International sports broadcaster and former cricket star Alan Wilkins has spoken to us about his childhood memories of Rhiwbina, as he takes on the role of president of Glamorgan County Cricket Club.
Alan, who was brought up in Pen y Dre and went to Rhiwbeina Junior School and then Whitchurch Grammar, has just been appointed as president of Glamorgan.
“Rhiwbina was a perfect place to be brought up,” he recalled. “We used to play soft-ball cricket in Parc y Pentre, and I remember Mr Ball and Mr Walters taking us for cricket at school.
“We’d be out playing until late – it was a very safe and supportive environment.”
Alan then went to Whitchurch Grammar School, which became Whitchurch High when he was in the 6th form. His cricket developed there, as he represented Wales Schools from U13-level upwards.
As a professional, he played for Glamorgan and then Gloucestershire, taking over 370 wickets in first-class and limited-overs cricket and helping the Welsh county to its first one-day final in 1977.
His broadcasting career began at BBC Wales and has since taken him around the world to become one of the most recognisable faces and voices behind the mic, especially at the biggest international cricket tournaments.
Of his appointment, Alan said: “I’m thrilled and honoured to have been considered for the role of President. Glamorgan means so much to me, and with a new coach and new captain, it’s a great opportunity to renew and hopefully regain some of our past success – especially gaining promotion in the championship and building back our membership.”
Now back in Wales, Alan has returned to North Cardiff and lives in Cyncoed.
“It feels like coming full circle,” said Alan. “I’m back where my cricketing journey began.
“As far as Rhiwbina is concerned, I often go back – it’s nice to see how much of it is still familiar. I really look back on my childhood there with fondness and pride.”
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