Liz Gardiner

Born in Ferndale in the Rhondda Valley in 1946 as the only child of Welsh-speaking parents.

Close-knit family of aunts/uncles/cousins and lots of friends meant I was never lonely. 

I was offered a place at the first ever Welsh primary school in the Rhondda. Unfortunately, Mam's health meant it was more convenient for me to attend the local English primary school - great, that's where all my friends were:-)

Moved onto Ferndale Junior School then Ferndale Grammar School. Studied French but, when the Welsh teacher learnt that I spoke Welsh at home she insisted I sat the Welsh 'O' level. 

Left school at 17 & worked at National Coal Board offices at Powell Dyffryn House, Cardiff. Working life included Inland Revenue, DHSS, WDA, Penrhys Partnership among others. Married and had a daughter. 

Remarried 30+ years ago (to a Londoner) and now live in Monmouthshire. 

In past years I've started to write down some of my memories of childhood in the Rhondda and was honoured when my youngest granddaughter, given a school project about a member of her family, asked if she could write about me as I'd led "an interesting life". 

So... that's where I am at present. Looking forward to learning more via this website.

More recently... I work as an actor and as a Professional Role-player for Cardiff University Schools of Medicine, Pharmacy, Dermatology and Clinical Psychology. I felt that I had lost much of my Welsh language speaking skills and in 2021 I was given the opportunity to undertake a Welsh Language Course for freelancers funded via National Theatre of Wales/Arts Council of Wales, Learn Cymru and Nant Gwrtheyrn. I now feel more confident in speaking Welsh.