2021 Vale Life Autumn

VALE LIFE AUTUMN 2021

P R O U D

T O

B E

PRICELESS

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

Style Queen GEMS OF COWBRIDGE, PONTYCLUN & HIGH STREET, BARRY PLUS FASHION, FOOD, GIFTS & 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

Expert care every step of the way With Spire Cardiff Hospital you’ll see a leading specialist in a hospital where safety comes first. When you book an appointment with us, you can be sure that you’ll receive expert care in a secure environment.

Safety first We continue to screen our patients and colleagues for COVID-19 symptoms and maintain extensive protection protocols.

Fast access to diagnosis and treatment You can see one of our specialists quickly, because less waiting means less worrying.

Advanced technology We use the latest technology and techniques wherever possible to get the best outcome for you.

Book to see an expert today Search ‘Spire Cardiff Hospital’ Call 029 2060 8137 Interest free finance – 0% representative APR available Credit is subject to status. Spire Healthcare Limited is acting as a credit broker, Omni Capital Retail Finance Ltd is the lender. All named parties are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Spire Healthcare’s registered address is 3 Dorset Rise, London, EC4Y 8EN.

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.

WELCOME

Autumn has arrived and we’re not too unhappy about it. As a regular reader of Vale Life, you’ll know it’s our favourite season.

If we’re lucky, we’re enjoying beautiful blue skies and the contrasting reds, golds, and tans of autumn leaves. Yes, it’s a beautiful time of the year in Wales’ most southernmost county.

As we went to print in summer, our beloved Lucy dog passed on. It was a truly awful time, but she’d had an amazing life as you will have seen from our many posts on social media.

We were in two minds whether to have another so soon, but the universe conspired to bring us Roxy who, like Lucy, is a quite bonkers Jack Russell. So, it’s back out walking our gorgeous

coast and countryside, and introducing Roxy to all the fab places Lucy loved. We hope to see you on our travels.

Before I leave you to browse, I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who has supported us.

We bounced back with a bang in the summer, and it’s been lovely hearing how much readers missed the magazine. We really appreciate your kind words. We hope you enjoy this issue.

Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts Editor 07766 106 701 jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk uk.linkedin.com/in/jenniferhobbsroberts

Intellectual property © Copyright Vale Life 2021. 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 To guarantee your copy, please send a cheque for £20 (four issues) made payable to Vale Life. Visit www.valelife.co.uk for special subscriber discounts and special offers.

Missed the last issue?

We hold a small number of each issue in stock so if you do need a pristine copy, please 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

Promote your business Butcher? Baker? Candlestick maker?

Whatever business you’re in, reach over 35,000 aspirational readers right across the Vale of Glamorgan and beyond! For more information call 07766 106701 or email jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

Our cover star Our gorgeous front cover star for autumn is the beautiful Nicola Venetia-Steele. You can read all about her boutique lifestyle on pages 14 to 17. #StrikeAPose

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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It’s been a fantastic summer across The Vale of Glamorgan. We’ve loved being out seeing friends again and meeting the new businesses who have bravely started their new ventures. We wish you all the very best of luck with your endeavours.

As you’ll no doubt know, we love walking - especially with the dog so we thought we’d include a few of our friends we’ve met on our walks this summer.

Feel free to share your images with us by joining the Vale Life Photo Corner on Facebook. We’d love to see all your images of the Vale, not just pets. From the ones already posted, there’s real talent out there.

AROUND THE VALE

RHOOSE

Posh Pawz Salon & Spa Situated in the very popular village of Rhoose in the Vale of Glamorgan, the well-established and much-loved Posh Pawz Salon and Spa offers a whole host of K9 services and treatments.

From traditional washing, grooming and professional styling to Emmi Pet dental teeth cleaning, nail trimming and ear plucking and cleaning.

They have recently added an additional service with the ability to weigh your pets to ensure they keep a healthy weight. With the increase of people buying puppies over the past couple of years, they can also offer individual advice on how to maintain your furry friend’s coat in between grooming.

REBRANDED SALON & BARBER

No. 5 Salon & Barbers No. 5 Salon & Barbers is situated in the very heart of Dinas Powys village. The passionate, creative, funloving team are experts in all things hair and long-lasting colour.

Being able to offer a wealth of knowledge and advice to clients, using the latest organic, natural hair products from Eleven Australia, plus the popular Ghd and Olaplex products, they’re able to provide the perfect finish. With Mike and Josh our barbers ( Josh being our

All breeds are catered for, large or small, in a safe and clean environment with the added benefit of air conditioning.

Posh Pawz Salon & Spa 11 Fontygary Road, Rhoose CF62 3DR 01446 710044

The salon also has a large range of doggy treats and accessories.

Perfect for Christmas.

www.poshpawzsalonandspa.co.uk poshpawzsalonandsparhoose

hot flannel shaves specialist) on board, and Jen our technical/colour specialist, this really is a one-stop-shop for women and men who value expertise, in a friendly and welcoming environment.

They aim to go above and beyond to make sure their clients feel the very best the minute they leave the salon, armed with the confidence and the knowledge of how to style the hair and use the products, to get the look they want.

Give them a call for that personalised hair experience.

No. 5 Salon & Barbers 5 Station Road Dinas Powys CF64 4DE 029 2051 4422 www.instagram.com/no5dinas

FEATURE

Around the Vale Thirds

We’re big fans of massage. The benefits are huge, especially if you’re training or perhaps in a stressful working environment. Sabai Thai Massage Therapy in Talbot Green is certainly an establishment we can endorse.

SABAI THAI MASSAGE THERAPY Owned by the lovely Ann, who is professionally trained and has seven years’ experience, you’ll certainly be in good hands. Ann has been open in Talbot Green for three years and has many excellent testimonials.

The Benefits of a Thai massage n Increased circulation n Stimulation of the lymph system part of the body’s immune system, which helps protect us from infection and disease n Release of endorphins; the body’s natural painkiller n Improved range of motion and decreased discomfort associated with lower back pain n Relaxation of injured and overused muscles n Reduced muscle spasm and cramping n Increased joint flexibility n Assists recovery from strenuous workouts n Pain relief from migraines n Can help reduce post-operative adhesions and oedema, as well as reducing scar tissue.

Massage treatments start at £40 and beauty & Spa from at £25.Visit Ann’s Facebook page to find out more.

Treatments on offer… n Deep tissue massage n Sports massage n Hot stone massage n Thai oil massage n Thai herbal massage n Traditional Thai massage n Back, neck and shoulder massage n Head Massage n Foot massage.

Beauty and Spa… To complement her massage therapy treatments, Ann also offers a range of beauty and spa treatments. n Facial steam massage (Elemis) n Full body scrub n Back scrub n Foot spa n Hand spa n Pedicure n Manicure.

GIFT VOUCHERS AVAILABLE

Sabai Thai Massage Therapy 1st floor, 35 Talbot Green CF72 8AD 07830 996 799 www.sabaithaimassagetherapy.co.uk Sabai Thai Massage Therapy SabaiThaiMassageTherapy Sabai Thai Massage Talbot Green

AROUND THE VALE

MUCH LOVED EATERY

Fountains Tea Rooms Fountains Tea Rooms has been a tradition in Barry for 50 years and it’s easy to see why. For the last 17 years it has been owned by Kath Marzano. Kath has recently redecorated, and it now boasts a fantastic Alice in Wonderland theme.

What makes Fountains Tea rooms so popular? Undoubtedly, it’s the scrumptious all-day breakfasts: Small, Medium and Large, the delicious home-made meals and snacks and speciality coffees, all served with a friendly smile.

Fountains Tea Rooms 132A Holton Road, Barry CF63 4HH 07861 144111 tearoom.fountains132@outlook.com FountainsTeaRoomBarry

Accessed via a narrow staircase to the right of Holland and Barrett, Fountains with its xrecent 5 star rating, City Life Wales TG 134 90mm.qxp_Layout 2 18/10/2021 has a lovely view over King Square.

Opening hours Monday to Saturday 8.30am - 5pm Closed on Sunday

12:06 Page 1

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

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Glenn Griffith is a superb independent butcher and has been serving the community in Dinas Powys for sixty-five years. Now it’s Barry’s turn.

GLENN GRIFFITH QUALITY BUTCHER This much-loved local, community butcher stocks and serves a wide range of cuts of free-range pork, beef, lamb and poultry.

Glenn Griffith says, “We’re a father and son butchers. We take great pride in supplying our loyal customers with locally sourced quality meats.”

Renowned for their Welsh salt marsh lamb, traditional sausages (plenty of options, including gluten free, but pork and Piri Piri is a favourite), and corn fed chicken.

Mark adds, “We pride ourselves on offering customers great customer service and we always go the extra mile to ensure that buying from us is an enjoyable experience each and every time.”

Event catering too!

Yes, this talented team can also rustle up (not literally) a mean hog-roast and offer the complete event catering package. Call for a quote!

Now accepting Christmas orders!

This old-school, family butchers is a real asset to the Vale community and to have another opening in Barry is much to celebrate. You simply can’t beat the quality in our humble opinion. So, if you’re ordering for Christmas, give the supermarket a miss this year and support and shop local.

You won’t regret it.

TESTIMONIALS

What customers say…

This is the best butcher around!

They have been amazing during this pandemic! 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.

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

5 Camms Corner 172 Holton Road CF63 4HN www.glenn-griffith-quality-butcher.co.uk GlennGriffithQualityButcher

WIN!

A Three Month Candle Subscription worth £54

In association with Apothecary64.

The Beauty Rooms & Hair Salon

The Beauty Rooms and Hair Salon is Porthcawl’s answer to the all-in-one hair and beauty experience.

Entering is easy!

We believe fragrance is an everyday luxury, why shouldn’t your interior always be styled with scent?

Visit and like the Vale Life Facebook page. www.facebook.com/valelife

A Three Month Candle Subscription enables you to dress your interiors with different scented styles every month!

Visit and like the Apothecary64 Facebook page. www.facebook.com/apothecary64

Once a month you will receive a fullsized 150g boxed candle delivered to your door. We will choose the fullsized candle to enchant you with each month, perhaps to match the mood of the season or to share a new release.

Email us at Vale Life put Candle Competition in the subject bar and just include your name, address and contact number in the email. jennifer@goodlifepublishing.co.uk

Looking for the perfect gift for a candle lover? Candle Subscriptions are available over 3, 6 and 12 months, and can be purchased in-store and online at www.apothecary64.com ONE STOP HAIR & BEAUT Y SALON

VALE LIFE COMPETITION

Offering luxurious yet affordable services from their impressive list of treatments which include: n Waxing n Pedicures n Tinting n All aspects of hair n Brows (tint, shape, n Facial and Marvel-brow) n Spray Tanning n Acrylics n Reflexology n Gelish n Eyelash Lifting n Make-up n Eyelash Extensions n Manicures n Reiki

Winner will be notified by 30th November 2021.

Subscription will start in January 2022.

See! We said it was easy.

The Salon also offers anti-wrinkle treatments, fillers, fat dissolvable injections and microblading. With the party season just around the corner, now is the time to start planning, and booking, your beauty treatments.

Finalists in the Welsh Hair and Beauty Awards 2021.

The Beauty Rooms 53 New Road, Porthcawl CF36 5DH 01656 788293 www.thebeautyroomsandhairsalon.com BeautyRoomsPorthcawl

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If you’re near Porthcawl and looking for one shop that has all your Christmas gift ideas under one roof, then Divine, owned by Michelle Smith, should be on your sat nav.

DISTINCTIVELY DIVINE! Cream fedora £18

Powder bamboo socks £7.90

Malissa J Satin palazzo trousers £48 With matching blouse £55

Interchangeable bag £19.00 with strap £15

Paisley satin dress free size £36 Envy stone necklace £29

Last True Angel brown cut glass earrings £12.00 Leather animal print clutch £45

Divine 30 John Street Porthcawl CF36 3BA The English Soap Company Grapefruit & Lily Soap £6.50 & Hand Cream £9

divine30johnstreetPorthcawl Aztec jacket £89 11

Forgive the obvious pun, but candles are hot right now. In Penarth the range being created by Craig Parker-Trott is gaining many fans across the country, and winning awards.

APOTHECARY64

How long has the business been established?

Two years online but the flagship store has been open in Penarth for the last six months.

What products do you offer?

We specialise in Home Fragrance in the form of Candles, Diffusers, Room Sprays. More recently after winning a Bronze Skincare Award this year for our best-selling Lavender + Rosemary Hand Sanitiser, we have ventured into Bath and Body and now make Luxury Soap Bars and a range of five unisex Eau De Parfums. All formulated and lovingly made by us here in the studio in Penarth using high quality and ethically sourced ingredients. At Apothecary64 we believe that Home Fragrance should enhance your space and not pollute it, so we use no additives nor parabens to make all our formulations clean, vegan and cruelty free.

Where do your customers come from?

All over, and we mean literally! We have a very loyal local customer base as well as throughout the UK and worldwide - in fact today, as I type this, we have sent some out to Texas this morning!

What are your best sellers?

Within the core range we have Welsh Home Fragrances that include Cwtch, Cariad, Bedw, Penarth Pier and Welsh Pear + Freesia that are really popular. Throughout the year we add in seasonal fragrances too; Summer is always a great seller and for this season we have Winter and Fir Tree which for the last two years have been top sellers.

Do you have a favourite product?

Genuinely hard to pick a favourite as there are sixteen Home Fragrances to choose from and all capture and create different moods, and I use all of them throughout the year. That said, in my house at present, we have Winter and Bedw.

What are your hopes and dreams for the business?

We are super proud to have won a Bronze this year in the Free From Skincare Awards 2021 and to receive such an accolade within the beauty industry is just amazing. So having recently and successfully launched Soap Bars and Eau Du Parfums all of which we are getting great feedback on. We plan to build on the success of those products for 2022, and we are currently developing more bath+body and skincare products to expand the range further while introducing more seasonal Home Fragrances as we move into Spring.

What’s hot this autumn and winter?

Bedw is new for Autumn. It’s like an autumnal stroll through a woodland, capturing Birch, Bergamot and Oakmoss. Winter and Fir Tree also make a welcome return this season, both perfectly capturing the mood of the festive season, and, for this year, we have a range of gift sets for the Winter and Fir Tree fragrances.

Apothecary64 7b Cornerswell Road, Penarth CF64 2UW 029 2208 3185 hello@apothecary64.com www.apothecary64.com apothecary64 apothecary.64 12

Blu Hair Design bravely opened its doors on 7th December 2007. Inside were two experienced, excited, and nervously eager new business owners, Alexis Williams and Hayley Williams.

BLU H AIR DESIGN

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS It’s a fond farewell…

Hayley, Alexis and Abi pay tribute to a longstanding team member. As 2021 comes to a close, they bid farewell to Blu’s very own Claire Price!

Claire has been in the industry for twenty years and has always shown loyalty towards her employers. “We have been so blessed to have had Claire here as front of house, the ‘Face of Blu’, for the last fifteen years. She will be greatly missed by Blu’s clients for her big smile, her passion and her professionalism,” says Hayley.

“Claire has built up great friendships with many of Blu’s clients. She will be looking forward to spending time with family, friends and visiting her much loved home in Turkey.” Says Alexis.

TRUE BLU

What clients say…

Since then, the sister-in-law’s, with over twenty years’ experience as stylists and having worked around the world from Sully to Sydney have never looked back!

It was 12 years ago when I first set foot in Blu Hair Salon, and I’ve been visiting every week ever since. I’ve always felt completely comfortable in the salon even when I didn’t know them as well as I do now. The team are knowledgeable professionalism and super friendly. Hayley has taken me from long to short and long again and brunette to blonde. I would never consider going anywhere else. Jodie Tanner

Over the last fifteen years, Hayley and Alexis have gone from strength to strength and recently Alexis’s twin sister Abi has joined the management team as a stylist and a Salon Educator, nurturing Blu’s stylists of the future.

I started having my haircut at Blu hair design almost as soon as it opened, and I am so glad I did. You always receive a warm welcome and feel like a treasured friend. The team clearly love what they do - their enthusiasm, knowledge and skill is amazing.

The pride felt by the three entrepreneurs has driven them to even greater success. Not only are they thankful for the loyalty of their extensive client base but are immensely proud of the achievements the new professional stylists, colourists and support team have shown.

Over the years I have had my haircut by lots of different stylists. They have all done a brilliant job (which is honestly not easy with my hair). I always leave feeling amazing and super confident. I am so lucky to have such an incredible hair salon on my doorstep! Thank you, Blu, and happy birthday. Dawn Casey

They continue to nurture and encourage the whole team on a regular basis and couldn’t be more proud of each individual.

The ‘Blu Team’ will miss Claire hugely. Alexis, Hayley and Abi thank Claire from the bottom of their hearts for her company and loyalty.

“It’s been a blast!”

Blu Hair Design Unit 1/1a Washington Buildings Penarth CF64 2AF 029 2070 4040 info@bluhairdesign.com

With a thirty-year plus career in retail, Nicola Venetia-Steele did the one thing in lockdown that surprised even herself - start her own business.

A year down the line and her Garden Boutique is becoming one of the must-visit boutiques in the Vale.

BLONDE A MBITION

NICOLA VENETIA-STEELE Have you always had a love of fashion?

I have always loved clothes. I used to make my own dolls clothes as I thought my designs were better than shop bought. I used to save all my dinner money to buy clothes. I was motivated to work at a young age because I loved to buy clothes. I would mow people’s lawns, wash cars, walk dogs (aged 8) for money to buy clothes. I would dress my friends up in sheets, using belts and curtain pull backs to make outfits. I would take photos of them using my camera and wait two weeks for the photos to come back! I just loved it.

How did you spend your time during lockdown?

In lockdown I spent my time clearing my house of all clutter, I redesigned my garden and took my dogs out every day.

Could you operate the business during the lockdowns?

Lockdown was the best time for me as my business started online selling casual lockdown comfy, but glamorous, clothes.

Did you take up any new hobbies or activities during lockdown?

Not really. During lockdown I set up my business so had no time for anything else, I was only interested in my business.

Would you describe yourself as a woman’s woman?

I am 100% a woman’s woman. I would never be disrespectful to any woman. In fact, I have a strong dislike of women who cheat with men in relationships, and women who are sly about other women. With me, what you see is what you get. I’m 100% loyal in all my interactions with women. I support all my female friends in life and business and give them my total support.

Do you have good friends that you can call on in times of need?

I am blessed with five very good friends that are all different with unique personalities and points of view - I adore them all.

What would you say is your style?

My Style is glamorous and individual.

With attention to small details, I believe you can make an okay outfit look incredible.

Do you dress in your own boutique’s brands, or do you shop around?

As I hand select all my collections, I tend only to shop in Venetia Steele Boutique. I really do wear what I sell.

What do you think of designer clothing/accessories?

I think a good quality designer bag is an essential accessory, as it will make all outfits look expensive. I have a personal love of Mulberry handbags. I think buying quality is a good investment. Designer clothing is great, but it can be expensive to keep updating your wardrobe, and fashion changes quickly. I think it’s more important to dress to your shape.

How do you feel about your own look/body/confidence?

At fifty I am comfortable with my body; I’ve always eaten well and looked after myself. I wish I’d appreciated my body when I was younger, I used to worry about silly things like cellulite, now I wish I looked like that again. In ten years’ time, I will probably wish I look like I do know, so I just try to appreciate who I am and what I have and accept it.

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Some women find clothes shopping daunting. How can working with you help them?

Lots of women don’t like shopping because of poor experiences in shops.

I understand this - I’ve worked in retail for thirty-two years. I have seen every body shape and I know what suits a woman’s shape. I used to train my sales team in how to dress a client’s shape to complement every curve.

I listen to my clients, ask lots of questions and work with them on a wardrobe that suits their lifestyle. No pushy sales or forcing my opinion on people, my role is to make my clients happy, my client’s role is to be happy.

Do you think clothes, make-up and accessories can change how a woman feels about themself?

I believe all women look better with a little enhancement from a good foundation and mascara. If your face is on it sets you ready for the day. I think that wearing make-up is like putting your protective layer on. You can take on the world if you’re confident. Isn’t that why it’s sometimes called war paint?

Do you dress and wear make-up every day? Even on chill days?

I have worn make up since I was twelve.

I put my make-up on, even if I’m not going out, it’s part of who I am. Putting my make-up on is as essential to me as cleaning my teeth. I don’t think about it, I just do it, even on holidays.

You have two dogs. What do they bring to your life?

My dogs are my world, I don’t have children through choice, I have dogs instead. They are loved - people expect me to have little handbag dogs but I have two little scruffy Boarder Terriers who rule the roost. My dogs are my family.

How do you stay physically active/fit?

I’m always very active, I never sit still. I’m very social - I attend lots of events, always in ridiculous heels, that’s a workout in itself! I always go to boot camp with a personal trainer called Tiffany Narbeth.

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What helps you to relax?

I don’t really relax but then I’m not super-stressed. Dinner out, for me, is the only time I completely switch off and turn my phone off. If you ever want my full attention, take me to dinner.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I am planning on growing my business each year and, eventually, have a cluster of boutiques. I will be having four fashion shows a year and hope these become calendar highlights for my ladies.

Would you describe yourself as ambitious?

Ambition is a funny thing. If I commit to anything I give 100% or I will not take it on. I may take my time deciding on what to do, but, if I’m doing it, I’m totally in. I’m like this with everything. I want the best for everyone and that only comes through hard, committed effort.

What drives you when it comes to work?

I have always been driven. If a job’s worth doing, do it right. Even at a young age I would be a perfectionist it’s my reputation.

QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS

Things you love…

My friends, dogs, eating out, clothes, jewellery, gardening, good wine, and my home.

The last book you read…

How To Get A Man by Al Bono and Steffi Bell. Given to me by a client I’ve recycled the book many times.

Can’t say it worked for me.

The last box set/Netflix series you binged on…

The Good Witch on Netflix. I don’t watch much TV, I like the noise in the background while I’m working.

The song that gets you on the dance floor…

I will always be the first up and getting everyone up. My favourite song?

Always a woman to me - not a dancing song, but I love it. I prefer music to films or TV. Your food weakness…

I’m a very fussy eater. My absolutely favourite is chip shop fish and chips.

Your desert island essential…

How To Survive On A Desert Island (book), moisturiser, toothbrush and toothpaste, shark repellent.

Who is the women (celeb or otherwise) that you most admire?

My old Monet boss, she is an incredible woman who I learned so much from.

I still admire her and have her number saved in my phone under Boss. She will always be a celebrity to me.

What is your most treasured possession?

I don’t think of my dogs as possessions so I would have to say my home. I have lived alone for a long time and I’m proud to say I did it all on my own.

The mantra I live by is…

Tell the truth and shame the devil.

If you’re telling the truth, it doesn’t matter what anyone else says. You can hold your head up high as you have nothing to hide, and no one can ever hold anything over you. I will always tell the truth, even if it’s uncomfortable.

I believe in being transparent.

What is your greatest simple pleasure?

Enjoying dinner out with friends.

My signature lipstick is…

Mac RED811.

My foodie weakness is…

Coffee and snack at my local coffee shop - Pimento, Broadlands. I have breakfast there regularly.

If I want a coffee and a snack, I pop in to…

Caffè Nero in Cowbridge - to people watch with my dogs.

My signature scent is…

Channel Coco Original and No.5 (winter), and No.19 (summer), I have worn these all my life.

My favourite shoes are…

Anything dramatic and high. I also have a pair of very well-worn Hunter wellies. I’ve worn them so much they now let in water, but I love them.

The book I keep on my bedside table is…

The Secret. I totally believe in the power of the positive mind.

My favourite hotel for a weekend away is…

The Crazy Bear is very me. Love it!

My best ever holiday was…

I’ve travelled a lot. Sri Lanka was the most memorable and will always hold a special place in my heart. I also really love a Caribbean cruise, great fun.

The thing(s) I can’t stop buying for my home…

Cushions. I have way too many and I keep buying them.

The person who makes me laugh is…

Byron South is the funniest human I’ve ever met. He’s hysterical, makes me laugh so much I end up crying and getting a stitch.

My fool proof dinner party dish is…

Fish pie. It’s the only thing I’m good at.

I don’t really cook.

Things I hate…

Hypocrites. People who are lazy and expect everyone to do everything for them. Negative personalities. Poor table manners. Selfish people.

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Venetia Steele Boutique To book an appointment please ring 07768 708782 venetiasteele.co@gmail.com www.venetiasteeleboutiques.com Opening Hours Saturday, no appointment needed 11am - 5pm Appointments taken through the week 10am - 6pm All cards accepted 7 days refund policy T&Cs apply Boutiquesvenetiasteele Many thanks to Dave Edwards and the team at www.lanelayhall.co.uk for hosting us and, of course, www.sian-owen.co.uk for her amazing imagery.

CL O M THI AY NG OR B AL Y

LE OF B E ILA NG VA ND RA S A OU GE OE ‘R HU L SH EAR O Y HO LL SC A

Jingle all the way to

Petasil Bobux

Geox

Geox

Petasil

Leilli Kelly Geox

Petasil

Geox

Petasil

Bobux Bobux

Merry Christmas  Sizes from birth to UK 10 (adults)  Width fittings up to H

 Fitted by professionals  Service with a smile

Opening hours Tuesday to Saturday 10am til 5pm

22b New Road, Porthcawl CF36 5DN Tel 01656 788628 www.shoe22.co.uk

Vanessa Bellringer, owner of Sublime Hair, Rhoose has been at the top of her game for many years.

She is well regarded in the industry and clients choose her for her cutting and colouring skills.

SUBLIME HAIR GORGEOUS COLOUR

Vanessa used to be a colour corrector so it’s no surprise that this is one aspect of hairdressing that she can really lay claim to.

Whatever colour or style you choose, Sublime can deliver. Give the salon a call and book a consultation. It’s time to get your hair ready to go out, out!

We asked Vanessa what colours and styles are going to be big this autumn/ winter? “We work closely with our brand Affinage, now known as ASP, receiving regular training in products and trends,” she says. “Here is what they predict will be the most popular colour choices. Pastel balayage, the money piece, chunky highlights, sand Tropez, rouge, alpine ice, mushroom blonde, golden black or a return to natural hair colour for easier maintenance.”

And to complement the colours, we ask what styles will be on trend…

“As for styles, then these are the anticipated favourites: Mermaid waves, gravity-defying power pony, bouncy blowout, flirty flip, slicked-back look, bubble braids, box braids, half up, half down, and if you’re looking for a quick and easy way to update your look without a lot of effort, then hair accessories will be your best bet. Think scrunches, bedazzled headbands, whimsical bows, or hair scarves. There are lots of choices out there.”

Sublime Hair & Beauty 4 Stewart Road Rhoose, near Barry CF62 3EZ 01446 711799 Sublime Hair and Beauty LTD

If you like to shop in style, then you’ll love Cowbridge High Street. It’s easy to navigate as it’s basically one long road with little off-shoots which open up to more hidden gems.

Yes, it has its fair share of charity shops and supermarkets (it has a Waitrose though!) but it’s the plethora of quality independent shops, cafes, boutiques, jewellers, art galleries and gift shops that make it that something special.

Eating out in Cowbridge is always a treat too, whether you’re looking for a lunchtime bite or a two or three-course evening meal.

It really does have everything!

Cowbridge has a wealth of history dating back to Roman times, with a Roman Road running to the west right through the town.

Cowbridge’s historic past is reflected in its present-day buildings, which add to the interest and character of the town. One of our favourite places is Cowbridge Physic Garden, which again is found just off the high street.

If you’re planning a day out for yourself, with family or friends, then a trip to Cowbridge is a must this autumn/winter!

COWBRIDGE GEMS TAILORED BY NATURE

Skogstad UK Skogstad UK are delighted to be in Cowbridge and provide you with their high quality outdoor clothing that has been protecting Norwegian families for over three generations.

For 84 years, Skogstad have made outdoor clothing for all ages and pride themselves on quality, design, comfort and cost.

scarves, gloves and underwear. Please call in for a warm welcome and advice from Matthew and Zoë.

Also available for browsing and purchase on-line at www.skogstad. co.uk with a click and collect option available from the Cowbridge store

Skogstad UK 85 Eastgate, Cowbridge CF71 7AA 01446 678350 info@skogstad.co.uk www.skogstad.co.uk

In-store in Cowbridge, you will find a range of technical outerwear including shell and insulated waterproof jackets and coats - in both active and casual styles - down jackets and coats, waterproof and hiking trousers, midlayer fleeces, sweaters and zip tops, merino wool base layers that are perfect for winter sports and a great selection of accessories including hats, LADIES & GENTLEMEN!

Fich+Ramous Claire Collins is not a lady who rests on her laurels. Not content with having one of the most successful hair salons in Cowbridge, she has now added a new barbering section to the salon which will offer all aspects of barbering in a dedicated section of the salon.

Skogstaduk SkogstadUK Skogstaduk

Fich+Ramous is a happy and welcoming salon and Claire’s trusted and experienced team, which includes Abigail, Sunette and Jack, all help to make their clients look and feel amazing.

Claire says, “Since the news of the new barbering addition has been released, the phone has been red hot!”

Sunette has 25 years’ experience in the industry and together with Abi, have had one-to-one training with Wahl’s global creative director at the salon. Jack is a qualified barber and has had training in London. With so much experience between them, Fich+Ramous is sure to be the go-to salon for men who want the latest, on-trend styles.

Fich+Ramous of Cowbridge 71 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AF 01446 775522 fichandramous@outlook.com www.fichandramous.com FichandRamousHairdressing 20

AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNIT Y

Joseph Barber Joseph barber offer all types of cuts, beard trims and fades for gents in Cowbridge and surrounding areas. They’ve become the go-to for celebrities but treat all clients with the same level of expertise and quality customer care.

The guys’ love working as part of a team and enjoy being part of the community of Cowbridge. What’s important to them is getting to know the clients, forming friendships and building a fun, social environment which clients appreciate.

Joseph Barber 16a High Street, Cowbridge 01446 774604 www.josephbarber.nearcut.com Also at Thompson Street, Barry

Also available are vouchers and a range of products to keep hair and beards in tip top condition.

Joseph Barber Barry & Cowbridge 1-2-1 GROOMING SERVICE

Paws on the Thaw Dog owners feel safe entrusting their furry friend to Tracey at Paws on the Thaw in Cowbridge.

Maybe it’s because of her six-year industry experience or her qualifications which include OCN Levels 2 and 3 Dog Groom and First Aid for Dogs. But it’s more likely her dedication to taking care of dogs with all the love and attention they deserve that’s making her doggy client list grow.

Paws on the Thaw 74 Eastgate, Cowbridge CF71 7AB 07470 358011

Whilst your pooch is being pampered, why not browse through her selection of pet accessories, treats and toys, complemented by natural and ecofriendly ranges. There are toys, treats, leads, collars, harnesses, coats and jumpers, shampoo, fragrances and more.

pawsonthethaw@gmail.com www.pawsonthethaw.co.uk Paws on The Thaw 21

You may recall we featured the sterling work of the volunteers who look after the Cowbridge Physic Garden in our summer issue. This beautiful garden is kept in tip-top condition all year ‘round thanks to the ladies’ hard work.

If you are in Cowbridge, it’s one of the places you should definitely visit. It’s as beautiful in autumn as it is the rest of the year.

Just down the road, just off Cowbridge’s High Street, nestled right next to the beautiful church is the Vale of Glamorgan’s icon to recycling and sustainability - Happy Days Vintage Homestore - a must visit.

An artisan market comprising over thirty individuals. It is one of the biggest and best stores in Cowbridge and simply oozes vintage and retro charm. Not only is it a must visit if you love all things vintage but it’s packed with cool collectables. It lives and breathes sustainability.

COWBRIDGE GEMS ONE-TO-ONE SERVICE FOR ALL DOGKIND

Top Dogs Grooming Owner Aimee Richardson has a true passion for dogs. She offers a full range of grooming treatments that you would expect from a highquality groomer.

Your furry friend can enjoy full grooming packages and bath and blow dry service for in between grooms.

There’s a fantastic range of accessories, coats, treats, flea shampoos, colognes, toothpastes, Frozzys dog yogurt and more. You can rest assured that Aimee only uses vegan, all natural products which are made in the UK.

Aimee prefers a one-to-one service, without the use of crates, so that each dog is given the care, time and personal dedication it deserves.

Top Dogs Grooming 51 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AE 07949 143184 Opening hours Sunday, Monday - Closed Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 5pm LOCAL INDEPENDENT PHARMACY

Sylvia Williams Chemist This award-winning pharmacy at the heart of Cowbridge town offers a full range of NHS and private pharmacy services including one off and repeat prescriptions, private prescriptions and more.

Other services available are health checks and advice, chronic condition advice, flu vaccination, over the counter medication, common ailments service, medicine disposal, and supervised drug administration.

The shop section is full of gifts for men, women and children and would make the perfect destination to stock up on gifts for yourself or your loved ones for special occasions and, as it’s just around the corner, Christmas!

34 High Street Cowbridge CF71 7AG 01446 773588 sylviawilliamschemist@gmail.com www.sylviawilliamschemist.co.uk Sylvia Williams Opening Hours Monday to Saturday 9am - 1pm & 2pm - 5pm Closed on Sundays

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SPECIALIT Y COFFEE, FINE TEA & BREWING

Cortile Coffee Richard Metcalfe and Sara Langford, owners of Cortile Coffee are a fine addition to the high street.

This is their second retail outlet with their flagship store in Pontypridd. As well as coffee and tea, Cortile are a lifestyle brewing specialist offering barista supplies, coffee brewing equipment and teaware both instore and online.

Cortile is a fast-growing, independent, family business specialising in fresh roasted coffee, fine loose-leaf teas and high-end coffee machines, representing global brands here in Wales.

Cortile also provides engineering services for both the domestic and the business sector. Their commercial sales and service centre is based in Bridgend for installs, repairs, servicing and maintenance of coffee machinery including certified boiler pressure checks. Trade and private enquiries are welcomed.

The Cortile team are looking forward to their first Christmas 4 High Street, Cowbridge with lots of new gift lines.

Pop in and have a look!

As Wales’ specialist for Gaggia UK, regional partners for Fracino and regional distributors for Iberital, they offer full beverage solutions to domestic and commercial clients.

01656 530235 info@cortilecoffee.co.uk www.cortilecoffee.co.uk Cortile Coffee

INDEPENDENT BOUTIQUE LABELS

Visage Cowbridge Newly refurbished, the boutique offers original Scandi style, smart casual clothing that you won’t find on the high street. You’re not likely to see lots of women in the same items either, as Angharad doesn’t buy in large quantities - perfect for when you want to look original.

There’s a mixture of price points so you’re sure to find something for everyone, whatever the budget. There’s also a lovely range of accessories including costume jewellery, scarves, bags, and hats.

Shopping at Visage is a friendly, relaxing experience and, as stock is changed regularly, you’ll find something new at every visit. Follow us on Instagram and facebook to see all the latest styles.

Gift vouchers are also available.

Visage 13 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AD 01446 772345 www.shopvisage.co.uk Visage Cowbridge 23

One of our favourite places in Cowbridge (and a true gem) is the Cowbridge & District Museum within the Town Hall.

The Cowbridge & District Museum is a registered charity and is run by Trustees and a very hardworking group of volunteers who help with all the things that need to be done to keep the museum viable and open to the general public.

They do have a website and a Facebook page @MuseumCowbridge so it’s best to visit that to confirm opening times. www.cowbridgemuseum.org.uk

COWBRIDGE GEMS OVER 20 YEARS’ EXPERIENCE

Amanda Jones Jewellery Amanda Jones Jewellery is a Cowbridge-based, independent jewellery supplier offering a wide collection of silver and gold jewellery for every occasion.

With Christmas just around the corner, pop into the shop and Amanda can assist you - you’re guaranteed friendly and personal service.

From bracelets to necklaces and rings, Amanda stocks a wide selection of fine jewellery. Whether you’re looking for the perfect present for yourself or for that special someone, rest assured there’s something to suit all budgets.

Amanda Jones Jewellery 23a High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AD 01446 773239 amanda13.jewellery@gmail.com www.amandajonesjewellery.co.uk @AmandaJonesJewellery

No39 Cowbridge Home & Lifestyle

39 high st cowbridge cf717ae 24

Cowbridge Motors bus outside the Town Hall

LEGAL TEAM EXPANSION

Joining the team in Cowbridge is Maria Turner. Originally from Brighton, Maria qualified as a solicitor in 2006.

She is a full member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners.

Her colleagues say: “Maria’s sensitive and friendly nature reassures clients of all ages that she has their best interests at heart. Her vast knowledge and experience ensure that she can offer her clients a tailor-made personal service, which is why so many people recommend her to their friends and family.”

Maria’s areas of Expertise include: n Private Client Work n Wills & Trusts n Lasting Powers of Attorney n Deputyship Applications n Elderly Client Care n Administration of Estates

Maria’s legal experience, combined with her calm, professional and approachable manner provides clients with the reassurance needed at time of considerable stress. Maria is also happy to visit elderly or disabled clients at home where necessary.

Hopkins Law

Hopkins Law Ltd 50-50a High Street, Cowbridge CF71 7AH 01446 774151

Maria deals with all areas of private client work, from simple Wills to complicated trust documents, Lasting Powers of Attorney to Deputyship applications, elderly client care, and dealing with the administration of all sizes of estates following death.

mturner@hopkinslawltd.com www.hopkinslawltd.com

The Original Welsh Candle Co Evoke your Memories

theoriginalwelshcandle.com

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Cowbridge has always been the go-to town in the Vale for fashion. It has excellent boutiques and caters for everyone.

Cowbridge has always been known for its fashion and attracts customers from Cardiff, the Vale and beyond.

Complemented by several superb restaurants, cafes, eateries, and takeaways, Cowbridge is a winner if you’re looking for the perfect day out.

And there’s usually plenty of parking available (it has several carparks).

COWBRIDGE GEMS GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS FOR EVERY POCKET

Stwff-Stuff Stwff-Stuff offers the latest on trend homewares and Christmas gifts for children and teens, gifts for men, gifts for women, welsh gifts, candles, jewelry, accessories, bags and cards.

Find inspiration for your Christmas gifts or a little something for yourself.

You can follow them on Facebook (@stwffstuffuk), Insta (@stwffstuff) and Twitter (@stwffstuff).

Stwff-Stuff 2 Church Street, Llantwit Major CF61 1SB 01446 793107

Stores are open Monday-Saturday 9:30am-5pm and Sunday 11am-3pm or shop online (stwff-stuff.co.uk) including the option to click and collect from either store.

50 High Street, Cowbridge, CF71 7AH 01446 774055

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Specsavers Cowbridge launches a conscientious new collection putting plastic bottles in the frame.

SPECSAVERS COWBRIDGE HAS PLASTIC IN ITS SIGHTS

As mindful consumers increasingly look for ways to lessen their impact on the planet, so the fashion industry has endeavoured to meet this demand.

And now stylish, value-conscious glasses wearers can choose specs specifically designed to reduce environmental impact, with the launch of Specsavers’ ReWear range, which are now on sale in your local Cowbridge Specsavers store.

The foundation of each frame in the 24-strong collection is five discarded water bottles, repurposed into plastic chips - the core material used to create the frames. Other materials used to develop the range include M49 bioplastic - a bio-based acetate.

With accreditation from Global Recycled Standard and Control Union, which develops services around the sustainability of industry supply chains, the glasses, priced at £89, take style cues from the natural world.

Frame names such as Lavender, Elm, River, Rain and Sandalwood evoke the colours and textures of nature, which in turn is brought to life in the specs themselves.

Specsavers Head of Frames, Megan Toothill, says, “It’s no secret that fashion has an impact on the environment. In trying to better respect our planet, we believe every little helps. It will take time, but we’re always looking to do better and any opportunity to lessen our own impact is something we want to embrace.

That’s the ethos behind ReWear - a collection that represents a more conscientious approach to product development as we look to the future.”

For information about ReWear visit https://bit.ly/2ZLkLYK

Specsavers Cowbridge 27 High St, Cowbridge CF71 7AE 01446 775003 To book a sight test at your local Cowbridge opticians, visit www.specsavers.co.uk/stores/cowbridge

Just above Cowbridge at Llanblethian you’ll find the ruins of St Quintins Castle (also known as St Quentins Castle and Llanblethian Castle.

The site was first occupied with a defensive structure in around 1102 and the gatehouse and further building work took place around 1312. It was later used as a prison and was reported as being “in a ruinous state by 1741”.

There’s not much remaining but it is worth a visit if you’re interested in local history. One of our Cowbridge walks takes us past it so we always pop in for a look.

COWBRIDGE GEMS ESTATE AGENTS YOU CAN TRUST

Harris & Birt Offering professional expertise throughout the residential, commercial, and rural property industry across south Wales, the team has extensive local knowledge that has allowed them to develop into one of Wales’ leading practices of Chartered Surveyors and Estate Agents.

Harris & Birt staff confidently boast over 100 years of combined experience, operating from prominent and stylish offices located in Cowbridge and Cardiff.

The dedication to the highest standards of service remains a timeless commitment to each and every one of their clients, with their proactive nature, alongside their personal service providing each and every client with a bespoke, tailor-made service.

As a Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) regulated firm, they adhere to all industry legal and standard requirements, giving all clients peace of mind that they are in professional hands.

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

FOR GIFTS & CELEBRATIONS

JRC Jewellery With the festive season upon us, JRC Jewellery offers on-trend and affordable luxury jewellery with prices to suit all pockets.

Choose from a stunning range of collections from Ti Sento Milano to Shaun Leane, and fine diamond pieces to bespoke jewellery - there’s something for everyone - not forgetting the wide range of watch and jewellery repair services offered in store.

JRC Jewellery 40 High Street, Cowbridge CF71 5AG 01446 776489

With over thirty years’ experience, alongside the owners’ extensive contacts and knowledge, will ensure you receive the highest standard of advice and service.

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 4pm jrcjewellery 28

Her mother opened Cowbridge’s first fashion boutique - Bettina - in 1969. Now Pam Thornton has opened a travel agency on the same site. I posed a key question to her. “Why use a travel agent when we all have easy access to the internet?”

COWBRIDGE TRAVEL As a perpetual traveller and frequent flier I rather smugly assumed I could always strike a better deal myself on the web but: n Agencies don’t charge any fee. Think branded trainers. You can buy them from the manufacturer’s website or an independent shop. The price is about the same and we often benefit from group discounts and accommodation upgrades. Straight flights can be cheaper online but as an ABTA member any booking made through us is financially protected. This isn’t the case when buying flights direct. n Most online travel sites require full payment when you book. We offer a deposit system with monthly direct debits and can usually hold options on holidays while you think things over.

n Booking adjacent seats in flight and nearby hotel rooms can prove very tricky especially if multiple credit cards are involved. n Skilled travel agents should be able to save clients time and/or money by helping them choose the best itineraries and routes.

Luckily I have been able to hire a really experienced and friendly team who know the community well and already have a loyal customer base who value the personal service they offer. We are completely independent so can match you with whichever suppliers we feel are the best fit. Our due diligence is a form of invisible insurance for the customer and we obviously deal with any potential hassles - flights being cancelled etc. Drop in and try us!!

King Fox Menswear in Cowbridge is five years old this November. We asked owner Leila Thornton just how that felt.

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

£89

£119

KING FOX MENSWEAR How does it feel being 5 years old this November?

Gosh, it’s flown by! I remember the day I opened like it was yesterday, I didn’t have any customers that day. There was a terrible storm, worst flooding in years and rivers were bursting their banks.

Luckily, I now have lots of customers and people are so nice – even offering to do my shopping when I got Covid recently!

There have been ups and downs like the pandemic and Brexit but how many people get to say that their job doesn’t feel like work? I’m very lucky.

What can customers expect to see this Autumn?

Sustainability is top of the agenda for brands. I stock Swole Panda, a British start up that make boxer shorts and socks from Bamboo, which is grown quickly, using a third of the water Cotton needs. It’s super soft, breathable, and naturally anti-bacterial.

They are also the first to launch an

elasticated belt range using Repreve.

Each belt contains 7 plastic bottles which have been fished out of the ocean.

Fraas have created a fabric called Cashmink which is made from plastic bottles and recycled t-shirts. They are made in Germany and are twenty percent softer than Cashmere. All of these and more can be found on my website. I have gone more casual with stock since the pandemic hit.

Many are still working from home and are dressing down more, so it was important I followed this change too.

Olymp now make shirts from a t-shirt fabric. It’s stretchy, soft, and super comfortable but looks just like a smart shirt.

MAC jeans are still a best seller making jeans from jogging bottoms or their ultimate driver pants (jeans and chino’s) with up to 80% stretch.

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What makes shopping at King Fox special?

I try to make anyone who walks in feel welcome and when I buy stock for the shop, I buy small quantities to keep it special. I’m genuinely grateful whenever people decide to spend their money with me and will gift wrap most items for no extra cost.

£35

King Fox Menswear 6 High Street Cowbridge CF71 7AG 01446 679085 www.kingfoxmenswear.co.uk kingfoxmenswear

A new craft collaborative has opened its doors in the heart of Cowbridge town centre, providing local crafters with the chance to showcase their talents and boost business after lockdown.

COWBRIDGE CRAFT HUB

The Cowbridge Craft Hub, located in Verity’s Court just off High Street, is home to a stunning array of handmade products from over eighty clever creatives, all of whom hail from the Vale and surrounding areas.

Makers have been busy crafting for months ahead of the launch of the Hub, which sees the crafters renting shelf space at an affordable cost to display their items.

The gorgeous handmade goods for sale include stained glass art pieces, resin art using real flowers, vegan friendly soaps and wax products, wooden nursery accessories, miniature pottery houses, lampshades made from upcycled fabrics, plus hand sewn felt animals, gonks and more.

Many of the crafters taking part are also giving their time and volunteering as assistants in the Hub, in a show of community spirit and further support to the venture.

The Cowbridge Craft Hub was created by successful local artist Jenny Lambert, whose well-established art gallery is located above the new store. Jenny, 35, says “I absolutely love buying handmade goods as they’re one of a kind, and the love with which they’re made is evident. There are so many talented crafters here in South Wales, so I had the idea to bring these amazing makers together under one roof.”

Paula Palmer, a psychologist by day and crafter by night, is just one of the artisan makers who jumped at the opportunity to take part with her ventures The Happy Hug Company and Ffelt Portraits.

Dee Jeffrey, artist, and owner of Crypt Creations, is also grateful for the opportunities The Cowbridge Craft Hub has provided. After being made redundant from her previous job as a result of the Covid outbreak, the Hub has provided Dee with new employment as the store’s assistant, as well as the chance to display her creative work.

The Cowbridge Craft Hub will be holding a ‘Christmas Craft Event’ on Saturday 4th November and 11th December with craft stalls outside the shop where you can meet the makers.

There will be crafts for children, a choir, mulled wine and mince pies!

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The Cowbridge Craft Hub Verity’s Court, High Street, Cowbridge Through the archway next to Arthur John & Co. Opening Hours Monday to Friday 10am til 4pm Saturday 10am til 5pm CowbridgeCraftHub

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NEW RETIREMENT APARTMENTS FOR SALE

Last few remaining!

Our retirement apartments at De Clare Lodge, Cowbridge are selling fast, so now’s the time to visit us and see how good retirement living can be.

With over 20 years' experience built on family values, trust and integrity, why choose any other retirement housebuilder?

Call us to book an appointment

01446 489416 or visit churchillretirement.co.uk/de-clare-lodge COWBRIDGE De Clare Lodge, Westgate Open Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm

O U R H E R I TAG E • YO U R F U T U R E B U I LT O N I N T EG R I T Y A N D T R U S T

Y Bont Faen Dental Surgery was established in 2018. It’s had a few changes of hands over fifteen years but has been proudly owned and managed by husband-and-wife team Nathan and Lara Welch since March 2021. We caught up with Nathan to find out more.

Y BONT FAEN DENTAL SURGERY

What was your role before you took over?

I’ve worked as an associate dentist at the practice since 2018 when Y Bont Faen Dental Surgery was established.

What is your role now?

I’m now the Practice Principal along with my wife Lara. We are still seeing patients but also running the business together as well.

What does Y Bont Faen offer its clients?

We offer routine family dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, teeth straightening, composite bonding, teeth whitening, facial aesthetics and Implants. We cover most aspects of dentistry.

What does Y Bont Faen specialise in?

We have different dentists covering different aspects of dentistry. Myself, Lara and Jess all provide Invisalign treatment to straighten teeth.

Patrick offers implant treatments and Jess provides facial aesthetics.

Our backbone is still routine family dentistry, wanting to make sure our patients are healthy first and foremost.

Do you offer NHS appointments?

Yes, we have a small NHS contract which is currently full, but we are always willing to increase this should the funding become available. We are proud to provide NHS dentistry.

How did you manage during lockdown and how are things now?

Lockdown was challenging for dentistry.

We had three months where we were not allowed to do much treatment and

were mostly giving phone advice for patients which is not what dentistry is about, it was very frustrating to not be able to properly help our patients.

Once they had worked out the risks and personal protective equipment required, we were back at work and helping people again, at first just seeing emergencies, and the backlog of problems that had occurred while we were off, but then as space at the practice allowed, we were able to begin routine work again.

What do you think makes Y Bont Faen Dental special?

We believe that our philosophy of going above and beyond for our patients comes through in the way they feel cared for and respected. We also have a fantastic team that always helps put patients at ease and makes their experiences more enjoyable. This is so important in an environment that often is considered intimidating. The atmosphere in the practice is always a great one and I think this makes us special.

Getting back to routine examinations was really important to us as we are aware of their significance and the problems that can occur if things go undetected.

We are proud to have seen all our patients for their routine examinations as I know a lot of practices are still struggling.

What position does your wife hold at the practice?

Lara is joint practice principal. Carrying out a lot of the day-to-day admin and helping with running the business.

We work well as a team as both have different skill sets and enjoy different aspects of dentistry.

What does Y Bont Faen mean to you and Lara?

It’s an exciting opportunity to grow and build the practice with our ethos of putting patients’ interests first. We work hard every day to collaborate with our patients to support them and their family’s oral health and wellbeing with care, compassion, and respect.

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Y Bont Faen Dental Surgery 64c Eastgate, Cowbridge CF71 7AB 01446 771163 07306 203353 smile@ybontfaendental.com www.ybontfaendental.com @ybontfaendental

The last couple of years have been tough on most businesses and there are some that have buried their heads and waited until things have passed and then there are others, like Coast Hair and Beauty in St Brides Major.

PERFECT TEN Owner Stacey has taken the bull by the horns and has continued to thrive and is working on plans for future growth. As this beautiful salon reaches its tenth birthday, Stacey tells us more.

Tell us a bit about Coast…

Coast has been my life for the last ten years. I’ve have built it from the ground up and moved us into our iconic Pink Chapel just two years ago! We are so lucky to have built such an amazing reputation and an equally amazing team. We are excited for what we can achieve in the next ten years.

Our core team in the business have been incredibly loyal to us for many years now. Carla, Kinga and Gina are incredibly talented stylists. They’re professionalism and passion for the work they produce is second to none, with a few newbies Holly and Leah recently joining us in their Coast Journey.

Casey, our trainee stylist, is blossoming in the team and has shown huge commitment to the salon over the last year or so. She is eager to gain her NV

qualifications with us so she can start building her own clientele within the salon. It’s been a pleasure working with this young lady and watching her develop her skills.The team are constantly training which keeps us all motivated and inspired. Most recently, I took the whole team to The L’Oreal Academy in London for an education day. The team have perfected their skills in colour change and corrective colour work, there is no challenge these girls can’t take on!

We take pride in our in-salon education program and always strive to learn and be leading artists in the industry.

Currently we are looking to recruit another stylist to join our ever growing team, so if you would like to be part of a fun, dynamic team and would like to further your hairdressing career then please get in touch.

How have the last couple of years been for you?

This last year has thrown up so many challenges for us all and through challenges come opportunities. I’m so proud to say that Carla Povey is now a Director in the business and helps run

the salon, which will in turn allow us to grow our salon and brand further.

Carla how have you been getting on?

I have loved being a stylist at Coast over the last few years and have thrived in my new role as a Director. I have had huge support and encouragement, gaining the independence to reach new goals and grow within the hair industry which has always been my dream. I am so excited to take Coast to the next level with Stacey and our fabulous team.

What services are you offering?

We are lucky to be based in such a beautiful, restored chapel. It has a contemporary environment but still has the stunning architecture that came with the building. Our Colour Bar on the first floor, is where stylists can mix the colours in front of the clients so there’s very little downtime spent in a back room where, traditionally, this is usually done. We have been partnered with Redken NYC from the very start and are delighted to be using the full hair colour and styling range by this brand.

COAST HAIR & BEAUTY

BETT Y It’s such a relaxed atmosphere.

The coffee is on tap! They are so accommodating. There’s never an awkward silence. I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

CHLOE I’ve been coming here for eight years.

Once you find a salon who does your hair well, you don’t go anywhere else.

I’ve had lots of different stylists and they’re all amazing. I don’t have to tell them what I want. I don’t come in with images from magazines. They just know exactly what I want 34

KATE I’ve had bad experiences in the past.

I’ve been coming here for eight years.

I instantly felt at ease, I knew I was in safe hands. It’s a friendly environment.

My mum comes here as well.

Tell us about the team…

They all have excellent skills at cutting and styling, but we really specialise in colour - highlights, Balayage and colour correcting and the treatment of over processed hair. We like to take our clients on a hair journey from the moment they enter the salon to when they leave and of course educating our clients in their home care routine. We also have stylists specialising in cutting short hair. We like to book consultations with new clients prior to their appointment so we can pair them with the most suited stylist in the salon.

Are you affordable?

Our prices are very competitive.

We offer a huge range of services to cater to all along with a variety of maintenance options to keep on top of your gorgeous crown!

How can we book?

We realise that people are busy these days, so we have used an online booking system for many years. Clients can book their appointment on their chosen day and time and with their preferred stylist.

Visit our website or our social pages and look for the ‘Book Now’ button.

AT THE CHAPEL

What do you think makes Coast Hair and Beauty special?

Without being arrogant, I do believe it’s due to my 15 years of experience in the industry. I have very high standards of customer care - being friendly, professional and sociable is crucial and I have instilled this in my staff.

We all get on so well. Their enthusiasm is infectious, and our clients get the benefit of this each and every day!

What about plans for the future?

Yes, we do have plans for the future and we are super excited about them.

I can’t tell all yet as it’s all in the planning stages at the moment, but as soon as I know, I’ll be sure to tell you all!

Coast Hair & Beauty Studio Ewenny Road St Brides Major CF32 0SD 01656 880724 MARGARET My guilty secret every week for the last 10 years at Coast. Delightful surroundings, beautiful, welcoming staff. My idea of bliss!

coasthairsalon@gmail.com www.coasthairandbeauty.com CoastHairandBeauty 35

Ribbons Preschool in Dinas Powys is happily en route to becoming one of the largest providers of wraparound care for working parents across the Vale. Currently catering to six Vale primary schools, we caught up with the team at this very cool preschool to see what sets Ribbons and their wraparound service apart from the rest.

RIBBONS P RESCHOOL BRIGHT & BEAUTIFUL!

On entering Ribbons, you are enveloped in natural light. It is an arena of variety and discovery.

As a newly renovated building the setting has been specifically designed to cater for children aged three and up. This means that unlike other childcare settings, Ribbons’ caters specifically for nursery and Foundation Phase children.

With highly qualified and passionate team members the children are literally spoiled for choice and attention whilst being able to access the whole building, independently deciding whether they spend their time inside or out. Furthermore, because the setting is not split into rooms and different age groups, the staff at Ribbons are one team, meaning the children get the most out of every practitioner.

Kate and Jo Watkins-Freeman own Ribbons Preschool Ltd which opened its doors on June 29th, 2020. The couple got married in 2019 and both left a career of primary school teaching to embark on their new business venture, Ribbons! Kate taught as an Early Years specialist for over 10 years and has a Masters in Early Childhood Education, whilst Jo is a music specialist and actually began her teaching adventures over in Shanghai, China before returning to Wales to continue her career in the classroom.

“Looking at the extremely happy faces it’s clear this is a place that little ones love.”

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Ribbons is a wraparound day care setting that provides childcare to nursery children aged three and four.

In the school holidays Ribbons accepts all Foundation Phase children up to the age of seven, and the children join them from across Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan. Fortunately, Ribbons is conveniently located between two train stations and alongside a major bus route meaning they are in the ideal spot for many working parents.

Kate and Jo both take a very active role within the preschool’s day. They plan and organise the children’s activities and areas so that things are varied and interesting for their little “Ribbons”.

Ribbons has a variety of skilled and experienced team members. As a result, the children are showered in a range of interesting and inspiring stories, activities, and styles of teaching.

From music and dance, to baking and table etiquette, the ‘Ribbons Way’ encourages and facilitates the children’s development at a pace that is right for them. As preschool is an age of transition Ribbons also equips and readies the children for their jump up to full time school.

Kate and Jo couldn’t be more enthusiastic about their roles and the impact of what they do and the benefits it brings to young minds.

Kate says, “It’s such a great privilege to be able to work with children and watch them grow and develop their own little personalities, especially now we have the opportunity to do this in our own setting. There’s nothing more rewarding than having the approval of a three year old!!”

Many parents have thanked the couple for what they do but this truly creative duo are striving to deliver more.

The building and grounds are particularly impressive, and security is taken extremely seriously (reinforced by the several hoops we have to jump through to be allowed in). Ribbons is beautifully designed, and super spacious, with an impressive mix of inside and outside spaces. Creativity and music play their part - something we can truly relate to.

“Ribbons is first and foremost childcare.

However, because of our background in education we act like a hybrid facility providing education as well as care for all our Ribbons,” says Jo. “Due to the fact we do not accept children under the age of three, the care and experiences we provide are focused and designed purposefully for their age and stage of development, allowing them to truly flourish in our setting.”

Ribbons Preschool goes out of its way to ensure all their children get the most out of their holiday time too. The team work tirelessly to transform the term time setting into a themed wonderland during the holidays, be it Dino-Camp, Book Week, or Spring Camp - to name just a few. Child centred planning and design goes into every element of the day even their snacks and hand washing are themed. “During holiday times Ribbons appreciate that not every family requires day care,” says Jo. “We put no pressure on families to opt for a minimum amount of care and we will never charge for a half term or holiday unless these are booked. First and foremost, Ribbons is proud to be a family run business, so the preschool goes out of its way to look after and accommodate the children and their parents. The team is always ready and on hand to discuss and talk with families, providing an open-door policy, ensuring parents and guardians are filled with confidence and reassurance.”

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It’s clear that the children love this oasis of learning and play that Ribbons offers but, ultimately, it’s parents that choose. So, we’re curious to hear what Mums and Dads love about Ribbons.

“Parents are particularly happy that we have a large outdoor area and that the children are allowed to access this at all times,” says Jo. “They also tell us that they like how we structure our days and how we mirror what the children will be experiencing in their own schools.” Kate adds, “Parents like the design of the setting and how there is so much natural light, and you can’t actually see into the building from outside. Parents want a safe environment so that their little ones are happy when they’re away from home.”

One of the toughest decisions for any family is preschool childcare particularly the cost, and here’s where we’re in for a pleasant surprise. “We are priced extremely competitively with the other day care providers in the area,” says Jo. “We also take part in the Vale Childcare Offer, a Welsh Government initiative set up to support working parents. Lots of our parents benefit from that which means childcare is more affordable than parents think.”

The couple are passionate about the service they provide and being able to offer this high-quality service at affordable fees is at the heart of the Ribbons ethos. “We accept childcare vouchers and always go above and beyond to make sure our parents understand our pricing system, what it is they’re paying for, and how it’s worth every penny for what we provide to their children.”

Deservedly, Ribbons is growing and becoming increasingly popular. This has been recognised by outside organisations too. In fact, Ribbons was recently awarded the Cardiff and Vale Gold Standard Healthy Snack Award for Early Years and Childcare Settings. They are also part of the National Day Nursery Association and are the biggest provider of the Child Care funding offer in the county. We’re sure this lovely couple will continue this trend and more and more families and children will benefit from their excellent approach to preschool education.

“Parents are particularly happy that we have a large outdoor area.”

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What parents say…

“The team work tirelessly to transform the term time setting into a themed wonderland, be it Dino-Camp, Book Week, or Spring Camp to name just a few.”

Our children have attended three private childcare settings and we feel Ribbons has been the best. The staff are friendly and approachable, and we feel they really know and care for our children.

Dinas Parent I feel so at ease and happy dropping **** to Ribbons. I got such a wonderful warm vibe when I visited and your backgrounds in teaching really shines through in the set up and activities.

So happy to have found you!

Cogan Parent I feel you go above and beyond on a daily basis.

Llandough Parent You have provided a safe, stable fun place for our boy. I can’t thank you all enough for keeping **** smiling, engaged and fostering fun and learning.

Barry Island Parent Such a lovely family feel - feel totally relaxed leaving him with you.

St Andrew’s Parent AGES 3 TO 7

Let Ribbons Wraparound Breakfast Club, Wraparound, After School and Holiday Camp serving: n Dinas Powys Infants n Gwenfo CIW n St Andrews CIW n Llandough n Pen y Garth Call today for more information.

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Ribbons Preschool 75 Cardiff Road, Dinas Powys CF64 4JT 029 2051 2838 ribbonspreschool@gmail.com www.ribbonspreschool.com Ribbons are on the following social media channels RibbonsPreschool RibbonsPreschool1

Horse Sense: Sound and prudent judgment based on a simple perception of the situation or facts.

HORSE SENSE Vale Solicitors Advocates & Mediators - Lawyers with Horse Sense. Michael Morgan, director of Vale Solicitors, thinks that pretty well sums up the ethos of his firm. He also hankers back to the gentler times of the firm’s founder, Thomas Rees, Solicitor and Mayor of Cowbridge in the 19th Century, when horses were the main means of local transport. Mr Rees who would write to a client in Pendoylan: “I will ride down to see you next Wednesday afternoon”.

“Unlike Mr Rees, I probably won’t ride down to see you,” says Michael. “I leave the riding to my children. At my age, I don’t bounce anymore. We welcome regular personal meetings with clients at our offices or their own homes. The hot topic remains wills and powers of attorney - perhaps the most important documents that you should make.”

“Nor do I expect you to wait until next Wednesday afternoon”. I provide my clients with my personal email and mobile so that I can be contacted when needed.”

The firm retains close links with the rural community and is pleased to have sponsored horse classes at The Vale of Glamorgan Show this year and to provide a new Cup for the Pony Club.

Vale Solicitors are accredited by the Law Society for Quality Conveyancing and also have a couple of extra talents: They are among the forerunners of mediation in Ssouth Wales - reducing the time, stress and expense of litigation. Jon Hewitson and Liz Hunt are accredited by the Law Society as Family Law Mediators.

Michael is accredited as a Civil and Commercial Mediator by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

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He relishes the challenge of property and probate disputes.

Chris Evans is the firm’s Solicitor Advocate with rights of Advocacy in the Crown Court and above. He can defend you on a Murder charge but is also the man to go to if your driving licence is at risk. Whatever your legal question give Vale Solicitors a call.

You know it makes (horse) sense.

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

Ty Hafan children’s hospice has provided care and support for more than a thousand children and their families across Wales since it first opened in 1999.

TY HAFAN

“It costs £4.5 million to run.”

WITH LOVE

Currently caring for around 300 children with life-limiting conditions, Ty Hafan provides respite care at the hospice in Sully and outreach support across our community.

It costs £4.5 million to run Ty Hafan annually and 25% of that comes from the generosity of incredible supporters via gifts in their wills, the remainder from fundraising.

One such family to benefit from this are the Meredith’s who describe Ty Hafan as a “total lifeline.” Mum and Dad Sophie and Sean were just twentytwo when their son Ollie, now six, was diagnosed with the ultra-rare MOSAIC Syndrome. At four months old Ollie was admitted to hospital, and at 18 months he and his family had their first experience of Ty Hafan.

“Be a lifeline, include a gift in your will for Ty Hafan children’s hospice.”

“If we did not have support from Ty Hafan we would have no respite at all,” says Sophie. “The hydrotherapy pool is amazing, plus the socialising with other children and families. The nurses there have known Ollie all his life and they are amazing with him. Ty Hafan has been there for us all the way.”

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You can help…

Will you help Ty Hafan to continue to be a lifeline to families such as the Meredith’s, by including a gift in your will? No matter how big or small, every gift in a will makes a significant difference.

Ty Hafan has partnered with the National Free Wills Network to provide their supporters with the opportunity to meet with a local solicitor to write a simple will, or pair of wills, for free.

There is no obligation to leave a gift in your will to Ty Hafan, but your support will help more children with lifelimiting conditions like Ollie.

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Support Tŷ Hafan To find out more and to include a gift in your will for Tŷ Hafan please contact Abbie Barton, Gifts in Wills and In Memory Senior Fundraiser.

029 2053 2270 abbie.barton@tyhafan.org www.tyhafan.org

Suzanne Dickenson, owner of Trade Price Sofas, owns a couple of warehouses in south Wales selling a variety of high-quality sofas and interiors to suit every budget and every home.

We chat to Suzanne to find out more.

SOFA, SO GOOD What do you offer your customers?

Trade Price Sofas has two warehouses which supply sofas across the UK. We attract celebrity customers such as former footballer Rio Ferdinand, Katie Price, as well as Holly Hagan and Charlotte Crosby from the hit reality TV show Geordie Shore but, at Trade Price Sofas, every customer is made to feel special. We also have quite a few footballers as clients. Word is spreading!

I can also offer a free home design consultation where I visit your home and can suggest and advise on design of curtains, pillows, lamps, bedding and sofas, which we can then create for you.

What’s your background?

I’ve been in the furnishing industry for nearly thirty years. We sell sofas and furnishings to discerning customers across the UK. I also sell matching curtains, pelmets, beds, pillows, and dining chairs. I can even build a TV into the back of your sofa or bed if the client wishes. Anything is possible.

All I need is a gem of an idea, and my imagination gets to work.

What do you think makes Trade Price Sofas so special?

Literally anything you see in a glossy magazine can be recreated by our amazing designers and upholsterers at realistic prices. We work with the best fabric suppliers so, whether it’s a traditional leather Chesterfield or something more contemporary or flamboyant, we can help. My staff and I are not pushy, we encourage our customers to take the time to ensure they get exactly what they want.

We now also have our own factory making our own sofas so from booking to delivery – everything is quicker and seamless. We can manufacture a 10 foot sofa or a 50 foot sofa. We can create sofas with buttons and diamonds inside, big back and small back. Our service is truly bespoke.

Are you affordable?

We like to think that we are. As we have large industrial units, no high street shop and buy in large numbers, we can offer our products at extremely competitive prices.

We are also offering a free coffee table worth £599 with certain suites. You can buy a sofa for £21 a week! It’s never been easier to have a gorgeous sofa in your home.

Do you offer finance agreements?

Yes, we do. We offer our customers interest free finance options over a 12 month period with no interest. By clicking the website link and taking just two minutes to add your details, customers are good to go. No utility bills, passport or licence information is needed A phone text code will then need to be added and that’s it.

Where are you based? Can customers visit you?

Yes, we have warehouses in Llantrisant and Merthyr Tydfil. However, we can deliver throughout the UK. We are in the process of launching in Dubai. Our The London Sofa Company will be bringing a little bit of London to the Middle East! Exciting times!

“Anything is possible. All I need is a gem of an idea, and my imagination gets to work.”

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Trade Price Sofas Llantrisant 01443 230813 Merthyr 01685 375896 tpssofas@outlook.com TradePriceSofasWalesUK https://instagram.com/ tradepricesofaswalesuk

We have some excellent restaurants, bistros, cafes and diners across the Vale. You’ll find a few of our favourites in this issue.

We always love to hear about new eateries from readers so if you have a particular favourite, please drop us a line.

We also review restaurants on our website, so it’s always worth taking a look there. We feature some of the very best from across the Vale, Cardiff and beyond.

Visit www.valelife.co.uk

FOOD & DRINK Lamb is one of our favourite meats for Sunday lunch and if we’re not buying it from our local butcher and cooking at home, there’s one place we head to regularly.

HILARY & IAIN’S

OUR SUNDAY BEST We’ll admit it, we’re big fans of this cute and quirky café/bistro in Ogmore. From the first time we sampled their Sunday lunch Lord knows how many years ago, they have delivered the very best lamb and beef Sunday lunch consistently, and that’s a hard thing to do on any day, let alone with all the recent issues with supply and staff.

If you still have room at the end (the portions are excellent), then you could try one of Hilary’s infamous desserts.

You can takeaway if you’re struggling.

There are other options too if you fancy a change from the Sunday roast but it’s our go-to. For this, we rate it five stars. If you do visit, tell them Vale Life sent you.

If you haven’t been, you really must try it. The lamb (or beef) is perfectly cooked, and the vegetables are simply divine. We always say, if there was no meat it would still be delicious. And the gravy? Oh my, you really are in for a treat. They offer gluten free gravy too - and it’s as good.

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

Every time a new eatery opens in the Vale we have to try it so we were especially excited to book a table at The Corner, a truly unique Indonesian influenced café in Llantwit Major.

THE CORNER BY SITI The mixed culinary creation of a lovely lady by the name of Siti, The Corner by SITI is, in her own words, “my first wholly owned kitchen”.

Previously Siti was the Head Chef at the Priory in Tetbury, the Cotswolds, where, along with her team, won the Cotswold Life Food and Drink award for Best Menu in 2014. “I have had a further two trips to the finals including Best Newcomer of the Year for the Stargazy fish restaurant in 2016,” she adds proudly.

Siti, originally from Indonesia, is passionate about using locally sourced ingredients, and was taught to cook by her mum. Siti caters for all day casual dining along with a range of coffees, teas, and softdrinks for those just wanting to chill out.

Siti is extremely grateful to local businesses. “We couldn’t do this by ourselves so here’s a thank you to our special local partners who have helped us get off the ground.”

Besides all day dining Siti’ offers event catering and locals benefit from a very popular click and collect with ordering online.

Indonesian cooking is gaining popularity right now - no dairy, no butter, gluten free, tempeh and tofu make it a very healthy, but tasty option.

And Siti’s hopes and dreams for the future? “To be well known for great food, excellent coffee and a relaxed environment !” If our recent experience is anything to go by, she’s on to a winner.

The Corner by SITI Commercial Street Llantwit Major CF61 1RB 01446 793653

The unique menu offers a mix of modern British and Indonesian dishes, and you can bring your own bottle on Saturday evenings. “Feel free to ask for some specials that are a little on the spicy side if you don’t see any on the menu!” she says. Most popular dishes are Gado-Gado (salad with peanut dressing), Bakmi Java (spicey noodle) and Nasi Goreng (fried rice) and there are vegan/ vegetarian options available with a menu change roughly every two months “to keep it interesting”.

info@bysiti.com www.bysiti.com Find and follow on Opening times 10am - 6pm Tuesday to Friday 10am – 9pm Saturday 45

We’ve always experienced excellent customer service at Keyif in Penarth but this cool Turkish restaurant is all about the food, and the Keyif Kitchen cook up some of the best Turkish cuisine you’ll ever taste.

KEYIF CUISINE

If you’re regular readers, you’ll know we’re fans. This is one of our favourite restaurants in the Vale for two reasons, great food and great service.

Keyif has many fans. Most local, but quite a few pop in from Cardiff and Swansea (and beyond) to enjoy their authentic Turkish offering. Owner Mehmet and his team are pretty passionate about the food, and it has to be prepared to the very highest standard. “We use the best ingredients,” he says. “We don’t cut corners - the best meats and the freshest salad and vegetables. It’s the only way to ensure everything is perfect for our guests.”

The restaurant has been established for over three years and has become a firm favourite with Penarthians and many customers across Cardiff and the Vale.

On a weekend, Keyif is pretty busy as you can imagine (so best to book) and the kitchen is a buzz of activity turning out some of our favourites like the chef’s specials: Sarma Beyti Chicken or lamb.

Equally, they do a lovely casserole, perfect for chilly autumn and winter evenings.

Our favourites are anything from the charcoal grill (Ocakbasi) - classically Turkish and packed with flavour - we recommend the Keyif Mixed Grill. Any of the kofte will also deliver on taste, and every dish is complemented by beautifully fresh salad and rice.

Taking a step back for a moment, our favourite starters are always the flip of a Turkish lira between the calamari or the king prawns but there are plenty more, and they’re all very, very good.

And don’t forget the drinks. Keyif has an excellent range of cocktails, bottled beers, red, rose and white wines, plus champagne for that special occasion - to be fair, any visit to Keyif is pretty special, it just has a lovely vibe.

Talking about special occasions, Mehmet recently got married to the lovely Feray so there is much to celebrate at Keyif. “If we have learned anything during the last eighteen months it is to be with, and appreciate, our loved ones,” he says.

Through November and December Keyif will be busy offering all its restaurant favourites and the legendary Keyif, Click & Collect and delivery service will be available. To keep up to date with opening times, like and follow on social media or checkout the Keyif website.

“Our favourites are anything from the charcoal grill (Ocakbasi), classically Turkish and packed with flavour.”

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

Need to buy a gift for the women in your life?

We bring you an unique guide to inspire you this season available locally and online.

The Original Welsh Candle Company candles £15 per tin No. 39, Cowbridge

For Her Handmade soy wax candles £12.00 Homemade Wales, High Street, Barry

Hand thrown blodau jug £25.00 Homemade Wales, High Street, Barry

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE

Hermes Kelly Bagpad £40-£45 www.bagpad.co.uk

Women’s SANDE Technical Insulated Waterproof Parka Coat Featured image: Brick also available in Ivy and Black RRP £169 Skogstad, Cowbridge Glasses £10 each No.39 Cowbridge

Silver gold vermile bracelet With a hand set Cubic zirconias RRP £749 JRC Jewellers Cowbridge

Ghd Unplugged £299 Scissors, Pontyclun

SkinCeuticals Starter Kit £195 www.skinceuticals.co.uk

Milk_shake products Jaks Hair Salon, Barry

Cyberjammies AW21 Annie Printed Floral Pjs Set £48 Eye Mask £7.99

ONAIE New Star Sheepskin Slippers £39 www.onaie.com

Thermique Cafetiere in Gold, Copper and Silver black From £42 Cups £25 a pair Cortile Coffee, Cowbridge

Tray Table £99 Trays from £10 No. 39 Cowbridge

Moon Dot Pearl Drop Earrings £75 Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth

No Secrets Beauty Squeaky Clean set £14.50 www.nosecretsbeauty.com

Cultured Biomecare Biome One Cleansing Balm 100ml £32 www.cultbeauty.co.uk

Spotlight Oral Care Rose Gold Sonic Toothbrush (also available in Graphite Grey and White) £110 www.uk.spotlightoralcare.com

Limited Edition Christmas Tin Winter Delights £13.95 www.steamcream.com

Holiday-At-Home® Scented Candle £45 www.Legology.co.uk

Kokkino, Electra Articulated Necklace £268 Anne Morgan Jewellery, Penarth

Bespoke dried flower hoop Prices from £45 Budding Designs Flower Studio, High Street Barry

Winter Gift Set £43 Apothecary64, Penarth

Scarf £19.99 Visage, Cowbridge

For Her Moroccan Oil Gift Set Perfect Stocking Filllers Starting from £15 Fich & Ramous, Cowbridge

Crock-A-Shwt Artisan stoneware beaker with gold detail £22 @crockashwt

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE

Hair Taming Wand £9.99 www.vanitycollections.co.uk

Dr Prager Skincare Urban Protect Day Oil 30ml RRP £100 www.pragerskincare.com

Orange Blossom Soap Candle Set £11.50 Stwff-Stuff Cowbridge and Llantwit Major

Kat Burki Miracle Workers Collection £116.27 www.katburki.com

Silver and gold vermile earrings £249 JRC Jewellery, Cowbridge

Hides and rugs Various sizes and prices No.39 Cowbridge

Angela Langford Bloom & Glow Face Oil £20.50 www.angelalangford.com

Westlab Pink Gin Bathing Salts £6.99 available from Look Fantastic

Colourful figures Various prices Sylvia Williams Chemist, Cowbridge

Cowbridge Glass Coaster Many more Welsh scenes to choose from £7 each or 4 for £24 @jennylambertart

Evolve Beauty Organic Beauty Advent Calendar £95 www.evolvebeauty.co.uk

Silvan Skincare Hand Cream 50ml £12 www.blommabeauty.com Olverum Bath Oil 125ml £36.50 / 250ml £65 www.olverum.com and Space NK

Organic Christmas Tea £3.50 Stwff-Stuff Cowbridge and Llantwit Major

The Folio Society The Meaning Of Mice £19.95 www.foliosociety.com

Mackerel Apron £19 www.driftwooddesigns.co.uk Prosecco Bubbles Lip Scrub Balm Duo Gift Set £8.99 www.puracosmetics.co.uk 35 Thousand All-In Day Serum £40 www.35thousand.com

Chamber and Beau Silver and Gold bracelets and necklaces.

Vermeil designs Starting from £100 Amanda Jones Jewellery, Cowbridge

Check out our gift ideas for the man in your life this Christmas.

Handmade Welsh Tweed Scarves £34.50 Homemade Wales, High Street, Barry

For Him Supergreens Prices start from £10.99 www.skyspawellnesscentre.com

The Gentleman Gin Maker's Kit £33 Stwff-Stuff Cowbridge and Llantwit Major

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE Shiro Smoked Leather Fragrance 100ml £135 www.shiro-shiro.co.uk

Men’s SALEN Light 90/10 Down Jacket Featured image: Ivy - also available Black, Anthracite and Brick RRP £159 Skogstad, Cowbridge

Mens Bamboo Jeep Socks £5.50 Stwff-Stuff Cowbridge and Llantwit Major

Medium Synthetic Ivory White Shaving Brush £35 www.kentbrushes.com

Handmade Welsh Tweed Caps £44.50 Handmade Welsh Tweed Scarves £34.50 Homemade Wales, High Street, Barry

For Kids Children’s GJEKSTAD Sherpa Fleece Hoodie RRP £39 Skogstad, Cowbridge

Prank tricks tin £9.99 Stwff-Stuff Cowbridge and Llantwit Major

Lelli Kelly shoes (prices vary) Shoe 22, Porthcawl

Star Wars Darth Vader bath fizzer pack £7.99 Stwff-Stuff Cowbridge and Llantwit Major

Inspirational gift ideas for the younger generation this Christmas.

The Folio Society - The Meaning Of Mice £19.95 www.foliosociety.com

CWTCH baby grows Hand screen printed in Wales.

Sizes 0-3, 3-6 & 6-12 months.

Exclusive to Homemade Wales, High Street, Barry

For Pets

VALE LIFE GIFT GUIDE Xmas Dog Jumpers £12.50 Top Dogs Grooming, Cowbridge

Drool Worthy Doggy Baking co Banana and Pumpkin Seed biscuit mix £9.90 Stwff-Stuff Cowbridge and Llantwit Major

A great selection of gift ideas for your furry friends.

Magic tricks with your pets £9.99 Stwff-Stuff Cowbridge and Llantwit Major

Pet Portrait Hand screen printed Available on frame portraits, canvases, blankets and cushions prices starting from £18.99 www.purrandmutt.com

Nylabone Beef Flavoured Strong Braided Rubber Ring £11.99 www.nylabone. co.uk

There’s something very different about Samantha B, Ewenny. The boutique has undergone a complete transformation and looks fabulous, making it easier to browse and shop.

SAMANTHA B A few things that haven’t changed the wonderful customer service, and brands on offer, which include Adini, Anna Montana, Bianca, Barbara Lebek, Capri, foil, Fransa, Marble and Olsen.

Samantha B is now in its eleventh year and going from strength to strength.

Owner Sam takes great pride in her customer service and extends a warm welcome to customers old and new.

Sam likes to make her customers feel great and look good and tailors the needs to the customer’s lifestyle, never pushy, and always honest! “The top of our customers lists this season seems to be a dress! We have a great selection from Adini, Capri, Foil and Bianca in lots of lovely fabrics too, bamboo, cotton and viscose and cord,” says Sam. “Cord is really having its moment this season and with good reason. Not only easy to look after, but it’s also really warm. We have dresses, skirts, and super pull-on cords by Signature.

“We still have all the old favourites too with Marble and Olsen being the brands of choice of the fashion forward ladies of the Vale,” adds Sam.

The thing that makes Samantha B really special is that Sam tries very hard to have labels that you don’t find in many places, being the only supplier of Barbara Lebek, Olsen, and Bianca from here to Cardiff! That combination of brands and service is what keeps her customers happy and coming back time after time!

Samantha B 4 Wick Road, Ewenny CF35 5BL 01656 658388 Open Monday to Saturday 10am - 5pm

Samantha B, Ewenny samanthabewenny

COLWINSTON

BRYNCETHIN

LLANTRISANT

Diana

Debbie

Gaynor

I’ve been shopping at Samantha B for 10 years. It’s very relaxed here. Sam isn’t pushy at all. She has an amazing selection of superb brands. She knows her customers well. I come in and say, “just dress me!” and she does.

Everything I wear comes from here.

I wouldn’t go anywhere else.

I’ve been shopping here for a year for the phenomenal choice, customer service, value for money and fun atmosphere.

Sam is an extremely pleasant lady who knows her stock and customers and what will suit them. She knows how a piece can be teamed with other pieces and how it fits in with your lifestyle. She stocks a wide selection of brands which are stylish and reasonably priced. Sam is such a lovely lady who never rushes customers and is so happy and welcoming.

“Sam takes great pride in her customer service and extends a warm welcome.”

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GREAT IDEAS FOR CHRISTMAS

NOT GOING OUT, BARRY Take inspiration from these gift ideas for you and your home

Not Going Out 48a Holton Road (top of Thompson Street) Barry CF63 4DH

Part of Vale Laser Clinic’s dedication to quality treatments means working with the best equipment, which is why owner Emma Griffiths is so excited to announce that she’s invested in a Lynton Lasers Focus Dual.

VALE LASER CLINIC

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Want to know what this machine can achieve for you? Then read on.

Emma, what is a Lynton Lasers Focus Dual?

Lynton Lasers are the UK’s number one Laser and IPL manufacturer and are trusted in the cosmetics industry to produce high-quality equipment.

The machine we have opted for, the Focus Dual, is so named because it specialises in two of the most up-todate technologies in the industry: RF Micro needling and HIFU. What is RF Micro Needling?

RF Micro Needling uses radio frequency waves for a myriad of benefits. It can help to tighten the appearance of skin, reduce fine lines, target acne scarring and stretch marks, and leave skin looking more radiant.

And HIFU? HIFU uses a different technology: it stands for High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound, and has been called a non-invasive alternative to a facelift.

It targets the same layer of skin that a surgeon would work on, and leaves you with smoother, lifted skin.

It sounds impressive, what are the benefits?

Together, these technologies mean that the Focus Dual can target every layer of the skin. They can be used separately or in tandem, and the adjustable settings mean that our team can create a truly tailored treatment for your skin – and achieve just the results you’re looking for.

The procedures are non-invasive and come with minimum discomfort.

The Focus Dual uses Safety Assist Transducers (SAT) to reduce the inflammation and redness that can typically occur after similar treatments, and ultra-fine microneedles to reduce skin irritation.

Before

After

What treatments can the Focus Dual be used for?

Because it’s so adaptable, the Focus Dual can be used for many treatments, from jawline sculpting and double chin reduction to non-surgical facelifts and acne scar treatments.

Before

After

Already know what you’re after?

Head to the clinic website site to book yourself in. Emma and her team look forward to seeing you!

There are some features that set it apart from the crowd, which is why we chose it for the clinic. The HIFU settings can be used to target fat cells without harming the surrounding tissue, meaning it can be used for body contouring. The adipose tissue is broken down and flushed from your body in a natural detoxification process, whilst skin becomes firmer.

We’re also excited about using it to reduce eye bags and lift eyebrows: the unique vacuum technology means that the microneedles are particularly safe for delicate body parts like the eye area.

Just in need of a little pick-me-up?

The Focus Dual’s skin firming abilities will have you walking out of the clinic glowing.

Sounds good! How do we book?

We’re so glad that you’re as excited about the Focus Dual’s features as we are! If you’re not sure what you need, why not book a free consultation with us online through our website? Whether you’re after a little skin tightening or a more targeted treatment, our expert team is on hand to help you get the results you want.

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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 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.

Struggling to find that ultimate gift for the man in your life? You may still be, even after reading this.

But hey, we can dream…

Rolex GMT Master II ‘Root Beer’ 126711CHNR This watch features the signature root beer rotating ceramic bezel, black dial, automatic movement, 40mm stainless steel case, automatic movement, sapphire crystal glass and is set on an oyster steel and ever rose bracelet. £16,950 0% interest free finance available www.watchesofwales.co.uk

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

Shiro Smoked Leather Fragrance (100ml) And we quote: “A sensation of looking upon smoke pouring from a volcano and marvelling at the strength of nature. You feel the richness of smooth leather in your hand.

The leather smells exquisite.” £135 www.shiro-shiro.uk

Jeffery West Footwear Numerous styles available at Hawkes plus some of the best clothing brands carefully selected by owner Russell Scott-Lawson.

Price? Well, if you need to ask, you probably can’t afford them www.hawkesbespokeoutfitters.co.uk

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

Yamaha R7 The 689cc unit puts out 72.3 BHP at 8750 rpm - more than enough to scare yourself witless. This agile little brother to the R1 is one of the most anticipated new bikes to hit the showrooms. We love the blue, but the 60th Anniversary version is a mere £300 more – very chic in its white and red.

Reminds us of Johnny Cecotto’s ’70s 500. £8,200 www.yamaha-motor.eu/gb

Subscription to British GQ The world’s leading Men’s magazine “Get your copy of GQ delivered FREE to your door before it hits the shops + free access to Apple and Android editions! Alternatively, choose from one of our fantastic digital-only offers, available across all devices.” £28 (as we go to print – T&Cs apply) www.gq-magazine.co.uk/subscribe

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

Vegan. Cruelty Free. Made in Wales (in Penarth). £15 www.apothecary64.com

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

As we head into autumn and winter, that gorgeous shine can soon start to fade but a small investment in time and good cleaning products will certainly pay off in the long run.

TIME TO SHINE

WELL, WAX AT LEAST!

Davies Motors, just off Hadfield Road, has an enviable reputation for repairing and painting high end marques and supercars. Owner, Sean Davies, gives Vale Life readers a few tips for keeping our beloved bodies in tip-top condition through the challenging winter months.

Wax, wax, and more wax…

Waxing your vehicle puts an invisible protective film between all the dust, muck and menace that the winter months will throw at it. If you do one thing at this time of year, waxing is it. And, if you don’t have time, there are companies out there that can do it for you.

Keeping your vehicle clean and presentable not only looks good but will preserve the value of your vehicle.

Whether you’ve bought or are buying your pride and joy, or leasing, it’s in your interest to keep it looking its best.

Particularly with leasing and PCPs as they will have clause that claw back money if the vehicle’s bodywork has taken a few scrapes and scratches.

Fix the chips, dings and dents…

Any time an area of paintwork is damaged, it creates a break in the paint and usually the primer underneath.

Once that weakness is there, moisture will get in. Combine that with road salt and you have a recipe for the car’s worst enemy – rust. It really is worth getting those minor dings and chips sorted before they turn into something worse.

“Wash your car regularly and keep it dust and salt free.

And don’t forget the wheel arches and door jams.”

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Vinyl wraps…

You’ll probably think I’m mad suggesting this - I know people who have the bonnets and front ends wrapped in the winter to protect from the worst the weather can throw at them (assuming they’re using their pride and joy). They remove in the spring once the worst is over. It’s a lot cheaper than painting a front end.

Brush don’t scrape…

When it snows, brush the snow off your bodywork. Don’t use a scraper - that will just create micro scratches that will be hard to remove later and will slowly but surely erode the shine.

If you have a garage, use it…

Storing a vehicle out of the elements will certainly help. It’s also easier to clean and polish a car indoors rather than outside in the cold.

If the unthinkable happens…

If you do have a bump, remember your insurer will always suggest one of their partner companies to look after any repairs. However, you’re not obligated to use them. Call Davies Motors first.

Our quotations are free (and without obligation) and, sometimes, it’s cheaper to have small repairs paid for out of your own pocket rather than losing your no claims bonus.

TESTIMONIALS

What clients say…

MM Friendly staff and outstanding service and workmanship, the best car body shop I have ever been to, highly recommended.

RC I have just received my front bumper back from having the aluminium trim resprayed and the job is outstanding!

GH The best body shop by miles. If you want a quality repairs/paintwork, all guaranteed at a competitive price by true professionals who care then this is where you go.

MR Old school quality. Faultless.

Superb service. Professionals.

Davies Motors is an approved repairer for some of the very finest motoring marques. But they also repair, restore and repaint all vehicle brands so you can be confident your vehicle will be treated like it’s a supercar.

Wash regularly…

Inevitably you’ll have salt on your vehicle in winter. If the temperatures drop, then the Council wagons will be out gritting.

Salt and water helps get rid of snow and ice but it’s the perfect solution for rust.

Wash your car regularly and keep it dust and salt free. And don’t forget the wheel arches and door jams. Salt collects in these places so be thorough.

“Keeping your vehicle clean and presentable not only looks good but will preserve the value of your vehicle.”

Davies Motor Company Hadfield Close, Leckwith (off Hadfield Road - behind Mazda) Cardiff CF11 8BD 029 2039 4407 www.daviesmotorcompany.co.uk Davies Motors

Julian Parker-Trott is one of the most talented florists working in Wales today. The fact he has made Penarth and the Vale his home is very fortunate for us and his many loyal customers in the area.

FLORIST64

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How long has the business been established?

Over thirty years in the business I’ve built a long-standing, loyal clientele. Our customers really do love what we do.

What products do you offer?

Florist64 is more a department store for flowers and plants where people choose their blooms and I design and create something for them.

Where do your customers come from?

All across South Wales and occasionally England for Weddings and Events.

TESTIMONIALS

What clients say…

Beautiful arrangements – they really take my breath away. He’s so talented.

“Wonderful flowers for my daughters wedding - made the day even more memorable” “Fantastic service I would never go anywhere else”

Why do customers come to you?

Customers often feedback that they love my attention to detail and my creative flair. I also try to source the more unusual blooms and look to buy from local growers where I can. I think its important to support local and we now have a range of greetings cards from a local artist.

Do you have a favourite flower or plant?

It’s hard to choose but white tulips – I never grow tired of looking at them.

Favourite plant is scented Gardenia.

What will be popular this autumn and winter?

Our beautiful autumn hand-tied bouquet is very popular right now with a lot of our customers booking their Christmas wreaths, table displays and mantle arrangements.

Do you offer a special range for Christmas?

Our signature Christmas range is our most popular. People are thinking a lot differently this year following the pandemic and are wanting a good Christmas so they are placing their orders very early.

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Florist64 2h Cornerswell Road Penarth CF64 2UZ 029 2070 1275 hello@florist64.com www.Florist64.com

STAY CONNECTED TO THE SYMPHONY OF AUTUMN SOUNDS YOUR LOCAL INDEPENDENT IS STILL BETTER VALUE THAN NATIONAL RETAILERS FOR DIGITAL HEARING AIDS! *

WHY COME TO US...

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You’re not just a NUMBER

~ Here, you’ll always get the time and attention you need.

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We hold onto HIGHER STANDARDS

~ From the technology we provide to the service we deliver.

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Experienced & highly trained EXPERTS

WE’RE COVID SECURE

we are implementing strict procedures to ensure the safety and welfare of our clients and employees.

Please book your appointments in advance.

~ Here, we will guide you with every step of your journey.

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A family business with family VALUES

Introducing Livio Edge AI, the hearing aid custom moulded to fit your unique ear canal comfortably and securely - fully rechargeable, connected and ready to go.

CUSTOM STYLE THAT WON’T INTERFERE WITH MASKS!

~ We do whatever it takes to send you home happy and satisfied.

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OLD FASHIONED customer service

Made for Masks: Hearing people in masks just got easier with new Mask Mode. Custom hearing aids won’t get tangled up or pulled off when mask wearing

For all your hearing requirements:

~ We treat everyone with the care and respect we would want for our loved ones.

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Don’t let hearing loss hold you back, call South Wales Hearing Health today on 01656 652444 and get your confidence back and reconnect with life.

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0% Finance Now Available Independent business Over 10 years of excellent service FREE lifetime aftercare and service Highly qualified and professional team FREE hearing health assessments Microsuction ear wax removal Tinnitus Treatments

LEARN MORE, CALL US ON 01656 652444 South Wales Hearing Health 6 Derwen Road, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, CF31 1LH

01656 652444

mal.johnston@ bridgend-hearing.co.uk www.southwaleshearinghealth.co.uk

Experience this new technology for yourself! *WHICH? Hearing Aid Report 11/Jan/

Endometriosis is a condition which affects women in their reproductive years. It is when cells from the lining of the uterus appear and flourish outside of the uterine cavity.

Horrific and constant pain up to and during menstruation is the most debilitating symptom.

ENDOMETRIOSIS CAN THERE BE AN END?

TESTIMONIALS

What clients say…

Angharad Evans, Natural Therapist talks us through the background, symptoms, and management.

Who suffers from Endometriosis?

There are certain factors which have shown to make some women more susceptible to the condition, such as a high fat diet, a lack of exercise from an early age, unbalanced oestrogen levels, the use of intrauterine devices and a family history of Endometriosis.

My experience in clinic Despite the painful symptoms, they can be managed successfully through my treatment. Nothing is random in the body and there are solutions to manage the symptoms. Often the most effective solutions are the easiest to apply: Diet Be mindful of fats in your diet: n Use olive oil to cook and flax seed oil or olive oil for dressings n Lower the amount of saturated fats you eat by reducing animal fats especially n Increase your intake of nuts, seeds, and fish oils in your diet n Increase plant foods in your diet (which are relatively low in fat) n Increase your Omega 3 fats with fish such as wild salmon, mackerel, herring, and halibut n Eliminate margarines and other foods that contain trans-fats, e specially hydrogenated oils (cakes, biscuits, pasties etc)

Limiting or eliminating other foods in your diet can help, foods such as: n Dairy products n Red meats n Sugar n Caffeine n Alcohol

“Angharad has helped me a lot and her treatment has made me so much healthier. I have endometriosis, which is a condition with no cure and it can be difficult to treat. Doctors usually prescribe hormonal treatment and sometimes surgery, which do not get rid of the condition. Angharad’s treatment was an alternative natural treatment that has helped my endometriosis a lot and I barely get any pain from my endometriosis anymore. The reduced pain has been amazing and I feel so much better in myself. Angharad has continuously been patient, caring and helpul. She’s very commited to her work and she’s always available when I need her. I really appreciate everything she’s done for me.”

Diolch yn fawr Angharad am dy holl help!

Adding 1-2 tbs of ground flax seed to your daily diet can be beneficial in reducing oestrogen levels.

Adding fibre to your diet, especially vegetables will also help: broccoli, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, beetroot, carrot, artichoke, lemon, onion, garlic and leeks.

Detoxification Gentle and bespoke detoxification can be very powerful. This often entails the detoxification of certain oestrogen mimicking environmental toxins from the body. Common culprits are heavy metals, plastics, household cleaners, make-up, and perfume.

If you would like a personalised programme to manage your symptoms of endometriosis or other conditions, get in touch today, and take back control over your health.

“Adding fibre to your diet, especially vegetables will also help.”

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

These are exciting times for Ben Griffith of Butty Bach in Barry. His food is becoming legendary for its taste and affordability. There’s much to celebrate.

CHEERS! RAISE A GLASS TO BUTTY BACH

Ben is now expanding his operation, not only with his offering in Barry but he’s also adding the Butty Bach magic to Barry Rugby Club. As we sit across a table sampling a taster of one of his latest pasta dishes, Ben outlines his new developments.

He’s literally buzzing about is his new mocktail selection (look out for the nosecco, blueberry gin fizz, porn star Martini, mango Mohito). “These are amazing,” he says. “Honestly you’ve got to try them. We’ve perfected them so that they really do taste like the real thing.”

As we chat away, we find his enthusiasm infectious. He tells us about how excited he is about introducing his naughty and nice brunch menu. The nice bits are for the healthy eaters and include protein stacked pancakes, smoked ham cups and overnight oats with various toppings and, there are also vegan and gluten free options. For the naughty amongst us, there’s French toast with spiced apple compote and vanilla cream crumb or Ferrero Rocher or Biskoff pancakes. “Ooh, monsieur, you are really spoiling us!”

The evenings take on a different vibe with the Butty Bach homemade loaded mac-ncheese and chilli mac-n-cheese. Oh, and don’t forget the now infamous burgers.

Aside from the mocktails, there are the spiced pumpkin and toffee apple lattes as well as a new pink hot chocolate.

Perfect for the autumn/winter weather.

If Sunday lunch is your thing, then you won’t be disappointed. Ben intends to tempt you with his giant home-made Yorkshire pudding, garlic mash, beef braised in red onion gravy, creamed cabbage and leek, and honey roast parsnips and roasties in beef dripping.

I bet your salivating right now!

Desserts won’t disappoint as Ben and the team have been working on perfecting their crème brûlée, brownies with ice cream and a sticky toffee pudding that’s to die for. Now for the cherry on the cake. Ben and his team are expanding their operation to include Butty Bach at Barry Rugby Club. The club café will be able to enjoy all that’s on offer at Butty Bach, Barry, with the addition of barista-style coffee, breakfast, brunches and Sunday lunches plus catering for private events.

If you’re looking for great tasting, honest, reasonably priced food cooked by people with a passion for what they do, then Butty Bach is the number you need to call to book in for yourself, your partner, family, business colleagues or private event.

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Butty Bach 24 Holton Road, Barry 01446 789842 butty.bach@yahoo.com www.buttybach.com Butty Bach Opening Hours For up to date opening hours please visit the Butty Bach Facebook page

Barry High Street has always been popular with locals but this lovely Barry shopping street is becoming increasingly popular with visitors across Cardiff and the Vale.

Why? Well, it has very few chain shops and mostly independents.

Testament to its popularity is that you’ll rarely see an empty unit on this high street.

Recently some new indie businesses have opened their doors and these have complemented the existing ones very well. As someone said to us the other day: “It feels a lot like Cowbridge High Street but in Barry!” We couldn’t agree more.

BARRY HIGH STREET WELCOMING, FRIENDLY, AFFORDABLE

Jaks Hair Salon Owner Marie Quick is no stranger to the High Street, having worked in it for some twenty years in various places.

She had a four-year stint working from home, but the lure of the street was too great, and she is delighted to be back with her own stunning boutique style salon, which she has occupied for the last two years.

What do clients say about Jaks?

“Affordable”, “Friendly”, “Puts you at your ease”, “Not intimidating”. Need we say more?

Marie offers every aspect of hair from cutting, colouring, hair ups for women and men who don’t want to pay the earth but don’t want to compromise on quality and expertise. Speaking of expertise, Marie regularly has training from her chosen brand, Milkshake, the organic, cruelty free, vegan, sustainable, natural hair product brand. Marie also offers WOW, Bed Head, Olaplex and Ghd products.

Jaks Hair Salon 15 Market Street, Barry 01446 739171 07920 521057

MORE THAN A FLORIST

Budding Designs Flower Studio Budding Designs Flower Studio on the bustling, vibrant High Street in Barry are a team of qualified, experienced florists offering all things floral.

From fresh flowers, dried flowers, wedding and funeral flowers, house and garden plants, plus homeware, Christmas and gifts.

Budding Designs Flower Studio 1 High Street, Barry, CF62 7DZ 01446 404660 www.buddingdesigns.co.uk

With their online shop, it couldn’t be easier to place an order and you can follow them on social media for updates.

Budding Designs Wales Budding Designs Flower Studio 68

A WORLD OF WELLNESS AWAITS

Sky Spa Wellness Centre Sky Spa Wellness Centre is owned by Dan and Hollie Sky Shardlow. These guys are passionate about promoting a happy, healthy, positive lifestyle.

The spa has a great welcoming feel, relaxing and comfortable - we look forward to attending more classes and taking advantage of the great spa packages it has to offer! Here’s to relaxation! A great addition to Barry High Street.” Annie & Lolo

Providing clients with a pathway to wellness through professional, therapeutic wellness, massage, personal training, and beauty services when and where you need them. They get to the root cause of illness through preventative health maintenance which empowers the mind, body, and soul to heal and rejuvenate naturally.

Sky Spa Wellness Centre 6 High Street, Barry CF62 7DZ 01446 311973

“We had a great introduction to the wellness centre from Hollie and Dan. We attended Hollie’s classes and got ourselves a ‘lovely ache’. Hollie is so informative and motivational.

info@skyspawellnesscentre.com www.skyspawellnesscentre.com Sky Spa UK

A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR HEALING

Peace & Serenity A welcome addition to the High Street is Peace and Serenity, a lovely calming shop full of crystals, Himalayan salt and aroma lamps, home décor accessories and a range of gifts suitable for all pockets.

You’ll also find dream catchers, tarot cards, Tibetan singing bowls, buddhas, tea lights holders and much more.

To the rear of the shop is a gorgeous, tranquil relaxing room offering a range of holistic treatments including, duopody reflexology Hopi ear candling, facial acupressure, Auricular (ear) reflexology, hand reflexology and Reiki spiritual healing.

With Christmas around the corner, Peace and Serenity will answer all your gift idea needs. Vouchers available.

Peace & Serenity 83 High St, Barry, CF62 7DX 01446 733391 peace-serenity2021@outlook.com Peace & Serenity

“All life is here. Barry High Street has a real buzz about it these days.”

BARRY HIGH STREET ALL-NATURAL PET EMPORIUM

The Natural Pet Pantry Caroline Williams, owner of The Natural Pet Pantry on the High Street is passionate about providing the best for your pets with quality, natural pet food made with the best natural ingredients to nourish healthier, happier pets.

Brands offered include Reggie’s Raw, VOM, Nurture Them Naturally, Just Natural, Benyfit Natural – the best that money can buy.

Caroline also offers supplements, clothing, toys, treats and accessories. Being conscious of the environment, treats are sold in recyclable or biodegradable packaging wherever possible.

Caroline has a wealth of knowledge on all things pet related and is happy to spend time giving free, impartial advice.

If you care for your furry friend and want the best for them, then a raw, natural diet is the way to go - after all it’s what your cats and dogs were designed to eat!

The Natural Pet Pantry 98 High Street, Barry CF62 7DS 01446 748942 or 07745525279

Look out for the Loyalty Card Scheme. thenaturalpetpantryltd@gmail.com www.thenaturalpetpantry.co.uk @TheNaturalPetPantryLtd Opening Hours Mondays Closed Tuesday – Saturday 9.30am-5pm

INTRODUCING A NEW COLLECTION

Gifts&Design@99 Shop Want a memorable keepsake for your beautiful and expensive bouquet?

Want to savour this moment and save it from going to waste?

Bring it to Gifts & Design @ 99, and they will transform it to a stunning piece of functional art: candle plates, floral blocks, ring dishes, coasters crafted with naturally dried or preserved flowers and resin.

This is a great way to save your special memory of weddings, recreations, memorials, birthdays, anniversaries, any special occasions or just as a custom art piece. These wonderful flowers were provided by Beautiful Lily Florist.

Gifts&Design@99 are delighted to introduce a new collection, ‘Memories In Your Hands’.

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Gifts&Design@99 Shop 99 High Street Barry CF62 7DS mintandfeather@gmail.com MintAndFeather

mint_and_feather

BOUTIQUE AESTHETICS & TATTOO LOUNGE

White Lies Aesthetics

Catalina is joined by Charlie Lou who operates her tattoo parlour within the clinic. White Lies is truly a one-stopshop for all things beauty.

Say hello to White Lies Aesthetics, owned by the talented Catalina Sirena. Catalina, who has extensive training, offers a range of treatments including anti-wrinkle and fillers, chemical peels, mesotherapy/microneedling, microblading, scalp micropigmentation and permanent make up.

Catalina specialises in procedures such as liquid facelifts, facial contouring and hair restoration treatments. Catalina enhances the natural beauty of her clients (both men and women over the age of 21). Her treatments are competitively priced at her boutique style clinic. Rest assured, Catalina is a fully qualified, licensed and insured practitioner that is happy to share her knowledge with all clients.

AWARD WINNING CAKE MAKER AND STUNNING COFFEE SHOP

The Vale Cake Boutique

White Lies Aesthetics 15 High Street, Barry CF62 7EA 01446 734217 https://whiteliesaesthetics.square.site/ WhiteLiesAesthetics

COMING SOON! Afternoon tea as well as a small brunch menu! You can secure a table or make a cake enquiry by calling the shop on 01446 741511.

For the last nine years, VCB have been known for their bespoke Wedding and event cakes, winning the Welsh Wedding Awards for the last four years, including best Wedding Cakes in Wales.

They offer bespoke contemporary designed cakes for all occasions and events.After years of running the business from Zoe’s home in Barry, she is now super excited to have a new home and bring her cakes to the High Street! At VCB, they strive to offer a cosy yet modern stylish environment, with high quality coffee, drinks and a variety cakes and pastries. You can also enjoy watching their bakers creating their cakes and goodies in their glass studio.

The Vale Cake Boutique 8 High Street Barry CF62 7DZ 01446 741511 07960 405829 zoe@thevalecakeboutique.com www.thevalecakeboutique.com TheValeCakeBoutique Thevalecakeboutique

“An influx of brilliant independents ensures this street is one of the most vibrant in the Vale.”

BARRY HIGH STREET HIGH STREET AGENTS FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS

Knights Estate Agents Nearly thirty years ago Knights Estate Agents was opened in High Street, Barry by the experienced team that started Crown and Co in High Street in 1982 – nearly forty years ago!

This expanded team of professionals brings huge experience to all residential and commercial property sales and lettings in Barry, Vale of Glamorgan and Cardiff.

This is what their clients had to say!

“I was beyond happy with the service I received from Knights and would implore anybody who is looking for an estate agent to look no further. Their customer service was brilliant.” T. Thorne HAIR & BEAUT Y UNDER ONE ROOF

Vanity Studio

“Found a commercial property online advertised by Knights and they have been efficient, helpful, and always on hand to discuss any details needed as well as a great gobetween ourselves and the landlord.

Especially with Covid guidelines in place making things that little bit trickier. Could not recommend highly enough.” Chris Bowman

“Service was brilliant!”

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

Oh, and don’t forget the lashes and glues, lip glosses and beauty blenders – you’ll be buying them on repeat!

Beth Rooney and Alethea Cambridge have been running Vanity Studio for the last four years and have built up a very strong following.

Known not only for their skills in all aspects of hair cutting, colouring and styling but also for their own brand of beauty products which are flying off the shelves in the salon and also on their online shop at www. vanitycollections.co.uk Vanity Studio 14 York Place, Barry CF62 7ED 01446 311583 www.vanitycollections.co.uk

If you need to deal with annoying broken baby hairs without leaving hair feeling crunchy or oily, then you must try their hair taming wand. It’s the little pocketsized life saver you never knew you needed but won’t be able to live without!

@VanityStudioBarry 72

A VERY WELSH CHRISTMAS

Homemade Wales For a very Welsh Christmas, head to Homemade Wales on Barry’s High Street. Homemade Wales is packed with handcrafted gifts and homewares from makers and artists across the whole of Wales and beyond.

Selected and curated by owner Fay Blakeley, it’s the place to visit if you’re looking for something special and a little different, including local art prints, ceramics, jewellery, Welsh wool accessories, handmade candles, books and cards.

This year, for a limited period, Homemade Wales will be collaborating with Cardiff Distillery and Jin Caerdydd to bring you a selection of their amazing gins to make your hamper gifting extra special.

And, if that’s not enough, take a look in The Pantry, which Fay calls ‘Hamper HQ’ and explains, “We’ve sourced some of the best Welsh produce for our Hampers, which you can pick yourself and leave us to wrap beautifully. We’ll even post them out for you!”

Follow Homemade on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for Christmas promotions and event details.

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Visit www.homemadewales.co.uk or call 07859 77647

VALE LIFE PHOTO CORNER

Love the Vale?

Love taking photos?

If you love taking photos with a camera or phone, join us at the Vale Life Photo Corner group on Facebook.

It’s friendly and inclusive and you’ll see some of the best images out there from talented professionals to enthusiastic amateurs. Just search Vale Life Photo Corner on Facebook and you’ll find us.

“Every week members posts remind us how beautiful the Vale is.”

In 1989 Chris Davies Estate Agents opened its doors in Rhoose. Over thirty plus years it has established itself as one of the Vale’s leading independent agents. Now, with Andrew Fenton at the helm, Chris Davies is ready for a new chapter.

CHRIS DAVIES ESTATE AGENTS LOCAL & PROUDLY INDEPENDENT Andrew was brought up in Penarth, schooling in Cogan and St Cyres before opting not to go to University but find full time employment. After spending several years at WH Smith in Penarth, his property career started with Peter Mulcahy Estate Agents working through the Vale, Cardiff and the Pontypridd Valley.

Returning to Penarth in the early 2000s, Andrew was one of the first in the UK to sit qualification exams through the National Association of Estate Agents where he achieved the national runner up award. He was invited to attend the ceremony at the Hilton, Park Lane in London where Natasha Kaplinsky presented him with the coveted award.

October 1989 saw the inception of Chris Davies Estate Agents, Rhoose, in the Vale of Glamorgan. In the 1990s, Barry office was added; in 2000 the office at Llantwit Major complemented the other two equally prominent offices that continue to look after clients across the Vale of Glamorgan.

Each air-conditioned office enjoys an enviable corner position and serves the Vale corridor from Penarth to Cowbridge with all aspects of residential sales and lettings.

December 23rd 2019 saw a pivotal change for Chris Davies Estate Agents.

A management buy-out was completed between Christopher Davies and Andrew Fenton which saw the latter become 100% shareholder. With tremendous assistance and support from Development Bank Wales (who pride themselves on supporting local businesses), this allowed Andrew to achieve a lifelong goal of owning and running his own company.

Having worked in the industry since 1996, Andrew is a well-respected figure in the Vale and, because of his local knowledge and expertise, is ideally placed to advise on all aspects of selling and letting.

Each of the three offices is managed by a qualified and experienced manager. Andrew is at Rhoose, Matthew Kingston at Llantwit Major and Andrew’s wife Claire heads up the Barry office. Each have over ten years’ experience in the industry and over 45 years combined. They are supported by passionate, experienced team members who all live in the Vale of Glamorgan (local knowledge is paramount).

In 2005 Andrew started with Chris Davies Estate Agents and took up management of the now Head Office in Rhoose. Another personal achievement is being a semi-finalist on Channel 4’s Countdown show in 2016 (Andrew was beaten by the eventual series winner).

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Lettings is a huge aspect of the company’s success. Covering the Vale and Cardiff, the team’s ethos has always been, and always will be, to provide top level customer service and regular communication. This ensures that each client is treated as a person, not a number. This, Andrew says, “continues to ensure repeat business and enhances our already established excellent reputation.”

Chris Davies Estate Agents

Rhoose (Head Office) 29 Fontygary Road, Rhoose CF62 3DS 01446 711900

Andrew recognises that the house moving process is tremendously stressful and having a continuous point of contact ensures that important continuity and support is in place at all times. “We believe in the personal approach,” he adds. “Communicative methods of telephone, email, text and social media are there to ensure a smooth transition.”

Barry 24 High Street Barry CF62 7EA 01446 700007

Whilst specialising in, and dealing with, the sale and letting of residential property, the company’s goal is to provide all clients with a network of trusted partners.

“If clients need a recommendation for an electrician, removal company, financial advisor, solicitor, pet care specialist and so on, the no obligation offering will be there to ensure that the journey from start to finish is as seamless as it possibly can be,” says Andrew.

Andrew is conscious that the pandemic has proved to be a very difficult time and period for everyone. “There’s never been a more important time to support local businesses such as Chris Davies Estate and Lettings Agents,” he says. “Local support is needed and appreciated more than ever before, so if you’re passing the offices, pop in for a socially distanced chat and we’ll be delighted to point you in the right direction and always offer best advice.”

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Llantwit Major Heritage House, East Street Llantwit Major CF61 1XY 01446 792020 Lettings 01446 792020 www.chris-davies.co.uk www.facebook.com/ chrisdaviesestateagents

Broad Street sits below High Street and runs parallel to it. It has many fine eateries, takeaways and some excellent indie businesses.

It’s also a steppingstone to The Goodsheds. You may recall we featured The Goodsheds in our summer issue. A very fine development indeed. There’s no doubt about it, the western end of Barry has a real buzz about it and property prices are beginning to reflect that.

Remember, if you are selling (or buying) please use a local, independent agent. You’ll be helping keep more revenue in the Vale rather than supporting large corporations elsewhere. We have some excellent estate agents in Barry and you can’t beat local knowledge.

BARRY BROAD STREET SUPPORTING COMMUNIT Y

The Gallery Welcome to the Gallery, run by CUBE (Community United Barry 4 Everyone).

In their own words, their mission is “to support our community one cup of coffee a time”, and each cup they serve pays it forward and helps them fund services for individuals and families in need. You can find them at The Gallery, 2 Broad Street, Barry, and their opening times are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. Drop in for their amazing home-made cakes by their local artisan bakers, lets them serve you as you help them serve our local communities. www.thegallery.wales CUBE (Community United Barry 4 Everyone) Cubecentre FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!

Lunch at Twelve and No 9 Catering Breakfast, lunch, coffee and cake, Sunday lunch and catering for special events are all catered for by Lunch at Twelve and No 9 Kitchen, based in Thompson Street and Broad Street respectively.

Quality of ingredients and service are at the core of the offering at both businesses. Dietary requirements are also catered for.

Whether it’s a buffet lunch for your workplace, hen and stag do’s, children’s parties, afternoon teas to canape parties, high profile events and weddings. Full service of catering is offered including delivery. Please enquire for more details.

No 9 Kitchen (café) 9 Thompson Street, Barry CF63 4JL 01446 732094 Lunch At Twelve (event catering) 12 Broad Street, Parade, Barry CF62 7AN 01446 737112 lunchattwelve@outlook.com www.lunchattwelve.vistaprintdigital.com lunchattwelve lunch_at_twelve

FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Joe & Co With cuts to suit all ages and genders, Joe and Co offer so much more than just haircuts.

The children will love the racing car chairs and watching cartoons, while mum or dad relax and unwind having their hair cut and styled, knowing that the children are happy and occupied.

Working with Lunch at Twelve next door, who provide the catering requirements, Joe and Co is able to offer children’s parties and events at the quirky, unique rooms specifically decorated to cater for younger and older children.

If required, Joe and Co can be booked for private family haircuts and styling for children with sensory and specific needs (please enquire for more details).

To book: Via Nearcut App Haircuts 01446 311852 Joseph Barbershop taking the calls Birthday Parties 01446 737112 Lunch at Twelve taking the calls Joe & Co 11 The Parade, Broad Street, Barry 01446 311852 Joe & Co

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

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CALL 029 2066 7787

VISIT US ONLINE AT WWW.ALEXANDERBULLOCK.CO.UK

When Design Director Barrie-John Chamberlain and Kelly Chamberlain, a Learning Support Assistant, in Barry needed a large extension to their property, they didn’t initially imagine it would be their friends who would help them realise their dream.

FUTURE FRIENDS

This lovely couple live in Barry with their two youngest children Olivia and Bella (Connor, their oldest, is away at Uni). We caught up with the couple to find out about the innovative extension to their home.

How did you find out about Future?

Craig and his wife Dina are friends of ours. We thought initially Future supplied just windows and doors. I had enquired about some bifold doors and, as we discussed matters, Craig informed me that they also construct extensions.

How many quotations did you get from different companies?

We had four quotations ranging in price and standards.

What made you choose Future?

Confidence in Future - in Craig and Dina. They assured me of their excellent build quality. The price was very competitive, plus their availability and reassuring on-site presence.

They were also able to supply all the windows, doors, and look after the plastering, plumbing and electrics, which meant less headaches for us.

What work did they undertake?

The groundworks, the full extension build, installation of all windows and bifold doors. Craig organised the plastering, plumbing and electrical work.

How long did the project take from start to finish? What was the process?

The project took roughly twelve weeks in total. We were under pressure from the start as the kitchen from Sigma3 was due to arrive within eight weeks and we really wanted their expert fitter Kristian to install ours and, if we missed this window, we wouldn’t have his availability until October.

We applied for planning, and this was granted for a single storey extension.

Once we agreed contracts with Future, the process began week one after with groundworkers arriving to dig and remove the existing garden.

A week was lost after the Planning Officer insisted on a raft foundation to be installed. This required calculations and the fabrication of the steel before the concrete could be laid. Once this was completed the block and brickwork commenced.

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During the build and we decided to increase the size of the bifolds to five metres. This required new steel calculations - again a delay on our part but ultimately the right decision as it improved the extension and view of the garden. Future were very accommodating to our changes and offered counter-suggestions if something was expensive and usually, when it comes to my wife and I, it was!

This was no more apparent as to when we insisted that we did not want the structural steel visible but rather inside the ceiling. Again, Future were completely accommodating. The timber joists were installed and then the process to make the build watertight coincided with awful weather during late April and May. Further changes were made by Kelly and I to improve the aesthetic of the exterior by having a parapet installed so no guttering was visible from the garden. We encountered an issue with planning as the existing soil pipe could not be redirected into a drain as initially planned. This required a clever rerouting through the house so that the kitchen could remain an open plan environment as per our expectations.

Did you find Future easy to work with?

Yes. Craig and Dina were always at the end of the phone and would even turn up on weekends to discuss any issues.

They would regularly pop in for a coffee and Craig would even get his hands dirty!

How has the project improved your home? What do you love most?

Initially, when we bought the house, we felt the downstairs was quite small. This extension has drastically increased the size of the house, opened up the garden and given us all room to enjoy the space on offer. The bifolds, when open, really invite you into the garden. The extra light, especially from the roof lantern, really gives the impression of being outdoors whilst sat on the kitchen island.

Hard to say what our favourite aspect is. The high spec kitchen is my personal space as I love to cook. The girls love being creative on the island whilst watching me cooking and Kelly loves the bifold doors open. Connor likes to be sat in the hot tub where he can view the football from the kitchen wall!

Would you recommend Future to friends and family?

Yes, Craig and Dina managed the build well and remained calm and supportive whilst Kelly and I found matters stressful - being without a kitchen for a couple of weeks with a nine and six-year-old is no fun. The results speak for themselves.

Future have done a great job!

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Future Ideal Homes 7 The Storage Centre Cardiff Road, Barry CF63 2BG 01446 733455 futureidealhomesltd@gmail.com www.futureidealhomesltd.co.uk

Working through Covid has been tough for every business. We chatted to Lindsey Adams, owner of Quadrant Financial Associates Ltd, Park Crescent Barry to find out more.

QUADRANT ADAPT & SURVIVE

Lindsey Adams APFS

We are passionate about our local community and are fully supporting the unite against the planned development of Model Farm near Cardiff Airport, joining their protest at the Senedd, and calling out L&G for their hypocrisy.

Sign up for the Quadrant newsletter https://mailchi.mp/3616c61ab7f0/ quadrant-ifa-ltd

How has the business adapted during Covid?

We adapted by working from home, zoom and team meetings were the norm. As lockdown eased, we installed safeguards for our clients with protective screens on our reception desk and meeting rooms. We were literally swimming in hand sanitizer.

As pension specialists we were very busy. New enquiries increased as many people were re-evaluating their work life balance and took advantage of our complimentary initial consultation to either take early/partial retirement.

We hear you were involved with Bro Radio – in what capacity?

As the Vale’s Local Financial Experts, we had a weekly broadcast on Bro Radio’s Breakfast programme. This was for 6 months from September 2020 to March 2021 and we used this platform to share information within the Vale on the Government Covid Financial initiatives and any topical financial issues of the week. This was a great experience for us and very well accepted.

You’re celebrating two years in Park Crescent. How has that been for you?

Two years, where has the time gone?

Park Crescent is such a busy, thriving area, we love being in the heart of the community and wouldn’t change a thing.

We believe in work life balance and last year, trialled a 4-day week and we loved it!

You will now find us open from Monday to Thursday 8am to 6pm. Friday is our day where we each get to spend time with our families and have some fun!

You are now the proud owners of not one but two awards. Please tell us about those.

We are very proud of our double award win in the ‘Women in Financial Advice Awards 2020’. Our Chartered Financial Planner, Lindsey Adams won Woman of the Year- Retirement Planning and Financial Adviser of the Year, Wales.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to wine and dine in London, but we made up for it with a virtual awards ceremony and a glass or two of prosecco!

Jackie Jones, Administration Manager

Nicki Jones, Paraplanner

Linda Rudman, Client Coordinator

Gail Lloyd, Accounts and Finance Manager APFS

Is it important for you to give back to the local community that support your business?

Since opening we have supported The Vale and Rhoose foodbanks, The Jam Fund, and Round Table. We have recently sponsored Rhoose under14s AFC and donated to the purchase and installation of two defibrillators in the Rhoose area.

We are an active bunch and took part in the Trek26 Brecon Beacons 13 mile walk for the Alzheimer’s Association on Sunday 5th September. You can support us via this Just Giving link: https://www.justgiving.com/team/ QuadrantFinancial 82

Quadrant Financial Associates Ltd 115A Park Crescent, Barry 029 2081 4045 info@quadrantifa.co.uk www.quadrantifa.co.uk

www.sian-owen.co.uk

Pontyclun, translated from Welsh, means ‘bridge over the River Clun’ and has been in official use since 1893.

Prior to that it was called Pont y Clown (Cloune or Clune). The Clun is a tributary of the River Ely. Until 1850 this was an area of tranquil farmland with just a few farmhouses.

How things have changed.

With great transport links, and it being nestled between Cowbridge, Talbot Green and Llantrisant, Pontyclun is certainly becoming one of the most desirable places to live on the Vale/RCT border and house prices are certainly on the rise.

Today, Pontyclun’s bustling main street is one of the most vibrant in the area.

With its shops, cafes, butcher, pubs, deli, gallery, and eateries, you’d be forgiven for thinking this cool town has it all.

In 1871 the census registered an influx of Cornish miners looking for work after the collapse of the copper mining industry in Cornwall. There was plenty of work in south Wales with the expansion of the Ely Tin Plate Works, The Pipe Works and The Steam Joinery Company.

PONTYCLUN HOW DELIS SHOULD BE

The Deli Lisa and Claire have successfully run The Deli in the heart of Pontyclun and offer a wide range of homemade, locally sourced food and baked goodies.

Ranging from salamis, Welsh cheeses, locally sourced groceries on the shelves along with a deli counter full of homemade pies, quiches, cakes and tarts – all to take away. Why not pop in for a coffee or Welsh cake, freshly cooked on the griddle? Or pick up one of the flavoured loaves from a wellrespected bakery.

The Deli was a café before lockdown, but the owners are now concentrating all their efforts on what they do best - offering takeaway items to the residents of Pontyclun and beyond.

The Deli also specialises in delicious home-cooked food, catering for dinner parties, business lunches and buffets for those special occasions.

With Christmas just around the corner, give The Deli a call to book your Christmas hampers; choosing from a great selection of deli-based items and cheeses.

THE CELEBRIT Y BARBER SHOP

Tame The Mane This barber shop in the heart of Pontyclun offers everything fades, shaving, tidy ups or cuts for everyday or that special occasion.

Alun and Asher provide styling advice and sell their own products to help lock in that look. Tame the Mane also has a hairdresser to cater for girls and women.

The Deli 24 Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun CF72 9EE 01443 225579 thedelipontyclun@gmail.com www.thedelipontyclun.com The Delicatessen Pontyclun

Tame the Mane are no strangers to TV fame and, along with Scissors Hairdressers across the road, have a regular slot on The One Show. The fame hasn’t gone to their heads (see what we did there!) and welcome existing and new clients alike to see what all the talk is about.

One customer said. “Absolutely brilliant service. My boy never used to like having his hair cut, but now he can’t wait to go. Always met with a smile and great atmosphere. Highly recommended.”

Tame The Mane Barber Shop 14b Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun CF72 9ED 07999 063445 www.tamethemanebarbershop.co.uk tamethemanebarbershopwales Book online tamethemanebarbershop1/booksy.com

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FUN & FRIENDLY SALON

Scissors Pontyclun Scissors offer all aspects of hairdressing including cutting and colouring. Becky has over thirty years’ experience in the industry. The staff keep up with all trends thanks to the online training courses with specialists L’Oreal.

Helping them to achieve the conditioning and styling of their clients’ hair are the L’Oreal, Moroccan Oil and Olaplex products. The salon is proud to be a GHD Premier Partnership Salon, an honour only afforded to salons offering unique GHD Premier styling products. With Christmas fast approaching, Becky suggests clients book in for their cuts and colours in advance to ensure they look gorgeous in the lead up and during the festive break.

Christmas gift sets available in GHD (new Unplugged) and Moroccan Oil. QUALIT Y BUTCHERS

John Hughes Butchers John Hughes Butchers has been serving the community for several decades. Customers come from miles around to buy their meat products from John Hughes Butchers. Yes, they serve Pontyclun and Talbot Green but also see customers from Bridgend, Barry, Cowbridge and even as far as Swansea.

Scissors 53 Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun CF72 9EB 01443 238835 www.scissorspontyclun.co.uk Scissors Pontyclun Closed Monday & Sunday Tuesday 10am - 6pm Wednesday & Thursday 10am - 7pm Friday 9am - 7pm Saturday 8.30am - 4.30pm

What makes this butcher attract such a wide customers base? It has to be the Welsh St Fagans beef and pork which is so so tasty thanks to the animals having the luxury of grazing on the nutrient filled soil of the land.

All of our poultry is British and our meat across the board is 90% British.

Also check out their cooked meats, homemade pies, pasties and faggots and award-winning sausages.

If you’d like to taste great quality meat, then take a trip to John Hughes Butchers.

Once tasted, you’ll be back for more!

John Hughes Butchers 31 Cowbridge Road, Pontyclun CF72 9EB 01443 225225 JohnHughesButchers

PONTYCLUN

“Pontyclun is a town very much rich in history.”

If you’re Christmas shopping in or near Pontyclun, we strongly suggest you pay a visit.

GILES GALLERY Original paintings, prints, jewellery, ceramics, textiles, sculptures, greeting cards, plus a great range of tasteful Welsh language Christmas cards.

You’ll find art supplies in abundance and a bespoke framing service with Beth and her team on hand to offer advice and gift vouchers are always available.

All made by local artists and makers.

During November local artist Lorraine Howells will be exhibiting her oil paintings of Porthcawl, especially her beloved Rest Bay, and in December until the end of January a unique opportunity to see the individual original art work of all the students of Giles Gallery.

Giles Gallery Old Methodist Church Cowbridge Road Pontyclun CF72 9EG www.gilesgallery.com GilesGallery gilesartgallery

WALL-TO-WALL SWEETNESS

Reds Sugar Rush Old school sweetshop packed to the rafters with your tastiest and most colourful favourites. We really like the clearly marked containers with allergen info too.

Has plenty of loyal, local fans: “Love Reds, it’s awesome.”

“The best chocolate by miles.”

“We love the old favourites.”

“Service with a big smile!”

Locals love it and the reviews back it up. Reds Sugar Rush has to be one of the coolest little sweetshops around.

Reds Sugar Rush Station Terrace, Pontyclun CF72 9ES 07792 466795 Open Tuesday to Friday 9am to 4:30pm Saturday 9am to 3pm Sunday 10am to 2pm BREAKFAST, BRUNCH & LUNCH

The Brunch Stop This cool little independent takeaway sandwich shop is located in the heart of Pontyclun and offers a wide range of breakfast and lunch options to those on the go.

All freshly prepared food and coffee by a friendly team passionate about customer service. Their salads and sandwiches are legendary - extremely popular with locals and office workers and customers from local trading estates who make a bee-line for this much loved takeaway.

Good selection of scrummy cakes too great for a mid-morning or post lunch pick-me-up.

The Brunch Stop Station Terrace, Pontyclun CF72 9ES 07949 361161 Open Monday to Friday 8am to 3pm Saturday 9am to 2pm WELSH EXCLUSIVE

New Composable Links to give this Christmas Nomination’s Composable Collection already features some of your favourite Welsh words: Cariad, Cwtch and Diolch, but Nomination is launching these Christmas Links exclusively in Wales.

Make sure you add them to your Christmas Wish List! Single Link is available at £25, and Double Link for £39. Remember these gorgeous pieces are only available across Wales at your local Nomination stockist.

Live in Cardiff and the Vale? Don’t miss out, pre-order today! Visit the Nomination website to view the complete Nomination collection. www.nomination.com/uk_en 87

Mandy Irene Davies, owner of Vale Laser Ltd is based in the busy town of Talbot Green. We caught up with Mandy to find out what treatments are popular at this time of year.

VALE LASER

What treatments does the clinic offer?

We cover a whole range of treatments including Laser hair removal, HIFU face and neck lift, Skin resurfacing, thread vein removal, pigmentation, skin tags and tattoo removal.

What treatments are popular as we come into Winter?

Laser hair removal is a great winter treatment as it takes around six months so if you start now, you’ll be smooth for Spring. Skin resurfacing is also a popular option for the Winter months as it is best to keep out of the sun after each session as your skin can be a little hot for a couple of hours after the treatment. It’s a bit like mild sunburn but the results are amazing. The appearance of the skin is more elastic and springier, pore size is reduced, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles are much improved, and you are left with a healthier, brighter complexion.

It’s also great for acne scarring and stretchmarks. Our skin resurfacing laser penetrates just beneath top layer of the skin without harming the surface so is a great combination treatment alongside the HIFU as the downtime is negligible.

Thread vein removal is also an option for the Winter months, especially for face and legs as you don’t have to worry so much about keeping out of the sun. We have a medical grade vascular laser, a big investment for us but the results have been incredible for our clients. Facial threads are often removed in just one session, with leg threads needing 2-3 sessions depending on the volume and severity.

Tell us more about the HIFU. HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) is extremely popular. It is a high-intensity focused ultrasound, non-surgical facelift which penetrates 4.5mm and 3mm beneath the skin surface to the SMAS layer which holds your collagen. It tightens and lifts the skin and stimulates new collagen production. There is no downtime, it’s pain free, and anti-aging. One treatment takes around two hours and it’s recommended once every 12-18 months to replenish collagen levels.

It takes around 12-16 weeks for the new, stronger collagen to form but the final result is worth it and it’s a great alternative to injectables.

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Hair removal is a big issue for both males and females. Tell us about your hair removal procedure.

We use what’s known as a Peak Powered Diode laser which allows us to deliver high energy levels and strong cooling for a greater customer experience. Six sessions are recommended, once every four to eight weeks to capture all the hair growth cycles, clients will notice hair reduction from the first session. We offer special rates for clients suffering from PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) as we have seen that laser hair removal can be life changing for our clients. It is so rewarding to see the transformation in our clients’ confidence and also seeing clients going make-up free.

It must be very rewarding making such a difference to your clients’ lives.

Absolutely! I’d much rather let our before and after pictures tell the story.

If anyone does have a skin issue that they would like to discuss, I would encourage them to give the clinic a call and an appointment will be made for a free, no obligation, private consultation.

Julie Before

VALE LASER LTD

Client Testimonial How did you hear about Vale Laser?

Through a mutual friend of ours, Julie who works in partnership with Mandy.

What treatment did you have?

HIFU. I have also been for the skin resurfacing laser treatment which is a once a month visit to the clinic, this lasts for approximately 30 minutes.

Why did you feel you needed the treatment?

To improve my skin and collagen, being 50+ this naturally diminishes, the treatment was amazing and lifted my jowl area. The skin resurfacing gives an amazing youthful glow and plumping of the skin from the new collagen production.

How long did the treatment take?

The HIFU took about 45 minutes which included initial and after care instructions. Skin resurfacing takes approximately 20- 30 minutes depending on area.

Was it painful?

Initial first HIFU was slightly uncomfortable, but the new advanced machines are much less intrusive. The skin resurfacing is slightly uncomfortable, but a skin numbing cream is applied prior to treatment to remove the sting feeling.

If you would like the skin these results, and who wouldn’t, then give Mandy a call at the clinic and book your appointment.

Julie After

How long was the down time?

HIFU - No down time was experienced. The results take from immediate improvement to impressive final results up to 12 weeks. Skin resurfacing shows slight reddening of the skin depending on your sensitivity.

This improves after a day.

How long was it before you could go out, exercise etc again?

Straight away.

Are you pleased with the results?

Very pleased and I have received lots of compliments on my skin and glowing complexion.

Did you feel it was value for money?

Definitely value for money. It’s a one-off payment which gives results for up to 18 months, unlike Botox which you pay for per area or vile and doesn't last as long so overall becomes far more expensive and intrusive as a foreign substance is administered into your face.

I have never had Botox as I don’t like the thought and fear of this, plus your face becomes frozen, unlike these treatments which show a natural youthful appearance.

What has it done for your confidence/self-esteem?

I feel so much more confident and youthful, I regularly go without make up as I don't need to hide anything now.

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Vale Laser Ltd Sands Private Health Clinic 67 Talbot Road, Talbot Green Pontyclun CF72 8AE 01443 238232 Vale Laser Skin Pyle Garden Village 2 Heol Mostyn Village Farm Industrial Estate Pyle Bridgend CF33 6BJ 07951 559966 Vale Laser Aesthetics Ltd The Clinic Canton 220 Cowbridge Road East Canton CF5 1GY 02921 158543 07787 825385 mandy@valelaser.co.uk www.valelaser.co.uk valelaser.co.uk 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.

Sunglasses are essential to protect our eyes from bright light, but only lenses that are polarised can cut out glare from reflective surfaces.

Catherine Coles. Manager at Davies & Jones, Talbot Green explains.

WINTER SUN SCREEN

POLARISED SUNGLASSES AT DAVIES & JONES

Reduced glare means better contrast and clarity of vision. This enhanced vision, and the fact that harmful rays are being blocked also results in less eye strain.

We all experience glare in our daily lives, and whether its whilst driving or taking part in an outdoors sport, it can be distracting, especially as the autumn and winter months approach. The sun sits low on the horizon and that can create huge problems with glare.

Polarised lenses have been popular in the fishing community for years but it’s not just those who spend a lot of time around water that can benefit from reduced glare. Whether you’re a driver or just someone who spends a lot of time outdoors, Davies and Jones recommends polarised sunglasses.

When light reflects off a flat surface, like water, or the sloping window of a car, it tends to travel in a uniform direction creating a concentration of light, or ‘glare’. Polarised lenses contain a filter that blocks these concentrated light rays and reduces glare. This reduction of glare can be particularly useful when driving in the rain, or when the sun is low in the sky, as blinding glare can be extremely dangerous.

Davies and Jones are proud of their spectacular(!) range from Maui Jim whose sunglasses won’t change the world – they’ll change the way you see it. Call in and see the full range for yourselves.

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

InBusiness makes a return to our pages and InBusiness magazine will be back in the new year so keep an eye out for your copy.

If you’re in business and you’d like to be featured or have a story you think might interest readers, please get in touch. You can contact Mark on 07766 106731 or email him. His address is at the front of Vale Life.

InBusiness has a great reputation and mirrors the quality and design of its sister magazine Vale Life. www.inbusinessmag.co.uk

It doesn’t matter if you’re a sole trader or a blue-chip, just starting or long established, we’d love to hear from you and help promote your business to customers and potential clients across south Wales.

IN BUSINESS BOOKKEEPING & ACCOUNTANCY

CBBS Ltd CBBS Ltd is a well-established, family run accountancy business based in Rhoose. Owner Carly Burrows and her small, close knit team offers a full range of accountancy services.

Services range from statutory accounts, bookkeeping, management reports, MTD vat returns, payroll and pension, self-assessment personal tax, company formations and general help and advice.

CBBS Ltd hello@cbbsltd.co.uk 01767 834899 www.cbbsltd.co.uk

Whether you prefer telephone meetings, Zoom calls or person-toperson, CBBS Ltd can help.

Call now to find out what self-assessment personal tax offers we are currently running. We also offer discounted monthly packages on all our services.

CBBS Ltd cbbsltd

01446 677648 or 07813 134123

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HENSOL

Gin Tour & Tasting We recently enjoyed a visit to Hensol Castle Distillery and very enjoyable it was too. You’ll need a designated driver of course.

This is fascinating few hours and, of course, a little tipple didn’t do us any harm. We also met some lovely people who accompanied us on the tour. To find out more, visit the website: www.hensolcastle.com/distillery

A new craft 17th Century Grade I-listed spirit distillery, gin school, visitor experience and bottling plant, located in the cellars of a castle in South Wales, opened its doors to visitors for the first time in September.

HENSOL GIN

RAISE YOUR GLASSES! Iechyd da! Hensol Castle Distillery in South Wales is officially open for visitors.

After a multi-million pound investment, Hensol Castle Distillery and Hensol Castle are set to become a flagship tourism destination attracting up to 30,000 visitors annually from the UK and Western Europe - and as far afield as USA and Far East. It was originally due to launch in March 2020, but official opening plans were scuppered when the pandemic hit. Despite this set back, tours and gin-making visits totalling £65,000 have already been pre-sold in anticipation of the opening.

Visitors will be able to distil a bespoke bottle of gin made to their own specific tastes in the gin school, visit the distillery in action, learn about the history of gin and Hensol Castle and enjoy a gin tasting in the cocktail bar.

Tours will be given by the castle’s team of distillers including Master Distiller, Dai Wakely, who has recently joined to spearhead all new product development.

Hensol Castle Distillery is South Wales’s first full-scale gin and spirits distillery

and contract bottling plant. It started production in spring 2019 and has enjoyed a successful initial two-years of trading, handling an ever-growing order book for contract bottling and launching an on-trade range of Benjamin Hall gin and vodka and an award-winning Crawshay collection of gins. During the height of the pandemic last year, it also launched TRULO – a reduced calorie range of liqueurs, which have done especially well as people have enjoyed their homemade ‘quarantinis’ during lockdown.

At the heart of the distillery is a 400-litre copper still, which was engineered in Germany, and has been affectionately named Gerald after Gerald Leeke, group chairman of Leekes.

During the renovations, a 173-year old message in a bottle was unearthed by builders as they pulled up some flooring in the main castle and spotted a dusty bottle deep in the ground.

The hand-written note, which is the work of Lord Rowland Fothergill, reads: “Deposited under the boards of 93

this corridor by Rowland Fothergill the proprietor of the Hensol Castle Estate during the alterations and repairs of this castle 10 March 1848.”

Rowland Fothergill was an ironmaster in South Wales in the 1800s, becoming high sheriff of Glamorgan in 1850.

As the owner of Hensol Castle, he introduced a large courtyard, a clock tower and flag tower and also drained the lake to add a small mock castle folly.

The note has now been placed in a prominent location within the distillery for visitors to enjoy.

The Leeke family’s time capsule included the first bottle of Hensol Castle Gin – a new addition to the distillery’s spirit portfolio - to come off the production line together with a handwritten note from Christopher Leeke. Alun Wyn Jones buried it in the distillery courtyard as part of the opening celebrations.

The distillery is part of the wider £7 million redevelopment at Hensol Castle, which has already included turning the once derelict castle into a first-class wedding and conference destination, which opened in 2015.

Hensol Castle Distillery is open for visitors. Gin tours cost £25 per person and gin-making experiences are from £110 per person Both can be booked via www.hensolcastledistillery.com

“We make our customers feel more safe and secure in their own home or business.”

VALE OF GLAMORGAN

and back then we offered repairs and spares for laptop and PCs. Since then we have expanded with the industry repairing almost all IT related gadgets.

With the environment high on everyone’s list of concerns these days, Vale Life chatted with Director Kris Price at his shop, and company HQ, on Holton Road in Barry about their services and what Greenpoint is doing to help the environment.

Tell us about the security side…

While setting up networks and helping with IT support we were constantly being asked about security systems.

With this in mind, we decided to create Greenpoint Security.

Greenpoint’s green credentials

Greenpoint IT Ltd in Barry was established in 2007. The company provides a wide variety of IT and security services.

What services do you offer?

We offer IT and security services. The business was established in 2007

Over 100 immunologists, infectious-disease researchers and virologists working on the coronavirus were asked recently whether it could be eradicated. Almost 90% of respondents think that the coronavirus will become endemic, meaning that it could continue to circulate in pockets of the global population for years to come.

BESTIE PPE

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What’s green about Greenpoint?

Our security systems are all designed to be energy efficient given the tasks they have to do. With the IT side, our ethos is very much recycle and reuse. We are constantly repairing phones, PCs, laptops etc. We live in very much a throwaway world so if we can fixsomething economically that has to be a good thing.

As individuals and business owners we need to ensure that we keep ourselves and our staff safe.

“Washing our hands, keeping a safe distance and staying at home” when we have symptoms will become the norm, as will regular testing and the use of PPE, masks, gels and testing.

In 2017 Bestie PPE was born; “To make sure that all of the necessary paraphernalia was available, affordable and accessible,” says owner Jamie.

Being in business ourselves, Vale Life wanted to find out more.

Do you recycle?

If we can’t reuse or repair a component, PC or laptop, we have a recycling company that collects from us every couple of weeks and they make best use of the materials and components - they are specialists.

games console, the moment you reunite someone with their gadget and see how happy they are to have it back makes all the time spent repairing it worthwhile.

What geographical areas do you cover?

Right across the Vale, and Cardiff.

Because we’re based in Barry, we find we can be more competitive than some Cardiff based companies.

What do you love about what you do?

Definitely the job satisfaction! With Greenpoint Security, I enjoy making our customers feel more safe and secure in their own home or business. On the IT side, it’s repairing someone’s mobile device or fixing their computer or

So how did Bestie PPE react to the pandemic?

The first few years of trading focussed on the sale of consumer products on the Amazon marketplace. As we were already established, we reacted quickly at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic by sourcing and delivering large quantities of vital PPE to many organisations. Our Amazon business continues to thrive and is now complemented by the provision and supply of highly accurate Covid-19 rapid testing kits and ancillary PPE equipment under the trading name Bestie PPE.

Greenpoint IT & Security 18 Holton Rd, Barry CF63 4HD 01446 728225 www.greenpoint-it.co.uk

Just how quickly can a test gain results?

Our Rapid Lateral Flow Antigen test will show in just 15 minutes whether the user has or does not have Covid-19.

Both our their tests are MHRA registered and BSI accredited.

Who are Bestie PPE’s customers?

Amongst our numerous customers, we are particularly proud to be the chosen supplier of a number of elite sporting organisations.

We share our customers commitment to creating a safe workplace environment and have built a bespoke team of experts who embrace forward looking practices. Our experts provide advice, protection expertise and industry relevant insights to help customers thrive and survive.

What sets Bestie PPE apart?

With the leading products and solutions in the market, we believe Bestie PPE provides the resource required to help customers’ meet business challenges.

What drives you during these challenging times?

Our innovative spirit drives the business forward and our mission remains the same; the provision of the most effective, innovative solutions possible to ensure that our customers can provide a safe working environment for employees.

YOUR PPE PARTNER

Bestie PPE Bestie PPE partner with your business, their priority is to use their expertise to keep your people safe.

If you need a clear voice to provide advice and direction, specifically for your business, from knowledgeable experts, contact a member of their friendly team today. They can give you no obligation advice on how to run a testing scheme that protects your business and doesn’t affect your productivity.

Rapid Lateral Flow Test Kit Covid-19 Single-Step Saliva Rapid Antigen Tests Bestie Face Visors Nitrile Blue Powder Free Gloves Vinyl Blue Powder Free Gloves Vinyl Clear Powder Gloves iProtect Hand Sanitising Gel iProtect (Alcohol) Hand Sanitising Gel Active Alcohol Hand Gel with Moisturiser Sychem Foam Sanitiser Soap Dispenser Liquid Stainless Foam Dispenser Sanitise Now Auto Foam and Liquid Dispensers n Sanitise Now Freestanding Automatic Foam Sanitising Unit n Black Wall Mount - Sanitise Now Liquid and Foam Dispensers n n n n n n n n n n n n n

Protecting your business, people and customers Bestie PPE claim to be suppliers of the only Rapid Lateral Flow Testing Kits that can be performed in four different ways.

Bestie PPE info@bestie.uk.com 0333 577 2261 www.bestieppe.co.uk

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I first walked through Crumbs door back in the early eighties, probably around the same time as current owner Paul. We both loved the food. I bought a potato pie salad, Paul bought the business.

CRUMBS FOR BREAKFAST PLUS BRUNCH, LUNCH & AFTERNOON TEA

Crumbs, the much-loved restaurant/ café in Cardiff’s beautiful Morgan Arcade, breezed past its 50th year in 2019 (Paul has owned it over thirty years) and, to celebrate, he gave what was the capital’s very first vegetarian/vegan restaurant a little makeover to celebrate.

Paul is keen to remind me that virtually nothing has changed since it opened back in the early seventies. It’s still offering both a brilliant sit in and takeaway menu. We agree the subtle change of décor, chairs, and tables may, for the most part, go unnoticed.

It always looked, and still does, exceptionally clean and beautifully presented - testament to his passionate team.

In fact, it looks and feels much the same as it did when I walked through its door for the first time back in 1981. Even the menu is almost as it was then. As they say, “if it isn’t broke, it doesn’t need fixing.”

I must confess, I don’t eat a lot of veggie but Crumbs won me over those many years ago (I just love their cheese and potato pie). These days, it’s a favourite for a breakfast with a friend or business brunch. Talking about breakfast, it’s the Crumbs breakfast (served up to 11.30am) that kept it going through the heady months of Covid.

No surprise to me really. It all looks so good. You could go for a cereal bowl of either brans or mueslis (gluten free option available) served with fresh fruit and yoghurt, but you may fancy something a bit more substantial so perhaps the vegan porridge with mixed fruit and a drizzle of local honey, eggs Florentine, scrambled eggs on toast with spinach or the homemade American-style hash browns topped with fried eggs (I’m honestly salivating writing this). A recent favourite for me, and many other customers it appears, is the full breakfast.

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There are an excellent selection of teas, coffees, soft drinks and choice of freshly squeezed carrot, apple and orange juice to choose from but I can’t resist their cappuccinos at the moment - fortunately the cups aren’t buckets like so many of the chains.

Crumbs has always been a firm favourite for lunch due to its plentiful, super healthy salad bowls, Mediterranean Falafels, sweet potato pakoras, seeds and olives, homemade quiches, lasagnes and pies (remember my favourite, the cheese and potato). Not forgetting the gluten free and vegan soups, vegetarian curry and chilli.

For those just wanting a coffee there’s a to-die-for selection of vegan, gluten free and organic cakes to tempt should your resolve weaken. If you happen on Crumbs mid-afternoon, you must try the afternoon tea; home-made scones with clotted cream and jam and a cup of tea (traditional or speciality), it’s to die for.

Why is the food so good at Crumbs?

The produce is fresh and locally sourced, so it’s full of flavour and goodness. Also, no meat is stored on the premises, which, for vegetarians or vegans, is of paramount importance.

The restaurant is bigger than it looks from outside. If it looks busy inside, take the stairs to the first floor where you’ll find two more rooms with even more seating and table space - a different vibe to downstairs (in one window, you can look over the arcade below! Great for people watching.

Don’t just take our word on how good Crumbs is. A quick visit to TripAdvisor will reassure you that this shrine to all things veggie is a must visit. If you’ve never tried it, you must. Trust me, like myself and thousands of Crumbs fans across Cardiff and the Vale, you won’t be disappointed.

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TESTIMONIALS

Crumbs is rated five stars “Amazing for vegans!” ***** My sister and I went to Crumbs for lunch after hearing good things about it. We are both vegans and were really impressed with the range of vegan options. We had the spiced chickpea and spinach pie with salad and hummus - it was amazing! There was also a large selection of vegan cakes, brownies and shortbreads. We had one piece of chocolate cake and one piece of carrot cake - both were delicious.

The staff were also very friendly and welcoming. I’ll definitely be going back!

“Great for veggies, vegans and other humans too!” ***** Had a lovely breakfast here yesterday followed by the best vegan cake I’ve ever had - Morello cherry and vanilla!

Breakfast section is small but great quality. Lunch looked lovely with vegan and gluten free falafels and a very tasty looking chickpea pie also vegan and GF - also great selection of salads.

Make sure you leave room for cake though - all vegan and lots of choice!

“Superb curries!” ***** I adore the Farrow & Ball interior. Taste is what sets Crumbs apart. Their curries are so packed full of flavour. I’m not vegetarian but they’re so good, I don’t notice the missing meat. Their soups are to die for too. If I’m shopping in town, Crumbs is my go-to for lunch.

Crumbs Takeaway & Salad Bar 33 Morgan Arcade, Cardiff CF10 1AF 029 2039 5007 www.crumbskitchencardiff.co.uk Like on Facebook, follow on Twitter Opening hours Monday to Friday 9am - 4pm Saturday 9am - 4:30pm Sunday 10am - 3:30pm Breakfast served 9:30am to 11:30am every day Open all year ‘round except Christmas day and Boxing Day

It’s wonderful to see so many people out again and enjoying themselves. It’s good to see happy, smiling faces across the Vale.

SOCIAL LIFE PENARTH

Blayze on fire at Romeo’s!

Congratulations to owner of Blayze Fashions, Jacquie Dymock, for the hugely successful pop-up fashion event held at Romeo’s By The Sea on Penarth Esplanade recently. £198 was raised for Dementia and Alzheimer’s Society thanks to a raffle and the owner of Romeo’s By The Sea, Joanne Scarico, donating half of the ticket sales to the charity.

Customers were able to enjoy a glass of fizz on arrival and nibbles and enjoying viewing the autumn collection from Blayze. Check out @BlayzeFashionCardiff on Facebook for details of further events.

Blayze Fashions 029 2070 5235 www.blayzefashions.co.uk Romeo’s By The Sea The Boat House, 10 The Esplanade Penarth CF64 3AU 029 2070 3428

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DINAS POWYS

No. 5 Salon & Barbers Relaunch On a very warm and balmy September evening, owners Mark and Angela Daniell and their creative team opened the doors to their refurbished and rebranded salon in the heart of Dinas Powys.

Mark had been promising a re-brand and refurb for some years and when Covid hit, he took the opportunity of coming good on that promise. With the help of a great builder and talented wife Angela, who was responsible for the stunning interior design work, No. 5 Salon and Barbers was born Guests enjoyed bubbles and an impressive buffet (again thanks to Angela) and chatted well into the evening.

No. 5 Salon & Barbers 5 Station Road Dinas Powys CF64 4DE 029 2051 4422 www.instagram.com/no5dinas

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We were delighted to be invited to Nicola Venetia-Steele’s event at The Lamb & Flag, Wick.

We could be at yours! Please get in touch.

SOCIAL LIFE WICK

Venetia Steele Fashion Show What a fabulous fashion show Nicole Venetia Steele put on at The Lamb and Flag, Wick recently. The room was packed with women anticipating some great fashion and they weren’t disappointed. The ladies were greeted with a glass of bubbly and a Grazing Table of treats.

There was music from the talented (and handsome!) Bruce Anderson (UK male vocalist of the year) and a couple of songs from West End professional artist Harmony McCarthy, and an opportunity for lots of dancing - which there was aplenty!

The models all looked fantastic, and the guests raised a show stopping £1,015 for Dogs Trust.

The afternoon was captured by Vale Life and by Andrew Lamnea of www.andrewlamneaphotography.com No doubt this will be one of many shows to come!

Nicola Venetia Steele

SOCIAL LIFE ST NICHOLAS

Joe Calzaghe Celebrity Golf It rained but the sun shone on Cottrell Park for The Joe Calzaghe Celebrity Golf Day organised by City Hospice and sponsored by Carter Lauren Construction.

The day was supported by some of Wales’ best-known celebrities including, of course, the undefeated and Hall-of-Fame World Boxing Champion, Jo Calzaghe. Joe, sadly, was unable to play himself, due to an arm injury, but turned up to welcome everyone and watch the teams tee off.

The Button course was in magnificent condition and the twenty-two teams playing produced some respectable high scores. The individual winner, with 43 points, was former Wales international footballer, Ian Walsh.

The single figure golfer’s team, Gaunt Francis Architects, also won the team award. Second place team was MSS Wales with footballer Andy Legg, and in third place were team Sony with rugby player Gareth Llewellyn.

Longest drive went to former world snooker world champion, Mark Williams, and Owen Money’s team Hodge bank won the yellow ball competition.

After golf, everyone was treated to a three-course dinner which was hosted by BBC Scrum V pitch-side reporter, Phil Steele. Throughout the evening guests enjoyed stories from the celebrities and were entertained by comedian, Owen Money.

The BBC Bargain Hunt auctioneer, Ben Roger-Jones, raised thousands as he sold superb pieces of sporting memorabilia as people dug deep to support City Hospice, the only provider of home-based specialist palliative care in the capital.

City Hospice provides care to people with terminal or life limiting illnesses such as cancer, dementia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and motor neurone disease (MND). The charity provides care to 550 patients at any one time, as well as counselling and support services for families.

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City Hospice’s Corporate Partnerships manager, Nicky Piper MBE, said, “It’s been an absolutely fantastic day!

We were pretty very lucky with the weather and honoured to have been supported by everyone who attended.

A special thank you must go to Joe Calzaghe for hosting the day and to Carter Lauren Construction for sponsoring the event. All money raised and donated will help us care for our patients and their families at a time they need us most.”

“City Hospice provides care to people with terminal or life limiting illnesses such as cancer and dementia.”

If you or your business would like to help support City Hospice, please get in touch with Nicky Piper (a pretty respectable boxer himself in his time) on 029 2052 4150 105

Being self-employed can be tough. Covid aside, you might come across someone who looks cheery enough but dig deeper and there’s a story to be told. Often a tough listen. Such is the case with Graham Davies, owner of Simnai Cakes Etc.

LAST WORD Through his grief, Graham had to struggle with a fledgling business. After a practice run at his wife’s hospital ,giving all the nurses free cakes, eventually on Christmas Eve Graham and with his youngest son Sam, opened up in The Fox, Saint brides Major . In the new year the landlord of The Pelican offered him a spot in the car park with free electricity, whilst the pub was closed during lockdown. Once the pub was open again the owner of the Riding school opposite allowed him to park there. Here he was made very welcome and has become friends with the staff and riders. The owner has since cleared an area of land, adjacent to the reception with Graham helping & this is where the van now resides.

This isn’t a sob story. This is real life.

A story of how a man has turned negativity into something really positive.

Graham was a very successful sales rep until he was made redundant from one job, and then another through company liquidation. He then took a trip with his wife, a nurse at Nuffield, to Prague and so, early one morning, as not to disturb her sleeping, Graham went for a wander. He noticed a mobile van selling tube shaped cakes, a delicacy in the region. Graham had never come across this type of food before and he was intrigued. His interest was piqued enough to make enquiries about buying a van and bringing the concept back to the UK. He was indeed part way through the process when catastrophe struck.

He was knocked off his bicycle by a dog and ended up in hospital with serious injuries. Doped up on serious pain meds, Graham prepared a business plan and took it to his bank. To this day, he says can’t remember the process!

He got the business loan and secured the van. The trailer finally arrived from Poland one morning but excitement turned to sorrow when that afternoon tragically, suddenly his mother died. It is heartbreaking for him, she didn’t get to see his new venture. While still recovering and trying to set up the business, his brothers had to take over the funeral arrangements, something he still feels guilty about.

TESTIMONIALS

Elsa, from Wiltshire We met Elsa who was visiting the Heritage Coast from Bath. She had just purchased one of Graham’s cakes so we asked her what she thought. Her reply? “Really tasty.

I loved the plum butter and the contrast between bitter and sweet.”

So, what is a Simnai Cake (Kürtoskalács)?

It’s a unique Hungarian pastry, originating from Transylvania (Romania), and is an important street food in Eastern European countries. First the yeast dough is rolled out into strips, wrapped around wooden spits. It is then rolled in sugar and caramelized over a grill. It is then sprinkled with different sweet toppings. When removed from the spit steam rises from the centre of the cake, giving rise to the name ‘Chimney Cake’. More traditionally it can be served with plum butter, and we can personally confirm it’s truly scrumptious.

Word is spreading around the Vale about how unique and tasty Graham’s Simnai Cakes are. He has built up a steady stream of regular customers.

They don’t have a word for Welcome in Hungary but say ‘Isten Hozott’, roughly translated ‘God has brought you here’.

Perhaps this could be true for Graham’s venture? He says it sometimes feels like it to him. He says it is great to see many Hungarians, Romanians, Czech’s and Polish customers excited to see their cakes made in Wales and be part of their community.

Graham has a few people to thank for his success namely, Mark Devere at The Pelican, Ogmore, Rob Williams of Ogmore Farm and Riding School, Gavin and Katie at The Fox, St Brides Major, Claire at the Farmers Arms, St Brides - as well as offers of support from The Golden Cups, Southerndown, and The Lamb & Flag, Wick.

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Simnai Cakes Etc Adjacent to Ogmore Riding School 07921 040614 simnaicakesetc@gmail.com

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TREAT YOUR LOVED ONES TO A GIFT EXPERIENCE THIS CHRISTMAS After the difficult time we‘ve all had recently, it’s more important than ever to create unforgettable memories. Give an experience to remember this Christmas and turn your gift into something special.

01443 667800 | www.valeresort.com/gifts Vale Resort, Hensol Park, Hensol, Vale of Glamorgan, CF72 8JY

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