SHORTLISTED FOR COMMUNITY NEWS AWARD 2019 - WALES MEDIA AWARDS
This is a community website for Grangetown in Cardiff, highlighting people, business, community activities, local news and things to do in the area and linking other websites and blogs.
This voluntary project - in connection with Grangetown Community Action - is the free, independent, online presence of the long-running Grangetown News community paper, which has been distributed to 6,500 local homes at least twice a year for 40 years.
E-mail us on grangetowncardiff@yahoo.co.uk if you'd like to help, are local or would like to send any contributions for inclusion, or wish to advertise. Also if you'd like to be included FREE in our DIRECTORY,
You can also follow us on Twitter @grangecardiff and look for Grangetown Community Action on Facebook. We have a growing number of followers and are keen to encourage a social network to promote Grangetown community events, activities, issues, businesses and organisations.
· Grangemoor Park re-opens after pollution work
Grangemoor Park has re-opened after a closure of nearly a year for essential maintenance on the former landfill tip site.
Barriers were put up blocking paths through the park, although the trail linking Penarth Road, Ferry Road and Watkiss Way and the River Ely was still open to walkers and cyclists.
The former Ferry Road waste site closed in 1994 and was turned into a nature reserve but work was needed to manage the by-products of gases and liquids from old, rotting waste buried underneath.
But in recent years, contaminated water has been getting into pollute the nearby River Ely and Cardiff Bay and so Cardiff Council said work was needed on both the leachate - the liquid which is pumped out and treated - and methane gas extraction systems. It had hoped that work would be completed by the summer but it took longer. The council thanked users for their patience, adding that existing pathways and access to the park had been "upgraded" and would ensure that the critical infrastructure on site could now be easily accessed and maintained by the council. A council spokesperson said: "When waste is buried in a landfill site, two by-products are produced - methane and leachate. It's important these are managed correctly to ensure the public and the environment are protected. The works underway at Grangemoor Park are designed to update and improve systems on the site." The park, between the river and the Cardiff Bay retail park, is a popular beauty spot, with views over Grangetown and the Bay, and also a haven for wildlife and wild flowers. There has been criticism however about the lack of notice to park-users about the closure, with news emerging only three days before the barriers went up, while there has also been a lack of detail about the effect on the park's habitat and wildlife.Shock as popular surgery closes
Hundreds of patients have had to be transferred to other surgeries after a popular Grangetown GP practice closed down. The Saltmead Medical Centre had given three months' notice to Cardiff and Vale health board that it was stop seeing patients from late February. The health board said in a statement that "after a great deal of thought and consideration", the practice - led in recent years by Dr Steve Short - has taken the "difficult decision" to give notice to hand back its contract. The surgery added in its own statement that "with great sadness, the difficult decision has been made to hand back the GMS contract to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. This was a decision taken after a great deal of thought and consideration, and one which was not taken lightly". It added that it wanted to reassure patients that it would remain open in the meantime and continue to provide GP services until 25th February. Patients have been written to by the health board and allocated places at neighbouring practices. The medical practice was set up nearly 50 years ago on the site of an old greengrocer's - and the surgery underwent a major refurbishment in 2000. As well as Dr Short as the full-time GP, there are other part-time GPs and two practice nurses. The health board, asking for patience, said it appreciated that the decision would cause "anxiety" with patients and the local community but it was "working closely with other practices in the area to find a solution to maintain services for the patients of Saltmead Medical Centre."Vegan, runner, animal lover, ex-teacher - and new vicar of Grangetown
The Grangetown parish of St Paul's has a new vicar - after a challenging period, which saw the departure of popular vicar David Morris and the church taking its services online with the Covid pandemic stopping gatherings. Father Edward Owen was inducted as new Vicar of Grangetown last month and now he's settled in to look after St Paul's and St Dyfrig and St Samson's, he told us about himself and his plans.
Born and brought up in Port Talbot, Fr Edward went to university in Lampeter and trained intially to be a secondary school teacher which he did for nearly 10 years. "Towards the end of my time working in education I working training teachers," he said.
"It is important that we make time to process the challenges we have been through and also the many losses that people have suffered."
"I was ordained in my early 30s and have been in ministry for 17 years. I served in a variety of places and contexts from Llandaff Cathedral, being a vicar in the valleys and the Vale of Glamorgan and before moving to Grangetown I was Vicar of Margam Abbey, so lots of variety in the last 17 years."He and wife Philippa spent five years at Margam but have been made welcome in their first few weeks in their new home.
"My first impressions of Grangetown is that it is a warm and welcoming community, it is gloriously diverse and people have been very welcoming," Fr Edward says.
"Starting in a new place in Covid times is challenging, but hopefully we are over the worse and we can make our way towards Covid recovery. As we see society open up once again, it is important that we make time to process the challenges we have been through and also the many losses that people have suffered."
"For the church the lockdown has been a massive learning curve, the parishioners in Grangetown rose to the challenge and despite not having a full time priest for nearly two years, both churches reopened and all services were livestreamed. Many thanks indeed to Julian Jordan who sorted out all the livestreaming."
As well as the challenges of the pandemic, the Church-in-Wales is already going through its own reorganisation.
"Parishes are being grouped into bigger units called Ministry Areas," said Fr Edward. "Ours here will be South Cardiff which will include Grangetown, Butetown and Splott. Fortunately the number of priests stays the same, but we will be working together more."
Covid also saw Wales and West housing association unable to continue with the £2m project to develop apartments inside St Paul's, with the church moving into the chancel and the refurbished community hall.
There has been a worry over the maintenance cost of the Victorian building for many years and the development was seen as a way out.
"Sadly during Covid the housing association pulled out of the St Paul's Project, so it has been back to the drawing board," said Fr Edward.
"We are working with the Church in Wales central body and our plan is to reopen as a church with alternative uses. This does however mean we will need support from the community and wider parties in order to make this happen. I know many people have been disappointed that this has been a long drawn-out process, but hopefully with patience and persistence, we will get there!"
As for what lies ahead for himself personally in Grangetown, Fr Edward said he hoped he could "bring warmth and engagement to the community."
The things you find in the Vicarage Shed! pic.twitter.com/7OOiWoznbY
— Fr Edward Owen TSSF SMMS ? (@RevFrEdward) May 30, 2021
"Fortunately, I am able to walk for work, so it gives me plenty of opportunity to meet people and chat. I am interested in community cohesion and in getting to know people, so I look forward to that developing. I hope also to deepen inter faith work in the community."
Going that extra mile means something else too for this keen runner.
"I am a vegan and have been so for four years. I've been a vegetarian for nearly 40 years. I was a vegan in university but back in the early 1990s it was quite hard. My son-in-law converted me back to it. I am also a keen runner and was delighted to join Run Grangetown in my first few weeks here. (@RunGrangetown - meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6.30pm from Channel View Leisure Centre)
"I am a RunStreaker ( which means running at least a mile a day!) I'm nearly on 500 days at the moment. Normally I run about 5km before work. "So far I've enjoyed Running around the Bay and along to Taff Trail and often over to Llandaff where my daughter and granddaughter live".
Look out for other members of the family, who are also getting used to Grangetown. "I also have a dog and a cat," says Fr Edward. "Lola is a Staffie and is a rescue from the Dogs Trust, she was 10 years old when we adopted her."
"I'm happy to be addressed as Edward or Father Edward, I come from the Catholic stream on Anglicanism which has a tradition of calling the priest Father. I can be found on Twitter @RevFrEdward or on Instagram @fr.edwardowen and am best contactable on these or via email on vicar.grangetown@outlook.com
"Thanks to everyone who has welcomed Philippa and me so far, it is good to be with you."
By Dafydd Trystan Have you ever wondered how many cars drive along your street? Or maybe how many bikes cycle along the Embankment? Or even are those cars you see whizzing past your front door really going that fast?
As part of major citizen science project, we’ll soon be able to answer those questions and more about traffic in and around Grangetown. The WeCount project is run across a number of European cities by partners including the University of West of England, and funded by the Horizon 2020 project (grant 872743). It provides a small sensor for every ‘citizen scientist’ to put in their window – and the sensor then counts every person, bike or vehicle that goes past the house.
These are the first streets signing up for the citizen science project.
The response in Grangetown has been really enthusiastic with lots of people wanting to count traffic – and hopefully in time to reduce traffic. The network can be seen on the Telraam website here – www.telraam.net and day-by-day you can visit the website to see traffic information in realtime. On the map above are the current locations with more locations to come in the next few weeks.
Once set up, there’s very little the citizen scientists need to do, other than check that the data’s recording now and again and watch the data build up.
So what have we already found out?
It won’t come as a huge surprise that roads like Clare Road, Corporation Road and Taffs Mead Embankment are very busy indeed, while residential roads are quieter. During February (during daylight hours) over 50,000 cars and lorries passed each of these sensors.
Taffs Mead Embankment was a particular surprise as while lots of people use it as a short cut it isn’t a main road. Rather more positively almost 20,000 people on bikes passed along the Embankment in February – despite the poor weather.
The sensors also capture data on how quickly cars and lorries are travelling which shows us that even with a limited network of sensors, some 20,000 cars were driving clearly faster than the speed limit during February. We might think what difference does a few extra miles an hour make – but if a car hits a child at 30mph – the chances of that child surviving are very small; if a car hits a child at 20mph or less there could well be injuries, but the chances of killing are child are very low indeed. Reducing speed does makes a huge difference.
The next steps for the project will be for people to come together to look in depth at the data and make suggestions for improvements that could possibly be trialled. There’s already been some discussion about stopping rat-runs/short cuts, ideas that could certainly be considered for the river side of Clare Road and Corporation Road; but most importantly the aim is to make sure local residents can shape the proposals and ensure that the council develops our local communities to meet our needs – rather than those who would choose to speed through residential streets on their way somewhere else!
An Ode To Grangetown
Liking our lanes
Street market relaunches at new pavilion
Grangetown's community street market has been relaunched at the first major opening of the new Grange Pavilion in Grange Gardens. The hope is that Grangetown World Market - offering a mix of crafts, designs, clothing and selected street food - will eventually become a monthly Saturday event. The first market was well attended, with 24 stalls spread out over the sizeable green at the £1.8m community venue. There was also scope for some use of indoors, allowing for covid regulations. The first market rannged from print-makers and jewellers, to ice cream and flowers - is full. Here are a list of stalls taking part. The market was trialled on a few occasions at St Patrick's school playground - although the weather proved a handicap. The new home for the market - launched as part of the #LoveGrangetown, Shop Grangetown project - offers more room and versatility, as well as toilet facilities.The not-for-profit project ploughs money raised back into the market infrastructure, such as gazebos. The aim will also be to encourage local, young designers and entrepreneurs who want to try out selling their produce. The organisers are looking for more volunteers to help run and organise future markets, with the hope if there is demand, that it can become eventually a monthly event. There has already been a big response, with the December market already nearly booked up - and there may now be an additional pre-Christmas market, to meet demand.Thanks to all our stallholders, volunteers, @CommunityGtwy @Grange_Pavilion and especially all the #Grangetown residents who joined us. Great interest in our next one already in December pic.twitter.com/i5RLewjijo
— Gtown World Market #LoveGrangetown (@GtownWM) October 17, 2020
At the moment, markets are pencilled in for Saturdays on: 12th December 2020; 27th February 2021; 15th May; 17th July and 11th December 2021. The prices for stall-holders are: £25 – Food stalls; £20 – stall with gazebo; £10 – stall without gazebo (please feel free to bring your own). Anyone who wants to book a stall or help plan future markets can email grangetownmarket@yahoo.co.ukFlats for homeless families as part of gasworks project The planned housing development on the old Grangetown gasworks site is to include 48 "off-site" built homes for families with homelessness problems. The timber-framed one, two and three-bedroomed flats are built in a factory before being transported to the area.
Hafod told them they planned a "modular build" for the project and were pursuing an innovative funding grant, and hoped to start work either next Spring or Spring 2022. Pentre Gardens residents have welcomed the idea of social housing but say they are "disappointed" the size of the development is still being considering and are hoping Hafod will listen to their concerns. Cardiff-based Hafod has a portfolio of 5,700 properties across seven council areas and a turnover of £60m a year. It is committed to investing £170m in new homes over the next few years. COVID-19 SUPPORT NETWORK PAUSED@HafodHousing to go ahead with controversial plans for track 2000 despite widespread opposition, 3 very critical reports from independent consultants and only 4 of the 10 planning committee members voting in favour of the plans. Social housing welcomed but this is disappointing
— PentreGardens (@pentregardensCf) August 26, 2020
Grangetown's neighbourhood support network has been suspended from August 16th, as the wave of coronavirus has eased.
More than 160 people stepped forward to offer help with errands and keeping an eye on neighbours shielding or staying at home during lockdown. Grangetown volunteeer network coordinator Dafydd Trystan thanked everyone for their help - with 160 volunteers offering support."We haven't had many new referrals in the last few weeks, but there are a number of neighbours that we've continued to support," he said". "It's difficult to put a precise number on it - but there have been well over 200 residents of Grangetown that have been supported by the Grangetown volunteers - some of whom supported every week (and more) during lockdown."
"I think we can all take pride in the Grangetown response to the pandemic."
Those needing help will be referred to other organisations but formal work by the network has been suspended. "If things do take a turn for the worse - then we will be here - ready, willing and able to help," said Dafydd.
We have all current information, contacts and further community resources on our webpage here.
The venue hosts mainly live music in the 1,000 capacity venue with an earlier cut off but its operators say they need to hold more club nights to make it viable.
Looking for Grangetown business litter champions
Grangetown Community Action is looking for local shops and businesses to become litter champions. As part of the volunteer efforts, involving Keep Grangetown Tidy, litter-pickers and a brush are being made available to business owners to help tidy up on the pavement and area around their premises. Already the Honeycomb toy shop (owner Maia is pictured above) Holmesdale Street post office and neighbouring Naz’s Stores, Wild Thing Cafe in Clare Road and Kent Street Stores have taken delivery of their equipment. The aim is that everyone tries to do a little bit immediately around where they're based to make the sreets look tidier - and spread the message to residents A letter is being sent to shops and businesses by Grangetown Community Action co-chair Ash Lister. If you'd like to be involved in the meantime, email grangetowncardiff@yahoo.co.ukAt time of crisis, we turned to each other By Dafydd TrystanBeautiful shot of Grangetown in Lockdown. Share your snaps with us! #grangetownarttrail https://t.co/ii7CcQl7Df
— Grangetown Art Trail Helfa Gelf (@ArtGrangetown) July 3, 2020
We’ve also managed to have some fun along the way. I wrote on the Facebook page at one point that we should remember the old protest song Bread and Roses, and do what we could to have some fun as well as sort the basics. Within days our very own superhero had offered his services – and for weeks now Spiderman has been entertaining the children of Grangetown (young and old). If Gareth could pass on our thanks to Spiderman we’d be very grateful! Grangetown has also seem some national TV attention with our singing – or more accurately Dorset Street’s singing. Here two professional singers who happen to live within earshot of each other have been entertaining their neighbours with a repetoire that started with Calon Lan and has evolved week be week. A big thank you to Trystan and Casi. There’s also been a number of local food projects offering either free or low cost food to those who might not otherwise be able to afford it. Ramadan Relief, coordinated by Mos provided hundred of food parcels locally during Ramadan – and even led to Mos’ first interview yn Gymraeg on S4C – da iawn Mos! Lauren at Wild Thing has also been runnning a project with ready to cook meals delivered regularly. A few week in to the lockdown I watched the film Contagion, where communities reacted to a quickly spreading virus by turning on each other. I’m very proud that in Grangetown we turned, in a whole range of different way, to help each other out – with everyone playing their part. I really hope that this will be the basis for ever more community activity in the years ahead – and who knows, hopefully a party to celebrate all the volunteers when this is all over! Thank you - Diolch!
Pavilion success despite challenging first year
Grange Pavilion management have celebrated an "extraordinarily busy year" after opening during the Covid-19 pandemic. The annual general meeting of the community-led organisation behind the new £1.8m venue in Grange Gardens was held in the last week of April and looked back at a very busy year and nine years from when the seeds of the idea for the project took root.Secretary Emma Harris talked of the "optimism and enthusiasm" to be found in the community hub, while chair Ali Abdi said the reaction from visitors had been regularly that they had been "blown away" by the building and its facilities.
Ali admitted the pandemic had made the first year "extremely challenging" but the venue had found ways to deliver safe and effective services. "We have remained open throughout the last year, providing a vital service by supporting and facilitating programmes and space, including a food parcel delivery and advice service," he said. "We were welcomed back with a flurry of bookings and regular hirers." Co-chair Nirushan Surdasan told the meeting of how Grangetown Youth Forum had established itself and the Pavilion had helped bring young people together, while being a place all ages could meet. Treasurer John Fellows recalled the difficulties in finding a suitable venue for organisations to meet under one roof until the Pavilion was finally opened. The Pavilion, which was unable to hold a launch party last year and held a "virtual" opening online instead, put that right in May. Hundreds of people attended an official opening event on Saturday 21st May, which showcased the facilities and highlighted some of the activities and projects associated with the venue, which range from yoga classes, a parent and baby group, a gardening club to craft and designer market.The ribbon-cutting was carried out by pupils from local schools, who were winners in a competition to say what they loved most about Grangetown.Grange Pavilion is officially...open! Ribbon-cutting by local children, as this fantastic community facility looks to a long future. (Come along, stalls, activities and music all day ??) #Grangetown #Cardiff pic.twitter.com/lkCIczZSaW
— Grangetown community (@grangecardiff) May 21, 2022
Lunch project beats virus with al fresco approach
Local residents managed to overcome the obstacles posed by coronavirus to provide free and healthy lunches to families in Grangetown over the summer holidays. Grace Church Cardiff in partnership with Grangetown Community Action served nearly 400 lunches to families in the area through the Make Lunch Grangetown initiative.
Prior to the pandemic, Grace Church were planning on running lunch clubs through the holidays, however circumstances meant this was not possible. On realising the potential impact coronavirus has had on finances in households across Grangetown, they have worked with Grangetown Community Action to secure funding to provide the meals free of charge. The lunches were served outside the Grange Pavilion in Grange Gardens, as work continued inside to finish off the new community venue. Lizzie Swaffield from Grace Church Cardiff said: "It's been pleasure to be able to serve the community through Make Lunch Grangetown over the summer holidays. A fantastic team of volunteers have done a great job of preparing and distributing lunches to support local families." She said the project was aimed at helping families struggling with food costs "at a difficult and uncertain time for many people." Co-chair of Grangetown Community Action, Councillor Ash Lister, added: "Although there is support to prevent families from entering into food poverty, sadly they are not always accessed by those who need them most. "It's been a pleasure to work with volunteers from Grace Church to ensure that those in need receive the support they need, and I look forward to developing the scheme for future holidays." Local food businesses helping out Vegetarian Food Studio - as well as still operating a pick-up and delivery service to customers - has been helping out local health workers.
The award-winning restaurant in Penarth Road has so far provided 2,450 hot meals to hospitals in Cardiff, including staff at the University Hospital of Wales. Owner Jim Patel said: "We're doing our bit for the city - and for hard-working people too." Meanwhile, Wild Thing Cafe in Clare Road - although closed - has started a community food delivery service. It has already raised £3,000 to help provide two deliveries a week.People can donate online to help cover delivery and food costs, with staff volunteering their time. "Every delivery contains food for three meals a day for three days," says owner Lauren. The project has also bought essentials for families such as nappies, formula and baby wipes. "We have also been providing Llamau with 40 prepped nutritious meals which they are distributing to their service users to add to their food box they already provide." |
Dafydd Trystan added: "Quite a few volunteers used their one exercise a day to deliver leaflets - please be assured that volunteers are following strict guidelines on handwashing/hand sterilising as they leaflet.
"We've also had a few requests for picking up medicine - and where we can help we have. The big message is across Grangetown and Wales there's no need to be fearful, your neighbours are there to help."
The coordinators include local people with experience in social services and working with the homeless. Volunteers will be able to help with day-to-day things which can't be covered by usual agencies and departments, likely to be at full stretch over the coming weeks. Full public health advice will be taken.
Meanwhile, one of our volunteers is a bit of a super-hero! Spiderman has been travelling around the neighbourhood keeping kids of all ages - and adults - amused and offering to help, as only really Spiderman can. If you draw or paint a picture, show it in your front window, and you'll get a wave.
All subject to whether he has a call to save the world, of course...Look out for the #GrangetownSpiderman hashtag and follow Whoisthatman? on Twitter
Click on the image above for full instructions and health advice for volunteers and residents requesting help - PDF document
The network has also issued health advice for both volunteers and residents they will be helping, so assistance, like shopping and deliveries, can be done safely. You can read the PDF document here. It also covers other arrangements, including paying for any shopping.
Further advice/links:
We're asking anyone who wants to help - who doesn't live in the immediate Grangetown area, to think about helping a local group. There is a Cardiff Mutual Aid Neighbourhood Groups list here - and more are being added all the time.
The Grangetown/Leckwith Covid Network is on Facebook here
The Muslim Volunteers Group is on Facebook too Click here for the online portal to book a coronavirus test in Wales
If you are after green recycling bags or have waste - please order online or via the council waste app. Grangetown Hyb is currently closed. There is a useful list of links to Cardiff Council services during coronavirus here.
Fortnightly general waste (stripy bag/black bin) will resume from June, with the first in Grangetown from Tuesday 16 June. Recycling and food waste collections will be weekly.
The Bessemer Close recycling depot is reopening from Tuesday 26th May but by appointment only - you have to register to book a slot and residents have a maximum of 12 slots a year.
The council also offers help and support for people who are self-isolating and have no family or other support, or are unable to afford essential provisions. Call the advice line on 029 2087 1071 or email: advicehub@cardiff.gov.uk See also the Volunteer Cardiff website for more information of where you can get help and support from.
If you want to do a solo litter pick in your street, contact @TidyGrangetown via social media.
Some Grangetown businesses are involved in online deliveries or operating under different opening hours but the position is fluid. You can check Cardiff Delivers.com if you want to use a local business.
Please email grangetowncardiff@yahoo.co.uk - or Grangetown News and Events on Facebook if you can help in any way with volunteering.
See also the Grangetown and Leckwith Covid-19 Mutual Aid Network Facebook group and there is a Share Cardiff link to other local groups here.
Local surgeries
Please keep up to date with changes in appointment arrangements at local surgeries:
Saltmead
Medical Centre: 107 Clare Rd; Clare Road Medical
Centre, 148 Clare Road Grangetown; Grange
Surgery: 150-152 Clare Road also at The Health Centre Cambridge Street; The Corporation Road Surgery, 4 Corporation Road. Grangetown Medical Practice: Bishop Street and Grangetown
Health Centre, 45 Cambridge Street
Latest Public Health Wales information on Coronavirus (COVID-19)
See also BBC News
If you are a Grangetown business which is offering an online ordering or delivery service, please let us know.
Grange Pavilion keys handed over
It was a key moment (pardon the pun) when the Grange Pavilion team finally took charge of the £1.8m building this week.The project has been taking shape despite the months of coronavirus lockdown. Although the current situation put pay to a spring opening party, there has been real excitement to see the finishing touches to the eye-catching development. Grange Pavilion will be run as a charitable incorporated organisation, with partners including residents, Grangetown Community Action, Cardiff University and Cardiff Bay Rotary Club. We asked project manager Lynne Thomas to bring us up to date, as Grange Gardens celebrated quietly its 125th anniversary. What is left to do? We still have around six weeks of work to go, including painting and decorating, sealing the floors, installing the induction loop, laying a timber floor in the blue room, installing Wi-Fi and finalising the landscaping. When are you hoping to open the doors?We hope to open mid-August, depending on the Welsh Government regulations for use of indoor spaces / community centres.
Obviously to start with things may be different but any idea how rooms can still be used, will events be possible? What about the cafe? At the moment, events will not be possible, however smaller workshops may be viable, once regulations allow indoor activities. We are in the process of recalculating room and building capacity and adapting our policies to include social distancing measures and increased health and safety measures. We are working out our one way systems, for example, and where we will have sanitation stands, and we are preparing to order signage. We are fortunate in that we have a large outdoor space that can hopefully be used as an extension to the café, and we will work strictly within guidelines and closely with the café manager to ensure that all regulations are met. Can the outdoor area be used? Yes, when we officially open, within the guidelines for use of outdoor spaces. Can people still inquire about booking? Yes, by all means! Sophey (manager Sophey Mills) is available to take queries on bookings and volunteer opportunities. Please email any queries to Sophey@grangepavilion.wales. Read more about the pavilion and the rooms for hire at grangepavilion.wales and follow us on social media for regular updates. @grangepavilion on Facebook and @Grange_Pavilion on Twitter. A reminder what will be in the Pavilion:
'After the storm, comes the rainbow'
By Jon MatthiasWith limited exercise opportunities available because of the pandemic, I've been going out for a walk most evenings.
Sometimes I walk to a park or by the river, but sometimes i just walk up and down a few streets. Grangetown's streets are fascinating. Different styles of houses. Strange old outbuildings. All kinds of things to see.
Lots of homes have rainbows in the windows with messages of thanks to NHS staff and key workers - the people who are keeping the country going at the moment.
They are lovely messages and sometimes they give me the feels. One that said "Thank you Daddy and all key workers!" gave me a little heart pang. Another one said "Well done! Auntie Claire." I don't know if Auntie Claire has been able to see it, but I hope she knows she is a hero. Its impressive to see the array of arty techniques on show. Poster paints and water colours, marker pens and coloured pencils, collages and cut outs. One house has a rainbow made from a row of tiny handprints on the glass. Another has different coloured paper hearts arranged in a rainbow. There is lots of bilingual messaging. Arhoswch adre! Ofalwch i ti!
In Pentrebane Street there is even a remarkable bilingual teddy bear called Chester who greets children in Welsh and English. I saw him one evening when it was too dark to take a photo and had to go back the following evening to try and get a picture when there was more light. I've been putting photos of some of the rainbows on my Twitter feed @jongudmund. People like them. They are messages of hope for a future beyond this crazy time. As one piece of artwork said 'After the storm, comes the rainbow.'
Gasworks site bought for 500 new homes
Proposals for 500 homes on the old Grangetown gasworks site are being put forward by Cardiff Council has part of its affordable homes ambitions.
The 29-acre site has been empty for years - apart from the rare and remaining Grade II-listed gas holder, which dates from the 1880s and is protected by Cadw.
The council has now bought the land off Ferry Road next to Ikea from Wales and West Utilities and National Grid and build rented and affordable to-buy homes around the heritage landmark.
Local councillor and cabinet member for housing and communities Lynda Thorne said: "The acquisition of this site allows us to build more high-quality sustainable homes that are close to local amenities and open spaces helping us deliver an ambitious and wide-ranging regeneration in Grangetown."
There had already been ideas put forward by the Welsh Veterans Partnership, with the hope of incorporating some homes for veterans, on the site in the last year, revealed by Grangetown News.The site has been part of the city's local development plan so development was in the pipeline but this would provide an opportunity for affordable homes locally, at a time when house prices are shooting up. The council said the new housing would be of "mixed tenure".
There is already social housing being built nearby off Clive Lane while further along, there are big plans to completely rebuild the Channel View estate and demolish the tower block.
Mrs Thorne, said: "The Ferry Road gas holder is a well-known Cardiff landmark and I think it's very exciting that the structure will be incorporated into the development of site, retaining a key part of Cardiff's heritage.""
Cafe for education centre
Grangetown Educational Centre - which has taken over from the old Buzz Cafe in Penarth Road - is applying for planning permission to open a cafe.
The centre, which offers language classes, tuition and an after-school club, wants to open a cafe in part of the building.
It caters for Grangetown's diverse communities, including lessons in Arabic and Islamic studies. The building, which formerly was used by local youth services, had been empty for more than a year before re-opening last summer.
Although currently closed due to coronavirus restrictions, it has been offering a translation service for helping to give advice in different languages.
Objections as Tramshed plans stay on the table
Controversial plans for an office and apartment block in the Tramshed car park remain on the table, despite a promise by a developer to pull them. DS Holdings - behind the original renovation of the Edwardian building - had said on Twitter "that it will not build in the car park of The Tramshed whilst the current occupier resides". It follows fears from the venue operators - and tenants of the developer - that its future would be in "severe jeopardy" if the carpark used for trucks and tour buses was built over.
The original decision to halt the plans was welcomed as "incredible news" by the venue's management, who said they were "thankful to DS Holdings had taken the decision to support the venue and the Cardiff music scene as a whole. It makes us proud to work with them as developer and landlord."
However, local councillors within a few days revealed that the proposals had still not been officially withdrawn. In a further twist, Simon Baston, director of DS Holdings, objected to a separate application by Tramshed venue to extend their 3am late licence for 30 events a year - which has to go to the city's planning committee. He said "many" residents, including those living inside Tramshed, had experienced "huge and significant issues" with late night drum and bass club nights. The developer's proposals for the flats and offices had attracted a large number of objections from residents and gig-goers but chiefly from the operators of the venue itself. In the absence of their withdrawal, local councillors have now added their official objections to a long list. They called it "overbearing," "out of character" with the Tramshed's Edwardian heritage and claimed it would "tower over" the existing building. They also have parking and traffic concerns. Other objectors include Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty, who said he shared the concerns of the venue operators, and Kevin Brennan MP and Mark Drakeford MS, who represent neighbouring residents in Riverside. Other opponents include the Cardiff Civic Society and musician Gwenno Saunders. Caroline Archer, Tramshed’s general manager, said: "Not only has Tramshed become a significant presence in Cardiff’s music scene and local community, it has provided jobs for hundreds of people, including bar staff and sound technicians."We pride ourselves on providing a safe environment for people from all sections of the music community to enjoy their favourite bands. We need a planning system that works fairly, not by kicking us when we are already down due to the Covid-19 lockdown."
Caroline, who lives in Grangetown, also said it had a "positive impact on the community and surrounding businesses". She also thanked the local community and wider public and politicians for rallying to support the venue. A petition has also opposed the controversial plans - which first surfaced about three years ago. The proposals were put forward again, reduced in scale, and were expected to go to the council's planning committee in the next few months. The 16 work-live and apartments - down from the original 28 - and 3,000 square feet of office and business space (scaled back from 7,500 sq ft) would have been built above a ground floor entrance and loading bay - with the developers saying tour trucks using the Tramshed venue would be able to reverse in to unload. The venue is run by TEG MJR, now an Australian-owned but still Bristol-based venue operator and event promoters. But they have been at odds with their landlords, who renovated the whole Tramshed building but then put forward this second new-build phase.TEG MJR said the venue employs around 100 people a week working at its events and uses companies to supply security, cleaners, booking agents, beverages in turn providing jobs to over more than people. "The current plans put these jobs at risk and a great deal more locally considering the economy around the venue," it said in a statement earlier this week, ahead of the deadline for objections. Local councillor Abdul Sattar is on the planning committee so is unable to get involved in development issues in his ward which he then has to make a decision on. But his fellow ward councillors called the proposals an "overdevelopment of the site which will be of detriment to our community". There are also concerns about traffic and a threat to the heritage Edwardian frontage of the original building. The venue is asking people to support its application to continue with late night licences for club events. The 20 3am licences a year had been granted for a trial period. Now the Tramshed asked people to email a letter in support for planning application 19/03210/MJR and mark for the attention of the case officer James Hansel: developmentcontrol@cardiff.gov.uk. You can read more on the Tramshed Facebook page. and listen to an interview with Caroline on Minty's Gig Guide.My concern is that the commitment is ‘while current tenant is there’ the entertainment industry, particularly those who rely on large gatherings, are n a precarious situation. So I wouldn’t celebrate just yet.
— Lynda Thorne (@LyndaT48) June 14, 2020
Funding to improve proper access to the platforms at Grangtown railway station has finally been given the green light.
Local politicians have been calling for a number of years for access for passengers with disabilities and those with prams or pushchairs.
At the moment, the platforms can only be reached via steep steps next to the railway bridge.
Grangetown councillors, along with MP Stephen Doughty and AM Vaughan Gething revealed on Thursday that the funding had been agreed - although they are now awaiting details from the Department for Transport, including the timetable for the works.
"As a team we have campaigned on behalf of our residents for this station to be included in the Access For All programme so that wheelchair users and those with pushchairs can use the station," they said in a joint statement.
"We look forward to the works starting so all our residents can fully and finally access the station".
This is my local train station, it’s sad to see that Grangetown hasn’t got step free access. Transport For Wales needs to step up their game when it comes to reasonable adjustments. Please RT to spread awareness. As @LeonardCheshire says; Together, our voice is stronger. pic.twitter.com/1AYOIeuyO0
— Joshua Reeves (@JoshReevesDCMS) February 19, 2020
The news comes only days after local disability campaigner Josh Reeves posted on social media the impossibility of him using his local station and how transport officials needed to "step up their game".
Grangetown station is to be one of only four stations in Wales - 124 across the UK - to share a £20m pot to undertake the improvements.
Llantwit Major, Neath and Pontypool/New Inn are the others - and the Welsh stations will divide £1.5m.
Councillor Ash Lister said Mr Doughty and Mr Gething had been lobbying the UK Government, Welsh Government and Network Rail for the improvements for the last three years.
He said they had all heard residents' experiences of pupils and those using wheelchairs "not being able to catch the same train as their class or parents dragging pushchairs backwards up the stairs".
"Unfortunately it has always been rejected due to higher priorities across Wales and in 2019 it was deemed to be 21st on the list, with UK Government only funding seven of the proposals put forward," he said.
"Out of the blue yesterday the UK Government announced they would fund improvements at Grangetown," he added.
The money is aimed at making stations "step free" and is typically spent on new lifts, accessible toilets and customer information screens. UK Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said it was "a key part of levelling-up access for disabled people to transport and opening up opportunities for all".
Mr Lister said that council officials were also looking at ideas to improve pedestrian access to the station in the area around Penarth Road and Clive Street.
The school where computers are left at home
An after-school study programme which encourages children to use pen and paper - and tackle mental arithmetic - has been launched in Grangetown.
The Kumon approach, being taught weekly at Channel View leisure centre, is a maths and English study programme aimed at children of all ages and abilities.
"My youngest student is only three years old and my eldest is 15," said lead tutor Anouska Leckie.
"It's an individualised learning method which focuses on self-learning and independence, giving children confidence in their abilities."
Students take small steps at a time, mastering each skill before moving onto the next. Anouska believes it gives a strong foundation in numeracy, particularly mental ability, and reading and writing skills.
She aims to compliment the forthcoming new national curriculum for Wales, particularly the emphasis on mental calculations, and support children facing national tests.
"By gradually increasing the level of difficulty in worksheet study, children are soon working at a level way beyond their school year and grade," she says. One 10-year-old girl is currently two years above year 6 level, doing algebra.
Children are given daily worksheet study to do at home to develop ability and fluency in the skill they are mastering.
"Parents really love the daily study for their children, there is no technology involved. Just pencil, paper and the brain," added Anouska, who has 20 years experience as a teacher at a primary school in Ely.
"I decided I wanted a career change and I was interested in Kumon as both my children attended Kumon in Penarth and I could see the amazing results. Not just academically, but in confidence too."
The Grangetown class has been going for nearly a year and Anouska, who already has 120 students, plans to expand in September.
She works with her mum Kerry Osborne, who herself has more than 20 years experience as a classroom assistant in Grangetown.
The classes run weekly - on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays (4pm-7pm), with a monthly fee of £65 per subject. A free trial is running until the end of March. More information via email cardiffgrangetown@kumoncentre.co.uk
Wanted: people to share stories about Grangetown!
The community group behind the new Grange Pavilion are producing a play about Grangetown - and everyone can help!
Grangetown Stories is a collaboration between the Sherman Theatre, Community Gateway and Grange Pavilion to create, over a 12 week period, a production to perform at the launch of the new £1.6m Grange Pavilion community centre on the 18th April 2020.
The performance will be based on stories about Grangetown collected during the first few weeks evening workshops, which take place between 6pm and 8pm every Tuesday night at Ebeneezer Church, on Corporation Road in Grangetown.
The production will be performed multiple times throughout the day of the launch and will be professionally filmed and featured on the Grange Pavilion website.
Lynne Thomas, Community Gateway project manager said: "It would be fantastic for Grangetown residents to be involved. There are enough roles for everyone, including storytelling, theatre production, scripting, set design etc. - and no-one will be forced to act if they don’t want to!"
The weekly sessions are loads of fun, with free tea, coffee and biccies and are suitable for people of all ages, including children accompanied by an adult.
Meanwhile, the project to build the Pavilion is still asking for donations - however small - towards the funding target, with £2,000 left to raise. People can donate online to the Just Giving page here. Also, if you shop at Asda in Cardiff Bay, you can vote by using green tokens in the community project funding box.
Excitement as Pavilion enters final phase
The community group which is responsible for the new £1.7m Grange Pavilion has been showing off the latest designs - and says its final make-up will be determined by the people who use it.
Its first annual report was presented at a public meeting on Monday night, as the countdown is well under way for the opening in spring 2020.
There was hope to officially open the community venue in Grange Gardens at the end of March but to ensure the developers have maximum time and the difficulty in finding a suitable date the right side of Easter, the Pavilion is now looking at a "soft launch" instead before the ribbon-cutting in front of invited guests by the winner of a My Grangetown schools competition, probably in May.
The chair of the Grange Pavilion CIO (charitable incorporated association) Steve Austins said he was "excited about what's to come," as the flexibility of the new building - on the site of the old 1960s bowls pavilion - was outlined at Tramshed Tech.
There will be three rooms for hire - the smallest Blue Room, intended as a quiet space for yoga and peaceful activities. The largest Yellow Room will be a "messy" space, ideal for arts, crafts, playgroups and kids parties. The third Green Room was intended for events, lectures, theatre productions and larger group activities. This also has an annexe or "chill-out" area off it.
Meanwhile, as well as a gallery/exhibition space near the entrance, the Hideout Cafe will return, led by Moseem Suleman, who trialed it in the pavilion's last guise, promising they would be putting on events as well as refreshments - and a teetotal bar. Members of Grangetown Youth Forum were also present at the AGM and asked if they could be guaranteed a space to meet - and are to have a member co-opted onto the Pavilion board. They also asked about basketball court facilities.
Local schools have already expressed an interest in using the outdoor classroom area, while there will also be office space for organisations like Grangetown Community Action and Community Gateway, as well as "hot desking" spaces for local people.
"The uses will evolve as people start to use it," said project manager Lynne Thomas.
Richard Powell, one of the local CIO board members was part of the residents' group which first looked to take over the old building from council control in 2012.
"It's built of a concrete but it's not set in stone," he said. "It's changed as we learnt what that site is."
New centre manager Sophey Mills says it will open from 9am until 5pm but volunteers will be able to open up for events in the evening, with a 9pm cut-off point. But she had a "dream" that one day it would successful enough to be open until 9pm every evening.
Room hire charges range from £10-20 an hour for charities and £15 to £25 an hour for businesses and private parties but local groups will get free hire guaranteed for 30% of available time.
The venue has also pledged to be dog-friendly, while in opening hours, there will be access for residents at the Holmesdale Street end of the park.
There is a hope that a piece of community theatre will be created too to "celebrate Grangetown in all its colours," to coincide with the opening.
Moving forward, the group hopes to build a bank of local volunteers and expertise to become even more involved in its running.
The Pavilion will also be launching a website, grangepavilion.wales and bookings and more information can be made via sophey@grangepavilion.wales
Street of 29 shops says final farewell
It is the end of an era in Court Road, with the demolition of its last corner shop and the end of a story going back 125 years.
Kan and Uma Kanthabalan were the last incumbents of Mas and Co on the junction with Jubilee Street, which closed in July - and finally saw the building disappear this week to make way for a flats development.
"We’ve had some very nice customers and made friends over the last 17 years,” said Uma. “Even the people we banned – who we allowed back!"
Before many people had their own transport and home delivery meant not Amazon but a horse and cart, most Grangetown streets had a variety of shops.
This shop’s history goes back to widow Elizabeth Kerman, the first owner when most houses in Court Road were built in 1894. Hundreds of people were moving into the Saltmead area, as north Grangetown was called, to work in the docks, on the railway and trams and helping to build the new terraced houses sprawling across the booming town.
This Cardiff street directory from 1897 shows Elizabeth Kerman’s shop on the corner with Stoughton Street. Court Road was still unfinished at this point and so the shop is No 52 - it was later re-numbered No 58. There was another grocer’s shop on the opposite corner too. Neighbours were a chemist and a fishmonger. Stoughton Street was renamed Jubilee Street in 1935. Residents petitioned the council to change the name, after silver jubilee celebrations for King George V.
In 1927, when Mabel Hackman was running the grocery, there were an incredible 29 traders in Court Road alone. Mabel’s neighbour was Edward French’s furniture shop on the opposite corner, while there were two fish and chip shops, two tobacconists and newsagents, two butchers and a jeweller. A refreshment rooms stood on the corner of Clare Road.
Albert Axford, a former Navy man, ran the shop in the 1950s and into the 1960s.
But where does the name Mas & Co come from? Apparently, a previous owner was asked to keep the name of the business when they took it over – and it’s been like that ever since.It’s believed it may be made up from the initials of Sajawal Khan and his wife Mary, who took over the shop in the mid 1960s.
Kan and Uma, Sri Lankan by background, came to Cardiff 30 years ago and took over the shop in 2002. Their business motto was “Honest, respectful and friendly”.
Going, going - gone. The demolition of the shop in November.
There were a few tears on the final day, while customers brought flowers, chocolates and good wishes.
The couple had always tried to move with the times – increasing the range of wine and more recently giving the shop lay-out a revamp and adding a coffee machine.
But the change in shopping habits – with supermakets Asda, Morrison, Aldi and Lidl within a short drive, as well as late-opening Tesco and One Stop convenience stores within walking distance, meant competition for local independent shops has been fierce.
It became street’s last surviving store after the closure of a cycle shop in the early 1990s.
The couple – who live nearby – also wanted to put their health first. "“I’m really sad we’re closing, but if anything happened to one of us, we wouldn’t be able to carry on," said Uma.
"We’ve had old people who used to come here to buy sweets when they were kids,” said Kan. Three flats will be built on the site.
This is an updated article to the one which is in the latest Grangetown News
Twist as Bottleworks flats plans scrapped
The controversial Bottleworks flats development on the Taff Embankment is not now going ahead - after the developers sold the site to a housing association.
Developers Rightacres had been given planning permission for 74 flats on the old Track 2000 site on the junction with Penarth Road.But no work had started on the site - which has become something of a lake in recent months. Then it emerged this week that the site had been sold to a so far unnamed housing association.
The Bottleworks proposals had faced 140 objections and a petition from local residents.
But the planning committee backed the development, even though some councillors expressed concern about the size of the development and also queried why Rightacres would not be paying a contribution towards social housing. Councillor Sean Driscoll said although he liked the design, the scale of the plans were more suited to the Brain's development on the other side of the River Taff.
Ward councillors Ashley Lister and Lynda Thorne had both objected about the height of the development.
Cardiff Civic Society also objected, calling it "unsympathetic" and "retrograde".
Rightacres this week cited "community sensitivity" in their decision not to proceed, after receiving an offer from a housing association.
Pentre Gardens residents, who had been "shocked and saddened" at the original decision are now waiting to see what new plans emerge. Local councillors have been assured it will bring "much needed social housing" to the area.
Toy shop is latest indie shop venture
The latest in a new string of independent shops has opened, giving a boost to the main Grangetown shopping district.
The Honeycomb is a toy and children’s book shop in Clare Road.
Owner Maia Banks, who has a background in education, wants to go beyond just opening a business and, perhaps with a cue from the nearby Wild Thing cafe, wants to forge strong links with the neighbourhood she’s become a part of.
"My desire to start this toy shop has grown out of a want to engage with the local Grangetown community,” she told Grangetown News.
Read more on our local businesses page
New book traces how Grangetown was built
Grangetown author and local historian Ray Noyes has produced a new book, which charts the history of the neighbourhood's development - with particular emphasis on its rapid growth in the Victorian era. Ray was born and brought up in Grangetown but his career in engineering took him away from the area, including abroad. He is secretary of Grangetown Local History Society.
Q How long did it take to build the Grangetown we now know? Most of Grangetown was built over 30 years, with some houses along the Taff and Avondale Road area added in the twentieth century once flood defences had been built along the Taff. Corporation Road was once a flood barrier which is why it is slightly higher than the houses and Grange Gardens on one side.
Q When and where did it all start? Construction started in 1857, at the same time as Penarth Docks. Grangetown was intended to house workers at Penarth harbour and docks as well as in an iron works and the gas works. With no public transport until 1873, workers had to live near their work. Penarth was easier to get to than Cardiff and Grangetown belonged to Penarth. It could have been name Clivetown after the Windsor-Clive family who built most of it.
Q How many of those original houses survive or were rebuilt? The vast majority of the original small terraced houses still exist, except for the very earliest ones that were on Oakley Street, Knole Street and Hewell Street. The National School and police station have also gone, they were some of the earliest public buildings.
Q Where does your own particular fascination with construction and engineering come from? My fascination with the history of Grangetown as an engineer is in its construction techniques. Discovering it was once a marsh on a thick bed of clay made me wonder how on earth it was done. It was not the best place to build anything and for centuries no-one dared. During construction, foundations and even entire buildings (Such as the main school) began to sink. As an engineer this caught my imagination, knowing that all had to be done by hand, without machinery. Even the roads and drains began to sink and eventually 22,000 tons of gravel had to be used to stabilise them, all quarried, transported and broken up by hand. The Marl Field is named after the clay beneath it which was quarried there in a large excavation so big it was used as a stadium.
Q Are there any buildings in the area you're particularly fond of? The buildings I am most fond of may come as a surprise. I love the many stables and cart sheds that were built at the time and are now mostly used as garages but some have been converted into small houses.
Urban Development in the Victorian Era: A Case Study of Grangetown, Cardiff, 1100-1900 is available from Wordcatcher Publishing for £15, and will also be on Amazon. Ray, who is secretary of Grangetown Local History Society, is also happy to order copies which he can bring along to its monthly meetings.
Read more about Grangetown streets here
Extra street cleaning sees drop in litter complaints
Waste enforcement teams are to target Channel View estate as one of the next "hot-spots" for fly-tipping and poorly presented household rubbish.
The council plans "education and enforcement" action.
Around 170 fly-tipping reports were received in Grangetown since last April - that's around half all incidents in the west of the city.
Meanwhile, teams have dealt with 20 separate fly-tipping incidents in Clive Street lane in the same period.
Councillors have also been told that waste workers have dealt with issues in 22 lanes since the beginning of September and "educated" householders or businesses in 788 properties about fly-tipping and waste in the lanes.
Meanwhile, additional afternoon street cleansing in the area has seen Grangetown drop from being "significantly the highest" for litter complaints to being comparable with other inner city neighbourhoods.
Litter build-up can now be reported on the council's Cardiff Gov waste app - and since this facility was introduced in September, in addition to fly-tipping, Grangetown, along with Pentwyn, has had the highest usage. Dog mess and overflowing bins can also be reported.
A number of shops and businesses have also been visited to be given advice on waste management and about safe disposal of oils.
Keep Grangetown Tidy were recently invited to meet officers, with the cabinet member for waste management Michael Michael and local councillor Ash Lister to discuss concerns.
Morris dancers looking for Grangetown folk
Unless you listen very carefully, you might not realise that Cardiff's leading morris dancing group have been based in an upstairs room in Grangetown for the last couple of years.
The group, which is in demand in pubs and at festivals in the summer months, hold practice sessions every Tuesday from September in the Lyndon Club in Clare Road.
Morris dancing is possibly more associated with the English folk scene and May Day traditions but Cardiff Morris/Y Morys Caerdydd draw on Welsh folk songs and music in their repertoire - as anyone who caught them in their last outing at the Welsh Beer and Cider Festival could testify.
They perform mainly eight-dancer Welsh and six-dancer Cotswold tunes.
The group has been going for nearly half a century - marking the milestone next year.
"We are always looking for new dancers and musicians," said Philippa Skinner, of Cardiff Morris.
"New members of any age, gender or dancing ability are welcome to turn up to any practice."
The sessions are free to join and last from 8pm-10pm. Anyone who wants more information should contact bagman@cardiffmorris.org or look at the website or Facebook page.
"We have been established in Cardiff for 49 years having practised in various locations across the city basing ourselves in Grangetown for the past two years," said Philippa.
The practice season runs September to May, before the group takes to the circuit.
Tramshed wants to host more late DJ nights but some residents claim 'nightmare'
The operators of the Tramshed venue wants to increase by half the number of club nights it holds with DJs.
They have been allowed to host 21 events a year - open to as late as 3am - under terms of their late licence. But now they want to increase those to 31 events annually.
It says in its application that it believes this is "entirely acceptable" in terms of the impact on neighbouring homes.
But some residents and local councillors are opposed.
Councillor Ash Lister said: "We've submitted an objection as councillors and have asked to meet with officers to discuss this."
One resident said: "This feels like a nightmare. My daughter already has been woken up countless nights beyond 11pm scared through shouting an swearing. People coming out urinating in my street. Being sick by our door."
Another objector in Monmouth Street said it had been "nightmare" for parking and also "gangs" around the corner drinking alcohol while they wait for doors to open.
Another added: "Empty bottles and broken glass left all over the street, on windowsills and doorsteps where party-goers 'pre-drink' and then chuck their rubbish before they get stopped by security at the door.
"I have looked out of my window to see a group of people snorting coke under the tree, so that security can't see them."
Tramshed operators, Bristol-based TEG Venues UK say most events would take place on Fridays and Saturdays but others would be on Halloween, New Year's Eve or in Freshers' Week.
Conditions include increased security and no alcohol served after 2.30am. The usual curfew times are 11pm during the week and 12.30am on Fridays and Saturdays but there is a special late licence for a limited number of club nights - mostly with well-known club scene DJs.
Tramshed say that there have been no complaints about the late night events held so far.
'Sensible approach'
Residents have expressed a range of opinions, with many encouraging of the venue - which opened in 2015 in the refurbished old council depot in Pendyris Street - as long as conditions are strictly applied.
"Perhaps a good compromise might be to allow the music licence but keep the alcohol licence as it is," said one. "Then people don’t get more drunk as the night goes on, don’t all leave at the same time (because some will leave when the alcohol stops, some will stay to dance), and the venue can still stay open longer?"
Another added: "I think that the Tramshed is a fabulous asset for Grangetown and Cardiff as a whole. I think it should be supported. But agree there should be a sensible approach to late nights."
Crackdown on Grangetown waste offenders
Enforcement officers at Cardiff council have been cracking down on dumped bags and waste put out at the wrong time in Grangetown.
Dozens of residents have been prosecuted and more than 120 have been threatened with enforcement action in Grangetown.
Latest figures, given to local councillors, show between January and May, 96 fixed penalty notices were issued - costing householders and businesses more than £12,600.
Some of the persistent problems in Durham Street
Also more than 300 education letters, explaining how to put out waste correctly, have also been sent.
The action has also led to 121 warnings issued.
Meanwhile, 85 prosecutions in Grangetown have taken place over the past year.
It follows a tide of complaints from residents - especially about hot-spots in certain streets and concerning repeat offenders. Many have taken to social media to post regular images of the mess.
"We are aware of the pressures which are on the waste services which cover Grangetown, as well as those across the city," said councillors Ashley Lister, Lynda Thorne and Abdul Sattar.
"This is mainly due to a minority of residents who choose to present their waste incorrectly. This often leads to bags splitting open and large items being left on the street."
They added that they had asked officers to attend hotspots and had regularly reported incidents, which had led to the increased level of enforcement.
"We would urge residents to report any incidents using C2C, the Cardiff council app or contacting us as your local councillors." they added.
Tramshed office/flats plans scaled back
The height of a proposed controversial office block and flats development next to the Tramshed venue has been cut back in size.
Latest artist impression of the new development - which the developers say will "sit less obtrusively" behind the original building and not dominate the Edwardian facade.
Two storeys have now been removed from the T2 proposals, after concerns from residents and discussions with planning officials.
But the owners of the popular Tramshed venue are still unhappy that building work and the finished development would disrupt its operations - warning that its future could be under threat if the development is built in its car park. The plans by the developers behind the original Tramshed project were originally put forward 18 months ago - and the company running the 1,000-capacity venue in Pendyris Street reaffirmed their opposition over access issues saying that the proposals "literally in our backyard" are a "significant danger".
This is how it was to look before two storeys were removed.
"Our concerns have failed to be addressed and if planning permission is granted it will unfortunately make the Tramshed venue unviable and unable to operate and could potentially cause the venue to close," it says in its objection letter.
A drawing of how the new building might look next to the old one from Pendyris Street
The 16 work-live and apartments - down from 28 - and 3,000 square feet of office and business space (scaled back from 7,500 sq ft) would be built above a ground floor entrance and loading bay - with the application saying tour trucks using the Tramshed venue would be able to reverse in to unload.
A petition and objection letters from residents have also been forwarded ahead of the future planning meeting, while local councillors have already said the new building would be out of keeping with the area and also a threat to the heritage Edwardian frontage of the original building.
Custody for student after Nazi graffiti in Grangetown park
A racist student has been given a custodial sentence for a string of offences, including daubing swastikas and slogans in Grange Gardens.
Elliott Richards-Good, who was 18 at the time, was caught after he daubed a Swastika on the Senedd building in Cardiff Bay the following day, but was tracked down after being caught on CCTV on his bike.
Officers from the Wales Extremism Counter Terrorism Unit (WECTU) tracked him down and also found incriminating material, including paint and gloves, at his family home in Cheltenham.
He had also filmed himself committing some offences - but did not erase the footage.
Richards-Good sprayed paint onto a park keeper's hut and the nearby Grangetown Conservative Club, ahead of an anti-racism march which was due to start from the park in March 2018.
He was sent to a young offenders' institution for 16 months at Cardiff Crown Court after admitting a string of offences, which began weeks after he began studying history at Cardiff University.
Richards-Good was also given a five-year criminal behaviour order after admitting stirring up racial hatred, racially aggravated criminal damage, possession of material likely to stir up racial hatred, and possession of material likely to stir up hatred on the grounds of sexual orientation.
Det Supt Noel Harris, head of WECTU, said: "Tackling extremism in all its forms is a priority for WECTU and South Wales Police and this case demonstrates that we are committed to working together to both prevent and detect it.
"Cardiff is a welcoming and vibrant multicultural city and Richards-Good’s abhorrent views and actions rightly caused great concern amongst the local community."
Supt Harris said Richards-Good was actively recruiting others to join the far-right System Resistance Network. He added that the network were tech-savvy and went to great lengths to avoid detection by the authorities.
"Unfortunately for him, he didn’t follow his own advice and it was his own footage and material which helped convict him," he added.
"Our communities are our eyes and ears and anyone with concerns about someone’s beliefs or behaviour is urged to report it. No report is a waste of our time; please trust your instincts and tell us if something doesn’t feel right."
The judge, sentencing him, said: "You describe yourself as a fascist, and demonstrate very little insight into the reaction you have caused."
Councillor Ash Lister praised the police and council for their prompt response at the time. "I was so proud of the Grangetown reaction - this wasn’t a message from our communities and it damn sure won’t be tolerated by our communities," he added.
Concerns and suspicions can be reported to South Wales Police via 101, or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Community turns out for festival
There was a fantastic turn-out at Grange Gardens for the annual Grangetown Festival fete day and carnival.
The weather turned out better than many had anticpated for much of the afternoon, as hundreds enjoyed activities, live music, rides and a record-number of stalls.
The event - which has been organised by Grangetown Community Action since 1978 - reflects the diverse neighbourhood and is enjoyed by all ages.
This year's fancy dress parade saw schools following a space theme, to mark the 50th anniversary of the first Moon landing next month. Techniquest and Cardiff University's astronomy department also put on science activities.
There was also an open mic slot in the bandstand, while performers included local bands Art Bandini, Spring To Life and grime artists BWritten and Sonny Double.
Grangetown Youth Forum were presented with the annual Joan Gallagher award for contributions to the community by Stephen Doughty MP.
Thanks to all the volunteers who helped on the day, those stall-holders who supported the event and Lynne Thomas of Cardiff University's Community Gateway.
More photos on the Grangetown Community Action page
An environmental campaigner from Grangetown who admits litter is his "obsession" has been awarded the MBE in the Queen's birthday honours list.
Dave King, 56, was instrumental in setting up the Keep Grangetown Tidy group, but is also a mainstay of the Cardiff Rivers Group and has also set up the Men in Sheds project at the Dusty Forge in Ely.
The citation for his award praises "dedication and obvious passion," which has proved an inspiration for countless others.
Dave told Grangetown News: "I am very, very grateful to those who took the time and effort to nominate me for this award. It was totally unexpected. No-one achieves anything on their own and this is most certainly true of me. I am passionate about both the environment and community engagement and action but wouldn't be able to do anything without the huge support in particular of Glynis my wife and of friends in Cardiff Rivers Group, Keep Wales Tidy, Keep Grangetown Tidy and Cardiff Council."
Dave was praised in the nomination for being seen as a role model for his peers.
Dave added: "So to everyone giving up their time to volunteer - our efforts do get recognised and we are making a real positive difference. To those who haven't taken that step do get involved, step up, tackle that issue dear to your heart and make that difference! You won't regret it.
This will be a popular award for anyone who knows or has dealt with Dave - and no-one can doubt his passion but also that he's a lovely guy to spend any time with.
The dedicated Cardiff City fan, who has been known to arrange the Tidy Grangetown litter picks not to clash with Bluebirds games (!), is normally seen in his natural environment in wellies and up to his knees in the rivers Taff or Ely, or sizing some sheet metal abandoned in a Grangetown side alley. At least he can now look forward to at least one visit to Palace and not return empty handed.
Pavilion project makes progress
As funding for the £1.6m Grange Pavilion edges towards its target, the community project is advertising for its first manager.
The full-time post has been funded for an initial three years and as well of developing the programme of events and activities and managing the new building, the successful candidate will be expected to reach out within the local community.
There is a deadline of 16 June to apply for the post - and there is a hope there will be interest from the Grangetown community.
Another £100,000 has to be raised but the work is now able to press ahead to the original designs and specifications, as trustees and supporters continue their fund-raising efforts over the next few months.
Councillor Ashley Lister told Grangetown Community Action's AGM that after the demolition of the old bowls pavilion, there was a real confidence that the new community space would be ready to open next January and that with a final push, the goal can be reached.
The fund-raising effort - which is part Big Lottery funded - was given a major boost before Christmas, thanks to a £100,000 donation from a charitable organisation.
The Moondance Foundation was set up by the founder and former chief executive of Cardiff-based Admiral insurance Henry Engelhardt and his wife Diane.
It is committed to supporting a variety of good causes, including community development, anti-poverty and education and was contacted by the new community trust, which will eventually run the Pavilion before Christmas.
Meanwhile, 12 students from the Welsh School of Architecture - along with Grange Pavilion trustees - have been holding conversations around Grangetown to explore how aims for the Pavilion as a "welcoming space for all" can be realised.
Working with Grange Pavilion Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Cardiff University's Community Gateway project and architect Dan Benham partnering with IBI Group, each conversation was translated into drawings and a model.
This vision aims to bring to life moments in a day in the life of the Grange Pavilion, as it will hopefully look.
The drawings and model will also be on display at the Grangetown Festival on June 15th and conversations will continue to shape the project as construction is underway.
The Pavilion will be managed by the Grangetown community under a 99-year lease, with support from organisational partners Cardiff University, Cardiff Bay Rotary Club, Taff Housing, RSPB, and Cardiff and Vale College. Other funding has come from the National Lottery's Community Fund, Garfield Weston Foundation, Welsh Government and many more individual donations.
To find out more about the Grange Pavilion or about joining the Grange Pavilion CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation), please contact ThomasL90@cardiff.ac.uk or call 029 20 870456.
End of an era as Grangetown Cons Club closes its doors
Grangetown Conservative Club has closed its doors - just short of its 125th anniversary.
The club has been in its current home in Corporation Road, close to Grange Gardens, for more than 110 years. Grangetown Local History Society heard of its imminent demise a few weeks ago, and went along to take a few photographs, as well as receiving some archive material.
The original "Grangetown Conservative Workingmens Club" was founded in May 1894, on the corner of Holmesdale Street and Ferry Road. Previously it had been the location for a local rope manufacturers.
The association had been set up in the year before - described as a "rallying call for Grangetown working men", with membership numbers rising in that time from 60 to 300. Subscription back in those first days was four pennies a year and the chairman was Sidney Herbert Nicholls, at the time living in Pentrebane Street.
By 1908, it had moved to Corporation Road - its present home. The old building back in Ferry Road was later converted into flats in the early 1930s and then bombed during the war.
The club has hosted local clubs and organisations, as well as parties, regular karaoke and live music. In recent years, like many traditonal social clubs and pubs, there has been a struggle.
Thanks to Zena Mabbs. Photos: Grangetown Local History Society. Pavilion project gets £100,000 donation
The fund-raising effort towards the Grangetown Pavilion has been given a major boost, thanks to a £100,000 donation from a charitable organisation.
The Moondance Foundation was set up by the founder and former chief executive of Cardiff-based Admiral insurance Henry Engelhardt and his wife Diane.
It is committed to supporting a variety of good causes, including community development, anti-poverty and education and was contacted by the new community trust, which will eventually run the Pavilion before Christmas.
"We were delighted to hear in February that the Moondance Trustees had agreed a donation of £100,000 and were ecstatic when the cheque arrived in the post shortly after," said a spokeswoman for Grange Pavilion Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
"This is the first successful funding application for the Grange Pavilion CIO and will prove an excellent foundation for other applications to help close the £250,000 funding gap and help us reach our target of £1.6m."
The news comes within days of the old bowls pavilion being demolished, ahead of building work on the new £1.6m community venue, which will take about a year.
The project, when complete, will include:
Grangetown is officially most diverse place in city
Grangetown is now the most diverse part of Cardiff, according to new research by Cardiff University.
It has overtaken Butetown to that claim, says a study featured on the BBC Radio Wales programme Eye On Wales.
Richard Gale, a human geographer, analysed the census figures between 2001 and 2011, and found Cardiff’s diversity increased by 8%. One in five people living in the capital in 2011 identified as anything other than "White British".
Grangetown saw the biggest increase. The last census in 2011 showed that it is now home to a quarter of the city’s Pakistani and "Other Black" populations, including a fifth of the city’s Black African population live and an eighth of the Indian population.
Mr Gale said: "It gives it a very special status in terms of wider debates about identity, Welshness and belonging. We need to understand Grangetown as an expression of Wales’s history in terms of identity."
One category that increased significantly in the decade was that of "White Other," which swelled by 1.3%.
Monika (pictured above) runs Polish deli and cafe Delikatesy Mis in Clare Road with her husband. She came to Wales 15 years ago when free movement opened up in Poland.
"I was very young at that time. I always wanted to leave and try new things," she told the programme.
"Because I knew English, it was much easier for me to come to the UK. I’ve always felt welcome. I’ve never felt that people want to send me back home."
Pradyuman Halai, 32, vice secretary of the Shree Swaminarayan temple - the largest Hindu temples in Wales - said: "When you come to a melting pot like Grangetown, you see different people living their lives in a different way. Yet they’re proud that they’re in this country. You’ll see people living aside one another peacefully."
But for some of the older residents of Grangetown, the pace of change has been too fast and dramatic. There's a strong feeling of longing and nostalgia for a Grangetown that's gone.
Younger generations living in the area tend to feel more positive about the diversity in the area. For them, crossing ethnic divides comes more naturally.
Community worker Ali Abdi was born in Grangetown to parents from Somaliland. He now works for Cardiff University as part of the Gateway Project. His job is to build a partnership between the university and the communities in Grangetown, which involves the development of a new community space - Grange Pavilion - in Grange Gardens.
"This space is going to be open to people of all faiths and no faith," he said. "It’s a very exciting time for Grangetown. It’s the up and coming place. In a time where politically there are a lot of people looking for division, we should be looking at what unites us."
You can hear Eye on Wales on BBC Radio Wales on the BBC iPlayer. Thanks to Selma Chalabi.
Parking pain at school
Councillors have asked for traffic enforcement to help crack down on parking issues outside Ninian Park Primary School at peak times.
There have been issues for some time but local residents have taken to posting photos now of cars parked on pavements and double yellow lines in Virgil Street and Sloper Road.
Councillor Ashley Lister said: "Lynda, Abdul and I have asked for traffic enforcement to attend Ninian Park this week during peak times, and attend where possible in the future," he said. "We have also asked for an update on the design of the School Safety Zone which is being drawn up for Ninian Park Primary, so that we can apply for funding to Welsh Government."
Councillors are also meeting with officials to ask for pilot projects in Grangetown to try address the parking issues.
One resident said: "This has been going on here for eight years and nothing changes. Get traffic wardens down here and book the ones who are parking on pavements, zig-zags and yellow lines - they'll think twice. If there was a serious incident, emergency services wouldn't be able to get through."
A parent said: "Every morning and after school, cars don’t care where or how they park, even when the head/teachers go have a word they take no notice as they are straight back the next day doing exactly the same."
Meanwhile, parents and children at Ysgol Hamadryad have been leading the way to cut down on congestion and road safety concerns - the "walking bus" policy means no pupil was driven to school in January, proving it can be done differently!
Fitzalan school plans moving closer
This is what the new Fitzalan High School could look like - with hopes it could be open for the start of the 2022 academic year.
Councillors are looking at the proposals at the moment, which would see new buildings and sports facilities built opposite the existing school, close to the Cardiff Athletics Stadium.
The old school buildings would be demolished once the new development, off Lawrenny Avenue, is ready to move into and the site is expected to be turned into an open space.
There has already been a consultation exercise but the final details and designs, including the planning application, are still to be finalised.
As well as a larger sixth form, the proposals include a new swimming pool, games areas and 3G football and rugby pitches, which would be available for the whole community.
The project was looked at by a srutiny committee this week and is expected to go to the council's cabinet later this month for a decision to move forward.
The school has set out what it hopes will be an "inspirational learning environment" for 1,500 pupils. The assistant head said: "We are incredibly excited at the prospect of a new Fitzalan being developed across from our existing facility. We hope that this new school will provide an inspirational environment for our pupils for generations to come. It has been great to already witness the enthusiasm and positivity that the announcement has created and seeing the pupils already engage with the process has been fantastic." Some pupils in a survey have expressed worries about journey times, traffic and pedestrian crossings to get to the new buildings, while local residents have raised issues of noise, loss of privacy, light pollution and the potential for a negative impact on house prices. Historic day for new Welsh school
Ysgol Hamadryad - the first Welsh medium school for Grangetown pupils - has finally opened in January.
The new building, overlooking Hamadryad Park, just across the River Taff in Butetown, has been taking shape for more than a year. The first pupils with head teacher Rhian Carbis started in temporary accommodation at the Ninian Park school site until the new facilities were ready.
Diwrnod Cyntaf yn ein hysgol newydd sbon danlli / First Day in our brand new school 09/01/19 pic.twitter.com/cYDkA0WaDN
The school's journey has been a long one, and not without its obstacles, as there was a long, drawn-out process in finding a suitable site. Campaigners fought for the school to finally be built.
Mrs Carbis was presented with the keys to the school’s new building by contractors Morgan Sindall before the Christmas break in December – on time and on budget.
Dog walkers and football players alike would have seen the Welsh medium school taking shape at the north end of Hamadryad Park in Butetown for many months.
The school, which will take pupils from Grangetown and Butetown, has been funded as part of the 21st Century Schools scheme by the Welsh Government.
It will become a focal point for community activities. In time, 420 pupils will be housed at the school. It will also offer nursery provision – with places available for entry in both January and April 2019.
It also aims to be one of the most sustainable schools in Cardiff – with pupils walking, scooting or biking to the school – and there’s plenty of bike and scooter storage on site.
There’s also a ‘Tren Traed’ – literally a "foot train", where parents can drop
children at the Havannah St car park and join staff on the walk to school.
Angor cadarn cyn hwylio’r don / A secure anchor before setting sail pic.twitter.com/dWS93g12FB
Once they arrive, one of the features of the playground is the Ysgol Hamadryad Boat (see above). This is a climbing frame in the shape of a boat – celebrating the history of the site as the location for the Hamadryad hospital ship.
Ysgol Hamadryad will serve as a community school for both Grangetown and Butetown. The school already has more than 100 pupils and celebrates the fact that there are 17 different languages spoken by parents and children.
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'Unique experience' at first Grangetown pop-up restaurant
For one night only, Cornwall Street church hall was transformed into a pop-up restaurant for Grangetown's first pop-up restaurant. We asked Branwen Llewellyn about the new venture.
Tell us who's behind it? Our names are Tomos and Branwen, and we are brother and sister originally from a small village near Bala in North Wales, but who have made Grangetown our home. I've lived here for five years, and Tomos for two. Tomos is a chef by trade, and although I have an office job, I think it's fair to say that any time spent away from my desk and not sleeping is time spent thinking about food. Tomos is very much the same, and approached me one day with the suggestion of organising a pop-up restaurant, and here we are, a week away from the big night!
What can people expect on the night - are you dressing the place up or will it be all about the food and the atmosphere? People can expect a great meal served in a friendly and open atmosphere. We enjoy home cooking, and we hope that both the meal and the atmosphere will reflect that, whilst still giving our guests a special and unique experience.
Pop-up restaurants have happened elsewhere but this is a first for Grangetown - how do you think the place is changing? Cardiff is fast becoming a 'foodie' city. Grangetown has a wealth of restaurants, take-aways and food stores, and this pop-up is just one small add-on to what is already a vibrant food scene. New initiatives are coming to Grangetown all the time, and our hope is that the Porthi pop-up restaurant will become a regular event for the Grangetown community.
What are you favourite foodie places in the city? There may be too many to mention as we love everything from Pizza Pronto to Milkwood, from Bar 44 to Vegetarian Food Studio, from Bangkok Cafe to Mezza Luna. And Canna Deli, of course, where Tomos is the chef!
What would you like to do after this one?
We're concentrating on getting the first Porthi event under our belts before thinking about the next, but in the meantime would welcome any suggestions for future menus - what would you like to see at the next Porthi pop-up? Let us know via the email address (below)
How many tables are available and how do people book?
We're actually very near capacity now for this first pop-up, but anyone interested can contact us on porthiporthi@gmail.com 'Ambitious' Channel View transformation unveiled
Channel View estate would be completely transformed - and double in size - in proposals being unveiled to the public for the first time.
Estate residents have been consulted in recent weeks about the ideas - although plans are at their early stage.
Local councillor and cabinet member for housing and communities Lynda Thorne, said: "We have an exciting opportunity to redevelop the Channel View estate to deliver more quality social housing in the city and create an improved environment for residents."
The number of homes on the estate would almost double from the current 184 properties - to 360 - as well as the creation of more in-demand three and four-bedroom family homes.
It would involve the demolition of the 14-storey high Channel View tower block, home to 86 residents. Plans to reclad the tower were already put on hold due to Grenfell, but the 1970s building was also facing significant costs to refurbish and replace ageing systems including plumbing.
It is understood with a replacement expected to cost upwards of £12m, new low-rise replacement homes were looked at as an alternative and tower residents have been consulted recently about this new option.
The new vision includes flats - but no more than seven storeys high at most across the project.
Mrs Thorne said: "The Channel View estate regeneration is ambitious and part of our vision to not only tackle the pressures to provide decent homes for the people who need them but also to create more sustainable and better connected communities across the city."
It is believed the council is looking for private partners to develop the mix of homes.
The proposal also includes a new sheltered housing scheme which could provide a hub from which to deliver older person services. Mrs Thorne said a review last year found structural issues and poor design on the estate, a poor bus route and "low quality" public spaces.
The council also has a city-wide target of building 1,000 more social homes by 2022.
"Our plans are at an early stage and we want to work with the existing community to ensure they are involved in the regeneration of the estate which will deliver a good mix of private houses and apartments for sale as well as new council homes in the area," added Mrs Thorne.
Tramshed soothe residents late night fears
And lollipops to help in making sure any problems stay licked...
Tramshed management have met local residents to ease fears about a new late licence which will allow them to open until 3am for 20 events a year.
Worries over noise and disturbance to local residents, and an increase in incidents of crime and disorder were put forward as objections by local ward councillors and police. But the city's licensing sub committee granted the application to allow the limited number of DJ/club events.
Since then the venue in Pendyris Street has met residents, mostly living in the Taff Mead area, to discuss concerns.
They outlined measures they were taking to stop problems - including a designated pick-up spot for taxis away from residential streets, organised dispersal and a look at queuing away from the street.
They will also hand out lollipops to people leaving the event nights - as a subtle and sweet way of keeping them quiet! "It's a way of reducing the noise, it sounds a bit crazy but it has been shown to already work [elsewhere]," said Tramshed director of operations Ben Newby.
The venue will be allowed to open for 20 DJ-only events - providing the bar closes at 2.30am. There are also conditions relating to police being given 21 days notice of each events and security staff having to wear eight body cameras.
The first event was in September and passed peacefully.
But Mr Newby said the venue had no intention of becoming a nightclub, saying it remained committed to putting on a mixture of events. As well as a continuation of live gigs, there would be comedy, a Crazy Cat Fest in July for cat-lovers, the forthcoming Welsh Book Awards and it had also been booked for private events like weddings.
"We've never wanted Tramshed to become a nightclub - it's a multi-event space," he told residents, who have been given contact details to report any issues if they crop up.
A new team is also in place running the venue - the general manager has been there a year, with the cinema programme starting up again recently under new operators. There are also plans to look at the kitchen re-opening eventually, after the Waiting Room stopped doing food.
Residents were also asked to inquire about using the bar areas during downtime for community groups and meetings, after hopes of a community room in another part of the development failed to materialise. Award as head teacher calls time on 38-year career
Paul Catris, head of St Patrick’s, is retiring in July after 38 years at the Roman Catholic school in Lucknow Street.
A retirement party was held in the school grounds on Friday evening and a celebratory mass was held at St Patrick's Chruch on Sunday. He was also presented with the Joan Gallagher Award by Grangetown Community Action, which recognises long standing community contributions for his "fantastic service".
Fiona McAllister looked back at his career in Grangetown News: Mr Catris arrived in September 1980 as a newly qualified teacher straight from college and has been at the 300-pupil primary school ever since. He became deputy head in 1989 before being appointed head 10 years later.
He has close links to the area, having been brought up in neighbouring Canton. His wife Kathryn was herself a pupil at St Patrick’s, with the couple getting married at St Patrick’s Church, before going on to raise four children. Mr Catris attended St Mary’s Primary School in Canton, then Bishop Hannon High School and finally sixth form at St Illtyd’s, before studying for a degree in Geology at Cardiff University.
But it wasn’t a foregone conclusion that he would become a teacher – following his graduation he contemplated working in Egypt in the oil exploration industry or going on to work in the North Sea oil fields. “It was a massive change-around in deciding to become a teacher – I did all the geological training and thought ‘Do I really want to work on an oil rig?"
"Teaching had always interested me and I loved the idea of helping children develop, so my change in career stemmed from that,” he recalled.
When he joined the school, the late Peggy Rein was the head teacher – “an iconic figure in the school and Grangetown, with a huge interest in sport”. With their shared passion, St Patrick’s continued to thrive on the sports field. After she retired Christina Barry was appointed head – “a very caring leader with excellent interpersonal skills”.
Mr Catris says, “I’ve been very lucky to have had such supportive heads during my career and to have been able to learn so much from their different leadership styles.” He’s also quick to praise all of his committed staff both past and present, his excellent deputy Mrs Debbie Swain who has been his number two since his appointment, the governors and the school PTA, all of whom have been “incredibly supportive”.
During his time at the school he says he has seen massive changes, especially in technology. “When I first came in to the classroom the only IT we had was a black and white TV – there were no computers, iPads, white boards, everything was written in chalk on the blackboard”.
Grangetown has also become increasingly more multicultural over the years and the many pupil ethnicities at the school reflect this. There are currently 27 different languages spoken in school, from various parts of Europe, Asia and
Africa. Mr Catris describes many pupils starting at St Patrick’s with little or no English language skills, but leaving at the end of Key Stage 2 completely fluent.
While approximately 50% of the pupils are from Catholic homes, the school also has pupils from other faiths. Mr Catris describes this as one of the highlights of his work, “We are one family with all the faiths coming together.” He says, “There’s a very strong link between the Church and the school and our shared values permeate school life. There has always been a strong bond between the parish and school communities.”
During his time at the school he has worked alongside six priests – Canon O’Flynn, Fr. Jack Fahy, Fr. Bogdan Wera, Fr. Bill Lloyd, Fr. Ieuan Wyn-Jones and the current parish priest at St Patrick’s, Canon Mike Evans – in nurturing the pupils’ faith and putting Gospel values at the centre of school life.
Mr Catris’ satisfaction is “seeing children succeed and making a difference to their lives.” He has seen thousands of children come through the school in his career and describes being into his third and even fourth generation at St Patrick’s now. “It’s lovely when their parents come in and say, ‘Do you remember teaching me?’”
Meanwhile, the governors have praised his devotion to the school and community over almost four decades. “Pupils and staff will miss him very much as he’s been a loyal, hands-on and steadfast leader and he will retire with the respect and love of all”.
Pete Collett, chair of governors said: “Nothing is more important to Paul than the education and well-being of the children at St Patrick’s and this can be seen any time you enter the school and see the genuine love and respect from the staff and pupils alike. It’s fast approaching, but Paul’s retirement is a time I’ve been dreading. He is such a part of the fabric of the school and the community of Grangetown and will be missed. However, he is so deserving of his retirement after 38 years of fantastic service.”
Mr Catris’ love and passion for the school and children remain as strong today as ever and his leaving will create a huge void in his life. He is looking forward to travelling and rekindling his passion for art.
And goodbye to nursery school head
Jan Comrie has retired after a long association as head teacher of Grangetown Nursery School, developing it into a centre of excellence.
"Since 2005 my life has been touched by 2,050 children and their families, so many faces and names and so many tears, scraped knees, bumps, laughter and joy," she said. "Our families put so much trust in us and I am overwhelmed by the support I've had from the community over the years."
Mrs Comrie said her time at Grangetown was "the happiest of my 30 year career" and said it would remain "very close to my heart."
She arrived at the school after being Advisory Teacher for Foundation Phase in Cardiff. Before that she taught at Lakeside Primary School and Gladstone Infant School.
Chair of governors Councillor Lynda Thorne, said: "Jan is passionate about the early years and providing the best possible start to a child's education journey. Throughout her career, she has shared her expertise widely, most recently leading training for schools within the Central South Consortium."
She said Jan had never lost sight of her belief that children learn best through exploration and play. "Her contribution to the world of education will be genuinely missed, both personally and professionally, by the many who have worked alongside her," Mrs Thorne added.
Joanna Chittenden, chair. Business map takes to the streets
Grangetown's first independent business map has hit the streets, aimed at promoting some of the best of the area's best shops and services.
More than 21 local businesses signed up for the map - which is a distinctive shade of yellow, containing details of some of our best-loved and also newest local high street names and delivered in a funky and fully bilingual way.
Designed by the team behind the Get Lost In Cardiff arcades map and produced by Grangetown local business forum, the idea is to showcase the best of independent businesses - and making it available in the shops themselves so they can cross-promote each other.
Lynne Thomas, Community Gateway project manager, who has helped support the idea along with Grangetown Community Action, is pictured delivering the map to businesses in Cardiff Bay.
Rather than just producing a throw-away leaflet or flyer, the map is fold-away and can be kept in a drawer or bag. It has been given the Grangetown Shop Local branding, which has also been used in the Grangetown World Market and tote bags.
An online version of the map is being produced for download and details of the businesses are included in a directory on the www.lovegrangetown.biz website. Cheers! The Grange is voted best city pub
The Grange pub has celebrated a successful year after its re-opening by winning the title of Cardiff's best pub.
The prestigious award for the quality of its beer was announced by the city branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA).
The pub in Penarth Road - which had been shut for 18 months - was given a major refurbishment and a new lease of life by its new owners, after being bought from Brain's.
As well as a great make-over, the pub - now a free house - has also quickly won support of customers old and new with its choice of craft beers and great food.
In its first year it has employed 15 people, served over 4,000 Sunday roasts and featured some of the best brews from south and west Wales. It has also hosted popular weekly quizzes and held charity events, quickly establishing its reputation as a community local after years of the old pub being neglected and run down.
The Grange's sister pub The Lansdowne in Canton, which won the 2017 award, was runner-up. CAMRA members - who vote for the best pub after visiting dozens across the city - were presented with the award on April 12th.
Dai Dearden, manager at The Grange, said: "We are absolutely over the moon to have received recognition by CAMRA in our first year. A lot of hard work has gone into restoring The Grange and this is credit to our brilliant staff and customers.
"We want The Grange to be a family friendly, real locals’ pub which offers quality beer and food. So far, the community in Grangetown have responded really positively and we are already seeing a lot of return and loyal custom."
Brian Francis, CAMRA Cardiff said: “The Grange has been turnaround from a rundown pub with a limited selection of beers to an independent, inspired pub that champions real ales. They stood out as winners this year as this is a great achievement in just one year of business. It is clear they are keen real ale people." New-look Clive Lane housing development gets go ahead
A new housing development off Clive Street lane - different from the original proposals - has been given the go-ahead by councillors.
There will now be 101 homes instead of the original 116, with Pegasus Developments now including two small open spaces after talks with planning officials.
Councillors were asked to forego more than £525,000 that the developers would normally pay towards community facilities as part of the deal because the homes will now be all social housing, with none of the houses or flats sold on the open market. It was argued that the project will not be "viable" unless the usual so-called section 106 agreement is torn up, and this was backed by an independent valuation assessment.
There will be a mix of one and two bedroom flats in three-storey blocks, as well as two to four bedroom houses on the site of the old railway embankment.
It took eight months to move 100,000 tonnes of earth and spoil which made up the banking for the disused Victorian railway line. Altogether 6,000 lorry journeys cleared the way for the development, backing onto Ikea.
The back lane and embankment have long been a hotspot for fly-tippers, as well as being home to small traders. The site will include car parking and secure cycle parking for the flats, while the access road into Clive Street will involve the demolition of a house.
Hundreds of slow worms were transplanted to Cosmeston Lakes before any work began. But the council's ecology officer still wants to see wildflower areas and shrubs as part of the landscaping, to improve the green corridor in the area. Improved crossing points for pedestrians are also suggested.
The developers would normally be expected to make a contribution towards school places and local community and open space provisions. The so-called section 106 agreement would be worth around £525,000; this was calculated down from just over £916,000 originally.
But councillors were told because the proposal was now for "much needed
affordable homes, including family housing" the project would be unviable if the developer had to make any contribution. The planning committee was told it would be a "benefit for the city" and councillors welcomed the fact it would mean 100% social housing, as they backed it unanimously.
"There is therefore a decision to be made between approving a much needed affordable housing
development of 101 dwellings...or requiring that the agreed obligations be met,
which would jeopardise the delivery of the development," says a report to the planning committee.
Officials say they are happy the housing is arranged to provide privacy and the design "is considered to be acceptable and will result in an attractive and pleasant living environment."
Brewery site transformation is not small beer
Details of a multi-million pound office, housing and leisure development across the river from Grangetown have been given the go ahead.
The Central Quay development would completely transform the site of Brain's brewery, which is moving across the city.
The old brewery building and distinctive chimney stack are staying as a centre-piece of the designs, which also promises a huge central water feature, and altogether at 2.5m square feet claims to be one of the UK's largest schemes.
Paul McCarthy, Rightacres chief executive said it would become "Cardiff’s focal gathering place for businesses and visitors with live music, a wide choice of bars and restaurants and a calendar of events such as food and beer festivals."
Offices in the Ledger building would include a ground floor called The Market Place, an indoor hall to showcase Welsh food and drink.
Inevitably, questions are already being asked about the potential impact of traffic on already congested local roads and whether public transport and sustainable alternatives will be be up to scratch and ready in time.
There was also scepicism whether more homes were needed and about the character of the buildings planned.
A 650-space multi-storey carpark and Metro stop are also included, alongside a new coach station at the back of the existing railway station. Generic, bland and loses the Brains chimney completely in a sea of glass and metal. There must be more inspiring designs, surely.
Dim diolch. Fi’n cerdded ar hyd yr afon pob dydd ac mae fflatiau uchel moethus yn hollol gwrthwyneb I gymeriad Grangetown.
I’ve often thought that the one thing the Bay area needs is more definitely-not-vacant apartment blocks. As a Grangetown resident living on the other side of River Taff embankment of #brains development my main concern is additional traffic to our already connected roads it will bring. Anyone thought of this? ?? https://t.co/S2TnLbt3ds
My 5 year old has asked 'Pam?'
I hope they keep as much of the old buildings as possible. Too many lost, such as the recent and nearbye Brickworks site. This project knocked down some charachter buildings for new shiny appartments. The plans - passed in July - involve 1,000 apartments and 50 restaurants and bars, as well as college facilities.
Mr McCarthy said they had taken on board reaction from local people.
"Overall the feedback from local businesses and residents was hugely positive," he said. "Understandably, some residents were concerned about the environmental impact a development of this scale can have and as a result, we will be setting ourselves ambitious sustainability targets including minimising the materials taken to landfill sites and maximising the recycling opportunities."
Dave (left) on a recent litter pick
This is a student's vision of the flexible room - showing light along the corridor connecting the different flexible spaces down to the cafe
This imagines the cafe, as seen from the outdoor space
This imagines the outdoor classroom - within the Pavilion - and how it connects to the "loud room" from the inside (left). It will be mostly used in better weather or school holidays but can be used for different purposes, while the blades filter sunlight to cool you down.
More drawings and modelling for how the Pavilion may work
Julie Biggs has been stewardess since 2012. Pictured with committee member Mario Felices and Terry Woodroff, treasurer and acting chairman.
A drawing of the original club - and William Baird, who was steward of the club with his wife Alice in the 1930s and 1940s.
The project has already received major Big Lottery funding, as well as support from the likes of the Garfield Weston Foundation, Asda Foundation and Cardiff Bay Rotary Club.
The community ifthar last summer in Grangetown.
An early artist impression - although this is not the final detailed plan for how the estate might look.
New cladding had been due to be fitted but plans were put on hold after the Grenfell disaster last June.
Another artist impression released by Cardiff Council.
The estate is bordered by new private housing at Windsor Quay, the Bay and the Marl.
Police and councillors also attended the residents meeting
Paul Catris receives his award, with Cardiff South and Penarth AM Vaughan Gething, Councillor Ashley Lister, chair of Grangetown Community Action and Wales rugby star Gavin Henson.
Paul on the Grangetown Festival parade for the last time as head teacher in June.
The embankment before its removal
Work going on to remove the embankment
Artist impression of the site.
I have to agree with her. It's not particularly exciting or pleasing to the eye.
Repair cafe is on hand to help
Boxing club gets go ahead for permanent home
A new permanent home for the Prince of Wales boxing club is being planned near Channel View.
The club has been looking to secure its own gym for several years - and now plans for a purpose-built facility have gone forward to Cardiff Council and have been given the go ahead under delegated powers.
It will include a 16ft boxing ring and a classroom and be built on a disused area between the leisure centre and nursery school.
The club has members of all ages, from children to seniors in boxing, and others use it for keep fit and boxer-cise, from Grangetown and surrounding areas.
"At the moment we are having a season out to concentrate on the future of the club and the building process," said head coach Joe Feal.
"We were decanted from our original home six years ago - which we had used since 1969 - and then we had a temporary base at the Grangetown Boys and Girls Club. We then had to vacate these premises.
"We now have the breakthrough we needed to secure our own gym which have been looking for, for a very long time."
The club hopes to be up and running within a year, in good time for its 50th anniversary.
The new gym would be on a 50-year lease from Cardiff Council.
The classroom would be available for Grangetown Nursery School as a meeting or training room, as well as for community use.
The Prince of Wales ABC's long history includes Welsh champions and Commonwealth Games medallists.
Prem and his parents meet Vaughan Gething AM. With Cardiff CCC coach Kevin Lyons.
Promising Grangetown cricketer Prem Sisodiya joined up with the England Under 19 squad to tour South Africa in November and also played in the Under 19 World Cup in New Zealand in January.
The left-arm spinner and batsman has been a regular with Cardiff Cricket Club, who have taken the South Wales Premier title and Welsh Cup twice in recent seasons, and is a Glamorgan develoment player, where he was Academy Player of the Year last season.
Prem, who lives in north Grangetown, said: "Cricket has been a really big part of my life from a young age.”
He is a former pupil at two schools known for their sporting excellence - Whitchurch High School and Clifton College and has been playing for Cardiff since the age of nine.
Cardiff club coach Kevin Lyons said: "He has worked methodically for 10 years, and been a credit to family and Cardiff CC plus all the teams in which he has played. South Africa shall be a real experience and learning process for him and may he continue to improve his all round game and remember why he first started out all those years ago, to enjoy the game."
Keen cricket fan and Cardiff South and Penarth AM Vaughan Gething welcomed Prem and his parents Pab and Lux to a reception at the Assembly to wish him well in the autumn. "As a former amateur cricketer and current cricket fan myself, I have a particular appreciation for his outstanding achievements," said Mr Gething. "He is a credit to Grangetown and Cardiff. I look forward to watching his cricketing career develop in the coming years”.
The winter tour involved a Tri-Series against South Africa and Namibia.
Flats plans rejected again
Artist impression of what the development would look like from Clive Street.
Plans to build flats on the site of a bed warehouse in Grangetown - which have been either refused or withdrawn four times in the last 12 years - have been rejected again.
Councillors had been recommended to turn down the latest proposals - just over a year after an appeal against the refusal of the previous plan was rejected.
The development put forward was for 18 mostly one-bedroom flats built on the junction with Ferry Road and South Clive Street. A auto body parts workshop next door was again one of the objectors to the plans for the Windor Buildings.
Officials say it would mean "poor quality of living environment" and "outlook" and lack of space at the front and privacy for new residents moving into the social housing complex. There are also concerns over three lime trees, which would overhang the three-storey flats.
Councillor Frank Jacobsen on the planning committee said the only thing going for it was it was close to Ikea for people carrying furniture back; but Councillor Iona Gordon called the architect's plan "commendable" for a "virtually impossible site". But others said it would cram too many flats into a small space with concern about dark corridors into the flats and privacy issues for the resident in the ground floor flat. Councillor Michael Jones-Pritchard said: "Affordable housing occupants need just as good accommodation, amenity space and suroundings as people who buy their own."
The plans came from a Cardiff property developer but Taff Housing was understood to be standing by if the development got the go ahead. The developer says it would contribute "to the provision of high-quality affordable housing" and a "high quality living environment".
Local residents also objected to the plans which went before the city's planning committee. One commented: "It appears that no material changes to this application have been made, and I am starting to find the repeated submission of the same plans vexatious to say the least."
Oldest Grangetown resident dies, aged 103
Mary at her 100th birthday party.
Probably Grangetown's oldest resident has died peacefully at home, just a week before her 104th birthday.
Mary Desmond was a mother of 11 and a number of her children lived near her in the Merches Gardens area.
Mary with husband Charles in the 1930s and aged 99 at a family wedding.
She was born Mary Barry at 38 Chester Street in August 1913, one of 15 children. George V was king, Asquith was prime minister, it was a year before World War One and the height of the Suffragete movement. Mary went to St Patrick's School, which she left to look after her grandmother.
Mary, who also lived in Clare Road for a time, married her husband Charles Desmond in 1936.
The couple ran the Public Works Department Club in Mardy Street - later the Irish club and now the Samaj Centre - for more than 30 years. It used to attract people from all over Cardiff for dances.
Mary - who was interviewed before her 100th birthday by Grangetown Local History Society - also did bar work which she recalled as enjoying very much even though she did not drink alcohol. Mary also worked at Curran's amunitions factory near the docks, testing shells during World War Two.
She had 11 children in 11 years but sadly lost her son David aged 23 in a hit-and-run road tragedy at the Clare Road lights in 1973 while Charles died a few months later.
Mary was a staunch member of St Patrick's Church congregation, attending Mass regularly, and had also been a cleaner at Ninian Park School.
Her grand-daughter Lisa said: "Nan had a huge family - 11 children, 24 grand children 42 great grandchildren and a number of great-greats. With such a big family and her work at the PWD she was known by a great many people from all over Cardiff."
"St Patrick's was her church from the day it was built, receiving sacrament until the end of her long life. She was a pillar of the community, the church and her family."
Mary (left) with Rita Spinola, who recorded her memories for the Grangetown Local History Society's oral archive, just before her 100th birthday.
Mary pictured with her surviving children.
'Selfless servant' gets community award
Halimah Islam, who has been running a homework club for local children for the last 19 years, has been given the annual Joan Gallagher memorial award for her contribution to the local community.
Mrs Islam has been running the Saturday elementary school called Al-islah (meaning "guidance") for three hours per week as a volunteer. It started in portable buildings before moving to Channel View and more recently has been operating from the Grange Pavilion.
The idea behind the club was to build up the confidence of local BME community children offering them cultural studies through the medium of arts, crafts, books and social interaction in informal class settings.
As it progressed, Al-Islah organisers realised that children also needed assistance to improve their basic literacy and numeracy skills to catch up with national standards, so additional volunteers were recruited to offer children the support they needed.
At its peak, up to 85 children have attended.
The nomination for the award called her a "true community champion," who had "selflessly served" Grangetown. It added: "Mrs Islam has been an incredible asset and a symbol of inspiration for the women of the BME community who are often very difficult to engage with. She has been offering her time, skills, dedication and often paying money from her own pocket to purchase the learning materials, when certain parents find it difficult to pay the minimal fee. She has taught and inspired all my three children to gain the cultural awareness and the confidence to do well at school."
The award was presented at Grangetown Festival by Cardiff South and Penarth AM Vaughan Gething to Mrs Islam, accompanied by her sister, who also helps with the club.
It is made annually in memory of Joan Gallagher MBE, who served the local community for many decades, including as secretary of Grangetown Community Concern, the local Scouts and as a councillor.
End of long saga for church
Work is expected to finally start in 2019 on converting the St Paul's Church building to help preserve the landmark structure.
The £2m plans to convert part of St Paul's Church into flats were passed a year ago but there were delays in the work starting.
The long-awaited development by Wales and West housing association will see 12 one-bedroom apartments created inside the nave of the Victorian building, while more flats, instead of two semi-detached two bedroomed homes, will now be built in the grounds, backing onto Llanmaes Street. Planners will be told it is an acceptable project for a "vulnerable" Grade II-listed building.
The church will occupy the chancel and link to the community hall next door. It follows a long saga of St Paul's facing a huge bill for maintenance, including for the roof. The building was up for sale for several years before the deal with the housing association was struck.
New pitch fit for Champions!
A new £100,000 astro-turf pitch has opened in Grangetown - the legacy of the Uefa Champions League Final that was played at the Millennium Stadium.
The floodlit maxi-pitch at Grange Gardens will be a long-lasting local benefit to the match between Juventus and Real Madrid - the biggest sporting event held in Cardiff on 3rd June.
Wales legend and UEFA ambassador Ian Rush was there for the official opening, on the eve of the big game. David Griffiths, president of the Footbaall Association of Wales, which along with organisers Uefa are providing the five-a-side-pitch, said: "The positive impacts of football are powerful and far reaching. Football has the power to directly influence health and wellbeing, crime and social cohesion. An all-weather pitch such as this being donated to Grangetown, gives the local community a top-level sports facility that can be used all year round.
“I’m confident that such a facility, located equi-distant between the host stadiums of the two finals, will serve to inspire more local youngsters to take up the sport.”.
Flats plan for Islamic community centre building
There are plans to convert a building which was used as an Islamic community centre into flats.
The proposal is for nine flats over three floors inside the one-time Victorian chapel in Clare Road.
In recent years it has been used by the Rabbaniah charity as a cultural and education centre, including holding classes. It suffered vandalism and damage during a break-in nearly three years ago.
Tributes to former long-serving Grangetown councillor
Tributes were paid to John Smith, a former Lord Mayor of Cardiff and a Grangetown councillor for more than 30 years, who died.
Mr Smith, 82, a former steelworker and shop steward, became a Labour councillor in 1972 and served Grangetown until 2004, when he had been the city's longest serving councillor. He was Lord Mayor in 1990 - following in the footsteps of another former Grangetown councillor Philip Dunleavy - and was also the first presiding officer of the council.
He was until recent years an active member of Grangetown Community Concern and was a regular campaigner for local causes and heritage - including trying to save the old Redhouse pub off Ferry Road in 2004.
Mr Smith was never afraid to speak up for the area or for issues including housing, which he cared passionately about. He became a councillor at the age of 37. He was a regular correspondent to the Echo's letters pages, never short of an opinion but also very kind and cheery for those who ever had to deal with him.
John Smith as Lord Mayor during a Grangetown festival parade
At his last election in 1999 he topped the ward poll with 1,859 votes. Back in 2002, when he marked three decades as a councillor he remarked about what he saw as growing centralisation inside the authority.
"Many of the bright younger councillors are openly saying they are not going to stand again because they are not involved," he said.
"They should be. It is so important that you have a good balance of people, including those from today's generation. A small group making decisions is not always right. I don't want to end up with a city run by a few just as in America. I don't think America is the best example of what a society should be."
Mr Smith had been widowed with a son but his long term partner was Trowbridge ward councillor and current Lord Mayor, Monica Walsh.
Former colleague Councillor Lynda Thorne said: "Without John's support and encouragement I would never have stood as a councillor. He worked tirelessly for Grangetown and the whole city."
Cardiff South and Penarth MP Stephen Doughty called it "very sad news," while council leader Phil Bale said Mr Smith had made a "considerable contribution" to the city and Grangetown.
He recorded his memories for Grangetown Local History's oral archive. He told them about both his Docks and Grangetown roots: "I was born at the Pier Head my real name is Frederick John Smith but I prefer to be known as John. My great-grandfather ran the Empress Eugenie (a pub in Evelyn Street), my grandfather was a Grangetown man and ran the Cornish Mount off Bute Street, he had a house in Taff Mead Embankment in about 1905. My mother was an O'Brien, they lived in Grange Gardens."
A funeral mass took take place at St Patrick's Church on Friday 20th January.
Low park and ride figures add to congestion worries
As few as 85 cars on average are using the park and ride at Cardiff City Stadium on a normal weekday, figures show.
This is barely 10% of the capacity of the 820-space facility, which has seen a drop in revenue for the last three years.
It comes with concern growing in Grangetown about increased traffic congestion and parking pressures from commuters and shoppers using residential streets.
Grangetown Community Action asked Cardiff City Stadium – which owns and manages Cardiff West park and ride – for figures, which when calculated show the low usage and a slight drop in each of the last three years.
Stadium officials called it “disappointing considering it’s an excellent service.”
Meanwhile, the council-run Cardiff East park and ride at Pentwyn – which cost £4m when it opened in 2009 – is averaging 232 cars a day this year. This is less than a quarter of capacity – and a 41% drop on the number of cars using it four years ago.
These figures were provided to us after a Freedom of Information request.
The council is currently consulting on its city transport strategy – setting out how to deal with rising travel demands as the city grows. Already 80,000 people commute into Cardiff from outside the city every day – 80% of them by car.
As well as the proposed Metro and improved cycling, the document outlines a potential £5m park and ride at junction 33 of the M4 in Cardiff North to take the strain of motorists commuting from the south Wales valleys and the A470.
Grangetown councillors have responded to our park and ride figures by calling for a campaign – including possible incentives – to get more drivers to park and use the bus instead.
“We need to find out from commuters why they are not using them and what if required we can do to make it a more attractive option,” said Labour councillor Lynda Thorne.
“I believe Highways already manage traffic lights along certain routes to try to dissuade people from using certain roads. But we need to do much more so that communities like ours are not used as parking lots.”
Plaid Cymru councillor Tariq Awan also said he was “very disappointed” to learn about the park and ride figures, adding that parking was a “big menace” to Grangetown residents and was something he witnessed daily.
And with a particular message in days ahead, he added: “I would request all shoppers respect residents’ parking needs and utilise the park and ride services being provided as much as possible.”
Cardiff West’s best month over the last three years was in December 2014 when around 200 cars a day used it. The quietest month was April 2015 when only 44 cars a day used the facility.
Both councillors called for better publicity for park and ride facilities – including on local websites and social media.
Councillor Thorne added: “We need a focused campaign for at least six months with the Council working with business to come forward with ideas to make the park and ride a more attractive option – perhaps providing some sort of incentive, while at the same time putting more resources into parking offences and the we need to have a really high profile marketing campaign.
“It’s all about changing people’s habits and ensuring what’s on offer is as good as if not better than their current practice.”
Cardiff West charges £4 per single driver or £5 for a group with No 95 buses to Canal Street in the city centre running every 15 minutes from 8.24am to 6pm. More details here.
The Cardiff East facility charges a cheaper early bird fare, for those parking up before 8.30am, with the last bus back from Churchill Way at 7.30pm. More details here.
Talking point: Parking in Grangetown
Cardiff Council: Have your say on transport strategy
On your marks for Grangetown running club
A new social running club has started in Grangetown, aimed at getting people fitter.
The first #RunGrangetown was held on Sunday 7th August with a mile around The Marl - and it now meets every Tuesday at 6.30pm, meeting outside Channel View leisure centre.
The project is being supported by Run Wales, Community Gateway, Communities First and Cardiff University's healthcare school and student volunteering wing.
But don't worry if you've not run before or for a while. The aim is to start off with a mile run and build up eventually to a five mile around Cardiff Barrage.
Ali Abdi, Community Gateway partnerships manager and member of Run Grangetown, said: "We’re all novice runners and while we’re not likely to trouble the Olympic Games just yet, we’re an enthusiastic bunch."
The project developed out of a number of first-time runners from Grangetown taking part in the World half marathon in Cardiff in March, which included elite runners led by Olympic champion Mo Farah.
"After running the World Half, many of us wanted to keep the momentum going so we entered the Cardiff Half too," said Ali.
"The new running group will encourage us to run regularly and train with fellow novices. It’s fun, sociable and helps us all to keep fit.”
While Community Gateway has initially helped Run Grangetown get off the ground, the aim is for the runners themselves to take it over.
Community Gateway is funding two places on a Leadership in Running Fitness (LiRF) course that will provide a leader with the skills to deliver fun and safe sessions to multi-ability groups.
Jemma White, who is taking a place on the LiRF course, has entered the Cardiff University/Cardiff Half Marathon on October 2nd and wants to encourage others to enjoy running.
Jemma said: “I'm excited to be completing the LiRF certificate so that I can help the group get established and support people to get out there and run, no matter what their goal is.
“After completing the World Half Marathon in March via Community Gateway, my next goal is a trail 10km race and then the Cardiff Half. I’m sure Run Grangetown will help me beat my target time!”
This weather forecast is generated by the Met Office Weather Widget
Budding entrepreneurs start to create a buzz
Young Grangetown people have joined a
project to put urban medicinal honey on the shelves of top shops.
Groups of Cardiff University students are to join forces with young people
from the area to develop the concept and brand, work on the business plan
and then present it to buyers from Waitrose and John Lewis in a The Apprentice-style
showcase.
The project was opened to 18 to 30-year-olds from the area who are not in
work, education or training. The Prince's Trust is providing four days of
training for up to 15 young people. Of those, five will go on to each work
with one of five student groups to develop the honey concept before pitching
it in London next April.
Cardiff University researchers looked at 250 varieties but have now identified
plants in Tywyn in Gwynedd and Bournemouth which when pollinated have medicinal
properties, which could help combat superbugs in hospitals for example. They
identified plants which bees use to make this honey and are looking at the
feasibility of them in urban areas of Cardiff, including Grangetown. The idea
is for the project groups to develop the urban honey company brand.
Microbiologist Professor Les Baillie, of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical
Sciences. said they were studying the plants the bees used to look at their
anti-bacterial properties. "We have a DNA database of all the flowering plants
in Wales and this means we can look at the pollen and identify them from their
genetic signatures and once we have identified the honey sample, which has
the magic ingredient in, we can identify the plant which are the likely source
and then extract the drug from the plant."
They want to see if the bees can produce honey with anti-bacterial properties
in urban hives on the roof of St David's shopping centre, as well as creating
habitats for bees in plants at the new community space at the bowling green
at Grange Gardens.
Grangetown by numbers
Training in the bowls pavilion
Here are some latest Grangetown
statistics, with the latest figures released by the ONS from the 2011 Census.
Images of Grangetown captured
by student photographers
© Photo: Hannah Trott for the Grangetown Localities project
Photography students
from the University of Newport were in Grangetown in 2013, captured the
community on camera.
Seven students spent three months immersed in different parts of the suburb
to try to find what community means, from the people themselves. They took
photos of groups and organisations, ranging from the police to Salvation
Army band, as well as individuals and characters across the community.
One
of the second year students Hannah Trott said 90 photos made the final publication
for the Grangetown Localities project,
which were given out to residents at a well-attended event on January 15th.
"We took so many other images that didn't make the cut - too many to count,"
she said. "I know I alone took about 300 which ended up being just 20 in
my publication."
"We think Grangetown is such a diverse area, filled with so many
interesting cultures and people." added Hannah, when asked about the
students' impressions of the neighbourhood. "We felt very lucky to
be have had an opportunity to meet just a few of all the communities that
Grangetown holds, it's very obvious there is a place for everyone there.
"On the persuading side, we had a very wide response. I personally spent
time getting to know the people I wanted to photograph (The FAN Charity),
and was very welcomed into the community they had there. Other members in
my group, though, had a struggle to gain people's trust. "On some level
I do feel that the people of Grangetown are reluctant to let people into
their lives, and are very private, but in a way, I understand it. After
talking to some people, you can see that not everyone has welcomed the change
in culture in the area as well as others. But we had a varied response,
and most people were happy to at least talk to us, even if they refused
a picture being taken of them."
They launched their work with a publication of 90 of their photos at an
event at the Lyndon Social Club in Clare Road, which was used by one of
the students as a makeshift "studio," where residents stopped
by for photo sessions. Another student got involved with the youth of Grangetown
to produce a Banksy-style series of photos, with them expressing their views
on issues like drugs and racism.
We're starting to include local community videos on the website - here
is one of a trip down the River Ely by Grangetown Local History Society,
and another showing the Grangetown parade and carnival day in June 2011.