CARDIFFREMEMBERED Fascinating excerpts from All Blacks tour diary of 1935/36

WHEN New Zealander Ron King was on the 1935/36 All Blacks tour of the UK, he kept a record of his visit.

And now his son, Russell, who is researching a book about the All Blacks’ 1935 tour, is visiting Cardiff tomorrow to gather some background information.

I only know this as Cardiff Remembered reader Maurice O’Brien, who is visiting New Zealand for the three British & Irish Lions Test matches later this month, got to know Russell when booking a room at his hotel on the internet, and he will be meeting up with Russell this weekend.

Maurice has kindly sent me some excerpts from Ron King’s tour diary from 82 years ago, when the All Blacks played clubs including Cardiff and Swansea, and they make interesting reading.

For instance: “The team for Saturday’s match was named at training Thursday morning – I am playing again.

“Cardiff Castle, a magnificent sight, was our destination after lunch.

“We were shown over the castle by the castle keeper, Captain Williams.

“The original castle was commissioned by William the Conqueror, the oldest portion, built by Robert of Caen in the 11th century and dates back to Norman days. “It was the heart of medieval Cardiff. “Other parts such as the clock tower, the sumptuous library, the banqueting hall and the chapel were added later in Gothic style.” And: “After training on Friday we