City Life Autumn 2013

City L ife AUTUMN 201 3

P R O U D

The City

of

T O

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PRICELESS

I N D E P E N D E N T

Cardiff’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine

Autumn Colours ROATH ROCKS, REACH FOR THE STARS, SPECS APPEAL SOCIAL LIFE, WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO

Restaurant Reviews W hat ’s O n, Business, Shopping

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FUNDRAISING FOR DEFIBRILLATORS THROUGHOUT WALES

The Great Cardiff Bay

Santa & Elf Dash

FREE N RATIO REGIST

Have fun this Christmas and join hundereds of other Santas and elves for the Welsh Hearts all-Wales life saving 5k walk, jog or dash around Cardiff Bay. Get your hearts beating faster with this great event which will bring the whole community together to help save Welsh lives!

Under-16s encouraged to dress up. Prizes for the best dressed!

Sponsorship forms available or set up your own online sponsorship page on JustGiving.com. It’s easy!

Sunday 8th December 2013

OVAL BASIN, CARDIFF BAY Warmup - 10:30am

Start - 11am

This family festive event is open to everyone and is suitable for all ages. Why not get your family and friends together and join as a team!

Visit welshhearts.org/santa or call 01633 681 788 to register to book your place.

Part of Christmas in the Bay (6-8 December) - markets and entertainment for all the family visitcardiffbay.info

Welsh Hearts are committed to raising funds to provide defibrillators

/WelshHearts

throughout Wales. For more information call 01633 681 788 visit welshhearts.org or email fundraising@welshhearts.org 4 Welsh Hearts, The Old Mill Lodge, Michaelstone-Y-Fedw, Cardiff CF3 6XT Š Welsh Hearts 2013 Design by Candid Creative Studio

@WelshHearts

The City of Cardiff’s Premier Lifestyle Magazine

City L ife Editor Jennifer Hobbs-Roberts jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk Creative Director Mark Roberts mark@citylifecardiff.co.uk City Life Cardiff House, Cardiff Road, Cardiff CF63 2AW www.citylifecardiff.co.uk 0845 180 2345 Passionate about Cardiff We are a small independent publisher. We are not a large publishing group pretending to be home grown. City Life magazine is written, designed and printed in Cardiff for the people of Cardiff.

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 City 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 City Life or on www.citylifecardiff.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 City Life are strictly those of the authors.

Intellectual property © Copyright City Life 2013. 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 City Life. Visit www.citylifecardiff.co.uk for special subscriber discounts and special offers.

WELCOME Autumn is one of our most favourite times of the year. We love fashion so the new season’s styles are foremost in our minds and we never pass up an opportunity to show them off.

We’ve recently rediscovered walking and, while we love the summer, the autumn colours just seem to encourage us to step out even more. Cardiff has some beautiful parks so there’s never been a better time to get out there. Walking is good for your health and good for the soul.

In this issue we have a piece about Kyle Beere. Kyle is a complete inspiration and recently won a Cardiff City Season Ticket in our Thomas Gardiner competition. Allan Gardiner, owner, recently redesigned the directors’ washroom at the stadium and his striking designs are featured on page 30.

We also feature Acorns Nurseries.

This brilliant business was born, as most good enterprises are, out of necessity. Twenty-five years ago Sue and Martyn Hogg were looking for a nursery and, after being disappointed by what they found, decided to start their own.

We chat to Acorns Nurseries about their success.

We also feature SpecSavers new multi-million pound makeover in Cardiff. Their new state-of-theart facilities at their Queen Street shop are quite an eye-opener and, if we’re taking about healthy eyes, we need to ensure our teeth are in the best shape too. We meet top dentist Gareth Jones and long time patient, businessman and entrepreneur, Paul Bailey.

I AM WOMAN founder, Cheryl Bass, introduces us to Arbonne and we take a very envious look around the beautiful apartments at Empire House in Cardiff Bay. We hope you enjoy autumn as much as we do. See you again soon.

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

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@citylifecardiff.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!

City Life is distributed free through a wide variety of outlets across Cardiff 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 City 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.citylifecardiff.co.uk Like on Facebook! www.facebook.com/CityLifeCardiff Follow on Twitter! @CityLifeCardiff #CityLifeCardiff

CITY 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 CITY 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. CITY LIFE IS REGISTERED AT THE BRITISH LIBRARY AS A MAGAZINE ISSN 1757-1723. FOR TERMS AND CONDITIONS PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.citylifecardiff.CO.UK

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e saving 5k walk, jog or dash around Cardiff Bay. Get your hearts beating faster at event which will bring the whole community together to help save Welsh lives!

A round The CiTY C A R D I F F B AY

Come and join the fun with Welsh Hearts Have Fun this Christmas and join Welsh Hearts for an all Wales festive life saving 5k Walk, Jog or run around Mermaid Quay and Cardiff Bay.

So get your heart beating fast with this great event which will bring the whole community together. Join hundreds of Santas and Elfs. Suitable for all ages.

Free Registration. Sponsor Forms available. Set up your own online hip forms available oratset sponsorship page justgiving.com/ welshhearts. own online sponsorship

All children under 16 encouraged to wear fancy dress - prizes for the best dressed on the day. To book your place, please contact Fundraising@ welshhearts.org.

This Family Festive Fun event is open to everyone, so join the fun and be part of something truly SANTA-FANTASTIC Under-16s encouraged this Christmas and help fundraise dress up. Prizes for Defibrillatorsto and Emergency Life for Saving Equipment the throughout Wales. best dressed!

Welsh Hearts Fundraising Office 01633 681788 fundraising@welshhearts.org

ustGiving.com. It’s easy!

Sunday 8th December 2013

BASIN, CARDIFF BAY

ENARTH mup - P10:30am Start - 11am The Queen B celebrates

Well now there is and, having tried it ourselves, twice, it’s just brilliant.

CollectMyWheels.com offers a collection, service (or MOT) and deliver back service open to you everyone which can book and online.

This family festive event is is suitable for all ages. Why not get your family On one occasion, they collected our car and friends together and join as a team! from the house and dropped it back same day. For our second vehicle, they

welshhearts.org/santacame or call to our office in the morning and then dropped it back in the afternoon.

01633 681 788 to register toBooking book your place.

Easy car maintenance was easy and the costs were C A R Visit DIFF

Congratulations to The Queen B If you’ve ever had to (and who hasn’t?) as they celebrated four years in arrange for a car to go in for a service tmas inbusiness the Bayon(6-8 December) - markets and entertainment for alla complete the family Saturday, 5th October. or MOT, you’ll know what Customers enjoyed a glass of bubbly. pain that is. Arranging time off work They also had a raffle to raise money for and being without the car, there has to Breast Cancer Care Wales, with some be better way. fabulous prizes. arts are committed to raising funds to provide defibrillators

“Staff are really friendly and helpful.”

The Queen Boutique ut Wales.

For Bmore information call 01633 681 788 Penarth CF64 2AD. 029 2071 1100

hhearts.org or email fundraising@welshhearts.org

no more than we’d experienced the conventional way (in one case more visitcardiffbay.info competitive). The CollectMyWheels.com staff are really friendly and helpful too so you’ll be in safe hands (at least from our experience) and they have plenty of great testimonials on their website. /WelshHearts CollectMyWheels.Com 029 2002 3239

@WelshHearts

CARDIFF CIT Y HALL

e Old Mill Lodge, Michaelstone-Y-Fedw, Cardiff CF3 6XT © Welsh Hearts 2013 Design by Candid Creative Studio

Acorns sing their way to success

On Saturday19th October Acorns Nurseries celebrated their 25th anniversary in style, by hosting a party at Cardiff City Hall. It was attended by all staff from their nurseries in Nantgarw, Cardiff, Newport and Bristol.

Cherie Wilson, Director, and the team of managers, assistant managers and teachers have been meeting up to twice a week to create the Acorns choir especially for the 25th anniversary event. It was a huge surprise to staff and fellow Co-Directors Sue and Martyn Hogg who founded the chain of Day Nurseries in October 1988.

The team started with a flash mob performance of Don’t Stop Me Now

by Queen, followed by a powerful and confident performance of songs which included Raise your Glass by Pink and Rule the World by Take That.

Acorns worked with Sing and Inspire a local company who completely understood the ethos and culture of the company. The choir have been inspired by singing coach Steff Evans who is so energetic, enthusiastic and uplifting.

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Cherie said, “I feel it has added real value to the workplace and has been an excellent team building experience as we all contributed to the three part harmonies. We knew it would be a massive challenge but one we were all passionate to take part in. Singing with the children is such a big part of nursery life therefore we felt there would be no better way to celebrate our 25th Birthday.”

See feature on page 10

Planning peace of mind for you and your loved ones has never been easier...let us help you.

It’s often something that we would rather not think about or discuss, but planning for the future can offer much needed assurance for you and those closest to you. To find out more about the products available and receive no obligation advice, please drop in and join us at a free Open Day from Age Concern Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan.

Open Day - Thursday 14th November from 10am till 2pm at Paget Rooms, Victoria Road, Penarth, CF64 3EG Advice will be on hand and free talks will be offered by: • Local solicitors on a range of legal matters • Pre-paid Funeral Plans from Golden Charter • Equity Release specialists, Bower Retirement Services Plus financial experts, mobility specialists and all the Age Concern services available to local older people.

Please call 029 2068 3604 to find out more or just come along on the day for an informal chat. Complimentary refreshments will be served and a fantastic chance to win in our free prize draw...

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A round The CiTY CARDIFF

Kyle Beere is a worthy winner!

Steven Thomas has always been a mad keen fan of Cardiff City Football Club and even after he suffered a severe brain injury, he continued to follow his beloved team. Even though Steven was told he would never walk again, he has made remarkable steps to regain his health and functionality. So much so, that he did not need his disabled pass season ticket.

Being the kind natured person that Steven is, he decided to offer up his pass in a competition that we ran in the summer. Steven chose the winner and recently presented Kyle with his pass at the City Stadium, along with members of his family, his carers, Steven’s parents and representatives of the Club.

Steven said “I read through all of the entries but when I read Kyle’s story, it reminded me so much of myself.

ROAT H

Roath Rocks continues to make music In the words of Wayne Courtney, the man behind the extremely successful Roath Rocks, “Roath Rocks is a great way to celebrate music in Roath, at great music venues”. Roath Rocks is not only all about music though. All the money raised goes to chosen charities and it’s also a great opportunity for the bands and artists involved to show their talent, network and perform in local venues like The Globe. In other words, it’s a festival with a lot of fun, great people, quality acts and lots of help for people that are in need.

We caught up with local photographer, Peri Trigkas, to find out more.

How did you get involved?

I saw a tweet about the festival. I love Rock - I live close to Roath - the event was for a good cause so I thought why not? I contacted Wayne and that was it!

I’m a relatively new to photography. I’ve always liked photography but I started doing it professionally only a few months ago. I collaborate with other charity organisations in an effort to help people through my photography.

My latest project focuses on homeless

Kyle loved his football and was a keen player before his brain haemorrhage at the age of twelve. Even though the specialists wanted to switch off the machines keeping Kyle alive, he defied all the odds and started responding.

That happened to me too. I look forward to seeing Kyle at the next home game.”

Simon Lim, Chief Executive of Cardiff City said “It is a pleasure to have been able to be involved in this with Steven and his family. Kyle is a very worthy winner and I hope he enjoys coming along to our games with his uncle, who shares his passion for Cardiff City.” people and, in a combined effort with The Wallich, I hope to help raise awareness of the problem. I feel really lucky that I got involved with Roath Rocks. I was expecting to listen to some good music, to take some good actions shots but I never expected to meet so many nice and good people in a week.

Is this an annual event?

It is. Roath Rocks is in its second year.

Last year’s event was a big success.

This year was even bigger. It moved from a three day event to a week-long festival. More venues added, more acts, more people got involved. Such a big event requires a lot of work and effort to get everything right. Planning and organising started really early this year. Radio Cardiff was a great help promoting the bands and artists too.

I covered all the major events and some smaller gigs. Just to give you an idea in numbers, more than twenty-five bands performed in six different venues. The main event was at The Globe which was packed.

What are the plans for the future?

After the huge success of previous Roath Rocks there is no question that is going to be a 3rd one too. I don’t really know how bigger can it get but there is potential. This year it might be a Roath Rocks related event very soon, before next September.

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Katyann Owens, Executive Assistant at Cardiff City Football Club said “What Steven has done here is a completely selfless act and to see Kyle and his family collecting the season tickets was a completely humbling experience for us here. Steven, Kyle and their families are inspirational people and it is great to have them associated with Cardiff City Football Club.”

Thomas Gardiner Bathrooms and Interiors 0292 067 9815 sales@thomas-gardiner.com www.thomas-gardiner.com

To find out more, just search for RoathRocks on Google.

Peri Trigkas ZoomClickBoom Studio Ltd zoomclickboom.co.uk

In 1988 Sue Hogg was looking at nurseries with a friend, and couldn’t find what she was looking for. So, along with husband Martyn, decided to start their own and Acorns was born. 25 years later they now have 12 nurseries throughout Cardiff, Newport and Bristol and have looked after thousands of children.

From Little Acorns How long has Acorn Nurseries been established?

Acorns was established in 1988

by Sue and Martyn Hogg, our first nursery opened on the ground floor of our home on Oakfield Steet and was registered for 16 children. Today we have twelve nurseries in Cardiff, Newport and Bristol and are registered for 764 children each day.

We are delighted to be celebrating our 25th Anniversary in October this year, and very proud of the fact that many of our staff have been with us since the early days of Acorns, in fact some of the children we cared for have now come back to join our team as Nursery Nurses and we even care for their children!

“The ethos and culture we work hard to create is that Acorns is a place of fun.”

What do you believe sets you apart from other nurseries?

Our philosophy has always been that we provide the same standards of care and dedication that we would want for our own children. Our nurseries offer a home from home environment with plenty of natural light and soft background music, All equipment and resources are of the finest quality and are chosen for their play and learning potential.

Our spacious gardens have covered and open play areas, meaning that outdoor play is always fun whatever the weather!

The ethos and culture we work hard to create is that Acorns is a place of fun, escape and imagination where children are nurtured and encouraged to learn through discovery and invention.

Why do you think parents choose Acorn Nurseries?

Many of our parents come to us via recommendation from family, friends and work colleagues.

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Parents need to be able to leave their child knowing they are safe, secure, content, nurtured and cared for in a happy, relaxed environment.

We have an open door policy meaning that parents can visit us at any time, and prior to starting we offer settling in sessions to meet the individual needs of every child, so that parents and children are happy before they even start with us.

We work in partnership with parents and have regular Stay and Play days, Parents Evenings, and Sports Days.

We hold Graduation and Christmas concerts, celebrate Grandparents Day, as well as celebrating many different cultures and festivals.

Our recent Father’s afternoon was a big success and the children love the opportunity to show their parents the fun they have each day and watch their Dads taking part in Cooking and Arts and Crafts!

“ We have an open door policy meaning that parents can visit us at any time.”

What age groups do you accommodate?

Our Nurseries are registered to care for children aged 6 weeks to 5 years, although longer maternity leave means that many babies don’t start with us until the age of 7 months these days.

Our Early Years Teachers ensure the transition from Acorns to “Big School” is smooth by following the Framework for Children’s Learning Curriculum used in schools throughout Wales.

Tell us about your team at Parc Nantgarw…

Our nurseries have strong well established teams, headed by the Nursery Manager, her Assistant and Team Leaders are on hand each day and work closely with the Directors on a daily basis. Their team of Nursery Nurses, Housekeepers and Cooks assist with the smooth running of the nursery and ensure that each child receives the very best care at all times.

Good nutrition is high on your agenda. Please tell us about that…

Our cooks at each nursery ensure that the children enjoy fresh home-cooked meals each day. Our Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter Menu’s operate on 4 weekly cycles and offer delicious new flavours and familiar old favourites to tempt little taste buds!

Each nursery has a vegetable patch where the children sow vegetables from seed, growing peppers, courgettes, beans etc., after nurturing these and watching them grow they have great delight in harvesting them and enjoying the fruits of their labour at mealtimes.

What are your plans for the future?

To maintain the high standards of childcare we are renowned for. We have no immediate plans to expand in the near future, opportunities have a funny way of landing on your doorstep when you least expect it - Watch this space!

“ Our spacious gardens have covered and open play areas, meaning that outdoor play is always fun whatever the weather!”

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Acorns Nurseries n Acorns House, Cardiff City Centre n Oakfield Acorns Roath, Cardiff n Baby Acorns Roath, Cardiff n Acorns Llanishen, Cardiff n Acorns Whitchurch, Cardiff n Henbury Hill House Acorns, Bristol n Acorns Duffryn, Newport n Acorns St Mellons, Cardiff n Acorns Parc Nantgarw, Cardiff Acorns Workplace Nurseries BBC Wales Acorns Llandaff, Cardiff n Friends Provident Acorns, Bristol n ONS Acorns, Newport n

To register your child...

Contact Josie Calderwood, Placement Manager, on Cardiff 029 2038 2009

Just think what your child could achieve.

Meddyliwch beth all eich plentyn ei gyflawni.

Anna Ryder Richardson Adopted at 6 weeks old Cafodd ei mabwysiadu pan oedd yn 6 wythnos oed

When Louise and Andrew Hughes were planning their wedding, they wanted it to be truly special.

They knew from the outset that it needed…

A bit of Pzazz!

What difference did their services make to your wedding day?

So many of our guests have commented on the dance. It made our day so unique. The makeup stayed all day and I was so happy with how I, my mother and bridesmaids looked. By selecting Pzazz it meant I could have one company to rely on for two important and special aspects of the day. They were so professional and friendly they helped us enjoy the day as we could relax.

When you’re planning an important event - a wedding, family party or special occasion, you want it to be perfect. Sisters Faye and Holly, from Cardiff, bring the right amount of pzazz to any special event, hence their company name - Pzazz.

We chatted to Louise Hughes about how Pzazz helped make sure her wedding left her with great memories that will last forever.

How did you hear about Pzazz?

I have known the girls for many years.

We met through a mutual friend and have been friends ever since. I have seen their careers flourish and have witnessed the excitement of the creation of Pzazz.

What services did they offer you?

I chose to have the bridal make-up package and also booked two bridesmaids and mother of the bride make up. We also had our first dance choreographed and taught to us.

As we have a very eclectic taste in music, this was not easy as we decided to have a mix of four songs from Etta James to The Stone Roses! Andrew and I got married on Saturday, 23rd February 2013 at All Hallows Catholic Church in Miskin and had our reception at The Vale Resort and Spa.

Were you happy with the services Pzazz gave you?

I was over the moon. Faye’s makeup was beautiful and she kept us all calm. She had four women to make-up and did so wonderfully and with plenty of time to have photos before we went to the church. It was great fun getting ready and she worked so well with hair and our photographer. It was important that they worked together and did so brilliantly.

The photos speak for themselves - we did all look picture perfect.

As for our first dance, it was a triumph!

We practiced and really enjoyed the time together during our wedding preparation.

It would be easy to not have special time together in the run up to the wedding but our first dance gave us the opportunity to have special time and fun time together!

As we had four songs – At Last - Etta James, Higher and Higher - Jackie Wilson, This is the one - Stone Roses and The Wannadies - You and Me, Holly had quite a task to create a routine for us which blended the four very diverse sounds together. It was a great routine and we do watch it back regularly on YouTube to remind us of our special day.

“ As for our first dance, it was a triumph! ”

Did they exceed your expectations?

Absolutely - the girls kept to the schedule and plan which we had agreed on. As we are friends, sometimes mixing business and pleasure is warned against but, in all honesty, they were the consummate professionals, delivering the bridal package and first dance in the way outlined and promised in the package details with outstanding exceptional finishing touches and results over and above what we expected.

Pzazz Parties, Corporate, Dance, Make-up 07966 586325 info@pzazzwales.com www.pzazzwales.com Watch the YouTube video youtube.com/watch?v=uQeHDamX2UY Photos courtesy of Christopher Davies Photography & Graham Davies Photography.

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The new Autumn/Winter collections are now avaialable Style has never been so affordable www.thequeenb.co.uk

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The Queen B The Queen B Boutique, 7-8 Washington Buildings Penarth CF64 2AD l 029 20 711 100 enquiries@thequeenb.co.uk l Find us on Facebook

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The Queen B

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StylefàçÄx has{tánever affordable ÇxäxÜ been uxxÇ áÉsotyyÉÜwtuÄx Washington Buildings, Stanwell Road, Penarth CF64 2AD 7-8 8Washington Penarth CF64 2AD 029 2071 Buildings, 1100 www.thequeenb.co.uk 029 20 711 100 Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

At Cardiff Bathroom Centre our displays represent the very latest developments in bathing & showering technology, from clean modern minimalistic designs through to beautiful traditional styles

SUPERB ADDITIONAL OFFER Present this voucher and you will receive an extra ÂŁ25 discount for EVERY ÂŁ500 spent in store (IN ADDITION to all our existing discounts & special offers) Valid Until 31st December 2013. Terms & Conditions Apply 18

Browse through more than 100 inspiring bathroom & shower displays Conveniently situated on the outskirts of Cardiff City Centre

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Specsavers has launched a new £1million flagship store in Cardiff city centre offering state-of-the-art optical retail experience in Cardiff. The investment sees Specsavers double the size of its retail space in the city centre by moving from its old base on Queen Street into the premises next door, previously occupied by Game.

Specs A ppeal

The new 6,000 sq ft store, which is independently run, is the first of its kind for the global optical retail chain, marking its maiden million pound project and the biggest financial investment within the Specsavers Group, which has 1,600 stores world-wide.

City Life caught up with one of the store’s directors and local business owners, Frank Moloney, to find out more.

How long has Specsavers been in Cardiff?

We opened our doors in 1987 in a small base on St Mary Street with just twelve employees and two testing rooms.

We are now one of the largest in the UK, employing 95 people. Myself and my wife Laoise started the practice and we were joined by Pauline O’Neil, who has since become a partner at the Penarth store. In August 1993 the store was relocated to 90 Queen Street.

Why the move?

The move has allowed the store to undergo an interior make-over and creates a more comfortable environment for customers and staff. We now have two floors, with three customer waiting areas instead of one, and a modern display area showcasing more than 2,000 pairs of glasses from the likes of Gok Wan, Jasper Conran, John Rocha and the new Replay range.

Why now, given the current economic climate?

The economic climate hasn’t affected the store as we’ve seen an increase in our customer base year on year. It had been clear for quite some time that our existing store couldn’t accommodate the growth we’ve seen. The new store allows us to increase our capacity while giving us a more comfortable environment in which to provide a better customer experience.

The move also allows us to include a bespoke mobility testing room for disabled customers, and state-of-the-art equipment that enables us to reduce waiting times. We have created 10 new jobs in the process.

Who else is involved in the business?

The business is run as a joint venture partnership between Specsavers Optical Group and myself, my wife Laoise and James Deavall who we have recently taken on as a partner.

“The economic climate hasn’t affected the store as we’ve seen an increase in our customer base year on year.”

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Why did you invest in the Cardiff store?

This is landmark for us here in Wales that puts us on a par with anyone in the world offering optical retail on the high street. We are taking the drama out of optics and offering an eye care experience unlike any other – enabling our customers to be seen quicker, and with the very latest technology.

Tell us more about your new testing rooms?

We’re very proud of them, as they are equipped with the latest eye care technology able to capture 3D images of the eye, enhanced digital retinal photography cameras and new equipment to measure the pressure and curvature of the eyes. This will allow optometrists to more quickly detect serious conditions on the spot, without the need for referrals for further monitoring before a patient can be admitted directly to hospital.

Your staff are very important to you.

Why is that?

The practice, which is currently one of only two opticians in Wales to hold the Investors in People ‘gold’ standard, will now also house a new training centre for staff to help develop the next generation of management and optometrists. Laoise, James and myself believe it is important to offer real career opportunities here at Specsavers and we want to invest in our staff to help them develop and fulfil their potential. Our new training centre is very much a part of that.

“We are taking the drama out of optics and offering an eye care experience unlike any other – enabling our customers to be seen quicker, and with the very latest technology.”

Specsavers Opticians 92 Queen Street Cardiff CF10 2GR 029 2039 0297 www.specsavers.co.uk The store one of the few remaining independently run businesses on Queen Street n The re-launched store is the first of its kind for Specsavers n It represents a significant investment and is the biggest financial investment within the Specsavers Group, which has 1,600 stores world-wide n

Tell us about your work with GP’s...

The new branch delivers eye care services under the Welsh Government’s Wales Eye Care Initiative (WECI), which means patients can be seen directly following a referral from their GP, or can make an appointment with the store in person, to avoid the need for hospital visits where possible.

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Ted Baker, French Conection, Darling, Nougat Traffic People, Sandwich, Ugg Australia, Jewellery by BIBI, NYDJ NEW! Masai, Superdry 7 High Street, Barry CF62 7DZ 01446 748246 brylsboutique@hotmail.co.uk www.bryls-boutique.co.uk Follow on Facebook – Bryls Boutique

Empire House is an exclusive development that is breathing new life into one of Cardiff ’s Grand Listed buildings. City Life had the opportunity recently to view the apartments and we were blown away by the quality of the finish and the stunning panoramic views from the penthouse suite.

Empire House Originally built by Cardiff architects Percy Thomas and Ivor Jones in 1926 for “Evans and Reid” one of the largest coal exporters in Wales, Empire House become an iconic landmark within Mount Stuart Square and has been home to some of the high profile businesses of their time, such as the Reardon Smith Shipping Line. We chat to Peter Vidler one of the directors of Cardiff Bay Investments Ltd to find out more about how the sales of the exclusive apartments are going.

What is so special about these apartments?

There’s nothing else out there like what we have managed to create at Empire House. This is a small, more intimate development, combining the traditional grandeur of the building with luxury modern living, high specification, and contemporary finishes. It’s no run-of-the-mill apartment complex but a niche product that is a breath of fresh air to purchasers who want something other than the norm.

I understand that the penthouse suite has been sold?

Yes, although I can’t tell you who by.

Originally the penthouse suite was two apartments but the buyer has bought both properties and we have converted into one suite, as per their specifications. It’s something quite special and, with the 360 panoramic views across the bay and beyond, we believe it’s well worth the price they paid for it.

How are the sales of the other apartments going?

Really well, considering the current economic climate. It just shows that there are discerning buyers out there who want what we’re offering.

We’ve had Premier League footballers and a couple of celebrities who have shown an interest. It’s not only the grandeur of the building and the apartments themselves that set them apart but the high specification, and contemporary finishes as well.

We don’t see them staying on the market for too long.

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How many apartments does Empire House have?

There are 37 luxury one and two bedrooms apartments, all of which sit below a bespoke 3400sqft Duplex Penthouse Suite with three private terraces, offering breathtaking views.

We have sold 60% and the rest are going fast. We expect to be sold out by Christmas/early New Year.

For more information 029 20376910 sales@empirehousecardiff.com www.empirehousecardiff.com

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With a plethora of dental practices filling the pages of glossy magazines, how does one choose the best one for them? We chatted to successful property developer, Paul Bailey, on why he chose The Parade Specialist Dental Centre, Cardiff.

WHEN ONLY THE BEST WILL DO

How did you hear about The Parade Dental Centre?

My own dentist, Eric Joseph, who had been treating me for years, suggested I contact Gareth Jenkins of The Parade as he knew of his excellent reputation.

Why did you choose The Parade for your dental treatment?

I was losing bone and needed implants.

Did you contact any other practice for quotes?

No, as with most things, I tend to go on recommendation and if my dentist recommended Gareth, then that was good enough for me.

What work did Gareth carry out?

I had ten implants done in one treatment. That might have not been the best decision to make as it was a lengthy process but I was extremely busy at the time and couldn’t afford to go back and forth for treatment.

Gareth was happy for this to happen and we just got on with it.

How long ago did this take place?

It was about twenty two years ago but that goes to show how good Gareth’s work is as they are still going strong to this day!

How did you find the treatment?

Excellent. Gareth was thorough and extremely professional. I am as pleased with my teeth now as I was back then.

Whilst implants aren’t cheap, I have found them extremely good value for money when you think of the cost per wear over 20 years!

Would you recommend The Parade Dental to others?

I tell everyone how good the practice is. I visit every the hygienist every six to eight weeks and most of my family are treated at the there as well. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough.

“Gareth was thorough and extremely professional.”

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The Parade Specialist Dental Centre 23 The Parade, Roath Cardiff CF24 3AB 029 2048 1486 info@paradedental.com www.paradedental.com Opening hours Monday to Friday 8am - 5pm Follow on Facebook

Welcome to City Life Magazine’s Social Life section, a veritable who’s who in and around Cardiff.

CARDIFF

Acorns celebrates 25th anniversary in style What better way to celebrate twenty five years in business than with a birthday celebrations event at City Hall for all staff members and their partners. As these pictures will testify, the evening was a huge success.

Acorns Nurseries 7 Park Grove. Cathays Cardiff CF10 3BJ 029 2038 2009 www.acornsnurseries.co.uk Images courtesy of Derek Naylor Photography www.ifotoevents.co.uk

CARDIFF

Introbiz Business Show 2013 kicks off in style If there was one event to go to this year, it was the Introbiz Business Show, held at Cardiff City Stadium. Over two floors, the event drew in huge crowds with guest speakers Hilary Devey CBE, Kevin Green and Daniel Priestley playing a big part in drawing the crowds. A glittering champagne reception and five course dinner was then held at the impressive Vale Hotel, with all monies from auction going to the Stroke Association.

Next year’s event plans to be bigger and better so we hear. www.introbiz.co.uk

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City

Social Life CARDIFF

Specsavers launches new £1m Cardiff store Specsavers launched a new £1million flagship store in Cardiff city centre offering state-of-theart optical retail experience in Cardiff. Guests were able to view the new 6,000 sq ft store whilst enjoying fabulous canapés and drinks.

They were also able to experience the new high tech equipment by having a complimentary eye test and were able to choose from the huge range of spectacles on offer, with the help of the Specsavers staff.

Specsavers Opticians 92 Queen Street, Cardiff CF10 2GR 029 2039 0297 www.specsavers.co.uk

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The word lose is not something Cardiff City fan, Allan Gardiner, enjoys hearing, but mention loos or bathrooms and you’ll get an altogether more positive response.

Flushed with Pride Allan owns and manages Thomas Gardiner Interiors, near Culverhouse Cross, which specialises in designing and building high-end bathrooms, wet rooms, loos and interiors.

Allan’s also a passionate Cardiff City fan so the opportunity to design something for his beloved club was not one he was going to pass up.

Was it an easy job?

Relatively speaking, yes, but the rooms are much smaller than I would have hoped for, so creating a design that had real impact was a little bit of a challenge. Also, I wanted something that reinforced the club’s brand. We have embraced the red so it made sense that we echoed that in the designs.

Tell us about the project...

I was chatting with a friend who happens to be involved with the club and he mentioned that the Director’s loos were looking a little tired and would I take a look at them. I think they just thought, loos are loos, so just wanted them tidied up a little.

It looks very clean and hi-tech, is it?

Absolutely, everything is controlled with a remote so you don’t need to touch any of the furniture. For example, the furniture/sinks are by Burgbad and are all activated without touching anything.

The toilet is by Duravit, Senowash and has a heated seat and controllable wash/dry features.The infra red taps by Hansgrohe.

When I saw them I was quite gobsmacked really. They were just basic and I thought that the Director’s (and especially their wives and partners) deserved something a little more in keeping with the club’s Premier League pedigree so I offered to put some designs together which they subsequently chose.

Is the club pleased with the results?

Yes, definitely. I’m not sure even they realised how good the design would turn out and I’m over the moon.

It’s not every day you get to create such a striking project for your favourite football club.

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And what happens if a Cardiff City fan wants the same in their home?

Not a problem, I’d love to design a whole bathroom in this style. It’s a striking colour and the chrome really pings against the red. Bring it on I say.

Thomas Gardiner 029 2067 9815 www.thomas-gardiner.com

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Linda Davies-Carr was introduced to Arbonne products by a friend. She couldn’t believe the difference they made to her skin. So impressed, she became an Arbonne Consultant. Linda loves nothing more than when a customer becomes an Arbonne convert and Cheryl Bass, founder of I AM WOMAN tells us why she’s made the switch.

Arbonne

How did you hear about Arbonne?

I’d met a few people who were using Arbonne and I was asked if I’d like to try the products.

What made you want to try it?

I wanted to see what all the hype was about, and if their claim of clinical trials to reduce fine lines and wrinkles in 24 hours was true.I’m delighted to say it was!

Which products did youparticularly like from the range?

The eye cream and night cream are my favorite and my desert island products!

What was your experience of, and after, using them?

My skin tingled a little when I first started using them, but I realised it was because they were very botanically active. It soon settled down and my skin is softer, and looks younger.

“I liked that it’s a simple system, and I was getting high end, products at affordable prices.”

What difference do you feel they made to your skin?

My skin is certainly softer, the fine lines have reduced, and I have a glow about me. People keep asking if I’ve had some work done!

What did you particularly like about the Arbonne products?

I liked the fact that it’s a simple system, and I was getting high end, quality products at affordable prices.

Will you continue to use them?

Absolutely – I love the fact that they are ordered online, delivered direct, and I save all the hassle of having to go into town to get them. I’m very busy and this is perfect.

Would you recommend the products to friends and colleagues?

I’d recommend them to everyone they do what they say they will.

If you’re looking for great skincare at a reasonable price they are excellent – and have a reassuring 45 day money back guarantee.

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Tried & Tested For more information on Arbonne products and how you can become an Arbonne Consultant and reach your earning potential, please call Linda on 07841 636698 www.beneficialskincare.myarbonne.co.uk

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