm place until half again in size. This will take 45 mins-1 hr 15 mins, depending

on how warm the room is.

When the buns have risen, mix the flour with 2 tbsp water to make a paste. Pour into a plastic food bag and make a nick in one of the corners. Pipe crosses on top of each bun.

Bake for 12-15 mins until risen and golden. Brush all over with honey or golden syrup. Serve with butter.

Roast Lamb

with Rosemary 100g cup honey 2 tbsp prepared Dijon-style mustard 2 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper 1 tsp lemon zest 3 cloves garlic, minced 2.5kg whole leg of lamb 1 tsp coarse sea salt

In a small bowl, combine the honey, mustard, rosemary, ground black pepper, lemon zest and garlic. Mix well and apply to the lamb. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator overnight.

Preheat oven to 230ºC/gas mark 8.

Place lamb on a rack in a roasting pan and sprinkle with salt to taste. Bake at 230ºC for 20 minutes, then reduce heat to 200ºC/gas mark 6 and roast for 55 to 60 more minutes for

medium rare. The internal temperature should be at least 63ºC when taken with a meat thermometer. Let the roast rest for about 10 minutes before carving.

Easter Cookies

100g butter 175g light soft brown sugar 4 tbsp golden syrup 350g plain flour 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 2 tsp ground ginger 1 large beaten egg Grated rind of one lemon 65g icing sugar 1 tbsp lemon juice

Preheat the oven to 190ºC/gas mark 5. Grease two large baking sheets. In a saucepan gently melt the butter over a low heat and then add the sugar and syrup until smooth.

Set aside to cool. Sift the flour, bicarbonate of soda and the ginger into a large mixing bowl.

Stir in the butter mixture and then add the beaten egg and the grated lemon rind. Mix together to form a dough.

Spread some flour onto a rolling surface and roll out the mixture. Use a 7.5 cm round cutter to press out about 20 cookie biscuits. Transfer the cut Easter cookies onto the baking sheets. Bake in the preheated oven for about 10 minutes until golden brown.

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 29

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ACROSS 1. Cliff went on a Summer one 6. Stick together 8. Cast iron on it 10. Not a clean proposal 12. Neckwear 13. Coloured flashing man 15. Mad man of the moon 20. Flowering of 21. Woven tufted fabric 23. My little young horse 25. Happy party 26. Before long 28. Sugar fairy’s fruit 30. Ag 32. Us 33. Give the chop 34. Rapid, rapid!

35. Warmth 37. Muscle at the centre 40. Pirate’s tipple 41. Making the mark 42. Holy or supernatural 44. Rainbow shaped 46. Eventually

DOWN 2. Eaters of the smell 3. One hundred and eleven or just sick?

4. Suck in the air 5. Visualise 6. Fetch 7. Self-worth 9. British and Irish cat 11. Holy zero 12. Fish’s artillery 14. Ivory’s neighbour 16. Below 17. Move from one place to another 18. Youngster 19. Delivers the ball 22. Large grey mammal 24. So clear 27. Egg-shaped 29. Top limit 31. Cake Queen 32. Accompanying 36. Golfing beverage 38. Geographical region 39. Sea forest

42. Female deer 43. In the pub 45. His pronoun

Last Issue’s Answers Across 1 Castle Coch; 5 Bristol; 7 Lemon; 8 Monday; 10 Run; 11 Clam; 12 Egg; 13 Oval; 14 Ate; 15 Bed; 17 Lick; 19 Door; 20 Ace; 22 Rum; 23 Nice; 26 Road; 27 In; 28 Emerald; 30 Roman; 32 Celebrity; 36 Goal; 39 Eel; 41 Roast; 42 Button; 45 Roam; 47 Dice; 48 Invisible; 49 Ritual

Down 1 Crease; 2 Tinsel; 3 Chic; 4 Hammock; 5 Bad; 6 Lunatic; 9 Yellow; 16 Damson; 17 Le; 18 Cream; 19 Drill; 21 Ending; 23 Nautical; 24 Cap; 25 Roar; 27 Indigo; 29 Any; 30 Rupert; 31 Mince; 33 Red; 34 Tip; 35 Lisa; 37 Amber; 38 Too; 40 Lamb; 41 Rest; 43 Nil; 44 Eve; 46 Old

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 31