Teen wing sensation Robinson signs for Blues

Posted by Now Cardiff on Sep 2, 2012

Cardiff Blues have confirmed that teenage winger Harry Robinson has signed a senior contract with the region.

Robinson, 19, impressed Welsh selectors and was called up to the Wales 35 man senior squad for the training camp in Poland prior to the 2012 Six Nations Championship. He made a try-scoring debut for his country in June, in the test against the Barbarians.

In 2010/11 he won the Cardiff Blues Academy Player of the Year Award having had an outstanding season and became the youngest ever player to represent the Cardiff Blues, when, aged 17 years and nine months, he lined up against the Ospreys in the LV= Cup.

Speaking of the signing Robinson said,

“I’m really pleased to get to stick around for a few years.”

“It was an easy decision to make and I took the offer with both hands.”

“This is the best rugby environment for me to be in and I’ve got a good group of friends here also, so I’m excited to be here.”

“It does feel like a fresh start with Phil coming in and all the boys who are here feel it’s a good environment to be in.”

“It was a bit of whirlwind last season for me but things have sunk in now but now it’s a new season and I’m just putting my head down and working hard.”

“My ambition is to establish myself in the Blues team but competition is going to be tough with the quality back three players we have in the squad at the moment.”

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Lloyds TSB and Cardiff Council in first home initiative

Posted by Now Cardiff on Apr 30, 2012

Lloyds TSB and Cardiff Council have joined forces to help first time buyers purchase a home with a deposit of just 5%. The Local Lend a Hand product will be available in local branches of Lloyds TSB from 27 April 2012.

First time buyers often say that raising a deposit is the biggest challenge they face when looking to take their first steps onto the property ladder.

Responding to calls for further innovation in the first time buyer market, Lloyds TSB worked with Sector Treasury Services, part of the Capita Group, to develop the Local Lend a Hand product. The scheme enables borrowers to buy their first home with a deposit less than the 25% required by most mortgage lenders. The fixed rate mortgage products that will be available during this scheme will also be at a lower rate of interest than would normally be available for this level of deposit.

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Council restores St Mary St historic clock

Posted by Now Cardiff on Jul 19, 2011

A historic city centre landmark is to be restored back to its former glory.

The distinctive H Samuel clock which hangs above Cardiff Market has sat in its position on St Mary Street for more than a century.

However the clock hasn’t worked for years and over time its appearance has become rather shabby. As part of its work to transform St Mary Street and High Street, creating a pedestrian-friendly area, Cardiff Council is to spend £25,000 towards fully repairing and restoring the clock, ensuring that a piece of Cardiff’s history is preserved for future generations.

The original H Samuel clock was in position over the market as early as 1910, but in 1963 world-famous clockmakers Smith of Derby installed a new large projecting clock, with opal acrylic dials, rear illumination and neon lettering in the top and bottom sign panels. The clock was built to a standard H Samuel design and many were installed all over the country, although today only a few still remain.

Having fallen into disrepair, the clock has now been taken down and sent back to the Smith of Derby workshops, where it will undergo an eight week restoration. It is set to be returned to St Mary Street in October where it will be renamed ‘The Cardiff Market Clock’ and continue the presence of a clock in this position for more than 100 years.

Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, said: “The Cardiff Market Clock is a little piece of the city centre’s history and a much loved landmark. St Mary Street and High Street are themselves currently undergoing a historic transformation with the spectacular re-paving work that is being created to enhance the city centre environment and the restoration of this clock is all part of that process. I am really looking forward to seeing the clock back above the market and fully working again.”

Councillor Mark Stephens, Executive member for Finance and Service Delivery, added: “This Council is committed to Cardiff having a city centre that it can be proud of. The restoration of the Cardiff Market Clock is another piece of the jigsaw in creating a pedestrian-friendly environment for High Street and St Mary Street.”