2021-22 Vale Life Winter

VALE LIFE WINTER 2021/22 PRICELESS

P R O U D

T O

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I N D E P E N D E N T

t h e va l e o f g l a mor 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

Skin Deep LASER TALK WITH EMMA GRIFFITHS, VALE LASER CLINIC, ST ATHAN PLUS FASHION, FOOD, LIFESTYLE AND MUCH MORE

Restaurant Reviews What’s On, Business, Shopping

There’s more online www.valelife.co.uk

Art, Music, Style Health, Homes and much more plus

02921 328 114 • neil@neilrayment.com • www.neilrayment.co.uk

THE VALE OF GLAMORGAN’S PREMIER LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE

VALE L IFE Editor Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk Creative Director Mark Roberts mark@goodlifepublishing.co.uk Editorial editorial@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

www.valelife.co.uk 0845 130 6452 Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Barry CF63 2AW Passionate about The Vale of Glamorgan We are a small independent publisher. 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.”

Caveat emptor Advertisers supply their own copy or artwork, and therefore Vale Life cannot accept any responsibility for disputes between advertisers and their customers. Caveat emptor - let the buyer beware.

Important you read this We have made every effort to ensure that all information contained in Vale Life or on www.valelife.co.uk (or our social media streams) 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.

Intellectual property © Copyright Vale Life 2022. 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.

Subscriptions Apologies, we are not accepting subscriptions at present.

However, you can reserve a copy with some of our outlets across the Vale or read articles on www.valelife.co.uk Missed the last issue?

We hold a small number of each issue in stock so if you do need a pristine copy, please telephone us or email jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk. 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. Priceless actually!

Vale Life is distributed free through a wide variety of outlets across Vale of Glamorgan and beyond and is given away free of charge on the understanding that we are happy for it to be lent, passed on, 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.

Green is good The pulp used in the production of the paper Vale Life is printed on is sourced from sustainably managed Scandinavian tree farms and utilises an elementary chlorine-free bleaching process.

We’re very sociable!

We’re on the web! www.valelife.co.uk Like on Facebook! www.facebook.com/valelife Follow on Twitter! @ValeLife #ValeLife Follow on Instagram @ValeLifeMagazine #ValeLife

WELCOME

Sometimes, it feels like there is great division in the world - so much hatred and unfeeling. At least that’s how some elements of mainstream media would have us think.

It’s not the case.

Perhaps you’ve noticed that from the very first issue back in summer 2007, we have always placed an inspirational quotation or bit of thoughtful prose down the spine of the magazine. This issue’s quote seems particularly appropriate. It’s a Japanese proverb: “One kind word can warm three winter months”.

When I travel across the Vale, I meet incredibly warm-hearted people every day. I seek them out they’re not hard to find. I hear how people are helping other people through difficult times; it can be practical help, financial advice, or physical and emotional support, I find kind people are everywhere.

I try to do my bit. I help when possible. Sometimes I can, sometimes I can’t. Occasionally, I can point people in a helpful direction. Even when I’m lost for a solution, someone else usually steps up. Our family has benefitted from this kindness ourselves, so we know how much it means.

The challenges of the last eighteen months have brought out the best in people and sometimes, sadly, the worst. At Vale Life we have been genuinely surprised and touched by the number of readers who told us they had missed the magazine. Our advertisers too have been massively supportive and we, in turn, will always do our best to promote them as much as possible.

Travel Life If you love to travel like us, you might like to visit our Travel Life Magazine website. The website’s address is TravelLifeMag.co.uk and it’s becoming quite popular. You’ll be able to read about a few of our recent excursions on pages 36 to 39. #HappyTravels

We always believed ourselves to be ambassadors for the Vale and its small businesses. We’re proud of our beautiful county and if we can go even a small way to helping people enjoy it and get the best out of living here then that’s a job well done.

We hope everyone will enjoy a healthy and prosperous 2022 and if we all just offer a kind word or a helpful hand when we can, we’ll all benefit. Whether we live in villages, towns, cities, counties or countries, we really are all in this together. #BeKind Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor 07766 106 701 jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk uk.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhobbsroberts Our cover star!

Our front cover star for this ‘new year, new you’ wintery issue is the lovely Emma Griffiths of Vale Laser in St Athan. Emma has quite an inspirational story to share and you can read her Lasers & Light feature on pages 10 to 13. #Namaste

VALE LIFE WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS SUPPORTED US OVER RECENT MONTHS. OUR CONTRIBUTORS, OUR FAMILIES, OUR FRIENDS (INCLUDING ALL THE NEW ONES WE HAVE MADE) AND OUR ADVERTISERS - WITHOUT THEM VALE LIFE WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE. WE 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. VALE LIFE IS REGISTERED AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY AS A MAGAZINE ISSN 1757-1723. FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.VALELIFE.CO.UK

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We’re so lucky to live in the Vale of Glamorgan. Sometimes we might not truly appreciate what’s on our doorstep. Just as a reminder – we’ve got amazing beaches, stunning parks and gardens, a picturesque pier, and a raft of unique independent hospitality and retail businesses, all run by enthusiastic and passionate managers and owners.

If you do crave a bit more buzz and larger chain stores, then our capitol city Cardiff is just a short car, bus or train journey away.

It’s no wonder that our house prices here in the Vale are sky-rocketing.

Who wouldn’t want to live here?

AROUND THE VALE

NEW STAFF MEMBER FOR POPULAR COWBRIDGE ESTATE AGENTS

Harris & Birt Harris & Birt, Cowbridge and Cardiff, are delighted to have secured the services of Martine Harris as their new Head of Lettings. Martine comes to them with an abundance of knowledge and experience and moves across from her role as Head of Lettings at Moginie James, a quality independent firm of Estate Agents in Cardiff, where she was for almost a decade.

Martine is a Member of the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and a Fellow of the Association of Residential Letting Agents. Her focus is set upon growing the lettings portfolio within the business and City Lifecreating Wales TG 134 x 90mm.qxp_Layout 2 18/10/2021 organic and sustainable growth within the lettings department.

Director, David Lakin, said “She fits hugely well into the culture of our business and gives us the benefit of a highly qualified, experienced and knowledgeable lead on our lettings 12:06 Page- 1we are all excited to portfolio get started.”

Harris & Birt Estate Agents 67 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AF 01446 771777 cowbridge@harrisbirt.co.uk www.harrisbirt.co.uk Harris & Birt

LOOKING TO MAKE FRIENDS IN THE AREA? Since 1929 many women across the country have enjoyed the invaluable benefits of TG membership.

They’ve experienced new things, visited different places, taken on incredible challenges, fought for women’s rights and most importantly developed lasting friendships.

Interested in seeing what it is all about?

You are welcome to attend a guild before considering membership.

If you would like more information or to find your local guild visit

www.the-tg.com/friendship or call 0121 326 0400

Join the TG family JOIN/CLW

AWAY WE GO!

Travel Life Mag Yes, we love the Vale. We count ourselves extremely lucky to live in Wales’ southern-most county. It’s beautiful. Stunning coastline and gorgeous countryside.

Occasionally we like to venture further afield. Recently we headed for Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire (the countryside reminded us very much of our home county).

You can read all about our exploits on pages 36 to 39.

& BEYOND RHOOSE

Posh Pawz Salon & Spa In the very popular village of Rhoose (the Vale’s most southerly point), you’ll find the wellestablished, and much-loved, Posh Pawz Salon and Spa.

For more travel ideas, visit our website at www.travellifemag.co.uk Kath highly recommends a bath and brush up in between grooms to maintain a good healthy coat and skin.

All of which helps towards the wellbeing of your precious pooch.

Kath’s team of passionate dog lovers offer a large range of services and cater for all shapes, sizes, and temperaments.

Posh Pawz provides a calm, clean and air-conditioned environment in which they can handle all your dog’s needs and provide a positive experience of professional grooming.

The team offer the highest level of care and attention throughout the grooming process and have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the customers.

Posh Pawz Salon & Spa 11 Fontygary Road, Rhoose CF62 3DR 01446 710044 www.poshpawzsalonandspa.co.uk poshpawzsalonandsparhoose

CBBS Ltd

cbbsltd

CBBS Ltd www.cbbsltd.co.uk

hello@cbbsltd.co.uk 01767 834899

In 2022, we are focusing on profits, people and planet introducing new environmental policies to staff, the business and encouraging customers to follow suit where they can.

We have introduced new services into our business this year, and are now able to offer: • Accountancy services including business and personal accounts and tax returns • Accounts administration such as chasing overdue customers and paying suppliers • Customer service • Sales administration • Advertising & Marketing

We also offer 25% discount to start up businesses in their first year with us

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CALL 029 2066 7787

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.ALEXANDERBULLOCK.CO.UK

Emma Griffiths owns Vale Laser Clinic in St Athan where she grew up. A busy and proud forty-two-year-old married mum of three (Norah, 14, Ruthyn, 12, and Gwyneth, 9), she now lives in Llantwit Major. However, a serious car accident in her mid-twenties nearly derailed the idyllic life dream.

LASERS & LIGHT Although my nose was damaged, I was very lucky not to damage my eyes or my teeth. I broke two ribs and have some scars around my knee where my house keys were hanging from the ignition. I walked out of hospital the next day and returned a week later to have the stitches removed.

I use medical grade skincare to make sure my skin is as healthy as it can be. Microneeding has been fantastic at reducing the appearance of the scars, and always use SPF daily.

How did that impact on your confidence. It obviously changed your life?

I had been dating David for about two months when I crashed. It was a big impact on us. But he brought me chocolate and DVDs, so I knew he was a keeper.

When was Vale Laser Clinic established?

We opened in 2015, its been a busy, exciting 7 years.

What treatments does the Clinic offer?

All our treatments are based on clinical studies that prove their efficacy. We aim to build healthy skin through all of our treatments. These include Laser Hair Removal, Laser Tattoo Removal, IPL Skin rejuvenation including red vein and pigment treatment, HIFU Fraction Radio Frequency, Microneedling, CACI Facials, Alumier MD Facials, LED Facials, as well as beauty treatments including nails, brows, lashes and massage.

Do you have anyone working with you?

We are a team of four. Carly started in 2016, Charlie in 2019 and Daisy has joined us recently.

What qualifications do you have?

We are a HIW registered clinic, required for operating Class 4 lasers.

I hold a NVQ level 5 in light and laser and I’m working towards NVQ level 5 in tattoo removal. We have active learning sessions to make sure we have Continued Professional Development with our treatments and skincare brands.

What made you want to get into the industry?

We started with tattoo removal and hair removal which are so popular, we have moved more into skin health after seeing how my skin has improved using active skincare after years of suffering with acne.

You were involved in a car accident.

Can you tell us more about that?

A car crash in the lanes in 2004, when I was twenty-five. I had no air bag, so my face hit the steering wheel, but a seat belt saved my life. 57 external stitches and many more internal dissolvable stitches held my nose together. My nose had changed shape, but I didn’t really like the original one, I used silicone sheets on the scars for the next two to three years to flatten the skin and I used SPF daily but also kept it totally out of the sun during this time. My body didn’t dissolve the dissolvable stitches so well - every time I have been pregnant, my body has decided to reject some and they have worked their way out of the scars. I had corrective rhinoplasty in 2009 where they removed some as well and you can still see some in my lips and nostril.

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I’ve always been aware of my scars and felt like I had to explain them.

I didn’t like the shape of my nose after it had healed, and I always had to be at the right angle for pictures - it certainly affected my confidence before my rhinoplasty. Now I know they tell my story; they have improved so much, and people don’t even notice unless I draw attention to them. It also made me realise that life is short, and we should take all the opportunities it affords us.

Please tell us a bit about David? He’s clearly been hugely supportive.

David, he’s the pharmacist downstairs.

Providing a key community service, working all the way through the pandemic proving how vital community is.

How does the pharmacy work alongside the Clinic? Do they complement each other?

Having David and his wealth of medical knowledge to draw from really aids us with treatment plans for skin concerns. Knowing what can work well with treatments, and when medical intervention will help or isn’t needed – it really enables us to deliver a more informed range of services to our clients.

How do you both manage your work/life balance?

When it’s your own business, it’s hard to say. We do try. I never really get a lot of time off, but the periods of closure during the pandemic has brought home that a break is really needed to ensure passion and drive for the business stays high. The saying ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup rings true’. A break away to focus on something else usually means I come back recharged. I think many of us have seen the light over the last eighteen months. It’s helped us take stock and appreciate the important things in life.

“All our treatments are based on clinical studies that prove their efficacy. We aim to build healthy skin through all of our treatments.”

I’m a little bit sweary, that helps blow off some steam too.

You’re into your fitness. How and when did you get involved in that and what does your fitness routine look like?

I wasn’t into anything structured when I was younger - dancing all night and walking in heels was my MO. But having three kids under four whilst watching the London Olympics really inspired me. I started the couch to 5k and bought a bike. I went swimming every week, an hour to myself, and the following year I did a triathlon in Cardiff. It was awesome.

Over the following few years as the kids have got a little older, I did an Olympic distance triathlon and a few 100-mile cycle rides, including Cardiff to Tenby and really got the bug.

A friend was diagnosed with cancer which was successfully treated but it was a huge wake up call, so I entered the scariest event, Ironman Wales.

Ten months later, in September 2018, I swam 2.4 miles, cycled 112 and finished it off with a marathon! I was the fittest and mentally strongest I have ever been and loved every step.

I probably won’t ever do it again, but I’ll be forever an Ironman.

Things have been a lot less intense over the last few years, but I’ve signed up to Long Course Weekend in July and looking forward to getting into focused training for it.

Like skincare, it’s the everyday consistency that makes the improvements.

How is your diet and do you think this plays a role in how one’s skin looks?

Gut health is absolutely key for skin health as well as overall health and mental wellbeing. The gut is our second brain.

Think about our emotions - we get nervous, we need a poo. We are scared, we clench our bum and colon. We get excited, those butterflies are not in our belly. If the gut isn’t working effectively, it can’t send the signals to the brain, which can’t send the signals to our endocrine system, and that controls all our hormone responses including mood, sleep, hunger, energy levels.

Probiotics are key to providing the gut health balance alongside a balanced diet which should be colourful. Eat a rainbow of fresh foods. Also, hydrate, hydrate hydrate!

What are your five top tips for a good skincare routine? n SPF. 365 days a year n Tailor your skincare to your skin, not what your friend, sister or favourite celeb uses n Consistency. Everyday habits are the building blocks to good skincare n Vitamin C in the morning, Retinol Serum at night n SPF. It’s that important. It’s at the beginning and the end.

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MY VALE LIFE

Quickfire Questions Things I love Family time, good time with great friends.

Things I hate Negativity. I’m a glass half full person.

My most treasured possession(s) Photos. They are memories and history in print.

My greatest simple pleasure A lie-in. I am not a morning person.

If you opened my fridge, you would see…

Colours; greens, yellows, reds. We eat the rainbow.

My go-to family meal Sunday dinner. We always sit together to eat, and no gadgets.

The person who makes me laugh is…

David. He is shy but quite the comic when he’s comfortable.

The person I can trust with my secrets is…

My skin therapist. We are like life coaches and keep every secret too!

The mantra I live by is…

The first Rule of Life! Don’t be a Dick!

If you could tell my 16-year-old self three things, they would be…

Choose your tribe carefully, the positive people. Believe in yourself more. It’s okay not to know what you are going to do when you are a grown up, as long as you keep moving forward.

In five years’ I hope to be…

Growing and developing the clinic to continue to help people with their skin.

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Vale Laser Clinic St Athan Village Vale of Glamorgan CF62 4PF 01446 750880 skin@valelaserclinic.co.uk www.valelaserclinic.co.uk valelaserclinic Emma_valeaserclinic Please note. Any medical and aesthetic treatment should be researched thoroughly to ensure it is right for you. You should always consider your own health and wellbeing before undertaking any form of surgical or non-surgical treatment. If in doubt, always consult a health professional or your own GP.

The last two years have been challenging to say the least. Especially the beauty sector. When Lucie Milner was made redundant during Covid, it was just the motivator she needed to start her brilliant new venture in Barry.

THE BEAUTY SHED When was the business established?

The Beauty Shed was established during the pandemic. I was working in a well-known salon in Cardiff when we went into lockdown in March 2020. Of course, I thought, like most of us “Oh! This will only be a couple of weeks and it’ll all blow over!”

What is your background?

I have had so many different jobs! I went to university at eighteen to study early childcare studies and realised snotty children were not for me. So, I dropped out, then tried again the following September and tried my hand at nursing.

When beauty was eventually allowed to reopen in August 2020, I got made redundant, and fight or flight kicked in!

Obviously, all salons were struggling and nowhere was hiring, and I didn’t want to just get any old job as beauty is where my passion lies, so I took the plunge. I used my redundancy money to set up an ‘at home’ studio and got to work! I very quickly outgrew the home studio and here we are today.

I am not a very academic person and have always struggled in school as I’m much more of a people person and really into hands-on things. I then got a job in a café and a retail shop and just kind of got by doing things like that.

I have always loved everything beauty and when I went travelling, I decided ‘it’s now or never’ so, during my fouryear stint in Australia, I got a student visa and studied beauty therapy - this is how it all started and, as cheesy as it sounds, I had found myself; beauty was the first thing I was naturally good at!

Are you the sole owner?

Yes. However, my husband has a huge part to play in helping with my website, accounts and the money side of things, and helping me stay organised.

Basically, he does all the boring bits!

What professional qualifications do you hold and where did you complete your training?

I hold a Diploma of Beauty Therapy, which I gained during my five years travelling. My diploma covers all aspects of beauty; from basic manicures to intense facials using light therapy, needlework, and electricity, but beauty is where my passion lies as I just think you can have so much fun chatting to clients while you work.

Actually, a lot of times, clients leave saying “gosh, I feel like a weight has been lifted” - it’s almost a form of therapy, and I’m so happy to help people in that way.

Where did you work before setting up on your own?

I have worked in five-star salons and spas all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand and back home in Wales. Before taking the plunge to set up on my own, I worked at a wellknown high-end hairdresser in Cardiff.

I worked on my own alongside

What do you think sets The Beauty Shed apart from other beauty businesses?

We are your friends. That, to me, is what is so important. At the end of the day, you come to us when you don’t feel your best (who feels amazing when they need their nails done or has a monobrow?!) and, let’s be honest, when you’re sat face-to-face, physically touching someone, it’s so important to make our clients feel comfortable and relaxed. I have personally been to so many different beauty salons where I haven’t felt listened to and, to be honest, felt like just a number. We want the complete opposite. If your nails take three hours, your nails take three hours, and you can have as many cups of teas and chat as much, or as little, as you want. We want you to leave feeling the best version of yourself, like a weight has been lifted and you have made new friends.

TESTIMONIALS

What customers say…

“I was recommended to this service by a friend. Lucie is so warm and welcoming. She always completes my waxing and nails to an excellent standard. The salon is spotlessly clean and fitted out beautifully. Lucie always gives me 5-star treatment.”

the hairdressers, so I was basically managing it myself anyway. After being made redundant, I figured, “I’ve got the skills, let’s just go for it!”

Why did you choose The Goodsheds to set up your new venture?

In the first year since The Goodsheds has been open, I have always loved it there. Whether that be for food and drinks, retail, or appointmentbased visits, I just love it there. I honestly think The Goodsheds has been a godsend for Barry. When the opportunity arose for me to have a space there, I thought it was the perfect size and location to start my very own business outside of the home studio.

How have you been welcomed by the other tenants and businesses at The Goodsheds?

Everyone has been wonderful. When I opened, a few of the businesses popped in to introduce themselves and wish me luck. A lot of the businesses were existing clients and cheered me

on to go for it. There really is such an amazing sense of community among the small businesses. I also think that the whole Covid thing has made people realise how important it is to shop small and local, and we all support each other.

What treatments does The Beauty Shed offer?

We offer many aspects of beauty.

Manicures of all different types; from a very classic and simple French manicure to wild and wacky nail art with ultra-long extensions, plus medical grade pedicures, which are just amazing. I also specialise in waxing, using the quickest and most painless techniques (I have clients travelling an hour just for waxing!) and we also have the very popular lash and brow treatments such as lash lifting and brow lamination.

“I have always loved everything beauty.”

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“I just had sculpted nail extensions done with Alison. OMG! I am so pleased with them! Her attention to detail is fab. I have had my nails done with other technicians in the past, but none of them have taken as much care as Alison did with the colour, shape, and overall finish. The salon is stunning, a beautiful space to be pampered. Keep up the fab work Lucie and Alison!’

“The best! I absolutely love seeing Lucie every month for my waxing and nails. I’ve never had a gel manicure last four weeks until now! So many colours and glitters to choose from too. The gorgeous studio is always completely spotless. Lucie is brilliant and always full of ideas for my nails and always so friendly and chatty.”

The Beauty Shed The Goodsheds Level 1, Unit 19 Hood Road, Barry CF62 5QU 01446 507999 Book online at https://thebeautyshedbarry.book.app/ www.thebeautyshed.uk thebeautyshedbarry

Iain and Hilary celebrate 20 years in business together this year, and 40 years each in the hospitality industry.

And after the challenges of the last two years, we’d like to join them in raising our glasses - cheers!

FOOD HEROES

The last two years have been a rollercoaster for the hospitality sector and the pandemic is a gift that keeps on giving. So, we really do have to clap for the small, independent restaurants, bistros and café’s that are still clinging on to life after what feels like a two-year beat-down.

Hilary and Iain, owners of Hilary & Iain’s in Ogmore are the perfect example of the indie owners that refuse to be beaten. This lovely couple have decades of experience under their aprons, and it’s probably helped get them through the recent tough times. “We’ve been in the industry a long time,” says Iain. “Anyone running their own food business knows how tough it can be - you learn to roll with what life throws at you. We just love what we do so that helps.”

Anyone reading Vale Life over the years will know how highly we rate their Sunday lunch. The beef is great, but the lamb is quite simply divine. We always say it’s the kind of food we’d get at our nan’s. We enjoy Sunday lunch here at least once a month. For us the food is the benchmark. Perfectly cooked veg and superb gravy. When it comes to food, one of the hardest things to achieve is consistency and their Sunday lunch never misses the mark.

Hilary’s puddings are also legendary guaranteed to derail any post-Christmas diet. Forget your new year resolution(s), if the Bread & Butter Pudding with Baileys is on, you must try it (there are plenty of other temptations). It’s usually offered with cream or ice cream, being completely weak I go for both, it’s unbelievably good. Hilary is equally philosophical: “We both love cooking.

We love it when people leave great reviews for us. It really lifts us. We work hard to try to please customers. At the end of the day, it’s all that really matters.

If we’ve had a day full of smiles and full tummies, we can sit down at 11:30pm with a nice glass of wine and relax.”

As we head into another year of uncertainty, it’s the simple things in life that matter more, and a meal with friends or family will always be one of our family’s favourites. Hilary & Iain’s is our go-to when we need a pick-me-up.

It’s unpretentious, friendly and the food is the best home cooking you could wish for. We’re clapping - we’re booking.

Hilary and Iain by the Sea 87 Main Road Ogmore-by-Sea CF32 0PW 01656 880661 HilaryAndIainBySea

If you’ve eaten at Keyif, Penarth’s lovely Turkish restaurant, you’ll know how good the food is. Now owner Mehmet Yildiz has added a new string to Keyif’s Oud.

CATERED BY KEYIF

It seems like the obvious service to offer if you’re in the catering business, but Mehmet hadn’t really considered it until someone asked.

“We’ve always just concentrated on the restaurant,” he says. “We’ve never really thought there’d be a demand, but we were approached by a customer, and we thought why not?”

Keyif’s fabulous food and incredibly warm welcome is well known in Penarth and across the Vale. “Times have been a little tough so adding this service does help sustain the restaurant, and it is also a way of introducing our food to a wider audience,” he adds.

The first few events have gone extremely well with the customers, and their guests, being particularly impressed with Keyif’s offering. Let’s face it the same old buffet food can be a little beige after a while no matter how well it’s prepared. With Keyif, you get vibrant colours and the endless flavours of Turkish cuisine. Who wouldn’t want that at your wedding or garden party?

“We catered for a christening recently,” says Mehmet, “The guests were really thrilled with the food. They hadn’t expected it, so the variety of flavours and colours got guests chatting and talking about the food, Turkey, life a good ice breaker.”

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Keyif not only offers an amazing array of nibbles and dishes but also a very tempting selection of cocktails and mocktails. Again, nothing like a good cocktail to get the party started.

If you’d like to explore ideas for an event or celebration, contact Mehmet at Keyif on 029 2070 2429.

Keyif 21 Glebe Street Penarth CF64 1EE KEYIF COLLECT 029 2070 2429 www.keyif.co.uk keyifpenarth

We all know we should drink more water, but why should we? Read on to find out more from Angharad Evans of Penarth.

W ATER,WATER BUT NOT A DROP TO DRINK

Water. Are you hydrated? We can survive two months without food but only days without water. It is the essence of health, yet I hear all too often “I know I don’t drink enough water”.

You could also apply pressure to your finger nail for three seconds. Good hydration means that the colour return in 1-3 seconds, if it takes longer, then you’re likely to be dehydrated.

We lose around two to three litres of water each day through breathing, sweat, urine and bowel movements.

To ensure balance in our bodies, this loss of water needs to be replenished daily. Therefore, it’s time to adopt some ‘hydrating’resolutions.

How do we become dehydrated?

Is it just a case of not drinking enough water? Sadly not, our way of life dehydrates us! Artificial lights, processed foods, alcohol, sugar, coffee, tea, medications, little sunlight and fresh air and long hours of sitting in front of the computer and television all dehydrate us.

The 5 main functions of water n Water brings nutrients and oxygen to our cells n Water gets rid of the toxins from our cells n Water helps to main our temperature n Water lubricates (joints, tissues, eyes, nose, mouth) and protects our organs n Water helps to breakdown the foods we eat into energy.

How do you know if you’re dehydrated?

Some possible symptoms of dehydration are headaches and migraines, afternoon fatigue, brain fog, UTI, constipation, sleeplessness, bloating, chapped lips, dry eyes or mouth, bad breath and acid reflux. There are some quick self-tests you can do too. Check the colour of your urine - the darker it is the more dehydrated you are.

What can I do? n Drink one smoothie per day n Drink 6-8oz of water before every meal n Upon waking, drink 8-16oz of water with a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon juice n Certain foods are hydrating such as chia, cashews, cinnamon, coconut milk/water, cucumber, ghee, raw honey, lemons, lime, maple syrup, pomegranate juice, raspberries, salt (sea, rock, Himalayan, Celtic), root ginger n Add a pinch salt to your filtered water n Keep moving during the day!

There are many simple and cheap ways to improve your health. To start 2022 in a healthier way, get in touch with Angharad today!

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Angharad Brown Therapïau Naturiol Angharad Natural Therapies by Angharad 07739 210291 www.angharadevans.cymru AngharadsNaturalTherapy

For the third year running Knights Lettings has won the British Property Award for Barry.

AWARD WINNING

KNIGHTS RENT WITH CONFIDENCE

Choose local, choose Knights Rented within four days of being promoted by Knights. Even by this much loved local estate agent’s standards, that’s fast!

Knights Lettings rented this fabulous property in Barry within just four days

The judges said the Knights team performed outstandingly throughout the extensive judging period, which focused on customer service.

If you’re a landlord looking for an award-winning agent to let your property, contact Knights today.

of it coming to market. The house was valued, photographed and details were written before it was advertised to potential customers.

For landlord Mr O’Shea it was a dream scenario. “I visited Knights to request a valuation and within two weeks they had found a tenant”. Mr O’Shea now wants to recommend Knights’ services to other landlords in Barry “Knights are fast, friendly, efficient,” he said.

FOR SALE £750,000

The Parade, The Knap, Barry n Large detached bungalow with

sea view n Situated in one of the most

desirable locations in Barry n Set in extensive grounds

FOR SALE £369,500

Merthyr Dyfan Road, Barry n Detached true bungalow n Off road parking for multiple vehicles

Knights Estate Agents 84 High Street, Barry CF62 7DX Sales 01446 700222 sales@knights.uk.com Lettings 01446 701333 lettings@knights.uk.com www.knights.uk.com

n Loft room n Viewing highly recommended n Easy access to Cardiff

knightsestateagents

Sharon Thomas opened Beloved, a fabulous boutique on Barry’s Holton Road in November 2021. Sharon had worked as a store manager for Topshop and Topman in Barry so knew the industry and the town well. We caught up with Sharon to find out more about

BELOVED

Why did you choose Barry town centre to open Beloved?

I choose to open my boutique in Barry as a huge part of my retail career was in the town. For those of you who remember the Dan Evans Store, they had a Topshop and Topman there and I worked there as a Store Manager from 1990 to 2006. I then worked as Area Manager for M and Co and then worked down at the Waterfront in Barry for five years, so this was the town I always said would be where I wanted to open my own boutique.

What do you offer your customers?

I offer a wide range of individual clothing which caters for all shapes and sizes that you won’t find on the high street.

What about accessories?

Beloved offers a fabulous range of boots, shoes, scarves, purses in a variety of colours and styles. We also have a lovely range of jewellery including stretch bracelets and necklaces.

What style of clothing do you offer?

Our style of clothing is relaxed and comfortable. Italians are known for their fashion style, so that’s where I source my clothing. Some styles are one size, but generally our sizes range from 12 to 24, so there’s really something to suit everyone.

You also offer gifts for the home.

Tell us a bit about that.

We have a small selection of gifts from fine china mugs and photo frames. Our pottery houses which can contain tea lights are very popular.

Are you affordable?

Absolutely! There really is something here to suit everyone and every purse.

What do you think makes Beloved special?

I feel that we offer a wide range of affordable clothing for all age groups. We only buy a maximum of five of each item, which makes each one unique and therefore unlikely that you will see someone else in the same item. Once it’s gone, it’s gone, which allows me to buy more often to keep the store fresh with a constant flow of new stock.

Customer service is very important to me. I listen to my customers so, when I go to my suppliers, I look out for items that they have mentioned that they would like me to stock. I’m also conscious that customers don’t like to be pounced upon as soon as they enter the shop, so I’m quite happy to leave them browse at their leisure but let them know that I’m here to help find the perfect outfit for them if they need a bit of assistance.

Beloved 108B Holton Road Barry CF63 4HJ 07518 764053 Beloved Boutique

Start 2022 amicably A new year is a reflective time for many people. This inevitably leads to an influx of couples seeking legal advice surrounding their relationship breakdown. Susan J Williams, Partner and Head of Family Law at Ince (Cardiff), provides her top tips for couples looking to separate or divorce amicably.

At the end of a marriage, conflict and acrimony can cause considerable pain to the couple and their loved ones.

The focus for all should be an amicable divorce. This requires the couple and the professionals involved to work in a constructive way, enabling a smooth, nondisruptive divorce process.

•

Minimise conflict by keeping the lines of communication open with your partner.

•

Be realistic and reasonable in your negotiations. For example, do not expect to keep all or a disproportionately large amount of the family assets.

•

Try to be on the same page as your partner regarding the arrangements for the children.

•

Steer away from blaming your partner, such tensions can delay decisions being made, which in turn causes more conflict between you. Avoid using social media platforms to discuss your divorce or vent your frustrations.

How can you have an amicable divorce?

•

•

Allow yourself time to understand the inevitable changes for you and the family. Recognise and respect that it will be a difficult time for all, and that each of you will be at different stages in accepting that the marriage has broken down.

Research government and charitable organisation websites and ask your team of trusted advisors about your worries, concerns and any questions you have. The more knowledge you gather, the more confident you will feel in making the right decisions.

•

Surround yourself with plenty of support from family and friends, and where appropriate, consider seeking support from a therapist or counsellor.

•

Take your time to choose the right solicitor for you and your individual needs to guide you through the divorce process. Have an initial discussion to help you decide if they are the right solicitor for you. Make sure you choose a solicitor you feel confident with and communicates with you in a way you understand.

•

Consider alternative methods of resolving disputes such as mediation or arbitration.

•

Try to always focus on and plan for your future, rather than the past.

How can your solicitor encourage an amicable approach?

Ask your solicitor if they are a member of Resolution, the Law Society Family Panel or Children’s Panel. Through your partnership, your solicitor should be engaging with you in the following ways: •

Working with you as a part of your team to support you and provide advice and guidance.

•

Encouraging positive communication at all times to reduce conflict.

•

Listening to your concerns, and empowering you to make informed decisions.

•

Encouraging couples to discuss issues between themselves to establish a positive approach to resolving issues, both during the divorce process and as a template for future discussions when solicitors are no longer involved.

•

Providing objective, honest and realistic feedback about the strengths and weaknesses of your case, without setting unrealistic expectations.

•

Remaining objective, non-judgemental and open-minded with the ability to explore all available options.

•

Recognising any additional support you may need from a counsellor, therapist, financial adviser, accountant or other external professionals early on, and obtaining any additional legal advice from internal advisers on issues such as wills, lasting powers of attorney, tax and conveyancing.

•

Considering and exploring alternative approaches such as mediation or arbitration to avoid the need to go to court.

The right solicitor can make a real difference to your experience during the divorce process, and your relationship with your solicitor is crucial in maintaining a balanced and amicable approach. An amicable divorce means you are more likely to have a better working relationship with your ex-partner going forward.

Our family lawyers can help you through the legal process so you can look towards your next chapter.

For more information and advice, contact Susan J Williams by email at susanjwilliams@incegd.com, by telephone on 02920 009705 or visit incegd.com/cardiff

Hair styles and colours come and go but what are the trends for winter.

Vanessa of Sublime Hair Salon in Rhoose gives us her top nine go-to’s.

FROM THE SUBLIME TO? VIRTUALLY ANYTHING GOES THIS WINTER

The Big Blowout Now that we can socialise again it’s time to embrace the glossy blowouts again. We’re talking big, bouncy, ’90 supermodel-style volume. It’s a tough one to do at home so trust your salon to get you looking super-luxe for any big event.

Natural Curls and Texture The curly hair market in particular is growing with more TV black presenters wearing their natural texture (Rochelle Humes being one). This is where great products come into play specifically formulated for curly hair.

The Mixie The pixie cut is manageable and easy but if you want to up the style factor, then a mixie might be for you. It’s a mix of the pixie and a mullet. It needs a fair bit of wax to get than angled, edgy look.

Barely There Hair This is like a no-make up makeup for your hair. Natural and effortless with subtle waves using a tong. Perfect for those that want the just rolled out of bed look?

The French Bob The bob is always a favourite and that’s no exception for 2022 but have you considered the French bob? It can be everything from a long bob to a more graduated look. All are fully acceptable for this year.

Classic Bob The classic bob never goes out of fashion. Whether it’s sleek, blunt or swingy, French or Undone, there’s a bob for you.

The Undone Boy Bob Again a bob but this one can be left to air-dry and has that “undone” look. This one is all about the cut. It will need to be cut in a super-short bob style, cut to the jawline, that’s long enough to tuck behind your ears. Keep it all one length with no shape around the face and voila!

Seventies Blonde It you’re looking for a dramatic change in your hair colour then think honeyhued blonde shades against layered hair with loads of volume and choppy bangs.

Warm Ginger Tones Warm gingery tones are huge this winter. This isn’t one to try at home as these tones are notoriously hard to work with when applying colour to hair. This is where Olaplex comes into its own - and your colourist!

So, there you have it. The nine top hair styles and colours for winter 2022.

Sublime Hair & Beauty 4 Stewart Road Rhoose CF62 3EZ 01446 711799 SublimeHairAndBeautyLtd

David Doore owns and manages D&S Frames in Barry with daughter Claire and two other staff. Vale Life puts David and his team in the frame for once.

PICTURE THIS

David said, “Let us change your perception of a picture frame!” To be fair, he did. I had a couple of lovely old Steve McQueen cinema posters that needed framing and just left it in David’s capable hands. They did a magnificent job. Don’t get me wrong, the posters were nice, but D&S Frames brought them to life.

We caught up with David and his team at their unit studio on Ty Verlon Industrial Estate to find out more.

How long has the business been established?

We opened on the 25th June 1980.

D&S Frames is truly a family business with a wealth of experience and creativity. Whether you wish to turn a photograph into a family treasure or have an heirloom that you would like to be displayed for all to admire, our team is able to transform your valued memento and will often exceed your expectations. Nothing is impossible to us, only a challenge.

How did you get into the business?

I had to frame a brass rubbing once and it just took off from there.

What products and services do you offer?

Picture framing, framed mirrors, box frames and ready-made frames.

We also provide a computerised mount cutting service.

How many people do you employ?

Three staff with over 65 years experience between them.

What’s the most unusual object you’ve framed?

A saxophone? That was unusual.

A tutu, and most recently a Hornby train plus carriage - complete with scenery false grass and bushes. Basically, there’s not much we can’t frame.

Are there colour and style trends in framing? What’s popular at the moment?

Traditional and modern frames are always in demand. Black, grey, and earthy colours seem to be the favoured tones at the moment.

Who are your customers?

We work with both private and commercial customers. From amateur and professional artists, pro photographers, and enthusiastic amateurs right through to collectors and blue-chip companies.

What’s a typical turnaround time for a frame?

We always quote 10 working days (2 weeks). But we are often asked to meet deadlines, sometimes as soon as 24 hours which we always accommodate.

What’s the largest frame you’ve ever produced?

That was for La Senza’s (ladies lingerie) 2010 UK stores Christmas window displays. We also made 250 frames 2m x 1.2m for Top Shops grand opening in Manhattan, New York, shown on Sky TV.

Why would I choose you and not go to Ikea?

Outstanding service, superior quality and expert advice. We firmly believe picture framing is an art, everything is bespoke and is made specifically to order to fit the job.

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Are you busy?

Always... we recently framed sixtyseven pictures for Superdry to be displayed in their new shop on Oxford Street. We had 24 hours to complete the job and thanks to my amazing staff we did it with minutes to spare. We have also framed for Oasis, Charles Tyrwhitt, Clarks shoes and Radley’s.

We also sell 3d box frames for medals, CD's, flowers, lego etc. Check out our eBay store at: www.ebay.co.uk/str/dsframes D&S Frames Unit 2 Priority Workshops Ty Verlon Industrial Estate Cardiff Road Barry CF63 2BG 01446 748577 Mobile 07790 498314 dandsframes@yahoo.co.uk www.dandsframes.co.uk dandsframes

After a year out “due to Covid” this was Beaujolais Day number six organised by Chris Macnamara of The Brogue Trader and Spiro Borg of Cornerstone (and Spiro’s, the wellestablished catering company). Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been donated over the years and Brogue Does Beaujolais Six raised a staggering £50,240 to add to that tally.

BROGUE DOES BEAUJOLAIS 6

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Just over £200,000 has been raised for Cardiff based City Hospice over the six events - a charity close to the organisers’ hearts. “We didn’t quite top the record of £58,654 achieved in 2019,” says Chris. “The world’s not yet back to normal but, if we do it again next year, we have every intention of smashing that record.

Having said that, I am immensely proud of everyone who supported this year’s event. Over £50k raised and we all had a cracking day.”

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of attending, you’ll appreciate how lucky you were. The tickets are as rare as hen’s teeth, and it has to be one of the must-attend events on Cardiff’s annual social calendar.

Chris added, “After the heartache of eighteen months of Covid, now more than ever we can all appreciate how fortunate we are. So please spread some love and engage with your local communities, it feels amazing to give back in so many ways and these types of events show that the Macnamara family own and operate something that is truly much more than a shoe shop.”

The event was a fun-packed affair from the word go. “Beaujolais Day kicked off with a champagne reception. Short speeches and acknowledgments followed, and then a wonderful meal with matching wine served by the talented Cornerstone team,” says Chris. The event was punctuated with music and song provided by the extremely talented singing waiters (and most of those attending), and Morgan Rees, an upcoming local comedian had everyone in stitches. The event ended on a banging musical high with Big Mac’s Wholly Soul Band.

As the popularity of Brogue Does Beaujolais has grown, it has attracted many celebrities from the sporting community and huge support from the great and the good of the Cardiff and south Wales business communities.

If you were fortunate to have purchased a ticket this year, you would have been rubbing shoulders with ex-boxer Nicky Piper, and the ‘extremely charming’ Rupert Moon. “Our little Beaujolais celebration is becoming extremely wellknown in Cardiff and, being invitation only, one of the most sought-after events on the capital’s social calendar,” says The Brogue Trader’s Managing Director Chris Macnamara.

“We have, yet again, made a major contribution to a much-loved charity.”

Chris is always keen to acknowledge the assistance and support he receives to put on this brilliant event. “With the help of our dear friends Spiro and Lisa Borg from Spiros Fine Dining & Catering along with our print partner Booie Sall of Harlequin Print, and match funding from the Hodge Foundation we have, yet again, made a major contribution to a much-loved charity.”

Finally, Chris would like to thank all the table hosts, and everyone who bid for the auction prizes. “A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who took a table, placed a bid at the auction, donated prizes and bought raffle tickets. It’s the sixth time we’ve organised this event and it’s the second largest amount raised for such a worthy cause - £50,240! We are clearly more than a shoe shop,” said Chris.

Chris and Spiro would especially like to thank those that donated various items to the auction; also, Bryan Gunton must have a mention for supporting the event yet again with his impressive magic skills.

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THE BROGUE TRADER To be successful in business you have to first know your product and its market but also understand your customers and be able to deliver excellent customer service. But, more than that, it takes passion, selfbelief and vision, enough to want to invest your own money without any guarantee that your dream will work.

We first met Chris Macnamara and his lovely wife Jo, who live in Llanmaes near Llantwit Major, at an event at The Vale Hotel back in 2013. Chris explained his background and that he would shortly be opening “a little shoe shop” in Morgan Arcade, Cardiff. He’d mentioned he would be interested in promoting The Brogue Trader in Vale Life and we promised we’d pop in once the shop was open.

I believe it was the Friday at the end of Chris’s first week that we were able to visit, and we were really impressed with the shop and its interior. Chris was bouncing off the walls with excitement and, reassuringly, the first week’s sales had been extremely encouraging. I remember him saying he just wanted to make a living and be the best shoe shop ever and, if he achieved that, he would be very happy.

A year later, The Brogue Trader was winning awards.

Fast forward nine foot-stomping years and this amazing family business now has nine shops across the UK and has built an enviable reputation for quality products and award-winning customer service. “More than a shoe shop” you’ll hear Chris say. And it’s true. Today, these shrines to style and gorgeous 31

footwear employ over thirty staff and now sponsor both Welsh national rugby and football teams and regularly put on great events raising hundreds of thousands for charity right across the country.

Has the passion cooled for Chris and his family over the years? Absolutely not.

The Brogue Trader is evolving every year, developing its brand and now has a growing online clientele. Not bad for a twinkle in the mind’s eye of a chap who had a dream almost a decade ago.

The Brogue Trader #morethanashoeshop 27A Morgan Arcade Cardiff CF10 1AF 0843 658 1812 www.thebroguetrader.com Spiro’s Fine Dining & Catering www.spiros.com Cornerstone Charles St, Cardiff CF10 2SF 029 2049 4425 www.cornerstonecardiff.org This year’s sponsors Harlequin Print Si Spain Vale Glazing

Welsh Dragon, hand made in Wales.

Selection of colours, sizes, backgrounds and frames avilable.

From £24 Gifts and Design @ 99, High Street, Barry The Skin Discovery Set includes: • Marine Miracle EyeZone Advanced Eye • Concentrate 10ml/0.35floz • Marine Miracle Crème Signature Moisturiser 50ml/1.7floz RRP £80 www.transformulas.com

Scentiana Smoothing Body Scrub £65 (blue) Available at ila-spa.com

Favourite T HINGS...

MY

Here’s a roundup of some of the lovely things that have caught our eye this winter...

Ynys y Barri candle (available in larger double wick candle too) Apothecary64, Penarth

Jodie Hook Luxe Solitaire Loop Ring 9ct yellow gold with white diamond from £575 Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth

Keith Brymer Jones ceramics available from Homemade Wales High Street, Barry

Retro Pots in navy, mustard and aqua from Annie and Lolo Goodsheds, Barry

Jodie Hook Luxe Fold Hook Earrings 9ct yellow gold £180 Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth

Scentiana Replenishing Body Cream £85 (green) Available at ila-spa.com

Faux leather trousers £55 (black and taupe) Available from The Box Edit Boutique, Goodsheds, Barry Soft knitwear with lurex star or heart £40 available from Divine, Porthcawl

Louis XV style chair £140 available from Happy Days Vintage Homestore, Cowbridge

Jodie Hook Luxe Gold Solitaire Loop V Necklace 9ct yellow gold with white diamond from £720 Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth

Cowbridge has always been on the radar for a great day out for all the family as it has everything you’ll need to please just about everyone’s tastes.

We’re talking quality independent, shops, cafes, boutiques, jewellers, art galleries and gift shops plus a leisure centre, museum, vintage emporium and the stunning Physic Garden (one of our favourites).

After a morning or afternoon of browsing the shops, there’s an abundance of quality eateries to choose from. If you want coffee and cake, or prefer something a bit more substantial, then there’s plenty to choose from including pizza, a good old fry up, Chinese, Indian or European – the choice is endless.

Don’t forget to take a look down the side streets and back streets off the main road. There are plenty of shops and hidden gems there to explore.

Parking can be a bit of an issue (as with most towns) but there is a main car park which is free and there’s also timed onstreet and supermarket parking.

Leanne also offers cut-throat razor shaves with hot towels. With a career in hairdressing spanning 25 years, there’s no cut or style that Leanne hasn’t mastered.

Blossom Offer!

Seven blow dries - get the eighth for free!

COWBRIDGE GEMS COWBRIDGE’S NEW HIDDEN GEM

Blossom Hair Leanne Bryan offers all aspects of hairdressing but specialises in the statement bob, balayage, colour correcting, cutting, and colouring.

This unisex salon also welcomes babies and children. Their back wash basins give a relaxing massage as well as Leanne provides Shiatsu head massage whilst shampooing.

Having previously worked as a skilled mobile, it’s not surprising that most of her clients have joined her in Cowbridge. Many travel from Newport, Porthcawl, Cardiff, Rhoose and, of course, Cowbridge to work with her.

The brands used at this salon include Olaplex, Wella colours and shampoos, Sebastian and Ghd. Your experience will be further enhanced with a cup of coffee (bean to cup), with complimentary biscuit, soft drink or glass of wine. Leanne offers ear piercing and will be adding Great Lengths hair extensions from February 2022, adding more strings to her bow!

No39 Cowbridge Home & Lifestyle

39 high st cowbridge cf717ae 34

Blossom Hair 1 Penny Lane Cowbridge CF71 7EG 01446 678330 blossomhairltd@hotmail.com Opening times Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9am - 5pm Tuesday & Thursday 11am - 8pm Blossom Hair

FEATURE

Around the Vale Thirds

If the last two years has taught us anything is that “life’s too short”. Now that travel restrictions are easing, the thoughts of realising our dreams are within our grasp.

COWBRIDGE TRAVEL

MAKE BEAUTIFUL MEMORIES

The talented team at Cowbridge Travel offer beautiful beach holidays, but travel has certainly evolved. “People don’t just ‘need a holiday’ they want experiences these days whether extreme sports; adventure and exploration or cooking classes and wine tasting” says Pam. And she is right. Experiences have rapidly moved up many people’s list of priorities when it comes to booking a holiday.

“Covid has changed everything. People want to make meaningful memories.

Traditionally, a summer holiday was all about the beach, baking in the sun with a cool drink and a good book.

That hasn’t completely gone away, but we’ve noticed that many of our customers are looking for breaks with more room for individual inspiration or achievement especially if their destination enjoys stunning scenery.

People are prioritising things they have wanted to do for years…going to a special place or trying a new activity or taking a trip with people they really enjoy spending time with”.

Many stressed out clients are also seriously interested in recalibrating their minds and bodies rather than just relaxing. This could take the form of a spa, an ayurvedic treatment centre, or a

resort with meditation, yoga and group classes as well. An annual “re-set” has become (extremely) popular in the US among groups of friends.

While being outdoors and active is massively beneficial to our mental and physical wellbeing it doesn’t mean the whole holiday has to be like that but the occasional focus of something different helps break up the holiday and often really helps you feel that you’ve achieved something and, ultimately, it’s experiences we remember. Cowbridge Travel prides itself on its ability to fulfil just about any requirement. “We can access almost all tour operators and every holiday is financially protected by ABTA so you can be confident that your travel investment is fully covered.”

Cowbridge Travel 8 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AG 01446 688 685 info@cowbridgetravel.co.uk Opening Hours Mon-Fri 9.30am – 5pm / Sat 10am – 4pm or by appointment cowbridgetravel

When our magazines go to print, we try to reward ourselves with a little weekend away occasionally. We’d had friends recommend Hartwell House & Spa in Buckinghamshire so thought a cheeky short break would do us the world of good. We weren’t wrong.

FRENCH CONNECTION For a start, we would be crossing the border into England where Covid restrictions were considerably more relaxed, and life might feel somewhat normal - it did. After a leisurely crosscountry drive, we arrived at Hartwell House & Spa. A truly beautiful stately home in rural Buckinghamshire, restored by Historic House Hotels, offering hotel luxury in a magnificent ninety acre setting.

I won’t ramble on too much about its history - suffice to say it could fill a library, and there are plenty of reminders around the hotel - so if history is your thing (and it is ours), then you’ll certainly be spoiled. At this point I’d like to give a well-earned shout out to John, our concierge, who gave us truly fascinating insights into Hartwell House’s history. John is a fount of knowledge and worth seeking out.

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Just to give a short example, we had booked the Duchesse d’Angoulême Room, which was occupied by the Duchesse (the niece of Louis XVIII of France) who resided at Hartwell House with him in exile from 1809 to 1814.

The Duchesse was the surviving child of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Apparently, the revolution affected her pretty badly and she was said to have a ‘pious and mournful disposition’.

Revolutions can do that to a person especially if you’re not on the winning side shall we say. It was observed that she always looked as if she had been recently weeping.

She was devoted to the King though, and never failed to accord him all the homage due to him, which, it is rumoured, he found at times a little tiresome within the confines of Hartwell (which is a rather smaller than Versailles).

The Duchesse d’Angoulême had a long life, and it’s worth noting that, surviving as she did until the 1850s, she lived long enough to experience travel by train.

While we loved mooching around the hotel and grounds, we do love a little drive to check out what there is to see and do in the area. The reasonably local town of Thame was recommended to us. Don’t get me wrong, we love a big city mooch as much as the next person, but as we only had a couple of hours to spare, we liked the idea of a visit to a quaint market town with a smattering of independent shops - just up our street. Thame certainly held its own. Anyone who knows Jennifer, knows she loves to shop, especially if it’s a boutique and there were several to keep her entertained. Thame is small and perfectly formed - very similar to our own Cowbridge. It even has a decent sized Mint Velvet store, something that Cardiff, our capital city doesn’t. Let’s just say Jennifer was glad we called in on our way back.

Bottom line, we love Hartwell House.

You can lose yourself here (as so many have over the decades). It’s wistful, charming, imposing and, despite its historical boasts, spectacularly understated but with an elegance that is quite disarming and unforgettable.

We will return.

We travelled by Fiat. Certainly not as glamourous but, nevertheless, like the Duchesse, surely, we were impressed

by Hartwell’s location on arrival.

A walk prior to afternoon tea did much to relax our disposition and put us in a ‘Royal’ frame of mind. There is no doubt about it, Hartwell has a wonderfully calming effect on the soul. The grounds are superb and the waterfowl on the nearby lake did much to contribute to the feeling of us being in harmony with nature.

We can highly recommend dinner the food and service are superb.

If you do stay, you really must indulge yourself. It’s one of the best we’ve experienced. If I had an observation (not a criticism), it’s the lighting. In the Instagram age, the dining room lighting makes it almost impossible to do the food justice. Having said that, perhaps that’s how it should be at somewhere like Hartwell - if it is to be dragged into the modern era, like it’s previous occupants, it’ll do so begrudgingly, and quite rightly so.

“Hartwell House & Spa may be the epitome of Englishness, but it has a wonderful French connection.”

Hartwell House & Spa Oxford Road, Vale of Aylesbury Buckinghamshire HP17 8NR 01296 747444 www.hartwell-house.com Main Switchboard (Bedroom and Dining Enquiries, and Reservations) 01296 747444 Spa Reservations 01296 746500

Finally, I’d like to mention the staff at Hartwell. They are, quite simply, lovely.

Nothing is too much trouble, and their service is faultless and authentic.

You can have the most beautiful hotel in the most stunning location but it’s people that make it special (including the guests). And they certainly are at Hartwell House.

TRAVEL LIFE For more local, UK and international travel features, visit www.travellifemag.co.uk 37

Meetings (Weddings and Private Dining enquiries and bookings) 01296 746502 We love dogs...

As you may know, we love dogs and Hartwell House is very dog friendly so if you have a pooch and you don’t want to leave it at home, Hartwell House could very well be the perfect staycation location. Just thought we’d put that out there.

Having ever-so-slightly fallen head over heels in love with Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire, we decided to book a second two-night break in this beautiful part of rural England. And now, as they say, for something completely different.

ORANGE BALSAM AND

DEEP PURPLE

Darwin Escapes recently unveiled its Springs Resort & Golf Club in Oxfordshire, following many years of investment, culminating in the loving restoration of the 19th Century Manor House previously owned by rock legend Ian Gillan of Deep Purple.

special.

Ian, at one point, had developed the property and grounds as a home, complete with guitar shaped swimming pool, and then a hotel.

It was subsequently sold; but, over several decades, business waned, and the Manor eventually closed and fell into disrepair. Skip a few years forward and it’s acquired by Darwin Escapes who, in the words of John Hammond in Jurassic Park have “spared no expense” turning the property into something really rather 38

The resort, including hotel, spa and four new lakeside lodges, is located a mere thirty minutes from Oxford, benefitting from easy access to major road networks but surrounded by beautiful rolling countryside.

We stayed in the Orange Balsam suite.

One of eight that have been individually designed “to offer guests an intimate, chic and relaxing stay”. Ours certainly did. For the price, we were genuinely blown away by the quality - beautifully designed in a boutique style but certainly not in a clichéd way.

It wasn’t long before Jennifer headed for the 1893 Spa, named after the year the Manor House was originally built, with its stunning spa lounge and hydrotherapy pool with underwater ceramic beds. Later we enjoyed dinner at the newly renovated Springs clubhouse, home to The Ridgeway Restaurant, overlooking the golf course.

Our three-course meal was superb.

The following day, we visited Henley-onThames, Marlow (an excellent suggestion by the ladies on reception), and Oxford (we ended up watching Dune at the cinema while students queued eagerly to see Jordan Peterson at the Oxford Union). in the evening, we headed to the market town of Thame for a light evening meal. It was, in rock parlance ‘just a perfect day’. That’s the great thing about The Springs location. It’s smack bang in the middle of some of the most beautiful English towns and villages you won’t be bored that’s for sure.

We’re not golfers, but The Springs golf course provides an excellent experience with an 18-hole, par-72 course that tracks the River Thames through 133 acres of stunning Oxfordshire countryside. I imagine if you are a golfer, this would be pure heaven - it certainly felt like it to us.

The Springs Resort has also unveiled four new two-bedroom Millpond lodges, all of which come with a hot tub and landscaped decking area with beautiful views across the millpond.

A further 15 one-bedroom lodges and 27 hotel lodge rooms will be opening in spring 2022 to offer a wide variety of accommodation to guests.

Drum roll please…

We have to commend everyone at The Springs for making our short stay so enjoyable. As we often say, “people make places”, and this couldn’t be truer here.

Every member of staff we encountered was a credit to the company.

TRAVEL LIFE For more local, UK and international travel features, visit www.travellifemag.co.uk The Springs Resort & Golf Club Wallingford Road North Stoke, Wallingford OX10 6BE 01491 827300 www.darwinescapes.co.uk/the-springsresort-and-golf-club https://bit.ly/31flcLZ thespringsresortoxford Darwin Escapes For further information about Darwin Escapes and its numerous golf and holiday destinations and facilities visit www.darwinescapes.co.uk or follow them on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook @DarwinEscapes 39

Specsavers has been a family-run business for over thirty-five years, providing affordable eyecare and hearing services to customers across the globe.

SHOULD HAVE GONE TO...

Specsavers. From humble Welsh beginnings to leading community optical brand. But what many may not know, is that the well-known brand started out in the spare room of founders Doug and Mary Perkins, after Mr Perkins left his Carmarthenshire roots to move with his now wife to Guernsey.

“Always staying ahead of the curve.”

The first stores opened in 1984, with the aim to provide a wide range of modern and stylish glasses at an affordable price for everyone. The business was an immediate success – and has since grown to consist of upwards of 2,000 stores, employing more than 38,000 people worldwide. But despite the rapid growth of Specsavers, local communities remain at the very core of what it does.

In fact, last year alone, Specsavers raised more than £2.5 million for charities and good causes globally.

You might know 27 High Street as your local Specsavers opticians, but did you know the building actually dates back to the 17th century?

SPECSAVERS COWBRIDGE

Centuries of history at Grade II listed Cowbridge opticians.

Records from the Cowbridge Historical Society found the building was first used as far back as 1691. Since then, it has been a number of inns, a bakery, greengrocers, cake shop and a clothing store. But the latest twist in the path for this historic building came nearly four years ago when it became a Specsavers store.

“Cowbridge is a unique town with a strong sense of community,” says store director Andrew Moss. “As a result, we know how important it is for us - as a locally-owned business - to engage with residents and go beyond just providing a service.”

The store, opened with a £300,000 investment in April 2018, has state-ofthe-art equipment, including an optical coherence tomography (OCT) machine - which can detect certain common conditions such as glaucoma up to four years sooner than usual.

The team has also taken part in a number of events and supported local groups, including sponsorship of the Cowbridge Food and Drink Festival and donations to a local scout group.

Specsavers 27 High St, Cowbridge CF71 7AE 01446 775003 Specsavers27HighStreetCowbridge For more information visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/cowbridge

2021 marked a special year for Specsavers in Barry as it celebrated twenty years of providing state-of-the-art eye care services for local residents.

SPECSAVERS BARRY

“Barry has changed so much.”

“Similarly, we understand the importance of investing in local staff, training them up to be the opticians of the future. For example, since 2019, several our team have completed ‘Dementia Friends’ training, and we are constantly seeking to find ways to upskill - ensuring our valued customers receive the very best store experience.”

More than two decades of community support at Barry Specsavers.

The store, which opened on Holton Road at the turn of the millennium, started out with five staff members and one test room. More than two decades on, increasing customer demand has led the store to increase its staff count to seventeen and add three more test rooms.

In addition, since it opened, the store has also added audiology services, and is constantly looking to invest in high quality technology. This includes the 3D scanning technology known as Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), hospital-grade equipment that helps spot certain eye conditions years sooner than a regular sight test.

But despite its growth, the local community remains vitally important to directors Jamie Pullen and Helen Hopgood.

Helen Hopgood says: “Barry has changed so much over the last twenty-one years, but our approach to providing customer-focused care has not. We continue to support local grassroots groups, such as Romilly Bowls Club, who we are currently sponsoring to ensure they are able to remain afloat during these testing times.

Specsavers 108 Holton Road, Barry Vale of Glamorgan, CF63 4HJ 01446 704910 Specsavers108HoltonRoadBarry For more information visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/barry

In Wales, Specsavers has proudly sponsored several local charities, such as the Vale of Glamorgan-based Ty Hafan, raising thousands of pounds with the support of the public to pay for vital charity services.

scanning technology, helping spot issues such as glaucoma up to four years sooner, to the virtual try-on technology ‘Frame Styler’, Specsavers prides itself on always staying ahead of the curve.

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Specsavers’ stores across Wales have remained open for care, as part of its commitment to ensuring customers receive high quality care.

Without this, sight, hearing and even life-threatening conditions might not have been picked up.

And it’s not only in-store sight tests that Specsavers specialises in. In 2002 it expanded into audiology services, providing affordable hear care support on the high street. 11 years later, it launched the home visits service, supporting those who cannot go to stores due to mental or physical disabilities.

A multi-award-winning brand, Specsavers prides itself on cuttingedge technology too. From the Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) machines that provide hospital-grade

See more!

To find out more about Specsavers, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/newsand-information/specsavers-history

“2,000 stores, employing more than 38,000 people worldwide.”

Since 2006, Specsavers has provided the residents of Penarth with a highquality eyecare and ear health service that they can trust.

SPECSAVERS PENARTH

Located on the iconic Windsor Road in the Victorian town centre, the team of 18 are on hand to provide expert care and advice for people suffering from sight and hearing issues.

understand the importance of investing in staff, with the store receiving a ‘Platinum Employer’ accreditation in recent years, and colleagues receiving ‘Dementia Friends’ training.

In addition to routine tests, the store offers Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) tests, usually found in hospital eye departments, and which is used for a variety of functions. This includes the screening and management of conditions such as age-related macular degeneration and glaucoma.

Director Pauline O’Neill says: ‘Since we opened our store 16 years ago, we have maintained the same ethos – to provide an affordable and high-quality service to our loyal customers.

The team are also able to, among other things, provide pre and post-op cataract care, contact lens services and glaucoma monitoring.

But it’s not just the technology that’s impressive. The store’s owners

‘Our team have been familiar faces for many of our regular customers, and as demand grew we were able to reinvest back into the store, such as our £200,000 refurbishment in 2016 that included us bringing in the high-tech OCT machine.

Specsavers 10 Windsor Road, Penarth Vale of Glamorgan, CF64 1JH 029 2071 3900

‘We’re proud to support our local customers and be a true pillar of the community.’

For more information visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/penarth

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Specsavers10WindsorRoadPenarth

Ad

Book an eye test at specsavers.co.uk Barry 108 Holton Road Tel 01446 704 910 Cowbridge 27 High Street, Cowbridge Tel 01446 775 003 Penarth 10 Windsor Road Tel 029 2071 3900 Additional charge applies for OCT scan, in addition to our standard eye test charge.

dditional charge applies for OCT scan, in addition to our standard eye test charge.

5138_4815.indd 1

1/25/2022 10:43:56 AM

It’s been a busy year for Suzanne Dickenson of Trade Price Sofas in Pontyclun. Besides setting up a new store in Dubai, she’s been adding to her offering at her Llantrisant store with the addition some fantastic new pieces plus a range of oak furniture from Oakvale Furniture.

TRADE PRICE SOFAS & OAKVALE FURNITURE

Vale Life caught up with Suzanne at her new venture in Pontyclun, Oakvale Furniture, next to her existing business, Trade Price Sofas.

“During the process of travelling this year to Dubai to set up our company selling furniture out there, I went to lots of stores to look for inspiration to see a different culture and different ways people buy furniture and design and decorate their homes,” says Suzanne.

Suzanne is keen for readers to be aware of all that’s on offer. “As my husband is a builder and carpenter, he has many ideas and wanted to start selling flooring, wood flooring, laminate flooring and artificial grass too! These are all things I can add to the range of products and help my customers, because every customer who comes in says they’re looking to restyle their back garden and they’re looking for grass, conservatory furniture and much more.”

“Having lots of customers coming in to us who said they loved our shop in Cowbridge, Enchante, as we still sell furniture, and bespoke items, I decided to snap up the opportunity to open a store that became available to me next door to Trade Price Sofas. So, not only do we own Trade Price Sofas of Llantrisant and Merthyr, but now we have a complementary business, Oakvale Furniture,” she adds.

44

Suzanne is a real dynamo. Full of ideas and super positive. She’s a joy to be around. “So now going into one big unit - upstairs just like Enchante, selling high end items. For example, we can design, create and decorate a whole bar in your home. We can offer bars in silver, wrought iron and metal! I’m sending lots of furniture to the Geordie Shore girls - delivering up as far as Scotland and Edinburgh, we’re so busy, it’s brilliant. They love the cage chairs, the silver bars, sofas with metal feet, so all of that is going to be exclusive upstairs - which is really different.”

She adds: “There’s no need to go to big stores and wait 16-20 weeks. The good thing about us is when we started Trade Price Sofas thirty years ago our products were cheap and cheerful.

Customers were so happy that they could call in, buy, pick up and go. So that’s what we are offering here. You don’t have to wait, you can pull up, pick up and be on your way – no waiting.”

Suzanne is keen to let customers know that between the adjoining units in Pontyclun, they can pretty much supply everything you need for your home. “Take a trip to Trade Price Sofas and Oakvale Furniture and, between the both stores, you can kit out your whole home. Whether you want a new sofa or a new media unit, there’s something for everyone.”

She adds: “We’re in the process of having a cinema room built so when customers visit, they can see how theirs could look. It will house a cinema sofa and a media wall unit which will house a 40” TV and a 40” LED fire accompanied by a matching bar.”

So if you do want a bar built in your home, or a media unit, Oakvale Furniture can do it. Suzanne says: “We’ve been successful in the industry for thirty years because we are a professional company, and we get things right.”

Trade Price Sofas Unit 1B, Hepworth Park, Coedcae Lane, Pontyclun CF72 9DX 01443 230813 Oakvale Unit 1C, Hepworth Park, Coedcae Lane, Pontyclun CF72 9DX 01443 520553 Trade Price Sofas Unit 2 Pengarnddu Industrial Estate, Dowlais Top CF48 2TA 01685 375896

“Downstairs we’re going to fill up with oak, so there’s a massive range of oak furniture downstairs, the same stock as the big stores. From dining tables to bedside cabinets, to drinks cabinets, and bedroom ranges (contemporary oak bedroom range or high end glass bedroom ranges). I will literally have it all with no waiting. If I do have to get an item of furniture in, then I can get it within a week. The key to good business is don’t keep anyone waiting.

That’s what’s made us so busy.”

TradePriceSofasWalesUK tradepricesofaswalesuk OakvaleFurniture Oakvale Furniture Wales UK 45

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Aria STB Bass Sunburst It’s never too late to learn guitar. This Aria STB Bass is a solid body electric bass with classic design and construction - a great starter bass. £179.00 www.penarthmusiccentre.com Super helpful. Tons of instruments. We rate them five stars

Bedw Candle A unique blend of Birch, Bergamot and Oakmoss.

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Training Bags From £135 Other styles available (Power Bag, heavy Bag, Heavy Bell, Uppercut & Hook bag). Hate the world? Take your frustration out on these and get fit in the process. High quality gloves, headguards plus much more at www.mpoweruk.co.uk

Mustang Mach 1 This one in Fighter Jet Grey (oooooh) Mustang was the No. 1 best-selling sports car in the world in 2016 allegedly. 5 litre V8. Tons of horsepower, Jupiter shifting torque and neck breaker good looks. We can see the attraction. Nip down to your Ford dealer. £50k ish (price varies with specification.)

Available from Ford

If you’d like to promote your products or services in our Man Cave section, please contact Mark on 07766 106731.

The publisher or the retailer cannot be held responsible for any error or omissions. All offers are subject to availability and price changes.

We featured Court Colman Manor back in 2016 but a lot has changed since then, so we caught up with Managing Director Sanjeev Bhagotra to find out more.

COURT COLMAN M ANOR

MORE THAN A FEW STRINGS TO ITS BOW

Please remind us of Court Colman’s background…

Parts of Court Colman Manor go back to 1766. She has been the home for a succession of people who have guarded their privacy well but the history to the best of our knowledge is available on our website at www.courtcolman-manor.com/about-us/history Your known for your weddings. Are things picking up again after Covid?

We are very lucky to host more and more weddings year on year. Even post pandemic it is reassuring to know that demand is strong and growing. We offer a range of packages with seasonal and mid-week promotions available to suit most budgets. If you are tying the knot, please contact our excellent Wedding Co-ordinator Alison Charnock. Alison is extremely dedicated and goes above and beyond for all her couples. She can also recommend all sorts of services and suppliers to our brides and grooms, from venue dressers to photographers, cake makers, bridal shops, musicians, wedding cars, florists, etc.

Do your couples have exclusive use of the Manor for their big day?

Couples have exclusive use of the Manor on their big day - we feel that it is right to host one wedding at a time who wants to share?

Do you offer catering services?

We do and provide a range of menus for the wedding breakfast and a variety of buffets including hog roast, hot fork buffets and rustic buffets. We source as much as possible locally.

That’s really important.

Talking about food, Court Colman Manor is gaining a good a reputation for its food offerings.

Please tell us more…

If you’re local, or not so local, you’ll be aware of our award-winning Indian restaurant, Bokhara Brasserie (we have eaten there – it’s very good, Editor), but there’s so much more on offer.

You can enjoy afternoon tea with us.

That’s extremely popular - especially with the views and grounds to hand.

Afternoon Tea is a great ‘experience gift’ for someone you care about or just a treat for yourself and a loved one or friend.

You can dine with us. We have events on right through the year. Valentine’s for example. Check the website and social media for more information.

Food is celebrated at Court Colman manor. After all, food is life.

Can anyone hire the Manor? For any purpose?

Yes, we host private parties, and we get our fair share of business functions.

It’s a very flexible venue. We like to think of it as a beautiful blank canvas.

It can be transformed into anything you can imagine. We love it here.

I think it’s important that readers realise you don’t have to be getting married to stay here. We are, after all, a hotel. We do get many couples and businesspeople who use us just for that. A little bolthole close to the Vale.

“The Independent’s food critic, Roopa Gulati, placed Bokhara Indian Brasserie in the Top 10 Indian restaurants in Britain.”

Court Colman Manor Pen-y-Fai Bridgend CF31 4NG 01656 720212 experience@court-colman-manor.com www.court-colman-manor.com Facebook Twitter YouTube TripAdvisor Google+

Owners Sanjeev and Elinor took over The Great House Hotel in 2017. Over the last five years the couple have slowly but surely transformed the offering.

GREAT E XPECTATIONS What changes have you made to-date?

We have updated all public areas of The Great House including the bar, restaurant, toilets, and function room. We are currently in the process of renovating some more of our bedrooms and are in the middle of an exciting garden project.

What’s the offering at Great House?

We have twelve bedrooms at the hotel, ranging from standard and superior rooms to our suites and Lodge in the Courtyard. We offer a comfortable relaxed home-from-home environment whilst still providing all the mod cons needed to enhance guests’ stays.

We cater for all types of life events from weddings to wakes, baby showers and christenings. We also have a conference and meeting facilities for corporate events or team away-days.

We understand that you’ve had some rooms refurbished/redesigned.

Please tell us about those.

We are not afraid to push boundaries with our refurbs and will sometimes experiment with extreme and unusual colours, fabrics, and design ideas. We try to create a unique guest experience and no two rooms are the same. However, that said, guest comfort and their needs are always at the forefront of our minds.

“If you wanted full, exclusive use of the whole house we can accommodate up to 120 guests who can also mingle in our bar and lounge areas.”

Who’s at the helm in the kitchen and what is his background?

Our Head Chef is Mathew Howells.

Matthew is self-taught and has worked under some awarded chefs. His first Head Chef role was at Cae Court in Bridgend. He has fifteen years’ experience and is passionate about local and Welsh produce. He likes to experiment, as we do, so he fits right in.

What style of cuisine is on offer?

Matthew describes our menu as “British Classics with a twist”. We are a 2 AA Rosette establishment that takes pride in experimenting and providing quality dishes with fresh, local ingredients. The Michelin guide recognises us so we always strive to deliver exciting flavour combinations presented in different ways. Thinking outside the box is a must.

Are you open for lunch and dinner?

We are open daily for lunch 12 ‘til 2pm, Afternoon Tea is available between 3 and 5pm and dinner at 6 ‘til 9pm.

We do change our menu fairly often, combining seasonal flavours with locally sourced produce.

51

What about Sunday lunch?

We offer Sunday Lunch from noon ‘til 3pm. Our Sunday lunch options change weekly as we use a Welsh Master Butcher and local produce is an essential part of our offering. We offer a 2-course menu from £18.95 or three courses at £21.95.

You’ve kept going through Covid offering a takeaway service, will this continue as things ease even further?

Yes! The demand for takeaways was incredible during lockdown and we were overwhelmed by the support from the local community. We will of course keep these going as restrictions ease and allow everyone to experience The Great House in their own home.

We currently offer Sunday Lunch and our Afternoon Teas for takeaway.

Can customers book your venue for private events?

We can certainly offer guests exclusive use for private events. We cater for everything from baby showers to children’s princess parties! Our Great Hall is perfect for functions of up to 70 guests, whilst our function room upstairs offers a cosier atmosphere for up to 40 guests. If you wanted full, exclusive use of the whole house we can accommodate up to 120 guests who can also mingle in our bar and lounge areas.

Now that weddings are back online, what can you offer the would-be wedding couple?

The newly engaged couple will have a bespoke experience, from the initial enquiry to the “I Do’s!” our wedding team are on hand to help create their dream day. We offer an exclusive experience, with personalised touches that make the day truly special.

TESTIMONIALS

What customers say…

“Stopped here for a coffee in the gardens. Pleasant and friendly staff, prompt service, clean facilities, good coffee, and absolutely gorgeous scenery! The building itself is really beautiful and the landscaping outside is delightful. Plenty of car parking spaces.

And the rooms looked quaint and very cute from the outside at least!”

Lisa Moseley 2020 “A rare find. Quaint little hotel.”

Mike Fleckney 2020 “Superb dining experience. Great staff who were welcoming and attentive.

The food was faultless.”

Phil Maund 2021 “First time staying as a treat from my partner for his birthday and wow the historic architecture of the building is amazing. Beautiful decor inside and out the room was beautiful especially the bathroom had a really comfy night, staff are lovely and friendly.”

Victoria 2021

“We had our wedding reception at The Great House a couple of weeks ago just after the restrictions lifted, and all I can say was it was absolutely stunning! The food was fantastic, incredible service from all the staff who went above and beyond to make the day so special. The room was decorated beautifully. The grounds are really pretty for photographs. A Special mention for our wedding coordinator as nothing was too much trouble for her - whatever we needed. Highly recommend this lovely quaint hotel.

Top class service, thank you all.”

Kathryn Thomas 2021

The Great House Hotel & Restaurant 8 High Street, Laleston Near Bridgend CF32 0HP 01656 657644 enquiries@great-house-laleston.co.uk www.great-house-laleston.co.uk greathousehotel The_Great_House leicestersatthegreathouse

Henry was a pretty smart chap. The sales figures speak for themselves.

Model T production ended on the 25th May 1927 with over 15 million sold and the marque has grown exponentially since. Henry Ford revolutionised automotive assembly line processes and production. The rest, as they say, is history. Even though, and I quote the man himself, “history is more or less bunk”.

Back in the twenties, Henry knew that if the process was streamlined, production could be faster. If every body panel and component was painted in the same black, then every part was instantly replaceable - no need to prep and paint a ‘fender’, a customer could buy it straight off the shelf. Of course, customers could customise their own vehicles, and they did, especially the wealthier ones. But, for the everyday car buyer, the one-colour-fits-all ethos worked and made Henry’s vehicles affordable for many more people.

These days, the number of colours available to customers of new cars is almost infinite although manufacturers do try to predict trends and offer a reasonably limited range year-on-year.

Some manufacturers do frown on customers straying from the palette.

Ferrari, like Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Lancia and Abarth, are probably not keen on people painting their beloved models anything other than Rosso Corsa, “racing red”, simply because it was the customary national racing colour of Italy, as recommended between the world wars by the organisations that evolved to become the FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile). In that scheme, French cars were blue (Bleu de France), British cars were green (British Racing Green), and so on. There are lighter shades of the Ferrari red, like the Rosso Scuderia, and darker ones, like the Rosso Mugello but Rosso Corsa has been the most popular with buyers over the years.

You may have heard the now famous story that German cars had typically been white, but that in 1934 during the Eifelrennen at the Nurburgring the racers from Mercedes Benz were a mere kilo over the 750kg limit.

Allegedly, all the white paint was removed, and the aluminium body polished to a mirror. The next day, the Mercs weighed in below the limit, took to the track and won! They were dubbed the Silver Arrows and the traditional sports car colour of Germany has been silver ever since!

If you believe it, it’s a lovely tale.

At a meeting one morning in 1909 Henry Ford announced, without any previous warning, that in the future Ford were going to build only one model, with one chassis, the Model T. And, he added: “Any customer can have a car painted any colour that he wants so long as it is black.”

BACK

However, many dispute this account if the Merc engineers needed to lose a kilo somewhere, they could have done so with a lot less effort.

Anyway, back to black. A century on, you might be surprised to hear that black still holds its own as one of the most popular car colours (certainly in recent years). According to Forbes (2021), 72 percent of new cars worldwide are black, grey, or white. Black and grey virtually tie in first place with white coming in a respectable third. Surprisingly though, in the far eastern markets, white dominates with 49% of sales.

It used to be that black was seen as a particularly difficult colour to paint.

Basically, it’s extremely unforgiving if the preparation isn’t executed properly. If there’s the slightest dent or imperfection, black will show it up. Black exposes a bad paint job like no other colour.

Having said that, nothing beats a brand-new black car, with fresh paint that has been waxed and polished to an almost oil-like quality. A gloss so deep you can dive into it. Black is gorgeous, black makes a statement; black is most definitely back - it never really went away. When Henry Ford uttered those iconic words over a century ago, I bet even he didn’t think they would echo through millennia. He once said: “But to do for the world more than the world does for you - that is Success.”

He’s not far wrong. He certainly made his marque (excuse the pun).

If you’re looking for a shine so deep you can swim in it, give the team at Davies Motors a call. They have built an enviable reputation for high quality work. And remember, when you do have a bump, more often than not you can choose the company that carries out the repair work. For more information, call 029 2039 4407.

You’ll have seen those awful circular micro scratches from over-zealous polishing or the dreaded ‘orange peel’, yes black will show them all. Even dusty or dirty, black cars can look terrible. Add a well-aimed seagull poo and your pride and joy looks like an absolute dog.

“According to Forbes (2021), 72 percent of new cars worldwide are black, grey, or white” Davies Motor Company Hadfield Close, Leckwith (off Hadfield Road - behind Mazda) Cardiff CF11 8BD 029 2039 4407 www.daviesmotorcompany.co.uk Davies Motors

TO BLACK 55

They say that from adversity comes opportunity, and that certainly was the case for Simon Turner of Taste of Turner, a new food business in Barry.

TASTE OF TURNER

We caught up with Simon to find out more.

When was Taste of Turner established?

I launched Taste of Turner on 19th August 2020 on my 40th birthday.

Why did you choose to offer this type of food?

It’s soul food. Once you try it, you’ll understand. The recipes are deep rooted and have a lot of history which I also like to share with our customers.

How did it come about?

Accident really, I was suffering with depression and feeling pretty low. Whilst rummaging around in our attic, I knocked a box over with some containers in which had stamps from Saint Lucia and recipe cards. I’ve always loved cooking and cooking food from my heritage so I thought I’d try a few of the recipes.

What do you think makes your food special?

Menus change daily and are based on produce that is available. Rather than batch cooking. I prefer to offer fresh food every day, also name me another Saint Lucian catering firm in the Vale.

I believe there aren’t any in Cardiff either, so we are unique!

Where can customers find you?

We are located at 54 Newlands Street, where we have a ghost kitchen inhouse. We have a pop- up shop in the former Paul Gentile’s Jewellers. We have also put a bid in for the empty building at Clifftops Penarth, and finally our trailer will be situated at Sully Athletic Club in January.

Where do you see your business in the future?

I’m seeing a social restaurant, with an open kitchen, live music, and reggae and steel drums, hopefully overlooking the beautiful coastline of south Wales.

One thing led to another, then I selffunded a Just Giving Cook to help raise money for the NHS PPE during the PPE shortage. The rest is history.

What food do you offer?

Caribbean Inspired cuisine. It’s Saint Lucian cuisine mixed with food we grew up eating as kids. Caribbean Welshcakes, home-made chips, hand smashed burgers, saltfish, Caribbean curries.

Taste of Turner 54 Newlands Street Barry CF62 8DZ 07463 999160 tasteofturner@gmail.com Website coming soon taste of turner taste_of_turner 56

www.cogcreative.co.uk Branding, Graphic Design, Photography, PR, Printing, Social Media, Websites

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Following previous years successes, Davies and Jones are once again proud to have been shortlisted for another prestigious award in 2021.

PRACTICE M AKES

PERFECT

Alongside five other practices from across the UK, the nomination for the Optician Award for ‘Independent Practice of the Year’ celebrates independent practices that offer outstanding customer service and clinical excellence.

Providing an eye casualty service has been important in relieving strain on the overstretched hospital services.

Catherine says, “I am particularly proud of our role in the scheme which makes enhanced eyecare more accessible and convenient for our local community.”

The judges are looking for a practice which has built a personality and profile within their local community, as well as offering something a bit different to their competitors.

Thanks to the hard work of director Andrew Hobby who does an exceptional job of collating all the information and patient testimonials needed for nomination, this is the 11th time in seven years that the company have been honoured in this way.

They have won 2 Optician Awards previously - Audiology and Leader of the Future - and 4 A.O.P awards - Dispensing Optician of the Year, Pre-Reg of the Year, Audiology Practice and Marketing Initiative of the year.

Director and Practice Manager Catherine Coles said she was delighted to be nominated again. “It is an honour to be recognised for our hard work in a year that has been particularly difficult for many. It has been important for us to continue to offer exceptional service throughout the pandemic and to be there for our community.”

One way Davies and Jones have been offering that little bit more throughout the pandemic is through the Independent Prescribing Scheme.

Although no strangers to the awards circuit, Davies and Jones remains humbled by the experience.

“None of this could be possible without our fantastic patients and amazing staff.”

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Davies & Jones Optometrists 58 Talbot Road Talbot Green CF72 8AF 01443 223124 www.daviesandjonesoptometrists.co.uk

When Daddy Huw and Papa Ben, both of Barry, struggled with mental health issues after becoming dads and couldn’t find help, they decided to set up a group to support other men going through the same issues.

METALIDADS

How can someone get in touch to join?

If you are a dad, then you can join us on our Facebook group or come to any of our weekly meetings at Awesome Wales or Barry RFC. TESTIMONIALS

What dads’ say…

John, 44 from Palmerston “It has been over two years since I left the house for a social gathering, and I was extremely nervous until I met the guys. We did board games and burgers night, and I can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard.”

Trystan, 26 from Cogan “I used to think I was really bad at this dad gig but, hearing about the other dads and the daily challenges of being a parent, I don’t feel like I am a failure anymore.”

So, in July 2020, Metalidads was born. Here Huw tells us more.

Why did you set it up?

Papa Ben and I realised there wasn’t a peer support group available for dads in Barry and the Vale that suited our interests, so we thought we’d create one based on our love for Heavy Metal music as a theme as opposed to football and sport which many other dads’ groups go for. Both of us had suffered from a mix of post-natal depression, low moods, anxiety and panic attacks since becoming a dad and we wanted to create a safe and supportive network for dads.

Where and when do you meet?

From January 2022 we will meet weekly at Awesome Wales Zero Waste shop on Holton Road for a coffee between 10am – 12 noon on Saturday mornings and Wednesday nights from 7:30pm at Barry RFC in Merthyr Dyfan to play darts, so anybody is welcome to join us for a drink. We also meet for litter picks, board game and burger nights, film club, movers club, pub quizzes and plenty of other events whether virtual or in person.

What do men get from meeting up?

New friends, an escapism from being a dad and partner, a space to vent and a good laugh.

What does Metalidads offer?

Friendship for dads with a mix of different interests, fun events to get involved in for dads and families, a pool of experience and information to help with mental health and daddy duties, and finally a signposting service to direct dads to clinical and holistic help in the Cardiff and Vale area to help with issues relating to depression, anxiety, relationships, and family topics.

Metalidads metalidads@hotmail.com www.metalidads.org Dads only Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/metalidads Search Metalidads 59

We catch up with Nicola Steele founder of Venetia Steele Boutique and our autumn 2021 cover star.

N ICOLA V S

ENETIA- TEELE

FASHION INDUSTRY INSIDER

How’s business since you were on the cover of the last issue of Vale Life?

No word of a lie, my business has increased by 30%. Customers are ringing constantly saying that they saw the cover and the feature inside and are booking slots. Now that the pandemic is easing and we are all going out more, I’ve been booking more Fashion Shows, and these are proving really popular.

I think we’ve all missed getting glammed up and having somewhere fabulous to go. Our Fashion Shows are events where ladies can let their hair down once again (and of course have the opportunity to buy some lovely new clothes and accessories!).

What’s your favourite thing about having your own business?

I love being my own boss. I have worked in the fashion industry for many years but always for someone else. If there’s a decision in the business that needs to be made, then I make it.

Mostly it works out for the better but if not then at least it’s a decision that I made and I learn from it.

Who inspires you?

There’s nobody that really inspires me workwise. I’ve always had a really strong work ethic. I believe that hard work pays off. As any entrepreneur knows, running your own business is hard but if you are prepared to put the hours in, then success should come your way. A bit of luck and some great supportive customers help too!

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What sets The Garden Boutique apart from other boutiques?

It has to be the personal, one-to-one service. There’s no point telling a woman that she looks good in something when it doesn’t suit her, just to get a sale. She won’t feel good in it, and I’d lose her forever. I also sell brands that you can’t get on the high street.

Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?

Who knows! I didn’t think that the business would grow as quickly as it has, especially during a pandemic but I also like to dream big, so maybe my own high street boutique at some point so that I can expand the range of clothing and accessories that I can stock.

What are your top 5 styling tips and tricks?

Always try to look different. You might buy the same item of clothing as someone else, but you can always style it differently. Make it your own.

Don’t keep things for best. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s life’s too short not to look fabulous all the time.

Try something different. We can get stuck in a fashion rut sometimes. Be brave and embrace new styles.

You never know, it might be a whole new you.

Venetia Steele Boutique To book an appointment please call 07768 708782

Try to add more colour. Be Bold. As we age, we can sometimes veer towards beige which can age us. Ban the beige!

venetiasteele.co@gmail.com www.venetiasteeleboutiques.com

Be confident in your style choices. As we all know, people are drawn to people who exude confidence. Strut your stuff!

Opening Hours Saturday 11am - 5pm NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED Weekdays 10am - 6pm CALL TO BOOK All cards accepted 7 days refund policy T&Cs apply

“I think we’ve all missed getting glammed up and having somewhere fabulous to go.”

BoutiquesVenetiaSteele 61

If you love a great steak or a lovely lamb chop, then (and it’s just our humble opinion), you can’t get better than from your local high street butcher.

The proof is always in the taste and quality of the meat and, well, it just is better when it’s fresh and not shrink wrapped. Local butchers tend to source locally - from local suppliers and farmers - so, in terms of air or road miles, local wins again.

Shopping local has been a real theme of the last two years, mostly because we’ve had to. Our small fruit and veg shops and butchers literally saved our bacon.

Now it’s time to return the favour.

One of the things vacuum-wrapped meat fails on every time is good conversation (and a bit of local goss’), so next time you’re buying meat, shop local - you’ll get a much warmer welcome.

MEAT & GREET Barratts Fine Meats has been serving the community for several decades. Customers come from miles around to buy their meat products.

BARRATTS FINE MEATS QUALITY BUTCHERS IN RHOOSE Yes, Barratts serve Rhoose, Fontygary, Fonmon and Aberthaw but also see customers from St Athan, Barry, Cowbridge, Llantwit and the surrounding areas of the Vale of Glamorgan.

They are acutely aware that January, February and March are the most financially difficult months of the year for most customers, and, for this reason, they are introducing more offers to help ease the stress. Offers will be displayed in the shop and will be included on their Facebook page, so keep checking their page.

So, if you provenance is at the top of your priorities when it comes to sourcing your meat, and you can’t get enough of the quality beef, chicken, pork and lamb plus their pies, faggots, bacon, free range eggs and more, plus you are looking for great offers, then take a trip to Barratts Fine Meats. They are the local butchers at the heart of the community!

Barratts Fine Meats 15 Fontygary Road, Rhoose CF62 3DR 01446 710307 shop@barrattsfinemeats.co.uk www.barrattsfinemeats.co.uk barrattsfinemeatsrhoose 62

FEATURE

Around the Vale Thirds

Glenn Griffith is a superb independent butcher serving Dinas Powys and Barry, but did you know they also offer a catering service?

GLENN GRIFFITH QUALITY CATERING This superb community butcher stocks and serves a wide range of cuts of free-range pork, beef, lamb and poultry, and has been doing so for over forty years. But did you know that Glenn, his father Mark, and the team also offer an excellent event catering service.

Glenn says, “Our curries are legendary.

We did a mean chicken curry recently for a few hundred people. Absolutely no complaints.”

We’re not surprised, this thirdgeneration traditional butchers takes great pride in supplying its loyal customers with only the very best locally sourced quality meats and insist on the highest standards of animal welfare from all suppliers.

Welsh salt marsh lamb Renowned for their Welsh salt marsh lamb, traditional sausages (plenty of options, including gluten free - pork and Piri Piri is a favourite), and cornfed chicken. We’re big fans of their steaks.

Hog roasts and barbeques too!

Besides their amazing chicken curry, their hog roasts are also causing a stir. “Our hog roast is very popular. It’s a great tasting addition to any function – warming and wholesome in winter and super tasty and filling in spring and summer. It’s a little bit of theatre. After all basic buffets can be a bit boring,” says Glenn. “And we always go the extra mile to ensure that buying from us is an enjoyable experience each and every time,” adds Mark.

Yes, this talented team offers the complete event catering package.

Call Glenn or Mark today for a quote for your next function.

TESTIMONIALS

What customers say…

The quality of the meat is absolutely incredible, we have not bought meat from a supermarket since!

This is the best butcher around! We have been customers for over forty years and it’s still as wonderful!

Never disappoints. Great value and quality.

Visit the Glenn Griffith Facebook page to read many more excellent reviews.

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Glenn Griffith Quality Butcher 5 Camms Corner, Dinas Powys CF64 4QY 029 2051 4679 Also in Barry!

172 Holton Road, Barry CF63 4HN www.glenn-griffith-quality-butcher.co.uk GlennGriffithQualityButcher

www.sian-owen.co.uk

Arthur is looking forward to 2022 at Vale Solicitors and hopes that we will see the end of Omicron and Delta and a return to Bonio* and pork scratchings.

THE LAB REPORT

There will certainly be some changes next year as our newly appointed Associate Denisa Buciuta LLB, LLM goes into action. Denisa qualified as a Solicitor last October and trained with Vale Solicitors and Arthur is delighted to welcome her to his team.

If you have matrimonial difficulties Denisa is here to lend a sympathetic ear and assist you in achieving a satisfactory resolution to your problems.

Arthur welcomes our new Associate Solicitor: Denisa Buciuta LL.M.

We continue to be busy with property work - lead by our ace Conveyancer Jo Sloper who has assisted many local people to move home over the past few years. Her efficiency and effective communication help transactions to move smoothly. Client satisfaction is evidenced by the regular delivery of flowers and chocolates from happy clients.

The New Year is a time for resolutions and for sorting things out - a good time to review your wills, powers of attorney and family arrangements.

Vale offer a free initial consultation to review your circumstances and then provide these services at reasonable fixed fees. In most case we can complete your wills and powers of attorney at a single appointment.

We also continue to embrace Zoom for resolving disputes by way of mediation - saving time and travel. If you are stuck in a boundary challenge, a will battle or other dispute that is wearing you down, talk to us about our mediation services.

65

Michael Morgan is a Solicitor with almost 40 years’ experience and is accredited by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors as an Evaluative Commercial Mediator.

Vale Solicitors and their predecessor practises (Gwyn and Gwyn, Myer Cohen) have been looking after the legal affairs of businesses and families in the Vale of Glamorgan since 1867. *Other doggie snacks are available.

Vale Solicitors Advocates & Mediators 102 High Street, Barry CF62 7DS 01446 792535 and 07771 803639 Also at 1 Boverton Road, Llantwit Major CF61 1XZ 01446 792535 mail@valesolicitors.com www.valesolicitors.com

SPOIL YOUR LOVING PAW CHILD WITH THE BEST NATURAL PRODUCTS FROM

THE NATURAL PET PANTRY Here are a few ideas of what’s on offer to help them with their health and wellbeing through a natural diet and supplements (and also keep the cost of vets’ bills down!)

98 High Street Barry CF62 7DS 01446 748942 www.thenaturalpetpantry.co.uk The Natural Pet Pantry Ltd 66

LAKE GARDA, ITALY — 45.6049° N, 10.6351° E

Making your dream holiday come true Complimentary airport lounge included on all tours

THE MAGIC OF THE ITALIAN LAKES

IRISH DISCOVERY

THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

8 day escorted tour from Milan to Lake Maggiore

9 day escorted tour from Dublin

13 day escorted tour from Vancouver

FREE FLIGHTS

FREE FLIGHTS

£150 OFF PER COUPLE

£1,159pp

£999pp

Price based on 31st July 2022 departure, flying from Heathrow

Price based on 27th March 2022 departure, flying from Birmingham or Heathrow

Choose from a variety of departure dates May – October 2022

From only

£2,309pp

19th September 2022 departure, flying from Heathrow

Choose from a variety of departure dates March – October 2022

We’re extremely proud to be part of Wales’ leading travel agency group, as voted by TTG, 2020.

Situated opposite the Duke of Wellington in Cowbridge High Street, we have a friendly, expert team who have travelled to every corner of the globe. With over 100 years combined travel experience, we love nothing more than to inspire you for next perfect trip.

Suzanne Cumpston, Sales & Commercial Manager

Call 01446 774018 | Email retail@samsmithtravel.com Visit www.samsmithtravel.com 55 High Street, Cowbridge, CF71 7AE Book a 2022 Cosmos or Globus Jersey, Italy or Ireland holiday and receive return flights free of charge. Booking must be made, under deposit between 13.12.21 and 28.02.21 for travel between 1.1.22 and 31.12.22. Applies to new 2022 bookings only. Book a 2022 Cosmos or Globus North America holiday to receive £75 off per person (£150 per couple) on the land price. Booking must be made, under deposit and discount applied between 13.12.21 and 28.02.22 for travel between 1.1.22 and 31.12.22. Applies tonew 2022 bookings only. Combinable with Welcome Back credits, Peace of Mind credits and applicable consumer brand promotions only. Offer reliant on space availability and can be withdrawn at any time. Full terms and conditions for all offers can be found for Cosmos at www.cosmos.co.uk/deals and for Globus at www.globusjourneys.co.uk/deals. Good Housekeeping Reader Recommended survey of Cosmos escorted tours customer experience, 106 Good Housekeeping readers, 2018.

SEE OUR FEATURE ON PAGES 14-15

THE BEAUTY SHED, THE GOODSHEDS, LEVEL 1 UNIT 19, HOOD ROAD, BARRY CF62 5QU

01446 507999 www.thebeautyshed.uk