I walked past this many times before I knew what it was so, as usual, I did some reading!…read moreCaptain Scott's expedition to the Antarctic set out from Roath Dock in 1910 aboard the ship Terra Nova. Cardiff was chosen as the departure point owing to the huge contribution of the city to the expedition's financing. This relationship was also responsible for the elegant Scott Memorial at the south end of Roath Park Lake. The lake was emptied in 1914 so that foundations for the tower could be built. It was completed in 1915 and in 1918 it was officially presented to the Cardiff. The plaque on the promenade side of the Memorial reads: To the memory of Captain R. F. Scott C.V.O. D.S.O. , R.N. and his faithful companions Captain L. E. G. Oates, Lieut. H. R. Bowers R.I.M., Dr. E. A. Wilson and Petty Officer Edgar Evans R.N. who sailed in the S.S. Terra Nova from the Port of Cardiff June 15th 1910, to locate the South Pole; and, in pursuit of that great and successful scientific task, laid down their lives in the Antarctic Regions. March 1912. Britons all, and very gallant gentlemen. Erected and presented to the City of Cardiff by F. C. Bowring Esq., J.P. 1915.

Roy J Larcombe Funeral Directors and Monumental Masons is located on Carlisle Street, in a quiet…read moreresidential suburb of Splott. This is one of two shop-fronted outlets owned by the firm, the other being in Ely, (477 Cowbridge Road West, Cardiff CF5 5TF. Tel: 029 2059 7470). No-one likes to dwell on the more morbid aspects of life, but for Roy J Larcombe Funeral Directors, these considerations are a daily reality. A long established and trusted business, that offer a comprehensive range of services, they are one of two undertakers to be contracted by Cardiff Council to carry out funeral services on their behalf when required. It is possible to call the Roy J Larcombe telephone number at any time of night or day: 029 2048 5175 Other useful information: Cardiff Council Bereavement Services: Cardiff Bereavement Services Thornhill Road Rhiwbina Cardiff CF14 9UA Tel: 029 2062 3294 Fax: 029 2069 2904

Barry Castle today consists of the humble but charming ruins of a sizeable fortified Manor House,…read morenow located on a quiet suburban street between Barry High Street and Porthkerry Park. The origins of Barry Castle date back to the late 11th Century, when the de Barri family were given the manor of Barry shortly after the conquest of the Vale of Glamorgan by the Normans. The first castle was probably a wooden fort, but by the 13th Century there were at least two sizeable stone buildings, connected by a curtain wall. In the 14th century, a Great Hall was added, together with a gatehouse, which had a drawbridge and portcullis. The two-storey gatehouse is the main feature we see today, and the portcullis groove can clearly be seen, together with part of the wall of the Great Hall. By the mid-16th century the castle was apparently in ruins, with a small cottage built in the remains serving as a Tavern. The ruins were restored and turned into today's small park early in the 20th century.

Surrounded on three sides by residential development, and on the fourth the car park at Cold Knap,…read morethis is the last place you'd expect to find an archaeological site. I'm sure it is completely ignored by its neighbours, and by the vast majority of people who visit Cold Knap beach in Barry. Nevertheless, here is Barry's oldest scheduled ancient monument, over 700 years old. The site was known about in the early 1960's, when construction work on the Waterside Hotel unearthed some Roman remains, but no formal excavation was carried out. Another opportunity came with the demolition of the YMCA hostel in 1979 on the site immediately to the west, and this time a formal excavation was carried out. To everyone's surprise, they found a major public building, dating from the late Third Century or early Fourth Century AD. A building of 22 rooms, arranged around a central courtyard, with cellars and what may have been a watchtower, were excavated. It is clear that the quality of building materials was high, with dressed stone and a tiled roof. After the excavation, the site was conserved, and a small viewing platform was built, complete with interpretation boards. It's exact purpose is unknown, and it appears that the building was never completed as intended. The best guess is that it was intended as a sort of official guest house and possible storage facility for users of the Imperial Roman Post System, located by a small inlet, and opposite a known harbour on the English side of the Bristol Channel. To-day, nothing remains much above the foundations, but you can clearly see the layout of all 22 rooms, including the cellar, and the area of the courtyard. The interpretation panels, though badly weathered, provide a helpful description, plan and a picture recreating what the building may have looked like. The entrance is off the small footpath, immediately behind the public toilets at Cold Knap Terrace Car Park. In the summer, it's possible to take a quick look at this little piece of ancient history, before enjoying an ice-cream and a stroll along the promenade

I really enjoyed finding these statues today having read so much about them. We got a bit lost to…read morestart with so it might be a good idea to erect a couple of signs pointing the way. There are a few 'cycle route' signs but nothing specifically showing where to find the statues and bench. The life-size steel sculptures are of film star Richard Burton and comedian Rob Brydon, both from the area, as part of an art project by the charity Sustrans to mark the new footpaths and cycle routes,. The other statue is of Afan Forest Park ranger, Dick Wagstaff. These well-known figures were selected by the local community to be immortalised in this 'Portrait Bench' which is one of eighty to be erected in the UK. My husband (who is totally blind) and I really enjoyed listening to excerpts of poetry which we could hear thanks to a 'U-Turn Box' which we'd never seen/heard before. The wind-up selector dial offers several excerpts of Dylan Thomas' Under Milk Wood read by Richard Burton.

Excellent, proffesional and considerate funeral directors. Beautiful chapel of rest (if thats what…read moreits called).

Friendly, approachable and always professional. Will help with every aspect of the funeral at a…read morevery difficult time its a comfort to have such genuine people there to help.

Ivor Thomas Funerals provided a level of care and compassion that went far beyond what we ever…read moreexpected. From the moment we contacted them about my dad's passing, they were patient, understanding, and incredibly supportive. Every conversation was filled with empathy, and they made us feel truly listened to at a time when everything felt overwhelming. Nothing was ever too much trouble. They guided us through each step gently and clearly, always giving us the space and time we needed. The respect and dignity they showed my dad -- and the care they gave to my mum -- meant the world to us. We felt reassured knowing he was in safe, respectful hands throughout. Their attention to detail, professionalism, and willingness to help with even the smallest things made a huge difference. They gave us their time without hesitation, and we never once felt rushed or like we were "just another family." Their warmth and humanity shone through every interaction. We honestly cannot thank the whole team enough. They helped us through one of the hardest moments of our lives with compassion, dignity, and kindness. We would highly recommend Ivor Thomas Funerals to anyone who wants their loved one to be cared for by people who genuinely go above and beyond.

This might sound strange, but I have just had the most comforting meeting with Mark from Ivor…read moreThomas Funerals. I have just learned that I don't have much long er to live, and it's been so difficult to deal with the news. From the moment Mark walked into my home he was nothing but professional and I could tell he cared a lot about my experience with him. Mark sat with members of my family including my autistic son who really needed help understanding what was happening. I told Mark I had no idea where to start or what to ask for and he just took all my worries and questions and went through everything at a pace I could manage and understand. He never tried to upsell anything to me, in fact, he helped me think about what I really needed so I did not have to worry about escalating costs. We covered everything, even down to flowers, religion and so much more. Please give this company a look if you find yourself in my situation because I really do feel better knowing Mark has got my wishes under control as well as working alongside my family. The other reason I am going to use this company is because they looked after another member of the family in a respectful, caring and honest way before. Thank you