Insole Court has been under local authority ownership since 1932, and is now a thriving community hall, which boasts an impressive array of classes and groups to suit all ages.

In a little over a year the Friends of Insole Court have worked closely with Cardiff Council to establish a Heritage Interpretation Project, thanks to a grant of £42,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund. This has begun to tell the story of how the 19th century mansion was built by a family who started as rural artisans and became successful and wealthy local gentry during Cardiff’s spectacular growth and decline as a world-beating port.

Lucy Williams, Development Officer of the Insole Court Heritage Interpretation Project said today, “I am delighted at the progress made by everyone in keeping alive the fantastic heritage of this wonderful building. I really feel that by continuing to work together, the council and the community can continue to breathe new life into Insole Court. I am especially pleased that our volunteer welcome guides have already enabled so many visitors to learn more about the court and the history of the family who once lived here.” John Prior-Morris, Chairman of the Friends, said: “As citizens, we are fortunate to have intact and in public ownership this mansion which had its birth at the very start of the story that saw Cardiff grow from modest town on the river crossing to the greatest coal-exporting town in the world; a period that paved the way for its modern role as the youngest and fastest growing European capital city.”

Cllr. Nigel Howells, Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture said: “Tonight is our way of looking back and reflecting on what has been a demanding and exciting year at Insole Court. We now have a full programme of events that is diverse and encompasses the community. The staff and volunteers should all be commended for their hard work and commitment over the past year. I am positive that the relationship between the Council and the Insole Court Heritage Interpretation Project will continue to flourish for many years to come.”

Bute Park - Best in Wales

Bute Park in Cardiff has been awarded the prestigious accolade of the best park in Wales, in Britain’s Best Park competition.

The park scooped the regional award back in 2008 and has beat off tough competition from other parks across Wales to take the 2009 title.

Parks were judged on various criteria including environment, design, usability, access, maintenance and community involvement. Judges were particularly impressed by Bute Park’s wide variety of attractions and community events, excellent horticulture and ease of accessibility to and from Cardiff city centre.

Executive member for Culture, Leisure and Parks, Councillor Nigel Howells, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Bute Park and all the staff that work so hard to make it look so fantastic all year round. Following on from the park’s Green Flag earlier in the year this is another important accolade and a strong endorsement that we are getting it right in the park.

“Judges clearly understood the considerable benefits of our new access arrangements and the great news is that Bute Park can only improve and get better as we embark on our £5.6m conservation project, supported by the £3.1m Heritage Lottery Fund grant, to restore, enhance and help people learn about the many historic features in the park including the Animal Wall, Blackfriars Friary and West Lodge.

“Visitors to Cardiff are always impressed by the park and how much green space there is in the city centre. Cardiff Council is committed to making sure we keep winning these top awards by working hard to maintain and improve Bute Park – which really is a jewel in the crown of this city and used and enjoyed widely by the community, including disability groups.”

Ian Small, business development manager for petrol lawn mower engine manufacturer Briggs & Stratton UK Ltd, who sponsor the award, said: “Bute Park has a traditional feel, it is maintained to the highest standards and its community attractions make it a worthy winner of the regional prize.”

Jennifer Stewart, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Wales, which is supporting the restoration of the park with a £3.1m grant, said: “Bute Park is enormously popular with both local people and visitors, and deserves to be celebrated.

“When the work is complete the visitor experience will be enhanced even further as the park will once again be connected to the gardens and Castle, creating one fantastic space to explore and enjoy in the heart of the city.”

The judges for this year’s competition comprised of a panel of trade and consumer horticultural journalists. On the panel was; Peter Seabrook MBE and Steve Bradley (gardening editors, The Sun), Matthew Appleby (news editor, Horticulture Week), Anisa Gress (The Garden), Jean Vernon (freelance gardening journalist) Trevor Pfeiffer, (Garden Trade News), Laurence Gale (Pitchcare magazine) and Nicole Gritzmacher (Briggs & Stratton Europe).

The Britain’s Best Parks competition was started in 2003 by Briggs & Stratton as part of a global network of competitions recognising and rewarding excellence in park design and maintenance. Similar competitions run in six countries including Sweden, Germany, Poland, France and Italy.