"I have lived in Cardigan all my life. I was born here in 1939. My father had a veterinary practice in the town and I followed in his footsteps and joined the practice in 1965.
I settled back here after studying at the Royal Veterinary College London. I consider myself a Cardigan boy and I have always shown an interest in the town's welfare.
Cardigan is a small market town situated on the river Teifi which enters the sea a couple of miles away at Gwbert on Sea. Overlooking the river in Cardigan is its historic castle dating back to 1176 and built by Sir Gruffydd ap Rhys. This castle hosted the first National Eisteddfod.
Cardigan has a long maritime tradition, having been a major trading port. The river has nowadays silted up and its maritime traditions are history apart from a few local fishermen and leisurecraft-sailing and windsurfing at Gwbert on Sea.
The economy of the town in the last century was based on the agricultural community having the reputation of being a very productive dairy and milk producing area. The prosperity of this sector contributed considerably to the prosperity of the town. The cattle mart was an important focal point for farmers every Monday throughout the year.
On November 10th, the annual local fun fair arrives in the town - its stalls taking over most of the streets and by-ways.
Another highlight on the last Saturday in April is Barley Saturday - or Dydd Sadwrn Barlus. This occasion gives an opportunity for owners and handlers of entire stallions to compete and to parade through the streets of the town, followed in procession by a collection of governors traps, vintage cars and steam engines.
The economic changes in agriculture with the appearance of BSE, Foot and Mouth and latterly tuberculosis in cattle has had a profound effect on the farming community and as a result the prosperity of the town has suffered. The appearance of an out-of-town store has brought more people but the centre of the town has suffered in the last 10 to 15 years.
The situation is now improving with the construction of a new modern theatre - Theatr Mwldan - with a new multi-media culture centre.
The castle renovation is in its early stages and the high street has been given an injection of money with visible improvements to businesses and shops, many of which had fallen into disrepair.
There is a new air of confidence and optimism in the town and residents have realised that the town and outlying districts have so much to offer.
The magic of the town and area in general is that it is situated in an area of natural outstanding beauty with a wonderful coastline and National Park nearby in Pembrokeshire. There are opportunities for walking, sailing, golfing and trekking and farmers in the area have diversified by converting outbuildings into holiday accommodation.
The Cardigan rail link to the rest of the world was severed in the early sixties which leaves a tenuous 30 mile journey to the nearest motorway link. This ensures relatively uncrowded roads outside the school holiday season. This means less hassle on the roads and less pollution.
The future trends in agriculture tend to indicate that this beautiful area will see a situation with fewer animals and more visitors. Properties in certain areas are already reaching premium prices as people realise what the area has to offer.
The future for this town is to rise to this challenge by providing quality facilities, shops and hospitality."
Written by Dickie Thomas from Cardigan
your comments
Peter Dutnell from Vrginia, USA
Rgards to the vetinary group Steve Harris et al,farming is not any better in the US. Killed off by banks,wallmarts and CAFO`S (CONCENTRATED ANIMAL FOODSTUFFS OPERATIONS)I believe the EEC started the demise in the UK.Now hopefully the fundermentals are right for healthier farming times.Buy from known souces,locally.
Sun Feb 15 19:05:46 2009
Ewart Davies from Birmingham
Hello Eddie Budd from down under. Other rugby hookers of our era were Dillwyn Davies and Morris James.
Mon Feb 4 11:24:40 2008
Dickie Thomas
It's so nice to here someone else with the same name as I. I am a twin Dickie and Vickie. I am in Jacksonville, Florida. take care.
Wed Aug 8 13:51:10 2007
Lyn Jenkins
By the way, Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park in Gwbert, Cardigan [mentioned above] can be found on the internet by entering www.cardiganisland.net.The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites
Tue Apr 3 17:01:48 2007
Barbara Winnard, Chester
Does anyone in Cardigan remember a Mr. Miles who lived in Williams Street? I remember,as a 12-year-old in the 1950s, being sent by our art teacher at the County School (Mr. Smith) to look at Mr. Miles' paintings and art-work.I recall being totally over-awed by the sight of dozens of paintings of fairground scenes and mountain sheep filling every available space in his home.My brother who lives in Cardigan tells me that some of these paintings were on display in the Heritage Centre but when we visited recently the Centre was, disappointingly, closed till further notice. If anyone has any information regarding Mr. Miles or his art-work I would love to hear from you.
Thu Mar 29 09:41:40 2007
Bryan Batten Quinns Rocks W.A
Spent many years caravaning at Hyleg Fach Aberporth, and spent a lot of time wandering around Cardigan. A lovely little town.
Thu Mar 2 12:16:39 2006
Sue from Durham
My father was born and bred in Cardigan, later joining the Royal Navy, along with a brother and sister looking forward to visiting Cardigan in August 2005 again. Would be lovely to meet some distant relatives.
Tue May 10 19:03:57 2005
Tom Currie
Are Cardigan and Caerdicanshire one and the same? Nathaniel Jenkins, a forefather of my wife was born there 25 Mar 1678. He died in Cape May, New Jersey 1754. We hope to visit Cardigan on 18 May 2005. Perhaps we'll meet some relatives.
Mon May 2 00:14:57 2005
Lyn Jenkins of Gwbert near Cardigan
Nice to read "Dic y Vet's " description of the Cardigan area [by the way, he played the hilarious mediaeval monk "Dicyfetiws" in Opera Teifi's recent Welsh-language production]. The demise of farming that he mentions has largely been caused by the buying power of supermarkets. For example, farmers received 5 pence a pint for milk in 1976 and only get 10 pence now - 29 years later! Potatoes are cheaper now than in 1976, without even considering inflation. These pressures have forced farmers like myself to diversify into tourism, so as to take advantage of the area's outstanding coastal scenery. We established Cardigan Island Coastal Farm Park in Gwbert in 1993. The main attraction is the colony of Grey Seals near Cardigan Island and the Bottle Nosed Dolphins of Cardigan Bay, which are seen frequently here. It is a wonderful area for wildlife. The beaches and coastal villages nearby are also a delight.
Thu Apr 14 08:55:04 2005
Eddie Budd, Perth Western Australia
Surprise, pleasant surprise.
Easily recognised Dickie Thomas our front row hooker (rugby!) at Cardigan Grammar School, 1950s.
Our headmaster was the late Tom Evans.
Shall be watching France/Wales tonight
12am Aussie time.
Our Shane Williams is better than Jason Robinson.
Pob Hwyl
Eddie Budd (prop)...."A Place Down Under"
Perth WA will have a 'Super 14 rugby side' next season, and will have many Welsh fans over here.
Sat Feb 26 13:46:03 2005
Share your thoughts about the town of Cardigan. What do you love about the place? What would you change? Add your comments by filling in the boxes below:
Born and bred in Cardigan, Dickie Thomas knows the place like the back of his hand. Here he reflects on the character of his home town - its past achievements and its hopes for the future. 
