They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.
Robert Laurence Binyon
The magic of harmony lies in our combined power to achieve exponentially more than we ever could alone.
Scott Shumway
13 Comments CherryPie on Nov 2nd 2025
The most recognisable feature at Cardiff Castle is surely the impressive twelve-sided Keep, the finest example in Wales. This type is known as a ‘shell’ keep because its outer walls provided a protective shell for smaller buildings within.
The stone Keep was built in the early 12th Century by Robert Consul, Earl of Gloucester, replacing the timber defences of Robert Fitzhamon, Norman Lord of Glamorgan. For eight years it was the prison of Duke Robert of Normandy, the eldest son of William the Conqueror, until his death in 1134 at the age of 80 years.
Additions made in the 13th and 14th Century included a gatehouse with a stone staircase leading to the stone bridge which replaced the timber drawbridge across the moat. The gatehouse was later removed during landscaping in the 18th Century.
After nearly 1000 years, the Keep still commands the inner area of the castle and is an impressive sight on entering the grounds.
The artificial motte (or mound) on which the keep is built is 10.67m (over 35ft) high with a summit 33m in diameter. From the top of the Keep the panoramic views of the city are breath-taking and to the north you can see as far as Castell Coch.
There are approximately 50 steep stone steps leading to the Keep entrance and further steps to reach the viewing platform, but it’s worth the effort!
4 Comments CherryPie on Nov 2nd 2025
Oops! I forgot to photo the dessert. It was tiramisu.
6 Comments CherryPie on Nov 1st 2025
Welcome to Hotel Indigo® Cardiff, where bespoke design meets classic Welsh heritage. Our boutique bedrooms reflect our vibrant city, with the themes ‘Made in Wales’, ‘Welsh Industry’ and ‘Music’ embodied in local art and natural materials. Many also offer wonderful views of the Cardiff skyline, and they all have free Wi-Fi and invigorating rainfall showers. Moments from our front door you can sing along with the fans at the home of Welsh rugby, explore the historic Cardiff Castle with its fairy tale towers, or rock out to that famous local music at the Motorpoint Arena.
3 Comments CherryPie on Oct 30th 2025
6 Comments CherryPie on Oct 30th 2025
Before the clocks changed at the weekend I enjoyed one last post shift walk at Attingham Park. I was treated to some beautiful Autumn colours and the walled garden was decked out for ‘The School of Magic’ trail.
When the evenings get darker after the clocks change I like to travel home in daylight to avoid the constant dazzling headlights on an unlit road.
I was back volunteering today and for part of my shift I helped hand out the trail leaflets. Then after the (mostly) youngsters had graduated from the School of Magic, I presented them with their spell book and colouring pencils.
Attingham was extremely busy and for the first time in eighteen months of volunteering I wasn’t able to park easily when I arrived for my shift. I ended up half way down the overflow field, and still the cars were steadily flowing in.
It was also lovely to see some former work colleagues as they passed through visitor reception.
cc
4 Comments CherryPie on Oct 29th 2025
