Friday 8th September – Cardiff #16 Performance 4

Today, Cath was our guide on a visit to Llantwit Major and Ogmore-by-the-Sea.  But first we revisited the pub down the road, the Blue Anchor Inn - such an interesting building.  It is a long low building with walls and low timber beams dated to 1380, with a thatched roof. The inn was used as a tobacco drying shed during the smuggling days. Until 1941 the Blue Anchor belonged to the Fonmon Estate. Bill Coleman became landlord and then passed it on to his son, John. John retired in 1987, passing it on to his two sons, Jeremy and Andrew Coleman who currently run it. The inn caught fire in 1922, 2004, and again in 2009, the last fire burning about 30% of the thatched roof.

 Llantwit Major and Ogmore-by-the-Sea were both villages mentioned in the Dylan Thomas production that we did with Ray at the Drill Hall some years ago so was nice to visit them in reality. 

Llantwit Major is found on the Bristol Channel coast and is one of four towns in the Vale of Glamorgan.   Llanilltud Fawr is derived from the name of Saint Illtud, who came to the area from Brittany, Gaul. He founded the monastery of Illtud and the college attached to it, Cor Tewdws, which would grow into one of the most esteemed Christian colleges of the times. At its peak it attracted over 2000 students, including princes and numerous eminent clergymen, some now revered as saints. Destroyed by the Vikings in 987, the monastery was rebuilt in 1111 and continued to be a centre of learning governed by Tewkesbury Abbey until it closed in 1539 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.   

Ogmore-by-Sea (Welsh: Aberogwr, meaning "Mouth of the River Ogmore") is a seaside village.  Ogmore river probably takes its name from the large caves on the seashore by the river mouth, ogof being the Welsh word for cave. 

Lunch today was at the Plough & Harrow in Cambden.  Good food and quite a popular spot.  The original pub was built here in 1841  although the current buildings are more recent.

Back to Rhoose for a rest up before Performace number 4.

Tonight, the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Bob Derbyshire, was a member of the audience. 

Another report from Greg Aitken

"The Lord Mayor commented on the production raising issues about aging. As evidence for his statement he is seen here with two Drill Hall stalwarts, Alex Benham on the left and Gregory Aitken, right.

The boys from Mullumbimby invited their new friend to the Drill Hall Theatre. The Lord Mayor's pronunciation of Mullumbimby was spot on. Far better than the strine speakers Welsh pronunciation. Lord Mayor Bob did not commit to a time when he may visit Mullumbimby. The Australians leave Cardiff on Monday. The full Gentle company are re-united in Mullumbimby in early October for 13 October opening."

After the show it was off to an Indian restaurant for dinner - very good it was too.