Last reports from 2016

After the meeting on October Ist when Ruperra Castle Preservaton supported the residents of Rudry Draethen and Waterloo in their quest to ensure that green field sites  in Caerphilly are saved from housing development, Assembly Minister Ken Skates' plan for a green corridor across the countryside aprts of the three counties of Newport Cardiff and Caerphilly was discussed.

The government strategic regional planning scheme for south east Wales hopes to establish conformity among the local authorities to maintain a balance between development and environmental and historic conservation, especially in areas where there is a very large population and a high demand for housing. Ruperra Castle and grounds are protected in the current Caerphilly Local Development Plan and by the Assembly Government’s approval indicated after the public Inquiry 2009.

In the last two years, the Welsh Assenbly passed two important acts relating to conservation. Namely Jeff Cuthbert AM's  'Well being of Future gGenerations act', which hopes to leave a better world for our chuildren and grandchildren, and the Historic Environmet Wales Act which strives to protect our built and natural heritage, so important for thelping toutsism in Wales as an importsant part of our future economic future. 

On November 30th RCPT met Mr.Al-Khafaji the new ownerof Ruperra Castle  and his team in the Senedd to discuss progress with his plans for Ruperra Castle, which might include living there with his family. He said he wanted to work in cooperation with the Trust.  

On December 6th RCPT’s 8th AGM was held immediately before the annual dinner at the Waterloo Hotel Newport,which was an interesting change from previous venues. The guest   speaker was Simon Bonvoisin, landscape consultant of the Nicholas Pearson Partnership. Simon, William Graham, now a retired AM, heritage architectural  historianand John Thorneycroft wee resented in reciognition of their help to the RCPT over the last 20 years.

Our new patron, Mr Jack Hanbury was able to attend the dinner and we enjoyed his company very much. Unfortunately. our new president Mr Jeff Cuthbert, once the AM for Caerphilly and now the Poice and Crime commissioner for Gwent was unable to attendf due to a previous engagement and he was very sorry to miss the event. An event on a day of his choosing was held in Rudry Parish Hall on January 21st 2017.

 
At this meeting it was decided to set up a  Ruperra Visitor Attraction  scheme to promote a programme for talks and walks for all age groups, based on the history of 19th - 20^th century Ruperra.

The last DVD of the history of Ruperra Castle and the Morgan family has now been reproduced and is for sale at £5. The usual reduction of £4 each  is made if two are bought . However at the last  meeting on January 21st, there was a special offer of the four DVDs for £10! .

For books and DVDs pease contact Patjonesjenkins@googlemail.com

On Saturday the 18th February, Friedns of the Earth are launching the setting up of Caerphilly as a Bee friendly town. RCPT will have a stall there showing the loveley Ruperra Gardens of the early 20th Century. Please come along- it promises to be a good event - 10.30 -2 pm at the Twyn and at the Old Library on Nantgarw road.