I just wanted to say hi to all the Park visitors today who stopped in at our stall and display in the entrance to find out what we are up to, brought along old photos of the Park, and have tea and cake with us. Thank you all very much for your words of support and ideas for the proposed artist mural for the wall in the underpass. Welcome also to everyone who decided to become a member either today or in the week ahead. We only get the improvements to the Park that we have done and are still hoping for by both the efforts of the members and, equally importantly, the mere weight of membership the Group represents.

Thanks to Cardff Council employees for a great job they have done refurbishing the old rusting iron bridge in the upper part of the Park. In case you are wondering why it is partly red, this is apparently the original colouring when installed many years ago.

Cefn Onn  Friends are very pleased to launch their first photography competition. There will be prizes (£20) for each of the three themes of Winter, Spring and Summer for both adult and children (<16yrs) groups. To give everyone the same opportunity to take photos all pictures must be taken within the Park during 2013. Entries must be submitted before 31 Nov 2013 electronically (max 2 MB) to photographs@friendsofcefnonn.org.uk together with a completed and signed copy of the entry form (click below and print off). If you would like us to email a copy of the entry form/ T&Cs just click on the ‘contact’ button at the top of the screen and ask. Winners and runners up will be announced in our autumn newsletter etc and the photos will form a new photo gallery on the website. Happy snapping!

As advertised in Capital Times, March 2013:

The Story of Parc Cefn Onn, Wednesday 20 March 2013, 2pm, Bute Park Education Centre. To book call Cardiff Council on 02920 87 2730.  £3.

Those eagerly awaiting the launch of our first photo competition will be pleased to hear that the 3 categories will be the winter, spring and summer seasons. The rules, judges, method of submitting entries, etc are almost in place and prizes identified. Watch this space for imminent info. There is nothing stopping you clicking away already though. I’d expect some great photos opportunities for the first category appearing this weekend (according to Mr Brockway)!

Check out some simply stunning photographs of wildlife, plants, and scenery, by our Park Ranger, Alec Stewart, on his website dedicated to the amazing sights you can see around Cardiff and the South Wales valleys. http://alecstewart.weebly.com/

Many members have suggested that we coordinate an annual photo competition for all of the regular photographers who use the seasons in the Park as their subject or as a background. We think this is a great idea and are seeking a volunteer or two to help organise it. Categories could include plant, wildlife, seasons, pets, etc. Our Park Ranger, Alec, himself a competition photographer, has offered to assist as well and can certainly arrange an experienced judging panel. If you are interested helping or want to find out more just fill in a query on our ‘contacts’ page.

The Friends and Cardiff Council were recently thrilled to accept the UK National award of Green Flag status for the Park for 2012 – you may have spotted us in September’s Capital Times! Both the Council’s and Friend’s management plans for the Park formed the backbone of the application and Cabinet Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Huw Thomas s that “this clearly demonstrates the Council’s commitment to managing and developing the park in conjunction with the local community.” The Friend’s group think this is great news for the park and just shows what can be achieved when local people work together.

Green Flag award 2012

Full press statement at: http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?id=13211&d1=0

Sept 2012 Capital Times article on page 6: http://www.cardiff.gov.uk/content.asp?id=12485&d1=0