Annual General Meeting - 8th April 2023
The weather has not been kind to us this winter, and why should today be any different. It was damp, dreary, and grey but it did not put us off attending our first meeting of 2024. We met at Lisvane Old School Community Hall again, but had a room upstairs, as the venue is becoming really popular with many groups wanting to use the facilities. The room was fine, and there was a lift for those that needed it. Following on from our usual coffee and welsh cakes, we welcomed our Guest Speaker Mr Ted Richards. Mr Richards is a retired scientist and toxicologist. His talk was titled ‘Poisoned’. We didn’t quite know what to expect, and were curious about his props, a teapot, a tin of soup, an umbrella, but all became clear when he started his talk. He talked to us about people who had been poisoned dating back to Roman Times and bringing up to date with the recent death of Alexei Navalny, a Russian who had been subject to a nerve agent poison. We are now experts on Cyanide, Arsenic and many others. I was a bit concerned that the members may have been taking notes and then our membership would become smaller! After Mr Richards packed up his props, we continued with the Annual General Meeting. Unfortunately, our Treasurer Len was not able to attend but left his ‘Treasurers Report’ in the capable hands of Hilary Prest. Len doesn’t think he has ever missed a meeting or event before. After all this talking, we were ready for lunch and again we used the ‘in house’ café at the Community Hall and as always, they provided us with a very tasty 2 course lunch. The service was good, and we were able to sit and chat without being rushed. It was time to bring the day to a close and once again we ventured out into the damp, dreary and grey day. Let us hope by the time we meet again in May, the sun has begun to shine. Jan Christmas Lunch - 13th December 2023
Once again we went to Whitchurch Golf Club for our Christmas Lunch and once again they did us proud. We met in the bar area and enjoyed a ‘Welcome Drink’ and had an opportunity to have a quick chat with our friends. The function room was laid with three tables, but everybody knew where to sit, as place cards had been made with everybody’ s food choices written inside. Crackers were pulled, hats were worn and I even heard a few jokes being read out. The food was served promptly, was nice and hot and certainly very tasty. I think without exception, we all thoroughly enjoyed our lunch. In between the main course and dessert, we took an impromptu break, which gave our excellent Saleslady, Hilary the opportunity to sell raffle tickets. As always Hilary excelled in this role, and we raised £155.00 for Ty Hafen Children’s Hospice. Thank you for purchasing a raffle ticket or five! Following our dessert, the raffle was called. Len pulled the first ticket and would you believe it was his own…. FIX we all called! But we let him pick a prize. We had a fair few prizes and at least one person on each table had a prize to take home. Following a leisurely cup of coffee and a chat, we all decided that we had a lovely lunch and a catch up with our friends and we ventured out into the setting sunshine for our journey home. On behalf of the Committee, we would like to thank everybody who attended events during 2023 and wish everybody a very Happy Christmas and New Year and look forward to seeing you all in 2024 Jan Evans More pictures Here Autumn Talk - Cardiff old and new in postcards and photos. 6thSept
The meeting was held in Lisvane old school now a completely renovated and first class venue that we have used for a number of our events. This event was presented by Peter Smith, partner of Chairman Jan. It lasted a full hour and could have gone on longer as members were interested and fully engaged. The photographs and postcards of old and new Cardiff were fascinating and even members who are not from Cardiff were informed and impressed by the presentation. Peter must have put many hours and lots of passion into the presentation and it showed. Comments, such as “I worked there“, “I used to shop there“ and “ I went dancing there“ were heard from attending members. A big thank you to Peter for such a first-class presentation and a very entertaining afternoon. Chairman Jan, welcomed new members Helen Farr and Kath Thomas daughter of Eunice Williams so now we have a mother and daughter in our Fellowship, is our area unique? Afterwards we had “ high tea” in the cafe part of the building, very enjoyable and a super opportunity for members to mix and chat. Len Bartlett More pictures Here Summer Lunch 12th July 2023
In keeping with tradition, we had our Summer Lunch on Wednesday 12 July, but we changed the venue this year. 20 of us met at the Ty Mawr Pub and Restaurant which is situated at Lisvane Cardiff. Due to its high location in the countryside of North Cardiff, the views are amazing on a clear day, with Cardiff City, The Bay, Penarth Head and the Bristol Channel all within sight, with the Somerset Coast also visible. We had the function room to ourselves, which was great, as we could chat as much as we wanted to, without disturbing other diners. I don’t think anybody was disappointed with the food, but sadly, like a lot of places lately, the service was a little on the slow side, but that did give us more time to chat, so that was a bonus. Our next event is Wednesday 6 September 2023 and details of this will follow in due course. Jan Insole Court visit 31st of May 2023.
What an interesting place to visit and everything was convenient, locality, the car parking and easy access. The tour allowed limited numbers so only 15 people were able to attend. This is a big property in spacious grounds, which is now cared for by a Trust, dates back to 1850s when George Insole moved to Cardiff and recognised the possible wealth of Cardiff. Initially he transported iron but then went on to include coal and built Barry Dock to get away from being controlled by the Butes who owned Cardiff docks. Things went really well until after the First World War 1918, when the demand for coal drastically reduced due to oil being used more in factories and transport. The Insoles never recovered from the setback and went bankrupt and eventually sold the house, and what a house, and grounds to Cardiff City Council for £27,000 which was more than the cost for one of the extensions on this magnificent property. We had a very interesting conducted tour with audio presentation. Well worth a visit. Len More pictures here Ladies and Gentlemen,
AGM and Talk- April 5th 2023
Today was our Annual General meeting for 2023 and after many years of meeting at the Baptist Chapel in Rhiwbina, we decided to move to Lisvane Community Hub and we must thank our Treasurer Len for booking our venue and organising coffee and welsh cakes on arrival. Our Guest Speaker was Mr John Sheen, a gentleman, who had worked for many years in the Education Sector and when retired was persuaded to take up public speaking. His talk today was called ‘5 Boys and a Pasty’ which had us all guessing, but turned out to be a very amusing talk about his childhood in the late 1940’s early 50’s in Port Talbot. No power point presentation today, just a collection of carrier bags containing his props, a half-a-crown, an old newspaper a ‘Robot’ game and various other bits and bobs and the title of his talk was explained, as one of his props was a Five Boys Chocolate wrapper which was his favourite chocolate in his childhood and the pasty…..well, on the coronation day of the late Queen Elizabeth II, all his family crowded around a 9” TV Screen and in order that they didn’t miss a thing, his Mother made pasties that could be consumed in front of the TV, never before had they eaten a meal other than at the dining table! Following John’s entertaining talk, we proceeded with the AGM and sadly our Chairman Heather Miller decided to stand down. She was thanked for all her work in the past and presented with flowers. It was decided, that rather than move to a local pub for lunch we would stay at the Hub, where the ‘inhouse’ caterers provided us with an excellent 2 course lunch which was enjoyed by all. The event was almost over, but we had one last thing to do. Our much respected hardworking Treasurer Len Bartlett will celebrate his 90th Birthday later this month, so we chose to mark the occasion with a personalised birthday cake and a rendition of ‘Happy Birthday to you’. We all enjoyed a slice of cake, so sadly Len did not have much to take home, but never mind, because earlier this week he made himself a marmalade cake. Happy Birthday Len More pictures here Christmas Lunch 2022 - 7th December
We must first of all thank Len our Treasurer, for finding this year’s location for our Christmas Lunch, our first since December 2019.Len booked Whitchurch Golf Club, situate in the north of Cardiff with easy road access due to its close proximity to the M4 and A470. Len then kindly handed the baton to me, to send out menus, collect money and food choices. The day was very cold, but a lovely bright winter sunshine day, just right for wearing a Christmas Jumper, which was optional. Lunch was booked for 1.00p.m and we all met at 12.30 for our welcome drink in the Golf Club bar.It was good to see some new faces, some returning faces and of course the members who try and attend everything. We had four tables, and arranging the seating plan was likened to doing one for a wedding, hoping that we didn’t upset anybody! The food was served piping hot, tasty and well presented, just what we needed on a cold day. We must thank Hilary Prest, who was in charge of selling the raffle tickets, her excellent sale skills (or was it arm twisting) raised £154.00 for Ty Hafan Children’s Hospice. Thank you to all that contributed. Our lunch finally came to an end, but not before a few photos were taken, when the plates and glasses were emptied, but that proves that we all has an enjoyable time. Jan It was a really successful event mainly due to Jan’s organising. It takes a lot of time and effort to put together such a super luncheon and we owe Jan a very big thank you. Jan take a bow, we should have given you a bouquet! Len More pictures here Autumn Talk - Lisvane Old School Community Hall
21st Sept 2022 We thought we would try something different before we head into winter in the hope of attracting a few more members. Sadly, this was not the case, but it was good to see a few people who had not been able to attend other events this year and to welcome a new fellowship member. We met at the Lisvane Old School Community Hall, which has recently been totally refurbished and is there to be used for the community’s benefit. We started our afternoon with a talk from Dr Ritchie Wood, a very clever man, who loves to research things to then talk about. The days talk was about the Suffragettes’, and not just the most known events of the 1920’s, but going right back to the 1600’s, where some very brave ladies tried to get into Parliament, failed but kept going and finally succeeded! It was very interesting and certainly reconfirmed to me to always use my vote (which I do!) Following this, we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon tea provided by the in-house café which would have equalled any Hotel in quality and presentation. The sandwiches were dainty, the scones just perfect, and I think most people resorted to taking the gorgeous cake selection home with them, such was the feast! We may have been a small group, but I think we all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon. Janet Evans More pictures Here Summer Lunch - Custom House Penarth
6th July 2022 What a super venue, the sea, the boats and a fantastic building. Attendees initially were few but a gentle reminder got the numbers up to 21. Still disappointing considering Jan’s survey at the AGM concluded that most members preferred a sit down meal. Unfortunately our numbers were reduced about a week prior to the event as John Dickson was rushed to hospital whilst on holiday but we are happy to report that he is now home and making good recovery. So on the day we were 19 until Ann Ferris arrived to advise that her guests would not be attending due to the husband being hospitalised that morning. Then we were 17 and Jan was coping well with the stress. The luncheon began with the welcome drink and members soon got into a relaxed frame of mind. The food was the usual high standard and excellent service. Meal prices have increased but that is the story everywhere. All in all it was a very enjoyable meeting with a big thanks to Jan for organising and enduring all the hassle. Len More pictures Here LLancaiach Fawr 25th May 2022 Wednesday, 25th May, was a good day for time travelling. The weather was fair and the route clear. Our journey ended at Nelson, near Treharris, in the glorious county of Glamorgan during the year 1645. Although the civil war was raging, we passed an extremely peaceful afternoon at Llancaiach Fawr Manor House where we were welcomed and afforded much hospitality by the good servants of Colonel Prichard, owner of the estate and mineral rights stretching from Merthyr Tydfil to Cardiff. As would befit the sixth wealthiest family in the shire, there was a plentiful supply of tasty victuals and fine beverages, though, naturally, such wealth is not acquired by entirely unfettered charity, so reasonable charges were made. After the feasting, we were treated to a conducted tour of the manor and learnt a great deal about life on the estate from the perspectives of both gentry and workers. Due to the dangers of the time, each of us was given a letter of introduction to prove to anyone who enquired that none was a deserting soldier nor spy. Some interesting, and at times gruesome, stories were shared with us and we were informed that the place is haunted. At nightfall in the winter months, visitors are guided around the manor by torchlight and entertained (probably frightened out of their skins) by tales of uncanny experiences that have occurred in the house and grounds. Perhaps television in the twenty-first century is not quite the curse some might think. As we gathered to bid farewell, the general consensus was that the trip had been a resounding success and gratitude was expressed to our hosts, and to Janet who had done a fine job in organising the visit. Catherine Dart More photographs here AGM Cardiff 6th. Arpril 2022 We held our AGM on the 6th April with a good turnout but some members left before the group photograph. We were treated then to talk talk about the Holy Land from the Rev Hilary Prest one of our members. She retraced her steps recalling all the highlights of the 10 day tour making it sound a very interesting place with all the history that goes with the area. The opportunity was taken to ask members what type of event/gathering they would prefer.Visits to places of interest, coffee/afternoon tea meetings with a speaker, spectacular gardens as long as there is not too much walking and standing around or a boules challenge, so the committee needs to get active. Lunch was held at a local public house and was a fitting end to our first gathering since Covid began. Cardiff Fire Station - A Visit to a Past Event
11th August 2013 The venue for the August meeting of our Fellowship group was Cardiff City Fire Station, which is situated in the city centre opposite to H.M. Prison in Bute Terrace. Our party was welcomed to this recently rebuilt facility by the duty officer, ~who conducted the lecture and following demonstration of the appliances. While enjoying coffee and Welsh cakes, he gave us a very full and comprehensive idea of what the duty shift involved, and the many types of incident with which they had to deal with.These were very varied ranging from rescuing animals in distress, road traffic accidents and all manner of fires - large and small. Inevitably they have to attend many hoax and accidental call-outs during the course of the 24hours. There followed a short film which showed how quickly and easily a fire can be instigated by domestic electrical appliances e.g. hairdryer/hair straighteners left carelessly on a bed and covered by a discarded garment.The entire room was well ablaze in under 4 minutes. After a Q & A session we made our way to the rear area where the duty personnel were going through their routine orders for the manning of the various engines and equipment. The large Bronto Skylift machine puts down 4 stabilizer legs before raising the elevated platform and ladders up to 30m. to facilitate the use of hoses and rescue teams. They simulated putting out a fire by spraying the next door building and almost avoided getting us wet in the process. Another two smaller engines for specific tasks also featured and the highly accomplished crew were very impressive and obviously in full control. We then made our way to the Sandpiper Hostelry located in the Leckwith complex where we enjoyed an excellent lunch - altogether an excellent visit. Our thanks to ~Robert for organising the day and special thanks to the staff and crew of blue Watch. Betty Williams St Peters Church, Old Cogan 2015
24th June 2015 On Wednesday 24th June 2015 Cardiff Aviva Fellowship spent a very enjoyable time visiting St.Peter's Church at Old Cogan,Sully Road,Penarth and the medieval village surrounding the grounds of the Church. We were greeted by John & Betty Rodgers who are members of St.Peter's Church and gave us a very warm welcome and informative talk.John is a Sub~Warden and Betty plays the Organ at the Church.they both work tirelessly in so many ways looking after the Church. Services are held at the Church on Sunday afternoons when the average attendance is 10. When our visit to the Church was over Betty took groups on a very interesting walk in the fields surrounding the Church pointing out to us the Lenten Ponds where in times gone fish were breed for eating. Christians have worshipped for 1400 years at this ancient and hallowed shrine and I am sure all who attended are very grateful to Mrs.Betty Williams one of our group for kindly arranging this visit. St.Peter's since 1956 has been part of the Parish of Penarth. Prior to 1956 and throughout its previous history it was attached to Llandough, first to the Celtic monastery and more recently Llandough Parish Church.In the early days when St.Peter's Church was the Parish Church of Cogan it covered an area of 700 acres and extended from Sully to Cogan Pill. St.Peter's is a small Church(the body of the Church) measuring only 10.01 by 5.61 metres and all the other measurements of the Church are correspondingly small.The church can seat no more than 47 worshippers. In Tudor times the west gable (the bellcote end of the Norman nave) was demolished and the church extended Westward.This work was possibly undertaken by the Herbert family when they took over in 1544.The beautiful Norman font fashioned in Sutton stone was quarried in Bridgend but all that now remains is a large damaged octagonal bowl.It is believed men from Cogan smashed the font with hammers to prevent its removal by the men of Sully to their Church. Lord Bute is credited with having had the fragments put together.The font is still used but this is only possible with the aid of a bowl placed on top of the mutilated remains. History shows that the site of St.Peter's Church has been a place of Worship since Anglo~Saxon times.The Church of the twelfth century fell into disuse and disrepair in the eighteenth century but by the benevolence of the third Marquis of Bute was restored at the end of the nineteenth century. The magnificent Italianate bronze reredos in the small chancel was presented by Lord Bute to James Corbett who was involved in the restoration of St.Peter's,It is an adaptation of Giovanni Angelicos "Transfiguration of Christ" When our visit to St.Peter's Church and walk through the surrounding fields finished the group then made their way to the Baron's Court Restaurant for lunch.I have since read that this building was at one time known as Cogan Pill House and is the oldest still standing house in the Penarth area having been built in 1554 We now look forward to our next outing which is to The Nantgarw China Works on the 15th July. Gwyneth Smith. More pictures here Christmas Lunch - Custom House Penarth 4th December 2019
It was the third Christmas meal the Aviva pensioners group had enjoyed at the Custom House Penarth. We had enjoyed previous Christmas meals so much that we now have a summer lunch there as well. I walked in and the room was already half full. However a chair had been saved for me by previous friends I had dined with. I worked for Aviva in York and most of the others worked in the Cardiff area. They have really made me welcome. It was nice that there were two new members who had worked for Provident who were now part of the group. We had all chosen previously our menu options so service commenced. The food was served speedily by competent waiters and we enjoyed the wide selection of first courses. Mains were served amid selling of raffle tickets in aid of Tŷ Hafan. We enjoyed the winning of raffle tickets and selecting our prizes! Following the lovely puddings we had a quiz. The questions were great fun.I knew the day and date of the Good Friday agreement as it was my younger daughter’s birthday but the question was for the year which I got wrong. A lovely occasion think about joining us next year. Brenda St Cadoc's Church 21 August 2019
Fellowship member Ann Ferris arranged for us to visit St Cadoc’s Church, Llancarfan on Wednesday 21st August 2019. Llancarfan is situated some 3 miles off the A48 and once you drive through the lanes, you are met with a real rural idyll. After crossing the ford, hoping to catch site of the ducks and ducklings, we pass the Village Pub, The Fox and Hounds, and then see the beautiful Church. This has been a religious site since 650AD, when there was a monastery, this survived the invasion by the Danes, but not the Normans.There is evidence that the current building dates back to 1200 and is now the only place of worship in the village. The purpose of our visit, was to see and hear all about the wall paintings, which were discovered under many layers (28) of lime wash when repair work was taking place in 2005/2006. We were lucky to have the benefit of a local expert, Ian to talk to us, and point out everything of interest and more. I cannot do justice to the whole story here, and suggest you visit the Church’s website http://stcadocsllancarfan.co.uk/murals-and-carvings/4594290883 The talk took about an hour, and in that time we moved to various locations in the pretty church to get the benefit of seeing all the paintings. We finished the talk in the Chancel, admiring the wood carvings, which likely came from another monastery, as they are very ornate. After all this history, we were peckish and thirsty, and Ann and Church Warden Sue boiled up the kettles and provided us with a much needed drink and of course the lovely variety of cake that has to be eaten with a hot cuppa! Our thanks go to Ann Ferris, Sue and Ian for arranging this event and allowing us to visit this wonderful building in a lovely location. Jan Evans More photos here South Wales Police Heritage Centre 10th July 2019
A good turnout enjoyed an afternoon at the Police Museum at the Headquarters of South Wales Police at Bridgend. We were accompanied on the visit by Melanie from the museum who provided us with a great deal of information on the history of policing from the time of Robert Peel right up today. South Wales Police was formed in 1969 from the forces of Glamorgan, Cardiff, Neath, Swansea and Merthyr. In the grounds of the headquarters there is a memorial to those serving officers who lost their lives in the two World Wars. The museum itself is packed with exhibits, including a replica cell from the past which looked very uncomfortable! There was an opportunity to have a fingerprint taken and turned into a key ring which all the group seemed very enthusiastic about. The range of uniforms on display covered the whole period of policing up to today, the weight of the items the officers now carry in addition to the weight of stab proof vest they wear was incredible. The museum is only open on Wednesday's and all visits must be booked in advance. More information can be found on the South Wales Police Museum website www.south-wales.police.uk/en/about-us/museum Hilary More photographs here. Did you take any, yes. then send them to Robert here Welsh Hawking Centre 22nd May 2019
Wednesday the 22nd May 2019 is a day to remember. Jan organised an outing to the Welsh Hawking Centre near Barry, what an experience. Birds of prey of all shapes, sizes and nationality. We were given the interesting d a bird flying display. They breed birds at the centre and are exported all over the world. Breeding is a bit crafty as near to birth the eggs are removed from mum bird and replaced with a china(not plastic) egg and put in incubator then a short period after birth the china egg removed and the new born put with mum who apparently has quite a surprised look on her face! The reason for this is to create an imprint as when the baby is born the first creature it sees is the breeder and thinks it is related to the breeder and therefore easier to train; I am not pulling your leg. It was a wonderful day rounded off with an excellent lunch in good company, well done Jan. For those who were not able to attend, and indeed it might assist those who did, below gives you an idea of what is on view. Please note I am not on commission. Len More photographs here Below is a complete list of the birds bred at the Welsh hawking Centre. Falcons Peregrines, Black Shaheen’s, Red Napped Shaheen’s, Gyrs – White/Black/Silver, Sakers – White Luggers, Lanners, Aplomado’s American Kestrels, European Kestrels. Hawks & Buzzards Goshawks – Albidus/ Buteoides/Finnish, Black Sparrowhawks, Harris Hawks, Red Tails, Common Buzzard. Eagles Tawny Eagles – Indian, Warlberg’s Eagle. Vultures Turkey Vultures, White Backed Vulture, Palm Nut Vulture. Kites Yellow Billed Kites. Owls European Eagle Owls, Ahroni’s Eagle Owl, Abyssinian Eagle Owl, Bengalese Eagle Owl, Great Grey Owl, Ural Owl, Tawny Owl, Boobok Owl, White Faced Scops, Western Screech, Little Owl, Burrowing Owl, Barn Owl. AGM and Talk 9th April 2019
The first of this years event was the usual AGM preceded by a very interesting talk and slide show given by Rosemary Scadden taking us on a brief journey from the source of the river Severn down through Wales, and this is where the story really gets interesting to Chepstow and along the South Wales coast. The original ferry crossing and the building of the two bridges getting a lot of attention as did Newport and Cardiff especially the dock areas which played such an important part in the growth and wealth of the region. The slides showed this to good effect with many being taken by Rosemary herself. Journeys end was down at at Aberthaw and Atlantic College and Nah point. After the AGM it was along to the Nine Giants for lunch which seemed to be enjoyed by all although not being there I couldn’t possibly comment. Next event is the Welsh Hawking centre on the 22nd of May at 11.00am go to the programme page here for more details if you would like to go. Christmas Lunch - Old Custom House 5th December 2018
Well we were back at the Custom House for our Christmas lunch and what a good turn out there was despite the awful weather.After assembling in the bar as per standing orders it was down the hall to our room after the group photo. Service as usual was excellent and the time flew by as everybody seemed be enjoying themselves judging by the noise ! Our traditional quiz courtesy of Heather was more difficult than usual or was that because I did not know the answers ? Len’s team won with cry’s of fix from a few of us. It was soon time to go after some four hours, everybody seemed reluctant to leave. Our thanks to Jan and Hilary for the organising the event including the raffle (still did not win anything) but there’s always next year. Update - The raffle raised £101.00 and this was donated to Ty Hafen and the thank you letter can viewed here. Happy Christmas and a Great New Year to all our Members and readers. Watch out for next years events on the programme page. "Summer Lunch" - Old Custom House 12th September 2018
At the beginning of our Summer events, Ray May suggested a late summer lunch. It seemed like ages away, but we agreed it would be a good idea and would be another opportunity for us to get together before the days get shorter and darker. As Ray’s local is El Puerto’s, and he could just wander along to make the booking, pay the deposit and sort out the menu it was decided he was the ‘man for the job!’So, on this occasion we have to say thank you to Ray for organising a very successful ‘Late Summer Lunch’ on Wednesday 12th September. Unfortunately, we had a few cancelations, but we also had a few extra that were anxious to join us and 24 was the final number. El Puerto’s, situated in The Old Custom House, Penarth Dock, now known as Penarth Marina is a lovely location with views over the barrage, Cardiff Dock in the distance and the Bristol Channel. It was busy, with lunch diners, but the service was excellent with our welcome drinks brought to the table and the food being served soon after. I am sure everybody enjoyed their two-course lunch and an opportunity to chat to their friends in such ambient surroundings. It was good to see a few people who had not been able to join us on our other summer events. As we all enjoyed this lunch and for those who attended Christmas 2017 lunch at the same venue, it was decided to use this restaurant for Christmas 2018 celebration. Lunch has been booked for Wednesday 5th December 12.30. If you would like to attend, please let Jan know. See the contacts page here. Fonmon Castle 15th August 2018
The weather God's were good to us again it being pleasantly warm as we assembled and made our way to the entrance. Fonmon Castle dates back to to the 13th century build by the St John family which is where our lady guide started and together with the family portraits on almost every wall she painted a very interesting and fascinating story. All done with some humour and the promise of a written test at the end of the tour. Wether it helped the names and dates to stick is very debatable in my case. We then made our way upstairs and into the large dining room for tea which was laid out on two very nicely presented tables but alas there was no sign of the promised test, I was so disappointed, I don’t think. The tea was excellent some of us ate to much (me) as there were plenty of sandwiches and lovely lovely cakes and scones and cream and jam, well you get to picture. This we followed with a stroll around the grounds and gardens, all in all a very enjoyable afternoon. There are a couple of pictures here Thank you Jan and Hillary for organising the event. Our next event is a lunch at the Custom House in Penarth on September the 12th Duffryn House and Gardens 24th July 2018
Tuesday 24th July and most of us woke up to a grey sky and drizzle…after all the lovely weather we have been having. Thankfully by mid-day when 20 of us met at The Old Post Public House and Restaurant, Bonvilston, Vale of Glamorgan the sun was breaking through the cloud. As all our food choices had been pre-ordered, by the time we had found our seats and purchased a drink we didn’t have to wait too long for our food. Judging by the level of chatter, everybody was pleased to meet up with their friends and catch up with the latest news. Just after 2.00 p.m. we headed just 3½ miles down the road to Dyffryn House and Gardens. Once at Dyffryn, everybody was left to do as little or as much as they wanted to. Dyffryn House is a fairly new acquisition by the National Trust and the house and grounds are very much ‘work in progress’. Sadly, over the years, Dyffryn House has had so many uses that it is quite ‘sad’ in places but the story in the house of the original owner – The Cory Family is very interesting. The gardens including the walled kitchen garden, despite the heat and continuing dry spell were looking good. Did anybody venture into the large greenhouse to see the amazing cacti collection, you never know, it may have been cooler in there! Hopefully everybody enjoyed their lunch and their visit to Dyffryn House and gardens. Our next event is Wednesday 15th August to Fonmon Castle, Near Rhoose for a guided tour and afternoon tea. If you haven’t this, but are interested, please contact Jan. AGM 2018 and Talk 17th May 2018
The Annual General Meeting took place 17th April 2018 at Bethany Baptist Chapel, Rhiwbina. We were welcomed with a hot beverage and the all-important welsh cake. Prior to the meeting we were lucky enough to have another visit from Mr Richard Wood, who did a power point presentation and talk on the ‘Tonypandy Riots’. This was extremely interesting, as he outlined some of the myths that surround this historic event and explained how Churchill became involved. Our thanks to Mr Richard Wood for attending. We then had the AGM which was efficiently ‘Chaired’ by Heather with Len and Robert ‘chipping in’ as and when necessary. The usual items were discussed, including apologies, minutes of the last AGM, Chairman’s and Treasurers reports. We also discussed potential places to visit this year and the sort of amount we think is a reasonable budget to adhere to. Our thanks to Len and Robert who provided us with a list of ideas for events. If you have any ideas, don’t be shy, let one of the committee members know. Of course, the most important part of the day is lunch! After the meeting most of us adjourned to the Ffynnon Wen and as usual Len and Robert had been busy pre-ordering our food and drink and giving us a note of what we had ordered……..in case we had forgotten. The food and service were good, but as always, things went downhill when we came to pay not helped by the pubs ‘Buy One get One Free Menu’. Robert was given the job of sorting out the final bill and rumour has it that he is still there now! We look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at events during 2018. Jan Evans Christmas Lunch 6th December 2017
A change of venue this year to the Custom House in Penarth which proved to be a very good choice. A good numbers of members attended and were treated to a great meal meal and good service and of course the excellent company. We are now looking for events next year so any suggestions can be made here on the contact page. Have a Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Barry Bus Museum 10th July 2017
The visit to Barry Bus Museum on Thursday 10th August 2017 attracted a goodly group. We assembled at the entrance for a fascinating tour of the vast bus station which houses vehicles from all over South Wales - Newport, Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare, Caerphilly and Pontypridd to name but a few. Even a bus from Hong Kong was hiding in a corner ! In 1958 the depot employed 110 drivers, 106 conductors, 24 maintenance staff and 23 office/supervisory staff. Sixty four buses/coaches were allocated to the Depot which could be found operating on routes in Barry, Penarth and Llantwit Major. Following a conducted tour of the huge collection, we enjoyed scones, bara brith and and lemon slices and plentiful cups of tea in the tearoom. Many thanks to Jan and Peter for arranging a most enjoyable and informative afternoon, which was much appreciated by all in attendance. More pictures here Swansea University May 25th 2017
Five star accommodation, incredible practical workshop areas, phenomenal study areas with all the latest technology. Would you believe this to be the New state of the art Swansea University. Not to mention the cordon blue restaurant. And all this next to a super sandy beach. I would hate to be a student! A good mix of Swansea and Cardiff members received a conducted tour of the campus which we were able to enjoy to the maximum in glorious sunshine beside the seaside. Also received a tasty and most enjoyable lunch in the fabulous restaurant. It so happened that Eunice Williams granddaughter was on campus, her final year in electrical engineering, we met her and wished her good luck and it must have worked as she obtained a 1st. The event was arranged by Keith, yet another of his successes. Caerphilly Castle
27th June 2017 The weather gods smiled and we had a nice warm day at this splendid castle. After a short talk by one of the staff on the history of the castle we were left to wander at will and view the various rooms and exhibits including a short video in one room in the gate house. The towers were all climbable but they seemed to get taller as the day wore on... There were a group of school children in the main hall being dressed in period costume and taught about life in the castle. We all stopped and listened at some point as they were there for some time. In all a very relaxed and enjoyable visit and thanks to Betty Williams for organising this one. We had our customary excellant lunch at the Pendragon which was just over the mountain to round off our day. Pictures here and no its not me holding the leaning tower up. Thanks to Roger and Robert for these. Next its the Barry Bus Depot (not to be missed) details to follow shortly. Paul Kirners Music Palace
20th September 2016 We have had some not so good events, some good and some fantastic and today's visit, arranged by Robert, was in the fantastic. Who would have thought that Paul Kirners Music Palace at Ynyshir ( Where? In the Rhondda Valley ) would have had such treasure. So many wonderful organs in a converted chapel setting, displayed with much thought and artistry. Paul Kirner and Ben Snowdon have spent many hours not to mention a great deal of money converting and stocking this once magnificent chapel that had been allowed to deteriorate. Fellowship members, twenty five of us, were entertained by Paul for almost two hours and we wanted more. He played with such skill and feeling a range of organs, tunes from the good old days that had us enthusiastically foot tapping and some were heard singing. He opened the performance by playing the organ whilst rising from below the stage, just like the time when many cinemas had organs played during the interval. His repertoire was endless and mostly without music. We had a most enjoyable time but I cannot help wondering how many left shoes he wears out on the foot pedals! Len Bartlett For those unable to come here are some photographs of what you missed. |
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