The historical plaques date back to WWII and were erected on Whitchurch Common by the American Embassy. It was a way to thank to local people for the hospitality their soldiers had received during the war before they had left for the D Day landings.

The American soldiers were camped on Whitchurch Common and officers were billeted around the village. The American Padre would preach in the Baptist church and a canteen was set up in St Mary’s Church Hall where local girls would help prepare sandwiches.

The plaques read; ‘’This avenue of trees was planted on behalf of the 2nd Evacuation Unit of the United States Army as a token of gratitude for the hospitality extended to them by the parishioners of Whitchurch during the Second World War 1939 – 1945.”

Over the years the condition of the plaques has deteriorated and this was highlighted by the Whitchurch WI public affairs group who have worked with the Council to get the relevant work completed.

Executive Member for Sport, Leisure and Culture, Cllr Nigel Howells said: “These plaques are a significant part of the history of Whitchurch and they depict an important period of time.

“It is wonderful that we have worked together with members from the local Womens Institute to refurbish them and bring them back to their former glory.

“The essential restoration works means that they can continue to be enjoyed by local people to remember the past whilst educating younger generations.”

More than 74,000 people are expected at the Millennium Stadium for the match, which kicks off at 5.15pm, and people travelling to Cardiff are advised to plan their journey in advance. Drivers are also advised to allow extra time for their journey into Cardiff as widening works on the M4 may cause congestion at the busiest times.

The best way to travel to Cardiff is by car share or by using park and ride.

The park and ride site at the Cardiff City stadium at Leckwith (YELLOW CAR PARK) can be accessed from J33 of the M4. The car park will have a staff presence from 9am, will open at 9:30am, with the first bus at 9.30am. The last bus will leave the pick-up points at 9pm, with the car park closing at 9.30pm.

The drop off point for Leckwith is on Tresillian Way north at the rear of the railway station. Pick-up after the game will be at two locations in Callaghan Square – Callaghan Square north in the lay-by next to Eversheds and Tresillian Way north, at rear of railway station.

The park and ride service costs £5 per car which includes the bus. The services are accessible for the disabled, people with movement difficulties and wheelchair users, with dedicated parking next to the bus pick-up. Low floor buses and raised kerbs at both pick up and drop off points will also be in use.

Coach parking will be provided off Sophia Close where there are dedicated coach parking areas with driver facilities. The cost is £5 per coach.

The following road closures will also take place.

• Between 3.30pm and 8.30pm Kingsway from its junction with North Rd / Boulevard de Nantes to its junction with Duke Street.
• Cowbridge Road East from its junction with Cathedral Road to its junction with Westgate Street.
• Tudor Street from its junction with Clare Road to its junction with Wood Street (access for residents & traders will be permitted).
• Plantagenet Street and Beauchamp Street from their junctions with Despenser Place to their junctions with Tudor Street (access for residents and traders will be permitted)

The following roads will be closed in their entirety:

Duke Street, Castle Street, High Street, St.Mary Street, Caroline Street, Wood Street, Central Square, Westgate Street, Quay Street, Guildhall Place, Golate, Park Street, Havelock Street and Scott Road.

OPEN Cities - soundtrack for Cardiff winner: Joseph Evans

23 year-old shop assistant from Cardiff, Joseph Evans, has won the OPENCities Soundtrack For Cardiff award with his track City Of Change. He confessed to BBC Radio 1 DJ, Huw Stephens, who presented him with the award, that he was completely stunned and only entered the competition at the last moment when his girlfriend heard the publicity on the radio.

Joseph, who works at Waterstones in the city centre, is multi-talented. He is also writing a novel at the moment, as well as number of songs to help launch his musical career. He says:

“City Of Change is all about how Cardiff seems to be a city that is constantly developing. I believe it fits in very well with the OPENCities project, which is very much how diverse and vibrant cities have the best success on the international stage”.

The Soundtrack Awards ceremony was held at the Wales Millennium Centre as part of the Sŵn 09 Festival and featured music from British Council’s The Selector show, with a 25 minute mix of Welsh music put together for the show by Huw Stephens himself.

The event was attended by the 5 hopeful finalists and also staff and pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School, whose students featured in the OPENCities photo exhibition that was at the Cardiff Old Library during October.

Listen to Soundtrack For Cardiff winner “City of Change” on the OPENCities website.