2015 Festival Underway

The Festival Queen and attendants

The R&M Festival got off to a roaring start this weekend with very
mixed weather. For the first time in 28 years we had to adopt a ‘wet weather plan’ for the Fete – placing all the stalls under cover either our large marquees or in side the Old Church Rooms. The Parade (this year celebrating ‘South American Carnival’), which precedes the Fete, went ahead anyway in the drizzle, led as usual by David Cargill (in very suitable attire, with sombrero), the Festival Queen and attendants, and Harry Robinson, our local Welsh International Rugby Player. When the Parade reached the Old Church Rooms in a riot of colour and sound (courtesy of Samba Band and Drums), Harry opened the Fete and we were off.

Despite the rain and the slightly cramped accommodation, everyone seemed to enjoy the Fete. The WI sold all their bottles (all proceeds being donated to the Festival Charity, NSPCC); the BBQ ran out of sausages; the NSPCC did a roaring trade selling tea and cakes inside; Imaging 2000 had a magnificent display of photographs, and all stallholders said they were very happy with attendance. The weather restricted the entertainment we could offer but Shine Creative Arts performed wonderfully on the Garth Room stage and the Zumba troupe (who performed outside) showed that dampness was no barrier to energy.

In the evening Cardiff West Rotary put on a splendid concert by the RAF ST Athan Voluntary Band – again enjoyed by all.

On Sunday Radyr Rangers held their usual Festival on the Mound Field and Allan Cook led a most interesting walk around Gwaelod-y-Garth. Even long-time residents of R&M commented he had taken them to places they did not know existed! The evening brought a very well attend Civic Service in Christ Church, where the address was given by the Venerable Peggy Jackson, Archdeacon of Llandaff.

Fortunately, Monday was dry so we were able to have the Festival Crowning Ceremony as usual in Windsor Gardens, complete with Maypole and traditional dancing provided by all three schools and excellent teas provided by Treforgan WI. Councillor Rod McKerlich crowned the Festival Queen, Isabel Morgan and she was supported most ably by her two Princesses, Olivia Skidmore and Amy Westwell. All looked resplendent. Earlier, the well-supported Primary School Fun Run showed the athletic prowess of a wide age-range of runners.

Plenty more to come in a busy two weeks for the Radyr & Morganstown Community.

2015 Festival Underway Resources