Fairwater, Cardiff

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Fairwater electoral ward in Cardiff
Fairwater electoral ward in Cardiff

Fairwater (Welsh: Tyllgoed) is a village and district in north-west Cardiff. It is located a few miles from Culverhouse Cross which connects Cardiff to the M4 motorway.

The name Tyllgoed, meaning "dark wood" goes back to the 15th C. This leafy district is divided between the mainly privately owned 1930s semi-detached developments at the southern end, and more 1950s public housing stock towards the northern end closer to neighbouring Pentrebane. But most of it is housing estate at the moment. It is the site of the Dell, Fairwater leisure centre, a skate park and numerous playing fields.

Cantonian High School is a large secondary school whose Head Teacher is currently Mrs LA Spargo. Fairwater is also the home to the Welsh medium school Ysgol Gymraeg Plasmawr which means "big place" it is a smaller secondary School than that of Cantonian. The School's current headmaster is Mr Geraint Rees and the roll at Ysgol Gymraeg Plasmawr is currently 800 pupils compared to Cantonian's which is around 1,300. It is on the grounds of old Cantonian lower school, but in recent times has had many new developments built on the site. Peter Lea primary and Fairwater Primary are in the area. Cantonian has produced several Welsh international football players. In recent times Ryan Green (once Wales' youngest international), Jermaine Easter and Joe Ledley and, a little further back, John Toshack.

Fairwater Brook was a childhood haunt of Roald Dahl, who lived and studied in nearby Llandaff.

Fairwater Park, known locally as "The Dell" is the site of one of Britain's first artificial ski-slopes, and is still a pleasant recreational area. However, it should be avoided at night.

[edit] Famous people from Fairwater

  • John Toshack Famous Football Player,Current Welsh Football Manager, Attended Cantonian High School.
  • Terry Holmes Famous Wales + Lions International
  • Joe Ledley Famous Wales International, Who Attended Cantonian High School.
  • Martin Woodroffe Olympic Silver Medalist 1968
  • Nesta Wyn Jones Famous Welsh Poet
  • Yasmin, resident Punk rock fantatic