Cardiff Life | 285

Photos: ParalympicsGB, Aquatics GB, British Rowing, TeamGB, Team Wales, Sport Wales

NEW ERA

“COUNTRY” WEDDING

Photo: Marie Francesca Photographer

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

Dear readers,

As we eagerly await the heat of July, our latest issue of Cardiff Life is set to sizzle with a vibrant mix of stories ranging from the dazzling spectacle of the summer Olympics to sustainability, weddings, fashion, and all the points where they intersect.

In our coverage of the Paris Olympics and Paralympics, we include a round-up of all the key details for the upcoming Games, plus the inspirational journeys of standout Welsh stars.

Later on in the issue, we delve into the philanthropic efforts of Foster Wales, highlighting their invaluable contributions to the community. Of course, no edition of Cardiff Life would be complete without celebrating the sophistication of the luxury lifestyle. From the latest sustainability trends in fashion to the timeless elegance of weddings, we explore how eco-conscious choices can elevate every aspect of our lives.

Elsewhere in this issue, we invite you to immerse yourself in the vibrant arts scene of Cardiff and discover the latest local ventures in Cardiff Works. From groundbreaking exhibitions to independent businesses with big hearts, Cardiff continues to be a hub of creativity and innovation.

So, whether you’re seeking summer inspiration, sustainability insights, or simply a taste of the good life this season, the July edition of Cardiff Life has something for everyone.

Happy reading,

TEAM CARDIFF LIFE cardifflife.wales @cardifflife.wales

Photog: Ugo Gattoni - Paris 2024, Foster_Wales, aimeelaoisephotography, Ding Cycle Tours, Will Barker, Ethereal Aesthetics Piercing Boutique

Fatima Whitbread –Foster Walk

Scene – HayleyThomas

Welsh National Opera (WNO)

Weddings

Cardiff Works – Joe’s Plant Place

New Developments – The Peninsula

Depot in the Castle

2024 Olympics & Paralympics – Rosie Eccles

What’s on – The Wizard of Oz

Let Them See Cake Launches Ice Cream Garden

In an exciting new collaboration, everyone’s beloved patisserie Let Them See Cake has teamed up with Llanfaes Dairy to offer an unparalleled ice cream experience. With over 25 years of expertise in crafting hand-mixed artisan ice cream from their flagship store in Brecon, Llanfaes Dairy brings a rich heritage of quality and flavour to this delicious venture.

The collaboration features unique creations that blend the best elements of both businesses, ensuring a distinctive and memorable treat for customers. The much-anticipated ice cream garden trailer Parlwr Hufen Ia – a must-visit destination for dessert lovers – debuted a few weeks ago, delivering a delightful fusion of Llanfaes Dairy’s celebrated ice cream and the signature flair of Let Them See Cake.

Take a peek at the tasty treats you can expect on their Instagram @letthemseecake

Welsh Talent With Record 2024 Into Film Awards Nominations

Welsh filmmaking talent is set to shine at this year’s Into Film Awards, securing a record number of nominations. The star-studded event will take place on Tuesday 25 June, at the ODEON Luxe Leicester Square in London, celebrating its 10th anniversary of recognising young filmmakers aged 5-19. This prestigious event provides a platform for youth to express their creativity and voice through filmmaking, highlighting stories that matter to them.

In a notable achievement, young filmmakers and champions from Aberystwyth, Merthyr Tydfil, Llandudno, Ysgol Bro Dinefwr, and Cardiff have secured nominations across five of the nine categories. These include Best Animation - 11 and Under, Best Animation - 12 and Over, Best Film - 12-15, Best Film - 16-19, and Filmmaking Champion. With hundreds of entries from across the UK, the nominated Welsh films stand out for their exploration of pressing issues like climate change, mental health, and technology reliance, showcasing the remarkable talent and perspectives of Wales’ young filmmakers.

Find out more about the awards at intofilm.org/awards

Cardiff Author Debuts Novel on Epilepsy and Social Struggles

In a brand-new release set against the vibrant backdrop of Cardiff, author John Alex Taylor’s novel Apples in the Dark delves into the profound effects of epilepsy on social confidence. Drawing from his personal experience with the condition, Taylor provides an intimate portrayal of how epilepsy skewed his expectations and social interactions during his formative years. The novel, which is the first in a series focusing on love, loyalty, and mutual support, highlights characters whose abilities outshine their disabilities. The much-anticipated book is still hot off the press, as it was only published on June 28, 2024.

John is a seasoned professional in social care who has spent most of his life working with adults with learning disabilities. His storytelling skills, honed through his career, have naturally evolved into his writing. Despite not pursuing it seriously until he was fifty, the craft has since become a pivotal part of his life. Taylor reflects on his journey: ‘I developed Epilepsy when I was 12 or 13, and it wasn’t fully controlled until my late twenties. Both the condition itself and the effects of my medication constrained my life when my peers were taking flight. I’ve seen no novels which portray the impact on a person’s social confidence of having epilepsy. Although the characters are fictional, the experience is mine, when younger, and so it is truly ‘own voice’ fiction about a hidden disability.’

Grab yourself a copy from johnalextaylor.com/apples-in-the-dark/

Photography by Marie Francesca

Photography by Lightfield Studios

Book cover by Louise Ryder

CARDIFF FOOD & DRINK FESTIVAL

Cardiff Food & Drink Festival is taking place in the iconic Roald Dahl Plass in Cardiff Bay. From Friday 5 July to Sunday 7 July, the festival promises a vibrant celebration of culinary delights and local craftsmanship through the Producers Fair and Farmers Market, which offer a spectacular spread of produce, while The Street Food Piazza serves freshly prepared delights to tantalise the taste buds. Visitors can also expect live music at the Bandstand and a Crafters Market showcasing a wonderful selection of handmade goods.

Find out more at https://www.visitcardiff.com/food-drink/

THE WIZARD OF OZ

This summer, from 23 to 28 July, the Donald Gordon Theatre at the Wales Millennium Centre will be transformed into the magical land of Oz. The highly anticipated production of The Wizard of Oz promises to be a truly enchanting experience for audiences of all ages. Tickets start at just £17.00, making it an unmissable event for the whole family.

The show boasts an extraordinary cast, featuring the charismatic Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood as the Wicked Witch of the West and the immensely talented JLS star Aston Merrygold as the Tin Man.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit wmc.org.uk/ en/whats-on/2024/wizard-of-oz

GROW YOUR OWN DRIED FLOWER GARDEN & DRIED BOUQUET

On 17 July from 10:30am to 3:30pm an exclusive course at St. Fagans will immerse participants in the art of drying flowers and ornamental grasses. Priced at £65, this experience is designed for individuals aged 16 and above. The course offers a comprehensive introduction to selecting and cultivating flowers ideal for drying, emphasising sustainable growing practices within the picturesque St. Fagans Castle Garden.

Participants will learn the meticulous process of natural air-drying, ensuring their floral arrangements maintain their beauty and longevity. Under the expert guidance of Luciana, a seasoned Garden Conservator at St. Fagans, attendees will explore the nuances of crafting stunning dried flower arrangements. Luciana’s demonstration will equip everyone with the skills

to create their own exquisite bouquets, which they can proudly take home as a memento of their day.

The course unfolds in the serene surroundings of the St. Fagans Castle Garden and the Gweithdy Workshop. The all-inclusive fee covers all necessary materials, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

For lunch, course participants can enjoy a 10% discount at the on-site catering facilities, simply by presenting their course ticket. This offer excludes the Derwen Bakehouse, but adds an extra touch of hospitality to the day.

Book your place at museum.wales/stfagans/ whatson/12241/Grow-Your-Own-Dried-FlowerGarden--Dried-Bouquet/

Photo: St. Fagans

Photo: Richard Lakos What's on

Photo: Visit Cardiff

2024 Paris Olympics & Paralympics

Wales' legends on the world stage

In the heart of Europe, the City of Light is preparing to host the world’s most prestigious sporting event. The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games are set to be a monumental celebration of athletic prowess, cultural unity, and innovative spirit. As Paris opens its doors to athletes and spectators from across the globe, the city is not only promising a display of extraordinary talent and competition but also an unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting legacy. From historic landmarks transformed into sporting venues to inclusivity and sustainability efforts across the board, Paris 2024 is poised to make history in more ways than one. This remarkable event will unite billions in the shared joy of the Olympic spirit, elevating Paris to the centre of the world stage. Here’s all you need to know:

Olympic Games Paris 2024

The Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games promise to be the grandest event France has ever hosted. From 26 July to 11 August 2024, Paris will transform into a global epicentre not just of sport, but of cultural celebration.

The figures surrounding the event are staggering. Billions of television viewers worldwide will tune in to watch 350,000 hours of TV broadcast, with millions of spectators filling 35 venues across the city. Paris’ unique charm will be on full display as iconic landmarks are converted into sporting arenas, providing an unparalleled experience for spectators and a stunning backdrop for athletes. Over 10,500 athletes will compete, supported by 20,000 accredited journalists and 45,000 volunteers, with more than 600,000 meals served daily at the Athletes’ Village. Over 19 days of competition (with handball, football, and rugby starting from 24 July), 329 events will take place, featuring athletes from over 200 National Olympic Committees (NOCs) and the IOC Refugee Olympic Team. The Games will encompass 32 sports (including four additional sports) across 754 sessions, including competitions and ceremonies.

Embracing the IOC’s Olympic Agenda 2020, Paris 2024 introduces four additional sports that resonate with the youth while also embodying creativity and athletic performance: breaking (for the first time at the Olympics), sport climbing, skateboarding, and surfing. These sports are not only easy to join but also foster vibrant social media communities. Paris 2024 aims to embed the values of sport into everyday life, showcasing that excellence and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Paralympics

The 2024 Summer Paralympics will be held in Paris from 28 August to 8 September 2024. This will be the first time Paris hosts the Paralympics, and the second time for France, following the 1992 Winter Paralympics in Tignes and Albertville. The event will feature 22 sports and 549 events, including a record 235 medal events for women (eight more than in 2020). The projection for the overall event foresees a doubling of female participants compared to the Sydney 2000 Paralympics.

The Paris 2024 team is dedicated to making the Games a catalyst for a more inclusive society. Following eleven days of intense competition, perceptions of disability are set to evolve. The Opening Ceremony, held in the heart of Paris at Place de la Concorde and the ChampsElysées, will spotlight Paralympic athletes in a spectacular three-hour event. Artistic director Thomas Jolly aims to create a ceremony that is both impactful and transformative, reconnecting the public with the Paralympic spirit.

Competitions will take place in legendary locations such as the foot of the Eiffel Tower and the gardens of the Château de Versailles, bringing the celebration of sports and athletes closer to the public. For the first time, the Olympics and Paralympics will also share a common emblem. According to Paris 2024 president Tony Estanguet, this decision underscores a unified ambition to embed sports into the daily lives of people, sending a message that ‘whatever the age, whatever the disability or not, you have a place and a role to play in the success of Paris 2024’.

Olympic Broadcasting Services will provide live telecasts for all 22 Paralympic sports for the first time. France Télévisions will air the events on its main channels, while Channel 4 in the UK will continue its comprehensive coverage.

The anticipation for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games continues to build, promising a celebration of diversity, athletic excellence, and a lasting legacy for Paris and beyond.

For full details of all Olympics and Paralympics events, visit olympics.com/en/paris-2024

Welsh sports stars

Table Tennis: Anna Hursey

Making her senior international debut for Wales at age 10, Anna then became the youngest athlete in Commonwealth Games history at age 11, winning a Pride of Sport Award in 2018. In 2021, she achieved her highest ranking as number two in the world and number one in Europe in the under-15 category.

Rowing: Ollie Wyn Griffith

The Olympic bronze medalist in the Men’s Eight at the Tokyo 2020 Games joined the GB Rowing Team in 2017 after injuries shifted his focus from rugby to rowing. A Yale politics major and Cambridge MBA graduate, Ollie mentors young athletes while he continues to excel and inspire in sports.

Sailing: Michael Beckett

The lifelong sailing enthusiast and ICLA 7 star first got his sea legs on his father’s handmade vessel, before joining his first race at age nine. He completed his Engineering in Ship Science degree at Southampton University while being part of the British Sailing Team. He holds a National Youth title, silver at the 2018 Laser World Championships, a European championship in 2021, and the winning spots of the last two Trofeo Princesa Sofia regattas.

Boxing: Rosie Eccles

Since falling in love with boxing during a boxercise class at age 16, Rosie has boxed for Chepstow ABC and Pontypool ABC, before joining the full-time boxing program at Cardiff Met. Currently, she’s training at Sport Wales and with Team GB, and has achieved a silver at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Swimming: Medi Harris

Medi won 100m backstroke bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games at 19, followed by a quartet of medals at the European Championships, including a 100m backstroke silver and 4x100m freestyle relay gold. She continued her success by securing 200m backstroke gold at the 2023 European Short Course Championships and adding silver and bronze in the 4x200m freestyle relay and mixed 4x100m medley relay, respectively.

Matt Richards

Matt made a splash by securing Team GB’s first victory in the men’s 4x200m relay since 1908 with an Olympic gold win in Tokyo at 18. Training under coach Ryan Livingstone at Millfield School, he became world champion in the 200m freestyle in Fukuoka. He plans to

Hector Pardoe

The 23-year-old marathon swimmer will compete in his second Olympic Games with Team GB in Paris 2024, following his debut at Tokyo 2020. Pardoe, who began competitive swimming at age eight and transitioned to open water at 14, won bronze at the 2016 World Junior Championships. He currently trains under Philippe Lucas in Montpellier.

Dan Jervis

Inspired by Rebecca Adlington’s 2008 Olympic victories, the long-distance freestyle specialist placed fifth in the 1500m on his Olympic debut in Tokyo, then went on to win the 1500m at the AquaticsGB Swimming Championships for the sixth time – a feat which secured him his spot at Paris 2024. Jervis, who came out as gay in 2022, has also been very active in LGBTQ+ issues.

Kieran Bird

Kieran’s Olympic journey began in 2012, spurred on by witnessing Chad Le Clos’s victory over Michael Phelps in London. He qualified for Team GB in Tokyo by winning the 400m freestyle at the British Swimming Selection Trials, and only a few months ago achieved both several personal bests and gold at the British National Championships.

Cardiff Hot Wheels

Matt Rees, the Rising Star in Motor Racing

Photos: Samm Smith, Dan Bathie, Mark Rouse

Matthew Owain Rees, an 18-year-old prodigy from Cardiff, is making waves in the world of motor racing. Balancing the demands of his A-levels with his burgeoning racing career, Matt’s journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for the sport. This year, he is competing in the prestigious Porsche Carrera Cup GB, adding another chapter to his already impressive resume.

Matt’s story began at the Llandow Kart Track, where he first experienced the thrill of speed at just three years old, driving his sister’s go-kart in the car park. From these humble beginnings, his talent quickly became evident, leading him to remarkable achievements. In 2021, he claimed the title of British F4 Champion, becoming the only Welsh driver to do so. His success continued as he emerged as a multiple-race winner in the GB3 Championship (formerly British F3) in 2022 and 2023.

This year marked a historic moment for Matt as he made his debut in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB. As a rookie, he achieved pole position, a first in the 22-year history of the championship. This milestone highlights the distance he has travelled from his early karting days to the elite levels of motor racing.

Matt’s prowess on the track has not gone unnoticed. He is the youngest driver ever to be selected for the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) Superstar programme, an accolade that cements his status as one of the hottest properties in motorsport today. This prestigious recognition opens doors to new opportunities and challenges, such as racing Porsche 911 GT3s in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, an event fully televised by ITV Sport. The motor racing prodigy has also recently become an ambassador for WERA Motorsport UK – yet another prestigious position for him to take pride in.

In the latest rounds at Brands Hatch, Matt showcased his skills once again, achieving second place as well as the top rookie accolade. In both races of the weekend, he also achieved backto-back points finishes. As he gears up for the next round, which coincides with the start of his A-level exams, his determination to excel both academically and in racing is clear.

Join the

Excitement:

The MOR500 Club

In line with his transition to sports cars, Matt is thrilled to introduce the MOR500 Club, offering fans and businesses an exclusive opportunity to be part of his journey. For a membership fee of £500, members gain entry into a seasonlong monthly draw with exceptional prizes, including VIP hospitality packages for the British Grand Prix, MotoGP, and the Porsche Carrera Cup. Additionally, members receive limited edition MOR500 merchandise.

As a MOR500 Club member, businesses can leverage the visibility offered by Matt’s social media platforms. What’s more, with ITV Sport broadcasting all eight rounds of the Porsche Carrera Cup, sponsors benefit from exposure to an average of 15 million TV viewers nationally and internationally, as well as 40,000 spectators at each event.

Sponsorship Opportunities

From his early days in Cardiff to becoming a BRDC Superstar, Matt’s journey has been supported by his dedicated parents. Now they are reaching out to potential sponsors to help propel Matt’s career to new heights. A range of sponsorship opportunities are available for those interested in joining this exciting venture, with local sponsor Hudson Cars already snagging one of those coveted spots.

For more information or to explore sponsorship possibilities, contact Julie or Geraint Rees at mattreesracing@outlook.com.

Ken Owens Joins Cardiff Dragons Board

In a strategic move bridging the worlds of rugby and netball, former Wales rugby captain Ken Owens has joined the Cardiff Dragons as a non-executive director. Owens, who retired in April after an illustrious 18-year career, brings a wealth of elite sports experience to the club.

This appointment follows the Dragons earning a spot as one of the eight new franchises set to compete in the revamped Netball Super League next season. Owens’ transition into sports governance is well-timed, leveraging a storied career which includes 91 caps for Wales, two tours with the British and Irish Lions, and appearances in three World Cups.

His rugby accolades include four Six Nations titles and a Pro12 title with the Scarlets in 2017. Owens’ leadership extends off the field, to roles such as the players’ representative on the Scarlets’ board, chairman of the Welsh Rugby Players Association, and a member of the International Rugby Players Council.

‘I’m hugely interested in sports governance and the opportunity to go and work in a different sport, and gain new experiences, and learn new things, is very exciting,’ said Owens. ‘With the advent of the new era of Super League Netball, it’s a great time to get involved. I’m newly retired now, so I’ll have a lot more time on my hands to be able to contribute in whichever way I can and support their dream of becoming a fully professional outfit.’

The Dragons have experienced a significant turnaround on the court, moving towards a promising mid-table finish and increased attendance at their House of Sport venue. The final two home games of the season will be held at the larger Utilita Arena in Cardiff, a testament to their growing fanbase.

Dragons chief executive Vicki Sutton views Owens’ recruitment as a milestone in the club’s evolution. ‘Everyone in Wales knows who Ken is, so it’s a good fit because we want everyone in Wales to know who the Cardiff Dragons are,’ said Vicki. ‘Ken will bring a huge amount to the board. He loves netball, he knows professional sport because he has spent more than half his life within it.’

Owens’ appointment is part of the team’s broader strategy to expand their supporter base and increase male participation in netball. ‘Netball has always been female-first and that is something I have always really loved about the sport,’ added Vicki. ‘But it’s also absolutely time to open the doors to more male participants and more male fans.’

As netball remains the most popular female participation sport in the UK, with over three million players and eight million TV viewers last year, Owens’ involvement is poised to further elevate the Cardiff Dragons and the sport itself.

Photo: Cardiff Dragons

Fatima Whitbread Joins Foster Walk Cardiff 2024

Just a few weeks ago Cardiff was buzzing with excitement as the beloved two-time Olympic medallist and fostering advocate Fatima Whitbread, MBE, joined the community for Foster Walk Cardiff 2024. The event, set in the beautiful surroundings of Bute Park and Cardiff Castle, was a highlight of Foster Care Fortnight™, celebrating the incredible fostering community in Wales and encouraging more people to become foster carers.

With over 7,000 young people in care in Wales but only 3,800 foster families, this event couldn’t have been more timely. Fatima, who grew up in care herself, has been passionately campaigning for more people to step up and offer their homes and hearts to children in need.

In the lead-up to the event Fatima said, ‘This Foster Care Fortnight I am joining foster families, fostering services, supporters and friends on Foster Walks around the UK, helping to raise funds for The Fostering Network. I know change is possible when people come together to work for a shared vision.’

Participants enjoyed a scenic walk through Bute Park, past the majestic Cardiff Castle, and into the lively city centre, ending with delicious refreshments from John Lewis, one of the capital’s Fostering Friendly businesses. This Cardiff walk was just one of many happening across the UK, all aimed at raising awareness and celebrating the difference fostering makes.

Adding a culinary flourish to the celebrations, Fatima shared her favourite family cottage pie recipe in Foster Wales’ new celeb-backed cookbook, Bring Something to the Table. This cookbook, filled with real-life fostering moments and recipes, hopes to inspire more people to become foster carers.

Alastair Cope, head of Foster Wales, expressed his thanks to Fatima for her vital role in raising awareness, adding: ‘Across Wales, our local teams are celebrating Foster Care Fortnight, through events and initiatives which are helping to bust the myths around young people in care and who can

‘We want people to know that local authority fostering is flexible, inclusive, and comes with extensive training and professional development opportunities. We’re urging anyone who is considering becoming a foster carer to get in touch with your local authority today.’

To learn more about becoming a foster carer in Wales, visit fosterwales.gov.wales.

Foster Care Fortnight™, The Fostering Network’s annual campaign, raises the profile of fostering and shows how it transforms lives. This year’s theme, #FosteringMoments, celebrated the profound impact of fostering.

Find out more about The Fostering Network at thefosteringnetwork.org.uk

A CASTLE FOR BUSINESS

Hensol

Six

Conferences | Meetings | Dinners | Events

Cooking With Care

Colleen Ramsey's Star-Studded Cookbook

Masterfully combining culinary delights with community spirit, renowned celebrity chef Colleen Ramsey has launched a groundbreaking cookbook designed to inspire and support young people in foster care. Bring Something to the Table, unveiled during Foster Care Fortnight™, is a testament to the transformative power of food and care, packed with recipes from some of your favourite celebs and designed to teach vital cooking skills to those who need it most.

Photos: Foster Wales

Culinary revolution with heart

At the heart of this initiative is Foster Wales, the national network of local authority fostering services, which collaborated with Colleen to create a cookbook that is as heartwarming as it is practical. The book features over 20 delectable recipes from a constellation of celebrities, all aimed at equipping young care-experienced individuals with essential cooking skills. The launch event, a vibrant cookery workshop held at Fitzalan High School, saw Ramsey herself guiding young participants through the creation of mouthwatering dishes, turning the ordinary into extraordinary.

Colleen’s own ‘everything’ sauce is a standout from the book, designed to be a versatile and teachable recipe for all ages. ‘I love this recipe because it’s the perfect base for so many dishes and is endlessly customisable. You can teach it to children from a young age, and once they’re older, you can let them lead in transforming this basic recipe into a deliciously impressive meal!’ she shares.

From food insecurity to culinary success

Research by Foster Wales revealed that 61% of foster carers have looked after children who have faced food insecurity, with many carers struggling to provide quick and healthy meals. This cookbook aims to bridge that gap, featuring recipes from celebrated figures such as athlete Fatima Whitbread, comedian and foster carer Kiri Pritchard Mclean, and MasterChef winner Wynne Evans. Each recipe is a blend of simplicity and gourmet flair, designed to empower both foster carers and the young people they support.

The cookbook also showcases inspiring stories from careexperienced individuals like Rhys, now a professional chef, who contributed a luscious Oreo brownie recipe. Rhys recalls his journey: ‘I learned to cook through my foster carers. When I first arrived at their house, aged 15, I knew very little about cooking. They supported me in preparing meals for the family, building my confidence and knowledge. I found a passion for food and went on to train as a chef. After working full-time in kitchens, I now create home-baked desserts, like these luxurious Oreo brownies.’

Minister for Social Care Dawn Bowden joined the launch event, emphasising the critical need for more foster families in

Wales. ‘This heartwarming cookbook has recipe contributions from across Wales, which highlight our strong and dedicated fostering community. I want all children in foster care in Wales to have stable lives, to have trusted relationships, to feel cared for and to benefit from high-quality foster care for as long as they need it. Recruiting more foster carers is crucial to this… I hope people recognise the qualities they already possess to support young people and look into fostering with their local authority.’ she stated.

The vision ahead

With over 7,000 children in care but only 3,800 foster families in Wales, Foster Wales aims to recruit more than 800 new foster families by 2026. Bring Something to the Table is a central pillar of this mission, demonstrating how mealtime memories and shared culinary experiences can create a nurturing environment for young people.

The cookbook features an array of exclusive recipes from celebrities and foster carers alike:

Colleen Ramsey: Colleen’s ‘everything’ sauce

Wynne Evans: Family-style spaghetti

Poppy O’Toole: Sausage and vegetable traybake

Jon Jenkins: Pasteis de Nata

Photos: Foster Wales

Fatima Whitbread: Family cottage pie

Kiri Pritchard Mclean: Chicken Kabsa

Plus many more, each recipe carrying a piece of its creator’s heart and home, from grandma’s corned beef hash to West Indian dumplings.

In this delicious blend of gastronomy, generosity and community spirit Colleen Ramsey and Foster Wales have crafted a triple threat towards supporting young people in care. Bring Something to the Table will be distributed to foster carers across Wales, with a digital version available for download at fosterwales.gov.wales/bringsomethingtothetable.

For those inspired to become foster carers, more information can be found at fosterwales.gov.wales.

Chicken Kabsa

Kiri Pritchard Mclean is a comedian and foster carer in Anglesey. Her stand-up show, Peacock, shares her journey to become a foster carer.

‘This is a traditional Arab dish originating from Yemen that we made for a young person who was with us from Syria, he talked about a type of boiled chicken he used to have and after a bit of investigating we worked out it was Kabsa. Some of the ingredients might take a bit of tracking down if you, like us, don’t have much of a world food aisle in the supermarket. But once you’ve bought them, they go very far, and we have it about once a fortnight now - it’s delicious and a great way to feed a big group of people.’

Ingredients

Serves 4 (with leftovers)

2-3 bay leaves

2-3 cardamom pods

1-2 cloves

1-2 cinnamon sticks

1 large onion, finely diced

1 red pepper, chopped

1tsp minced garlic

1tsp minced ginger

2 green chillies, chopped (to taste)

3 dried black limes (if you can get them)

3 diced tomatoes

3tsp tomato paste

3tsp coriander

½tsp ground cardamom

½tsp ground cinnamon

1tsp black pepper

½tsp turmeric

1tsp paprika

1tsp ground cumin

1tsp salt

1.5kg chicken pieces (this recipe can also be made vegan by removing the chicken and adding either fried tofu or vegan chicken at the end)

1.5l hot water

500g basmati rice

Method

Heat vegetable oil in a big pot and add a few bay leaves, a few cardamom pods, a few cloves, and a couple of cinnamon sticks.

After a minute or two add a large onion, finely diced, and a chopped red pepper.

When soft, add a teaspoon of minced garlic, a teaspoon of minced ginger, two chopped green chillies (to taste) and three dried black limes (if you can get them).

Stir in 3 diced tomatoes and 3tsp tomato paste.

Add spices: 3tsp coriander, ½tsp ground cardamom, ½tsp ground cinnamon, 1tsp black pepper, ½tsp turmeric, 1tsp paprika, 1tsp ground cumin, 1tsp salt.

Add 1.5kg chicken pieces.

Pour in 1.5l hot water and simmer for 30 mins.

Remove chicken and add 500g basmati rice, topping up with extra water if needed.

Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is cooked and water has been absorbed.

While rice cooks, paint chicken pieces with a glaze made from neutral oil, tomato paste, black pepper, and water, then put under a hot grill until starting to blacken.

In another pan, toast pine nuts, golden raisins, cashew nuts and sliced almonds.

When everything is ready, fish out whole spices, then turn the rice out onto a big serving platter, top with chicken pieces and scatter nuts over.

To serve: Add a handful of pine nuts, golden raisins, cashew nuts and sliced almonds. Serve with yoghurt and/or flatbread.

Recipes: Bring Something to the Table

Photo: Natalia Hanin

Photos: Foster Wales

Colleen's everything' sauce (V/VE)

Colleen Ramsey, presenter and author of the bilingual family cookbook, Bywyd a Bwyd - Life Through Food.

‘I love this recipe because it’s the perfect base for so many dishes and is endlessly customisable. You can teach it to children from a young age, and once they’re older, you can let them lead in transforming this basic recipe into a deliciously impressive meal!’

Ingredients

2 big garlic cloves, crushed

1tbsp olive oil

2 ready-roasted red peppers (from a jar), roughly chopped 360ml (half a jar) passata

1 chicken or veggie stock cube (the jelly versions work best)

Store cupboard: salt and pepper to taste

Method

Warm the crushed garlic cloves in the olive oil on low heat for a minute, then add in your chopped red peppers.

Cook all the ingredients together for 2 minutes, then add your passata and jelly stock cube.

Turn the heat up until the mixture is boiling, then turn it down to a simmer for 5 minutes.

Take the sauce off the heat, blend with a hand blender and season to taste.

Now you have a basic sauce, that can be combined with so many ingredients to make a mouthwatering meal. I’ve given examples of three dishes, but this can be adapted to your family’s taste!

Cook the pasta according to packet instructions. Drain the pasta, but make sure to keep the pasta water to one side! Pour the sauce onto your cooked pasta with some of the reserved pasta water, stir up and enjoy.

You can use lots of cuts of chicken for this recipe; chicken breast and thigh work especially well. For cooking, grill, fry, or air fry the chicken until cooked through. Top with the sauce and serve with roasted vegetables and potatoes for a balanced weeknight meal.

Fish: Any white fish – cod, haddock, pollock –pairs well with this sauce. Cook the fish to the instructions, and top with the sauce. Serve with new potatoes and green vegetables for a tasty meal rich in protein and iron.

To serve: This dish is always delicious with some fresh Parmesan cheese and basil leaves on top.

Photo: Foster Wales

Photo: Melica

Join us for

The Big Care UK Sports Day

Llys Cyncoed care home, Cardiff Saturday 29th June, 2pm - 4pm

Llys Herbert care home, Lisvane Wednesday 24th July, 2pm - 5pm

Join us to celebrate The Big Care UK Sports Day, where we’re welcoming the local community to come along for fun and games at our Olympics-themed open day, or simply relax and enjoy the cheerful atmosphere.

Trusted to care.

Future-Proofing Wales

WJEC's Sustainability Program

In a bold stride towards a sustainable future, WJEC, Wales’ leading examination board, has launched the innovative Sustainability in Action qualification. This program is designed to give the workforce of tomorrow the skills they need for net-zero jobs, aligning perfectly with Wales’ Wellbeing of Future Generations Act and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

Developed in collaboration with the Office of the Future Generations Commissioner, the new qualification has already garnered significant interest from training providers across England and Wales. It aims to meet the growing demand for sustainability training by providing learners with crucial knowledge in leadership, change management, and stakeholder engagement. This initiative represents a significant milestone in sustainability education, setting a benchmark for future qualifications.

The formal launch of the qualification took place at the prestigious Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, at an event hosted by Derek Walker, the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, and Ian Morgan, the Chief Executive of WJEC. This landmark occasion underscored the importance of the qualification in addressing the climate crisis and preparing the next generation of workers for the challenges ahead.

According to Ian Morgan, ‘these qualifications will give learners the skills and confidence needed to address the climate issues with logic and care and equip them with the requirements to work successfully in sustainability and net-zero jobs. I am very excited about what the future holds for those taking these qualifications. It is imperative that we take whatever action we can amidst the climate emergency to promise a bright future for those after us.’

Derek Walker echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of the initiative for future generations.

‘Leaving a liveable planet for people born in the future is a noble obligation, and it’s exciting that people in

Wales will soon be able to study how to protect the interests of future generations,’ he said. ‘These new qualifications will help take us towards the vision of Cymru Can, my strategy for a Cymru that’s a better place to live, with a bright and optimistic future –thriving, inclusive and green, as we work collectively to tackle the issues facing us now, like the climate and nature emergencies and increasing health inequalities.’

Wyn Prichard, Sustainability and Net Zero Senior Consultant and Chair of WJEC Qualification Development Group, expressed his pride in contributing to the development of these pivotal qualifications. ‘As someone who has been involved in skills and training for more than 30 years, I feel privileged to have been engaged in the development of these key qualifications,’ he stated. ‘Sustainability is a key area of learning for all, and being a 100 Future Generation Changemakers and Wales chair of the Sustainability supply chain school, it is great to see this partnership with WJEC deliver this… The qualification will provide a foundation for the Welsh Government’s aspirations of a NET Zero business and skills base.’

Beyond the Sustainability in Action qualification, learners have the opportunity to delve deeper with a variety of optional units through the Sustainability in Context qualification. Further building on this foundation, WJEC is developing two Sustainability in Practice qualifications. The Level 2 Sustainability in Practice: Future Changemakers is designed to empower individuals to become sustainability changemakers, while the Level 3 Sustainability in Practice supports those with existing sustainability responsibilities within their organisations. These advanced qualifications emphasise practical skills such as leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead and implement sustainable initiatives.

For more details on these exciting new qualifications, contact communications@wjec.co.uk.

Photography by Lila Patel, Tracey Paddison

Elevate Your Garden

DIY Luxury with Microcement

Transforming your garden into a stylish oasis has never been easier or more rewarding. With materials from Concrete Lab, you can create stunning outdoor features that combine luxury with a personal touch.

With the company’s versatile microcement, you can craft beautiful and functional pieces, from sleek pizza oven countertops to chic benches, creating a stunning garden that will last you for years to come. Let’s explore how you can bring a touch of elegance to your garden with these DIY projects:

Dreamy pizza oven countertop

Imagine hosting a pizza night in your backyard, with a sleek, modern pizza oven countertop that you crafted yourself. Microcement is perfect for this project. It’s heat-resistant and easy to clean, providing a durable surface that’s both practical and visually appealing. The seamless, polished finish mimics the look of highend polished concrete, giving your outdoor cooking area a sophisticated edge. Whether you’re a seasoned pizza chef or a beginner, a microcement countertop will make your garden gatherings even more special.

Chic and durable benches

Why stop at the countertop? Extend the elegance to your garden seating with microcement benches. These benches are not only stylish but also durable, making

them a practical choice for any garden. Whether you prefer a minimalist modern design or a more rustic look, microcement benches can be customised to fit your aesthetic. They offer a perfect blend of form and function, enhancing the overall appeal of your outdoor space and providing comfortable seating for you and your guests.

Affordable luxury with microcement

One of the standout features of microcement from Concrete Lab is its affordability. Traditional concrete installations can be expensive, but microcement offers a luxurious finish at a fraction of the cost. This makes it accessible to a wider range of DIY enthusiasts. You get the best of both worlds: the high-end look of polished concrete without the hefty price tag. Plus, the cost savings don’t mean compromising on quality. Concrete Lab’s microcement is designed to be both durable and beautiful, ensuring your garden features will stand the test of time.

Easy DIY with Concrete Lab

Concrete Lab makes your garden makeover a breeze with its comprehensive guides and how-to videos. Even if you’re new to the world of DIY, the resources available on the website make it simple to achieve professional results. The application process for microcement is straightforward, allowing you to get creative with your designs without feeling overwhelmed. Concrete Lab’s commitment to quality means you’re working with top-notch materials, and the team’s expert support is always on hand to help you troubleshoot any issues.

Bringing your garden vision to life

Transforming your garden with microcement is not just about functionality – it’s about creating a space that reflects your style and personality. Whether you’re envisioning a modern outdoor kitchen, a cosy seating area, or both, microcement gives you the flexibility to create a beautiful – and long-lasting – outdoor space. Its versatility means you can experiment with different finishes and textures, ensuring your garden features are unique and tailored to your taste.

Take a look at the full range of materials at concretelab.co.uk

SustainabLE

By Helen Draper

Helen and Jon envisioned their special day as simple, beautiful and responsible. The couple, who met through martial arts, wished for an informal and fuss-free approach. Helen, a climate and sustainability professional, threw out the so-called rule book of traditional weddings and put sustainability at the top of their priorities.

‘Once we discussed what we wanted from the day, aligned with personal, deep-felt values, everything came together easily,’ says Helen.

The wedding industry has some way to go to clean up its act. With an average wedding burning enough carbon to run a house for a whole year, this couple found easy, elegant solutions.

Eco-friendly vision

The couple’s vision was detailed for guests on the couple’s wedding website, made with Hitched. Rather than cutting down trees and creating waste with written invitations, invites were issued through the website, which tracked responses and menu choices. ‘Our aim is for a sustainable wedding that doesn’t cost the earth,’ they wrote on the website.

‘We saved a ton of wed-min (wedding admin!) by doing it this way,’ noted Helen.

The couple consciously chose suppliers who understood their ambitions and contributed ideas about how to bring it all together. Nothing was too much hassle for Gareth at the Norwegian Church, who had a creative eye for detail. Suzanne Jaya Raghavan, the celebrant, was keen on the sustainability theme and was pivotal in bringing it to life. She took time to get to know the couple and referenced beautiful little personal details. ‘It was a very emotional, intimate and personal ceremony,’ recalls Jon.

Jon and Helen didn’t fancy the formality of a sit-down wedding breakfast either and instead followed the 4pm ceremony up with canapes and bubbles. Cardiff-based Classic Food Caterers were set the challenge of putting together a classy all-vegan menu and created a magnificent, varied selection. The couple had real fun looking for a delicious UK-made sparkling wine too. Working with Majestic Wine and taste testing with friends and family, they ended up settling on the crowd favourite – Balfour 1503, Kent.

SustainabLE romance

Weddings That Don't Cost The Earth

Sustainable, natural settings

Travel is usually the top contributor to a wedding’s carbon footprint. Using Cardiff venues local to them and many of their guests meant that the couple slashed climate impacts from the very start. It also made it easy for Helen to work closely with local suppliers to source goods responsibly.

They chose their venues spur of the moment. Sitting down for a drink in the gorgeous late summer sun at their favourite café, Coffi Co in Mermaid Quay, sparked the idea. The couple realised that a year to the day would be a Saturday, so they asked the friendly staff at Coffi Co. about availability, and the spot was secured there and then. Looking across the water they spotted the Norwegian Church twinkling in the sun – perfect for a relaxed afternoon ceremony, followed by a short walk to the evening reception at the café.

‘Nature and romance go hand in hand,’ describes Helen. ‘We wanted to go big on styling a romantic setting, enhancing the beautiful waterside views offered by Cardiff Bay.’

The couple invited Cardiff-based Pink Peony Wedding and Event Design to style the Norwegian Church, enhancing its romantic stained-glass windows. Jan at Pink Peony crafted entranceways, a candle-lit aisle, table settings, and finishing touches. Single-use items were avoided by renting accessories such as umbrellas and a letter box as part of the styling package. This greener approach was cost-effective and hassle-free for the couple, as Pink Peony set everything up and took it all away afterwards.

Photogrpah by Aimee Laoise Photography

Special touches

Helen and her maid of honour travelled the short distance from St. David’s Hotel to the Norwegian Church ceremony on foot. Running into a hen party and being stopped by complete strangers had them arriving in fits of giggles.

Jon and Helen, who have a six-year-old son, sought to make the day special for him too. Kids, couples and families had lots of laughs on the rented white bouncy castle, while garden games from their home made up a play area. The personalised clay dish the couple bought for presenting the rings has become a treasured keepsake from the day in their house.

Instead of a gift registry, Jon and Helen created a fundraiser. They shared a link, and put up a QR code on the day with the note: ‘We don’t need presents, just your presence.’ A heartfelt way to reduce unnecessary consumption, while also doing some social good. Generous guests donated a whopping £900 to causes closest to their hearts.

With an incredible day packed full of fun and joy, this couple showed that sustainability doesn’t have to be boring or involve sacrifice. If anything, it created something more beautiful and personal than they could have ever imagined. In more ways than one, they showed us that weddings don’t have to cost the earth.

Something borrowed

The idea of spending a lot of money on a dress that gets worn once (then has to be cleaned and stored) didn’t appeal to Helen – it seems unnecessary to add to the global fashion waste issue. Something Borrowed, based in South Wales, offers brides a sustainable, highquality alternative through rental. Christie, the founder, worked really closely with Helen to ensure the perfect fit, so that the process of renting was effortless.

The bride-to-be also managed to find a hand-crafted chapel-length veil on Vinted and as-new Monsoon Shoes on Thrift. ‘It wasn’t my intention to save quite so much money on my wedding outfit, but once I started to craft a designer look with a sustainable approach, it just sort of happened!’ exclaims Helen.

Guests really got on board with the idea for their outfits too. The couple were inundated by friends and family boasting about their environmentally friendly finds. ‘It seemed to spark everyone’s imagination,’ noted Jon.

Photogrpah by Aimee Laoise Photography

Edinburgh

Securing the top spot, Edinburgh is a city that promises a blend of historic charm and vibrant nightlife. With a thirdplace ranking in nightlife and second in activities, the city offers a rich tapestry of traditional pubs and modern clubs, alongside plenty of daytime attractions that ensure every moment is memorable.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen shines with its unbeatable affordability. As the best city for both accommodation and drink prices, it’s perfect for a lavish yet economical stay. The average cost for an overnight stay is a mere £80 per night, and drink prices are among the lowest, making it a haven for those who wish to indulge in style without the steep costs.

London

For those in search of an extravagant experience, London remains unparalleled. It’s the best city for nightlife and activities, with an astonishing 3,614 bars and 1,827 main attractions. The city’s high-end offerings make it the ultimate destination for a no-compromise celebration, providing a luxurious backdrop for unforgettable stag and hen parties.

Cardiff

Stag & Hen Hotspot

As the wedding season approaches, the quest for the perfect pre-nuptial celebration destination becomes paramount. A recent study by Coach Hire Comparison has shed light on the top UK cities for unforgettable stag and hen weekends, with Cardiff making a notable appearance among highly-sought locales such as Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and London.

Cardiff

Boujee on a budget

While Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and London have claimed the top three spots for their diverse offerings, Cardiff emerges as a standout for those seeking an indulgent experience without breaking the bank. The study, meticulously collated from sources like TripAdvisor and Booking.com, evaluated 18 UK cities based on accommodation affordability, nightlife, drink prices, and tourist attractions.

Cardiff’s allure lies in its balanced mix of affordability and quality, particularly when it comes to celebratory drinks.

Ranked as the second-best city for drink prices, Cardiff boasts an average pint price of £3.96 and a glass of prosecco at £6.02, making it an ideal destination for those who appreciate a good toast without exorbitant costs.

Top tier trips

For those seeking a luxurious stay, several UK cities stand out for their exceptional offerings. Aberdeen, Exeter, and Gloucester are top choices for accommodation, providing comfort and elegance at competitive prices. When it comes to vibrant nightlife, London leads the way with its unparalleled array of bars and clubs, followed closely by the lively scenes in Liverpool and Edinburgh.

For drink enthusiasts, Aberdeen, Cardiff, and Glasgow offer the best value without compromising quality, making them ideal destinations for those who love a tipple or two. Meanwhile, London, Edinburgh, and Bristol stand out with their array of activities, boasting a choice of attractions and experiences to keep visitors entertained throughout their stay. Whether you prioritise plush lodgings, energetic nightlife, affordable drinks, or engaging activities, these cities cater to every luxury traveller’s desires.

Laura Stokes, co-founder of Coach Hire Comparison, encapsulates the essence of the study’s findings, saying: ‘With the wedding season fast approaching and an increasing number of people choosing to celebrate their stag and hen dos in the UK, we wanted to create an invaluable guide for those looking to create an unforgettable experience.

‘We’ve highlighted the top destinations for various characteristics to make sure there’s something for everyone. People can plan their celebrations around their preferences, whether it’s a cheap getaway, city exploring, or a more boozy gathering.’

Whether it’s the allure of Edinburgh’s historic charm, Aberdeen’s budget-friendly luxury, or London’s vibrant nightlife, the UK presents a wealth of options for the ultimate stag and hen parties. Travellers looking to celebrate in style can find a unique blend of affordability and quality at the heart of Cardiff with a luxurious experience that doesn’t compromise on enjoyment. Embrace the luxury, celebrate with flair, and make your pre-wedding festivities truly unforgettable.

Explore the full guide and plan your perfect celebration on coachhirecomparison.co.uk/blog/best-uk-destinations-stag-hen-dos

Photos: Richie Chan, Colin & Linda McKie, Sergii Figurnyi, travelwitness, bernardbodo

REACH THE BEACH FROM YOUR DOORSTEP

It’s never been easier to fly abroad from your local airport thanks to the network of flights offered by KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from Cardiff Airport

START YOUR TRIP the convenient way this summer: fly right from your doorstep with KLM Royal Dutch Airlines from Cardiff Airport.

Enjoy the benefits of departing from your nearby airport – say farewell to lengthy congested commutes to distant airports, and instead use the extra time to relax before your flight. Not to mention the added bonus of keeping a bit more of your dirhams, dollars, reals, or rands in your pocket thanks to the money saved from a shorter journey to your local airport.

With convenient flight schedules from Cardiff Airport, and offering connections to the world via Amsterdam, you can easily reach the beach and explore the shore in far-flung sunny destinations. Dubai anyone? The city that has it all, right in the middle of the desert, and easily reached from Cardiff. Or perhaps St Martin – for all the sailing, swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving and sun you can possibly soak up in one Caribbean holiday. Did we mention Rio yet? A cheeky trip to Cape Town maybe? All destinations (and then some) waiting and wanting to be discovered, conveniently from your local airport.

With KLM Royal Dutch Airlines all destinations can be easily reached via a simple transfer connection at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. Offering a single airport terminal concept with a wide array of shopping options, restaurants and quirky attractions (think: a Rijksmuseum, the world’s first airport library, a kids playground to clamber on a real plane, and an airport park). Keeping all ages entertained, helping towards a smooth and enjoyable transfer on the way. Via Amsterdam, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines connects to 155 worldwide destinations from Cardiff Airport.

Irrespective of where you fly, you’ll always receive complimentary snacks and drinks on the way during your short connecting flights from/to the UK – while on the long-haul part of your journey in Economy Class you can also enjoy a meal, bar and snack service all included in the price of your ticket. Recharge your phone, connect to WiFi1, or watch a movie; enjoy the flight!

You can choose from a range of cabins to suit your budget, comfort level and needs: Economy Class, Premium Comfort Class, or World Business Class.

Travel in the newly introduced Premium Comfort Cabin2 and you can elevate your comfort to enjoy more space and privacy in a separate cabin. Sit back and relax in your seat with extra legroom and recline: a wide selection of meals and drinks, together with a large inflight entertainment screen tops off a memorable holiday nicely.

Or travel in style and take to the skies in luxurious World Business Class, with full-flat seats on intercontinental flights. You’ll enjoy extra privacy and comfort alongside meals created by top Dutch chefs prepared with the freshest ingredients. A great way to mark an extra special celebratory trip.

If you are travelling more for business purposes than leisure, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines range of flight departures allow you to comfortably fit a business trip into a busy schedule. You can build international relationships and networks that will directly benefit trade and your company as well as helping the local economy prosper.

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines make it possible to take-off closer to home, see and experience the world, and return with memories and opportunities when you fly back home.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

To find out more about KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and their full range of exciting destinations, visit klm.co.uk

1You can purchase WiFi during check-in or once you’ve boarded your flight 2Offered to select long-haul destinations Information correct at time of print

Fashion Makeover

The Rise of Conscious Clothing

By Samantha Eastcott, The Circular Studio

Shopping sustainably is no longer considered a new term. It’s something we have all become way too familiar with by now and actually, becoming more conscious with our shopping habits is something we can all collectively aim to work on. It’s definitely a challenge because trends still move quickly and the seasons change even quicker, especially in a country like Wales.

The question is, how do we combat a trillion-pound industry that is now built on incredibly poor supply chain management, ethics and decades of poor decision-making?

In some ways, the problem does start with us, the consumers, but it does end with the source, which is the suppliers, manufacturers and fashion brands themselves. If we were to look at the facts, in 2023 the global apparel fashion market was valued at £1.38 trillion, with a projected annual growth rate of 0.18% between 2023 and 2027. In terms of fashion’s contributions to the economy, it employs over 500,000 people in the UK alone, accounting for 3.32% of the total global economy.

Despite this, the industry is still ranked as the fourth highest polluter for water use, the fifth highest for greenhouse gas emissions, and the second for land, so overall it’s not looking great. For us as consumers, this can be a lot to process when clothes have a huge part in our identities and creative expression.

Conscious change

Making conscious decisions when it comes to our clothes can be difficult because there are several additional challenges we have to overcome in the current state of things. We can’t excuse the fact that clothes have become more expensive, due to the cost of materials, labour and imports, which have all skyrocketed.

Let’s be honest, our economy is in a state of question and looking good has never been harder. Or has it?

Sometime last year, I noticed that there was nowhere to go higher up in the valleys if you loved fashion. I was looking to reconnect with like-minded people and make new friends, but there wasn’t anything or anywhere to go. That’s how I decided to start my own community.

Not too long ago, we had a booming industry of clothing manufacturers, and though fashion in Wales has gradually diminished, the underground scene has never been stronger – if you know where to look. The Cardiff scene is strong, but the Valleys were still lacking some sauce. That’s why in January I launched The Circular Studio, which is re-thinking fashion and textile waste, while also offering opportunities in fashion to the local area.

Since opening the doors to our first studio, we have assembled a team of four people and also opened a small container shop in the new Ffos Caerffili market, selling preloved designer and branded second-hand clothes and accessories.

We cover all bases, from beginner sewing classes and teaching you the tricks to upcycling and repairing clothes to clothes swaps and Second-hand Saturdays, where you can bring in your old clothes to be used as in-store credit. Yes, you read that right! The girl math is not wrong on this one. Or, you can just buy really cool second-hand clothes for a fraction of the price.

It’s basically a win-win, and you help to re-circulate clothes locally rather than adding to clothing export, incineration or landfilling. So, if you don’t know where to start, you can always start your conscious clothing change with us!

Photos: The Circular Studio

Reigning sustainable clothing

If you want to go a step further, here are my top tips for becoming a circular economy queen:

Start with your own wardrobe. Be brutal – if you have clothes you no longer wear, sell them, swap them or bring them to us so that you can start to curate your wardrobe, while also minimising your washing.

Pick out your core pieces and hang them up. The trick is to group the items you know work together and start using the 333 method. Building a capsule wardrobe and finding clothes that fit you effortlessly is the key to getting ready in 10 minutes. You’ll be surprised how much more you wear your clothes when they actually fit you.

Shop second-hand where you can. It’s the most obvious advice, but you need to practice what you preach. Don’t just think of charity shops as a way to dump old clothes (in fact, avoid this if you can!), think of them as a Cave of Wonders – you can’t go into them with a closed mind! You have to be ready to rummage and look through every rail because that’s how you find the good stuff – especially in the menswear section.

If you prefer shopping online, Vinted, Ebay and Depop are all great for finding secondhand treasures as well as selling them. Just do your research before you buy so you don’t get scammed – check the seller info, price and descriptions for any red flags.

For more tips on becoming a circular connoisseur, follow us @thecircularstudio or even pay us a visit!

Photos: The Circular Studio

CWFL Champions Cool, Sustainable Style

In the heart of Cardiff’s Laundry Quarter, a fashion revolution is subtly unfolding.

CWFL, a unisex fashion and self-care store, has been making waves since its inception just over a year ago. Expanding its remit beyond just a shopping destination, the chic boutique is a testament to the elegance of sustainable living, curated for the discerning eco-conscious consumer.

CWFL’s commitment to sustainability has not gone unnoticed. The store proudly made its mark on Huit Denim’s prestigious The Do One Thing Well List 2023, a recognition of its dedication to ecofriendly fashion. Among its curated selections are DL1961 denim jeans, crafted from recycled and biodegradable fibres, and the 100% vegan sliders by Freedom Moses, both of which reflect CWFL’s ethos of combining style with sustainability.

What sets CWFL apart is its exclusivity. Each product is stocked in limited quantities, ensuring that every piece is a unique addition to your wardrobe, embodying quality over quantity. This approach aligns with the store’s philosophy of ‘anti-fast’ fashion, a principle deeply rooted in its origin.

The brainchild of Lauren Wellman and Nerys Parry, the idea for CWFL was born during casual conversations at their children’s swimming lessons. Both women share a passion for laid-back, everyday design and a commitment to sustainable fashion. Lauren, a former specialist make-up artist who relocated to Cardiff for her work on Doctor Who, and Nerys, who balances the business with her global

career in live sports broadcasting, bring a unique blend of creativity and business acumen to CWFL.

Lauren reflects on their journey: ‘The idea for the store started with our friendship. We both love a cool, laid-back vibe – unisex clothes that give you confidence and calm – but found that none of the ‘cool bits’ we liked could be bought in our home city of Cardiff… We’re so proud of all the brands we have, and the fact that we’re the only stockist in Wales for many of them. When you buy something from us, you’re buying cool, durable clothes, made to last.’

CWFL’s brand lineup effortlessly combines sustainability and style. It includes the likes of Mads Nørgaard, known for using organic and recycled materials, and Swedish organic beauty products by L:A BRUKET. Home scent aficionados, meanwhile, will love Earl of East – a trendsetting company that began at a market stall in East London.

Fashion-forward customers can also find pieces from Gestuz, STUTTERHEIM rainwear, Amsterdam-based Tol Eyewear, and Camber USA. Notably, Camber USA’s jersey sweatshirts have been dubbed ‘the best hoodie on the planet’ by GQ magazine.

CWFL is more than a store; it’s a lifestyle choice for those who value sustainability without compromising on style.

Explore the store’s luxury eco-conscious collections online at cwfl.co.uk

Sustainable Summer

Nestled in the heart of Pontcanna, Déjà Vu is a preloved clothes boutique that promises a unique fashion discovery every time you visit. The shop specialises in high-quality everyday womenswear that is meticulously handpicked with you in mind, with curated stock which is constantly revolving, so there’s always something new to explore.

The Déjà Vu team are passionate about reusing clothes that are still in great condition and promoting timeless pieces that never go out of style. idea of second-hand clothing and bring awareness to the fast fashion crisis that our environment is facing. Having a sustainable and ethical approach to fashion means that you can shop with a clear conscience whilst also saving money on high-quality pieces. Visit the boutique today and be part of the change, one stylish outfit at a time.

Romper –Farm Rio, £50 Sandals –Doc Martens (unworn), £70

Summer Looks

– Anthropologie,

T-shirt – ME+EM, £26

Shorts – Levi, £26

Bag – H&M, £12

Shoes – L.K.Bennett, £24

Jumpsuit

£26

Trainers – Mjus, £40

Bag – Vintage, £14

Cowboy Boots –Vintage real leather, £60

Bag –Hidesign, £40

Kaftan – Karen Millen, £20

Sandals – Maje, £26

Dress - J.Crew, £24

Bag - Peta+Jain, £26

Sandals - Boden, £24

Top – Vintage vest, £16

Trousers –Elevenses, £18

Shoes – Jimmy Choo, £150

Top – Twin Ty, £16

Skirt – Essential Antwerp, £50

Bag – Michael Kors, £50

Top – Urban Outfitters, £20

Jeans – Zara, £18

Purse – Karen Millen, £12

Shoes – Dune, £30

Trainers – Polo by Ralph Lauren, £48

Dress – Vanessa Bruno, £36

Shoes – Audley, £50

Bag – Osprey London, £40

5-STAR FITNESS

Unforgettable Cardiff Summer

Written by Film Probe, filmprobe.co.uk

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to experience the thrill of a music festival inside one of Cardiff’s most historical landmarks? Well, now you can, thanks to Depot in the Castle – a live music event featuring various musical artists, food vendors and an unbelievable atmosphere, all taking place inside Cardiff’s 11th-century castle.

With over 2000 years of history, Cardiff Castle is an unforgettable venue for a music festival. Immerse yourself in Cardiff’s rich history as you sit back, relax and enjoy an abundance of musical talent.

Cardiff is a vibrant and lively city, with an established theatre and film scene, but now it is time to also appreciate its incredible music scene. The popularity of other art forms can often overshadow the city’s musical history, but it’s important to remember the range of music on offer in Cardiff is absolutely huge and ever-growing. Since the 1990s, the Welsh capital has been dominated by indie rock and alternative folk music. It is very special to see Cardiff embrace the city’s love of music, broadening its horizons and bringing it back into the mainstream of the city streets.

Cardiff Castle is a prominent community hub and the first thing you think of when you picture our city. It is the very centre of Cardiff and it has been host to a plethora of prestigious artists. The list ranges from Nile Rodgers, Clean Bandit, Tom Odell, and Craig David to captivating acts such as Madness,

a-Ha, The Chicks, Blondie, Sting, Westlife, Hozier, Lumineers, Bastille, and the one and only Sir Tom Jones.

Depot in the Castle is a popular day out among locals and visitors alike, perfect if you’re looking to surround yourself with like-minded individuals and enjoy the event of the summer. You can spend the day relaxing in the unique atmosphere of Cardiff’s most captivating monument, soaking up the celebration of music for all ages suitable for the whole family. What’s more, Depot in the Castle is an event accessible to all – we wouldn’t want anyone to miss this!

The event will be celebrating its sixth year in 2024 with an incredible lineup of musical guests; headlining the event is English singer-songwriter and pop sensation, Anne-Marie. She will be accompanied by seven impressive acts, including Tom Walker and DJ Jax Jones.

Don’t miss out on this spectacular event, for one day only on Saturday 17 July. If you like the sound of Depot in the Castle, be sure to also check out another of Cardiff’s music-themed events, the Cardiff Music City Festival in October 2024.

It is important to note, Wales is not known for its reliable weather conditions. The event will not be cancelled, even with potential rain, but remember to dress appropriately. Depot in the Castle is a relaxed event, but please note pets are not allowed in, and you cannot bring your own food and beverages.

Photos: David Matthew Lyons, Depot in the Castle

Immerse yourself in an unparalleled experience of inclusivity and innovation at the Mastering Diversity Conference Wales 2024 by multi-award-winning ED&I expert and founder Bernie Davies. In partnership with Welsh Rugby Union, Cardiff Life and WCS Agency, the event is hosted at the iconic Principality Stadium. It’s free to attend and exhibit, and promises enlightenment and connection, drawing together thought leaders, changemakers, and visionaries.

Grand opening

Start your day at 8:30am with registration, followed by an inspiring Opening Ceremony at 9am. Be welcomed by the First Minister for Wales, Hon. Vaughan Gething, as well as the CEO of the Welsh Rugby Union and some entertainment to set the tone for a day filled with discovery and engagement.

At 9:30am, creator and event host Bernie Davies will present a pivotal report detailing the progress of the past 12 months and addressing the crucial question: ‘How Do We Master Diversity in Post-COVID Wales?’ This session promises to inspire other thoughtful and reflective discussions throughout the day ahead.

Next, prepare to be motivated by the remarkable Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE, a Paralympian, Commonwealth Champion, and Crossbench Peer in the House of Lords. Her keynote at 10am will deliver invaluable insights and her incredible personal story.

Dynamic breakout sessions

From 10:15am to 1:15pm, dive into a series of breakout sessions, seminars, and workshops. These sessions will be divided into EDI Zones and take place in the Corporate Hospitality Boxes, offering a wealth of networking opportunities, knowledge exchange, and expert-led discussions across nine unique zones. Each zone is tailored to explore different facets of diversity and inclusion, led by NATWEST Bank, Ogi, Bevan Buckland LLP, Scouts Cymru, and Toni Clarkstone Global, to name a few.

Exhibition

There will be showcases from upwards of 40 exhibitors from the public, private and third sectors, as well as key community groups. Make sure you engage with them on the day to see how they can help you or how you can support their work.

Culinary delight

Lunch, available from 1:15pm to 1:45pm, will be crafted by the talented caterers of the Principality Stadium. Relish a delightful array of dishes that are as diverse and exquisite as the discussions of the day. Teas, Coffees and other refreshments are available for purchase throughout the day.

Afternoon

keynotes and panels

The afternoon kicks off with a keynote from a distinguished Welsh Government Minister at 1:45pm, followed by another powerful keynote from Toni Clarkstone at 2pm. Then, from 2:15pm to 2:45pm,

We Go Together or Not at All

Mastering Diversity Conference Wales 2024

enjoy the expert panel featuring all nine Zone Leads. This session will highlight the day’s key takeaways and provide an opportunity for an engaging Q&A with the audience.

Documentary launch and announcement of the Mastering Diversity Awards (16 October) finalists

At 2:45pm, be the first to view the trailer for the Mastering Diversity documentary, introduced by filmmaker and Director Georgios Dimitropoulos. This documentary offers a profound exploration of the state of diversity and inclusion in Wales, with the premiere date to be announced during this segment.

The day will conclude with the announcement of the finalists for the inaugural bi-annual awards to be held at the Senedd and hosted by immediate past First Minister of Wales, the Hon Mark Drakeford MS. Special entertainment will then be followed by closing remarks from Mastering Diversity Founder, Bernie Davies.

Do not miss this extraordinary opportunity to be a part of the Mastering Diversity Conference Wales 2024. Book your tickets now and be a part of shaping a more inclusive future.

framing the future

Photo by David Mayne

Photo by Richard Jones

Photo by Hayley Thomas

Top researchers from Aberystwyth University believe photographs may hold the key to unlocking people’s unspoken politics. The Senedd in Cardiff Bay recently hosted the final exhibition in a series called ‘Framing the Future: Photography from Wales, Scotland and Catalonia,’ by the Centre for Welsh Politics and Society. This exhibition featured 46 photographs by 35 photographers from three nations, exploring sentiments around independence. Curators Dr Elin Royles and Dr Anwen Elias aim to analyse the data collected to understand the power of photographs in sparking difficult political conversations. Dr Elias explained, ‘Photography is a powerful tool in providing a more rounded understanding of what’s going on, and to help determine to what extent emotion dictates people’s standpoints on issues like independence.’

At the Senedd exhibition, discussions included researchers, participating photographers, and author Will Hayward, emphasising creativity’s role in political discourse. Early findings suggest that photography offers a unique way to engage in discussions about Wales’s constitutional future. The final research by Dr Elias and Dr Royles, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, will be published later this year.

Photography by Huw Evans Picture Agency on behalf of Centre for Welsh Politics and Society

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Upon entry through the impressive dark blue doorway, guests are welcomed into an inviting entrance porch leading to a hallway adorned with quintessential Victorian features, including reclaimed floor tiles, ceiling roses, and detailed staircase. The ground floor unfolds into a spacious open-plan kitchen dining room, featuring integrated appliances, a wine fridge, and bi-fold doors seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor spaces. A formal reception room bathed in natural light and a convenient cloakroom/wc complete this level.

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The second floor hosts four additional bedrooms, including another en suite, and a separate shower room.

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PENARTH

In a heartfelt initiative to bring joy and creativity to Cardiff’s Ely and Caerau districts, the Welsh National Opera (WNO) has launched an ambitious community engagement project named Ely Bridge. Coinciding with the anniversary of the public unrest in the area last year, this project is poised to strengthen community connections through the transformative power of music and art, with the esteemed BAFTA awardwinning actress Rakie Ayola as its ambassador.

Rakie Ayola, a proud Ely native, is thrilled to give back to her roots. ‘I’m delighted to be teaming up with Welsh National Opera on this project which will give me the opportunity to give something back to the community I grew up in,’ she says. ‘I’m thrilled at the prospect of working alongside people of Ely and Caerau whilst engaging in creative activities that can bring real joy and positivity to an area which is often unfairly represented.’

Ely Bridge aims to not only enhance the lives of those in one of Wales’ most deprived areas but also to shift perceptions and showcase the vibrant community spirit that thrives there. Collaborating with ongoing efforts by the Welsh Government and local organisations like Action in Caerau and Ely, WNO’s initiative will offer new avenues for communication, creativity, and connection.

Central to this initiative are workshops in Ely and Caerau primary schools, specifically targeting children aged 10-11. This age is critical as students transition from primary

Bridging Communities

WNO's New Project

to secondary school, a period fraught with potential disengagement from education. By encouraging these young minds to take part in music education, WNO hopes to provide a creative outlet that nurtures curiosity and imagination –qualities that are increasingly sidelined in today’s financially constrained educational environment.

Selected schools, including St Francis Roman Catholic Primary School and Herbert Thompson Primary School, will see the first wave of these workshops, with a later extension planned for secondary education at Cardiff West Community High School. The project’s aim is to combat issues arising during these key educational transitions, such as the risk of exploitation by criminal gangs – a troubling reality in the area.

Sandra Taylor, the WNO producer leading the project, emphasises the importance of this initiative: ‘WNO is able to offer unique opportunities for children and young people to work with highly skilled professionals, who can inspire and help raise aspirations. At a time when the arts are being squeezed from the curriculum, this project offers opportunities for creativity, an important part of learning that helps develop curiosity, imagination, choice making and, ultimately, those allimportant problem-solving skills needed for future careers.’

The first phase of Ely Bridge will shape the future trajectory of the project, with WNO practitioners adapting the program based on the children’s aspirations. The subsequent phase will involve intergenerational activities, fostering connections among children, parents, teachers, and key community figures such as social workers, council members, and South Wales Police officers.

For further details on this inspiring initiative, visit wno.org.uk.

Photography by AnnaStills, highwaystarz, Rakie Ayola

Cardiff's HotTest new Developments

The Peninsula

Cardiff Bay is poised for a stunning transformation as the latest redevelopment plans breathe new life into an area that has remained dormant for years. The ‘Peninsula’ site, located southeast of the International Sports Village, is set to undergo an ambitious rejuvenation.

In January 2024, the Cardiff Peninsula Consortium, spearheaded by Orion Land and Leisure, unveiled an exciting new vision for the site. The updated masterplan includes 1,003 homes, featuring a mix of townhouses and apartments in five striking high-rise buildings along the Bay waterfront, and an additional 306 co-living apartments nearby.

Adding to the area’s allure, the development will boast a 216-room luxury hotel, expansive retail and commercial spaces, modern offices, and six beautifully landscaped public areas. The existing boardwalk will also be completed, enhancing the waterfront experience, and ample car parking will be provided.

The development will also feature over 70 assisted living apartments in a lower-rise building located alongside the waterfront, designed with retired residents looking to downsize in mind.

While the rest of the construction takes place, the Peninsula is set to open for visitors with padel tennis courts and a boxpark of food and drink venues this summer.

Cathays Park cafe

In the heart of Cardiff’s civic centre, a once-neglected relic, an old public toilet block, is poised for a remarkable transformation into a chic café. After navigating through years of meticulous planning, Hakan Sir, the astute mind behind St Mary Street’s Lezzet Turkish Kitchen, has finally secured the necessary permissions, setting the stage for the café’s potential debut later this year.

Nestled amidst the gorgeous Cathays Park, this early 20th-century architectural gem is a Grade II listed structure which has long languished in a state of disrepair, teetering on the brink of collapse. However, visionary proposals now promise to breathe new life into its weathered walls, with plans for a substantial rear extension and an inviting decking area at the front.

According to the submitted blueprints, the café will boast twelve indoor tables and six outdoor ones, complemented by a wellappointed bar, food preparation area, and restroom facilities. What’s more, the revitalisation will include the addition of rain garden planters, enhancing the locale’s aesthetic appeal and environmental sustainability.

Hakan shares that he envisions a café offering a lighter culinary fare than his renowned restaurant for a cafe-bistro style. He also has visions for collaborating with the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama to have students exhibiting their art or putting on performances in the venue.

Ding Cycle Tours

Husband and wife duo Mark and Beccy, both journalists and lecturers, have recently embarked on an exciting new venture in Cardiff, offering guided threehour sightseeing bike tours of the city. Their enterprise, Ding, is a not-for-profit social initiative aimed at supporting the local community and promoting cycling as a healthy and sustainable mode of transportation.

Ding’s cycle tours have already garnered rave reviews from visitors from the US, the Netherlands, the north of England, and the local areas. The enterprise reinvests any profits back into the business to further benefit the community. The goal is to encourage cycling in Cardiff and support local independent businesses while celebrating the city’s diversity.

Ding’s tours, led on distinctive blue bikes equipped with traditional bells, offer a unique way to explore Cardiff. The tours cover the city’s history from Roman times to modern rock stars, traversing bike lanes and picturesque parks. With frequent stops and a leisurely pace, the tours are accessible to all competent cyclists, regardless of fitness level. Friendly guides, including experienced journalists and broadcasters, share their personal stories and insights about living and working in Cardiff, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Navigating Cardiff by bike is a breeze with Ding. Avoiding busy roads, the tours take advantage of the city’s extensive cycle lanes

and serene parks, offering a safe and scenic experience. Ding’s traditional blue bikes are not only visually charming but also comfortable and well-maintained. Designed for ease of use, they feature stands for convenient parking. The tours proceed at a relaxed pace, making the most of Cardiff’s flat terrain.

Mark and Beccy bring decades of experience living and working in Cardiff, ensuring that every tour is engaging and fun. Their passion for the city and cycling is infectious, promising an enjoyable ride whether you are a visitor or a local. Ding strives to accommodate all visitors, offering tours in multiple languages upon request. Whether you speak Welsh, French, Spanish, or another language, Ding will do its best to ensure everyone can enjoy the tour.

For more information or to book a tour, visit ding.wales.

Joe's Plant Place

Joe’s Plant Place has recently joined the vibrant group of independent traders at Ffos Caerphilly. This venture promises a captivating journey into the world of houseplants, offering a new sanctuary for plant lovers.

Joe, the founder, shares the heartfelt story behind the business: ‘We started this idea on market stalls July 2023 with the [aim] of turning my hobby into a business to support my young family and leave a legacy that my daughter may someday want to take on herself. From Joe’s Houseplants to Joe’s Plant Place, the idea has turned into something beautiful.’

In December 2023, Joe made the bold decision to leave his full-time job and fully dedicate himself to this dream. The shop, meticulously prepared with help from Joe’s family, loved ones, and financial support from @princestrust and @caerphillycouncil, has already received tons of love from plant aficionados, and the owner reveals that

they have ‘major plans for the next three years to invigorate the plant hobby.’

Collaborating with Ffos Caerphilly, Joe’s Plant Place has also introduced vibrant plant installations that enhance the shopping experience throughout the venue, with stunning 3D-printed pots created by Eureka Print 3D.

Looking ahead, Joe has a series of workshops in the pipeline, with themes including plant thirst aid rescue, terrariums, seascapes, desertscapes, and kids activities. Additionally, there will be workshops on ceramic pot painting, as well as potential hen do parties and team-building activities.

Joe’s Plant Place is poised to become a cherished destination for houseplant lovers, promising a joyful experience filled with beauty, creativity, and community spirit.

For more information, visit joesplantplace.square.site

Ethereal Aesthetics Piercing Boutique

Celebrating ten years in the piercing industry and marking her second year as a proud member of the UK Association of Professional Piercers, Rae, the visionary behind Ethereal Aesthetics Piercing Boutique, is transforming the body piercing landscape in Cardiff. Her journey began with a prominent high street retail/piercing chain and evolved through years of self-employment in local tattoo studios. Recognising Cardiff’s need for a dedicated, distraction-free piercing space, Rae founded Ethereal Aesthetics Piercing Boutique in 2022.

Situated at Meanwhile Creative, a vibrant hub for local independent businesses just minutes from Cardiff Central Station, Ethereal Aesthetics Piercing Boutique offers a serene and inclusive environment – the perfect a sanctuary for those seeking personalised, high-end piercing and styling experiences. Rae sources jewelry exclusively from the industry’s finest suppliers, including BVLA, Junipurr, Anatometal, and Industrial Strength, ensuring the highest quality for her clients.

Ethereal Aesthetics Piercing Boutique operates on an appointment-only basis, providing private, hour-long sessions that prioritise client comfort and undivided attention. Rae meticulously discusses healing expectations, aftercare, and jewelry choices with her clients, with an emphasis on informed consent and honesty. For Rae, piercing is more than a procedure – it’s a lifestyle choice, and she is dedicated to offering lifetime aftercare, check-ups, custom jewelry design, styling, and curation services. Her commitment extends to troubleshooting and cleaning services for existing piercings, regardless of their origin.

Rae specialises in ear piercings and custom ear curations, but the studio’s offering also includes a range of facial and body piercings, featuring implant-grade titanium and solid 14/18k jewelry. With an array of options available for custom orders, there is something to suit every budget. The studio’s sterilisation protocols are impeccable, from single-use piercing blades and tools, and employing aseptic techniques, with jewelry cleaned and sterilised in-studio before every piercing.

Piercing is Rae’s passion, and her ethos is clear: everyone deserves a safe, welcoming space where their piercing experience, comfort, and wellbeing are paramount. Ethereal Aesthetics Piercing Boutique is a testament to this philosophy, offering Cardiff a premier destination for exquisite and thoughtful body piercings.

See more of Rae’s work or book your appointment at etherealaestheticspiercing.com

Photography

n an exciting stride for Cardiff’s dining scene, Chef Tom Waters recently unveiled his much-anticipated restaurant, Gorse. This permanent establishment follows the widespread acclaim of his pop-up ventures, which have tantalised taste buds across the Welsh capital.

Tom Waters, a Newport native, boasts an impressive resume with stints at London’s prestigious kitchens such as Heston Blumenthal’s The Fat Duck, The Square, and Bonhams. Returning to his Welsh roots eighteen months ago, Tom’s pop-up concept, Gorse, quickly became a local sensation. His ‘Modern Welsh’ tasting menus, which highlight his deep connections with local farmers and producers, have captivated diners with a unique blend of tradition and innovation.

According to Tom, Gorse is all about delivering ‘a taste of Wales on a plate’ in a relaxed and unpretentious environment – a feat which

Gorse

he achieves through a mix of meticulous technique and heartfelt local sourcing.

Gorse’s new permanent home, a transformed coffee shop on Kings Road in Pontcanna, Cardiff, now features a modern, intimate dining room which can house up to 22 guests, complete with a sleek, open-plan kitchen. The space, designed by local agency Karna, embodies Tom’s passion for local sourcing. Walls adorned with plaster-immortalised Gorse flowers from Gower and locally sourced ceramic crockery add to the restaurant’s distinct charm, while vases of dried black oats pay homage to Wales’ agricultural heritage.

Diners at Gorse can look forward to an ever-evolving menu rooted in micro-seasonality. ‘Gorse is about capturing local ingredients at the peak of their deliciousness and serving them in creative and sometimes unexpected ways,’ Tom explains. With inspiration drawn from Wales’ rich coastline and bountiful produce, the dishes promise to be a fresh take on traditional Welsh cuisine.

Gorse offers a four-course lunchtime menu at £35 per person, while evenings feature a choice of seven or ten-course tasting menus, priced at £75 and £100 respectively. With bookings now open, the venue is poised to become a must-visit destination for culinary enthusiasts.

Secure your spot by visiting gorserestaurant.co.uk

Photography by Will Barker

Conquer Burnout

Empowering Women to Thrive

Defined by the World Health Organisation as ‘resulting from chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed’, burnout is made up of three main aspects: energy depletion or exhaustion, increased mental distance from your job, and feelings of negativism or cynicism related to your job combined with reduced professional efficacy.

Over the last year, one in five people had to take time off work due to poor mental health caused by stress, with women being five per cent more likely than men to suffer from extremely

high pressure at work. The reasons range from women working unpaid overtime more frequently or suffering from poor sleep, to poor physical health or financial uncertainty and general money worries.

Those aged between 35 and 44 suffered most from extreme stress, while workers aged between 18 and 24 were most likely to take time off work due to poor mental health caused by high pressure. The job roles with the highest risk of burnout, unsurprisingly, include health professionals, teachers and educators, social workers, and prison officers.

The science behind burnout

Burnout is different to transient stress. Transient stress is normal and can be beneficial in certain scenarios, such as improving your focus during an exam. It is short-lived, with no lasting effects. However, burnout is complex and debilitating. For example, chronic stress can impair the body’s normal

Photos: Oostendorp_peopleimages.com , Daniel , Syda Productions , Microgen , Ami-Lou W_peopleimages.com

physiological response to stress through over-production of the stress hormone glucocorticoid, which can impact the parts of the brain responsible for attention, memory and judgement, causing an inability to perform complex tasks and affecting decision-making.

Common causes of burnout include high workloads exceeding one’s capacity to cope, perceived lack of control over decisions that affect your professional life, an imbalance between expended effort and rewards, the lack of a supportive community or fairness at work, and your values mismatching that of the organisations.

Burnout can cause emotional blunting, a coping mechanism for overriding feelings of failure and underperformance, with some people coming across as unempathetic, while others go into autopilot (known as ‘presenteeism’). It does not happen suddenly – chronic stress occurring over five to 10 years can result in emotional and physical exhaustion, long-term illness, and reduced efficiency.

Conquering chronic stress

To thrive at work as a female professional, work on these key areas:

Sleep hygiene

Stress management

Do this through mindfulness practices such as meditation, aiming for 20 minutes a day. Journaling has also been linked to lowering stress levels; write five things you are grateful for each day and three words that sum up your day. Run yourself an Epsom salt bath with magnesium – this is fantastic for aiding muscle relaxation before bed.

Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day to synchronise your body’s internal clock. Optimise your sleeping environment by sleeping in a dark, cool and quiet room, using eye masks, earplugs and blackout curtains. Avoid eating heavy meals or drinking at least three hours before bedtime.

Physical health

Do a mixture of cardio and strength training exercises. Aim for 150 minutes of moderate activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week. Between 20 and 30 minutes of strength training at least three times per week will help you maintain a healthy muscle mass.

Gut health

Incorporate probiotic and prebiotic foods into your meals, such as kimchi, sauerkraut, yoghurt, kombucha, onions, and garlic, to boost gut health and immunity.

Rhyanne is a certified health coach who helps female professionals overcome burnout and feel at ease, energised, and get a good night’s sleep. Find out more about her work at rhyannecoaching.com/coaching or follow on Instagram @rhyannecoaching.

WELSH ROOTS, GLOBAL REACH

WHERE CREATIVITY MEETS STRATEGY AND PASSION FUELS EVERY PROJECT

Luxury dining in the best seats in the house From just £82.50PP+VAT

To book your seat, or find out more about this summer’s programme of world-class cricket, please email hospitality@glamorgancricket.co.uk