Vale Life Winter 2008

VALE LIFE AUTUMN ❧ WINTER 2008 FREE

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G L A M O R G A N ’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

FASHIONABLY FESTIVE THE HAIR BUSINESS, TERMINAL 9 AND GIORGIO’S PLUS LUSH LINGERIE & GREAT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IDEAS RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

THERE’S MORE ONLINE WWW . VALELIFE . CO . UK

ART, BOOKS, STYLE, HEALTH, HOMES AND MUCH MORE PLUS

Pure Pleasure STOCKISTS OF Fauve Lepel Fantasie Freya Triumph Sloggi Hot Milk

“ Petticoats has put the pleasure back into shopping for lingerie. ” VALE LIFE MAGAZINE

Petticoats 74 High Street, Barry Vale of Glamorgan CF62 7DW 01446 743902

WELCOME

With the Summer definitely over and best forgotten, we can all start to look forward to what is my favourite season, Winter.

If you have got some cash to spare, then there’s no better time to support your local businesses. It’s going to be a tough time ahead so please try to support the good ones when you can...

It’s time to put on thick black tights, boots and snuggly woollies and head off to one of our lovely local parks or coastal paths for a refreshing walk with the family.

This is one of our favourite pastimes and, even better, in this current climate, it’s free!

For us girls, the shops are full of such gorgeous jewel coloured clothes, shoes and bags... it would be cruel not to buy them. For the guys, this is the time of the year when the shops are stocked full of the latest gadgets. Even if you’re a trainee shopaholic like me, finding those perfect Christmas gifts for the ones you love can have you tearing your hair out and leave you exhausted.

But let us ease your pain. Inside this issue you’ll find some great ideas from some of the best shops in the Vale.

Listmaking has never been so easy.

IN THIS ISSUE N EWS M USIC N EW

VALE –

FROM THE

B OOKS –

AND

HOME FOR

HOT OFF THE

REVIEWS OF THE LATEST

NOW –

GARDENING TIPS FROM

WHAT ’ S HOT FROM THE

U NDISCOVERED T OWNS – T HE VALE ’ S ‘ JEWELS F ASHION –

T ERMINAL 9 –

IT ’ S

VALE S OCIAL L IFE –

VA L E

AND

IS PROUD TO BE INDEPENDENT

❧ 0845 130 6452

❧ COVER PHOTOGRAPH BY MARTIN PHILLIPS, PORTHCAWL. HAIR BY THE HAIR BUSINESS, COWBRIDGE. CLOTHES BY TERMINAL 9, COWBRIDGE. SET DRESSING BY ANDY BRADSHAW, HAMPTONS. VALE LIFE IS WRITTEN,

AND

P EMBROKESHIRE 34 36 38

AND HER TEAM WORK THEIR MAGIC

P ETER

HAVE

ALL THE WAY

C HRISTMAS

( WELL ,

WRAPPED UP

SOME OF THE WAY !)

F OREVER V INTAGE – YOUR

VALE VALE

BUSINESS

HOT LIST OF FESTIVE GIFTS

A VERITABLE WHO ’ S WHO OF THE

VALE

SOMETHING OLD , SOMETHING NEW , SOMETHING BORROWED

H OME

R HOSLWYN C OTTAGE –

IN

V ALE L IFE –

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ON BEST VALUE MOTORING

D ELIGHT – W ENDY D ARKE ’ S

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WE DISCOVER THE HISTORY OF A SUCCESSFUL

The gorgeous trench coat I’m wearing pictured above is by Juicy Couture and is available from Terminal 9, Cowbridge.

AND PRODUCED IN THE

W EST H OUSE C OUNTRY H OTEL

FURNITURE MAKERS

W IN , W IN , W IN

P URPLE – G LEN N EWMAN

S HOWCASE

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A ROUND UP OF BUSINESS NEWS AROUND THE

M OVING S TORY – TO

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SEASONAL SKINCARE , GORGEOUS LINGERIE AND JEWELLERY

VALE B USINESS –

D ESIGNED

KITCHENS THIS WINTER

A FAMILY ADVENTURE IN BREATHTAKING

C HRISTMAS – A NDY

C OMPETITIONS –

TO

VALE

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WE VISIT THE DESTINATION FASHION EMPORIUM

AND

VALE S TYLE –

B OB P RIDDLE

OF THE CROWN ’ ARE REVEALED

FESTIVITIES AT

T HE H AIR B USINESS – L EIGHARNE P HILLIPS H AMPTONS

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HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS

B EAUTIFUL B LUESTONE –

Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor jennifer@valelife.co.uk

IS WRITTEN, DESIGNED

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VALE G ARDENS – W INTER

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S T D ONAT ’ S A RT C ENTRE

S OPHISTICATED C ELEBRATIONS –

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M ONIQUE G REEN

AND

H OUSE

BBC NOW

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WE SHOWCASE THE STUNNING WORK OF

R ESTAURANT R EVIEWS –

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AND BOOKS

SHARE THEIR NEW KITCHEN WITH US

W HAT ’ S O N – H AMPTONS

T ALK

VA L E L I F E

CD

GOES BACK TO HER ROOTS

R OOM F OR L IVING – M R & M RS W ITHNALL E XPOSURE –

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PRESS

NEW STATE OF THE ART VENUE FOR

G OLDEN G IRL – N ICOLE C OOKE

O NLY B ESPOKE W ILL D O – R ATHKEYS There’s a lot going on leading up to Christmas with various events across the Vale, so get your winter warmers on and, who knows, you might make some new friends and catch up with some old ones. We’re probably all guilty of letting friendships lapse and, after all, this is the time of year for being a little kinder to each other.

VALE L IFE

SELL YOUR PROPERTY WITH US

COSINESS DOESN ’ T GET MUCH BETTER THAN THIS

50 54 56 58 62 64 66

F ESTIVE F OXY ’ S – P ENARTH ’ S

ONLY AWARD WINNING DELICATTESSEN

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C LUB C LASS – P ONTCANNA ’ S

HOTTEST EXCLUSIVE MEMBERS CLUB

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S TYLE

IS

B ACK –

MENS FASHION TO SHAKE AND STIR YOU THIS SEASON

T HE L AST W ORD – M ELANIE D ANIEL VALE L IFE

WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE

WHO HAS SUPPORTED US OVER RECENT MONTHS .

O UR CONTRIBUTORS , OUR FAMILIES , OUR FRIENDS ( INCLUDING ALL THE NEW ONES WE HAVE MADE ) AND OUR ADVERTISERS - WITHOUT THEM VALE L IFE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE . W E HOPE YOU LIKE WHAT WE ’ VE PRODUCED AND WE ’ LL TRY TO MAKE EACH ISSUE EVEN BETTER THAN THE LAST AND IF YOU HAVE A STORY THAT YOU ’ D LIKE TO SHARE , PLEASE GET IN TOUCH .

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A BSOLUTE B USINESS D EVELOPMENT

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Roger Williams The Jewellery Studio

T I M E

T O

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W I T H

VA B E N E

M I L A N

spectacular italian watches

Roger Williams, The Jewellery Studio, 237 Cathedral Road, Cardiff Telephone: 029 2022 1144 | www.jewellerystudio.co.uk

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VALE LIFE AUTUMN ❧ WINTER 2008 FREE

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G L A M O R G A N ’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

VALE LIFE ALL ENQUIRIES 0845 130 6452

FASHIONABLY FESTIVE THE HAIR BUSINESS, TERMINAL 9 AND GIORGIO’S PLUS LUSH LINGERIE & GREAT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IDEAS RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

THERE’S MORE ONLINE WWW . VALELIFE . CO . UK

ART, BOOKS, STYLE, HEALTH, HOMES AND MUCH MORE PLUS

W H AT W E L OV E D A B O U T T H E VA L E T H I S S E A S O N T H E L E AV E S C H A N G I N G C O L O U R ACROSS THE COUNTY A proper Autumn after a lousy summer LOCH FYNE A48 (THE OLD MULLIGANS PLACE) Fantastically fresh seafood M&S CULVERHOUSE CROSS It’s all about putting the customer first ROOM FOR LIVING COWBRIDGE Making a Miele of it… stunning kitchens!

OCHO LOUNGE PENARTH Superb all day breakfast VA L E S H O W FONMON CASTLE GROUNDS A really great day despite the rain ON THE RUN M4 JUNCTION 33, PETROL STATION Great staff, great service - always smiling WA I T R O S E BARRY A truly relaxed shopping experience T H E B E AC H LLANTWIT MAJOR Even in winter this is a great place to be PENARTH ABC PENARTH Where champions are made MR AND MRS COOKE WICK Just for giving us Nicole COUNT Y MARQUEES VALEWIDE For keeping us covered in the rain THE ART CAFÉ PORTHCAWL Family fun and homemade food S T D O N AT S A R T S C E N T R E KEEP UP THE SUPPORT...

IT’S NOT OVER YET www.stdonats.com

Editor JENNIFER HOBBS-ROBERTS jennifer@valelife.co.uk ❧ Web Editor RICHARD BENNEWITH web@valelife.co.uk ❧

Art Editor MARK ROBERTS mark@valelife.co.uk ❧ Artwork PA U L S E S S I O N S studio@valelife.co.uk ❧

Written submissions PLEASE NOTE All contributions to Vale Life are the opinions of the writers and not necessarily those of the publishers.

We cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. ❧

Photography ❧ MARK ROBERTS mark@valelife.co.uk ❧ JENNIFER HOBBS-ROBERTS jennifer@valelife.co.uk ❧

Email contacts ❧ A DV E R T I S I N G jennifer@valelife.co.uk ❧ EDITORIAL jennifer@valelife.co.uk ❧ STUDIO studio@valelife.co.uk ❧

Contact us ❧ WRITE TO Vale Life Cardiff House Cardiff Road Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW ❧ PHONE 0845 130 6452 ❧ VISIT www.valelife.co.uk ❧

PASSIONATE ABOUT THE VALE We are independent. We live in the Vale.

We are not a large publishing group pretending to be home grown. Vale Life magazine is written, designed and produced in the Vale of Glamorgan for the people of the Vale of Glamorgan. ❧ OUR PHILOSOPHY We are committed to quality. This quote by William Foster pretty much sums up our thinking.

“Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives.” ❧ USE IT OR LOSE IT Business is the very life blood of any community.

Without business, villages have no heart, towns have no centre and cities have no soul.

Please support the businesses who advertise in Vale Life - without them there’d be no Vale Life. ❧ SMALL(ISH) PRINT © Copyright Vale Life 2007. All rights reserved.

Nothing in this magazine (including adverts) may be reproduced in any shape or form (in whole or part) without the express written permission of the publishers. We take breach of copyright and theft of intellectual property extremely seriously and will sue at the drop of a croissant. You have been warned (nicely); ignorance is no excuse. ❧ GREEN AS THE VALE The pulp used in the production of the paper Vale Life is printed on is obtained from sustainably managed Scandinavian tree farms and utilises an elementary chlorine free bleaching process.

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IMPORTANT YOU READ THIS We have made every effort to ensure that all information contained in Vale Life or on www.valelife.co.uk is correct and accurate.

However, we accept no responsibility for any errors or omissions and can offer no compensation should we get it wrong.

Please note that the opinions, thoughts, views or ideas expressed in articles contained in Vale Life are strictly those of the authors. ❧ CAVEAT EMPTOR All advertisers have supplied their own copy (and in some cases artwork), therefore Vale Life cannot accept any responsibility for disputes between advertisers and their customers.

Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware. ❧ SUBSCRIPTIONS To guarantee your copy of Vale Life magazine, please send a cheque for £20.00 (four issues) made payable to Vale Life. Visit www.valelife.co.uk for special subscriber discounts and special offers. ❧ MISSED THE LAST ISSUE? We hold a small number of each issue in stock so if you do need a pristine copy, please email jennifer@valelife.co.uk or telephone us.

Hopefully we’ll have the issue you want (but we cannot guarantee it). Each back issue costs £5 including postage and packing. ❧ YES IT’S FREE! Vale Life is distributed free through a wide variety of outlets across the Vale of Glamorgan and beyond. Vale Life is given away free of charge on the understanding that we are happy for it to be lent, passed around, given to friends and generally read until it falls apart. At which point, you can recycle it and we’d be delighted if you did.

Recycling... because there is no Plan B!

A SPARKLING CELEBRATION Join us this New Year’s Eve for a party like no other, as the magnificent Caernarfon Ballroom transforms into the glittering backdrop for our black tie Carnivàle spectacular.

Enter a spellbinding world beyond the realms of your imagination, where a breath-taking circus of performers, some of whom have performed with the world-renowned Cirque du Soleil, will captivate you throughout a sumptuous five course dinner, a dazzling and unique act between each course.

After dinner, our fabulous live band will take you through to the midnight countdown and beyond. £155 per person - includes complimentary wine throughout dinner until coffee is served Our New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner package including overnight accommodation starts from £478 per couple For more details on New Year celebrations at The Celtic Manor Resort, visit celtic-manor.com or call the Events Team on 01633 410252 Our New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner is open to adults aged 16 and over

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NEWS FROM THE VALE IF YOU HAVE A STORY WHICH YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE, PLEASE CONTACT VALE LIFE WICK

Olympic heroine brings gold back home Nicole Cooke, Britain’s 200th Olympic Gold medallist was given a rapturous welcome back to the village where she has lived virtually all her life. A small Welsh community put on the warmth and style very few other places in the world could match, as a massive crowd turned out in the tiny village to welcome the ‘Golden Girl’ back to her roots.

“I just could not imagine that there would be so many people here,” Nicole said. “This is fantastic, there are my teachers from primary school, the play school leader and just so many friends neighbours and family, even the postman is here. This is just absolutely fantastic, I’m so proud to be part of such a great community.”

Just days after crossing the line of a gruelling race held in atrocious conditions to snatch the first gold medal that kick started Team GB’s medal bonanza, the good people of Wick proudly erected signs on the roads into their village proclaiming to everyone ‘You are entering Wick, the home of Britain’s golden cyclist.’

By the time of her return further signs were added stating ‘Welcome home our golden girl.’

To mark her return to Wick, which boasts a total population of only 694, the village held a festival of celebration and a crowd of several times that turned out to shout their greetings.

There was an afternoon of fun and festivities laid on which started with a triumphant open top bus tour of the surrounding area, where it seemed every house was bedecked with bunting or flags. The bus was preceded by a cavalcade of cyclists. Local Bridgend club – the Ogmore Valley Wheelers was very well represented with dozens of its members proudly cycling at the head of the group.

Cyclists had come from as far afield as Rhos on Sea in North Wales and High Wycombe. There were representatives of virtually all South Wales clubs. Cardiff Ajax club member Steve Cottrell said, “I remember competing against Nicole when she was far younger. Even when she rode club 10 mile time trials at 13 or 14, you could see how determined she was. I went abroad to see a famous one day classic, the Fleche Waloon, in the first year she turned professional when she was 18. She did not win it that year, I think she was sixth or seventh, but the finish is on a very steep hill called the ‘wall’. I have never seen anyone trying so hard to give absolutely everything as Nicole did. She was trying far harder than the riders that beat her that day and I knew she would win it when she was older.

The next year she became the youngest ever winner of that famous race. It was great to see her win the Olympic Road Race and it is great to be here to celebrate her return to Wick. She is so determined and yet so down to earth”.

Supporting the event were teams from both the Vale of Glamorgan and Bridgend County Borough.

Andrew Thomas of Bridgend County Borough Council Sports Development Unit stated, “We are so proud to be here supporting Nicole’s homecoming.

Nicole participated in many of our sports programmes when she was younger and it was always a delight to work with her. She took part in Gymnastics and Athletics programmes and to see her move onto become Olympic Champion from being ‘Bridgend young sportsperson of the year’ is fantastic. This gives the ultimate proof to the message we are trying to get across to the youngsters of the borough, that with hard work and dedication, anything is possible.”

Nicole enjoyed the open topped bus journey that took her along the route she cycled to Brynteg so many times.

“It was different seeing it from high up and it was fantastic to see people out in their gardens with all the flags flying and tables with wine out, celebrating.”

Ira Collins, Judy Geraghty and Helen Duggan were teachers of Nicole who represented Brynteg School. “We were delighted to represent the school at the celebrations. Nicole was a delightful pupil, always most pleasant and polite and the absolute model in terms of her work. The school is so proud of what she has achieved,” stated Ira.

“It was great seeing so many of my teachers from Play scheme, Wick School, Brynteg,” said Nicole. “I have such happy memories of all my time growing up. They were all fantastic to me, they worked so hard for the pupils in their care... they were the best! For example, when I knew I wanted to live on the continent I needed to speak French really well. Mrs Debbie Walsh gave up her lunchtimes to help me become fluent. I saw three of them in their car from the top of the bus and we just screamed at each other. Look at it here today – so many happy people, they have put on great food, great fun events for the kids, this is just such a great place to live, I’m so proud to be part of such a great community.” ❧ 8 ❧

All photographs courtesy of Derek Naylor

Pauline Thomas and Carolyn Jenkins were a vital part of the organising group that put on the event. “We did not have much time to get it all organised but everyone in the village worked together,” said Pauline. “We have been baking cakes, cooking food and blowing up special golden balloons to make sure we had the best day possible. The spirit has been fantastic.”

that Nicole had shown great strength of character. Her career had ups and downs but now she had capped it with wining the longest and hardest event of any at the Olympic Games, a race that was nearly one hour longer than the marathon and conducted in appalling conditions. John represented Wales at four Commonwealth Games and was team Captain on one occasion.

Nicole was accompanied on the bus by Heather March the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Glamorgan and the Mayor of Llantwit Major, Councillor Molly Lane. At her reception in the village Jane Hutt AM Minister for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills made a very good speech welcoming Nicole back to the community and urging youngsters of the Borough to have confidence in their dreams and aspirations. John Pritchard BEM from Tondu, spoke about Nicole’s cycling achievements. John stated that Nicole had undergone surgery on her knee after serious crashes and that it is always very hard to comeback from serious injury and regain top form but

The local Brownies who had formed a guard of honour from the bus, then presented Nicole with a fabulous bouquet of flowers.

Welsh Athletics and Welsh Cycling ran stands and events for children. Displays were put on by the Bridgend Bears, cheerleading group, the Pencoed Boys Gymnastic Team and the Pencoed Tang Soo Do Club.

“The food that the village has put on is just great - so many people must have worked so hard to get this altogether in such a short period of time. The village looks so pretty. The displays by the youngsters are great and there is even a ❧ 9 ❧

fantastic water slide which I definitely want to have a go on! It is fantastic to see people having so much fun,” said Nicole, who does not appear to have stopped smiling since she crossed the line in Beijing.

Later, the Community of Wick asked Nicole to unveil a plaque they intend to place on the Memorial Village Hall.

This is an update to the one they have already placed there and records the fact that Nicole is the first ever Welsh woman to win an individual gold medal at the Olympics.

VA L E W I D E

New website brings artists to buyers A new website has been launched to give national and international presence to a select group of the UK’s experienced and proven artists (including Dale Devereux Barker, Stuart Asher, Sandra Orme, Niall Hennessy, Sheilagh Jeavons, Clive Gould, David Morgan, Nat Young, Bob Henfry and John Playfoot).

Real-artists.com aims to give more global selling power to a number of artists who, often due to regional inaccessibility, do not have the wider presence that their work warrants. The site has been created by art collectors David Playfoot and Paul Smith.

“Real-artists.com is about connecting art buyers to a handpicked group of artists from a variety of mediums,” says David Playfoot. “All works are high quality originals or limited edition prints that can be viewed easily, at home, at leisure, with confidence, with knowledge and with the security of a full money back guarantee. It’s a way of highlighting some of the UK’s best to a wider market of interested and experienced buyers.”

Clive Gould from Cowbridge is just one of the artists featured on real-artists.com. You may remember Clive from last Autumn’s issue and his gorgeous paintings and sculptures inspired by the Heritage Coast.

Every artist featured on real-artists.com has gained repute and some have exhibited internationally, but to date several have had minimal marketing presence. The website includes detailed information about each piece of art and each individual artist including an explanation of each work displayed by its creator.

All work is clearly indicated and guaranteed as either original work or a limited edition print and all are exclusively available through the website and are not also for sale privately or through a studio or gallery.

Buyers have the chance to sort by artist, by medium, or by price with mediums ranging from acrylic, pastel and mixed media to glass, enamel and bronze.

Prices run from £350 to £3,000. Buyers can also select to have their purchase delivered or to collect it directly from the artist enabling face-to-face opportunities with the artist as well as avoiding the cost of postage and packing.

“Real-artists.com brings you a comprehensive collection of some of Britain’s best artists of today at the most competitive prices and with the reassurance that if your purchase is not absolutely right, then you can return it for a full refund,” says David Playfoot.

“Our aim is to make real-artists.com the most reliable, risk-free route to reputable art possible.”

For further information and to see examples of the artists featured please visit www.real-artists.com

WORLDWIDE

Local poet receives critical acclaim We recently featured the poem Departed Spirit and received many emails and calls saying how well it had been received by readers.

We are delighted to announce that Philip Jenkins has recently received a Crystal Award for his poetry from the United States.

His work has just been published in the United States in an Anthology it has also been put onto a set of CD’s. It was chosen as one of 33 from millions of entries worldwide. It has also been chosen from over 22,000 entries to be included in an Anthology to be printed in the UK. In a letter received recently from Noble House Publishers in New York, Philip has learned that his poetry has been chosen from millions of poems they have read and edited worldwide to go into an Anthology which will have worldwide distribution in Spring 2009, a copy of which will be lodged in the British Library National Archive.

Philip has also just become a Distinguished Member of The International Society of Poets.

VA L E W I D E

Help put a lifesaver in every home Fifteen-year-old Gareth Farrow from Aberystwyth, was out kayaking with his friend Joe, who became trapped on a rock in the middle of a weir. Water began pouring into Joe’s boat and he could not free himself.

Gareth performed underwater rescue breaths to keep his friend alive until he eventually managed to pull Joe free.

It wasn’t just quick thinking and the ability to stay calm that turned Gareth into a lifesaver. He knew what to do because he had recently been trained in first aid by St John Cymru Wales.

We believe that training young people is the best way to ensure there is always first aid for people in need.

A gift in your Will can help to: ■ Train more individuals in first aid ■ Attend more community events ■ Provide more personal development programmes for young people St John Cymru Wales Priory House, Beignon Close Ocean Way, Cardiff CF24 5PB www.stjohnwales.org.uk

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P O R T H C AW L

St John’s School in Porthcawl We’d all like to give our children the best start in life and what better start than a private school providing the best academic achievements in a caring environment.

We spoke to Carol Clint the Headmistress of St. John’s School in Porthcawl about what the school has to offer boys and girls aged between two and a half to sixteen years of age.

Carol says, “St John’s School provides an excellent education for boys and girls aged two and a half to sixteen.

We empower pupils to achieve their individual potential while teaching them to respect personal, moral and religious values.

St John’s School has a strong family atmosphere in which each and every pupil feels cared for and supported, as great emphasis is placed on pastoral care. Our small classes enable the children to be educated and motivated individually. The staff are fully committed and are generous with their time.

Our GCSE results have consistently been amongst the best in Wales, with 100% of pupils achieving five or more A* to C grades for the last six years in a row. These results easily exceed county and national results.”

As well as excellent academic resultswhere pupils have exceeded their own expectations in many cases- the school traditionally offers an exceptional range of activities for its size. Art, drama, music and sport play large parts in the life of the school and all pupils have the opportunity to participate in performances and teams.

Some pupils live locally in Porthcawl, Newton and Nottage but many also come from further afield, such as Neath, Swansea, Bridgend, Maesteg, Cowbridge and the Vale. Whilst parents do drive their children, all these areas are served by our minibuses that are driven by our own staff. They collect children in the mornings and drop them back in the late afternoon at set stops along the routes.

Carol summed up St John’s ethos by saying, “What sets us apart from other schools is our unique family ethos and the attention and care given to every individual child and parent. Visitors to the school are always impressed by our

pupils and by the friendliness of all the different teams of staff who help in the running of our community. They often remark on how they can sense the atmosphere in which our children are happy and purposeful in their learning.”

And having visiting the school myself, I can honestly say that the minute I walked through the gate, a sense of calm descended and I knew I was in a very special place.

St. John’s School Newton, Porthcawl CF36 5NP 01656 783404 www.stjohnsschool-porthcawl.com

W E N VO E

FONMON

Hunter Trials attendance sets record

Vale Show brings out the crowds

The recently held Hunter Trials at Alps Park, Wenvoe were a huge success with amazing support and catering girls having to be sent out for extra provisions four times!

The skies may have been overcast but it was sunshine all around in the Vale Life marquee.

With over 255 horses getting around the course, an increase of 58 per cent on 2007, this year’s number set a record.

Perhaps it was the ‘the big one’ theme which included a substantial prize fund definitely made the difference!

In the senior open, Hunt Master Martyn Edwards had four horses. The day was made up when David Broom and his sons turned up for the open, prior to heading for the Horse of Year Show but, disappointingly, were not placed.

Even Brychan Llyr one of Wales’ stars from S4C and BBC's Against the Odds took a place. The open had a great atmosphere, with Jayne James (nee Case), BBC Wales’ longest serving news presenter, Mrs Fiona Martyn, HSBC Regional PR manager John Lloyd Jones and the BBC's Coal House family from the last series presenting the trophies which, ended up being handed out in virtual darkness!

The main open of the day was won by local student Ross Gibbon. It was a long day with many of the hunt members and supporters working at least twelve hours on the day and their support was really appreciated by all. The event was pretty much incident free, which was a great relief given the inherent dangers of hunter trial.

A big thanks must go to Derek Naylor who turned up and captured the magic of the day with his trusty Nikon.

Andy and Peter from Hamptons arrived at the crack of dawn (well almost) and got to work transforming our wonderful marquee from County Marquees into an African hideaway.

With cream carpets throughout the only thing for guests to do was kick off their shoes and wellies, enjoy a glass of bubbly and tuck into our buffet table laden with various Welsh patés, cheeses and exotic fruits supplied by the ever fantastic Farthings Deli of Cowbridge.

More pics online, www.valelife.co.uk

Andy and Peter of Hamptons relax with Vale Show visitors Rhian Owenna-Evans and Wendy Tovey of Shine Creative Events

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MUSIC This issue’s music selection has been reviewed by Francis Brown of www.newsoundwales.co.uk.

New Sound Wales’ website will keep you up to date with everything you need to know if you live in Wales and are passionate about music.

Their aim is to: ■ Keep you up to date with new bands

B O B DY L A N

GLASVEGAS

Tell Tale Signs

Glasvegas

A must for the Dylan collector comprising live tracks, alternative/unreleased studio recordings.

The standout tracks are the majestic ‘Red River Shore’ and ‘Dreamin’ of You’ with the alternative ‘Most of the time’ already sounding like a lost Dylan classic.

As if Phil Spector had produced the Jesus & Mary Chain with lyrical help from Irvine Welsh. This is bleak and dark but sounds fantastic. Not an easy listen, but it is destined to be a future classic.

Vale Life recommended ★★★★★

F R I E N D LY F I R E S

LY K K I L I

Friendly Fires

Youth Novels

Debut CD influenced by The Rapture/DFA and at times perilously close to Talking Heads.

Promising, but sounds like a band trying too hard. Standout tracks ‘Paris’ & ‘Jump in the Pool’ are full of great hooks and definitely Radio (6) friendly.

Upbeat, catchy and refreshingly original right on the money. Her strong Swedish accent may not be to everyone’s taste but I found it ultimately endearing.

The CD is good value with 14 tracks.

On the whole me Lykki.

E I RY PA L F R E Y

GRAHAM HOWELLS

Llyfr Pen-blwydd Birthday Book

Merlin’s Magical Creatures

Never forget a birthday again! A handy, bilingual, attractive looking book to record the birthdays of family and friends, with in-depth profiles of each star sign by astrologer Eiry Palfrey.

A stunning guide to the magical world of Merlin the Wizard. This lavishly illustrated handbook, detailing the many magical creatures of the wizard’s world is sure to delight Merlin watchers everywhere.

SIMON WRIGHT

R AY G R AV E L L

The Wright Taste

Grav in his Own Words

Former AA Restaurant Guide editor Simon Wright journeys into the unfamiliar territory of livestock farmer, in order to trace the passage of his award-winning restaurant’s meat from field to fork. This book accompanies the BBC Wales TV series The Wright Taste.

Autobiography of the late Ray Gravell, muchmissed rugby legend and charismatic broadcaster.

Started by Ray before he sadly passed away, and completed by his good friend Alun Wyn Bevan, a percentage from this book will be donated to the Ray Gravell & Friends Charitable Trust.

and performers that are emerging from Wales and beyond.

■ Recommend new CD’s and music

downloads.

■ Let you know which Welsh gigs are

coming up in the months ahead.

If you like acoustic, folk and alternative music, www.newsoundwales.co.uk is the place to bookmark and check on a regular basis.

New Sound Wales are keen to hear what you think about music in Wales, what bands you’re listening to and who you would like to see playing in Wales.

BOOKS GOMER PRESS COMPETITION

Win all of the Gomer books reviewed here Here’s your chance to win seven books from Gomer (does not include Nicole Cooke’s book).

To enter the competition just answer the question and send your entry to Vale Life by 31st December 2008. Alternatively email your entry to jennifer@valelife.co.uk

✃

Q

What decade does Coal House Diary cover?

Answer

Name Address

Postcode Phone Email If you do not wish to receive details of products and services from Vale Life or other companies, please tick the box provided.

❧ 12 ❧

SWEET BABOO

THE PETH

L A DY H AW K E

Mighty Baboo

Golden Mile

Ladyhawke

This should see Sweet Baboo become a major player in the Welsh musical landscape. With self-deprecating charm, a distinctive voice and great melodies he draws you in and makes you listen intently. He is childlike, but never childish. Welsh CD of 2008?

This could have been a disaster.

However, it is a great collection of songs with excellent production.

Rhys Ifans isn’t the best singer in the world, but he is a fantastic actor and plays the part of a rock star to perfection.

Debut CD from New Zealands indie pop sensation. More hooks than a fishing tackle shop - this is faultless. ‘Dusk till Dawn’ and ‘Paris is Burning’ deserved to be the soundtrack to the Summer.

Definitely one to watch for 2009.

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM

THE ALIENS

EUGENE McGUINNESS

The 59 Sound

Luna

Eugene McGuinness

This American punk rock band from New Brunswick, New Jersey is tipped to break through this year in the UK and if you like your music Springsteenesque with a dash of Tom Petty then this is for you.

There is not a bad track on the album!

This is a disappointment. Its one thing being ‘inspired’ by your heroes (Brian Wilson, Pink Floyd etc) but at times they sound more like a tribute band.

The Aliens need to find their own voice to become truly great.

Being marketed as his debut release despite last year’s promising ‘Early Learnings’ CD, Eugene McGuinness is definitely a major talent in the making. Classic British indie music in the tradition of Blur. Definitely one to see at this year’s SWN Festival in November.

CHRIS S. STEPHENS

TONY COTTEY

GWEN CART WRIGHT

A Christmas Collection from Wales

There’s Only Two Tony Cotteys

Coal House Diary

The perfect festive gift! A sumptuous collection celebrating Christmas traditions in Wales in all their glory. The compilation of poetry and prose with luxurious artwork and photography brings Christmas to life.

A funny and insightful account of Tony Cottey’s long and successful career as a professional sportsman, both on the football and cricket pitches.

NICOLE COOKE

STOP PRESS!

Cycle for Life

Siop Y Fro to close

Commuting, racing or riding with friends, cycling offers a cheap, fast and environmentally friendly means of getting around that is not only the perfect recreational activity but has fantastic health benefits.

Sad news. Russell Evans, owner of Siop Y Fro on Island Road just off High Street, Barry tells us he is closing down. The shop stocks both Welsh and English language books and Russell would like to let everyone know that he is having a closing down sale. Call 01446 427729.

❧ 13 ❧

Not many people get the opportunity to travel back in time. But that’s exactly what happened to Gwen Cartwright and her family when they took part in ‘Coal House’, the BBC’s living history TV series.

Gwen recorded her daily life over three weeks as her family left behind all modern-day luxuries for a basic miner’s cottage, as they participated in the series. By turning the pages of Coal House Diary, we glimpse at life in a nineteen-twenties mining community through the eyes of a child. With a routine of housework for the women, hardwork down the mine for the men and school for the children, Gwen’s diary records many a highlight and lowlight of daily life.

Gwen lives in Sully, Penarth and is a pupil at Howells School, Cardiff.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales moves in to its new state of the art venue at Wales Millennium Centre.

NEW HOME FOR The BBC National Orchestra of Wales occupies a very special role as a much loved and respected national and broadcasting orchestra, acclaimed for the quality of its performances and importance in the community.

This January the BBC National Orchestra of Wales moves into its exciting new home, BBC Hoddinott Hall at Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre. Since 1967, the Orchestra has been based in Studio 1 at the BBC studios in Llandaff, Cardiff, but has long out-grown its old home.

Now a new purpose-built studio has been added as Phase Two of the Wales Millennium Centre complex in Cardiff Bay. BBC Hoddinott Hall will not only be the Orchestra’s base, where all its rehearsals will take place but also a new state-of-the-art concert hall seating over 350 people.

There is also a studio named the Grace Williams Studio which will provide auxiliary rehearsal space for the Orchestra and will be the home base for BBC National Orchestra of Wales’s education and community outreach work with the capability of hosting workshops, master classes, small-scale rehearsals and performances.

The main large-scale concerts will continue to take place in St David’s Hall, Cardiff, and Brangwyn Hall, Swansea, as well as the other concerts throughout the length and breadth of Wales. BBC Hoddinott Hall will add a whole range of concerts to the Orchestra’s output, from forgotten masterpieces and specialist concerts to works that are well-known and loved by people everywhere.

The new hall will enable the Orchestra to present more intimate concerts in addition to their regular performances across Wales. ❧ 14 ❧

The Orchestra’s concerts are broadcast on BBC Radio 3, BBC Cymru Wales radio and television, and BBC Four. The Orchestra also records the soundtrack to BBC Wales’s Doctor Who and Torchwood series.

BBC National Orchestra of Wales have announced the details of the Opening Festival at their new home which will take place from Thursday 22 January until Sunday 1 February 2009. Two gala concerts will launch the BBC National Orchestra of Wales’ new hall, opening with an orchestral showpiece by the man after whom it is named, Alun Hoddinott, pictured below.

DAT E S F O R YO U R D I A RY

Opening Festival Concert events Inaugural Gala Concerts Thursday 22 January 2009, 7pm Friday 23 January, 7pm Tickets £18 (discounts £15)

Programme includes music by Sibelius, Beethoven, Ravel, Varese, Hoddinott and a World Premiere

by Simon Holt Jac van Steen conducts Hoddinott Saturday 24 January, 7pm Tickets £10 (discounts £8)

Song Recital: A Tribute to Hans Hotter Sunday 25 January, 3pm Tickets £8 (£5)

Llyˆr Williams (piano) Sunday 1, Sunday 8 and Sunday 15 February, 3pm Tickets £8 (£5)

Photograph by Neil Bennett

In Tune Friday 30 January, 5pm LIVE on BBC Radio 3 with Sean Rafferty Otaka conducts Tchaikovsky Saturday 31 January, 7pm Tickets £18 (discounts £15)

The Choir Sunday 1 February, 6.30pm Tickets £10 (discounts £8)

NOW In these historic concerts there will be a celebration of music making at its best. Sibelius’ Violin Concerto and imposing and powerful choral masterpieces by Beethoven and Ravel will feature alongside Hoddinott’s Badger In The Bag. The world premiere of St Vitus in the Kettle by Simon Holt, the Orchestra’s new Composer in Association will complete the programme. Members of the Orchestra’s dynamic conducting team: Principal Conductor Thierry Fischer, Principal Guest Conductor Jac van Steen and Tadaaki Otaka Conductor Laureate will all join the Orchestra throughout the festival.

“For an orchestra to take possession of its own hall is a unique and very special experience.”

Presented by Aled Jones Performances are subject to change. Please check prior to booking.

Director of BBC National Orchestra and Chorus of Wales David Murray said, “For an orchestra to take possession of its own hall is a unique and very special experience; a rite of passage or coming of age that only happens once or twice in any orchestra’s lifecycle. A good hall not only provides a home for an orchestra but defines its character and, more importantly, embodies its sound.”

After the Opening Festival of events, the new season of BBC Hoddinott Hall events will then begin on Tuesday 3 February with a Discovering Music concert at 7pm with Principal Conductor Thierry Fischer featuring Stravinsky’s Petrushka.

For more details please contact: BBC National Orchestra of Wales and BBC Hoddinott Hall visit www.bbc.co.uk/now or call the Orchestra’s Audience Line on 0800 052 1812

❧ 15 ❧

BBC Hoddinott Hall

HOW TO BOOK Tickets can be purchased via the BBC National Orchestra of Wales Audience Line on 0800 052 1812 or via Wales Millennium Centre on 08700 400 200 www.bbc.co.uk/now

Olympic gold medallist and World Title holder Nicole Cooke talks to us about her win in Beijing and her early years in Wick.

What was growing up in Wick like?

It was fantastic! There was always something going on, with events at the village hall, the carnival and many other activities throughout the year. Back then there was a great sense of freedom to go exploring through the fields to the beach or in the lanes to the ford at Castle upon Alun.

When did you get your first bike?

Christmas, when I was three. It had stabilisers and one gear! It was great for learning to ride on - it was a lot different to my Boardman bike that I won the Olympics on!

When did you get the cycling bug ?

I think when I was six or seven I was old enough to ride around the lanes just outside the village and it was then that I imagined myself to be going exploring or on an adventure. I loved the freedom that cycling gave me!

At what point did you realise you could be an Olympic champion?

I realised I had a talent that could be good enough to potentially be Olympic champion when I was twelve when I returned home from a racing trip in Holland and had raced a Youth Tour for boys and girls and been up there every day. This followed beating the boys to win the Welsh Under Twelve cyclocross championships the winter before.

Although I did not win in Holland I was on the podium in some stages and finished fifth overall against Dutch and Belgian boys and knew I had a special talent for cycling.

Obviously, winning your gold medal is a massive achievement.

Can you describe your emotions when you realised you’d won?

As soon as I crossed the line, I think all of the different emotions I had felt over the years leading up to the Olympics surfaced all at once.

I remembered all of the pain, the disappointments and difficulties and yet this made the joy of winning the gold medal even sweeter! It was an incredible flood of emotions and one that I shall never forget!

Describe your training regime I plan my week carefully so that I’m able to train different elements each day to enhance my performance.

I work on power in the hills, and also on intensity and sprinting which all comes together so that on race day, I’m totally prepared and ready for whatever I have to cope with.

GOLDEN GIRL I realised this dream could be a reality only a couple of metres before I crossed the finish line in Beijing.

Until you cross that line first, anything can happen!

“It was an incredible flood of emotions and one that I shall never forget!”

Have you had to sacrifice anything to get where you are?

I have missed out on some events with my family and friends over the years due to my dedication to cycling but at times like this I always felt happy with the choice I was making because I have such a passion for my sport. It also meant that the precious time I could spend with my family and friends was all the more special.

Are you interested in other sports?

I love watching gymnastics and tennis, and I also like winter sports too. ❧ 16 ❧

If you weren’t an Olympic gold medallist, what other thing would you like to have excelled at?

I haven’t spent time thinking what I would like to have done instead of following my dream to be an Olympic champion. I’m very grateful for the talent I have been given for cycling and have really only ever wanted to get the most out of that.

Who inspires you?

I am inspired by all athletes who I see working hard and taking the opportunities to try to be successful.

Nicole relaxes at home after making history by becoming the first cyclist ever to win both Olympic and World Titles in the same year.

What next for Nicole?

I will continue racing towards my long term target of the London Olympics in 2012 but, meanwhile, I want to work with my own support team to create a team of riders to develop young and talented riders so by 2012 we have the strongest British team ever. I also want to use the fantastic opportunities as Olympic Champion to work with charities and to help young children.

What music do you like?

I like all sorts of music, but mainly R’n’B, hip hop and rock.

Favourite food?

Pasta.

Favourite drink?

Fresh cold milk!

Favourite place in the Vale?

All along the Heritage Coast.

Cycle for Life by Nicole Cooke (Kyle Cathie, £14.99) is available to buy now from all good bookstores www.nicolecooke.com Photos courtesy of Siân Trenberth www.sian-trenberth.com Boardman bike available from Halfords Bikehut

What do you do to relax?

I like to read, watch films or meet with friends.

I’m very good at...

Cycling! (This has to be the understatement of the year! - Editor) ❧ 17 ❧

I’m not very good at...

Keeping my room tidy.

In moments of weakness I...

Vow to work harder.

In a nutshell my philosophy is...

Enjoy a balanced life.

Cowbridge based Room for Living’s reputation for high quality kitchen design stretches far beyond the Vale. We visit Mr and Mrs Withnall at their beautiful Newport home to see the workmanship and to find out how they were living with their new kitchen.

After already having three quotations from other companies for a complete kitchen and utility refit, it was on a chance visit to Cowbridge that Mr and Mrs Withnall of Newport happened upon Room for Living’s showroom and, after a consultation with Ian, the company’s designer, they realised that their new kitchen would be in safe hands.

Did you have a specific brief to give Room for Living?

We were open to suggestions, but required more preparation space and a central island. We also wanted a larger gas hob, which was changed (after we visited Miele), to a four ring induction hob. We liked the idea of a water filter system and my husband had always wanted a wine cooler.

The other kitchen companies hadn’t proposed this. This vastly improved the look of the dining room also. Room for Living invited us to visit the Miele Centre to help us decide on which appliances would suit us best.

What did you want your kitchen to say about you?

We didn’t want a traditional country cottage look, but equally we didn’t want an ultra modern, streamlined look.

We were aiming for something in the middle, giving clean lines and a light painted wood finish.

Why did you choose them?

The conceptual layout of the kitchen was attractive to us, with the added bonus of having the kitchen/dining room door moved, allowing for a longer run of units. Room for Living were the only company to suggest this approach.

ROOM FOR LIVING

“With over 20 years’ experience, Room for Living cater for all tastes and styles, from classical and traditional hand painted, to the latest cutting-edge and contemporary designs.”

What were your key requirements?

We wanted convenient cooking and preparation areas, and also an eating area for four. We were keen to find alternative cooking methods through state of the art cooking appliances.

Would you recommend Room For Living to friends and family?

We already did at the onset of design!

We recommended them to a neighbour and they installed their kitchen at the same time.

Did Room for Living offer ideas which were helpful?

Yes, they also gave us plenty of information on internal fitments.

With over twenty years’ experience, Room For Living cater for all tastes and styles, from classical and traditional hand painted, to the latest cutting-edge and contemporary designs.

How was the installation process?

I wasn’t looking forward to the disruption but Room for Living were extremely efficient, clean and also extremely courteous.

Are you happy with the finished product?

Absolutely... particularly so with the Miele appliances.

The company have now added the outstanding kitchen and appliance manufacturer Miele as its flagship product and is proud to be the only Miele dealership in Wales.

Room For Living is the port of call when choosing a company to design the most important room in your home, the kitchen.

❧ 19 ❧

Room For Living Willow Walk, Cowbridge Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7EE 01446 771 234 info@rflkitchens.com www.rflkitchens.com

For this issue’s Exposure feature, we showcase the stunning work of talented Penarth photographer Monique Green.

Glacier Blocks are available in many sizes for desk and tabletop, and arrive beautifully presented in a satin lined black display box, heavy and expensivelooking. It’s a perfect Christmas Gift.

Book your shoot early for Christmas – it’s really a lot of fun – bring your kids, their toys, your toys, the dog, whatever!

You can see the photos as we go along, and don’t worry, there’s no hard sell... just beautiful photos of you and yours.

Christmas has come early to Studio, and I’m very excited about our new Glacier acrylic range. Acrylic has become the new buzzword in photography and is a new and stylish way to present your photos.

They provide a personal accent to modern interiors, adding warmth to what can be a quite clinical style.

Top Tip With a Studio Gift Voucher you can have your Christmas Cake and eat it.

The beautifully presented voucher makes a great gift for Christmas Day, and you get to save all the fun of the shoot for the New Year!

Your chance to win!

Here’s a fantastic opportunity to win a photoshoot and Glacier Block worth over £100. Plus ten runner-up prizes of a photoshoot and a framed print.

For details on how to enter the competition turn to page 45.

The Glacier Range is a stylish and eye catching way to display your images.

Designed individually for table-top or wall, for a single image or a series, the Glacier range gives a depth and style to your image – it’s a more 3D experience.

Its unique prism effect sets it apart from the standard frames, allowing you to view the image in different ways from different angles.

The Studio 2 Royal Buildings, Stanwell Road Penarth CF64 3EB 029 2040 7276

❧ 20 ❧

EXPOSURE

WHAT’S ON

There’s a lot happening this season with a whole host of events across the Vale.

For more info visit www.valelife.co.uk.

HAMPTONS OF PENARTH Hamptons of Penarth have recently announced dates for their extremely popular music and dinner events into spring 2009.

Each evening features live music and a superb dinner which is usually at least five courses.

A Night at the Opera 16th and 17th January 2009 Tickets £30

An evening of light opera and delicious food – think summer’s evening picnic at Glyndebourne - with our four fabulous performers following their sell out success in September. With kind permission of Welsh National Opera.

Autumn Swing Fever 14th and 15th November Tickets £28

Following their sell out success at Hamptons in October, the renowned Keith Little Trio return for two more evenings of swing, Dixieland jazz and shuffle – and great food of course.

Midnight Jazz

28th and 29th November Tickets £28

Two nights of laid back jazz and relaxed dining with Diane Mitchell.

Diane is a regular performer at the Brecon Jazz Festival and this will be her debut appearance at Hamptons.

Valentine’s Celebration 13th and 14th February 2009 Tickets £29 Keith Little

Christmas Parties

4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 18th, 19th, 20th December * Tickets £28

Hamptons celebrates Valentine’s Day in the company of Neil Lashley-Craven, back by popular demand for two evenings of Rat Pack, Michael Bublé and soft jazz – and great food of course!

The Graham Watkins Jazz Quartet with vocals by the fabulous Miss Clare Hingott will be at Hamptons for Christmas jazz and a festive six course dinner during December. *Some dates are sold out – please ask about availability

New Year’s Eve Party 31st December Tickets £60

Clare Hingott

Don’t miss the chance to attend the best party in Penarth as Hamptons launches you into 2009.

New Year’s resolutions can wait as you indulge in their seven course dinner followed by dancing until 12.30am to the Graham Watkins Jazz Quartet.

And of course there will be party games to keep you amused as we wait for the New Year to arrive.

The event begins at 8pm.

Vale Life recommended ★★★★★ ❧ 22 ❧

Hamptons 10 Ludlow Lane, Penarth CF64 1EA 029 2070 5391 www.hamptons-design.co.uk

ST DONATS ARTS CENTRE Visit one of Wales’ most beautiful arts venues located in the grounds of St Donats Castle on the spectacular Heritage Coast with stunning sea views.

Café Concert Christmas Rocks Fri 5 Dec 7.30pm with Mistral Trio £7.50, £5 Tues 18 Nov 3pm £5.00 includes tea and cake

We look forward to welcoming you to these lovely afternoons spent with friends in the relaxed music café atmosphere of our beautiful Glassroom with, of course, free tea and cake and stunning coastal views!

Hairspray (PG)

Weds 19 Nov 1.30pm, 7.30pm John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken £5.10, £4.10. Matinee £4.10 includes free tea and cake!

This wonderful, feel-good adaptation of the award-winning Broadway musical was nominated for 3 Golden Globes and achieved the biggest opening sales for a movie musical.

Enjoy an evening of singing and playing by talented young people working with (Llantwit) Major Music - dedicated to developing the confidence and skills of creative music makers.

Handel’s Messiah Sun 7 Dec 4.30pm £17, £16

Peter Cronin Exhibition

We are delighted to welcome the Welsh Sinfonia Ensemble and Chorus, an elite group of accomplished musicians and singers who perform with the BBC Chorus, Welsh National Opera, BBC National Orchestra of Wales as well as other orchestras and choirs.

Peter is a self taught artist and tutor living in South Wales. This exhibition reflects his fascination with the natural environment reflected in the coastal and landscape aspects of his work.

9 Jan – 20 Feb

Thurs 22 January 10am – 4pm £20

Cinders Sherman Cymru

Do you have the desire to draw and paint? In this great location you will be inspired and encouraged by the fine artist, Peter Cronin. These one-day courses suit all levels and maximise your potential.

Thurs 27 Nov 10.30am £8 adults, £6 children, 1 free teachers ticket for every 10 schoolchildren

The Crimbils badly need your help!

Unless these mischievous fairy folk can rescue Cinders and get her to the ball in time to meet Prince Fraximus, a nasty Ugly Sister might become Queen of all the land and then everything would be ‘topsy turvy, upsy downsy, horriple, horriple!!.’

Specially for the under 7’s.

Crafts for Christmas

Sun 23 Nov 11am – 5pm £6 per car or £2 per person on foot

This ever-popular fayre is the ideal place to find those top quality handcrafted presents that can’t be found in shops. Treat yourself to a great day out.

Peter Cronin - Buildings in watercolour

Craft Class Felt Making Owen Webb

Christmas Carols Café Concert Tues 9 Dec 3pm £5.00 includes tea and mince pies

Sat 31 January 10am – 4pm £20

In this session you will learn how felt is made by hand and will create your piece of flat felt for items such as book covers, coasters, small bags, flowers, purses or wall hangings.

Owen Webb returns from singing all over the world with this wonderfully festive concert full of your favourites and many more – song sheets provided!

Ebenezer Scrooge

Fri 19 Dec 7pm, Sat 20 Dec 2pm & 7pm £6 adults, £4.50 concessions

Major Music’s Musical Theatre Company’s new adaptation of Dickens’ best-loved story, A Christmas Carol is a festive musical written, produced and performed by the young people of the Vale of Glamorgan. ❧ 23 ❧

St Donats Arts Centre Box office 01446 799100 Minicom 01446 799102 enquiries@stdonats.com

Vale Life resident garden expert Bob Priddle explains the old saying, “Gardens are enjoyed in the summer but made in the winter...”

VALE GARDENS For the last few years we’ve been talking about and giving advice on how to cope with the long hot summers and periods of drought that we were going to experience.

Last year I even successfully experimented with drought resistant hanging baskets. So, with all this in mind, along comes one of the wettest summers that I or many other people can remember.

As I have travelled around the Vale of Glamorgan talking to keen gardeners and other groups the questions seem to have revolved around rotting flowers and vegetables that have been infected with one form of blight or another. The thing about being a gardener is that you need to be an eternal optimist. Sowing seeds or planting shrubs in the belief that they will grow into the plants that you had hoped.

There is an old saying in gardening that “gardens are enjoyed in the summer but made in the winter”. What is certain is that work carried out during the next couple of months will pay dividends next year. Amateur gardeners tend to shy away from pruning or cutting back for fear of doing permanent damage but at this time of year its time to take your courage in one hand and your secateurs in the other and go to it. Most importantly make sure your secateurs are sharp and in good condition. Blunt secateurs can lead to jagged cuts or tares that can allow in infections.

So where do you start? There are some easy guides such as removing any branches that are dead, damaged or diseased. Be on the lookout for crossing branches especially on fruit trees.

These will eventually rub against each other and provide sources for disease to get in. Secondly, look for shape. Most plants will benefit from being pruned into a goblet shape with the exception of prostate or flat growing species.

Know your subject! Some, such as conifers, will not regrow if you cut into the hard wood. Roses should be cut back now by at least a third to avoid the plants suffering from wind rock.

Prune with a sloping cut just above an outward facing bud. A second pruning can be carried out in the spring.

Lawns too will benefit from some work.

Thatch is a layer of dead or decomposing material that builds up on the surface of the lawn. This layer acts like a sponge and become an ideal breeding ground for the growth of moss. So it’s time to grab a springbok rake and rake this thatch layer from your lawn. Its hard work especially if you’ve got a big lawn. You can take some of the hard work out of it by using a powered lawn rake.

At this time of year it’s also a good idea to apply some bulky organic matter to your garden especially your vegetable garden. This can be garden compost or well rotted farmyard manure. Be very careful of using manure that is not well rotted as this might introduced weed seeds into your garden. Unless you’re certain, it’s better to add manure to the compost heap and give it some time to decompose.

Although most people know and make their own summer baskets people often overlook winter baskets and planters.

There are a range of subjects that can be included to provide great winter displays. Small evergreen shrubs such as dwarf hebes , euonymus ‘Emerald and Gold’, winter flowering heathers , vinca major or minor and a whole range of ivies such as goldchild or glacier. For flowering interest you can use subjects such as winter flowering ❧ 24 ❧

pansies, violas or cyclamen. You can also dwarf bulbs such as narcissus ‘têteà-tête’ or the miniature double ‘rip van winkle’.

Finally, if your garden is looking like a bunch of assorted sticks, as all your shrubs and trees have lost their leaves, now would be a good time to plant some evergreens. With Christmas approaching what could be better that holly?

A question that I am often asked is “why doesn’t my holly have berries?”

Well there are male and female hollies and to get the berries you’ll need both.

To make matters worse the names are not much of a clue. “Golden King” is a female while “Silver Queen” is a male.

There is however a variety called “J C Van Tol” which is self fertile and should provide those lush green leaves with red berries to cut for your Christmas table. Hollies are not quick growing but as I said in the beginning, its all about optimism... and patience.

GARDENING EVENTS December 12th Winter Celebration with wreath making, birdfeeders and the grounds lit up. Twyn yr Hydd House and Gardens. Free admission.

01639 648261 December 13th and 14th Dyffryn Garden Christmas Fair and Father Christmas.

029 2059 3328 Please contact the venues in question to confirm details before travelling.

RESTAURANT REVIEWS Each issue we review a selection of Vale restaurants.

SOUTHERNDOWN

La Plie they had us at hello As frequent diners to Frolics, we were very keen to see what new owner and chef Matthew Powell was going to offer. Having learned that he’d worked under a string of famous Michelin starred chefs, Raymond Blanc for one, we were hoping for great things.

A very friendly and, as we learned throughout our lunch, very efficient maitre d’ Alex showed us to our table and attended to our every need.

Matthew briefly came out to greet us but no sooner than the pleasantries had been exchanged, he whipped back into the kitchen to work his magic.

And what magic it was. Fresh, warm homebaked bread was brought to our table which was quickly followed by a gift from the chef in the form of an extremely rich and intense lobster soup served in a slim glass.

Before I go any further, this was for me the highlight of the meal as I’ve never tasted anything so delicious and I’m not easy to please. We then devoured our starters of fresh saffron pasta, crab fricasse, frothed crab bisque and wood sorrel and roasted breast of wood pigeon, roast worcester pearmain apple puree, sweet pickled blackberries with a blackberry jus. So unbelievably moorish, could this get any better?

Mr Roberts enjoyed his beef oxtail but kept asking me for forkfulls of my razor clams. Unfortunately for him they were too good to share. Somehow room for a 70% Guanaja chocolate fondant with orange sorbet and pineapple crisp and a poached chateau des nages white peach, with chocolate sorbet and grapefruit tuile and coffees were found and our piece of lunchtime heaven was over.

A quick chat with Alex and then our mains arrived, pan fried Cornish brill fillet, razor clam, herb crust, roast salsify, vanilla veloute with sea purslane for me and braised Usk valley beef oxtail en crepinette, parsley root puree, late summer baby vegetables, pomme maxine with oxtain juices for Mr Roberts.

Matthew gave us another five minutes of his time to tell us how he spent his days, evenings, spare time. He’s a young man so you would be guessing he’d be chilling, partying, spending time with his mates. Not so for Matt, “I enjoy reading,” Oh yes we say, what kind of books do you read we ask, “Cookery books” and with that he was gone.

The best parts of my dish had to be the razor clam and the sea purslane.

Both were new to me and I’m sorry but it’s pointless me trying to relay how amazingly tasty these were. You’ll just have to order them. Simple as.

La Plie Beach Road Flats, Southerndown, Bridgend CF32 0RP 01656 880127

LLANTWIT MAJOR

New Year’s special at Illtud’s 216 It’s easy for us to sing the praises of New Year’s Eve at Illtud’s 216 as we’ve celebrated New Year’s there with friends for the last two years.

For this special night I’m looking for a venue which includes exceptional food, service with a smile, and great entertainment.

The menu for the coming New Year at Illtud’s 216 has a Celtic theme with a choice of St David’s Crab and Cockle Fish Cakes, Pantysgawn Goat Cheese Salad or Ale and Sage flavoured Lamb Cawl to start, followed by a honey and ginger sherbet with allspice to refresh the palate. For mains you can choose from Poached Salmon, Trout or Oven Roasted Sirloin of Welsh Black Beef with a mouth-watering Blackberry Bread and Butter Pudding with Black Mountain Welsh Whisky Custard for dessert. With Illtud’s own blend coffee and Welsh cakes to round off the meal, guests will be serenaded by talented Welsh artist David Cartwright.

Illtud’s 216 customer, and owner of Pritchard Security, Mark Chinn had this to say, “My family and I will be going to Illtud’s 216 for Christmas lunch and our company will be having our New Year’s Eve staff party there. There’ll be twenty five of us in all. We’ve been going to Illtud’s for many years now and particularly enjoy the quality of food, the atmosphere and the outstanding service.”

“We’ve been going to Illtud’s for many years now and particularly enjoy the quality of food...” ❧ 25 ❧

Illtud’s 216 Church Street, Llantwit Major CF61 1SB 01446 793800

COWBRIDGE

Shampan

Dinner with friends

If you’re an avid reader of Vale Life, you’ll know that I love Indian food.

So, when I was asked to review the Shampan Indian restaurant in Cowbridge’s High Street, I leapt at the chance.

I thought I’d invite a few colleagues, one of whom is a vegetarian to give our individual opinions on the evening.

I arrived early and got chatting to a lovely chap and his son in the foyer after I heard the dulcet tones of a north Waleian.

As it happened Myrddyn Hughes and his son Noa, aged seven, are regular customers at Shampan, having takeaways at least once a week.

Myrddyn has lived in Cowbridge with his family for the last six months following a job relocation.

I asked Myrddyn what he liked about Shampan and this is what he had to say.

“The food is consistently good here.

They are really friendly and the service is excellent. They recognise me as soon as I walk through the door and I’m always greeted with a ‘Good evening Mr Hughes’ which you don’t expect these days. Noa is given a free bottle of pop while we wait for our takeaway, which is another nice touch.”

I bade my farewells to Myrddyn and Noa and my colleagues arrived. Owner Athoul Chowdhury, otherwise known as Bright to his friends appeared and made us welcome. The nickname suited his disposition perfectly as a more pleasant and charming chap you couldn’t wish to meet. Pleasantries exchanged, Bright showed us to our table and gave us menus to look over while we ordered drinks.

Looking around the room, it was decorated as you might imagine a typical Indian restaurant. Lots of reds and golds and low lighting. Bright returned with our drinks and brought with him plans of how his restaurant will look after a forthcoming rebranding and redecoration exercise.

Bright has recently taken over the helm after successfully building up his other restaurant in Pengam. In the few short months he’s been in Cowbridge, he has seen an increase in custom. Bright has big things planned for Shampan.

We were keen to sample the cuisine and made our selection from the extensive menu. Bright suggested we start our meal with a selection from his new menu of casiculum bahari and chicken taha-tysar. These consisted of peppers filled with chicken and spices and chicken stuffed with mince meat.

Both dishes were colourful, with tasty meat, tender and full of flavour.

Accompanying our starters were four papadoms and the obligatory chutney tray. Bright’s colleague (owner of another knockout smile) deftly removed our dishes to make way for our mains. These consisted of duck korai, lamb kurchi, lamb shaslik for us meat eaters and a sag bhaji and a tarka dal for the vegetarian in our party. To accompany our mains we had lemon and onion rice, mushroom rice, garlic nan and chapatti with four onion bhaji’s thrown in for good measure.

We had all decided on lager as our choice of beverage but Bright suggested we accompany our mains with a bottle of Marquees de Caceres, a white wine from Spain and who were we to question him? The subtle flavours of this particular grape suited the food perfectly! I was very impressed with my time spent at Shampan. The food, service and hospitality of our charming hosts made for an experience I will want to repeat. I’m very excited for Bright’s plans for Shampan and hope they come to fruition.

Shampan at Christmas The restaurant will be serving its special Christmas dishes throughout December. Roast chicken, lamb and turkey will be on the menu plus many other Indian starters and mains prepared only the way Shampan can.

Throughout December, each diner will receive a complimentary glass of champagne and you can enjoy a three course full roast dinner for £20 per person on both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Shampan Indian Restaurant 70 Eastgate, Cowbridge CF71 7AB 01446 771682 or 01446 774590 Open Mon – Sat 5.30pm – 11.30pm Sun 12 noon until 11pm

“The food, service and hospitality of our charming hosts made for an experience I will want to repeat.” ❧ 26 ❧

The Shampan Indian Restaurant has been awarded 4 star Food Hygiene Rated Score on the Door by the Food Standards Agency Supported Scheme

“If you’re stuck for what to get that ‘tricky to buy for’ relative and you have a set budget, say it with food from Farthings.”

COWBRIDGE

Enjoy a ‘deli-ghtful’ Christmas at Farthings Christmas must be just around the corner as the Yuletide goodies have started to arrive in the fab Farthings Delicatessen, Cowbridge.

2008 could well be the year of the edible Christmas pressie!

If you’re stuck for what to get that ‘tricky to buy for’ relative and you have a set budget, say it with food! Farthings can create a perfect gift to suit any pocket. Tasty treats are available for the whole family with hampers made to order to suit individual tastes. Perhaps your best friend could do with a girlie Saturday night in with a chocoholic hamper to eat in front of the fire.

Customers are welcome to bring their own items to be included in the gift wrapping e.g. a Sex and the City DVD to make the night complete! or a ‘gentlemen’s relish treat’ with cheese board, crackers and relish. Alternatively, why not try the ultimate breakfast treat delicious jams and marmalades to go with toasted brioche, free range eggs and smoked salmon. The list is endless.

The friendly staff are always available to advise on combinations and budgets.

Farthings also offer an exclusive ‘fill the freezer’ option. Homemade freezer meals are made from fresh local ingredients; they are tasty and wholesome and may be the perfect pressie for a busy family who could do with a break from the cooking.

The range is huge... soup, fishcakes, deep-fried brie, lasagne, curry, casserole, pies, pasta sauces, braised lamb shanks... take your pick.

There are many goodies in stock, or if you have the time to order in advance, you could even take in your own dishes and have them filled.

And just to top it all off, you can order the fabulous home-made Farthings desserts to take away, a must for any dinner party... mince pies, cheesecakes, roulades, tortes and the infamous raspberry and hazelnut meringue.

Farthings also offers a full outdoor catering service, canapés, finger or fork buffets, sit down dinner or a children’s tea party. Just call Natalie on 07970 779580 if you would like a quote or email farthingsevents@yahoo.co.uk The options are endless, just pop in and see for yourselves!

The cooks in the shop also make fabulous quiches (available either whole or by the slice), pizzas, salads and pies that are available on a daily basis. Along with the new range of take away baguettes, toasted paninis and daily home-made salad bar.

Takeaway coffee is delicious and a must as the winter mornings set in.

All of this is available on top of the usual deli range of perfectly ripe cheeses, a large selection of patés, home-cooked and cured meats (order your Christmas ham early!), marinated olives, anchovies, sun-blush tomatoes, home-made houmous, pesto and freshly baked artisan breads. ❧ 27 ❧

Farthings of Cowbridge Limited 54 High Street, Cowbridge Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7AH 01446 773545 farthingsevents@yahoo.co.uk

Cowbridge High Street

From its magnificent unspoilt and protected Heritage Coastline to its abundance of quality shopping in its four main towns, the Vale of Glamorgan has so much to offer.

Take a walk with us through Barry, Penarth, Llantwit Major and Cowbridge for just a snapshot of what makes the Vale so great.

THE UNDISCOVERED TOWNS There’s so much more to the Vale than the natural attractions. In this issue, we take a closer look at our County’s main towns...

W H AT W E L OV E A B O U T. . .

W H AT W E L OV E A B O U T. . .

Llantwit Major

Cowbridge

This fantastic coastal town is steeped in history. Besides its wonderful beach, it possesses a medieval town hall, the ruins of a manor house, a historic church and the foundations of a Roman villa.

Cowbridge is a picturesque market town situated in the heart of the Vale of Glamorgan where you can enjoy a personal and more relaxed shopping experience and is known for its high quality boutiques.

Llantwit came to prominence after 350 years of Roman rule. With the foundation of a monastery by St Illtyd in the 5th century it rapidly became a seat of learning as well as religion.

■ Cowbridge is regarded as the ‘Bond

Street’ of the Vale with fabulous range of boutiques such as Havana and High Society, Blushbaby, Terminal 9, Pebble, Becki’s and En Vogue to name but a few.

■ Llantwit has many fine eateries and

Leighton Salt Jones of Pencoed who is a regular visitor to Cowbridge says, “Cowbridge is unique because you can enjoy a complete quality town centre shopping experience and get away from the out of town developments which all seem the same and uniform wherever you go. Also, because the majority of the shops are independent, you know you’re supporting real local businesses.”

you can enjoy a traditional lunch at one of the many pubs or why not treat yourself to a real bistro experience at Illtud’s 216.

■ It has a pedestrianised shopping area,

with clothes and jewellery boutiques but the town retains a number of fine old buildings such as the 15th century town hall, inns and pubs and also a medieval gatehouse.

■ Visitors to Llantwit benefit from free

parking next to the train station adjoining the pedestrianised area.

■ Access to the town has greatly

B A R RY

Christmas Lights Switch-On Fri 21st November, 4pm - 8pm

Free fun packed event including special guests, live music and street entertainers. Switch on at 6pm.

COWBRIDGE

Christmas Reindeer Parade Sun 30th November, 12 noon

Cowbridge welcomes Santa and his elves as they travel through the town on a sleigh, pulled by real live reindeer. Activities include Santa’s grotto at 2pm, music from local bands and choirs and the Christmas lights switch on at 5pm.

PENARTH

Christmas Lights Switch-On Sun 30th November, 2pm - 6pm

Penarth Town Council is pleased to present the illumination of their Christmas lights. The event starts at 2pm with a festive parade. Also live music and entertainment.

LLANTWIT MAJOR

improved with the recent re-opening of the Vale train line.

Christmas Lights Switch-On Sat 6th December, 2pm - 6pm

Llantwit Major’s Victorian Fair

Visitors to Llantwit often comment how friendly the people are. Local resident Dianne Bach says, “Visitors love the history and community feel of the town. We get a lot of visitors who come to walk the coastal paths.”

Vale Christmas events

Santa’s Grotto in the Town Hall followed by a lantern parade to the Precinct for lights switch-on at 5pm.

Funfair in Town Hall car park plus stalls/entertainment on the Precinct. ❧ 28 ❧

“Our ‘Four Towns’ are undoubtedly ‘the jewels in the crown’ of the Vale of Glamorgan.

They are full of hidden treasures and provide plenty of interest, retail therapy and also entertainment for all ages to enjoy.”

“In Barry town centre shoppers can enjoy a mix of family-owned independent retailers and many of the familiar national brands, with the added benefit of free parking.”

Councillor Rhodri Traherne, Cabinet Member Economic Development and Regeneration

W H AT W E L OV E A B O U T. . .

Penarth

Barry

During the Victorian era Penarth became a highly popular holiday destination, known as ‘The Garden by the Sea.’ Its traditional seafront continues to attract visitors from across the UK and beyond.

Barry is the largest town in Wales.

In 1881, it had a population of 488.

By the 1920’s this had grown to 40,000 due to the development of Barry docks, exporting coal around the world. Today it is 50,000.

■ Over recent years Penarth has

■ Holton Road is the commercial centre

become a more cosmopolitan town with new trendy bars such as Ocho’s.

■ The Washington Gallery is well worth

a visit and also serves food (their soups and salads are highly recommended).

■ Penarth is has excellent shops such

as Hamptons for gifts, Vernon’s, Image and Julie T for clothes and Guilli Guilli for children’s clothing.

Penarth resident Tony King says, “Penarth is a fantastic town and there’s a real buzz about it these days.”

of the town, the focal point being King Square, dominated by the grand town Hall which has been recently returned to its original glory.

■ The Tuesday weekly market has been

established for over ten years and offers a wide range of goods on the pedestrianised area of Holton Road.

Sally Morgan of Barry says, “I’m very impressed with the regeneration of the Town Square it’s created a real focal point. There are some great new shops and I love what’s been done with the library.”

Penarth town centre

Aldene Thomas at The Secret Garden of Beauty, Barry

W H AT W E L OV E A B O U T. . .

Take Two Coffee House, Barry

King Square, Barry

For more information contact Russell Grant Senior Economic Development Officer 07976 112363 BSC, Hood Road Innovation Quarter The Waterfront Barry CF62 5QN 01446 724336 For more information visit www.valeofglamorgan.gov.uk

SOPHISTICATED CELEBRATIONS If you’re looking for the perfect venue for your Christmas party, The West House Country Hotel in the historic quarter of Llantwit Major can cater for parties of up to sixty plus guests and with delicious party menus for lunchtimes or evenings, this pretty hotel has to be a serious contender.

Christmas day here is a relaxing affair where you can be waited on and enjoy this wonderful time with friends and family. A special visit from Santa bearing gifts for all has been arranged which should provide a real treat for the little and not so little ones.

The Christmas Day seven course menu prepared lovingly by the talented brigade includes Amuse Bouche, a choice of Salmon and Crayfish Mousse, Duo of Pigeon and Quail, Pantysgawn and red onion risotto to start, a raspberry and orange sorbet to refresh the palate, followed by a choice of roast Glamorgan turkey, roast sirloin of Welsh black beef, fillet of wild sea bass or seasonal vegetable mille fuille.

“West House has something to offer everyone throughout the festive season.”

The choice of desserts include traditional Christmas pudding, Champagne pannacotta or baked chocolate pudding. A selection of cheeses with celery, grapes and apple will then be served, followed by coffee and warm mince pies.

New Year’s Eve With a superb menu consisting of Amuse Bouche, confit of rabbit samosas, seared king scallops, tarte tatin to start, followed by pan fried medallions of Welsh beef fillet, monkfish tails, open vegetable lasagne for mains and duo of chocolate parfaits and Vodka and lemon crème brulee for dessert followed by cheese and biscuits and coffee and petit fours. There will be dancing and entertainment by the fabulous Maria Holiday well into 2009.

Photography by Mike Chapman, Momentum Photography www.momentumphotography.co.uk

The West House Country Hotel in Llantwit Major makes the ideal location to enjoy a sophisticated, seasonal break...

“Renowned for their genuine hospitality, quality and good service, The West House Country Hotel will guarantee memories that will live on for many a Christmas to come.”

“I can’t recommend it highly enough and am looking forward to another thoroughly enjoyable evening.”

If you’re looking for a venue that can offer pure sophistication for your New Year’s Eve party, then The West House Country Hotel has it all. Customers book year after year to guarantee their place. We spoke to regular West House Country Hotel devotee Mr Gerald Curnell on why he chooses to spend New Year Eve with his friends at the hotel.

“My wife and I have visited Llantwit Major extensively for over forty years and have enjoyed many meals at the West House during that time. After extensive research we decided to spend our New Year’s Eve celebrations there in 2005 and have returned each year. This December will be our fourth visit on New Year’s Eve. Our group numbers vary from ten to twenty and there will be twelve of us this year.

What appeals to us about West House is that it’s a small, friendly hotel offering excellent value for a formal black tie function. It gives us a chance to dress up which isn’t always the case elsewhere. Our hosts make us very welcome. It's almost become an extension to their family evening celebration.

The food has been excellent from a balanced menu, and the service provided has been of the highest standard and nothing is too much trouble for Mr Christopher and his staff.

We’re delighted to hear that Maria Holiday and her husband Tony will provide the entertainment again this year. For anyone who enjoys a sophisticated evening and prefers the formality of a black tie event as we do, then I am sure they would have a thoroughly enjoyable evening. In our group, most members have been eager to re-book each year and will, in all probability, continue to do so. I can’t recommend it highly enough and am looking forward to another thoroughly enjoyable evening.”

So, whether you’re looking to book a fantastic company party, an indulgent Christmas break with the family or a gourmet New Year getaway with friends, The West House Country Hotel in Llantwit Major has something to offer everyone throughout the festive season.

There is even an option to stay at one of the hotel’s twenty one charming rooms where a late breakfast or brunch is included. ❧ 31 ❧

Renowned for their genuine hospitality, quality and good service, The West House Country Hotel will guarantee memories that will live on for many a Christmas to come.

The West House Country Hotel West Street, Llantwit Major Vale of Glamorgan CF61 1SP 01446 792406 enq@westhouse-hotel.co.uk www.westhouse-hotel.co.uk

What’s it like to live in a house steeped in history? We talked to Margaret Colley, grand-daughter of former owners Major and Mrs Edgar Jones and also new owners Ken and Ann Bryl on what it’s like to live at ‘Eryl’ in Barry.

HOUSE OF FASHION Eryl, Porth y Castell has many happy memories for me.

Immediately one enters the house one appreciates a great atmosphere of happiness and friendliness.

It was in Eryl that I spent nearly all my school holidays with my grandparents, Major and Mrs Edgar Jones and especially Auntie Winnie whom I always knew as Ninnie. From the outside, the house is a strange looking one, standing like a soldier with two rifles – the chimneys - but its great attraction is that it stands towering on the heights of Porth y Castell overlooking the Bristol Channel and it commands probably one of the most beautiful panoramic views in Wales. It was said to be copy of a house in the Cotswolds.

During the Depression of the 1930’s Gareth, my uncle, the Joneses’ son was in Wall Street working for the ‘founder of public relations’, Ivy Lee who numbered amongst his many clients such companies as Chrysler, Rockefeller and others. Gareth was extremely disillusioned by the poverty he saw in New York - “World situation very grave.

Must buy house within a couple of months. Only safe investment.”

Letters and telegrams arrived in quick succession from the United States persuading his parents to buy a house and so it was, they bought Eryl for the very reasonable price of £1,250.

Until 1931 the Joneses had lived in rented property in the Colcot opposite the Buttrills. I remember removal day for I was lying in their tester bed with its curtains around me suffering from whooping cough and I had to be carried in a blanket to the new house, Eryl.

As a young child I remember how vibrant the house was – full of fun and laughter. Every Sunday crowds of visitors, both the grand and the humble, would fill the house, many arriving by bus from Cardiff to receive a warm welcome and the hospitality for which

the Jones’ were renowned. Conversation flowed and discussions were lively.

There would be two sittings for tea provided by Auntie Winnie - thinly-cut buttered bread and home-made jam, apple tart, Welsh cakes and the mouthwatering orange drizzle cake.

The intelligentsia of south Wales would gather including Mortimer Wheeler, Dr Glyn Daniels, Dr Thomas Jones and the famous Miss Davieses stayed at Eryl.

The ‘Major’, a courtesy title from the First World War, had been headmaster of Barry County School for Boys and old boys from the school were always welcomed. These numbered Barnett Janner, Baron Janner of Braunstone, Sir Charles Woolley, former Governor of Cypress and Sir John Habbakuk, at one time the Vice Chancellor of Oxford University.

I remembered that Gareth had a number of German friends, some of whom were Nazis and others not.

From the Western Mail where Gareth was working he phoned ‘Barry 32’ to speak to his aunt. He advised Winnie who had a lively personality not to give the Nazi salute and say “Heil Hitler” as the Germans left the house.

It is 75 years since the Great Famine in Ukraine and Gareth, as a journalist, endeavoured to expose the ruthless starvation that Stalin imposed on the peasants of the breadbasket region of the Soviet Union when up to 10 million people died. In his endeavour to tell the world he was maligned and denigrated.

I was aware of the atmosphere in the house at that time. One day in August 1933 there were excited voices coming from the sitting room. Gareth came from there into the breakfast room and I vividly remember where I was standing as he showed me some pictures. Implanted on my mind vividly are photos of starving Ukrainian children with fat bellies and of thinking how could they be so fat when they were suffering from hunger. ❧ 32 ❧

Two years later Gareth was dead. He died in mysterious circumstances in Inner Mongolia investigating what the Japanese were embarking upon in their designs for territorial expansion into North China. He had been captured by Chinese bandits, held for ransom for £8,000, and was murdered after sixteen days in captivity.

It was then that the laughter went out of the house and a silence descended.

A light had been extinguished. Life went on as usual, but it was never quite the same. I continued to have happy holidays there, but often pressing my nose at the landing window wishing it would stop raining.

One of my last memories was of standing in the sitting room that lead out on to the balcony. From there one could see the whole vista of Barry Barry Island, the Old Harbour, Nash Point, and Cold Knap. But this day was September 3rd 1939 and I was waiting for Neville Chamberlain’s speech at 3 o’clock on the radio ‘that consequently this country is at war with Germany.’

These words are permanently imprinted on my mind.

I did not return to Eryl for some time afterwards as I was evacuated to Canada. I do believe that the garage at the bottom of the garden was hit by a German bomb and a cluster fell on Romilly Park tragically killing some people including a small boy.

Winnie Jones died in 1952, Major Edgar Jones in 1953 and Mrs Annie Gwen Jones lived to be 97 years dying in 1965.

Their daughter, Gwyneth Vaughan Jones, former headmistress of Barry County School lived on in the house until it was burgled in 1990 and she came to live near my family in Nottingham until the end of her days.

Following the burglary the family rushed down to the house to rescue as much as we could. Life had stopped still in 1935 after Gareth’s death and little

had changed. Even the wallpaper from the hall up the stairs was William Morris in style and on the wall was the old gaslight. The house was in a very sorry state indeed. Everywhere were books double filed.

“Hand on heart, if we won the lottery, we wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”

The small room on the top floor, known as Master Gareth’s room was untouched and under the bed were Soviet Posters brought back in 1931 when Gareth went to the U.S.S.R. with Jack Heinz taking with them a supply of baked beans. Coming down the stairs from this floor were piles of old magazines dating from 1953. The wallpaper was peeling off and the plaster disintegrating into dust. At the bottom of these stairs was antiquated domestic equipment and there I found Gareth’s diaries preciously kept by his mother. I do not think anything was ever thrown away.

In my grandmother’s room I found an old trunk full of interesting documents, but it was covered by inches of dust.

Everywhere in the room had a thick layer and I found it difficult to breathe.

Fortunately the burglars had been intercepted by the barking of the dog next door and had taken little. They had piled the expected loot into the sitting room. In this room were cracks in the wall beside the fireplace and water was coming down the chimney. I have not mentioned the kitchen that had four doors into it, a ‘pre-historic’ gas cooker and an old enamel sink. There was no efficient heating and the drafts in the house were indescribable.

Gwyneth had wanted to spend the last days of her life in the old house, Eryl with its many memories, but this was not to be. She died at the age of 100 in Nottingham. On her birthday the Welsh speaking Mayor of Broxtowe read the telegram from the Queen to her in Welsh. There was a memorable Memorial Service held at The Holy Trinity Church, Barry when the church was full to capacity, and even today in Barry if you mention the name of Miss Vaughan Jones, some will say ‘she was my headmistress’.

Now, Ann and Ken Bryl have this lovely home which is so full of memories of yesteryear and a new story and a new era begins. There are certainly happy vibes in the house which I hope will always continue. I’ve no doubt the Bryl’s story will continue from here as they have transformed Eryl into a wonderful family home.

Margaret Siriol Colley There’s more online!

For more photographs of Eryl in its heyday please visit the Vale Life website at www.valelife.co.uk

When did you buy the property?

Eighteen years ago having previously lived in Cwm Talwg in Barry.

You bought it as a family home?

Yes, for myself, my husband Ken and our three children Natasha now 29, Lousha 25 and Lewis 23.

Ann Bryl is the owner of Bryl’s Boutique in Barry’s High Street. The boutique is a mecca for the fashion forward women of the Vale of Glamorgan and beyond who love Sticky Fingers, French Connection, Great Plains, Nougat, Sandwich, Chilli Pepper, Religion, boots by Ugg Australia and jewellery by Melinda Mulcahy.

What made you buy the property?

That’s an easy one to answer. Definitely the views. It’s also a very happy house.

As soon as you walk in, there’s a sense of calm and peacefulness. We also like its unique shape.

Did you know of its history?

No, not at first. It was only when we met Miss Vaughan Jones and started to talk about the house that we learnt of its history. We find it fascinating.

Have you made any changes?

Yes, we’ve extended the kitchen/family room. This room again takes advantage of the lovely views. We spend a lot of time here as a family.

Would you ever move?

Hand on heart, if we won the lottery, we wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. ❧ 33 ❧

Bryl’s Boutique 7 High Street, Barry CF62 7DZ 01446 748246 shop@brylsboutique.com www.brylsboutique.com

BEAUTIFUL Vale Life spent a wonderful weekend in Pembrokeshire at the brand new Bluestone village and rediscovered the beauty and tranquility of West Wales.

The first thing you notice on arrival at Bluestone is the newness and, I have to say, I quite liked the fact that I was one of the ‘Bluestone pioneers’ to coin a phrase.

I’m sure in five or ten years, the planting will be more established and the village will have that ‘lived in’ feel about it but, for now, I am enjoying the vista of the new.

Once we had booked in, we made our way to our lodge. The short drive down is the first chance you get to appreciate the views here. Fortunately we had chosen, what seemed to be, the only scorching weekend in September, if not summer. We were rewarded with glorious, almost breathtaking views towards the Preseli hills to the north – this is a truly stunning setting.

The second thing you notice is how peaceful it is. There’s a real sense of calmness about the whole place.

Staff are extremely friendly and nothing seems too much trouble - they seem genuinely willing to please. The other thing that struck me almost immediately was that we weren’t being discouraged from going off site!

I have been to several developments like this and you get the impression that once they have you through the gate you are locked in. At Bluestone, this is certainly not the case. In fact, we were positively encouraged to leave and explore which we did. ❧ 34 ❧

Bluestone is literally next door to Oakwood and the pretty little harbour town of Tenby is a mere fifteen minutes away. Besides these great attractions, there are scores of others to choose from that are suitable for children of all ages. You could easily spend two weeks in Pembrokeshire and not run out of things to do. It’s the perfect family destination. And, even if you don’t have children, you’re equally spoilt for choice. There’s bundles of heritage and history, great restaurants and some of the finest beaches in Europe just a short drive away.

As a base from which to explore Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire, Bluestone is perfectly placed.

I suppose the test for the great british holiday is what happens when it rains.

Bluestone delivers. With it’s excellent pool, wonderful wave machine and slides, you certainly shouldn’t be bored.

There is also a superb sports facility with gymnasium, badminton courts, pool tables and much more.

BLUESTONE This is also home to various activities such as the very popular Rock School for the aspiring rockstar. There is also a range of indoor and outdoor activities for both young and the not so young such as crafts, off road safari and archery and laser clays.

On the Saturday evening, we booked ourselves in to The Granary restaurant.

Having dined at establishments like this in the past, our expectations weren’t particularly high. Wow, were we in for a shock! The food was, quite honestly, sensational and this this wasn’t even Bluestone’s fine dining restaurant, Carreg Las – how good could that be?

We’ll definitely be trying that on our next visit… there, I said it, our next visit. Are we impressed? Absolutely.

Will we be going back? Definitely.

Bluestone has been compared, understandably, with Center Parcs and, okay, there is similarity but they do deliver very different experiences and, if I am forced to make a comparison and decide between the two, in my opinion Bluestone wins hands down because it has something that Center Parcs doesn’t… Pembrokeshire!

As a parent, I was concerned that there would be enough activities for our nine year old son Jack to keep him amused.

I needn’t have worried. Jack is a vocal nine year old, as they often are, and wanted to give his account of the trip.

“I liked the lodge we stayed in because the bedrooms were downstairs and the kitchen and TV area were upstairs.

I got to go on a jeep safari which was cool because mum and dad couldn’t come and we went in the mud. It was awesome! I also had a go at laser clays and I loved the pool because when the hooter went the waves started.

That was awesome!

What we liked about Bluestone ■ Family-friendly environment ■ The impeccably designed lodges ■ The sustainability principles central to Bluestone’s ethos ■ The genuinely friendly and helpful staff (we can’t praise them enough!)

■ Stunning views of ancient woodlands, rolling fields and the Preseli Hills ■ Pembrokeshire on your doorstep.

The food was good too. Mum doesn’t like me eating kids food because all you get is chicken nuggets and chips but in the restaurant I could have what I wanted, so I had spare ribs and massive prawns in their shells.

We also went on a trip to Tenby beach which was near to the lodge and the tide came in. Dad had to carry mum through the sea because she’s scared of crabs! I liked Bluestone and want to go back next week. It was awesome!”

“You could easily spend two weeks in Pembrokeshire and not run out of things to do... it really is the perfect family destination.” ❧ 35 ❧

Bluestone The Grange, Canaston Wood Narberth, Pembrokeshire SA67 8DE 01834 862 400 reservations@bluestonewales.com www.bluestonewales.com

When only bespoke quality will do, then Rathkey’s, cabinet makers of distinction, is the company for you.

ONLY BESPOKE We spoke to owner Paul Rathkey to find out why customers seek him out and what makes him and his company so special.

Paul, what’s your role in Rathkey’s?

I manage and organise a team of five staff and ensure the safe and creative making of bespoke furniture to the client’s requirement. I meet clients at their premises and discuss in detail what their options are and putting forward ideas.

When was Rathkeys established?

The limited company has been running five years although been trading for nine years.

Where did you train?

I went to Rycotewood College where I did a diploma in Furniture & Design.

I was head hunted by David Linley Furniture Limited, the owner of which is Viscount Linley, the Queen’s nephew, where I worked for the next ten years making bespoke fine furniture for some very rich and famous people.

The furniture manufactured was fine inlay work and precise cabinet making! ❧ 36 ❧

Describe your typical day From the moment I arrive in work, at 8am most days, I begin answering phoncalls and ensuring that the boys all have enough work to keep themselves busy all day.

I also have to ensure that all orders for materials are placed in plenty of time to ensure we have the correct stock and materials to complete the jobs we have.

In between all of this I have to answer any telephone calls that are received during the day and help the boys with any technical problems that may occur and also visit clients.

Do you see any trends developing?

Recently, the call for contemporary furniture as opposed to traditional furniture has been in higher demand, working with more oak and walnut furniture. A large proportion of our work is for bespoke kitchens in natural timber or hand painted finishes.

“I was head hunted by David Linley Furniture Limited, the owner of which is Viscount Linley, the Queen’s nephew...”

WILL DO Do you enjoy your job?

I am passionate about wood and making bespoke furniture. I get a sense of immense satisfaction when we create beautiful products. I love the feel of the timber when the furniture is completed and enjoy seeing the faces of satisfied customers, many of whom have become firm friends.

Who inspires you?

My wife – she is my driving passion and supports me the most.

What was your proudest moment?

After the birth of my two beautiful children, Oliver and Lucy, it was making furniture for David Linley as the level of workmanship that had to be achieved was absolute perfection.

How do you get most of your work?

We are pleased to say that we have had regular work and are very lucky that clients have highly recommended us to new potential customers, even allowing us to show clients their houses and the quality of work we produce.

What do you do when you’re not creating beautiful furniture?

We enjoy eating out and if we’re shopping on a Saturday afternoon in Cowbridge we’ll often pop into Bar 44 to relax with a refreshing drink and tapas food. I like to keep fit and enjoy running, swimming and cycling.

What are your future plans?

To continue to give an excellent service to our clients.

“I get a sense of immense satisfaction when we create beautiful products here at Rathkey’s.” ❧ 37 ❧

Rathkey’s Ltd Cabinet Makers of Distinction 29 TheWoodlands, Llandow CF71 7PF 01446 772931 admin@rathkeys.co.uk www.rathkeys.co.uk

Terminal 9 may be frequented by celebs but owner Adam Bick prides himself on the personal touch he offers his customers to ensure they all get the star treatment!

TERMINAL 9 What did you do before opening Terminal 9?

Since leaving school I had always worked in the financial sector which I loved, but I always had a passion for fashion and really wanted to open my own shop. I was on holiday in Miami and was sat in the airport at Terminal 9 on my return and thought, “I really don’t want to go back to work.” This is where it began and, where the name come from. I thought it would be a great name because I wanted to create a destination store.

When was Terminal 9 established?

Launched in April 2006, the shop was just a menswear boutique to start.

One year later, due to so many customers asking why we didn’t do clothing for women, I decided to take the chance and start offering women’s wear. I was out of my comfort zone and after lots of visits to Harvey Nichols, Harrods, Liberty’s and all of my favourite stores I gathered lots of ideas.

I spent many a late night reading Vogue and every style magazine you could think of. This was a big decison but it was the best one I have made since opening. I love how excited my customers get when they see the stock and this creates a great buzz.

What makes fashion so exciting?

Men’s fashion was always my primary interest. From a young age I loved and appreciated nice clothes. I still get excited about going to London to look in Selfridges, Vivienne Westwood etc.

I love the buying side of having the shop, this gives me the best feeling when I’ve got it right and sell out of things fast. I still look forward to the fashion magazines coming out and I check out the latest trends, making sure I’ve got it spot on. My favourite brand at the moment has to be Missoni...

I love the colours, fabric and cut.

It’s such a luxury brand which is an investment buy as it never dates.

“As well as fantastic clothes we can offer a personalised shopping experience and late nights on request.” ❧ 38 ❧

“We order one off pieces which are exclusive, so our customers know they’re unlikely to bump into someone wearing the same item of clothing.”

Why did you choose Cowbridge?

I love Cowbridge, as it has three of my favourite places... the Hair Business, Jon Ian and Oscars. The atmosphere here is great and it’s full of boutiques.

What brands do you stock?

Womenswear includes See by Chloe, M Missoni, Manoush, Juicy Couture and Vivienne Westwood accessories to name but a few. We have also started stocking Cowshed products which make ideal Christmas presents. For men, we stock Blue Blood denim and Coming Soon (this is a new brand from the guys that are behind y3), Paul & Joe, Puma trainers by Alexander McQueen, Rough Justice, Villain, Givenchy. Other new brands will include Diesel Black Gold and Junk de Luxe.

Who are your customers?

Stylish, fashion aware people who really appreciate luxury.

I hear that Terminal 9 is a haunt for local celebs, tell us more...

Yes, we get a few local celebs in from TV, sportspeople and a few from the music industry. I’ll mention no names as we’ve built up a relaxed atmosphere for them so they can feel comfortable when they come in the store.

What services do you offer?

As well as fantastic clothes we can offer a personalised shopping experience and late nights on request. We like to develop relationships with customers so that we know what they like and can contact them when new stock arrives. ❧ 39 ❧

We order one off pieces which are exclusive, so our customers know that they’re unlikely to bump into someone else wearing the same item of clothing.

Tell us about your new website...

We’ll be launching our new online shop very soon and sending out weekly newsletters to show our customers the ‘must haves’ for the season, ideas for outfit building and keeping customers up-to-date with new brands.

Terminal 9 3 Westgate, Cowbridge CF71 7AQ 01446 773398 New online shop being launched soon www.terminalnine.com

The Hair Business, Cowbridge has built a reputation for excellence. Vale Life talked with owner Leigharne Phillips about how the business has grown and what drives her to make it such a success.

Can you tell us about your career?

I trained mostly in Cardiff and then spent the first part of my career in London with Steiner who own Elemis and operates salons on many cruise liners. I then went to Bermuda for a year and on my return to Cardiff, I re-joined Gingers and in 1992 I set up The Hair Business.

Why did you choose Cowbridge?

A well informed friend suggested Cowbridge as the best location for the future, and they were right!

What are your specialities?

Our core hairdressing, beauty and nail skills provide a wide range of options to all our clients. Also, our people values. It’s so important that our clients feel special as they are important members of our ‘family’. At the Hair Business, we truly believe in the client’s ‘experience’, and we want to make it the very best they’ve ever had.

Where do your clients come from?

90% come by recommendation. We have clients from all over Wales and the UK. We even have clients from Dubai, Greece and Italy. Honestly it’s amazing!

Tell us about your products We use Aveda which are 97% naturally derived products from sustainable sources. We love the concept and the fact that you can get products ranging from candles to shampoo and make up.

We also stock Redken as the science and history behind this brand is outstanding and it continues to be innovative with new solutions to hair and scalp problems. We are proud to say we invest in the finest products.

You focus very much on the quality of training for your staff...

I’ve always believed in what you put in, you get back, by respecting others and allowing them to grow. Standards are vitally important to the Hair Business.

Our brand emerges from our team who are the foundation of our success.

During the last year we have taken part in 73 days of training with industry experts, and are constantly looking at ways in which we can further enhance our skills in customer relations.

Tell us about your staff...

The team are the making of our brand and thankfully I have found wonderful people... from assistants to stylists, from salon co-ordinators to nail technicians and beauty therapists. Russell, who is behind the scenes has worked on the financial side of the business for fifteen years. Catherine is Operations Manager and Claire, my sister, is Salon Manager.

George, Emma and Hayley have been with me for over nine years and all decisions are shared with them.

The team’s core values are important... good manners and great attitude. The hairdressing and beauty side follow the same ethics. All but one of our stylists have trained here, I’m proud to say as clients can have more choice and to enable this process, we operate a ‘free roam salon’. We work on a tier system to provide our hair services, with prices to suit all. Sophie, as Senior Salon Coordinator, operates front of house and retail supported by Anna and Kate on reception. We offer training sessions on Mondays to develop our assistant trainees. Sessions are open to clients who would like to offer themselves as models to help our trainees.

THE You are involved in a lot of charity work. Which charities are you involved with and why?

The Hair Business are proud to be able to donate their time and efforts along with donations to numerous charities and are often involved in local charity events such as, The Eve Appeal, George-Thomas Hospice, Ty Hafan and local schools. We have sponsored a child through Plan International and I personally sponsor Eric through the same organisation. When you can see the difference you can make to a child’s life, you want to do more.

We have sponsored four more since Eric. Recently, we have donated to a charity event to raise money for a little girl in need of an operation in Nepal… my great Grandpa was from Nepal.

HAIR BUSINESS What services are offered at The Hair Business?

Over the seventeen years of the salon’s life, our services have been developed to their current high standards through dedication and on-going training to keep us at the forefront of the industry.

We offer haircutting services for men and women, Great Lengths hair extensions, colour specialists, Creative nail care and beauty treatments and, most recently, we have complemented our male grooming with the traditional wet shave. A few members of the team attended training with one of the UK’s award winning specialists in the male grooming arena and this autumn will see the launch of this service to complete the full male grooming experience for our clients.

Are there any exciting new developments at the salon?

This Autumn will see the launch of our new service ‘My New Hair’. I personally attended a training session with Trevor Sorbie on customising wigs. I found the course very rewarding and I am really excited to be launching this service to our customers as I feel it is a very personal thing to be able to give my skills and knowledge in order to help people who have had their world turned upside down by cancer. Being told you have cancer must be one of the most devastating things you can hear and we are here to support clients when they are going through this difficult time. We will customise wigs in the comfort of a private room on a complimentary basis. ❧ 41 ❧

We have many thank you’s to send out to all those that were involved in this photoshoot.

A thank you to Liz, Paula and Lisa at Vibe Models for their efforts in helping us by supplying great models. To all the models that showed professionalism and dedication: Rachel Bond, Chloe-Beth Morgan (Miss Wales), Lydia Whnell, Andrew Leather, Catherine Pope, Ella Hill, Lane Allan and Stacey Ranson. A big thank you to Andy at Hamptons of Penarth for setting the scene, Esther Hitchcock of Jon Ian’s for supplying the footwear and Martin Phillips Photography for the great photography and creative ideas for the scene.

For more images of the photoshoot visit www.valelife.co.uk

The Hair Business 18 High Street, Cowbridge Vale of Glamorgan CF71 7AG 01446 775760 info@hairbusiness.co.uk www.hairbusiness.co.uk

HAMPTONS AT CHRISTMAS Ben, Mark’s nephew who’s about to head off travelling on a gap year...

The first thing that sprang to mind is our witty emergency money box although it would doubtless remain empty! Our leather bound travel journal would be the perfect way to record his trip.

Thankfully a quick call to Santa’s most stylish helpers at Hamptons did the trick. Peter and Andy agreed to don their pointy ears and rather nifty green costumes and give us their top ten fabulous pressies for those relatives and friends who are, well lets say a tad difficult to buy for.

My sister who is addicted to Strictly Come Dancing...

Buy her some dance lessons, a bag of sequins and our Salsa CD. She can shake and shimmy over the sprouts and fantasise about Austin Healey.

Bat Castle £39.99

Auntie Babs is a keen gardener and loves to watch wildlife...

Our bird houses double up as bird feeders once the little darlings have flown the nest, but better still how about our new bat castle great for the battiest of relatives.

Grace, my niece who is going through that ‘pink’ phase...

The Pink Princess Phone is a must.

Far more classy than any mobile, it was originally designed in the 1950’s.

A design classic, perfect for any pop princess.

Pink Princess Telephone £39.99

Cousin Flora who runs a cat sanctuary...

How about one of our cute doorstops?

The cats and dogs all have tremendous personalities and there are a complete range of designs to choose from.

Dog/cat doorstop £19.99

With only a few weeks until the big day, I’m sure most of you will be much more organised than us with your Christmas shopping. We’ve been so busy getting this edition ready that we haven’t even begun.

No matter... Hamptons to the rescue!

John and Zara, Mark’s brother and sister in law who have an ultra modern apartment on the Thames in London. Trendy but tiny...

These sound like the impossible couple from what you’ve told us as they really do live the high life on the 15th floor.

Our chrome Diner Phone combines clean lines with classic style. The extra long cable gives you almost the freedom of a hands-free phone. They can mix martinis in the kitchen or chill out in the hot tub on the terrace while they book the next skiing trip to Aspen!

Salsa CD £13.99

Mark’s Mum, who always says “Don’t buy me anything,” but would be mortified if we didn’t...

Wax Lyrical, produced in the Lake District have created some beautiful interior perfumes that come in elegant bottles.

Their exquisite Christmas fragrances include, Amber & Myrrh and Orange & Cranberry. Ideal to mask the smell of simmering sprouts! ❧ 42 ❧

Chrome diner phone £89.99

Our colleagues in the office...

This is always a tricky one as the costs can soon add up and buying everyone the same gift is a bit of a cop out.

Bomb Cosmetics have created a wonderful range of bath melts and creamers which means that you can choose different fragrances and colours for everyone. Make sure that you buy the office letch the pink sparkly one, the glitter lasts for ages and he’ll be getting some funny looks from the guys in maintenance!

Uncle Bert whose football knowledge is encyclopaedic...

Have no fear, Charles Buchan is here a great collection of nostalgic football memorabilia. The Football Monthly Annual fist published in the 1950’s, matching hip flask, leather wallet, thermos flask and even cufflinks will remind Uncle Bert of the days of chivalry, Brylcreem and dodgy shorts.

The book should keep him quiet for at least a couple of hours.

Emergency Money Box £9.99

Bath creamers £1.99 each gift box of 6 £12.50

Relatives’ names have been changed to protect their identities!

Buchanan wallet £29.99, flask £14.99, hip flask £19.99

My darling husband Mark, who always buys me something wonderful but knows that he needs to keep the receipt...

We think that Mark would really love our beautiful jazz glassware. Elegant with four different designs, it’s exactly what Mark wants...

Actually, that’s what Jen told us but we think there’s a sneaky, ulterior motive.

Apparently she’s been lusting after the range for months!

Jazz wine goblets £37.99

Of course, Hamptons will gladly wrap all of your purchases for free.

So, why wrestle with sticky tape and string, when you can leave it to the professionals.

Hamptons 10 Ludlow Lane, Penarth CF64 1EA 029 2070 5391 www.hamptons-design.co.uk

❧ 43 ❧

This issue we bring you a range of competitions with something to suit everyone!

COMPETITION WINNERS

VALE LIFE

WIN! WIN! Custom made jewellery from Peche Jewellery

A signed copy of Nicole Cooke’s latest book

SUMMER ❧ AUTUMN 2008 FREE

P R O U D

T H E VA L E

OF

T O

B E

I N D E P E N D E N T

G L A M O R G A N ’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

Here’s a fantastic chance to win a three Sterling Silver stackable rings set with one 5mm Amethyst gemstone and a hammered sterling silver Rose Quartz pendant.

For more information about Peche Jewellery please see page 47.

OF

GLAMORGAN SHOW, POLO

AT

FONMON

FASHION , FOOD , TRAVEL AND INTERIORS

RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

THERE’S MORE ONLINE WWW . VALELIFE . CO . UK

PLUS A RT , B OOKS , S TYLE , HEALTH, HOMES AND MUCH MORE

Last issue’s lucky winners

Whether you’ve always wanted to have a go or are already a confirmed cycling addict like Olympic gold medallist Nicole, Cycle For Life will give you all the help and inspiration you need to get riding safely, with confidence and excitement.

ENER-CHI L U C Y AT K I N S O N Morganstown COPTHORNE M R S H E VA N S Dinas Powys

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: Nicole Cooke Competition, Vale Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@valelife.co.uk.

Please type Nicole Cooke as the title for your email.

HAMPTONS PA M E L A R O B I N S Cowbridge WEBSITE P R I VAT E C U S T O M E R Vale of Glamorgan

You can win too!

Come on Vale Life readers!

You have every chance of winning one of these fantastic prizes just like the lucky winners above.

All competition entries must be received by December 31 2008.

Winners will be notified within 14 days and prize must be taken

by March 1 2009.

Go for it!

You’ve got to be in it, to win it!

Picture is for illustration only. Please see page 47 for more information on Peche Jewellery.

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LOGO B E R R E T T I N V E S T I G AT I O N S Cardiff

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HIGH SUMMER THE VALE

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: Peche Jewellery Competition, Vale Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@valelife.co.uk.

Please type Peche Jewellery as the title for your email.

Q

Where is jeweller Emma Roberts from.

Q

Where in the Vale did Nicole grow up?

Answer

Answer

Name Address

Name Address

Postcode Phone Email

Postcode Phone Email

If you do not wish to receive details of products and services from Vale Life or other companies, please tick the box provided.

❧ 44 ❧

If you do not wish to receive details of products and services from Vale Life or other companies, please tick the box provided.

WIN! WIN! WIN! £100 voucher to spend at Design Inspiration

Emma-Kate Francis jewellery worth £150

Here’s a fantastic chance to win a £100 voucher to spend on Luxaflex products from Design Inspiration.

To celebrate the opening of EmmaKate’s gallery and workshop and the launch of ‘Seren’, the striking new range of star jewellery, EmmaKate is offering one lucky reader the chance to win a Seren bracelet and triple Seren necklace set, worth £150. See page 47 for more.

Luxaflex products are innovative window covers which will enable you control your light and add beauty to any room. You could change the look of your room with Luxaflex’s exclusive new range of roller blinds and shutters.

A photo shoot and Glacier Block with Monique Green

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: Emma-Kate Francis Competition, Vale Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@valelife.co.uk.

Please type Emma-Kate as the title for your email.

First Prize - photo shoot and Glacier Block, worth £100.

Ten second prizes of a photo shoot and framed 5x7 print.

For more information on Monique see page 20.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: Design Inspiration Competition, Vale Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@valelife.co.uk.

Please type Design Inspiration as the title for your email.

To be in with a chance of winning, just answer the question in the box below and either post your entry to: Monique Green Competition, Vale Life, Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW. Or email your answer and contact details to jennifer@valelife.co.uk.

Please type Monique Green as the title for your email.

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✃

✃

Q

Where is Design Inspiration based?

Q

Where is Emma-Kate’s gallery and workshop?

Q

Where is Monique’s studio?

Answer

Answer

Answer

Name Address

Name Address

Name Address

Postcode Phone Email

Postcode Phone Email

Postcode Phone Email

If you do not wish to receive details of products and services from Vale Life or other companies, please tick the box provided.

If you do not wish to receive details of products and services from Vale Life or other companies, please tick the box provided.

❧ 45 ❧

If you do not wish to receive details of products and services from Vale Life or other companies, please tick the box provided.

VALE STYLE

Seasonal skincare, gorgeous lingerie and jewellery...

P O N T YC L U N

Smoother lines with Smoothlines I’m an avid reader of Vale Life and its sister publication City Life and I particularly enjoy the cosmetic features. The reason for this quite simply is that I’m unhappy with the condition of my skin.

I notice that as I get older, wrinkles are becoming more pronounced, as is the amount of discoloration from years of sun damage and many years of taking the contraceptive pill. It was after reading about Beverly and Ian Hodges who run Smoothlines and hearing about the treatments available, that I thought I might book an appointment.

I gave Bev a call and we decided to meet up to talk about things further.

I liked Bev right from the start as we just seemed to hit it off, probably because I’m very much a people person and so is she. After Bev scrutinized my skin, she suggested that the best option for me would be the glycolic peel. As I’m meeting people on a daily basis with my job as a training co-ordinator, I was concerned that I’d look like the elephant man post treatment, but Bev assured me that this wouldn’t be the case. She explained that for two weeks prior to the peel, I would need to use a pre peel cleanser twice a day and a moisturiser to prepare my skin.

Each treatment is tailor made to the client but Bev said that my first treatment would consist of a 20% glycolic peel for the duration of two minutes and then build from three to five minutes over a course of four to six sessions.

“I now fully intend to have regular peels at Smoothlines to keep the signs of ageing at bay.”

B A R RY

Luscious lingerie comes to the High Street Women of Barry have long been crying out for somewhere to stock up on gorgeous lingerie and swimwear. Thankfully, Petticoats in High Street have answered their prayers with a range to die for!

Owner Sharon Hinder opened Petticoats in July 2008 and stocks underwear by Freya, Fantasie (with sizes up to a K cup), Fauve, La Pelle (for the woman with a small back and cup size), Triumph and Sloggi.

Unique to Petticoats and Wales is the sinfully sweet, nursing lingerie by Hot Milk of New Zealand. Now expectant women can look pretty and sexy too!

“Petticoats has put the pleasure back into shopping for lingerie.”

Ian and Bev of Smoothlines

If my skin tolerated more, then the degree of glycolic acid would be increased. Bev assured me that feeling would be that of prickly heat and not the searing pain I was anticipating.

I would then be given a post peel cream to take away and it was imperative that I use a sunscreen of at least 30spf. I was to continue using the cleanser and moisturizer throughout the treatment.

When I asked what results I should be anticipating, I was excited to hear that within a few treatments, I should hope to see rejuvenated skin as the peel promises to promote cellular regeneration by boosting collagen regrowth, soften fine lines, slough off dead skin cells, even out pigmentation and all in all a brighter, softer, more youthful look. Happy days!

I met Bev at the clinic and we got to work straight away. Cleansed and ready Bev applied the glycolic formula.

I must say it wasn’t the most pleasant

Customers can also buy a range of nightwear by Triumph and La Pelle, fitted swimwear by Freya and Fantasie and sports bras

by Freya, as recommended

by This Morning’s resident doctor, Chris Steel.

Soon to be arriving will be new lines from Fauve which will consist of rich colours, perfect for that Christmas gift.

Sharon, who offers a fully qualified fitting service, is looking forward to the season ahead. “I am expecting an influx of male customers looking for that perfect gift for the person they love.

I am also excited about a new delivery of bridal wear which I’m sure will be a big hit. Petticoats has put the pleasure back into shopping for lingerie.”

Gift vouchers from £10 are available.

Petticoats 74 High Street, Barry CF62 7DW 01446 743902

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experience I’ve encountered but as it only lasted a few minutes, it wasn’t so bad. Bev talked me through the treatment in that calming way that she does which made the process much more tolerable and reassuring. She then applied the post peel cream and then we had a cup of tea.

The immediate results of my first peel were softer, glowing skin that was a bit pinkish in colour. Bev advised me not to wear makeup that evening and to apply the moisturiser before going to bed, the cleanser in the morning and the all important sunscreen.

With two treatments under my belt, I still have a few more to go but I have to say that the results are fabulous.

My once pigmented skin now has a more even tone, is softer, brighter, with smaller pores (visibly at least) and my skin looks and feels far healthier. I definitely have more of a glow about me and I’m so glad I took the glycolic plunge. I now fully intend to have regular peels at Smoothlines to keep the signs of ageing at bay.

Beverly Hodges is a registered general nurse and works with her husband Ian, a hospital consultant. Both are based at Kudos Hair and Body Styling Studio in Pontyclun. Tanya Parkhouse

Smoothlines have a number of treatments to suit all budgets. Treatments include Mesotherapy rejuvenation, dermal fillers Juvederm Ultra and Evolence for fine lines wrinkles and lip enhancement and Sculptra for collagen stimulation. For the perfect pre party boost - the ice mask treatment and finally Revitalash, which encourages lash growth. Gift vouchers available.

Smoothlines at Kudos Kudos Hair and Body Styling 2 Midland Chambers, Cowbridge Road Pontyclun CF72 9BT 07724 661406 info@smooth-lines.co.uk www.smooth-lines.co.uk

PONTCANNA

P O R T H C AW L

Emma-Kate Francis opens new gallery

Custom designed jewellery by Peche

Top London jeweller Emma-Kate Francis has recently opened her beautiful gallery and workshop just off the Kings Road in Pontcanna, Cardiff.

If you’re looking for that special piece of jewellery that’s completely unique then look no further than Peche Jewellery.

Jewellery maker, Emma Roberts, from Porthcawl, created Peche Jewellery after finishing her Comprehensive Jewellery Training at Studio Jewellers in New York. Emma draws on a lot of influences, including the natural beauty of her home country, Wales, and mainly uses sterling and fine silver, gold and precious gem stones in her work.

She creates unique, handmade pieces using silver, gold, platinum, diamonds, semi-precious stones and pearls.

Emma-Kate prides herself on transforming her customers ideas into reality, “Part of the fun of getting something made is that you can boast about it!” she exclaimed.

For your very own custom designed piece, please contact Emma at her studio via email info@pechejewellery.com www.pechejewellery.com

To commission that special piece or to view Emma-Kate’s portfolio of jewellery and silverware visit www.ekfrancis.com or phone 07947 307119, to make an appointment.

For your chance to win custom made pieces by Emma, please see page 44.

Below, Emma-Kate’s ‘Baby’ Star Decorations featured in Elle Decoration.

Emma-Kate Francis 183A Kings Road, Pontcanna, Cardiff 07947 307119 www.ekfrancis.com

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VALE BUSINESS A round up of business news in the Vale.

S T D O N AT S

P O R T H C AW L

The Vale welcomes Estonian President

100% record maintained at St. John’s School

The President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, and Mrs Evelin Ilves visited the St Donats Arts Centre and the Atlantic College recently to celebrate the Walestonia Festival.

The Staff and Governors of St. John’s School are hugely delighted that for the sixth year in a row all their Year 11 pupils have achieved at least six full GCSEs at grade A* to C.

The President opened a joint exhibition by two of Estonia’s leading artists – father and son Vilen Künnapu and August Künnapu, called a ‘Common Energy Field’. Vilen Künnapu is one of the most important Estonian architects of the last three decades, and among the first post-modernist theoreticians and architects in the 1970s. The President’s visit followed his address to the National Assembly for Wales in the morning and a meeting with the First Minister for Wales, Rhodri Morgan.

In the evening he participated in the Walestonia festival concert, in which the Estonian National Male Choir joined the BBC National Orchestra for Wales in the Stravinsky’s Oedipus Rex performance at the Brangwyn Hall in Swansea.

The President followed other political and royal figures by staying at the Egerton Grey Country House Hotel Porthkerry as their base when visiting Cardiff. Indeed the country location of the hotel close to Cardiff International Airport provides privacy and high security for visitors.

The hotel can be booked for exclusive use to ensure a full measure of security.

Previous visits have been made by business leaders, politicians and royalty including the Dalai Lama of Tibet and HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall who have visited the hotel on several occasions.

P O N T YC L U N

Fine art flowers help new clinic to bloom Pontyclun-based artist Jason D has created a striking collection of prints for Vale Healthcare’s newly opened clinic in Cardiff Bay. The pictures feature photographs of flowers that have been enhanced with intense fluorescent colours. Jason said, “I use flowers that are past their best in my pictures, as I find that at this point they have a really diverse range of shapes, patterns, colours and textures that are a great source of inspiration.”

Mrs. Carol Clint, Headmistress, met and spoke to all the pupils to extend her congratulations. She was thrilled that the 100% record had been maintained and was pleased that this was a reflection of the benefits of the individual attention received from the dedicated staff and small class sizes. In fact, 90% of pupils attained eight or more A* - C grades.

There were exceptional performances by both Nathan Shearer who achieved four A* grades and seven A’s and from Natalie Dawson. Natalie last year gained an A* whilst in Year 10 and this year added to this by achieving two grade A’s and a further eight A*s.

St. John’s School Newton, Porthcawl CF36 5NP 01656 783404 www.stjohnsschool-porthcawl.com

“When working on a project like this one for the clinic it is important to make sure the works flow seamlessly through the building, cohesively linking spaces like the reception, waiting and consulting rooms together.”

Lis Neil, Chief Executive of Vale Healthcare, said, “The prints give the vibrant finishing touch the building needed and really helps brings the spaces to life. They compliment the modern surroundings and it’s great to know that they are the work of an artist local to the Vale. So far we’ve commissioned thirteen of Jason’s prints but we’re planning to purchase more.

In fact, we’ve asked Jason to consider a commission for our new hospital which we intend to build in 2009. Jason has suggested the theme ‘flowers of healing’ and we can’t wait to see what he comes up with.”

“The prints give the vibrant finishing touch...” ❧ 48 ❧

For more information contact info@jasondprints.com 07794 297443 www.jasondprints.com

PONTCANNA

The Jewellery Studio introduces Vabene If you’re looking for a watch that is unique and represents a fun lifestyle incorporating fashion, art and love, then a Vabene timepiece might be for you.

The Jewellery Studio in Pontcanna are the only jewellers in Wales to stock these fashionable watches which have been designed by the infamous Grimoldi’s, a family with profound knowledge in high end watch making.

The philosophy of the brand is to embrace the fun side of life. Vabene means, ‘it’s all cool, fine, ok, good’ and is the most used word in Italian as well as the well known ‘Ciao’. It is on the lips of every Italian every single day and is always accompanied with an approving nod and a big smile.

Vabene is big news in the US with celebrities such as rapper 50 Cent, Britney Spears, Paris and Nicky Hilton, super model and entrepreneur of Baby Phat brand Kimora Lee Simmons.

Vabene watches also grace the wrists of soccer players Roberto Carlos, Francesco Totti, top model and actress

Carol Alt, Katie Homes, Hollywood legend Dustin Hoffman, Robert Downey Jr., boxer Mike Tyson, singer Kid Rock, and many Hollywood starlets.

Head down to The Jewellery Studio and bag yourself a Vabene watch. Telling the time has never been so much fun.

The Jewellery Studio 237 Cathedral Road, Pontcanna Cardiff CF11 9PP 029 2022 1144 enquiries@jewellerystudio.co.uk www.jewellerystudio.co.uk

PENARTH

Pamper the ones you love with Ener-chi This Christmas why not spoil a loved one with a perfect gift to see them through the winter?

With helpful staff on hand to help you choose, from stocking fillers from as little as £2 to sumptuous hamper baskets and beautiful boxes brimming with wonderful products from favourites such as L’Occitane, Dr. Haushka, Elysambre and many more, Ener-chi is a must visit for gifts to delight your family and friends.

New to Ener-chi, and already proving the popular choice for Christmas, are the now famous pamper hampers which can be tailor made to your own specification. Choose from ‘Relaxation’, ‘Energise’ or for the mum to be, ‘Lady in Waiting’, the Ener-chi pamper hampers are sure to delight anyone who unwraps them on Christmas Day. With so much to choose from in this emporium of goodies, if you just can’t decide, then there’s always the ever popular gift voucher which always fits the bill.

Working late and can’t get to the shops? No need to stress. Ener-chi are open late into the evening on Tuesdays, and Thursdays for shopping and if it all gets too much for you, you can always treat yourself to a bit of pampering in the form of a manicure, a facial or a hot stone massage while the staff seasonally wrap your gifts.

“Ener-chi truly have this season’s gift ideas all wrapped up.” ❧ 49 ❧

Ener-chi 37 Hickman Road, Penarth CF64 2AL 029 2070 7356 also at 57 Heol Isaf, Radyr, Cardiff CF5 8AH 029 2027 4012 www.enerchi4health.com

From humble roots, Masons Moving Group has grown into a highly respected international company transporting customers’ most treasured belongings around the globe. We asked Gordon Mason, Masons Managing Director to give us an insight into the company’s formula for success.

MOVING STORY When was Masons established?

The company started in 1905 when Sidney Mason, my great grandfather, set up shop on Main Street in Cadoxton.

The company originally dealt in secondhand furniture and all the deliveries were made with a horse and cart.

Sidney’s business developed by moving furniture and eventually he passed on the business to his son Eric (one of nine children!). Sidney and his wife Alice lived above the shop and Eric worked with his dad until the age of eighteen.

World War II broke out and Eric trained as a fighter pilot and was stationed in Burma until 1947. When he returned, he married Esme after wooing her in the first Mason removal van, an old army van bought in 1948.

The business grew under Eric until, in 1955, there were three shops in Barry – Main Street, High Street and one on the corner of Thompson Street and Merthyr Street. Esme worked alongside Eric until his death in 1982 and after over fifty years, she still takes an interest in the business which is now run by my brothers Brett, Richard and myself.

“We’re an international company now with a reputation for excellence and reliability.”

The company has had its ups and downs since then but we’re hard workers and believe you don’t get something for nothing in this life.

We’ve changed beyond all recognition since those humble beginnings. We’re an international company now with a reputation for excellence and reliability and I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved as a family.

What was your first job at Masons?

I joined the company when I left school at fifteen. My first job was a driver’s mate and van boy. There were no concessions for the bosses’ son.

My dad made us start at the bottom and work our way up.

How has the business changed over the years?

You can’t stand still in business.

Over the decades we’ve expanded as opportunities have arisen. Overseas removals is a good example… corporate relocations and people searching for of a better quality lifestyle by buying second homes abroad has created a good market for us.

Besides the actual moving of property, we provide containerized storage and warehousing. This is a growing part of our business and the storage side of thing alone has expanded to over 100,000 sq ft and it’s all watched over by state of the art cctv systems, so don’t get any ideas.

What do you like about the business?

The challenges that come with every day. The diversity of group operations means we might have a complicated house move one day and be planning a conference the next.

Who inspires you and why?

My late father because of his strong work ethic.

What do the other members of the family do in the business?

Richard and Brett are Director’s, Esme still takes an interest and my son James is training to be a manager at our new venture, The Business Centre.

You’re called Masons. Are any of you actually Masons?

Yes, I am a Freemason, but that doesn’t mean that everything I do is free!

Has the recent downturn in the economy affected your business?

Although the housing market has affected the removal business, alternative contracts have been secured in the distribution field to maintain our turnover. Additionally, our new venture The Business Centre has experienced an increase in enquiries as businesses do not want to commit to a long term traditional lease preferring to take advantage of the flexibility of ‘easy in, easy out’ tenancy agreements with no capital expenditure or legal fees.

What are your plans for the future?

To maintain our high standards across the group and to expand The Business Centre model in the South Wales area.

Above, Esme Mason with son, Gordon and an ex army truck in 1961. Left, Masons head office at Thompson Street in 1955.

Opposite, Jim Mason and a shop assistant outside Main Street shop in Cadoxton, 1920.

Photographs courtesty of Masons Moving Group, Barry.

Reproduced by kind permission of Gordon Mason.

“The company has had its ups and downs... but we’re hard workers and we believe that you don’t get something for nothing in this life.” Gordon Mason Eating out, where do you suggest?

Casa Paco, good food, reasonable prices.

What is your favourite meal?

Tomato soup, steak and chips and jam rolly polly with custard.

Favourite drink?

Chablis and Carling Premier.

What do you do to relax?

Read Dean Koontz or Stephen King.

Do you have a pet hate?

Litter…grrrrr.

Favourite music and why?

Pink Floyd, Metallica and Rush.

Do you have a claim to fame?

Becoming a Worshipful Master of my lodge…

I wish more people would take more notice of…

The difficulties that are sometimes experienced by employers.

A phrase I use far too often…

Not another holiday!!!

I’m very good at…

Getting the most out of people.

Gordon Mason’s top business tips ■ Take the right business when

presented and always look for new opportunities ■ Value your staff and make sure

they know it I’m very bad at…

Giving compliments under pressure.

■ Maintain a sense of humour

My ideal night out would be…

A good meal with a nice bottle of chilled white wine does the trick.

■ Know your competitors and

What drives you?

My children.

■ Always follow your gut instinct

In moments of weakness I… Go for a stroll to clear my head.

Any unfulfilled ambition?

No regrets but I’m always looking for new opportunities.

The best age to be is…

50 and I’m looking forward to it.

The most memorable thing that has happened to me was…

The birth of my children.Family means everything to me.

In a nutshell my philosophy is…

Life is something that happens to you when you’re making other plans so you might as well enjoy it. ❧ 51 ❧

understand why they’re your competitors

Masons Moving Group Limited Storage House Priority Enterprise Park Cardiff Road, Barry CF63 2BG 01446 733330 enquiries@masonsmovingroup.co.uk www.masonsmovingroup.co.uk

B A R RY

Classic transformations

by Beauty Spot Lisa and Amanda from Beauty Spot Hair and Beauty did an amazing job on our photoshoot in Penarth for Forever Vintage (see page 62). The talented duo transformed 20 year old Lauren Stork and 19 year old Natasha Grosvenor into Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.

Being at The Business Centre has made it easy for clients of Beauty Spot Hair and Beauty, who come from all over Cardiff and the Vale as the free parking and easy to get to location just off the Barry Docks link road takes away much of the stress associated with city and town. Clients arrive stress free and that’s even before treatment starts!

Beauty Spot Hair and Beauty have the experience and expertise of 15 years in business offering all the latest hair styles and beauty treatments. The team of hair stylists provides up to date colour and cutting techniques, hair extensions and an excellent choice of quality products

by Tigi, Bedhead, S factor and Catwalk.

The beauty therapists offer an extensive range of treatment that include St Tropez Airport tanning system, red vein and skin tag removal, facial peels, botox and other medical based cosmetic procedures performed by their visiting doctor. In addition they are one of the very few salons in South Wales to offer permanent make up. More recently a chiropodist and Raki therapist have joined their team.

With the party season fast approaching, why not call in for a free consultation and update your hair style and prepare your skin to dazzle for those party nights. Don’t forget gents, hair and beauty vouchers for the women in your life make excellent Christmas presents!

Hint, hint...

VA L E L I F E . C O . U K

TURNERSTOOLBOX.COM

L L A N T R I S A N T. N E T

“Every piece of editorial in the magazine is put on the website including all the images and active hyperlinks. The advice and expertise that Commedia have brought to the table has been extremely useful and we have already commissioned a further two web projects with the company.”

“I even had a woodturner from the United States get in touch who was coming over here on holiday.

He travelled from where he was staying to my place to have a chat and to purchase some of our products.

I am delighted with the site and have nothing but praise for Commedia.”

“Our website, designed to a first-class standard and maintained by our designers, Commedia, keeps all Freemen updated of events in their hometown and that of their ancestors.

The Town Trust is proud of its website and the outstanding work carried out in creating it.”

Beauty Spot Hair and Make Up The Business Centre Cardiff House Cardiff Road, Barry Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW 01446 731230

Commedia provides effective creative print solutions for businesses and organisations across the public and private sectors ❧ 52 ❧

PENARTH

Tony King Architects are now a Big Issue To coincide with the release of their first ever brochure, Tony King Architects, who have developed particular experience in social and private housing developments, have become the first architect’s practice to become corporate subscribers of The Big Issue Cymru, the charity who specialise in helping the homeless.

Tony King Architects who also specialise in mixed office and retail schemes, refurbishments and listed buildings have recently achieved planning approval for two schemes of ninety houses and apartments for Newydd Housing Association in South Wales.

If you would like a copy of Tony King Architects’ brochure please email mail@tonykingarchitects.co.uk If you would like to check out The Big Issue you can find more information at www.bigissuecymru.co.uk. Remember, Big Issue sellers are selling not begging!

Tony King Architects Ltd 97a Glebe Street, Penarth Vale of Glamorgan CF64 1EE 029 2030 6400 mail@tonykingarchitects.co.uk www.tonykingarchitects.co.uk

Commedia designs, builds, manages and promotes websites for a wide variety of customers across the private sector in South Wales and the South West.

Usability, combined with high quality design, are the cornerstones of our success. From simple showcase brochure sites to fully content managed e-commerce stores, Commedia delivers the goods with flair and creativity.

COMMEDIAONLINE.CO.UK

C I T Y L I F E C A R D I F F. C O . U K

“The true test of any website’s success is unique visitor numbers, visits and page views. After that it simply comes down to actual business generated from traffic which is what most companies are looking for. It’s all about the day to day stats and converting visits into hard currency.”

“Since the City Life website went live at the beginning of February, we are delighted to report that visitor numbers and page views have increased consistently - this, together with the advice and service beyond what we could reasonably expect has been quite superb.”

For more info call 0845 130 1508 or email mark@commediaonline.co.uk ❧ 53 ❧

We could be doing it for your business.

If you’re even thinking about a new website or have one that simply isn’t performing, please call us today on 0845 130 1508. We promise you’ll be glad you did.

Visit us at www.commediaonline.co.uk

“The Mercedes Benz Dualiner drives like a car with lots of luxury goodies, it’s better on fuel, is 100% tax deductable on a lease and you can claim back all the VAT.”

Glen Newman of Purple Contracts gives Vale Life the lowdown on what vehicles customers are choosing in the current economic climate. If you’re thinking of changing your vehicle in the next six months then perhaps you should...

TALK TO PURPLE Can you tell us about your business?

Purple Contracts are a small, family-run vehicle leasing company based in the Vale of Glamorgan. We provide vehicles and vehicle finance to small businesses and private individuals nationwide.

We adopt a very consultative approach with all our customers – not many realise that although a £10,000 vehicle will always cost £10,000, the way you finance it can save you a small fortune, so we ensure that customers get all the facts to make an informed decision.

Have you noticed a change in enquiries since the onset of the credit crunch?

Yes, of course. It’s not all bad though, quite the opposite! Each and every one of our customers has the same thing in common – they all want to save money.

We’ve all got to look at our outgoings and overheads and a major one is our vehicle costs.

Many lower mileage customers have been switching back to petrol driven cars. Smaller cars are now cooler than bigger cars. Mpg is now more important than Sat Nav. Instead of impressive 21 inch alloys, drivers now prefer to ‘boast’ that their Road Tax is only £35 a year! It’s got to be a good thing, hasn’t it!

Their big disadvantage is that they are so expensive and heavy on fuel. Get the best of both worlds by going for a crew van, such as the Mercedes Benz Dualiner. It drives like a car with lots of luxury goodies, it’s better on fuel, is 100% tax deductable on a lease and you can claim back all the VAT (if you’re VAT registered).

What type of vehicles are people showing an interest in at the moment?

We’re supplying Fiat 500’s aplenty.

They’re terrific little cars (a bit different too), cheap as chips to lease and run, and only £35 a year to tax. Now that really does make good sense in these uncertain times.

What do you think makes Purple Contracts stand out from the competition?

The broker market has flourished over recent years (there are nearly three and a half thousand vehicle leasing ‘brokers’ in the UK at the moment), and with good reason - they all do one job really well... save you money! However, despairingly absent is a reasonable level of customer service. Our surveys reveal that the main reason a customer leases from a broker is price, and they are willing to accept poor service in return for a better price. At Purple, this is unacceptable. Why not have both?

Also, for double cab drivers, they’re missing a trick with crew-vans. Most double-cab vehicles are classed as LCV’s, which means they’re usually 100% tax deductable and business users pay much less company car tax.

I know that if I provide competitive vehicles and great service my business will flourish. I don’t want you to buy from Purple because we are the cheapest, I want you to buy from us because we are the best. Talk to Purple and find out for yourself – we only want your business if we earn it and deserve it.

“Fiat 500’s are terrific cars, cheap as chips to lease and run and only £35 a year to tax.”

Purple Contracts Talk to Purple!

08456 444 300 info@purplecontracts.com www.purplecontracts.com

❧ 55 ❧

Design Inspiration has it all wrapped up when it comes to finding the perfect gift for Christmas. Vale Life asked owner Wendy Darke what was on her ‘hot list’ for the ideal gift for the festive season.

What products are you offering for Christmas - any new lines?

We have just received numerous new product lines to suit both male and female and extended our current range of designer lead gifts to include exciting, new, gorgeous, inexpensive but unusual stocking fillers, to the more expensive, but indulgently beautiful, tableware to grace your Christmas home and enable you to be the envy of friends and family! In fact we have packed in so many new goodies, that we have had to double our display and extended them onto our second floor.

Tell us about your new vouchers Sometimes it’s hard to know what to buy, that’s when a gift voucher saves the day. Design Inspiration gift vouchers are available from £10.

Luxurious leather bags from Smith and Canova

What do you think are likely to be your best sellers?

Our jewellery range always catches the eye, with dazzling costume jewels from £4 for a pair of earrings to some beautiful handmade silver if you want to spend that little bit more.

The ‘bling’ range of stocking fillers is sure to be popular, including compact mirrors, lipstick holders and luggage labels. Smith and Canova handbags in fabulous soft leather are also proving to be a big hit.

Boxed notelets £8

Do you offer a wrapping service?

We beautifully wrap our gift range with complimentary bows, bags and ribbons.

The men love this service as they can get the other half a wonderful unique gift with it all wrapped up.

Pink Crystal Jewellery set £59

Unusual lighting avaiable from £32.90

Fragrant boxed tea light set £5.50

“We beautifully wrap our gift range with complimentary bows, bags and ribbons.

The men love this service as they can get the other half a wonderful unique gift with it all wrapped up.”

Jewellery starts from £4

DESIGNED TO ❧ 56 ❧

“We have packed in so many new goodies, that we have had to double our display area and extend it onto our second floor.”

Candleabra £225 Mirror £325

Bespoke made to measure cushions

Glamourous gold leather bag £94

Letter rack £12

Bespoke upholstery in range of fabrics

Hand made silver jewellery from £25

Selection of perfume bottles from £3.50

Accessories for you and the home…

DELIGHT ❧ 57 ❧

Design Inspiration 77 Llantrisant Rd, Pontyclun CF72 9DP 01443 449955 info@designinspirationltd.co.uk www.designinspirationltd.co.uk

Welcome to Vale Life magazine’s Social Life section, a veritable who’s who of the Vale of Glamorgan.

VALE

WICK

Nicole Cooke The village of Wick celebrated the return of Olympic gold medal winner Nicole Cooke in an open top double decker bus. The sun shone on the festivities but it was the golden girl who was beaming.

Local dignitaries showed their support

Members of the local Police joined in the fun

Local children (and adults) got into the swing of things

Nicole reflects on the day’s proceedings

Nicole signs a copy of Vale Life

Specialists in photographing social, society and celebrity events across South Wales ❧ 58 ❧

www.ifotoevents.co.uk DEREK NAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

SOCIAL LIFE FONMON

Vale Show The day may have been rather overcast but it was all smiles in the Vale Life marquee. Our African themed oasis was a haven of tranquility to the visitors to the show (and it was dry!)

The great and the good enjoying the hospitality

Peter and Andy of Hamptons, creators of our African hideaway

Lots to see and do (and eat) for children and adults alike

Local ladies enjoyed a great day out

Jane Hutt and Derek Naylor ‘fight’ over a copy of Vale Life!

The Hunter Trials was an enormous success

Lucy Thomas with Jayne James

W E N VO E

Hunter Trials The open had a great atmosphere, with Jayne James, BBC Wales’ longest serving news presenter, Mrs Fiona Martyn, HSBC Regional PR manager John Lloyd Jones and the BBC’s Coal House family from the last series presenting the trophies.

John Lloyd Jones, Lisa Griffiths, Rachael King and Jayne James

John Lloyd Jones of HSBC, Jayne James and Mike Gibbon

Specialists in photographing social, society and celebrity events across South Wales ❧ 59 ❧

www.ifotoevents.co.uk DEREK NAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

VALE

Social Life covers launches, parties, exhibitions, charitable events, fashion shows, engagements and weddings.

CARDIFF

Eve Appeal Vale Life were delighted to attend the Eve Appeal dinner at the Cardiff Museum in aid of Ovarian Cancer.

Jo Brand was guest of honour at the event which raised £7,610 (and counting).

HENSOL

Welsh athletics award Olympic Champion Dame Mary Peters was guest of honour at the Welsh Athletics Awards and Hall of Fame Dinner held at the Vale Hotel, Golf and Spa Resort in Hensol.

Jan Powell and Philip Carling, Chairman of Sports Council for Wales

Dame Mary Peters

Iwan Thomas and Angharad Mair

Joe Towns, Sarah Mogford, Andrew Weeks, Jane Williams

Specialists in photographing social, society and celebrity events across South Wales ❧ 60 ❧

www.ifotoevents.co.uk DEREK NAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

SOCIAL LIFE PONTCANNA

Cameo Club What an amazing evening at the launch of the newly refurbished Cameo Club. There was music from Only Men Aloud!, banter from TV personality Nick Knowles and gyrations from gorgeous Torchwood star John Barrowman.

The sleek new bar

Choirmaster and friends

Enjoying a drink

Sally, Megan, Lili and Holly with the Gargoyle

Only Men Aloud! - the choir in full voice

Geoff Lloyd, Nigel Morgan and guest

Jenny Ogwen-Williams enjoys the entertainment

The wives and girlfriends of Only Men Aloud!

Welsh football manager John Toshack (centre) with Huw and family

John Barrowman with sister Carol, Nick Knowles, Rhodri and sister Sara

Specialists in photographing social, society and celebrity events across South Wales ❧ 61 ❧

www.ifotoevents.co.uk DEREK NAYLOR PHOTOGRAPHY

A goldmine of vintage treasures, at Forever Vintage, Penarth, you’ll always find something distinctive and a bit unusual.

FOREVER VINTAGE With the rise of mass produced, throw-away high street fashion there’s been a growing interest and passion for vintage clothing.

Forever Vintage began when owner Melanie Rhoden sold items in vintage fairs.

How long has the shop been open?

We opened in Penarth in May 2008.

It’s located in a quaint part of town, in the Royal Victorian buildings. The old Victorian square offers a different and unique shopping experience.

What items do you stock?

The shop has often been described by customers as a real ‘treasure trove’.

I aim to source and provide customers with vintage and antique clothes from bygone eras ranging from Victorian through to 1970’s. The most popular decades have been the 50’s and 60’s.

We stock a range of accessories, from antique and vintage bags and purses, jewellery, hats and much more. The shop is also great for lovers of vintage linen, lace and haberdashery items and also collectables.

Where do you source your clothes?

I purchase items from the public, at auctions and have friends who source items for me. As well as a great range of original vintage clothing, local designer and dressmaker Annie Powell has teamed up with Forever Vintage to recreate vintage style dresses from vintage patterns and fabrics, as well as using new fabrics. Vintage style 1950’s dresses from classic Liberty fabrics are particularly popular.

Who are your customers?

They range from teenagers to ladies in their eighties. I have sold hats to women aged eighteen to eighty two, mini dresses to sixteen year olds and women in their forties as they look great over a pair of jeans. Customers return time and time again and bring their friends with them.

We have had customers looking for vintage items for theatre groups, and TV along with mums who are looking for clothing and accessories for their children for school plays or the prom.

I have customers from all over Wales, and also many from London.

How about male customers?

Yes, men don’t miss out either. I have frequently been asked to stock ranges of vintage clothing for them too, so that is an area that I will also be expanding.

Do you offer customers other ways to shop at Forever Vintage?

We can open evenings for private bookings or parties of ten people or more. Women like the idea of the shop opening just for them and a group of friends for a different shopping experience and evening out. It’s great fun to spend time with friends dressing up in vintage clothes as well as purchasing any item they like.

“Women will be looking for that unique dress for the Christmas party.”

Why is vintage so popular?

Women want something different.

We don’t want to turn up at a party or evening out dressed the same as everyone else. Fabrics and patterns are often very different to those mass produced today. Customers love to know the history of the garment they are purchasing and the era that women had worn that particular piece.

Do you rent outfits?

We offer to rent dresses for very reasonable rates, which is an affordable option for outfits that will only be worn once to a special occasion or a party.

What do you think will be your best sellers this season?

For the festive season I believe that vintage party dresses and accessories will be the most sought after items.

Women will be looking for that unique dress for the Christmas party or a great vintage bag or purse. We also offer a fantastic range of vintage jewellery and hand designed jewellery made from sterling silver and antique beads which are already selling well as gifts.

Forever Vintage will at the Vintage Fair, City Hall, Cardiff on 30th November.

A great opportunity for vintage fans!

Forever Vintage 12a Royal Buildings, Stanwell Road Penarth CF64 3ED 07831 590518 m.rhoden@tiscali.co.uk Website coming soon

❧ 62 ❧

“Forever Vintage is happy to purchase vintage and antique clothing from the general public.�

SHOWCASE YOUR HOME IN VALE LIFE Featuring your home in Vale Life can help to sell your property!

We’ve all heard the recent disturbing news about the global credit crunch and the effect that this is having on the housing market, but what if you still want to sell your house?

Is your property suitable?

Firstly your property has to be appropriate for Vale Life. It might have some interesting history, be in a stunning location or just simply beautifully presented.

We have a number of packages available which are as follows:

As with any product, it is important to create a desirable product for the market in which you’re trying to sell.

So, just imagine potential buyers poring over your beautifully presented property in the pages of Vale Life.

After an initial consultation, we would arrange to take photographys and write descriptive text to complement the images.

Gold A four page feature of your home including photography, copywriting and web pages.

If you’re thinking of selling, this is a highly effective way of promoting your home to discerning readers in the Vale of Glamorgan and is the perfect medium in which to showcase VALE LIFE your property.

Platinum A four page feature of your home including photography, copywriting, web pages and an eight page brochure which would also contain the feature pages from Vale Life.

“A feature in Vale Life is a highly effective way of promoting your home to discerning readers.”

AUTUMN ❧ WINTER 2008 FREE

P R O U D

T H E VA L E

Vale Life Cardiff House Cardiff Road Vale of Glamorgan CF63 2AW

OF

T O

B E

I N D E P E N D E N T

G L A M O R G A N ’S P R E M I E R L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E

Silver A double page spread of your home including photography and copywriting

For a free quotation, please telephone 0845 130 6452 FASHIONABLY FESTIVE THE HAIR BUSINESS, TERMINAL 9 AND GIORGIO’S PLUS LUSH LINGERIE & GREAT CHRISTMAS SHOPPING IDEAS RESTAURANT REVIEWS, WHAT’S ON, BUSINESS, SHOPPING

THERE’S MORE ONLINE WWW . VALELIFE . CO . UK

PLUS A RT , B OOKS , S TYLE , HEALTH, HOMES AND MUCH MORE

or email jennifer@valelife.co.uk www.valelife.co.uk

CEREDWYN COTTAGE 4 star luxury, breathing fresh air into coastal living.

Situated on Colhugh Street, Llantwit Major a stone’s throw from the bustling village with its many quaint shops, cafés and restaurants. Just one mile to the beach and the breathtaking Heritage Coastline, stands this most charming 200 year old Welsh stone cottage.

The cottage has been lovingly restored to reveal its Welsh stone walls and two original fireplaces by its owners Vicki Morgan and her business partner Kevin Hom Sing of Icos Building and Design Ltd. Vicki and Kevin started renovating the cottage just over a year ago and have transformed it into a masterpiece of sophisticated, warm cottage living. The whole cottage has been completely remodelled offering the following accommodation: Interior ♥ Large open plan sitting room with two original fireplaces ♥ Slate stone flooring to the whole of the ground floor ♥ Kitchen/dining room with utility ♥ Downstairs family bathroom ♥ Two double bedrooms (one bedroom with dressing area) ♥ Master bedroom offers en-suite shower room Exterior ♥ Enclosed landscaped garden with decking and lawn area ♥ Private off road parking for two vehicles

This is a rare opportunity to purchase a stunning cottage, full of character, in one of the Vale’s most desirable and sought after locations.

For Sale This charming property is offered for sale at £255,000 Please call 0845 130 6452 or email jennifer@valelife.co.uk

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Ceredwyn Cottage.

Home is where the heart is.

Selling your property?

If you are a homeowner and would like to feature your property in Vale Life please call 0845 130 6452 or email jennifer@valelife.co.uk for further information.

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This Christmas join our party!

This Christmas, you’ll find the Vale Resort simply brimming with party fun and festive cheer - and you, your family and friends are invited to join us!

£35.00 per person £35.00 per person £38.50 per person £77.50 per person From £55.00 per person

Infantasia multi-tribute party nights We’ve something for everyone - from festive party nights and New Year gala dinners to informal gatherings with family and friends. Whatever you choose, Christmas at the Vale Resort will be an occasion to remember.

Fraser Lawson “Big Band” live nights Festive party nights Christmas Day lunch New Year’s Eve dinner

Our calendar of festivities cater for every taste and budget.

Our event co-ordinators are on hand to discuss any personal requirements including venue, menu choice, accommodation options and availability.

We look forward to welcoming you and your guests this festive season!

On the day, you can be assured that our experienced and attentive staff will work with you to make your Christmas dinner or function an event to remember.

To book, call 01443 665803 or email sales@vale-hotel.com

Hensol Park, Hensol, Nr Cardiff, Vale of Glamorgan CF72 8JY

www.vale-hotel.com

One day

I’m going to

save your life

Help us put a young lifesaver into every home

Your Legacy matters to St John Cymru Wales

How many young people would know how to administer first aid in an emergency?

Yes, I would like to learn more about the charitable works of St John Cymru Wales and receive a legacy information pack.

Title:

We are training thousands of youngsters in Wales each year, but we want to make sure the answer to the question is “all of them”.

First name:

Surname:

We believe that training young people is the best way to ensure there is first aid available for those in need. But training is expensive. That is why your legacy is so important to us. We do hope that you will want to find out more about how you can help us save more lives.

For a confidential conversation please call

029 2044 9629

legacy@stjohnwales.org.uk www.stjohnwales.org.uk

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Address: Postcode: Telephone:

Email:

Thank you Send your request for an information pack to: Legacy Executive, St John Cymru Wales, Priory House, Beignon Close, Ocean Way, Cardiff CF24 5PB

RHOSLWYN COTTAGE The country cottage lifestyle could be yours...

Who’s not dreamed of living in a stone built cottage, full of character in a pretty village in the Vale of Glamorgan that’s just a hop, skip and a jump from the beautiful Heritage coastline?

If that’s you, then this is your chance to own a charming cottage in a large plot in the village of St Brides Major.

Picture box perfect, the property includes kitchen/dining room, lounge with feature fireplace, two double bedrooms, bathroom and large enclosed gardens with off road parking.

If you were so inclined, you could even extend the property to a four bedroomed one, subject to the relevant planning consents.

We spoke to owners Mr and Mrs Martin on why they chose to live in Rhoslwyn and, more importantly, how could they possibly think of leaving…

How long have you been lving at the property?

Rhoslwyn has been our home for the last two years.

What improvements have you made to the property?

We’ve decorated and renovated, but we bought it because of the potential to extend or perhaps to build another property. However, due to our change in life direction we haven’t had the time to extend but it would make an outstanding four bedroomed, two bathroomed property with three reception rooms and a kitchen/breakfast room, and the house would still have a large garden.

For Sale This charming property can be yours for £249,000 Please call 0845 130 6452 or email jennifer@valelife.co.uk

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“We love its cosiness and the fact that it has a large, enclosed private garden.”

Tell us more about your change of direction, that sounds intriguing?

It’s always been our dream to buy a boat and sail around the world. Luckily we’ve been able to find the yacht to make this dream come true and we’re planning to make this dream a reality.

Why do you like living there?

It is close to the beautiful Heritage coast for amazing walks, also St Brides is a lovely village with a great sense of community. The village school has an excellent reputation and feeds into the highly acclaimed Cowbridge school.

The two pubs in the village can keep all tastes happy with The Farmers being very food orientated and The Fox &

Hounds being a local’s watering hole.

Close by in Southerndown is the highly regarded Le Plie restaurant and for the best pizza in Wales, we have the popular Tempus Fugit which also has amazing views of the sunset. There really is something to suit every palate and all within close proximity.

Our neighbours are really friendly, from a diverse spectrum of professions.

The village shop saves a visit to larger grocery stores and, again, the sense of friendship exudes with locals stopping to chat while they go about their business. Our local church is steeped in history and is the perfect place to confess your sins! ❧ 67 ❧

Rhoslwyn is a homely but stylish house with a good mix of traditional style and modern conveniences. We love its cosiness and the fact that it has a large, enclosed private garden. VALE LIFE

What makes Foxy’s Delicatessen of Penarth so special? Easy, this family run business has a string of awards to its name. Foxy’s provides high quality local and continental produce and has a great reputation for customer friendly service.

Owner Sian Fox opened the doors to Vale Life magazine.

FESTIVE FOXY’S When was Foxy’s established?

Foxy’s Deli opened its doors in January 2002 by Neil Fox (Foxy). I started work there a few months later.

Who works in the business?

Myself and Foxy, (although Foxy is busy on our new venture) plus a fantastic crew including the charismatic Barry Turner who’s balsamic tomatoes on toast are legendary. Our 7 year old daughter and my mother have been known to help out too.

How many staff do you employ?

I can’t actually believe this but at our Foxy’s summer party there were eighteen of us! Most are part time and on Saturdays the Stanwell sixth form crew come to the fore with impeccable manners, good looks and funky service.

What did you do before?

We both enjoyed successful careers in London in sales and marketing of luxury cars, training and the music industry.

Foxy would also cook for friends’ dinner parties and this is how we met.

Why choose the deli business?

Foxy’s passion for food and a strong belief that good local produce can be served at a reasonable price. I had always worked in a sales environment so I would be ‘the chat’ while he would be the food.

Why Penarth?

What a place! A beautiful, affluent seaside town with excellent schools, full of character and characters and no deli! I always wanted to move back to Wales and Foxy thought Carmarthen (where I’m from) was a bit too far. We drove through Penarth and loved it.

What items do you stock?

We strive to source products that you can’t get at your local supermarket and to support local producers as much as we can. Best sellers are Snowdonia cheeses, Cwrt Newydd Chickpea burgers and Glamorgan sausages.

Also Tracklements relishes and Gornos Italian sausages. Our stock changes at Christmas time and our Foxy’s Hampers are a popular present for anyone. Tell us whom you are shopping for and we will create a foodie hamper to suit their tastes and needs. Have a coffee or glass of chilled wine while we prepare and decorate your gifts.

“One of our first accolades was to win Best Deli in Wales.” ❧ 68 ❧

“We strive to source products that you can’t get at a supermarket.”

When was the café introduced?

Due to popular demand we extended the deli to a forty five seat café three years ago. Now you can sample the produce before you buy.

To whet your appetites some of our specials at lunchtime include home made Welsh lamb burgers with onion marmalade or for a more healthy option, parma ham, fresh fig and pine nut salad with a side order of sun kissed tomatoes perhaps.

Who are your customers?

Who doesn’t love Foxy’s? The range of customers is so diverse and we adore them all. From world famous opera singers to the best car mechanics in Cardiff. It creates a great vibe.

Our customers have made Foxy’s what it is – thank you so much for all your support.

Any plans for the future?

Well, here we go… before Christmas, we are launching our ‘Foxy’s At Home’ meals - a delicious range of Foxy’s favourites to enjoy at home. Just give us a call when your boss invites himself for dinner and you’ve been working all day. We can deliver a ready-made gourmet meal that you can heat up and pass off as your own (we promise we won’t tell).

In early spring we are opening a new venture called The Fig Tree on Penarth seafront. This will be open all day for the best breakfasts, lunches and dinners all with the Foxy’s unique style and the best view over The Bristol Channel.

We are teaming up with someone who is well known in the food industry in Wales - Mike Caplan Hill. We are very excited about this.

Any claims to fame?

One of our first accolades was to win Best Deli in Wales by Observer readers, followed by a listing in Rick Stein’s food heroes. Recognition of this kind is such a lovely feeling as you realise that you must be doing something right.

I also won Vale of Glamorgan Business Woman of the Year in March. I was nominated by a customer and was taken totally by surprise but very very pleased. Of course this has changed my role at Foxy’s and I do insist on staff and customers addressing me as ‘Madame Foxy’ after this!

Foxy’s Deli 7 Royal Buildings, Victoria Road Penarth CF64 3ED 029 2025 1666 www.foxysdeli.com

Champagne was flowing, well dressed bodies were packed tightly, Only Men Aloud! were belting out some Welsh favourites, Nick Knowles was dashing in his metallic suit and John Barrowman was melting hearts (both male and female) dancing on the bar.

CLUB CLASS The place was buzzing and, most noticeably, everyone was smiling.

I can only be describing the launch of the fantastic, newly refurbished Cameo Club, an exclusive members club in the heart of Pontcanna.

Owners Huw Davies, Rhodri Ogwen Williams and Matt Kirkpatrick have transformed the Cameo Club which now provides a funky bar, bistro and lounge. Daytime sees professional people working away at their laptops or having meetings, couples and friends enjoying lunch, cooked lovingly by Dafydd Lloyd and Jorge formerly of Patagonia, while night time takes on a whole new vibe.

Vale Life hooked up with friends and caught up with the latest news above the laughter and clinking glasses.

The mood was infectious and after more singing, more chat and even more gyrating from the gorgeous Mr Barrowman, we bade our farewells and moved our way through the crowd and into the street.

We’ve had several business meetings at the club and that’s not just because it has WiFi throughout. They’ve done an amazing job with the refurbishment.

The colour scheme of grey’s and blue’s works well, as does the bar area with its abundance of colourful optics.

We’ve yet to sample the food but the menu looks good as did the food we’ve seen being served. Looking down at us are black and white photographs from Llanelli-based photographer Terry Morris’s Cool Cymru collection and these include Katherine Jenkins, Matthew Rhys, Andrew Vicari and Shirley Bassey. Photographs of Anthony Hopkins and Catherine Zeta Jones will be added in the New Year.

I’ve never been a member of a private club before but the Cameo Club membership definitely appeals. From January 2009, the new membership with be £150, but join now and new members will benefit from the club’s special introductory launch rate of £95, a saving of £55.

So, what are the key benefits of membership? The club has an enlarged private members’ only bar area and versatile private lounge, a private screening lounge for corporate and sporting events, a versatile private lounge for dining, board meetings or parties, use of the bistro, the benefit of a 2am license outside of the city centre and 10% discount off all purchases of food and drink and special events. If you joined now, you would still benefit from the discount for the remainder of November and December. Sold. Now, where do I sign?

“ Daytime sees professional people working away at their laptops or having meetings.”

If you like the look of the Cameo Club, you won’t be surprised to learn that the owners also run the popular bar One which is located over two floors in the Wales Millennium Centre.

One is the ideal place to relax or meet friends in an attractive, contemporary setting for pre and post performance serving bistro food, fine wines, beer and spirits.

It provides a stylish venue for the casual visitor and theatre-goer and is also available for private functions.

Another Vale Life haunt, we can thoroughly recommend their lamb cawl and mushroom risotto.

One Monday to Saturday 10am to 11pm Sunday 10am to 10.30pm 029 2047 0254

New to the group is A Shot In The Dark on Cardiff’s City Road.

Here you can enjoy delicious fresh food, (they have good vegetarian options), fair trade coffee, a wide selection of teas, home-made cakes and a good selection of old and new world wines, beers and spirits, along with frappés, smoothies and milkshakes. These and more can be enjoyed on squishy leather sofas while you chat with friends or work on your laptop.

Spread over two floors, A Shot In The Dark is available to hire for events, be it business or pleasure.

The Cameo Club 3 and 5 Pontcanna Street Cardiff CF11 9HQ 029 2022 0466

A Shot In The Dark 12 City Road, Roath Cardiff CF24 3BJ

info@cameoclub.co.uk www.cameoclub.co.uk

029 2047 2300 info@ashotinthedark.eu

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“ The food’s great, there’s a good cellar of wines and it’s a nice environment in which to chill out. There are attractive women too which is no bad thing,” says Nick Knowles, ardent Cameo Club fan.

We asked Nick Knowles, journalist, writer, producer and TV presenter about his connection with the Cameo Club and why he chose to become a member.

I have several connections with Cardiff over the years. Firstly I have Welsh family. Uncle Fred and Auntie Sheila Jenkins and all my cousins up in Mountain Ash and Hirwaun near Merthyr, so much of my youth was spent in the Brecon Beacons and in and around Cardiff. I was a keen rugby player and came with my brother to the internationals at the old Arms Park and the new Millennium Stadium.

(I should point out as an England supporter unless Wales were playing anyone else when I would, of course, support Wales).

Many of my best friends like Rhodri Williams are from Cardiff and some of the best nights out down the years have been here. Finally, Only Men Aloud won my recent Saturday night show Last Choir Standing and I’m due down there for a celebratory pint or several with them. Also various girlfriends...

How long have you been a member?

For nine years since Rhodri and Huw Davies took over. I’ve have had some legendary evenings in the company of some of my rugby heroes, drunken actors and actresses and my Cardiff buddies like Oagy.

Why did you become a member?

Because I knew the guys and knew they would create a fun place to be.

The first time I went, neither Rhod nor Huw were there, and I was taking friends. There was, at that time, a secret password that would identify me to the huge doorman as one of Rhod’s true friends as I was new. I was told to say “Let me in you big fat Hom!” I have to say I thought long and hard before using the phrase as I could imagine if it were not correct I would be struggling to eat corn on the cob over the coming months until I could get new teeth fitted. However, on uttering the phrase I was admitted. I must warn customers that the password has long since changed and the use of the phrase to doorstaff now is likely to encourage a fairly physical response.

What do you like about it?

I like the fact that everyone just gets on with their evening. No-one seems to care what anyone else does for a living and no-one tries to photograph me if I over-enjoy a glass of wine. The food’s great, there’s a good cellar of wines and it’s a nice environment in which to chill out. There are attractive women too which is no bad thing.

“I like the fact that everyone just gets on with their evening.” ❧ 71 ❧

Nick is currently working on the 18th series of DIY SOS, a wildlife gardening show called Wild About Your Garden, Real Rescues on daytime BBC 1 and Saturday nights doing Who Dares Wins quiz show around the lottery.

He’s also just finished a film script which is off to America for financing, is discussing the possibility of another Last Choir Standing, and working up to do To the Ends of the Earth, a huge wildlife spectacular in Africa next year for the BBC. The full interview with Nick Knowles can be viewed at www.valelife.co.uk

The festive season is the time to be a little indulgent, so we thought we’d show you a few looks to see you through Christmas and New Year parties and maybe dinner with the in-laws. We enlisted a DBS from Stratstone, Cardiff, hunky model Rhys and the gorgeous location of Atlantic College sets the scene...

If you want to stand out from the party crowd this season, Giorgio’s of High Street, Barry has the sharpest dinner suits and the smartest casual wear.

Casual cool If you want to look smart at the Christmas dinner table why not go for something a little less formal but smart nonetheless. A cool tan leather jacket, paired with tailored trousers, check shirt and tan shoes, topped off with a scarf in the same tone as the outfit will fit the bill perfectly.

“If you want to look smart at the Christmas dinner table why not go for something a little less formal.”

STYLE IS BACK

Photography by Martin Phillips www.martinphillipsphotography.com With thanks to Stratstone, Cardiff for providing the Aston Martin DBS as featured in the 22nd James Bond film Quantum of Solace. The DBS is a technological tour de force wrapped in an exquisite body. The combination of modern materials and traditional skills is an essential element of the Aston Martin experience. In the DBS, the fusion of power, beauty and soul is without equal. Available from Stratstone Aston Martin, 156 North Road, Cardiff CF14 3BH. www.stratstone.com

Giorgio’s stocks a range of suits from Hagga, Gabicci, Jupiter, Scott Suits, City Survival Suits and Paolo Vandini shoes.

Recent additions are Hackett, Ralph Lauren, Duck and Cover and Gio Gio. Plus a selection of quality briefcases and a superb range of gifts for all ages and for every occasion. Giorgio’s also has a fine selection of Masonic gifts.

“Men want to look smart and there’s no better way to achieve this than with a really good quality suit.” ❧ 73 ❧

Giorgio’s Designer Menswear 16 High St, Barry, Vale of Glamorgan 01446 740990

THE LAST WORD Who are you and what do you do?

I’m a mother to Mia aged 6, and coowner of Absolute Business Development, a telemarketing company with a fresh approach, currently based at the Business Centre in Barry.

We focus on developing quality business leads through appointment setting, telemarketing, lead generation and market research, and put our clients in front of decision makers to grow their business.

What do you like about the Vale?

Living in Dinas Powys, I am lucky enough to live in the countryside close to the beautiful coastline, but also so near to Cardiff Bay and the buzz of the City. I also love the way that Penarth and Barry are regenerating to create an exciting merge between the old, the new, the countryside and the town.

I’ve found that the Vale is a great place from which to run a business.

Where is your favourite dining experience?

The Seashore Grill at Swanbridge is a great place for a hearty breakfast, whilst sitting in the sunshine overlooking Flat Holm. They offer good home cooking and the best cup of tea in the Vale!

I’ve had many happy times at La Marina in Penarth, it has to be the best dining experience, having a panoramic view of Cardiff Bay and offering an excellent menu with extensive wine list.

What is your favourite meal?

King prawns smothered in garlic butter followed by a Chateaubriand steak accompanied by a well bodied bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Favourite place in the Vale?

In the summer it would have to be enjoying picnics on the beach, and in the winter, a brisk walk in the countryside followed by lunch next to a log fire in one of the many good pubs in the Vale.

The best event in the Vale?

The Midsummer Festival at Dyffryn Gardens in June/July is a lovely outdoor theatre setting for both children and adults.

What’s missing in the Vale?

A huge children’s indoor playcentre, so that my daughter could physically exhaust herself!

Favourite place to stay in Wales?

The Stackpole Inn, near enough to the most outstanding beach in Wales, Barafundle Bay, bit of walk to get to, but just breathtaking.

What do you do to relax?

I love to get out and about and enjoy quality time with my daughter at the weekend, perhaps walking on the beach. Equally, I love to relax with a good book and entertain friends with good food and wine.

Do you have a pet hate?

The amount of litter in the Vale that I see in the places I visit, such as beaches, parks, schools and railway stations.

Litter for me is a major problem within South Wales, it’s everywhere, even in more remote places, and I feel we should make a stand and take more pride in our environment.

Favourite music?

I love a variety of music, some of my favourites are Michael Buble, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, David Gray, Fleetwood Mac, Madonna and many more.

The most memorable thing that happened to you was?

Becoming a Mum, love at first sight!

Also, since taking the challenge of starting my own business, my life has changed dramatically – I’m loving every minute!

If someone summed you in three words?

Honest, hard-working and loyal.

“I’ve found that the Vale is a great place from which to run a business.” ❧ 74 ❧

Photographs by Martin Phillips www.martinphillipsphotography.com

Melanie Daniel of Absolute Business Development talks to Vale Life about her fresh approach to business and what she enjoys about living in the Vale.

What gadget would you not be without and why?

At the risk of sounding shallow my favourite gadget would have to be my GHD straighteners, the best invention ever!

Any lifelong ambition?

To have the chance to travel the world.

I’m very good at...

Spending money I haven’t got!!

I’m very bad at…

Spending money I haven’t got!!

The best age to be is...

Well I hit 40 in December and if, as they say, life really does begin at 40 I’m looking forward to enjoying life even more.

In a nutshell my philosophy is…

Life is not a rehearsal, and it’s too short not to take risks!

Absolute Business Development The Business Centre, Cardiff House Cardiff Road, Barry CF63 2AW 01446 731223 melanie@absolutebusinessdevelopment.co.uk www.absolutebusinessdevelopment.co.uk

If you’d like to be featured or would like to promote your business in Last Word, please call Jennifer on 0845 130 6452 or email jennifer@valelife.co.uk

The great thing about Leekes is choosing from over a hundred beautiful sofas Create a lounge to fall in love with time and time again by choosing a sofa that will really take centre stage in your living room. We’ve hundreds of sofas, suites and seating options to choose from in every style, texture, fabric and finish you can possibly imagine. So take a seat, lounge around and select the one that’s perfect for you. That’s the great thing about Leekes – you’re home.

Visit leekes.co.uk or call 0800 970 9162 for a FREE copy of our latest brochure Llantrisant RCT. CF72 8XU Cross Hands Carms. SA14 6RB Melksham Wilts. SN12 8AG Tel 0845 050 8240

shop online at leekes.co.uk

The lounge experts

Roger Williams The Jewellery Studio

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Wa l e s ’ N u m b e r O n e D i a m o n d S u p p l i e r Roger Williams, The Jewellery Studio, 237 Cathedral Road, Cardiff Telephone: 029 2022 1144 | www.jewellerystudio.co.uk | www.diamondswales.com