What do you think about my web site? stevenicholas@whitchurchandllandaff.co.uk

• 09 August 2007 Comments: Hello,  I have been trying to research my Grandmother's family for a few years, and unfortunately information has been quite limited. Recently a partial letter written to my Grandmother has come into my possession and am hoping someone may be able to help. The letter is addressed to Mrs [Mary] Harries and appears to be written in a woman's hand, unknown date, but would have been before 1970.  The return address is 29 Heol y Gors. Within the contents of the letter is the name which appears to be "Rundle" a mention of her recent passing and a recent move by the author from Dalmuir Rd, Tremorfa to the Whitchurch address. I would be very greatful for any information someone may have regarding this home or these names. Thank you, Donna, Alberta, Canada edge_3d@telus.net   02 March 2007 Comments: Dear Steve, My brother recently sent me your book which I thoroughly enjoyed and this led me to your website and guestbook, which I have found most interesting.  My family moved from Roath to Llandaff North in 1947 when the new houses were being built.   We lived in Caldy Road.   My great friend Pamela Parkhouse lived in Corwen Crescent and I remember her father won the garden competition, run by the Cardiff Council, more than once I think.  I went to Hawthorn Road West School and Mr. Beckett was our Headmaster.   In fact I was in the same class as Colin Richards who was drowned in the Taff, mentioned in the guestbook by Colin Parsons.   I remember it was a real trauma for his classmates at the time.   Tony Smith, Brian Cook and Raymond Knight were also in the same class.  We then went to Highfields School, just over the Llandaff Bridge, as Glan Taf had not yet been built.   It was a great school with Mr. Emlyn Jenkins the Headmaster, a strict disciplinarian.   The views from our playground were spectacular.   Castell Coch to the right and a vast panorama over to the Plaza Cinema on North Road.   The Tivoli Cinema was still very popular at that time and the hump backed bridge over the Glamorganshire Canal was still there.  There was a lovely village atmosphere to Llandaff North.   All the shopkeepers knew us and our parents, Basil Hughes, The Chemist,  Ossie Jones the grocers and so on.   The neighbours  were very friendly and looked out for one another.   I went to Christchurch Sunday School and notice this was demolished to make way for flats.  It was a lovely place to spend our formative years and our contact only ended when our Mother, Mrs. Anne Moverley died in 1977.    It is great we can share our memories through your website.  Thank you.  Eileen Sandford, Cyprus  email: aleil@primehome.com

   

  07 November 2006 Comments: Dear Steven.   I realise that I may have lived in a different area to some of your 'e-mates' but thought someone will be out there who knows me.  My grandfather Ernest Adams was born in Aberystwyth okay! that spelling may not be accurate! He later moved to The Forest of Dean (where I was brought up) he was both a collier as well as a businessman - he was like a human dynamo and I have written about him. My Granny was loved by all who knew her.  My father's name was Harold Christie, married to Marjorie (Adams) Christie, he moved to South Wales in 1960 and went to work as a designer at Port Talbot Steel works, Dad loved Wales and before my husband and our baby moved there ourselves he had us enthused about Wales and the Welsh people - we were not disappointed, we loved the people - even some of the grumpy landladies! (lights out by ten o'clock!) loved shopping on High Street - and always had to stop for coffee at the Cafe and Antique shop! practically lived on the beach - me in my swimsuit Rudy in his overcoat - being used to warmer climes!        My mother lives on Church Street, and my brother, Christopher just up the hill from her on Chestnut Drive.        I miss going to the market to get Lava bread - for anyone new to this delicacy - try it! you will love it - only be sure to roll in oats, fry in a little bacon fat, serve with eggs and bacon, smothered in vinegar - I could live on this.        Mum's pub of choice is The Jolly Sailor on Church Street - lots of history attached to it.        My father was also an artist, he has many of his works of art - all on stainless steel- the world over, and if anyone has seen the suit of armour in the great hall at Caerphilly Castle - this was done by my dad.        My e-mail is eal@libcom.com if anyone would like to contact me.  Hopefully Yours,  Elizabeth Ann (Christie) Lovic U.S.A.

  25 July 2006 Comments: Hi Steven! I have recently found your site and am managing to spend far too much time browsing through it!  What a treat down memory lane. My grandparents lived in Cardiff - Wyndam St., Riverside and Alexandra Rd., Canton.  My parents Lily and Sid Griffiths (respectively telephonist GPO Cardiff, and Traffic Manager, Coast Lines (Bute Street, Cardiff)) bought their house for 520 pounds around 1930 and settled  at 4 Kyle Cres., Whitchurch  where I was born Gillian Griffiths in 1940 and which I called my home until our wedding at St. Mary's Church, Whitchurch in August 1964. A month later my sister Elaine was married in that same church.  Like other correspondents I remember :

  - the Monico cinema - Saturday morning shows in the 6p's, at the back, downstairs.  Shouting to Hopalong Cassidy "Watch out behind you!!" 

  - the Plaza cinema on North Road

  - walking over to Whitchurch Common, and up to the golf course

  - walking across Manor Way(it was safe to do so at that time), past Whitchurch Sec. Modern to go over to the Library

  - walking to get the bus up to Tongwynlais to go to Castell Coch to pick primroses

  - walking up to the 'bluebell' woods near the Deri in Rhiwbina with the Brownies and Guides

  - having races at the annual Whitson Treat on the Wenallt; (I don't remember it raining, ever!)

  - taking the #38 bus down Pantbach Rd., past Birch Grove and Gabalfa, to St. Joseph's Convent School on North Road; 

  - then when my parents realised that we needed to change schools if we were to have a chance of passing the 11+, taking the #38 from outside Inman's and McKelvey's shops on the corner of Kyle Ave. in the opposite direction up to Rhiwbina to go to Rhiwbina Junior Mixed for standards 3, 4 & 5-Mrs. Thomas, Miss Proud (whose lipstick always got caught on her front teeth!), and Miss Foster (who cycled to school daily wearing a leather balaclava-type helmet)--What details we remember from our childhood.- the change in schools paid off as I once again took the #38 bus (or the #39 down Manor Way would do just as well) down to Gabalfa to catch the #39A Ely bus to get to Howell's School, Llandaff.  A couple of years later, after my father's death, my sister and I went away to the Royal Masonic School in Rickmansworth, Herts.  I now realise I could go on and on.  Suffice it to say that the proverbial time has flown.  Having taught briefly in Gloucester and Cheltenham, we left for Canada in 1968 and are now two retired Quebec teachers of proud Welsh heritage (my husband is from Neath) living on our small farm roughly 40km northwest of Montreal.  We haven't been back to South Wales for about 10 years although our children and two grandsons have had that opportunity. They went back for their cousin's wedding at Ararat Church in Whitchurch roughly 4 years ago. While there they went back to see 4, Kyle Crescent and had their photographs taken next to the monkey puzzle tree by the front gate (it's now an absolute giant in height!).  They had forgotten how narrow roads can be in the UK!  Thanks so much for giving us the opportunity to reminisce.  If there's anyone out there who wishes to contact me re. subjects touched upon in this epistle I can be reached at gillian.williams@sympatico.ca.

   

  09 January 2006 Comments: Great website Steve. I am trying to find any information about my grandfather Edwin Hopkins known locally as Ned & Ted. He was born in 1898 & served in the Royal Navy during WW1. Lived at Forest Farm during the 1920's - occupation shown as a miner at this time. Married Emily/Emma Rowles. Had three sons Bill, Ron & Ken. Worked at Melingriffith works before WW2. Lived at 4 Heol Booker, Whitchurch from 1940 ?  Worked in an armaments factory during WW2. Died in 1955. He was famous for his monologues & organising events in Whitchurch such as fancy dress competitions.   I do not hold any info regarding his early years from 1 to 19. I am told he was orphan brought by the Salvation Army in Port Talbot but there is a doubt about this story. Any info.or stories about Ted/Ned Hopkins during his lifetime would be most welcome. Jeff Hopkins  e-mail jeffhopkins10@hotmail.com 

   

  17 November 2005 Comments: "I came across your website the other day and thought that at last my luck had changed, it is a really well organised site and easy to follow, well done.
  I don¹t know whether you can help me or not, I¹ll try and keep my story short.
  
  I have at last, I think, found my mothers birth certificate, I am 99% sure it is hers. The birth date is right ­ 9 June 1914 ­ and the place is 8 Old Post Office Row, Caerphilly Road, Whitchurch, the name is Margery Morgan, her mother was Sarah Jane Morgan (domestic servant) there is no name of the father.
  
  I had always been told by my mother that she had been adopted (not
  officially) by Mr and Mrs George, I don¹t know their Christian names, and that her father had died in the 1914 war and her mother died giving birth to her. Also that Mr George was a school inspector and travelled to many towns in Wales and the South West and his wife and my mother went with him. I assume this is what my mother was told by the people that adopted her. I do remember Mr George having one artificial hand. When my mother was told she was adopted she ran away from home and as time went by did see her adopted parents again but my mother never wanted to speak much about it, so I am now having a difficult time trying to find out anything. I kept a notebook and jotted down a few things that Mum now and again let slip, she died in 1991.
  
  I have her New Testament which was presented to her by Christ Church, Llandaff North, it says Presented to Marjorie George by her Sunday School Colleagues September 1932. There are names in the New Testament which might or might not be to do with Christ Church, Llandaff North, Lieut. G Dodd 21.6.33; Colonel Chandler 14.7.34; Brigadier Giliards Memorial Service; Brigadier Catrill (retiring); C. Walker. Do any of these names mean anything to anyone in Whitchurch I wonder.
  I don¹t know which school she attended, she used to speak about a tennis club as well. She used to speak about Taffs Well and Gwaelod y Garth. I have seen her name spelt as Marjorie, Marjory and Margery. I have seen the photo of Christ Church on your website ­ I felt so pleased.
  I am assuming that possibly Mr and Mrs George adopted her from Sarah Morgan who might well have been their domestic servant. I cannot find a Sarah Jane Morgan that died in 1914 in Whitchurch and I cannot find a Morgan (male) recorded in the deaths in 1914-18 war in Whitchurch.
  About 18 months ago I was in touch with Joan Simmonds who very kindly sent me the History of Christ Church written by her husband, and it was with great interest I read hers and other peoples memories of Whitchurch, I feel I now know a little more about the village.
  
  If anyone can throw any light or has any suggestions on the above I would be extremely grateful.
  With many thanks" Mary Harrison mdharrison@madasafish.com
   

  10 November 2005 Comments: Great site Steve, I was born and raised in Whitchurch, went to Glan-y-nant High until 1965, played on the school rugby teams and had lots of fun times in and around the area. I have many fond memories of growing up and the great friends I left behind when I moved to Canada. I used to hang out with John Preece, Geoff Whitehead, Steve Cooper, Alan Breakspear and Des Spears. Des was just over for his second visit and we had a few good laughs remembering old times over a cold beer. I may be able to dig up some old school photos if you are interested. Keep up the good work Mike Bevan. mdbevan@shaw.ca

  10 November 2005 Comments: Well, what an interesting web site, brings back memories of us here in South Africa as a little girl, really great. I am doing a booklet on a family history and the great grand parents come for Maesteg, Glamorganshire, so was looking to see what it looked like today and came across your web site. Really great. Also a great fan of rugby, cricket and baseball, had 4 brothers so had to get involved with sport. I love the Welsh singing as well, really good singers.
  Thanks for an enjoyable 45 minutes. Thora, Johannesburg, South Africa
   

  07 June 2005 Comments: Just found your site today - excellent. I am 52 and lived in Heol-y-gors from 1954 to 1970 when I left for college and only returned part-time until 1975; I have paid a few rare visits since. I have some pics from the period 1972-75 but they mainly cover ground that you already have. Some of the changes are really dramatic especially Melingriffith (I think of the old non-PC spelling!). A real nostalgia-fest! Why don't you do a book - you have plenty of material.  Best wishes Gareth Evans - Book due out in August

   

  28 Mar 2005 Comments: I was stationed at Porthcawl at the R.A.F. Marine Craft Unit -1956/57. W.O. Sergeant was the C.O., and I went out with a local girl called Paddy who worked at a local Chemist. Idwil...something! Long time ago, but if anyone remembers those times or has photographs, I would appreciate an e-mail. Robin Bowditch. Bowditch6@aol.com

   

  17 Mar 2005 Comments: Hi Steve, I particularly liked the section on Radyr and the emphasis on the Taff Vale. My ggg-grandfather William Stockwood was the Stationmaster at Pentyrch and went to Radyr when that station was closed. According to the 1871 census he was stationmaster and I feel he was probably still on the job in 1876 when he died, since he was only 55 years old. Helen, in Montreal
   

  25 Jan 2005 Comments: Hi Steve, As an ex-resident of Cae Ty Mawr, now living in Australia, I enjoyed browsing through your site immensely. The photos are excellent and certainly make me want to make a return visit as soon as finances allow !  Hwyl, Richard Allman

   

  30 Dec 2004 Comments: Hello Steve, I came across your website while looking for info on the area my ancestors came from. I really enjoyed the pictures. The area is just beautiful, maybe someday I will get to see it in person. Since I live in Washington State USA, it is great to be able to reach across while finding my roots and see what it looks like over there it helps fill in the picture. Sandy Drees sandydrees@earthlink.net

   

  16 Sep 2004 Comments: Dear Steve, Just writing to say this is a truly interesting site. Managed to 'waste' about three hours going through the photographs and reading the interesting reminiscences of Joan Simmond and Terry Chard amongst others. I shall be popping back on a regular basis.  Excellent work.  S.Slade

  04 Aug 2004 Comments: My ancestors came from this area of Wales (the names I have are Llandaff and Bristol), so I am very curious about the area, even though I am sure it is unrecognizable from the way it was in 1550 or so. The web site is wonderful. I particularly love the old-to-new photos - how clever to do the before and after that way! Much more interesting than the old photos of New York City that I pore over with such nostalgia.  Nancy Hauser USA
   

  25 June 2004 Comments: Dear Steve,  I greatly enjoyed your website, and of course it made me wallow in that dangerous commodity, nostalgia! (Keep it up and please keep adding more pictures). I grew up in Copleston Road in Llandaff North and for a while attended Hawthorn Road West Primary School. Being born in 1955 I just about remember the canal bridge next to the Cow and Snuffers and the Tivoli cinema (though I think it was closed by then) before it was turned into a garage.  For a while (early sixties) the Llandaff North lending library was at the school, before moving to All Saints' Church Hall and then (some time after I left Llandaff North) to the Roundabout on College Road and Gabalfa Avenue.  When I told my father about your site he asked "What about pictures of the Three Cups pub"? I don't remember this at all but he tells me it was near where the Llandaff North Library was built and that the canal passed by the roundabout.  Does anyone remember Sid Gardner's shop next to the chip shop on Station Road? This was the source for paraffin, batteries, Airfix Kits (for boys of my generation) and getting your bike fixed (Sid's dad was the only person I ever heard of who should reassemble a Sturmey Archer 3 speed hub!) or getting black and white TV repaired (Sid did these).  In the mid sixties the shop was rebuilt from a lockup to a three storey affair with flats above for Sid and his wife, and his parents (it's still there; last time I passed it was a florist). I worked for Sid on Saturdays for a couple of years in the early 70s. Sid had been a radar technician in the Navy during the war and made the first TV set in Wales in the years just after the war (around 1948 he told me) from an old radar display. Later he sold most of the black and white TVs in Llandaff North that people bought for the coronation (my grandma bought one). Sid's interests were  fly fishing and telling long and convoluted stories, but he was pretty good at fixing TVs and wireless sets with valves (though he would never touch transistors or colour TVs).  Sadly, after several years of illness Sid died in March of last year. His wife had passed away several years earlier and his parents in the '70's.  I learned a lot from Sid. He probably would have been amused and a little touched to be mentioned on your guestbook.  Please keep up the good work,  Greg Hallewell

  24 April 2004 Comments: Steve,  I have just read comments from your guest book again and can't help commenting on the fact that more and more people have requested that "Gabalfa" joins the site, as a prompt for you I have two fascinating Arial photos from 1958 of Gabalfa, long before the Gunners was built or the Emmanuel Baptist church and the River bank was nowhere to be seen, In fact the old peoples home in Lydstep crescent was still under construction, C'mon Steve, If you add Gabalfa ~ Their yours !!!!!! Richard Pounds

  24 April 2004 Comments: Thank you so much. This is a fantastic site: now I can go back home whenever I want!  My husband is made up with the pictures of Radyr Yard (he's a train buff, but not from S Wales) - and I'm just wallowing in nostalgia.  My mother (Joan Ballard nee Best) spent most of her life in Whitchurch, and I grew up there and in Llanishen. Thanks again - I'll be back often. Susan Ballard.

  19 April 2004 Comments: What a great website - photos and stories past and present.  A friend of mine telephoned and told us about it.  He was looking for the names of the 'lads' in the 2nd Llandaff Scout troop circa 1937 who died during service in the war.  I, Bert WEBBER, born 1923 at 19 Evansfield Rd., (down the road from your house!) was a scout and returned from the war! A plaque was installed in All Saints Llandaff North to commemorate these 'lads' including their names on each rung of the Hymn Board.  Unfortunately the plaque with the names on it seems to be missing.  Perhaps someone can remember something about this. We will keep you in mind as we would like to contribute some photos.  As someone else has said, this will be a great help to people doing some genealogy digging. Keep up the website growing!  thewebbers54@onetel.net.uk

  14 April 2004 Comments: Hello Stephen,  This is what the web is all about.  What a wonderful site. Many congratulations.  Jim Taverner (Rhiwbina boy)

  13 April 2004 Comments: This is an interesting site for me as I recognise some of the faces of my relations.  My grandmother lived in Ty Mawr Road, Llandaff North.  Her name was Blanche Clements, her husband Augustus.  They brought up ten children in the two up two down tiny cottage.  Some may remember my mother Hilda, she passed away 18months ago.  In December Audrey passed away, having been born in the house and lived there all her life.  The house will now be sold to a new family after 100 years of Clements'.  I would be interested to hear from anyone who remembers my family.  tricia_threadgil@hotmail.com

  09 April 2004 Comments: Stephen, Congratulations on a very interesting site. I used to live at 35 West Road Llandaff North until 1945, Still have two brothers in the area and a sister in Whitchurch. It was a lovely nostalgic trip to the past. I will certainly visit again.  Len Phillips

  04 April 2004 Comments: Hello Stephen an excellent site very informative, My name is Richard Galloni I used to live in 26 Colwinstone street.  Richard Galloni

  21 March 2004 Comments: Lived at 27 Church Road which is now Aberdare House (YMCA). Went to the manor way Sec Modern. Terrorised the place on my motor bike for a few years then grew up. Used to hang around with Mike Morris Bob Cooper Neil Morgan etc. Most nights spent in the 3 Elms when it was a pub. No I mean a real pub with a dart board and characters. Sunday afternoon football on the common. Who am I?
   

  04 March 2004 Comments: My name was Gillian Birch and originally lived at 19 Ty-Mawr Road where my grandmother was a tobacconist. My mother Wynn and father Arthur went on to be steward and stewardess of the Llandaff North Rugby Club for about thirty years. We moved next door in Radyr Road. After my father retired they moved to Colwinstone Street and my mother was to be found working in Cartwrights newsagent on Station Road. I love your site and have seen many familiar faces and sights. There were some cartoon style pictures in the rugby club at one time including some of my father, Tom Carroll. If anyone have access to any of these pictures it would be good to see them. I also remember the club in its previous site next to the cow and snuffers and Tivoli Cinema before it moved into the old bakery in Radyr Road. My aunt Eva is still in Llandaff North and her and her husband Peter are still to be found in the rugby club. Eva was once married to Trevor Stone and still lives in Ty-Mawr Road. Edmundsgf@aol.com / gill@mulberryhouse40.freeserve.co.uk

  04 March 2004 Comments: I found your web site yesterday and have been looking through the excellent layout of the site. My association with Llandaff North in particular dates back to 1932 when I was born in Watson Road at the home of my Grandparents on my fathers side of the family. My mothers side of the family lived in Blosse Road. The canal at that time ran at the rear of the houses in both of these roads and the towpath was a very convenient walk to Cardiff town centre. Barges that had reduced the amount of coal carrying were during the war years transporting fuel blocks from Cardiff  through Llandaff North. And as one of your previous letters contained a message that lock keepers were living in certain cottages along the towpath so some of my relations also were lock keepers  near the barge repair station behind the Cow & Snuffers. My Grandparents were of railway families on the Brain side my grandfather was a ganger on the Taff Vale Railway and my fathers side a signalman in Mynachdy signal box.
  I will shortly be looking through some of the old family photographs and I know that I have a picture of the Highfields School rugby team age about 10 which contains a photograph of my father. A relation (distant) was Tommy Stone the first Cardiff Rugby player to turn professional in the 1930s and I remember being taken to the Old Arms Park to see him play in the last game before turning to league. Other memories are of the tennis court opposite the Tizer factory, the bakery opposite the Gospel Hall, the busy Gwyn Nicholls and Winfield Laundry where my aunt worked for very many years and the rose nurseries of Treseders opposite the Post Office run by relations and the owners son being a Glamorgan & St Fagans cricket club player and captain. My memories will continue for some time so had better finish this note with the hope that a lot more pictures and stories of the Llandaff North side of your excellent website may further whet the appetite.

  23 February 2004 Comments: Hi Steve. What an excellent website. I lived in Yorath Road, Whitchurch from my birth in 1957 until I moved to Bath in 1979. I have been living in New York since 1984 so coming across your wonderful collection of photographs was a real memory-jogger! I went to Lamorna School in Church Road until 1968 when I attended Whitchurch High School (upper and lower schools). I spent many summer holidays taking long walks to the Glamorganshire Canal, past the Melingriffith Works and the train tracks in Llandaff North and Hailey Park! Keep up the good work! Simon Bodger simon.bodger@corbis.com

  22 February 2004 Comments: Hi Steve, A very interesting website. I see you have updated to FP 2003 - I am still using Windows 98 so no go for me there. It looks very good and quite different from FP 2002.  I like the new look web theme, I wasn't expecting that this morning. Looks good. Cheers, Jill

  02 February 2004 Comments: Hi Steve,   Great site your doing some good work for the people for Whitchurch and Llandaff keep it up I enjoy looking at the Photos brings back lots of memories for me and I can show my children, showed my dad Bernard the site he really enjoyed it, if anyone I know or went to school with at Whitchurch high. Wants to get in touch  Please email john.mitchell@lakesidehouse.com

• 02 February 2004 Comments:02 February 2004 Comments: Hello Stephen' Just came across you web site and saw the photo of 3rd Whitchurch Scout Troop 1957. Will get back to you with more names. Kind regards,  Clive Gronow.

• 17 January 2004 Comments: Hi Stephen, I'm still enjoying trawling through your web site after finding it the other night. I was born in 1943 and lived in hawthorn rd east until i left in 1964/5 and have lived in Essex ever since. The photos are excellent as they show the house i lived in, the three schools i attended and the local haunts I frequented as a kid. Two things I'll mention. With reference to the newspaper report on gang fight at Llandaff station 1959 i happened to be on the bridge overlooking the station when it all kicked off. I wasn't involved myself but my thoughts about it at the time were one of fun and excitement because incidents like this usually ended up with no more than a few walking wounded and dented ego's quickly soothed and forgotten about after a visit to the local pub. It just didn't seem as malicious as the attitude these days. Having said all this I'd be horrified if it happened now, guess that's the difference between being a scatty teenager and an adult with a more responsible outlook on life. The other thing is names for the photo 'St David's day hawthorn school 1949 ' ...left to right. Jeffrey Thomas, john chard, Peter Minns, Judith Wilson, Ivy Williams, rosemary Ballenger, Christine Wilcox and myself. ken Davies. This photo is also in a book called Cardiff yesterday...No 7 .As a little footnote the wooden sword i had got snapped in half in a play sword fight on the way home at dinner time, broke my heart that did because as you can see by the "designer label " clothes we didn't really have much in those days but my dad patched it up with tape. It looked good as new and i was quite happy running back to school until it got caught between my legs and snapped completely in half again. Just wasn't my day!!.

• 12 January 2004 Comments: Hi - I chanced upon your site whilst looking for material about Radyr Yard; what an impressive piece of work (the site, though the yard was too).  I am a year older than you, born in 1961 in Cardiff Royal Infirmary and lived in Caedelyn Road until I was 15, attending Lamorna School when it was run by Miss Braddy and then Rhiwbina Junior until I went off to boarding school in Somerset.  Both my sisters went to Radyr Comprehensive.  We all have very fond memories of Whitchurch and Rhiwbina, mostly of Rhiwbina, because Manor Way was a bit dangerous to cross, so when someone has time it would be great to see some Rhiwbina stuff.  My best friend, Mark Jones lived at the top end of the Pant Mawr estate and we could climb over his back garden fence and walk and walk up the slopes of the Wenallt, before the M4 of course...happy days.  Looking forward to exploring more of the site.  Best, Christopher Gallop.

• 08 January 2004 Comments: Hi Steve, I can't tell you how good T J Powell's page is. As a family we are thrilled and just know that he will be respected for his challenging works. Thanks Steve. Jan & Mike King

• 04 January 2004 Comments: Stephen, Excellent site - chanced upon it in my Family History searching. My mother, Cynthia RICHARDS, her mother and father, and her grandmothers and grandfathers lived and worked in Llandaff North - Andrews Road, Ty Mawr Road, and Belle Vue Crescent - and Whitchurch - Heol Don. Visitors to this site might remember my mother Cynthia (who moved to Coventry after she married Anthony PARSONS in Llandaff Cathedral in 1954) and her sisters Eunice, Glenys, Joyce, and Lynne, and her brothers Colin (killed, aged 10, in a swimming accident in the Taff - at Monkey Rocks) and Clive. Early forebears worked at Melingriffith (grandfather RICHARDS having moved here from Tin Works at Margam), and Mum went to Hawthorn Road School before passing the 11-plus to go to Cathays High. She and dad have just spent a happy few hours looking through your pictures, recognising old friends and relatives. Her cousin Alan BUSH is in the picture of Llandaff Nth. Soccer Team c.1955, another cousin, Mervyn RICHARDS, is in the picture of Llandaff Nth. RFC 1952. Her uncle, Brian KEMPSON is an un-named suited 'official' in the Llandaff Nth. RFC picture of 1958 (in glasses, 8th. from left, back row). Mum's brother Clive RICHARDS is un-named in the picture of Llandaff Nth. RFC '1979ish'  (but we think it must be a little earlier than 1979) - he's 6th. from left on the back row. He (Clive) is also the player out of focus in front of Keith Davies and Geoff Wilson in the other 'action' shot. Going further back in time, before living memory, the picture of Whitchurch RFC 1898-9 includes an 'E. Boyer' - my mother had a great uncle named Edmund BOYER who was born in Whitchurch in 1874 - this could well be him. He married Fanny (Frances?), and they had children Thomas H. BOYER and Edmund J. BOYER. Thanks very much for all your hard work creating and maintaining this site - if I turn up any photos of the family in time, I will pass them on. Regards, Colin PARSONS, Coventry (4th. January 2004).

• 30 December 2003 Comments: Steve, What a brilliant site!!! I grew up in Gabalfa, but spent a lot of time in Llandaff North and Whitchurch, so to see all the photos is a real trip down memory lane. Nice to see the photos of the Llandaff North pubs I frequented and my old school, Glantaf High. Actually, ALL the photos are great to see. I don't know if the photo of Reg Phillips of Ty Mawr Road is an old one, but he is my old mate Kieron's dad and, if it's a recent photo, hasn't changed a bit since the late '70's/early '80's. I also recognise Ray Coakley; I was at school with his daughter, Jane, who married my mate Monty ( a.k.a Jonathan Huntley ). I have lived in Manchester for the last ten years but this great site has brought the memories flooding back; I remember in the seventies we ( Brian Rich, Paul Kerr, David Mitchell, Andrew Reid and others ) used to play on the railway sidings which I think was just down by The Crown pub and get railway coaches moving ( slowly ) and shunt them into others. We were strong kids! And we used to sneak into the back garden of The Crown and pinch lemonade bottles, which we'd then take to local shops and get a few coppers back on each and buy sweets with the proceeds of our crime. We also used to play in a council stores depot/yard, which I think was near where the Ty Mawr Road council tip is ( or was? ) until we'd get chased off by the warden and make our escape over the wall and across a pipe over the Taff, which was nearly always wet and slippery. Very risky. Anyway, it's a great site. It would be nice if, as someone suggested previously, you could perhaps include Gabalfa. Keep up the good work! John Buckland.

• 27 November 2003 Comments: What a marvellous collection of photos! Thank you for enabling us to share them. My grandfather Harry Watts was a lock keeper  on the Glamorganshire canal and one of the lock houses he lived in was near the Cow and Snuffers. We've all stayed in the area, living in Maindy first, now I'm in Rhiwbina. If there are any more photos of the canal please post them Best wishes Carole

• 25 November 2003 Comments: Hi Steve, It's Jan King married to Michael Stuart King. He is the son of Joyce and Ron King. They used to live in Sunnybanks. Both our families have people who used to work in the Melingriffith's Works. Joyce was the daughter of T J Powell the Souza of Wales. Your site is wonderful and give so much. T J Powell and his family used to live in Velindre Road Whitchurch. I will try to send things of T J Powell and his family soon. For now thank you so much for this site.

• 24 November 2003 Comments: Dear Steven, Congratulations and well done! I lived and grew up in Pantbach Road. My grandmother (maternal), May Stratten, lived at 41 Ty Mawr Road. Every Thursday my mother would take me to granny's house while she cleaned for her. The photos brought back such wonderful memories. My grandfather, George Arthur Stratten, worked at Radyr engine sheds. I have tried to trace the genealogy of my mother's side of the family but can't get anywhere. Perhaps Radyr Sheds records would be a good place to look. I also had an uncle William Stratten who was an engine driver out of Radyr. He died in 1974 and is buried with his wife Violet quite near to the tower of St Mary's Church Whitchurch. My mother is in your picture of Hawthorn Junior School 1923 (page 3). She is in the middle row 7th from the left (or right). Her name was Edith May Stratten. She was born in 1911 so she would have been about 12 when the picture was taken.  I played for Whitchurch Rugby Club in the late 1950s. This was before the clubhouse in Velindre Road. We used to use the Fox and Hounds to change and have a beer after the game. But our principle watering hole was The Plough. I remember Tony Collard, John Bailey, Blandford Glastonbury, Illtyd Jones (who had the sweetshop opposite the fish and chip shop), Bobby Jones, etc. I am 61 now and living in Singapore. I have bookmarked your page and I will come back often and reminisce. Bryan Divall

• 24 November 2003 Comments: Well done mate ! I was born and brought up in Llandaff North and just had a trip down memory lane going through all the photo's , thanks for setting it up . I live in Australia nowadays so it was a buzz . All the best , Paul Green .

• 14 November 2003 Comments: What a trip down memory lane that was, I was in my element, seen faces on your sight that jogged a lot of lovely memories, keep up the good work, I will go and look at my old pictures, I am sure I have something to offer.  Michael Howe.
  p.s. where was Gelli bridge Llandaff north?  I believe it was close to Llandaff North Rugby Club (between the Club and the Car Park).

• 12 November 2003 Comments: I loved the site i think its wicked !!!im only 13 and i think its fascinating to see were my family lived all those years ago.  shelley (whitchurch)

• 09 November 2003 Comments: Really enjoyed looking through all the photographs on your site. I am researching family history and my mothers family were from Tongwynlais (the Ton). I visited my grandparents who lived alongside the Glamorganshire canal at Forest Farm cottages in the sixties. One of your pictures showed Ivy House and my grandmother was brought up in Ivy Cottage which I believe was next door. Would love to see more photographs of the Forest farm area including bluebell wood. Unfortunately my family do not have any. Great work Thanks

• 27 October 2003 Comments: Your site was great as I lived in Tongwynlais as a boy your photo's brought back some good memories. My Mum's family (Gibbon) were from the Whitchurch area, but she was born in the Ton. I now live in Creigau so not far.  Please keep the site going. Regards,  Trevor Wing.

• 02 October 2003 Comments: Congratulations on an excellent web page. I have added it to my list of favourites. Please find attached two pictures that you may wish to use. Both were taken in 1999 when I returned to Whitchurch for a quick visit. The house in which our family lived between 1938 and 1945 was known as 16 Heol-y-Gors. It has since been re-numbered and I cannot remember the new number. I spoke to the current owner, and major improvements have been made to the house over the intervening years. For example, the wall between the 'front room' and the living room has been torn down which has dramatically changed the living area. The whole house is in excellent shape after 65 years. The school was Whitchurch Secondary School in those days. I wish I had better memories of that place. As I recall, most of the teachers at that time were bullies and not nice at all. One day, walking into the geography room, a fellow student said to me that this was the only class he was not afraid to attend. I agreed with him. Most of those teachers had tongues like adders, and could cut a 14 year old child to pieces with their tongues. I finished my schooling in Birmingham and got my matriculation there. I don't think I would have passed my exams had I stayed at Whitchurch Secondary. During my visit, I went to take a photo of the boys school, but it had gone. Talking to a gentleman at the site he said that he used to go to that school as well, but he was a couple of years younger than me so we did not figure that we had met before. We talked about 'Bertie Hill' and some of the other teachers.  Apparently there was a bit of trouble about the demolition of the school. The building should not have been torn down as it had something to do with a local church. I remember that Ash Wednesday used to be a holiday for us. A very sweet holiday, because all the other schools were still open and we had the day off. The Rialto Cinema has also disappeared. In its place are some new houses know as Rialto Court. So the name lives on. Saturday afternoon matinees at tuppence per person were hugely popular. Films featured serials with Buck Rogers, Flash Gordon, etc, and various western cowboys. At the intermission between films, a lucky ticket number was called out. One week I won a jigsaw puzzle, one of the few prizes I have ever won in my whole life (so far!). So apart from the secondary school, Whitchurch was a great place to live. Your photographs certainly brought back many memories. They also made me realise how much one can forget. Somewhere on your page, a reference is made to the American tent camp on the Common just before D-Day. It was not really a tent camp. It was a military hospital, and all the tents were hospital wards and other facilities. Most of the tents were lined with white cloth of some kind. Much of the soldiers time was spent practising the erection and taking down of the tents. It was not unusual to see nothing on the Common on the way to school in the morning, have half the Common covered with tents at lunch time, and have them all packed away by 4 o'clock. The soldiers were billeted with the local population. We had two staying in our 'front room'. One of them was the sergeant cook!  He came from Waverley, Missouri, and the other from St. Louis.  Both very fine people who luckily survived the war. I noted that a Frank Trenchard made an entry in your guest book, but he left no email address. If he was born about 1929 and sees this, maybe he will get in touch with me. We could compare notes. :-) Once again, a very good web page and well worth the effort of putting it all together. Best regards, Tudor Jones. http://www.storm.ca/~tjones/index.html

• 17 September 2003 Comments: Steve, A lot of work has gone into this, you should be really proud ~ its a great website, Can't you stretch to Gabalfa as well ?? Richard P

• 12 September 2003 Comments: This is a brill site! Im 13 and Im fascinated:)! :):):) I wish there was more of church road and were Glantaf high school!

• 10 September 2003 Comments: After receiving my Glamorgan family History Journal and seeing you'r website address I clicked in to have a look, I had a lovely surprise, its a wonderful site ,we lived in Nantgarw in the 1950's and my husband worked in the Nantgarw mine ,my daughter went to Ffynon Taff junior school before we came to live in Western Australia. My Ancestors were born and brought up in Tongwynlais. You'r site is a cheap way for us to travel home, Keep up the good work. Pam and Colin Fowler, Perth Western Australia.

• 08 September 2003 Comments: Thanks for this. Its a great effort and must bring pleasure to many. I am interested in the Railway at Radyr yard in the 1920s -60s, the canals and Pantmawr road. My family the Dews lived there and my relations worked on the railways and the canals. My mother, Beryl, was at school at Whitchurch High for girls in the thirties. Any contacts welcome on this. Sarah Burnett at sburnett@wtcsltd.co.uk

• 07 September 2003 Comments: Tony Warburton, originally from Dukinfield, UK, but lately of Wilmington, NC, USA Antony_Warburton@Hotmail.com

• 06 September 2003 Comments: Hi Stephen, thought your website very good. I used to get my hair cut in Mario's barber shop as my nana used to live in 26 Ty Mawr Road. Really enjoyed the photos hoping to recognise someone.

• 22 August 2003 Comments: What a fascinating website - I have recently moved to Llandaff North. I am a Cardiff girl - but was brought up on the other side of Manor Way in Rhiwbina!! I went to Ysgol Melin Griffith, the first year it opened. Would love to see photo's of Radyr Road, as I am interested in trying to discover the history of my house. Thanks Steve, keep up the good work.  El

• 01 August 2003 Comments: I lived in Whitchurch from about 1939, attended the Boy's School, Senior School and Grammar School. It was a good place to spend one's young days. Have found one or two ex-school friends from that time on Friendsreunited. One especially that I have been trying to find for years. Enjoyed the nostalgic look at familiar places, sadly, did not see any familiar faces. A great web site. Frank Trenchard.

• 29 July 2003 Comments: I thought your website was excellent! it was so nice to see some of my friends on there as well and you did a very good job setting it up cheers Hannah:.]

• 22 July 2003 Comments:  More interesting than I expected, looks good!! Tim.

• 18 July 2003 Comments:  I was born and brought up in Whitchurch and still live here. I saw your mention of the site on Friends Reunited and thought I would have a look. What a great idea, the site is wonderful. I have enjoyed looking through the photos old and new and will certainly come back time and time again. When I find my old photos of school (Eglwys Newydd Girls School and Whitchurch High) I'll let you know. See you soon. Cheryl

• 16 July 2003 Comments: good site.

• 13 July 2003 Comments: Hi Steve,  Just thought that I would let you know that I mentioned your site to the teacher at Hawthorn Junior School were I work in the kitchens. He was very interested in the site as he is now able to show some of the children about their surroundings. Keep up the good work. Many thanks. Sylvia Ward

• 10 July 2003 Comments: Love your website, brought back a lot of memories. chappy63@aol.com

• 10 July 2003 Comments: What a great web site I stumbled across this by accident but have spent hours looking at it I was born and brought up in Whitchurch and lived in Llandaff north for the first 10 year of my married life, and I am now back in Whitchurch and do not intend to move anywhere else I love it.  My dad worked at Radyr Sheds and my grandfather worked at the Melin gruffydd works so I have a long family history in this the area.  I have had a great couple of hours tonight looking at this site and I will certainly tell my family to look it up.  thanks to who ever designed and keeps it going.  Mair Davies

• 06 July 2003 Comments: I love your website. I lived next door to Jennifer's Dress shop for nearly 30 years. The view from the Library shows the space before my house was built. Keep up the good work. Shirley Chaplin Florida USA.

• 02 July 2003 Comments: Go on Steve, about time someone done this for Llandaff and Whitchurch.  If you want have a word with me mother and father (Colin & Sylvia Ward), I'm sure they'll have some photos for you.  Cheers Rob.

• 30 June 2003 Comments: Absolutely brilliant. Very interesting and professionally done. Keep up the excellent work.

• 21 June 2003 Comments: Steve, What a brilliant website!! I was browsing for information for a family friend who lives in Whitchurch but has no computer, I don't live in the area but found the pictures fascinating.  I'll see if she has any more photographs that others would also enjoy.  Best Wishes Pam Phillips

• 14 June 2003 Comments: Hi Steve, I Came across your website today and it certainly brought back a lot of memories. A marvellous collection of old and recognisable photos - and extremely well organised and presented.  I lived in Caldy Road between 1956 (my D.O.B.) and mid 1966 when we left to live in Pencoed. I attended Hawthorn Rd infants and primary, although for a brief time I attended Larmona in Whitchurch.

  Some memories:

  *The Number 34 bus between the city and Caldy Road.

  *The Second Llandaff Cubs. I remember Mrs Shears who if I remember rightly, lived close to Hawthorn Rd school.

  *The Candy Box and Mrs Evans shop (opposite the school. The Candy Box was next to a lane)

  *Mrs Powell at the infants school. The Headmistress I believe was Mrs Jenkins.

  *The grumpy old man who lived behind the playground of Hawthorn Rd Juniors.

  *A cafe called The Cosy Cafe.

  *Bevans in Station Rd

  About Your 1953 Photo of Hawthorn Rd School.

  Some of the faces in this photo are familiar to me, and I believe I am also in the pic (at the back). I was born in 1956, so I am a little confused!  The teacher on the left is Mr Willis and at the end of the row is the Headmaster, I believe his name was Mr Evans (possibly Gwyn) Mike newperspectives@iprimus.com.au

• 07 June 2003 Comments: Have been on your website as I promised your dad and am quite impressed. Your Uncle Tom from Merthyr Tydfil.

• 06 June 2003 Comments: Hi Steve, Finally found your site! Good stuff well done! Gareth see you Monday.

• 03 June 2003 Comments: Hi, Thanks for signing the guestbook on Photos of Modern Llanelli at http://www.llanelli.net, you've got a great website. Regards Andrew

• 02 June 2003 Comments: Very interesting. Only recently discovered that my great grandfather Thomas J Davies was born in Whitchurch in 1870. Hadn't heard of Whitchurch before. Just starting to look in to my family history. When I find out more about my Whitchurch ancestors I'll be back! Next time I'm down in South Wales visiting my relatives, in and around Llanelli, I'll detour and have a look round. Many thanks. David Owen Davies.

• 01 June 2003 Comments: First Class Effort ! - Keep up the excellent work : Living Genealogy !

• 25 May 2003 Comments: Excellent Web Site - Paul Button.

• 25 May 2003 Comments: This is the first time i have been on this website and i enjoyed it even though i didn't know most of the people but my dad Colin Harwood enjoyed seeing all his old friends on there. Just a little comment on the photo of Carl Stikler (it was good) but it would be nicer to see the dates of the occasions! look forward to seeing more photos. 25/05/2003

• 22 May 2003 Comments: Hello Steve. Its nice to see your website. its enjoyable to look back and see faces we know like Willy Rees and Brian Light. Hope to see a lot more.

• 22 May 2003 Comments: hey Steve i like the website, tis a shame i aint from the area, but all the same i enjoyed browsing through the photos...will be a good site to keep up to date with....Sarah (J&J)

• 22 May 2003 Comments: Excellent site Steve! I've not been back to Cardiff since the mid 90's but I was amazed to see your photos section - so many memories! How about a Rhiwbina section too? :o) ATB Andrew Pike, class of '79 (now living in London)

• 21 May 2003 Comments: Yes ! Steve very interesting site I live in Church Road now after many years of living elsewhere in Cardiff, London And West Wales. Good to see someone has taken the initiative and bother to put some memory's and information down about a place I used to know 25 years ago or so.

• 21 May 2003 Comments: We think your website is really interesting we love to go online and look at all the photos of people and places and being able to relate to them makes it very enjoyable. We hope you keep them coming, so keep up the good work Steve. Austin and Pat Roberts 21/05/2003

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