Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Issue 16

AAtt tthhee hheeaarrtt ooff tthhee ccoommmmuunniittyy Issue 16Dec ‘11 / Jan ’12

YYOOUURR FFRREEEE MMAAGGAAZZIINNEE FFOORR

WWHHIITTCCHHUURRCCHH,, LLLLAANNDDAAFFFF AANNDD

LLLLAANNDDAAFFFF NNOORRTTHH!!

FREE

LivingWHITCHURCHAND LLANDAFF

FROM CARDIFF TO THE ANTARCTICThe Story of Scott

LLANDAFF NORTH My Memories of the ‘50sBBC TO MOVE FROM LLANDAFF?

WWhhiittcchhuurrcchh aanndd LLllaannddaaffff LLiivviinnggEEddiittoorrss//AAddvveerrttiissiinngg:: Patric Morgan & Danielle DummettAAddddrreessss:: 222 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina,

Cardiff CF14 6AGTTeell:: 07772 081775 and 07974 022920EEmmaaiill:: [email protected]:: www.livingmags.co.uk

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy ofthe contents, the publisher cannot accept any responsibility forerrors or omissions, or for any matter in any way arising fromthe publication of this material. Every effort has been made tocontact any copyright holders.Whitchurch and Llandaff Living

is an independent, apolitical publication.

Advertising booking and copy deadline for Issue 17 - Friday 3rd February 2012. Issue 17 publication date - late February. Whitchurchand Llandaff Living is published 5 times a year.

33--44 NNeewwss

55 LLeetttteerrssLetters to the Editors

88 MMeemmoorriieessPamela Dungeyremembers the 1950s

1122 FFrroozzeenn iinn TTiimmeeThe Story of Captain Scott

1166 TThhrroouugghh TTiimmeeLocal Landmarks: Then and Now

1199 BBuussiinneessss iinn FFooccuussLocal business

2211 RReeaaddeerrss’’ RRoooommFrom the pens oflocal readers

2244 WWiinntteerr’’ss WWaallkkBlow away thoseChristmas cobwebs

2266 GGaarrddeenniinngg SSeeaassoonnssYour gardens through winter

3311 BBaacckkllaasshhMusings of the editor

Welcome to your winteredition of Whitchurch andLlandaff Living.It’s been a funny old year. It only seems like yesterday that the first flakes ofsnow were falling for what turned out to be the white Christmas of 2010. And herewe are again- Christmas is on the horizon. No snow so far. Fingers crossed it’llstay at bay this year!We’ve put together this Christmas issue after completing a very busy schedule.Our magazines have really become part of the fabric of the community - so muchso, that we’ve been inundated with articles, features and stories. In this issue, we hear from resident Pamela Dungey, who recalls Llandaff Northas it was in the 1950s. Its sense of community is apparent, and it’s credit to thepeople of Llandaff North that it still holds this way of life close to its heart.100 years ago this month, Captain Scott and his four colleagues were headingsouth. Their infamous voyage had set off from Cardiff Docks six months earlier.We retell the story of the expedition on page 12.In the last of our Now and Then series, we take a last look at some of the photosthat make up Steve Nicholas’s book - Whitchurch and Llandaff North ThroughTime. We’d like to thank Steve for letting us reproduce the fascinating collectionof photos and words.Our Reader’s Room has also proved very popular. This issue, it’s the turn of EricFletcher to put pen to paper. His story is on page 21.If you’re feeling like you need to stretch your legs this Christmas, there’s a winterwalk on page 24. And local resident Kevin Revell talks us through gardeningthroughout this cold season.That just leaves it to us to wish you all a very Happy Christmas and all the bestfor 2012. See you in the spring!

EEddiittoorrss

WelcomeCroeso

Patric and Danielle

WWeellccoommee

WWhhiittcchhuurrcchh aanndd LLllaannddaaffff LLiivviinngg PPaaggee 22

NNEEWWSSCCAARRDDIIFFFF IISS JJUUSSTT WWHHAATT TTHHEE DDOOCCTTOORR OORRDDEERREEDD

After nine months of filming in andaround Cardiff, actor Matt Smith,who plays Dr Who, has publiclyrecommended Cardiff as a place tovisit.Smith is reported as saying:“Many of our scenes are shot inquarries, a lot of forests and infamous castles, so we get to takethe Tardis on a grand sightseeingtour of Wales.“There are plenty of things to do ifyou come to visit Cardiff, but a mustis probably to go and watch one ofthe Six Nations rugby games.“I like the way the Welsh are sopassionate about their sport and ona Saturday when the rugby is on,Cardiff becomes rugby orientated ina way that not many cities are.”Matt was recently spotted

filming this year’s Dr Who ChristmasSpecial in nearby Rhiwbina. Filmingtook place in November.The show will be broadcast at tea-time on Christmas Day.

A recent review could see BBCWales relocate from its currentbase in Llandaff.BBC Wales Director, Rhodri TalfanDavies recently emailed the 1,200staff at the building, outlining threemain options that the organisationis facing. Two of those optionsinvolve moving from BroadcastingHouse, which has been home toBBC Wales for the last 45 years.Problems with the building’s out-of-date IT infrastructure has beenquoted as the main problem facingthe BBC.The email read:“Although the property element ofthe review is restricted to Cardiff,this study will provide us with anopportunity to look afresh at theway we do things right across BBCWales: how we use technology andwhat we might be able to do tomake the ways we work simplerand more effective.”Sources from within the BBC havetold Living Magazines thatmanagement may want to relocateto new headquarters at a site nextto Roath Lock, possibly inconjunction with Welsh languagebroadcaster S4C, which in futurewill be funded from the licence fee.Recent cuts made to ITV Walesalso means that the currentbuilding is under-occupied.

WWHHIITTCCHHUURRCCHH HHIIGGHH’’SS SSPPOORRTTSS CCRREEDDEENNTTIIAALLSSRREECCOOGGNNIISSEEDD BBYY TTHHEE PPRRIIMMEE MMIINNIISSTTEERR

Whitchurch High School was recentlylauded by Prime Minister DavidCameron for its production of severalworld-class sportsmen.The Prime Minister described thestring of rugby, football and cyclingstars who have come through theranks at Whitchurch High School as“impressive” – and said whateverthey were drinking, he wanted some.Among Whitchurch’s latest heroesare Wales rugby captain SamWarburton, international footballerGareth Bale and Olympic goldmedal-winning cyclist, GeraintThomas.Mr Cameron told MPs in the Houseof Commons: “I have to say that is a veryimpressive list of sports personalitieswho have attended this school.“I do not know what they put in thewater, but I think we would probablyall like to have some.“I certainly join my honourablefriend in congratulating such anexcellent school.”His praise for Whitchurch High

School was prompted by theConservative MP for Cardiff North,Jonathan Evans, at Prime Minister’sQuestions in early November.Sam Warburton told LivingMagazines:“I was playing rugby at primaryschool. I was always good atsprinting so the Head put me on thewing in Year 5 rugby. I didn’t have aclue what to do to be honest, so Istood there for a while until someonegave me the ball.“At the age of 16, I representedSouth Wales in the shotput and camesecond in the Welsh Championships.I’ve done all sorts – cricket, discus,high jump, running and athletics!”

BBBBCC CCOONNSSIIDDEERRSSLLEEAAVVIINNGG LLLLAANNDDAAFFFF


I

There have been calls from residentsin Llandaff North to install apedestrian crossing on Station Road.Both school-children andcommuters alike have to cross theroad near the Cow and Snuffers.Local residents believe thatspeeding cars, and the sheervolume of traffic passing throughLlandaff North, particularly at rushhour, can possibly lead to anaccident.Some residents have approachedthe Council about the possibility ofinstalling a crossing. Officers fromthe council have responded bysaying that they will look at thepossibility, before coming to aconclusion.

Overindulged this Christmas? NewYear’s resolution to get fit? Whatbetter way to blow away thoseChristmas cobwebs with a winterwalk through the countryside.Join the Friends of Forest Farm andFriends of Hailey Park on Sunday 15January 2012, (10.30-13.00) for awalk. Find out about the heritage andnatural history of this area in northCardiff. All ages are welcome, but childrenmust be accompanied by an adult.Dogs are welcome too. Meet at theMelingriffith Water Lift Engine, TyMawr Road. The distance is 5km andthe event is free.

Insole Court in Llandaff has beenawarded £165,900 from theHeritage Lottery Fund (HLF) toprepare restoration plans.If the plans are approved, thethe mansion will receive a further£1.9m to carry out the changes.The chairman of the trust, SirNorman Lloyd-Edwards, said itwas "splendid news" whichallowed architects to beinstructed on the plans.The proposals must besubmitted by the end of January,with the total cost nearing £4m.Sir Norman said there would bemuch consultation with interestedgroups, such as local residentsand Cadw, the Welsh historicalmonuments body.If approved, the restorationcould be given the go-ahead bythe end of 2012.

CCRROOSSSSIINNGG CCAALLLLEEDDFFOORR BBYY LLOOCCAALLSS

Two descendants of a Cardiffshipping magnate have recentlyreturned to the former family home inCoryton.John and James Cory, greatgrandsons of Sir Herbert Cory,visited the new owners of CorytonHouse, which is now an independentschool for children with autism.Pupils of the school presented thepair with a Cory family tree whichthey had spent weeks puttingtogether in the weeks leading up tothe guests arriving.John Cory and Son helped shapethe city of Cardiff when the city wasat the height of its coal-exportingfame. Sir Herbert, son of John Cory,built Coryton House in 1900, when

Cardiff was exporting 10m tonnes ofcoal every year.Following Sir Herbert’s death in1933 the house, off Pendwyallt Road,Coryton, was used as the civildefence headquarters for Cardiff.

2nd Llandaff Beavers and Scouts arecurrently looking for a Leader and anAssistant to help out with the group’sactivities. “We need someone to be a co-Beaver Leader and someone as anAssistant. We meet Tuesdays6.30pm to 7.30pm, for ages 6-8,boys and girls. Our Scout Hall is onthe corner of Belle Vue Crescent andHazelhurst Road in Llandaff North. Itis an eventful programme full of fun,in need of someone to take on someof the work load if not be a leaderand co-run the events. Training isgiven by the Scout Association, socome use your skills and learn somenew ones.” Please call MargaretHorne on 029 2056 4295.

DDEESSCCEENNDDAANNTTSS OOFF DDOOCCKKSS MMAAGGNNAATTEE RREETTUURRNNTTOO HHIISSTTOORRIICC HHOOUUSSEE IINN CCOORRYYTTOONN

NNEEWWSS

HHEELLPP NNEEEEDDEEDD


FFOORREESSTT FFRRIIEENNDDSSNNEEWW YYEEAARR WWAALLKK

IINNSSOOLLEE CCOOUURRTTTTAAKKEESS AANNOOTTHHEERR SSTTEEPP

TTOOWWAARRDDSSRREEFFUURRBBIISSHHMMEENNTT

LLEETTTTEERRSSDDeeaarr EEddiittoorrss

After reading the very interestingarticle on Jack Petersen(Whitchurch and Llandaff LivingAutumn 2011), I remembered takingthe photograph (opposite) of Jack,his wife and mother in Newton,Porthcawl in 1938 or 1939. I was11 or 12 years of age.The camera I had in those dayswas a ‘Baby Brownie’, and tookphotos 1.5 x 2.5 inches. I havehad the original blown up forpublication in your magazine,but this may mean that thequality is not so good.I thought it might be of interestto your readers. I rememberbeing somewhat in awe of Jackat the time, as I knew that hewas famous, although I knewvery little about boxing at thetime.

HH PPaatteerrssoonnBBiisshhooppss CClloosseeWWhhiittcchhuurrcchhCCaarrddiiffff

RReemmeemmbbeerriinngg JJaacckk PPeetteerrsseenn

Jack Petersen, his wife and his mother

photographed by one of our readers in

Porthcawl during the 1930s


DDeeaarr EEddiittoorrssWe recently visited the village ofLlandaff (or is it Llandaf? We sawtwo spellings!) and picked up acopy of your magazine fromoutside the local shop there. Itwas the first time we have visitedthe area, as it was highlyrecommended to me by a friend.We wanted to congratulate the

residents of the area - we have nothing like this in the States andwe’re very jealous! As well as thehugely impressive history of thevillage, we were also taken bythe cosyness of it all- the littleshops, the coffee shops and thepubs. One such pub (we forgetthe name) is supposedlyfrequented by famous rugbyplayers. We didn’t see any when

we visited, and we don’t knowmuch about the game over herebut it we did impress family andfriends when we got back.We would highly recommendthe village to our other Americanfriends, and travelers.DD && HH AAgguuiiaarrMMoonnmmoouutthhNNeeww JJeerrsseeyyUUSSAA

��

��

�� !��"#�$ ��%�&�''

I was raised in Belle VueCrescent, and to me, Llandaff Northwill always be my family home eventhese many years since I long sincemoved away. I was one of four children - Angela,Christine, me (Pamela) and the onlyboy, John. My parents were Ronand Rosemary Dungey. We had awonderful childhood. Llandaff Northhad so many characters that I lookback on fondly.We lived next door to Mr and MrsBrann. They were an elderly couplewho kept their garden immaculate.They didn't appreciate four rowdychildren throwing their ball over theirgarden several times a day - be-heading their glorious rosebushes! Mr and Mrs Hewitt lived next doorto them. They were a lovely couple.Mrs Hewitt always gave me acuddle. Mr and Mrs Harris - theywere lovely too, as too were Mr andMrs Medford who lived a few doorsdown the other way. Mr Medfordwould always give us apples fromhis allotment and vegetables toowhen he was feeling generous. Afew doors down from them were Mrand Mrs Marshall. Their daughterSally was our friend, and she had anolder brother Dean, who we alwaysthought was a bit of a hunk. Across from us was HawthornJunior School, so we only had to fallout of bed in the morning to go toschool. As we got older, we went toGlantaf High, or at least, my sisters

did. We had great days at Glantaf.The teachers were lovely, somestricter than others, but on the wholethey were great. Christine, AnnBaldwin and I often used to singtogether in assembly because wehad our own group back then. Butafter two years of me attendingGlantaf, it turned into a WelshSchool so I was moved toWhitchurch High School which Ihated.Our house backed onto a lanewhich connected us to HazelhurstRoad. Our best friend Ann Baldwinlived there along with many of herfamily members, who became oursurrogate aunties too. Her mum anddad were wonderful. Her mum wasthe most amazing cook - the smellsthat came from her kitchen werefabulous and we always tried toarrive at Annie's when we knew hermum was baking. This was the bestthing about Llandaff North - it was areal community, everybody kneweverybody else. There was AuntieDolly, a tiny little white haired oldlady whocookedlovely welshcakes; AuntieRuth andUncle Elwin -he used tobalance allus kids onhis hands.We spent somany

summers on the top of hisgarden shed. We would come downat the end of the day black from thedirt, but my mum never complained.She just piled us all one by one intothe bath. I can remember that wewere so many, that dad converted aroom downstairs into a bathroom sothe bathroom upstairs could beconverted into a bedroom for myolder sister. There were Don and Pat Marsh.They had a daughter Judith andalso a son David. I had a secretcrush on David when I was about 8.The Parker family lived next to them.I can remember them being burgledbecause it had been snowing andthe burglar dropped things acrossour garden in the snow. Along by them were the Chardfamily and just around the cornerwere the Mr and Mrs Rockey withdaughters Karen and Jane, we werealways in and out of each othershomes. We all knew each other sowell, everybody knew everybody.


LlandaffNorth: My

Memoriesby Pamela Dungey

MemoriesEvery Saturday morning at

10:30, I would go and meet my granwho caught the train from Radyrdown to the station. I loved meetingher. We would always go toCartrights the newsagents. Granwould buy me a bag of sweets fromthere, and then go to Lynne's fruitBowl for some fruit and veg. I lovedmeeting gran off the train - the smellof the station was great, and I canremember the excitement I alwaysfelt when I would run hell for leatherinto her arms.Every Sunday morning, we wouldall go to Christchurch UnitedReformed Church at the end of BelleVue Crescent. It was run by Mr andMrs Simmonds. These were themost inspirational couple that youcould ever wish to meet, and to thisday I continue to respect them.Sadly Derek passed away someyears ago, but Joan still runsChristchurch. At Christchurch, MrsSimmonds got together a group ofgirls. There were six of us in all: SallyMarshall, Judith Marlowe, AlisonHembury, Ann Baldwin, Christine mysister and myself and we sangtogether for years. Without fail, everyChristmas we would put of a Nativityplay for the community and one yearwe even joined with WhitchurchMethodist for their production ofPeter Pan and sang in the interval.We loved our days at Christchurch,and each one of us had ourgrounding for our faith in Godinstilled in us by Mr and MrsSimmonds. Recently there was atribute evening to Joan, and we girlsreformed one last time to sing forJoan. It was weird that after notsinging together for 30 years, weseemed to pick up where we left off,and remembered all our parts like itwas yesterday. I think that this wasbecause we loved it so much.I loved the shops in Llandaff North.I loved to go and buy paraffin withmy father from Gardners the Bicycleshop. It always smelt lovely in there -a mixture of wonderful new things.Then there was Basil Hughes theChemist. He always knew what togive you if you were ill. The doctor’ssurgery was on the end of Belle Vue

and was run by Dr Cann Jones. Healways seemed to be a huge man tome and scared me a lot. My motherworked for a few years in GeorgeMasons. This was great because ifat Easter time any eggs got broken,she was allowed to bring homebroken chocolate. I can rememberhaving a nasty accident in schoolonce too, and I was taken to theshop by the Headmaster. They satme in a chair in the shop whilst Iwaited for my mother to finish hershift to take me home. The otherwomen in the shop just went to thesweet counter and surrounded mewith sweets. It was great! On a Saturday morning we wouldtake our 2p pocket money and go toHarris's which was down Ty MawrRoad. The gentleman there had thepatience of Job. He would waitwhilst we prevaricated over how tospend our tuppences! They madehome made ice lollies there.Llandaff North was a realcommunity - everybody kneweverybody else, and when yourback was against the wall, we allhelped each other. Bereavement insmall communities are feltparticularly hard, and the hardesttime for me and I believe for thecommunity when I was a child waswhen my friend Ann and her sisterJane lost both of their parents withinan incredibly short space of time.To this day that time has stayed withme. The community was shaken toits core when this happened and Ithink that it touched everybody'slives at that time.Hailey Park played a huge role inmy life. I spent so many hours overthe park. Mum never worried aboutus kids - she alwaysknew that we were inthe park, and thosedays you didn't haveto worry like you donow. We did thingsthat I would never letmy own children donow. We had a ropeswing that went outover a set of rocksthat we called theMonkey rocks. We

spent hours swinging on thatswing, right out over the river Taff! Iwould spend hours watchingLlandaff North Rugby Clubpractising their games. I canremember when Phil Bennett cameto talent scout, everybody was soexcited. I even got his autograph.We would love it in May when theblossom would cover the trees bythe tennis courts. We would go andswing hard on the branches so theblossom would fall onto us. Wewould pretend that we were brideswalking down the aisle and that itwas confetti........how simple thosedays were. We were the kids whopicked rose petals and put it intobottles of water and tried to sell it asperfume door to door!

We didn't have much back then, butwhat we had made us happy.So you see, many happy memoriesof Llandaff North. I loved it there, thepeople, the community, the schools,the park, the church, theshops..............everything.

Every Christmas wewould go carol singing with

Mrs Simmonds aroundLlandaff North and

Whitchurch, but sometimeson our own just to raise

money so that we could buymum and dad something

nice. They worked so hardto give us what they could,it was our way of showingthem how much we loved

them.

“


Th nm a ao a ugsV h

02920 697101www.thomasvaughanltd.co.uk

BATHROOMS KITCHENS & BEDROOMSVT

Full Project ManagementProfessional Installation TeamsExtended Installation GuaranteeCall today for a FREE Home Survey

Image taken fromrecently completed project

FREE

DESIGN

CONS

ULTATI

ON

We’re a full service accountancy firm providingcompetitive solutions – no matter how big or small, or wherever you are in the UK.

Why choose us?

Bespoke services to suit your needs and budget

A flexible way of working to suit you anytime, anywhere

A friendly and approachable, but hardworking team

A strong ethos of quality and professionalism

One off, weekly, monthly or full out-sourced accountancyavailable

Use our free quote calculator to see how we can save you money

We’d love to hear how we can help you, please contact:

Tel: 02920 49 88 00e-mail: [email protected]: www.accountedforltd.co.uk

Thank you.

We’re a full service accountancy firm providingcompetitive solutions – no matter how big or small, or wherever you are in the UK.

Why choose us?

Bespoke services to suit your needs and budget

A flexible way of working to suit you anytime, anywhere

A friendly and approachable, but hardworking team

A strong ethos of quality and professionalism

One off, weekly, monthly or full out-sourced accountancyavailable

Use our free quote calculator to see how we can save you money

We’d love to hear how we can help you, please contact:

Tel: 02920 49 88 00e-mail: [email protected]: www.accountedforltd.co.uk

Thank you.

On November 12, 1912 an Antarcticsearch party discovered its objective- the tent of Captain Robert Scottand his two companions half buriedin the snow. Inside, they found the body ofCaptain Scott wedged betweenthose of his fellow explorers, theflaps of his sleeping bag thrownback, his coat open. His companions- Lieut. Henry Bowers and Dr.Edward Wilson, lay covered in theirsleeping bags as if dozing. They hadbeen dead for eight months. Theywere the last members of a five-manteam returning to their home basefrom the Pole.The march south had begun on 1November 1911 - a caravan of mixedtransport groups (motors, dogs,horses), with loaded sledges,travelling at different rates, alldesigned to support a final group offour men who would make a dash forthe Pole. Scott had earlier outlined

his plans for the southern journey tothe entire shore party, without beingspecific about precise roles – no oneknew who would form the final polarteam. The southbound party steadilyreduced in size as successivesupport teams turned back. By 4thJanuary 1912, the last two four-mangroups had reached 87° 34’S. Scottannounced his decision: five men(Scott, Edward Wilson, HenryBowers, Lawrence Oates and EdgarEvans) would go forward, the otherthree (Teddy Evans, William Lashlyand Tom Crean) would return. The chosen group marched on,reaching the Pole on 17 January1912, only to find that Norwegianexplorer Amundsen had precededthem by five weeks. Scott's anguishis indicated in his diary: "The worst has happened. All theday dreams must go. Great God!This is an awful place".

The two expeditions had employedentirely different strategies.Amundsen relied on dogs to haul hismen and supplies over the frozenAntarctic wasteland. Scott's Britishteam distrusted the use of dogspreferring horses. These had soondied from the extreme conditions,and it was left for the menthemselves to haul the sledges to thePole and back. It was to be thedownfall of the group, who were tocome face-to-face with the worst ofthe Antarctic.

Frozen In

Time


100 year ago this month, agroup of British explorers

were nearing the SouthPole. Having set out fromCardiff Docks six months

earlier, their ill-fatedexpedition was to go down

in history as one of thebravest, and tragic of allexplorations. Here is the

story of the doomedjourney to the coldest

place on earth.

LLeeaavviinngg CCaarrddiiffff DDoocckkss

The deflated party began the 800-mile (1,300 km) return journey on 19January. "I'm afraid the return journey isgoing to be dreadfully tiring andmonotonous", wrote Scott on the nextday.However, the party made goodprogress despite poor weather, andhad completed the Polar Plateaustage of their journey, approximately300 miles (500 km), by 7 February. Inthe following days, as the partymade the 100-mile (160 km) descentof the Beardmore Glacier, thephysical condition of Edgar Evans,which Scott had noted with concernas early as 23 January, declinedsharply. A fall on 4 February had leftEvans "dull and incapable", and on17 February, after a further fall, hedied near the glacier foot.With 400 miles (670 km) still totravel across the Ross Ice Shelf, theparty's prospects steadily worsenedas, with deteriorating weather,frostbite, snow blindness, hungerand exhaustion, they strugglednorthward. On 16 March, Oates, whosecondition was aggravated by an oldwar-wound to the extent that he wasbarely able to walk.Scott wrote:“Friday, March 16 or Saturday 17 -Lost track of dates, but think the lastcorrect. Tragedy all along the line. Atlunch, the day before yesterday,poor Titus [Lawrence] Oates said hecouldn't go on; he proposed weshould leave him in his sleeping-bag. That we could not do, and weinduced him to come on, on the afternoon march. In spite of its awfulnature for him he struggled on andwe made a few miles. At night hewas worse and we knew the end hadcome.“Should this be found I want thesefacts recorded. Oates' last thoughtswere of his mother, but immediatelybefore he took pride in thinking thathis regiment would be pleased withthe bold way in which he met hisdeath. We can testify to his bravery.He has borne intense suffering forweeks without complaint, and to thevery last was able and willing todiscuss outside subjects. He did not

- would not - give up hope till thevery end. He was a brave soul. Thiswas the end. He slept through thenight before last, hoping not to wake;but he woke in the morning -yesterday. It was blowing a blizzard.He said, 'I am just going outside andmay be some time.' He went out intothe blizzard and we have not seenhim since.” After walking a further 20 miles, thethree remaining men made their finalcamp on 19 March, 11 miles (18 km)short of One Ton Depot, but 24 miles(38 km) beyond the original intendedlocation of the depot. The next day afierce blizzard prevented theirmaking any progress. During thenext nine days, as their supplies ranout, with frozen fingers, little light,and storms still raging outside thetent, Scott wrote his final words,although he gave up his diary after23 March, save for a final entry on 29March, with its concluding words:

"Last entry. For God's sake look afterour people". He left letters to Wilson'smother, Bowers' mother, a string ofnotables including his formercommander Sir George Egerton, hisown mother and his wife. His signedoff with these words:“We took risks, we knew we tookthem; things have come out againstus, and therefore we have no causefor complaint, but bow to the will ofProvidence, determined still to doour best to the last ... Had we lived, Ishould have had a tale to tell of thehardihood, endurance, and courageof my companions which would havestirred the heart of everyEnglishman. These rough notes andour dead bodies must tell the tale,but surely, surely, a great richcountry like ours will see that thosewho are dependent on us areproperly provided for.”Scott is presumed to have died on29 March 1912, possibly a day later.

History


LLaawwrreennccee OOaatteess

SSccootttt wwrriitteess iinn hhiiss ddiiaarryy

H Computerome fiXH

Tel 029 20316861 www.computerhomefix.com

Llandaffbased in

experience

Graphic

Design&web

HH

£3.50

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH THIS ADVERT

no bears, just creativeswww.yogicreative.com

Tel: 02920 460234

graphic • web • multimedia • pr • marketing • expo • print

Lock 43 on the Glamorganshire Canal was between Whitchurch and Tongwynlais. Thearea is now part of the Glamorgan Canal and Forest Farm Nature Reserve

Sunnybanks is believed to have been built by the owners of the MelingriffithTinplate Works for the workers and their families. Remains of the houses can still be

seen alongside the canal at the Glamorgan Canal Nature Reserve

Located at Lock 42, Llwynymellt, on the Glamorgan Canal

In the last of our extractsfrom ‘Whitchurch and

Llandaff North ThroughTime’, local historian SteveNicholas charts the story of

our local communitiesthrough pictures and words.

ChangingLandmarksof North Cardiff


Keeper’s Cottageat the Lock

Sunnybank Houses

Lock Keeper’s Cottage

This captivating collection of 192 past and present images focuses on the land, streets and buildings in the communities of Whitchurchand Llandaff North, capturing the changes that have occurred in the last century.Published by Amberley Publishing (www.amberleybooks.com), the book is also available from local book shops priced £14.99

The Glamorgan Canal and the Melingriffith Works is shown here. This section of the canal no longer exists and is now Ty Mawr Road

The works seem to have been in operation since the mid-1750s and were situatednear an ancient corn mill. The works were totally powered by water which was taken

from the River Taff at Radyr Weir along a feeder canal to the works

Then and Now

A canal maintenance barge is hijacked by local kids near the Black Bridge,Llandaff North c.1940. This area was known as Primrose Hill in the late 1800s


Melingriffith Tinplate Works

The Canal

On the Canal

Valid until 31st January 2012

Valid until 31st January 2012


LLANDAFFINSTITUTE

ESTABLISHED 1866

AA PPRRIIVVAATTEE MMEEMMBBEERRSS CCLLUUBB

SSNNOOOOKKEERR RROOOOMM

MMEEMMBBEERRSS’’ LLOOUUNNGGEE

Become a member of the exclusive Llandaff

Institute and become partof its proud heritage. Join us at exclusive

ticketed events, cue upwith friends in the

beautiful Snooker Room,or simply relax in theMembers’ Lounge at your leisure.

Our Tudor Room is alsoavailable to hire for parties

for non-members.CALL 02920 564706 to

arrange a visit.Photographs © Llandaff Society 2010

� ��

��

��

��

��

�� !��

"�� #��"��

��

��

��

��$�%�&'()*+��,��,��

��

-�.��!��/��"�/��!'0�) ��

��

Readers’ RoomStories from the pens of readers

I don’t know how many there are. A coupleof dozen; maybe thousands. I have noidea. You can’t count things you can’t see;things you cannot hear or feel. Possiblythere’s one sitting next to you as you’rereading this; maybe one standing behindyou as you load your shopping into yourcar outside Tesco. We need a name forthese unseen, unseeing mystery beings.The best I can come up with is the in-betweeners. Try as you might, there are noreferences to them on Google; no mentionin even the most comprehensive ofdictionaries. How do I know of their existence? I wasat school with one, one who became, andpresumably still is an in-betweener. Hisname was John but everyone with theexception of his mother called him Jack.He was never what you’d call a Jack of allTrades, but he did become the master ofone, if you can call a life of crime a trade.It all began at the ‘Pick and Mix’ inWoolies. Jack and I would stroll towardsthe display, all innocent like. I was thelook-out man, keeping an eye on the shopassistants while Jack filled his pocketswith toffee creams, sherbet lemons,Turkish Delight - anything that was going. Isuppose I was as guilty as him, anaccessory I think it’s called but we wereonly nine or ten, just a bit of fun, a laugh.It was about that time that Jack’s familymoved house. He went to a new school sowe saw less of each other. We’d meet upoccasionally, perhaps share a can or twoof coke. After A levels, I went away to Uni,so didn’t see Jack for, oh could have beenfour years, maybe more. I remember I didmeet him once outside the footballground, but to be honest, he wasn’t thesame Jack I’d known at school. Ok, we allchange, grow up, our lives go in differentdirections, but Jack’s seemed to havecarried on as before except he’dprogressed, if progressed is the rightword, from stealing sweets from Woolies,to running a black market operation,dealing in the latest ‘must have’ trainersand designer tee shirts. I asked where hegot them. ”Fell off the back of a lorry, didn’tthey?” he replied. Anything not tied downwas fair game to Jack. A few times my father would cut outpieces from the Echo about Jack. Usually

under a heading such as LOCAL BOYMUGS ELDERLY SHOPPER. Another one Irecall was OLD AGE PENSIONERSSAVINGS STOLEN. LOCAL MANARRESTED. We did meet once more.Wasn’t planned to be honest. Our liveshad gone in totally different directions. Wehad nothing in common any longer. But Imust tell you the strange story.Jack told me at what would turn out to beour last meeting. He reckoned he wasambling down the road making his waytowards the park. He’d pinched one ofthose long French loaves and a couple ofbananas from outside the deli. When all ofa sudden, (and this is where I began tohave serious doubts about Jack’s mentalstate) he was adamant that there was astrong smell of burning and standing infront of him was the Devil.According to Jack, this Devil looked himstraight in the eyes and said ”I’ve beenkeeping a watch on you and you are justthe man I need - an apprentice to help mein hell.” Jack took a few steps backwards,the Devil’s hot breath was scorching hisface, and shouted:“No way! I’m getting out of here!” Hedropped the bananas and tore the Frenchloaf in two, holding the two pieces ofbread in front of him in the shape of across. Jack strode towards the Devil, who,covering his eyes, backed away. The Devilhad only taken a few steps when hebumped into a road sign. He turnedaround, screamed an almighty yell ofanguish. It was a cross roads sign. Ialmost felt sorry for the Devil. There hewas, unable to move backwards becauseof the cross on the road sign or forwardsbecause Jack had lain the bread in theshape of a crucifix on the road just out ofhis reach. Believe it or not, it’s up to you,but that’s the story as Jack told it.As I said that was the last time I sawJack. A few months later, he was dead. Iseem to remember it was a day or twobefore the New Year. He came out of hislocal pub, possibly for a smoke andstumbled into the path of a speeding taxi.The paramedics pronounced him dead atthe scene. I went to his funeral, after all,our mothers had been friends and I thinkour dads would sometimes meet up at thefootball. Didn’t recognise anyone. Looked

like an ‘away day’ for the local Mafia. Youknow - closely cropped hair, tattoos andsunglasses. All it needed was a couple ofviolin cases. Now I don’t know how long ittakes from being a corpse at the side ofthe road to arriving outside the PearlyGates, but no doubt Jack was verysurprised to find himself surrounded byfluffy white clouds and celestial music.Anyway Saint Peter said ”Hello Jack. Wewere expecting you.”“Well it’s a total surprise to me. Who dosay you are?” replied Jack.“You don’t know? Didn’t they teach youanything in R.E. lessons? I’m Saint Peter.I’m in charge of the gates…..”“Oh I know. Pete. Like a bouncer outsidethe Pig and Whistle club in town.” Jackinterrupted. Saint Peter looked puzzled.He reaching out to make sure the gateswere secure, and replied.”Two things you need to know Jack. Thefirst is – don’t address me as Pete. I’mSaint Peter, never Pete, never mate andcertainly never butty. Only ever Saint Peter.Got that?”“And the second?” Jack asked.“Well I’m afraid we’ve had a meeting andthe committee decided, unanimously Imay add, that we don’t want you here.You’re too disruptive, a real danger. Wedon’t do crime up here. Sorry Jack butyou’ll just have to go back down. Youcould try the Devil. I’ve heard he’ll takeanybody.”So Jack, or at least Jack’s soul, arrivesback on terra firma. Guess who’s there tomeet him? Yes . That’s right. The Devil.”Before you ask Jack I don’t want you anymore. I was stuck up against that roadsign for hours, couldn’t move until a straydog ran off with your broken loaf and thatwas after he’d cocked his leg up againstmy cloak. I’m afraid you’re destined tospend eternity as an in-betweener.“What’s one of those?” Jack shouted. Toolate. The Devil had vanished. All that wasleft was burn marks on the road.Now I don’t know if this story has a moralbut if any of your children or grandchildrenstart hanging around the ‘Pick and Mix’display, take note. Beware - they may beon the road to becoming an in-betweener.

EErriicc FFlleettcchheerr


RReeaaddeerrss’’ RRoooommStories from the pens of readers

Pick and Mixby Eric Fletcher

PIPING HOT

0077779900 112299559999 oorr 0077889966 558888440055wwwwww..ppiippiinngghhoottpplluummbbeerrss..ccoo..uukk

Heating and Plumbing EngineersWe are plumbing, heating and bathroom installation specialists whoprovide a full range of services to customers across the whole of theCardiff area. We can provide all general plumbing services includingradiator installation and servicing and bathroom fitting.

Our highly skilled team are committed to providing the higheststandards of workmanship to all our customers.

Piping Hot is a small family-run business based in Cardiff. Our clientsinclude both individuals and organisations, and we work on bothresidential/domestic and light commerical projects.

With over 80% of our work coming from repeat business orrecommendations from previous clients, our customers can expect a fast,professional, and reliable service.

As a small family business, our clients can be assured of a friendly andpersonal service, and with no call out charge we can help and assist withany boiler or plumbing problems you may have.

SSttaarrtt ppooiinntt:: CCaaeerrpphhiillllyy MMoouunnttaaiinnBus stop on A469 shortly afterjunction with B4263

From your starting point at the bus stop,head back up the A469. You will crossover a small road junction, and after this,cross the A469. This road is usuallypretty busy, but hopefully, everyone willbe dozing in front of the TV but please dotake care crossing the road.Once you have crossed the road, you willpick up the Ridgeway Path which willlead you onto Caerphilly Mountain. Youcan tell that you are on the path becausethere will be two large stones and awooden marker post labeled withCaerphilly Common. Heading up thepath, you will come to a fork in the path.To the right is the Ridgeway Path but youshould ignore this one and continueheading up the path to the point thatannounces the arrival to the peak ofCaerphilly Mountain.At the top, you will see two path on yourright hand side. You will need to take theone that goes diagonally to the right anddrops down into a dip. It will meet upwith several other paths. You will need totake the one that heads more or lessstraight on. It will make its way up theother side, and you will soon reach the B4263, which is where the Mountain Snack Bar

is located.

Head right and take the road to thejunction of the A469. You will need tocross back over the road (it’s the one youcrossed earlier so please take care!).Almost directly opposite, you will makeout a semblance of a road. This will headaround to the left but wheels backaround to the right. You will need to headdown here, and pass a bungalow. Theroad then becomes a path. You can tellthat you’re on the right track as the pathruns parallel with a line of pylons. Beforelong, the path bends left under thepylons and you will come to a metal stileand gate.Head over the stile and then over to theleft. You will see a stile sat on its own.Head to this and then look directlyahead. You will see another stile there inthe fence. Head to this but don’t cross it.Instead, turn right and follow the fence tothe corner of the field. There will be agate which leads to the field next to it.Turn diagonally right to another stile,which will give you a perfect view ofCraig-yr-Allt. Make a line for the barnahead of you, over two stiles and you’llpop out in a lane. Head over thefootbridge and stile – this will take youinto a field. Head left, where you will seeanother stile. The Black Cock Inn will bedirectly ahead of you. Make for thecorner of the field that runs adjacent to

the Black Cock, over the stile there andthen a footbridge. This will lead you intothe car park of the Inn.There is a small road opposite the BlackCock. Take this road and it will lead youdown the side of the valley. You will comeacross a set of gates that are theentrance to Uplands. Opposite thesegates is a footpath sign. If you lookclosely, you will see a stile which is setslightly back from the road. Head overthis stile, and then diagonally right downto another stile. Cross this, then headstraight across the field towards a groupof houses. You will come across yetanother stile, which once crossed, willlead you to the road where the housesare located. Turn right and head down tothe junction in the road. You will see asunken lane on your left (usually coveredin mud). Follow this up the hill and whenthe path comes to a fork, take the lefttrack. Head up this track and then theright at the next fork. Continue uphill tothe ridge. The path will make a sharpturn, and will descend again. If you’d liketo head to the summit, it’s 100 metres upthe ridge on the left. The views are lovelyup there. Time to head back to where youstarted. Follow the path that leads downthe ridge. It will continue around to theleft. The path will lead you past a largewhite house on your left. The path willeventually lead you to the bus stop on

A Winter’s Walk

Walking



Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 26

JJeeaann’’ss DDrreessssmmaakkiinnggaanndd DDeessiiggnnss

Day and Even i n g Wea rBr i d a l Pr om and Dr e s s e sPe r s ona l i s ed Ga r t e r s & R ing Cu sh i on sBo l e r o J a cke t sWedd ing and Even i n g GownsA l l A l t e r a t i o n s A l s o Unde r t a kenCo r p o r a t e and Pe r s ona l Emb ro i d e r y

AAll ll aatt vvee rryy rr eeaa ssoonnaabbll ee rraatt ee ssCCaa ll ll JJeeaann oonn 0022992200 775566556699oorr 0077775533 228888448833mmuurrrraayy jj eeaann5577@@yyaahhoooo .. ccoo ..uukk

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Page 27


Documents

Whitchurch and Llandaff Living Issue 16