When reading through this assignment, and asked to ‘take three pictures of written text that you have found on buildings which you think sum up the essence of the City of Cardiff’, in my eyes only one building could achieve this. That of course would be the Cardiff City stadium, home of the Cardiff Blues and more importantly the mighty Bluebirds!
The old Ninian Park Stadium, founded by Lord Ninian Crichton-Stuart back in 1910 (David James, WalesOnline Sep 3 2008, accessed 5th November 2010) has always been my place of worship on a Saturday afternoon, but last year the dilapidated ground was condemned to the history books and a new era begun.
On the 4th of April 1995 was my first visit to the city of Cardiff. As a seven year old I was extremely excited about the prospect of being a mascot for my favourite football club. Below is a poem which sums up the emotions I felt that day and what are my fondest memories of the capital of Wales.
The 4th of April 1995.
Chilly spring daybreak and slightly overcast.
A lonesome Lada Samara stood along Sloper Road.
Those tiny legs just could not keep up
A leisurely stride to Canton was more like a trot.
The clock was ticking closer to that magical hour,
But a hearty full breakfast soon filled the spot.
‘One scarf please sir’. ‘Which one’… oh no, not a choice!
That decision took twenty minutes, life or death for a little boy.
The hot dogs sizzling and the burgers turning,
‘Get your South Wales Echo!’ could be heard.
The clock hit one, and the time had come
To meet my Cardiff idols.
Through the towering gates we went and into the player’s entrance,
Out came the book, and around I went
To collect the footballers squiggles.
On went the kit, and out I ran onto that old ‘Ninian Park’ pitch.
Dressed in blue, ever so proud,
Got applause from the crowd.
I was not familiar with the ‘ayatollah’ chant.
I was then shown by my father,
But to no avail,
I had lost my chance!
Be that so, a young girl yelled
‘Come over here mascot!’
There was I, in the programme,
My signature she wanted.
Two won was the final score, a lucky mascot, I succeeded!
My first time to the DIFF,
That journey has been many a repeated.
My Pictures
With a grey background, the dark blue aerial font reads ‘Cardiff City Stadium’. Positioned at the top of the building, which is significant as it is within view from the A4232. Situated on the outskirts of Cardiff in the Leckwith area, the stadium is visible to many commuters that use the ring road, as well as those travelling to and throw from Cardiff International Airport. Although not as famous as the Millennium stadium in the city centre, this new building would often or not be the first significant landmark people would see coming into Cardiff. What is read from this specific text refers to Cardiff as a whole rather than just the sports teams whom occupy. The name was designed to incorporate the whole of the city and link the two sports rather than divide those who follow rugby and those who follow football.
Upon the club emblem, the text writes ‘Cardiff City FC’ on the top, and bellow is ‘Bluebirds’. This particular sign is situated upon the stadiums east side stand, looking on to Slopper Road. A banner style blue background surrounds both texts, with what appears to be a traditional white ‘Times New Roman’ font enables the words to stand out. ‘Cardiff City FC’ simply signifies the football club, whilst ‘Bluebirds’ refers to the football team and their nickname, which follows a tradition within British football. Every football team in the English football league has their own nickname, such as Manchester United are known as ‘Red Devils’ and Arsenal ‘The Gunners’. However if you look at the text as a whole, a signified meaning is apparent, which differs from any other English Clubs badge. The red dragon and a daffodil, both national symbols of Wales, denotes that Cardiff are different from everyone else, representing the pride of being the football club of the Capital City of Wales.This specific text is not actually upon the new football ground. It lies upon the Gate entrance within the new housing development upon Slopper Road. Resting upon a black slate plaque, it reads ‘Ninian Park’. As was stated earlier, this used to be the home of Cardiff City FC, however the old ground was demolish in 2009 to make way for a new housing development. This text is not only the new name for this residential area, it also symbolises the history of what used to stand previously. The new meaning for this site is evident, as below the font is the emblem of Redrow homes housing development Company. This suggests, rather than standing for what was, it now emphasises the fact to what this new estate is, and whom it belongs to.
As a conclusion, Cardiff for me represents the football team. The majority of my visits here, prior to university were certainly associated with Cardiff City FC. Following my team over three different decades has been a great passion of mine. There is no doubt that the above buildings not only represent Cardiff for me but also has a huge significant within my life. I hope one day I can follow in my father’s footsteps and also take my own children to see my beloved Cardiff City FC.
