Cardiff Civic Centre
It was Saturday 10th July and leaving Waterlooville arriving safely with no breakdowns by midday. A 'stonking' hot day with temperatures reaching over 28°C. On reaching Cardiff City Centre, the coach load of parishioners dispersed in varied directions. However, an exuberant bunch were last seen at this point commandeering an open top City Tour bus and disappearing into the busy throb of Cardiff City. Others went shopping, lunching and sightseeing.
Three o'clock saw us on our coach, transporting us two miles outside the City Centre to Llandoff Cathedral, surely one of the most beautiful cathedrals in existence, set in pretty surroundings deep in a valley. The small but magnificent cathedral boasts a turbulent, ancient and historical past culminating in many alterations and additions. All this added to the unique atmosphere surrounding the cathedral.
After our interesting guided tour we then completed our programme a few miles further, to a tiny delightful village of Pentrych and the Parish Church of St Catwgs. Here we were warmly welcomed by Fr Graham Holcombe.
The parish laid on a most spectacular 'high' tea which included welsh tea cakes and other mouth watering delicacies. We devoured tea in style sitting in the quaint churchyard and garden; and followed by Evensong in Church. Fr Graham lustily led us through Evensong, explaining the local history bringing St Catwgs to life.
Homeward bound we arrived back in Waterlooville by 9.30.pm. Fortunately, the coach did not break down this time and despite the fact Candy, Lara and Fleur were thrown out of a graveyard at lunch time, Jim Dunster was embarrassing over tea and sandwiches, and Tony Rice-Oxley lost his new books, a memorable day was enjoyed by all.
written by Candy Williams
Next month we have another view of the Cardiff Parish Outing from Leon Bartosiak. First of all, we join Leon for an account of his holiday, the week before, in Loughborough.
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page last updated 22 AUGUST 1999