vale of glamorgan

St. Augustine’s Church, Penarth

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We visited St Augustine’s Church in Penarth last week.  The church is set high up on the headland between Cardiff Bay and the Bristol Channel.  Its prominent position means that it’s clearly visible for miles around.

I see the church almost every day but have never visited it before.  It has stunning views back across the Bay towards the Pierhead building, Mermaid Quay and the city centre, and then on to the hills and mountains north of Cardiff.

The church is pretty impressive, though the graveyard needs a bit of love and attention.

Dr. Joseph Parry (1841-1903), the composer of “Myfanwy” is buried in the churchyard.

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St Illtud’s Church, Llantwit Major

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View of St Illtud's church with a snow covered graveyard
St Illtud's Church - north

St Illtud’s church in Llantwit Major is a remarkable place. A church was first set up here by St Illtud in AD520 when he created the first collegiate church and monastery.

It has often been called “the oldest university in the world”. Llanilltud Fawr became the centre of learning throughout Christian Britain.

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Trials bikes at Ogmore by Sea

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A couple of weeks ago we walked from Ogmore by Sea to Southerndown.  It’s a great walk along the coastal path with great views across the Bristol Channel.

As we passed one of the bays I spotted these Trials bikes practicing on the limestone slabs. 

It looked like a lot of fun and the guys were pretty skilled. Pretty impressive 🙂

Update 26th January 2010: it seems one of the riders was Dave Kerr – both guys are top of their sport in the UK

Bar Meal in the Bear Hotel, Cowbridge

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A few days ago I met up with some old school friends from Cowbridge in the Bear Hotel in Cowbridge. I was early and had missed the earlier opportunity of a free meal in Cardiff so I decided to go for a bar meal while I waited for my friends. I decided to go for the Cajun Salmon from the daily specials menu. The meal was excellent – the salmon was cooked to perfection and the Cajun spices and sauce wasn’t too over the top. The meal cost close to £9. With a couple of pints of the Bear’s special real ale the evening went down a treat!!! Not so sure about the friends though. 🙂