Launch of the book “Serving Under Ruperra”
Book launch visitors
Visitors to the Book Launch gather in the farm yard of Ruperra Home Farm

Local schoolchildren celebrate their Ruperra Castle heritage

On Friday 28th April 2006, a beautiful spring day, Home Farm Ruperra was the venue for Ruperra Conservation Trust's book launch of “Serving Under Ruperra”, a collection of recorded memories of people who worked on the Ruperra Estate at the beginning of the 20th century. The costs of printing the book and of the launch were funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund scheme “Awards for All.” Dame Liz Forgan, Chairman of the national Heritage Lottery Fund sent her congratulations.

The decorations were provided by students from local comprehensive schools, with art work and written contributions by local primary school children who also entertained the visitors with singing and dancing. The highlight of the performances was a little drama about the problems of the cook at Ruperra Castle in 1900. The teachers had excelled in conveying the meaning of heritage to their pupils.

SUPPORT FOR RUPERRA FROM MPS, AMS AND OTHERS

Councillor Phil Bevan, Chairman of the Trust, introduced the proceedings, and lending their support were Lord Raglan, Simon Boyle Lord Lieutenant of Gwent and patron of the Trust, Wayne David MP for Caerphilly, Paul Flynn MP for Newport West, Jeff Cuthbert AM, William Graham AM, Owen John Thomas AM and Mrs Penny Matthews Chairman of Bedwas, Machen and Trethomas Community Council who presented a cheque. Griff Rhys Jones sent his good wishes.


Dan Clayton-Jones addresses the visitors
The speaker is Dan Clayton-Jones. Also in the picture, Simon Boyle, John Curteis, Councillor Penny Matthews, Wayne David MP, Owen John Thomas AM and Jeff Cuthbert AM

Dan Clayton-Jones, the guest speaker and chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund Committee for Wales, stressed the disaster facing our historic heritage at the present time, when more and more historic buildings are being bought up by developers who have very little regard for the historic landscape surrounding them, and who destroy our countryside with inappropriate housing schemes.


Children from Llysfaen Primary School enact a little drama about the servants at Ruperra. The decorations on the walls were made by the pupils of St Cenydd's Comprehensive School.

Both Wayne David MP and Jeff Cuthbert AM congratulated the teachers of the local schoolchildren who showed a magnificent enthusiasm for their heritage. Owen John Thomas AM, who serves on the Culture Committee in the Welsh Assembly Government, pointed out that castles are one of Wales' most important assets which should be protected and preserved so that people can enjoy and appreciate their heritage. Pat Moseley, who compiled the book, was glad that Caerphilly County Borough Council's Unitary Development Plan provides special protection for Ruperra.

The event was a huge success; the excellent attendance and amount of donations bearing witness to the popular support for Ruperra Castle.