“I think it’s the sunshine and of course, the attraction of Cwmbran.”
Around 55 Cardiff residents jumped on a train on Thursday 6 February and spent the day in Cwmbran. They were all members of Cardiff u3a (the University of the Third Age) who have over 1,000 branches across the UK. Each u3a has its own range of interest groups that are set up and led by its members.
The visit was organised by Cardiff u3a’s ‘Slow Train Coming‘ group who visit a new place each month to: “Have a walk. Investigate the local history of the area. Maybe visit a museum, gallery or exhibition. Take in statues, sculptures and blue plaques and architecture.”
I was at Cwmbran Boating Lake and spotted a large group of people which was unusual for 11.30am on a Thursday. Ted Richards, the group’s leader, told me: “I’m a believer you can always find interesting things wherever you go.”
He said the trip was their “record turnout” and added: “I think we’ve got 56, 57, today. I think it’s the sunshine and of course, the attraction of Cwmbran. I’d have never have guessed.
“It’s a good one for a big group because of this path, it’s a lovely path from the station down here, around the lake and back. Not too many roads to cross.”
During this video he talks about the two Cwmbran sculptures the group were going to visit, art at Llantarnam Grange, and even 2024 World snooker finalist Jak Jones and ‘one half of Dirty Sanchez’, Lee Dainton.