Remembering Stanley Baker

In case anyone has missed this interview set your recording device timers for 05:05hrs 20th July 2022, when Glyn Baker discusses his late father’s career on Talking Pictures Sky Channel 328, or Freeview Channel 81.

I know for sure that a certain film will rate a mention.

JY

When I drive to Brecon from Cardiff in a couple of weeks I'm thinking about
driving into Ferndale -- does anyone know if the house where Stanley Baker
was born or at least grew up in is still there?

Bob T.

Bob,

This is from Sir Stanley’s son, Glyn:

It is in Albany Street, Ferndale.

There is a heritage plaque on the house with Stanley’s name on it, and I can’t think there will be too many of those in Albany Street.

JY

32 Albany Street, Ferndale CF43 4 SL. It is still there.

If you go on Google maps you will see across from the house, on the hill is Blaenllecau Poultry farm. This is the road to Llanwonno, on the hill over looking Ferndale. Along this road there are viewpoints, and from here his ashes were spread over the valley into the wind.

But Stanley Baker is not the only link to the Zulu war in the area.
Whilst you are up at this viewpoint carry on along this road through Llanwonno and you will come to a church called St Gwynno's. Thomas Chester Rorke's Drift defender is buried here in an un-marked grave. The church is no longer in use and over grown. But there is a sign at the church saying if you wish to enter the church please collect the keys at the pub fifty metre's away.
Inside the church you will see a dedication to Thomas Chester, placed there by the museum, along with a replica medal and history of his service.
It also explains how he died at number five pit Ferndale.
If you enter YouTube and search the church, you will find a video by Bill from the Musium when he was looking to locate the grave.
Don't forget there are many defenders graves along your route to Ferndale. Three at St Woolas Newport, two at Cathays Cardiff, one in Pontypridd and just over the hill from Ferndale in Aberdare is Pte Lloyd.

So I hope this helps and you have a wonderful visit.

Eddie