Pontypridd

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Pontypridd is a town in Glamorgan, Wales, in the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf. It has a population of roughly 33,000, and is situated 12 miles (19 km) north of the capital city, Cardiff. The "ridd" in Pontypridd is pronounced "reath" (as in the word "breathe").[1] Pontypridd is often abbreviated "Ponty" by local residents.

Contents

History

The name Pontypridd is from "Pont-y-tŷ-pridd" the Welsh for "bridge by the earthen house", a reference to a succession of wooden bridges that formerly spanned the River Taf at this point. Pontypridd is, however, more famous for the Old Bridge, a stone bridge across the Taf built in 1756 by William Edwards. This bridge was the fourth attempted by Edwards, and at the time of its construction was the longest stone-built single-arch bridge in Europe. Rising 35 feet (11 m) above the level of the river, the bridge is a perfect segment of a circle, the chord of which is 140 feet (43 m). Notable features are three holes of differing diameters through each end of the bridge. The purpose of these was to reduce the weight of the bridge, although their aesthetically pleasing nature is a bonus. The utility of the bridge was debatable, however – the steepness of the design making it difficult to get carts across it – and in 1857 a new bridge, the Victoria Bridge, paid for by public subscription, was built adjacent to the old one.

Pontypridd was known as Newbridge from shortly after the construction of what is today called the "Old Bridge" until the 1860s.

The Old Bridge, Pontypridd, dating from 1756
The Old Bridge, Pontypridd, dating from 1756

The history of Pontypridd is closely tied to the coal and iron industries. Sited as it is at the junction of the Rhondda and Taf valleys, it became an important location for the transportation of coal from the Rhondda and iron from Merthyr Tydfil, first via the Glamorganshire Canal and later via the Taff Vale Railway, to the ports at Cardiff and Barry. Because of its role in transporting coal cargo, its train platform was at one time the longest in the world.

In recent years neglect by various parties has led to one of the largest towns in the region falling into a state of disrepair. The general consensus in the town is that some substantial and overdue funding is needed to regenerate the area so that it can realise its potential on the banks of the river Taf.

The town is also home to a large hospital, Dewi Sant Hospital.

Entertainment and social history

Media

Pontypridd has its very own community radio station GTFM, which is in partnership with the University of Glamorgan. It has local news, information and music from the last four decades, and is run by a voluntary management committee.

The Pontypridd and Llantrisant Observer[2] is the local newspaper for the town.

Sport

Pontypridd is home to Pontypridd Rugby Football Club is one of Wales' most notable rugby union clubs, with a successful junior rugby sections and academy that frequently contributes players to the national team.

Pontypridd Town FC is a Welsh football club which has achieved some success in the Welsh football league.

Culture

Pontypridd hosted the National Eisteddfod in 1893.

Twinning

Twinning with Nürtingen, Esslingen, South Germany

Initial contact between the two communities occurred in 1965 with a visit by Côr Meibion Pontypridd to visit a choir called called "Liederkranz" based in the Oberensingen area of Nürtingen.

The Liederkranz returned the visit to Pontypridd one year later.

On the occasion of the next visit of Côr Meibion to Nürtingen the partnership between the two communities was formally established - on 26 July 1968.

Since then reciprocal visits between the two choirs has taken place on a regular basis. Firm friendships have been established. As one member of Côr Meibion put it, "We don't think of them as friends, we think of them as family."

It was as a result of this successful partnership that Pontypridd Urban District Council decided to have a formal Twinning link at a civic level and to join in partnership with Nürtingen. In July 1968 an Agreement was signed by John Cheesman J.P. mayor of Pontypridd and Karl Gonser mayor of Nürtingen.

This resulted in the first twinning link in Rhondda Cynon Taf and is proud to boast the longest established twinning links with Nürtingen.

Notable people from Pontypridd

Pontypridd News Stories on Rhondda Cynon Taff Online

Rhondda Cynon Taff Online» pontypridd

  1. Have a Slice of the Big Bite
    Do you produce beautiful breads, wonderful wines or mouthwatering marmalades? Then the organisers of this year's Big Welsh Bite Festival would like to hear from you! The annual food and agricultural festival is being held from Friday, July 31- Sunday, August 2, 2009 in Ynysangaharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, and organisers are inviting local food and [...]
  2. Award for Young Pontypridd Hockey Umpire
    A young hockey umpire from Pontypridd has received a prestigious award for her outstanding contribution to the sport.

    Katie Perry, aged 16, of The Common, was presented with the Higgins UK Youth Award Certificate of Commendation from the Hockey Writers' Club, at the Women's National Indoor Finals. WHU President, Anne Ellis presented the award.

    Katie, who attends [...]
  3. Ponty Welcomes Taffy Fest
    The Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd, plays host to a wide range of performances and events on Saturday, February 28, 2009 - to celebrate Wales and Welsh culture on the eve of St. David’s Day. The cast list for Taffy Fest includes RCT-based talent such as famed storyteller Megan Lloyd; harpist and singer Bethan Nia (who [...]
  4. Pontypridd Holds Uganda Partnership Conference
    ‘PONT’, an organisation which links Pontypridd with Mbale, a town in Uganda held its conference at the University of Glamorgan this week, 21st January.

    The Partnership Overseas Networking Trust (PONT) was set up in 2000 and aspires to link as many professionals and organisations in Pontypridd with their counterparts in Mbale.

    Assembly Ministers Jane Hutt and Jane [...]
  5. Ponty Taxi Marshalls To Safeguard Passengers
    Pontypridd’s taxi services are to be marshalled by specially-trained staff as part of the ongoing commitment to ensure the town remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

    Crime-fighting partners that comprise the Rhondda Cynon Taf Community Safety Partnership have joined forces with taxi firms in order to introduce the important pilot scheme.

    The partnership has [...]
  6. Rhondda Cynon Taf’s Festive Charity Auction
    Tickets to see 'Cinderella on Ice' are the latest items donated to Rhondda Cynon Taf's Festive Charity Auction, which will be held at the Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd, on Tuesday, December 9, 2008. There's an opportunity to bid for two family tickets (for two adults and two children) to see the fantastic show at the Wales [...]
  7. Fun to train at Pontypridd YMCA
    There's an opportunity to walk your way to fitness this winter at Ladies only walk-to-jog classes at Pontypridd YMCA, Crossbrook Street, Pontypridd.

    Women of all abilities are welcome to join the informal, fun classes, which are held every Thursday at 6pm, with the aim of building up to a 30 or 40-minute jog.

    Participants will be able [...]
  8. Face the Future of Pontypridd
    RESIDENTS, businesses and other interested parties are being given the important chance to see for themselves how plans for Pontypridd’s regeneration are continuing. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and its partner agencies are currently delivering a far-reaching long termr regeneration plan for the county town in a bid to establish it as a vibrant, attractive town centre [...]
  9. Take Part in Panto in Ponty
    Are you aged between eight-18 years of age? Have you ever wanted to perform live on stage? Then look no further. The Owen Money Theatre Company, in association with Rhondda Cynon Taf Cultural Services’ Take PART scheme are looking for young, energetic people to join them in this year’s pantomime production, Robinson Crusoe. The production of [...]
  10. Dancing in Ponty Park
    An exciting dance production comes to Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, on Monday, August 11, 2008. Rhondda Cynon Taff Community Arts, in partnership with Community Dance Wales, is bringing dance to the park through the spectacular work of Motionhouse, one of the most exciting dance theatre companies in the UK. Motionhouse fuses images, action and dynamism [...]
  11. Pontypridd Bridge in Lights
    A bright future for Pontypridd is secured thanks to a new lighting scheme for two of its oldest and most famous structures.

    Established artist Lulu Quinn has been commissioned to deliver a major monument illumination scheme for Pontypridd.

    The iconic William Edward’s Bridge and the Brunel Viaduct have been chosen as the two landmark structures in the [...]
  12. Essential Works as Pontypridd Regeneration continues
    ESSENTIAL pre construction investigative work to drive forward the regeneration of Pontypridd town centre has begun. This preparatory work to identify underground supplies is critical to any successful town centre scheme and must take place in order to secure future funding for investment in the area. Work began in Mill Street on July 28 and could [...]
  13. Bus Service Changes In Pontypridd
    Bus Services will be altered for a short period in August due to the temporary closure of Graig Yr Helfa Road in Pontypridd.

    For up to five days from August 18th the road will be closed between 8.30am and 4pm and this will result in changes to the normal public transport services.

    Veolia Transport service 17 will [...]
  14. Green Flag Award for Ponty Park
    Pontypridd's Ynysangharad War Memorial Park has won the prestigious Green Flag Award for the fourth year running. The award is the national standard for quality parks and green spaces, recognising excellence in the management and delivery of service within the Parks sector. Ynysangharad Park is one of only 19 sites across Wales to achieve the honour [...]
  15. Teeing off at Golf in Ponty Park
    More than 300 children from primary schools across Rhondda Cynon Taf had a chance to try out their golfing skills at a special event in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd. Golf in the Park - for children aged seven to eleven - offered the youngsters a chance to try golf for the first time. The day [...]
  16. Tasty Weekend at Big Welsh Bite
    Food, glorious food will be on the menu in Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, Pontypridd, at the fabulous Big Welsh Bite from Friday, August 1 to Sunday, August 3, 2008. The three-day Welsh food, agricultural and lifestyle show gives people of all ages the chance to visit food and craft stalls and sample and buy local produce. [...]
  17. Frank Vickery Roots And Wings at Muni, April 28th 2008
    From the same team that brought you the smash hit comedies ‘Granny Annie’ and ‘A Night On The Tiles’ comes Frank Vickery’s classic ‘Roots And Wings’, at The Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd from Monday 28 April to Saturday 3 May at 7.30pm, as part of the Rhondda Cynon Taf Cultural Services It’s No Joke season. It [...]
  18. Poems and Pints in Ponty Muni, April 10th 2008
    Pontypridd’s Muni Arts Centre is hosting an evening of Poems and Pints on Thursday, April 10, at 7pm. All are welcome to come along to the Muni’s café bar and share poetry, prose and plays in relaxed surroundings. Open mic slots will be available on the night – and there’s a free drink for anyone who [...]
  19. Pontypridd River Walkway Closure
    A river walkway behind the main stores on Taff Street, Pontypridd is being closed due to anti-social behaviour.

    This entails installing a gate at the Clwb y Bont entrance and fitting a new lock to the gate alongside the bridge at the rear of the Marks and Spencers’ store.

    In partnership with South Wales Police, the Council [...]
  20. Destination Ponty… New Tourism Signs Launched
    A series of new signs highlighting the many tourist attractions enjoyed and appreciated by visitors to Pontypridd have been unveiled this week. The signs, which can be found at Bridge Street to the north and the Broadway at Pontypridd train station to the south, are another example of the investment being made in the county town [...]

See also

External links


This page uses content from Wikipedia. The original article was at Pontypridd.


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