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. 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 [...]
  2. 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 [...]
  3. 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 [...]
  4. 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 [...]
  5. 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 [...]
  6. 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 [...]
  7. 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 [...]
  8. 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. [...]
  9. 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 [...]
  10. 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 [...]
  11. 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 [...]
  12. 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 [...]
  13. Question RCT Council Cabinet March 19th, Ponty
    Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s ongoing Open Government session arrives in Taff Ely this month, enabling residents to engage with senior councillors on issues that matter to them whether on a local or county level, from schools and litter to youth provision, highways, social services or the local economy.You can have your say at the Muni [...]
  14. Pontypridd Youth Centre Launched
    Plenty of fun for everyone is guaranteed at the new Pontypridd Youth Centre which has just opened its doors to youngsters from throughout the area.

    Based in the YMCA on Crossbrook Street, the Youth Centre will be open on Monday and Wednesday evenings between 6.30pm and 9.00pm.

    There will be lots of social and recreational activities for [...]
  15. Robin Ince at Ponty Muni, 11 March 2008
    The It’s No Joke Comedy Club continues at The Muni Arts Centre, Pontypridd on Tuesday, March 11 at 8.00pm with more of the very best in stand up comedy, in association with www.killforaseat.com Headliner Robin Ince is an established writer and performer, having written extensively for television and radio with credits including Have I Got News [...]
  16. Clwb Y Bont Jazz session Wednesday 5th March
    Clwb Y Bont jazz session this Wednesday (5th March) ** Jazz yng Nhglwb Y Bont Nos Fercher nesa.

    Workshop at 7:30pm; Jam session from 8:30pm. Gweithdy jazz gyda trio Clwb Y Bont 7:30pm; Sesiwn mic agored 8:30pm. Still only £2 on the door ** Dim ond £2 wrth y drws

    Please support live jazz in Pontypridd and forward this [...]
  17. Pontypridd Art Workshops
    Pontypridd schoolchildren are getting involved in the ongoing regeneration strategy for the popular market town.

    This week Welsh poet and playwright Menna Elfyn visited Pontypridd High School and held workshops with teenagers to develop an inscription to appear on new art work planned for the town centre.

    One of the many ongoing schemes to re-establish the town [...]
  18. Riverside Scheme to take Pontypridd Forward
    The Welsh Assembly Government and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council are to begin detailed discussions with Taff Vale Ltd to progress the redevelopment of the Taff Vale Shopping Precinct in Pontypridd. A detailed independent appraisal funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and Rhondda Cynon Taf Council examined issues relating to development economics, design quality and sustainability of [...]
  19. New Porth Parking Restrictions
    A proposed “no parking” restriction is being introduced in Porth Plaza and Hannah Street car parks as of next week to encourage even more visitors to use the popular shopping destination.

    The restrictions are set to take place from Monday to Friday 7.30am to 9.30am and will begin on Monday January 28th.

    By removing early morning commuter [...]
  20. Freedom of the Borough for Opera Star Stuart Burrows
    World-famous opera giant Stuart Burrows will receive the Honorary Freedom of the Borough from Rhondda Cynon Taf County Council next week.

    The Cilfynydd-born lyric tenor was overjoyed when he was informed that he will be the recipient of the highest honour that can be bestowed upon a group or individual by a local authority.

    At 5pm on [...]

See also

External links


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


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