Scott of the bay is finally unveiled (From Penarth Times)

Scott of the bay is finally unveiled

A VALE lecturer who entered a competition to design and make a sculpture that will stand in Cardiff Bay, chatted informally with the Princess Royal last week.

Jonathan Williams, who teaches art and design in Barry College, was calmly waiting for the Royal lady to turn up outside the Norwegian church on Friday, May 6.

He said: "Now it's all over, it's a bit of a relief.

I've been working on this for so long - it's taken two years - that I'm glad today has come.

"I can now look forward to the ceremony, instead of worrying I won't be finished in time."

The work was commissioned by the Captain Scott Society, and named The 'Antarctic 100' Memorial.

It stands looking out towards the South, in the direction Captain Scott set off in for his most famous expedition.

Made of fibreglass resin and ceramic tiles, the statue takes the form of an iceberg, with human faces shaped out of the liquid motion of the design.

It was wrapped in a blue sheet while members of the public, local dignitaries, the sculptor and his family waited for the big moment.

Thankfully, although it was a breezy day, the rain held off and despite being 20 minutes late, Princess Anne was welcomed by the gathering of people waiting to catch a rare glimpse of the Queen's daughter.

The secretary of the Scott Society, Julian Salisbury, welcomed the Royal visitor, who then addressed the waiting audience briefly.

She congratulated Jonathan Williams for his design, and the Scott Society for their dedication in keeping his memory alive - before pulling the string that revealed the memorial piece for the first time.

Then the Reverend Chancellor John Rowlands MA MLitt, the Scott Society's chaplain, made a dedication.

Afterwards, all invited guests were taken into the Norwegian church for a reception.