Friends group members Margaret, Kath (pictured), Rose, Rob and Gareth were out in the Park on Monday 29 May informing park users of our work and accepting applications for membership and volunteering opportunities – part of the
Coronation weekend’s The Big Help Out national day of volunteering on 8 May (delayed in our case due to rain). We are pleased to report that everyone said they were amazed by what we have achieved, we had a crucial few new household memberships, and nearly a foot of sunshine was measured (see photo) in Cefn Onn that day! If you are not already a member, missed us and wish to help by becoming a member, this is also possible on-line on our website (to the right of this article). It is only £5/year/household and goes so much further when we receive match fundings etc.
Nearly a whole foot of sunshine
Workday dates 2023
We are pleased to announce, in conjunction with Alec, Cardiff Council Park Ranger for Cefn Onn, our dates for 2023 and we are looking forward to our first Workday of the year on Sunday 22nd January (2-4pm).
If you feel like a volunteering a couple of hours a month this season – we will be delighted to see you. As past and current participants know we are a friendly group aiming to try and restore the Park to its past glories and leave it fit for future generations and you will receive a very warm welcome. We have a wide variety of tasks to suit all abilities, with equipment and tea/coffee provided.
Below are photos of one of our autumn 2022 Workdays where we constructed the woodland classroom area:
Donated tools – thank you
A big thank you to a very kind couple in Lisvane who have donated these tools for our future Workdays. I am sure we will make use of them on our first Workday of 2022 (Sunday 23rd Jan 2022).
New Workday dates for 2022
We are pleased to announce, in conjunction with Alec, Cardiff Council Park Ranger for Cefn Onn, our dates for 2022. Our Friends Group has been extremely successful at making and enabling significant improvements in Parc Cefn Onn since we formed just over 10 years ago. However, our volunteering numbers have decreased somewhat over the last couple years and we would really appreciate it if you would consider becoming one of our new Spring 2022 volunteers and help re-establish some post-Covid momentum. Our vision is to always try and add small improvements to the Park one step at a time but without many volunteers at the moment this is difficult.
If you feel like a volunteering a couple of hours a month this season – we will be delighted to see you. We are a friendly group aiming to try and restore the Park to its past glories and leave it fit for future generations. You will receive a very warm welcome. We have a wide variety of tasks to suit all abilities, with equipment and tea/coffee provided.
Yeay! – Workdays are resuming for August 2021
Following easing of Covid-19 restrictions in Wales we have organised with Cardiff Council Parks Department resumption of Workdays in the Park. Dates for the rest of 2021 are on the ‘Workdays‘ part of the website. It has been 18 months since our last Workday and whilst the Council have managed to maintain minimal levels of upkeep, our vision is to always try and add small improvements to the Park one step at a time. We think we have been extremely successful at this over the last 10 years, but would really appreciate some new volunteers to re-establish some post-Covid momentum!
Summertime in Cefn Onn – parking arrangements
During the building refurbishment 80% of the car park is closed and visitors are parking down the entrance road into the Park and also on Cherry Orchard Road. When approaching, this make it appear that the Park is ‘heaving’ with visitors when it is not necessarily more so than usual. Please try to arrive on foot but if you do drive, please continue to park sensibly so as not to block the entrance, particularly to emergency vehicles. Cherry Orchard Road is a wide road (with one pavem
ent) so there is no need to park astride the pavement and upset our local neighbours with pushchairs, wheelchairs, etc.
June and July 2020 Workdays cancelled
Following continuing government announcements with regards Covid-19, Cardiff Council continues to suspended all non-essential meetings and gatherings for the time being.
HLF Work on building recommences
Following the enforced break in works during Covid-19 restrictions we are really pleased the work has now recommenced. The contractors expect to be on site until mid July and we are looking forward to a lovely new facility.
March, April and May 2020 Workdays cancelled
Following the government announcements with regards Covid-19, Cardiff Council has suspended all non-essential meetings and gatherings for the time being. This is not a decision taken lightly but is intended to safeguard staff and volunteers as across the Council.
We obviously have no idea how long these measures will last and will let you know as soon as we can resume normal Workdays. In the meantime, take care of yourselves and your families and we will see you all soon.
HLF Main buildng renovations well underway
Works are expected to last from February to June 2020 and include complete renewal of all drainage and electrics, as well as re-structuring and redecorating the building.