Description
Book SynopsisSince its establishment in 1866 by prominent businessmen and the gentry of south Wales, the Cardiff and County Club has played a central role in the commercial, political and sporting life of Cardiff, as it developed from a burgeoning Victorian coal metropolis into the dynamic Welsh capital city of today. Led by local solicitor Henry Heard, the Club's founders had moved to Cardiff to work in the rapidly expanding town and, as the trade of the docks, businesses and shops all flourished, the men of influence, high social standing and growing wealth were looking for somewhere to gather, relax, dine and socialise in a convivial atmosphere with their friends and acquaintances. Initially located within, and then alongside, the Royal Hotel on St. Mary Street, the Club's growing popularity, and its close association with the Bute Estate, saw the members decide to construct the current Clubhouse on Westgate Street, which became one of the City's landmarks and still remains Wales' leading private members' club. Extensively researched and lavishly illustrated, Always Amongst Friends not only traces the fascinating 150-year history of the Club through a scholarly study of the social and economic history of Cardiff, but also celebrates the Cardiff and County Club's colourful characters, their mischievous humour and exudes the warmth and camaraderie so treasured by its members.
Trade Review'I very much enjoyed my visit to the Club in 2016. I was particularly impressed by the very evident sense of cheerful friendship between the members ... The journey to a 150th anniversary is inevitably going to be a rich story full of interesting characters, dramatic incidents and amusing anecdotes, but it will also reflect many changes within local society and the business community. Quite evidently, as this publication shows, the 150 years of the Cardiff and County Club have been no different and I am delighted to have this opportunity to offer my congratulations and best wishes to all present members, and to wish the Club every success in the years to come.' H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh - Patron, The Cardiff and County Club
Table of ContentsForeword by H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh 1. Brunel and the Marquess of Bute 2. Mr. Heard and the Hotel Club 3. The Hunting Set 4. On the Move 5. Good Old Frank 6. A Permanent Home in Westgate St. 7. Berkeley and the Brains 8. Chukkas and Putters 9. 1905 and all that 10. The Great War 11. Footballer, Father and Friend 12. The Roaring Twenties 13. The King and Freddie 14. Motor Cars and Bodyline 15. The Alexanders 16. Austerity and Air Raids 17. The Club's Garden, and What to Do With It? 18. Sir Tasker and 'The Skipper' 19. The Beeb 20. Celebrating the Club's Centenary 21. New Neighbours on Westgate St. 22. A Load of Old Rot! 23. Hurrah to the Staff 24. 125 'Not Out' 25. The Devolution Debate 26. The Millennium Stadium 27. Days of the Dinosaur 28. Lift Off! Into the Twenty First Century 29. An Agenda for Change 30. Bleddyn and Dr. Jack 31. It's a Man's World No Longer 32. Onwards and Upwards Index
