RHIWBINA Living At the heart of the community Issue 8

Autumn 09

WHAT’S INSIDE

Exclusive Interview: Rhiwbina and 80’s legend

Howard Jones

Latest News

Cylch Meithrin Cymraeg Rhiwbeina

Head to Head: Sam Warburton and Tom Isaacs

Win Tickets to a New Musical

Seasonal Memories

of Rhiwbina

Take a Walk Through History

The Kitchen Garden

Autumn Cooking

Rhiwbina’s Pets

Puzzle Page

FREE

The nights have started to draw in and already the leaves are turning brilliant shades of gold and red. It will soon be time to light the fires and enjoy all that the beautiful Autumn season brings.

Enjoy this issue of Rhiwbina Living.

Danielle and Patric

Welcome

3 - 4 News

5 Letters to the Editors

6 Competition

7 Cylch Meithrin Cymraeg Rhiwbeina Celebrating a very special anniversary

10 Exclusive Interview: Howard Jones We meet Rhiwbina’s legendary musician

14 Black and Blue Local rugby stars go head to head

18 History Walk through living history in nearby Llandaff

22 The Kitchen Garden Fran Mullins heads to the vegetable patch

27 Rhwbina Pet’s Meet more furry residents!

31 Recipes Warming autumn food

33 Seasonal Memories of Rhiwbina

Ann Sullivan takes a nostalgic trip to Rhiwbina past

34 Puzzle Page

There appears to be a never-ending supply of talent coming out of our small village. Over the past months, we have spoken to many well-known people who have been associated with Rhiwbina. We were delighted this issue to speak to none other than 80’s legend Howard Jones, who was brought up on Heol Llanishen Fach. He exclusively tells us about his memories of Rhiwbina, his subsequent fame in the 1980s, and the success of his work since then. Howard also talks about his new single that was inspired by a chance visit to Bethel Baptist Church. We also catch up with local rugby new boys Sam Warburton and Tom Isaacs and offer you the chance to watch their teams, the Blues and Ospreys take to the pitch in the Magners League this autumn. Ann Sullivan takes readers back to Rhiwbina in the autumn of the 1940s, when the village and country was under threat from bombing. Her recollections show how much the area has changed over the years. Our history page this issue takes you to nearby Llandaff. We detail the history of the village there, for you to take a ‘walk through history’ on a crisp autumn afternoon. Rhiwbina resident and keen gardener Fran Mullins continues her regular Kitchen Garden column, giving us all the advice we need to keep ourselves self-sufficient - very helpful in these tight economic times! If you fancy being entertained this autumn, why not enter our competition to see a brand new musical - The Cappuccino Girls, written by well-known Welsh musical guru, Mal Pope. Finally, please remember to support all of our advertisers who help keep Rhiwbina Living coming through your doors. Have a great Autumn!

Welcome

Croeso

Rhiwbina Living Page 2

Editors/Advertising: Danielle Dummett & Patric Morgan Address: 222 Pantbach Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6AG Tel: 07974 022920 & 07772 081775 Email: editor@rhiwbinaliving.co.uk Website: www.rhiwbinaliving.co.uk Distribution: Rhiwbina Living is produced quarterly and distributed personally by us to 4,400 homes and businesses in Rhiwbina.

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. Rhiwbina Living is an independent, apolitical publication.

Advertising booking and copy deadline for the Winter 2009 issue is 30th October 2009. Winter publication date is late November 2009.

Rhiwbina Living is published quarterly.

Cover photograph courtesy of Rhiwbina Garden Village Residents Association

News

SCOUTS MARK HALL’S

40TH ANNIVERSARY

Rhiwbina’s 2nd Scout Group recently held a party to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their Scout Hall. Scout members invited their friends and families to mark the occasion, 40 years after the hall was built by volunteers and parents of the Group. The party, held in the field of Rhiwbina Primary School, included games of welly-wanging and a lucky dip. A barbeque was lit to feed the hungry party-goers, who were also treated to a chocolate fountain. The Hall was completed in 1969 following a successful campaign by local volunteers. It was opened by the Chief Scout of the Commonwealth, Sir Charles Maclean.

SCHOOL LOSES ITS HEAD

Llanishen Fach Primary School has lost two senior members of staff over the summer, as headteacher Frank Rees and deputy headteacher Meryl Boast both retired. Mr Rees has retired after spending 18 years at the school, while Mrs Boast steps down after 16 years. She said: “The words of thanks made Mr Rees and I feel we have made a difference. You don’t always know the effect you have on pupils until you hear things like that.” Mr Rees gained his first headship at Gibbonsdown Primary School, Barry, back in 1983. He served as headteacher at Y Bont Faen Primary School, Cowbridge, before taking on his current post. He plans to use his retirement to spend time with his grandchildren, as well as a spot of tennis and golf. He said: “I’ve taught all my life and I’ve enjoyed every moment, but now there are opportunities for me to enjoy other aspects of my life. “It’s been a wonderful experience working with fantastic children, great staff, a wonderful community and governors who are second to none.” Sarah Coombes has been appointed as the new headteacher at the school, and Heather Hill will be acting deputy headteacher.

Rhiwbina Living Page 3

BANNER GETS BANNED

Council officers were this year branded ‘jobsworths’ by the organisers of the Rhiwbina Festival, after they ordered them to take down a large banner advertising this year’s event. The eight-foot long banner, which has been used many times before, was ordered to be taken down as it was deemed a distraction to passing motorists. Festival organisers were disappointed that the banner had to be taken down, as they felt it was the best way to advertise the annual event. Karen McGrath, Chairman of the Rhiwbina Events Committee said: “It’s a shame that the week before the event we couldn’t have the banner up to let people know. It was just black writing on a white banner with two Spar logos - as they were our sponsors. “It’s just typical. Council rules have gone mad. If it were the case that there was a real danger of blocking sight lines, I would understand. “The Rhiwbina Festival is a free event and a way of promoting community spirit - which are the sort of things I thought we were supposed to be doing.” A council spokesman replied, saying that unauthorised banners on the highway were illegal. He said: “Due to legislation, unauthorised signs on the highway are not permitted. If everyone put up unauthorised signs, it would cause problems.”

Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks has written to Rhiwbina Primary School to congratulate staff and pupils on its recent Estyn inspection results. He said: “When I was a boy, the school was well known for the excellent education it provided. I am pleased that the positive school ethos still exists now.”

News

KEEPING DRY

Homes in Rhiwbina that were damaged by the early summer flooding are set to gain from a £240,000 flood prevention scheme. Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has recently completed the prevention scheme, designed to alleviate the risk of internal flooding to properties in the area. A new sewer, 200 new pipes and an underground storm water storage chamber were installed at Heol y Coed. The job took 14 weeks to complete and Andrew Bowen, regional investment manager for Welsh Water, said: “The scheme represents our commitment to invest in our network and will directly benefit local residents.” Councillor for Rhiwbina, Adrian Robson said: “All three Rhiwbina councillors were impressed with the consultation by Welsh Water and the information they provided. Following the heavy rainfall in early June, houses in Heol-y-Coed were not flooded.”

CARE BUS ROLLS INTO TOWN

A ‘Care Bus’ has begun its regular visits to North Cardiff to offer support for those looking after people with dementia. The Bus, funded by Cardiff City Council, provides information and support to the carers of anyone with dementia or memory problems in Cardiff. Together with advice and support, the Bus also offers a course of free reflexology or Indian head massage to carers. The aim is to promote stress relief, relaxation and well-being, giving carers some precious time to themselves. Anyone is welcome to come to the Bus and pick up information and get support if needed, or you can just have a cup of tea and a chat. Appointments must be made in advance for any of the treatments however, which are given in one of the two private and comfortable rooms on the Bus. The Bus visits the following places on these dates: Old Church Rooms, Radyr - 19 Oct, 16 Nov Llanishen Leisure Centre - 20 Oct, 17 Nov Lidl Llanishen - 21 Oct, 18 Nov Thornhill Church - 22 Oct, 19 Nov For further details, telephone 07872 174336 or 0845 24 10987

Rhiwbina Living celebrates its second year anniversary next issue. We’ll be delivering our Christmas issue in late November to maximise business

for our advertisers.

Rhiwbina Living Page 4

The Care Bus

FREE SAFETY CHECKS

The South Wales Fire and Rescue Service of Whitchurch Fire Station are offering the residents of Rhiwbina free flood and fire safety checks this autumn. The Home Fire Safety Checks are provided to help make homes safer. Station Commander, Stuart Rookes told Rhiwbina Living: “Free smoke detectors will be fitted to all homes or if people have hearing difficulties, a team can install specialist alarms. A Home Fire Safety Check may even result in some receiving a deep fat fryer or a fireguard for their open fires.” If you require any further information or would like a visit from a member of Whitchurch Community Fire Station, then please e-mail stn49c@southwales-fire.gov.uk or phone 01443 232000 (Mon-Fri 9-5pm) and ask for Whitchurch Station. If you e-mail, remember to provide your name and contact number. The Service can also give information about fireworks and bonfires to those celebrating Bonfire Night this year.

Rhiwbina Living Page 5

Letters to the EditorsLetters to the EditorsLetters to the EditorsLetters to the Editors

Letters

We welcome your letters – keep them coming!

Dear Editors The railway viaduct at Taff’s Well has always held a deep fascination for me and I was saddened when it was demolished in 1969. Although I’d never travelled across it by train, I had walked across it both on the deck and on the cat-walk beneath. When my friend, artist John Banbury had a quiet period of work, I asked if he would be willing to paint a picture for me - the Walnut Tree Viaduct. This he did, completing it in 1993. The scene illustrates a weekend excursion train from Tredegar to Barry Island during the late 1950s, hauled by a LNWR 0-8-0 locomotive (a Super D). This part of the route was normally a freight-only line. While the painting awaited

collection from a framer’s in Caerphilly, it was spotted by a reporter from the South Wales Echo. The newspaper ran features on the painting, keeping both John and I busy for weeks after. Several weeks later, I received a request for a print from a lady in Denver, Colorado. Someone had sent her a copy of the feature, and as she had been brought up in the area, she wanted a visual reminder of her earlier years in Wales. She even called in person to collect her print and to see the original painting. Several months later, my wife and I received an invitation to go and stay with her in Denver. We remain great friends to this day. On a sad note, John passed away suddenly in 1997. Every year, I still receive several requests for prints of this viaduct painting, the latest two being delivered to Kent and Capel Llanilltern. The old viaduct maintains a magical hold long after its demise! Mr Alexander James Y Groes, Rhiwbina

The Walnut Tree Viaduct at Taff’s Well - still holding a special place in peoples’ minds forty years

after its demolition

Dear Editors I left Rhiwbina when I was 25, living in a lot of foreign countries, before finally settling in Melbourne, Australia. A friend of mine recently rang me and told me to buy a copy of the local newspaper, The Spectator. Much to my surprise and delight, I found an article by my friend who comes from Cardiff, featuring pictures of Rhiwbina in 1926. The pictures are not too clear, being very old, but of course, someone might recognise a family member. I remember Rhiwbina well. When I was in Rhiwbina Primary School, I had a friend who lived on Pantbach Road. Sadly, their house was bombed during the war, although they escaped, having sheltered in their under-the-stairs shelter. We have now retired to a little town with a population of just 500 in a farming area of Victoria. I still remember my home town with great affection and was delighted to find your magazine on the internet. Good luck with your future publications. Norma Stephens Penshurst Victoria Australia

The article featuring pictures of

Rhiwbina in the Hamilton Spectator

newspaper in May this year

Rhiwbina Living Page 6

You can see them in any café on any High Street; in Rhiwbina or Sydney, in Whitchurch or New York. They usually meet just after 9am on any school day morning; just a group of friends crowding around a table cradling their cappuccinos. For a short moment they forget about being someone’s mother or somebody’s wife or partner. Here, they are just one of the girls for half an hour or so

before they have to return to their ‘real’ lives. Cappucino Girls, written by Welsh musician Mal Pope, opened for a trial run in Manchester earlier this year and got standing ovations and a much coveted 5 star review in the Manchester Evening News. This autumn, the show tours Wales before finding its home in The Gate Arts Centre in Cardiff up until Christmas. The title track for the show has recently been recorded by Bonnie Tyler and an album of songs for the show will be released in October. The show will have a full West End calibre cast. The show will also be designed by Bafta Award-winning

designer of Doctor Who and Torchwood, Edward Thomas. For your chance to win a pair of tickets to this much-anticipated show, all you need to do is answer this very simple question: In which country did the cappuccino originate? Send your answers on a postcard to our address on the inside front cover, or email us at our usual address by October 23rd.

Fancy a cuppa? WIN tickets to see a brand new musical - the Cappuccino Girls!

Competition

For more information on the show, visit

www.cappuccinogirls.com. The show runs from

1st-19th December. Box Office 029 2048 3344

The three months before Christmas are traditionally the best time of year for

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Feature

Rhiwbina Living Page 7

2009 is an important milestone for the nursery school as it celebrates its half century of existence. The first meetings to discuss the opening of the school were held in the

Wendy Hut in Lôn Fach and shortly afterwards, on the 30th October 1959, the school opened its doors for the first time in a room situated in the Rhiwbina Memorial Hall. Two mothers volunteered their services to teach pupils (namely Mrs Bethan Roberts and Mrs Sally Hughes) on one morning a week initially. About a dozen children were expected to attend but to everyone’s surprise, 21 children appeared! Back in 1959, there was no Welsh medium school available in this area which was under the jurisdiction of the old County of Glamorgan. The nearest Welsh medium school was Bryntaf in Llandaff, on the present site

of Ysgol Pen-Cae, under the Cardiff authority. Therefore, children from Rhiwbeina had to be transported to Bryntaf by the parents until coming to an arrangement with the two councils involved.

Later, a Welsh medium unit was opened in Heol Llanishen Fach. A Welsh medium school was eventually established in Llanishen, Ysgol y Wern and so the pupils from Rhiwbeina began attending this school. The Nursery School left the Memorial Hall in 1966 and since then, it has been held in Bethel Chapel’s vestry in Maes y Deri. The school is now open five mornings a week and has

qualified teachers and teachers’ assistants. Despite lowering the age of admission for primary education, the school is still flourishing and when the pupils are old enough, they proceed to Ysgol Gymraeg y Wern in Llanishen. Many hundreds of children have attended the school over the years and it has provided parents with the opportunity for their children to be bi-lingual. Its founders can be justly proud of its achievements over the years. The school’s Committee, under the chairmanship of Sarah Barr, held a “Celebration Do” in July. Celebratory mugs are also available from Rhymni Pottery.

Cylch Meithrin Cymraeg Rhiwbeina

Rhiwbeina Welsh Medium Nursery School

1959-2009 by Gwilym E Roberts

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20 Years Experience

Some say that going to church is good for the soul. This was definitely the case for music legend Howard Jones, who as a youngster, attended a concert held at Rhiwbina’s Bethany Baptist Church. “I grew up on Heol Llanishen Fach. One of my most wonderful memories is that of my mates and I playing games on the small triangular piece of grass we had outside our house. We always used to be playing cricket or football. Rhiwbina in those days had a great sense of community.” But it was a visit to a concert in the local church that played an important part in shaping Howard’s future. “When I was 11, I went to see a choir at the Bethel Baptist Church. The choir

was the Morriston Orpheus Choir and the concert had a massive impact on me. It was one of those moments in my life that has stuck with me - right up until the present day. Even as I was writing my latest single, Soon You’lI Go, I found myself going back to that concert; in my head the Morriston Orpheus Choir were there singing it.” Howard attended what was then Whitchurch Grammar School. “I used to run home for piano lessons on my lunch hours. I always remember that run - in all kinds of weather. I left Rhiwbina at the age of nine when my parents emigrated to Canada. I did come back for 18 months and then finally left for good at the age of eleven. I haven’t been back since.”

Out in Canada, Howard joined his first band, and upon his return to the UK, began taking music seriously. “I wasn’t getting into the music business to become famous. In fact, that was the furthest thing from my mind. I loved music so much, yet found it incredibly hard to find gigs - I had to fight for everything. I did it for the real joy of doing it and don’t believe that anyone can sustain their creativity if they are in it for the fame.” Howard released his first single in 1983 with the aptly named New Song. What Howard thought might sell a few thousand copies, eventually peaked at No.3 in the UK charts. “People loved the new sound. Although I was classically trained, I was

Rhiwbina Living Page 10

Exclusive Interview

HeroHeroHeroHero OOOOrdinrdinrdinrdinaryaryaryary Howard Jones was one of the icons of the 1980s, and

has since set the world alight with his music. Speaking exclusively to Rhiwbina Living, Howard talks of his career, his homecoming show, and his

childhood memories of growing up in Rhiwbina

Photograph courtesy of Steve Cripps

always interested in developing new sounds in music.” A second single, What Is Love? was released, reaching No.2 in the charts before Howard released a third single and an album, Human’s Lib, which went straight to No.1 in the album charts and eventually went on to become a platinum-selling album. Howard’s subsequent music career took him the world over. “Having a number one in America was something that not many people from the UK have achieved. I think they embraced the fact that here I was - a song-writer, bringing new sounds into the music world.” His second album Dream Into Action was even more successful spawning a series of hits including Like To Get To Know You Well, Look Mama, Things Can Only Get Better and the classic No One Is To Blame, which reached No.1 in the US singles chart and has since had over 3 million radio plays in the USA. Dream Into Action went platinum in the USA, sitting in the US Top 20 album chart for the best part

of a year, making Howard one of the few British artists to have comprehensively ‘broken’ America in the past 25 years. In 1986, Howard was voted Keyboard Player of the Year in Rolling Stone magazine, and in 1987 and 1989 he toured the world extensively, headlining Madison Square Garden in New York and The Budokan in Tokyo. In 1985, he performed Hide and Seek at Live Aid. Despite his world-wide travel, Howard maintains that his heart still lies with Wales. “Despite being born in Southampton, I consider myself Welsh. Both my parents are Welsh and whenever the rugby is on, I always support Wales, and still get tearful when the anthems are played. The show in Cardiff therefore represents a bit of a home-coming to me.” The concert at St David’s Hall on November 13th is to promote his new album Ordinary Heroes - the spark for which came from that concert in Rhiwbina. “Forty-four years on from that night at the Bethany Baptist Church, I was writing my new song Soon You’ll Go, and I had the Morriston Orpheus Choir in my mind. It’s funny how childhood memories can have such an impact on the creative process. Watching a great choir or a band, or any major cultural event like that when you are a kid - it doesn’t register at the time. It stays in your DNA and reappears later in life. That’s why I asked the Choir to come to sing on my latest song.”

For his new album, Howard has moved away from the electronic sound for which he became famous. “I’ve gone back to using more classical sounds on this one - orchestras, choirs and so on. “The show in Cardiff is something of a one-off. It’s a massive privilege to be able to perform with the very same world-famous choir that inspired me all those years ago in that Rhiwbina church. It’s going to be an incredible and unique evening. I’m telling all my fans that you have to be there to experience it. It was a privilege to be able to perform with the Choir on my new album too.” It seems that Howard Jones is a musical magnate who never went away. “My output is very eclectic - I still like to use electronic sounds but at the root of my career is song-writing. I consider an orchestra encompassing everything from synthesizers to horns and to strings– any way to make the music more colourful or interesting.” On November 13th, St David’s Hall will play host to the concert, which has its roots firmly planted in our North Cardiff village.

St David’s Hall Box Office:

029 2087 8444

Rhiwbina Living Page 11 Photograph courtesy of Simon Fowler

Exclusive Interview

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Rhiwbina Living Page 14

North Cardiff has produced some of rugby’s most enduring legends over the years. Players such as Gerald Davies, Bleddyn Williams and Dr Jack Matthews have all graced the area with their residency. It’s hardly surprising then that the area continues to produce a glut of high quality players. And this autumn, two of Wales’s rising stars and former team-mates, fight it out against each other for their respective regions. Basking in the glory of this year’s Sevens World Cup victory this year, is recently-signed Ospreys scrum-half Tom Isaacs. He has come a long way since the gritty playground of Ysgol Gyfan Glantaf in Llandaff North. “I’m very happy that I can call myself a World Champion. It’s not something many people, let alone many Welshmen can put next to their name. I’m so proud.”

His switch to the Ospreys this year follows an impressive run at Newport RFC. “The Ospreys are treating me very well - I am enjoying the company of the other players and feedback from the coaches. I was nervous about my move because of the many big names they have there. But everyone there from the players to the kitchen staff are very welcoming. They’ve made it very easy for me.” Ambition is critical, as Dylan Thomas once wrote, and for Tom, continuous improvement is always on his mind: “My personal aim for the season is to be involved in the match day 22 as often as possible, working on the aspects of my game that I feel I need to improve on. There’s a lot of competition in the squad which is good as it constantly makes you want to work harder.

“Training and playing alongside some of the game’s legends is unbelievable. Sometimes I forget what some of the guys have achieved over the years - like Shane Williams winning World Player of the Year, and Jerry Collins’ annihilation of the British and Irish Lions in 2005. It’s a great feeling though and something that makes you want to constantly up your game.” The prospect of possibly facing off against his old team-mate is something of a challenge for Tom. “I played alongside Sam for the Blues Under 20s team when we were both part of the regional Cup winning team. Although we play in different positions on the field, it’s going to be a good game - Blues against Ospreys is always an interesting fixture.” Sam Warburton is also proud of his achievements to

Black and

Two former local team-mates prepare to do battle for their new regions

Llandaff North World Cup Champion Tom

Isaacs goes head-to-head with Wales Under 20s

Captain and Rhiwbina star Sam Warburton

this autumn

Photograph courtesy of Tom Isaacs

Blue

date, starting with his first Welsh cap against the USA on the Summer Tour of North America. “As a kid, I would always imagine winning a first cap at the Millennium Stadium in the Six Nations or perhaps in an Autumn International. When it came to it, it was all a bit odd - a small crowd in an unfamiliar ground. I was in bit of a panic as I wasn’t expecting to come on perhaps quite as early. Ryan Jones took a big whack to his head and was taken off early. We also had a few injuries and had to jiggle a few of our players around in different positions, so it was a bit sticky for a while! It wasn’t until I reflected on it after the game though, and when I saw myself in the papers wearing that Welsh jersey, that I realised how awesome it had all been.” Sam earned rave reviews in the press about his performance and is hopeful about his selection for the Autumn Internationals. “The advice I’ve had is to focus on playing well for the Blues. I’ve come a long way and I don’t want it all to go to my head. It still seems odd though. Ten years ago, there I was down the Arms Park with my little ticket, watching heroes like Martyn Williams playing. Now I’m there, packing down alongside him, getting a tap on the back from him now and then and being on the same team. It still seems surreal at times.”

The move up a level has brought with it new challenges. “It’s so intense - you really feel that you are part of a team. You can’t afford to be the weakest link - there are no places to hide. If you let the team down, you know it’s because of something you did or didn’t do.” But Sam is taking his achievements so far in his stride. “I have to remember that I’m still a rookie. It’s great to see some of the other players I have played with coming through though - people like Tom, who I might be playing against this October. This is also my sixth season of playing with Leigh Halfpenny and we all know what a successful year he has had. It’s great just to be able to look them in the eye and know that we’re on our way.” When the two teams take to the pitch this autumn, it’s not just pride at stake - the competitive attitudes of both players will be on display should they get picked to play. As they say - it’s only a game.

Win tickets to see the

Blues v Ospreys

The Cardiff Blues host the Ospreys on Saturday 24th October at the new Cardiff City Stadium and we’ve got a pair of tickets for you to see the two teams playing in the Magners League clash. For your chance to win, simply answer the following

question:

Where was this year’s Rugby Sevens World

Cup held?

Answers on a postcard to our usual address or drop us an email by Friday 16th October.

Remember to include contact details with your

correct answer.

Rhiwbina Living Page 15

Exclusive Interviews

Photograph courtesy of Cardiff Blues

ACCESS ACCESS ACCESS ACCESS

MOBILTYMOBILTYMOBILTYMOBILTY

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showers and

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14a Beulah Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff CF14 6LX

Tel: 029 2052 9361 / Fax: 029 20529363

Mobile: 07971 956602/3

MAN FRIDAY AVAILABLE

Ring me if you need help with the following:

Cleaning, Dog walking, DIY in the home,

Shelves, Phone extensions, Dripping taps etc,

Help and advice with domestic appliances and

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Shopping…..in fact anything!

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• Block Paving

• Drives, Patios & Paths

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Millennium Blinds has only been running for two years, but already its joint owners, Brent Davies and Mike Pearson are thrilled at the popularity of their business venture. “We’ve been friends for many,

many years and we decided that we could combine over 20 years of customer service with an expert knowledge of blinds and awnings, to create a company that could improve people’s homes for the better.” The first week in May this year saw Millennium Blinds open its second showroom on Caerphilly Road, Birchgrove. “Our flagship showroom in Caerphilly has become so popular, but with our strong Cardiff connections, we felt that we’d like to offer our services to the people here too. “We offer an excellent range of blinds and awnings, both for domestic and commercial use. We pride ourselves on our

exceptional service and after-sales care. We are very competitive on price and use our own full-time fitter. “We welcome the people of Rhiwbina to come and browse our showrooms both in Caerphilly and in Birchgrove. We’ll visit your home free of charge, listen to what you want and measure up if necessary. All quotations are free. “If you like our blinds and price, we’ll even fit them for you free of charge for you too!”

Millennium Blinds Wales

Showrooms at Castle Court Shopping Centre, Caerphilly

and 102-104 Caerphilly Road, Birchgrove

Call us now on 02920 888016

The showroom offers

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DOUGLAS TILING & BATHROOM INSTALLATION

All types of ceramic, slate, marble &

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Contact Gary Douglas:

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Llandaff has an ancient history that dates back to Roman times. Take a historical walk through Llandaff and discover the

stories behind the people, the buildings and the landmarks of your neighbouring village

Historical Walk

Rhiwbina Living Page 18

The Cathedral dates from the 12th and 13th centuries. Its foundations are linked to St Teilo, who lived in the 6th century. The first church was a wooden one and successive churches have been built on the site since. The Cathedral fell into disrepair after the Reformation but underwent a great restoration in the 1850s. During WWII, a landmine destroyed a large part of the Cathedral. Another restoration took place seventeen years later, incorporating the now-famous Christ in Majesty figure by Jacob Epstein.

Nothing visible remains today above ground of the Archdeacon’s Castle, which was once a substantial building. Henry II is said to have been entertained here and it stood between Dean’s Wood and the river.

Formerly called the Bishop’s Palace, or Bishop’s Court, The Cathedral School was built between 1742 and 1746 by Admiral Thomas Mathews to replace the ancestral home of the Mathew family. In 1851, this Georgian house was bought by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for Bishop Ollivant, who had added a chapel by 1859. During the Second World War, it was occupied by the army, their buildings having been damaged by bombing. In 1958, it became the home of The Cathedral School- a year after the school had been incorporated into the Woodward Corporation.

Built in 1861, the Probate Registry was built by Thomas Williams of Canton, who was later responsible for overseeing the creation of the Cathedral’s spire. The Registry was built at a cost of £1000 to house the civil administration of Probate, which up until 1857, had been an ecclesiastical duty.

A Walk Through History

The Cathedral The Probate Registry

The Cathedral School

Historical Walk

Rhiwbina Living Page 19

The Preaching Cross is placed at the traditional site where Archbishop Baldwin of Canterbury stood to appeal to the Norman-French and Welsh to join the Third Crusade (as mentioned in Journey Through Wales by Gerald of Wales) in 1188. The shaft is 13th century, with the cross being restored in the mid 1800s.

Much modernised, the Prebendal House is ‘the new house built by the Chapter in the Churchyard’ as mentioned in the Act Book of 1679. Orders were given for its furnishing to provide accommodation for meetings of the Chapter in 1684. It now houses a song room for the Cathedral choir, and is also used for meetings and vestries. There are two stone urns in front of it. These are remnants of John Wood’s Italian Temple.

The Old Bishop’s Palace was probably built by William de Brewse, Bishop between 1266 and 1287. After Owain Glyndwr’s rebellion against Henry IV, the building was superceded as the Bishop’s residence by the Palace at Mathern. Records tell us that the building provided refuge for the people of Llandaff during a violent dispute between local families in 1597. The enclosing wall and corner towers remain to this day- the gatehouse showing great similarity to parts of Caerphilly Castle. On the wall to the left of the entrance can be seen the sloping roof of the Bush Inn, which stood against the gatehouse and was still inhabited in the 18th century.

Part of St Michael’s College which now houses the Theological College of St Michael and All Angels was originally built by John Prichard as his own residence and offices. After his death, the building underwent many extensions, including a restoration in 1957 following damage from a landmine in 1941. The restoration included a new chapel designed by then Cathedral architect, George Pace.

The Old Bishop’s Palace

The Preaching Cross

St Michael’s College

02920 566 602

6 High Street, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2DZ

www.jasperstearooms.com

Traditional

Tea Rooms Situated in the

heart of

Llandaff City

Electrics Refurbishments Renovations Decorating Carpentry & Joinery Extensions

Central Heating Plumbing Plastering Roofing

Bathrooms Kitchens

Mobile: 07715172149

Email: johnbuildit72@btinternet.com

City and Guilds of London Institute

Design and Project Management

Locally-based, professional service

Wall and Floor Tile Specialists

Here at The Tile Studio we pride

ourselves on our vast knowledge

of all types of tiles and related

products.

Please feel free to contact us for

any advice relating to projects

you may be undertaking.

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Ceramic Slate Porcelain

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Accessories

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

FREE QUOTES & ADVICE

Two Meals for £6.99 Choose from a wide range of homemade meals

Curry Club An extensive choice of homemade curries served with Naan Bread, Poppadums, Rice, Chips and Mango Chutney. And a free drink!

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Fish & Chip Special Cod or Haddock served with chips, peas, bread and butter, and a cup of tea or coffee.

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Served 12 noon-6pm every Sunday Sky Sports - all matches always showing Open until midnight Friday & Saturday

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South Wales' Newest Bike Shop

5A Beulah Road, Rhiwbina, Cardiff

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Full range of children’s bicycles

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Men’s and women’s clothing

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Lazron Matia

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2 HEOL Y DERI, RHIWBINA, CARDIFF CF14 6HF TEL: 02920 611 471

Please contact Kerima Cooper, Sarah James or Natasha Aldridge Sarah James: Mobile: 07966 432311 email:sarah.james@oblj.co.uk

Natasha Aldridge: Mobile: 07837 743444 email:natasha.aldridge@oblj.co.uk Kerima Cooper: Mobile: 07814 662975

Serving the community for over 30 years

O’Brien Lewis and James are pleased to announce

that they have merged with the firm of Thomas Simon Solicitors.

The merger means that we can offer all our clients,

past present and future, a wide range of legal services with the personal service on which we

have always prided ourselves.

With Thomas Simon

• HOME VISITS AVAILABLE • APPOINTMENTS NOT ALWAYS NECESSARY •

LEGAL AID AVAILABLE

* CONVEYANCING/REMORTGAGING * WILLS

* HOME INFORMATION PACKS * INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING * REPOSSESSIONS/HOUSING MATTERS * PROBATE

* LEASE EXTENSIONS/FREEHOLD PURCHASES * LASTING POWERS OF ATTORNEY * EQUITY RELEASE * PERSONAL INJURY

* COMMERCIAL PROPERTY * DEBT RECOVERY

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Rhiwbina Living Page 22

Outdoors

OctoberOctoberOctoberOctober Now that we’ve passed the equinox, there is little light left for evening gardening; clear nights can even be frosty. This month our main tasks will concentrate on tidying up, harvesting and storing our well earned produce and starting off new plants for spring.

Cutting down the browning ferny foliage of asparagus can be done this month but take care as the stems carry sharp spikes. Mulch the bed to protect and feed the crowns over winter. Other feeding can be stopped as it promotes new soft growth which is vulnerable to frost damage and could let in disease.

Chop down too, the tall foliage of Jerusalem artichokes before it gets messy. Mark the spot as it’s easy to forget where to dig.

The tubers spread so ensure all are lifted as we go through the autumn. On a dry day lift the maincrop potatoes. Leave them on the ground for a few hours to finish drying off and then bag them. Keep them in the dark to stop them going green. Paper or hessian sacks are best as polythene makes them sweat and rot. Carry on lifting carrots and store in sand or old dry compost to prevent rotting and keep them somewhere dry and frost free. Throughout the winter they will need regular checking for disease. Those will have to be discarded. This is the last chance to plant out our spring cabbages and give them a chance to settle in and grow a few roots before winter. Cover them right away or the birds will have them before we’ve had time to put

our trowel back in the shed.

Garlic and onion sets can go out now. Garlic likes a spell of about two months of cold weather to get going. Break the garlic into individual cloves, discarding the loose outer skin and, as with the onion sets, plant so that tips are just below the surface. If it is too wet with danger of rotting they can always be planted in a cold frame or near a wall to keep the worst of the rain off. Don’t be tempted to use supermarket bulbs but buy disease resistant bulbs from a garden centre, since they are especially bred for our weather. Broad beans planted now will give nice succulent beans in the spring. Sow them outside in a channel about two inches deep. The large seeds will need protecting from mice who love them. Tamping the soil down firmly and covering with fleece or cloches will help deter them.

The Kitchen GardenThe Kitchen GardenThe Kitchen GardenThe Kitchen Garden

By Fran MullinsBy Fran MullinsBy Fran MullinsBy Fran Mullins

Continue picking and storing apples and pears. As with root vegetables, store only unblemished fruit to prevent disease spreading. Eat the less than perfect straight away. Apples and pears survive for months individually wrapped in newspaper and kept somewhere cool but frost free. It’s Halloween this month so harden off pumpkins and gourds in the sun ready for lantern-making.

NovemberNovemberNovemberNovember Although the productive year is coming to a close now, November is also the beginning of the next season. November is often raw and damp so we must make the most of the few bright dry days. This month is a good time to revamp the kitchen garden. Changing the shape of beds encourages crop rotation and reduces the build up of disease. Beds can be traditional potager style with paths surrounding one and a half square metres of prepared soil or long and narrow, allotment style, or just make room amongst the flowers. Our other jobs will be clearing, digging and harvesting.

Uproot any weeds hiding in the vegetable plot. Clearing away the dead foliage and leaves reduces overwintering places for pests. Tempting though it is to build up a bonfire for Guy Fawkes Night, try to resist. If we practice good garden hygiene and put it all on our compost heap, it can start rotting down over the winter, working for us when we’re not even

there. Roots of perennial weeds like dandelion and weeds which have set seed are safer in the green bin as they may not rot down and may spread around a bigger infestation.

After clearing an area, press on with winter digging as long as the soil is not too wet to stick to our boots. A rough dig over can be left for the winter rains and frost to break up the soil. Although it looks unattractive, covering some of the plot with black plastic keeps the worst of the weather off. This helps slightly with drying and warming the soil and gives us a head start next spring. It also prevents nutrients leeching out of the soil with the rain, and reduces the number of weeds we shall have to deal with next spring.

Check brassicas and Brussels sprouts for any yellowing leaves and remove them. They are no use to the plant without the green chlorophyll which makes the food and just encourages disease. Stake the sprouts and other brassicas and the vegetable garden will look a lot tidier. Make sure they are netted or the hungry pigeons will strip them. Peg the nets to the ground to prevent the little birds getting caught up.

As we harvest the sprouts, pick from the base upwards as this is the way they mature. Pick a few from each plant. Ideally wait for the first frost for extra sweetness.

Parsnips too are sweeter after a frost. They can be left in the ground and often do better this way than being picked and stored in boxes. This goes for leeks as well, since they are quite happy sitting in their beds until needed. If though, a long period of hard frost is forecast, when digging is impossible harvest several in advance and store by the back door. Trips to the herb bed are not much fun in the cold and dark, so lift a few roots of parsley, mint or chives and place in a pot of compost on the kitchen window sill for use throughout the winter. These are so much tastier than dried herbs and the green freshness gives hope for spring.

Rhiwbina Living Page 23

Outdoors

Photographs courtesy of Francis Mullins

CALLING ALL GARDENERS

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Living

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Rhiwbina’s Pets

Rhiwbina’s Pets

Welcome once again to our feature about the pets in our community, kindly sponsored by Heath Veterinary Group. Each issue we will meet a new resident, so

write in and send your photos if you would like your pet to be featured!

Rhiwbina Living Page 27

Do you have a question you would like to pose to Chris, our local vet?

If so, please send to editor@rhiwbinaliving.co.uk or write to us,

and we will pass them on!

Readers’ Pets

“Roko and Tigs are two little one-year old brothers. “I’ll always remember meeting my mother in a supermarket car park down in West Wales to pick them up. “Being two brothers, you can imagine the amount of trouble they get up to. They enjoy play fighting and rolling round on the floor. Their favourite toys are their little pink fluffy toy on a stick and their wind-up mouse. But they also make a lot of their own entertainment - they are always trying to get into the food cupboards (without much success) and they even hang off the windows and do pull-ups! “But you can tell just how much they love each other. If one of them is not in the room, they will call for the other. I think they worry about each other. They are always washing each other and love cuddling up on laps and cwtching. “They are such a bundle of fun - last Christmas, Tigs was running around the lounge like a lunatic when we were wrapping presents - he even had a piece of sellotape stuck to his nose!”

Alys Haf is a Welsh-speaking actress and the proud owner of Roko and Tigs, who were born

on a farm in West Wales.

Rhiwbina’s Pets is sponsored by Heath Veterinary Group

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MP for Cardiff North

Surgery Notice

Promoted and published by Julie Morgan MP, 17 Plasnewydd, Whitchurch, Cardiff CF14 1NR.

Funded by the House of Commons Communication Allowance.

Julie Morgan 17 Plasnewydd

Whitchurch

Cardiff

CF14 1NR

Tel: (Cardiff) 029 2062 4166

(London) 0207 219 6960

Fax: 029 2062 3661

Email: morganj@parliament.uk Or for more information, visit my

website:

www.juliemorgan.org

If you have any problems or concerns

that you would like to discuss with

me, I hold a regular surgery for my

constituents every Friday between

12.30pm and 1.30pm at my offices in

Whitchurch. No appointment is

needed. Please phone my office if

you would like further information.

118-120 Caerphilly Road, Cardiff, CF14 4QG 02920 691286

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Local IT Technicians

Computer Services

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Call us for further details 0845 121 0646

Office at:

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Home appointments also available

Creative Kitchens and Bedrooms

“96% of our work comes via recommendation”

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Visit our showroom and see our quality ranges on

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(029) 2052 2789 Showroom 111, Heol Llanishen Fach, Rhiwbina

Open: Mon-Sat 7am-11pm • Sun 7am-10.30pm

Open: Mon-Sat 7am-10pm • Sun 8am-10pm

Rhiwbina Living Page 31

Recipes

Pumpkin Soup Pumpkin Soup Pumpkin Soup Pumpkin Soup ---- In a Pumpkin In a Pumpkin In a Pumpkin In a Pumpkin

Cumberland Sausage CasseroleCumberland Sausage CasseroleCumberland Sausage CasseroleCumberland Sausage Casserole

Ingredients 1 x 1.75-2.25kg pumpkin, 15g butter, salt and freshly ground black pepper, 50g long-grained rice, 2 shallots, finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely chopped, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 1 sprig fresh rosemary, 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped, 600-900ml milk, 25g Parmesan cheese, freshly grated crisp croutons to serve Method

Preheat the oven to 180C/350F/gas mark 4. Using a sharp knife, cut a lid off the pumpkin. Scrape out the seeds and threads inside and discard. Rub the butter around the inside of the pumpkin and season generously with salt and pepper. Place rice, shallots and garlic in the pumpkin. Add the thyme, rosemary and parsley. Bring the milk to the boil and pour enough into the pumpkin to almost fill it. Cover with its lid, then wrap foil loosely around it, taking care not to spill the contents. Stand it in a roasting tin and bake for 1¾-2½ hours until the inside is tender. If you can find them, fish out the herb twigs, then stir the Parmesan into the soup, taste and adjust the seasoning. As you serve the soup, scrape out some of the softened pumpkin with each spoonful. Pass croutons around separately. Exact cooking time depends on the size of the pumpkin, but if it seems to be almost done and you are not ready to eat, turn the oven down low to prevent the shell softening too much.

Ingredients 200g flour, 2 tsp baking powder, ½ tsp salt, 1 medium egg, beaten, 1 tbsp vegetable shortening, melted, 180 ml milk, 3 apples, peeled, cored, cut into slices, 3 tbsp sugar, 1 fresh lemon juice & powdered sugar Method

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar and lemon juice over the apples. Sift the flour, baking powder, sugar and salt into a bowl. In another bowl, combine the milk to the well beaten egg. Slowly combine both mixtures, beating thoroughly, then add the vegetable shortening. Cover apple slices with batter and drop them into plenty of vegetable shortening. Fry for 4-5 minutes. Drain and sprinkle with powdered sugar.

Apple FrittersApple FrittersApple FrittersApple Fritters

Warm up with these Autumn RecipesWarm up with these Autumn RecipesWarm up with these Autumn RecipesWarm up with these Autumn Recipes Ingredients 900g Cumberland sausage, 225g diced button mushrooms, 225g diced onions, 2 sprigs fresh thyme, 200ml red wine, 200ml stock, 1 chopped onion, 2 sticks chopped celery, 125g plain flour, 125g butter

Method Sauté the chopped onion and celery in the butter until lightly browned. Stir in the flour and then add the stock and wine. Reduce the mixture until it thickens. Brown the sausage on all sides and place in oven proof dish. Fry the mushrooms and the remaining onion in the sausage juices. Strain the sauce onto the sausages. Add the thyme and seasoning. Cook for 45 minutes in the oven at 180°C / 350°F / gas mark 4.

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Planning your finances can be confusing and stressful.

Take advantage of an exclusive offer to Rhiwbina Living

readers courtesy of Kilsby, Williams & Gould

Kilsby Williams & Gould, Chartered Financial Planners, have recently been

awarded the Investors In People award proving their ongoing commitment to

both staff and clients. The award follows on from Rhiwbina resident Andy

Gait, partner at Kilsby Williams & Gould, being awarded the prestigious

Certified Financial Planner title together with chartered status

awarded last year.

Andy has lived in Rhiwbina since 2004, and is married with

two young daughters.

Kilsby, Williams & Gould is a firm of fee-based independent financial

advisors affiliated with the regional South Wales accountancy practise Kilsby

& Williams. The firm specialises in pre and post retirement planning,

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Kilsby, Williams & Gould is prepared to offer readers a free 1 hour

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Rhiwbina resident

and company

partner, Andy Gait

Rhiwbina Living Page 33

Seasonal Memories of Rhiwbina

Living in Baytree Cottage on Thornhill Road seemed way out in the country many years ago - these days it doesn't seem so far! All the seasons had their plus sides and Autumn in particular brought seasonal treats - mushrooms, nuts, conkers, blackberries, crab apples and damsons. We seemed to live over the fields back then; know every field, every tree and most of the cows, sheep and horses too. Farmer Wride's cows, (his farm was just below Wenallt Road) were particularly friendly and when we were mushrooming they would follow us everywhere in the hope that we had some sweets in our pockets - give a cow a toffee and you have a friend for life! We knew where all the best mushroom fields were and always headed for them first, but by chance, one day we stumbled upon a field with very long grass and found a couple of mushrooms. Within minutes we had found pounds and pounds of mushrooms and we had only taken a small bag to carry them home in. Our solution was to strip my little sister down to her knickers and use her clothes to carry them in! Of course, when we arrived home my mother didn’t know what to do with them all, but they were there and we just couldn't stop licking them! There's something special about picking mushrooms and the feeling is still there when I manage to find them these days. The crab apples and damsons we picked were turned into jam by Mum - we were still on rationing so it was good to have home

made jam. The same with the blackberries - we used some for pies and tarts and the rest for blackberry jam. The hazel nuts we tried to keep for Christmas - without success! As far as fresh meat went (or the lack of it with rationing) we did okay. My Dad had a twelve bore shotgun and he was excellent at shooting pheasants, rabbits, hares and pigeons. We had an unending supply of meat. The drawback was that after every meal there was a row of lead pellets around the edge of the plate. A small price to pay for such good food and I suppose I must have swallowed a fair few pellets over the years! Another good source of food was from the American soldiers who were living in tents on the sides of Thornhill. They were guarding petrol dumps - just black soldiers, no whites. Presumably, white soldiers were deemed too good at the time to do such work. These soldiers were great and often gave Mum some of their rations which were far better than what we were getting. In some cases they had stuff we could only dream of. Of course the drawback of

living on Thornhill during the war was its proximity to the ROF factory at the crossroads. The German bombers used to use the road as a guide down to the factory, but more often than not they missed and dropped bombs over what is now the Thornhill Estate. We used to go along to see the craters the day after a raid - and to collect shrapnel for souvenirs.

Milk came from Pantyscawen Farm, owned by Jack Rees. He used to deliver milk on his milk cart pulled by Ginger the Horse. He had large milk churns and one pint and half pint measures which he used to pour the milk into the jug my mother had left on the doorstep with a saucer on top. Coming home from school, if I spotted Jack in the distance, I used to run to catch him up for a ride on the cart. Sitting on a cold milk churn is not pleasant!

Autumnal Memories of Rhiwbina

By Ann Sullivan

Rhiwbina Living Page 34

ACROSS

1. Join the celebration parade 8. Are you coming or not? 10. Mr Jones is Walking in the Air 12. The cheesy place with the castle 15. A Proper word 16. A small step for this guy 17. Put your foot down and steer 18. Bake one and take it to a decimal point 19. Victory in a classic car 21. Striped stinger 23. Atop of a house 25. A canoe, even back to front! 27. Punch the light 28. The other half of the chit 30. Say goodbye to the sea lumps 32. Beam between two oxen 34. Glastonbury’s got one 35. I wander 37. Save 41. Welsh lookalikes in clay 44. An object that could be a couple 46. Dressed to the nines 47. Wheeeee all the way down

DOWN

2. WMC’s animal shape 3. Far’s opposite 4. German discount store 5. Welsh-born saint 6. Stench in the sink 7. Meat or savoury? 9. Mum’s mum. Or Dad’s mum of course 11. Mover and shaker 13. Full of A-wards 14. Two days before tomorrow 20. Take a long walk up a mountain will you? 21. Leaflet 22. Elderly citizen gets the discount 24. Taste this! 26. Yukky bison 29. Practice this transport 30. Sails round and round 31. Ten cents worth 33. On and on 34. Pay the end 36. Heavy forging this tool! 38. Before the chicken? 39. Instrument for the worker 40. Not her. The other half. 42. Back-to-front Creator of the dog 43. Hillman’s little one 45. Sloshy earth

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Answers on our website - www.rhiwbinaliving.co.uk