Cine Wanderings (Southerndown, Elan Valley dams, St Fagans Castle)

From the collection of

Archif Sgrin a Sain Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru / National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive
Established in 2001, the National Library of Wales Screen and Sound Archive holds an unrivalled collection of films, TV and radio broadcasts, video tapes and sound recordings relating to Wales and the Welsh, from 1898 to the present day. The collection spans multiples formats and genres, both professional and amateur.

Cine Wanderings (Southerndown, Elan Valley dams, St Fagans Castle)


Wanderings amongst the rocks of Southerndown beach, around the dams of the Elan Valley and through the gardens of an Elizabethan mansion.

The rocks of Southerndown beach, Vale of Glamorgan, pose a challenge to Christopher Jenkins and his daughter Olive as they pick their way across them without the benefit of walking boots or poles. The dams of the Elan Valley include roads and bridges that make visiting them easier on the feet – the film-maker's wife, Beatrice, and son, Ken, run across Craig Goch. The grounds of St Fagans Castle are easier still – pathways and grass – and include statues and a courting couple!

Chris Jenkins, a stalwart, talented member of Cardiff Amateur Cine Club, owned a hairdressing salon – 'Vanda's' - in the city's Charles Street and lived opposite Roath Park. He was also a keen amateur astronomer and artist. St Fagans Castle, an Elizabethan manor house, was donated to the nation in 1946 as a museum by the Earl of Plymouth, who owned much land in the south, and opened to the public in 1948.


Tags